Posts published in “Thailand”

Under the cloak of night, an incandescent moon bearing witness, the shimmering waters of Chonburi were about to reveal a secret they’d been concealing in their depths. On a seemingly typical Monday evening at precisely 10 p.m., the marine police, having received a nugget of clandestine information, converged with the drug suppression squad to probe the depths of the TNS pier, nestled within the arms of Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong district. What they uncovered there was a substance far chillier than the water it had been skulking beneath. Hidden away in what appeared to be innocuous crates brimming with dried foods, laid a staggering 2,000 kilograms of crystalline contraband—methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice.’ In an orchestrated dance of chaos and desperation, the tugboat’s 13 crew members, sensing the approach of the law, took a fateful plunge into the inky waters. The scene could have been mistaken for a dramatic reenactment of…

Amidst the sultry tropical climes and vibrant green terrains, Indonesia’s rice farmers face an unseen adversary — drought. The once abundant rice fields of Java and swathes of South Sumatra now grapple with an unyielding sun, leading Deputy Commerce Minister Naphinthorn Srisanpang to shine a spotlight on the parched predicament this Tuesday. The water scarcity has compelled farmers, particularly those in the highland regions, to shy away from the thirsty rice and embrace the resilient corn, in a bid to adapt to the ever-changing whims of Mother Nature. Moreover, the tale of rice and resilience has scribed a new chapter in the annals of trade, with stats to tell the story. Just last year, Indonesia nestled comfortably in the 20th spot of Thailand’s roster of rice importers, securing a modest booty of 91,714 tons of the grain, or in monetary lingo, US$42.24 million’s worth. However, cue the music and behold…

Welcome to a place where coffee is not just an aromatic beverage, but a beacon of inclusivity and diversity. Nestled in the bustling heart of Pathumwan district, Bangkok, lies a cafe that’s brewing up change, one cup at a time – A Step Café, located within the chic confines of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Let’s pour over the story behind this unique establishment that’s much more than meets the eye. In an era where the richness of diversity is celebrated, the collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global hospitality titan, and Steps Community, a visionary social enterprise, has birthed a space where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can find common ground – or rather, common roast. A poetic symphony of clinking cups and empowering opportunities, this cafe is where communal tables are shared by both the able-bodied and people with disabilities. Imagine the warm scent of freshly roasted coffee beans…

In the lush hills of northern Thailand, nestled within the prestigious halls of Mae Fah Luang University, a legal drama unfolds that could be ripped straight from the pages of a gripping novel. The central character, known affectionately to all as “Dr Keng”, is at the heart of a maelstrom of academia, finance, and the ironclad will of bureaucracy. It was on a balmy Monday morning when Dr Keng found herself sharing her side of the story with the nation, perched delicately on the edge of her seat on the Morning News TV3 set. Across from her, the sharp-eyed hosts, Sorayuth Suthassanachinda and Pitchayatan Chanput, leaned in, anticipating her words. The conversation, which would ripple through the halls of higher education, centered around a most peculiar predicament: the ex-lecturer’s defense of mental distress for her abrupt departure from what was a full-fledged academic destiny at Mae Fah Luang. Yet, the…

Welcome to the twists and turns of white-collar crime in picturesque Samut Prakan, where the sun shines a little too brightly on the bank accounts of a certain quartet. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill civil servants; they were more like collectors, but instead of stamps or coins, their collection was a mind-melting 2.1 billion baht! The National Anti-Corruption Commission, the ever-vigilant watchdog, sunk its teeth deep into this case and uncovered a wealth buffet that would make even Croesus blush. Now, picture this: Danai Damrongchaiyothin, the man who once steered the ship at the Bang Saothong district revenue office, is neck-deep in hot water. Not just him, though—his three sidekicks, Cholthan Khongman, Dungkamol Pluemsawat, and Uthumporn Khemwichai, also find themselves swept up in this financial tsunami. The NACC—a merry band of financial sleuths—has pointed their accusatory finger at this fabulous foursome, citing evidence worthy of a thriller plotline. The vanilla version…

