The government has found itself in the hot seat, facing intense scrutiny for its expedited push to advance the entertainment-casino complex bill in parliament. This maneuver, seen by critics as precipitous, controversially proceeds without a comprehensive feasibility study on its economic and social implications. The recent parliamentary meeting became a lightning rod for tension as members across the aisle grappled with the Pheu Thai Party’s proposal to move the bill deliberation forward—all within a span of urgency that left many wondering about the motivations behind such haste. Among the vocal opponents was Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the PP, who didn’t shy away from airing concerns to reporters. He recounted the parliamentary upheaval when a motion to prioritize earthquake impacts was swapped in favor of discussing the casino bill, mirroring a dramatic plot twist that no screenplay could concoct. The shake-up in priorities, Natthaphong argued, seemed like a strategy to skirt…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The complex orchestra of political dynamics came alive recently in the reverberating chambers of the Thai Senate, where the formidable “blue” group of senators stood as steadfast arbiters in the selection of appointees to independent agencies. This theatre of power and negotiation unfolded as the Senate embarked on the task of appointing two new judges to the Constitutional Court, following the departure of the court’s president, Nakharin Mektrairat, and Judge Panya Udchanon. It was a vivid tableau of political maneuvering in full swing. The torch of responsibility had been handed to Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee, a political science luminary at Chulalongkorn University, and Chatri Atjananont, a seasoned former director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs. These two contenders navigated through the labyrinthine selection process orchestrated by an ad hoc committee, spearheaded by Supreme Court president Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul, and supported by figures including House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and opposition leader…
Imagine a scene of chaos layered with a sprinkle of hope, set against the vivid backdrop of Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak district. This is where the intrepid efforts to clear debris from the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building unfold, capturing hearts and headlines as rescue teams labor tirelessly through the wreckage. As of today, the operation stands as both a beacon of perseverance and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The task at hand? Herculean, to say the least. With predictions estimating a whopping 15,000 cubic meters of rubble weighing upwards of 40,000 tonnes, clearing the site is no small feat. Only a fraction, less than 5%, has been managed so far. However, hope and determination fuel each day’s endeavors, led by the dedicated Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt. Governor Chadchart, in an insightful pivot, announced a tactical shift – bringing in the heavy artillery of machinery to…
A tangled mess of dismantled steel bars strewn about the construction site of the ill-fated State Audit Office building paints a sorrowful picture of the chaos that followed last week’s devastating earthquake. This steel, which should have formed the backbone of resilience, was discovered to be far from standard. Slamming the gavel of scrutiny squarely on Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., the source of this subpar material, the Revenue Department has unleashed an avalanche of criminal accusations against them. The fiery indictment holds them accountable for fabricating over 7,000 invoices, misrepresenting a staggering 200 million baht. The intrigue of this tale deepens as we follow the trail of deception to the hallowed halls of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). It was here that the grievance, detailed by Deputy DSI Director-General Pol Capt Surawut Rangsai, landed with a thudding impact. Slicing through Xin Ke Yuan’s fiscal antics, the DSI’s pursuit…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, amidst a backdrop of towering skyscrapers and the vibrant energy of the Chatuchak district, a worrying scene unfolded. The collapse of a state building during a tumultuous earthquake on the 28th of March sent ripples far beyond the city’s skyline, raising questions and sparking investigations that point to an intricate web of suspicion and intrigue. A hardy team of heavy machinery and dedicated personnel continue their efforts at the site of the building collapse, a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. But amidst the hum of engines and dust-filled air, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has peeled back the layers of a mystery that could rival the most gripping of thrillers. Underneath the rubble and chaos, the DSI has uncovered the involvement of a trio of Thais, suspected of being nominees for holding interests in the enigmatic China Railway No.10 Thailand…
