Bangkok, the city of vibrant street life and ornate temples, is under siege—not from invading armies, but from relentless swirls of dust and pollution that cloak its skyline. Recently, this bustling metropolis was wrapped in an ominous shroud of PM2.5, those pesky fine particulate matters that are so small they could slip through the eye of a needle. It’s not Mother Nature’s prank, but rather a grave and costly affair as the city loses over 400 billion baht annually due to this toxic haze. At a recent seminar on air pollution, held under the auspices of the National Health Commission Office during the 17th National Health Assembly, experts and stakeholders gathered under the banner of “Creative Economy for Clean Air Management”. This assembly was something of a brainstorming extravaganza where the private sector, academia, and local communities casually exchanged ideas and insights as though they were swapping recipes at a…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
In the vibrant city of Bangkok, where the hustle and bustle never seem to pause, the bane of traffic congestion persists, weaving itself into the daily narratives of commuters. A recent survey, shedding light on this perennial issue, has spotlighted five intersections that transform into vehicular nightmares during rush hours. Intriguingly, this survey was orchestrated by Dataxet, a media intelligence virtuoso and news agency, known for its prowess in dissecting the digital pulse. Spanning the entirety of November, Dataxet tapped into the virtual grapevine of social media, unleashing its analytical tool, the DXT360 Essential dashboard. This handy contraption sifts through the cacophony of TV, radio, print, websites, and social platforms, offering a panoramic view of Bangkok’s traffic snafus, with intersections as the focal point. The illustrious yet infamous Asok-Phetchaburi intersection clinched the notorious title of being the most congested juncture. A convergence of major thoroughfares—Phetchaburi Road, Asok-Montri Road, and Asok-Din…
In a bid to ease the relentless traffic woes that have been plaguing commuters in northern Bangkok, the Transport Ministry is poised to unveil an ambitious proposal set to lay the groundwork for a groundbreaking expressway connector. This visionary artery, a mere whisper across urban planning boards, is soon to metamorphose into the vital Motorway 5 (M5)—an elevated lifeline stitching together the bustling Don Muang Tollway with the ever-expanding Motorway 6 that winds its path to Nakhon Ratchasima. Detailing the blueprint that has transport enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit shared candid insights into this monumental project. Envisaged as a six-lane, sky-high thoroughfare, the M5 will carve its course along Phahon Yothin Road, from the hive of activity at the Rangsit interchange in Pathum Thani to the deftly mapped out terminus at Bang Pa-in interchange in Ayutthaya. It’s not just another road; it’s a beacon of hope for…
The winds of change are sweeping through Thailand’s bustling thoroughfares as the Transport Ministry preps to roll out a ground-breaking proposal this Tuesday. Imagine an expressway that magically knits together the existing Don Muang Tollway and Motorway 6, weaving a seamless transport tapestry to Nakhon Ratchasima. If Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit’s ambitious blueprints come to life, the soon-to-be Motorway 5 (M5) will transform travel as we know it. Picture this: an elevated masterpiece of engineering stretching its six-lane span along Phahon Yothin Road. Beginning its journey at the Rangsit interchange in Pathum Thani, it gracefully snakes its way to the Bang Pa-in interchange in Ayutthaya. This marvel will stretch a mighty 22 kilometres and boast seven strategically placed entry and exit ramps, ensuring connectivity between the Don Muang Tollway and the far-reaching Motorway 6, paving a swift path from Bang Pa-In to Nakhon Ratchasima. Minister Suriya, with a twinkle of…
As the New Year unfolds, there’s a heartwarming surprise brewing in Thailand—a digital boon that promises to light up the lives of many. Picture this: 1.1 million SIM cards bundled with complimentary internet packages being benevolently handed out. It’s no ordinary gift; it’s a lifeline for those who often find themselves on the fringes of the digital divide. The pioneering minds behind this initiative are the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP). In a heartfelt statement, NBTC Commissioner Torpong Selanon shared that this initiative is crafted with a purpose—a lifeline for vulnerable groups, particularly individuals with disabilities. In today’s world, connectivity isn’t just convenience—it’s a necessity. The internet isn’t just a tool; it’s a bridge to opportunities, education, and even crucial healthcare services. Sadly, this essential resource isn’t accessible to everyone, a gap the NBTC and DEP are…
