Picture this: a nation captivated by a saga that is part political drama, part courtroom thriller. The spotlight is unequivocally fixed on Thaksin Shinawatra, a name that resonates through the history and corridors of Thailand’s political landscape. The tale took an unexpected twist when the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) decided to dig deeper, unveiling layers of intrigue and allegations that promise to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. The NACC has pinpointed its investigative radar on a select group of government officials embroiled in controversy. The charge? Allegedly orchestrating the comfort of a hospital stay for Thaksin instead of the confines of a prison cell. These officials, it is claimed, had extended an extended courtesy invitation not to a five-star resort, but to the Police General Hospital. All this, they say, happened while Thaksin was supposed to be serving time behind bars. NACC Secretary-General Sarote Phuengramphan made the…
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In a turn of events that sounds like it’s been ripped straight from the pages of a legal thriller, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to shine a spotlight on the intriguing saga surrounding the renowned Thaksin Shinawatra. For those who might not be clued in, Thaksin, the illustrious former tycoon and onetime Prime Minister of Thailand, found himself under investigation for a rather cushy hospital stay that sidestepped the not-so-cozy confines of Bangkok’s remand prison. In a bold move announced on Monday, Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general, made it clear that they were rolling up their sleeves in response to serious accusations. It was alleged that certain individuals within the Department of Corrections and Police General Hospital conveniently orchestrated Thaksin’s extended hospital retreat. The crux of the controversy? Thaksin, instead of languishing behind bars, was tucked away in the comparably comfortable beds of Police General Hospital for a…
Tension, dialogue, and diplomatic dexterity are the order of the day as Thailand rolls out the red carpet for pivotal talks addressing the Myanmar crisis. In a move that underscores Thailand’s initiative and leadership within the regional sphere, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa will spearhead two crucial meetings. These gatherings are a follow-up to Bangkok’s October overture, aimed at creating a conducive environment for informal discussions that seek to untangle the crisis following the tumultuous military coup of 2021. Thursday marks the kick-off, with an informal session drawing in representatives from Myanmar’s government. The scope of this discourse, as explained by ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura, hinges on pressing issues such as border security and combating transnational crime. This exchange will see the participation of regional heavyweights including Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, and the host, Thailand. “This meeting highlights Thailand’s proactive role in fostering candid and open dialogues with partnering…
As torrents of rain continue to unleash their ferocious wrath upon Thailand’s southern regions, the situation grows more dire with each passing day, bringing severe flooding that’s disrupting lives and testing resilience. With Mother Nature showing no mercy, 47 districts across five southern provinces find themselves in a watery predicament, leaving over 128,000 households struggling to stay afloat—both literally and metaphorically. Amidst this swirling chaos, the epicenters of the deluge are the provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani’s Koh Samui district. These are among the hardest-hit areas in the South’s flood crisis, co-starring with the provinces of Chumphon, Ranong, and Phatthalung. Like a stubborn stain, the floods have extended their reach to envelop parts of Trang, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, spreading their soggy unhappiness across 11 provinces. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) paints a grim picture with its update: the five most-affected provinces…
The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand (SRAT) has hogged the headlines recently as they ring the alarm bell over the precarious fate of small pig farms in the face of a rather pigheaded issue: the swelling oversupply of pork. With the big-league players in the pig farming industry coining plans to fatten their wallets by further amplifying production, the smaller folks are left squealing with worry about their future. SRAT president, Sitthiphan Thankiatphinyo, isn’t mincing his words. He underscores how, much like a perfectly cooked dish, the pork production industry desperately needs a recipe that balances supply and demand. Straying from this equilibrium leads to chaos—much like a stampede. On one hand, the sky-high pork prices during a past disease outbreak caught consumers in a tight grip. Their wallets felt lighter than a feather. On the other hand, when clandestine pork imports muscled their way into the market, the plummeting…
