In the vibrant political sphere of Chon Buri, a brewing storm centers around Chawal Pholmuangdee, a notable member of the People’s Party. The Election Commission (EC) has leveled serious accusations against Chawal, alleging that he contravened the MP Election Act owing to purportedly submitting an incomplete record of his election expenses during the latest polls. Every candidate, who vied for public office in the recent May 14 elections, was obliged to present a detailed account of their campaign expenditures to the EC, covering the period from March 20 to May 15, a vital protocol to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. Chawal, having previously flown under the banner of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP), declared a modest expenditure of 6,000 baht for running his campaign ads across prominent social media channels. However, the plot thickened when the EC’s keen investigations uncovered a puzzling discrepancy. The actual cost…
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In an unprecedented move, the Defence Council waved through a white paper on Monday, detailing an ambitious blueprint to downsize the nation’s armed forces and trim expenditures on weapon systems. Presided over by none other than Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, this session was the council’s grand finale of the year and provided a peek into the strategic vision for 2026-2037, setting the military compass due north. Minister Phumtham assured that the various agencies under the Defence Ministry’s sprawling umbrella already boast their own strategic roadmaps, meticulously laid out to avoid any bureaucratic friction. Nevertheless, the ministry is rallying them to unite in pursuit of the common goal of military streamlining, aligning with a broader national strategy that promises cohesion and efficiency. One item on the docket was a bill spearheaded by former Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang aimed at amending the Defence Act—a piece of legislation now…
In a scene that seems like it was lifted straight from a gripping drama, the Board of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) gave a nod to extending three contracts tied to the ambitious Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. Yet, the real plot twist lies in the obstacles tackled along the way—land expropriation hurdles and the cumbersome process of relocating oil pipelines proving too great a challenge for timely completion. The contracts in question—Contract 4-3 (stretching from Nava Nakhon to Ban Pho), Contract 4-2 (from Don Muang to Nava Nakhon), and Contract 4-6 (from Phra Kaew to Saraburi)—all embody unique tales of delays that have nudged their completion dates further down the calendar. Contract 4-3, originally slated for a seamless 1,080-day venture ending on January 23, 2025, now embraces a leisurely pace, extending the finale by a generous 452 days to April 20, 2026. This is not its first dance with…
In the vibrant world of Thai politics, it’s not just policies and speeches that steal the spotlight, but the playful banter and creative monikers bestowed upon leaders by the press. This year, the spotlight shines bright on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has been affectionately christened “Paetongphoey” by the Government House reporters. A clever twist on her name, it highlights her reliance on prepared scripts during key public engagements. After all, “Paetongphoey” is a delightful blend of her name’s initial syllables and the Thai term “phoey,” meaning “script.” Amidst the laughter and jibes, when asked to comment on her new nickname, Ms. Paetongtarn responded with grace and humor. Far from being irked, she quipped that a more accurate moniker might be “Paetongpad,” considering her preference for reading speeches straight from her trusty iPad, as her critics are eager to note. Beyond the whimsical names, Ms. Paetongtarn’s administration has also been…
The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) has been busy ruffling feathers and exposing scandals. With their latest report, they’ve lit a fire under several high-profile graft cases that have left a sour taste in the mouths of the Thai public, all while worsening poverty. ACT Chairman Mana Nimitmongkol declared this week that these corruption cases, ranging from audacious fraud to those impacting the very quality of life in Thailand, starkly illustrate a glaring lapse in law enforcement. Take for example the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who somehow managed to turn a prison sentence into an extended hospital stay. Instead of lodging in a cell, Thaksin was reportedly enjoying a 180-day sojourn at the Police General Hospital (PGH). His health claims were dubious at best, and as a result, 12 unlucky officials from the Department of Corrections and the PGH have found themselves under the microscope of the…
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…
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…