On a bright and breezy Sunday, the lush greens of Stonehill golf course in Pathum Thani bore witness to a gathering that sent the political grapevine into a tizzy. Posing for photos with an air of camaraderie were the conspicuous quartet of Sarath Ratanavadi, founder and CEO of Gulf Energy Development Plc; former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra; Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul; and PTT CEO Kongkrapan Intarajang. The snapshot quickly turned into fodder for political analysts and enthusiasts worldwide. But why, you ask? Why did this seemingly innocuous game of golf stir up a storm? The tale takes a twist on the political turf, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, also Thaksin’s daughter, addressed the nation on Monday, asserting the strength of government unity amid swirling speculation about rifts within the coalition. The root of the rumors? Just a casual round of golf, apparently. The appearance of Thaksin, viewed as…
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In a turn of political intrigue and resilience, Napapat Anchasanichamon embraced her quest for leadership as she registered to run for president of the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) in Prachin Buri province. Standing amid a cascade of garlands and flowers, she was warmly encouraged by her supporters, marking a significant moment following the tragic loss of her husband. (Photo: Manit Sanubboon) Napapat’s candidacy represents more than just a political ambition; it is an embodiment of courage and determination in the face of personal loss. Her late husband, Chaimet “Sor Jor Tong” Sitsanitphong, was tragically gunned down at his boss’s residence, thrusting her into the political spotlight under the aegis of the Pheu Thai Party, which backs her quest for the PAO’s top seat. In a candid moment of self-reflection, Napapat initially contemplated stepping away from the election, driven by fear for her safety after the deadly incident involving the aides…
Botanica Luxury Villas, a titan in Phuket’s high-end real estate landscape, has marked two decades of excellence with the grand opening of a cutting-edge Head Office. This iconic new facility stands as a testament to two decades of luxury and innovation, serving as a central hub for its ever-growing clientele, both Thai and international. The unveiling event was nothing short of spectacular, during which Botanica unveiled its stellar 2024 performance and laid out an ambitious roadmap for 2025, brimming with luxe projects that promise to elevate their already prestigious portfolio. The company’s strategic expansions are driven by insights directly from High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), laying the foundation for luxury residential projects in prime locales, as well as mixed-use developments, retail corners, and Phuket’s inaugural art museum. These expansions underscore the flourishing real estate market in Phuket, especially in emerging hotspots where property values are on a steady upswing. Not…
Imagine a scene straight out of an action-packed heist movie: luxury cars glinting in the sun, with the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok as their backdrop. This was the reality in October when authorities showcased the seized opulence from The iCon Group—an impressive collection including a McLaren and a Rolls-Royce—collectively worth a staggering 220 million baht. Talk about crime not paying, right? On Monday, a rather Herculean task was undertaken by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI): they delivered an exhaustive 340,000-page report to public prosecutors. No, that’s not a typo—three hundred forty thousand pages were carted over in an impressive convoy of four vans and six pickup trucks. The target? A cast of characters worthy of a Netflix series—18 suspects linked to The iCon Group, all facing a litany of serious charges. Leading the charge, DSI director-general Yutthana Praedam revealed the weighty list of allegations. Public fraud, computer crimes,…
As revelers begin to gather in bustling Bangkok, eager to ring in the New Year with a flourish, an exciting announcement has added an extra dash of convenience to their celebrations. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is sprinkling a bit of magic on the holiday fun by granting an extension to the train service hours for its four main lines. These public transit enthusiasts will now enjoy extra travel time across the Purple, Blue, Yellow, and Pink Lines, all specially tailored to ensure partygoers enjoy every last bit of sparkle in the countdown to 2025. Picture this: It’s New Year’s Eve, and the electrifying vibe at Bang Wa station is palpable, with people preparing to board a Blue Line train to their festive destinations. Thanks to MRTA’s thoughtful gesture, the celebrations won’t be dampened by worries of missing the last train. These famed lines will continue their…
