In a bustling discussion that could very well shape the future of Thailand’s defense infrastructure, the Defence Ministry has stepped into the spotlight, prepared to answer burning questions regarding the proposed transition of businesses currently under military operation. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai took the helm on Wednesday at a convening with a special House committee, dedicated to examining the logistics of this business handover. Mr. Phumtham candidly admitted that a myriad of issues lurks within the quagmire of legal complexities, requiring amendments which the government intends to tackle with aplomb. He assured the committee members of the administration’s intent to accelerate these processes and promised frequent updates to keep all parties informed. This meeting was not just a sleepy affair—Deputy Defence Minister Gen Natthapon Nakpanich, defence permanent secretary Sanitchanok Sangkhachan, and a cadre of armed forces representatives were present, adding gravitas to the dialogue. According to Defence Ministry mouthpiece Jirayu…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the first light of dawn creeps over the majestic spires of the Democracy Monument, a bird soars gracefully across the Bangkok skyline, heralding a day of monumental decisions and political intrigue. The air is thick with anticipation as the Thai Parliament braces itself for a pivotal discussion on the much-anticipated charter amendment bills. Spearheading this legislative marathon is none other than the Parliament President, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, with his sights set firmly on mid-January for these critical deliberations. Amid a cacophony of opinions and political maneuvering, a whopping 17 proposals lie on the table, each vying to meticulously dissect and amend the 2017 constitution. Alongside, a separate, more audacious bill looms large. This brainchild of the opposition People’s Party seeks to revolutionize Section 256 of the charter, paving a golden path to the establishment of a charter-drafting assembly (CDA). The legislature is abuzz with speculation and strategy as…
Decked in her primest form, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently gave followers a sneak peek into her office at Government House through her Instagram handle, ingshin21. With a casual click, she encapsulated a year-end workload grocery alongside futuristic plans for 2025—impressive, one might say, but this power-packed timeline isn’t just a pretty picture, it’s a prelude to extravagant changes when it comes to Thailand’s healthcare landscape. Mark your calendars, folks! Come January 1st, the Kingdom will roll out the fourth and final segment of the revolutionary “treatment anywhere” 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. It’s a healthcare wonderland unfurling across the last 31 provinces, designed to ease the medicinal quests of hundreds by leaping into a digital age—success sans the serpentine queues. Launched with the splash of a well-laced ceremony by Ms. Shinawatra, it witnessed the stalwart presence of Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin emblazoning the…
In the ever-dynamic sphere of government appointments and legal deliberations, an intriguing development unfolded recently concerning the eligibility of Kittiratt Na-Ranong. Speculation has been rife about whether or not Kittiratt could ascend to the prestigious position of Bank of Thailand (BoT) board chairman. Yet, in a twist of events that captured the media’s attention, the Council of State (CoS), the government’s esteemed legal advisor, issued a statement to set the record straight. On Wednesday, Pakorn Nilprapunt, Secretary-General of the CoS, emphatically denied media reports suggesting that a decision had already been reached regarding Kittiratt’s qualifications. In fact, no such official ruling had been made, and the matter was still slated for further discussion. The heart of the inquiry revolved around certain legal issues presented by the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office. These queries sought to clarify the criteria for who could or could not preside over the BoT board. Kittiratt,…
It’s that magical time of year again at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the holiday spirit truly takes flight. This Christmas Day, passengers were treated to an enchanting spectacle of adorable teddy bears riding the baggage claim carousels, bringing smiles and delight in unexpected places. Yes, you heard it right—teddy bears were the latest addition to the airport’s holiday cheer, and they weren’t just for show, either. These cuddly companions served as surprise gifts, encapsulating the festive spirit of generosity that Suvarnabhumi Airport is keen to spread far and wide. The whimsical initiative aimed to dazzle and delight travelers, creating an unforgettable holiday experience. According to airport authorities, this was all part of a grand plan to infuse the terminal with holiday joy, and let’s just say, it worked like a charm! On the bustling Christmas Eve, Suvarnabhumi’s very own head honcho, General Manager Kittipong Kittikachorn, along with Kittipol Ruayfuphan, the deputy…
