Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat recently took the stage at a vibrant rally held in support of the digital wallet initiative at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok last October. Standing nearby was Paopoom Rojanasakul, another deputy finance minister, attentively observing the proceedings. (Photo credit: Somchai Poomlard) The Thai government is brimming with confidence about their financial prowess, assuring citizens that they have enough funds to bankroll the massive 500-billion-baht digital wallet program. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat unveiled this optimistic outlook during a press conference on Wednesday. Contrary to earlier plans, they might not even need to dip into the reserves of a state-owned bank for additional financial support. As part of its strategic planning, the Pheu Thai government has allocated a whopping 450 billion baht from the upcoming 2024 and 2025 fiscal budgets to back this initiative. Thus, the need to rely on the Bank for Agriculture…
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In a significant move towards fostering public participation in the governance of Thailand’s volatile southern border provinces, the House of Representatives approved a bill aimed at abolishing a contentious coup-era order. This order, NCPO Order No.14/2016, was originally issued in April 2016 by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which had been established following the 2014 coup led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. It effectively undermined the Southern Border Administration Act by rendering portions of it invalid. NCPO Order No.14/2016 severely disrupted the activities of the advisory council dedicated to Southern Border Administration and Development. This council, composed of members representing the residents of the far South, has long been an essential platform for addressing the region’s persistent sectarian unrest, which has festered for over two decades. The order also granted the Internal Security Operation Command undue influence over the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC), a key…
Last month, MPs gathered for a rigorous three-day debate over the budget proposal, engaging in intense discussions and negotiations. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) On Wednesday, the House of Representatives witnessed a significant legislative victory as a bill aimed at dismantling coup-makers’ restrictive orders on public participation in the administration of the restive Southern provinces smoothly sailed through. The notorious “14th/2016 NCPO” orders, issued by the now-dissolved National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in April 2016, had effectively rendered parts of the Southern Border Administration Act obsolete. The NCPO’s draconian directives have long disrupted the crucial activities of the advisory council on Southern Border Administration and Development. This council, composed of representatives from the troubled far South, was designed to give a voice to the residents and include them in the decision-making processes affecting their lives. The controversial orders had also granted the Internal Security Operation Command undue influence over the…
Last month, Phuket came alive with vibrant colors and joy as people thronged to participate in the Pride Month celebrations. (Photo: Achathaya Chuenniran) Phuket authorities have confidently announced that the island is fully prepared to vie for the prestigious opportunity to host the 2025 InterPride World Conference. Governor Sophon Suwannarat took the lead in signing the Pride & Equality Phuket memorandum of understanding (MoU) alongside representatives from both the public and private sectors. This effort is aimed at promoting gender equality on the island. Governor Sophon emphasized that the MoU focuses on elevating awareness about gender inclusivity, providing protection for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and minimizing gender discrimination across the island. Notably, Phuket’s bid will face competition from Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. The InterPride World Conference is an annual five-day event that attracts around 700-800 participants from 70 different countries. This conference is a significant platform for discussing…
MPs Attend a Spirited Three-Day Debate on Budget Proposal (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In a significant legislative session, the House of Representatives witnessed a compelling debate where a bill intended to abolish the controversial coup-era orders passed triumphantly. This legislative action unfolded as the House convened to consider amendments that promise to revive and recalibrate public participation in the administration of Thailand’s restive southern provinces. Specifically targeting the notorious “14th/2016 NCPO” orders, the bill aims to dismantle directives issued by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in April 2016. These orders had hitherto rendered sections of the Southern Border Administration Act partially inoperative, creating substantial barriers to effective governance in the region. By destabilizing the advisory council on Southern Border Administration and Development—an entity composed of representatives from the far South—the NCPO’s orders have long been seen as a hindrance to community-driven governance. Furthermore, these orders granted the…
