Picture this: a modern-day warrior not dressed in armor but in the garb of a lawyer. His battleground is the courtroom, and his weapon? His relentless pursuit of justice and freedom of expression. Who is this valiant figure, you ask? None other than Arnon Nampa, a Thai lawyer who has been thrust into the international limelight. An indomitable spirit, Arnon has been showered with accolades, most notably being crowned the Asia-Pacific hero at the 2024 Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk. Imagine the surprise as Arnon etched his name in history as the first Thai national to clutch this prestigious prize. Incarcerated but undeterred, he symbolizes unyielding grit and an unwavering commitment to democratic ideals amid the choppy seas of repression. Life behind bars has not dimmed Arnon’s fire. His 22-year sentence, a byproduct of multiple convictions under Thailand’s infamous lèse-majesté law, underscores the harsh realities…
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In a twist that could rival any political thriller, Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) finds itself in the eye of a brewing storm. At the heart of it all is DSI chief, Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, a man seemingly unfazed by a growing clamor for his temporary eviction from an investigation that has tongues wagging across the nation. The saga revolves around alleged collusion in the Senate election, with 22 senators penning an impassioned plea to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to sideline him. Yutthana, however, remains a picture of unbothered composure. “Let them talk,” his demeanor seemed to whisper when asked about the request for his removal. With the gravitas of a seasoned investigator, Pol Maj Yutthana emphatically vouched for the legality of his investigative process, reinforcing the idea that every step has been within the solid boundaries of the law. His confidence beams as he welcomes the…
In a gripping and distressing tale, a Thai actress, identified only as Bell, is seeking justice after being fiercely attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Kong. His sinister threats and the alleged misuse of influence, rooted in his father’s position as a police officer, have brought a whirlwind of public sympathy and concern her way. Bell courageously turned to the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice (CRSJ) for assistance and went public with a harrowing account of abuse in the hope of holding Kong accountable. She presented a compelling array of video evidence and photographs of her bruises and wounds to the Facebook news page, Talat Lang Upgrade (ตลาดล่างอัปเกรด). Her tragic ordeal was further recounted on the popular television show, Hone Krasae. Armed with these exposures, Bell aims to spur justice, driving home a poignant plea for public awareness to keep a vigilant eye on individuals like Kong. The saga began innocently…
In a lush corner of Thailand, where the horizon is framed by the towering sandstone peaks of Phu Kradueng National Park, a botanical symphony unfolds beneath the canopy—the whispers of leaves punctuated by the joyous chants of discovery. Researchers from the esteemed Chulalongkorn University, instruments in hand and curiosity alight, recently embarked on an expedition into this botanical wonderland. Their mission was as delicate as the ferns they sought: to catalog the park’s pteridophytes, those ancient spore-bearing plants that persist in painting the landscape with shades of emerald and jade. The expedition, with backing from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), went way beyond the expected. As they meandered along Phu Kradueng’s trails, they gathered 288 samples, among which three species—Selaginella sp., Asplenium sp., and Oleandra sp.—emerged like shy stars stepping out for their debut on the global botanical stage. This triumphant uncovering didn’t end there.…
The sun was just beginning to rise over the vibrant streets of Pattaya when an unexpected commotion stirred the otherwise tranquil early hours. Nathan James Webber, a 51-year-old Australian gentleman, found himself in an exceedingly curious predicament that unleashed a cascade of events as colorful as the Thai city itself. It all began on the hazy, early morning of May 20, not far from the bustling Soi Najomtien 8, where Webber’s reliable steed – his motorcycle – decided to call it a day. Alas, his trusty ride left him stranded and in search of aid. But, as fate would have it, Webber’s search for help was far from straightforward. Within arm’s reach stood a rescue booth operated by the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, a beacon of hope in dire times. However, under the shroud of inebriation and bafflement, Webber perceived the chatter emanating from the booth’s two-way radio as stress…
