The haunting case of the six Vietnamese nationals who perished in a Bangkok hotel room has captivated both the local and international community since their discovery earlier this week. Found lifeless with cyanide-tainted teacups beside them, the chilling scene at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in the Ratchaprasong area continues to unravel new layers of mystery and intrigue. Pol Maj Gen Witthawat Chinkham, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Division 5, is spearheading the investigation into the origins of the cyanide. Authorities are examining whether the lethal substance was smuggled into Thailand or sourced domestically. As the forensic tests results are awaited, speculation runs rife, yet the police are holding off on further questioning until they receive more concrete evidence. Delving deeper into the victims’ backgrounds, police efforts also turn towards contacting the younger sister of one of the deceased, who had left for Vietnam on July 10, possibly sparking…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The fervor surrounding the new outfit for Thai athletes at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris has become quite the talking point. Criticism and praise have lit up social media like a fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River. The uniform, debuted by Sapsiree Taerattanachai, a badminton virtuoso, flaunts a blue silk shirt dyed with traditional Thai indigo. Released on Stadium TH’s Facebook page, the outfit has attracted a whirlwind of opinions, landing it squarely in the spotlight. On one hand, some netizens have not minced words, calling the design “outdated.” They argue that it fails to encapsulate Thailand’s dynamic soft power. In contrast, others have lavished it with compliments, applauding its evident craftsmanship and aesthetic charm. Interestingly, the wave of responses has spurred a few creative minds to take matters into their own hands. Harnessing AI technology, netizens like the user “Grace Anthony” have concocted colorful, modern alternatives that’ve…
Bhumjaithai (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul recently expressed his concerns directly to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin regarding the Ministry of Public Health’s controversial plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic. Anutin revealed that he told the Prime Minister that the proposal, slated for further deliberation by the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) on July 23, lacked convincing evidence to justify the re-criminalization of the plant. “We need more studies on this matter before making such a drastic move,” Anutin emphasized. He seemed genuinely perplexed by the government’s sudden change in stance, pointing out the irony that the same committee pushing for the re-criminalization were the ones advocating for its decriminalization just two years ago. Addressing the press on Thursday, Anutin urged committee members to remain consistent in their principles and to provide a clear rationale to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin regarding why cannabis should be decriminalized. As the Bhumjaithai leader and…
Senator Keskamol Pleansamai, while indeed a medical doctor, has found herself in hot water with the Medical Council of Thailand over claims of being a skincare specialist. (Photo: dr.kes.keskamol Instagram account) The council is gearing up to charge the beleaguered Senator for presenting herself as a skin and beauty expert sans official certification. In its July 12 meeting, the council’s board concluded that Dr. Keskamol’s actions ran afoul of Section 32 of the Medical Professions Act, which demands formal certification for such distinctions. This revelation comes from a source closely tied to the case. Tasked with probing into Dr. Keskamol’s self-proclaimed expertise is Dr. Ittaporn Kanacharoen, the council’s secretary-general. He has the responsibility to determine if her declarations breach council ethics. According to Dr. Ittaporn, the board will further deliberate on the matter come August 8. In a recent Facebook post, Dr. Ittaporn shed light on the fact that out…
In a striking revelation that has rattled the academic community, Supachai Pathumnakul, the deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), disclosed the findings of an extensive probe into research paper fraud at a highly anticipated meeting on July 16. (Photo: MHESI Facebook) The issue has become a hot topic, with six academics from three illustrious Thai universities being dismissed from their positions and an additional eight currently under investigation. The gravity of the offenses has prompted MHESI to ensure that these measures are seen as a stern warning to maintain academic integrity. According to the ministry, three lecturers from Khon Kaen University have not only been terminated but will also face criminal proceedings. Two more lecturers from Chiang Mai University (CMU) and one from Chulabhorn Royal Academy have also been fired, according to Supachai Pathumnakul’s announcement on Thursday. The whirlwind investigation, sparked by…