Meet National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, the man with an ambitious mission to transform law enforcement in Thailand. Hailing from Ratchaburi and following his father’s footsteps, he is set on a path to prioritize law, order, and community trust. Recently appointed by the Police Commission, his dedication to justice promises inspiring change. Succeeding Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, who ended his tenure in September, Pol Gen Kittharath emerged as the top choice from a pool of three strong candidates, selected under the watchful eye of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. At 58, this fresh chief will steer the police force until September 2026, with a vow to serve with “honesty and transparency” — twin pillars that he believes form the foundation of his public engagement philosophy. Highlighting seniority policy adherence as a path to professionalism in the police reshuffle process, Pol Gen Kittharath’s agenda encompasses more than hierarchical shifts. His…
Amidst the lush greenery of Thailand, a native marvel has emerged from the heart of the Khok Makok community in Prachin Buri, enchanting botany enthusiasts and locals alike—the Chomphu Prachin Plumeria. Crowned by the Department of Agriculture as Thailand’s latest floral treasure, this exquisite variety joins the ranks of Theppharot tangerine and Thong Pramun Phrommani marian plum, securing its place as the third new local plant variety to be celebrated under Thailand’s plant species protection law. Picture a plant with a sleek, greenish-grey trunk that whispers of adventures in tropical climes. Its leaves, designed like nature’s very own javelins, spear towards the skies, while the plumeria’s petals sing in shades from gentle blush to a deep pink symphony, all painted with enchanting lines that seem to capture the very essence of a sunset. This stunning frangipani is not just eye candy; it’s a proud symbol of botanical innovation and dedication.…
The lively corridors of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) buzzed with activity this past Monday, as fate would have it, poised to address the grand tumult surrounding its well-intentioned yet currently beleaguered Cancer Anywhere (CA) programme. Think of it as the health sector’s spicy sitcom, sans the laugh track but packed with drama and plot twists. You see, this programme, not unlike a choose-your-own-adventure story, enables cancer patients to handpick their treatment destinations. An empowering notion, yes, yet one that has apparently set expert chickens clucking with concerns over runaway expenses. In response to the swelling murmur of dissent, NHSO’s head honcho, Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, donned his proverbial cape to declare the programme’s salvation. Rather than clipping the wings of the CA programme, he announced a cunning plan—a special task force set to brainstorm a fiscal fix within a three-month ticker. It’s as if the NHSO is casting themselves…
Bangkok, the city of vibrant street life and ornate temples, is under siege—not from invading armies, but from relentless swirls of dust and pollution that cloak its skyline. Recently, this bustling metropolis was wrapped in an ominous shroud of PM2.5, those pesky fine particulate matters that are so small they could slip through the eye of a needle. It’s not Mother Nature’s prank, but rather a grave and costly affair as the city loses over 400 billion baht annually due to this toxic haze. At a recent seminar on air pollution, held under the auspices of the National Health Commission Office during the 17th National Health Assembly, experts and stakeholders gathered under the banner of “Creative Economy for Clean Air Management”. This assembly was something of a brainstorming extravaganza where the private sector, academia, and local communities casually exchanged ideas and insights as though they were swapping recipes at a…
In the vibrant city of Bangkok, where the hustle and bustle never seem to pause, the bane of traffic congestion persists, weaving itself into the daily narratives of commuters. A recent survey, shedding light on this perennial issue, has spotlighted five intersections that transform into vehicular nightmares during rush hours. Intriguingly, this survey was orchestrated by Dataxet, a media intelligence virtuoso and news agency, known for its prowess in dissecting the digital pulse. Spanning the entirety of November, Dataxet tapped into the virtual grapevine of social media, unleashing its analytical tool, the DXT360 Essential dashboard. This handy contraption sifts through the cacophony of TV, radio, print, websites, and social platforms, offering a panoramic view of Bangkok’s traffic snafus, with intersections as the focal point. The illustrious yet infamous Asok-Phetchaburi intersection clinched the notorious title of being the most congested juncture. A convergence of major thoroughfares—Phetchaburi Road, Asok-Montri Road, and Asok-Din…