Profiles

Thailand’s famous forensics expert Porntip gets ready for GT200 battle

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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Upakit Pachariyangkun

Upakit Pachariyangkun: Thai senator under scrutiny for Myanmar connections

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: Thailand’s ‘super-pimp’ turned sensational whistleblower

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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Yongyuth Wichaidit: Former Pheu Thai leader out of prison but back in the spotlight

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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Panthawat Nakwisut: Accused lottery tycoon makes big political gamble

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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Image Credit: Democrat Party’s Facebook

Jak Punchoopet: Scholar-poet and scourge of red shirts opens new political chapter

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: Marketing wizard conjures bid to become next prime minister

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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Montri Sintawichai

Montri Sintawichai: Controversy erupts over Thailand’s ‘guardian angel of children’

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: Team Prayut’s secret weapon for the next election

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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Farewell Khru Mued

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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Srettha Thavisin: Is real-estate mogul aiming to become Thailand’s next PM?

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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Can Korn Chatikavanij pull off his ‘brave’ political resurrection?

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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(Photo by thaistandupcomedy Facebook page)

Thailand’s top stand-up comedian sticks nose into political divide

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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Newin Chidchob is viewed as the party’s patriarch. Party leader Anutin and other Bhumjaithai politicians often refer to him as “Khru Yai” or the headmaster.(Photo by Buriram United)

Newin Chidchob: The kingmaker of Thai politics returns as election looms

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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Somkid Jatusripitak: From economic wizard to Thailand’s next PM?  

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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Rakesh Saxena and the Thai banking scandal that triggered Asia’s financial crisis

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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Ekkachai Srivilas: The soldier turned peacemaker for Thailand’s bitter political conflicts

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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Nipon Boonyamanee among rare breed of Thai politicians who quits to face music  

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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The rise to power of ‘big brother’ Prawit Wongsuwan, new caretaker PM

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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Sombat Metanee in the movie “Tears of the Black Tiger”.

Remembering Add Sombat, a true Thai heartthrob

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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Gen Anupong Paochinda: From coup-maker to interior minister facing ‘party putsch’

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 describes him as a “politician turned café owner”, as he is now the chairman and CEO of Brainwake Café. He also became a political analyst, writing opinion articles and providing commentaries on TV and YouTube. (Photo courtesy of Suranand Vejjajiva Facebook page)

Suranand Vejjajiva: Shinawatra stalwart switches to ‘team Somkid’

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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Leading art critic and activist Thanom Chapakdee remembered

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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Dr. Krisana Kraisintu at the Glogal Summit of Women (GSW). (Photo courtesy of GSW)

Success and the power of self-help

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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Tongthong Chandransu: Law guru unlocking Bangkok’s multibillion-baht investment secrets 

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 celebrates after sinking his putt to win the American Family Insurance Championship.

Thongchai Jaidee: Thailand’s greatest golfer not done yet

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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Srisuwan Janya: Thailand’s master complainer a hero or villain for society?

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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Image Credit: Chadchart Sittipunt’s Facebook

Chadchart Sittipunt: ‘World’s strongest politician’ aims to lift Bangkok to global standards

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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Pichate Satirachaval: Coalition rebel plants ‘time bomb’ under Prayut’s government

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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Jurin Laksanawisit: Democrat leader struggling to keep storm-hit party afloat

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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Milli: Thailand’s dissident rapper serves a bittersweet message for government

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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Photo from FB page “ษิทรา เบี้ยบังเกิด เลขาธิการมูลนิธิทีมงานทนายประชาชนฯ”

Sittra Biabungkerd: Campaigning lawyer exposing crime and corruption in high places

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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Prinn Panitchpakdi: Rising star of Thai politics eclipsed by sex offence claims

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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Pareena Kraikupt: Ruling party firebrand who burned bright before being banished

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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Santi Promphat: The long and controversial career of Palang Pracharath’s new secretary-general

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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Ex-fighter pilot Sita Divari on a mission to become Bangkok’s next governor

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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Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang faces tough choice – surrender post or fight election

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

Sakoltee Phattiyakul: From PDRC whistle-blower to next Bangkok governor?

