As the political stage sets its sights on the next national polls in 2027, the People’s Party (PP) finds itself at a crossroads with implications that stretch back to a constitution crafted under the Prayut Chan-o-cha regime in 2017. This constitution, ironically, could be seen as both an ally and an adversary. It once acted as the winning formula for the Move Forward Party (MFP), the past incarnation of PP, which captured the nation’s attention and parlors, seizing a whopping 151 seats, even surpassing the long-dominant Pheu Thai Party’s 141 tally. The unexpected triumph of the MFP was fueled by a savvy blend of youthful exuberance and social media wizardry, a stark contrast against the backdrop of seasoned political titans. Social media became their battlefield, where their compelling narratives and strategic campaigns won them constituencies long considered secure fortresses of established political figures. Central to this achievement was the reemergence…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The political climate is abuzz as a total of 14 bills are poised to take the spotlight when the House reconvenes, according to Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. With these bills in the air, it’s crucial to point out that they’re not just any bills—they’re proposed amendments to the 2017 constitution. And while the anticipation crackles in the air, the big question remains: Will they make it through the legislative gauntlet? Mr. Wan, ever the realist, reminds us, “It’s not like all drafts included on the House’s meeting agenda will be successful as passing them involves several more parties.” In other words, just because they’re on the agenda doesn’t mean they’re a done deal. Some of these bills, especially those tied to the charter referendum bill, are still playing the waiting game. They’re lingering in limbo until the House-Senate committee can sing in harmony and find a compromise on the…
In a bid to quell burgeoning concerns and simmering tensions, the government has urged citizens to resist the call to the streets regarding the contentious 2001 Thailand-Cambodia memorandum of understanding (MoU) over joint development endeavors in the Gulf of Thailand. The air was thick with rumor as speculations began to swirl about a potential swell of protests, orchestrated by Sondhi Limthongkul, the vociferous leader of the erstwhile People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD). The core of this unrest centers on the delicate matter of the MoU which deals with an overlapping claim area (OCA) and the hotspot of maritime boundary demarcation with neighboring Cambodia. Amid the echoing calls to revoke this 2001 MoU, initially hammered out by then-foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai under the tenure of the Thaksin government and Cambodia’s Sok An, the architect behind Cambodia’s energy sector, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepped into the fray. With a steely resolve, she…
The skies are set for a delightful twist in the tale of Thailand’s aviation journey. Come February next year, direct flights between Thailand and the United States might just be a reality once more, thanks to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the US Department of Transportation potentially upgrading Thailand’s aviation safety from Category 2 to the illustrious Category 1. This uplifting forecast stems from none other than the nation’s Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Minister Suriya, bubbling with enthusiasm, recently revealed the strides Thailand has made towards refining its aviation safety standards. This progress follows a crucial inspection conducted by the FAA between the 11th and 15th of November. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) emerged from this scrutiny with a gleaming report card. Although a few minor bumps are still on the radar, these are unlikely to dim the bright prospects of Thailand reclaiming…
In a vibrant burst of optimism and strategic foresight, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took center stage during Friday’s mobile cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai, painting a hopeful picture of recovery and rejuvenation for the flood-hit regions of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. With Government House busting at the seams with activity, the air was filled with anticipation as the government rolled out a whopping 19 billion baht plan aimed at revamping the beleaguered infrastructure and utilities crumbled by recent deluges. A beacon of governance, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, informed the eager media conveners about the cabinet’s green light on a far-reaching economic and social development blueprint. At the heart of this plan, skillfully proposed by the visionary National Economic and Social Development Council, lies a robust 19.28 billion baht—an arsenal ready to vanquish the woes besetting the residents of these provinces. With laser focus, the dispensation for Chiang Mai includes…
