In a spirited stand reminiscent of David facing Goliath, the tight-knit Pracha Samakkhi community in the heart of Phuket has taken a bold step, reaching out for aid to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. Their plea? To stave off the looming threat of eviction from their cherished homeland, a place they’ve called home for countless years. The community, under the determined leadership of President Surasak Tainapreaw, alongside passionate village representatives, delivered a heartfelt petition to Minister Chalermchai Sri-on. Their encounter took place amidst the serene backdrop of Sirinat National Park in Phuket’s Thalang district, where they bared the distressing reality facing 512 family members of this vibrant community. As the tale unfolds, their narrative paints a picture of resilience and perseverance. These 512 families reside in a sprawling 346-rai expanse in tambon Koh Kaew, Muang district, a land they hold dear yet lack formal title deeds for. “We’ve…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture yourself soaring through scenic landscapes aboard a train linking metropolises across borders. Since its maiden voyage on July 19, more than 13,000 eager passengers have embraced the exciting Bangkok-Vientiane rail service, driving the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to bolster its offerings with an additional passenger wagon. During a recent rendezvous, SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala exchanged insights with Daochinda Siharat, leader of the Lao National Railway State Enterprise, unaffectionately wading into the technicalities of freight transport—a command meeting heralding a shared vision on literally crossing bridges to expand transit capabilities and welcome more travelers. Imagine the harmonious clatter of progress on rails, as the dynamic duo endeavors to choreograph international freight trains into a verifiable ballet, with a lofty aim of 14 round expeditions daily, contemplating even more curtain calls as demand crescendos. To quench the growing thirst of passengers for cross-border escapades, SRT is on the cusp of…
In a fervent bid to polish Thailand’s image in the global marketplace, the energetic Labour Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, is spearheading an initiative that could well redefine the nation’s approach to labor ethics. The Ministry of Labour has pledged to take swift action to clear Thai products such as fishmeal, fish oil, and animal feed from the US government’s 2024 List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. This list, which sends a stark signal to international trade partners, is a consequence of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005, commonly referred to as the TVPRA List. Moreover, these products have also made their unfortunate debut on another less-than-flattering list—the “List of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor” dictated by Executive Order 13126, or the EO List. This unexpected spotlight casts a shadow on the pride of Thailand’s industrious sectors, especially as the 2024 edition…
In what can only be described as a high-stakes political drama, the stage in Thailand is set for another act featuring none other than the much-discussed Shinawatra family. As bright lights shine on Thailand’s current political scene, one cannot overlook a narrative that is as entangling as a yarn spun by a master weaver. The Pheu Thai Party stands at the crux of controversy, with a petition seeking its dissolution leveling allegations of undue influence. Seemingly masterminded by a former ally turned nemesis, the petitions suggest an uncanny puppet play, allegedly orchestrated by Thailand’s ex-premier, Thaksin Shinawatra. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, wears the mantle of leadership for the party, casting further shadows of intrigue. What raises eyebrows here is the essence of the allegations—Thaksin, by law, is not even a card-carrying member of Pheu Thai. Yet, the claims are bold, asserting that his ghostly influence is in breach of the…
In a whirlwind of political paddling, the Pheu Thai Party, together with its merry band of coalition partners, is navigating the choppy waters of Thailand’s never-dull political scene. The latest squall? An amnesty bill that’s got everyone talking, especially since it flirted with the idea of including the dreaded lese majeste offenses under its forgiving umbrella. But rest assured, the coalition has hoisted its flag high and clear — they’re not having any of it. A Thursday to remember saw the House of Representatives diving into a detailed report penned by a dedicated committee, whose mandate was to explore various amnesty avenues. This exploration led to presenting three tantalizing options: a full amnesty, a conditional one, and the unpopular kid on the block — no amnesty at all. These options, under intense scrutiny and debate, are lined up for a vote later this week. The opposition party, the spirited People’s…
