In what has become a lively debate on the gambling landscape in Thailand, former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has minced no words in expressing his staunch opposition to a proposed bill that aims to introduce integrated entertainment complexes, complete with casinos, to the country. With a flavor of both caution and conviction, Abhisit voiced his concerns in a conversation with the Bangkok Post ahead of the draft bill’s much-anticipated Parliament reading—a reading that has since been postponed, adding an extra dose of suspense to the proceedings. Highlighted as a potential Pandora’s box, Abhisit warned of a likely surge in gambling addiction and associated societal woes, such as debt escalation and crime waves, should this bill pass. He argued that sanctioning gambling, whether in swanky hotel casinos or virtually in digital dens, sends an unsettling message to the Thai populace—a message that financial recklessness is somehow condoned, possibly even glamorized. Abhisit…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
dwp | design worldwide partnership is a name synonymous with architectural brilliance, and they have once again proven their prowess. Tasked with crafting the headquarters for Siam Music Yamaha in Thailand, dwp has infused the project with a lively spirit of creativity and collaboration. Nestled within the illustrious Siam Patumwan House in the heart of Bangkok, this project is nothing short of a masterpiece. Ms. Sarinrath Kamolratanapiboon, an Executive Director at dwp, excitedly shared details of the ambitious venture. “The project unfolds across three expansive floors and houses the Siam Music Yamaha flagship store, the renowned Yamaha Music School, and the Siam Music Yamaha Headquarters,” she explained. This entire concept thrives on the inspiring theme of “Wave Length: Follow Your Own Rhythm,” aiming to curate an engaging, interactive workspace for both employees and visitors. The essence of the design revolves around a meticulous attention to detail, where each material has…
In an extraordinary drive to reshape the automotive industry, Thailand is steering full speed ahead towards becoming an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing powerhouse. The government has its foot on the accelerator, introducing bold policies designed to invigorate demand and, in turn, foster the adoption of EVs among its people. At the heart of this initiative is Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, who’s championing the creation of a robust domestic supply chain – because, after all, if you build it, they will come. Making a significant pivot from the internal combustion engine (ICE) era, Thailand’s government has rolled out the red carpet for EV production with its ambitious EV3.0 and EV3.5 schemes. These policies aren’t just tying a neat bow on regulatory reforms; they’re showering the industry with delightful incentives like a well-planned gift basket. Tax reductions abound, slashing excise tax on EVs from a hefty 8% to a minimalist 2%,…
Picture this: it’s the vibrant Songkran holiday season, a time for celebration and clinking water guns. Yet, amidst the lively chaos, traffic jams seem to mimic a sluggish river of metal and exhaust fumes. But fear not, weary travelers! For over the horizon, a beacon of hope in the form of a four-lane highway is set to unfurl across eastern Thailand, promising to untangle the perennial traffic woes once and for all. This vast undertaking is not just a pipedream. Highways 3486 and 348 are poised for a major metamorphosis. Imagine a slick, smooth 48-kilometer ribbon of road cutting through the landscape. It’s not just about cars zipping by at lightning speed—the real magic lies in its design, crafted thoughtfully to ensure our furry and feathered friends aren’t mere speed bumps. Enter the Department of Highways (DOH), the unsung hero gearing up to orchestrate this grand highway renaissance. With much…
In a startling incident from the Isaan province of Udon Thani, the mental health struggle of a young Thai woman has taken a somber turn. Chompoo, a 24-year-old grappling with the complexities of depression and bipolar disorder, has raised serious allegations against a doctor at a local hospital following a disheartening visit that underscored the dire need for empathy in healthcare. On April 3, Chompoo’s world turned upside down. Finding herself ensnared in the throes of her mental illness, she resorted to consuming ten sleeping pills, desperate for reprieve. This act of despair led her sister to hastily take her to the hospital, seeking immediate care. What transpired thereafter was nothing short of shocking. As she sat in the ICU, hoping for some semblance of comfort and assistance, Chompoo was left waiting from 7 PM to 9 PM before finally encountering the doctor. However, the words she heard were far…