Welcome to the vibrant world of Healthfoods Corporation Co., Ltd. (HFC), as they take us on a dazzling journey with their third annual customer appreciation extravaganza, “FarmSuk Family Around the World.” Guided by the dynamic duo of Ms. Saowalak Chotitawan and Mr. Tiravuth Asavasopon, this initiative has once again succeeded in enchanting over 200 devoted patrons with a luxuriously curated trip to the enchanting cities of Tokyo and Shanghai. This exclusive escapade catered to every whim and fancy, with grand accommodations that whispered elegance at the ear and dining experiences that transported taste buds to uncharted territories. Attendees indulged in the magic of Disneyland, lost themselves in the ethereal snow-themed activities, and savored the captivating beauty of TeamLab’s digital art installations. Of course, no trip would be complete without feasting on the world’s gastronomic treasures—sumptuous Wagyu beef, regal Emperor-style bento boxes, and delectable premium crab noodles to name a few.…
Stepping into the bustling world of Bangkok this April 2025, Chulalongkorn University in a groundbreaking alliance with Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., unveiled an ambitious new initiative, “Chulalongkorn x Novo Nordisk: Enhancing Obesity Management through Innovative Collaboration.” This dazzling event took center stage at the chic Rattanawithayapat Building, housed within the prestigious King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. This avant-garde initiative shines a spotlight on the compelling collaboration between public institutions and the private sector. Its aim? To raise the bar on obesity awareness and management through the digital realm. Here’s the situation: the scales are tipping alarmingly with over 40% of Thais now labeled as overweight or downright obese. The stakes are high; the economic ramifications of this largesse are already looming at 1.2% of the GDP, and, according to experts, it could balloon to a hefty 4.9% if left unchecked. This program underscores the exigent requirement for a united front…
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) has taken a bold step to tackle the rising tide of vaping among students by instructing schools to conduct bag searches for e-cigarettes. The new directive, set to kick off as the academic year starts in May, underscores escalating concerns over the popularity of vaping among the young crowd. This initiative was tabled at the E-Cigarette Control Policy Committee meeting, chaired by the astute Vice Minister of Education, Phitsanu Phonlathee. This directive comes as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering school regulations concerning e-cigarettes. Schools are mandated to diligently hunt for vaping devices within their premises, and take the necessary steps to confiscate and dispose of any found during their inspections. It’s a strong-arm tactic designed to create a more stringent and vape-free educational environment. Beyond this hands-on approach, Obec is ramping up a public awareness crusade aimed at enlightening…
The vibrant energy and effusive revelry of Thailand’s Songkran festival are as iconic to the nation as the luscious street food that lines the bustling Bangkok streets. Yet, as the calendar flips to April, a shadow looms over the upcoming festivities—this time, it’s an intoxicating one. The government, echoing concerns as crisp and clear as the monsoon rains, is being urged to tighten the reins on alcohol regulations to prevent potential debacles during the much-anticipated celebration. Recently, in a seminar that buzzed with earnest discussions and fervent calls for action titled “Expanding Drinking Zones vs Increased Risks During Songkran,” leading organizations like the Alcohol Prevention Network and the Social Synergy Network Foundation came together. Their common aim? To keep the intoxicating waters from drowning the joy of Songkran in calamity. Wisanu Sritawong, the impassioned chairman of the Social Synergy Network Foundation, eloquently voiced a plea, doused with concern, that the…
As the azure waters lapping at the shores of Koh Larn sparkle under the tropical sun, a wave of change is quietly cresting over this idyllic island. The future here holds a promise—a promise to transform Koh Larn into a hub of eco-friendly tourism that stands as a beacon of sustainability for the region. On a breezy day at the start of April, the island played host to a significant visit. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and Pattaya’s Chief Strategic Advisor Sontaya Kunplome arrived to witness firsthand the progress of the island’s much-anticipated waste incineration project. This wasn’t just an ordinary check-in; it was a testament to the resolve of making Koh Larn’s sustainability dreams come true. Nearly 80% complete, the waste-to-energy incinerator is poised to be operational by the tail end of May. It’s a significant cog in Pattaya’s broader efforts to step into a greener future. This facility, shimmering with…