An image from the music video for SOTUS, released in 2020 by Rap Against Dictatorship, vividly sheds light on abusive hazing rituals prevalent in Thailand. SOTUS stands for “Seniority Order Tradition Unity and Spirit,” but, in reality, these rituals often involve senior students bullying and humiliating freshmen, causing great distress and harm. (Photo: Rap Against Dictatorship Facebook Page) In a resolute step towards eradicating violence in educational institutions, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has vowed to put an end to these brutal practices following a shocking hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student gravely injured. Suchada Taensap, acting as secretary to the caretaker minister, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to fully cooperate with police investigations after engaging with officials at Muang Nonthaburi police station on Saturday. The horrific incident was reported by the victim’s parents, who lodged a formal complaint with authorities on August 15. Their…
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An evocative still from the “SOTUS” music video by the revolutionary group Rap Against Dictatorship, released in 2020, starkly highlights the grim reality of abusive hazing rituals that plague Thailand. The acronym SOTUS represents “Seniority Order Tradition Unity and Spirit,” yet, paradoxically, these rituals often subject freshmen to severe bullying and humiliation. (Photo: Rap Against Dictatorship Facebook Page) The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has now vowed to put an end to such violent practices within educational environments, catalyzed by a particularly harrowing hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student gravely injured. Suchada Taensap, the secretary to the caretaker minister, revealed that the ministry would collaborate comprehensively with police authorities. This announcement followed a meeting with investigators at the Muang Nonthaburi police station on Saturday. The distressed parents of the victim lodged a formal complaint on August 15th, after their 20-year-old son, a freshman at Rajamangala…
A heartwrenching yet ultimately hopeful tale unfolded as a young Thai woman, initially deceived and forced into the sex trade in Dubai, made her way back to her homeland, touching down at U-tapao Airport in Rayong on a sunny Saturday. The image of relief and resilience, her homecoming was a moment of triumph against a backdrop of harrowing experiences. Authorities, alerted by the gravity of her ordeal, vowed to deepen their investigation into the nefarious networks responsible for such human trafficking atrocities. The woman, a 21-year-old from the serene province of Lampang, was greeted by Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, the vigilant director-general of the Office of Rights Protection, Legal Aid, and Enforcement. He confirmed that she had received essential assistance and emphasized the next steps in her recovery. Officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security were poised to conduct interviews, aiming to piece together her nightmarish journey and firmly…
Thai media will be pivotal in fostering informed discourse within Thailand regarding the United States presidential elections and engaging the Thai public in understanding the US electoral system, according to US Ambassador Robert Godec. Speaking at the commencement of a workshop on the elections held on Saturday, Mr. Godec highlighted the initiative’s significance, particularly in the current media landscape, where disinformation and fake news flourish, manipulated by those aiming to undermine democracy globally. “Your role as journalists, in upholding accurate reporting and championing transparency, is therefore more vital and relevant than ever for democracy,” he emphasized. Mr. Godec underscored the crucial role journalists play in ensuring transparency in a democracy, especially during critical junctures like elections. “Take the time to verify information with reliable sources, including contacting our press team at the embassy. We are here to help answer your questions or direct you if something doesn’t seem right,” he…
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, alongside her party’s MPs and executives, made a grand entrance at the Voice TV building in Bangkok on Friday, following her historic election as the 31st prime minister in the House of Representatives. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) In a congratulatory gesture, China has extended its warm regards to Paetongtarn on her new position, as stated on the Chinese Embassy’s Facebook page in Bangkok. This diplomatic message was shared during an engaging Q&A session when a curious reporter queried a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry about Ms. Paetongtarn’s ascendancy to leadership. The reporter eagerly inquired about the ministry’s perspective on this significant development and probed whether the Chinese government harbors any new expectations for its relationship with Thailand. Responding with confidence, the spokesperson extended hearty congratulations to Ms. Paetongtarn, expressing optimism that Thailand is poised to achieve even greater milestones on its developmental…
