Last June, as the Senate election unfolded, all eyes were on EC chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong. There he was, diligently navigating the complexities of electoral oversight, his inspection tour like a seasoned maestro leading a delicate symphony. With a photo by the astute Nutthawat Wichieanbut capturing the moment, it was clear that Mr. Itthiporn’s role was anything but mundane, particularly as the election process staged more twists than a mystery novel. Fast forward to today, and Mr. Itthiporn welcomes an exciting collaboration. The formidable Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has joined forces with the Election Commission (EC) in an ambitious probe into alleged collusion during last year’s Senate election. Now, if political intrigue were gladiatorial combat, this probe would be the main event. The EC has been buzzing with 577 petitions claiming misconduct from the aforementioned Senate election. Like bees to honey, these allegations have attracted the attention of many, and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an atmosphere electric with political fervor, the House gears up for a rigorous two-day censure debate set to unfold from March 24th through the 25th, as the opposition prepares to put the prime minister under intense scrutiny. Chief opposition whip, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, representing the People’s Party (PP), confirmed the jamboree of questions and answers, ensuring a full-blown political spectacle. The grandeur culminates on March 26th with a momentous vote of no-confidence, a decision set to ripple through the corridors of power like a veritable political earthquake. The opposition has been allocated a sumptuous 28 hours to meticulously dissect the actions and decisions of the prime minister. Meanwhile, it’s a token seven hours that the government and its cabinet have been granted to stand their ground, leaving two diplomatic hours for the House Speaker and his deputies to maintain some semblance of order amidst the impending cacophony. Pakornwut emphasized the…
Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Nakhon Pathom lies the acclaimed Buddha Monthon Park, a sanctuary for those seeking peace and recreation. This serene haven not only caters to leisurely pursuits but also acts as a sacred venue for time-honored religious ceremonies. Recently, the dramatic courtroom saga surrounding this park’s land came to an intriguing conclusion that’s got everyone talking! In a decisive move, the Central Administrative Court rendered a landmark decision in favor of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) regarding the enigmatic 2,500 rai of land at Buddha Monthon Park. The heart of the matter revolved around whether this land was “central religious property” dedicated exclusively to Buddhist purposes, or simply state land as some skeptics asserted. The verdict now ensures the Treasury Department must keep its hands off this sacred soil, quashing any attempts to mark it as state property. Now, you might be wondering, what precisely…
In the heart of Thailand’s dynamic political sphere, the latest news dazzles as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra steps back into the limelight, advocating a unique solution to tackle the looming specter of household debt. On a bustling Monday in the province of Phitsanulok, Thaksin met with his supporters, sparking discussions that resonated far beyond the crowd’s cheers and waves. Yet, even the most well-meaning remedies come attached with cautionary labels. This particular prescription, Thaksin’s brainchild of a government-led debt buy-back program, has academics and economists raising eyebrow-shaped alarms. The proposal—while feasible in theory—may end up as a double-edged sword rather than a universal panacea. This audacious initiative involves the government swooping in to purchase individuals’ debt from the banking system, curbing the financial burden by allowing citizens to repay their dues more manageably. Forget about those cumbersome demands for full repayment; the plan grants individuals a clean slate by…
Under the grand chandelier-lit halls of the InterContinental Paris-Le Grand, an invigorating dialogue is unfolding at the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit. More than 260 eager participants representing 61 dazzling cities worldwide have gathered here in the romantic city of lights, aiming to illuminate a path toward healthier, safer urban environments. But amidst the charm of Paris, a fervent call to action reverberates overseas, urging the Thai government to roll up its sleeves for a vigorous anti-drunk driving and road safety campaign as April nudges closer with its Songkran festival rendezvous. At the helm of this call is none other than the formidable Kelly Larson, director of Bloomberg Philanthropies. Her stirring words at the summit underscore a plea grounded in urgency and concern for the welfare of Thailand’s citizens. Drawing from her organization’s past endeavours—in which they partnered with Thailand between 2015 and 2019 to tackle road safety—Larson recalls, “We…
