Posts published in “Thailand”

One of the more heartwarming and intriguing stories recently shared on the Reddit social network revolves around a user’s endeavor to reunite his father with a long-lost love. This tale takes us back to the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War, and more specifically, to the serene yet remote northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom in Thailand. Last week, a Reddit user detailed how his father, an American, spent time near Nakhon Phanom between 1968 and 1971. He shared that during this period, his father had a romantic relationship with a Thai woman endearingly referred to as “Oi.” The user’s heartfelt post hinted at a tale of love interrupted by circumstances beyond their control, and it painted a vivid picture of a young American soldier deeply smitten by his Thai companion. The user nostalgically described growing up in a home where his father’s poignant memories of Oi were ever-present. “My dad…

A wrecked pickup truck was dramatically pulled away from a pole it had collided with in the quiet district of Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi early Sunday morning, painting a poignant picture of a life abruptly halted. (Photo: Piyarat Chongcharoen) KANCHANABURI: In a tragic turn of events, a local restauranteur and his girlfriend met a devastating end when their pickup truck crashed violently into a roadside power pole. The collision was so intense that the vehicle’s engine was forcibly ejected, landing meters away, while the truck itself became gruesomely enmeshed around the pole. The accident took place on Highway 324 (Kanchanaburi-Uthong), specifically in Ban Huai Talung village of tambon Nong Khao in the Tha Muang district, just past midnight at 12:23 am on Sunday. Upon arriving at the site, police were met with the sight of a severely mangled silver Isuzu D-Max, partially entwined with a high-power pole. Adding to the devastation,…

In the quiet early hours of Sunday morning, a heart-wrenching accident unfolded in Tha Muang district, Kanchanaburi. As the first rays of dawn kissed the earth, a tow truck worked diligently to pull away the remnants of a wrecked pickup truck that had violently met its end against a sturdy roadside power pole. On the notorious Highway 324, connecting Kanchanaburi and Uthong, amidst the sleepy ambiance of Ban Huai Talung village in tambon Nong Khao, tragedy struck at 12:23 am. The casualties were not just statistics but real people: Sitthipong Boonkerd, a 28-year-old restauranteur known for his cozy eatery, Krua Ban Ban, alongside his 26-year-old girlfriend, Arisa Nakpinpat. Both hailed from Tha Muang district, their lives tragically cut short. The scene police encountered was nothing short of catastrophic. The silver Isuzu D-Max, the once proud chariot of its owners, lay ravaged, almost unrecognizable, entwined around the power pole that had…

Tension fills the air as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin gears up for his inaugural national televised programme. The pre-recorded show, Talking to Srettha, made its much-anticipated debut on Saturday, with viewers eagerly tuning in. (Photo: @Thavisin X account) The big question on everyone’s mind: Will Srettha remain in the prime ministerial post, or will tumultuous changes sweep through the top tiers of government? The anxiety stems from an impending court ruling on Srettha’s ethical conduct, specifically concerning his controversial appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer with strong ties to Thaksin Shinawatra, to his cabinet. A survey conducted by the National Institution of Development and Administration (NIDA) released on Sunday reveals a nation divided. Out of 1,310 respondents from across all regions, 28% assert that they see no impending change in leadership, while another 28% hold a tentative belief in the continuation of Srettha’s tenure. The NIDA poll, which took place…

People eagerly lined up to receive their flu vaccinations at the bustling Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road, a scene captured in an image from the Bangkok Post. Since the dawn of this year, influenza has claimed 14 lives and infected over 180,000 individuals across the nation, as reported by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). On a recent Saturday, Director-General Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn stepped forward to dispel widespread fears about severe flu strains. He reassured the public, emphasizing that influenza is a respiratory viral infection typically presenting with mild symptoms, which can be managed with appropriate treatment. However, he did caution that in some cases, patients could develop additional illnesses, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes. Dr. Thongchai shared that a specialized team from the Disease Control Office 5 in Ratchaburi has been collaborating with local public health offices to conduct an in-depth analysis of the flu patients. This…

