In the quiet, pristine expanses of Thailand’s treasured national parks, a legend once roamed, crafting a legacy that echoes through the marine halls of conservation. This is the fascinating tale of Sarayuth Tanthien, the former chief of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, a man whose innovative vision was as vast and deep as the very oceans he worked to preserve. On a somber Wednesday, the winds carried whispers of his passing, an unexpected departure as he participated in a vibrant vegetarian festival in the southern province of Phangnga. Sarayuth helmed the national park from 2015 to 2017, a period marked by transformative growth and environmental stewardship. Before his journey as the park chief began, the park’s coffers held a humble million baht — a far cry from the staggering 978 million baht it amassed under his deft management in the first year alone. It wasn’t magic,…
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In a dramatic twist in the long-standing saga of the Tak Bai massacre, the Narathiwat provincial court has issued a groundbreaking arrest warrant for Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, a prominent politician from the Pheu Thai Party. This development thrusts the 74-year-old MP into the center of the controversy surrounding the tragic events of 2004, where 85 protesters lost their lives during a military dispersal in Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district. The warrant was issued following a request by the victims’ lawyer, supported by the Cross Cultural Foundation, which represents the bereaved families. These families have been seeking justice for nearly two decades, battling to bring closure to a dark chapter in their lives. The incident, which occurred on October 25, 2004, saw protesters being brutally dispersed by the Fourth Region Army, then under the command of Gen Pisal. Interestingly, Gen Pisal had evaded legal repercussions till now owing to parliamentary immunity. However,…
In the bustling city of Doha, where sand dunes meet skyscrapers, world leaders gather for the Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit, snapping group photos that blend earnest diplomacy with a dose of camaraderie. Among them stands Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, capturing the moment’s gravitas while sharing hopes for a more harmonious world. Themed with a vision of unity and peace, amidst clinking glasses and earnest discussions, Thailand calls upon all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to dial down their hostilities, urging a calm that mirrors the serene Doha skyline at twilight. Prime Minister Shinawatra passionately reminds the world of the vital imperative to adhere to international humanitarian laws and the United Nations Charter, pressing for a compassion that’s become all too rare in the modern geopolitical landscape. “Solidarity with the international community,” she declares, her voice rising above the hum of the esteemed ACD assembly. The escalating tensions…
In a vibrant twist of events, the Pheu Thai Party is setting the stage for a significant political ballet as they plan to engage their coalition partners in a lively discussion next week. The agenda? Unraveling the complex dance of charter amendments. Minister Chousak Sirinil, speaking from the heart of the Prime Minister’s Office, spilled the beans on Thursday, highlighting the intriguing choreography of challenges and potential solutions to the tangled narrative of charter amendments. The backstory? The Senate’s steadfast decision to uphold the elusive double majority requirement for a referendum on constitutional amendments, a move that could stretch the timeline like rubber. As Minister Sirinil prepares to hold court, there’s a palpable buzz around which captivating issues will pirouette into the spotlight. Will it be a dramatic soliloquy on the existing obstacles? Or an enthralling presentation of solutions that could waltz the coalition partners into a harmonious consensus? The…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, as twilight settled over the city on a seemingly ordinary Thursday night, events at Soi Inthamara 29 took a dramatic turn. Amidst the maze of narrow streets and vibrant life, an unsuspecting house became the setting for a night fraught with tension, fear, and courage. The evening took an unexpected trajectory when an armed man, attempting to elude an arrest warrant, plunged into this otherwise peaceful neighborhood. His desperate escape led him to a house on Soi Inthamara 29 in Phaya Thai district, where the spectacle of real-life drama began to unfold. A towering figure at roughly 180 centimeters, clad in camouflage—that iconic fabric of stealth and cunning—thrust himself into the serenity of a household. Sequestered within the second floor of the house lay an unbeknown number of children, suddenly tangled in a nightmare amid their likely evening routines. Their night of expected