Posts published by “Editorial Team”

In a world increasingly fraught with the untamed forces of climate change, nations must rally together, particularly those like Thailand, which find themselves at the mercy of shifting tides and temperature spikes. At the helm of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, Mr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich has called for a more vigorous campaign to seize financial aid, specifically through the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG). This initiative, championed by economically robust nations, is designed to aid poorer or developing countries embroiled in the climate crisis. During the recent UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, held in Azerbaijan, world leaders with enlightened persistence proposed an increase in the funds developed nations are urged to contribute. This proposal is truly revolutionary, urging contributions of at least US$300 billion annually to developing countries by 2035, a stark rise from the $100 billion annual target set for 2025. Mr. Phirun underscores that…

In a bustling Bangkok bank, a teller counts crisp Thai banknotes, emblematic of an economy poised on the verge of a potential tax overhaul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself amidst a whirlwind of criticism and concern, as the Finance Ministry toys with the notion of doubling the nation’s value-added tax (VAT) from its long-standing rate of 7%. A murmured proposal of a 15% hike has stirred significant public unrest, prompting the Prime Minister to express, “I understand the plight of the people if VAT were to be raised.” Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who also carries the responsibilities of a deputy prime minister, assured that more details would soon emerge regarding the proposal. On an ordinary Wednesday, Mr. Pichai stated, “We are merely studying the possibility, considering global tax trends, and weighing potential pros and cons to ensure public favor.” VAT, since its inception in 1992, has steadfastly remained at…

For fifty years, the vision of harnessing nuclear power in this region has been more of a persistent dream than an actionable reality. But hold on to your hats, folks, because we’re teetering on the brink of a nuclear-powered breakthrough like never before! This month is poised to be a seminal moment as the Energy Regulatory Committee (ERC), our national energy watchdog, is gearing up to strike an MOU (that’s Memorandum of Understanding for us non-bureaucrats) with the Office of Atoms for Peace. Their mission? To figure out the nuts and bolts of regulations essential for kickstarting a nuclear power project. Forget those monstrous old-school reactors; this plan revolves around sleek, high-tech small modular reactors (SMRs). You know what they say about small packages and great things, right? The mighty SMRs are the centerpiece of the “Power Development Plan 2024”, a visionary strategy to weave atomic energy into our energy…

In the vibrant district of Hat Yai, located in the charming province of Songkhla, a heartfelt gathering took place at the Na Khuan water gate at the mouth of the Bhuminathdamri canal. This gathering was not just a simple assembly, but a poignant tribute, an expression of profound respect and unwavering loyalty to the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. The occasion? A dual celebration marking the late king’s birthday and National Father’s Day, which gracefully occurred on the past Thursday. The air was filled with reverence, and the aura of the place was captured beautifully in a photograph taken by Assawin Pakkawan. Across the length and breadth of Thailand, on this special day, there was a nationwide outpouring of respect and commemoration for the beloved monarch. Thai people, radiating warmth and gratitude, came together to make merit and honor the legacy of His Majesty King Bhumibol,…

In a delightful celebration of cultural richness, the kebaya, a stunning traditional garment that has adorned women in Southeast Asia for generations, has been bestowed with an exceptional honor. Unesco has declared the kebaya an intangible cultural heritage item, a recognition that not only highlights its beauty but also its profound cultural significance. The announcement came during a gathering of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the vibrant city of Asuncion, Paraguay. With Thailand’s Culture Minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, proudly sharing the news, this accolade reflects a collaborative effort between five countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The formal declaration of “Kebaya: knowledge, skills, tradition, and practices” as a cultural treasure by the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization isn’t just a nod to its elegance; it is an acknowledgement of a shared cultural tapestry. The kebaya, a beautifully tailored garment, fuses intricate embroidery…

