In a bustling corner of Bangkok, where the vibrant life of the city converges on Phaya Thai Road, an unfortunate incident unfolded late last January that would not soon be forgotten. Amidst the clamor of traffic and the sea of pedestrians, a motorcyclist, known only by the name Kwanchai, collided with a South Korean tourist at a pedestrian crossing in the city’s Ratchathewi district. The tourist, identified simply as Yoon, a spirited 68-year-old soul from South Korea, found himself caught in an ordeal that would culminate in a court ruling. The mishap occurred near a well-known landmark, the Kidney Institute Hospital, hauntingly reminiscent of a tragic event two years prior when an esteemed ophthalmologist met her end under similar circumstances. Fast forward to February 15, when Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom, announced the judgement from the solemn halls of Dusit Kwaeng Court. The court decreed…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The political scene in Thailand is unraveling with some interesting developments regarding constitutional amendments. The Pheu Thai Party, with its ongoing mission to reshape the governance framework, is embarking on a crucial journey that could redefine the political landscape. At the epicenter of this endeavor is the question: Can parliament amend the constitution without first consulting the Will of the People via a referendum? Minister Chousak Sirinil, a stalwart from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and also a deft legal mind, is at the helm of this political expedition. Today marks a pivotal day as his party gears up to present a crucial motion to the parliament president. The proposal, if embraced, will usher in an intriguing request for the Constitutional Court to weigh in on the legislative body’s authority to tweak the nation’s charter sans a referendum. Rallying support is no mean feat, and in true Pheu Thai fashion,…
In a world where every penny counts and accountability fuels public trust, Minister of Labour Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn found himself under the spotlight, deftly addressing criticism aimed at the Social Security Office (SSO) like a seasoned orator pirouetting under the bright lights of scrutiny. Responding with calm assurance to the criticisms spotlighted by the People’s Party, he insisted that the storm brewed over the SSO’s budget was fed by accusations lacking the full narrative. Minister Phiphat, defending the integrity of the SSO, made it crystal clear that the management of the Social Security Fund (SSF) falls to the elected members of the Social Security Board. “When someone accuses us, they should first check their facts,” he quipped, as his words echoed with the sound of a well-thrown gauntlet into the digital halls of public debate. The catalyst of this public contention was the voice of Rakchanok Srinok, a People’s Party MP…
Liu Zhongyi, an esteemed first-class investigator, has spent three decades at the forefront of China’s battle against criminal enterprises, and there’s no slowing him down at 60. An indomitable figure in law enforcement, Liu currently serves as China’s assistant minister for public security. His mission? To dismantle the notorious call center scam syndicates festering along the Myanmar border, purportedly helmed by Chinese nationals. Born in August 1965, Liu’s journey to prominence began at Heilongjiang Public Security Police Vocational College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. His dedication to China’s public safety and his unyielding commitment to the Communist Party of China have led him to the echelons of power, including his roles as an assistant minister, the party secretary-general, and the director of the Fifth Bureau Command Center. Liu’s meteoric rise from the head of a provincial police station in Heilongjiang to one of the highest-ranking officers in China’s criminal…
In a move orchestrated to blend modern advances with regional prosperity, the Transport Ministry of Thailand is embarking on a visionary journey to strengthen the connective tissue between Thailand’s southern frontier and neighboring Malaysia. Picture this – an intricate web of double-track railways and sweeping motorways unfurling from the bustling town of Hat Yai to the pivotal Sadao border checkpoint, known fondly as M84. This pioneering venture promises not just progress, but a leap into a seamless future of regional interconnectivity. Now, imagine a lively ensemble of ministry delegates headed by none other than Suriya Jungrunreangkit, gripping the reins of change as they converged at Hat Yai airport. Their mission? A serious meeting of the minds to track the region’s infrastructural evolution as part of what could be likened to a cabinet caravan of innovation. Hat Yai, an economic dynamo pulsing with trade and investment, stands as the nucleus of…
