In the aftermath of a catastrophic crash at Muan International Airport, South Korea, firefighters were met with the monumental task of salvaging what they could from the charred wreckage of an aircraft. The ill-fated Jeju Air flight, carrying 181 individuals from Thailand to South Korea, met a fiery demise as it barreled off the runway, collided with a barrier, and erupted in flames. The tragedy left nearly all onboard feared dead, including two Thai nationals whose lives were tragically cut short. The Thai ambassador to South Korea, Tanee Sangrat, confirmed the heartbreaking loss of Jongluk Doungmanee, 45, and Sirithon Chaue, 22. With heavy heart, Ambassador Tanee articulated his grief and extended his deepest condolences, “I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives or were injured in this unfortunate incident,” he expressed, resonating the collective sorrow felt by many. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling heart of Bangkok on August 1, 2017, Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister, stood before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions. Clad in confidence, she delivered her closing statement on the widely scrutinized rice-pledging case—an event etched vividly in Thailand’s political history. Fast forward to the present, the narrative takes an intriguing turn as possibilities unfold for Yingluck, who has been living as a fugitive since her dramatic legal saga began. According to Thailand’s Department of Corrections Director-General, Sahakarn Phetnarin, a new regulation on out-of-prison detention might allow her some respite. Set to activate next month, this novel provision is poised to offer relief to convicts with sentences not exceeding four years. Although Yingluck’s sentence was originally five years, a commutation by one year could potentially make her eligible for out-of-prison detention. The prospect sounds tantalizingly close yet hinges intricately on legal nuances.…
Amid the glitzy celebrations and the anticipations of a fresh New Year, an unfortunate series of events unfolded on the bustling streets of Thailand. As partygoers busied themselves with resolutions and countdowns, rescue workers found themselves engaged in a daunting task of quelling a fire that erupted in a Honda Civic. The vehicle had violently encountered a power pole in Khon Kaen’s Phra Yuen district, yet miraculously, the driver emerged unscathed from the fiery ordeal. (Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri) The mist of exuberance for the holiday week cast a shadow over what was otherwise meant to be a time of joy and reunions. The Transport Ministry recorded a staggering 514 traffic accidents in merely the first two days of this promising new year. Amidst the clamor of horns and revving engines, 77 souls were lost in these tragic occurrences. A beacon of chaos shone brightly, revealing that a glaring offender had…
In the lively and bustling city of Pattaya, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning that sent ripples through the community. A tragic altercation led to the untimely death of a 27-year-old Japanese man, who found himself caught in a whirlwind of late-night drama that would sadly turn deadly. As dawn was just beginning to hint at its arrival, this unfortunate story began when the Japanese man, whose only intention was to step into the role of peacemaker, intervened in a heated argument. The commotion centered around a British-Thai man, aged 36, who was embroiled in a fiery dispute with his girlfriend alongside a busy roadside. Our Japanese protagonist, accompanied by a Thai compatriot, decided to take on the task of pacifying the irate suitor, steering him away from what was escalating into a very public scandal. However, as witnessed by bystanders, the situation turned volatile…
Ah, the delicate art of rewriting a constitution! It might sound like a breeze, especially with overwhelming support from the House of Representatives, but let me tell you, it’s anything but easy. The formidable hurdle standing in the way of success? The dreaded referendum. Yes, to authorize a wholesale change to the charter, the people must have their say. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that referendums are as unpredictable as they come. This year, we’ve witnessed some dramatic pushes, primarily by the feisty opposition People’s Party and the ruling Pheu Thai Party, eager to clear the referendum hurdle and dive headfirst into a constitutional redraft. Their rallying cry? The 20th constitution, promulgated back in 2017, is seen as a remnant of dictatorship, conceived and passed under the watchful eye of the National Council for Peace and Order, which swept the Prayut Chan-o-cha administrations into power like a…
