In an ambitious attempt to redefine rehabilitation, the Department of Corrections (DoC) has proposed an innovative approach to parole: reading. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, with his adeptness for progressive thinking, has laid out a plan where inmates might earn a day’s parole for each book they consume during their incarceration, a novel idea already taking root in some corners of the world. Delving into the heart of the reform, the impetus is to ignite a spark of learning within prison walls, providing inmates with the gift of knowledge before they reenter society. “The cornerstone of this initiative,” Pol Col Tawee asserts, “is ensuring that each and every inmate emerges with the skills to read, write, and even navigate the business world upon release.” The statistics present a sobering narrative: out of the colossal population of 230,000 prisoners across the nation, a striking 77% have not completed compulsory education,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has touched down in Beijing, embarking on a dynamic three-day diplomatic escapade, with her schedule packed to the brim. Central to her visit is fostering long-term investment partnerships with China, a topic which is likely to dominate discussions and could provide a significant boost to both the Thai and Chinese economies. Picture this: Paetongtarn amidst grandiose halls and lush settings at the Jinjiang Palace—it’s not just a diplomatic mission, it’s a whirlwind of agendas and cordial exchanges! Her prime objective? To bolster bilateral cooperation, specifically to tackle the modern nuisance of online scams that have been targeting their citizens. And it doesn’t stop there. On Thursday, brace yourself for some power meetings when Paetongtarn squares off with none other than President Xi Jinping and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Their conversations will dance around a plethora of collaborative issues,…
The tranquil evening air of Ongkharak district was shattered on Monday night as officials stormed into a clandestine gambling den, seizing piles of gambling chips and cash. The raid, executed with precision by the Department of Provincial Administration law enforcement center, revealed an undercurrent of illicit activity that’s been flowing beneath the surface in Nakhon Nayok province. Meanwhile, in the bustling political arena of Thailand, the opposition Palang Pracharath Party has drawn a line in the sand. On a spirited Wednesday afternoon, they declared an unwavering stand against a new government bill set to revolutionize the country’s entertainment landscape. The proposed legislation aims to legalize casino gambling, a move that’s been met with both applause and alarm across the nation. Chaimongkol Chairop, a deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, passionately voiced his concerns. “This bill stands to inflict deep scars on Thailand’s social fabric,” he exclaimed, warning against the…
Pita Limjaroenrat, once the charismatic chief adviser to the Move Forward Party, waved to an enthusiastic crowd gathered at their headquarters in Bangkok on a sunny August 7th. The scene was both a moment of defiance and support, as just earlier, the Constitutional Court had delivered its verdict to dissolve the party. Enthusiastic supporters cheered, their voices echoing the spirit of resilience as Pita made his way through, smiling and undeterred. (Photo by Varuth Hirunyatheb) The political landscape in Thailand is teetering on uncertain grounds as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is set to make a pivotal decision. In the coming two months, the fate of 44 former MPs from the now-defunct Move Forward Party hangs in the balance—a party that once promised change and courted controversy like no other. These MPs, among whom 39 still serve under the banner of the People’s Party, are under scrutiny for their audacious…
On a starry Wednesday night, the town of Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy witnessed an unusual dimness. Nearly 40% of the lights, especially those normally brightening high-rise structures, flickered out, shrouding the town in unexpected darkness. This was no ordinary power failure; it was a consequence of Thailand’s decision to halt cross-border power and fuel supplies to Myanmar. But the story of lights and shadows in border towns such as Myawaddy, Payathongzu, and Tachileik isn’t just about illumination and darkness; it’s a saga of crime, commerce, and creativity. The Thai government, responding to increasing pressure from Chinese officials, decided to pull the plug on these border towns, citing concerns over the burgeoning call-centre scam operations targeting Chinese citizens. The masterminds behind these scams, as feared by the Thai and Chinese authorities, have proven to be as elusive as shadows. On Wednesday morning, the plug was pulled with vigor at the helms…
