Imagine a land where the spirit of gratitude is etched in every heart and mind; where the winds whisper tales of a sacrosanct bond between fathers and their children – this is Thailand on December 5, known affectionately as Thai National Day or Father’s Day. Drawing on the insights of a robust survey that reached out to 14,426 souls across different walks of life, the tapestry of this day’s celebrations and its beloved customs come to vibrant life. In an overwhelming tide of remembrance and respect, a staggering 96.4% of our vibrant populace, encompassing the innocent giggles of children to the wise words of the youth, recognize this day as one dedicated to paternal figures nationwide. The vibrant canna flower, symbolizing the fatherly virtues of virtue and purity, holds a special place in the hearts of 86.15% of the respondents, a testament to the deep cultural threads that bind this…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
A royal flourish of environmental stewardship graced the lush landscapes of Khao Hin Son Royal Development Study Centre in the quaint district of Phanom Sarakham, Chachoengsao. It was a ceremony drenched in regal charm and ecological promise, as Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn donned the honorable mantle of the United Nations to bestow a prestigious accolade upon the Soil and Fertilizer Society (SFS). This celebratory Tuesday was marked by pomp and grandeur, with the society reveling in the international spotlight of commendation. The SFS, a bastion of soil preservation, was lauded for its exemplary efforts in championing the bedrock of all life on earth – soil. Rapeepat Chantarasriwong, the esteemed director-general of the Agriculture Department who also helms the SFS, proudly attested to the society’s zealous work. The SFS has been adeptly spearheading Thailand’s crusade to realize the United Nations’ 17th sustainable development goals (SDGs) through an initiative…
Welcome to the serene heart of Ban Phai Khor Nam, where time seems to slow down and allows for the appreciation of rituals deeply rooted in the soul of the village. This is a place where the modern world’s chaos gives way to tradition; a place where the villagers, with hearts as fertile as their fields, gather to celebrate a ritual that’s as much a part of their identity as the very air they breathe—the venerable “Tham Boon Klang Ban,” or as one might say in the tongue of global discourse, merit-making in the heart of the village. The event, an enchanting spectacle of unity and devotion, was expertly orchestrated by none other than the village chief, the venerable Chaijamnong Ruankon. At a sprightly age of 76, Chaijamnong leads this cultural symphony with a wisdom and grace that time has only served to refine. The ceremony is a grand finale…
Imagine the rhythmic beats of traditional music echoing through the heart of Bangkok as spirited crowds gather under the sweltering Thai sun, all amidst a backdrop of ornate temples and modern city skylines. This is the scene set by Penpisut Jintasophon, the enigmatic spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, as Thailand stands on the cusp of global recognition for its most vibrant festival, Songkran—the traditional Thai New Year. In an exciting turn of events, Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit has issued an open invitation to one and all—locals and travelers alike—to revel in the festivities at the historic Lan Khon Muang grounds, situated tantalizingly opposite Bangkok’s City Hall. The thrumming anticipation is palpable as the ministry has put forth a compelling nomination for “Songkran in Thailand” to be honored by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, a prestigious accolade that would thrust this age-old celebration into the international limelight. The buzz…
Under the cloak of night, an incandescent moon bearing witness, the shimmering waters of Chonburi were about to reveal a secret they’d been concealing in their depths. On a seemingly typical Monday evening at precisely 10 p.m., the marine police, having received a nugget of clandestine information, converged with the drug suppression squad to probe the depths of the TNS pier, nestled within the arms of Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong district. What they uncovered there was a substance far chillier than the water it had been skulking beneath. Hidden away in what appeared to be innocuous crates brimming with dried foods, laid a staggering 2,000 kilograms of crystalline contraband—methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice.’ In an orchestrated dance of chaos and desperation, the tugboat’s 13 crew members, sensing the approach of the law, took a fateful plunge into the inky waters. The scene could have been mistaken for a dramatic reenactment of…
