In a bustling press conference on Thursday, renowned lawyer Withoon Keng-ngarn spoke to eager reporters, following his visit with the iCon Group’s CEO, Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul. With a calm demeanor, he firmly asserted that his client unequivocally denies all the charges leveled against him, standing amidst the swirling storm of allegations. The photograph of this scene, captured and supplied by Wassayos Ngamkham, paints a thousand words in itself. Meanwhile, the investigative drama deepened in Bangkok as the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) made significant headway. On the same day, armed with a fresh search warrant, a team of investigators stormed a building in the Bung Kum district, seeking further evidence against The iCon Group. This online sales enterprise faces severe accusations of masterminding a pyramid scheme that reportedly duped over 1,000 victims, leaving a trail of financial devastation. The team made its grand entrance onto the premises along Ratchada-Ram…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Back on October 15th, the Thai government delighted globetrotters everywhere with the announcement to extend their “cancelling the entry card” policy, giving a big thumbs-up to hassle-free travel. Thanks to this delightful extension, our friends from China can play hopscotch across Thai borders without the cumbersome paperwork. On the very same day, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s charismatic Prime Minister, stepped out after a cabinet meeting, flashing a winning smile. He revealed that the cabinet gave a nod to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ plan to temporarily shelve the TM.6 entry card requirement for foreigners. This means that from October 16th, 2024, right up until the April showers of 2025, those entering through 16 land and waterway stations can say goodbye to the dreaded entry card for a whole six months. Now, rewind to March 1st when a game-changer hit the stage—the visa exemption agreement between China and Thailand. This agreement played…
Thonburi Phanich Co., Ltd., a venerable titan in Thailand’s luxury automotive industry and the nation’s inaugural official Mercedes-Benz dealer, has triumphantly announced the grand reopening of its Rachadamnoen branch on October 17, 2024. This reimagined service center now stands as a testament to decades of excellence, having served discerning Mercedes-Benz owners since its founding in 1941. Spanning four meticulously operated service centers located in Lumpini, Ngamwongwan, Rachadamnoen, and Bang Phlat, Thonburi Phanich has honed a reputation for unwavering commitment to superior service standards, upheld by its cadre of highly qualified and Mercedes-Benz Thailand-certified professionals. As the curtains rose on the lavish reopening festivities, the red carpet was graced by distinguished luminaries such as Mr. Papon Viriyaphant, Chairman of Thonburi Phanich Co., Ltd., alongside Mr. Ratapol Viriyaphant, Executive Chairman of Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd., and the esteemed Mr. Martin Schwenk, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Thailand. Celebrations reverberated throughout…
Imagine a vibrant Bangkok where the hum of daily hustle subsides, making way for a serene commute on the city’s well-oiled electric rail lines. In the heart of this bustling metropolis, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit envisions a revolutionary shift in how locals navigate the urban sprawl—a flurry of changes that could not only bring financial relief to commuters but also breathe fresh air into the city’s lively streets. Picture this: a mere 20 baht ticket transports you across the magnificent Greater Bangkok via its intricate network of railways. Sound too good to be true? Not for long. Initiated with parts of the Red Line since October 16th last year, this vision is steadily chugging towards full realization. But every revolution needs fuel, or, in this case, funding. To subsidize this liberating flat fare dream, the government is planning a move as strategic as a chess grandmaster’s unexpected checkmate—introducing a congestion…
Picture this: workers tirelessly clearing mud from a bustling lane in the heart of Muang district, Chiang Mai. Their mission? To make the roads passable once more, as Mother Nature gives the region a hefty dose of her tempestuous temperament. With shovels in hand and determination written on their faces, these unsung heroes work against the ticking clock, as the skies above begin to gather their army of clouds. The Meteorological Department, our trusty forecasters of nature’s whims, has sounded the alarm! Brace yourselves, residents of the northern and northeastern realms, for a deluge is headed your way from Saturday through Monday. The celestial symphony promises a plethora of thunderstorms and a downpour of the heavens’ tears, as a high-pressure system from China decides to tango with a monsoon wafting up from the South. But hold your umbrellas tight, as folks dwelling alongside the Gulf of Thailand in the eastern…
