The Bangkok South Criminal Court delivered a solemn verdict yesterday as it sentenced Anawin Kaewkeb, a mere 22 years old, to the ultimate punishment for his involvement in a tragic shooting that unfolded amidst the bustling streets of Klong Toey district. On that fateful November morning in 2023, not only were guns drawn, but lives were irreparably changed—and ended. This case, marinated in the bitter depths of rivalry, saw Anawin pay a steep price, not just in the language of law, but also in a towering financial compensation of over 6 million baht levied against him in favor of the victims’ grieving families. The turmoil erupted quite like a summer storm on November 11, as the clock neared 9:30 am. The bustling facade of TMB Bank in Klong Toey bore unwitting witness to a clash as dramatic as it was deadly. The protagonist? Anawin Kaewkeb, a young student from the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an exciting development, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known for her forward-thinking leadership, has pledged her unwavering support towards transforming Phuket into a globally renowned hub for medical excellence and sustainable tourism. Her commitment was underscored during a stirring keynote address she delivered at the inauguration of the inaugural Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025, held against the beautiful backdrop of Phuket. During her captivating speech titled “Soft Power: A Tool for Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism,” the Prime Minister expressed her delight at visiting Phuket once again since she took the helm of the nation. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she spoke of Phuket’s pivotal role in driving Thailand’s tourism sector and its growing reputation as a prime destination for foreigners seeking top-notch medical treatments and extended stays. She reassured attendees of the government’s steadfast support in bolstering these areas. Remarkably resolute in her vision, Prime Minister Shinawatra highlighted the booming…
Embracing its rich heritage and vibrant culture, Thailand is making waves on the international stage by pushing to have the Loy Krathong tradition recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). The Culture Minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, announced during a recent cabinet meeting that the proposition to nominate the “Loy Krathong tradition in Thailand” for Unesco recognition has been officially approved. This step is pivotal in the ongoing effort to safeguard the country’s intangible cultural heritage and is expected to uplift Thailand’s soft cultural power. “The Loy Krathong tradition has been an iconic element of our nation’s cultural heritage since 2011,” explained Minister Sudawan. “We believe that gaining recognition from Unesco aligns seamlessly with the government’s strategy to highlight significant cultural festivities. Our aim is to showcase the depth of our cultural value, thereby solidifying Thailand’s position as a top-tier destination for travelers from around the globe.” Thailand’s…
Amidst the bustling political landscape of Thailand, the Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, finds herself navigating choppy waters as she attempts to steer the Pheu Thai Party to calm seas. While the government announced a new round of economic stimulus in the form of a digital handout, critics have scrutinized its execution, leaving Paetongtarn’s image somewhat dulled. The buzz around the 10,000-baht giveaway, aimed at 2.7 million tech-savvy youths aged 16 to 20, has sparked more debate than excitement. Unlike previous handouts which saw funds wired directly to bank accounts of the underprivileged and elderly, this digital endeavor aims to enlighten young Thais on the usage of cashless technology—a key promise from the Pheu Thai campaign trail. However, the Opposition, led by the sharp-tongued MP Sirikanya Tansakul, has not been kind. In a viral Facebook post cheekily titled, “The Horror of the Digital Wallet Scheme,” she questions the scheme’s efficacy, spotlighting…
The Dental Council of Thailand is pulling out all the stops in a bid to enhance access to dental benefits through social security. A lively tête-à-tête on Thursday served as the backdrop for this significant dialogue between the charismatic Dental Council chairman, Dr. Chairat Chaloemratroj, and the astute Labour Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. The hot topic on the table? How best to ensure fair play in accessing healthcare services across the myriad of different schemes for subscribers. Enter Dr. Wirasak Phutthasri, the eloquent council member who participated with zeal in this discussion. He shared the council’s bold proposal: to extend the privilege of receiving dental treatment to insured individuals at any public hospital. Picture this—a world where, despite the pesky ceiling of a 900 baht reimbursement limit per annum, patients still find solace, especially those of low income, in having their dental expenses covered under this generous umbrella. It’s worth noting…
