Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Monday morning, cutting an imposing figure in a vibrant yellow shirt and sleek black jacket. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham) The former prime minister made his entrance for a crucial session—a witness and evidence examination in a contentious lese majeste case stemming from a 2015 interview he gave in Seoul, South Korea. As he stepped into the bustling courthouse environment at precisely 8:53 am, his demeanor was composed and unflinching. Speaking to a flurry of reporters, Thaksin exuded confidence, stating, “I have no worries. The case happened shortly after the coup and involved use of the law to strengthen their hold on power.” The significance of this court hearing is monumental—it revolves around remarks Thaksin made during an interview with South Korean newspaper, Chosun Ilbo, dated May 21, 2015. Thaksin claimed that privy councillors played a supportive role in the 2014 coup,…
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The long-awaited moment has finally arrived for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. According to the Department of Corrections (DoC), Thaksin is expected to receive a certificate of innocence within the next 120 days. He joins tens of thousands of other prisoners who were granted royal pardons this past Sunday. The pardons were presented in honor of His Majesty the King’s auspicious 72nd birthday, celebrated on July 28. The royal decree was officially published on the Royal Gazette website this past Saturday, confirming that Thaksin’s one-year jail sentence would effectively end on August 31. The DoC’s director-general, Sahakarn Phetnarin, joyfully announced on Sunday that Thaksin is now a free man. In accordance with Section 6, his certificate of innocence should be issued within the stipulated four months. As per standard procedure, a meticulous coordination among provincial governors, prison chiefs, judges, and prosecutors takes place to compile lists of prisoners who received…
B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd., a subsidiary of the globally renowned B. Braun SE from Melsungen, Germany, marks an illustrious 35 years of transformative operations in Thailand. Established in 1989, B. Braun Thailand has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing healthcare, characterized by its pioneering spirit and noteworthy contributions. With a relentless pursuit of technological advancements, B. Braun continues to devise innovative solutions, set industry standards, and elevate patient care to new heights. Looking back at the vibrant 35-year journey, B. Braun Thailand boasts a robust presence in the country through: Bringing Cutting-edge Medical Technologies: For over 185 years globally and 35 years in Thailand, B. Braun has been at the forefront of medical technology, constantly pushing the limits to safeguard and enhance human health. Our unyielding dedication has led us to develop state-of-the-art technologies including next-gen automation, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence. These innovations are not just buzzwords;…
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan has taken decisive action, directing ministry officials to address a serious issue involving a Chinese company in Prachin Buri that has failed to pay the wages of over 700 foreign workers for the past two months, according to a spokesman. On Friday, around 700 Myanmar migrant workers staged a protest at the Rojana Industrial Estate over the lack of their daily wages. Mr. Phiphat has instructed officials from the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, along with various state agencies, to closely follow up on the situation, stated Phumiphat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson. The workers are employed by Chang Cheng Co, which is constructing a three-storey electronics manufacturing plant, funded through an investment by iFound PCP (Thailand) Co Ltd, backed by the Chinese government, according to a source familiar with the project. Construction began in February and is expected to be completed by March…
Anticipation is building in Bangkok as the expansive skywalk in the bustling Bang Kapi area nears its grand opening, slated for the end of next month. This news comes straight from Bangkok’s dynamic deputy governor, Wissanu Sapsompol, who acknowledged the project’s earlier delays but expressed optimism about its progress. As of now, a lively 1km stretch of the skywalk, connecting The Mall shopping centre to Wat Si Boonruang adjacent to the MRT Yellow Line, is already welcoming foot traffic. However, the excitement doesn’t end there. The remaining segment, which promises to seamlessly link the Bang Kapi intersection with the Lam Salee intersection near the MRT Orange Line, is on track to be completed by the end of September. Mr. Wissanu assures that this crucial addition will soon be ready for the public, allowing for even more convenient and enjoyable travel. But wait, there’s more! The finishing touches are scheduled for…
The debate over the future of the Don Muang Tollway continues to heat up in Bangkok, with the Department of Highways (DoH) throwing its hat into the ring. Advising against extending the tollway’s concession, the DoH suggested that slashing toll fees would be a more effective strategy to reduce the capital city’s cost of living. This development follows a proposal from caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who urged the DoH to extend the current concession held by Don Muang Tollway Plc, even though it remains valid until 2034. Minister Suriya’s recommendation has stirred a hornet’s nest, with critics accusing the caretaker minister of prioritizing the concessionaire’s interests over public welfare. This outcry gains further credence from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which has expressed concerns about the potential for corruption if the concession is renewed prematurely. In a measured response to Minister Suriya’s suggestion, the DoH issued a statement advising…
Health experts are raising the alarm, suggesting that the beloved universal healthcare policy, familiarly known as the 30-baht gold card scheme, may soon teeter on the brink of financial unsustainability. Calls for reform are growing louder, with experts emphasizing the need for forward-thinking adjustments to safeguard its future. Initially launched by the Pheu Thai Party just over two decades ago, the 30-baht gold card scheme was designed to ensure that every Thai citizen, especially the financially disadvantaged, gained access to medical treatment without the looming shadow of financial strain. Rolled out in 2002, the scheme required a nominal co-payment of 30 baht per visit. However, this fee was eventually abolished, making medical services entirely free for cardholders. Despite its noble intentions, the scheme has inadvertently heaped a mounting burden on state-owned hospitals. According to a coalition of healthcare professionals, the rapid increase in patient visits, coupled with staff shortages and…
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut’s life took a dramatic turn when he found himself at the helm of the freshly minted People’s Party (PP). This new political entity came into existence on August 9, just two days after the Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) and sanctioned 11 of its executives with a decade-long political ban over their contentious stance on the monarchy, which the court claimed compromised national security. At only 37, Natthaphong’s rise to PP leader was both unexpected and swift. Initially, it seemed likely that Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the MFP unaffected by the court’s ruling, would lead the new party. However, the mantle ultimately fell to Natthaphong. In a candid chat with the Bangkok Post, he acknowledged his primary challenge: securing a majority in the House of Representatives in the next election, which would allow the PP to govern independently and carry forward the MFP’s mission.…
In an unexpected turn of events, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to receive a certificate of innocence within the next 120 days, as announced by the Department of Corrections (DoC). This declaration marks the end of a turbulent chapter in Thai politics and adds a fascinating twist to Thaksin’s storied journey. Among the countless inmates who were blessed with royal pardons on Sunday, Thaksin stands out as a key beneficiary. These pardons were issued to honor the momentous occasion of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28. For those glued to their screens, the revelation was made official with the publication of a royal decree on the Royal Gazette website this past Saturday. Notably, Thaksin’s one-year jail sentence was initially scheduled to conclude on August 31, making the timing of the pardon even more remarkable. In a statement made on Sunday, Sahakarn Phetnarin, the DoC director-general,…
Amidst the flurry of camera flashes and waving flags, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known affectionately as “Ung Ing,” posed gracefully with her supporters, basking in the glow of her new role as the Prime Minister of Thailand. This historic event unfolded at the bustling Pheu Thai Party headquarters on Sunday, marking a momentous chapter in Thai politics. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was now the youngest leader to guide Thailand’s future. This thrilling news quickly made waves beyond the nation’s borders, drawing congratulatory messages from several prominent international figures. Firstly, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, extended his heartfelt congratulations through an upbeat Facebook post. “As close neighbours, Malaysia and Thailand share a vital and enduring partnership, forged on long standing historical, cultural, and economic links as well as deep-rooted kinship. I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Paetongtarn to unlock the full potential of our…