Ah, the world of Thai politics! It’s like a simmering pot of spicy tom yum soup, full of unexpected twists, turns, and a dash of drama. Today, we delve into the latest political concoction involving Anutin Charnvirakul, the dynamic leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, and the whispers of disharmony with their coalition partner, the Pheu Thai Party. Anutin, who wears the hats of both interior minister and deputy prime minister, has been quick to quash these rumors, reiterating his commitment to fruitful collaboration with Pheu Thai. In a rather intriguing twist, esteemed legal expert Paisal Puechmongkol provided a subplot when he shared a casual lunch invitation from Anutin at the Interior Ministry office. Anutin apparently reinforced his comfort within the coalition and his cordial ties with Pheu Thai’s enigmatic de facto leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. Yet, recent tensions between these two political powerhouses have been brewing ever since Bhumjaithai’s Secretary General,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The Labubu cartoon character, typically known for adorable antics and innocent charm, has unwittingly found a dark new lease of life in the world of illicit narcotics. Picture those wide, innocent eyes on a candy-colored tablet—dangerously deceiving. It’s this unlikely mix of innocence and peril that’s making waves across the nation, following a devastating incident at the Songkran festival. The jolly water festival took a morbid turn for three unfortunate souls in Bangkok, sending shockwaves far beyond the water-splashing crowd. The devastating aftermath saw two fatalities and a third individual battling for life in the cold sterility of an intensive care unit. At the center of it all is a sinister party favor—a powerful drug cocktail dubbed “Kanom” or “Labubu.” The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) blew the whistle on these deadly tablets, urging anyone with a penchant for festival pilfering to stay wary. Picture this: the muggy…
Amidst the bustling backdrop of Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, the ceaseless hum of excavators can be heard as they tirelessly delve through the debris of the toppled State Audit Office building. The scene is somber, yet determination is palpable as the teams work to clear the chaos. This Saturday, eyes were once again cast towards this site, now a skeleton of its former grandeur, echoing stories untold. Monday marks a noteworthy turn in this saga. The Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand is all set to dive deep into the tangled web of mystery surrounding the collapse. With a diligent resolve fitting of modern detectives, they are poised to test the mettle of 40 fresh steel samples, meticulously gathered from the rubble. The Industry Ministry’s ever-eloquent spokesperson, Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, stated in no uncertain terms: “Public safety remains the crown jewel of our endeavors. Should manufacturers be found at fault, justice will…
In the wake of the catastrophic landslide that struck the scenic locale of Kata, Phuket, in August last year, the wheels of justice seem to be turning at a glacial pace. Thirteen lives were tragically cut short, and countless others suffered injuries. However, the investigation into this natural disaster, with a hint of human negligence, remains frustratingly stalled. The reason? Documentation—or the lack thereof—as the Karon Police comb through evidence to determine if construction activities might have played a sinister role in the landslide. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkasak Kwanwan, a Senior Inspector at the Karon Police Station, has confided that while victim questioning has wrapped up, they now await further documents that could shed light on how construction negligence may have been a contributing culprit. He insists on the need for proof—evidence that connects the dots between unauthorized construction and the ensuing tragedy. With a keen eye on the proceedings,…
Amidst the bustling corridors of international diplomacy, an upcoming event is set to capture the headlines. Our story takes us to the scenic lands of Cambodia, where the charismatic Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s newest Prime Minister, is gearing up for her very first official sojourn to the neighboring country. Mark your calendars, for on Wednesday and Thursday, April 23 and 24, 2025, history will unfurl in the making. Now, if you’re wondering how this all came about, it was none other than an invitation from Cambodia’s esteemed Prime Minister, Hun Manet, that rolled out the red carpet for this highly anticipated visit. The excitement is palpable as Thailand and Cambodia prepare to not only strengthen their diplomatic ties but also add some memorable chapters to their storied relationship. Let’s delve a little deeper. Imagine, amidst the pomp and circumstance, as the two spirited leaders come together, an emblematic moment awaits: a…
