Anticipation is building in Bangkok as the expansive skywalk in the bustling Bang Kapi area nears its grand opening, slated for the end of next month. This news comes straight from Bangkok’s dynamic deputy governor, Wissanu Sapsompol, who acknowledged the project’s earlier delays but expressed optimism about its progress. As of now, a lively 1km stretch of the skywalk, connecting The Mall shopping centre to Wat Si Boonruang adjacent to the MRT Yellow Line, is already welcoming foot traffic. However, the excitement doesn’t end there. The remaining segment, which promises to seamlessly link the Bang Kapi intersection with the Lam Salee intersection near the MRT Orange Line, is on track to be completed by the end of September. Mr. Wissanu assures that this crucial addition will soon be ready for the public, allowing for even more convenient and enjoyable travel. But wait, there’s more! The finishing touches are scheduled for…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The debate over the future of the Don Muang Tollway continues to heat up in Bangkok, with the Department of Highways (DoH) throwing its hat into the ring. Advising against extending the tollway’s concession, the DoH suggested that slashing toll fees would be a more effective strategy to reduce the capital city’s cost of living. This development follows a proposal from caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who urged the DoH to extend the current concession held by Don Muang Tollway Plc, even though it remains valid until 2034. Minister Suriya’s recommendation has stirred a hornet’s nest, with critics accusing the caretaker minister of prioritizing the concessionaire’s interests over public welfare. This outcry gains further credence from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which has expressed concerns about the potential for corruption if the concession is renewed prematurely. In a measured response to Minister Suriya’s suggestion, the DoH issued a statement advising…
Health experts are raising the alarm, suggesting that the beloved universal healthcare policy, familiarly known as the 30-baht gold card scheme, may soon teeter on the brink of financial unsustainability. Calls for reform are growing louder, with experts emphasizing the need for forward-thinking adjustments to safeguard its future. Initially launched by the Pheu Thai Party just over two decades ago, the 30-baht gold card scheme was designed to ensure that every Thai citizen, especially the financially disadvantaged, gained access to medical treatment without the looming shadow of financial strain. Rolled out in 2002, the scheme required a nominal co-payment of 30 baht per visit. However, this fee was eventually abolished, making medical services entirely free for cardholders. Despite its noble intentions, the scheme has inadvertently heaped a mounting burden on state-owned hospitals. According to a coalition of healthcare professionals, the rapid increase in patient visits, coupled with staff shortages and…
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut’s life took a dramatic turn when he found himself at the helm of the freshly minted People’s Party (PP). This new political entity came into existence on August 9, just two days after the Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) and sanctioned 11 of its executives with a decade-long political ban over their contentious stance on the monarchy, which the court claimed compromised national security. At only 37, Natthaphong’s rise to PP leader was both unexpected and swift. Initially, it seemed likely that Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the MFP unaffected by the court’s ruling, would lead the new party. However, the mantle ultimately fell to Natthaphong. In a candid chat with the Bangkok Post, he acknowledged his primary challenge: securing a majority in the House of Representatives in the next election, which would allow the PP to govern independently and carry forward the MFP’s mission.…
In an unexpected turn of events, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to receive a certificate of innocence within the next 120 days, as announced by the Department of Corrections (DoC). This declaration marks the end of a turbulent chapter in Thai politics and adds a fascinating twist to Thaksin’s storied journey. Among the countless inmates who were blessed with royal pardons on Sunday, Thaksin stands out as a key beneficiary. These pardons were issued to honor the momentous occasion of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28. For those glued to their screens, the revelation was made official with the publication of a royal decree on the Royal Gazette website this past Saturday. Notably, Thaksin’s one-year jail sentence was initially scheduled to conclude on August 31, making the timing of the pardon even more remarkable. In a statement made on Sunday, Sahakarn Phetnarin, the DoC director-general,…
Amidst the flurry of camera flashes and waving flags, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known affectionately as “Ung Ing,” posed gracefully with her supporters, basking in the glow of her new role as the Prime Minister of Thailand. This historic event unfolded at the bustling Pheu Thai Party headquarters on Sunday, marking a momentous chapter in Thai politics. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was now the youngest leader to guide Thailand’s future. This thrilling news quickly made waves beyond the nation’s borders, drawing congratulatory messages from several prominent international figures. Firstly, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, extended his heartfelt congratulations through an upbeat Facebook post. “As close neighbours, Malaysia and Thailand share a vital and enduring partnership, forged on long standing historical, cultural, and economic links as well as deep-rooted kinship. I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Paetongtarn to unlock the full potential of our…
Thaksin Shinawatra attended a momentous ceremony dedicating the royal appointment of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as the new prime minister. The event took place at the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters in Bangkok on a sunny Sunday, with buzz and excitement palpable in the air. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) In a twist of fate, Thaksin is scheduled to appear at the Criminal Court on Monday for his highly-anticipated lese majeste case. According to a reliable source, additional law enforcement agents will be stationed at the court to maintain order amid the expected media frenzy. The usual security measures will be in place, but reinforcements from the Metropolitan Police Division 2, along with extra court staff, will ensure that everything runs smoothly during this high-profile event. However, there’s bad news for the press—they won’t be allowed to attend Thaksin’s court hearing. This decision is sure to stir some frustration among journalists, eager to…
Thaksin Shinawatra embraced his daughter Paetongtarn on the auspicious occasion of the royal endorsement of her prime ministerial position at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok this Sunday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed his readiness to guide his daughter Paetongtarn, Thailand’s new prime minister, as she navigates the challenging role. He believes her humility will garner widespread support. “She knows the road ahead will be tiresome, and she must devote herself entirely while encouraging cooperation from all factions,” Thaksin remarked. “In the past, I led, and she followed. Today, she leads, and I support her from behind,” reflected Thaksin, 75, on his 37-year-old daughter’s new role. Thaksin assured that his daughter could always reach out for advice, but he emphasized that he wouldn’t engage in her political maneuvers. “I’m old, 75 now,” he said, implying his shift to a more advisory role rather than active…
People closely monitored rising flood levels in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai on Saturday night. (Photo: Public Relations Department) CHIANG RAI: The relentless monsoon showed no mercy as the Sai River burst its banks, inundating border markets and residential areas in Mae Sai district late Saturday night. A potent combination of ceaseless downpours and vast torrents from Myanmar’s Shan State brought the river to a roaring flood. This marked the fourth instance of flooding at the bustling Sai Lom Joy market this rainy season, and the third just within the span of a week. When darkness fell on Saturday night, floodwaters swallowed the market, reaching a depth of 1.00 to 1.50 meters. But the Sai River’s wrath wasn’t confined to the border market alone. The deluge swept through communities along its banks, impacting locales such as Koh Sai-Koh Sawan and Mueang Daeng, and also leaving Mai Lung Khon market…
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is gearing up to expropriate land across seven communities in the Prachasongkhroh area of Bangkok’s Din Daeng district to pave the way for the construction of the western route of the Orange Line electric railway system. However, the initial plan faced a potential legal challenge from residents affected by the expropriation, prompting the MRTA to reconsider and scale back the land acquisition. The land acquisitions will now be carried out strictly within the framework outlined by a recent Royal Decree. Surveying for the project is set to begin in October, with the MRTA promising to notify affected residents at least 15 days before work begins. Expropriation fees will be determined based on market prices as assessed by a panel comprising representatives from the Treasury Department, the Land Department, the district office director, and local administrators. The Royal Gazette published a decree on…