As the northern region of the country gears up for the surge of enthusiastic travelers during the colder months, vital nature preserves in the North are putting their foot down on liquor consumption, reinforcing guidelines to ensure every visitor complies. This timely action is courtesy of the stringent liquor regulation law put forth by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) back in 2021. The enforcement efforts are championed by Songkran Pakchokdee, who spearheads the StopDrink Network, an independent body committed to reducing alcohol intake. Given the expected increase in foot traffic during the chilly season, especially in upper Thailand’s national parks, a favorite among sightseers, it is essential for park officials to tighten their approach in enforcing the alcohol prohibition. But the intent behind these stern measures stems not only from creating a safe and sober atmosphere for visitors who are more interested in the scenic…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Yesterday, in Klong Toey district, a peaceful day erupted into a harrowing scene as gunshots shattered the serenity, leading to tragic circumstances. A horrifying incident unfolded in front of the TMBThanachart Bank (TTB) along Sunthon Kosa Road, resulting in a woman losing her life due to gunshot wounds and a man being critically injured. Efficiently responding to the alarming reports, the authorities arrived at the chaotic scene, wherein they discovered two young men in severe conditions accompanied by a discarded knife. Onlookers and emergency personnel gathered, their faces etched with shock and disbelief at the severity and suddenness of the assault. The details that followed painted a shocking picture of gross misfortune. According to witnesses, an argument amongst a group of university students ended in a regretful catastrophe when the angered parties drew firearms and terrorized the crowd. Upon completion of their horrifying act, the offenders took to escape down…
As we move towards the end of the decade marking the bilateral relationship between the idyllic landlocked country of Kosovo, tucked in southern Europe and the vibrant kingdom of tropical paradise, Thailand, exciting news awaits the citizen of both nations. During the ‘Thailand-Kosovo Business Collaboration Dialogue and Networking Lunch’, held gracefully at the Embassy of Kosovo in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, Ulpiana Lama, the Charge d’affaires, let slip the echoing sound of change. Lama hinted at future plans of a visa exemption scheme to mark the decade long liaison between these two strikingly different nations when speaking to the Bangkok Post. Indeed, finally dropping the curtains on ten spectacular years of diplomatic bonding surely deserves a celebration like no other – and the prospects of breaching barriers and inviting unfiltered immersion seem a fitting tribute, expressed Lama. Since the inception of diplomatic ties that took birth on the 22nd of November…
In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, a dark issue veils the city, casting long shadows even in bright daylight. According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, this city, known for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks, sadly also has the most number of reported incidents of violence against women and children. Since its inauguration on the first of November, The Human Security Emergency Management Centre, commonly known as HuSEC, has been swamped by a staggering 2,195 complaints. At the helm is Minister Varawut Silpa-archa of Social Development and Human Security. He disclosed that the majority of the calls were queries about services and welfare for the elderly, newborns, and those with disabilities. Although these concerns are important, Mr. Varawut expressed grave worry about a more woeful matter: violence inflicted on women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals. Between the 1st and the 5th of November, HuSEC…
Under the Thai skies in 2022, construction workers are at the forefront of progress, busily assembling an overpass at Na Ranong Intersection. Paid by daily wage, these hardworking individuals are the driving force of our infrastructure (Photo Credit: Pornprom Satrabhaya). Recently, a steadfast call for a flat-rate minimum wage of 492 Baht spanning the length and breadth of the country has been reiterated by a representative of the labor collective. According to Chalee Loysoong, an adviser to the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC), this proposal is far more sustainable and would result in a more significant economic uplift compared to the 10,000 Baht one-time cash infusion offered by the government. Thanks to the multiplier effect, a wage augmentation could make a world of difference. Chalee argues that such an initiative would not drive businesses away, given the country’s business-friendly environment. This demand for a unified flat wage is stemmed from…
