In the exhilarating realm of high-speed rail construction in Thailand, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) stands poised on the brink of a critical takeover. As the new year approaches with bated breath, the airports of Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao may soon find themselves seamlessly connected by an ambitious high-speed rail (HSR) project fraught with drama, ambition, and a touch of intrigue. Although this futuristic venture has been delayed for a staggering five years, a tale resembling a saga of epic proportions, the SRT—a government-backed titan—has declared its readiness to commandeer the reins from the current contractor, Asia Era One. This joint venture, wedged between the corporate might of CP Group and its partners, has found itself in the limelight, unable to leap over bureaucratic and logistical hurdles fast enough to transform vision into reality. The clock ticks toward a decision, with urgency echoing through the corridors of the…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
The festive season in any country often brings a mix of joy, bustle, and, unfortunately, an increased likelihood of traffic mishaps. As 2025 awaits on the horizon, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has taken a determined stance to curb this downside by instigating more stringent consequences for drunk drivers. Through a collaborative venture with the Interior Ministry, they intend to ramp up the penalties and crack down on repeat offenses. It seems that every year, despite awareness campaigns and warnings, road accidents surge, and the numbers are daunting. Historical data provided by the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation revealed that last year’s New Year period alone was marred by 284 tragic fatalities and 2,307 injuries due to road accidents. It’s a reality that is both chilling and wholly preventable if measures are strictly adhered to. Mr. Suriya laments over the persistent causes of these accidents: intoxicated driving, drivers engrossed in texting or…
In the bustling corridors of Thailand’s transportation sector, whispers are getting louder about the ambitious high-speed rail (HSR) project that aims to seamlessly link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports. For five years, this project has been more of a dream than a reality. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga introduces the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) as a potential new lead if the current contractor, Asia Era One—a partnership spearheaded by the CP Group—fails to deliver. Word on the grapevine is that SRT is ready to step in and take control, much like a superhero answering the distress signal of a city in need, especially after an Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECP) meeting highlighted the prolonged delays with this pivotal infrastructure endeavor. SRT’s governor, Veeris Ammarapala, recently assured that the state-run agency has prepped to shoulder the hefty 120-billion-baht investment should matters fall apart with the current…
Welcome to the vibrant world of Koh Lan, where the azure waves gently kiss the sandy shores. Nestled in Chon Buri province, this idyllic paradise is taking remarkable strides toward marrying adventure with eco-friendly tourism. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has launched an innovative initiative—environmentally friendly sea walking tours around Koh Lan and its charming neighboring islets. Under the watchful eye of DMCR Chief Pinsak Suraswadi, this venture aims to promote the “blue economy,” a sustainable practice that responsibly harnesses the bounty of nature without depleting its treasures. You see, earlier sea walking tours in southern provinces operated with little regulation, often wreaking havoc on the delicate marine ecosystems beneath the waves. Coral was displaced from its natural habitats, all in the name of giving tourists an up-close-and-personal encounter with marine life—a practice that ultimately strained the underwater harmony. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the Chon…
Amidst the tropical charm of Thailand’s cherished destinations, there’s a buzz of anticipation as the New Year approaches. Phuket, the jewel in Thailand’s glittering crown, is gearing up to welcome an impressive throng of 230,000 visitors from December 28 to January 1, painting a vibrant picture of celebration and economic uplift. The island, known for its pristine beaches and bustling nightlife, is set to weave magic for tourists as the sands glide through the hourglass, bidding goodbye to the old year and heralding the new. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, the dynamic director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office, has his sights set on a hefty jackpot of almost 8 billion baht, courtesy of these visitors who are expected to open their hearts and wallets ready to soak in the island’s lavish offerings. On average, the revelers are anticipated to shell out approximately 35,000 baht during their stay, injecting vitality into…
At the heart of Samut Prakan, where the sprawling expanse of Suvarnabhumi Airport bustles with eager travelers, a significant change is making waves—a change that promises to delight both locals and globetrotters. You see, the Prime Minister’s Office has just rolled out a rather spirited regulation, one that allows the sale of alcoholic beverages every single day at major international airports across the country. This announcement, published in the Royal Gazette right on Christmas Day, has already taken flight as of Thursday. Now, you might be wondering, “Why the sudden shift?” According to some savvy observers, it’s all about aligning the regulations with our ‘current situation.’ Whatever that might mean, one thing’s for certain: travelers can now sip and savor their favorite libations without a calendar-checking conundrum. Helming this amendment is none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. With sage advice from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee ringing in her…
In the whirlwind that defines the political landscape, Srettha Thavisin, once a titan in real estate, saw his career morph in a blink. Ascending to the lofty perch of Thailand’s 30th prime minister, his time in office was unprecedentedly short — a mere year before an unforeseen culmination of events led to his dramatic downfall. Thavisin’s journey to premiership was anything but straightforward. He emerged as the prime choice from the Pheu Thai Party’s triad of hopefuls after the Move Forward Party (MFP) faltered in their attempt to secure Senate backing for their candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat. Thus, on August 22, 2023, Thavisin found himself at the helm. Despite his towering role, Thavisin was somewhat of an outsider within his own party. With no political faction allegiance and limited political savvy, he was somewhat lampooned as a “puppet PM”. His critics noted his partiality for overseas diplomatic forays and his notoriously…
Bangkok – a city full of life, bustling with energy and the ceaseless harmony of traffic chaos. It was here that the city’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, recently found himself at the heart of a heated discussion surrounding the city’s new speed limit regulations. Many residents took to social media, voicing their opinions – some supportive, some less than thrilled. The governor, however, stood firm, defending these regulations as vital tools to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities. Joined by a team consisting of his deputies, advisers, and the astute Sitthiporn Somkidsan from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) Office of Transport and Traffic, Chadchart set out to enlighten the public on the reasoning behind these new limits at a City Hall briefing. Like a seasoned maestro, he conducted what was a symphony of facts and figures, illustrating why this orchestra of change was crucial for Bangkok’s streets. To set the stage,…
On a picturesque Thursday, Thai and foreign mourners congregated on Patong beach for a commemoration as deeply nostalgic as it was somber. This heartfelt gathering was peppered with poignant scenes, such as mourners gently placing flowers to honor the victims of the devastating 2004 tsunami. This natural calamity had a profound impact, claiming approximately 230,000 lives across a broad swath of countries including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and seven others. The serene Thursday event was just one of many ceremonies held along Thailand’s Andaman coast to mark the 20th anniversary of that fateful day. Locations such as Mai Khao Cemetery and Tsunami Memorial Park in Ban Nam Khem were alive with activities. At the solemn Mai Khao Cemetery, both local and foreign attendees collectively shared a quiet minute of reflective silence. The day unfolded with religious and merit-making ceremonies blessing the occasion, followed by floral tributes adorning the memorial…
A man stands in quiet reflection as he gazes at the seemingly endless list of names etched on the wave-shaped monument dedicated to the victims of the infamous 2004 tsunami. This poignant tribute stands tall in Ban Nam Khem, a once-thriving fishing village in Phang Nga that was obliterated by the cataclysmic wave. Today, on December 26th, a somber ceremony is held here, a reminder of nature’s immense power and the devastation it can unleash. (Photo: UN Development Programme) In the spirit of remembrance and readiness, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) urges Thailand to embrace disaster preparedness as an integral part of daily life, in hopes of averting future tragedies as grave as those caused by the 2004 tsunami. Niamh Collier-Smith, the UNDP’s resident representative in Thailand, highlights the strides made in tsunami preparedness, calling for these practices to become second nature, safeguarding communities against potential future threats. It…