In a historic gathering that seemed to emphasize both the power of diplomacy and familial ties, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand recently waved to the cameras with a confident smile. Beside her stood Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with the majestic Putra Mosque providing a stunning backdrop in Putrajaya. This meeting wasn’t just a display of cordial relations; it was a harbinger of future collaborations that could reshape the region. One of the most intriguing announcements to emerge was the surprising revival of political giant Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor. Appointed by Mr. Ibrahim himself, Thaksin will lend his seasoned insights to Malaysia as it prepares to take on the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. Mr. Anwar, flanked by Prime Minister Paetongtarn at a press briefing, effused about this strategic move. “I have agreed to appoint Thaksin as my informal advisor on…
As the gentle hues of Monday morning began to grace Muang district in Nakhon Si Thammarat, an unusual scene unfolded—a watery world where roads turned to rivers and everyday life floated on a deluge backdrop. A photograph, captured by the ever-watchful lens of Nujaree Rakrun, illustrates the sweeping effects of nature’s relentless monsoon season. Welcome to the tale of an inundated South Thailand, where over 128,000 families have been battling the watery siege across five provinces, as reported by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Director-General Pasakorn Boonyalak took center stage, delivering news that 1,998 villages had reported flooding incidents, leaving households in Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Ranong, and Surat Thani in distress. It’s not every day you hear of a community drowning, but here we are—a living narrative of grand-scale waterworks. In Chumphon, the narrative of nature’s defiance played out in Lamae, Lang Suan, Muang, Pathiu, Phato,…
In the lively city of Nakhon Ratchasima, the bustling Pak Chong district turned somber on a chilly Monday morning as news spread of an unfortunate incident at a local fair. This wasn’t an ordinary fair; it was the winter extravaganza organized by the prestigious Lions Club Khao Yai, a much-anticipated event among the community, set against the scenic backdrop of tambon Nong Sarai. Amid the vibrant atmosphere and the melodic tunes of joyous laughter, a day of merriment took a harrowing turn when a 12-year-old girl suffered a terrifying fall from the beloved octopus ride. The incident, which occurred at roughly 8 PM on Saturday, reverberated through the fairground, drawing gasps from fairgoers and onlookers. The young girl, whose spirit undoubtedly matched the lively beats of the ongoing festivities, now finds herself under close observation in the care of the dedicated staff at Pakchongnana Hospital. Medical reports detail a list…
Take a step back in time to March 9, 2024, where the rugged terrain of Karen State in Myanmar cradles weary members of the Bamar People’s Liberation Army. After a harrowing deployment at the frontline, they seek solace in the pockets of land held by the Karen National Liberation Army. This scene, vividly captured by Reuters, hasn’t just echoed conflict but also a desperate need for peace in Myanmar’s tumultuous narrative. Fast forward to the present, and Thailand is taking bold steps. It was announced on Monday that the country will be hosting two crucial regional meetings this week, aimed at pulling Myanmar from its deep-seated crisis. The clock is ticking since the military upheaval in 2021 which plunged the nation into chaos. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is orchestrating these gatherings on Thursday and Friday, a daring feat since Thailand had proposed such talks back in October to untangle…
The heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat, a picturesque southern province, woke up to an unwelcome surprise on a Monday morning, following a tumultuous night of relentless rain. As the golden sun attempted to peek through the rain-weary clouds, the streets remained submerged under a blanket of muddy floodwater, transforming the usual Monday hustle into a soggy, slippery affair. The chaos had unfolded late into the previous evening when the skies opened up and refused to close, showering the town with a torrent that quickly rendered the roads into rivers. By 11 p.m. on Sunday, the entire Muang district found itself under siege by an unruly water army, with depths ranging from 20 to 70 centimeters across various streets. For residents in the lower-lying neighborhoods, it was even more daunting, with waters reaching heights over a meter, turning their cozy abodes into unwanted aquatic locales. As dawn broke, a report from…