Inside a seemingly unassuming wooden crate, an infant gorilla peered out with innocent eyes, marking a peculiar chapter of wildlife smuggling history that unfolded on December 22nd. The little primate, a precious life sandwiched between wooden slats, was intercepted at Istanbul Airport, reportedly on a journey from Nigeria to an unknown future in Thailand. This unexpected discovery triggered a series of events that pulled both Turkish and Thai authorities into action. In a flurry of activity, Thai forces descended on TK Farm International Trading, a seemingly benign establishment tucked away in the Muang district of Nakhon Pathom. The farm had unwittingly found itself at the center of this international smuggling saga. As it turned out, the gorilla wasn’t traveling solo—concealed by a ruse claiming the shipment contained nothing more than 50 rabbits. However, the sharp eyes of customs officers at Istanbul Airport uncovered this ruse during routine inspections, led by…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
In a serene march from life, Khongsak Yuktasevi, the acclaimed National Artist in Visual Arts specializing in interior architecture, bid farewell to this world on a tranquil Wednesday at the venerable age of 81. Nestled in the nurturing care of Rama 9 Hospital, his departure was as elegant as the interiors he famously designed. The somber announcement came courtesy of Prasop Rian-ngern, the helmsman steering the Department of Cultural Promotion. Khongsak’s architectural genius transcended boundaries, charming the world with his exquisite designs that graced residences, hotels, hospitals, and landmark buildings across a constellation of nations, including Malaysia, Singapore, Kuwait, South Korea, and the Far East wonder of China. It was in the year 2018 that he earned the esteemed title of National Artist, a testament to his unmatched prowess and visionary artistry. Among his crowning achievements was the elegant design of the interiors of Bahrain’s royal palace, a splendid architectural…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the city’s skyline dances with modern high-rises and traditional temples, an intriguing tale of deception and detective prowess unfolded. This past Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police, accompanied by immigration authorities equipped with a Criminal Court warrant, orchestrated a meticulous raid that led to the apprehension of a young Chinese national, Minghong Tan. At just 19 years old, Tan found himself at the center of a call center scam investigation that sprawled across multiple condominium units in the vibrant districts of Hua Mak and Din Daeng. The raid’s epicenter was the Phana Place building, nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Ramkhamhaeng. Here, law enforcement officials discovered a treasure trove of high-tech paraphernalia: eight gleaming SIM boxes, cutting-edge internet routers, a switch hub, a vigilant closed-circuit television camera, and a cluster of LAN cables. It was as if the rooms had been plucked straight from a…
Picture this: the quiet evening air of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phimai district was abruptly shattered by the clang and crash of a pickup truck meeting an unwelcome fate in a roadside canal. As the clock ticked to around 8:30 PM, chaos seemed to reign supreme on Liab Khlong Chonprathan Road, near the markers stretching between kilometers seven and eight, in the otherwise serene tambon Tha Luang. The backdrop to this unexpected drama was as vivid as it was alarming. A cargo box, pivotal to the tale, lay separated from the truck, sprawling across the road, and offering an uninvited peek into its contents—cardboard boxes of precious kidney dialysis solutions, now scattered like confetti at a celebration. A certain excitement buzzed around as Pol Lt Nethirot Piyapiromchai and his team, ever-ready heroes, swooped in to save the day. Now, let me introduce you to the protagonist of this mishap, the 56-year-old driver,…
Perched atop the exhilarating heights of Khao Kradong in Buri Ram, a breathtaking vista calls to the adventurous, offering a sweeping panorama of nature’s splendor. But beneath this enchanting beauty stirs a drama as intricate as a spider’s web, involving a contentious 5,000 rai of land that has drawn the attention of Thailand’s political heavyweights. Enter Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, a staunch advocate for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), who passionately argues that this sprawling patch of land rightfully belongs to his agency. In the opposite corner stands Anutin Charnvirakul, another deputy PM, who pleads for calm and patience, urging all parties to await the solemn verdict of the Supreme Administrative Court. This whirlwind of controversy swirled into prominence when the vigilant Deputy Interior Minister, Songsak Thongsri, raised a poignant query: Could the SRT be erring in its ardent bid to reclaim the land? Songsak pointed to an…
