In a twist that could rival the plot of a prime-time political thriller, the serene halls of Thailand’s military bureaucracy were recently shaken by a revelation that has since captured the nation’s imagination. At the heart of this enigma lies Jirat Thongsuwan—whose story unfolds like a meticulously crafted novel, shared openly on the pages of his Facebook account—a Move Forward Party (MFP) MP entangled in a controversy over his mandatory military service exemption. The drama intensified on Monday when Lieutenant General Taweepool Rimsakorn, the commanding general of the Territorial Defense Command (TDC), voiced his skepticism regarding the validity of Jirat’s claims, sparking a narrative filled with intrigue, identity shifts, and bureaucratic puzzles. Responding to the deafening calls for an investigation, Lt Gen Taweepool revealed a curious case of missing evidence within the hallowed digital vaults of the TDC’s database. According to him, the supposed Sor Dor 43 certificate—a golden ticket…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the heart of Thai politics, amidst the hustle and bustle of policy debates and legislative maneuverings, stands the gallant figure of Parit Wacharasindhu. As a beacon of the Move Forward Party (MFP), he carries the torch of hope and change, especially concerning the lese majeste law. The air is charged with anticipation as the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver a ruling that could very well reshape the political landscape of Thailand. This is no ordinary Wednesday we’re talking about; it’s a day that could mark a historic shift in the nation’s governance and free speech boundaries. The MFP, known for its youthful vigor and progressive agenda, finds itself at the heart of a legal maelstrom. The storm began when Theerayut Suwannakasorn, in a move that highlighted the intricacies of Thai legal proceedings, petitioned the Constitutional Court. The bone of contention? Whether the MFP’s push to amend Section 112 of…
Get ready for a diplomatic spectacle! The charismatic Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin is all set to embark on a pivotal journey this weekend, one that promises to weave a fresh tapestry of trade and cultural exchanges. His destination? The resplendent isle of Sri Lanka, where he will not only grace the country’s grand independence anniversary celebrations as the guest of honor but also put pen to paper on a landmark free-trade agreement (FTA). In a burst of diplomatic finesse, Srettha Thavisin will be soaking in the splendor of Sri Lanka from the 3rd to the 4th of February, following a cordial invitation from President Ranil Wickremesinghe himself. The air is buzzing with anticipation as this visit marks the dawn of Thailand’s 15th FTA, and notably, the first under Mr. Srettha’s dynamic leadership since he took the helm in August last year. But that’s not all folks! The…
Yaowarat Road, the throbbing pulse of Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, was once again the stage for a spectacle that could only be described as a feast for the senses. Picture this: as January rolled in last year, a troupe of performers took to the streets, their movements fluid and explosive in equal measure. The lion dance – a dance of power, a dance of mystery – was performed with such precision, such fervor, that it felt as if the mythical beast itself was prancing among the throng of spellbound onlookers. Meanwhile, acrobats defied gravity in a show of flexibility and strength, catching the breaths of those who watched – a visual symphony that marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year celebrations, lovingly organized by the tireless folks at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Samphanthawong District Office, and the spirited business operators within Chinatown itself. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) Fast forward to…
In the serene and historically rich city of Luang Prabang, Laos, a gathering of significance unfurled that seemed to echo through the corridors of Southeast Asian diplomacy. This was not just any gathering, but the iconic Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, where the air was thick with anticipation and the spirit of unity. The event, which took place from January 28th to 29th, was a rendezvous of minds and hearts, spearheaded by Laos, the new chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Amidst the ancient allure of Luang Prabang, the Thai Foreign Minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, stood before the press, imparting words that resonated with commitment and camaraderie. He spoke of Thailand’s readiness to back Laos in navigating through the tempest that is the Myanmar crisis among other pivotal issues concerning the ASEAN bloc. This assertion wasn’t merely rhetoric but a testament to Thailand’s vested interest in the region’s stability and…
