Posts published in “Thailand”

Some exciting times are brewing at the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) as they’re rolling full steam ahead with plans for a major investment in the Inland Container Depot located in Bangkok’s bustling Lat Krabang district. After years of delays, the project train seems to be right on track. If murmurs from SRT governor Veeris Ammarapala are anything to go by, a contract signing is expected to chug along before the year closes out. Just last Thursday, the board gave a green light to a fresh study unveiling a business road map that took the form of a public-private partnership—or PPP, if you’re on a first-name basis—a model where the private player collects the booty and splits some doubloons with the state. This framework aims to ensure the depot not only scratches financial viability but turns it into a runway success. The brains of Thammasat University conducted this study, tossing…

In the bustling city of Bangkok, along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, passengers aboard ferries can be spotted donning face masks. This precaution is not only against the looming threat of Covid-19 but also the ever-present specter of ultra-fine dust pollution. Even in the crisp air of a January morning, the city doesn’t let its guard down. Fast forward to today, the Public Health Ministry of Thailand is on high alert. Not letting its defenses slide for even a moment, it is vigilantly monitoring a new adversary: the rapidly spreading XEC variant of Covid-19. This latest mutation has raised eyebrows and quickened pulses, as current statistics reveal that it transmits at a dizzying pace—seven times faster than the conventional flu. Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has sounded a call to arms, rallying resources and human efforts to shield those most susceptible to this viral onslaught, particularly within schools. Minister Somsak…

In the spotlight of a complex crossroads stands Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, poised to make a pivotal decision that could chart the course of Thailand’s defense strategy. With the clock ticking, Wechayachai finds himself at the helm of the 13.5-billion-baht submarine procurement project, a contentious deal that has lingered in the nation’s discourse like an unsolved mystery waiting to unfold. Originally inked under a government-to-government treaty with the industrious China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co., the submarine saga is not just a tale of maritime engineering but one that’s tangled with international diplomacy, national pride, and meticulous planning. Construction of the sleek underwater behemoth was sailing smoothly until the waters muddied with the Covid-19 Pandemic’s sudden arrival, causing an unexpected halt. Just when it seemed the voyage might continue, an engine saga of epic proportions blew in strong gales of uncertainty. The original script called for the heartbeat of the…

Amid the hustle and bustle of Thailand’s capital, a new chapter of urban transport unfolds. A sleek, pink monorail effortlessly glides through the skyline, its motif blending perfectly with the vibrancy of the city. This is the Pink Line monorail, now extended to the sprawling venues of Muang Thong Thani, a place synonymous with events that draw throngs of people from everywhere. As of May 2025, this newly minted stretch of the Pink Line promises to do much more than merge points A and B—it’s set to revolutionize how people experience travel in this dynamic cityscape. The ribbon was officially snipped on a bustling Tuesday, marking the extension’s grand opening, an occasion eagerly anticipated by local commuters and event-goers alike. Until June 16, the curious and the daily commuters enjoy a golden opportunity: free trial rides. Such offerings often mean crowded cars filled with laughter and snapshots, as passengers savor…

The critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Songkhla Lake faces a precarious future, with their population dwindling to a mere 17. This alarming decline has spurred the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment into action, racing against time to rescue this beloved species and rejuvenate the lake’s delicate ecosystem. On a recent visit to the lake, Minister Chalermchai Sri-on was emphatic about the need to balance conservation efforts with development, to mesh the ecological and economic future of the area seamlessly. Irrawaddy dolphins are among the rarest marine mammals, and Songkhla Lake is one of the few freshwater sanctuaries they inhabit. However, these dolphins are teetering on the brink of extinction, raising the stakes for conservationists and local authorities committed to their survival. Singular in its resolve, the ministry has rolled out a comprehensive 10-year conservation initiative spanning from 2024 to 2033. This ambitious program is set on three robust pillars:…

Amidst the tranquil surroundings of Thailand’s famed Wat Rai Khing, a storm brewed that now captures national headlines. Since May 17, the serene façade has been overshadowed by a financial controversy of immense proportions. The former abbot, now a figure of intrigue, finds himself ensnared in the nets of justice, as police dig deeper into a sprawling embezzlement case that has left the public reeling. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with anti-corruption bodies, stormed into Wat Rai Khing following the whisper of extensive financial anomalies and undisclosed monetary trails. Their return on Tuesday marked a critical step in the probe, as they sifted through a labyrinth of financial documents, unearthing the temple’s multifarious bank accounts. In a sensational twist, investigators discovered an incredible tally of 49 accounts—far surpassing the meager four officially declared to the National Office of Buddhism. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew of the CIB minced…

Excitement buzzes in the air as the 3.78-trillion-baht budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year takes center stage, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra proudly announcing its approval on a bustling Tuesday in May. After intense scrutiny by none other than the sharp-eyed Council of State, the government’s trusty legal arm, the bill gets the green light from the cabinet. The flickering lights of the House of Representatives will soon witness the first reading of this colossal bill, scheduled for May 28-30. Ms. Paetongtarn, having rolled up her sleeves for earnest discussions with coalition parties, believes all parties are aligned. “Coalition parties see eye to eye on the bill,” she confidently declared, hinting at a hopeful consensus that feels as idyllic as a summer breeze. Songkram Kitlertphairoj, one of the prime minister’s top advisors, chimed in with assurances about the government’s readiness to dive deep into discussions, unwrapping the layers of…

Navigating the intricacies of economic policies can often feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle with pieces that seem to change shapes spontaneously. Recently, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself at the heart of such a conundrum as she defended the government’s decision to delay the third phase of the ambitious 10,000-baht cash handout programme. Initially aimed at offering financial relief to the nation’s elderly following its pledge in the recent election, the project has hit a snag due to unexpected global economic tremors. In a session peppered with probing questions and pointed criticisms, Ms. Paetongtarn stood firm, articulating that the unforeseen economic whirlwind stirred by the US’s reciprocal tariff policies has forced a recalibration of priorities. These external pressures have left many economies, Thailand included, navigating choppy waters. “When faced with circumstances beyond our control, adaptability becomes our greatest strength,” she stated, in her hallmark blend of resolve…