Posts published in “Thailand”

The winds of change are blowing through the corridors of Thailand’s healthcare system as the government prepares for a transformative overhaul, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira leading the charge. In a candid revelation, Mr. Pichai announced the government’s ambitious plans to revamp healthcare funding with a spotlight on enhancing efficiencies and bridging gaps within the four cardinal pillars of healthcare services: the universal healthcare scheme, affectionately known as the gold card, the Social Security Fund (SSF), medical benefits for the diligent civil servants, and the Department of Local Administration’s (DLA) invaluable health services. What set the stage for this revelation was the maiden committee meeting dedicated to the state of Thailand’s healthcare welfare system—a gathering orchestrated by none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who commissioned the panel on January 27th. Guided by Mr. Pichai at the helm, the 22-member committee delved into a two-hour deep…

In the bustling world of politics, where every decision can ripple waves across the nation, the nomination of cabinet ministers in Thailand has found itself under a perhaps unnecessary magnifying glass. Minister Chousak Sirinil from the Prime Minister’s Office, caught in the whirlwind of political standards, recently shared his concerns after the Constitutional Court’s decision to turn down a petition that sought to untangle the ambiguity around the requirement of “clear honesty” for cabinet positions. The court’s refusal to shed light on the seemingly straightforward term has left Chousak pondering the future landscape of ministerial appointments. He imagines a scenario, where quite literally, someone’s minor offense like parking on a double yellow line might be deemed dishonesty, thereby barring them from assuming a cabinet position. Honestly, how fun would it be for many of us to navigate under such scrutiny? Chousak believes this vague requirement could become a potential pitfall…

Picture this: a bustling Tuesday morning at the Social Security Office, abuzz with chatter and anticipation. There, amid the hustle and bustle, stands the indefatigable People’s Party MP, Rukchanok Srinork, eager to glean the latest from the office’s much-discussed new pension calculation method. This revamped approach promises to enhance pension payouts for the majority of its subscribers starting January, a ray of hope glistening through the financial forecast. However, underneath this optimistic surface, MP Rukchanok finds herself wrestling with concerns simmering beneath the surface—concerns involving the Social Security Fund’s (SSF) newfound enthusiasm for dramatically ramping up off-market investments. According to her revelations and insights as a distinguished member of the Bangkok legislative body, the SSF aims to catapult its off-market investment portfolio from a modest 10 billion baht to a whopping 130 billion, a leap that’s turning heads faster than a roller coaster during peak hours. But why this sudden…

In the heart of bustling Nonthaburi province, high-ranking officials with gravitas gathered in the esteemed confines of the Buntarik Meeting Room (A601), poised on the sixth floor of the regal NIEM headquarters. This particular assembly boasted an illustrious lineup of BMA executives—the crème de la crème of Bangkok’s administration. Among them was the erudite Assoc. Prof. Tavida Kamolvej, whose role as Deputy Governor of Bangkok is emblematic of her commitment to the city’s welfare. Alongside her, Pol. Gen. Adis Ngamchitsuksri, a venerable Adviser to the Governor, lent his seasoned perspective to the discussions, while Dr. Petchpong Kamjikakarn, wielding the mantle of Deputy Director-General of the Medical Service Department, infused the meeting with his profound medical insight. Additionally, critical representatives from the Traffic and Transportation Department and the City Law Enforcement Department punctuated the assembly with their vital strategic viewpoints. Presiding over this confluence of minds was the ever-diplomatic NIEM Secretary-General,…

Amidst the flurry of protests and vocal dissent that echo across the bustling streets of Bangkok, a contentious draft law is causing quite the stir. Just a couple of days ago, a large crowd of determined protesters gathered outside Government House, passionately rallying against the government’s proposal to establish casino entertainment complexes. The scene was a mixture of placards waving in the air and fervent chants calling for change, all under the watchful eyes of passersby and media personnel, reminiscent of a scene pulled straight from a socio-political drama. The focal point of this fervor is the special committee steering the entertainment complex project. At the helm is Vice-Chairman Nikom Boonwiset, a prominent figure within the ruling Pheu Thai Party. He recently disclosed in a lively press statement that four glittering tourist hotspots are being earmarked to host these grandiose complexes: the ever-thriving Bangkok, the bustling shores of Chon Buri,…

