Instantaneously, the South Asian region buzzed with various reactions to the United States’ surprise tariff hikes, with government critic Sirikanya Tansakun painting a vivid picture of mixed responses. On Saturday, Sirikanya, an astute MP for the opposition People’s Party, meticulously recounted the responses from several ASEAN and broader Asian countries, all caught in the web of fluctuating tariffs imposed by Uncle Sam. In a strategic masterstroke, Vietnam has already initiated dialogues with Washington to bridge trade gaps, winning a nod of approval from the elusive US President Donald Trump. Not one to be left behind, Cambodia has cleverly shifted gears, slashing its import tariffs from the US down to a slim 5%, hoping to grease the wheels of trade negotiations smoothly. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the scene resembles a high-stakes drama, as the government unveils an emergency economic relief package tailored for industries battered by the US tariffs, notably the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The atmosphere around Government House was electric on March 27 as crowds of spirited protesters gathered, brandishing banners and signs in a spirited stand against the controversial Entertainment Complex bill. Heralded as a proposal that could potentially reshape the country’s economic landscape, the bill had more than its fair share of skeptics, drawing an eclectic blend of demonstrators—from senior doctors to academics and even educational institutions—all united in their call for political prudence. One of the most pronounced voices came from 37 senior doctors affiliated with the prestigious Chulalongkorn University. Their collective statement over the weekend was a fervent plea for reconsideration, emphasizing that Thailand’s current socio-political climate, beset by a patronage-based system and lenient law enforcement, was ill-suited for such sweeping legislative changes. According to them, the introduction of legalized casinos and digital gambling platforms could exacerbate socio-economic issues, leading to a spike in crime rates, drug abuse, human…
The discussion surrounding Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill has been nothing short of a political roller coaster. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stands at the helm, vigorously advocating for this contentious piece of legislation. Scheduled for a parliamentary showdown on April 9th, this bill proposes a bold economic strategy during these turbulent times, especially with the United States brandishing a hefty 36% tariff on Thai goods. That’s significantly stingier than Singapore’s more lenient 10%, mind you! Critics of the bill have come from both sides of the aisle. Yet, unperturbed, Mr. Phumtham champions the democratic process, insisting that it must prevail over protests. The prospect of a swanky new casino flourishing within an entertainment complex may raise a few eyebrows, but according to Mr. Phumtham, this endeavor is less about flipping cards and rolling dice, and more about bulking up the nation’s economic resilience. Now, I hear you thinking, “Casino? Economic…
Under a cloud of dust and determination, rescuers persist with their exhaustive efforts at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office in bustling Bangkok. The scene, reminiscent of a high-stakes thriller, unfolds with an urgent vigor as Saturday’s sun casts long shadows over the chaotic rubble. It’s a somber setting where hope meets the despair of lost time. In the midst of debris, the unwavering commitment of rescue teams shines through. They’ve set their sights on Zone C, a critical area within the Chatuchak district. This zone, now infamous, could hold the answers to many heart-wrenching questions. After the devastating earthquake on March 28, it became clear that Zone C might reveal the fates of those who tried to flee as the building’s very foundation gave way. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, with its characteristic efficiency, has sent in reinforcements. Spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, delivering updates with composed resolve, notes the…
Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple, embarked on a retirement adventure to Thailand, envisioning sunlit days and serenity in the coastal town of Hua Hin. Little did they know, this dream would spiral into a tempestuous ordeal, entangling them in a legal quagmire, centered around an ordinary but fateful garden dispute. A retirement fantasy turned into an unexpectedly dramatic saga when a conflict over property boundaries with their neighbors escalated into a violent altercation. Caught in a whirlwind of chaos, Des and Mary suddenly found themselves defending not only their physical selves but also their reputations. “It’s hard to believe we could be caught up in something like this,” Mary reflected to the BBC with a tremor of disbelief still lingering in her voice. The once-idyllic Hua Hin, where the couple hoped to nestle into tranquil retirement, now became a backdrop for a courtroom drama. The confrontation, occurring in…
