Imagine sailing smoothly towards a prosperous horizon, only to find your progress slowed by an unforeseen anchor. This scenario vividly captures Thailand’s economic journey as the nation grappled with the late disbursement of its fiscal 2024 budget. The secretary-general of the Monetary Policy Committee, Piti Disyatat, revealed a staggering withdrawal of 140 billion baht from the Thai economy, a punch that shaved off 0.8% of its GDP. Picture the economy as a bustling marketplace that suddenly finds itself in a quiet lull, with merchants and customers alike feeling the pinch. The tale of the delayed budget unfolds like a thriller, where the clock ticks against the backdrop of political suspense. The budget bill, which ideally should have danced into action by the end of September, took a detour through the corridors of post-election politics and the intricate dance of forming a coalition government. This delay meant the curtain only rose…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Are you an avid reader looking for your next captivating read? Or perhaps you’re simply curious about where some of Thailand’s most illustrious figures find their literary escape? Then you’re in the right place. Let’s embark on an enchanting journey through the pages that have inspired, shaped, and entertained ten of Thailand’s most celebrated personalities. From tales of dystopian futures to explorations of the human psyche, this list promises to offer something for every reader. Srettha Thavisin – Steering Through a New World Let’s kick off with none other than Thailand’s 30th prime minister, Srettha Thavisin. The book that captivates his imagination? “Amidst the New World Order” by Piti Srisangnam. It’s not just a book; it’s a voyage through the complexities and challenges of global politics. A read that’s no doubt reflective of the challenges he navigates as a leader in Thailand’s political landscape. Chadchart Sittipunt – Rethinking Boundaries Chadchart…
In the serenely picturesque backdrop of Thailand, a story emerged, ensnaring the attention of netizens and sparking debates far beyond its borders. It centers around a young monk, merely 24 years of age, and a woman of 45, who is intriguingly his adopted mother. This tale took a twist within the confines of a domestic bedroom, a location typically synonymous with privacy and tranquility. However, tranquility was the last thing on anyone’s mind when the woman’s husband, armed with nothing but a smartphone, captured what he alleged was evidence of an affair. The plot thickened as this video found its way onto the digital stage of Facebook, courtesy of the popular page E-Sor Khayee Khao, quickly becoming the day’s sensational headline. But this wasn’t merely a tale of scandal; it was a narrative intertwined with political obligation and ethical ponderings. The Democrat Party, a beacon of political virtue in Thailand,…
Imagine the buzz in Thailand’s political corridors this past Thursday when Democrat Party’s spokesperson, Rames Ratanachaweng, took the stage at their Bangkok headquarters for what was anticipated to be just another press briefing. Little did anyone know, they were about to be served a story teeming with scandal, intrigue, and a dash of soap opera dramatics that would make even the most seasoned of tabloid writers blush. Rames, with an air of seriousness that matched the gravity of the allegations, revealed that Chalermchai Sri-on, the steely leader of the Democrat Party, had swiftly initiated a high-stakes investigation into one of their own. The subject of this probe was a 45-year-old female politician – whose identity was shrouded in mystery at the conference – standing accused of an affair that reads like a plot twist nobody saw coming. Now, before your imagination runs wild with the myriad possibilities of political scandals,…
In an unfolding tale that feels ripped from the pages of an epic saga, the serene border town of Myawaddy in Myanmar has become the unlikely stage for high-drama confrontations and strategic withdrawals, painting a vivid picture of the struggle for power and autonomy in this corner of Southeast Asia. On a particularly significant day, December 19, 2021, a Thai soldier was captured in a moment of quiet vigilance, stationed before a blockade on the road to the Thailand-Myanmar border, a silent witness to the unrest simmering just beyond. The usually tranquil border realm was abruptly thrust into the spotlight as around 200 Myanmar military personnel found themselves retreating to a bridge that serves as a lifeline connecting Myawaddy to Thailand. This sudden movement was not a standalone act but the culmination of days of intense conflict with anti-junta rebels, tipping the scales in a prolonged battle for control and…
