Posts published in “Thailand”

Enthralling tales from the land of smiles often involve illustrious personalities, and the latest narrative sweeping the nation involves none other than the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. With a whirlwind tour that’s set to rekindle familial bonds and stir political tea leaves, Thaksin’s impending journey to Chiang Mai from March 14th to 16th has the rumor mills working overtime. According to a well-placed source, this trip is not just a matter of protocol but a poignant homage to Thaksin’s departed kin, adding layers to an already captivating storyline. Our saga begins on the crisp morning of March 14th, where the storied streets of Bangkok will play host to an event of considerable significance. At the heart of the city, as the clock strikes 7:30 am, Thaksin Shinawatra is poised to make his reverence felt at the revered Bangkok City Pillar Shrine. This ritual of respect and contemplation marks the…

In the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Watthana district, a dramatic legal saga unfolds around the Ashton Asoke condo project, a 6-billion-baht architectural marvel. The urgency is palpable as a court official has thrown down the gauntlet: find a resolution within three months or face the unthinkable prospect of demolition. This isn’t just any legal dispute. It’s a high-stakes drama that began last July when the Supreme Administrative Court issued a jaw-dropping order to revoke the building permit for Ashton Asoke. At the heart of the controversy? A seemingly mundane issue that turned dire: the condo’s main entrance wasn’t quite wide enough according to regulations. But this is no simple oversight. The story twists further, revealing that part of this disputed entrance lies on land owned by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), earmarked for an entrance to an underground train station—a station that would sit conveniently at the project’s very…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the fusion of culture and tradition meets the modern urban landscape, lies an enchanting historical gem that is crying out for attention – Klong Ong Ang. An integral part of Bangkok’s rich cultural tapestry, this canal has sadly fallen into a state of neglect, much to the concern of locals and the disappointment of tourists alike. A valiant call to arms was issued by none other than a revered member of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), MP Kriangyot Sudlapha, who passionately addressed the guardians of our city, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), urging them to revive the lost charm of this treasured site. Imagine walking through the vibrant streets of China Town, where every corner tells a story, and arriving at Klong Ong Ang. This area, lying serenely in the Phra Nakhon district, is designed to be a public oasis amidst the…

Imagine waking up every day surrounded by the lush, green embrace of Khao Kho’s forest complex in the serene district of Phetchabun. For the residents of 35 rural communities here, this isn’t just a daydream; it’s their reality. Yet, this idyllic existence has been overshadowed by a cloud of unease and controversy. The core of the issue? A tug-of-war over land rights that pits these local dwellers against park authorities, a drama that recently took a new turn as they rallied for the intervention of two House committees. At the heart of this unfolding drama stands opposition leader Chaithawat Tulathon, a man who found himself the bearer of the community’s pleas. The petition, handed over to him with hopes high and spirits fueled by desperation, was spearheaded by Buppha Chanpheng – a name representing not just an individual, but the voice of those living in the shadow of uncertainty within…

Welcome to Thailand, a vibrant country known for its breathtaking landscapes, sumptuous cuisine, and… its sizzling summer temperatures! The Meteorological Department has just rolled out the red carpet for what seems to be an exceptionally hot season, with temperatures forecasted to sashay their way past the 40C mark in all corners of this tropical paradise, this month and April. Leading the weather orchestra is the dynamic Kornravee Sitthichivapak, the director-general of Thailand’s weather agency. She has struck the chord with an announcement that has everyone talking—this summer, the temps are not just dancing to the usual tune. They’re expected to leap 1-2C above the seasonal average, turning Thailand into a large, natural sauna. But before you start envisioning every day as a walk through an oven, let’s add a sprinkle of flavor to this hot pot of news. The extremely hot weather is playing hide and seek. It is not…

In the vibrant yet sometimes unexpected tapestry of life in Trang, a small town in Thailand, a story emerged that seemed more like a dramatic screenplay than a slice of real-life. At the center of this story is Dieter Matthias Straumann, a 62-year-old Swiss man, whose actions at a local mall would send ripples through the tranquil waters of this community. The incident unfolded at a bustling Big C store in the Muang district, a place where locals frequently gather to shop and socialize, never anticipating that it could become the backdrop for a harrowing episode. Straumann, in a moment that stunned onlookers, launched into a shocking physical assault on Natchanan Khikkham, a 58-year-old Thai woman, after a seemingly mundane request for politeness escalated dramatically. The consequence of this altercation left Khikkham with serious injuries, including a broken nose, swollen eyes, and back, alongside considerable difficulty in breathing. It was…

In the tranquil heartlands of Buri Ram, a province famed for its tapestry of cultures and serene landscapes, an event unfolded that seemed plucked straight from a gritty drama. Imagine this scene: the sun is high, students are milling about, enjoying their lunch break, basking in the carefree ambiance that typically shrouds school corridors. Just next door to this scene of adolescent idyll at Wat Chai Mongkol, a tale of turmoil and tragedy was about to ensue. On this fateful Wednesday, the clock struck 12.30 pm, and the air was pierced by the sound of gunfire—a stark contradiction to the usual hum of student chatter. Two teenagers, both 16, found themselves caught in a vortex of violence, allegedly at the hands of a fellow student, a 15-year-old, over a dispute that had been simmering for far too long. The battleground? None other than the sacred boundaries of Wat Chai Mongkol,…

On a rather brisk March morning, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made his way to the iconic Government House, setting the stage for a shift towards frugality and forward-thinking financial management. In a move that had attendees at a recent assembly nodding in agreement, Mr. Srettha rolled out a plan that resonated with the essence of responsible governance – slashing superfluous governmental expenditures to make room for essential investments aimed at propelling economic vitality. It was on this illustrious Thursday that Chai Wacharonke, a spokesperson with a knack for translating political jargon into layman’s terms, relayed Prime Minister Srettha’s vision. The directive was clear: optimize public funds to fuel the country’s journey towards development that not only charts a path but also leaves long-lasting footprints. Imagine the scene at the March 3 cabinet meeting, a gathering buzzing with the anticipation of charting a new fiscal course. Mr. Srettha, after being briefed…

On a day marked by anticipation and the hustle and bustle typical of significant political movements at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made his way into the heart of Thailand’s political arena on March 1. With a sense of purpose reflecting the weight of his office, Prime Minister Srettha didn’t just step through those doors for the routine day’s work. He arrived with a vision, a plan that promised to reimagine the flow of national wealth for the greater good of his people and the propulsion of the nation into a brighter, thriving future. In a world where government spending often vanishes into the black hole of bureaucracy, Prime Minister Srettha took a stand. With a directive that echoes the dawning of financial sensibility, he declared a war on unnecessary expenditures. “Let the money flow not into the drains of redundancy and extravagance, but into the rivers that will…

On a lively and bustling day outside the parliament, the atmosphere was charged with the animated voices of workers and members of the Labor Network for People’s Rights. The date was February 28, a day that saw a gathering united for a singular cause: to champion the progression of a labor bill that promised to reshape the work landscape in Thailand. Amid the throng, cameras clicked and reporters took notes as the people made their stand, their resolve captured perfectly in a snapshot by none other than Nutthawat Wichieanbut. Inside the halls of the House of Representatives, the air bristled with anticipation and, perhaps, a hint of controversy. The matter at hand? A labor welfare bill tabled by the ever-progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), which teetered on the brink of making history. Yet, as the debate unfurled, it became clear that this bill, promising as it was, would not see…