Under the warm glow of the afternoon sun, with the grandeur of Government House as their backdrop, Prime Ministers Srettha Thavisin and Hun Manet addressed a sea of eager journalists. The air was thick with anticipation as these leaders from Thailand and Cambodia came together, not just in the spirit of diplomacy, but in a shared vision for a harmonious future. However, the events that unfolded just prior cast a shadow over this momentous occasion. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) Amidst the pomp and ceremony of Hun Manet’s inaugural visit to Bangkok, a quieter narrative was playing out – the arrest of Cambodian activists. It’s a tale that treads the delicate line between lawful governance and the inherent human hunger for freedom of expression. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the steady hand of Chatchai Viriyavejakul, was swift to address the murmurs and concerns that followed. “In Thailand, we pride ourselves…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a city where the hustle and bustle of trade and daily life is overshadowed by a rather unusual problem – an overwhelming population of mischievous monkeys! This is the reality for the residents of Lopburi, a once thriving trade hub in Thailand, now teetering on the edge of becoming a ghost town. The cause? Over 5,000 crab-eating macaques that have taken to the streets, causing chaos and driving potential visitors and business away. In an effort to reclaim the city from these furry menaces, the Lopburi Municipality, led by the proactive Mayor Jamroen Salacheep, has teamed up with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Together, they’ve embarked on an ambitious plan to gently relocate the macaques to a sprawling new home known as the “Monkey Garden.” This massive refuge spans over 13 rai (approximately 2.08 hectares) in the Pho Kao Ton community of Lopburi’s Muang district,…
On a seemingly ordinary day that turned extraordinary, Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset stepped out of his van with the kind of gravitas you’d expect from a high-ranking official. The location? None other than Government House, on the conspicuously significant date of December 12, 2023. The air buzzed with anticipation, as captured elegantly by the lenses of noted photographer Chanat Katanyu. However, beyond the spectacle of arrival and the flash of cameras lay an issue that was anything but ordinary — an issue that brought to light the complex interplay between tradition, respect, and the modern thrust of activism. Minister Thaiset, wielding the combined authority of his office and his notable stance within the Bhumjaithai Party, did not mince words when he addressed what he perceived as an affront to royal processions. With a voice firm and resolute, he declared, “It is unacceptable and extremely inappropriate.” This stern warning against…
In the quaint district of Phayakkhaphum Phisai, nestled within the confines of Maha Sarakham province, a rather extraordinary tale unfolded. This tale is not woven from the threads of folklore but etched into the modern-day annals of a place recognized by the eagle-eyed satellites of Google Maps as Khaothung School. A rather serene educational institution, from a bird’s eye view, became the backdrop for a drama that captivated the attention of locals and authorities alike. It was a Thursday that disrupted the usual ebb and flow of life in this northeastern corner of Thailand. The central figure of our story is a 36-year-old man named Akarawat, a moniker that might as well have been plucked from a thriller novel. Our protagonist, or antagonist depending on where one’s sympathies lie, embarked on a mission driven by what can only be assumed as a heart grappling with the aftermath of love turned…
Imagine strolling down the vibrant, bustling streets of Khao San Road, a melting pot of cultures and aromas; among the fragrant street food and eclectic stalls, one stand catches your eye—a shop displaying an array of dried cannabis buds, each with its own unique scent and story. This scene captures the essence of Thailand’s current cannabis discussion—a topic as intricate and diverse as the buds on Khao San Road. At the heart of this discussion is a proposal from the Justice Ministry to the Public Health Ministry, a maneuver led by Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong. The aim? To temporarily categorize cannabis flower buds and plant extracts as narcotics until a definitive cannabis control law is firmly established. This suggestion doesn’t just spring from thin air; it’s a thoughtful response to the prevalent use and ease of access to cannabis, especially among the youth, and the pressing need to…
