Picture this: a financial titan, the Social Security Fund (SSF), standing on the precipice of uncertainty, its future dangled like a frayed string over the abyss of insolvency. This isn’t the opening scene of a blockbuster thriller but a real-life drama unfolding in Thailand, with the Labour Ministry ringing the alarm bells loud and clear. The scene was set this Monday when the stage was shared by the SSF’s new guardians, the Social Security Board (SSB), spearheaded by the erudite Sustarum Thammaboosadee from Thammasat University, and the seasoned officials from the Labour Ministry. Their mission? To weave a safety net so resilient it could catch an elephant, or at the very least, salvage a fund poised for a potential crash landing in the next 30-40 years. The meeting wasn’t just another bureaucratic rendezvous. It was a battle cry by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, declaring that without swift and decisive action,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Welcome to a vibrant celebration that marks a monumental milestone – the 50th anniversary of Australia’s groundbreaking partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This grand event, taking place from March 4th to 6th, isn’t just a testament to enduring relationships; it’s a kaleidoscope of culture, diplomacy, and history coming together in the most spectacular fashion. The spotlight beams brightly on the premier, who, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, steps onto the global stage, ready to weave a narrative of progress and partnership. Srettha, the distinguished premier, is set to captivate the summit with a statement that promises to be as engaging as it is enlightening—a declaration on Wednesday that could spell a new chapter for ASEAN and its dialogue partners. But the summit isn’t just about dialogues and declarations. It’s also about unity and camaraderie, as Srettha prepares to join the exclusive…
In the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, amid the buzz of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit on March 5, 2024, a rather unexpected topic took center stage during a joint press conference. The Prime Ministers of Singapore and Australia, Lee Hsien Loong and Anthony Albanese respectively, found themselves discussing none other than global pop sensation, Taylor Swift. The ambiance shifted from its usual focus on security and economic growth to the glitzy realm of pop culture and exclusive concert deals. The reason? Singapore had successfully sealed an exclusive deal for the “Eras” world tour to grace its shores, making it the only stop in Southeast Asia. Indeed, the Lion City had managed to lure Swift into performing six sold-out shows, causing a stir across the region. Rumors swirled about hefty sums of money being offered to cement this arrangement, sparking debates and a touch of envy among neighbors. Prime Minister Lee,…
In a twist worthy of a blockbuster crime drama, the corridors of Thailand’s law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies have been buzzed with whispers, legal documents, and the clanging sound of a gavel ready to mark justice. At the heart of this whirlwind is none other than Deputy National Police Chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, a name that has recently been entangled in an intricate web of allegations, online gambling conspiracies, and the ominous clouds of money laundering charges. The plot thickened this Monday when the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), with the gravitas befitting a guardian of justice, voted in favor to steal the investigative reins from the police into the alleged involvement of Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn and four mysterious cohorts in a major online gambling network recently dismantled. The decision, a tantalizing cliffhanger, was unveiled with a flourish on Tuesday, setting the stage for an investigation that promises to…
In the majestic Phuket, where the cerulean sea kisses golden sands, a tale unfolds, painting the canvas of the island with shades of controversy and human error. Here, Swiss national Urs “David” Fehr and his spouse Khanuengnit found themselves at the heart of a tempest, their plight echoing in the hallowed halls of Phuket’s provincial hall as they narrated their side of a story that gripped the local community. Upon the serene shores that have whispered tales of beauty and peace to those who traverse its sands, an incident sparked a wave of uproar. Urs Fehr, whose name found an unexpected spotlight, was embroiled in turmoil when a video surfaced. It depicted a moment he surely wished he could erase – a kick directed at a woman, borne out of the mistaken belief that she trespassed on his rented villa’s domain near breathtaking Yamu beach. The scene, a stark contrast…
Imagine a world where your morning starts with a groan at the snail-paced loading of your favorite coffee shop’s menu on your smartphone. Or picture yourself, ready to rant your heart out over a call, only to be met with the robotic voice stating, “call dropped”. Ring any bells? Well, according to a recent revelation by the NESDC, citing a survey by the Consumer Protection Board, this frustrating scenario is becoming all too familiar for consumers across the board. The NESDC pointed out that in the realm of mobile services, consumers are facing a classic case of “more for less”. Fancy paying more for your basic mobile package? How does a hike from 349 baht to 399 baht sound, especially when the trade-off is slower internet speeds? If that wasn’t irksome enough, imagine signing up for a package, enticed by the promise of 300 free call minutes, only to discover…
On a day that seemed just like any other, the bustling Don Mueang airport became the center stage for a homecoming that felt more like a scene out of a gripping novel. The spotlight fell on none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister, whose smile radiated warmth towards the crowd of supporters eagerly waiting for him. His return on August 22, 2023, was not just a step onto Thai soil, but a moment frozen in time, captured vividly by the lens of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. Thaksin, now resuming life in the comfort of his Bangkok abode post-parole, finds himself at a crossroads of nostalgia and duty. Amid the whirlwind of political life and his recent homecoming, he harbors a simple wish – to tread the familiar paths of Chiang Mai, the cherished soil of his forefathers. His youngest daughter Paetongtarn, herself a beacon in the Pheu Thai Party, shares…
Imagine this: You’re enjoying your blissful moment in Thailand, perhaps savoring a mango sticky rice under the vibrant Bangkok sun or embarking on a cultural odyssey in Chiang Mai, when suddenly, your phone buzzes. But this time, it’s not a social media notification or a text from your friend asking where you’re exploring next. It’s a crucial alert, carefully crafted and broadcasted directly to your mobile device, warning you of an impending calamity in the area. Yes, this is no ordinary message; it’s part of a revolutionary broadcasting service aimed at disaster alerts, ensuring your safety in the Land of Smiles. This groundbreaking initiative is the brainchild of NBTC chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck and Varunthep Watcharaphon, the chief of AIS business relations. At a press conference that felt more like the unveiling of a superhero’s latest gadget, they announced the successful test of this life-saving service. Picture the scene: two figures,…
Imagine, if you will, a scene filled with the electric buzz of anticipation, where the air is thick with the whispers of speculation and the murmur of political intrigue. Amidst this charged atmosphere, Senator Somchai Swangkarn steps forward, his voice cutting through the cacophony, a beacon of clarity in the midst of swirling rumors. He declares with unwavering conviction that Yingluck, the exiled former Prime Minister of Thailand, could very well set foot on Thai soil once again, to the open arms and forgiving hearts of her people. Ah, but there’s a catch – isn’t there always? The judiciary, he warns, stands on the precipice of a credibility chasm, should they dare to dance the same delicate dance they did with Yingluck’s brother, the infamous Thaksin Shinawatra. Ah, Thaksin, a man who barely had time to warm his cell before being whisked away to the more comfortable confines of the…
The planet teems with life, a breathtaking tapestry of biodiversity. Yet, nestled within this wonder, a somber tale unfolds—one meticulously chronicled by the indefatigable sleuths at World Animal Protection (WAP), an international vanguard for animal welfare. Their latest findings reveal a globe-spanning crisis: an estimated 5.5 billion wild creatures, spanning 487 unique species, shackled by the invisible chains of human demand, living lives far removed from the freedom their wild hearts yearn for. In the far-flung corners of Asia—China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and South Korea—a peculiar and painful industry thrives. Here, bears of all shades—black, sun, and grizzly—are not just creatures of the wild; they’re unwitting contributors to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The bile extracted from their gallbladders, a substance deeply embedded in TCM practices, dictates their fate, confining them to a life far from the forests and mountains they should roam. Not to be outdone, the majestic lions of…