In a dramatic turn of events, police officers, committed to unravel the depths of a disturbing underworld, have brought to light an intricate operation allegedly involving two young women and a series of unsettling crimes. These women, Nalatporn, 22, and Panida, 21, who until now have navigated their lives perhaps under an unnoticed veneer of normalcy, find themselves at the epicenter of a serious human trafficking scandal. It’s a narrative chilling in its implications, tracing grim paths from the serene rolling hills of northern Thailand to the bustling, neon-lit avenues of Bangkok. The story unfolds like a dark thriller. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), perhaps acting on a tip or following the shadowy trails left by unscrupulous acts, swooped down on Nalatporn at a massage parlor in the heart of Suphan Buri province. Meanwhile, Panida was cornered in the mirrored corridors of a Bangkok condominium. Arrest warrants had been…

The hushed cityscape of Bangkok is sometimes only disturbed by the sound of traffic moving along its famous Thai-Japanese bridge. But in the early hours of Thursday, this tranquility was shattered by a tragic incident involving a luxury car and a motorcycle, which sadly left a female rider lifeless and her bike in ruins. As the moon stood high, casting its silvery glow over Rama IV Road, a story unfolded that would not soon be forgotten. At its center was a Mercedes-Benz, its once-impeccable front marred by damage, remnants from a catastrophic collision. The vehicle, bearing the unmistakable marks of Bangkok’s prestigious streets, stood like a specter of the night, silent yet echoing the calamity of moments prior. Inside the hallowed halls of this high-profile machine sat Punnamee, a 44-year-old executive known within elite circles of a renowned cosmetic clinic. His evening, one that began with the effervescence of a…

In a significant step towards easing the congestion woes of Bangkok’s bustling streets, the cabinet has given the green light to the eagerly anticipated 35-kilometer M9 motorway project. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced this development, revealing an ambitious plan to connect the vibrant Bang Khunthian district with Nonthaburi’s busy Bang Bua Thong district. This substantial project carries a hefty price tag of 47.5 billion baht under a public-private partnership (PPP), paving the way for smoother traffic on the western flank of the well-traveled Kanchanaphisek Road. The unique investment strategy chosen for this monumental task is the PPP Net Cost model, where private partners, selected through a competitive bidding process, shoulder the lion’s share of construction costs. Their payoff? The exclusive rights to collect toll fees over the next three decades once the motorway swings open its gates approximately four years from now. According to Minister Suriya, bids are likely to…

As the vibrant city of Bangkok grapples with an intensifying cloud of PM2.5 pollution, The People’s Party (PP) has sounded the alarm, urging the government to take urgent action. With dust levels soaring across all of Bangkok’s 50 districts, residents are being braced for a grim stretch of harmful air quality until Saturday. The PP’s outspoken leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, has voiced deep concerns for the city’s inhabitants, who now find themselves living under a thick, choking haze. Referencing statistics from the Royal Forest Department, Natthaphong revealed the disturbing discovery of 306 hotspots across the nation between December 1st and 3rd, with a staggering 93% (or 284 hotspots) nestled in agricultural zones sprawled across the heart of Thailand—in the central, lower northern, and northeastern regions. The current wind patterns—sweeping from the north to the south, and east to west—have become unwitting accomplices in this ecological drama, corralling dust particles from these…

In a recent move to bolster healthcare accessibility, the esteemed National Drug System Development Committee has expanded its national list of essential medicines, allowing more individuals to receive crucial treatments at no added cost. Stepping up to the plate, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the roster now includes over 20 additional essential drugs, a boon for those in desperate need across the nation. This enhanced catalog not only opens doors to vital treatments but also offers a wide array of medical solutions. Among the noteworthy additions are injectable medications specifically tailored for severe psychiatric patients, effective aids for those seeking help to quit smoking, and, notably, drugs for abortion, aligning with Thai law’s provisions permitting terminations up to 20 weeks into pregnancy. These offerings reflect a significant step forward in addressing pressing healthcare needs with compassion and legality. The committee’s update wasn’t limited to new drug inclusions. Delving…