Amidst the sultry tropical climes and vibrant green terrains, Indonesia’s rice farmers face an unseen adversary — drought. The once abundant rice fields of Java and swathes of South Sumatra now grapple with an unyielding sun, leading Deputy Commerce Minister Naphinthorn Srisanpang to shine a spotlight on the parched predicament this Tuesday. The water scarcity has compelled farmers, particularly those in the highland regions, to shy away from the thirsty rice and embrace the resilient corn, in a bid to adapt to the ever-changing whims of Mother Nature. Moreover, the tale of rice and resilience has scribed a new chapter in the annals of trade, with stats to tell the story. Just last year, Indonesia nestled comfortably in the 20th spot of Thailand’s roster of rice importers, securing a modest booty of 91,714 tons of the grain, or in monetary lingo, US$42.24 million’s worth. However, cue the music and behold…
Welcome to a place where coffee is not just an aromatic beverage, but a beacon of inclusivity and diversity. Nestled in the bustling heart of Pathumwan district, Bangkok, lies a cafe that’s brewing up change, one cup at a time – A Step Café, located within the chic confines of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Let’s pour over the story behind this unique establishment that’s much more than meets the eye. In an era where the richness of diversity is celebrated, the collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global hospitality titan, and Steps Community, a visionary social enterprise, has birthed a space where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can find common ground – or rather, common roast. A poetic symphony of clinking cups and empowering opportunities, this cafe is where communal tables are shared by both the able-bodied and people with disabilities. Imagine the warm scent of freshly roasted coffee beans…
In the lush hills of northern Thailand, nestled within the prestigious halls of Mae Fah Luang University, a legal drama unfolds that could be ripped straight from the pages of a gripping novel. The central character, known affectionately to all as “Dr Keng”, is at the heart of a maelstrom of academia, finance, and the ironclad will of bureaucracy. It was on a balmy Monday morning when Dr Keng found herself sharing her side of the story with the nation, perched delicately on the edge of her seat on the Morning News TV3 set. Across from her, the sharp-eyed hosts, Sorayuth Suthassanachinda and Pitchayatan Chanput, leaned in, anticipating her words. The conversation, which would ripple through the halls of higher education, centered around a most peculiar predicament: the ex-lecturer’s defense of mental distress for her abrupt departure from what was a full-fledged academic destiny at Mae Fah Luang. Yet, the…
Welcome to the twists and turns of white-collar crime in picturesque Samut Prakan, where the sun shines a little too brightly on the bank accounts of a certain quartet. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill civil servants; they were more like collectors, but instead of stamps or coins, their collection was a mind-melting 2.1 billion baht! The National Anti-Corruption Commission, the ever-vigilant watchdog, sunk its teeth deep into this case and uncovered a wealth buffet that would make even Croesus blush. Now, picture this: Danai Damrongchaiyothin, the man who once steered the ship at the Bang Saothong district revenue office, is neck-deep in hot water. Not just him, though—his three sidekicks, Cholthan Khongman, Dungkamol Pluemsawat, and Uthumporn Khemwichai, also find themselves swept up in this financial tsunami. The NACC—a merry band of financial sleuths—has pointed their accusatory finger at this fabulous foursome, citing evidence worthy of a thriller plotline. The vanilla version…
Amidst the emotional turmoil and a collective sigh of relief, a group of six Thai farmers emerged from the porous borders of conflict, leaving behind the harrowing shadows of captivity. The gleam of freedom twinkled in their eyes as they stepped onto the familiar ground of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, greeted by the warmth of tearful embraces from family members who had endured weeks of anguished wait. Owat Suriyasri, 40, was among the newly liberated, his voice quivering with gratitude, “I’m glad to be back,” a sentiment that ran deeper than the weary miles traveled. He took a moment to express heartfelt thanks to the Thai and Israeli governments, whose intricate negotiations cast the protective net that ushered them back to safety. Yet, amidst the jubilation, there were poignant reminders of the sacrifice and suffering endured, as one of their number bore the stark evidence of conflict—a wound in the abdomen—attesting…