Posts published in “Thailand”

In a political drama that’s sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats, the Palang Pracharath Party, led by the ever-dynamic General Prawit Wongsuwan, is all geared up for a no-confidence debate against Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Scheduled for March 24, this face-off promises to be anything but dull. PPRP Secretary-General Paiboon Nititawan has declared a two-hour spotlight for his party to grill the prime minister, and with General Prawit taking the lead, expect some fireworks! At the heart of the debate will be several contentious issues, prime among them being the premium detention of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra at the Police General Hospital. But it doesn’t stop there. The discussion will also delve into the maritime claims tangled in the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding over the Gulf of Thailand – a topic as deep and murky as the waters themselves. And of course, let’s not forget the…

Imagine, if you will, the whirlwind of excitement and intrigue bustling through Bangkok’s political circles. The scene set amidst the labyrinthine corridors of power where decisions are sculpted and sculptors wield considerable sway. In the heart of this chaos, we find Rukchanok Srinork, a formidable Member of Parliament representing the People’s Party, navigating the dense political terrain with the finesse of a seasoned diplomat. Just yesterday, Ms. Rukchanok found herself at the epicenter of an enthralling challenge, imploring her compatriot, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to embark on an ambitious venture. Her call? To unify three sprawling social welfare funds into a singular, seamless entity. For some, combining these funds might seem a straightforward tale of savvy governance. Yet, under the neon-glow of Bangkok, it unfolds as an epic narrative rich with anticipation and historical tension. As the spokeswoman for the House committee, with a sharp eye on state budgetary planning…

The echoes of last year’s Senate election controversies are still resounding within the corridors of power, as the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) readies itself for a pivotal decision. Despite robust opposition from the Senate, the DSI’s special cases board stands firm, with its determination to uphold the integrity of democracy under the capable leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. A verdict is expected on Thursday concerning whether to delve into the alleged shenanigans surrounding last year’s Senate election—a decision that holds as much intrigue as a page from a political thriller. The board, which had initially penciled in this decision for a prior Tuesday, decided to pencil again until Thursday, showcasing their commitment to leaving no stone unturned. This careful pause allowed the Election Commission (EC) to step forward, casting the spotlight on crucial information that could tilt the scales. Amid the political cacophony, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong…

In a gripping saga of corruption and mystery, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) is launching a full-scale investigation in the historic region of Lop Buri. The sleepy province is about to become the epicenter of a scandal that involves more than 100 suspected accomplices allegedly embroiled in a high-profile drug and medical supply corruption case centered at the Veterans General Hospital (VGH). Leading the charge is Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, the Deputy Commissioner of the CIB, who announced the impending probe with a firm resolve yesterday. The stakes are high after the War Veterans Organisation of Thailand (WVO), which oversees the hospital, lodged a formal complaint with the CIB’s Anti-Corruption Division earlier in the week. The complaint targets 20 government workers, spurring a meeting of the minds with WVO director-general Gen Detnitit Luangngamkum, VGH’s director Dr. Jittima Preecha, Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission Secretary-General Bhumivisan Kasemsook, and…

The bustling city of Pattaya was alive with vibrant energy as throngs of enthusiastic tourists descended upon Jomtien Beach for the grand finale of the Pattaya Squid Fair 2025. The event, creatively themed “Pirates’ Treasure Under The Sea,” took place on the picturesque shores in front of The Now Hotel, transforming the coastal area into a veritable paradise for seafood lovers. On March 1st, seafood aficionados were treated to a mouthwatering extravaganza as over 50 seafood stalls lined the beach, all vying for the attention of eager visitors. These vendors outdid themselves, offering freshly sourced ocean delights at prices that made even the savviest shoppers loosen their purse strings. From sizzling grilled squid to succulent prawns, the seafood delicacies not only satisfied cravings but created a memorable Local Beach Food Experience against the backdrop of Pattaya’s stunning coastline. The atmosphere was electric and laid-back all at once, as international visitors…