Imagine a high-stakes detective story where the sleuth is not in a rain-slicked alley but navigating the polished halls of power, magnifying glass replaced with legal documents and court verdicts. This, dear reader, is the tantalizing drama that unfolded with Niwatchai Gasemmongkol, the secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), at its heart. On a seemingly ordinary Thursday, Niwatchai unveiled the agency’s latest mission: scrutinizing the files of Saksayam, a narrative steeped in intrigue following a court verdict that sent ripples through the corridors of power just a month earlier. Niwatchai, with the calculated calm of a chess grandmaster, hinted that their investigation into the former minister would be as thorough as it was mysterious, leaving no stone unturned. This wasn’t just a routine checkup; it was an exhaustive exploration that promised to delve into every nook and cranny of Saksayam’s past declarations of assets and debts. What skeletons, one…
In the heart of Thailand’s northeastern province of Maha Sarakham, a dramatic scene unfolded at Khaothung School, casting a shadow over what should have been an ordinary Thursday. This wasn’t your everyday academic dispute or a run-of-the-mill school day hiccup. No, what transpired was a tale of love gone awry, negotiations that tested the limits of patience, and a community’s unwavering spirit in the face of danger. As the sun arched high in the sky, casting its midday glow over the humble tambon Pan An of Phayakkhaphum Phisai district, an unexpected visitor made his way into Khaothung School. The man, a figure in his 30s with a history intertwined with one of the school’s own, breached the tranquility of this educational sanctuary. His target was none other than his ex-girlfriend, a teacher dedicated to shaping young minds, with whom he had parted ways about two months prior. The serene campus…
In a groundbreaking turn of events that had the enthusiasm and anticipation of a blockbuster sports movie, Thailand’s football scene witnessed an extraordinary moment of triumph and celebration. The stage was set, and the players were not on the field, but in the realm of administration and governance. The central figure of our tale is none other than the illustrious and dynamic Nualphan Lamsam, who shattered glass ceilings with the grace of a seasoned forward breaking through defenses. Her journey to becoming the 18th president of the Football Association (FA) of Thailand and remarkably, its first-ever female president, is nothing short of inspirational. Imagine the scene: delegates gathered, the air thick with anticipation, as a formidable lineup of candidates awaited their fate. Among them was Polleen Ngampring, the visionary behind the CheerThai fan group – a name synonymous with passion and support for Thai football. There was Warong Thiwthat, whose…
In a recent turn of events that seems more akin to the latest binge-worthy political drama than dry international negotiations, the realm of Southeast Asian geopolitics has been set abuzz. Chatchai Viriyavejkul, serving as the director-general of the Thai Ministry’s East Asian Affairs Department, illuminated the intertwined nature of energy cooperation and territorial disagreements that has captivated nations and observers alike. There was an ambitious move by the Thai Energy Ministry, aiming to untangle the complex web of energy exploration from the sticky issue of boundary discussions. Their rationale was simple—why let geopolitical squabbles hinder the quest for energy in the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) in the mesmerizing Gulf of Thailand? However, Chatchai beg to differ, echoing sentiments higher up the chain of command. On a day that held the weight of history, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet found common ground. The decision was…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the towering skyscrapers and the ever-throbbing pulse of city life, a saga of tradition, nostalgia, and modern exigency unfolds. The Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, belovedly known as Uthenthawai Campus, finds itself at a crossroads, entangled in a narrative that weaves together the fabric of academia, heritage, and the relentless march of progress. The story’s protagonists, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the astute Higher Education Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, recently found themselves responding to an urgent parliamentary inquiry. Democrat party-list MP Chuan Leekpai, a figure of seasoned wisdom and reason, raised the poignant issue. Amidst the hallowed halls of Parliament, questions surrounding the future of Uthenthawai Campus sparked a flood of speculative whispers and concerned murmurs. At the heart of this dilemma lies a tragic episode that unfolded just last week. The age-old rivalry between Uthenthawai alumni and the students from Pathumwan Institute of…