It was a scene straight out of a vibrant tapestry of Thai political lore, as supporters and journalists thronged the front of the Shinawatra family’s iconic Ban Chan Song La residence, their eyes fixed in earnest anticipation. The air buzzed with a palpable electricity — Thaksin Shinawatra, the prodigal son of Thai politics, was back. In the heart of Sakon Nakhon, amidst the murmurs of politics and justice, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin laid to rest any qualms about Thaksin’s parole. “It’s all above board,” he assured, painting a picture of a judicial system working in tandem with the spirit of better politics. “Imagine,” he mused, “a Thailand united in joy.” Thaksin, having braved the expanse of self-imposed exile, did not return to stir the political pot immediately, as some might have speculated. Instead, Srettha hinted at a man yearning for the simpler, sweeter pleasures of familial warmth. After all, time…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a scene straight out of a glossy Thai drama, where the heat of politics simmers beneath the surface of calm waters. At the heart of this riveting narrative is none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Prime Minister whose life could easily inspire a blockbuster. Recently, Thaksin was found soaking up the long-missed sunshine by the poolside of his residence in Chan Song La, a moment captured and shared by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her Instagram. This wasn’t just any day under the sun; it marked Thaksin’s first taste of freedom and natural light after a 180-day detention, and a staggering 17 years away from his home. The political arena, much like the waters of Thaksin’s pool, is about to experience some ripples – or perhaps waves. In an unexpected turn of events that reads like a script from a political thriller, Thaksin’s parole has set the…
On a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning that took a tragic turn, the quiet routine at Tha Phra electric train station in Bangkok Yai district was shattered. A scene more fitting of a gripping crime novel unfolded as police and forensic doctors congregated to untangle the circumstances that led to a man’s fatal plummet from the third floor of the station, an incident leaving onlookers in a state of shock and disbelief. The man in question, a 62-year-old pharmacist with a storied career in the pharmaceutical field, met an untimely end that morning. Described as a man devoted to his profession, he was a research manager for a leading company known for its significant contributions in importing and distributing vital medicine, chemicals, and medical equipment. His life, rich with dedication to healthcare, came to a heartbreaking halt at about 10 am under the gaze of the bustling city around him. Witnesses…
On a somber note that reverberated through the heartstrings of many, the case of Tomoko Kawashita, a Japanese woman whose life was tragically cut short in 2007 while exploring the historic expanse of Sukhothai Historical Park in Thailand, has resurfaced in the public consciousness. A haunting saga of mystery, international diplomacy, and the undying resolve of loved ones, this tale begins with the heart-wrenching endeavor of a family seeking justice. The tale took a significant turn last week when Yasuaki and Eiko Kawashita, the bereaved parents of Tomoko, then 27, stepped back onto Thai soil. Accompanied by officials from the Japanese Embassy, they embarked on a pilgrimage fuelled by love and the quest for closure; their destination was a meeting with Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, a rendezvous that only underscored the gravitas of their plea. The discovery of Tomoko’s body on that fateful November day in 2007, near Wat Saphan…
In the quiet twilight of a Saturday evening, nestled amidst the unassuming landscape of Waeng Noi district in Khon Kaen, a discovery straight out of a thriller novel unfolded. It’s a tale that begins with an everyday hero, a drinking water deliveryman, whose routine scavenging for water bottles at a local rubbish dump took an unforeseen twist. Chakarin Tanrin, 27, our protagonist in this eerie narrative, was no stranger to the ins and outs of the dump site. However, this particular visit was marked by an unusual scent that pierced the typical odorous tapestry of decay – the distinct, albeit out-of-place, fragrance of Thai perfume. Guided by curiosity and the peculiar aroma, Chakarin ventured deeper into the dump’s labyrinth. What he uncovered amidst the refuse was a sight that would haunt the bravest of souls – a burnt human skeleton, enveloped in a sinister shroud of ash and soot. The…