In a bold call to action, the private sector is urging the Thai government to throw open the doors to trade discussions with the indomitable US President Donald Trump while integrating valuable insights from private sector stakeholders. Amidst an air of concern, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has raised red flags about the lagging pace of these negotiations, sounding an alarm that any further delays might spell trouble for the nation’s export scene. At the helm of this conversation, Chaichan Charoensuk, the astute TNSC chairman, cautions that Thailand is yet to make significant headway in bracing for potential US-driven strategies directed at balancing its trade books with Thailand. Chaichan’s concerns are grounded in the absence of a well-defined negotiation game plan and a unified trade policy, which, if not addressed, could leave the government scrambling to act promptly — a situation that could tarnish the shimmering exports to Uncle…

In the heart of Lopburi, a serene temple known as Wat Thaduea Uthumphon became the unlikely setting for an explosive discovery that would have detectives and bomb disposal experts racing against time. Picture this: the tranquil Mueang district, where the chatter of monks is usually accompanied by nothing more sinister than a gentle breeze rustling through the sacred foliage, was unwittingly thrust into chaos on a seemingly ordinary day, March 3, 2025. It all began when Sarawut, a diligent 42-year-old with a penchant for meticulous landscaping, stumbled upon a mysterious black bag. Now, it’s not every day you find something suspicious in a monk’s quarters, and Sarawut’s innate curiosity got the better of him. Peering inside the bag, his eyes widened in disbelief—there lay an ominous bomb. His heart thundering like never before, Sarawut dashed to alert the temple residents. Monks and temple workers hastily made their way out, abandoning…

Picture this: the sun was shining brightly over the exotic island of Phuket, where tourists usually come to relax by the turquoise waters. Yet amidst this paradise, an ominous operation was coming to an abrupt end. Two men, weaving a tangled web of deceit and desperation, found themselves at the center of a nationwide crackdown on illegal loan shark activities. The tale kicks off last Thursday, February 27, when Phuket’s Immigration officers, accompanied by the sharp-eyed agents of the Crime Suppression Division 8 and Immigration Bureau 6, decided to dive headlong into the murky underworld of illegal lending. Their target? Two young men by the names Narucha, aged 26, and Kriangsak, a mere 24. These men, like modern-day pirates, had been offering loans to local vendors and residents, not with swords and intimidating eye patches, but with interest rates so high they made climbers dizzy—an alarming 2% per day! Imagine…

In a case that has triggered a nationwide uproar, a notorious Thai motorist known as “Pete Red Mazda” faces multiple legal actions due to his hazardous driving habits. Pete, renowned for his flashy red Mazda hatchback, has become infamous for his aggressive behavior on the roads, particularly towards motorbike riders. The escalating tension reached a boiling point when Pete’s high-speed antics were caught on camera, showing him colliding with a motorcycle in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. This incident, documented by Pete himself, was shared widely on Facebook, where he frequently aired grievances about other road users. In typical fashion, Pete tried to shift the blame onto the motorcyclist, going so far as to make light of the situation with jest about car insurance and life insurance, using the words, “ask the motorcyclist in the video.” Such callous commentary did not sit well with the public. Criticism erupted online as many…

Phuket is buzzing with anticipation as the enchanting island gets ready to host the Heroines Festival 2025, an event set to be nothing short of legendary. This year, the festival promises an electrifying spectacle, with renowned Thai actresses Anyarin “Tubtim” Terathananpat and Kessarin “Nui” Ektawatkul taking center stage in a grand re-enactment of one of Phuket’s most storied battles. The festival kicked off its exciting announcements on March 2nd at a lively press conference held at the Chartered Bank intersection in the heart of Phuket Town. This thrilling event was graced by none other than Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, alongside other esteemed officials who expressed their enthusiasm for the celebration. The spotlight was undoubtedly on Tubtim, a youthful 34-year-old celebrated for her exceptional performance in the 2024 film “Mae Nak Talu Miti.” Tubtim is all set to step into the shoes of Ya Mook, while the charismatic Nui, a…