In a scene reminiscent of a high-stakes economic drama, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, with the composure and determination of a seasoned leader, addressed a gaggle of reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting this Tuesday. The setting was vibrant, buzzing with the anticipation of the press who hung on to every word that was about to be delivered by the Prime Minister. The crux of his message was a clarion call to the Revenue and Customs departments, urging them to put the pedal to the metal in their efforts to curb the deluge of low-priced products from China swamping the Thai market. The Prime Minister’s directive included a particularly bold move: considering the revocation of the value-added tax (VAT) waiver on Chinese imports priced below 1,500 baht. Why, you might ask? Well, the tidal wave of affordable goods making their way through e-commerce gateways into the heart of Thailand has begun…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a world where the liquid that powers our vehicles, the very essence that keeps the engines humming and trucks moving, becomes a golden treasure, far pricier than one might wish. This isn’t a fantasy tale, but the reality that Thailand faces amidst rising diesel prices globally. The story begins with the Thai government, wielding its financial wand, subsidizing diesel prices to the tune of 5.30 baht per litre, a generous leap from the previous 4.57 baht. But why, you might ask? Let’s dive in. The recent days saw the global market playing a tricky game, pushing diesel prices up the ladder. Consequently, Thailand found itself needing a hefty sum of 375 million baht daily to keep domestic diesel prices from skyrocketing. It’s like trying to hold a giant balloon under water; it requires both hands and a lot of effort. Monthly, this endeavor demands a jaw-dropping 11 billion baht.…
Imagine a plot thickening with intrigue and scandal, straight out of a gripping crime novel. This is the tale of Naphatpapha Janya, a woman caught in the swirling vortex of accusations and legal battles. On a day that seemed like any other Thursday, the serene setting of the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) offices was disturbed as Naphatpapha, the wife of the notoriously tenacious petitioner Srisuwan Janya, stepped through its doors. With a stance defying the storm surrounding her and her husband, Naphatpapha was there to face charges tied to a high-stakes game of attempted extortion. The air was tense as Naphatpapha, flanked by her legal defender, came forward to meet the gaze of the investigators, determined to weave through the intricate tapestry of accusations laid against her family. The police, having summoned her, announced their findings, suggesting links as delicate as spider silk tying her to monetary transactions meant for her…
Wandering into the labyrinthine aisles of a retail store in bustling Bangkok, one might stumble upon a rather peculiar notice adorning the entrance to the spirits section. It reads, as if whispering ancient lore, about the time-honored prohibition of alcohol sales from 2 pm to 5 pm. This isn’t merely a store policy but a glimpse into Thailand’s intricate dance with public health, safety, and tourism. In the heart of the kingdom, where tradition and modernity often clasp hands, a lively debate has bubbled to the surface. The Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association, with visions of aligning the tides of alcohol sales with the government’s ambitious tourism promotion efforts, recently pitched a proposal. Their aim? To lift the veil on the afternoon prohibition of liquor sales, a move they believed would infuse the tourism landscape with newfound vitality. However, the proposition found its way to an esteemed governmental panel, tasked…
It was a scene straight out of a high-octane crime drama, unfolding on the 23rd floor of a glossy highrise in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit Soi 4. A luxury apartment turned crime scene was the setting where a tale of mystery, deceit, and a tragic end was about to unravel. In the early hours, as the city hummed below, a Myanmar businessman’s life was cut short, spinning an international web of intrigue that had the authorities racing against time. The plot thickened when police disclosed their hunt was not just for perpetrators of a grim murder but also for cunning fugitives who had fled across borders with a fortune. The duo, initially believed to be Scots, were later identified as Robinson Saha and Viscio Delord Mamgaing Kam, hailing from Cameroon. Known in the underworld by their aliases “William” and “John”, these men became the crux of a transnational…
In a kingdom where tradition intertwines with the daily lives of its subjects, a remarkable shift is underway, thanks to a compassionate directive from the highest echelons of royalty. The bustling streets of Thailand, often brought to a standstill for the passage of royal motorcades, are witnessing a change that resonates deeply with the heartbeats of its people. The architect of this change? None other than His Majesty himself, with a vision to harmonize the flow of royal processions and the everyday hustle and bustle of his citizens. Rear Admiral Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, the voice of the Defence Ministry, recently illuminated the public on this progressive stride, stating that the police have ceased the practice of entirely blocking roads for royal motorcades. This initiative springs from His Majesty’s thoughtful concern for the livelihood and convenience of his people, balancing the dignified movements of the Royal Family with the pulsating life of…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, an extraordinary scene unfolded as their Majesties the King and Queen gracefully made their way to Wongwian Yai. Their destination? A ceremony steeped in reverence and tradition – to honor the legacy of King Taksin the Great at his monument. This spectacle took place on the brisk morning of December 28, 2020, drawing the eyes and capturing the hearts of onlookers who gathered to witness royalty in motion. The air was electric, palpable with excitement, as captured beautifully in a photograph by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. But what makes this journey stand out amidst the annals of royal processions is a gesture of profound empathy by His Majesty the King towards the citizens of his realm. Breaking away from the erstwhile conventions of royal motorcades that necessitated road closures, His Majesty, in a move that bespeaks the depths of his consideration, has long since ceased this…
In the vibrant and ever-unpredictable landscape of Thai politics, an interesting conundrum is unfolding that could very well resemble the plot of a political thriller. At the heart of it, whispers and wary glances are being exchanged over the potential for not one, but two prime ministers steering the ship of state. This isn’t the latest Netflix series, folks; this is real-life drama, as Chaithawat Tulathon, a beacon of the opposition, rings the alarm bells loudly in the ears of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his crew within the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The scene is set with Chaithawat, who captains the opposition with a keen eye and a sharper wit, cautioning against an eerie political doppelganger scenario. “Imagine a kingdom with two sovereigns,” he muses, painting a picture of confusion and conflict that could derail the government’s journey if caution is thrown to the wind. Chaithawat’s message is clear:…
Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to an evening that glittered with promise yet found itself veering into an unexpected fiasco, all within the luxurious confines of UOB Live, Bangkok’s newest temple of entertainment nestled in the grand EmSphere. The event in question? None other than a concert led by the globally adored crooner, Ed Sheeran, whose melodies typically weave magic and serenity. It was February 11, 2024 – a date that etched itself into the memories of many, not for the ethereal chords of Sheeran’s guitar or his soulful ballads, but for an uproar that snaked its way into the annals of concert history. Picture this: an arena brimming with anticipation, fans from all walks of life united by their love for music, and then, an invasion of disruptive chatter and laughter, slicing through the tranquility like a serrated knife. In a gesture as timely as a perfectly struck…
In a tale that feels more gripping than a political thriller, the story of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital stay has captured the imagination of a nation. It all began with a photo dated October 14 last year, stealthily making its rounds on social media, showing Thaksin being escorted from his room at the Police General Hospital for some serious health checks. Rumors swirled around the nature of his affliction, given the man had not one, but two surgeries for conditions shrouded in mystery since his admission on August 23. The hushed whispers of his health status, guarded by the impenetrable fortress of patient confidentiality, only fueled the wildfire of speculations. Amid the suspense, Thaksin’s looming parole sparked a whole new plot twist, with opposition leader Chaithawat Tulathon turning the heat up on the drama. Picture this: the former Prime Minister strides out of the hospital, the very second…