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (Unescap) has sounded a clarion call for enhanced data collection strategies to ensure that every community within the vast and varied Asia-Pacific region reaps the benefits of sustainable development. Released just yesterday, the 2025 Asia-Pacific SDGs Progress Report serves as a comprehensive compass for member nations, offering the latest data and insights to evaluate the strides made and the hurdles yet to overcome in the quest to fulfill the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the magical year of 2030. Delving into the report feels much like embarking on an adventurous journey through peaks of triumph and valleys of challenge. On one hand, the Asia-Pacific region has witnessed remarkable advancements, outshining other parts of the world in various SDG milestones. These triumphs include the commendable reduction of income poverty, tackling the scourge of undernourishment, mitigating the creeping menace of land…
As sure as the sun rises in the East, every year the stage is set for one of the most pivotal gatherings of military might in the Indo-Pacific region: the illustrious Cobra Gold joint military exercise. Kicking off on February 25, 2025, this grand spectacle promises to unfold in the heart of Thailand, continuing through to March 7. What a spectacle it shall be, with a whopping 3,200 US personnel marching to the drums of cooperation at bullseye Suranaree Camp, situated within the vibrant Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima. The ceremonial fanfare bursts to life precisely at 9 a.m. on February 25, setting the tone for the days to follow. Like a great bond that withstands the tests of time, Cobra Gold remains a magnificent symbol of the deep-seated alliance and robust strategic rapport between Thailand and the United States. A gem in the crown of joint exercises, indeed. According…
In a whirlwind of placards and passionate voices, students gathered in droves near the Prince of Songkla University’s Hat Yai campus, raising a clamorous call against certain government policies. At the heart of their spirited rally were the controversial entertainment complex and the immense landbridge projects. This fervor paints a picture of deep-seated concern among young blood for the Thailand of tomorrow. Meanwhile, behind an official desk, Pakorn Nilprapunt, the ever-diplomatic secretary-general of the Council of State (CoS), juggles the intricacies of the Entertainment Complex Bill—a bill that seems to polarize as much as it captivates. Anchored in a vision of a tourism surge, this bill aims to sprinkle a bit of Vegas into Thailand’s tropical heartland, but with a significant twist. Swirling around it, like a hurricane intent on reforming the skyline, are strict regulations intending to keep gambling rings mainly in the hands of tourists solidifying its essence…
The government took a significant stride towards aiding flood-stricken communities in Thailand’s southern provinces, with the cabinet giving the green light to a budget exceeding 4.5 billion baht. This substantial sum is earmarked to support households left reeling from last year’s deluge and to fund critical post-flood rehabilitation and development projects. During a dynamic mobile cabinet meeting held in Hat Yai, Songkhla, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the allocation of a precise 304.8 million baht. This fund is set to empower a series of 22 dynamic projects, aimed at mending the flood-ravaged infrastructure in provinces like Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. These projects, adeptly devised by the National Economic and Social Development (NESD), represent a beacon of hope for returning normalcy to these communities. Parallel to this, another robust 300 million baht was sanctioned for an array of 23 like-minded projects in regions including Songkhla, Surat Thani, Chumphon, and Nakhon Si…
When a motion for ensuring equal rights for prisoners was suddenly yanked off the table, it caused a wee bit of a stir in the normally stoic Senate chamber. Picture this: Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit had bravely stepped up, waving the flag for more equal treatment for prisoners, only to hastily reel it back in. The reason? Oh, just a teensy problem – she realized her arsenal of evidence wasn’t quite packed enough to go into battle over this pressing issue. It’s like gearing up for a prize fight but realizing you left your gloves at home. Senator Angkhana aimed to shine a spotlight on the glaring difference in how prisoners receive medical care, inspired by what she deemed the royal treatment afforded to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his rather plush hospital stay last year. The tale of Thaksin’s hospital escapades is practically legendary at this point – the…