khunpeer

On 4/18/2024 at 12:18 PM, webfact said:

 

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is virtually seeking a fresh annex to a “secret deal” which he had earlier made with the powers-that-be to the extent that his sister/deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra be literally free to return home from self-exile abroad sooner or later without being subsequently thrown in jail, according to partisan sources.

 

Thaksin who has obviously “recovered from critical illnesses” in a matter of days after he was granted parole last February is yet to refresh the “secret deal” with the ultra-conservative, powerful elite class to pave way for the long-planned homecoming of Yingluck who has already spent seven years of self-exile overseas as had been the case of himself having returned home after 17 years of self-exile abroad last August.

 

Thaksin had allegedly managed to keep himself from being literally put behind bars for a single day to otherwise serve a curtailed, one-year jail sentence and being instead granted contentious, double-standard privileges for a six-month period at Police Hospital in lieu of Bangkok Remand Prison.

 

As part of the “secret deal” under which the billionaire Thaksin had been granted the privileges unprovided for ordinary convicts, the de facto Pheu Thai boss had been practically obliged to return favours to the powers-that-be who would decidedly prefer to leave the helm of government to his party rather than tolerate seeing the Move Forward in government following the progressive party’s electoral victory in which they had won most MP seats last year.

 

The Move Forward led by Pita Limjaroenrat has not only been politically considered an “enemy No.1” in the eye of the ultra-conservative elite but the de facto Pheu Thai boss since both finally buried the hatchet and reconciled with each other, given their shared upset caused by the Move Forward in last year’s election, the partisan sources said.

 

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

TOP: Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her brother de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath

 

Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-18

 

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why am I not surprised about this! the one crook helps the other crook, especially when it's his sister!

5 hours ago, webfact said:

PM Dampens Speculation Of Taking Over Defence Portfolio
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visiting de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, above, and waving to supporters outside the latter’s house, Photo: Naewna

 

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin today (Apr. 16) downplayed speculation he himself would likely replace Suthin Khlangsang as defence minister in concurrent fashion, repeatedly saying nothing about an imminent cabinet reshuffle can be confirmed by him for the time being.

 

Srettha has remained non-committal to any hush-hush moves toward the first round of a cabinet reshuffle, saying nothing about it can be said with clarity at the moment though many people may anticipate it even sooner than later.

 

The Pheu Thai-backed prime minister has been largely expected to leave the seat of finance minister which he has been assuming in concurrent fashion since Day One of the Pheu Thai-led government to Stock Exchange of Thailand chair Pichai Chunhavajira and instead to take the seat of defence minister concurrently as well.

 

“That I have occasionally held talks with military commanders does not necessarily mean I would probably assume the portfolio of defence.

 

Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-17

 

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the old fox is pulling some strings... 

Anutin ousted as dep PM?

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

The holiday plans of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra have ignited a fiery debate as she opts to fly to Hong Kong during the Songkran festival, leaving tongues wagging and eyebrows raised.

 

Amid preparations for a grand celebration of Songkran, Thailand’s New Year and a UNESCO-recognised cultural treasure, questions loom over Paetongtarn’s decision to venture abroad instead of staying put.

 

Former red-shirt movement leader Jatuporn Prompan voiced his bewilderment at Paetongtarn’s intentions, particularly as she occupies a prominent role in Thailand’s National Soft Power Strategy Committee, tasked with promoting the country’s cultural influence.

 

“Why do you [Paetongtarn] do this? I do not understand her thinking.”

 

Jatuporn hinted at a sense of discordance between the Pheu Thai leader’s actions and the committee’s objectives.

 

Jatuporn further criticised the timing of Paetongtarn’s trip, suggesting it should be scheduled post-April 21 to align with the conclusion of the festivities.

 

The controversy gained traction as Jatuporn took to Facebook Live to highlight the confusion arising from the government’s promotional plans. Tourists, misled by the announcement, anticipated Songkran festivities throughout April, unaware that activities were not uniformly spread across the month.

