Under the grand arches of Thailand’s majestic Government House, history whispered through the air as two nations, bridged by the vast Pacific, stood on the cusp of a new dawn. It was here, amidst the pomp and pageantry befitting such an occasion, that New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, accompanied by his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, basked in the glow of diplomatic camaraderie. The piercing sound of the guard of honour’s salute, a symphony of tradition and respect, marked the beginning of a day that would set the course for a groundbreaking partnership. The year was 2023, and the occasion? A bilateral rendezvous teeming with promises of a future woven together not just by ambitions but by the heartfelt commitment to elevate Thailand-New Zealand relations to a “Strategic Partnership” come 2026. This wasn’t merely a date on the calendar; it was a milestone marking 70 years of diplomatic…
Posts published in “Thailand”
On a bright and momentous day, September 5, 2023, an assembly of leaders, visionaries and policy-makers, led by the astute Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, gathered at the iconic Government House. Their purpose? To take their solemn oaths of office before no lesser figure than His Majesty the King at the majestic Dusit Palace. Among them, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a man of distinction, ninth from the right, stood poised and ready for the monumental task ahead. The photograph capturing this historic moment speaks volumes, immortalized by the lens of Chanat Katayu. In the corridors of power, whispers of a cabinet reshuffle have been stirring, hinting at a political ballet set to unfold. Dubbed “Srettha II”, this reshuffle isn’t just a routine changeover but a strategic maneuvering within the echelons of Thai governance. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, this reshuffle involves a meticulous selection of cabinet members from Pheu Thai,…
Imagine the vibrant streets of Thailand, now pulsating not just with the rhythmic beats of its rich culture but also with the ceaseless hum of digital activity. This beautiful country, known for its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, is riding the wave of digitalization, rapidly advancing into a future where everything is connected. However, lurking in the shadows of this bright future are cyber threats, growing in complexity and number, prompting an unprecedented alliance between Kaspersky and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) of Thailand. This partnership, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a pivotal moment in the battle for cybersecurity. With excitement bubbling in his voice, Eugene Kaspersky, the CEO of Kaspersky, underscores the essence of this collaboration. “As Thailand embraces the digital revolution, it also invites the attention of cybercriminals, turning the digital landscape into a battleground. Our commitment to Thailand isn’t just about safeguarding its…
In an atmosphere charged with anticipation and under the watchful eyes of the nation, the Move Forward Party (MFP), led by the discerning Pita Limjraroenrat, found themselves at the heart of a pivotal moment in parliament on January 31st. Pita, flanked by the astute Chaithawat Tulathon and a band of resolute members, listened intently as the Constitutional Court judges delivered a ruling that would send ripples through the political landscape of Thailand. The court’s finding that the MFP sought to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known colloquially as the lese majeste law, hinted at an audacious attempt to recalibrate the foundations of the constitutional monarchy. With the sands of time slipping through their fingers, the MFP faced a formidable challenge. The clock was ticking down to a critical deadline set by the Constitutional Court, a deadline that would determine their fate. In an unexpected turn of events, the…
Picture this: under the gleaming spotlight at Democracy Monument, an intriguing sight catches the eye — a replica of the charter, elegantly presented in an accordion-style parchment, resting on a golden tray. This symbolizes the grandeur and gravity of constitutional monarchy, serving as a stark reminder of the country’s dedication to democracy. However, in a recent turn of events, the pulsating heart of Thailand’s democracy faced a significant moment. The Constitutional Court, in a session that was bound to leave a mark, addressed a pressing question from parliament. The air was thick with anticipation as the court deliberated on whether the constitution could undergo amendments before a referendum and the intricacies involved in the charter amendment process — including the burning question of how many referendums are deemed necessary. With unanimous agreement, all seven judges on the bench decided to reject the petition. Their rationale was crisp and clear: the…
As the sun rose over the bustling Mo Chit bus terminal in the heart of Chatuchak district, it heralded the start of an extraordinary phenomenon. Picture this: a relentless stream of travelers, each with stories etched onto their faces, arriving in droves under the watchful gaze of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill’s lens. But this wasn’t just any regular day. This was the onset of the Songkran festival, Thailand’s most vibrant, water-splashed festivity, marking the traditional Thai New Year. And oh, what a spectacle it was! This year, the Songkran festival didn’t just bring about the usual exuberance and joy; it also set the scene for a significant uptick in public transport usage. According to the Transport Ministry, a staggering 15,035,465 trips were made during the April 11-16 Songkran holiday, painting a vivid picture of a nation on the move. This marked a 7.92% increase from the year prior, a testament to the…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, there’s a place where the sizzle of grills and the tantalizing aroma of cooking beef fills the air, drawing in food enthusiasts from all corners – About Beef Lava Grill. However, this beloved eatery recently found itself at the center of a rather unexpected saga, a story that quickly captured the attention of netizens far and wide. It all unfolded on a regular Tuesday evening, but the events of that night were anything but ordinary. It began with a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, featuring the image of an unnamed man. This wasn’t just any visitor. This man, propelled by a sense of justice and goodwill, was about to set the social media sphere abuzz. The reason? A video had gone viral, capturing two individuals in an act that left many aghast – two Chinese women, in a…
Imagine walking into a grand courtroom, where the future of a nation’s constitution hangs in the balance. It’s Wednesday, and the atmosphere is electric, almost as if the very pillars of democracy are pulsating with anticipation. Seven out of nine judges, with the wisdom of the ages reflected in their eyes, have made a monumental decision. The request at hand? A fiery debate over the roadmap to entirely rewriting the constitution – a saga unfolding with twists and turns worthy of a blockbuster movie. They voted to reject, citing a precedent set by their own interpretation back in the star-crossed year of 2021. Flashback to March 29, where the hallowed halls of the House were abuzz with the sound of democracy in action. The vote was cast, 233 to 103, a chorus of voices seeking guidance from the charter court on the intricate dance of public referendums necessary for birthing…
In the heart of Bangkok, nestled within the bustling streets of the Thon Buri district, a story unfolded that would send shivers down the spine of even the most hardened of souls. On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday afternoon, a tale of anger, betrayal, and tragedy emerged from the walls of a five-story hotel on Soi Wutthakat 14 Road, weaving a narrative that would captivate the nation. The characters in this grim tale were an Indian man, 32 years of age, and a 51-year-old Thai woman, Sukanya Disayabut, whose lives had become entwined under mysterious circumstances. The duo had been residing in the hotel since April 7th, creating an enigma around their stay. Sukanya, a mother to a 20-year-old son, would spend her days within the confines of the hotel, stepping out into the world only as night fell. The plot took a dark turn on that fateful Tuesday. Echoes of…
On a seemingly tranquil morning in Phuket’s Muang district, a serene spot was disrupted by an unforeseen tragedy. The mundane calm of Patak Road was broken, not by the usual chirp of the early birds nor the gentle rustle of leaves, but by an incident that paints a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. Amidst the lush embrace of the roadside foliage, a motorcycle lay in repose, nestled within the depths of a ditch—a silent witness to the day’s somber events. PHUKET: The early hours of Wednesday unfurled a narrative tinged with sorrow as a Russian man’s quest for dawn’s first light ended not in awe, but in the finality of a roadside ditch in Muang district. Pol Col Khunnadet Na Nongkhai, the esteemed chief of Karon police station, reconstructed the timeline of heartbreak that culminated around the curve of Patak Road in tambon Karon at precisely 5:50 a.m. The dawn…