gentleness…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, the drama unfolds around Kornkanok “Mae Tuck” Suwannabut, the infamous celebrity online retailer, and her husband, Kanpon Rueang-aram. The couple’s story took a shocking turn on Thursday when authorities seized assets worth an astounding 70 million baht, including a jaw-dropping McLaren sports car and a fleet of other luxury vehicles from their opulent home and companies. Enter Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, stage right, who has directed the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to treat this high-profile fraud case as a special one, accelerating its resolution. This unfolding saga reached a crescendo on a rather mundane Monday when Mae Tuck and her dashing husband were unceremoniously arrested in Bangkok. The allegations include public fraud, the digital deception of inputting false information into computer systems, misleading advertising, and misrepresenting their products and services. Kanpon now resides at Bangkok Remand Prison, while Mae Tuck currently languishes at…
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is throwing down the gauntlet in a battle against bribery that sounds straight out of a spy novel, but this is no fiction. Imagine an intricate tale of graft set between 2017 and 2020 involving Deere, a towering figure in the construction equipment world, and its craftily orchestrated monetary ballet in Thailand. The notorious saga took center stage when news broke from across the ocean—Deere had inked a hefty $10-million pact with US authorities. With eyebrows raised and interests piqued, Minister Suriya swiftly orchestrated a special committee, wielding the power to unravel the tangled threads of bribery described in the American case files. At the helm of this investigative odyssey is none other than Chayatan Phromsorn, the ministry’s permanent secretary. His mission? To restore honor, uphold justice, and renew the sheen of the Ministry of Transport’s tarnished image. Wirtgen Thailand, Deere’s local ambassador, apparently had a…
The residents of Chiang Mai have been keeping a wary eye on the Ping River, particularly as the water level at the Nawarat Bridge monitoring station surged to a critical 4.20 metres on Thursday evening. This scenic city is bracing for even more flooding, with the river projected to crest at a towering 4.95 metres come Friday morning. Blame it on the recent torrential rains that have battered upstream areas, causing the river to swell with alarming speed. Governor Nirat Pongsitthithaworn didn’t mince words as he urged riverside residents to swiftly elevate their cars and cherished belongings to loftier altitudes. It’s not just personal treasures at stake, but also lives—as hospitals and clinics on low ground have been instructed to relocate bedridden patients. An evacuation may become necessary, should Mother Nature not ease her watery onslaught. Local authorities are on high alert, ready to jump into action to assist the…
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the bereaved family of Kian Leepol gathered solemnly on Wednesday to bid farewell during the funeral rites held in Wang Yang district, Nakhon Phanom. Kian, a 68-year-old bedridden woman, passed away at her home on Tuesday, leaving relatives seeking answers about the circumstances leading to her tragic death. The serene setting spoke volumes of the sorrow felt by those who knew and loved her. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai) The story drew significant attention as Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul swiftly called for a thorough investigation into claims surrounding Kian’s unfortunate demise. Stirring public outcry, the elderly woman had been reliant on life-supporting medical equipment like an oxygen concentrator, which critically depended on electricity. The concern arose when her power supply was cut due to an unpaid electricity bill of 1,154 baht. While an initial report concluded that Kian did not die during the three hours her…
Imagine a sun-drenched morning in the tropical paradise of Phuket, where the azure waters glisten and the islands beckon with promises of adventure and relaxation. The Flamingo Lady 2, a catamaran with a sleek and majestic design, stood ready at the Ao Po pier, its engines purring with the anticipation of a day filled with excitement for its 22 intrepid passengers. The vessel set sail at 10 a.m., its destination—the enchanting shores of Naka Yai Island—awaited. The tourists disembarked, brimming with energy, eager to explore sandy beaches and azure waters. However, an unexpected twist was about to unfold on this otherwise idyllic day. By 10:35 a.m., the Flamingo Lady 2, now voyaging back to Phuket minus its lively passengers, found trouble lurking within its mechanics. The right engine, without prior warning, faltered and refused to cooperate, igniting a fire that started a chain of daunting events. Between the shimmering landscapes…