In a heartwarming gesture of festivity, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul was seen extending the warmest Thai New Year greetings to the charismatic Prime Minister and leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, within the historic halls of the Government House on the crisp morning of April 10. Anutin, renowned both as the stalwart Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, dismissed any gossips hinting at a rift with Pheu Thai, putting the spotlight on the strong bonds and unwavering cooperation between these political heavyweights. But the rumors, as they often do, had taken flight. The Twitter-esque waves and Facebook posts, especially a notable one from legal maven Paisal Puechmongkol, hinted at schisms. Yet, as the delicious aroma of a fine lunch wafted through the Interior Ministry office, Mr. Anutin made it clear to Paisal that all was well within the coalition camaraderie. His longstanding camaraderie with the former Prime…
Posts published in “Thailand”
On a breezy March 9th morning, an ocean of white-clad protesters emerged, making their way towards the formidable edifice of parliament. Their message was clear and loud: the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill was not welcome in their Thailand. The Pheu Thai-led government had initially plunged forward with ambitions to fast-track this controversial bill. However, mounting opposition from diverse quarters momentarily halted their aggressive push. The contentious bill has been pushed to the back burner until the next parliamentary session, slated for July 2. An adversarial atmosphere surrounds the bill as political observer views it with skepticism. The path seems fraught with obstacles, especially after Chaichanok Chidchob of the Bhumjaithai Party—a crucial coalition partner—vocally opposed it in parliament. In response, Anutin Charnvirakul, the Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai leader, sought to reassure the coalition’s members that the opposition was no cause for alarm. Yet, the whisperings persist, suggesting that there may be…
In a city where the electric hum of life never ceases, where modern skyscrapers juxtapose serene temples, an important conversation unfolded within the hallowed halls of Bangkok City Hall, known locally as Sao Chingcha. As morning light stood at the doorsteps of Phra Nakhon district, the capital’s social architects gathered in the Rattanakosin Room for the climatic first meeting of the year 2025. Sanon Wangsrangboon, the Deputy Governor, took stage amidst a sea of expectant faces, joined by the ever-astute Wantanee Wattana and Saenyakorn Ounmeesri, the unwavering stalwart Permanent Secretary and his Deputy of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The air hummed with change as Sanon delved into the arcane yet vital rivulets of legislative reform, pointing fingers at the BMA Act B.E. 2528 (1985). “Our law should speak in a language as clear as a serene Bangkok dawn,” he declared, advocating for simplification to invite a chorus of public…
It was a case that shocked the world, one shrouded in the dark veil of betrayal, privilege, and power misused. Thitisan “Joe Ferrari” Utthanaphon, once a revered police colonel, fell from grace in an unsettling drama that unfolded in Nakhon Sawan. In 2021, Thitisan, alongside his five subordinates, executed a young, 24-year-old drug suspect in a ghastly manner—an asphyxiation method involving plastic bags at a local police station. Fast forward to March 7, 2025, and the saga took another grim twist as Thitisan was found dead in his prison cell, his death ruled as suicide, leaving behind countless questions and a reputation steeped in controversy. The chilling discovery was made at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok, where Thitisan had been serving a life sentence for his crimes. The official examination, involving both the Central Institute of Forensic Science and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, concluded the cause of death as…
In a tale of political intrigue and courtroom drama, the stage was set in Khon Kaen where Ekarat Changlao, a notable Member of Parliament, found himself in the eye of a tumultuous storm. Once a respected figure within the esteemed Bhumjaithai Party, Ekarat’s fate took a sharp turn as his involvement in an embezzlement scandal led to his expulsion. The decision resounded through the corridors of Thailand’s political arena, leaving no room for ambiguity—this was a clean-cut consensus, executed with a razor-sharp precision by the party’s executive board and representative members. To truly understand the gravity of this decision, one must journey back to that fateful Thursday when the echoes of a gavel sounded through the halls of the Khon Kaen Provincial Court. The judgment was as stark as the midday sun—nearly 13 years behind bars awaited Ekarat. His crime? The embezzlement of a jaw-dropping 405 million baht from the…