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited has triumphantly concluded the comprehensive transformation of the former Esso service stations across the nation, symbolizing a momentous leap in their quest to deliver the Greenovative Experience. This initiative seamlessly fuses innovation and sustainability to cater uniquely to an array of lifestyles. In a grand celebratory gathering at the Bangchak Wattana Product Oil Limited Partnership service station on Rama 2 Road in Samut Sakhon Province, key executives and partners came together to bask in the glow of this achievement, painting a picture of futuristic energy services. The event was graced by a lineup of notable personalities including: Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President, Bangchak Corporation Mrs. Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President, Sustainability Management and Corporate Communications, Bangchak Corporation Mr. Bundit Hansapaiboon, Chief Executive Officer, Bangchak Sriracha Public Company Limited (BSRC) Mr. Warakorn Kosolpisitkul, Senior Executive Vice President, Marketing Business, BSRC Mrs.…
In the heart of bustling Bangkok, a vivid tapestry of determination unfolds as over 800 former employees rally together, their voices united in protest against what they perceive as a grave injustice. The stage for this compelling drama is the usually serene vicinity of the Ministry of Labour, now echoing with chants demanding fair treatment and severance pay from their erstwhile employer, Yarnapund Company Limited. The narrative began on November 26, when the company, renowned for its manufacture of exhaust systems and tooling, dropped a bombshell as abrupt as a monsoon shower, leaving its employees adrift without the safety net of severance pay. Now, in the waning weeks of 2024, these displaced workers find themselves united under a common purpose, led by the indomitable Veerasak Lupa, president of the Yarnapund Workers’ Union. The group marched into the Ministry, their petition a cry for justice and intervention. Enter Labour Minister Phiphat…
The Election Commission (EC) is gearing up for the eagerly anticipated provincial administration organisation (PAO) elections scheduled for February 1st. With preparations in full swing, Mr. Sawang Boonmee, the diligent secretary-general of the EC, recently took center stage at a trainers’ workshop, setting the tone for what promises to be a pivotal event in the nation’s calendar. During his speech, Mr. Sawang delivered a rallying cry to election officers, emphasizing the significance of readiness and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. While officers are meticulously trained, Mr. Sawang acknowledged that the ever-changing electoral landscape requires quick thinking and adept problem-solving skills to handle any curveballs that come their way. To ensure a smooth electoral process, Mr. Sawang stressed the importance of local EC offices providing unwavering support, assisting on the ground to deliver timely and precise solutions. Reflecting on past criticisms, particularly during the hotly contested 2023 elections, he…
The sun cast a warm glow over the gathering as the Election Commission ramped up efforts in anticipation of the upcoming provincial administration organisation (PAO) elections slated for February 1st. With a buzz of activity, the esteemed Mr. Sawang Boonmee, secretary-general of the EC, took to the stage at a trainers’ workshop. His mission? To ensure a smooth, glitch-free electoral process that can withstand the unpredictable nature of real-world elections. Mr. Sawang, in his characteristic candid style, highlighted the intricacies of managing elections, emphasizing that while rigorous training can cover a lot of ground, it’s the unexpected challenges that demand deft technical skills and sharp problem-solving acumen. He stressed the importance of local election offices providing unwavering support—critical, given the tight timelines and precision required. However, Mr. Sawang’s address wasn’t just an operational pep talk. It carried an undercurrent of introspection, acknowledging the wave of criticism that battered the EC,…
In a momentous stride toward revolutionizing education in the field of hospitality, Mahidol University International College (MUIC) and the illustrious Marriott International have forged a vibrant partnership, sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 20, 2024. This groundbreaking agreement aims to bolster the landscape of hospitality education while simultaneously ramping up collaboration between academia and the industry. This enthusiastic collaboration promises to open doors for students majoring in the Travel and Service Business Entrepreneurship (BM-TSB) program, providing them with enriching internship opportunities that deliver firsthand experience in the bustling realms of the hospitality industry. The prestigious St. Regis Bangkok, nestled on the picturesque Ratchadamri Road, set the stage for the grand signing ceremony. Dignitaries graced the event, including the esteemed Prof. Chulathida Chomchai, M.D., Dean of MUIC, and the distinguished Khun Priya Panjikar, Area Director of Human Resources for Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar at Marriott…