Posts published in “Thailand”

In a bold move to tighten the reins on inebriated driving, the Thai government’s Ku Fah Facebook page recently sparked waves of conversation with an announcement that’s been described as nothing short of revolutionary. Picture this: On an otherwise unassuming Tuesday, the Cabinet green-lighted a draft directive poised to redefine road safety under the venerable Land Traffic Act of 1979. This isn’t just about putting a few new lines on paper; it’s about handing the Royal Thai Police a robust new toolkit to combat drunk driving with unprecedented vigor. Imagine, if you will, the serene yet steadfast halls of power where this directive awaits its final flourish—a publication in the Royal Gazette—to leap into action. The message is clear: Gone are the days when a mere refusal could shield those under the influence from the cold, hard grip of justice. But what exactly does this entail for the average motorist…

In the heart of Bangkok, amidst the hum of daily life, a drama unfolds that could well be the script for the next political thriller. At its core is Ruangkrai, a man with a mission, navigating the complex waters of Thai politics with a petition in hand. He strides confidently into the bustling office of the Election Commission (EC), ready to challenge the status quo and perhaps, rewrite the future of a nation. The spotlight is on Move Forward, a party that dared to dream of amending the lese majeste law, Article 112 of the Penal Code. This law, a protective cloak around Thailand’s constitutional monarchy, became the battleground for a clash of ideologies. Ruangkrai’s petition isn’t just a stack of papers; it’s a grenade thrown into the political landscape, challenging Move Forward’s vision of reform. Amid this legal chess game, enter Theerayut Suwankesorn, a lawyer not just by profession…

On a bustling Thursday, underneath the watchful eyes of reporters and the relentless pulse of news cameras at the Office of the Election Commission, stood Petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana. His mission? To spark a conversation that might just shake the foundations of Thailand’s political landscape. With a stroke of his pen, Mr. Ruangkrai submitted a petition that could potentially lead to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, igniting a storm of debate over the lese-majeste law and its implications for the country’s constitutional monarchy. Ruangkrai, armed with the legal backing of Section 92 of the organic law on political parties—a piece of legislation that perhaps not many outside legal circles would quote over dinner—contends that actions perceived to undermine the constitutional monarchy warrant judicial intervention. This came hot on the heels of a court ruling that cast Move Forward’s intentions in a dubious light, suggesting that its push to amend…

In a grand affair that caught the attention of culinary enthusiasts and cultural savants alike, the shimmering pages of the Royal Gazette on January 29 fluttered with a monumental announcement. It was revealed that the crown jewel of Thai cuisine, Khao Moo Daeng, was gloriously enshrined as one of 18 cultural wisdom heritage items to be celebrated in 2023. This recognition was not merely a feather in the cap for Khao Moo Daeng but a testament to the rich tapestry of Thailand’s culinary tradition. On a chilly December morning, the 14th to be exact, a committee dedicated to the noble cause of preserving Thailand’s vibrant cultural wisdom convened. With wisdom and gusto, they sifted through the nation’s wealth of traditions and eventually bestowed the honor upon 18 items. Among these, Khao Moo Daeng blazed bright, capturing imaginations and tantalizing taste buds. But this is no ordinary “red pork rice”. Oh…

Imagine this: a group of rock rebels, not just any musicians, but the Russian anti-war rock band Bi-2, found themselves in a gritty plot twist right out of a high-stakes thriller movie. It’s a tale that takes us from the sun-drenched beaches of Phuket, Thailand, to the historic landscapes of Israel, all while under the looming shadow of political dissent against Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine. Last week, the air in Thailand buzzed with tension as news broke out. Bi-2, a band that’s not just famous for its electrifying tunes but also for its bold stance against the war in Ukraine, found themselves in the eye of a storm. Thai authorities, with a stern look that could rival any movie villain, had laid down the gauntlet: face deportation back to Moscow, a journey that promised more peril than adventure for the defiant musicians. What’s a band to do when caught…

