In the tranquil hours of a Thursday morning, the world bid farewell to a remarkable spirit, Samana Phothirak, whose journey on Earth ceased at the venerable age of 89. The founder of the Santi Asoke movement took his last breath amidst the natural calm, leaving behind a legacy that touched the hearts and souls of many. This solemn news was shared with the world through a heartfelt post on Boonniyom TV’s Facebook account, marking the passing of a man whose life was as profound as the teachings he espoused. The time was 6:40 am when Samana Phothirak, a beacon of spirituality and the pillar of Santi Asoke, an ascetic branch of Theravada Buddhism, transitioned to eternal peace. Before this final chapter, Samana wrestled with pneumonia, bravely fighting the ailment in Warinchamrab Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani. In early February, in a return that felt much like a homecoming, he moved back…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a tale that seems lifted straight from a tropical noir thriller, Thailand’s picturesque island of Phuket has become the stage for a high-stakes drama involving power, intrigue, and a dash of international flair. Enter stage left, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a man on a mission to uphold justice amidst swirling rumors of underhanded dealings. The spotlight first focused on this enigmatic island when a Swiss national, Urs Fehr, found himself embroiled in controversy. The 45-year-old managing director of Elephant Sanctuary Park Co was accused of physically assaulting Dr. Thandao Chandam, a dedicated physician at Dibuk Hospital, in an incident that has all the makings of a classic whodunit. According to reports, the incident unfolded under the magical glow of a full moon on February 24, near Fehr’s villa in the tranquil district of Thalang. The doctor, alongside a friend, was enjoying the moon’s splendor from steps leading to the…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a city that never quite sleeps, a conversation of paramount significance unfolded as the premier took the stage, revealing an intricate dance of diplomacy and military readiness against the backdrop of neighboring tensions. The air was thick with anticipation as the premier outlined a strategy that involved not just the might of the Army but the astute negotiations of the Foreign Ministry, all in pursuit of a dialogue with Myanmar about a conflict that seemed all too close to home. The cause of concern? The escalating skirmish between the military forces of Myanmar and the resilient Karen National Union (KNU) fighters in the strategically located town of Myawaddy. This conflict, resting on the edge of Thailand’s Mae Sot, holds more than just a territorial dispute; it’s a test of patience and diplomacy for the region. Amid swirling rumors of the 275th Infantry Battalion’s fall,…
In a thrilling twist of political fortune, the distinguished Group editors Somchai Meesen and Weerasak Pongaksorn set the nation abuzz during their electrifying Nation Insight show on Nation TV (22). The buzz? A major Cabinet reshuffle thatโs not just a mere change of faces but a political whirlwind set to sweep across Thailandโs political landscape. Trust us, this is the kind of drama you couldn’t even find in your favorite binge-worthy series. The air was thick with anticipation as they unveiled predictions that would make even the most seasoned political strategists sit up and take notice. The forecast? A cocktail of exits and entries that might just redefine the Thai Cabinet as we know it. Picture this: key figures, the stalwarts of the defence and tourism sectors, are tipped to exit stage left, while fresh new talents are expected to step into the limelight. If this doesn’t scream ‘political makeover’,…
In a captivating turn of events that could easily be mistaken for the plot of a high-stakes thriller, the quiet district of Muang in Chachoengsao province was thrust into the spotlight. The protagonists of this narrative? Sarawut Wanit, a 23-year-old entrepreneur from Bang Khla district with a knack for crafting beyond the ordinary, and his teenage brother, a 17-year-old who has already dipped his toes into the family business. Their venture, however, was far from ordinary. The duo was apprehended in a scene straight out of an action movie, in a commercial building no less, not for trafficking exotic spices or selling rare antiquities online, but for the making and selling of firearms. Yes, you read that right โ homemade guns and an armory’s worth of ammunition were being peddled by these siblings on the digital marketplace. The plot thickened when Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, a name that commands…
