Welcome to Maishima, where fantasy meets reality in a tale that’s anything but trashy. Nestled near Japan’s bustling Osaka city, the Maishima Incineration Plant is not your average waste disposal facility. No, sir. Conjured up by the imaginative genius of the late Friedensreich Hundertwasser, a Viennese architect who wore his environmental heart on his sleeve, this facility is turning heads and changing minds about what waste management can look like. Imagine stepping onto a man-made island, where instead of dragons and castles, you’re greeted by a building so whimsically designed it could rival the most fantastical theme parks. That’s Maishima for you. With its kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, this incineration plant looks more like a work of art than a place where garbage goes to retire. But don’t let its playful exterior fool you; this place is serious about tackling waste head-on. Each year, 12,000 curious souls visit this…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a world where health concerns constantly evolve and emerge, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has recently cast a spotlight on a medical conundrum that sounds like it’s straight out of a science fiction horror story – necrotising fasciitis. Fondly (or rather, fearfully) referred to as the “flesh-eating” disease, this rare but ferocious bacteria shows no mercy as it ravages its way through the body, threatening life itself. But before you cloak yourself in bubble wrap and swear off all human contact, let’s dive into the heartening news from the DDC. Hold your breath – as of this year, Thailand remains untouched by this terror. Yesterday, against a backdrop of growing concerns fueled by an unsettling uptick in cases in Japan, the DDC stepped forward with an assurance that felt like a gentle pat in times of panic. With an investigative lens zoomed in on Japan, where…
Step into the enchanting world of Pornpawee, a pioneering Mandarin teacher weaving the traditional and the contemporary into an extraordinary language learning experience. Unlike any traditional classroom, Pornpawee’s sessions are a delightful fusion of conventional teaching methods and cutting-edge modern techniques, including captivating computer word games that not only make Mandarin learning accessible but absolutely fun. But Pornpawee doesn’t stop there. With a keen eye on the pulse of fashion, she blends the latest trends with her teaching, making her classes not just educational, but stylish. Her unique approach spills over to TikTok and Instagram, where she dazzles her followers with short, engaging videos on Mandarin learning, Chinese culture, and, of course, fashion. Dressed in enchanting traditional Chinese attire, hanfu, she brings a distinct flair to language learning that sets her apart in the vast digital landscape. “Learning Mandarin for me was akin to finding a key – a key…
Welcome to an enthralling episode right out of the intricate alleys of Bangkok, where intrigue, mystery, and legal drama intertwine amidst the vibrant backdrop of Thailand’s bustling capital. Our story unfolds with a determined lawyer, ready to unveil a compelling case that could rattle the very foundations of the Royal Thai Police. This tale of controversy, allegations, and the quest for truth takes us to the heart of Bangkok’s Tao Poon Police Station come Monday. Our protagonist, a lawyer armed with evidence as sharp as his wit, stands poised to challenge none other than Pol General Torsak Sukvimol, the formidable Royal Thai Police chief, and his spouse. The crux of his claim? Allegations of entanglements with two individuals, labeled as “money mules,” namely “Kachacharn” and “Nattapong”. He accuses the police chief’s wife of pocketing “several millions of baht” from no less than 38 mule bank accounts from 2019 to 2023,…
In a scene straight out of a blockbuster movie, commuters found themselves embarking on an unexpected journey last Thursday as they were forced to walk along the tracks of the Yellow Line after their driverless monorail unexpectedly came to a screeching halt between stations. This hiccup was far from over as the line encountered additional hiccups into Saturday, adding a twist to the urban transit narrative that Bangkok’s residents didn’t see coming. Saturday unfolded with a ripple of inconvenience as six pivotal stations along the Yellow Line temporarily shut their doors. It seemed the monorail’s operator was caught in a tangled web of mechanical misfortunes, affecting the seamless flow of urban life. From adjusting train schedules between Lat Phrao and Si Kritha stations, to halting services from Si Iam to Samrong station, commuters faced a checkerboard of closed stations, including Hua Mak, Kalantan, Si Nut, Srinakarin 38, Suan Luang Rama…
