In an intriguing turn of events, political parties are rallying around a charter amendment proposal designed to curb “overboard” interpretations of ethical standards for political office-holders. As Minister Chousak Sirinil from the PM’s Office explained, the main opposition, the People’s Party, proposed section-by-section amendments aimed at fine-tuning the language concerning ethical standards. The goal? To prevent broad or loose interpretations that could be wielded against political figures. This initiative came in the wake of last month’s Constitutional Court ruling that dismissed Srettha Thavisin from his role as the prime minister due to an ethical transgression involving the appointment of Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. The Pheu Thai Party was quick to highlight this issue, bringing it to the forefront for coalition partners. There’s a growing consensus that both government and opposition parties will back this amendment proposal. However, the path to amendment comes…
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In an unusual turn of events, a hospital in Samut Sakhon is making headlines for an unfortunate mix-up that no parent would ever want to face. Imagine the shock and confusion when you realize the baby you’ve brought home from the hospital isn’t yours! This isn’t the storyline of some intense drama; it happened just last month at Krathumbaen Hospital. The hospital has acknowledged the error and agreed to compensate two families affected by this unbelievable incident. The announcement came via an official statement, signed by Dr. Surawit Sakdanuparb from Samut Sakhon’s Public Health Office and Dr. Thammawit Kuakoonkiat, the director of Krathumbaen Hospital. And yes, it was released on a Monday, because life’s twists and turns do have a flair for irony. So, let’s unfold the story a bit. The mix-up occurred last month and, believe it or not, it involved baby-switching. A Thai family and a Myanmar family,…
The curtains of justice seemed to flutter a bit on Monday as the Judicial Commission delivered a decisive blow, suspending a senior judge accused of a rather sordid act. This senior judge, allegedly involved in molesting a female court worker back in June, saw his professional journey take a sharp turn. In a compelling 14-1 vote, the commission decided his fate, informed by an inquiry panel’s conclusion that he had committed an egregious disciplinary violation, according to a reliable source within the commission. A shadow was cast in July when a female court stenographer stepped forward with a courage that should be lauded. She lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), accusing the judge of sexual harassment. This alleged misconduct took place on a sleeper train trip headed to a personnel development activity in the picturesque city of Chiang Mai on June 1. The sleeper train, normally a…
Last year’s Sustainability Expo 2023 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center was a resounding success, drawing throngs of enthusiastic visitors who eagerly participated in a myriad of activities. Now, get ready for an even grander spectacle! The 5th Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX 2024) is just around the corner, slated to run from September 27 to October 6. Organizers and exhibitors are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s event unforgettable. SX 2024 is set to take place across an impressive 70,000-square-metre expanse of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). This colossal event, one of the largest sustainability showcases in the ASEAN region, will revolve around the inspiring theme, “Sufficiency for Sustainability.” This theme draws inspiration from His Majesty the King’s heartfelt speech delivered during his coronation on May 4, 2019. The QSNCC will be meticulously divided into an exhilarating ten zones, each bursting with opportunities to…
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is currently engaging in earnest discussions with Myanmar authorities to devise mutual solutions for alleviating the flood crisis plaguing the region. Recognizing the urgency, he emphasized that both neighboring nations are set to explore the expansion of catchment areas, which could significantly reduce flood impact. Myanmar has been grappling with relentless flooding, primarily fueled by powerful storms and the runoff from upland regions that pours into the Salween River. Minister Sangiampongsa pointed out that the Thai embassy in Myanmar is already coordinating with local agencies from both countries to scrutinize technical details and identify the most viable areas for these catchment expansions. “It’s a multifaceted issue affecting all countries along the Mekong River,” the minister remarked, noting that Myanmar’s Tachileik border town has experienced its worst flooding in three decades. Torrential rains have overwhelmed the region, causing the Sai River to breach its banks. The…
