Posts published in “Thailand”

In an occurrence as harrowing as it was historic, the US-crafted warship faced its tumultuous demise amidst the wrath of fierce tempests rolling ferociously across the Gulf of Thailand, near the scenic but now somber coasts of Prachuap Khiri Khan, on December 18, 2022. This disastrous event notched one of the darkest chapters in Thai Navy’s annals with the tragic loss of twenty-four sailors to the merciless sea, while five valiant souls vanished into the abyss, their fates sealed in whispers of the waves, presumed surrendered to the depths in an unfathomable sleep. The gravity of this calamity was palpable within the somber walls where the Navy’s top brass convened. Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Adung Phan-iam, in a press briefing that felt more like a gathering of communal mourning than a procedural update, unveiled the unfortunate trio of culprits behind this tragedy: the relentless battering by the elements over thirty-six years…

In the grand theatre of Thai politics, where drama and suspense never seem to wane, another act unfolded with the intriguing case of Thaksin Shinawatra. It’s a narrative that has taken another twist, thickening the plot and keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. For the second time, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found itself in a position where it had to press the pause button on its decision concerning whether to bring Thaksin before the court on charges of lese majeste and violations of computer-crime laws, stemming from an interview he granted to foreign media back on the balmy day of May 21, 2015. The story took us back to the first act of this legal ballet on February 19 when the Attorney General, Amnat Chetcharoen, amidst a stage adorned with legal documents and pleas for justice, received a poignant plea from Thaksin himself. The plea…

Welcome to the latest episode from the bustling streets of Bangkok, where an operation straight out of a modern-day urban thriller unfolded, pulling back the curtain on an issue lurking in shadows near schools. Picture this: a press conference, brimming with tension and anticipation, unveiling the spoils of a daring raid – over 12,000 vaping pens, ingeniously disguised in packaging that could easily be mistaken for the innocent goodies of everyday life. This was the scene this Wednesday, as officials laid bare the fruits of their meticulous efforts to crack down on an insidious trend. In a move that has all the makings of a blockbuster storyline, consumer protection warriors, under the cloak of night, embarked on a mission targeting five shops nestled dangerously close to schools in the heart of Bangkok. Their battlegrounds stretched from the alleys of Soi Ratchadaphisek in Chatuchak district to the nooks of Soi Lat…

Imagine a scene where the heart of Bangkok pulsates with the vibrant energy of celebration, music, and laughter. This vivid imagery is soon to become reality with the announcement of the Khaosan Songkran Fest 2024, set to transform the legendary Khao San Road into a pulsating hub of joy and festivity. This revelation came to light during a press conference that saw an amalgamation of the city’s key figures, including law enforcement, local business magnates, and tech innovators converging to declare a three-day extravaganza spanning from Saturday to the following Monday. The orchestrators of this grand festivity include none other than Kosol Singhanart, the esteemed director of Phra Nakhon district; the vigilant Pol Colonel Sanong Saengmanee, commander of Chana Songkram Police Station; Piyabutr Jiwaramonaikun, the dynamic chairman of the Khaosan Road Business Association; and Panthawat Nakwisut, the visionary CEO of Kong Salak Plus. Each brings their unique expertise to the…

Last year, as the Songkran holiday approached, Suvarnabhumi airport became a bustling hub of excitement, teeming with travelers all set to celebrate Thailand’s most famous water festival. The anticipation in the air was palpable, matching the vibrancy of Wichan Charoenkiatpakul’s photograph capturing the scene. It’s that time of the year again when airfares become the focus of discussions among holidaymakers eager to traverse the skies. This Songkran, the skies are not just about the playful splashes of water; they’re also seeing a delightful dip in airfares. The word from the transport minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, is that travelers looking to jet off on three of Thailand’s most sought-after domestic routes can do so without their wallets taking too much of a soaking. He announced with a flourish that airfares for flights from Bangkok to the picturesque realms of Chiang Mai, Krabi, and the ever-inviting Phuket have been capped at an alluring…