The allure of Pattaya’s sun-drenched beaches and electric nightlife often paints the city as a playground for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation. But beneath the veneer of sun-laden paradises lies a bustling metropolis where not everything is as it seems. Such is the backdrop for the unfolding drama involving British tourist Andrew Hopkins and the local law enforcement. Much to the chagrin of the Pattaya police, British media, specifically the notorious Daily Mail, recently alleged that Hopkins, a spry 55-year-old, was unceremoniously arrested, subjected to rough treatment, and relieved of 15,000 baht by the Pattaya police after a mere, innocent parsing with a direction sign. The immediate retort from Chon Buri Provincial Police came like a monsoon shower on a clear day – swift and adamant. According to Pol Maj Gen Thawatkiat Jindakuansanong, the esteemed commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, the narrative spun by the British tabloid was…
Shwe Kokko, a seemingly serene town nestled in Myawaddy, finds itself swept up in a maelstrom of high-stakes geopolitical maneuvers. There’s a stir, a palpable tension resonating through the quiet streets, sparked by one audacious move—an electricity blackout targeting the very nerve centers of notorious scam operations plaguing the border regions. It all began at the crack of dawn on a blustery Wednesday, when the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) made a bold declaration. From the watchtower of their Bangkok headquarters, they decided to pull the plug, quite literally, on the illicit activities thriving across their borders in Myanmar. The shutdown wasn’t a mere administrative hiccup; it was a calculated strike against the scam syndicates operating with a brazenness that had gone unchecked for far too long. The clandestine hubs spread across three notorious localities—Myawaddy, Payathongzu, and Tachileik—each sitting opposite bustling Thai towns like Mae Sot, Kanchanaburi’s Three Pagodas Pass, and…
In a distressing turn of events, a widely recognized tutoring academy in Pathum Thani has become the focal point of a serious controversy. The institution’s proprietor, Pairat Pipitwatthanaphol, a 52-year-old man, has found himself facing deeply troubling allegations. Accusations of rape and sexual molestation involving three students have sent shockwaves through the local community. The legal wheels started turning when Pavena Hongsakul, the distinguished founder of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, took a decisive step by lodging a formal complaint, thus setting off a chain of investigations. The gravity of the situation became evident when Ms. Pavena ushered not just one, but three families into the office of Pol Col Wiwat Assawawiboon, at the helm of the Muang district police station. These families courageously stepped forward, lending their voices to accounts of sexual misconduct against children, their ages spanning 14, 15, and 18. Alarm bells first rang when…
In a significant and heartening development, five Thai nationals who endured more than a year of a harrowing ordeal as hostages of the Palestinian group Hamas are poised to make their way back home this coming Saturday, February 8. This uplifting news was conveyed by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa during a press briefing on February 4. The individuals set to be reunited with their families include Sathien Suwannakham, Pongsak Thaenna, Watchara Sriaou, Surasak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao. However, it’s important to note that their return, joyously anticipated, is subject to the confirmation of their fitness — both physically and mentally. Minister Maris has emphasized the importance of a cautious approach, mandating Israeli officials and other involved entities to strictly follow medical advice prior to proceeding with their repatriation. The delicate nature of this situation is further complicated by the lack of concrete information regarding one additional Thai hostage who remains…
As whispers of Coca-Cola’s recall in Europe echoed across continents, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) swiftly addressed public concerns with a reassuring wave of clarity. This global giant’s dilemma, with soft drinks contaminated by excessive chlorate levels, had some Thai consumers holding their breaths. However, the FDA made it abundantly clear: none of the problematic batches from Belgium were destined for Thai shores. Most of Thailand’s imported fizzy drinks hail from its ASEAN neighbors, like Laos and Singapore, blissfully uninvolved in this chlorate conundrum. Lertchai Lertwut, the Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, was on the case. He elucidated the origin of this contamination, linking chlorate levels to the disinfection process of water using chlorine derivatives. Chlorates seemingly hitch a ride when water purification methods go astray and pose unexpected risks when found in food and beverages. But before anyone could say “bubble alert,” the FDA had already been…