On a bustling Monday, amidst the swirling winds of political discourse, a close aide to the education minister stood firmly, defending the ministry against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s pointed critique. The backbone of Thaksin’s argument was that the ministry had become an unwieldy behemoth in need of a drastic overhaul to revamp the education system for a brighter future. Unfazed, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the deft aide to Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, countered with vigor, asserting that Thaksin’s concerns were not the bombshell revelations some might think. Siripong was quick to highlight the progressive measures initiated under Pol Gen Permpoon’s stewardship, aimed at breathing new life into the education system. These initiatives not only aimed to ease the burdens shouldered by overworked teachers but also sought to ensure fair and transparent promotions, along with evaluations of professional prowess. These steps were crafted with meticulous care to address the educational…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, amidst the fast-paced life of the city, a band of food delivery riders zoom past the towering condominiums of the Din Daeng district, their motorbikes as nimble as they are essential. This scene, captured vividly back in 2021 by the talented Nutthawat Wichieanbut, reminds us of the ever-evolving gig economy that has become a vital part of modern-day living. But as the calendar turns to 2025, the Thai government is casting a spotlight on a significant responsibility that comes with this freedom: taxation. Yes, the lifeblood of any government’s fiscal plans, taxes are now knocking on the doors of online gig workers. From the swift food delivery rider to the captivating YouTube content creator and the ever-influential social media gurus, everyone in the online business realm is called upon to fulfill their civic duty by filing the 2024 personal income tax form by March…
The skies over Thailand are set to get a splash of Swedish flair with the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) recent decision to swoop up a fleet of Swedish Gripen jets, leaving the American F-16s in the hangar. Announced by the eloquent Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, this high-flying decision comes amidst a whirlwind of chatter about its merits versus the might of American counterparts. But for Thailand, it’s more than just a swap of jets; it’s a leap toward strategic benefits that go beyond the runway. As part of a meticulously calculated venture, these nimble Gripen jets will replace the well-worn F-16s stationed in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wing 1. Why Gripen? You ask. The RTAF’s strategic shift considers jets’ performance, and the potential of swapping ideas just as much as it does metal. In this high-stakes aeronautical chess game, Sweden flashed their ace—a promise of tech transfers and comfy trade…
In a twist of digital drama that would make even the most seasoned Facebook aficionado raise an eyebrow, a Thai Bolt driver named Chokchai Wailew found himself in a cascade of controversy. The saga began when what seemed to be a simple tale of kindness spun into a viral web of deceit, capturing the imaginations of netizens far and wide. Once upon a Facebook post, a user under the moniker Mook Kanokwan shared an emotional story on the group “Bolt Driver Thailand Motorcycle (Only).” The narrative painted a picture of a noble Bolt driver, Chokchai Wailew, who went out of his way to help an inebriated passenger. According to this captivating tale, Mook had booked a ride after a night of revelry and was cared for by Chokchai, who not only purchased a refreshing towel for her at a convenience store but also imparted wisdom on safe traveling practices. His…
Prepare to raise a toast and applaud as we honor the pioneers revolutionizing how our aging population thrives! On January 31, 2025, all roads lead to the dazzling city of Bangkok, Thailand, where the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) together with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) will host an illustrious award ceremony at the opulent Chadra Ballroom, Siam Kempinski Hotel. Here, visionaries and brilliant minds will converge to celebrate the Healthy Aging Prize for Asian Innovation (HAPI) winners. Committed to transforming aging societies, the HAPI award shines a spotlight on trailblazers with groundbreaking policies, services, and products addressing the challenges of aging in ASEAN and East Asia. As the program steps into its formidable fourth edition, the intensity of this year’s competition stood as a testament to its growing significance, with a deluge of awe-inspiring entries from 12 countries across East and Southeast Asia.…
The luxury real estate market is on a soaring trajectory, fueled by favorable conditions, increasing interest from High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), and proactive government initiatives. NPP Realty & Consultants (NPP) offers exclusive insights honed from their extensive local expertise. In recent years, global uncertainties have driven a remarkable surge in relocations of HNWIs, with a noticeable rise in millionaires seeking new abodes. According to Henley & Partners’ 2023 report, the trend shows no signs of waning, with projections suggesting the number of millionaires moving abroad will hit a staggering 135,000 by 2025. Thailand’s luxury property market, valued at a handsome $3.4 billion in 2024, is set to grow annually by 3.4% through 2029, buoyed by vibrant domestic and international demand from affluent global citizens. Thailand Privilege Card and Growing HNWI Population The charming allure of the Thailand Privilege Card, a long-term visa program, witnessed a phenomenal uptick in 2023, with membership…
In a world where the lines between virtual and tangible assets continue to blur, innovation is the spark that sets new trends ablaze. Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the pioneering Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., has been a driving force in the dynamic realm of digital assets and blockchain technology in Thailand. Recently, he embarked on an adventure to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in picturesque Davos, Switzerland, a hub of intellectual exchange and forward-thinking discussions. Under the captivating theme “Assets: From Concrete to Ether,” Jirayut found himself among a constellation of global finance leaders ready to explore the ever-evolving landscape of finance. The roster boasted illustrious names like Ola Doudin, Co-founder and CEO of BitOasis; Jeremy Allaire, the visionary Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle Internet Financial; and Marc Bayle de Jessé, the strategic CEO of CLS Bank International. At the helm of this…
The Tourism and Sports Ministry in Thailand is rolling out a welcome mat for small and medium-sized hotels with a proposal for a brand-new Hotel Act. It’s a bit like inviting a slew of secret guesthouses out of the shadows and onto the main stage. Right now, over 500 unlicensed accommodations are waiting in the wings, unable to participate in the existing system, and this could finally be their big break. According to Tourism Vice-Minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, a staggering 90,000 small and medium-sized accommodations are feeling left out because they don’t quite fit the bill under the current law. The ministry has been getting cozy with all the right people, including the Department of Provincial Administration, the Tourism Council of Thailand, the Thai Hotels Association (THA), and guesthouse operators, to hash out the details for a revised Hotel Act. The revamped bill is like a fairy godmother, aiming to reduce…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the backdrop of the skyscrapers of Pathumwan district, an intriguing and contentious chapter continues to unfold. Rosana Tositrakul, a dynamic and outspoken former senator, has once again stepped into the limelight, addressing a decade-old controversy that refuses to fade into obscurity. On January 26, Rosana took to Facebook with a call to action directed toward the Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, urging him to enforce a pivotal judicial decree that has lingered in neglect—the demolition of the towering 21-storey Aetas condominium on Soi Ruamrudee. This is not just any structure; it’s a building steeped in controversy, having defied an order by the Supreme Administrative Court over ten years ago. Back then, in a case that began in 2005 spearheaded by the spirited opponents led by Doctor Songkram Supcharoen, the court found the Aetas in breach of the Building Control Act. The crux of their…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, nestled amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of Silom, an unsettling incident unfolded on the morning of January 25. Beloved local Thai doctor, Chanesd Srisukho, found himself at the center of a brazen, daylight assault outside his very own Mali Clinic on the serene Silom Soi 3. At the crack of dawn, precisely 7:36 am, Chanesd was thrust into a disturbing ordeal as two audacious assailants, appearing to be in their thirties and forties, decided to spoil the tranquility of the morning. The vivid description provided by Chanesd paints a vivid picture: one attacker clad in a distinctly military-style camouflage ensemble of T-shirt and shorts, the other sporting a striking combination of a red T-shirt and sleek black trousers. Their arrival was as conspicuous as their clothing – roaring in on an unmistakable orange Honda PCX motorcycle. Unprovoked and relentless, the duo set upon…