Sumo wrestlers at the ‘Siam Paragon The Wondrous Japan Heritage’ on July 3, 2023, celebrating 136 years of Thai-Japanese diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of Asean-Japan ties. Siam Piwat If one were to review the enduring relationships between the world’s developed and developing countries to identify the most successful donor-recipient partnerships grounded in mutual respect, goodwill, and enduring friendship, the Japan-Thailand relationship would undoubtedly stand out. Amid the intense geopolitics of the Cold War era, Thailand, standing on the frontline against the looming domino effect, aligned with the free-world movement. Japan, stepping in as a dedicated and eager ally, played a pivotal role in assisting Thailand’s transition. Japan’s technical assistance, soft loans, grant aid, scholarships, and direct foreign investments were critical to Thailand’s socio-economic development. These contributions were instrumental as Thailand transitioned from a commodity exporter and import-substitute industrial state to a thriving export-led economy, joining the ranks of…
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In a gripping turn of events, the Court of Appeal Region 9 has handed down a dramatic sentence involving the murder of a Malaysian businessman back in 2015. This Wednesday, at the Songkhla Provincial Court, it was revealed that five out of the seven individuals implicated in this high-profile case have been sentenced to death. The individuals condemned to capital punishment include Yutthasak, Tan, Thanadech, Nongyao, and Apichon (last names withheld). They were all found guilty in the murder of 44-year-old Malaysian businessman, Lee Ah Han. This plot to eliminate Lee was morbidly executed to eliminate a staggering 120-million-baht debt. The narrative took a partially redemptive twist when Ekapol, the gunman, and Shinapat, the driver, had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. Their willingness to plead guilty played a pivotal role in this change of fate. Tan, who shares Malaysian nationality with the victim, masterminded the entire scheme. He…
The Ministry of Transport has rolled out the red carpet, inviting Japanese companies to pour their investments into the expansion networks of the Red Line electric train system. On a media briefing this past Wednesday, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit conveyed his warm welcome to the newly appointed Japanese ambassador, Otaka Masato, who assumed his duties in Thailand just the day before. Diving into the depths of transport cooperation between Thailand and Japan, both parties delved into ongoing railway projects fostering stronger ties between the two nations. Central to these discussions was Thailand’s request for Japan’s expertise in maintaining the Red Line suburban railway. With Japan’s advanced railway technology and impeccable maintenance practices, they seemed like the perfect heroes to come to the rescue. Mr. Suriya didn’t stop there. He took the opportunity to roll out the red carpet further by inviting Japanese companies to invest in the extensive expansion projects…
In a vibrant display of unity and celebration, Thailand is setting the stage for a progressive future by championing LGBTQ+ rights with unyielding fervor. As Pride Month unfurls its rainbow flags in June, the nation is not just celebrating its diverse communities but is gearing up for a grander vision: bidding to host the illustrious InterPride World Conference in 2025, and with aspirations soaring high, eyeing the WorldPride in 2030. In a bid to solidify its stance and commitment to equality, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) orchestrated a monumental event dubbed “Thailand Announcement — Unity in Action: Thailand’s Next Steps in Equality,” this past Tuesday. The highlight of the event was the joyous acknowledgment of the Marriage Equality Bill’s landmark passage, a testament to the government’s drive to advance gender equality across the nation and beyond. Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a stalwart supporter of inclusivity, graced the…
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has initiated a robust series of inspections that could spell the end for over 400 resorts found encroaching upon public land in the picturesque Wang Nam Khieo district of Nakhon Ratchasima. Spearheading this mission is Thanadol Suwannarit, the indomitable chairman of the ministry’s task force on illegal land ownership under the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro). In a dramatic joint operation on Tuesday, the task force—bolstered by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)—descended upon the Golden Mountain Resort in clifftop tambon Wang Nam Khieo. Nestled on an expansive 73 rai of prime real estate, the Golden Mountain Resort is collectively owned by a former local political heavyweight, Kamnan Nor, and his two business partners. Kamnan Nor, who boasts a storied political career, represented Nakhon Ratchasima as an MP from 2007 to 2018, switching allegiances among parties like the Puea…
