Dimming the twilight in the serene skies of Doi Saket district, a congregation of indigenous Karen villagers makes a plea for their inherent existence and culture. The evolving Sunday was a platform for these tribal inhabitants residing in two distinct, remote forest villages namely Ban Huay Pha Tuen and Yom Ban Doi, in the tambon Pa Miang of Doi Saket district. Their plea? To ask the government to backtrack and repeal each policy concerning the management of their homes, a.k.a. forest land. Exercising their democratic rights, these villagers decided to capitalize on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to the northern region, to submit their petition. They, unequivocally, demanded the annulment of the distorting policies on forest land management enforced by the National Land Policy Board (NLPB). They further declared their allegiance to the 2010 regulation on land and natural resource management issued by the Prime Minister’s own office and a…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Nestled in the heart of Nakhon Phanom province, the flourishing bank of the majestic Mekong River reflects a remarkable tapestry of cultures and ecosystems. The river is pivotal to the livelihood of over 326 million individuals spanning six states, weaving an intricate dependency fabric that spans a gargantuan distance of 4,880 kilometres. However, the remarkable tapestry lies under the massive spectre of climate change. In response to this major concern, representative delegates from the six nations convening on this spindling river course have voiced resolute commitment towards climate change mitigation. On September 10-13, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), the face of Thailand at the frontline, engaged in momentous meetings for the 3rd Lancang-Mekong Water Resource Cooperation Forum and the 18th World Water Congress, held in Beijing. Accompanying Thailand were esteemed delegates from its fellow Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) member countries of Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. According…
The inauguration of Prime Minister Srettha’s office was marked with a distinct, swift, and efficient approach to governance, as observed in his first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. This vibrant meeting—a whirlpool of clear follow-ups, explicit instructions, and an intertwining web of conversations with relevant governmental bodies, served as a refreshing spectacle compared to the prior administration’s procedures. Preceded by the delivery of the new cabinet’s policy statement during a parliamentary sit-down on Monday and Tuesday, the regime’s intent of resolute administration was not misunderstood. With an illustrious background under his belt as the former president and CEO of the property powerhouse, Sansiri Plc, Srettha forayed into the political landscape this year as the prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu Thai Party—an entity that boasts the largest share in the ruling coalition. Srettha’s entrepreneurial prowess glaringly manifested itself in his debut cabinet meeting, which presented a stark contrast to his predecessor,…
On a fateful evening of September 6, amid the merrymaking of a birthday party, a distressing incident occurred that would electrify the entire nation. The life of a respected highway police officer, Pol Major Siwakorn Saibua, was claimed suddenly and unexpectedly. The motive behind this most shocking of crimes seems to be rooted in a disagreement over a professional advancement. As recounted by onlookers present at the scene, Thananchai Manmak, purportedly a loyal follower of Praween, and an assumed accomplice, notoriously advanced towards the festivity table, took aim, and mercilessly fired at Siwakorn. Drawing attention due to his habitual indulgence in social events, Praween is a character well known among the circles of notable police figures, influential governmental delegates, and the local glitterati. His business expertise is not unknown, with bids represented in manifold governmental projects. Falling into the hands of the law, Praween turned himself in on September 7…
Changes to the minimum daily wage in Thailand are on the horizon as Labour Minister Phiphat discloses plans to increase the rate in 2020, much to the approval of the country’s working populace. This notable move is set to be considered by the Cabinet on the 25th of September, with aspirations of unveiling the new wages by November, in a timely manner to coincide with the New Year celebration for the citizens of Thailand. The labor minister announced this during a visit to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) headquarters, where he was received with warmth by the Federation’s top-tier executives, including the chairperson, Kriengkrai Thiennukul. Alongside the prospective modification to the minimum wage, the conversation also touched on the proposition of an uplift in labor productivity. Minister Phiphat revealed having engaged the Federation, a pillar in the business community, in the deliberations over the wage augmentation owing to its…