Pla Mor Si Karng Dam, commonly known as blackchin tilapia, have turned the aquatic scene on its head, preying voraciously on shrimp fry in farms and competing fiercely with native fish species. The introduction of these invasive aquatic troublemakers has caused an ecological stir, but one name often linked with the chaos—CP Foods (CPF)—stepped forward to clear the air. CPF, a vital cog in the Charoen Pokphand agribusiness machine, denies any involvement in unleashing these finned foes. CPF wasn’t the lone ranger in importing blackchin tilapia, confirmed the Department of Fisheries. Their meticulous records reveal not one, not two, but eleven different companies exporting these fish to a whopping seventeen countries around a decade ago. The timeline gets intriguing with Prasit Boondoungprasert, CPF’s chief honcho, stating, “We dabbled with some imports for research back in December 2010. It was all good fun until the fish flopped within a month.” Mr.…
Supachai Pathumnakul, the deputy permanent secretary for The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, revealed the results of the ministry’s investigation into fraudulent research papers during a meeting held on July 16. The meeting, documented on the ministry’s Facebook page, disclosed some startling developments. Six academics from three different universities have been dismissed, and eight more are under scrutiny for their involvement in research paper fraud, as confirmed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). Among those terminated, three lecturers from Khon Kaen University are set to face criminal charges. The dismissals didn’t stop there—two lecturers from Chiang Mai University (CMU) and one from the Chulabhorn Royal Academy have also been fired, according to Supachai Pathumnakul. This action follows an extensive investigation triggered by a report last year that implicated a CMU lecturer in purchasing a research paper for 30,000 baht. The probe, which…
In the heart of Chai Nat province, a picturesque paddy field unfolds, where diligent farmers are hard at work, tending to their crops with the aid of fertilizers and pesticides. Against this bucolic backdrop, a storm brews in Thailand’s political landscape, centered around a contentious 30-billion-baht fertilizer subsidy program approved by the cabinet. The fervent opposition comes from both coalition parties, Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai, as well as the Democrat party, all united in their call for a revision of the scheme designed to benefit 4.68 million rice farmers. This hot-button issue was passionately highlighted by Korrawee Prissananantakul, a Bhumjaithai MP representing Ang Thong, at a House meeting held on Thursday. Standing firm in his stance, Korrawee voiced the concerns of his constituents, asserting that the current fertilizer subsidy program, despite its noble intention to alleviate farmers’ financial burdens, falls short of their expectations due to its co-pay requirement. “Farmers…
Badminton star Sapsiree Taerattanachai strikes a pose in the stunning uniform that Thai athletes will proudly don at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games’ opening ceremony on July 26. The outfit, which has ignited both admiration and controversy, draws its essence from the intricate patterns of ceramics found at the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a World Heritage gem, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. (Photo: Stadium TH Facebook page) In the face of a digital maelstrom of criticism, Prime Minister Srettha stepped up to defend the fresh and bold look, emphasizing that the design is inspired by Ban Chiang’s hallowed historical motifs. “When you say your clothes or mine are outdated, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it?” he retorted, advocating for a broad-minded appreciation of design during his visit to the Office of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) on Thursday. Breaking the social media silence, Srettha…
Farmers diligently apply fertilizers and pesticides in the sprawling paddy fields of Chai Nat province. (File photo) In a fervent discussion on Thursday, key coalition parties Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai, along with the opposition Democrat party, expressed strong objections to a recently approved 30-billion-baht fertilizer subsidy program by the cabinet. This program, aimed at aiding 4.68 million rice farmers, has sparked considerable controversy and calls for revision. The issue was highlighted by Korrawee Prissananantakul, a committed Bhumjaithai MP from Ang Thong, during the House meeting. Mr. Korrawee expressed that, although the subsidy initiative aims to alleviate farmers’ expenses, a significant number of agriculturists in Ang Thong are against the scheme’s co-payment requirement. “There are hidden difficulties and disadvantages,” he emphasized. “These farmers have urged me to relay their concerns to the government and request a revision of the program. Ideally, they wish for the reintroduction of the earlier subsidy model,…