 

In response, Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, cited constraints in both budget and time, tempering expectations for this year’s festivities while promising a grander spectacle in the future, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Despite the controversy, the Maha Songkran World Water Festival in Bangkok remains a focal point of celebration, with festivities set to grace the capital’s streets from April 11 to 15, promising joy and jubilation for locals and visitors alike.

 

In related news, Paetongtarn is making waves in the nation’s political sector. As the current leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, she brings a combination of academic prowess and political lineage to the table.

 

In other news, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11

 

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she was going to visit HunSen in Cambodia, right?

18 hours ago, george said:

Picture courtesy of Siamrath

 

A 65 year old British man critically injured himself after he was impaled on a sharp iron fence at his residence in the Bang La Bang district of Chon Buri. The incident occurred in the wee hours of today at Choke Chai Garden Home 2 in Tambon Nong Pru.

 

Emergency services arrived at the scene and discovered Michael Girling pierced through his abdomen on the fence, with one of the arrowheads deeply lodged in his belly. The medical first responders managed to extricate the man from the railing, administered immediate first aid and rushed him to the hospital. The wound was estimated to be around five to 6 inches deep.

 

Reports suggest Girling, under the influence of alcohol, had trouble opening the door to his house. Consequently, he decided to scale the iron fence but unfortunately slipped and impaled himself on the pointed top, reported Bangkok Post.

 

A 50 year old neighbour, referred to as Pad, heard moaning sounds and, upon investigating, found Girling lodged on the fence. She hurriedly fetched a ladder to aid him and immediately alerted the paramedics. Pad disclosed that Girling had been a resident of the house for the past few months.

 

-- The Thaiger 2024-04-07 

this is what alcohol does to people, thai & farang!

On 4/2/2024 at 7:36 PM, snoop1130 said:

 

The stakes are high for each venue within the integrated Thai entertainment complex development project by the Government of Thailand, with investments expected to reach over a staggering 100 billion baht.

 

The chairman of the ordinary committee of the House of Representatives and Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, plans to present the results of a study on entertainment complexes and casinos in Thailand during the Cabinet meeting next week.

 

Should the Cabinet approve these results, a government agency will be assigned responsibility for the project. The draft legislation, which is required to undergo parliamentary scrutiny, will only permit gambling activities within designated areas. Online gambling will be prohibited due to the government’s inability to control it, particularly regarding the prevention of minors’ involvement.

 

For each venue at the proposed entertainment complex, an investment exceeding 100 billion baht will be necessary. Julapun dictates that the selection of construction sites should be in locations easily accessible by modern transportation systems, such as high-speed railways or airports.

 

He highlights that an entertainment complex does not solely refer to a gambling venue, which only forms a small part of the project. The integration of other forms of entertainment, like hosting world-class concerts and establishing a Disneyland, is deemed crucial. These endeavours would create employment opportunities and significantly stimulate the economy, reported Bangkok Post.

 

“The idea of setting up casinos in Thailand is not new and the issue has been discussed for over 30 years. However, it has not been feasible until now.

 

“If this government can proceed with it, we believe it will contribute significantly to economic growth both directly and indirectly. If actualised, strict regulations must be enforced, with clear locations to be designated.

 

“So far there is nothing clear about the project and all we have are the findings from studies and operations taken by other countries.”

 

By Alex Morgan

Caption: Picture courtesy of T-Street

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-02

 

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all they can think of is money, or how much they could squeeze out of tourists...

Thai people (actually all S.E.Asians) are very weak in controlling bad habits! 

drinking, dope, women, gambling should all stay where it is now!

I foresee big huge personal debts for thai people...

On 4/2/2024 at 4:35 PM, snoop1130 said:

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin convened an urgent session of the Monetary Policy Committee on Monday (Apr 1) to deliberate on funding for the digital wallet initiative, shifting the venue from the Finance Ministry to Government House for discussions centered around expanding the fiscal 2025 budget deficit and additional borrowing.

