Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Vientiane, the bustling capital of Laos, Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa delivered a compelling message at the 57th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Thursday. A key highlight of his address was the call for Asean to elevate its integration endeavors, aiming to adopt a collective digital economy system, champion sustainable development, and enhance regional security using existing frameworks and mechanisms. Minister Sangiampongsa shared that numerous countries and international organizations are showing a keen interest in strengthening their ties with Asean, information he received from his Lao counterpart, Saleumxay Kommasith. “Asean needs to come together and intensify economic and security integration among its members,” he emphasized. “Even though Asean members vary in governance, race, and ethnicity, these differences have built a strong foundation for our region. No other regional group boasts such unity in diversity as…
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Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stood confidently at the glittering podium at Government House, delivering a speech on July 24th that has the whole nation buzzing. Photos snapped by Chanat Katanyu captured his poised demeanor as he elaborated on the ambitious digital wallet handout scheme—the Pheu Thai Party’s innovative flagship initiative designed to elevate the country’s economic prospects. Brimming with optimism, the Pheu Thai Party is betting big on a supplementary bill that’s crucial for funding this groundbreaking scheme. The party believes the bill will easily glide through the House’s second and third readings scheduled for Wednesday. Wisut Chainaroon, a Pheu Thai MP-list and the chief government whip, stated with unwavering confidence on Sunday that the bill’s passage is a given, asserting that the handout scheme has become a beacon of hope for countless citizens. The grand finale of the bill’s deliberation is expected to be a brisk affair, wrapping up…
The Senate is gearing up for a crucial transformation, aiming to trim down the number of its standing committees in response to a decreased number of senators. This move, while pragmatic, has raised eyebrows about whether it might impede the Senate’s effectiveness in governance. This pivotal issue is set to take the spotlight at the Senate’s second meeting on Friday. Newly elected Senate speaker Mongkol Surasajja, who stepped into the role during the Senate’s inaugural session on Saturday, announced that a motion will be discussed to align the number of committees with the current senator count. This step is also expected to entail a review of the committee memberships, sparking a widespread belief that the intention is to cut costs. Senator Sorachart Wichayasuwannaprom from the “blue” faction, a group linked to the Bhumjaithai Party, emphasized the necessity of this review. With the Senate’s ranks now standing at 200 senators, down…
Observers are in two minds about whether Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be ousted from office following his controversial decision to appoint former convict Pichit Chuenban as a Minister in the PM’s Office during the latest cabinet reshuffle. Former senator Wanchai Sornsiri remarked that the Constitutional Court is likely to dismiss the case against Mr. Srettha, as no court had previously ruled on the specific crime that would have disqualified Pichit from taking up the position. To rewind a bit, Pichit was embroiled in a bribery scandal back in 2008 while representing former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a notorious land case. Although he did serve six months in jail—a fact many are quick to highlight—Mr. Wanchai pointed out that Pichit’s imprisonment was for contempt of court, not for attempted bribery. Mr. Srettha, in an effort to adhere to protocol, sought the Council of State’s opinion on the matter, according…
All eyes are set for the highly anticipated first meeting of the new Senate on July 23, a spectacle that promises to be a cornerstone event in the ongoing political drama unfolding in Thailand. With photo ops by Chanat Katanyu capturing the essence of the anticipation, this gathering will mark a key milestone for the Upper House, taking on a pivotal role in charter amendments and the intricate power dynamics among the coalition parties within the government. Political pundits are buzzing about the overwhelming dominance of senators rumored to have strong alliances with Bhumjaithai, the third-largest political party in Thailand. The recent election of the Senate Speaker and a Deputy Senate Speaker, both perceived to be affiliated with Bhumjaithai, solidifies this theory. This influential “blue” bloc, as it’s commonly referred to, is speculated to be the largest contingent within the Senate, heightening Bhumjaithai’s political influence like never before. Observers estimate…
