In a dramatic twist akin to a political thriller, fresh evidence has surfaced, suggesting that a staggering 20 senators might be embroiled in money laundering tactics linked to the Senate election last year. This is according to Justice Minister, Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, who disclosed the details in a statement yesterday. As the plot thickens, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has amassed an impressive list of over 7,000 witnesses ready to testify about the alleged dodgy dealings during the election period. Of those brave souls, a significant 3,000 have voiced their firsthand experiences of peculiarities surrounding the national-level selection process held at the prominent Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. The election itself was a three-stage affair, reminiscent of a reality show competition, where the candidates were selected by their peers and professional groups spanning district, provincial, and national echelons. Pol Col Tawee, who deftly oversees the DSI, stated that…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a concerted effort to make healthcare access more equitable, particularly for insured workers and individuals under the universal healthcare scheme, the Social Security Office (SSO) is gearing up for a significant meeting next week. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed that this pivotal discussion seeks to level the playing field and is slated for next Wednesday. Steering the meeting will be none other than Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, ensuring that the dialogue is presided over by key figures in the field. Alongside the SSO, the National Health Security Office (NHSO)—the entity behind the universal healthcare scheme—will be actively participating, as will the Comptroller General’s Department. Minister Phiphat outlined the central theme of the upcoming discussion: the potential convergence of healthcare perks across different schemes. Both schemes are poised to assess which benefits could be cohesively merged to amplify access and elevate service quality. Despite his absence from the event, Phiphat…
The political stage in Thailand is ablaze with the drama surrounding the controversial charter amendments, a burning issue that seems to be reaching its zenith of contention. This saga is a whirlwind of political maneuverings driven by the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the opposition, the People’s Party (PP). Their daring mission: sweeping constitutional changes. However, from the get-go, it seemed as though their ambitions were doomed to falter, as the Constitutional Court threw a wrench in their plans, stating that a multitude of referendums was an obligatory step for a successful rewrite. Confronted with the labyrinthine complexities of political theater, the path forward is anything but simple. The double majority rule rears its head here: a majority must not only participate in referendums, but they must also give their nod of approval. The pursuit to dilute this requirement to a single majority is met with resistance, especially from the…
In recent discussions around agricultural strategies in Thailand, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan found himself at the center of an intriguing suggestion that seemed to stir quite the conversation. Speaking before a curious crowd, he addressed the notion of diversifying crops, specifically using the example of bananas. However, lest anyone misconstrue his intentions, Mr. Pichai was quick to clarify that his remarks were not to incentivize farmers to trade their rice paddies for banana plantations, but rather to demonstrate an exciting avenue for enhancing financial stability through high-value crops. Rice, without a doubt, stands as the cornerstone of Thailand’s agricultural sector, deeply ingrained in the cultural and economic fabric of the nation. The government remains steadfast in its dedication to maintaining the prosperity of rice farmers. Minister Pichai emphasized that the ministry’s demonstration farms are rolling out to unearth lucrative markets scattered across the globe. Behind the scenes, market dynamics have…
In a move to clamp down on the burgeoning tide of illicit e-cigarettes sweeping the nation, the government is setting the wheels in motion to form a dedicated committee. As of late, more than a staggering 9,000 websites peddling vapes have been obliterated in a sweep of cyber-zoning laws. In the heart of this crackdown, Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuprai, Minister from the PM’s Office, presided over a convergence of 20 pivotal government bodies to brainstorm strategies aimed at curbing the growing menace of e-cigarettes. This meeting was a progression from an earlier assembly convened just last week, setting the stage for the intricate dance of legal and proactive measures against vaping. Ms. Jiraporn laid out the master plan comprising three pivotal strategies: iron-fisted enforcement against illicit e-cigarettes, preventative measures to stunt their proliferation, and, not least, a wave of legal reforms to bolster these efforts. She divulged that a motion to…
