It was a typical bustling morning at Government House, but tensions were simmering beneath the surface. Capt Thammanat Prompow, the steadfast secretary-general and acting agriculture minister, addressed a cluster of reporters with an air of solemn defiance. The third largest coalition partner, Palang Pracharath, a political juggernaut on the Thai scene, was now embroiled in controversy, its unity threatened by deep-seated fissures. Capt Thammanat, in his candid manner, made it abundantly clear: communication lines between him and the party leader, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, were severed. “As he does not use me anymore, I do not need to talk,” he declared with palpable frustration. For six long years, he had poured his heart and soul into the party, pledging unwavering loyalty. “One person and one party long enough,” he mused, hinting at a future unanchored by past allegiances. With the ascension of new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently threading…
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The energy was palpable last Thursday as coalition party leaders and core figures stood united at a press conference, all in unison to rally behind the Pheu Thai Party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This charged atmosphere was documented by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, and it’s clear why. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had just achieved a groundbreaking milestone. At 37, she was freshly minted as Thailand’s 31st and youngest Prime Minister, emerging victorious without any competition—a feat that sent political waves through the country. Fast forward to Monday, Paetongtarn was found delving into her studies at the National Defence College, an intensive program tailored for new executives. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to shed light on a crucial process: thorough background checks for cabinet candidates. This move is aimed at ensuring compliance with legal standards and steering clear of controversies that might endanger the new…
Imagine the waters of the Chao Phraya River under the starless, midnight sky. A peaceful scene, disrupted by tragedy—a story that begins with a jet ski crash and ends with a legal whirlwind in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district. A young actor by the name of Shindanai Sae Lim, aged just 21, found himself at the heart of this unfortunate event. On a seemingly regular Saturday night, Shindanai’s jet ski collided with a small boat, leading to the tragic deaths of two innocent people. Shindanai’s jet ski, though legally registered, was now grounded indefinitely as per the order issued by the Provincial Marine Office’s Samut Prakan Branch. This wasn’t just any order—it was a direct response to the egregious oversight that Shindanai wasn’t qualified to be behind the helm. Summoned to present relevant documents such as the jet ski’s registration papers and a helmsman certificate, Shindanai had one glaring omission:…
In a resolute step towards ensuring a smooth and lawful administration, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced that comprehensive background checks will be performed on all candidates for cabinet positions. These rigorous vettings aim to verify that candidates adhere to all legal stipulations, thereby preventing any potential legal entanglements that could jeopardize the new government. Ms. Paetongtarn, who made these remarks during an appearance at the National Defence College where she’s immersed in an executive training program, expressed confidence that the ruling alliance—comprising her party, Pheu Thai, and ten others—would finalize an agreement on the new cabinet formation within this week. A recent milestone in her political career, Ms. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin, was elected by a substantial majority in the House of Representatives this past Friday. She makes history not only as the 31st Prime Minister of Thailand but also as the youngest ever…
Market vendors eagerly anticipate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s dedication to revitalizing the nation’s economy, as soaring costs continue to cripple their businesses. In a heartfelt visit to Bang Lamphu Market in Khon Kaen’s Muang district yesterday, The Bangkok Post gathered the hopes and expectations of these vendors following the official appointment of the new prime minister. Wannida Nakcha, a spirited 29-year-old meatball vendor, voiced a collective wish for Ms. Paetongtarn to prioritize alleviating the economic woes that have plagued the public. She shared how all vendors at the market are grappling with declining sales amidst rising operational expenses. Wannida made it clear that increasing the prices of their goods isn’t a feasible option, as customers are already struggling and vocal about their own financial strain. The discussion didn’t stop at sales and costs. Wannida expressed strong support for the continuation of the digital wallet cash handout scheme, emphasizing that ongoing…
Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi (RMUTSB) has taken decisive action by expelling four students believed to be involved in a brutal hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student with serious injuries. According to a Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESRI) official named Suchada Thaensap, this incident, which occurred on Thursday, was captured on campus CCTV, revealing a fraught scene of abuse and misconduct. In total, eight students have been implicated in orchestrating this harrowing hazing ritual. As the investigation presses on, four have already faced expulsion, while the roles of the remaining four continue to be scrutinized. Ms. Thaensap suggested that they too might face similar consequences pending the ongoing probe. RMUTSB has committed its full support to the ministry’s investigation, with an anticipated conclusion within the next two days. The deeply troubling details of the hazing, described as military-style training that veered into extreme physical…
The bustling chatter of a Monday morning at the Ministry of Education set the scene for a groundbreaking announcement by Caretaker Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob. His address to the nation highlighted a burgeoning concern that has been sweeping schools worldwide: the rampant use of digital communication devices among young students. Amid rising alarm, the Ministry is gearing up to implement strict measures to curb this electronic frenzy, driven by fears over its potential toll on child development. Imagine walking into a classroom where the glow of smartphones and tablets competing with the gleam of young, eager eyes. It’s a sight that’s becoming all too common. “Our research indicates that students engrossed in these devices spend alarmingly high amounts of time on them, often at the expense of their cognitive and emotional well-being,” Pol Gen Permpoon remarked. And it’s not just idle worry. His concerns are backed by compelling…
The La Niña phenomenon could potentially spell trouble for Thailand, heightening the risk of widespread flooding, especially in low-lying areas like Bangkok and Samut Prakan. Environmental expert Sonthi Kotchawat from Thai Environmental Academics recently sounded the alarm on social media, urging the government to implement robust measures to mitigate flood risks. According to Sonthi, the weather oscillation linked with La Niña is poised to bring increased rainfall across the nation. Bangkok and Samut Prakan are particularly vulnerable due to their coastal proximity and dense jungle of high-rise buildings. These skyscrapers can significantly reduce wind speeds, leading to more intense and prolonged downpours. Additionally, their strategic position in the Central Plains means they bear the brunt of water run-off from upstream provinces, particularly during the peak monsoon months of August to October. “Already, provinces such as Chon Buri, Rayong, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son have reported above-average rainfall,” Mr. Sonthi…
Experts have sounded the alarm for Thais, urging vigilance against the new mpox strain, given the potential for the current outbreak to spiral into a global calamity. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, an acclaimed clinical virologist at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, took to Facebook on Monday to highlight the dangers posed by the Clade 1b subvariant. This strain, capable of spreading through respiratory droplets, represents a significant threat. Dr. Yong explained that Clade 1b, currently making waves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), is a fiercer adversary compared to the Clade 2 strain previously encountered in Thailand. Known for its aggressive nature, Clade 1b has been detected in both children and adults, irrespective of gender, in central Africa. Tragically, the hardest hit have been the younger population. He elaborated that the Clade 1 strain spreads through close physical contact and respiratory droplets, which facilitates easier transmission compared to Clade…
On a sun-dappled Sunday in Phitsanulok, excitement filled the air as Monchai Wiwatthanat received a bouquet from his jubilant supporters. The atmosphere was electric, a reflection of a closely-fought election that had been the talk of the town for weeks. (Photo by Shinawat Singha) The elections for the Phitsanulok Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chairman had all the elements of a political thriller. Much of the spotlight was on Siripan Prajak-ubon, a candidate backed by the once-influential Move Forward Party (MFP) turned People’s Party (PP), helmed by ex-member Padipat Santipada. Despite the fervor of her supporters, Siripan ended up in the second position with 104,163 votes, trailing behind Monchai Wiwatthanat, who clinched the victory with a resounding 214,519 votes. Trailing behind, Settha Jittijarurat managed only 13,759 votes, according to the initial results released on Monday. The election saw a significant turnout, with 361,642 out of 677,410 eligible voters making their voices…