Posts published by “Editorial Team”

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra once again took center stage to quash the swirling rumors of discord within her government. The political rumor mill had gone into overdrive suggesting that the reigning Pheu Thai Party might reclaim the Interior Ministry, potentially ejecting the Bhumjaithai Party from their coalition seat altogether. Amidst these speculations, PM Paetongtarn, with her characteristic poise, voiced a clear and resounding message during her weekly broadcast, Thailand’s Opportunities with PM Paetongtarn. “There’s no rift, none at all,” she assertively declared, casting aside the speculation with a confident wave of her hand. The session wrapped up with a personable touch, as she showcased a light-hearted selfie snapped on May 19. The shot wasn’t just another candid picture but a symbolic gesture taken during a luncheon with the secretary-general of Indonesia’s cabinet. Intriguingly, the photograph included Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai leader himself, painting a picture of camaraderie and…

It’s been a bit of a rough ride for Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party, much like trying to paddle a boat through molasses. Supporters like Rungthiwa Pimphanit, who were eagerly awaiting a much-needed cash boost of 10,000 baht, are left feeling as abandoned as a forgotten dessert at a buffet. Ms. Pimphanit, a 34-year-old government employee from Nong Bua Lam Phu, had banked on this handout to pay for her son’s school gear. Instead, she faces a classroom bell ringing empty. “I’m very disappointed and angry,” she expressed, vowing never to vote for the party again. This much-anticipated scheme was supposed to be Pheu Thai’s crown jewel, revitalizing Southeast Asia’s second-largest yet sluggish economy. Alas, it seems this economic lifebuoy has been punctured by the robust tariffs proposed by the United States. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra acknowledged the setback, though analysts warn that failing to deliver their flagship promise might…

The streets of Bangkok bustled with an extraordinary sense of joy and solidarity as over 300,000 people marched with pride and purpose, making their way to centralwOrld. The occasion? A landmark Pride Parade that resonated with a profoundly historic undertone, marking the first time Thailand strutted its colorful stuff with full-fledged liberty under the new Marriage Equality Law. For the LGBTQIAN+ community, both at home and abroad, this wasn’t just another parade but a monumental celebration of love in every hue imaginable. Under this year’s spirited theme, “Born This Way,” the Bangkok Pride Parade was a kaleidoscope of cultures, bringing people from all walks of life to the bustling heart of the city. As marchers reached centralwOrld, they were greeted by a magnificent array of vibrant colors, infectious smiles, and an electrifying sense of acceptance and inclusion. The venue had transformed into a beacon of pride and unity, setting the…

In a dramatic revelation, a notorious puppet master of the illegal hazardous waste trade has been apprehended. This individual was masterminding the operations of not one, not two, but three companies caught red-handed in the processing and export of toxic industrial dust, brazenly flouting numerous laws. The Ministry of Industry dropped the bombshell just yesterday. Stepping up to the plate, the Minister of Industry, Akanat Promphan, unveiled a special task force, spearheaded by the intrepid Thitipas Choddaechachainun. Their mission: to delve into the murky dealings of 11 steel factories employing induction furnace (IF) technology nestled in the scenic Rayong. This scrutiny followed the ignominious shutdown of Sin Ke Yuan Steel and NFMR Co Ltd, nestled in the same province. These rogue players had been caught red-handed, spinning a web of deceit with forged hazardous waste transport documents and falsified waste reporting. The steel factories, far from being ironclad bastions of…

The allure of untamed nature often carries with it the thrill of discovery, and the newest chapter in this saga unfolds with the revelation of a fascinating new species: Tharathum, also known by its scientific name, Sageraea multiovulata. Nestled within the ylang-ylang family (Annonaceae), this intriguing tree has emerged from the verdant depths of Surat Thani, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Botanical Garden Organisation (BGO). With a name that should roll off your tongue, “Tharathum” delicately fuses elements of Thai language: “thara” for water and “thum” for tree, vividly encapsulating its essence. The find was celebrated in the illustrious pages of Volume 311 of the international journal Plant Systematics and Evolution, thus marking May 1st as a significant date in botanical chronicles. Spearheading this remarkable expedition is BGO’s seasoned taxonomist Chattida Wiya, who alongside an ensemble cast of botanical wizards including Tanawat Chaowasku from Chiang Mai University, and…

Picture this: at Huai Khwang Market, mangoes are now being practically given away at the astonishing price of just 20 baht per kilogram. This isn’t a nostalgic reminiscence or a figment of imagination. Pikul, a seasoned vendor who has called this market her home for decades, confesses that she can’t recall a time the prices dipped this low. She exclaims, “I’ve never seen prices so low. This situation is really hurting farmers. Mango growers are in trouble — I feel for them.” Pikul’s produce arrives fresh every morning from the bustling Simummuang wholesale market. Yet, as the day wanes, she’s cornered into a relentless battle against time, forced to sell overripe mangoes at nearly laughable prices, or face the heartbreak of sending them to waste. Just a stall away, 26-year-old Tú echoes the disheartening melody. She shares that wholesalers, who draw directly from the lush orchards, are perhaps in even…

In a heartwarming move to elevate inclusivity and communication, the Trans Health Access Thailand event orchestrated a vibrant workshop on April 1, 2025. This was no ordinary gathering but a groundbreaking sign language glossary workshop tailored for deaf LGBTI individuals. Held amidst an atmosphere bustling with enthusiasm, this initiative forms a part of a broader mission to bridge communication gaps and empower the deaf community in the country. Stepping up to this noble cause, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry has announced plans to significantly expand the cohort of sign language interpreters across the nation. “With a generous dash of hope and forward-thinking,” Minister Varawut Silpa-archa passionately shared, “we’re gearing up to bolster support for the estimated 400,000 hearing-impaired individuals living in Thailand.” These interpreters are poised to offer crucial assistance in various walks of life – from healthcare settings and workplaces to legal arenas – breathing life into…

Get ready to fasten your seatbelts as Bangkok gears up for an exciting urban transformation! The bustling heart of Thailand, renowned for its spirited street life and cultural landmarks, is expecting a significant facelift by 2027. That’s right, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that the much-anticipated city plan update, which was originally a brainchild from back in 2013, is finally inching closer to reality. After a series of detours and prolonged reviews by the Ministry of Interior concerning water and environmental zoning, an era of new developments is on the horizon. Deputy Bangkok Governor, Wisanu Subsompon, recently let us in on some thrilling news: the fourth makeover of the city plan is striding ahead, now approximately 70% completed. Later this month, the draft will make its way to the desks of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT), as the DPT gently nudged that…