At the heart of Bangkok’s political spectacle, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) seems to be unraveling faster than a threadbare sweater. With its members making a beeline for the exits, the latest drama envelops the influential Rattanasets, a political dynasty in Nakhon Ratchasima. They’ve apparently packed their bags and bid adieu to the party, leaving it in the lurch. The trigger? A seismic internal rift, as showcased in the recent shakeup of the executive board. Paiboon Nititawan’s election as the new party secretary-general didn’t sit well with several members. Replacing Thamanat Prompow, Paiboon’s ascension has turned allies into adversaries. Thamanat, with his own loyal band of 20 MPs, has vowed never to return to the fold. So, what’s the beef? Thamanat had discrepancies with Palang Pracharath leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon over who should snag cabinet seats in the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration. This squabble birthed a divide: Thamanat’s group secured three…
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Pichet Chuamuangphan of the Pheu Thai Party is now first deputy House Speaker. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In a recent shake-up within the Thai political landscape, Pichet Chuamuangphan of the Pheu Thai Party was appointed first deputy speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday. This critical role came available following the sudden resignation of Pichet Chuamuangphan from his former position as second deputy speaker just a day prior. In a parallel move, Paradorn Prissanananthakul of the Bhumjaithai Party assumed the role of second deputy speaker, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama. The vacancy for the first deputy speaker role emerged after the Constitutional Court’s dissolution of the former Move Forward Party (MFP), shaking up the political hierarchy. Mr. Padipat, a former MFP board member, had transitioned to the Fair Party in an evident effort to retain his position while maintaining MFP’s leadership in the opposition. Crucially,…
The 14th edition of Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL, Bio Asia Pacific, and FutureCHEM INTERNATIONAL officially opened today at BITEC, Bangkok, alongside the thrilling debut of the 1st edition of Health & Innovation Asia 2024. This buzzing trade fair, from 11-13 September 2024, is featuring over 500 brands showcasing their cutting-edge innovations. With an expected attendance of over 12,000 professionals spanning the laboratory equipment, life sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, and health-tech industries, it’s bound to be an electrifying hub of scientific excellence. The grand opening ceremony was graced by some of the most distinguished names in the industry. Present were Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI); Mr. Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization); Dr. Jittiporn Thammajinda, CEO, Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (Public Organization); Mr. Pongsak Fusiri, President, Science and Technology Trade Association (STTA); Professor Dr. Somsri…
The renowned US agricultural and construction equipment titan, Deere, has consented to a substantial $10 million settlement following charges from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that its Thai subsidiary engaged in bribery to secure business contracts. According to the SEC’s statement released Tuesday in Washington, the illicit activities involved offering extravagant gifts, such as massage parlour indulgences and opulent international trips, to sway government officials. Wirtgen Thailand, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deere, perpetrated these offenses from late 2017 to 2020. The recipients of these unethical favors included officials from various state agencies such as the Royal Thai Air Force, the Department of Highways, and the Department of Rural Roads. Furthermore, bribes were also extended to a significant Thai construction company referred to in the SEC summary simply as “Company A”. Despite Wirtgen Thailand’s code of conduct explicitly prohibiting any form of bribe, the SEC uncovered payments that…
In an intriguing turn of events, Bangkok’s law enforcement recently unearthed an extensive cache of illicit smoking devices hidden within the walls of a seemingly ordinary condominium. The raid resulted in the apprehension of 30-year-old Panarak Kwangsawat, who was caught red-handed with a stash worth approximately 2 million baht. The meticulous operation unfolded in a condominium on Sathu Pradit Soi 19, nestled in the typically serene Yannawa district. Spearheaded by Pol Maj Gen Withaya Sriprasertparp, the commander of the police consumer protection division, the sting operation was the culmination of a two-month investigation following a tip-off. On Wednesday, the authorities painted a detailed picture of the clandestine operation they had uncovered. The bust revealed an eye-popping assortment of 25,352 vaping and heated tobacco devices. Imagine the sheer quantity! Officials meticulously documented rows upon rows of sleek, futuristic devices neatly tucked away in the condominium, ready to be dispatched. Pol Maj…
