Welcome to the colorful yet concerning world of Thailand’s economy in the autumn of 2023, a place where the vibrant buzz of markets blends with the hum of worry over the nation’s household debt. Picture this: a whopping 16.2 trillion baht is hanging over the heads of Thai families. Yes, you read that correctly. We’re talking about a figure that has expanded by 3.3% compared to last year, now claiming the throne at a staggering 90.9% of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP). Let’s dive into this financial rollercoaster, shall we? Now, before we get any further, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Non-performing loans (NPLs). These pesky loans that just aren’t performing the way we wished they would are sitting pretty at 152 billion baht, making up 2.79% of total loans. This might not sound like much until you realize just how much cash that actually is.…
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Once upon a moonlit evening on the idyllic shores of Phuket, a tale as compelling as the full moon itself began to unfold at the steps leading down to Yamu Beach. Here, in a setting that could easily inspire the most romantic of sonnets, an unexpected drama between Urs “David” Fehr, a Swiss expatriate with a penchant for the exotic, and Thandao Chandam, a young doctor with a love for celestial events, took center stage. The enchanting island of Phuket, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect beaches, was the backdrop to an incident that has since captivated the local community and beyond. Urs Fehr, a man of 45 years with a business visa and ambitions as vast as the Andaman Sea, found himself ensnared in a controversy that could only unfold in the Land of Smiles. Together with his loving Thai wife, Khanuengnit, they had carved out their own…
In the heart of political maneuverings and strategic realignments, a story unfolds that might not make the headlines but definitely piques the curiosity of one too many. At the center of this narrative is Jirayu Houngsub, a man whose title as the spokesperson for political affairs at the Defence Ministry barely scratches the surface of the pivotal role he plays. With the poise of a seasoned diplomat and the savvy of a chess grandmaster, Jirayu is orchestrating the transfer of the Kantarat Golf Course to Airports of Thailand (AOT) – a move that has more layers than an onion. Tasked by none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Defence Minister Klungsang, Jirayu leads a committee with a vision far grander than merely transferring land. They are on a mission—a mission to recalibrate the use of military land for the greater good, starting with the symbolically charged Kantarat Golf Course.…
Imagine a tranquil paradise, where the azure waves kiss the sun-kissed shores, and the gentle breeze whispers tales of serenity. This is Phuket, a jewel in Thailand’s crown, known for its breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality. Yet, beneath this picturesque façade, a storm has been brewing, one involving a Swiss national named Urs “David” Fehr, aged 45, and the united spirit of the local community. The saga began on the evening of February 24, right on the steps of Fehr’s property at the stunning Yamu Beach in the peaceful tambon of Pa Klok, in Thalang district. The calm of the evening was shattered when Dr. Thandao Chandam, along with a friend, found themselves at the receiving end of Fehr’s ire. The trigger? A seemingly innocent rest on steps that bore an English sign declaring them part of Fehr’s private realm – a sign Dr. Chandam allegedly overlooked due to its…
“` Picture this: the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office-Holders, on an otherwise ordinary Monday, delivered a verdict that felt like a plot twist straight out of a political thriller. At the heart of the drama? Yingluck Shinawatra, a name that rings synonymous with resilience amid political storms. Alongside her, five other defendants, standing shoulder to shoulder, awaited a decision that could tip the scales of their fate. The accusation? An alleged power abuse linked to the 2020 Thailand roadshow project—a high-stakes venture during Yingluck’s tenure at Thailand’s helm. Among the cast of characters were Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan, the former deputy Prime Minister with a name as long as his political resume; Suranand Vejjajiva, the erstwhile secretary-general to the Prime Minister, known for his behind-the-scenes prowess; and an ensemble featuring the likes of Matichon Plc and Siam Sport Syndicate Plc, two publications caught in the eye of the storm. Add…
Imagine a scene straight out of a thrilling legal drama – a place where the lush green expanse of Khao Yai National Park meets the contentious world of land rights and bureaucracy. This isn’t fiction but the reality of an unfolding dispute that recently found its spotlight during a House committee meeting on February 27th. An army officer, with the solemnity befitting his rank, gestured towards a map that bore the contested boundaries of Khao Yai National Park, a point of contention that has landless farmers and government officials in a standoff over some crucial documents known as Sor Por Por 4-01. The essence of this drama is captured by a recent action taken by the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro), which has boldly stepped into the arena against the National Parks chief, Chaiwat Limlikhit-aksorn. Alro is not just tapping on the shoulder but is gearing up to launch a…
Gather ’round, fellow citizens and connoisseurs of democracy, for I bring you a tale of electoral intrigue, ambition, and a journey through the labyrinthine process of selecting Thailand’s next Senate. Our maestro of ceremonies and the Chairman of the Election Commission (EC), Itthiporn Boonpracong, recently convened a gathering of the media realm at the illustrious EC headquarters to unfurl the mysteries of the forthcoming senatorial election. Picture this: a room filled with anticipation, the air crackling with the promise of democratic endeavors, as Itthiporn stood poised to guide us through the odyssey that is the election process. In an announcement that sent ripples through the political sphere, it was revealed that a staggering 210,000 souls have stepped forward, their eyes set on the horizon of public service, vying for a coveted seat amongst the 200 senators soon to bid adieu to their tenure on May 10. A beacon of hope…
Imagine waking up to the chirping of birds, the air crisp and clean, devoid of the usual suspects – pollutants and waste. This isn’t a distant dream but the promising reality shaping up since March 1, 2024, thanks to Mrs. Praweerat Dheva-Aksorn, the visionary CEO of Villa Kunalai Public Company Limited. The creator of the KUNALAI branded housing estates is redefining residential living with a bold stride towards ‘creating spaces, creating happiness’ all wrapped up in a commitment to a sustainable future. Mrs. Dheva-Aksorn and her team at Villa Kunalai have embarked on a fascinating journey, blending modern living spaces with eco-friendly practices through a groundbreaking initiative. In an age where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a necessary approach to living, Villa Kunalai’s partnership with UCO SDG Company Limited is nothing short of revolutionary. UCO SDG, a company with a commendable track record of battling non-biodegradable waste –…
In a plot twist worthy of a high-stakes political thriller, former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, along with a colorful cast of political figures and corporate entities, found themselves at the heart of a legal drama that captivated a nation. Picture this: a unanimous 9-0 verdict by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, leading to the acquittal of the fugitive former premier and five other individuals. This was not just any ordinary day in court; it was a significant moment that reverberated through the halls of Thai politics. The backdrop of this saga is a sprawling 240-million-baht public relations campaign, designed to champion Yingluck’s ambitious 2-trillion-baht infrastructure overhaul. The campaign, dubbed “Roadshow to Thailand’s Future Thailand 2020”, was envisioned as a nationwide caravan of progress, showcasing exhibitions, seminars, and more to herald a new dawn of infrastructural development in 2013. However, like all great tales, there…
Welcome to the intriguing world of politics where the fine line between success and scrutiny is as thin as a thread. Imagine, if you will, a bustling Survarnabhumi Airport where the air is thick with anticipation and the sound of camera shutters never ceases. This is where we find Premier Srettha, a man at the helm of his nation’s future, momentarily grounded before jetting off to yet another mission aimed at bolstering his country’s fortunes on the global stage. Our story begins in the wake of a kaleidoscopic tour that has whisked our protagonist across continents, from the sunbaked lands of Australia to the industrious heartlands of Germany, and the romance-filled boulevards of France. It’s a journey that screams ambition, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of prosperity for his homeland. Yet, whispers of discontent brew beneath the gleaming exterior. Amid a frenzy of flashing lights and the clamor of eager…