Thailand’s famous forensic pathologist has been on a rollercoaster ride over the past few decades, and though Dr Porntip Rojanasunan is now bracing for a downhill plunge, she is confident…
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Thailand’s famous forensic pathologist has been on a rollercoaster ride over the past few decades, and though Dr Porntip Rojanasunan is now bracing for a downhill plunge, she is confident…
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Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun is back in the spotlight over his alleged links with a crony of Myanmar’s military ruler Min Aung Hlaing who was arrested in Thailand on drug charges…
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Chuwit Kamolvisit has earned the reputation of an anti-corruption hero after repeatedly exposing police bribery and underground businesses linked to corrupt state officials. Once a self-declared “super pimp”, Chuwit has…
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Former deputy prime minister Yongyuth Wichaidit is back in the media spotlight after celebrity lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd exposed a sex scandal he said involved a former deputy premier in Yingluck…
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The CEO of online lottery platform Kong Salak Plus, Panthawat “Not” Nakwisut, appears to have his own style of working. At a time when most people would have shifted into…
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Assoc Prof Jak Punchoopet, a key figure in the now-defunct People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), is under the spotlight again after taking the post of deputy Democrat Party spokesman on…
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Mingkwan Saengsuwan, a marketing wizard turned politician, has made yet another important turn on his political journey, in what could be a shortcut to the premiership – or a dead…
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For the last four decades, Montri “Khru Yun” Sintawichai has been known as the “angel of child protection” – but that changed recently. Now, he is facing charges of child…
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Trairong Suwankiri’s recent appointment as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s advisor has been hailed as a potential game-changer for the PM’s political future. The veteran politician’s surprise appointment on November 9…
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The news that “Khru Mued” or Prasart Thongaram, one of the legendary khon masters, passed away on November 5 marked a big loss for the country’s traditional performance art industry….
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Speculation is rife that property tycoon Srettha Thavisin will be one of three prime ministerial candidates put forward by the Pheu Thai Party at the next general election. Sources from…
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Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij is making an ambitious political gamble by leaving a political party he cofounded just two years ago to lead a small 15-year-old party at the…
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Stand-up comedian Udom “Nose” Taepanich is under the spotlight after jokes in his latest show drew criticism and ignited an online clash between supporters and opponents of Prime Minister Prayut…
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Although officially out of politics, Newin Chidchob appears to be playing the role of kingmaker for prime ministerial candidate Anutin Charnvirakul from the coalition Bhumjaithai Party. Newin took the same…
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The economic czar for several previous administrations, Somkid Jatusripitak is back in the spotlight and bidding to take the helm of the next government. The renowned economist recently announced his…
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Once known as a “financial wizard”, Indian-born Rakesh Saxena now faces decades in jail for a Thai banking scandal that triggered the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Following a legal battle…
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Soldier turned peace campaigner, General Ekkachai Srivilas was best remembered for his role as director of the Office for Peace and Governance at King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI). That was the…
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It is rare for Thai politicians to voluntarily vacate their seats, not to mention a coveted ministerial post. But that was exactly what Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Boonyamanee did last…
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Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan is generally considered a weak link in Prayut Chan-o-cha’s administration, tainted by the scandal over a multimillion-baht wristwatch collection, despite his repeated denials of…
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Back in his heyday half a century ago, late actor Sombat Metanee was the man of every woman’s dreams, and his movies were guaranteed blockbusters. One has to wonder how…
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Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda was hit by the highest no-confidence vote among the 11 Cabinet members targeted by the opposition in last week’s censure debate. Of the 212 votes against…
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Suranand Vejjajiva vowed to stay out of politics for good after the government of Yingluck Shinawatra – in which he served as secretary-general to the prime minister – was overthrown…
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Thailand is mourning veteran Thai art critic and artist practitioner Thanom Chapakdee, who was best known for practicing what he liked to refer to as the “Aesthetics of Resistance” calling…
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To Dr Krisana Kraisintu aka the “Gypsy Pharmacist”, success means recognizing priorities and working from there. That’s why when she starts a project, she always puts the beneficiaries’ contentment as…
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Prof Tongthong Chandransu, the new man in charge of Krungthep Thanakom Co Ltd, admits his task will be both “difficult and complicated” but said it was an opportunity he could…
