On a crisp February morning, the air outside the parliament was charged with anticipation and hope as a vibrant crowd of pro-amnesty activists made their presence felt. It was a moment that captured the fervent belief in the power of change, and at the heart of it all was a clear, unwavering voice advocating for justice and reform. This voice belonged to Karunpol Thiansuwan, an MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP), who stood resolute on a platform that was both challenging and controversial: the inclusion of lese majeste offences in any forthcoming amnesty bill. As sunlight glinted off the polished surfaces of the national parliament building on February 1st, it became evident that the issue at hand was more than just political maneuvering; it was a test of the nation’s commitment to resolution and reconciliation. Karunpol didn’t mince words, stating unequivocally that discussions among political entities were crucial, yet…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a riveting turn of events that has both local and international eyes glued to the Land of Smiles, a group of Thailand’s most vibrant political figures found themselves in the limelight for reasons beyond their usual political rallying. Among them, Pita Limjaroenrat, the beacon of hope for the PM role, who previously navigated Move Forward (the phoenix risen from Future Forward’s ashes) to a landmark victory. The ensemble cast of defendants also featured the charismatic Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the intellectual powerhouse Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, social media maven Pannika Wanich, the strategic Phairatthachot Chantharakhajorn, alongside icons of activism such as Nuttaa Mahattana, Parit Chiwarak, and the youthful dynamo Tanawat Wongchai. In a scene that felt more cinematic than legal, the Pathumwan Municipal Court delivered a verdict that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Despite the gravity of the charges, the court opted for a suspenseful twist –…
Picture this: under the clear blue sky of Bangkok, in front of City Hall, the air is alive with the rhythm of traditional dance – a vibrant celebration of the Songkran festival’s recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This spectacle, captured last December, was just the beginning of a nationwide fiesta that’s about to unfold. In a resplendent show of cultural pride, the Thai government, buoyed by UNESCO’s endorsement, is pulling out all the stops to orchestrate the World Songkran Festival, spinning the festivities out from April 1 to April 21. Chai Wacharonke, a figurehead for government communication, shared this exciting announcement, igniting anticipation across the country. The recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation isn’t merely a nod to tradition; it’s an invitation to the world to partake in Thailand’s most exuberant festival. Imagine the spectacle: across the 76 provinces and the…
Imagine this – you’re standing at Suvarnabhumi airport, weary from your travels, eagerly anticipating the moment you can claim your baggage and step into the vibrant city of Bangkok. Suddenly, you’re greeted with two words that have the power to deflate your enthusiasm like a punctured balloon – “bag delay”. This was the scenario facing passengers of Thai Airways International flight TG635 from Taiwan, a situation all too familiar yet equally frustrating every time it happens. In a turn of events that could have sparked a plot in a drama series, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin orchestrated a surprise inspection at Suvarnabhumi airport. With a demeanour that meant business, he swooped into the airport with the precision of a hawk, flanked by Immigration Division 2’s commander, Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadi. Together, they cut through the airport, making a beeline for the heart of the issue. In an age where patience…
In the vibrant heart of Southeast Asia, nestled among teeming markets and bustling streets, a fashion uproar of an unusual kind has emerged, pitting the charm of traditional Thai craftsmanship against the sprawling tentacles of global imitation. At the center of this sartorial drama are none other than the iconic cat and elephant patterned trousers, emblems of Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry and now, soldiers on the frontlines of the country’s latest “Thai soft power” initiative. Spearheaded by the indomitable Phumtham, the deputy PM with a keen eye for cultural preservation, Thailand is wading into the murky waters of international copyright battles to safeguard these unique creations from inferior imitations. The roots of this stylish saga trace back to the serene landscapes of Chiang Mai and the bustling street markets of Bangkok, where elephant trousers – also affectionately known as Thai fisherman or Aladdin pants – have long captured the imaginations…