When you hear the word “sight,” your mind likely conjures images of all the wondrous things you perceive through your eyes. But let’s pause for a moment and consider “insight”—that magical process of internalizing what we see into something far richer and more profound. “Sight into Insight” is an evolution, a journey from simple vision into depths of understanding, where the tangible world surprises us by transforming into feelings, stories, or ideas that speak directly to our souls. Art allows us to experience a world seen through the eyes of its creator—a dimension beyond words, where the complexities of human emotion find their canvas. Take, for instance, the vibrant works of artist Therdkiat Wangwatcharakul. His abstractions, awash with color and emotion, are a testament to the inspiration he draws from the natural world. “In recent years, focusing on my health has taken me into parks and wide-open spaces filled with…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amid the daily symphony of traffic and chatter on Ratchadaphisek Road, an unexpected visitor graced the halls of the Criminal Court recently. The enigmatic former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, in a move shrouded in intrigue, quietly checked in for a brief ten minutes regarding his high-profile case of lese-majeste. At 75, this billionaire-politician seems to have mastered the art of keeping everyone guessing about his next move. Emerging from an era marked by controversy, Thaksin’s appearance was devoid of fanfare. A source close to the matter revealed that no prior notice heralded his arrival, adding a layer of suspense that seems fitting for a figure of his stature. Clad in modesty, Thaksin made his exit as swiftly as he arrived, leaving behind whispers of awe and curiosity. Thaksin’s brush with the law stems from bold allegations against the Thai establishment, articulated during a 2015…
As the Tak Bai massacre’s somber anniversary looms closer, a sense of urgency blankets the political landscape in Thailand. The fateful day, etched in collective memory, was October 25, 2004, when 85 lives were tragically snuffed out—a day that still echoes with cries for justice. With the statute of limitations set to expire within mere days, the spotlight turns to Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the outspoken leader of the People’s Party and fervent opposition figure, who has made it his mission to ensure accountability is served. In a recent candid interview, Mr. Natthaphong, known for his piercing rhetoric, didn’t hold back while addressing the resignation of Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri from the Pheu Thai Party. He declared that governmental diligence in bringing all defendants of the Tak Bai tragedy to court is imperative, emphasizing that Gen Pisal should not be exempt from facing trial regardless of his previous status as a Member of…
In the hectic whirl of activities in Chiang Mai, the recent news from the Saraphi district feels like a splash of reality. We’ve just heard the news that the province has officially closed its flood relief center, even though whispers—well, more like vocal outposts from the locals—claim that not everyone received the sunshiny help they’d been promised. On Wednesday, Chiang Mai’s deputy governor, Tosapol Phuanudom, waved the metaphorical flag signaling the end of the operation. But wait, there’s more! The backstory is a gripping drama played out between October 5 and 14, when Chiang Mai was doused by nature’s unpredictable shower. The relief center was a hive of activity, coordinating the efforts of various state agencies aiming to rescue the beleaguered residents. Tosapol noted that despite the center gate clanging shut, those diligent rescuers were not about to put up their feet just yet—a symphony of support continued to echo…
In a vibrant display of diplomatic camaraderie, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently welcomed Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang at Government House. This high-profile rendezvous marked a tantalizing kickoff to the preparations celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, slated for next year. Emerging from these discussions was an intriguing proposition—a beckoning invitation for China to flex its technological muscles by constructing a satellite launch base in Thailand, all in the name of ushering in the era of 6G technology. In a heartwarming gesture fit for the occasion, China announced it would gift Thailand a new pair of giant pandas—undoubtedly nature’s most beloved goodwill ambassadors. This symbolic exchange aims to enliven next year’s festivities and forge even closer ties between the two nations. Ambassador Han’s visit wasn’t without its generous surprises. The ambassador, echoing the goodwill of the Chinese Embassy and the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, handed over…