As the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, we find ourselves inspired by the stories of extraordinary women whose indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of our society. Today, the Bangkok Post turns the spotlight on these remarkable trailblazers who have reshaped industries, broken barriers, and steered us toward a future rich with promise and potential. Among these luminaries is Pannabha Chandraramya, a woman who has fearlessly navigated the often tumultuous waters of international diplomacy. Her tenure as the former Ambassador to Tel Aviv was marked not only by her adept handling of delicate political landscapes but also by her ability to foster understanding where there was once discord. Her wisdom and insight have paved the way for harmonious relations, showcasing the profound impact of courageous diplomacy. The Bangkok Post Women of the Year 2025 builds upon…
In the bustling hub that is Bangkok, where the modern skyline meets the timeworn traditions, a Herculean task is unfolding beneath the streets of Soi Sukhumvit 22. As city lights twinkle overhead and nightlife buzzes, a dedicated team toils away in the shadows, their mission: to dredge the seemingly endless pipe systems. “It’s quite the challenge,” quips Chadchart, drawing the curtain back on the relentless task at hand—a task made all the more daring due to its nocturnal nature and the daunting depths of the pipes they delve into. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, led by an unwavering resolve, commences their excavation every night like clockwork. As night owls revel, BMA officials pick up their tools around 10 p.m. Each night presents its own brand of obstacles, but their commitment sees them through from the late hours until the first rays of dawn at 3 a.m. Wednesday brings somewhat of a…
It’s a warm day in Bangkok’s bustling Din Daeng district, and the first meeting room of the Environment Department at the Bangkok City Hall is alive with a palpable buzz of anticipation. The city remains a metropolis of dynamism, but today, all eyes are on the future of a greener Bangkok. Leading the charge is the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). With a vision that extends beyond bureaucratic walls, he passionately highlights the mission of the Bangkok Green Office—a cornerstone initiative aimed at bolstering sustainable ecosystem management and enriching the quality of life for Bangkok’s citizens. “Our criteria for the Bangkok Green Office should be more than mere guidelines—they need to be comprehensible and actionable,” he insists, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration between BMA and its diverse network of agencies. Only through cohesive efforts can the city hope to achieve eco-friendly outcomes that resonate with efficiency…
As the bustling and vibrant gateway to Thailand, Suvarnabhumi Airport is poised for a remarkable transformation, tailored to elevate its stature on the global aviation stage. Picture throngs of excited tourists arriving at the Suvarnabhumi airport passenger terminal, their excitement met by a symphony of progress echoing throughout the terminals. Airports of Thailand (AoT) has meticulously charted a course to expand this aviation behemoth, ambitiously setting its sights on accommodating a staggering 150 million passengers annually by the year 2033. With zeal and determination, AoT president Kerati Kijmanawat unveiled a mammoth 142 billion baht plan — a bold blueprint that sees Suvarnabhumi not just preserving but enhancing its place in the aviation hall of fame. Currently clocking a respectable 65 million passengers each year, the airport is ready to unfurl its wings and climb from its comfortable perch in the top 30 to soar into the prestigious top 10 airports…
Beyond the vibrant alleyways and bustling streets of Nonthaburi lies a clandestine realm where the rhythmic clinking of coins is music to the ears of many. Yes, we’re talking about the unlicensed casinos that have become a hot topic as a new legislative proposal teeters on the brink of approval. Cue the spotlight on the revised Entertainment Complex Bill, which Minister of the PM’s Office, Chousak Sirinil, is gearing up to present to the cabinet next week. This proposal is not just another piece of bureaucratic paperwork; it is considered urgent, with the government eager to usher it onto the legislative fast track. The bill, fresh from its consultation rounds with the Interior and Finance Ministries, has sparked discussions around a biennial requirement for casino enthusiasts. It’s reinstating a prior provision: Thais must have a minimum of 50 million baht lounging comfortably in their bank accounts for a six-month stretch…