In a move that could revolutionize travel in Southeast Asia, Thailand has set its sights on a bold new plan: to turn the dream of visa-free travel across its lush landscapes and those of its neighbors into reality. Leading the charge is none other than Prommin Lertsuridej, the secretary-general to the Prime Minister, who unveiled on a hopeful Monday that the Land of Smiles is reaching out, with open arms and diplomatic handshakes, to its ASEAN buddies with an enticing proposal. The plan? A single entry visa that opens the doors to not just Thailand but extends a warm welcome to the vibrant streets of Vietnam, the ancient temples of Cambodia, the serene landscapes of Laos, and more within the ASEAN block. Vietnam, in particular, has turned its gaze towards Thailand, hoping to bolster its tourism fortunes with a little help from its friend. “Imagine hopping from the bustling markets…
It was a Monday unlike any other in the bustling Pathumwan district, where the air buzzed not just with the everyday hum of metropolitan life but with the tension of political drama unfolding. At the heart of this drama stood nine individuals, notably including Pita Limjaroenrat and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, who found themselves before the stern gaze of the Pathumwan District Court. The matter at hand? A flash mob protest that made waves in 2019, challenging the status quo and thrusting these figures into the spotlight. Pita Limjaroenrat, the articulate chief adviser of the opposition-core Move Forward Party, along with Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit — the charismatic former leader of the now-disbanded Future Forward Party (FFP) — were among the ensemble facing judgement. Joining them were voices equally fervent in their political expression: Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, the movement’s secretary-general, Pannika Wanich the eloquent spokeswoman, along with Pairattachote Chantarakajon, Nattha Mahatthana, Thanawat Wongchai, and Parit…
Imagine, if you will, the picturesque province of Sukhothai, where a tale unlike any other begins with Monthon Phetsang, a 48-year-old man whose spirit and determination defy his physical constraints. This native of Sukhothai, with vigor in his heart and strength in his arms, embarked on a staggering 400-kilometer voyage to Bangkok, not on foot, but pedaling a tricycle with his hands, setting a narrative that intertwines courage, adversity, and the quest for justice. Three weeks ago, in the tranquil tambon Mae Sam of Sri Satchanalai district, Monthon discovered a troubling truth — his disability allowance, a modest sum of 800 baht per month that he was entitled to, had ceased to find its way into his bank account since 2020. The realization struck him hard, especially since he had neither an ID card nor any documents to prove his identity, all claimed by a merciless flood. Why such a…
Welcome to a fascinating chapter in the unfolding story of Southeast Asia’s diplomatic ballet, where Thai PM Srettha Thavisin is all set to roll out the red carpet for a high-profile visitor from neighboring Cambodia. The guest of honor? None other than Hun Manet, a figure poised to bring with him an air of anticipation and the promise of fruitful discussions that could shape the future of both nations. But hold onto your hats, because this rendezvous is anything but a run-of-the-mill diplomatic meet-and-greet. First up on the agenda is a topic that gets every economist’s heart racing: economic border development. Imagine transecting bustling markets where Thai spices meet Cambodian crafts, creating a tapestry of cultural commerce. Then, there’s the promise of boosting trade and investment. Picture this as the economic equivalent of adding fuel to a rocket destined for prosperity. And if that wasn’t enough to get you excited…
Imagine embarking on an extraordinary odyssey, not by choice, but driven by sheer necessity and an iron-clad will. This is the story of Monthon Phetsung, a 48-year-old man, whose epic journey from the quaint town of Tambon Mae Sam in Sukhothai’s Si Satchanalai district, all the way to the bustling city of Bangkok, captured the heart of a nation. Spanning over 824 kilometres, Monthon’s journey wasn’t just about distance, but about determination, resilience, and the quest for justice. It all unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Sunday, when TV screens across the country became windows into Monthon’s arduous adventure. Viewers sat transfixed as they watched Monthon, with a fortitude that defied his physical limits, painstakingly propel his ingeniously modified wheelchair towards the capital, inch by tireless inch. His destination? The Comptroller General’s Department in Bangkok, with an aim as clear as day – to prove his eligibility for his rightful monthly…