In a momentous gesture that promises to cement the bonds of friendship and cooperation between two of Asia’s most vibrant nations, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has rolled out the red carpet for a distinguished guest. With anticipation electrifying the air, he has extended a warm invitation to China’s President Xi Jinping to grace Thailand with his presence next year. This visit is not merely a meeting; it’s a celebratory landmark marking the grand 50th anniversary of Thai-Sino relations, a half-century of diplomatic dance and mutual respect. The announcement came on the heels of an engaging dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The conclusion of Wang Yi’s four-day sojourn in Thailand on Monday wasn’t just the end of a visit but marked the beginning of a new chapter. The talks, brimming with camaraderie and vision, spanned a myriad of initiatives aimed at threading the future of Thai-Chinese cooperation with strands…
Welcome to a compelling journey through the current landscape of cancer care in Thailand, an enthralling story of hope, innovation, and the relentless battle against a formidable foe: cancer. Each year, Thailand bears witness to the emergence of about 140,000 new warriors in the fight against cancer, battling not just the disease but also the harsh reality of approximately 84,000 people succumbing to it annually. The “30-baht plus policy” by the Ministry of Public Health emerges as a knight in shining armor, offering comprehensive cancer care as one of its Quick Win policies. Alongside, the Cancer Warrior project strides forward, serving as a vigilant sentinel for early detection, ensuring that those affected can access treatment without delay. Liver cancer, notorious for its stealth and severity, now confronts high-quality medicine and state-of-the-art technology, all thanks to the concerted efforts of the National Health Security Office and the Social Security Office in…
Welcome to a journey through Thailand’s dynamic battle against the stealthy adversary that is cancer! In 2022, the luminous Land of Smiles was confronted with a somber statistic: approximately 140,000 new cancer warriors stepping onto the battlefield, with a devastating 84,000 succumbing to the illness, as relayed by data from the National Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Services. Yet, amidst the shadow of this daunting challenge, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health unveils a glimmer of hope with its 30-baht plus policy. This robust shield of comprehensive cancer care is a Quick Win policy designed to bring timely treatments to the forefront. Accompanying this is the valiant “Cancer Warrior” project, a beacon of early detection allowing precious time for treatment to those in need. Liver cancer, the notorious nemesis with its complex, multiple attack vectors, now faces a formidable opponent in the form of high-quality medicine and sophisticated technology. This armamentarium…
August heralds a pivotal moment for Thailand’s transportation evolution, where the intricate tapestry of travel is poised to welcome an exhilarating development — the completion of a comprehensive study led by Transport Minister, the esteemed Suriya Jungrungruangkit. As the Tuesday sun dawned, an announcement buzzed with potential, hinting at the birth of an unprecedented gateway to paradise: the Phang Nga-Andaman International Airport. In an audacious move by the Airports of Thailand (AOT), this architectural marvel stands as a testament to grandeur and practicality, designed to elegantly siphon off the overflows of human zest from the bustling Phuket International Airport. Picture this: a haven sprawled across a lush 7,000 rai (1,120 hectares), equipped to welcome a staggering 22.5 million souls yearning for tropical bliss, all with an infrastructure capable of accommodating 43 flights per hour, courtesy of an 80 billion baht investment. This air-travel symphony extends its melody beyond the international…
Imagine this: The year is 2013, and the electrifying strums of Bi-2 reverberate through the cool, breezy air of Krasnoflotsky Island in Arkhangelsk, Russia. They stand at the helm of “Ostrov,” a rock festival as vibrant as the band’s history, carving their sounds into the hearts of adoring fans. It was a moment captured brilliantly by Schekinov Alexey Victorovich, a photographer whose lens froze time to a standstill—an image that would celebrate a band notorious for their bold defiance and magnetic artistry (Photo credit: Schekinov Alexey Victorovich – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0). Fast forward to early 2023, and our tale turns on a pinhead, taking a somber dive into the world of geopolitics and the stark reality of oppression. Here we find ourselves in Phuket—a slice of paradise in Thailand—usually home to sunseekers and dreamers. This time, however, it’s the stage for a headline that reads like the script…