Amidst the bustling city of Bangkok, the 29th Book Expo Thailand unfolded in grand style, sweeping away any lingering shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, the gleaming halls of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) bore witness to a vibrant and record-breaking affair. Drawing in more than 1.4 million book enthusiasts from October 10th to 20th, the expo emerged as a triumphant celebration of literature and cultural engagement, as revealed by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat). Suvich Rungwatthanapaiboon, the president of Pubat, jubilantly shared on Tuesday the remarkable financial ripple the event created, with revenue soaring to a staggering 438 million baht. Fueling this literary frenzy was the expo’s enchanting theme: “Read Until the Afterlife.” This theme, combined with the allure of social media glimmer, particularly enticed the younger audience, initiating a veritable reading renaissance. A constellation of collaborative forces, including the Department of Cultural…
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On a seemingly ordinary day in Bangkok, the former premier of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, found himself in the spotlight once more as he made his way to the Criminal Court. The date was August 19, 2024, and the occasion was a hearing for lese majeste charges—a legal saga that, true to form, was postponed yet again. A photo snapped by Apichart Jinakul captured the moment, a poignant reminder of the former leader’s enduring entanglement with Thai law. As if his courtroom drama wasn’t enough to keep tongues wagging, a new chapter was in the making. The Constitutional Court had its curious eyes on a hefty 5,080-page petition submitted by Therayut Suwankesorn. On October 10, Mr. Therayut accused Thaksin of wielding undue influence over the Pheu Thai Party, the nucleus of the government coalition led by his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Thaksin, the patriarch of this political dynasty, was named…
In a world where our four-legged friends hold a special corner in our hearts, Mars, Incorporated steps up with a breakthrough that promises to paint the town tails—a vivid, wagging red! Renowned globally for its prowess in pet care products and services, as well as the mouth-watering delights that we sneakily devour on late nights, Mars has launched an initiative that’s all about love, loyalty, and leashes: the th.WeR4HappyTails.com portal. This innovative spree hits the scene right after a global survey that fetched insights on pet parents around the planet. But this is no mere pet project. Rather, it focuses on a cause with whiskers and wags—tackling pet homelessness in Thailand, a mission that promises to pull your heartstrings like a strummed harp. The initiative, in cahoots with notable pet havens like The Voice Foundation, Soi Dog Foundation, and Jai Dog Rescue, promises to roll out the red carpet for…
In the ever-evolving world of health and wellness, buyers beware! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a dire warning that might just make you think twice before grabbing that “all-natural” remedy promising to change your life. Recently thrust into the spotlight is Grakcu, a herbal capsule that has been tainted, quite ironically, with substances meant to enhance one’s performance in a much different department. We’re talking about drugs designed for erectile dysfunction, folks! The alert was announced by the FDA’s deputy secretary-general, Dr. Withid Sariddeechaikool, on a sunny Tuesday. The Grakcu scandal involves products boasting the registration number G 481/53, proudly manufactured on the auspicious date of May 2, 2024, with an expiry date neatly stamped for May 2, 2026. But buyer beware, what lies within could spell trouble for many unsuspecting users. With their magnifying glasses ready, FDA detectives swooped down on drugstores, seizing sample upon sample…
Intrigue fills the air as the stunning revelation of The iCon Group’s alleged fraudulent activities weaves its way into the fabric of scandalous headlines. Nearly 7,000 whispers of deception have surfaced, casting a shadow on the company’s illustrious facade. The stakes are high, with losses eclipsing 2 billion baht, sending shockwaves through the nation and gripping the public’s attention. Stepping into the spotlight is Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, the pivotal national police chief, who addressed a curious throng of media on Tuesday. He revealed that between October 10 and 21, the Central Investigation Bureau’s (CIB) complaints centre fielded a flurry of allegations from 6,979 determined individuals. Relaying tales of lost fortunes to the authorities, they recounted a chilling sum of 2,046 million baht—investments gone awry in what appeared to be a high-stakes saga of fraud. With eager resolve, investigators plunged into The iCon Group’s financial myths and murky money trails,…
