As the political landscape in Thailand continues to evolve, the reverberations from elections like the Sept 15 by-election in Phitsanulok are shaping the strategies and futures of major parties. This particular by-election was a significant focal point for the People’s Party (PP), as it navigates its path under a new identity following the dissolution of its predecessor, the Move Forward Party (MFP). Hope was a vital ingredient for the PP, especially given recent electoral setbacks. The Ayutthaya loss, where they failed to secure the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman seat, was a stinging reminder of their vulnerabilities. Here, the PP faced a competitor with deep roots and unwavering support in the old capital, echoing a familiar story in Pathum Thani. However, this time, the ruling Pheu Thai Party and a local faction, historically allied with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, presided over a competitive climate that wasn’t kind to newcomers. With…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the tangled web of politics and legal intricacies, no one in the Pheu Thai Party can seem to locate Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, a noteworthy Pheu Thai Party list-MP and once a commanding authority of the Fourth Army Region. This elusive figure is under investigation in connection with the infamous 2004 Tak Bai massacre case, and his shadowy disappearance has piqued both curiosity and controversy. This unexpected mystery unfolds as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who dons another hat as the deputy prime minister, stands firm, emphasizing that this matter is strictly a personal issue, free from the chains of party affairs. As the clock ticks closer to the expiration of the statute of limitations on October 25, the stakes heighten. Just recently, the Narathiwat provincial court set the wheels in motion by issuing an arrest warrant after Gen Pisal eluded a summons. In a dance of duty and diplomacy, Phumtham…
The bustling metropolis of Bangkok has found itself at the crux of a healthcare revolution, or perhaps, a crisis, one might say. As the calendar gently flipped to October 1, 2024, the city’s universal healthcare scheme experienced a bit of a shakeup. Specifically, 30 primary clinics made a graceful, albeit sudden, exit from this grandiose system. This departure isn’t just a footnote in Thailand’s annals of healthcare reforms—it’s a potential plot twist for the 108,000 patients who rely on these clinics as their medical lifelines. Enter the National Health Security Office (NHSO), with deputy secretary-general Dr. Lalitaya Kongkam at the helm. These clinics were pillars in the community, serving everyone from the early risers catching the sun over Bangkok’s skyline to the night owls who wander its vibrant streets. As these clinics lowered their shutters, patients found themselves facing the unnerving prospect of seeking treatment elsewhere, referrals becoming as elusive…
Imagine the beautiful Thai sunset, which descends gracefully over the Andaman Sea, as cruise ships gently sway in the waters off Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi. It’s a scene straight out of a travel brochure, but beneath the idyllic surface lies a potential hazard that former deputy commander of the Third Naval Area Command, Rear Adm Amornchote Sujirat, believes deserves urgent attention. These regions, known for their vibrant tourism and picturesque coastlines, play host to hundreds of cruise ships annually. Yet, they lack a pivotal component: firefighting boats capable of tackling potential onboard infernos. Marine fires aren’t a novelty—these blazes are rather frequent, particularly while docked. The damage can be catastrophic, often sending vessels to a watery grave because the fires couldn’t be snuffed out swiftly enough, Rear Adm Amornchote warned. With this ominous backdrop, he’s advocating for the acquisition of high-pressure firefighting boats, especially speedboats, to ensure rapid responses to…
Picture this: the bustling atmosphere of Qatar, a place where old meets new in an exotic blend, as world leaders gather for the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit. Amid the chatter of diverse languages and the sharing of business cards, one leader made a resonant impact—Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand. With all the poise and charisma of a seasoned diplomat, she navigated the summit’s complex conversations with a single, powerful vision—Thailand as a global leader in food storage. Emerging from her inaugural speech in Doha, Ms. Paetongtarn exhaled contentment as she shared her experience with eager journalists. “We’ve sparked interest from nations around the world,” she declared, eyes twinkling like rare gems. Several countries not only expressed a willingness to invest in Thailand but showed particular enthusiasm for its ambitious “food storage” proposals. In a time where stability is gold, food security is a precious commodity, and Thailand…