The hallways of Government House buzzed with anticipation as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stood before a crowd of inquisitive reporters. It was one of those quintessential days in Bangkok – the air pregnant with expectation and the tropical clouds hinting at a drizzle. Yet, the question that hung heavily was not about the weather but a political storm brewing out of nowhere, a rumor so bizarre it left the Prime Minister just as bewildered as anyone else. “Dissolve the House? Where did that come from?” she mused aloud, a perplexed expression gracing her usually composed demeanor. It was a curious narrative, set into motion not by her, but interestingly, by her own father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Prime Minister and the maestro behind the scenes of the Pheu Thai Party. His musings in Chiang Mai, a serene city known for its temples and teeming night markets, had stirred the pot…
Inside a seemingly unassuming wooden crate, an infant gorilla peered out with innocent eyes, marking a peculiar chapter of wildlife smuggling history that unfolded on December 22nd. The little primate, a precious life sandwiched between wooden slats, was intercepted at Istanbul Airport, reportedly on a journey from Nigeria to an unknown future in Thailand. This unexpected discovery triggered a series of events that pulled both Turkish and Thai authorities into action. In a flurry of activity, Thai forces descended on TK Farm International Trading, a seemingly benign establishment tucked away in the Muang district of Nakhon Pathom. The farm had unwittingly found itself at the center of this international smuggling saga. As it turned out, the gorilla wasn’t traveling solo—concealed by a ruse claiming the shipment contained nothing more than 50 rabbits. However, the sharp eyes of customs officers at Istanbul Airport uncovered this ruse during routine inspections, led by…
In a serene march from life, Khongsak Yuktasevi, the acclaimed National Artist in Visual Arts specializing in interior architecture, bid farewell to this world on a tranquil Wednesday at the venerable age of 81. Nestled in the nurturing care of Rama 9 Hospital, his departure was as elegant as the interiors he famously designed. The somber announcement came courtesy of Prasop Rian-ngern, the helmsman steering the Department of Cultural Promotion. Khongsak’s architectural genius transcended boundaries, charming the world with his exquisite designs that graced residences, hotels, hospitals, and landmark buildings across a constellation of nations, including Malaysia, Singapore, Kuwait, South Korea, and the Far East wonder of China. It was in the year 2018 that he earned the esteemed title of National Artist, a testament to his unmatched prowess and visionary artistry. Among his crowning achievements was the elegant design of the interiors of Bahrain’s royal palace, a splendid architectural…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the city’s skyline dances with modern high-rises and traditional temples, an intriguing tale of deception and detective prowess unfolded. This past Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police, accompanied by immigration authorities equipped with a Criminal Court warrant, orchestrated a meticulous raid that led to the apprehension of a young Chinese national, Minghong Tan. At just 19 years old, Tan found himself at the center of a call center scam investigation that sprawled across multiple condominium units in the vibrant districts of Hua Mak and Din Daeng. The raid’s epicenter was the Phana Place building, nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Ramkhamhaeng. Here, law enforcement officials discovered a treasure trove of high-tech paraphernalia: eight gleaming SIM boxes, cutting-edge internet routers, a switch hub, a vigilant closed-circuit television camera, and a cluster of LAN cables. It was as if the rooms had been plucked straight from a…
Picture this: the quiet evening air of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phimai district was abruptly shattered by the clang and crash of a pickup truck meeting an unwelcome fate in a roadside canal. As the clock ticked to around 8:30 PM, chaos seemed to reign supreme on Liab Khlong Chonprathan Road, near the markers stretching between kilometers seven and eight, in the otherwise serene tambon Tha Luang. The backdrop to this unexpected drama was as vivid as it was alarming. A cargo box, pivotal to the tale, lay separated from the truck, sprawling across the road, and offering an uninvited peek into its contents—cardboard boxes of precious kidney dialysis solutions, now scattered like confetti at a celebration. A certain excitement buzzed around as Pol Lt Nethirot Piyapiromchai and his team, ever-ready heroes, swooped in to save the day. Now, let me introduce you to the protagonist of this mishap, the 56-year-old driver,…