Few economists have left as indelible a mark on contemporary thought as Joseph Stiglitz, a giant in the field whose insights have reshaped our understanding of economic dynamics. Stiglitz, awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2001, is the mastermind behind the Asymmetric Information Theory. This groundbreaking work dissects how discrepancies in information access among buyers and sellers distort market function, perpetuating inequalities and hindering sustainable economic progress. Stiglitz’s impact, however, transcends academia. As Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Bill Clinton from 1995 to 1997, followed by his tenure as the Chief Economist of the World Bank from 1997 to 2000, he wielded significant influence in shaping pivotal economic policies. Since the dawn of the millennium, he has shared his wisdom with budding economists as a professor at Columbia University. Recently, the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University joined forces with Siam University…
Imagine a world where cement production breathes life into an eco-friendly tomorrow, and you’ll find yourself gazing at the thriving vision of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA). A call to action resonated from the bustling abode of the Energy Symposium 2024, capturing the indomitable spirit of Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of TCMA. His persuasive appeal directed towards the government was plain and profound: let’s expedite the path to unlocking age-old laws and unyielding regulations, and seek that precious green funding to supercharge Thailand’s industrial shift towards green energy. At the heart of this monumental shift is the “SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY” initiative, a beacon of hope and sustainability for Thai industry, embarked upon with a globally collaborative mindset, action, and value – the 3C concept. These three Cs form the acclaim of the new industrial anthem, singing to the harmonious tune of reduced carbon footprints across seven illustrious…
It was an ordinary evening in the bustling heart of Bangkok when a South Korean tourist unwittingly found himself in the midst of a meticulously staged crime scene. The picturesque streets teeming with visitors and the alluring aroma of street food masked the nefarious intentions of a sly band of pickpockets. This was not just any opportunistic theft; this was a well-orchestrated plot led by a daring gang of nine individuals, all hailing from the Philippines. The stage was set at Sukhumvit Soi 33 in the vibrant Watthana district, where the group surrounded the unsuspecting tourist with the precision of a dance. Their calculated movements slowed down the man’s pace, creating the perfect distraction. The next moment, one deft member of the gang discreetly relieved him of his wallet—their prize, swiped in a mere second. Swiftly, like phantoms in the night, they vanished into the crowd. Yet, unbeknownst to these…
Amid the tense skies over Beirut, the rhythmic roar of a Middle East Airlines jet slicing through the clouds was a stark reminder that life somehow continues amid chaos. It’s October 22, 2024, and the Middle East brims with the sounds of both conflict and daily life, a complex symphony of resilience and unrest. From the heart of Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, an MEA plane elegantly soars into the firmament, its silhouette momentarily casting shadows over a city embattled yet enduring. Across the border, in northern Israel, a story unfolded that spoke of the tragic toll these hostilities exact on those caught in their wake. On a seemingly ordinary Monday, the air was split by the sharp cries of approximately 30 missiles launched by Hezbollah. Among the echoes of explosions, amidst the sprawling fields of the Ayelet HaShahar agricultural estate, a Thai worker named Kwanchai Chongklang found himself thrust unexpectedly…

Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchanart: Unraveling the 12-Million-Baht Ransom Drama at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Picture this: a bustling Suvarnabhumi airport, echoing with the hurried footsteps of travelers, suitcases rolling briskly, and the ever-present hum of announcements of departing flights. Amidst this controlled chaos, a high-stakes drama was unfolding that would make even Hollywood thrillers pale in comparison. In the center of this real-life stage was none other than Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchanart, the deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, alongside his colleague, Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee of the Immigration Division 2. They weren’t just there to enjoy the duty-free shops or the airport lounge. Oh no, their mission was far more critical: to collar a suspect involved in a 12-million-baht ransom case just before he could escape beyond Thai borders. The clock was ticking as the suspect, a certain Mr. Liu, almost tasted freedom with a boarding pass for flight ZA679 to Cambodia’s Phnom Penh in hand. But the apprehensive gaze of…