Welcome to a tale of tropical triumph and sky-high ascensions, all set against the backdrop of the enchanting Koh Samui! Last year, Samui Airport, the gateway to our island paradise, shattered records and expectations by welcoming over 2.2 million elated tourists, a staggering 66.65% leap from its predecessor. Yes, you read that right. The kind of growth that turns heads and charts, all wrapped up in the sun-drenched charm of Thailand’s beloved isle. Imagine, if you will, a bustling hub in 2023, nestled on the east coast of Thailand. This isn’t just any hub, but Samui Airport, part of the vibrant Koh Samui district in Surat Thani province, which greeted not one, not two, but precisely 2,273,351 adventure seekers, sun worshippers, and full moon party enthusiasts. This achievement, as announced by none other than Jirawat Wutthiwatworakun, the maestro behind the airport’s operations, marks a momentous milestone in the island’s lure…

Imagine a scene befitting a high-stakes drama unfolding in the heart of Bangkok, with the storied Uthenthawai Campus of Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok (RMUTTO) taking center stage. This venerable institution, celebrating its monumental 90th anniversary, found itself wrapped in a cloak of heightened security, as crowd control police stood as sentinels against the potential surge of student unrest. Adorning its gates, a bold banner waved – a testament to the fervent opposition against its proposed relocation, stirring the emotions of all who passed. On this significant day, not one, but two formidable companies of police, specially trained in the art of crowd control, were deployed like chess pieces on a board. Their mission? To ensure the anniversary celebrations remained a joyous affair, untainted by the shadow of student clashes that have historically marred the reputation of these halls of learning. The police, vigilant sentinels, patrolled not just the RMUTTO’s…

Imagine landing in the bustling heart of Thailand, your senses alive with anticipation. The country’s golden hues and the hum of vibrant life promise an adventure unlike any other. This isn’t just a journey; it’s a dive into a realm where the familiar fades and the extraordinary takes centre stage. Welcome to the remarkable world where secondary cities, once hidden gems, are now the crown jewels of Thai tourism, shining brighter than ever, thanks to a concerted push by none other than the government itself. Worachat Luxkanalode, the visionary Country Head of Grab Thailand, is at the forefront of this transformative wave. “Our mission at Grab isn’t just about providing top-notch ride-hailing services,” he shares with a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes. “It’s about weaving the fabric of tourism into the vibrant tapestry of Thailand’s economy, empowering local communities, and marking our beloved nation as a sanctuary for every…

In a decision that sent ripples through the politically vibrant heart of Thailand, the Constitutional Court, on a rather eventful Wednesday, handed down a unanimous ruling that has since sparked intense conversation across the nation. At the heart of this drama are the main opposition party, a beacon of hope for many, and its charismatic leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, who found themselves at odds with the highest laws of the land. The contentious issue? Article 112 of the Criminal Code, more colloquially known as the lese majeste law, a piece of legislation that protects the dignity of the Thai monarchy but has stirred considerable debate about freedom of expression. The opposition’s campaign to amend this law, according to the court, crossed lines, challenging the very foundation of Thailand’s democratic system which places the King at its apex. In what can only be described as a scene right out of a political…

On a somewhat overcast Wednesday, with the hustle and bustle of the economic world swirling like a well-steeped cup of mystery, BOT spokesperson Chayawadee Chaianant stepped up to the podium with news that sent ripples through the gathering of eager listeners. The tale she spun was not one of unbridled joy but rather a nuanced narrative of economic fluctuation and the ever-constant game of forecasting the future. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she began, invoking the attention of all present, “as we stand on the brink of concluding the fourth quarter, it’s time to take stock of our economic vessel’s journey through the tumultuous seas of industry and investment.” The essence of her message was clear: the economic sectors that had long been the sturdy masts of the ship – namely export, industrial manufacturing, and private investment – had begun to show signs of wear, the wind in their sails not as…