The serene cityscape of Bangkok recently echoed with tragedy as a high-profile construction venture took a harrowing turn. On March 28, the ambitious State Audit Office tower project came crashing down during an earthquake, offering a grim count of dead and sparking a whirlwind of investigations that have gripped the public’s attention. Amidst the turmoil and shock, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) sprang into action, apprehending one of the key figures in the tangled corporate web behind the collapsed 30-storey building. Zhang Chuanling, a Chinese executive associated with the flawed construction endeavour, was nabbed from a plush hotel nestled in the Ratchadaphisek area. His capture on April 19 is a major plot twist in this sobering saga. Zhang is not alone in facing the music; he’s part of a quartet potentially complicit in shady business dealings linked to China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co (CREC). The others, all Thais—Manas Sri-anan,…
In the heart of Chiang Mai province, an unusual team of heroes is making waves. Cue the entrance of Plai Valentine and Plai Saenchamp, two rescue elephants with skills as seasoned as their name suggests. Trained for the toughest terrains—mountainous, aquatic, and those dizzying heights—these gentle giants had a special assignment. On April 19, they turned their trunks to the ravaged sites of Mae Rim district, where a fierce summer storm had left behind a trail of toppled century-old trees, crushed shops and homes, and a choked network of roadways. This was a scene where chaos had cast its shadow over vibrant communities, blocking routes and posing palpable threats. But the duo didn’t ride in alone. They formed an integral part of a dedicated rescue team, complemented by officials and mahouts, the highly skilled elephant trainers who know their elephants like the back of their hand. If you missed the…
In the quiet town of Mueang Lam Ta Sao, nestled within the Wang Noi district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, tragedy struck on the night of April 19. Beneath the moonlit sky, what was once a serene single-storey home became the scene of a harrowing blaze that left behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The fire, which erupted around 10:31 PM, quickly engulfed the dwelling, its flames hungrily consuming the structure while strong winds and nearby piles of rubbish fueled its ferocious appetite. Responding to the urgent call, Police Lieutenant Phuriwat Pansrikaeng, alongside dedicated local firefighters and members of the Phutthaisawan Foundation, sprang into action. Yet, despite their best efforts, it took a punishing 30 minutes to bring the raging inferno under control. The aftermath was a sorrowful sight; the house stood in ruins, and the air was thick with the pall of loss. Within the charred remains lay…
In a landmark move towards a greener and more sustainable future, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has announced its ambitious plan to transition from natural gas-powered (NGV) buses to a new fleet of electric-powered (EV) air-conditioned buses. This year, the agency is set to receive its first delivery of 500 shiny EV buses, marking a pivotal step in their eco-friendly journey. BMTA’s esteemed Director, Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, recently updated the public on the agency’s earnest efforts in leasing these electric buses as a cleaner alternative to the NGV models. The plan—an ode to clean energy—has been submitted with hope to the Ministry of Transport. Meanwhile, the diligent Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is busy compiling its intricate details. The grand scheme then awaits its turn to waltz into the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SoC). Kittikan, with his usual foresight, emphasized that this revision was a…
The sun had barely reached its zenith on a past Wednesday when the Bangkok eastern outer ring road in Pathum Thani turned into a theater of chaos, a vivid illustration of road rage immortalized by a snapshot from a dash cam video. At the heart of this turbulence was Smitthiphat Leenawarat, an intense young man at the tender age of 28, guiding his BMW into a saga he would probably rather forget. As he now faces the consequences of this fateful day, the charges against him have started to unravel a complex web of legal woes. The Pathum Thani roads, it seems, have seen better days. The atmosphere within the Lam Luk Ka police station was tense on Friday evening, as Mr. Smitthiphat and his loyal legal counsel took deliberate steps into the lion’s den to formally acknowledge the numerous charges. A litany of offenses awaited him: assault causing bodily…