On a bright day in Bangkok, under the watchful gaze of the United Nations office, a poignant scene unfolded. It was a day marked by passion and protest – a vivid tapestry of hope, fear, and unwavering determination. A group of demonstrators, their faces etched with resolve, stood together in solidarity. In their hands, they held up portraits of Aung San Suu Kyi, the embodiment of their struggle, while their arms rose in the symbolic three-finger salute. They were there to mark the third anniversary of Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, a day that would forever be etched in their hearts and minds. Amidst the growing tensions and hardships back home, many Myanmar nationals, seeking refuge and a glimmer of hope, have set their sights on Thailand, a neighbor known for its bustling markets, serene beaches, and, most importantly, a chance at a new beginning. Yet, the path to safety is…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Once upon a time, overshadowing the bustling streets of Bangkok with his billionaire flair and political sagacity, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, found himself scripting a return so dramatic, it could rival the twists of a prime-time soap opera. On a sultry Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Thaksin ended his powerful saga of self-imposed exile — a narrative dense with intrigue, ambition, and a steadfast resolve to reunite with his roots after 17 long years. Thaksin’s resolution was voiced in the quietude of social media corridors last May, where he professed his longing to dissolve the barriers between him and his homeland, evoking a poignant tableau of an aging man yearning for familial warmth. “I am old,” he said, throwing the digital realm abuzz with anticipation. Yet the golden question lingered in the air, thicker than the monsoon clouds above Bangkok: Who would flash the green light for Thailand’s most enigmatic…
Imagine this: you’ve just landed in the bustling Phuket airport, the gateway to an island paradise teeming with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. You’re not alone; countless tourists from around the globe step off their planes, eager to soak up the sun and dive into the culture. But there’s a hitch in this picture-perfect scene — the price of getting here. Transport Minister Suriya Juangruangreangkit, sensing the travelers’ dismay over the steep airfares that have become a barrier between them and their dream vacation, has taken a bold step. He’s turned to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) with a mission: charm the airlines into making the skies more accessible to everyone. Come Tuesday, the CAAT’s meeting rooms will buzz with discussions as officials sit down with the big names in the industry. Their goal? To brainstorm fare reductions that could bring a sigh of relief to many.…
Imagine a world where numbers dance and predictions hold the pulse of economic vitality. Enter Poonthawee Chaiwijitmalakoon, a name as grand as his insights, serving as the assistant director at the illustrious UTCC’s Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting. On a sunny Monday that seemed as ordinary as any, Poonthawee stepped up to the microphone, his words ready to echo across continents. In the realm where commerce meets ambition, Thailand stands poised on the cusp of something great, with an export growth forecast shimmering between 2-3%. Picture this: goods worth a staggering $291.68 billion crisscrossing the globe, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the farthest corners of the world. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connecting cultures, bridging distances, and fueling growth in a world thirsty for progression. Poonthawee’s forecast isn’t plucked from thin air; it’s rooted in a deep understanding of the global economy’s heartbeat, expected to…
As the dawn of December 24, 2023, broke, an air of expectancy filled the markets in Thailand. The vibrant banners and fervent cries of the Social Security Progressive group painted a picture of change, their campaign blazing with energy ahead of an unprecedented event in the annals of Thai social security history – the first-ever election of members to the Social Security board. Amidst the hustle and clatter of market life, a revolution was quietly brewing, captured in the moment by a snapshot shared on @welfarestateTH’s X account. However, as Monday rolled around, the Social Security Office (SSO) found itself in a delicate dance of reassurance and revelation. On one hand, Marasri Jairangsri, the SSO’s deputy secretary-general, sought to calm the storm of public apprehension regarding the fate of the freshly elected board. On the other, whispers of a clandestine push by the Labour Ministry to revert to the old…
In the lush, emerald expanses of Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park, a storm quietly brews. Murmurs of misconduct have rippled through the tranquil canopy, leading to an investigation that reads like a gripping tale of intrigue and defiance. At the heart of this saga is Chaiwat, whose tenure as the park chief has come under scrutiny for all the wrong reasons. Not long ago, whispers of malfeasance reached the ears of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), igniting an investigation that would unravel a web of alleged corruption nestled within the park’s serene vistas. The NACC, acting on these suspicions, recently sought the assistance of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Office of Attorney-General to bring both disciplinary and criminal charges against Chaiwat and a coterie of accomplices. According to an informed source within the NACC, the heart of the controversy lies in the questionable construction of an office…
In the world of Thai politics, a whirlwind of opinions, convictions, and subtle nods towards the past and future leadership dance together in an intricate ballet. On a rather ordinary Monday, Phumtham Wechayachai made headlines with his assertion that critics clinging to their reservations about Thailand’s political landscape were merely echoes of antiquity. Such statements are more than just words; they’re brushstrokes on the vast canvas of Thailand’s political saga. The figure at the heart of this unfolding narrative is none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, a name that reverberates with influence and controversy. Thaksin, the architect behind the Thai Rak Thai Party — which later evolved into the Pheu Thai Party — commands an undiminished respect among many core members of the ruling faction, Phumtham included. Serving as Thaksin’s lieutenant during his tenure, Phumtham’s allegiance is as steadfast as it is storied. Thaksin, after spending an epic 15 years in…
Imagine the vibrant streets of Bangkok, echoing with the passionate chants of protesters under the sweltering Thai sun. It was on July 29, 2023, that an electrifying rally unfolded against the backdrop of a junta-appointed Senate, a scene that seemed straight out of a gripping political thriller. The masses, united in their fervor, were rallying against the Senate’s decision to block the election-winning Move Forward Party from forming a government. A bold move that not only captivated the nation but also triggered waves of discussions around dinner tables and in the nooks and crannies of social media. Now, let’s fast forward to a realm of anticipation and change where Thailand sits on the cusp of a historic electoral process. The stage is set to elect 200 senators, marking the end of an era for the 250-member chamber appointed by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Picture Itthiporn…
On a seemingly ordinary day, the residents of Nonthaburi province were greeted with an extraordinary sight – the waters of Khlong Bang Phraek canal, usually a calm hue, had turned a whimsical shade of pink. This unusual phenomenon, appearing near the vicinity of the colossal Big C department store on Tiwanon Street, swiftly caught the attention of not just the locals, but also the keen eyes of the Department of Science Service (DSS). Thus began the captivating tale of how a team of intrepid scientists embarked on a mission to unveil the mystery of the blush-tinted waters on February 14. The DSS did not hesitate to deploy their Mobile Rapid Response Scientific Team, a squad renowned for their swift action and unparalleled expertise. With a sense of urgency, the team arrived at the scene, armed with their scientific prowess and an arsenal of sophisticated equipment. Their mission was clear –…
In an unfolding drama that feels ripped from the pages of a gritty legal thriller, the usually quiet halls of the Office of the Attorney-General in Thailand have been thrust into the spotlight, not for their steadfast pursuit of justice, but for a harrowing saga involving alleged threats, online gambling, and a cast of characters that could rival any blockbuster movie. At the heart of this riveting tale is Prayut Phetcharakhun, the articulate spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General, who, in a scene that could very well belong in a courtroom drama, unveiled details of a chilling scenario. High-level prosecutors, engaged in their duty to uphold the law, have found themselves the targets of threats, the seriousness of which prompted an urgent plea for intervention. Last week, amidst rising tensions, Attorney-General Amnat Chetcharoenrak penned a letter that would set the wheels of justice spinning at a breakneck pace. Addressed…