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Thongchai Jaidee has risen to the status of a legend on the Thai golf circuit over the past two decades. Throughout his prosperous career, the man nicknamed TJ by his…
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Once highly admired for his campaigns against corruption and lack of transparency, social activist Srisuwan Janya is now facing widespread ridicule after he accused new Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt of…
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Chadchart Sittipunt is on course to becoming Bangkok’s first elected governor in nine years after securing a landslide victory in Sunday’s gubernatorial election. According to the unofficial vote count, he…
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As the government sails towards another censure-debate storm, coalition MP Pichate Satirachaval is creating dangerous waves in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party – just months after joining it. Pichate claims…
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The “Prinn effect” has left the coalition Democrat Party at one of the lowest ebbs in its 76-year history and its eighth leader, Jurin Laksanawisit, in political hot water. Multiple…
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Thai teen rapper Danupha “Milli” Khanatheerakul, who made global headlines by eating mango sticky rice on a US stage recently, is pursuing not just a music career but also ambitions…
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Armed with legal expertise, Sittra Biabungkerd has jumped into several high-profile battles in recent weeks, striking blows that have seriously damaged his once-seemingly-invincible opponents. Several senior policemen lost their posts…
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Accusations of sexual harassment and assault made against a rising star in the coalition Democrats have shocked not only the party’s supporters but Thai society in general. Prinn Panitchpakdi on…
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After 17 years in politics, four-time MP Pareena Kraikupt from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party has been dealt a political death blow by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political…
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Since its foundation in November 2018, the ruling Palang Pracharath Party has seen four secretaries-general — virtually one every year. The latest office holder, Santi Promphat, was officially appointed to…
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Former fighter pilot Sita Divari admits he is not a frontrunner in the May 22 Bangkok governor election, but he has vowed to “fight wholeheartedly without worrying whether I lose…
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Having served as Bangkok’s governor for six years by special appointment of the junta, Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang is now seriously considering whether to run in the upcoming gubernatorial election….
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Sakoltee Phattiyakul has become the fifth well-known figure to announce he will run in the Bangkok governor election, which will be held on May 22. The first city election since…
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For outspoken student activist Netiwit “Frank” Chotiphatphaisal, last week’s decision by Chulalongkorn University executives to remove him as its Student Government president was comparable to a coup. The decision was…
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A young man’s passion for craft beer has taken him to heights most Thais can only dream of – a seat in Parliament where he is now fighting to break…
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More than six years after he fled Thailand to live in exile in Australia, Pol Maj-General Paween Pongsirin is back under the media spotlight. His role as chief investigator of…
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Former New Economics Party leader Mingkwan Saengsuwan shocked Parliament when he resigned as a party-list MP during the debate to scrutinize the Prayut government last week. Mingkwan explained that he…
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After campaigning vigorously for reform of the Thai monarchy, activist Chonthicha “Lookkate” Jangrew is now setting her sights on entering politics and becoming an MP. Introduced last Saturday as an…
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Once a red-shirt leader dubbed “Isan Rambo”, Seksakol Atthawong has made yet another political pivot, leaving the ruling Palang Pracharath to join a new party aiming to secure Prime Minister…
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The opposition Move Forward Party has finally come up with a candidate for the Bangkok gubernatorial election expected in the next few months. For many party supporters, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn is…
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Thamanat Prompow’s ouster from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party last week for “causing serious division” was only the latest twist in this political dealmaker’s rollercoaster career. Palang Pracharath’s surprising and…
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Staunch government critic Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who was sacked as an election commissioner in 2018 by the post-coup junta, is back in the limelight with a campaign to “switch off” the…
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Retired Army general Pallop Pinmanee dropped the first political bombshell of the new year when he claimed Thaksin Shinawatra “green-lighted” his removal as a Pheu Thai member – an allegation…
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Rock star Artiwara Kongmalai, better known as “Toon Bodyslam”, has returned to running for charity. But instead of being hailed again as a hero, this time he’s been slammed –…
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After decades of shining bright in Thailand’s engineering and educational sectors, Prof Dr Suchatvee Suwansawat is now ready to kick-start his political career. The academic is preparing to contest in…
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Paivan Vannabutr, who was once known as Phra Maha Paivan, looks set to become the first former Thai monk to become even more famous after giving up his saffron robes….
