Posts published in “Thailand”

In the bustling heart of Thailand, where the rhythm of life moves at a relentless pace, lies an unexpected truth that the National Police Chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, recently shared, casting a spotlight on a pressing issue. Picture this: officers of the law, the very guardians of peace and safety, standing on the precipice of financial ruin, with debts amassing to a staggering 300 billion baht. An image far removed from the stoic protectors we envision, yet a reality that Torsak opened up about during a session with the House committee, which had convened to dissect the 2024 annual budget expenditure bill, valued at a cool 117 billion baht. As Tuesday dawned, heralding the committee’s inquiry into the Royal Thai Police’s (RTP) budgetary allocations, Torsak delved deeper into the financial woes plaguing his officers. Imagine the heartache and stress of those sworn to serve and protect, struggling to secure…

Welcome to the bustling heart of Thailand’s travel scene, the Suvarnabhumi airport, a sight to behold particularly as the Songkran holidays roll in. Picture this: a sea of eager faces, suitcases in tow, all set for the adventure that awaits during Thailand’s most celebrated festival in April. But there’s more to this scene than meets the eye, especially with the recent talks that have set the travel industry abuzz! The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), a name synonymous with the sky-high standards of Thai aviation, has taken a groundbreaking step. They’ve called a meeting with the big guns of the Thai airline industry. Yes, you read it right – all six of them! We’re talking about the who’s who of the skies: Thai Airways, with its history of elegance; Bangkok Airways, the boutique flyer; Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air, the budget champions; Nok Air, the friendly sky bus;…

In the hallowed halls of Thailand’s House of Representatives, an air of change swept through on a Wednesday not too long ago, marking a significant stride toward reshaping the political landscape of the nation’s southern border provinces. The cause of all this excitement? The agreement, in principle, with three groundbreaking bills poised to dismantle the controversial orders set by the once-powerful National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Why all the fuss, you ask? Well, these orders have long been the subject of heated debate. Critics argue they strangle public engagement in the administrative affairs of Thailand’s restive South and accord military bodies far too much sway in the governance of the southern border provinces. The outcry has been loud and persistent, echoing through the corridors of power from a broad spectrum of political parties. On this historical day, the House saw these three bills debated back-to-back, each emerging victorious…

Welcome to the dawn of a revolution in healthcare – a pioneering leap led by the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) with the launch of “Phukphan.” Imagine a world where the game of guessing how your body might react to a medication is over. That world is here, thanks to the marvels of pharmacogenomics, and Phukphan stands at the forefront of this new era. Phukphan isn’t just any platform; it’s a digital marvel that serves as a centralized vault for genetic test results. These aren’t ordinary tests; they are the beacon that lights the path for doctors to tailor treatments and medication prescriptions that dance to the rhythm of your DNA. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all in medicine; welcome to the age of personalized healthcare. Dr. Yongyot Thummavudhi, the visionary director-general of DMS, spearheads this groundbreaking initiative, born from the collaboration between DMS and the renowned Mahidol University. The…

In the majestic shadows of Khao Yai National Park, a tale of intrigue, diplomacy, and forest preservation unfolds, starring Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and the determined Agriculture Minister, Captain Thamanat Prompow. This saga doesn’t just weave through the dense foliage of one of Thailand’s beloved treasures but into the heart of a land dispute that has roots stretching back decades. Our story begins on a day like any other, with the Prime Minister summoning a gathering of minds, tasked with unravelling a complicated knot. Among those called to this assembly were none other than Captain Thamanat, alongside luminaries such as Vinaroj Supsongsuk of the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro), Jatuporn Burutpat from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Attapol Charoenchansa of the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the strategic Lt Gen Chakorn Boonphakdee from the Royal Thai Survey Department. The heart of the matter? A disputed…

In a story that could rival the latest drama series, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen recently made headlines with his heartwarming reunion with old friend and fellow former leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, in Bangkok. Picture this: two political heavyweights, whose careers have seen more ups and downs than a stock market chart, coming together not as rivals, but as comrades reminiscing about the good old days. The scene was set at Thaksin’s residence, nestled in the quiet streets of Bang Phlat district, a stone’s throw away from the bustling heart of Bangkok. It was here, on a sunny Wednesday, that Hun Sen, with the warmth of a long-lost brother, paid Thaksin a visit. Imagine the emotional reunion, embraced by the comfort of home, with grilled prawns from Suphan Buri sizzling in the background and Thai desserts sweetening the atmosphere. Hun Sen wasn’t just in town for the food, though. The…

Imagine a scene right out of a glossy movie set in the vibrant heart of Bangkok, where the buzz of the city forms a compelling backdrop. At the fore of this vivid picture stands a solitary figure, a guard, at the entrance of the infamous Klong Prem Central Prison. This isn’t just any ordinary day; it’s the day when the wheels of justice and controversy spin wildly, triggered by a decision to grant parole to the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This decision has set the entire nation abuzz, murmuring in cafes, debating in the streets, and questioning in the halls of power. Enter the opposition Democrat Party, a band of lawmakers fueled by a resolve to challenge the status quo. They’re on a mission – a crusade, if you will – to change the very fabric of the Corrections Act of 2017. Their proposal? A daring shift to strip…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the urban sprawl meets the echoes of history, stands the formidable Klong Prem Central Prison. Known to many as a place of redemption and reformation, it recently became the central stage for a drama that has gripped the nation. The silhouette of a guard, the steadfast sentinel, casts a shadow over the entrance, hinting at the tales of repentance and controversy that lie within its walls. In this latest chapter, the spotlight shines on the opposition Democrat Party, which has ignited a fiery discussion with its bold proposal. The Democrats, stirred by a sense of justice and a quest for transparency, are championing a legislative revolution. Their battle cry? A proposed bill that seeks to amend the Corrections Act of 2017, a move poised to redefine the landscape of prison sentence reductions and parole. In a daring shift from tradition, the party suggests…

Welcome to Thailand, the land of smiles, known for its breathtaking beaches, delectable cuisine, and – as the latest charts have shown – its intriguing position on the global democracy scoreboard. The annual Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Democracy Index has recently pegged Thailand at 63 out of 167 countries and territories reviewed last year, taking a slight tumble from 55 in 2022. But hey, in the world of democracy rankings, it’s a roller coaster, and Thailand is firmly strapped in for the ride. Professor Thitinan, a luminary at the Faculty of Political Science, wasn’t taken aback by this dip. In his chat with The Nation, he pointed to the series of suppressed protests over the last two decades as one of the culprits. Add to that, he mentioned, the rather liberal approach to arresting folks and keeping them from the comforting embrace of bail, not to mention the pair of…

Under the gilded dome of democracy, a narrative unfolds—one that encapsulates the dance of governance and the rhythm of statutes. It’s a tale not just of legal proceedings but of aspirations, influence, and political fervor. Step into the scene where Pita Limjaroenrat and Chaithawat Tulathon engage with the press, embodying the spirit of the Move Forward Party. Their dialogue with reporters, against the solemn backdrop of the parliament, is not just an exchange of words but a moment captured in the annals of political discourse. This was on a day that would imprint itself in the chronicles of Thai politics—January 31st, when the Constitutional Court laid down the gavel against their party’s advocacy to reform the lese-majeste law. Like a plot twist in a riveting political thriller, the full verdict of the Constitutional Court, challenging the very ideology of the Move Forward Party, found its way to the Election Commission’s…