Imagine scrolling through your Facebook feed and stumbling upon a post that captures not just your eyes, but your heart. That’s exactly what happened when the Thai Whales group shared a poignant update about a devastating discovery. A local hero, Uthai Yodchan, made headlines as he stumbled upon an unforgettable sight: a lifeless Irrawaddy dolphin washed up ashore. With a heavy heart, Uthai didn’t just stand by; he called the Marine and Coastal Resources Department to action, and soon officials were on the scene, whisking the dolphin away for an autopsy to uncover the mystery of its demise. Now, let’s talk about Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris), creatures of mystique with their round, beakless faces that might just remind you of baby belugas. These gentle beings tip the scales between 98 to 159 kg, floating with elegance through the water. But, here’s the heartbreaker – the International Union for Conservation of…
It was a spectacle that could’ve easily been mistaken for an elaborate political drama, but it wasn’t. The return of Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand was anything but quiet, stirring the pot of ever-boiling Thai politics once more. As crowds swelled and emotions ran high among supporters and detractors alike, the narrative of Thaksin’s homecoming unfolded like a well-scripted play, with the Thai government and various personalities playing their pivotal roles. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, amidst the lush backdrop of Nakhon Phanom province, had nothing but kind words and good wishes for Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, celebrating her father’s parole. When prodded about the legality of Thaksin’s release, Prime Minister Srettha stood firm, asserting that the move was squarely within legal bounds. But the question on everyone’s lips was whether Thailand was now under the twin steer of two leaders, given Thaksin’s towering influence. Srettha was quick to dismiss such…
Imagine a pristine slice of paradise, where turquoise waves gently kiss the shores of Koh Kradan, nestled in the enchanting Sikao district of Trang province. This idyllic locale, a gem in Thailand’s crown of natural wonders, has long captivated the hearts of snorkeling aficionados and sun-seekers from around the globe. However, a recent incident has cast a shadow over this aquatic Eden, sparking a fervent outcry among environmentalists and nature lovers alike. The heart of the controversy is a photograph that has rapidly circulated across social media platforms, notably on the vigilant Facebook page of Monsoon Garbage Thailand, an ardent marine environmental watchdog. The image in question? A tourist boat, unceremoniously anchored to a coral reef by a rope, as if the delicate marine structure were nothing more than a mere convenience for mooring. Accompanying the provocative photo was a video clip, both of which bore silent testimony to an…
It was a scene ripe for the headlines in Bangkok: Thailand’s controversial yet undeniably influential former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, graced the outside world with his presence after an extended stay at the Police General Hospital. Granted parole, his departure on a sunny Sunday morning had more than just the paparazzi buzzing. The air was thick with whispers and the clicks of camera shutters, as captured by the eagle eyes of Thai News Pix/Tananchai Kaewsowattana and relayed across the globe via Reuters. In the digital realm, the Move Forward Party (MFP), Thailand’s spirited opposition force, ignited a fiery debate on social media. The heart of the matter? Thaksin Shinawatra’s health saga and the subsequent parole that seemed shrouded in mystery and controversy. The MFP’s Facebook page became a battleground for discourse, questioning the pillars of justice and whether they stood firm and impartial in the land of smiles. At the…
Picture this: a serene, azure ocean gently laps at the sun-kissed sands of Koh Kradan, nestled in the heart of Thailand’s picturesque Trang province. This slice of paradise, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and crystalline waters, beckons snorkelers from around the globe. But amidst this natural splendor, a concerning scene unfolds, captured vividly in a photograph. A tourist boat, in a blatant disregard for the delicate marine life, has its rope thoughtlessly tied around a precious coral reef. This image, shared by the vigilant Monsoon Garbage Thailand on their Facebook page, alongside a video clip, sparked a wave of outrage online. Their pointed caption? “Mooring buoy is available, but they just moored the boat on coral reefs.” The uproar prompted an immediate response from the guardians of Thailand’s natural treasures, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Tackling the issue head-on, DNP’s chief, the dedicated Attapon…