In the latest whirl of political fervor across Thailand, a captivating tale of leadership and popularity is unfolding. The spotlight shines brightly on Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the charismatic leader of the opposition and the esteemed People’s Party. As the nation embarked on a decisive opinion poll journey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) from December 19 to 24, Natthaphong emerged as the topmost contender in a heated race for the role of prime minister, narrowly edging past the current Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Nida’s comprehensive survey, which sampled the views of 2,000 individuals from various corners of Thailand, paints a vivid picture of the shifting political landscape. What makes Mr. Natthaphong so appealing to nearly 30% of respondents is not just his adherence to party principles but his resonance with the youth. His policies are seen as fresh and invigorating, proposing a promising leap towards a more progressive…
In the vibrant world of Thai politics, a new chapter unfolds as Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the charismatic leader of the opposition and the People’s Party, steps into the spotlight. Capturing hearts across the country, Natthaphong has emerged as the frontrunner for the prime ministerial position, narrowly eclipsing the reigning Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, according to a recent survey. The National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), renowned for its insightful quarterly surveys, tipped the scales with its latest poll conducted nationwide from December 19 to 24. Out of 2,000 respondents, a notable 29.85% anointed Mr. Natthaphong as their favored candidate. His unwavering commitment to party principles and his resonance with the youth seem to have worked wonders. Brimming with authenticity and vision, he embodies a new political era that appeals to the hearts of young voters eagerly seeking change. In a fast-paced political contest, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime…
In the bustling arena of Thai politics, an intriguing shift has surfaced, one that sees the spotlight firmly fixed on Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. As the charismatic leader of the opposition People’s Party, he has emerged as the top contender for the prime ministerial seat, overtaking the current Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in a recently conducted opinion poll. This riveting development was unveiled by a nationwide survey, painstakingly conducted by the venerable National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). Between December 19th and 24th, a diverse sample of 2,000 people voiced their preferences in the quarterly assessment dedicated to appraising the popularity of the nation’s political figures and their parties. The survey results were a testament to the magnetic allure of Mr. Natthaphong, with a notable 29.85% of respondents choosing him as their premier pick for the position of prime minister. His steadfast dedication to the core tenets of the People’s Party and…
Ready your air guitars, folks! Lisa, the sensational star from the global K-pop phenomenon Blackpink, is once again taking center stage with a music video teaser that’s leaving fans in a frenzy. This time, she’s rocking and rolling under the neon glow of Bangkok’s legendary Chinatown in her eagerly anticipated solo track, ‘Rockstar’. Amidst a whirlwind of captivating headlines swirling out of Bangkok in 2024, the ‘Bangkok Post’ has meticulously curated a list of the top five highlights of the year. Of course, no such list would be complete without the magnetic pull of Lisa’s stunning PR campaign. Lisa Shines and So Does Bangkok! Few narratives have electrified the global stage quite like the promotional extravaganza orchestrated by Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, our very own K-pop royalty. On the evening of June 28, Lisa catapulted her music video ‘Rockstar’ into the digital stratosphere. Filmed in the kaleidoscopic Yaowarat, the heart and…
In the early hours of a Sunday morning, as the Full Moon Party’s echoes lingered over Koh Phangan’s notorious Haad Rin beach, a long-tailed boat met a dramatic fate no one had anticipated. In the midst of rough seas and strong gusts, this boat, labeled No.38, was on its routine jaunt from Haad Rin Nok, better known as Sunrise Beach, to Haad Tien East. This might have been just another night on this stunning Thai island, cradled by the azure waters of the Gulf, had it not been for the merciless clutches of the turbulent weather. Onboard the ill-fated vessel were 10 adventurous tourists and a trio of sailors, making for a lively and international ensemble. Among them, two Turkish thrill-seekers, four locals—no doubt experts in the art of sightseeing under a full moon—two Japanese visitors absorbing Southeast Asia’s cultural flavors, one German explorer jotting down travel tales, and Hyun-jin,…