Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the spotlight, energetically engaging with Pheu Thai supporters on a vibrant campaign trail in Nakhon Phanom’s Muang district. Despite the January chill, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Thaksin passionately championed the cause of Anuchit Hongsadee, aiming for the prestigious position as the Nakhon Phanom Provincial Administration Organisation chief. Not just known for his warmth and charisma, Thaksin took this opportunity to address a topic that’s sparking both fervor and controversy throughout Thailand—entertainment complexes. In his characteristic style, he laid all rumors to rest, asserting unequivocally that licenses for operating casinos within these complexes would only be awarded through transparent bidding processes. His words cut through the air with clarity: “The truth is, the license will be given out by means of open bidding where any and all interested parties can participate.” Thaksin, always one to have his finger on the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the realm of bravery and courage, the names of Pol Lt Col Suwit Chuaythewarit, 56, and his son, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Dome Chuaythewarit, 35, are etched with honor. These two valiant border patrol officers tragically lost their lives in a bomb explosion in Narathiwat province on January 14, a day that marks both sorrow and reflection. Shrouded in the embrace of the Thai national flag, their sacrifice encapsulates a profound sense of duty that continues to resonate. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat) This catastrophic event has sent ripples throughout the region, compelling the police to seek arrest warrants against two men alleged to have masterminded this heinous act. SATURDAY brought this revelation to light, indicating that DNA samples procured from the crime lab have provided a match, linking the suspects to previous disturbances and acts of violence noted in the troubled South. The first suspect, Abdulloh Bula, 40, is far…
In a spirited demonstration of ASEAN camaraderie, the Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok recently set the stage for a renewed commitment between Thailand and Myanmar to join forces against the pesky invasion of transnational call center gangs. This diplomatic dance saw Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister Gen Mya Tun Oo, also serving as the transport and communications minister, shaking hands with a promise to combat these nefarious groups head-on. Minister Prasert highlighted the gathering’s consensus on the need for urgent action against the pervasive threat of online fraud and call center gangs. According to him, these wily scammers, operating along the Thai-Myanmar border, have become public enemy number one in a region already fraught with digital crime challenges. He lamented that despite existing agreements with other nations, these international pacts serve as mere templates that still require robust, actionable strategies for effective…
In the bustling corridors of Istanbul’s international airport, a peculiar discovery was made that has captivated the world. This is the tale of Zeytin, a five-month-old gorilla whose short life has already been filled with incredible adventure and unwitting intrigue. Found in a rather unusual hideout—a wooden crate nestled within the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight—Zeytin has since become both a symbol of hope and a grim reminder of the complexities in wildlife smuggling. Originally uncovered in December, Zeytin’s clandestine journey was halted at Istanbul airport. The destination scribbled on the crate wasn’t what one would expect for a creature of her kind. Instead of a lush sanctuary, Zeytin was marked as a contingent for a farm in Thailand, specifically the TK Farm, legally recorded as an entity for importing and breeding animals. In Turkey, Zeytin has become quite the sensation. The zoo where she now resides has…
In an extraordinary and dramatic turn of events, the curious case of 25-year-old Chinese model Yang Zeqi unfolds like the plot of an international thriller. After a jaw-dropping month-long disappearance along the shadowy Thai-Myanmar border, Yang has finally returned to China, much to the relief and jubilation of his family—and audiences, if this saga were on the silver screen. Thai authorities reported on Saturday, with the Chinese embassy validating their claims, that Yang had indeed touched down safely in his home country. Pol Gen Chatchai Pitaneelaboot, with the Royal Thai Police Office, confirmed this during a briefing in the Mae Sot district of Tak. As the story gathered steam like an over-hyped blockbuster, Yang’s father sought the assistance of Thailand’s top cop, national police chief Kittharath Punpetch, urging a swift conclusion to this gripping tale. The saga began as many misguided adventures do—with the lure of Hollywood-esque fame. Yang was…
