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…
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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…
Imagine stepping into a world where the air is cleaner, the energy is greener, and buildings rise from the ground with the promise of a better tomorrow. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic novel; it’s the vision being brought to life in Saraburi Province, Thailand, through an initiative so groundbreaking it could be the blueprint for the cities of the future. Dubbed the ‘Saraburi Sandbox’, this endeavor is a shining example of what can happen when public, private, and community forces unite for a common purpose. According to Mr. Bancha Chaowarin, the dynamic Governor of Saraburi, what started as a joint commitment in August last year has blossomed into a living ecosystem of innovation and collaboration. The ‘Saraburi Sandbox’ isn’t just a project; it’s a movement. It’s where the private sector, fueled by creativity and drive, joins hands with the government’s support and communities’ insights to form synergies unlike…
On a sunny Sunday that seemed to bookmark a chapter of burgeoning international friendship and cooperation, General Prawit Wongsuwan, the charismatic leader of Thailand’s Palang Pracharath Party, embarked on a journey of diplomacy and dialogue. Along with a spirited caravan of party members, Gen Prawit traversed the symbolic expanse of the Friendship Bridge, setting course towards an engagement of import at the Government House of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR). Here, a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone awaited, signifying a touchstone moment in the annals of Thai-Laotian relations. The halls of the Government House buzzed with anticipation as leaders on both sides conveyed earnest declarations of partnership and mutual progress. Gen Prawit, seizing the moment, articulated Thailand’s fervent commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across a spectrum of sectors. The agenda? A lofty and comprehensive collaboration spanning transportation and logistics, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and trade. With the air…
Imagine the vibrant city of Bangkok, with its intricate tapestry of rich culture and newfound champions of inclusivity, gearing up to paint the town in every hue of the rainbow. Picture the pristine beaches of Phuket, where the sun-kissed shores might soon play host to a congregation celebrating love in its most unbridled form. Yes, come 2028, Thailand is poised to become the heartbeat of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide, showcasing not just its breathtaking landscapes but its monumental support for gender inclusivity. Last year’s Pride parade, a kaleidoscope of colors and smiles, was just a glimpse into Thailand’s welcoming heart. Now, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announces a thrilling leap forward – Bangkok and Phuket have been chosen as the proud venues for the international LGBTQ+ summit and a series of vibrant activities slated for 2028. With the government’s unwavering backing, evidenced by the green-lighting of financial support from the central…
In the intricate tapestry that is Southeast Asian geopolitics, Thailand stands at a crossroads, particularly concerning its ventures into neighboring Myanmar. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the esteemed chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), has eloquently highlighted the Gordian knot of challenges that businesses face in this venturesome landscape. Amid the shifting sands of global diplomacy, Western nations are giving Myanmar the cold shoulder, largely due to its cozying up with China, leaving investors in a bind. The military junta’s grip on Myanmar has not only soured relationships with the West but has led to an investor exodus to more welcoming shores. Thai enterprises, once bullish on expansion, now tread cautiously, biding their time for clearer skies. Yet, Kriengkrai isn’t one to wallow in despondency. In a heartening chat with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, he lauded the swift action to open the trade floodgates—modernizing checkpoints for a seamless trade ballet of…
On a splendid morning back in the charismatic embrace of October 21, 2002, the serene waters of the Tonle Sap river, in the heart of Cambodia, bore witness to a sight both awe-inspiring and poignant. A Mekong giant catfish, a behemoth from the depths of legend, was gently cradled on a modest fisherman’s boat, its scales glinting in the sun’s tender caress. This moment, captured meticulously by Zeb Hogan for USAID’s Wonders of the Mekong, serves not just as a snapshot of a day in the life of the Mekong but as a stark canvas illustrating a river at the crossroads of destiny. Imagine, if you will, a river; not just any river, but the mighty Mekong. This stunning artery of life, stretching an epic nearly 5,000 kilometres from the spiritual heights of the Tibetan Plateau to the vast embrace of the South China Sea, is more than just a…
Imagine, if you will, a scene seeped not just in the vibrancy of Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry, but also in the heartrending echoes of its recent history. Amid the backdrop of bustling streets and serene temples, there’s a group that stands with a quiet yet resolute determination. This group, known as the Committee of Relatives of the 1992 Black May Heroes, bears the weight of memory and the hope for a future where justice prevails. At the forefront of this poignant journey is Adul Khiewboriboon, a man who wears his title as the chairman of the committee not as a badge of honor, but as a solemn duty. The air was thick with anticipation and the weight of unfulfilled promises one Sunday when Adul, armed with nothing but an open letter, aimed a passionate plea at the doors of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. It was a call to action,…
In the swirling vortex of Thai politics, where the dance of democracy often involves intricate maneuvers, an interesting situation unfolded recently, casting light on the complexities of parliamentary proceedings and the eternal struggle for accountability. This narrative revolves around the Democrat Party, a storied political entity with a lineage tracing back through the annals of Thai political history, and their vocal list-MP, Jurin Laksanawisit. Jurin, with the poise of someone who’s navigated the choppy waters of politics for years, set the stage for this latest episode on a calm Sunday. He divulged an intriguing piece of information – the Democrat Party, despite its rich legacy, finds itself a bit player in the current political drama, boasting a cadre of merely 25 MPs. A situation that, in the grand chessboard of politics, significantly limits their moves. The crux of the matter, as Jurin laid out, hinges on the procedural intricacies of…
The bustling tarmac of Don Mueang airport witnessed a moment steeped in history and anticipation on August 22, 2023. A figure emerged from the shadows of a sleek private jet, a face familiar yet absent from the Thai political landscape for almost two decades—Thaksin Shinawatra, the enigmatic former prime minister of Thailand, was back on home soil. Thaksin’s return sparked a flurry of speculation and whispers across the nation. Would he step back into the political arena? Would he offer his counsel to the currents of power flowing through the corridors of the government? Yet, the man at the center of this whirlwind of questions, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, dispelled the swirling rumors with a straightforward revelation. After a private meeting with Thaksin at his Bangkok residence, Srettha shared that the former leader harbored no ambitions of becoming a government adviser. “He’s been away from Thailand for 17–18 years,” Srettha…