While construction workers anticipated a routine day of labor in Bangkok, they unearthed something far more eerie than anyone could have predicted. Near the revered Siriraj Hospital, as drills hummed and shovels clinked at the future site of the MRT Orange Line’s Siriraj Station, a bone-chilling tableau of history surfaced—literally. Tucked beneath the bustling Arun Amarin Bridge, lying still and silent against the backdrop of Wat Amarin, were the skeletal remains of what are believed to be over 70 human beings. Experts are proposing these skeletors likely belong to unfortunate souls who met their untimely demise over two centuries ago in a mass execution. The discovery has stirred a whirlwind of emotions and inquiry. Official confirmation from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) mentions that these skeletons were found in particularly distressing postures, many with their hands and feet bound. A spokesperson highlighted that the evidence suggests these…
In a move that left a group of audacious young daredevils in a state of shock, Wichit Police have launched a daring sting operation targeting illegal street racing in the notorious Laem Dinso area of Phuket. As the clock struck the wee hours of April 4th, 17 underage thrill-seekers had their night rudely interrupted, their dreams of racing against the wind dashed as police nabbed them along with 10 of their flashy, tricked-out motorcycles. The crackdown is the latest salvo in an aggressive campaign led by Wichit Police Chief, Police Colonel Somsak Thongkliang, aimed at curbing illegal street racing and restoring night-time peace to this troubled area. “Laem Dinso has become a magnet for illegal racing and dangerous driving. Residents have had enough, and we’re taking action,” Pol. Col. Somsak asserted, as he detailed the unyielding drive to cleanse the streets of these nocturnal nuisances. This brazen late-night raid follows…
The vibrant spirit of Thailand’s Songkran festival, a time of water fights, joyous revelry, and cultural celebrations, faces an unexpected hiccup this year. Traditionally marking the Thai New Year, the festival draws throngs of tourists eager to partake in the festivities. However, this grandeur is under threat as hotel bookings have plummeted in the wake of recent seismic disturbances. According to a recent revelation by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) on April 3, reservations in seven major tourist hotspots have slumped by a concerning 25% compared to the previous year’s Songkran, sending ominous ripples through the hospitality industry. Thienprasit Chaiyaphatranan, the president of the THA, expressed the somber mood, stating, “This year’s Songkran will not be as lively as last year. We’re witnessing a marked decline in both domestic and international bookings.” The decline, a fallout from the nerve-jangling 6.0-magnitude Myanmar earthquake on March 28, continues to cast a shadow…
In the midst of Bangkok’s urban hustle, a substantial scandal is simmering, one that involves a steel manufacturer, subpar materials, and a consequential government building collapse. Xin Ke Yuan Steel, a name now synonymous with controversy, finds itself under the searing spotlight of Industry Minister Akanat Promphan. With passionate resolve, the minister has taken to social media, specifically in a fervent Facebook post dated April 4, to announce a decisive move to strip the manufacturer’s investment privileges. The reason is alarming: an alleged flouting of essential Thai industrial regulations. Minister Promphan’s declaration is unequivocal, accusing Xin Ke Yuan Steel of non-compliance with critical legislations such as the Factory Act and the Industrial Product Standards Act. “Xin Ke Yuan Steel does not comply,” he asserts, ensuring the public that no barriers from the Industry Ministry are impeding the efforts to rescind the company’s privileges. Accompanying the post was an image, shared…
As the vibrant water celebrations of Songkran near, a stark reminder of the darker side of the festivities looms. Every year, the Songkran festival, celebrated from April 11 to 17, brings not only jubilant water fights but also a surge in road accidents across Thailand, often attributed to the dangerous mix of traffic, alcohol, and festivities. This year, Samitivej Sriracha Hospital in Chon Buri is proactively addressing these concerns by organizing a highly realistic mass casualty drill, aiming to prepare for the inevitable spike in accidents that the holiday unfortunately brings along. Picture this: a staged scenario that sent shockwaves through the streets—an intense simulation of a grim traffic collision between a passenger truck and a motorcycle, leaving a trail of 15 “injured” actors strewn across the site. Not for the faint-hearted, right? Yet, those spine-chilling scenes served a critical purpose. Medical staff, doctors, nurses, and even local rescue teams,…