Picture this: you’re gliding along the high-tech corridors of Bangkok’s Yellow Line, whisking through the city with the kind of efficiency that makes you marvel at modern engineering. But suddenly, your driverless chariot of innovation grinds to a dramatic halt. This isn’t the beginning of a sci-fi flick; it’s what happened to commuters on a Thursday, leaving them to trek along the tracks between stations. And by Saturday, the plot thickened with the temporary closure of six stations, weaving a tale of urban transit woe that could only happen in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. The Yellow Line, an emblem of city progress and convenience, faced unexpected challenges when not one, but two incidents threw a wrench in its seamless operations. The journey between Lat Phrao and Si Kritha stations, along with the stretch from Si Iam to Samrong, turned into an adventure, as train schedules were shuffled like a…
“` Ah, the stage was set for a riveting tale of diplomacy, military camaraderie, and a hint of nostalgia as Thailand’s Defence Minister, Sutin, met with South Korea’s counterpart, Shin Won-sik. Picture this: two key players from nations with robust military legacies, coming together not just to reminisce about the past but to forge a future teeming with promise for the defence sector. Sutin couldn’t help but express his keen interest in a collaboration that seemed written in the stars. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) of South Korea, with its impressive track record, had caught Thailand’s eye. “The Defence Ministry is particularly interested in cooperating with the DAPA, and we expect mutual benefit for both countries in promoting the defence industry,” Sutin highlighted, envisioning a future where both nations’ defence capabilities were not just improved but interlinked. He showered praises on South Korea’s defence prowess, with DAPA playing a…
Imagine stepping into a realm where the ancient art of Shaolin intertwines with the serene beauty of Koh Phangan. This is exactly the scene that was unfolding at a cozy house on the island, where the energy of martial arts infused the tropical air. Here, 37-year-old Somphet Daoheuang, a spirited German national, was at the heart of a unique “Shaolin experience” course, engaging participants with skills that transcended the ordinary workout sessions they were used to. The serene island of Koh Phangan, known for its vibrant full-moon parties and tranquil yoga retreats, found itself at the center of a captivating venture. Participants, each having invested 9,000 baht, embarked on a journey with Somphet to explore the depths of Shaolin, a martial art that is not just about physical prowess but also mental fortitude. The scene was set for an enlightening experience, combining the discipline of Shaolin with the laid-back vibe…
Imagine stepping into a world where the art of trade isn’t just about exchanging goods, but about weaving a complex web of agreements that span the globe, embracing countries from the frosty peaks of New Zealand to the bustling markets of India. This is the world of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and Thailand is one of its adept navigators, albeit with challenges and competitors breathing down its neck. At present, Thailand boasts participation in no fewer than 15 active FTAs, covering a grand total of 19 countries. This includes six bilateral agreements that are akin to handshakes between old friends – agreements with countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Peru, and Chile. These are not just documents gathering dust in some governmental archive; they are living, breathing entities that fuel Thailand’s economy. However, the dance of diplomacy doesn’t stop there. Thailand is also a proud member of eight regional…
Imagine this: over 3.5 million active individuals, each with a story, dreams, and a desire to pursue education, collectively owing a whopping 454.64 billion baht. This isn’t the plot of a blockbuster movie; this is the reality of the Student Loan Fund (SLF) in Thailand. Add to this a former cast of 5.3 million borrowers, nearly half of whom have found themselves in the grip of default, and you have a situation that’s less than ideal. Why, you might ask? The reasons are as complex as they are compelling. Think of it as a perfect storm: an economic downturn that feels like a never-ending monsoon, the rising cost of living that’s scaling quicker than your favorite rock-climbing wall, and the cherry on top, the challenging quest for a job post-graduation that feels more like a quest for the Holy Grail. Enter the hero of our story, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.…