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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In 2018, Netiwit accepted an invitation to speak at the Oslo Freedom Forum in Norway on the topic “The Student vs the Military”. He was featured as one of “50 Asians to watch” in the public and social sector by Singapore’s Straits Times. And Time magazine described him as a “messenger of social sanity” in its June 2017 article about his role as a student activist.(Photo by @NetiwitC on Twitter)

Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal: The student leader fighting against dictatorship as ‘messenger of social sanity’

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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Taopiphop Limjittrakorn: The home brewer turned MP shaking up Thailand’s liquor industry

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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Pol Maj-General Paween Pongsirin / Photo from www.isranews.org

Paween Pongsirin: Exiled police investigator puts Thai authorities in trafficking spotlight

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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From ‘bananas’ to ‘cobras’ – the colorful political career of wily Mingkwan Saengsuwan

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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From protests to Parliament? Move Forward’s Chonthicha Jangrew hits election trail

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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From Thaksin’s crooner to Prayut’s promoter – the pinball political career of Seksakol Atthawong

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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Introducing Wiroj as the party’s Bangkok hopeful, Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat said no other potential candidate had “the party DNA” like him. (Photo by Move Forward Party Facebook page)

Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn: Bangkok governor candidate a bridge to Move Forward govt?

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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File photo

Sacked, ousted and still on top: The rollercoaster career of Thamanat Prompow

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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Somchai Srisutthiyakorn: The man behind efforts to ‘switch off’ Senate’s power

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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Pallop Pinmanee: Veteran military hawk of Thai politics swoops on Pheu Thai

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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Image Credit: Bodyslam’s Facebook page

Toon Bodyslam – from indie rock to rocking the road for charity

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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The Democrat candidate has a strong chance according to one “loyalty” scenario.

‘Disruptor’ Suchatvee Suwansawat ready to shine his bright light on Bangkok

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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Photo from Facebook page “ไพรวัลย์ วรรณบุตร”

Paivan Vannabutr: Thailand’s celebrity monk relinquishes his robes to rub shoulders with the stars

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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From troublemaker to Thailand’s first fintech unicorn – tracking Jirayut Srupsrisopa’s crypto journey

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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Virabongsa Ramangkura during a plenary session of the CEO Forum at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong, 06 November 2003.

Obituary: Virabongsa: a trusted pilot of Thailand’s economy

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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Jit Poumisak has been described as a Marxist historian, activist, author, philologist, poet, songwriter, and communist revolutionary.

Killed 55 years ago, Thailand’s Che Guevara finally honored by his university

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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Chonlanan Srikaew, the Pheu Thai leader. (Photo by facebook @cholnanFC

Chonlanan Srikaew: The medic-politician aiming to nurse Pheu Thai back to power

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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Paetongtarn Shinawatra: the new heir of Thailand’s controversial political dynasty

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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Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit: The military man leading Thailand’s biggest battle against COVID 

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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(Photo by Pirapan Salirathavibhaga’s Facebook)

Pirapan Salirathavibhaga: The ruling party peace-broker tipped for PM candidacy 

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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Chaichai Phromlert as the Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary.

Chatchai Phromlert — the ‘man behind PM Prayut’s new power push’

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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Wirat Ratanaset: The chief whip whose futsal ‘game’ could injure Thai govt

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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General Vitch: New player in Palang Pracharath’s game of strategy

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 former police officer Thitisan Utthanaphon, known as “Jo Ferrari”, while leaving the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The high-rolling career of ‘Joe Ferrari’, top cop in corruption spotlight 

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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(Photo by Thai PBS)

Tanat Thanakitamnuay – the royalist rich kid turned ‘wounded hero’ for democracy

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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(Photo by Suchart Sawasdsri Facebook)

Suchart Sawasdsri: Artist caught in political crossfire

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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(Photo by Rural Doctor Society)

RDS: The group of doctors fighting COVID – and corruption – in Thailand 

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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(Photo by facebook.com:Nattawut.UDD)

