Posts published in “Thailand”

Last September, the grand old halls of parliament witnessed a fierce debate over the 2025 Budget Bill, with the atmosphere charged with both anticipation and trepidation. Fast forward to today, and it looks like the political landscape is far from settling down. In a surprising turn of events, the Bhumjaithai Party recently quashed rumors of any rebellion against the upcoming 2026 fiscal year budget bill, asserting to the world that their MPs will stand by the government’s proposed budget. Party spokeswoman, Nan Boontida Somchai, confidently stated on Sunday, “Bhumjaithai is not just a participant but an integral part of the government coalition. We’re commingled in the fabric of governance through key roles in various ministries that have their hands in crafting the budget bill. This bill is a pivotal mechanism for nationwide problem-solving and progression, and we don’t see why any of our MPs should turn their backs on it.”…

The political landscape of Thailand took quite a spotlight this past Sunday as the Bhumjaithai Party made waves by confirming that its Members of Parliament will not be voting against the upcoming budget bill for the fiscal year of 2026. This crucial piece of legislation, anticipated for cabinet and House of Representatives approval later this month, has been swirling amidst a tempest of rumors suggesting internal dissent. Nan Boontida Somchai, the articulate spokesperson for the Bhumjaithai Party, emphasized the importance of unity within the governing coalition. “As pivotal actors in the coalition government, steering various ministerial responsibilities, our members are fundamentally involved in shaping the budget bill,” Nan stated on Sunday, exuding confidence. “Their backing is indispensable to resolving national issues and fuelling the developmental engine of the country.” This proclamation came looking to quash burgeoning whispers that certain Bhumjaithai MPs might shun the budget bill, retaliating against Pheu Thai’s…

In a recent development that has captured public attention, the Department of Corrections (DoC) found itself at the center of controversy regarding reports suggesting it was keen to challenge a decision made by the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT). This decision relates to disciplinary measures taken against three doctors who were involved in the highly debated hospital stay of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, the DoC has categorically dismissed these claims, stating that the news took them by surprise, much like it did everyone else, as they learned about the MCT’s decision through the media grapevine. The DoC emphasized the importance of accurately conveying their position to prevent misunderstandings that could arise from unclear media reports. They made it crystal clear that they have not initiated any legal action, and their stance remains poised as they await the public health minister’s formal approval of the MCT’s decision. In reinforcing…

In the ever-dramatic world of international politics, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is no stranger to both controversy and curiosity. Recently, an unexpected development has added yet another chapter to his already multifaceted story. The Appeal Court has upheld the previous decision by the Criminal Court, denying Thaksin’s request to embark on a journey to the exotic sands of Qatar. This announcement came from former senator Somchai Swangkarn, a voice of familiarity in Thailand’s justice system, via a lively social media update on Facebook. For those of us following this riveting saga, the rejection of Thaksin’s appeal was accompanied by compelling reasons, or so the lower court claims. According to Mr. Somchai, no credible evidence supports a grand rendezvous between Thaksin and the ever-bold former US President, Donald Trump, on Qatari soil. Rather inconveniently, the proposed travel dates would have Thaksin tapping his shoes back on Thai ground uncomfortably…

In the bustling district of Chatuchak, Bangkok, a chapter closed quietly under the shadows of skyscrapers—where tragedy met resilience and human spirit. The site of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building is now cleared of all the mementos of that sorrowful day, leaving not just ruins behind, but stories untold. As the sun climbed over the scaffolding-clad landscape, Suriyachai Rawiwan, the Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, confirmed the absence of any more bodies among the cleared debris. The operation, which had become a beacon of persistence and hope, was poised to wrap up by Monday, just a day before the official handover of the land to SAO on Thursday. Even as hope dwindled and search operations neared completion, the site buzzed with activity. Crews meticulously combed through the debris, their task as much about honoring the lost as it was about tidying…