The ever-turning wheel of academia has found itself in the midst of a rather peculiar saga, as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) stands poised to unsheath legal swords against Siam University. All this swirls around an enigmatic figure—a Chinese executive—embroiled in organizing a volunteer police training program exclusively tailored for Chinese nationals. Surprisingly, this entire affair unspooled seemingly without the university’s nod of approval. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, with the resolute determination of a seasoned warrior, took the stage on a bustling Tuesday, insisting that the university had no inkling of the clandestine course using its distinguished emblem. This unauthorized usage, a clear breach of the Private Higher Education Institutions Act BE 2546 (2003), came to prominence when the narrative unfolded that Chinese participants had been tagged a hefty 38,000 baht each for the privilege of attendance. The plot further thickened last week, casting a spotlight…
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As the bustling rhythms of Bangkok carry on, a curious debate is brewing in the halls of the Finance Ministry. Just a couple of months into its existence, the N3 lottery—envisioned as a crusade against the illegitimate lottery underworld—seems to have struck a sour note among the public. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat took to the podium recently, unveiling a saga of unmet expectations that could potentially send this initiative packing. Picture this: it’s November 1st, the start of a thrilling six-month “sandbox” venture, and the N3 lottery makes its grand debut. Each ticket, a tantalizing 20 baht, beckons hopeful buyers through 800 authorized sellers scattered across the vast expanse of the nation. The mission is clear and noble—lure the masses from the clutches of clandestine lotteries and exorbitantly-priced six-digit lottery tickets (known affectionately as L6). The goal? To trim the underground lottery scene by a bold 10-20% per year,…
In the vibrant district of Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, an impressive operation unfolds as water flows through the renowned Chulalongkorn sluice gate. This meticulous orchestration, captured in Pattarapong Chatpattarasill’s evocative photograph from October 2022, depicts the Royal Irrigation Department’s proactive efforts in channeling excess water from the Klong Rangsit Prayurasak into the vast Chao Phraya River. With an eye toward the future and burgeoning challenges, the National Water Resources Committee has stepped forward with a formidable 95-billion-baht plan aimed at revamping the Chao Phraya River’s irrigation system, particularly benefiting areas like Ayutthaya and Phathum Thani. Enthusiastically endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who presides over the national water resources committee, this mega project promises to significantly bolster the river’s capacity to manage floods—a perennial concern, particularly during the tempestuous rainy season. The plan lays out an extensive blueprint to revitalize the network of 22 canals, spread over 462.80 kilometers, breathing…
Picture this: a sweeping gaze over a Bangkok wrapped in a sepia cloak of dust, captured from the elevated vantage point of the Samut Prakan City Observatory. The date was January 4, and despite the enchanting panorama, the view underscored a major environmental issue gripping the city — pollution, with PM2.5 particulates painting the skyline. This satirical reminder of urban realism has prompted a resonating call to action from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Stepping forward with a determined stride, Ms. Paetongtarn took the stage at Government House, laying down the gauntlet for reduced PM2.5 levels as a priority for her administration. During a press briefing that followed the weekly cabinet assembly, she shed light on escalating heat spots, all captured via satellite. The ominous increase in dust across several provinces was yet another siren urging immediate intervention. The focus, as decreed by the Prime Minister, centers around galvanizing all pertinent…
The diplomatic tango between Thailand and Myanmar has taken an unexpected twirl. Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra recently cast a cloud of concern over a proposed visit by members of Thailand’s opposition People’s Party (PP) to Myanmar. The mission? To check on four Thai trawler crew members unexpectedly caught up in a murky maritime melodrama. “Slow your roll,” cautioned Russ at a presser on Tuesday. He made it clear that, while Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn—a PP party-list MP and the brainchild behind the House’s Military Affairs Committee—could technically jet off to Myanmar, the journey must first pass through the labyrinthine lanes of diplomatic protocol. Russ worries that this trip could sour the already bittersweet soup of bilateral relations. According to him, the Myanmar government might misinterpret the PP’s visit as an attempt to apply undue pressure. A visit waved in their face might just throw a spanner into the works, complicating the release…