Pilots from Royal Thai Air Force Wing 7 circled gracefully over the Andaman Sea in their sleek Gripen jets, capturing the stunning sight in a photo taken by Surapol Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn back in June 2011. Yet, it’s evident that the story of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and their choice of aerial assets is one that has continued to evolve. Recently, a high-level dialogue ran abuzz with the news that the RTAF is inclined towards procuring Sweden’s Gripen fighter jets over the American-made F-16s. This revelation, stemming from a reliable air force source, has sparked conversations beyond just aircraft capabilities. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Phanphakdee Phattanakul, the incumbent air force commander, has meticulously collated comparisons between the Swedish Gripen E/F jets and the U.S. F-16 Block 70 jets. These details have found their way to pivotal figures in the nation’s defense leadership – Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and…
Police stood watch as cannabis advocates staged a fervent protest on Wednesday outside Government House, voicing their opposition to the government’s plan to reclassify the plant as a narcotic. These proponents vowed to remain in protest until parliament enacts a law governing cannabis use. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In a dramatic move, pro-cannabis activists began a hunger strike, pressing the government to heed their concerns. This came as the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) confirmed that certain parts of the plant are slated to become illegal come January 1. Mana Siriphitthayawat, the board’s deputy secretary-general, announced that the board is set to reconsider the criminalization of cannabis late this month. Should the proposal pass, the public health minister will expedite its publication in the Royal Gazette, aiming for it to be effective January 1, 2025. The chosen date provides a few months’ grace period for businesses to adapt and…
Aura Wellness, a dynamic lifestyle health and beauty enterprise, is excited to announce its collaboration with Bluebik, a leading digital transformation consulting firm, to usher in the future with the deployment of SAP S/4HANA. This state-of-the-art cloud-based business management software promises to revolutionize their operations, enhancing data precision, integrating departmental workflows effortlessly, and providing robust security measures. The adoption of SAP S/4HANA is set to become the cornerstone of Aura Wellness’s ambitious growth trajectory, laying a strong foundation for the future success of its health and beauty ventures. Mr. Jetbodin Prakoonsuksapan, the visionary Founder and CEO of Aura Wellness Group, emphasized, “In the fiercely competitive health and beauty sector, staying ahead of the curve is imperative. Business owners need to be in a constant state of expansion and vigilance. To support our extensive client base, we operate through over 13 branches of Aura Bangkok Clinic that span Bangkok and its…
A burst of excitement and celebration filled the air at a bustling poll station in the heart of Bang Kapi district, Bangkok, as a promising senate candidate beamed with joy, having sailed through the first round of the Senate election on June 9. The image of her elation, captured by the keen lens of Varuth Hirunyatheb, summed up a day of momentous victory. Fast-forward to Wednesday, the Election Commission gathered to review and validate the results of the Senate election. It was a day of anticipation and speculation as the commission embarked on a significant task. The meeting, shrouded in secrecy, kicked off at 9am and stretched into the early afternoon, concluding at 2:30pm – an intense session aimed at ensuring fair play and upholding the credibility of the electoral process. Inside whispers from the close-knit meeting revealed a consensus: the validation of 200 senators-elect and the endorsement of an…
River City Bangkok is thrilled to partner with ArtDepot to bring to life the much-anticipated debut solo exhibition of distinguished Chinese contemporary artist Zhang Zhanzhan, titled “Beyond the Last Miles.” With a vision that seamlessly marries introspection and artistry, Zhang’s work is a voyage through the solitary yet profoundly connective journey of life. Life’s journey often feels endless and solitary, a path each of us walks alone. As we navigate this path, we learn to embrace our solitude. In doing so, our external selves may develop a resilient veneer, but within, our hearts tend to grow softer, more genuine. Zhang Zhanzhan’s art captures these ephemeral moments along the river of time, holding onto warmth, desire, hope, and fortitude much like a flickering candlelight in the vast darkness. His work serves as a beacon, gently guiding us back to our past selves, allowing us to quietly reconnect with who we once…