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…
Posts published in “Thailand”
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…
Divers on a rescue boat searched for victims amidst the chilling darkness of the Chao Phraya River after a heart-wrenching collision in the Phra Pradaeng district of Thailand’s Samut Prakan province on Saturday night. SAMUT PRAKAN: Two lives were tragically lost, and two others were injured in a harrowing accident involving an actor’s jet ski and a motorboat. The unfortunate event took place around 9 pm, shattering the serene night on the river near Wat Bang Krachao Nok. In the blink of an eye, the jet ski rammed into a small motorboat that was making its way across the river. The impact was devastating, sending the ferry’s 44-year-old passenger Parichat Hoiman and its 64-year-old driver Prayoon Uampathum plunging into the murky depths. They vanished into the river, leaving their loved ones and onlookers in agonizing suspense. As hope waned, the rescue team brought in an echo sounder from Pathum Thani…
Political dynamics are set for a seismic shift with Pheu Thai’s nomination of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new Prime Minister. This move signals that Thaksin Shinawatra, the party’s unofficial leader, is gearing up to bolster the party’s support and counter the People’s Party (PP), according to political analysts. Amidst skepticism regarding her political experience, the 37-year-old Paetongtarn secured substantial backing from the House of Representatives, succeeding Srettha Thavisin, who was ousted by the Constitutional Court. Last year, Pheu Thai partnered with conservative factions to establish the government, branding itself a new conservative power that could rival the PP. This new incarnation of the progressive Move Forward Party was dissolved on August 7, setting the stage for intense political rivalry. According to Stithorn Thananithichot, Director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, Paetongtarn’s ascent underscores a conservative strategy to challenge the main opposition without relying on proxies.…
In an exhilarating turn of events, newly-elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a name that echoes prestige and political legacy as the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin, has vowed to swiftly form a government while ensuring meticulous vetting for her cabinet members. Demonstrating her gratitude and dedication, Ms Paetongtarn took to her X account to express heartfelt thanks to the House of Representatives for bestowing upon her what she deems as the pinnacle of honor for any Thai citizen. “Coalition parties are ready to work to move Thailand forward for the benefit of all Thais,” she confidently proclaimed. A trusted source from Pheu Thai party revealed that preparations are in full swing for Ms Paetongtarn’s royal appointment as the 31st prime minister. This grand occasion is set to take place today at the VOICE TV building, marking a historic moment at 9 am. In concurrence with this, House Speaker…
“` Hundreds of Myanmar migrant workers took a bold stand this past Friday, blocking the entrance to an under-construction factory in the industrial heart of Prachin Buri’s Sri Maha Phot district. Can you imagine the desperation driving such an act? After working hard for two months without any paycheck, these workers were left scraping the bottom of the barrel, struggling even to buy food. The protest had quite the ripple effect. Out of 779 workers, only about 100 dutiful souls turned up for their shifts the day after the demonstration. These 100 were luckier, still receiving regular pay from one of the 11 Thai construction companies hired for the project. The rest of the workforce, fed up with broken promises and empty vows, resorted to this extreme measure to demand their much-delayed dues. The project at stake? A three-story factory in the high-profile Rojana Industrial Estate, contracted by a Chinese…
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is gearing up to set the stage for a transformative leap in Bangkok’s urban transportation. With the planned expropriation spanning across seven buzzing communities in the Prachasongkhroh enclave of Din Daeng district, this initiative aims to kickstart the construction of the much-anticipated western route of the Orange Line electric railway system. Initially, the announcement caused quite a stir, with residents bracing to legally challenge the MRTA over perceived disputes. However, addressing the public outcry, the MRTA clarified that the land expropriation blueprint would strictly adhere to essential needs as delineated in a recent Royal Decree, considerably scaling back the initial expropriation proposals. Slated to commence in October, the MRTA plans to embark on a meticulous land survey. In a gesture of transparency and community consideration, affected residents will receive formal notifications at least 15 days prior to the start of any disruptive…