Charn Puangpetch couldn’t have predicted the whirlwind turn of events that followed his celebration on the night of June 30. That evening at his home in the quaint Sam Khok district of Pathum Thani, the atmosphere was electric with triumph. Charn, basking in the glory of his recent electoral victory, had every reason to believe he was on the cusp of leading the Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) as its new chairman. Yet, as fate would have it, his elation was merely the calm before a storm. Fast forward a few days, and the Election Commission (EC) dropped a bombshell: Charn had been disqualified! Yes, you read that right. Charn Puangpetch, the man who secured the top spot, was now sidelined, all thanks to accusations of underhanded tactics. Whispers of vote-buying had gained traction, leading to a decision that sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Imagine a festive pre-polls…
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Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit captivated an engaged audience as he addressed a forum celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Thammasat University Student Union on March 9, 2024. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul) Mr. Thanathorn, ever the unflappable optimist, brushed off former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s bold claim that his Pheu Thai Party will sweep the upcoming election by a landslide. Confidently, Thanathorn countered with his own prediction that the People’s Party (PP)—a rejuvenated version of the Future Forward Party he co-founded just five years ago—would secure a majority in the 2027 elections. In the 2023 election, the Pheu Thai Party rallied voters to grant them a landslide victory, envisioning a clear path to pushing their policies through. Yet, despite their ambition, they ultimately took second place to the Move Forward Party, the predecessor to the current PP. Although Pheu Thai managed to string together a coalition following Move Forward’s inability to…
CKPower Public Company Limited, one of the Southeast Asia’s foremost electricity producers focusing on renewables with an impressively low carbon footprint, has once again proven its unwavering dedication to societal and community betterment. For the third consecutive year, CKPower’s exemplary Hinghoi Project has been honored with the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA Awards) 2024 for Social Empowerment, an accolade awarded by Enterprise Asia, a distinguished non-governmental organization promoting responsible business practices across the region. This prestigious recognition highlights CKPower’s all-encompassing approach to community upliftment and aligns seamlessly with the company’s CSR Strategy Framework 2022–2026. This framework is meticulously designed to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, encapsulating key success indicators for the Hinghoi Project. The strategy primarily focuses on widening access to renewable energy for local communities encircling its power plants, underlining the immense societal impact of CKPower’s clean energy initiatives. Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, the Managing Director of…
A sign promoting the 20-baht maximum fare is seen in front of the Red Line commuter train at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) Former deputy governor of Bangkok, Samart Ratchapolsitte, has thrown his full support behind former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s intriguing proposition. This plan involves the government swooping in to buy back electric railway concessions in a bid to cap fares at a friendly 20 baht per trip. Samart shared his enthusiastic endorsement on Facebook, right after caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed alignment with Thaksin’s insightful vision, correlating closely with the ministry’s own policies on affordable train services. Under this visionary plan, the transport and finance ministries would team up to snag those rail concessions from private entities and then get them to run the operations until the original terms wrap up. Minister Suriya has ambitious goals, aiming to expand this 20-baht…
Mr. Poramet Ngampichet, the esteemed Mayor of Pattaya City, elegantly presided over the grand closing ceremony and the highly-anticipated Best Film Award presentation at the Pattaya Film Festival 2024. This electrifying event unfolded at the SF Cinema, Central Marina Pattaya, from the 21st to the 25th of August. Attendees were treated to an exquisite smorgasbord of cinematic offerings from around the globe. With screenings taking place in plush theaters and captivating open-air venues, the festival was a veritable feast for cinephiles. Adding to the charm, there were insightful film seminars featuring renowned international directors, promising a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. One of the festival’s core missions was to cultivate a rich film culture accessible to audiences of all ages. Among its many highlights was the selection of the Best Film and the Documentary Pitch activity, both dedicated to supporting budding Thai documentary filmmakers…