In a delightful twist on traditional political garb, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her esteemed cabinet members recently made a sartorial statement at a meeting of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee. The ensemble was not your standard suit-and-tie affair; instead, the Prime Minister led the way by donning pants adorned with patterns representing Thailand’s diverse provinces. This sartorial choice was in full view during the lively meeting held on a sunny Wednesday, painting a vibrant backdrop in the hallowed halls of Government House. Clad in her elegant white suit paired with a striking pair of light-blue pants that boasted the intricate yi sok pattern, an emblematic design from Kanchanaburi province, Ms. Paetongtarn was the picture of provincial pride and modern flair. As she opened the floor, her purpose was more than clear: to rally the nation behind a charming campaign aimed at breathing life into provincial pride through fashion,…
In a remarkable display of civic activism, spirited farmers from 19 provinces gathered outside the grandiose Government House this Tuesday, unloading truckloads of blackchin tilapia in a bold protest. Their rally focused on the government’s lethargic response to the rampant spread of the blackchin tilapia, an invasive species wreaking havoc on local ecosystems. Standing firm in their convictions, they demanded swift action, their call echoing with the urgency of environmental preservation. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) As the scene unfolded, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself at the center of criticism, her every move scrutinized under the public eye. While the clamor from the protests reached a crescendo, Ms. Paetongtarn was spotted on the lush lawns of Government House, her children basking in the afternoon sun, as if innocent reminders of domestic bliss amidst civic strife. Her son and daughter, with their infectious laughter and unbound energy, played obliviously, providing an unusual…
Outside the brooding facade of the Social Security Office, a passionate group of social security subscribers found solidarity with People’s Party MP Rukchanok Srinork. With a fiery dedication, she stood among them, eagerly anticipating the outcome of a pivotal decision set to boost pensions for the majority starting next year. Captured in a striking photo by Pornprom Satrabhaya, it was a scene that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of accountability and hope within the community. Yet, this atmosphere of hope is shadowed by controversy unfurling like a political drama on primetime television. As it turns out, Rukchanok Srinork, along with fellow People’s Party MP Sahassawat Kumkong, have found themselves embroiled in a glaring spotlight after exposing a questionable purchase by the Social Security Office (SSO). Picture this: an acquisition as baffling as a plot twist in a suspense novel—the SSO snapped up an office tower, the SKYY9 Centre on Rama IX…
The vibrant streets of Bangkok are poised to come alive with the thrilling spectacle of the Water Festival 2025, set to splash in from April 12-15. Steered by the capable hands of Thai Beverage, or ThaiBev, this eagerly anticipated festival is all geared up to enchant revelers with its joyful celebration held across the bustling cities and serene provinces, promising a deluge of fun and cultural significance! A hubbub of excitement surrounds the announcement, as enthusiastic attendees and tourists prepare to dive into the event. The Water Festival 2025 is not just any festivity—it aims to be the ultimate cultural immersion while boosting local tourism significantly. Joining forces with key collaborators like the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Culture, ThaiBev’s brainchild is set to make waves by generating a whopping 10 million baht in spending! Suraphon Svetasreni, the chairman of this exuberant fest, is bubbling with…
In a mission to boost local agriculture, Thailand Post is rolling out its EMS express delivery service specifically tailored for the luscious summer fruits of the nation. Aiming to support farmers and entrepreneurs, this service is engineered to efficiently bridge the gap between agricultural production and eager markets. Danan Suphattrapan, Managing Director of Thailand Post, emphasized the company’s dedication to catering to the multifaceted needs of both consumers and businesses. This initiative seeks to eliminate the logistical headaches for agricultural producers, ensuring their produce reaches consumers in pristine condition. The EMS express service flaunts an impressive nationwide network that adapts transportation methods to safeguard the quality of the fruits from farm to table. This transport innovation is especially pivotal during peak harvest times when demand for seasonal delights surges. Further enhancing the service’s efficiency, Thailand Post extends a suite of additional services to assist farmers and business owners. These include…