On the bright and celebratory Sunday of May 5, 2019, the Grand Palace was bustling with an atmosphere of grandeur and tradition. It was the second day of the coronation ceremonies, and the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall was the stage for a historic event under the new reign of His Majesty the King. The throne room was abuzz as new titles were conferred upon senior members of the royal family, marking a significant moment in the royal lineage. The majestic ceremony honored Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, Her Royal Highness Princess Siribha Chudhabhorn, and Her Royal Highness Princess Aditayadornkitikhun. Although Her Majesty Queen Sirikit could not attend in person, the presence of the other royals, alongside Their…
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The Judicial Commission made headlines on Monday with a groundbreaking announcement: Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul, currently serving as the President of the Juvenile and Family Division of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as the new President of the Supreme Court. Starting on October 1, 2024, which aligns with the commencement of the next fiscal year, Chanakarn will step into this pivotal role, succeeding Anocha Chevitsophon, whose term wraps up on September 30. This momentous appointment marks Chanakarn as the fourth woman to ascend to the highest position within the Supreme Court, a milestone that underscores the evolving landscape of judicial leadership. Sorawit Limparangsri, the spokesman for the Courts of Justice, highlighted this significant transition and how it fortifies the Court’s commitment to diversity and excellence. Chanakarn’s journey to this esteemed position is a testament to her unwavering dedication and extensive experience within the legal arena. She holds a bachelor’s degree in…
Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan is rallying the masses for a protest next month, set to clash head-on with a suite of government initiatives that have rattled many in Thailand. At the heart of the uproar are proposals to raise the ceiling on foreign ownership in condominiums to a staggering 75% and the introduction of 99-year land leases for foreigners. Jatuporn argues these moves will unfairly benefit only the country’s elite, leaving ordinary citizens in the lurch. In an impassioned Facebook post on Monday, Jatuporn implored the public to stop being “political victims” and stand up against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policies. He accused the government of cloaking a secret agenda specifically designed to line the pockets of a select few, amassing funds potentially aimed at next election’s campaign war chest. “The prime minister was a real estate developer,” Jatuporn reminded his followers. “If his plans are steamrolled without any…
Community health workers gathered enthusiastically for the National Community Health Workers Day, hosted by the Ministry of Public Health in Bangkok on March 20 last year. The photo taken by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill captures the vibrant energy of the event. However, not everything is as cheerful behind the scenes. A proposed bill from the Public Health Ministry has sparked a wave of controversy among village health volunteers nationwide. The bill, open for public comment online until July 11, proposes an age limit of 70, effectively mandating retirement for volunteers upon reaching that age. This change would disrupt the lifetime service terms currently in place. Opposing voices are loud and clear, especially from the northern province of Chiang Mai, where village health volunteers are preparing to submit a formal letter of opposition to the provincial governor. Similarly, in Khon Kaen, the sentiment is that the proposed age cap is grossly unfair to…
Cannabis advocates are stepping up their game, calling on the government to form a specialized committee before making any hasty moves to relist the plant as a narcotic. Leading the charge is Prasitchai Nunual, the passionate secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future group. On a sun-drenched Monday, Prasitchai and his spirited team staged a protest near Government House, demanding a thorough study on the plant’s impacts on physical and mental health, society, and its therapeutic benefits compared to tobacco and alcohol. Prasitchai argued that if cannabis is found to have no more detrimental effects than tobacco and alcohol, it should be governed by a dedicated law that regulates its usage. However, if the data suggests otherwise, he believes it should be controlled as a narcotic. Emphasizing transparency, he declared, “A committee should study the issue. The facts should be established and laid out for the public to see.” The…
The Senate candidates are reaching the climax of their electoral journey in Nonthaburi on June 26. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) The Election Commission (EC) has been shrugging off criticisms regarding the delay in certifying the election results for the 200 new senators. It’s been almost two weeks since the votes were cast, leaving many on edge. Speaking after the EC’s meeting on Monday, EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong stated that the results couldn’t be announced immediately due to several issues that needed addressing first. When asked if the results would be revealed during their upcoming Tuesday meeting, Ittiporn was tight-lipped. He assured skeptics that the delay wasn’t a sign of foot-dragging, irrespective of what critics might think. A source within the EC hinted that if the results aren’t announced by Tuesday, the announcement might be postponed for another week, specifically until Mr. Ittiporn returns from his planned leave. The pressure on…
The Senate candidates are entering the final stretch of their election journey in Nonthaburi, with the critical date set for June 26. As captured in a striking photograph by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill, the atmosphere is thick with anticipation. However, the excitement is shadowed by controversy as the Election Commission (EC) faces mounting criticism for the delay in announcing the certified results for the 200 new senators, almost two weeks after the votes were cast. During a recent meeting, EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong addressed the media, clarifying that several issues needed final resolution before the results could be officially announced. Despite the criticism, Boonpracong steadfastly denied stalling tactics, emphasizing the necessity of thorough scrutiny before making any declarations. Although there’s widespread speculation, Boonpracong refrained from confirming whether the EC’s upcoming Tuesday meeting would see the results unveiled. An insider hinted that if Tuesday passes without any announcement, the release might be pushed…
In the heart of bustling Phra Nakhon, elderly citizens gathered in early January 2022, eagerly awaiting their turn to register for the much-needed benefits. A testament to the enduring spirit of the community, this scene, beautifully captured by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul, illustrates the critical importance of social support systems. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has recently raised a flag of caution regarding the sustainability of the Social Security Fund (SSF). This alertive note comes at a crucial juncture, suggesting a pivotal change: the government should consider increasing its contribution to SSF from the current 12.75% to a more robust 18%. This recommendation accompanies a pressing call to clear the staggering 71.4 billion baht in outstanding debts owed to the fund. In March 2023, the FPO’s fiscal risk report shed light on potential perils, drawing attention to both recent and future fiscal vulnerabilities. Among the highlighted concerns is the sustainability of old-age…
Two visitors joyfully snapped a selfie with an eye-catching vintage aircraft at Don Mueang Airport on October 28, 2021. Little did they know, exciting changes were on the horizon for this bustling hub. The state-run bus operator, Transport Co, has unveiled ambitious plans to link major cities with seamless bus services from this and two other bustling airports. (Photo Credit: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) In a noteworthy move aimed at revolutionizing travel, Transport Co announced on Monday their collaboration with Airports of Thailand (AoT) to kick off interprovincial bus services. Transport Co’s managing director, Atthawit Rakchamroon, divulged that comprehensive discussions with AoT had been fruitful. The planned bus routes will originate from Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports, with accompanying ticketing offices situated conveniently at these airports. Expect the rubber to meet the runway towards the year’s end. Yes, you heard that right! These innovative feeder buses are designed to connect travelers…
Once upon a sizzling summery week in June 2024, Bangkok played host to a vibrant confluence of entrepreneurial spirits at the GCEC NEW FRONTIER: BANGKOK SUMMIT 2024. This inaugural Asia-based summit, part of the illustrious Sasin Impact Entrepreneurship Week (Sasin IEW) from June 19-23, marked a groundbreaking moment in the heart of Thailand. Amidst the buzz of innovation and camaraderie, the opening ceremony on June 21 set the stage with warm greetings from the brass at Sasin, GCEC, and Chulalongkorn University, followed by a whirlwind of keynote sessions that promised to drive the conversation around inclusive entrepreneurship for real-world impact. The charismatic M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, affectionately known as Duke, and serving as both CEO of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and President of the Sasin Alumni Association, took the stage with a resonant keynote. He delved into the transformative prowess of social entrepreneurship, weaving tales of the…