In a tale that seems ripped from the pages of a thriller, the shimmy of scandal has danced over the serene halls of Wat Rai Khing, a prominent Buddhist temple in Nakhon Pathom. By the end of the week, the usually peaceful environment was punctuated by the tumultuous case of the erstwhile abbot Yaem Inkrungkao, famously known as Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat. Alongside him in this uproarious escapade was the spirited 28-year-old Aranyawan Wangthapan. Together, they are embroiled in an audacious embezzlement scandal accused of siphoning a staggering 300 million baht from temple coffers. It was a dramatic Saturday morning when the duo, displaying the weariness of their predicament, were ushered from police custody into a van bound for the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in the bustling heart of Bangkok. Ignoring the probing questions from journalists with the practiced stoicism of seasoned players, they remained tight-lipped as the…
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Picture this: Under the glaring sun at Bangkok Port in Klong Toey, a diligent worker is knee-deep in a curious mess. Amidst the tangles of metal, he finds an intriguing treasure trove – fragments of electronic dreams past. You might wonder what these circuit boards are doing here. Well, it turns out, this fascinating heap is part of a clandestine cargo journeyed all the way from the United States. Earlier this week, Thai officials showcased their detective prowess by seizing a staggering 238 tonnes of electronic waste, discreetly cloaked as “mixed metal scrap.” This seized booty, snugly packed in ten hefty containers, is valued at a breathtaking 18 million baht. The Associated Press was on the story, quoting the eagle-eyed Theeraj Athanavanich, the vigilant director-general of the Customs Department, who shed light on the nefarious plot. But this isn’t just another smuggling tale. Oh no, it’s a complex web involving…
In the bustling halls of the Ministry of Justice, where towering stacks of paperwork meet electronic beeps of modern governance, the mood was rather electric on February 25th. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, emanating a sense of poised efficiency, took center stage at a pivotal meeting chaired at the Ministry, setting the scene for a new twist in the tale of Thailand’s political landscape. Beside him, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong maintained a watchful eye, acutely aware of the shifting sands of the political arena. It was a photograph worthy of the media’s attention, captured vividly by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. Now, fast forward to the eagerly awaited legislative session where Mr. Phumtham, in a remarkable display of readiness and grace under pressure, announced his willingness to step in as a temporary overseer of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). This decision, pending the blessing of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, comes hot on…
Sitting at the head of a polished mahogany table, with an air of resolute determination, Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai prepared to shoulder a new mantle of responsibility. All eyes were on him as he stepped forward to address a simmering situation, where the rule of law and governmental duties intermingled. With an unwavering commitment, he signaled his readiness to take the temporary reins of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), should the Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, anoint him for this critical role. The backdrop to this political drama unfolded like a thriller novel, with the Constitutional Court’s decision acting as a catalyst. The court’s ruling had resulted in the suspension of the sitting justice minister, Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, thus propelling Mr. Phumtham into the potential hot-seat. This legal maneuvering meant Mr. Phumtham, already serving as the chair of the Special Cases Committee, found himself in the spotlight, ready to…
Imagine a serene dawn at the Pha Nok Aen viewpoint, nestled within the breathtaking confines of Phu Kradueng National Park. As the sun peeks over the horizon, its golden rays bathe the landscape in a warm glow, captivating tourists with nature’s morning spectacle. Yet, behind this picturesque scene lies a simmering debate that might cast a shadow on the park’s future splendor. At the heart of this debate is the controversial cable car project proposed for Phu Kradueng National Park in the Loei province. Dreams of this mega project have danced around governmental chambers since its first proposal in 1982, promising to rewrite the rules of exploring this magnificent landscape. However, as with all grand visions, it has sparked a significant amount of controversy and public scrutiny. The resurrection of the cable car project made headlines again after the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) extended the…