 

The initial budget plan marked the deficit at 713 billion baht, with provisions allowing for up to 820.8 billion baht in borrowing to cover this shortfall. Expenditure proposals for 2025 tally up to 3.6 trillion baht, juxtaposed with anticipated revenue of 2.887 trillion baht, incorporating regular spending, investments, and loan repayments. Details from the meeting remain undisclosed.

 

In parallel, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat signaled that the specifics of sourcing the 500 billion baht required for the digital scheme would crystallize post an April 10 convening of the national digital wallet policy committee, presided over by Srettha. He noted that the session was crucial in revealing the financial plan for the government's key initiative, originally pledged by Srettha and the Pheu Thai Party as a 10,000 baht handout for all during their campaign. This plan, however, has been adjusted to focus on 50 million Thais with lower incomes.

 

The Bank of Thailand has advised a more targeted approach, advocating for the distribution of funds solely to vulnerable groups, arguing it would yield greater economic benefits. With consumption levels in several income brackets rebounding to pre-pandemic figures, the central bank noted that extending handouts to those already at sufficient income levels would not significantly stimulate the economy, contrasting with the proposed broad disbursement strategy.

 

By Krajangwit Johjit

 

Source: NNT 2024-04-02

 

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stop this nonsense, just forget about this idiotic plan! 

the country is in debt already, why make that debt higher?

who's going to have to pay for it eventually?

better forget it!

22 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

Protocol or etiquette for being butt naked on the balcony ?

it all depends who's butt we see...

15 hours ago, Yorkshire Tea said:

Shouldn't have sat on the steps 😉

she was sitting on steps that were encroaching on the beach! a few days after the 'incident' the bulldozers took those steps out already!

5 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Criminal charges will be filed by the end of April in Narathiwat against nine government officials, allegedly responsible for the bloody crackdown on Muslim protesters in the “Tak Bai Incident” in 20 years ago.

 

A network of lawyers, representing the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, the Cross Cultural Foundation, the Justice and Reconciliation Centre of Southern Provinces and the Lawyer Council of Thailand, had previously planned to file charges of illegal detention, murder and negligence on Monday, but they decided to postpone the filing until the end of April because some of their witnesses are not either ready or remain in Malaysia.

 

The incident occurred on October 25, 2004 during a protest by some 1,500 Malay Muslims, in front of the Tak Bai district police station in Narathiwat, against the detention of six men.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-01

 

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the biggest culprit, the one who should take responsibility for once, he's just released from hospital/prison...

3 hours ago, webfact said:

 

BANGKOK – In a move likely to raise eyebrows within the expat community, Thailand's Ministry of Health has unveiled a new initiative to combat communicable diseases: reinstating mask mandates for foreigners in major tourist areas.

 

Citing concerns about the potential for foreign visitors to introduce new illnesses, officials emphasize this isn't about pinpointing blame, but rather a proactive, preventative measure.
 

"Thailand prides itself on its warm hospitality," declared a Ministry spokesperson. "However, with global travel increasing, it's imperative to safeguard public health. This targeted approach ensures that our international guests don't unwittingly compromise the well-being of our citizens."

 

The regulation will apply to popular destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Locals, with their presumed stronger resistance to regional ailments, will be exempt.

 

Enforcement details are still under development. However, officials suggest a potential collaboration between health inspectors and immigration officers, possibly leading to on-the-spot mask checks and educational pamphlets for new arrivals.

 

Expat Community Expresses Concerns

 

The announcement has sparked a range of reactions within the expat community. Some express understanding, citing Thailand's history of vigilance during past outbreaks. Others voice concerns about potential discrimination and the slippery slope of increasingly targeted regulations.

 

"While I appreciate the desire to protect public health," commented one long-term Bangkok resident, "singling out foreigners seems like an oversimplification. Viruses don't check passports."

 

Tourism Industry Anticipates Challenges

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a statement acknowledging the Ministry of Health's concerns while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for all visitors. Industry figures are privately worried about negative publicity and potential confusion among travelers.