At the heart of Bangkok, a city that pulses with the energy of its diverse citizens, an illuminating forum unfolded at Samyan Mitrtown. The Women Vision 2025 event hosted an array of inspiring figures, including the newly crowned Miss Global, Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van, and Ann ‘Waaddao’ Chumaporn, the accomplished co-founder of Bangkok Pride. Amidst the discussions and camaraderie, both women offered insights that left the audience buoyed with hope and determination. Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van, standing resplendent in her newfound Miss Global 2025 title, hails from a humble mountain village in Vietnam. Her journey is not just a pageant fairy tale, but a testament to resilience. At 17, she found herself pregnant, a moment she had initially thought would eclipse her dreams. “I thought that was the end of my dreams; that it was all about surviving,” she recounted, her voice a mix of strength and vulnerability. But rather…

When it comes to embracing the marvels of motherhood and safeguarding reproductive health, women have an impressive advocate in Dr. Chalomkwan Prayoonwech. As the esteemed Director of the Fertility and Women Wellness Clinic and a renowned Specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the BDMS Wellness Clinic, Dr. Chalomkwan is a luminary in her field. Her insights, shared during the engaging “Women Vision: Her Story Our Story” seminar by the Bangkok Post, spotlight a pivotal aspect of women’s wellness: regular consultations with healthcare professionals. While it’s a well-known fact that periodic check-ups are a staple for people of all genders, Dr. Chalomkwan emphasizes a compelling consideration for women, whose unique biological journey demands a tad more vigilance. “Each stage of a woman’s life is special and requires specific planning,” she thoughtfully remarked, capturing the essence of a holistic approach to women’s health. For women contemplating the joyous plunge into motherhood,…

Model and activist Cindy Sirinya Bishop, standing resolutely to the left of the stage, shared her compelling narrative alongside the dynamic actress and advocate Surisa Suzana Renaud, radiant and optimistic on the far left. Completing this quartet of inspiration were the insightful model and influencer Kanticha Chumma, standing second from the right, and the engaging moderator Risa Honghiran, positioned to the right. This event, captured beautifully by Pattarapong Chatpattarsill’s photograph, was more than just a meeting—it was a powerful gathering of minds at the Bangkok Post’s Women Vision event, an awe-inspiring testament to the resilience and determination of Thailand’s prominent feminists. These remarkable women took center stage on a Thursday, discussing their relentless advocacy for women’s rights, menstrual health, and their staunch opposition to sexual violence. Cindy Sirinya Bishop, a household name in Thailand—a multi-talented actress, model, and one of the nation’s most passionate activists—captivated the audience with her evolution…

In a political landscape where drama often takes center stage, the upcoming no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra promises its fair share of intrigue, suspense, and a little touch of theatrical flair. Scheduled to take place on March 24, the debate will tackle allegations against Ms. Paetongtarn’s leadership. Yet, the true spotlight may just fall on the elephant in the room—or rather, the absent figure—former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In a move that has everyone buzzing, the opposition People’s Party (PP), after much deliberation, decided that Thaksin’s name—the titan of Thai politics—won’t be directly mentioned throughout the proceedings. This decision, negotiated during a spirited meeting on Thursday with government and opposition whips, also included bigwigs like Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and the charismatic opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. Post-meeting, Natthaphong, with a twinkle in his eye, revealed that while Thaksin won’t be directly named, the opposition has plenty…

In a bustling metropolis like Bangkok, managing commercial areas can be as tricky as navigating a tuk-tuk through narrow alleyways. Yet, that’s exactly the challenge the Deputy Governor of Bangkok has taken on, focusing on the management of trading zones on Rachini and Maha Chai roads. With the calendar set to flip to 2025, the Phra Nakhon District Office is gearing up to suspend trading activities in these areas. Talk about a change of pace for the city’s street vendors! The numbers tell the story: 11 vendors have made Rachini Road their business hub, while 18 have laid claim to spots on Maha Chai Road. The district office has been tasked with ensuring that commercial activities align with the established trading rules and regulations throughout 2024. Vendors are encouraged to keep sidewalks clear and refrain from setting up their stalls in places already earmarked for suspension. Pedestrian pathways, often the…