According to the weather bureau, expect a deluge everywhere except the Northern region. The spectre that looms overhead is flash flooding, and surging waterways in areas nestled near the foothills or in the lowlands. The department urges drivers to exercise due caution during sudden, violent storms. The undulating waves in the upper reaches of Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand typically rise between one to two metres. However, thundershowers, propelled by the moderate southwest monsoon currently enveloping the area, can whip up waves exceeding two metres in height, warns the department. Mariners are advised to navigate carefully and steer clear of thunderstorms entirely. The weather bureau provided a detailed list of provinces that will bear the brunt of the rain. These include: In the Northern region, residents from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai to Lampang, Lamphun to Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet,…
In the depths of Nakhon Pathom province, where local magnate Praween exercises his power as a subdistrict chief, an unsettling tale of cold-blooded homicide unfolded. The residence of this influential figure became not just a scene of festivity but also of calculated, brutal murder, and an associated bid to sweep damning proof under the rug. During one of the usual social gatherings at Praween’s residence, Pol Major Siwakorn Saibua, an upstanding inspector with the Highway Police’s 2nd command, met his untimely end. What should have been an evening of camaraderie quickly became a nefarious plot, reportedly traced back to a contentious promotion dispute. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Thananchai Manmak, a suspected henchman for Praween, sauntered towards the dining table. Without warning, he unleashed an eruption of gunfire, resulting in Siwakorn’s death and the injury of another unsuspecting officer. This chilling event took an even darker turn as Thananchai ended…
During a recent formal assembly within the grandeur of the Bangkok-based ministry headquarters, a celebratory occasion had been organized to bestow certification upon notable 190 governmental bodies. These agencies had remarkably utilized the Traffy Fondue platform in tackling and resolving the public’s pressing issues. Notably, she expressed gratitude toward the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) for their instrumental role in bringing Traffy Fondue to life. Despite the success stories, she didn’t shy away from acknowledging the need for further application of this platform across other yet non-participating government bodies. Their ultimate vision centered around effective decentralization is designed to enable a multitude of agencies to cater to individualized needs across each province. Through the application of state-of-the-art technology, the government aspires to enhance efficiency, induce transparency, significantly cut costs, and notably bolster their digital governmental presence. In the same gathering, NSTDA director Chukit Limpichamnong enlightened the audience on…
Under the vigilant supervision of Major-General Sajja Suksumek, director of the Army Sports Development Centre, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is in the active process of compiling data. The goal? To champion the case for Muay Thai’s inclusion in Unesco’s World Heritage List, a recognition that would indubitably place this martial art sport on the cultural world map. With eyes on global appreciation for Muay Thai, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium has taken a significant step forward. A partnership memorandum has been inked with a distinguished Chinese enterprise. The agreement’s primary motive rests in promoting and enlightening six Chinese cities about the charm and vigor of Muay Thai. The driving force behind the internationalization of Muay Thai is General Charoenchai Hinthao, the forthcoming Army chief. His faith in Major Sajja’s capability to carry on the previous Army Chief General Apirat Kongsompong’s directive is unwavering. Sajja relishes in narrating the rich history of the boxing…
Escorted by a fleet of vehicles, around two dozen committed residents and members belonging to the territorial Northern Peasant Federation had gathered as the cascade of vehicles passed them. Their purpose was clear and echoed through the placards they proudly held aloft, a unified plea urging for governmental policies promoting equitable land distribution among economically disadvantaged farmers and rural inhabitants. Chief amongst the placards, their messages seared into the hearts and minds of onlookers such as, “Cease the affluent’s land encroachment upon the underprivileged”, “Are the impoverished privy to rights?” and “Assert equal distribution of authority, land, and wealth”. These statements stirred the atmosphere and marred the air with their poignant demands. In a show of intended empathy, the Premier’s designate representatives courteously entertained an open letter presented by the protesting individuals. The symbolic act served to acknowledge the gravity of the issues at hand. The motorcade then continued on…