322 dead and 3.225 injured in the seven perilous days
The seven dangerous days of the Songkran holiday have ended with 1 fewer road deaths than last year: 322 (2013: 323). But there were more accidents and more people were injured.
Shocking data on income inequality
The Thai prime minister earns 9.000 times as much as a middle-income Thai. In India that ratio is 2.000:1 and in the Philippines 600:1. A recent report on income inequality in Thailand contains shocking figures.
The red shirts, anti-government movement and government eagerly await the verdict of the Constitutional Court in the Thawil case. Rallies of red shirts and anti-government movement are planned around the verdict. At the end of this month, the Court will decide on the fate of Prime Minister Yingluck.
Songkran 2014: Fewer dead, more injured
Fewer dead, more injured. That is the balance of the 'seven dangerous days' so far. Yesterday's figures are still missing, but the trend is clear. Two bus accidents and a taxi accident made Thursday a black day.
Vacationers return home; now 248 road fatalities
After five of the 'seven dangerous days', the number of road fatalities is 248, eight fewer than last year. Holidaymakers returned from their hometowns yesterday, leading to crowds at Mor Chit bus station in Bangkok.
Waste crisis looming; many new illegal dumps
Thailand is heading for a 'waste crisis' within two years when the government stops spending money on waste processing and raises the waste levy. The Pollution Control Department is sounding the alarm because of a major fire at an illegal dump in Samut Prakan.
Vicha: I am not an enemy of Prime Minister Yingluck
Vicha Mahakhun, a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, defends himself against the accusation that he is biased. On the other hand, he is extremely accommodating to Prime Minister Yingluck, who is accused of negligence as chairman of the National Rice Policy Committee.
Although the number of road deaths in the first three of the 'seven dangerous days' is lower than last year, the Ministry of Health calls the death toll 'worrying'. The emergency number is called far too little, as a result of which rapid assistance is not provided.
Thailand Stumbles Towards New Elections, But When?
It will probably be months before Thailand can go to the polls to elect a new House of Representatives. The Electoral Council and the government must agree on the date and other suggestions from the Council.
Songkran 2014: Water, foam, baby powder and road deaths
Thailand celebrated the first day of Songkran yesterday. Exuberant in some places, traditional in others. And like every year, traffic claimed its fair share of casualties. After two of the 'seven dangerous days', the death toll stands at 102.
Bangkok Post does not mince words about the current political situation in Thailand. The protest movement, characterized by the mantra of "reform for elections" and hate speech, has deepened political divisions and left the country vulnerable to political violence.
A fierce exchange of words broke out between Prime Minister Yingluck and opposition leader Abhisit over Yingluck's 'criticism' of the Constitutional Court. No, says Yingluck, it wasn't "criticism," it was just "a comment."
The government is trying to prevent the impeachment of the presidents of the House of Representatives and the Senate, both Pheu Thai people, through a legal trick, the Bangkok Post writes today in an analysis.
School director suspended due to 'controversial' sponsorship
The sponsorship of the foreign trip of the Max Percussion Theater to the Netherlands is getting another tail, because now the school director has been transferred to an inactive post. A committee is reviewing the situation.
That's bad luck for Prime Minister Yingluck. Thailand has a female prime minister for the first time – something the Netherlands has never achieved – she should not lead the 'cannon worship' at the Ministry of Defence. Because that function is exclusively for a man.
Commotion about action leader Suthep Thaugsuban's statement that 'the people will demand independent power' and that he will personally ask the king for approval for a new prime minister. Prime Minister Yingluck has been shot in the wing.
I enjoy making News from Thailand every day, but sometimes there is news that I don't understand. Such is the case with the controversial sponsorship of the Max Percussion Theater percussion group, which won an award in Eindhoven.