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, known for his commanding presence, was seen waving to supporters in Phetchabun on January 7, rallying his party members and engaging with the crowd. (Photo: Palang Pracharat Party) However, the spotlight on Gen Prawit has turned contentious. Two prominent broadcasting media associations have called for an investigation into his recent behavior, following allegations that he assaulted a female reporter last Friday. In a unified statement, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand expressed grave concerns over Gen Prawit’s actions. They argue that his behavior might constitute a breach of the ethical code governing MPs. As a list-MP of the coalition PPRP, Gen Prawit is expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that upholds the rights and freedoms of others, refraining from any use of inappropriate behavior or language. A key tenet of this code is that…
Strolling down Walking Street in Pattaya, the neon lights and bustling atmosphere hardly hint at the stringent alcohol advertising regulations in Thailand. The Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (Tabba) is making waves, calling for a much-needed rethink on these strict rules. At the heart of this movement, Tabba, along with the Craft Beer Association, recently hosted a seminar titled “32 Civilised, No More Total Ban: Reforming Alcohol Control Laws for a Better Society.” The gathering aimed to spotlight the pressing need to amend Section 32 of the Alcohol Control Act, which many believe is draconian in its current form. Khemika Rattanakun, the chairwoman of Tabba, emphasized that while social responsibility and safeguarding minors from alcohol remain priorities, the current law’s strictness stifles practical regulation. She pointed to studies showing persistent underage drinking as a sign that the rigid rules aren’t effective. The Thailand Development Research Institute even suggested revising Section…
In a tragic incident that unfolded in the bustling Thong Lor area of Bangkok, a window-cleaning platform plummeted from a high-rise building on Sukhumvit Soi 24. The catastrophic fall, which occurred on a seemingly ordinary Saturday, resulted in the death of a dedicated worker who was in the midst of cleaning the building’s towering glass facade. The first responders, including police and rescue workers, arrived promptly to a scene of chaos and destruction. The scaffolding, designed to be a sturdy support for those maintaining the pristine windows of the high-rise, lay shattered on the ground. Nearby, they discovered the lifeless body of the victim, a male worker whose identity had not yet been disclosed. Eyewitness accounts from the worker’s colleagues painted a somber picture of the moments leading up to the fall. The deceased had been diligently carrying out his duties, scaling the heights to ensure the windows sparkled. However,…
As his daughter Paetongtarn gazes attentively, Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, addresses a swarm of reporters outside his Bangkok residence. It was an uncharacteristically vibrant July 26, as the house opened its gates to visitors, festooned in celebration of his 75th birthday. In a dramatic turn of events, Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted an early release as part of a royal pardon for prisoners, his lawyer Winyat Chartmontri revealed on Saturday. Initially scheduled to end his parole at the month’s conclusion, Thaksin’s freedom comes two weeks early. This surprise move is linked to a general royal pardon granted to 7,500 well-behaved prisoners in honor of His Majesty the King’s recent birthday, Winyat explained. Coincidentally, this announcement follows on the heels of an unprecedented achievement by Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, who at 37 had just been elected the youngest prime minister in Thailand’s history. This makes her the third…
Police nabbed a Vietnamese man at the bustling Khlong Luek immigration checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo on Friday night. Authorities claim he played a crucial role as the driver for a group of Chinese men who audaciously robbed a compatriot at his residence in Pathum Thani earlier that week. (Screenshot from TV 3) The man, identified as 35-year-old Nguyen Ba Hien, was driving a Toyota Vios sporting Bangkok license plates when police and immigration officers took note of the vehicle at 7 PM. Their suspicions proved fruitful; Nguyen was precisely the individual wanted in connection with the robbery that took place on Wednesday. The crime, which could be straight out of a high-octane thriller, happened at the home of Chinese businessman Ke Jibao in tambon Ban Mai, Muang district, Pathum Thani, in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Ke Jibao and his wife were fast asleep when four…