 

Whether this new regulation will have a significant impact on public health or tourism numbers remains to be seen. What is certain is that Thailand, known for its sometimes labyrinthine bureaucracy, has once again sparked a lively debate on the balance between precaution and inclusivity.

 

TOP: File photo

 

-- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-01

 

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farang fobia

9 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will visit the Pheu Thai party on Tuesday, to provide an opportunity for the party’s MPs to meet with him, but he will not attend a party meeting.

 

An informed party source said today that it will be more convenient for the MPs than visiting Thaksin’s private residence in Bangkok and it will be an opportunity for the MPs to offer him their moral support, while maintaining his and his family’s privacy.

 

The source said that not all MPs will see him at the same time, but arrangements have been made for them to meet with him one at a time.

 

The source also said that Thaksin’s visit to the party head office is causing some excitement among the MPs and most, if not all MPs will show up on Tuesday for the “special occasion”.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-25

 

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back to bizz as usual...

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

A homeowner in Sattahip, who is a naval officer, shot and injured a suspected burglar in a pre-dawn incident on March 22nd, 2024.

 

Sattahip police responded to a report of a robbery at 6:30 AM today. The incident occurred at a single-family home on Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district, Chonburi province.

 

Upon arrival, officers found the injured suspect, 44-year-old Mr. Methanee Phutthaso, believed to be the burglar, inside the house. The suspect was found on the second floor, with a gunshot wound to his left arm. He was wearing a full-face mask. A bag containing stolen religious statues was discovered next to him.

 

By Aim Tanakorn

Caption: PHOTO: ข่าวเมืองชล

 

Full story: The Pattaya News 2024-03-22

 

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oops, wrong house!

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Russian murdered in Phuket at a residence converted into a cannabis factory. Main suspect just flew out

by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

Emergency services remove the body of 41 year old Mr Artur Garnikovich from a two story residence in Chalong, Phuket on Wednesday. Mr Artur (inset) had been dead for 8 to 12 hours, according to police experts. The property was in use as a cannabis factory.

Russian tourist murdered in Phuket cannabis factory. Prime suspect flees as chilling details emerge of a 41-year-old Russian man who was found dead. The main suspect, a Tajik tourist, fled Thailand as an investigation ramps up. Police suspect an illicit drug link to what appears to have been a violent murder on the holiday island. 

 

A 41-year-old Russian tourist was found murdered in the Chalong sub-district of Phuket on Wednesday morning.

 

Significantly, police found his body at a private residence being used as an unlicensed marijuana-growing factory. Similarly, officers revealed that their main suspect, a Tajik national, simultaneously flew out of the country on Tuesday night.

 

At the same time, forensic officers suggested that the Russian only died within an 8 to 12-hour time window. The victim’s body was discovered by police on Wednesday morning after his girlfriend raised the alarm.

 

Police in the Chalong sub-district of Phuket are exploring a marijuana drug link to a brutal murder discovered on Wednesday. The victim was a Russian tourist who entered Thailand in January this year.

At the same time, officers are aware that the prime suspect has already left the country. In short, it is understood he flew out from Thailand on Tuesday, March 12th at 9.38 pm.

 

Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-03-14

 

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so if they know exactly what day/time the suspect left, why don't they ask police to catch him up on arrival and send him back? piece of cake!

3 hours ago, webfact said:

 

CHIANG MAI, March 9 (TNA) — Many provinces in the northern region were still affected by high PM2.5 air pollution for three days in a row on Friday.

Some areas the PM2.5 particulate matter level surpassed 800 micrograms per cubic meter. Chiang Mai was ranked as the most polluted city globally for many hours and the pullution has started to have health impact against the people.

 

Doi Luang Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai was heavily covered with the air pollution and the people were unable to see the hill which reflected the severe problem of air smog that covered Chiang Dao district of Chiang Mai. The hourly highest dust level was recorded at over 800 micrograms per cubic meter.

Doi Suthep in the city of Chiang Mai was facing the same fate as it was hidden under the thick smog that covers the city for three days in a row. The flights from Chiang Mai airport could be seen vaguely before quickly disappearing amid the thick smog.

