Posts published in “Thailand”

Last year, as the Songkran holiday approached, Suvarnabhumi airport became a bustling hub of excitement, teeming with travelers all set to celebrate Thailand’s most famous water festival. The anticipation in the air was palpable, matching the vibrancy of Wichan Charoenkiatpakul’s photograph capturing the scene. It’s that time of the year again when airfares become the focus of discussions among holidaymakers eager to traverse the skies. This Songkran, the skies are not just about the playful splashes of water; they’re also seeing a delightful dip in airfares. The word from the transport minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, is that travelers looking to jet off on three of Thailand’s most sought-after domestic routes can do so without their wallets taking too much of a soaking. He announced with a flourish that airfares for flights from Bangkok to the picturesque realms of Chiang Mai, Krabi, and the ever-inviting Phuket have been capped at an alluring…

Imagine this: a scene right out of a movie, where the suspense is thick in the air. Centre stage is none other than former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, making a grand entrance at the Office of the Attorney-General, but here’s the twist – he’s in a wheelchair. What sounds like a scene set on Feb 19 has all the makings of a political thriller, with the photo to prove it. But just when you thought things couldn’t get more gripping, the plot thickens. The Attorney-General, in a move that could rival any cliffhanger, decides to delay the indictment decision about Thaksin Shinawatra’s alleged lese majeste until May 29. Why, you ask? The anticipation was palpable until it was revealed that our guardians of the law were awaiting an additional interrogation report from the police. Deputy spokesman, Prayut Phetcharakhun, became the bearer of this news on a Wednesday morning that promised…

In an era where technology races ahead at an electrifying pace, the hallowed halls of the Senate witnessed a lively discussion that could very well shape the future of electioneering in the country. On a Tuesday that will be etched in the annals of political dialogue, the Senate threw its weight behind a compelling report—a beacon guiding the Election Commission (EC) through the murky waters of election campaigns powered by the enigmatic force of artificial intelligence (AI). The blueprint for this conversation was meticulously crafted by the Senate’s astute committee on politics, under the watchful eye of Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai. The spotlight was unerringly focused on the burgeoning influence of social media in the politico-electoral domain, a discussion that unfolded in what was to be the Senate’s curtain call before its term bid adieu on May 11. Yet, the spirit of service among the senators promised to linger, as…

Imagine a grand theatre, where the stage is set not for actors, but for a remarkable ensemble of 250 senators, handpicked by the King himself, following the grand endorsement of the National Council for Peace and Order in the shimmering month of May 2019. This assembly, known as the 12th batch of senators, is poised to take a final bow as their term concludes on the cusp of spring, May 10th, marking an end to an era filled with legislative drama, intense debates, and crucial decisions that shaped the nation. Under the glittering dome of the Senate chamber, these guardians of governance convened a staggering 258 times from May 22, 2019, to the brink of April 9, 2024. They clocked in an awe-inspiring 1,579 hours and 55 minutes of rigorous discussions, pouring over the fine print, and charting the course of the country’s legislative journey. This isn’t just about meetings;…

Imagine a vibrant celebration that marks the beginning of a new chapter, filled with hope, joy, and a splash of water – welcome to Songkran Festival, Thailand’s enchanting traditional New Year celebration. From April 12 to April 15, the entire country transforms into a gigantic family reunion, as people from all corners flock to their hometowns, hearts filled with anticipation and excitement. In the midst of this festive uproar, a figure blends into the crowds, observing, assessing—the Premier of Thailand, Srettha. Making his third discreet sojourn to Suvarnabhumi Airport, Srettha’s eyes are set not on the celebrations but on the very cogs that keep this airport running smoothly. His mission? To ensure that the vibrant energy of Songkran flows unhindered, even within the complex operations of one of the world’s busiest airports. After silently navigating the bustling terminals, the Premier, like a modern-day Hermes, took to X (formerly known as…

In the bustling, beautiful land of Thailand, a story of hope, resilience, and international diplomacy unfolds as the nation prepares to open its arms to those fleeing turmoil. Picture this: a serene backdrop juxtaposed with the urgent plight of refugees seeking safety from the conflict in Myanmar. It’s drama and humanity on a grand scale, and Thailand, led by the intrepid Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, stands ready to be the beacon of light for up to 100,000 souls. The stage is set in the aftermath of a gripping turn of events in Myanmar. Rebel forces have captured the town of Myawaddy, throwing lives into chaos and propelling a wave of refugees towards safety. Across the border, Thailand’s Mae Sot district watches and waits, its heart beating in tandem with those on the run. During a critical meeting, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin steering the ship amidst choppy diplomatic waters,…

On an unusually charged Tuesday, the hallowed halls of the Senate buzzed with anticipation as it embraced a groundbreaking discussion that sounded straight out of a sci-fi novel. Yet, this was no fiction; the topic on the table was the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence (AI) in election campaigns. At the heart of the debate was a meticulously crafted report from the Senate committee on politics, spotlighting an urgent plea for the Election Commission (EC) to tighten the reins on AI’s runaway horse in the political arena. Under the watchful eyes of Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, the assembly unfolded like a scene from a futuristic thriller. The report didn’t just skim the surface but delved deep into the complexities of social media’s intertwining with the fabric of politics and election canvassing. This gathering marked a poignant moment, being the final conclave before the Senate’s tenure dissolved into the annals of…

“` Imagine stepping into the heart of Nonthaburi province, where the anticipation in the air is palpable, only to find yourself amidst an unexpected scene – a clandestine casino, bustling with eager gamblers until the sudden dazzle of police lights turns the night upside down. This vivid image became a reality during a raid last November, capturing the essence of Thailand’s ongoing debate about the integration of entertainment complexes, complete with casinos, into its flourishing ‘fun economy’. This Tuesday, a milestone decision saw the cabinet throwing its support behind a special House committee’s vision of legalizing these entertainment havens. Spearheading this ambitious pursuit is the Ministry of Finance, tasked with a crucial 30-day mission to unravel the feasibility of such an investment. With Deputy Government Spokeswoman, Kenika Ounjit, leading the narrative, the tale of Thailand’s “fun economy” unfolds, highlighting a sector brimming with tourism, sports, entertainment, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives,…

In a world where the news cycle spins faster than a globe trotter’s suitcase wheels, Thailand has emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos unfurling in Myanmar. In the most heartwarming of gestures, the Land of Smiles is throwing open its arms to welcome an unprecedented number of refugees, a whopping 100,000 souls, seeking sanctuary from the turmoil that has ensnared their homeland following a power grab in the border town of Myawaddy, opposite Tak’s picturesque Mae Sot district. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, in a revelation that could only be described as a testament to Thailand’s unyielding spirit of compassion, disclosed this grand plan following a high-stakes meeting. With the cream of the nation’s leaders, including Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and top brass from the security forces, the gathering wasn’t just another bureaucratic rendezvous. It was a clarion call to action in the face of adversity. Amidst…

Under the glimmering sun and the solemn gaze of the Royal Thai Navy, a series of photographs emerged, casting shadows of a tragedy etched into the sea’s embrace. The images, stark and somber, depicted the final resting place of the HTMS Sukhothai, its once proud form now surrendered to the depths. With a striking clarity, the damage to a gun turret, a silent witness to the vessel’s last battle against the elements, was laid bare for all to witness during a briefing that was both an exposition of truth and an ode to the fallen. In a revelation that carried the weight of the ocean’s depths, the commander of the HTMS Sukhothai, in a gesture steeped in honor and melancholy, announced his intention to resign. This act, born out of a tragedy that claimed 29 brave souls in December 2022, was a reflection of a devotion to duty and a…