The political arena in Thailand has never been a straightforward landscape, with the drama unfolding between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party. Recent events have brought this relationship to the forefront, revealing cracks and tensions that could shake the foundations of the coalition government. In a dramatic House session, Bhumjaithai’s secretary-general, Chaichanok Chidchob, set off political fireworks when he made a personal stand against the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill. Chaichanok, with gusto akin to a seasoned orator, passionately declared he would never support such a bill, citing more pressing national issues that deserved attention. His stance, while personal, left a bitter aftertaste for coalition unity and drew a clear line in the sand within the ruling alliance. The tension hit a high note as prominent Pheu Thai members called for Bhumjaithai to walk away from the coalition. The cost? A staggering 70-seat loss that…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a bid to stride towards the global economic forefront, Thailand has set its sights on becoming a proud member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by the year 2030. This strategic move not only aims to align the nation’s policy frameworks with internationally recognized standards but also seeks to spark an influx of investment while enhancing Thailand’s influential voice on global economic platforms. Just yesterday, the hustle and bustle of Bangkok hosted the 2025 OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum, a significant event orchestrated by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the OECD. The forum was a testament to the growing camaraderie between OECD member nations and the energetic Southeast Asian economies. Established in 1960 with merely 20 founding nations, the OECD has snowballed into an exclusive club with 38 distinguished members. Joining this elite circle is a desire shared by countries such as Argentina, Brazil,…
In a stunning and daring sting operation that would make James Bond proud, Thailand’s Customs Department scored a formidable victory over illegal traders by seizing over 400 shark fins on what would have been their illicit journey from the tropical shores of Trinidad and Tobago to the hungry consumer markets of China. But these smuggling czars clearly didn’t reckon with the tenacity of a well-coordinated, cross-border task force led by the eagle-eyed teams of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of the General Administration of Customs (GACC) of China, alongside their vigilant Thai counterparts. The cover seemed perfect—masquerading under the innocuous label of ‘dry fish’ in the bustling cargo holds of Suvarnabhumi airport, amidst the hustle and bustle of Samut Prakan province. They almost got away with it too. Almost. But that’s when our astute customs officials, armed with the guidance from their global partners, sniffed trouble. Exercising the hawk-eyed precision of a…
In the heart of the tranquil village of Soi 1, South Pattaya, the serene night was abruptly shattered. The village, usually lulled by the distant sound of the ocean waves, was jolted awake by an alarming cacophony of screeching brakes, culminating in a thunderous crash. The chaos unfolded as a sedan violently collided with an electric pole. As villagers, roused from their slumber, timidly ventured out to investigate, they were greeted by an almost surreal sight. The forlorn sedan stood as a testament to mayhem, its front end decimated, bumper scattered in forlorn fragments, yet eerily, the vehicle continued to idle ominously. The jarring absence of a driver added an unsettling mystery to the already disconcerting spectacle. Despite the village’s residents crowding the scene like moths to a flame, the driver seemed to have vanished into thin air. The quiet night air buzzed with both curiosity and apprehension. “We heard…
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, a tangled web of corruption that ensnared nine individuals has unraveled in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province, with charges stemming from unscrupulous dealings and illegal land title issues. This riveting tale, echoing the scandals of old, unravels with all the drama of a primetime soap opera. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Surin province delivered a thunderous verdict, marking the end of a saga teeming with high-profile names and high-stakes corruption. The central figure in this drama is none other than Prayudh Mahagitsiri, a business mogul on the brink of his 80th birthday, who now faces a daunting 24-year prison sentence. His case, significant not just for its scale but for the prominent personalities involved, sees Prayudh and his daughter, Ausana, battling the edifice of justice with fervent appeals. The courtroom unfolded its verdict last Thursday, sealing the fates of the accused,…