Police arrested a suspect on Wednesday, seizing an array of illegal smokeless devices from a condominium in Bangkok. The dramatic crackdown took place at a high-rise on Sathupradit 19 Road in the bustling Yannawa district, leading to the apprehension of Panarak Kwangsawat, a 30-year-old at the center of a two-month-long investigation. According to Pol Maj Gen Withaya Sriprasertparp, head of the consumer protection police department, the raid culminated in the confiscation of a staggering 25,352 vaping and heated tobacco devices, collectively valued at approximately 2 million baht. These figures offer a glimpse into the lucrative yet illegal trade of smokeless tobacco products in the region. Operating from the comfort of her condominium, Ms. Panarak allegedly stored a warehouse’s worth of illicit devices. The business model? Simple yet effective. Orders flowed in through online channels, and the goods were dispatched via couriers, targeting an eager customer base predominantly based in Bangkok.…
The baby pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng is captivating hearts and camera lenses at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. On Wednesday, her keeper lovingly gave her a bath—a moment captured and shared by the zoo’s Facebook page “ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง”. This playful little bundle of joy, just two months old, has quickly become a beloved star. Videos and photos of the adorably chubby Moo Deng have gone viral across social media platforms, delighting and entertaining audiences worldwide with her endearing antics. The zoo has been keeping fans updated with daily snapshots and videos of their pygmy hippopotamus family on their Facebook pages, and Moo Deng has unquestionably stolen the spotlight. Seen splashing around during her bath with her keeper, Moo Deng’s playful enthusiasm is a delightful contrast to the laid-back demeanor of her animal companions. The charm of Moo Deng has become a magnet, drawing visitors in droves…
As Thaksin Shinawatra made his grand entrance into the Pheu Thai headquarters in March, the air was electric. Supporters swarmed him, waving banners and shouting slogans, capturing a moment that seemed both jubilant and tense. Yet, just beneath the surface lies a web of political intrigue that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the ruling party. Fast forward to the present day, and the Pheu Thai party finds itself embroiled in yet another storm of controversy. The chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC), claiming that Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, is pulling the strings from behind the curtain. The accusation? Allegedly, Thaksin holds an illegal sway over Pheu Thai, potentially violating the Organic Act on Political Parties, which explicitly prohibits non-members from influencing party affairs. On a Wednesday morning that buzzed with anticipation, Dr. Warong’s…
Residents in 48 provinces, including the bustling capital of Bangkok, have been put on high alert for possible heavy rain and subsequent flash floods expected from this Friday until September 18. The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) took to Facebook to issue this stern warning, saying that the northern monsoon trough will descend upon upper Thailand during this period. Simultaneously, the southwest monsoon is predicted to intensify, bringing more rainfall—and in some areas, very heavy downpours. If you live in flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to prepare for potential flooding and runoff during this timeframe. Flash floods are anticipated to impact 13 provinces in the North, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and Tak, among others. The same flooding threat looms over 13 provinces in the Northeast like Loei, Nong Khai, and Bueng Kan. Further down, 8 provinces in the Central Plain, including Bangkok and its nearby provinces,…
The serene Kok River transformed into a raging torrent, spilling over into Chiang Rai’s Muang district on a precarious Wednesday morning. (Photo: Public Relations Department) Relentless rainstorms have wreaked havoc across the upper North, triggering rivers to surge beyond their banks, unleashing devastating floods and landslides. Tragically, four souls have been lost, four have been injured, and five remain unaccounted for in the chaos. Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, finds itself in the throes of this deluge. Disaster mitigation teams reported severe flooding in tambon Mae Sai, tambon Wiang Pang Kham, and tambon Koh Chang of Mae Sai district. With water levels swelling to about a meter high and currents running strong, the situation looks dire. Residents in the flood-ravaged zones near the engorged Sai River in Mae Sai district have been forewarned, urging them to brace for possible evacuation. Over in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Nong National Park, still…