In a move that has stirred the waters of Thai politics and the military, the Defence Ministry made headlines with its bold declaration of war against corruption within its ranks. The ministry’s commitment to legal action against any service members, whether draped in uniform or in the casual wear of retirement, who have been trading in the shady market of Sor Dor 43 certificates, was a statement that reverberated through the corridors of power. The announcement came on the heels of alarming accusations by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a notable figure in the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the chair of the House committee on military affairs. Wielding the power of social media, Wiroj unveiled a scheme so audacious it could rival the plot of a spy thriller. According to his Facebook exposé, the market for “grade A” counterfeit conscription documents, authenticated by no less than five official signatures, is thriving. With…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine navigating a world designed for the able-bodied when your own body doesn’t comply. That’s the unwavering reality for countless individuals, but it also forms the backdrop of an inspiring and somewhat bewildering journey that underscores the need for systemic change. Meet Monthon Phetsang, a man whose story transcends personal strife, unfolding into a narrative about resilience, bureaucratic mazes, and the flickers of hope ignited by proposed reforms. This tale not merely recounts the struggles faced by disabled individuals but illustrates the transformation on the horizon, driven by the minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa. In a revelation that seems plucked from the realms of high drama, we delve into the life of Monthon Phetsang, a 48-year-old man who turned his physical limitation into a testament of human will. Registered as disabled since 2015, Monthon found himself entangled in a bureaucratic snarl that saw his disability allowance…
In the heart of our judicial saga, we meet Niran, a 28-year-old man whose life took a dramatic turn from that of a factory worker to a protagonist in a distressing tale of injustice. Imagine, if you will, being accused and jailed for a crime as severe as attempted murder—a crime you know in your bones you didn’t commit. This isn’t the plot of a gripping legal drama; it’s the reality that Niran lived through, a reality that cost him three years behind bars and, more painfully, his family. The ordeal began on an innocuous day, August 21, 2018, when Niran found himself being provoked by three teenagers en route to a friend’s house. Despite the confrontation, Niran chose the higher road, avoiding a physical altercation. Yet, fate had a twisted turn in store for him. Fast forward a year, and the law’s long arm reached out to him, not…
Imagine stepping into an oasis of tranquility amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of Bangkok. This is not just any oasis, but ‘Suan Wat Hua Lamphong Rukkhaniwet’, a community park nestled in the heart of the bustling Bang Rak district. It’s a gem in the urban landscape, part of the groundbreaking Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s 15-Minute Pocket Park project. As students meander through its pathways, it’s a vivid reminder of the city’s efforts to blend nature with urban life. Kantika Kongglom, at 49, finds her solace and routine in another hidden paradise, Suan Suk Jai, situated cozily in Soi Seri Thai 73. Thrice a week, after her day’s work, she jogs within its welcoming embrace, making use of the exercise equipment peppered throughout. It’s her getaway, her slice of green in the grey, conveniently a stone’s throw from her home. “Otherwise,” she chuckles, “I’d be lost to the internet, adrift in…
In the vibrant heart of Southeast Asia, where the allure and dynamism of Bangkok captivate the hearts of locals and travelers alike, an invisible adversary lurks, shadowing the city’s iconic skyline with a veil of haze. Last month, the bustling metropolis found itself grappling with a surge of PM2.5 fine dust pollution, painting a concerning picture of the environmental challenges faced by the urban jungle. The scene, captured in a striking snapshot by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, reveals a skyline that, though obscured, refuses to have its spirit dampened. The Ministry of Public Health, in a swift response to the escalating air quality crisis, unveiled plans to introduce “dust-free” hospital rooms dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable amongst us. In a city that thrives on resilience and innovation, this initiative is set to span across 30 provinces, forming a bulwark against the insidious tendrils of PM2.5 pollution. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the stalwart…
In the grand tapestry of Thai governance, a bold new thread is being woven, shimmering with the promise of technology and inclusivity, yet shadowed by the vigilant eye of anticorruption watchdogs. This week, the air was electric as the Thai government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, announced its determination to march forward with the much-anticipated 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, a project that has caused quite a stir in the political and financial ecosystems of the nation. With a demeanor as calm as a placid lake, yet with resolve as unyielding as the ancient trees of the Thai forests, the government collectively decided to let their digital wallet policy committee spring into action next week. This decision came in the wake of a tête-à-tête between Prime Minister Thavisin and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, where they pondered the path ahead, undeterred by the looming gaze of the National Anti-Corruption Commission…
Welcome to the bustling vibe and vibrant colors of Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the air is thick with anticipation and excitement. This past Tuesday, the airport became a kaleidoscope of cultures as it welcomed a record-breaking influx of tourists, all buzzing with the holiday spirit. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has crunched the numbers, and they’re nothing short of spectacular. A whopping 34.4 billion baht in revenue is projected to be generated during the Chinese New Year holiday, painting the town red with a 30% increase from last year’s festivities. That’s not just money – that’s a whole lot of smiles, memories, and new friendships being made! In a thrilling turn of events, the Airports of Thailand (AOT) has forecasted a sharp spike in foreign arrivals during this festive period. AOT’s maestro, Kirati Kijmanawat, couldn’t hide his excitement as he announced a jaw-dropping 206% jump in passenger numbers flying into the…
In the vibrant heart of Thailand’s bustling economic scene, a drama unfolds that could easily rival any plot from the world’s financial chronicles. At the epicenter is the Bank of Thailand’s monetary policy committee (MPC), currently in the spotlight and feeling the heat from none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin himself. Imagine the scene: it’s a bright and bustling day, and the air is charged with anticipation. The Prime Minister steps up, making a bold public declaration for a 25 basis point rate cut. It’s not just a mere suggestion but a clarion call, underscoring an ongoing saga where the government is desperately signaling to the BoT: “Let’s give our economy the jolt it needs!”. But why the hullabaloo over a quarter percent? Well, it’s the lifeline for a digital wallet handout scheme, with loans soaring over the 500 billion baht mark, aiming to rejuvenate an economy that’s seen…
Welcome to a tale that’s more twisty and turny than a mountain road – the saga of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a story so filled with drama, it could give daytime soap operas a run for their money. Picture this: a warm welcome with enthusiastic waves, a bustling Don Muang Airport, and the date is August 22, 2023. This isn’t just any homecoming. Thaksin, the man of the hour, isn’t returning from a lavish vacation; he’s stepping back into his homeland after 15 long years, only to be escorted straight to the clink. Yes, you heard it right – prison. Thaksin, our protagonist in this intricate political drama, finds himself in a peculiar position. Come February 18, he’ll have served half his sentence, and whispers in the corridors of the Department of Corrections (DoC) reveal he’s on a list. Not Santa’s nice list, but something potentially just as…
In the midst of a world where the geopolitical landscape shifts more frequently than the tides, the industrious Kingdom of Thailand has emerged as a beacon of stability and opportunity. Sparked by the winds of change and the Thai Government’s bold lure of incentives, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Thailand soared to the stellar heights of 663.2 billion baht in the last year alone. This represents a jaw-dropping increase of 72% compared to the figures of yesteryear, catapulting Thailand into the spotlight and marking a milestone in its economic journey. Why this surge, you might ask? Thailand’s allure is not merely the product of happenstance but a carefully orchestrated symphony of factors. The land of smiles has unfurled its vision through a new 5-year investment promotion strategy, meticulously crafted to entice companies looking for a reliable haven for their investments in these turbulent times. The proactive endeavors of Prime Minister…