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finally taken a significant leap forward in the ambitious high-speed rail project that aims to connect three pivotal airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao. As we charge closer to the much-anticipated signing ceremony in June, this revised contract signifies a pivotal moment in a venture that’s been on the drawing board for far too long. SRT Deputy Governor Anan Phonimdaeng is at the forefront, making sure that this amended agreement sails smoothly through the rigorous checks by the various oversight bodies, including the project’s oversight committee, the Office of the Attorney General, and, of course, the cabinet. Come June, all eyes will be on the final signing, which will greenlight the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for construction. The clock will then start ticking, with a target completion time set for a mere five years and an operational kickoff by 2029. In a proactive…
In an era where diplomacy and alliances can navigate the tapestry of modern geopolitics, nothing quite sets the stage like an illustrious state visit. Next week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the esteemed leader of India, will embark on a journey to the picturesque kingdom of Thailand, a land known for its enchanting culture and tantalizing cuisine. Indeed, it’s a journey long overdue, as it marks Mr. Modi’s first official sojourn to Thailand in a dozen years—quite the diplomatic sabbatical! The occasion, eagerly anticipated by pundits and poppadom aficionados alike, underscores a renewed zeal for nurturing and fortifying bonds between these two dynamic nations. The stage is elegantly set at Thailand’s venerable Government House, where Prime Minister Modi, flanked by his delegation, will be warmly received by none other than the charming Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. There, amidst the dignified echo of traditional melodies, the two leaders are expected to…
The picturesque province of Phayao, nestled in Northern Thailand, has become the protagonist of an unexpected story, where history emerges quite literally from beneath the earth’s surface. The Fine Arts Department (FAD) has recently unearthed a stunning discovery that has set tongues wagging and perhaps slowed the wheels of modern progress. We’re talking about the fascinating case of the ancient site discovered right in the fields designated for a dual-track railway project. The man at the helm of this historical adventure is none other than FAD Director-General Phnombootra Chandrajoti, who brought the tale of ancient relics to light. It all started when the local residents of Ban Chedi Ngam, a community in Muang district, stumbled upon remnants of a civilization that likely flourished over a thousand years ago. Picture this: verdant rice fields concealing a hidden narrative, now unearthed thanks to the everyday deeds of the locals. It turns out…
In a world that often prattles on about political maneuvers and international chess games, a recent panel discussion held at the Thailand Foreign Correspondents’ Club tapped into a subject that pierces the heartstrings: the fate of five Uyghur detainees. Wedged in the austere confines of Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok, these individuals are more than just numbers; they represent a larger narrative of geopolitical tension and a quest for human dignity. As eyes flickered around the room on the brisk Wednesday gathering, attendees could sense an air of urgency tethering each lingering word. The central discourse orbited around two recent contentious actions: the abrupt deportation of 40 Uyghurs earlier that month, and the subsequent fact-finding mission by Thai officials to Xinjiang—ostensibly to scrutinize the well-being of these deportees. The speakers, each more impassioned than the next, underscored the plight of the five remaining Uyghurs, who were drawled out of freedom…
Amidst the serene and picturesque landscapes of Myanmar, a powerful earthquake struck, sending seismic waves across borders and stirring an unexpected hullabaloo in neighboring Thailand. As the ground shook and tremors rippled through the land, hearts skipped beats and questions started buzzing on social media like bees in a jar. Was Thailand’s vaunted disaster alert system up to the task? This seismic event, although rare for this part of the world, served as a resounding wake-up call. Suddenly, the nation was confronted with a glaring spotlight on its disaster preparedness—or, rather, the apparent lack thereof. It wasn’t long before fingers began pointing and voices grew louder in the digital town square, each carrying a blend of concern and exasperation. “The government was utterly caught off guard,” lamented one inquisitive soul on the bustling Facebook page of none other than the esteemed news anchor, Sorayuth Suthassanachinda. The resonance of their words…