In a rather shocking turn of events, the bustling city of Phitsanulok found itself at the epicenter of a heated debate concerning academic freedom and human rights. The controversy erupted when Paul Chambers, a respected American academic affiliated with Naresuan University’s ASEAN Community Studies Institute, was denied bail following his arrest by the Phitsanulok Court. Chambers, renowned for his extensive work on Southeast Asian military-civilian relations, faced accusations under the infamous Section 112, the lese majeste law, which criminalizes any defamation or insult to the monarchy. As the news spread like wildfire, the crime was purportedly filed by the Third Army Region, citing Chambers’ alleged dissemination of false information that could potentially damage national security. Charged with defaming the monarchy and violating the Computer Crime Act, this high-profile arrest has set the stage for a massive outcry. With implications reaching far beyond academic circles, both Thai politicians and international human…
In the picturesque region of Chanthaburi’s Mueang district, a magical yet tumultuous event unfolded just a few days ago, leaving a vibrant durian orchard in disarray. This quiet locale, known for its lush greenery and the king of fruits, durians, experienced a whirlwind storm that wreaked havoc just as the fragrant fruits were ripe for picking. Imagine, if you will, an orchard bustling with the activity of 52-year-old Warunee Khongsuan and her family, eagerly anticipating the fruit of their labor. The Monthong variety of durians, known for their acrid aroma and creamy texture, hung heavy on the branches, promising a bountiful harvest. Yet, the storm had other plans. On April 6, at the stroke of 5 PM, Mother Nature decided to unleash her formidable fury. Winds howled and trees quivered, as over 50 tonnes of durians thudded to the ground—a fruit lover’s nightmare. Warunee and her diligent family rushed to…
In the tranquil town of Suk Sawat in Phrai Bueng district, Sisaket province, a heartbreaking tale has surfaced, echoing the trials of a family entangled in misfortune and negligence. At the heart of this story is Somboon, a 55-year-old worker now confined to his bed, dependent on oxygen to breathe, after a catastrophic incident during a demolition job that has left his life in disarray. It all began on a seemingly ordinary April day last year, at a row house nestled behind a bustling market in Rayong province’s Wang Chan district. Somboon and his wife, Liang, typically employed as rubber tappers, accepted a temporary job offer from their employer, known only by the pseudonym “A.” For a daily wage of just 400 baht (around US$12), they embarked on the task of dismantling the aging structure. The couple had hoped for a straightforward job, unaware of the looming danger that awaited.…
In a strategic move poised to amplify its presence across the skies, Thai Airways International (THAI) has mapped out a substantial fleet expansion, set to propel the airline into a new era of aviation excellence. Spearheaded by CEO Chai Eamsiri, this ambitious plan promises not only to modernize THAI’s current fleet but also to fortify Thailand’s diplomatic and trade relations with the United States. Anchoring this endeavor is a monumental agreement to acquire 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, effectively increasing the airline’s fleet from the current 85 aircraft to a robust 103 by 2026, with projections to soar to 116 by 2027 and an impressive 150 by 2033. So, why all the excitement about these Dreamliners, you ask? These state-of-the-art aircraft are not just any birds of the sky—they’re the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, boasting advanced GEnx engines that whisper promises of efficiency and a smoother, quieter flying experience. The first batch…
In a heart-rending tragedy, two teenagers lost their lives in a tragic mishap at the Jorrakay Samphan Canal in Suphan Buri, Thailand. On April 7th, an ordinary afternoon turned into a nightmare when three spirited teens, who had just dyed their hair, decided to rinse the color out in a nearby canal. What began as a carefree day turned into a frantic search when 15-year-old Kate and 17-year-old Kratae were pulled under by a powerful undertow, leaving their friend Noi helpless and desperate. The day unfurled with laughter and camaraderie as the group of friends gathered at the canal bank, a place they’d often frequented. After their hair-dyeing adventure, the girls stepped into the water to rinse off, perhaps unaware of the lurking danger beneath the seemingly calm surface. With no more than a ripple, a sudden vortex gripped them, yanking Kate and Kratae away from their friend’s reach. Noi,…