Imagine this: a scene right out of a movie, where the suspense is thick in the air. Centre stage is none other than former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, making a grand entrance at the Office of the Attorney-General, but here’s the twist – he’s in a wheelchair. What sounds like a scene set on Feb 19 has all the makings of a political thriller, with the photo to prove it. But just when you thought things couldn’t get more gripping, the plot thickens. The Attorney-General, in a move that could rival any cliffhanger, decides to delay the indictment decision about Thaksin Shinawatra’s alleged lese majeste until May 29. Why, you ask? The anticipation was palpable until it was revealed that our guardians of the law were awaiting an additional interrogation report from the police. Deputy spokesman, Prayut Phetcharakhun, became the bearer of this news on a Wednesday morning that promised…

In an era where technology races ahead at an electrifying pace, the hallowed halls of the Senate witnessed a lively discussion that could very well shape the future of electioneering in the country. On a Tuesday that will be etched in the annals of political dialogue, the Senate threw its weight behind a compelling report—a beacon guiding the Election Commission (EC) through the murky waters of election campaigns powered by the enigmatic force of artificial intelligence (AI). The blueprint for this conversation was meticulously crafted by the Senate’s astute committee on politics, under the watchful eye of Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai. The spotlight was unerringly focused on the burgeoning influence of social media in the politico-electoral domain, a discussion that unfolded in what was to be the Senate’s curtain call before its term bid adieu on May 11. Yet, the spirit of service among the senators promised to linger, as…

Imagine a grand theatre, where the stage is set not for actors, but for a remarkable ensemble of 250 senators, handpicked by the King himself, following the grand endorsement of the National Council for Peace and Order in the shimmering month of May 2019. This assembly, known as the 12th batch of senators, is poised to take a final bow as their term concludes on the cusp of spring, May 10th, marking an end to an era filled with legislative drama, intense debates, and crucial decisions that shaped the nation. Under the glittering dome of the Senate chamber, these guardians of governance convened a staggering 258 times from May 22, 2019, to the brink of April 9, 2024. They clocked in an awe-inspiring 1,579 hours and 55 minutes of rigorous discussions, pouring over the fine print, and charting the course of the country’s legislative journey. This isn’t just about meetings;…

Imagine a vibrant celebration that marks the beginning of a new chapter, filled with hope, joy, and a splash of water – welcome to Songkran Festival, Thailand’s enchanting traditional New Year celebration. From April 12 to April 15, the entire country transforms into a gigantic family reunion, as people from all corners flock to their hometowns, hearts filled with anticipation and excitement. In the midst of this festive uproar, a figure blends into the crowds, observing, assessing—the Premier of Thailand, Srettha. Making his third discreet sojourn to Suvarnabhumi Airport, Srettha’s eyes are set not on the celebrations but on the very cogs that keep this airport running smoothly. His mission? To ensure that the vibrant energy of Songkran flows unhindered, even within the complex operations of one of the world’s busiest airports. After silently navigating the bustling terminals, the Premier, like a modern-day Hermes, took to X (formerly known as…

In the bustling, beautiful land of Thailand, a story of hope, resilience, and international diplomacy unfolds as the nation prepares to open its arms to those fleeing turmoil. Picture this: a serene backdrop juxtaposed with the urgent plight of refugees seeking safety from the conflict in Myanmar. It’s drama and humanity on a grand scale, and Thailand, led by the intrepid Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, stands ready to be the beacon of light for up to 100,000 souls. The stage is set in the aftermath of a gripping turn of events in Myanmar. Rebel forces have captured the town of Myawaddy, throwing lives into chaos and propelling a wave of refugees towards safety. Across the border, Thailand’s Mae Sot district watches and waits, its heart beating in tandem with those on the run. During a critical meeting, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin steering the ship amidst choppy diplomatic waters,…