In a dramatic twist that echoes the stuff of legends, the unthinkable happened on a dimly lit stretch of the Chon Buri highway—an SUV flipped catastrophically, only for its driver to emerge unscathed, buoyed by a firm belief in the mystical powers of an amulet. This hair-raising incident occurred at 10:36 PM on May 16, and it quickly sent ripples through the community. The incident unfolded along Highway 36, precisely at the Chon Buri-Rayong Bypass, near Huai Yai Subdistrict. There, a sleek, black Isuzu MU-X lay dramatically overturned, sprawling across the highway like a stopped giant, parts of its body scattered haphazardly across the tarmac. The driver, a seasoned 47-year-old named Pornchai Kulbut, found himself trapped within the steel confines of his vehicle. However, thanks to a swift and efficient rescue operation, he was extricated without suffering so much as a bruise. In an exclusive chat with The Pattaya News,…
In an exciting move towards reinforcing economic camaraderie, Thailand and Vietnam have made a joint declaration to amplify their economic relations with an ambitious vision of reaching a staggering US$25 billion (833 billion baht) in bilateral trade annually. This announcement was brought to light by Thailand’s dynamic Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, during a high-profile media briefing that followed the 4th Thailand–Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR). The retreat was co-chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and marked Paetongtarn’s official two-day visit which concluded just yesterday, May 16th. Notably, this gathering was a nostalgic nod to history, being the first of its kind in two decades since its first chapter during the leadership of Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub shared insights on the fruitful sessions of the JCR, where both nations took the opportunity to assess the progress of their bilateral cooperation while charting a future teeming…
All aboard for a delightful adventure as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) rolls out its new plans to introduce the beloved KiHa 40 and 48 diesel trains, gifted by Japan, to the suburban routes by the end of this year. The excitement is palpable as SRT’s governor, Veeris Ammarapala, announced the impending trials set to commence before the month wraps up. These charming trains, renowned for their robust form and nostalgic appeal, have been meticulously adapted to glide seamlessly along Thailand’s narrow-gauge tracks. Out of a fleet of 20, revitalized and renovated with care, a select few will be ready to charm commuters by year’s end. Undergoing rigorous fine-tuning at SRT’s Makkasan depot, these trains are subject to intense scrutiny. Fueled by engines that purr with precision and brakes that grip with grace, each component undergoes inspection with a discerning eye, ensuring they meet the standards expected of them.…
As the powerful whispers of thunder ushered in the rainy season, the resilient island of Phuket stands ready, poised with a bustling flood battle plan worthy of applause. Acting Mayor Chalermporn Piyanarongroj, the charismatic Permanent Secretary of Phuket City Municipality, is at the helm, orchestrating preparations with precision since the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) jubilantly trumpeted the arrival of the rains on May 15. The mood is mixed across this lush island haven. While the refreshing showers bring a welcome respite and nature’s reawakening, the threat of potential flooding looms ominously. But despair not, for the noble guardians of the realm—the Phuket City Municipality Flood Prevention and Resolution Operation Centre—have unsheathed their instruments of salvation. In an awe-inspiring display of organization, they have mustered men and machines alike, with an arsenal of sandbags ready to march into action. They toil, clearing and dredging canals, ensuring water moves at a brisk…
Picture this: the sun is rising over Phuket’s famed Surin Beach, casting a golden glow on the waves gently kissing the shoreline. But alas, not everything has been as idyllic as this scene suggests. In a bid to preserve the natural beauty and restore public access, a determined team of Phuket officials embarked on a mission to reclaim Surin Beach from unwelcome squatters, effectively peeling back the layers of illegal occupation. On Thursday, May 15, the resolute task force swung into gear at the crack of dawn at 9 AM, relentless in their quest until past noon. Their goal? To clear out the interlopers—structures and belongings alike—that had taken up unauthorized residency at Village No. 3, Cherng Talay subdistrict. As the sand shuffled and debris piled up, the curtain closed on yet another chapter of intense enforcement. The operation miraculously crossed the halfway mark on just its second day, making…