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) recently unveiled a surprising twist in an incident that left a motorist bewildered and slightly shaken—but thankfully unscathed. On April 29, a driver cruising along the bustling Bang Na-Trat Road unexpectedly became a target for an impromptu game of “Concrete Toss” from above. Initially feared to be a nightmare scenario of crumbling infrastructure, the mystery of the projectile was soon solved, easing the nerves of the commuting public. What began as a jaw-dropping hypothesis—that a piece of the Burapha Withi Expressway, renowned as the Bang Na Expressway, had unraveled—soon morphed into a case worthy of a true crime documentary! EXAT quickly dispatched a crack team of engineering maestros to scrutinize the stretch of road, ensuring not a scrap of structural villainy was responsible. As it turns out, the culprit behind the chaos was not crumbling infrastructure, but rather a mischief-maker with a knack for…
In a bizarre yet alarming incident on Bangkok’s bustling Bang Na-Trat Road, a man found himself in handcuffs after allegedly launching a cement block from a pedestrian bridge directly onto a moving vehicle, resulting in significant wreckage. This peculiar saga centers around 45-year-old Chalat, who, as it turns out, isn’t exactly unfamiliar with the wrong side of the law. Chalat, whose surname remains undisclosed, candidly confessed to the crime following his arrest. The catalyst? A potent mix of rice whisky and financial dread. It seems a bottle of the spirited drink, paired with the weight of fiscal pressures, led to a moment of recklessness. Yet, this incident marks his 13th arrest, hinting that this wasn’t merely an isolated lapse in judgment. The drama unfolded on April 29, when a 20-year-old motorist experienced what could only be described as a nightmare in traffic. Her serene journey in a sleek black Volvo…
It’s a wet and wild day in Thailand as Mother Nature flexes her muscles across the Land of Smiles! The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued forewarnings of heavy rain blanketing 43 provinces today, and the southern regions are in the storm’s crosshairs. Bangkok, the bustling capital, braces for a drenching too, with skies threatening to open up over 60% of the city. Flash floods and forest run-off are potential hazards, especially where the terrain dips or is near water courses. Today, May 3, ushers in a tempestuous temper across the South, with rainfall intensifying and some areas expecting downright deluges. Blame it on the easterly winds whooshing over the Gulf of Thailand and southern stretches, with their northwesterly cousins darting over the Andaman Sea. Out at sea, waves will rise to about 1 meter, swelling over 2 meters as thunderstorms play maritime mischief. Sailors, it’s wise to steer clear…
In the tranquil yet historically rich province of Surin, nestled in the northeast of Thailand, the ancient ruins of Prasat Ta Muean Thom played host to an unexpected diplomatic episode that greeted the beginning of March 2025. The atmosphere was anything but serene when a group of spirited Cambodian women found themselves in the spotlight for singing their national anthem at this iconic Khmer temple, a location steeped in the chronicles of time. This melodious yet politically charged event reverberated across the Thai-Cambodian border, igniting a brief but intense diplomatic flare-up. Recognizing the need for diplomacy over discord, high-level military officials from Thailand and Cambodia swiftly convened to bring calm to the simmering situation. The outcome? An agreement to usher in a breath of fresh air by pulling back troops from the ancient site—a gesture echoing the time when peace and unity reigned across these lands. Following a meeting held…
Gather ’round, fortune seekers, for the thrill of May’s lottery excitement has officially arrived in Thailand. As the sly whispers of lottery predictions grow louder, the anticipation is palpable. With the Thai Government Lottery scheduled for a draw today, May 2nd, eager hopefuls all over the country are diving headlong into the world of predictions, calendars, and social media mavens to hunt down those elusive winning numbers. Leading the charge this month are some of the audience’s favorites. From the hallowed numbers of the Chinese calendar to the celebrated picks of legendary figures like “Petch Kla the Lucky Boy” and the enigmatic Maenam Ngeun, the cast of characters and cosmic cues is as compelling as ever. The Chinese calendar remains a perennial favorite among Thai lottery enthusiasts. Four different versions have been released for today, each offering a unique set of numbers that followers interpret—sometimes with scholarly precision, sometimes with…