The House of Representatives will be convening this Friday to cast their votes for a new prime minister, following the court-ordered dismissal of Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday. In a prompt move, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha sent an urgent notice to all MPs on Wednesday evening. The message directed them to assemble at 10 am on Friday, according to the House’s secretary-general, Arpath Sukhanunth. Wisuth Chainarun, the government chief whip from the Pheu Thai Party, mentioned that both government and opposition party representatives, along with the caretaker cabinet, concurred on the necessity of holding the vote promptly. Government whips are scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss potential prime ministerial candidates. “Leaders of coalition parties will have internal discussions on the candidates within their parties,” said Mr. Wisuth. Only those candidates who were listed before the May 2023 general election are eligible. With Mr. Srettha no longer in the…
Immigration police conducted a high-profile raid on an illegal casino operating within a Nonthaburi hotel last November, spotlighting a simmering debate on the legalisation of gambling in Thailand. The governing Pheu Thai Party remains steadfast, believing it can sway its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, to drop its resistance to legalizing casinos. Pheu Thai has ambitiously sponsored a bill to usher casinos into legality, envisioning sprawling regional entertainment complexes designed to ignite investment. However, Bhumjaithai, the second-largest coalition partner, publicly declared its opposition to the bill this past Tuesday. Just hours before being ousted as prime minister by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday, Srettha Thavisin expressed optimism that Pheu Thai would eventually win over their coalition counterparts. Mr. Srettha candidly acknowledged the contentious nature of casino legalisation but insisted that more dialogue was needed among coalition parties to alter their stance. He stressed that a unified consensus was crucial before presenting the…
Strolling through the vibrant aisles of Mae Kim Heng New Market in the Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima is an experience alive with colors and scents. Among the myriad of stalls, a diverse array of fruits and vegetables beckons shoppers, proudly displaying their rich hues and inviting freshness. But upon closer scrutiny, a significant portion of this bounty isn’t local; it’s a fresh yield from the bustling markets of China, arriving with impressive regularity via the high-speed trains connecting Laos and Thailand. Indeed, the seamless rail link has turned into an express lane for affordable Chinese produce, filling Thai markets with an assortment of tempting goods. The journey for these products takes just a day, starting from the orchards and farms in China, through the high-speed velocities of the train, straight to the market stalls of northeastern Thailand. These imports include a smorgasbord of delicious choices – crisp apples, juicy…
The SPE/IADC Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition (APDT), hosted by PTTEP at the illustrious Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, officially commenced with pomp and grandeur. This prestigious event saw the esteemed Dr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, joining forces with key luminaries from PTTEP, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), and the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC). Notably, Mr. Montri Rawanchaikul (second from right), Chief Executive Officer of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), stood center-stage alongside Mrs. Natruedee Khositaphai (second from left), Executive Vice President of the Operations Support Group, PTTEP. Joining them were Mr. Henricus Herwin (far right), Asia Pacific Regional Director of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), and Mr. Jason McFarland (far left), President of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC). They welcomed the distinguished Dr. Prasert Sinsukprasert (center) with much enthusiasm as…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a poignant visit to the bustling market beneath the Ploenchit expressway on Ploenchit Road in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district around noon on Wednesday. This all transpired just hours before the Constitutional Court was set to decide his political fate. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) As the clock struck, the Constitutional Court found Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin guilty of a severe ethical breach. His crime? Appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. The court’s judgment led to Mr. Srettha being dismissed after an office tenure lasting less than a year! Wednesday’s ruling didn’t just target Mr. Srettha; it disbanded the entire cabinet. However, the ministers will hang onto their roles in a caretaker capacity. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will step up as acting prime minister until a new premier is chosen by the House of Representatives. At Government House, Mr. Srettha confronted the press, expressing a respectful,…