In today’s digitally driven world, where technology entwines seamlessly with our day-to-day activities, the way we acquire new skills has undergone a transformative shift. This evolution is especially evident in the realm of language learning. With the internet as our innovative canvas, how we learn languages, particularly English, has become more convenient, flexible, and pocket-friendly. Among the bustling crowd of online platforms, one name sparkles with promise – EngCatcher. This vibrant newcomer on the scene has caught the spotlight with its refreshing teaching methodology and the zesty motto, “Fluency before Accuracy.” Helming this initiative is Miss Katemanee Nimmanhaemin, the dynamic CEO of EngCatcher and Trans World Education (TWE). She recently shed light on the burgeoning popularity of online English learning platforms in Thailand. “The online English learning scene in Thailand is reaching unprecedented heights, offering a spectrum of opportunities and hurdles,” remarked Miss Nimmanhaemin, whose illustrious journey in the education…
In the bustling crossroads of Southeast Asia, where the Golok River serenely divides Malaysia from Thailand, a curious dance unfolds daily as people traverse this natural border. Yet, as idyllic as the scenery may seem, there lies a complex narrative of stringent controls and cross-border intrigue. Every day, a diverse ensemble of individuals crosses the river, threading through a tapestry of personal agendas. Families reconnecting, entrepreneurs seizing business opportunities, students pursuing education, and nightlife enthusiasts seeking excitement all animate this lively junction. Among them, pockets of Thai students make their way to the schools in Malaysia, while Malaysians pop over for a taste of Thai vibrancy. However, as picturesque as this scenario appears, the waters of the Golok River also conceal a shadowy network of clandestine routes, fondly labeled “rat routes” by those attempting to slip through unnoticed. Indeed, these hidden passages stir concern on both sides of the border,…
In the bustling corridors of Thasongyang Hospital, nestled in the verdant hills of Tha Song Yang district along the Thai-Myanmar border, the air is thick with anticipation. Patients, many of whom have journeyed from neighboring lands, await their turn for medical attention. The sudden surge of these cross-border visitors has ignited a flurry of debates surrounding the capacity of Thailand’s public healthcare system to accommodate this unexpected influx. Recently, a significant spike in patients hailing from neighboring countries has caused ripples of concern. The logistical and financial strain of such an increase has brought the system’s resilience into question. This scenario was addressed by the deputy permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry, Montien Kanasawadse, in a revealing interview with the Bangkok Post. He reinforced the kingdom’s ethos of inclusivity, emphasizing that every individual on Thai soil is entitled to basic healthcare, irrespective of their origin. Dr. Montien elucidated the…
In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, amidst the golden glints of the city’s grand architecture, a moment of familial and political significance unfolded. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a beacon of contemporary leadership in Thailand, was captured in a heartwarming embrace with her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, as he arrived at the prestigious Voice Space building. This poignant encounter coincided with her receiving the ceremonial confirmation of her appointment as prime minister from His Majesty the King, a momentous occasion marking the dawn of a new chapter in August. However, this transition into leadership has not been without its playful scrutiny. In a whimsical tradition, Government House reporters have coined Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s administration as a “dad-supported government.” This affectionate jest stems from the significant role her father, Thaksin, plays in her political journey, earning her the nickname “Paetongphoey.” The moniker is a clever nod to her perceived reliance on prepared scripts…
On a picturesque Monday morning, a bright and eager crowd gathered at the entrance of Phu Kradueng National Park, located in the enchanting Loei province. At the crack of dawn, around 400 enthusiastic adventurers lined up, brimming with anticipation. Their goal was to conquer the mighty trails of Phu Kradueng, a much-acclaimed destination for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. This marked the grand reopening of the park, a momentous occasion just two weeks after it was temporarily closed due to a tragic incident involving a wild elephant. Phu Kradueng had shuttered its gates on December 13th following the unfortunate death of a tourist, who had encountered a tusker during its musth—the hormonal phase when male elephants are highly aggressive. Safety has always been a priority at the park, and the team worked tirelessly to ensure a secure environment for all returning visitors. And so, the park opened its arms once…