Imagine a scene straight out of a natural disaster film, the bustling city of Hat Yai in southern Thailand transformed by unruly waters after two major canals spilled over their banks. What once was a thriving economic zone now faces the slippery threat of further flooding, as relentless rains are predicted to lash many parts of the southern region until the end of next week. A photograph captured by Aswin Phakkhawan immortalizes this watery chaos, etching a dramatic reminder of nature’s unpredictable forces into our minds. The government has swiftly swung into action, eager to alleviate the pressing woes many southern communities face. After wrapping up a mobile cabinet meeting in the spirited backdrop of Chiang Mai on a lively Friday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a no-holds-barred approach to aid relief. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Defence Minister Gen Natthaphon Narkphanit have been chosen as the stalwarts to…
As you stroll through the buzzing Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, you might notice a rather eye-catching sign announcing the 20-baht flat-fare rate on the Red Line trains. On that breezy morning of October 16, 2023, a unique travel revolution was afoot, capturing the attention of commuters and sparking discussions across the city. All courtesy of the lens of Apichart Jinakul, whose photograph immortalized the moment. The much-celebrated cabinet has gone above and beyond by approving a 400 million baht budget, supporting the extension of this affordable fare for the Red and Purple electric train lines for yet another year. This extension blankets the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red lines—spanning from the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Taling Chan along the Nakhon Withi Line, and rolling from the very same terminal to Rangsit in Pathum Thani on the Thani Ratthaya Line. It’s a joyful ride extended to the…
Picture this: the vibrant beats of Pattaya rocked by a dramatic police raid, uncovering a clandestine network right in the heart of luxury. It’s a tale as gripping as any thriller, set amidst the sunny allure of Thailand’s famous beach city. On November 27, 2024, Pattaya became more than just a tourist haven; it was the backdrop for a major takedown of a shadowy enterprise operated by 17 Chinese nationals. The raid was no spur-of-the-moment affair. It was a meticulously planned operation led by Pol Lt Gen Yingyos Thepjamnong, the astute acting commander of Provincial Police Region 2. With the utmost precision, authorities targeted two posh residences nestled in the upscale Khao Phra Tamnak area of South Pattaya. These were no ordinary homes but looked like any typical seaside estate, except that their occupants were not soaking up the sun or sipping cocktails—they were running an illicit financial empire. As…
In the bustling world of social media influencers, where glitz and glamour often tread a fine line, it’s not every day you encounter a story that blends international intrigue with local legal traditions. Enter Ji Gamin, a vibrant Korean influencer whose dazzling digital presence spans 1 million followers on TikTok and an impressive 292,000 admirers on Instagram. Yet, it’s not just her knack for entertainment that has caught people’s attention. Recently, Ji Gamin found herself at the heart of a cultural and legal maelstrom in Thailand. Sparked by allegations, the story began when Ji Gamin, a notable name in the influencer circuit, reportedly posted content that may have transgressed the delicate bounds of Thailand’s revered lese-majeste law. This law, under the austere Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, upholds a formidable reputation, strictly prohibiting any content deemed disrespectful towards the monarchy. As Ji Gamin set foot on Thai soil on…
In the bustling urban sprawl of Bangkok, November 2024 rang in with a triumphant note for culinary enthusiasts. The illustrious Blue by Alain Ducasse has once again proven its mettle, clinching the coveted Michelin star for the fifth consecutive year, stretching from 2021 through to 2025. Nestled in the glitzy heart of ICONSIAM, it offers more than just delectable dishes; it presents diners with breathtaking views of the serene Chao Phraya River, blending modern French gastronomy with Thai elegance and hospitality. Since its grand unveiling in 2019, Blue by Alain Ducasse has set a sterling benchmark in sophisticated dining. Adorned with decor crafted by the internationally renowned Jouin Manku Agency, its interiors exude a timeless grace that complements its culinary offerings. Helmed by the visionary Executive Chef Wilfrid Hocquet, the restaurant dazzles with its contemporary French cuisine, crafted meticulously to juxtapose flavors with artistic precision and culinary innovation. The Michelin…