Once upon a time in the serene landscapes of northeastern Thailand, a baby boy was born who would grow up to challenge the very fabric of traditional Buddhism within his homeland. The year was 1934, and the little boy who came into this world as Mongkhon Rakphong was destined to become a beacon of change. Mongkhon’s journey is one that begins with the glitz and glamour of television screens, only to find its true calling amidst the quiet whispers of ancient Buddhist wisdom. Mongkhon wasn’t just any television personality; he was a man whose charisma and passion for education and children’s programming made him a beloved figure across the country. But life has a way of unfolding in the most unexpected ways, and at the age of 63, a profound transformation took place within Mongkhon. As if heeding a call from the divinity, he turned his back on his life…
On a typical Thursday morning in Bangkok, the city’s skyline, usually a breathtaking spectacle of architectural wonders, was lost to a dense cloak of smog. As the sun rose, instead of illuminating the vibrant life below, its rays seemed to struggle through a thick blanket of pollution, casting a murky shadow over the city. This was not an ordinary day in Bangkok; the city found itself at the heart of an environmental ordeal, standing as the lone warrior in a red-coded battleground of air pollution amongst 63 provinces, as reported by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda). As the clock struck 10am, Gistda’s findings painted a grim picture: the particulate enemy, known as PM2.5 – tiny, invisible particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, had fortified its presence in Bangkok. With levels reaching 77.5 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), the air quality had breached the threshold of…
Welcome to the pulsating heart of Thailand during one of its most vibrant and enthusiastically celebrated festivals, the Songkran Festival. Embraced as the Thai traditional New Year, Songkran unfurls its jubilant spirit from April 12 to 15, transforming the nation into a hive of exuberance and unity. This is the time when Thais, in droves, embark on heartfelt journeys back to their roots, setting the tone for familial reunions that resonate with laughter, love, and the deep-seated traditions that define the Thai culture. In the lead-up to this grand celebration, a notable visit was made to the bustling hub of travel within Bangkok, the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal. This was no ordinary visit. The Prime Minister himself, accompanied by a coterie of key figures – Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, and leading executives from the Transport Company, took a momentous stride into the heart…
In a move that feels like it’s been ripped straight from the pages of a high-octane thriller, the skies above the Mae Sot border checkpoint became the unlikely backdrop for an international drama. On the morning of April 10, the serene atmosphere was shattered by the roar of Russian-built MiG-29 fighter jets. These formidable machines, dispatched by the Myanmar military, thundered towards Myawaddy township, merely a stone’s throw away—at about 5 km from the tranquility of the border—with a mission that could only spell trouble for the Karen rebel forces entrenched there. The inhabitants on the Thai side of the divide could do little more than listen as Wednesday unfolded into a symphony of explosions. These were not distant rumbles of thunder signaling an approaching storm but the harrowing sounds of air strikes aimed at the Karen forces, who were bravely defending the township. The skies, which had once overseen…
Imagine the vibrant streets of Bangkok transforming into a sprawling canvas of joy, culture, and a splash of tradition. From April 11-15, 2024, the pulsating heart of Thailand invites you to immerse yourself in the Maha Songkran World Water Festival, a celebration that promises an unforgettable escape from the mundane. As the sun sets on Thursday evening, the grand opening ceremony will unfold at the Maha Chetsadabodin Pavilion Court, nestled on the bustling Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, setting the stage for a spectacle of unity and festivity. The city plans to metamorphose specific urban stretches into a colossal playground for revelers. Starting from the historical Mahakan Fort, weaving through to the iconic Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, and extending from Samran Rat Intersection back to the fort on Mahachai Road—these areas will be reborn as a boundless pedestrian paradise. Picture yourself wandering these age-old streets, now a vibrant walking street,…