In a wave of political drama reminiscent of a gripping television series, the Shinawatra family continues to hold the public’s attention, not only for their influential roles in Thai politics but also for their familial dynamics and headline-worthy proclamations. The 18th of August, 2024, felt like the set of a high-stakes drama as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the ever-charismatic head of the Pheu Thai Party, walked through its headquarters in Bangkok. The air was thick with anticipation and the future seemed bright as he beamed with pride, ready to congratulate his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on her impending royal endorsement as Thailand’s trailblazing 31st Prime Minister. A natural at navigating the turbulent seas of politics, Paetongtarn has swiftly emerged as a defender of the family reputation. Her poise was put to the test when Thaksin found himself at the center of a brewing storm over allegations of racism. The controversy…
Something electrifying is underway in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is stirring hopes and aspirations with a hint of possibly slashing household electricity costs, following a bold pronouncement from her father and former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra. Last week, Thaksin sent shockwaves through a campaign rally by pledging to bring electricity prices down to a crisp 3.70 baht per unit this year. When quizzed on the specifics, Ms. Paetongtarn energized the conversation, emphasizing that lowering these costs is prioritized as a means to light the way for easing the rising cost of living. “Collaboration from all sides will benefit the country. Bringing household electricity costs down to 3.70 baht per unit is the target the government wants to achieve. It is one of the government’s priorities,” the prime minister said with vigor. To achieve this powerhouse goal, she mentioned the need for discussions with various stakeholders. This quest to illuminate household…
In a whirlwind of flashing cameras and probing questions, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself at the epicenter of a press storm today. Fresh from a lively Cabinet lunch, she faced a flurry of inquiries about her father, the infamous former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose recent comments have left many raising their eyebrows and their voices. Thaksin’s remarks, delivered with his characteristic fervor at a rally in Chiang Rai on January 6, have been branded by some as racially charged and inflammatory. As the cameras rolled and microphones were thrust forward, Paetongtarn, seemingly caught off guard, responded with a note of surprise, “Oh, did he really discriminate?” Before the journalists could pounce further, she launched into a spirited defense of her father’s intentions, suggesting his comments were meant to inspire confidence rather than incite division. “He talked about embracing natural beauty and creating opportunities without the need for…
On a seemingly ordinary evening in Bangkok, a grim scene unfolded near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in the Phra Nakhon district. Police officers cordoned off the area, creating a partitioned crime scene where the tragic shooting of a former Cambodian opposition Member of Parliament, Lim Kimya, resonated with tragic resonance. The 73-year-old’s life came to a sudden end at the hands of an unidentified motorcyclist. The crime has sparked an intensive manhunt by the diligent team of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Surveillance footage revealed a glimpse of the suspect: a man astride a conspicuous red Honda Wave 100 motorcycle. Masterfully concealed behind a helmet, he was clad in long jeans, a grey short-sleeved shirt, and had a bag slung across his front, likely harboring the concealed weapon. Despite the grim nature of the task, the police are unwavering in their commitment to bringing this ruthless assassin to justice. In a tale…
Thailand’s economy is gearing up for an explosive boost like a celebratory firecracker this Chinese New Year, with a predicted spending increase of over 3%, according to the insights from the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Fueled by a strong economic recovery, strategic government cash infusions, and an influx of eager Chinese tourists flocking to the country, the festivities are set to ignite a lively shopping frenzy. Thanawat Phonwichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, confidently assured that, “Reflecting on the New Year festivities, the atmosphere was absolutely electric, with throngs of people gathering for countdowns and jubilations in bustling cities. We anticipate a similarly spirited scene for the Chinese New Year.” Recent celebrations capped off with spending peaking at an impressive 109.3 billion baht, marking a 3.2% increase from the previous year. Now, with the Chinese…