Nattawut Saikuar: the red-shirt leader back on warpath against embattled govt

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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Boon Vanasin, Chairman of Thonburi Healthcare Group, talks to a journalist during an interview with Reuters at his office in Bangkok, Thailand, July 6, 2021. (Photo by REUTERS/Artorn Pookasook)

Dr Boon Vanasin, the medical tycoon in eye of Thailand’s vaccine storm

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 during the women’s 49kg taekwondo at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Kicking back with Panipak, Thailand’s Olympic Taekwondo queen

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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(Photo by Taekwondo Association of Thailand)

Choi Young Seok, the “Thai” coach who won Thailand its first Olympic gold medal in Taekwondo

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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(Photo courtesy of Nuttaa Mahattana’s Facebook page.}

Nuttaa Mahattana: the democracy icon who turned on the anti-govt movement

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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Thailand’s former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak is preferred by Sarng Anakot Thai as prime minister (File Photo by STR / AFP)

Is ‘economics tsar’ Somkid Jatusripitak preparing to make a comeback?

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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Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the firebrand MP grilling Thailand’s vaccine strategy

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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Dr. Yong Poovorawan

Dr Yong: Thailand’s top COVID strategist comes under fire

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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Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana: Prayut’s new defender 

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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The giant-killer of Thai politics, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana takes aim at new target    

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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Oh brother! PM’s family hit with graft accusation 

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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Leicester City’s chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (C) and Leicester City players celebrate victory after the English FA Cup final football match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium in north west London on May 15, 2021.

How Aiyawatt’s Thai style leads Foxes to triumphant victory

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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Prasit Jeawkok handed himself into the Crime Suppression Division on May 17, 2021.

Prasit Jeawkok, the ‘saintly tycoon’ turned billion-baht fraud suspect

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. (photo by Court ogf Justice)

Thailand’s first female top judge and her mission to modernize the judiciary  

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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(Photo credit: Facebook Anwar Salaeh)

Anwar Salaeh, the Democrat fighting for party’s return to anti-authoritarian roots    

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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Thailand Minister High Education

Higher Education Minister Anek’s path from student activist to enemy of student protesters 

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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(Photo by Romeo GACAD / AFP)

Anutin Charnvirakul, man in firing line for Thailand’s COVID crisis

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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Patty Tavatanakit with the ANA Inspiration trophy. (Photo by LPGA)

The driving passion of Patty Tavatanakit – golf’s next global superstar     

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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The rise and fall of Saksayam Chidchob, Thailand’s first COVID-positive Cabinet minister

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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Chaiwut DES minister

Chaiwut, the man with a mission to defend Thailand from the fake-news tsunami

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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Meet the ‘accidental’ protest leader keeping Thailand’s monarchy reform push alive

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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Digital Economy and Society minister Puttipong Punnakanta (File Photo)

Buddhipongse Punnakanta, a star of the political establishment burned by his firebrand past

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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Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak gives the three-finger salute to the protesters during an anti-government rally at Lat Phrao intersection in Bangkok on December 2, 2020. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

How protest leader ‘Penguin’ continues ruffling feathers

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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The curious career of Surachate Hakparn, Thailand’s resurrected police star

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 – the national park chief known for his narrow escapes

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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The royalist Thai celebs pushing back against pressure for monarchy reform 

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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Photo Credit: The Bottom Blues’ Facebook page

Thai celebs who are ready to risk it all for anti-establishment protests

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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The beauty queen reigning for democracy in divided Thailand

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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Thai MP Sira courting controversy but flirting with disaster

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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Watanya Opsasi, MP from Palang Pracharath party.

Shining a light on ‘Fixed Stars’ – the rebel MPs rocking Thai coalition’s unity

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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Royalist Scholar

Arnond, the royalist scholar and loyal defender of Thailand’s monarchy

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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Sex, drugs and Sia Po: Thailand’s bad boy rocked by more legal trouble      

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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Election fraud conviction no laughing matter for ‘funny-man’ of Thai politics

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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All eyes on Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing as military seizes power

 (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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Samut Sakhon residents pray for governor felled in Covid battle

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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