In the vibrant political tapestry of Thailand, one figure has painted an exceptionally compelling picture: Pita Limjaroenrat. This erstwhile Move Forward Party maven has not just danced through the political arena; he has pirouetted right into the hearts of the populace, clinching the much-coveted title of “Politician of the Year” in a spellbinding E-Saan Poll. With the prestigious Centre for Business and Economy Research at Khon Kaen University pulling the strings behind the poll, this recognition is nothing short of a crowning achievement. The incredibly diligent Assoc Prof Sutin Wianwiwat, orchestrating this E-saan Poll, unveiled the selection saga sweeping through two distinct periods of the year. From the sun-kissed days of July to the December chill, a question was posed to inhabitants sprinkled across the 20 northeastern provinces: “Who dazzles you in the theatrics of Thai politics?” The whisper of ballots cast by an ensemble of 2,156 discerning adults materialized…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine strolling through the corridors of power, where the wheels of government and fortunes turn side by side. Here stands Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a figure of considerable prestige and prosperity, at the illustrious Government House. His arrival, captured eloquently by the lens of Chanat Katanyu, marks the beginning of a tale woven with affluence and ambition. With a net worth that soars to the dizzying heights of 1.02 billion baht, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his wife are bona fide members of the high net-worth set. Their treasure trove includes a dazzling array of assets – think of an Aston Martin DB5 straight out of a James Bond movie, lavish properties worth 314 million baht, and a glimmering hoard of gems and jewelry valued at a cool 131.05 million baht. The National Anti-Corruption Commission was all abuzz as they perused the declaration of assets and liabilities, a mandatory ritual…
Imagine a serene Buddhist ceremony amidst the verdant slopes of the picturesque Khao Wang in Phetchaburi province—a moment of calm before the bustling activity aimed to tackle a quite peculiar challenge: monkey overpopulation. This Wednesday marked the beginning of an innovative project, under the watchful eye of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, to humanely relocate a troupe of industrious macaques from their hilltop stronghold. The macaque monkeys, while charming in small numbers, have become the epitome of mischievousness in their sprawling tribes, transforming from adorable photo ops into pesky pickpockets and uninvited house guests. Their antics, which range from unnerving tourists with their audacious behavior to connoisseur-like raids on local larders, have finally prompted a bold move to restore balance to the community. About 200 of these furry inhabitants of Khao Wang, renowned for their tenacity and short tails, have already been safely and respectfully gathered…
Imagine a Thailand where the air is clearer, the health of its people is significantly better, and the environment is given a chance to breathe. This utopian dream is inching closer to reality with the introduction of the Euro 5 diesel fuel—a beacon of innovation in the fuel industry, promising to revolutionize the air we inhale and the roads we travel. Yes, you heard it right; the days of choking on pollutants might soon be behind us! Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter—these nasty culprits lurking in common diesel fuels not only wreak havoc on our health, contributing to the growing cases of respiratory ailments and heart diseases, but they also swing the hefty sledgehammer that chips away at our environment’s vitality. But there’s good news on the horizon! Shifting gears to Euro 5 diesel fuel is expected to reduce Thailand’s air pollution by a game-changing 20%. Picture that—20%…
Welcome to the bustling world of rice exports, a narrative that takes us on a global voyage from the fertile paddies of Asia to the farthest corners of the Earth, where the humble grain becomes a protagonist on the dinner plates across diverse cultures. Hang on to your hats, folks, because we’re about to embark on an exhilarating ride through this golden harvest’s trade winds! Our epic tale begins with our star players: Indonesia, the Philippines, the United States, South Africa, and Algeria. These nations aren’t just vibrant cultural tapestries; they also play a vital role as key export markets, savoring every grain of rice they receive from overseas. In the month of November, the rice exports witnessed a whopping rise of 41.8%, tipping the scales at over 1 tonne. Quite the growth spurt, wouldn’t you say? And if you thought that was impressive, consider the accumulated exports from January…
