In the heart of bustling Thailand, a debate has stirred the winds of change, captivating the attention of citizens and political figures alike. At the epicenter of this whirlwind discussion stands Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, who recently voiced his apprehensions regarding the populace’s tepid reception of the Pheu Thai Party’s idea to navigate the choppy waters of cannabis legalization back to the shores of criminalization. This revival of the debate was sparked by an interview given by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to France 24, the French beacon of news, where he hinted at a possible backtrack on the 2022 decision to decriminalize cannabis. The premier’s words echoed through the halls of government and society, suggesting that the free growth of cannabis had sown seeds of economic discord. Yet, Dr. Cholnan was quick to clarify that these were merely the Premier’s personal musings, and the official stance remained that cannabis…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the whirlwind world of Thai politics, where rumours swirl as fiercely as Bangkok’s tuk-tuks zoom through its bustling streets, one news story has captivated the nation’s attention: Will Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin play a game of musical chairs with his cabinet? On a sunny Tuesday, amidst the whispers of political insiders and the speculative reports in the press, Mr. Srettha stepped forward to quash the swirling rumour mill. “A cabinet reshuffle? Haven’t thought about it,” he declared, after a cabinet meeting that probably had more twists and intrigue than a Thai soap opera. The political grapevine had been buzzing non-stop with insinuations that Mr. Srettha might be plotting to shake things up post a two-day general debate. The air was thick with speculation, as if the politicos had nothing better to do than cook up stories of political maneuverings. The debate itself, an exciting affair set to unfold under…
Imagine stepping into a world where the thrill of the slot machines isn’t confined to the shadows of illegality, but shines bright in the heart of a buzzing entertainment complex. This could soon be the reality in Nonthaburi, where the whispers of slot machines blending with the sounds of legal, vibrant nightlife might not be just a dream. The winds of change are blowing through the corridors of power, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealing that within a fortnight, the cabinet will mull over a proposal that promises to revolutionize the entertainment industry in Thailand by introducing legal casinos. Mr. Amornvivat, who wears the hat of the chairman for the House’s special committee exploring the feasibility of bringing casinos out of the underworld, shared that this bold initiative has already cleared the first hurdle in the House of Representatives. Now, it’s on the cabinet’s table for a deeper dive.…
In the bustling corridors of global diplomacy and the vibrant halls of education, an exciting development unfolds as the United Kingdom and Thailand prepare to ink not one, but two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU). This dashing duo of documents, expected to grace the world stage in the coming three months, heralds a new era of scientific and educational collaboration that promises to sparkle with the brilliant hues of innovation and mutual growth. The roots of this thrilling narrative trace back to the recent elevation of ties between Thailand and the UK to the lofty heights of strategic partnership. At the heart of this blossoming relationship is a drive to advance scientific education and amplify the English language prowess amongst the youth of Thailand. Danny Whitehead, the illustrious Director of the British Council in Thailand, shared insights into the roadmap ahead during the effervescent launch of the “Thai-UK World-class University Consortium”…
Welcome to Lampang, ladies and gentlemen, where the sun blazes a trail of fiery temperatures, turning the Northern Thai province into a furnace that would give the Sahara a run for its money. We’re not just talking hot; we’re talking melt-your-ice-cream-before-it-touches-your-tongue kind of hot. This week, the Thoen district cranked the thermostat up to a scorching 42 degrees Celsius, clinching the title for the summer’s hottest days thus far. Not to be outdone, Muang district trailed by a mere hair’s breadth, hitting a sweat-inducing 41.8C. Since March 28, Lampang has decided that anything below 40C is for the faint-hearted, maintaining this sizzling streak for six consecutive days. It appears the region is vying for the sun’s affection, with forecasts suggesting this toasty tango is far from over. Expect the mercury to flirt with the 38C to 40C range throughout the month. Rewinding a bit, let’s talk about the heatwave hall…
On a day that promised unity through sport, the CU-TU Unity Football Match held on March 31, 2024, found an unexpected protagonist in its midst: the venerable Phra Kieo coronet, an emblem of Chulalongkorn University’s proud heritage. This inaugural event, birthed from the collaborative spirits of Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) and the Student Government of Chulalongkorn University (SGCU), was more than just a game; it was a bridge built of mutual respect and camaraderie, aiming to fortify the bonds between these prestigious institutions. Mimicking the spirit of the Traditional Football Match that has been a fixture since 1934, this new addition to the university calendar brought with it not only the thrill of competition but also an opportunity to celebrate a shared history. The tension that unfurled over social media, however, was not over the football or the friendly rivalry, but over a parade that featured the Phra Kieo…
In a scene straight from a gripping movie plot, Tantawan "Tawan" Tuatulanon finds herself speaking to a reporter from the cramped confines of a police van, following her arrest on February 13th. This isn't just a simple story of arrest and interrogation, though. Tawan, with a spirit as indomitable as her nickname suggests, is in the midst of a hunger strike from the hospital, a protest against the continued denial of bail to those entangled in political charges. The visual of her determined face behind the van's bars, captured in a photo that speaks volumes, stirs a deep sense of unease and admiration in equal measure. On a Tuesday that felt as tense as the ticking seconds before a storm, the courtroom saw the first hearing in the sedition trial of two youthful activists, Tawan and her comrade Natthanon “Frank” Chaimahabud, aged 23. These aren't your everyday activists. Charged with…
In a twist worthy of a Hollywood thriller, Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, also known as Big Joke, found himself at the heart of a legal storm, turning the usually quiet Tao Poon police station in Bangkok into the stage for a gripping real-life drama. On a fateful Tuesday, with the city’s humidity hanging in the air like a thick curtain, Surachate, in a move that speaks volumes of his character, made a bold entrance in a Toyota Alphard van, the vehicle’s Songkhla license plates catching the light as it maneuvered into a discreet parking spot behind the precinct just before the clock struck 5:30 p.m. The scene inside the station was one of restrained chaos. With a wave of his hand, Surachate signaled his associates to stay back as he stepped forward, ready to face whatever was waiting for him beyond those doors. Cameras clicked from a distance,…
In a turn of events that seems more akin to a riveting crime drama than real life, the bustling streets of Bangkok have become the stage for a captivating investigation into the shadowy world of online gambling. At the heart of this intrigue stands a figure known as “Big Joke” – the moniker might sound lighthearted, but the case is anything but. Surachate, the deputy commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, finds himself entangled in a web of allegations, financial transactions, and whispers of involvement with the notorious BNKMaster gambling network. The plot thickens with each issued summons. By the time the third one rolled out, marked for April 1, 2024, the anticipation had reached its zenith. Yet, in a twist that surprised no avid follower of suspense thrillers, Surachate remained conspicuously absent. No comments, no appearances – just the lingering aura of mystery and unanswered questions. The saga took…
In the heart of Lop Buri, a city north of Bangkok known for its historical ruins and sunflower fields, a spectacular event unfolds each November. Under the gaze of avid photographers and amused tourists, hundreds of macaques gather at the Sam Roi Yot sanctuary for an annual feast that is nothing short of a royal banquet. The event captures the essence of this unique town, where monkeys roam with an air of entitlement, borrowed, perhaps, from their ancestral linkage to the Hindu deity Hanuman. But the reality behind the scenes is a complex narrative of coexistence and management challenges that the town faces with its primate population. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan has unveiled plans that aim to turn the tide on the escalating monkey mayhem in Lop Buri. At the heart of these solutions is the proposed establishment of a macaque control centre. This facility is not…