Yesterday, on January 17, 2025, the charismatic Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), made waves with the unveiling of revamped Work from Home (WFH) measures. As the iconic city grapples with persistent PM2.5 air pollution, these steps arrive not a moment too soon. The forecast for PM2.5 levels from Monday through Tuesday, January 20-24, paints a somber picture with three major concerns: Over 35 districts will likely exceed the orange PM2.5 threshold, sparking health concerns citywide. The air’s ventilation rates—a measure of its freedom to roam—are scarcely better than a painstakingly slow crawl, ranging a meager 875–2,250 m²/s. Capping off this perfect storm, over 80 daily hotspots have cast an ominous shadow from January 10-15. In response, January 20-21 will see the BMA’s troops rallying around robust WFH policies. Ever vigilant, authorities pledge to keep an eagle eye on the air quality situation. Should PM2.5 continue…
In the ever-evolving landscape of Thai politics, the People’s Party (PP) finds itself at a crossroads with a bold and controversial government proposal that seeks to legalize casinos through their incorporation into entertainment complexes. While the party is not inherently opposed to the idea, they stand firm on the necessity of stringent regulations to shield society from potential pitfalls. The ever-eloquent Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of PP, voiced these concerns in parliament, painting a vivid picture of caution in a sea of ambition. During a heated debate, Ms. Sirikanya passionately emphasized the importance of a transparent licensing process, a robust framework to thwart money laundering, and safeguards against social calamities like the scourge of gambling addiction. Amidst the political maelstrom, these measures form the cornerstone of PP’s stance, casting a guiding light on what could be a transformative, yet perilous, legislative venture. Her timely remarks came on the heels of…
Feast your eyes upon the ancient world frozen in time! Nestled within the verdant heart of Nakhon Ratchasima, around the charismatic locality of Wang Heo Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, lies a mesmerizing discovery: the fossilized tracks of the elusive dinosaur species, Siamopodus khaoyaiensis. Unearthed to the thrill of many, these magnificent footprints are now poised to catapult this serene Thai locale into a thriving epicenter of prehistoric wonder and traveler intrigue. Picture this: a group of intrepid nature enthusiasts, heartened by the spirit of adventure, casually trekking through the enchanting landscapes of Pak Chong district. Little did they know, back in 2006, they were about to step onto a patch of history—where beyond the lush canopies lay the silent whispers of the past, etched into stone. “The dinosaur footprints serve as evidence of the presence of the Siamopodus khaoyaiensis dinosaur in that area many years ago,” reflects Natthini…
On a bustling Friday afternoon, a tidal wave of eager homeowners flocked to the newly unveiled “Home for Thais” housing program, driving an unprecedented web traffic surge. Over 12 million hopefuls logged on to register for this innovative scheme, designed with a spotlight on affordable housing solutions for low-income individuals and fresh university graduates. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the registration portal flashed open at 2 PM, only to crash shortly after under the monumental weight of nationwide interest. The launch scene was a vivid tapestry woven together at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in the heart of Bangkok. The venue was buzzing with palpable excitement as eager applicants, some having staked out their spots since the break of dawn at 5 AM, descended upon the exhibition, eagerly peeking into the future with model homes on display. This display offered a glimpse into what thousands are hoping could…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, an issue has emerged that’s shedding a harsh light on the city’s glittering surface. Bhuntin Noumjerm, a diligent and empathetic People’s Party MP, has drawn attention to a grave concern—that of foreign beggars proliferating around the busy Asok-Nana area, an area renowned for its vibrant urban life and perpetual hustle. If you’ve ever meandered through the Asok or Nana intersections, you might have caught a glimpse of a heart-wrenching spectacle. Mothers with infants wrapped tightly in their arms, seated at the base of towering BTS stations, their forlorn eyes seeking help from passersby. Noumjerm has decidedly taken a stand, pleading with the government to untangle this knotty problem that seems to thicken with each passing day. Reports and surveys from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) confirm an unsettling trend—the numbers of these foreign panhandlers…