The Thailand Game Show 2024, held at the vibrant Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, was a spectacle for gaming enthusiasts, peppered with excitement and strategic vision for the future. The event, vividly captured by Nutthawat Wichieanbut’s lens, unfolded this past weekend, heralding significant news for the esports industry with Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong’s ambitious plans. Amidst colorful displays and electrifying gaming demonstrations, Mr. Prasert, who also serves as Minister of Digital Economy and Society, was on a mission. He, alongside Asst Prof Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, the visionary director-general of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), and Warin Ratchananusorn, the astute leader of the Digital Startup Institute, mingled with industry leaders and conveyed the Thai government’s zealous aspiration to turn their country into a digital epicenter. The grand scheme involves a collaborative venture with major global gaming behemoths to hone manpower skills, thereby carving new niches in the thriving digital landscape.…
In the tranquil province of Chiang Rai, nestled within the lush embrace of Doi Pui National Forest Reserve, lies the Cherntawan International Meditation Centre. This serene sanctuary, guided by the respected monk Phra Maha Vudhijaya Vajiramedhi, is now under the magnifying glass of an inquiry, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations like fireflies on a summer night. The Royal Forest Department, led by the determined and vigilant Surachai Achalaboon, has brandished the spotlight upon the centre, scrutinizing its territorial footprint. A whistle has been blown, alleging that the centre has tiptoed beyond its legal boundaries, expanding its tranquil villas over an area greater than the 47 rai officially sanctioned. Surachai, with the vigor of a detective in a mystery novel, is dispatching troops to the field for a meticulous inspection. The peaceful oasis that is the Cherntawan International Meditation Centre was granted permission to cultivate mindfulness on 113 rai of the…
A compelling scene unfolded over the weekend in Beijing as significant news emerged during the 7th Congress of the International Confucian Association (ICA). Stepping into a role of notable prestige, Pinit Jarusombat, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and current President of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC), was appointed as a Vice President of the ICA. The announcement unfolded against the grand backdrop of the International Conference to commemorate the remarkable 2575th Anniversary of Confucius’ birth. This illustrious event, held on a spirited Saturday, drew an impressive gathering of approximately 500 participants hailing from over 100 countries. Such diversity underlined the wide-reaching resonance of Confucian philosophy—a philosophy that has indeed transcended borders and cultures. The ICA itself, established in the scholarly heart of Beijing in 1994, remains fervently committed to promoting the intellectual legacy of Confucianism alongside other traditional cultures. The association’s mission—to foster mutual understanding and learning among…
In the intricate tapestry of Thailand’s contemporary history, the echoes of past conflicts can often be heard, reverberating through time, as is the case with the Tak Bai massacre. As one wanders through the complexities of this narrative, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha stands as a pivotal figure, urging the nation to confront a painful chapter before the sands of time run out. Sitting with a gravitas befitting his 80 years, Mr. Wan Muhamad has candidly shared his concerns about the simmering tensions that pepper the far South. At the heart of these worries is the looming expiration of the statute of limitations in the notorious 2004 Tak Bai massacre case, due to expire on October 25. It’s a date that casts a long shadow, as it limits the window for arresting and prosecuting those involved in a tragedy that’s etched into the national psyche. Despite these pressures, Mr.…
Last Thursday unfolded a tense scene at the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok as numerous individuals affected by The iCon Group gathered to lodge complaints. A striking photograph captured by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill illustrated the weight of the situation. The numbers are stark: a staggering 5,648 individuals have come forward with grievances, claiming a collective loss of 1.61 billion baht due to their involvement with the direct sales enterprise, The iCon Group. As the weekend drew to a close, the Central Investigation Bureau publicized these mind-boggling figures, positioning them at the forefront of impending money-laundering charges against the suspects behind the company. The saga of complaints began pouring in to nationwide police stations from October 10 to 20, culminating in the Bureau’s history-making revelations. Out of the thousands, detailed questioning concluded with 2,822 people, who reported losing about 965 million baht through their ventures with The iCon Group’s dietary supplements. Meanwhile,…