In a world where virtual rogues thought they could hide behind digital facades, Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan, the formidable head honcho of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), had a few tricks up his sleeve. His latest media briefing became an electrifying tale of intrigue and deception, as he announced the takedown of a nefarious ring through a bold move in Khon Kaen this past Saturday. The CCIB unleashed its cybernetic might on six cunning Thais who had embarked on a digital misadventure one could scarcely imagine. Their grand scheme? A fictitious agricultural trading company, which, in a plot twist worthy of a blockbuster, was merely a cunning façade masking an extensive gambling website operation. Behind the murky veil, over 3.2 billion baht was stealthily flowing, right under the noses of unsuspecting netizens. In a dramatic operation spanning the bustling metropolis of Bangkok and the sunny shores of Songkhla,…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the vibrant cityscape grapples with the forces of nature, a story of resilience and empathy unfolds. Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok’s Governor, took to the airwaves on an otherwise unremarkable Saturday, addressing concerns spiraling from the recent calamity that befell the metropolis—a catastrophic building collapse in the Chatuchak district. He spoke with a blend of authority and compassion, eager to reassure the public of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) unwavering dedication to cooperation with every agency involved in the ongoing operations. Rumors had swirled like transient storm clouds overhead, suggesting discord and disarray, but Chadchart was quick to dismiss these speculations. He emphasized the strides made in fortifying communication and coordination since the initial chaos erupted, marking a significant improvement in the rescue efforts that followed. The building in question, the State Audit Office (SAO) edifice on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, was still under construction…
Last Friday, in the bustling city of Bangkok, a fascinating diplomatic dance unfolded. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was seen in earnest conversation with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who now chairs an informal Asean advisory group. The focus of these talks? None other than the complex political terrain of Myanmar and Asean’s role in mediating these troubled waters. As the world watched, Thailand’s involvement in these discussions came with a careful disclaimer. Official sources were quick to clarify that Thailand acted purely as a facilitator between Malaysia—Asean’s current chair—and Myanmar’s military junta. Yet, the murmurs of critique were inescapable as scholars and analysts scrutinized the opaqueness that shrouded the meeting outcomes. Calls for tangible and impactful resolutions in any future dialogues reverberated across the academic circles. The diplomatic spotlight shone on Thursday as signaled by Nikorndej Balankura, the eloquent spokesperson for Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to…
Who knew that the pursuit of a little thrill on the water could leave you high and dry, both literally and figuratively? In the ever-vibrant sun-soaked alcove of Phuket, the land where sea meets sand and adventure beckons brightly like a lighthouse, a twist in the tide has unveiled a rather interesting plot. What am I waxing nautical about, you ask? Well, it’s the curious case of the jet ski conundrum! Now, hold on to your life jackets, because this story’s ripples are sure to make waves. Picture this: a string of unlicensed jet skis zipping across the pristine Andaman Sea. Quite the sight for sore eyes, isn’t it? But behind this picturesque panorama lies a scam that could make even the cunningest pirates blush. On a recent Friday, Phuket was buzzing more than a yacht party as Marine police turned sleuths, launching a full-scale treasure hunt for unscrupulous operators.…
Picture this: the hum of airplanes, the bustle of travelers eager to explore the undiscovered gems of Thailand. Yes, it’s another vibrant day at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the adventure truly begins! But, dear traveler, before you set foot on Thai soil, there’s a digital detour that beckons you — the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC for those who love a good acronym adventure. Mark this date, fellow wanderlusters, on your travel itineraries: as of April 28, prepping for your Thai escapade requires a digital touch. Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak has revealed that this seamless slice of digital wizardry is now your gateway to Thailand. Forget about the days when the TM.6 paper form reigned supreme; we’re in the digital age, people! Ready to dive into digital? The TDAC awaits your input, and soon, you’ll even have a mobile app gracing your Android or iOS devices for that ultimate convenience.…