On a splendid morning back in the charismatic embrace of October 21, 2002, the serene waters of the Tonle Sap river, in the heart of Cambodia, bore witness to a sight both awe-inspiring and poignant. A Mekong giant catfish, a behemoth from the depths of legend, was gently cradled on a modest fisherman’s boat, its scales glinting in the sun’s tender caress. This moment, captured meticulously by Zeb Hogan for USAID’s Wonders of the Mekong, serves not just as a snapshot of a day in the life of the Mekong but as a stark canvas illustrating a river at the crossroads of destiny. Imagine, if you will, a river; not just any river, but the mighty Mekong. This stunning artery of life, stretching an epic nearly 5,000 kilometres from the spiritual heights of the Tibetan Plateau to the vast embrace of the South China Sea, is more than just a…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine, if you will, a scene seeped not just in the vibrancy of Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry, but also in the heartrending echoes of its recent history. Amid the backdrop of bustling streets and serene temples, there’s a group that stands with a quiet yet resolute determination. This group, known as the Committee of Relatives of the 1992 Black May Heroes, bears the weight of memory and the hope for a future where justice prevails. At the forefront of this poignant journey is Adul Khiewboriboon, a man who wears his title as the chairman of the committee not as a badge of honor, but as a solemn duty. The air was thick with anticipation and the weight of unfulfilled promises one Sunday when Adul, armed with nothing but an open letter, aimed a passionate plea at the doors of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. It was a call to action,…
In the swirling vortex of Thai politics, where the dance of democracy often involves intricate maneuvers, an interesting situation unfolded recently, casting light on the complexities of parliamentary proceedings and the eternal struggle for accountability. This narrative revolves around the Democrat Party, a storied political entity with a lineage tracing back through the annals of Thai political history, and their vocal list-MP, Jurin Laksanawisit. Jurin, with the poise of someone who’s navigated the choppy waters of politics for years, set the stage for this latest episode on a calm Sunday. He divulged an intriguing piece of information – the Democrat Party, despite its rich legacy, finds itself a bit player in the current political drama, boasting a cadre of merely 25 MPs. A situation that, in the grand chessboard of politics, significantly limits their moves. The crux of the matter, as Jurin laid out, hinges on the procedural intricacies of…
The bustling tarmac of Don Mueang airport witnessed a moment steeped in history and anticipation on August 22, 2023. A figure emerged from the shadows of a sleek private jet, a face familiar yet absent from the Thai political landscape for almost two decades—Thaksin Shinawatra, the enigmatic former prime minister of Thailand, was back on home soil. Thaksin’s return sparked a flurry of speculation and whispers across the nation. Would he step back into the political arena? Would he offer his counsel to the currents of power flowing through the corridors of the government? Yet, the man at the center of this whirlwind of questions, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, dispelled the swirling rumors with a straightforward revelation. After a private meeting with Thaksin at his Bangkok residence, Srettha shared that the former leader harbored no ambitions of becoming a government adviser. “He’s been away from Thailand for 17–18 years,” Srettha…
On a typical sunny Sunday at the Government House, a scene unfolded that felt more like a high-stakes drama than governmental proceedings. In one corner, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin exchanged warm hellos with Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, hinting at the serious discussion that was about to take place. The agenda? A helicopter. But not just any helicopter – a Russian-made marvel that promises to elevate Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to new heights, quite literally. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a man whose days are usually packed with crucial decisions and pressing national issues, found himself in the midst of a fervent appeal. A House sub-committee had just turned down a request for a whopping 950 million baht. This wasn’t just pocket change; it was crucial funding intended for a helicopter procurement project that could potentially redefine the DDPM’s operational capabilities. Anutin, wearing his dual hats of Deputy…
In the heart of Bangkok, under the sweeping skies of a city that pulses with the promise of tomorrow, an intriguing chapter unfolds in the political saga of Thailand. The protagonist of our tale is none other than the enigmatic former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a figure whose journey has been as tumultuous as it has been transformative. Recently released on parole, Thaksin has seemingly taken a step back from the whirlwind of political life, as revealed by the current Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. Imagine, if you will, a reunion steeped in years of separation and the silent stories of endurance; this was the scene when Srettha visited Thaksin at his residence. “Thaksin left Thailand for 17–18 years,” Srettha mused, a hint of wonder perhaps coloring his tone. “I think he might want to spend time with his family and recover his health.” It’s a sentiment that tugs at the…
In the grand theatre of Thai politics, where the plot thickens with each passing day, the charismatic Democrat list-MP Jurin Laksanawisit recently stepped into the spotlight with a revelation that could very well be a plot twist. With the weight of anticipation heavy in the air, he disclosed, “We only have 25 MPs.” This understated declaration set the scene for what promises to be a gripping narrative, as the Democrat Party finds itself at a crossroads, navigating the complex terrain of parliamentary debates. The air of suspense as to whether the House will witness a censure debate or a general debate is palpable, hinging on the strategic moves of the Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition. The eminent Mr. Jurin elucidated that for any motion to see the light of day, a considerable backing of MPs is needed — 50 for a general debate and a whopping 100 for…
In the bustling heart of Thailand’s political theater, a beam of spotlight has recently been cast on the Pheu Thai Party, igniting discussions that have reverberated beyond the confines of the usual political discourse. At the forefront of this mini-drama is Adul Khiewboriboon, a name that resonates with the weight of history and the echoes of the 1992 Black May uprising—a series of events that have, over time, been etched into the collective memory of the nation. Adul, donning the hat of the chairman for the Committee of Relatives of the 1992 Black May Heroes, has not just taken a stroll down memory lane for the sake of nostalgia. Instead, he has sounded a clarion call to the ruling Pheu Thai Party, urging them to stride with purpose and honor the pledges they’ve woven into the tapestry of their political narrative. The promise in question? A sweeping amnesty for all…
In a thrilling tale of conservation triumph, the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) reclaimed its territory from the clutches of encroachment, restoring the natural glory of the Nang Rong Waterfall area within the lush expanses of Khao Yai National Park. This saga of environmental justice began in 2015, culminating in a resounding victory for the DNP, as endorsed by the unyielding decision of the Office of Attorney-General (OAG) committee. The heart of this narrative lies within the serene bounds of a 12-rai zone, home to the spectacular Nang Rong Waterfall – a gem in the crown of Khao Yai National Park. However, this natural treasure found itself at the center of an intense turf war between the DNP and the Nakhon Nayok Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO). Sparked by the PAO’s bewildering claim to a slice of paradise, a real-life drama unfolded, captivating onlookers and stakeholders alike.…
Imagine the buzz and excitement swirling through the air, much like the planes that might soon grace the skies above Kalasin, a province in the northeastern corridor of Thailand. This buzz isn’t just about any routine matter; it’s about a groundbreaking development in the region—a brand new airport that could potentially transform the landscape of local tourism and economic growth. At the heart of this thrilling venture is none other than Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin, a man with a vision for the skies. On a fine Saturday in Kalasin, amidst discussions and digital flashes capturing moments for posterity, PM Srettha passionately endorsed the ambitious plan to usher in an era of connectivity for Kalasin through the construction of a new airport. With a deep dive into the province over the weekend, Srettha unveiled that the wheels have been set in motion, with the government earmarking funds for…