In a recent turn of events, the ambitious plan to erect a new headquarters for Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been scrapped. The 2.6-billion-baht undertaking has been officially canceled, sparking a storm of criticism from Rukchanok Srinork, a People’s Party (PP) MP representing Bangkok. Through her outspoken stance, Ms. Rukchanok has accused the commission of reckless financial behavior and “incompetence,” pointing fingers at the leadership for their botched execution of the project. Originally scheduled to wrap up in 2022, the project hit an immovable wall following repeated requests for design changes and an unfortunate slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The saga began in 2013 with the conceptualization of the building, only for construction to finally commence in 2019. But according to Ms. Rukchanok, these ongoing revisions naturally spiraled costs upwards, ultimately leading to an additional expenditure of 100 million baht specifically earmarked for design and supervision.…
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In a recent diplomatic gathering that promises to fortify international ties while enhancing public safety, Associate Professor Tavida Kamolvej, serving as the Deputy Governor of the vibrant city of Bangkok, graciously played host to two distinguished representatives from the Japanese embassy. The highly anticipated meetup saw the participation of Kajiwara Toru, the esteemed Minister and Chief of the Economic Section, and Nagai Kentaro, the diligent First Secretary. Together, they joined forces in a collaborative endeavor aimed at refining disaster management strategies and boosting awareness about the unpredictable nature of disaster risks. The heart of the meeting centered on an exchange of invaluable insights and ideas between the Bangkoks Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Japanese officials, reflecting a spirit of cooperation and preparedness. The dialogue allowed for an engaging discussion, as Tavida showcased the BMA’s latest initiatives concerning Thailand’s earthquake challenges. Most notably, she highlighted their adept handling of the March tremor,…
In the bustling heart of Paris, where history and modernity entwine, an important meeting took place between the key executives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and representatives from Syctom, the largest waste management titan in Europe. With the alluring backdrop of the City of Light, these discussions centered on masterminding a shift in Bangkok’s waste management strategies by drawing inspiration from Syctom’s innovative methodologies. In Paris, Syctom reigns supreme, skillfully orchestrating the waste management of over six million residents with the finesse of a maestro. Their relentless focus on sophisticated waste segregation, robust recycling processes, and energy recovery has set them apart as trailblazers. The BMA’s mission was unequivocal—to imbibe these cutting-edge techniques, thereby enhancing Bangkok’s own systems to become paragons of efficiency and environmental stewardship. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, the BMA delegation ventured into another meeting, this time with the visionaries at the Institut Paris…
As the earth continues to hold its breath, those tasked with unearthing the secrets locked within the mountains of rubble are working tirelessly. The site is a mixture of silence and an orchestra of efforts, where the clinks of metal echo softly as heavy machinery takes a temporary pause. Ground teams meticulously comb through the debris, though today has yielded no new discoveries of those lost. Still, there is hope, as bits of debris have been located and noted. Machinery, like sleeping giants, is expected to roar back to life later this morning, resuming their indispensable role in this colossal endeavor. Under the soft glow of moonlit persistence, last night’s mission was a battle against formidable steel hindrances. A dedicated crew labored with precision, cutting through significant barriers that had stalled the excavators and coiling them up like giant steel ribbons, ready to be whisked away. The burdensome 600-tonne crane…
In an unwavering pursuit of transparency and justice, disciplinary and administrative officers are embracing vigorous training in legal acumen and investigative prowess. At the forefront of this reform is Police General Adis Ngamjitsuksri, a shrewd advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, who has shed light on an alleged financial misconduct scandal during the “9 News at Night” broadcast. The scandal involves the purported misappropriation of funds earmarked for maintaining the hefty wheels of large buses. It appears that some officials in the Sports Division of the BMA’s Office of Culture, Sports and Tourism found themselves under the glaring spotlight of scrutiny. This comes after the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand (OAGT) blew the whistle on suspicious budgetary requests for bus repairs. A treasure chest of misdeeds was unveiled, casting doubt on the moral compass of those entrusted with public finances. Between 2022 and 2024, an astonishing 28 payment…