In the still of the night, immigration police swooped down on an illegal casino nestled in Nonthaburi province. The dramatic scene, captured in November last year, is immortalized courtesy of the Immigration Bureau—a stark reminder of the legal labyrinth that surrounds gambling in Thailand. Fast forward to present day, and the air is filled with cautious optimism as the tourism sector welcomes the government’s proposition to develop integrated entertainment complexes. This ambitious project promises to rejuvenate the economy, but it’s tangled in a web of legal and ethical debates. Will it be worth the gamble? Opinions, as you might expect, are polarized. Weerawit Krueasombat, president of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) in Phuket, is a staunch believer. He argues that a full-scale entertainment complex, inclusive of a casino, could be a golden goose for a tourist-heavy city. To maximize its impact, he recommends comprehensive planning, logical tax regulations, and…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has committed to fast-tracking compensation payouts to flood victims and launching a revolutionary new emergency alert system. In her inaugural address at Monday’s flood, storm, and mudslide administration and management committee meeting at Government House, she outlined measures to tackle the flooding crisis and expedite post-inundation recovery efforts. The government is also inaugurating a flood victims assistance operations center, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized that the current compensation framework is insufficient given the extensive damage inflicted by recent floods across various provinces. “Compensation should be swift and sensible,” Ms. Paetongtarn asserted, acknowledging that existing criteria restrict payout amounts despite significant damage. “Take, for instance, the flooding in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district that persisted for three days—yet the damage was considerable.” She also unveiled plans to allocate budget funds for a new emergency alert system called the “cell…
Thailand’s political landscape is once again stirring with whispers of intrigue and power play as the government gears up to nominate a new chair for the Bank of Thailand (BoT). In a move to exert more sway over the financial institution amidst a lingering debate over interest rates, the Pheu Thai Party-led government is throwing its weight behind a seasoned player – 66-year-old former deputy premier and finance minister, Kittiratt Na Ranong. According to two insiders privy to the proceedings, Mr. Kittiratt’s prospective nomination is still under wraps from the media. Back in the driver’s seat from 2012 to 2014 as finance minister, Mr. Kittiratt was no stranger to clashing with the central bank governor of the time over monetary policy. Fast forward to today, he stands in solidarity with the current administration’s pleas for a rate cut. The goal? To resuscitate an economy that sputtered along at a mere…
Thailand’s former deputy premier and finance minister Kittiratt Na Ranong (Photo: Government House) The Thai government is gearing up to nominate a devoted member of the ruling party, known for his strong views on the central bank’s policies, to the prestigious position of chair of the Bank of Thailand (BoT). This move, aimed at consolidating control over the central institution amidst a longstanding tug-of-war over interest rates, comes straight from two insiders. Enter Kittiratt Na Ranong, a 66-year-old former deputy premier and finance minister, who has the backing of the Pheu Thai Party-led government, the sources divulged. During his finance minister stint from 2012-2014, Kittiratt was no stranger to tussling with the then central bank governor over monetary policy decisions. And guess what? His nomination hasn’t even hit the media waves yet. Lately, Kittiratt has been vocally supporting the current government’s plea for a rate cut to breathe life into…
A sprawling 1,496-rai plot of land near the enchanting Songkhla Lake in Phatthalung has finally been earmarked to host a new airport, which will serve as a pivotal hub for tourism and transport across Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. This exciting development promises not only to enhance the connectivity of these southern provinces but also to transform the local economy and travel experience. The chosen site, nestled in tambon Khuan Maphrao of Muang district, is currently under the stewardship of the Department of Rice (DoR). On August 19, Phatthalung’s public-private working group, spearheaded by Kittiphit Klapkhun, chairman of Phatthalung’s Chamber of Commerce, concluded the site’s selection. The pivotal meeting was presided over by the provincial governor, Nisakon Wisitsora-at, and attended by influential stakeholders, including senior state officials and representatives from airlines such as AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. Following this momentous decision, the first round of…