The humid streets of Sathorn, Bangkok, played host to a rather peculiar skirmish recently, capturing the internet’s attention, but thankfully ending in laughter and camaraderie rather than courts and hostility. The saga commenced not with a bang, but with a beep, when an innocent journey turned into an episode worthy of a soap opera. Meet Bird, the 43-year-old motorcyclist at the heart of this tale, alongside his unwitting partner-in-misunderstanding, the driver of a silver Honda Jazz. In true Bangkok fashion, where the unexpected is the norm, the altercation between Bird and the Jazz driver unfolded under the glaring sun and unblinking eyes of social media users, who gobbled up the drama like it was fresh Tom Yum. Stuck in the congested veins of the city, Bird found himself under verbal siege when the driver lowered his window and launched an unexpected tirade, complete with a spit salvo. Not one to…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an unexpected twist within the intrigued walls of justice, the Department of Corrections (DoC) has recently been ensnared in a controversy that seems to have gripped the nation with the tight suspense of a courtroom drama. Imaginations are running wild after a recent Senate session saw accusations flying like arrows directed at the DoC, suggesting impropriety and favoritism towards an alleged prison maestro dubbed “Somdet”. The Senator Sitthikorn Thongyos, who hurled these dramatic allegations, composed an interpretation of shadows and whispers that floated around like an unsweetened scandal ripe for sensational tabloid headlines. Senator Thongyos took the floor of the Senate meeting on Tuesday with tales that seemed plucked straight from a mystery novel. He claimed that under the leadership of Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, the DoC had taken a morally dubious path, allegedly nurturing a system that allowed certain tethered individuals to flutter above the rules,…
The bustling realm of Thai urban development is experiencing a transformative wave, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) at the helm, steering towards the ambitious yet heartening “Home for Thais” low-cost housing initiative. With an eye-catching investment of 5 billion baht earmarked for this project, the stage is set for a dramatic shift in the real estate scene, facilitated by SRT Asset (SRTA), a subsidiary that promises to turn ambitious dreams into tangible structures. Deputy SRT Governor Anan Phonimdang, in an exuberant declaration, revealed that the SRT board has greenlit the leasing of four strategic parcels of land. These aren’t just any plots; they’re prime real estate jewels located in some of the most lively districts of Thailand: 15 rai in the vibrant Bang Sue district of Bangkok, 18 rai nestled near the tranquil Chiang Rak train station in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district, 23 rai stationed near the…
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…
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…