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Once a troublemaking schoolboy with poor grades, Jirayut “Topp” Srupsrisopa has grown up to become Thailand’s cryptocurrency pioneer in charge of the country’s first licensed crypto exchange, Bitkub Online. The…
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The news of the demise of eminent economist Virabongsa Ramangkura on November 7 was received with a deep sense of loss across the country. Numerous Facebook pages were filled with condolences. Virabongsa…
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A shocking act of violence shattered the atmosphere in Chulalongkorn University’s auditorium 68 years ago. Jit Poumisak, then a third-year Arts student and editor of CU’s “University” periodical, was addressing…
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New Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew appears to have acknowledged he won’t be a prime ministerial candidate for the opposition party at the next general election. The five-time MP also…
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After seven years out of government, the Shinawatra family appears to be keen on making a comeback. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin, made a surprise…
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The recent appointment of Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit to lead the fight against Thailand’s new epicenter of COVID-19, the restive deep South, has sparked controversy on all sides. Nattaphon, a PM’s…
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Former justice minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga is making waves in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party after being appointed as advisor to powerful party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan. Key party figures describe…
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Rumors that Chatchai Phromlert was poised to enter politics were circulating long before his mandatory retirement as Interior Ministry permanent secretary last week. Media reports outlined three possibilities for Chatchai…
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Veteran politician Wirat Ratanaset’s indictment on corruption charges has cast a cloud over his status as government chief whip and is threatening to impact the ruling coalition. However, he still…
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Though he survived a plot to unseat him at the latest censure debate, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is now suffering “aftershocks” in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party. Two Cabinet members…
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The public is watching closely to see if the scandal over a drug suspect shown tortured to death at a police station will trigger reforms or merely deepen the flaws…
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Tanat Thanakitamnuay was addressing a crowd of anti-government protesters in Bangkok on August 13 when he was hit by a projectile that his family says permanently blinded him in one…
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As a prolific writer and editor, Suchart Sawasdsri was honored with the role of the national artist (literature) in 2011. However, as a keen political observer and critic, he is…
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Though its name suggests it has closer links with communities upcountry, the Rural Doctors Society (RDS) is now a hero to Bangkokians after it stepped up to battle the raging…
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A red-shirt politician loyal to self-exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has suddenly emerged as co-leader of a campaign to oust embattled Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in an apparent collaboration between…
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Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG) chairman Dr. Boon Vanasin looked like a saint and savior to many people when he began fearlessly pushing to procure mRNA vaccines three months ago. But…
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Panipak Wongpattanakit has etched her name in history as the first Thai woman to win an Olympic gold medal with a kick. Crowned the Taekwondo champion after scoring a last-minute…
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Behind every successful man is a supportive (albeit sometimes grumpy) woman, but behind the Olympics gold medal success of taekwondo heroine Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit is a South Korean man who…
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Once a darling of the anti-establishment movement, Nuttaa “Bow” Mahattana is now being denounced as a traitor to the cause – though the human rights activist insists she is just…
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Famed as Thailand’s top “economics tsar”, former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak has served both elected governments and a junta regime during his long and colorful career. Somkid, 68, abruptly quit…
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Debutant MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn from the opposition Move Forward Party has campaigned relentlessly for full disclosure of the government’s vaccine procurement contracts, insisting that transparency is vital in the fight…
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Like Dr. Anthony Fauci in the United States, Prof Dr. Yong Poovorawan has been at the forefront of his country’s battle against COVID-19. As a chief medical adviser to the government,…
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As the new spokesman of the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA), Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana’s first job was to defend the government’s relief measures for people affected by COVID-19. His opening…
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Politics is a game where there are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends, only permanent interests. The old saying was proved true again recently when veteran politician Ruangkrai Leekitwattana…