In the vibrant heart of Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, a remarkable initiative is unfurling, rooted in both compassion and environmental stewardship. A group of four enterprising high school students has embarked on an inspiring journey, transforming the outlook for the city’s homeless while taking bold strides to reduce plastic waste. Meet Ponpalat Vipattipumiprates, Thanathorn Onraksa, Itthipat Saipornchai, and Panyata Seelapatana, all 17-year-olds from Ruamrudee International School in Min Buri district, Bangkok. They are the innovative minds behind the EcoWeave Home group, a project that is rewriting the narrative both for homeless support and recycling efforts. “Our aim is twofold: to extend a helping hand to those without homes, and to lessen the environmental blight caused by discarded plastic bags,” shared Ponpalat, the dynamic leader of this ground-breaking group. “We convert old plastic bags into portable, comfortable sleeping mats for those in need. It’s a solution with dual benefits—improving lives and…
Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok, where the symphony of street vendors, tourists, and city sounds is ever-present. Amidst this vibrant chaos, there’s an extraordinary initiative quietly making a significant impact – thanks to a group of creative and compassionate high school students from Ruamrudee International School in Min Buri district, Bangkok. Ponpalat Vipattipumiprates, Thanathorn Onraksa, Itthipat Saipornchai, and Panyata Seelapatana, all 17-year-olds, have banded together to form the EcoWeave Home group. Their mission? To transform a bane of the environment – used plastic bags – into something beneficial and life-changing for the homeless population: soft, portable sleeping mats. Talk about turning trash into treasure! Ponpalat, the charismatic leader of the group, shared the core vision behind their project: “Our aim is simple yet profound. We want to help those who have fallen on hard times while simultaneously tackling the waste problem choking our…
In a dramatic turn of events this past Monday, local police in Pattaya, Chon Buri province, apprehended an alleged Korean drug smuggler, who had reportedly overstayed his visa by almost a year. The arrest followed the resolution of four significant drug-smuggling cases initiated by vigilant customs officials in South Korea. According to South Korean investigators, the suspects in these cases—various drug couriers—had revealed the identity of a middle-aged Korean man operating in Thailand, known only as Jin, 40. This revelation pointed to Jin as the man behind the transactions in Thailand’s Chon Buri and Samut Prakan provinces, where the illicit substances were believed to be sourced. Enacting upon this tip-off, Thai investigators meticulously tracked Jin’s movements. Their efforts culminated this Monday, when they discovered he frequented a Korean restaurant in tambon Na Klua, part of Chon Buri’s bustling Bang Lamung district. Armed with this critical intelligence, they orchestrated a sting…
Outdoor School Bangkok (OSB) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of two of its students, nine-year-old Milin Punthapong and ten-year-old Montisha Kingkanjanathorn. These talented young performers secured second place in the Musical category for ages 10 and under at the American Protégé International Vocal Competition 2023, earning them the prestigious opportunity to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall earlier this year. Milin and Montisha’s success goes beyond their captivating performances of “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December.” Their achievements embody OSB’s unique philosophy, which balances academic excellence with immersive natural experiences and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. This holistic approach is designed to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also creatively inspired and resilient. Ms Anna, the creative communication teacher at OSB, remarked, “This achievement reflects not just musical talent but the holistic development we nurture at OSB. Our students are encouraged…
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or GIT, alongside both government and private sector organizers, have joined forces to announce the much-anticipated 70th “Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair,” fondly known as “Bangkok Gems.” Set to dazzle the world from September 9 to 13, 2024, at the esteemed Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), this event is projected to generate a dazzling 3.5 billion baht in revenue. Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, the Director-General of the DITP, cannot emphasize enough the pivotal role the gem and jewelry industry plays in propelling Thailand’s economy forward. Despite global economic whirlwinds, the gem and jewelry exports in 2023 soared by an impressive 9.61%, topping a monumental USD 8.8 billion. The momentum has continued in the first half of 2024, with exports hitting USD 4.556 billion, marking an 8.48% year-on-year increase. The Bangkok Gems Fair…