Posts published in “Thailand”

Former Bangkok MP Wan Ubumrung has dramatically departed from the Pheu Thai Party after coming under fire for mingling with an adversary during a recent local election in Pathum Thani. On Monday, Mr. Wan formally submitted his resignation to the Election Commission (EC) with immediate effect, marking a surprising twist in the political landscape. Emerging from the EC with a mix of resolve and resignation, Mr. Wan explained that his decision came after being summoned by the party to account for his appearance at the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman election in Pathum Thani, which concluded on June 30. The point of contention? A post-election encounter with Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang, who ran in the PAO race as a candidate for Khon Rak Pathum (Love Pathum) and happens to be a close family friend. The graceful but contentious meeting was intended as a gesture of sympathy, as Pol Lt…

As online shopping integrates seamlessly into the daily routines of people of all ages, a groundbreaking partnership has emerged between “Shop Global,” Thailand’s premier TV home shopping company, and “LALASTATION,” a leader in comprehensive live commerce from Korea. Leading this cooperative venture is Mr. Sorchote Ambhanwong, CEO of Shop Global (Thailand) Co., Ltd., who recently signed an agreement with Mr. Lee Cheol-ho, CEO of LALASTATION Co., Ltd., at the Saha Group Fair. This partnership sets the stage for Thailand’s very first live commerce platform, with ambitions to propel Shop Global into the international market. Shop Global, part of the esteemed Saha Group, stands as the frontrunner in Thailand’s TV home shopping scene. Their success is built on offering top-notch, unique products paired with stellar customer service that caters to diverse tastes and lifestyles. On the other side of this collaboration, LALASTATION reigns supreme in Korea’s live commerce domain. Together, they’ve…

Imagine a world where technology meets agriculture, creating a harmonious blend that propels both fields to unprecedented heights. Well, in Thailand, that vision is rapidly becoming a reality. In a groundbreaking move, Thailand has officially greenlit Genome Editing (GEd) technology for advanced plant breeding – a decision that promises to revolutionize the farming industry by boosting crop yields while minimizing chemical use. This monumental announcement came straight from the Department of Agriculture, spearheaded by the ever-dynamic chief Rapeepat Chansriwong. The wheels of change have been put into motion with the publication of this monumental decision in the Royal Gazette, sanctioned by the agriculture minister. New policies, as custom dictates, typically get the ball rolling about 30 days post-publication. But why is this such a big deal, you ask? Well, GEd techniques are like magic wands for plant genes – they tweak, correct, and upgrade DNA to produce crops that are…

Former Bangkok MP Wan Ubumrung has stepped down from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, following criticisms about his association with a political rival during a recent local election in Pathum Thani. Mr. Wan submitted his resignation to the Election Commission (EC) yesterday, making it effective immediately. Emerging from the EC headquarters, Mr. Wan stated that his resignation was prompted by a summons from the Pheu Thai Party to explain his presence at the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman election in Pathum Thani after the polls closed on June 30. During the PAO election, Mr. Wan was seen meeting with Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang. Kamronwit, a candidate for the PAO chairman seat, ran under the Khon Rak Pathum (Love Pathum) party banner and is a close friend of the Ubumrung family. His candidacy was unsuccessful, losing to Pheu Thai’s Charn Phuangphet by a margin of less than 2,000 votes. Mr.…

The Education Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to roll out the ambitious tablet distribution project, undeterred by the budget reduction from 16 billion to 13 billion baht, Assistant to the Education Minister, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, assured on Monday. Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob is dedicated to the “One District, One Quality School” initiative aimed at building a robust network of educational resources—both physical and technological—across schools in each district. Despite the financial cutbacks, the ministry is determined to press on, emphasizing its commitment to supporting teachers and introducing innovative technologies into schools, Siripong stated. The project encompasses plans to distribute educational tools, including tablets, to students in Mathayom 4-6 classes across 1,808 schools nationwide. To this end, the ministry is engaging contractors to develop top-notch platforms and teaching content. Currently, the project is under review for the 2025 budget allocation. The original tablet distribution budget, slashed from 16 billion…