 

This was like an index to indicate how thick the smog covers Chiang Mai. The province on Friday was ranked the world's worst polluted city in the air quality by the IQAir website for many hours. The toxic haze situation was considered unhealthy for the people in Chiang Mai. Many people have to take measures to prevent the ultra- fine dust.

 

Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-03-09

 

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some "concern"?

understatement of da year! 🤨

10 hours ago, stoner said:

considering the cum a home taksins health and the pm2.5 issue in chaing mai right now... is this really the best time to be going ? 

 

 

let him come here, let him take deep deep breaths, keep inhaling... 

5 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

No reasons given.

Methinks that there is a political agenda here.

of course! intimidation amongst each other as well!

paving the way...

6 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

"Viral"?24,500 views. OMG!

 

I understand that Thai officials feel insulted but honestly why make a deal out of this?

 

Just let it die, and be subsumed by tomorrow's viral video.

 

But no, Thai officials think they have to win every argument so give this more life.

 

 

oversensitive!

On 2/23/2024 at 8:16 PM, poobear said:

I  noticed the sign the last time I rolled into town and thought it was perfect for Pai. The fact that is is slowley turing into another noisey thai bar town, not so much.

 

Pai is well on the way to loosing most of it's quirky charm from the amount of bars now downtown. I lived right down town and ran a buisness for 5 years and know many of the locals that own homes downtown that can no longer live in their own homes or rent out resorts that hey have held for years. Pounding bass beat all night and smoke filling their homes from the bars on either side of where they sleep. Outsider's running bar businesses is driving them from their homes and killing local business.

 The old house on the hill in Pai

we used to live on the edge of town, right next to the river, but the backside of our house then faced the barstreet: nightly sounds of fightd, broken bottles, peeing etc, then flooding came about 19 yrs ago and although my house was still standing, we decided to move to MaeHee (AmphurPai)! local style, after 8pm no sounds except from far-far away some dj-sounds... I still can live w that! 

the town has changed drastically over the years, so that makes people moving around, not a big deal for me...

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

And Cannabis is the way????

yep! it helps to focus!

several people I know do every day MuayThai training, don't drink alcohol (or hardly) and smoke a joint after dinner. they want to go back to "zero" as they say. that "zero"-point they can use later in their fights!

I realize this sounds a bit weird, but there's more roads that lead to Rome ! 🙂

On 2/9/2024 at 5:26 PM, Lacessit said:

There is nothing wrong with kratom if it is used sensibly. That might not apply among younger people.

 

It is addictive. However, AFAIK it does not cause psychosis as marijuana can, or remove inhibitions, as alcohol does. Its main function seems to be as a painkiller.

 

Personally, I find it to be far more effective than tramadol for pain relief. Tramadol seems to be the strongest medication legally available in Thailand for that purpose.

many years ago I was introduced to Kratom leaves, we put them in a bottle thai whisky, let it sit for a couple days, then mix w soda: party time! just a one time thing, it's not my kind of herb!

nothing about painkiller, never heard about that before...

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Pattaya —Pattaya City officials, led by Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, recently visited Wong Amat Beach this week to address online allegations of wastewater being released into the sea.

The inspection followed a video circulating online that alleged murky water was being released into Pattaya Bay by some seaside establishments.

 

Led by Mr. Poramase, the team comprised representatives from the Pattaya City Council, Tourist Police, City Police, and the City Engineering Department.

 

According to Mr. Poramase, he confirmed that the water observed in the video was actually overflowing rainwater, not wastewater. He explained that heavy rainfall on January 30th had caused rainwater to exceed the capacity of the drainage system in Soi Naklua 16, leading to the temporary overflow which then flowed into the sea as seen in the footage.

 

By Aim Tanakorn

PHOTO: ข่าวคนชล

 

Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08

 

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this mayor is still in denial-fase... maybe to prove he is right, he should take a swim in that seawater like a good example 🤪