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s younger brother, General Preecha, has become the first member of the premier’s immediate family to be charged by Thailand’s anti-graft agency. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)…
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Within a six-year span, Leicester City Football Club has achieved the unthinkable for pundits and fans alike: an English Premier League title in 2016 and the FA Cup on May…
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A wealthy businessman once viewed by many as a saint and a model of success now stands accused of leading a fraudulent Bt1-billion investment ring. Prasit Jeawkok, 45, handed himself…
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The first female president of Thailand’s Supreme Court, Metinee Chalodhorn, faces a tough mission to defend the judiciary’s reputation against growing allegations of double standards as political conflicts escalate. Meeting…
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While for outsiders Anwar Salaeh is a rebel MP, most of his fellow Democrats consider him a black sheep for his role as an opponent of both his party and…
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As an academic, Anek Laothamatas made his name with a “Tale of Two Democracies”, which explores the divide in Thai society between the rural and urban sectors. But in his…
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Tycoon-turned-politician Anutin Charnvirakul may arguably be Thailand’s most-hated public health minister by now. But to be fair, his predecessors never had to tackle the world’s worst virus crisis in more…
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As a young girl, Paphangkorn Tavatanakit watched golf legend Tiger Woods on TV and told her dad “That’s who I want to be.” Her dream of golf superstardom came true…
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Saksayam Chidchob was previously best known as the “nominee” of his older brother, veteran politician Newin. However, last week he landed himself in trouble by becoming the first Cabinet member…
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The new digital economy and society (DES) minister, Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn, is set to get tougher with fake news aimed at undermining the government and the monarchy — intensifying an unfinished…
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An “accidental leader” of the anti-establishment reformist movement, Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon, has boldly made its first direct address to His Majesty the King. On Wednesday night (March 24), Patsaravalee made…
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Former digital economy and society minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta’s political future is hanging in the balance after the Criminal Court last month sentenced him to seven years in jail for his…
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No anti-establishment protest activist has been more effective at grabbing media attention than Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak. The tubby 23-year-old Thammasat University student has even managed to make headlines from behind…
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Pol Lt-General Surachate Hakparn has risen like a phoenix from the flames this week, strutting back to the Royal Thai Police two years after he was kicked out in disgrace….
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Chaiwat Limlikhit-aksorn has courted danger and controversy many times in his civil service career, but so far, he’s come out on top. Lauded for taking tough action against forest encroachers,…
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As calls grow among the young generation to reform the monarchy, some Thai celebrities are risking boycotts and hatred to defend their beloved royal institution. Their emotional reactions to the…
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Many Thai celebrities are putting their careers on the line to support anti-establishment protesters’ push for political change in Thailand, including reform of the monarchy. They risk losing their jobs,…
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Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam is not the first beauty queen to fall victim to the Kingdom’s bitter political divide. But just like Miss Thailand 2017 Maria Poonlertlarp before…
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Although new to Parliament, Sira Jenjaka has lost no time in stealing the limelight from veteran MPs – drawing publicity for his outspoken views, belligerent talk and ability to take…
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The prime minister and nine Cabinet members managed to sail through the recent censure vote, but the voting has rejiggered a rift between the coalition’s two largest partners. Six MPs…
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Assistant Professor Arnond Sakworawich first came under the spotlight last November, when he sparred on TV with firebrand protest leader Panusaya “Rung” Sitthijirawattanakul over royal assets. Viewers were glued to…
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Born to a wealthy family, Apirak “Sia Po” Chat-anon could have made money without courting legal trouble. But this 28-year-old macho internet celebrity chose a different path – one that…
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A court ruling against Theptai Senapong has brought the curtain crashing down on one of Thailand’s most colourful political performers. Renowned for his sense of humour, the senior Democrat politician…
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(Reuters) – Myanmar’s powerful military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is in the spotlight after politicians from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party were detained and the…
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As the new wave of COVID-19 exploded in Samut Sakhon, the governor leading the fightback always managed to keep a smile on his face, radiating much-needed confidence to his team…
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