Tourists wading through floodwaters after a dramatic rescue from a swiftly rising stream in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s Prachin Buri province, on Sunday. (Photo by Manit Sanubboon) This weekend, numerous travelers faced the fury of Mother Nature, finding themselves trapped by a sudden surge of water at Khao Yai National Park in Thailand’s Prachin Buri province. Simultaneously, nearby Trat province grappled with its worst flooding in three decades, painting a picture of a region under siege by relentless rains. In a nail-biting rescue operation, ten tourists were left stranded when a powerful runoff trapped them on one side of a stream connecting to the scenic Sao Noi waterfall in tambon Pho Ngam, Prachantakham district. With the stream’s water turning a menacing brown, it signaled imminent danger as it surged with unstoppable force. Rescue workers, showcasing their bravery and skill, managed to secure a robust rope across the volatile stream,…
The Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Udon Thani has proudly become Thailand’s eighth Unesco World Heritage site, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. The announcement of this incredible accomplishment was made during the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in India yesterday. This recognition isn’t just a feather in the cap for Thailand; it acknowledges the park as a key cultural heritage site, making it Thailand’s fifth such accolade, said Wacharonke. In his enthusiastic speech, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin underlined the deep historical roots of the Sima stone tradition, harking back to approximately the 8th century. “The park showcases the world’s largest collection of Sima stones,” he noted. “Today’s induction of Phu Phra Bat into the World Heritage List is monumental for Thailand and future generations. This milestone will pave the way for enhanced conservation, restoration, and protection efforts, as well as contribute to academic research that benefits…
The newly elected Senate Speaker, Mongkol Surasajja, and his two deputies were sworn in yesterday. However, the speaker remained silent on his stance regarding the parliament’s ongoing push for constitutional amendments. Mr. Mongkol, along with his deputies—Gen Kriangkrai Srirak and Boonsong Noisophon—received a royal command that formally inaugurated them into their roles during a ceremony held in the parliament. The ceremony was graced by the presence of numerous senators and high-ranking officials, who were there to witness the royal command delivered by Natjaree Anantasilp, the cabinet secretary-general. Ms. Natjaree read out the command, officially appointing Mr. Mongkol, a former Buri Ram governor, as the new Senate speaker. Gen Kriangkrai, formerly an advisor to Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, was named the first deputy speaker, while Mr. Boonsong, previously an election commissioner, was designated as the second deputy speaker. This swearing-in ceremony marked the official commencement of their duties. Last week,…
Pita Limjaroenrat, the charismatic chief advisor of the Move Forward Party and its former front-runner, greeted his supporters with unwavering enthusiasm after holding a press conference at the parliament. The atmosphere was electric as the Constitutional Court had recently ruled against the party’s controversial stance to reform the lese majeste law, challenging the protection of the monarchy from criticism. This decision, delivered on January 31st, might have marked a significant setback, but it hasn’t dimmed the spirits of the ardent followers. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Thailand’s political landscape is as dynamic as ever, with the Move Forward Party embodying a beacon of resilience and hope. Despite the looming threat of the party’s potential dissolution, fueled by the court’s pending decision on August 7th, the party’s core ideology and indomitable spirit remain steadfast. In a recent video shared on the party’s Facebook account, Sirikanya Tansakul, the passionate deputy leader, assured supporters that…
The Army has rolled out its latest strategic vision with the release of a white paper for 2024, showcasing an ambitious plan to procure various cutting-edge weaponry. With a keen eye on the upcoming three years, this document undeniably sends a message: the nation’s defense capabilities must meet an evolving array of security challenges. Released to the public on Sunday, the white paper is more than just a wish list; it’s a clarion call for modernization. It keenly argues, in no uncertain terms, that the army requires advanced weaponry to shield the nation from diverse threats. The document provides a broad-brush overview of the desired weaponry and associated equipment. However, if you were hoping for intricate details, you might be left wanting. It steers clear of the granular specifics, opting instead for a wide-angle view. So, what exactly is on the army’s wishlist? Well, it’s quite the shopping cart! Picture…