Amid the tranquil and picturesque landscapes of Thailand, a silent if not mercurial fury roils, brought along by the moderate high-pressure ecosystem originating from the upper regions of Vietnam and the South China Sea. The Thailand Meteorological Department predicts this ensuing pressure system to grace the north-eastern territories of Thailand by this Saturday. The broad sweep of easterly winds currently reigning the eastern section, the lower central zone, and the southern expanse of Thailand also paint the weather forecast complex. Thailand’s populace, blessed with unfaltering resilience, is strongly encouraged to remain vigilant against the myriad potent dangers that the severe weather conditions might trigger. The prospects of flash floods and overflows hang over the country, especially within the vulnerable statue-like foothill regions neighboring water bodies and vast lowland stretches. The department’s call stresses unequivocally on all forms of transport to uphold the virtue of prudence & precaution while maneuvering through…
During a recent broadcast on Facebook Live, Samart Jenchaijitwanich, a representative of the Palang Pracharath Party and former assistant to the Minister of Justice, revealed a precedent-defying twist in the lifestyle of the country’s political leadership. He elucidated that no previous Thai prime ministers have claimed permanent residence at Ban Norasingh in the heart of Bangkok’s Dusit district. Samart enlightened his audience regarding the preferred residential choices of past prime ministers. They would either occupy their personal abodes or take up residence at the esteemed Phitsanulok Mansion, fondly dubbed as Thailand’s White House. This iconic structure, also nestled in Bangkok’s bustling Dusit district, has traditionally served as the official residence of the Thai Prime Minister. Incumbent Prime Minister, Srettha, identified as the nation’s 30th head of state, has intentions to unfurl his blueprint. His vision involves repurposing the Phakdibodin Building of the Government House complex into a private room for…
The Revenue Department recently highlighted that since the year 2017, an impressive tally exceeding 9.4 million tourists sought VAT refunds, contributing to an astounding total expenditure surpassing 200 billion baht. In the preceding year alone, upwards of 230,000 tourists enriched the Thai economy through their fervent spending which amounted to a staggering 11 billion baht. As a consequence, these tourists were duly compensated with a hefty tax refund quantifying 575 million baht. Fast forwarding to this year, the aforementioned count of tourists applying for refunds witnessed a significant upswing, scaling past the 1.2 million mark. In terms of figures, around 2.3 billion baht was refunded by the government as opposed to a collective spending amount totaling 42 billion baht. However, the year 2021 proved to be the sole outlier, painting a different tale altogether. As the lethal Covid-19 pandemic unfolded in full-swing, tourist spending dwindled to an unprecedented low of…
In the aftermath of the committee meeting, Srettha took the time to share a detailed outline of the project’s strategy; explaining its necessity, objectives, prerequisites, potential hurdles, and most importantly, the financing source for the project. To propel the project forward, a loan, potentially amounting to as much as 500 billion baht, could be facilitated through a royal decree or a loan authorisation act. However, before Srettha could address the media at the scheduled 2 pm conference, a feverish debate broke out during the 11.15 am committee meeting. At the heart of the discussion was the borrowed fund legislation, perceived as a critical tool to secure much-needed monetary support for the project. First to express his unease was the Bank of Thailand (BOT) governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput. He underscored the need to reconcile potential legal conflicts with the 1958 Currency Act, particularly with regards to clearly delineating funding sources and matching…
In the quaint province of Songkhla, tucked away in captivating Thailand, an under-the-radar health crisis is slowly unfolding — a surge in diabetes cases. Unseen to many, but prominent enough to raise alarm, the Health Control Office (HCO), positioned at the forefront of this battle, marked a substantial upward trend in local diabetic patients over the years. In the specific health area 12 alone, the numbers have leapfrogged from a minute 4,980 in 2021 to 5,148 the following year, culminating in a noteworthy 5,396 cases in the current year. On a larger scale, Phatthalung, Trang and Songkhla, renowned for their rich cultural heritage, found themselves leading the pack with 7,555, 6,820, and 6,219 patients in that order. Thailand’s very own Health Data Center (HDC) corroborates this rising concern, shedding light on a nationwide trend. From 7,010 cases per 100,000 population in 2021, the numbers have ascended to 7,336 the next…