The 3.75-trillion-baht budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year smoothly navigated its first reading in the House of Representatives on Friday night, garnering 311 votes in favor, 175 against, and two abstentions. A diverse 72-member special House committee has been formed to meticulously examine the bill. This committee includes 18 members from the cabinet and 54 from both government and opposition parties. Their first meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, and they have a tight 30-day deadline to complete their review. Representing the cabinet, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai extended his gratitude to the MPs for their enthusiastic contributions during the rigorous three-day debate. He emphasized the importance of the special House committee considering all the recommendations thoroughly as they delve into their work. Phumtham assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring the judicious use of the limited budget, meticulously planned to foster economic growth…

The Police Commission is set to convene on Wednesday to determine if the Royal Thai Police’s decision to dismiss deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn was legally unfounded, according to a well-placed source. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also serves as the Chairman of the Police Commission, will oversee the meeting, scheduled for 3 PM. Pol Gen Ek Angsananont, an esteemed member of the commission, pointed out that should Pol Gen Surachate be reinstated as deputy police chief, which many expect, it could open a can of worms. The disciplinary sub-panel that initially approved his dismissal might find itself in hot water for potential misconduct over its decision. The saga dates back to June 17, when the sub-panel, chaired by former deputy police chief Pol Gen Winai Thongson, took under advisement the Council of State’s legal interpretation regarding Pol Gen Surachate’s dismissal. The interpretation was solicited…

Imagine unearthing a hidden treasure from millions of years ago—a secret so tightly held by the earth that its discovery sends ripples of excitement across the scientific community. That’s exactly what happened recently in the northeastern province of Kalasin in Thailand! Fossilised teeth of a Basal Tyrannosauroid were discovered by a dedicated researcher from Kasetsart University, making history as Southeast Asia’s first such find. The intrepid explorer behind this groundbreaking discovery is Wongwech Chowchuvech, a graduate student from the Department of Earth Sciences under the Faculty of Science at Kasetsart University. This remarkable find was made under the careful supervision of a stellar team: Assistant Professor Chatchalerm Ketwetsuriya of Kasetsart University, Sita Manitkoon from Mahasarakham University, and Phornphen Chanthasit, the esteemed director of the Sirindhorn Museum. Now, let’s dive into the juicy details of this paleontological revelation. When the team scrutinized the fossilised teeth, their analysis revealed something extraordinary. These…

Containers are prepared for export at the Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Chon Buri province. (File photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The economy is currently at one of its bleakest points, but economic experts expect the situation to bottom out in the second half of the year now that the national budget has been rolled out. Things usually seem to be at their worst just before they get better, and the same can be said for the Thai economy, according to Nonarit Bisonyabut, an economist at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). Mr. Nonarit said the country’s economy has entered a dark patch in the short term due to several factors, chief among them the sluggish disbursement of the national budget and high domestic and international interest rates that discourage investments. Politics a potential drag However, he said the situation will improve as global interest rates fall. The European Central Bank recently…

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is poised to ignite Thailand’s economic engine in his inaugural “Khui Kap Srettha” (Talk to Srettha) monthly broadcast. Set against the grand backdrop of Government House on a serene Saturday morning, Srettha shared his vision of a thriving economy, likening it to a 12-cylinder Ferrari currently firing on only six or seven cylinders. But with determination, he believes the government can rev up Thailand’s engine to full throttle. The premier’s first address, aired on state-owned NBT Channel 11 and simultaneously streamed on the MCOT radio network and various social media platforms, was a stirring call to arms. Srettha was candid about the challenges that lie ahead. Despite the Pheu Thai Party’s tireless efforts, he acknowledged that progress might not be as swift as hoped due to a mélange of influencing factors. “Although we always work to the best of our ability, sometimes the work slows down…