Imagine the fragrance of kimchi mingling with the scent of fresh Thai basil – it’s the whiff of new opportunities blooming as Thailand and South Korea intertwine their economic roots in a startling dance of workforce exchange. On a Monday infused with the promise of international collaboration, the Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce (KTCC) and the Thai Labour Ministry gathered, their conversation a mural of hope against the backdrop of tumultuous times. Yes, many a Thai heart has yearned for the sanctuary of their motherland’s embrace, fleeing from the ominous clouds of discord between Israel and Hamas. But simultaneously, far to the east, the Land of the Morning Calm reverberates with the silence left behind by a shortage of hands – hands that tend and harvest, that cast nets and mind machines in the bustling sectors of agriculture, fishing, and industry. With the negotiation compass set to a soon-to-be success, it…
Imagine the gripping political theatre, where allegiances weave and sway much like the tantalizing aroma of a Thai kitchen where the infamous kaeng som phluk ruam is simmering on the stove. This signature Thai delicacy, celebrated for its zesty and piquant flavors, has become a metaphorical representation of the government’s dalliances with the Move Forward Party. Reporters, with their tongues firmly in cheek, have masterfully compared the Srettha Thavisin administration to this vibrant curry. Why, you ask? Kaeng som, with its fiery broth, represents the spicy controversy of political discourse, while phluk ruam, which ordinarily alludes to a healthy mix of vegetables, is twisted here to signify the forceful ejection of the Move Forward Party from the coalition – as phluk means “to push out” in Thai. The political puns don’t stop there. In Thai street slang, “kaeng” could mean to deceive or prank – adding another layer of double…
Picture this: A bustling metropolis where the hum of city life is harmoniously intertwined with the clinks and clatters of eco-conscious change. The air buzzes with anticipation as we embark on a journey towards bluer oceans and greener pastures. Welcome to Bangkok’s latest environmental odyssey, “Bottle Free Seas” – an initiative set to make Mother Earth heave a sigh of relief. In an expression of unity that would warm the cockles of any environmentalist’s heart, the grand unveiling of this eco-friendly campaign took place at none other than the iconic Central World shopping mall, where a shiny new free drinking water dispenser now stands as a beacon of sustainable living. The masterminds behind this green revolution? A dynamic coalition featuring Central Pattana’s visionary team, the proactive Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the passionate warriors at the Environmental Justice Foundation, and the innovative minds at Brilliant Power Co Ltd. It’s an alliance…
Amid a swirl of controversy, a significant murmur from the corridors of justice has caught the public’s attention as a high-ranking official subtly pointed out that proper procedures surrounding a prominent figure’s health and confinement have potentially been sidestepped due to an avoidance of accountability. An illustrious leader once at the pinnacle of political acclaim made an abrupt return to the motherland after a lengthy period abroad, only to find himself behind bars to atone for misdeeds linked to his time in office. The plot thickened as night fell on his homecoming; an urgent health scare necessitated a swift transfer from the cold confines of the remand to the more medically equipped Police Hospital – a pivot within legality’s embrace. As the days ticked by, so did the time allotted for our convalescent protagonist to receive care outside his prison confines. December’s calendar pages fluttered in the breeze, marking the…
Amidst the hallowed halls of the Senate, an impassioned discourse took place this past Tuesday—a stage set for Senator Somchai’s spirited defense of the status quo. With the aplomb of a seasoned orator, Somchai challenged the burgeoning whispers calling for constitutional reform, casting the current Constitution—backed by the formidable force of 16 million affirmative votes in its previous referendum—as a bastion of societal accord. Beneath the soaring arches of parliamentary decision-making, Somchai meticulously deconstructed the fiscal implications of penning a new national doctrine. The senator, equipped with a tapestry of figures and projections, argued that a novel constitution would beckon the nation towards a trifecta of plebiscites, each bearing a hefty price tag of 3.5 billion baht. This financial odyssey, as foretold by Somchai, would culminate in a staggering sum of 10.5 billion baht—a veritable mountain of expenditure poised against Thailand’s economic landscape. But wait, the plot thickens! The aforementioned…