Amidst the emotional turmoil and a collective sigh of relief, a group of six Thai farmers emerged from the porous borders of conflict, leaving behind the harrowing shadows of captivity. The gleam of freedom twinkled in their eyes as they stepped onto the familiar ground of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, greeted by the warmth of tearful embraces from family members who had endured weeks of anguished wait. Owat Suriyasri, 40, was among the newly liberated, his voice quivering with gratitude, “I’m glad to be back,” a sentiment that ran deeper than the weary miles traveled. He took a moment to express heartfelt thanks to the Thai and Israeli governments, whose intricate negotiations cast the protective net that ushered them back to safety. Yet, amidst the jubilation, there were poignant reminders of the sacrifice and suffering endured, as one of their number bore the stark evidence of conflict—a wound in the abdomen—attesting…

Oh, the tangled webs we weave—especially when it comes to the scandalous thrills of corruption entangled with the noble pursuit of justice! Settle in, dear reader, for a tale of intrigue and possible misconduct that has rocked the foundations of Samut Prakan province, where not one, not two, but a quartet of purportedly nefarious Revenue Department officials find themselves in a rather sticky pickle. According to the steely-eyed sleuths at the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), these four financial maestros have somehow—quite magically, it seems—filled their coffers with a vertigo-inducing two billion baht. Now, such a sum could buy you a lifetime supply of sticky rice and mangoes, with enough left over to commission a gold-plated tuk-tuk! Assistant to the NACC secretary-general and resident purveyor of truth, Mr. Sornchai Chuwichian—in his capacity as deputy NACC spokesman—spun the yarn of the investigation that’s about to send shockwaves through the ranks of government…

Imagine receiving an invitation to unlock a treasure chest filled with digital gold, right from the comfort of your couch! Well, fellow netizens, that’s the kind of excitement brewing in the air as Thailand navigates the twists and turns on the path toward the much-anticipated digital wallet loan bill. This isn’t just any legislation—it’s a passport to financial freedom and a digital revolution that could put a modern twist on spending. So pull up a seat as Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat briefs us on this wunderkind of a project. With the poise of a chess master, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun revealed that the government is gearing up to solicit the wisdom of the Council of State. It’s like consulting the Oracle before embarking on a mythical quest—except, this quest involves a seamless mesh of law and technology. The Council’s legal gurus are set to weigh in on whether this…

Welcome to the ongoing saga of the Phu Kradueng cable car, an eco-narrative filled with twists and turns akin to the trails of the mountain it hopes to scale. Amid the lush landscapes of Loei, Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Patcharawat Wongsuwan delivered news that stilled the hearts of aspiring visitors: the project has hit a red light over environmental concerns, as unveiled after a mobile cabinet session in scenic Nong Bua Lamphu. Hinging on the cliff-edge of progress, the cabinet held back the waterfall of funds necessary to breathe life into a refreshed cable car design. This stands as a significant boulder in the path, for without a new blueprint, teams can’t embark on the necessary environmental impact assessment (EIA) adventures–a trek mandated by law. Adding complication, the map guiding the project, the original EIA, is older than a two-decade sun cycle. General Patcharawat’s directives were clear as…

Picture this: a world where bitter political adversaries come together, joining hands under a banner of forgiveness and unity. This is the captivating vision conjured up by the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) latest legislative maneuver, an amnesty bill that’s been sparking fireworks quicker than you can say “national reconciliation.” But here comes the twist in our tale – not all heroes wear capes, and not all amnesty proposals fly smoothly through the parliamentary gauntlet. Enter Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a man balancing the scales of justice with the acuity of a seasoned commerce minister. He has unveiled a cornucopia of concerns, not least of which is this hot potato issue: should those ensnared by the gossamer threads of lese majeste statutes be given a get-out-of-jail-free card? The ruling Pheu Thai Party, where Mr. Phumtham has planted his flag, isn’t shy to voice its support, provided the battlefield of public…