Imagine waking up one morning to the news that a delightful financial windfall is on its way to your digital wallet, courtesy of none other than the Thai government. That’s right, folks, in an announcement that has the entire nation buzzing with anticipation, approximately 50 million Thais aged 16 and over could soon find themselves 10,000 baht richer. The man steering this ambitious ship, Premier Srettha, stood tall and assured on Thursday, his confidence unshaken amidst waves of legal scrutiny. “I’m confident everything will be lawful, but I’ll have the Council of State check it,” he declared, addressing the murmurs of legal concerns surrounding the generous handout plan. The scheme, which has sparked both excitement and a whirlwind of debate, found itself under the microscope following claims by an eagle-eyed Move Forward Party MP, Sirikanya Tansakun. She raised a brow at the decision to dip into the coffers of the…
Welcome to the heart of April in Thailand, a time when the air is filled with excitement, the streets are awash with vibrant celebrations, and the spirit of Songkran Day pervades throughout the nation. As the calendar flips to April 13, not only does Thailand brace for its most cherished festival, Songkran Day, but it also pays homage to its elders, marking it as the National Elderly Day. The merriment stretches further into April 14, beloved as Family Day, weaving a tapestry of tradition, culture, and joyful reunions. This year, in a generous gesture to foster familial bonds and honor these time-honored festivities, the government declared April 12 as a public holiday, setting the stage for an extended weekend. This thoughtful move was aimed at enabling Thais from all walks of life to embark on journeys to their ancestral homes, thereby facilitating a grand reunion with their loved ones, steeped…
In what could easily be mistaken for the plot of a lurid soap opera, a tale involving a young monk, his adoptive mother, and clandestine rendezvous in the privacy of a bedroom has captivated the public’s attention. The saga unfolded in the confines of a seemingly ordinary household and escalated to a feature story that sounds straight out of a scandalous blockbuster, except this is no fiction. This sordid affair involves a 24-year-old monk and a 45-year-old woman, who also happens to be his adopted mother, embroiled in a situation that would even have the most seasoned scriptwriters do a double-take. In an unexpected twist that could only be described as life imitating art, the woman’s husband, perhaps driven by suspicion or whispers of betrayal, captured the compromising situation on his smartphone. This explosive evidence was not relegated to hushed conversations but made its digital debut on the widely-followed Facebook…
Imagine sailing smoothly towards a prosperous horizon, only to find your progress slowed by an unforeseen anchor. This scenario vividly captures Thailand’s economic journey as the nation grappled with the late disbursement of its fiscal 2024 budget. The secretary-general of the Monetary Policy Committee, Piti Disyatat, revealed a staggering withdrawal of 140 billion baht from the Thai economy, a punch that shaved off 0.8% of its GDP. Picture the economy as a bustling marketplace that suddenly finds itself in a quiet lull, with merchants and customers alike feeling the pinch. The tale of the delayed budget unfolds like a thriller, where the clock ticks against the backdrop of political suspense. The budget bill, which ideally should have danced into action by the end of September, took a detour through the corridors of post-election politics and the intricate dance of forming a coalition government. This delay meant the curtain only rose…
Are you an avid reader looking for your next captivating read? Or perhaps you’re simply curious about where some of Thailand’s most illustrious figures find their literary escape? Then you’re in the right place. Let’s embark on an enchanting journey through the pages that have inspired, shaped, and entertained ten of Thailand’s most celebrated personalities. From tales of dystopian futures to explorations of the human psyche, this list promises to offer something for every reader. Srettha Thavisin – Steering Through a New World Let’s kick off with none other than Thailand’s 30th prime minister, Srettha Thavisin. The book that captivates his imagination? “Amidst the New World Order” by Piti Srisangnam. It’s not just a book; itโs a voyage through the complexities and challenges of global politics. A read thatโs no doubt reflective of the challenges he navigates as a leader in Thailand’s political landscape. Chadchart Sittipunt – Rethinking Boundaries Chadchart…