In an exciting step to reignite the flame of domestic travel, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with Advanced Info Service (AIS) to roll out the Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere campaign. This collaborative venture aims to rejuvenate Thailand’s tourism scene by spotlighting both well-trafficked cities and those hidden gems that are often overlooked. The campaign kicks off with a vibrant event on Banthat Thong Road in Bangkok, a locale renowned among food lovers and the young-at-heart alike, renowned for its mouthwatering culinary offerings and special perks. Somchai Lertsutiwong, AIS’s Chief Executive, shared the ambitious vision behind the initiative: to position Thailand as a preeminent regional tourism nexus while ensuring that the resulting economic benefits ripple right down to local communities. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to a digitally enriched travel experience, enhanced by AIS’s state-of-the-art network. Echoing this sentiment, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of…
Bangkok is known for its vibrant street life, incredible cuisine, and sometimes, surprising encounters with nature. One unsuspecting gentleman recently found himself starring in his own thriller after an unexpected and downright chilling ordeal. Picture this: it’s the early morning hours, the world is quiet, and you’re shaken awake, groggily shuffling to the bathroom. But as you lift the lid of your trusty porcelain throne, your sleepy gaze is met with a scene straight out of a horror movie—a giant python lounging comfortably in the bowl, as if it had found the perfect Airbnb for jungle critters. The tale, shared on social media at the ungodly hour of 3 AM on a fateful Friday, quickly caught fire online. The man, now wide awake and perhaps nursing an instant aversion to pythons and toilets alike, posted a video, capturing the slithery intruder in all its glory. “Found this in the toilet…
Stepping gracefully into the grand halls of Government House in Bangkok, Thailand’s illustrious Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was a vision of leadership on Monday. Her presence not only signals the forward momentum of the nation but also showcases her unwavering support for her family—especially her aunt, the illustrious former premier, Yingluck Shinawatra. In an epically dramatic twist, the Supreme Administrative Court’s recent ruling has thrust Yingluck into the spotlight, holding her financially liable for the colossal 10 billion baht fiscal repercussions associated with the infamous rice-pledging scheme. In a heartwarming display of solidarity and family loyalty, Ms. Paetongtarn took to the digital stage of Instagram to voice her unwavering support. On a noteworthy Thursday, the screens of her followers lit up with a deeply poignant post shared from the Pheu Thai Party’s platform reading, “May 22. Justice has been robbed time and again.” As if to add a melodic touch…
In an era where transparency is often a mere buzzword, Thai Senator Alongkot Worakee, at the seasoned age of 61, adds a dash of intrigue with his choice of linguistics. Thrust into the limelight yet again, he baffled the press with his unexpected preference for conversing in French. Repeatedly shaking his head, every media query was met with a cryptic, “Je ne parle pas,” translating to “I’m not saying.” His refusal to engage in the national tongue came as a surprise after his appearance before the Election Commission (EC) on allegations of Senate election collusion. The plot thickens when a journalist boldly asked, “You’re a Thai senator – why not speak in Thai?” The senator’s nonchalant retort, “Je ne parlerai que français,” meaning “I will only speak French,” only served to fuel the furor surrounding his enigmatic disposition. With the EC summoning Mr. Alongkot and 54 other senators to account…
On the bustling Chao Fa East Road, nestled in the lively town of Wichit in Phuket, a parcel delivery company has found itself embroiled in controversy. Accusations of encroaching on public land have set off a ripple of discontent among locals, who are none too thrilled about the traffic havoc purportedly caused by the company’s sizable delivery vehicles. The annoyance crescendoed with a flood of complaints, prompting an inspection crescendo by a coalition of government bodies on May 22. This symphony of scrutiny was orchestrated by none other than Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who called for an urgente crescendo on the matter. The inspection brigade was an impressive ensemble, featuring the Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Phuket branch, the Phuket Highways Office, the Mueang District Office, Wichit Municipality, and of course, the local Wichit Police. What brought this delivery company into the limelight was their…