The bustling corridors of the British International School Phuket were abuzz with excitement as Mark Gooding, the esteemed UK ambassador to Thailand, visited the newly inaugurated Innovation Centre. His presence marked a monumental milestone in a series of celebratory events known as the “170th Outreach Roadshow and British Fair.” This grand series of events is held to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the strong and amicable ties forged between the United Kingdom and Thailand. A jubilant atmosphere filled each event, uniting attendees under the apt theme “Our Shared World: Environment, Wildlife, Marine, Nature, Climate, Agriculture and Sustainable Tourism.” The roadshow embarked on its journey in the picturesque island of Phuket, where sandy shores met vibrant discussions on sustainability, giving the events a perfect backdrop of natural beauty. On Tuesday, the engaging spectacle moved on to the lush terrains of Krabi. Here, embassy officials, an entourage led by Mr. Gooding himself,…
Operations are steadily unfolding at the scene of the State Audit Office (SAO) building collapse in Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak district this Tuesday. An image of titan cranes and tireless workers underscores the ceaseless efforts to sift through the wreckage. This catastrophic incident has not only commanded media attention but also sparked a swirl of inquiries enveloping the city’s specter of government contracts. On this tense day, Kriengsak Kovadhana, who plays a key role as the executive vice president at Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), slipped into the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). His task? To shed light on the intricate web of construction contracts tied to the SAO building catastrophe. According to the shrewd Col Amorn Hongsrithong, head of the Bureau of Government Procurement Fraud, the discerning questions danced around bidding processes, the illuminating distribution of work, and the labyrinthine compensation agreements. In an ensemble casting, ten engineers linked to this…
Under the bright but somber skies of Bangkok, the relentless hum of machinery competed with the cool whispers of a calm April breeze. Deep in the heart of Chatuchak district, all eyes were fixed on the sprawling collapsed building site, where the rhythmic chaos of rescue operatives continued their tireless dance against dust and debris. On what seemed like an ordinary Tuesday, an extraordinary scene unfolded as both drama and determination prevailed. It was a day when the clock ticked slower, each second echoing the urgency felt by those involved. Among the central figures coordinating this cacophony was Kriengsak Kovadhana, the executive vice president of the Italian-Thai Development, a significant player in the construction of the ill-fated State Audit Office (SAO) building. On that fateful day, Kriengsak found himself under the scrutinizing gaze of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). He was there to shed some light on the twisted…
Picture this: a bustling scene in Buri Ram, where a long line of people eagerly waits at ATMs outside the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. The atmosphere is electric. Why? Because in September 2024, folks are about to withdraw the much-awaited government cash handout. (Yes, that joyous occasion captured through the lens of ace photographer, Surachai Piraksa.) This excitement is set to repeat as the third phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout takes center stage during next week’s cabinet meeting. Get ready for its grand rollout, slated between May and June. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat assured everyone that the operation sticks to the roadmap. “We’re all systems go with no detours,” he announced confidently. Approved way back in March, this phase is part of a mega economic stimulus plan. Spotlight on 2.7 million youngsters, aged 16 to 20, each holding a digital wallet poised to receive a 10,000-baht…
In the picturesque province of Buri Ram, a typical scene unfolded as residents formed orderly queues outside the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, eagerly awaiting their turn at the ATMs. The excitement was palpable in the midst of September 2024, as citizens looked forward to withdrawing funds from the government’s much-discussed cash handout program. The air buzzed with conversations, life stories, and the occasional optimistic laughter, almost giving the impression of a community fair had it not been for the flicker of ATM screens. Fast forward to April 2025, and the stage is set for the third phase of the government’s ambitious financial support scheme, a 10,000-baht handout set to be a headline topic in next week’s cabinet meeting. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat was in high spirits when he addressed the press on Tuesday. “We’re sticking to the original timeline,” he announced with a cool assurance. “Everything is…