In the scenic yet unassuming province of Prachin Buri, a tale of bravery and sorrow unfolded within the stoic walls of Khai Chakkaphong military camp. A young conscript, known to us only as Prakit, faced an ordeal so daunting that it compelled him to take a leap—not of faith, but of despair. The incident, which swooped through social media like a storm, has left many questioning the fabric of camaraderie and mentorship that is expected to bind the military community. It was on a serene Thursday evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the barracks, that Prakit made a decision that would change the course of his life forever. At the tender age of 22, confronted with what we can only surmise as the unbearable weight of repeated bullying by his seniors, Prakit chose to jump off a building within the confines of the camp,…
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Imagine a serene getaway to Chiang Mai, where the fragrant scent of Thai cuisine lingers in the air and the ancient temples stand majestically against the backdrop of verdant mountains. This was the picturesque scene envisioned by the Shinawatra family, a name synonymous with Thai politics, as they embarked on a leisurely three-day retreat to the beautiful northern city last week. However, what was meant to be a delightful family bonding experience quickly turned into a health ordeal, shedding light on an environmental crisis that has been clouding over the region. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a vibrant leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the youngest progeny of the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, shared a rather unwelcomed souvenir the family brought back from their trip. It appears that the chilly breeze of Chiang Mai was not the only thing the Shinawatras caught, as several family members came down with a…
In a bustling parliamentary session that felt more like the climactic scene of a political drama, the Thai government’s 3.48-trillion-baht budget bill for the fiscal year 2024 sashayed through the corridors of power and successfully passed its final hurdle amidst promises of ushering in a new era of transparency, economic rejuvenation, and elevating the quality of life for its citizens. In an almost theatrical display of financial prudence, the government wielded its budgetary scalpel, slashing over 9.2 billion baht from what many would consider the “nice-to-haves” like training and PR programs, and overseas jaunts for the officialdom. This bold move wasn’t merely an exercise in frugality; it was a strategic reallocation aimed at funding the so-called necessary expenses that promise to fuel the country’s forward march. When the dust settled, the scoreboard read 298 votes in favor, 166 nays, and a solitary abstention – a tally that marked the budget…
In an astonishing twist that reads more like a plot from a high-stakes thriller than a news report, the usually quiet streets of Nonthaburi witnessed a tale of cops, casinos, and consequences that could rival any Hollywood script. At the heart of this story is none other than Pol Maj Gen Prattana Phaenpha, the Nonthaburi Provincial Police chief, who found himself in the eye of the storm, or more precisely, transferred to an inactive post at the bustling Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters. The cause? A vast illegal casino flourishing right under his watch. This surprising turn of events unfolded after a decisive raid on Wednesday targeting a known gambling den situated within the shadowy confines of the Phra Pin 3 housing estate in the scenic tambon Bang Mae Nang of the seemingly tranquil Bang Yai district. It was a scene straight out of an action-packed blockbuster as the officers…
“` Imagine the vibrant colors, the air pulsating with excitement, and the spirit of festivity enveloping you. This isn’t just any celebration; this is the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai, a spectacle that transforms the charming city into a playground of cultural riches and joyous revelry. As the splashes of water bring the summer heat down a notch, Chiang Mai is gearing up for a Songkran festival like no other, expected to draw in millions of tourists and generate a staggering 20 billion baht in revenue. Yes, you read that right! Mark your calendars for April 7-17, as Chiang Mai’s deputy governor Weerapong Rithrod along with the city’s mayor Assanee Buranupakorn have rolled out the red carpet for this year’s festivities. Celebrating not just the wet and wild fun of Songkran, this festival is a profound gesture of respect towards the local Lanna culture and a grand toast to the…
In a galaxy not so far away, nestled within the bustling streets and vibrant landscapes, there lurks a new entrant in the realm of e-cigarettes that’s capturing the attention of scholars and concerned citizens alike. Meet the “toy pods” – the latest iteration of vaping devices that are not just any run-of-the-mill e-cigarettes. These devices have cleverly donned disguises borrowed from the world of beloved cartoon characters, creating an allure that’s hard to resist for many, especially the younger crowd. Srirach Lapyai, a guardian of public health and a project manager at the revered Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Centre (TRC), recently shed light on this intriguing phenomenon. With the finesse of a detective unveiling the secrets of an enigmatic case, Ms. Srirach explained how e-cigarette moguls have ingeniously morphed their products into enchanting figurines. Imagine your favorite childhood cartoon character, but instead of wielding magical powers or embarking…
Imagine a story that feels like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a gripping crime thriller, except this one’s unfolding in real-life right before our eyes. At the heart of this tale is Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn – a name that sounds like it belongs to a character in a blockbuster movie, but is very much part of this enthralling narrative. This saga took a dramatic turn when the police contemplated the idea of issuing an arrest warrant for the high-profile figure, Surachate Hakparn, or as he’s more colloquially known, Big Joke. This bold step was considered after he seemed to play a game of hide and seek, not responding to a summons that was gracefully extended not once, but twice, to his residence and office. Picture this – a team of officers, with papers in hand, arriving at the tranquil scene of his…
In a scene peppered with the tension and drama of a political thriller, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak strides into the Samran Rat police station, the latest chapter unfolding in his relentless dance with the law. It’s December 16, 2020, the air is charged with anticipation, and cameras flash as reporters cluster around this emblem of resistance. Parit, a name synonymous with political activism in Thailand, is not here for a casual visit; he’s responding to yet another lese-majeste case, hoisting the tally to a staggering 25. This record-setting figure is not just a number but a testament to his unwavering defiance, as noted by the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The root of this particular rendezvous with the law? A social media dispatch dated December 2021, catching the ire of former Palang Pracharath Party MP Pareena Kraikupt. At the heart of the controversy is a post critiquing a Constitutional Court…
In a move that’s stirring up the waters of Thai politics and military education, Pheu Thai Party stalwart Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently stepped into a role that’s part strategic genius and part fashionista. As she sifted through jackets, picking out the perfect ensemble for her orientation day, there was an air of anticipation and style that one could argue, only a Shinawatra could bring to the military corridors. This was no ordinary Friday. Paetongtarn was gearing up to join the orientation for the nation’s inaugural national defence curriculum for young executives, or as the cool kids are calling it, the mini-NDC course. But why stop at just attending? Paetongtarn Shinawatra is going full-throttle, wearing the hat of an advisory board member for the course, alongside two notable figures: Issara Sereewatthanawut from King Prajadhipok’s Institute, and Khanapoj Joemrith, who’s not just Paetongtarn’s friend but also a visionary in his right. Together, they’re…
In the quiet of the night, when most were embraced by the comforting arms of sleep, an alarming series of events unfolded across the southernmost reaches of a land known for its vibrant cultures and historic tranquility. In a meticulously coordinated spree that seemed to challenge the calm of the night, suspected insurgents launched attacks on no less than 39 locations across four provinces, painting a morning of uncertainty with a broad brush of chaos. As dawn broke over Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla, the aftermath of a night filled with turmoil lay bare. Pattani, with its serene landscapes now marred by 20 attacks, bore the brunt of this orchestrated mayhem. Yala followed with 11 points of unrest, while Narathiwat and Songkhla felt the tremors through six and two incidents, respectively. The narrative, as reported by the vigilant eyes of the Internal Security Operations Command’s Region 4 forward office, spoke…