An impressive F-16 jet of the air force zoomed into the conversation this week, right here in the vibrant province of Nakhon Ratchasima. (File photo: Royal Thai Air Force) In an unexpected twist, the United States has sweetened the deal for the Royal Thai Air Force by offering lower interest rates on the purchase of their F-16 fighter jets. This diplomatically savvy move aims to steer the Thai government’s decision away from Sweden’s enticing Gripen aircraft and towards the American-made marvels. This strategic nudge came to light through a well-placed source within the Defence Ministry on Monday. Last week, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) unveiled its preference for Gripen jets over the F-16s, based on a recent in-depth study by the air force’s eagle-eyed procurement committee. According to their findings, the Gripen E/F appeared to be the best fit for their operational needs. The RTAF commander, Air Chief Marshal…

A dramatic twist in the ongoing saga to keep cannabis off Thailand’s narcotics list unfolded on Monday as a member of a pro-cannabis advocacy group, Akkaradetch Chakjinda, was hospitalized. This unfortunate event occurred merely five days after he and his compatriot, Prasitchai Nunual, secretary-general of the vibrant Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future group, embarked on a hunger strike. Their cause? To protest the government’s audacious plan to classify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic. The duo initiated their hunger strike on June 10, camping persistently outside Government House. They made their stance crystal clear: the government must conduct a thorough investigation into the myriad therapeutic benefits and societal impacts of cannabis before any hasty decisions are made. Their argument centers on a compelling premise—if cannabis proves no more detrimental to society than tobacco or alcohol, the government should pivot towards instating stringent regulations for its use, rather than outright criminalization. Mr.…

Bangkok residents, with smiles of anticipation, eagerly board the sleek electric boat as it glides gracefully over the Saen Saep Canal in the bustling Min Buri district. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has ramped up its mission to dismantle illegal structures precariously perched over the city’s vast array of canals. Spanning a network of over 1,980 canals and waterways, Bangkok’s intricate hydrological system is partly governed by the Department of Drainage, which oversees 233 of these waterways, while the local district offices under the BMA manage the remainder. A 2021 survey by the Department of Drainage and Sewerage revealed a staggering 11,035 structures obstructing the city’s waterways. This findings sent shockwaves, particularly as most illegal constructions were concentrated in the city’s northern districts (7,667), followed by the central (1,635), southern (1,078), and eastern (471) districts. Furthermore, north Thonburi reported 123 transgressions, and south Thonburi tallied 61 illegal structures. The…

The much-anticipated final round of the Senate election unfolded in Nonthaburi province on June 26, inviting a mixture of excitement and buzz among the populace. The atmosphere was electric, much like the charged environment of an awaited final match, accentuated by the presence of renowned political figures. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) According to the Senate Secretariat, the newly appointed Senate is all set to gather for their inaugural session next Tuesday, where they will elect both the speaker and the deputies. This monumental event will occur post-swearing-in, setting the tone for their legislative journey. Napaporn Jaisajja, the Senate secretary-general, conveyed that all 200 freshly minted senators have reported for duty, paving the way for this crucial first meeting. As per the governing regulations, the session will be presided over by the most senior senator. Taking the helm as the senior-most senator is Pol Lt Gen Yutthana Thaipakdee, a name synonymous with…

Two dozen years ago, the lives of villagers in the seasonally flooded lower part of tambon Kho Nua, Muang district, Yasothon province, were forever altered. The year 2000 saw a pivotal visit from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, then the Crown Prince. His royal initiatives to dredge Nong Ung, a formerly parched 430-rai swamp, breathed life back into the local soil and rejuvenated a devastated forest, ultimately enhancing the villagers’ livelihoods. “His Majesty the King spearheaded the dredging of Nong Ung to serve as a water reservoir for agriculture and fish farming, while also improving the surrounding area, encouraging sustainable living within the forest,” Yasothon governor Nikorn Sooksai remarked back in 2018. Notably, what used to be a flood-prone area during the rainy season has transformed. Fish are plentiful, and the royal project site has captivated the attention of educational trips and youth camps. Children immerse themselves in…