In the vibrant city of Pattaya, a bustling hub known for its lively nightlife and beaches, the echo of police sirens pierced through the early morning air. The normally bustling streets wore a shroud of silence as law enforcement converged on three unassuming villas nestled in the heart of Bang Lamung district. The mission? A crackdown on a clandestine operation involving illegal loans and online gambling. The operation was commanded by Pol Maj Gen Chatchai Surachetphong, the hard-hitting Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 2. As dawn broke, law enforcement sealed the fate of 20 suspects, including 19 Chinese nationals and a sole individual hailing from Cambodia, accused of masterminding a web of illicit activities. Among the treasures seized were 13 whirring computers and a staggering 100 mobile phones, as well as an amount of cash that authorities have chosen to keep under wraps for now. Each of the three…
In a heart-wrenching scene straight out of a movie, the beloved residents of the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai are facing an unprecedented challenge as massive floods ravage the Mae Taeng district. The sanctuary, a haven for elephants and diverse wildlife, finds itself engulfed by surging waters, cutting off all access routes due to raging rivers and treacherous landslides. The dismaying news was conveyed in a series of urgent posts on the park’s Facebook page, voicing the dire situation as the floodwaters continued to rise, plunging the sanctuary into a critical state. The cries for help resonated through the digital realm, amidst the induction of emergency measures as electricity and phone signals went down. “We urgently need volunteers and animal cages,” pleaded one announcement, as the staff scrambled to move animals to higher ground, circumventing roads that were swallowed by the flood from both ends. The calamity, which began…
In a riveting twist of international crime-fighting, South Korean national Seo Jung Num, aged 44, found his turbulent journey through the seamy underworld of drug trafficking come to an abrupt halt under the warm sun of Chon Buri province, Thailand. His arrest on a seemingly ordinary Thursday was no regular affair, but rather the culmination of an intricate web spun across continents. The narrative begins in the wintery month of December last year, when a parcel with a hidden danger was intercepted by South Korean authorities. Concealed within innocuous coffee and bean bags was crystal methamphetamine, a viciously addictive drug smuggled from the balmy lands of Thailand to the bustling streets of Seoul. The recipient of this treacherous delivery found themselves in the clutches of law enforcement, inadvertently flipping to the next chapter of a crime detective’s journal. Determined to unravel this clandestine operation, South Korean detectives pointed their investigative…
In a story that is rapidly unfolding in Bangkok, the fate of Montagnard activist Y Quynh Bdap hangs precariously in the balance. Arrested in June, his predicament has captured international attention, as both the Criminal Court in Bangkok and the Thai government deliberate over his potential extradition back to Vietnam. Bdap, a brave and prominent human rights activist, stands accused by the Vietnamese government of terrorism, linked to the violent uprisings in Dak Lak province that occurred in June 2023. Protests and chaos reigned, but Bdap’s actual involvement remains questionable, given his absence from the region during the events. Vietnam has been steadfast in its assertion of his culpability, which now sees him incarcerated in the Bangkok Remand Prison. The courtroom recently resonated with the judge’s somber declaration: “There are sufficient grounds to approve the Vietnamese government’s extradition request.” Yet, although these words rang clear, Thailand’s government holds the final…
In the bustling heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, the trailblazing first and largest Moxy hotel in the Asia-Pacific region, is adding a splash of culinary excitement to your weekend plans. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 26 October 2024, as they unveil “Moxy: We’ve Got Brunch!” This thrilling weekend affair is set to transform your brunch experience with an explosion of playful vibes, delectable dining, and drinks galore. Happening on the last Saturday of every month (for the rest of the year, think 26 October, 30 November, 28 December), from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, attendees can soak up the laid-back Café Chill Out atmosphere—all for just THB 999++ per person, including a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. What’s on the Menu? A Playful Twist on Café Chill Out Step into a culinary playground as guests indulge in a menu that’s bursting with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and…