As the holiday festivities draw near, the Ministry of Public Health is preparing to submit the much-anticipated Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill to parliament next month. In a press briefing, Nipon Chinanonwait, the head of the Office of Alcohol Control Committee, shone a light on the progress of the revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act, promising that the new legislation will debut for its second and third readings in January. This drive for regulation is set to proceed in tandem with several other alcohol-related bills that await parliamentary scrutiny. A key feature of the proposed law is its stern stance against round-the-clock alcohol sales. While strict limitations on buying hours are maintained, there’s talk of revising the infamous ban on sales from 2 to 5 p.m., possibly realigning them with international norms. Such a move is expected to balance consumer convenience with public health considerations. The envisioned reforms promise rigorous enforcement measures,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a saga that reads like a gritty crime novel, the tranquil province of Prachin Buri has become the backdrop of a dramatic law enforcement operation, capturing the nation’s attention. The local hero, or rather, the anti-hero in this tale is the venerable 85-year-old Soonthorn Vilawan, president of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation. Allegations swirl around him like the mist over the lush Thai countryside, accusing him of orchestrating a vicious power play that resulted in his adopted son’s untimely demise. The morning of the operation, over a hundred officers, drawn from the elite ranks of the Crime Suppression Division, Provincial Police Region 2, and Prachin Buri Provincial Police, swarmed over five locations in a strategic “mafia cleanup” effort, turning the sleepy province into a hive of police activity. This simultaneous swoop, armed with righteous search warrants from the Prachin Buri Provincial Court, homed in on terrain closely associated…
In the bustling heart of Samut Sakhon, a sense of unease lingered over the community on Rama II Road. The date was November 29, a morning meant for just another day in the books, yet it bore witness to an unimaginable tragedy. A mighty crane carrying a substantial concrete beam surrendered to gravity, collapsing on the fateful lanes of the elevated Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo Intercity Motorway 82 (M82). It was 4:13 AM when six industrious workers met their untimely fates and nine others were left wrestling with injuries. This cataclysmic event cast a two-week shadow over one of Thailand’s vital thoroughfares. By mid-December, a herculean effort saw normalcy restored on Rama II Road. The collective resolve of various agencies and departments resulted in the meticulous clearing of the wreckage, dismantling of the fallen structure, and a complete surface overhaul — all accomplished in an impressive span of just 14 days. Apirat…
Amidst the scenic landscapes of the greater Mekong subregion (GMS), a struggle unfolds, one that necessitates cross-border and multisectoral cooperation to combat the shadowy world of illicit drugs. Enter the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), helmed by the dynamic Ghada Fathi Waly, who, in a recent discussion with the Bangkok Post, elucidated a compelling strategy. The fight against illicit drug farming, she asserted, is about much more than uprooting illegal crops—it’s about reshaping livelihoods and futures. “Imagine farmers who, amidst verdant fields, cultivate crops like opium poppies not out of malice, but out of sheer necessity to feed their families,” Ms. Waly empathized. “What they need is a sustainable way forward—a chance at legitimate incomes.” With fervor, she laid out a blueprint that involves creating scalable, sustainable livelihoods for these farmers. This means business training, market access, empowering women in rural settings, and a green-minded approach to…
Maj Gen Dr. Riengthong Nanna, the dynamic leader and owner of Mongkutwattana Hospital, recently announced a bold move that has sent ripples through the healthcare community. The hospital, known for its robust healthcare services, decided to cease treating outpatient referrals under the universal coverage healthcare card, popularly recognized as the gold card scheme. This decision is part of a strategic effort to mitigate financial losses. The gold card scheme, managed by the National Health Security Office (NHSO), has been a cornerstone in providing accessible healthcare to millions. However, according to Dr. Nanna, the NHSO has faltered on its commitment to settle outstanding debts for outpatient referrals since March, leading to a staggering 44 million baht shortfall for Mongkutwattana Hospital. “Continuing to serve referred outpatients without payment jeopardizes the hospital’s survival,” Dr. Nanna emphasized, reminiscing about a similar financial predicament in 2020 that had culminated in a 13.2 million baht debt.…
In a vibrant fusion of culture and healthcare, cancer patients can be seen twirling with their caregivers, their faces aglow with the joy of traditional dance. This scene unfolds during a lively music therapy session at a hospital in Pathum Thani, resonating with hope and resilience. Despite such inspirational moments, a storm is brewing in the backdrop. Experts are sounding alarm bells about the future of the Cancer Anywhere (CA) programme, urging the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to reconsider its continuation. Launched in 2021, the Cancer Anywhere initiative marked a significant shift in Thailand’s healthcare landscape. It brought newfound flexibility to cancer treatment by allowing patients under the universal healthcare scheme—known locally as the 30-baht gold card programme—to choose any participating hospital for treatment. This was a game-changer for many who were previously tethered to smaller, less-equipped regional hospitals. It seemed like a dream come true, as patients no…
Bangkok witnessed a remarkable moment as the city’s vibrant streets bore witness to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s announcement of her government’s accomplishments on December 12. The event marked a celebration not just of governmental milestones, but also the recognition of Ms. Paetongtarn’s formidable influence on the global stage, as noted by Forbes Magazine. Listed as one of the “100 World’s Most Powerful Women 2024,” she clinched the 29th spot globally, and impressively, third in Asia. This illustrious list sees her closely following Sandy Ran Xu, the maestro steering JD.com at the 27th spot, and Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s stalwart Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs at number 28. The Southeast Asian contingent on the list further includes illustrious names such as Ho Ching, the strategic chairwoman of Temasek Trust, sitting at 32nd; Indonesia’s financial powerhouse, Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati at 49th; Singapore’s banking leader, Group CEO of OCBC, Helen Wong, at…
In quite the dramatic turn of events at the Ministry of Culture’s office in Bangkok, Saturday saw the emergence of an unexpected spectacle. Imagine this: a bustling food court, a haven of delicious aromas and vibrant chatter, suddenly transformed into the scene of a law enforcement operation. This unanticipated Saturday showdown had all the makings of a blockbuster movie, minus the Hollywood scripts. Deep in the heart of Bangkok’s lively Huai Khwang district, a duo was apprehended for their alleged involvement in loansharking activities. These two individuals found themselves in a culinary hotspot, not for a gourmet experience, but on the radar of the Crime Suppression Division. The suspense unfolded over grilled delights and noodle bowls at the Ministry’s food court, where they were quietly collecting payments under not-so-savory circumstances. The audacious tale began to unravel when vigilant informants tipped off the authorities about a shadowy alliance dubbed the “Toh…
Imagine a land where vibrant landscapes and serene beaches suddenly find themselves caught up in nature’s unrelenting dance. Welcome to Southern Thailand, where the captivating charm of places like Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, and Surat Thani was momentarily hushed by a dramatic twist of weather. The rains! Oh, how they poured, transforming bustling towns into watery labyrinths, leaving bus and rail routes in a state of suspense. In the picturesque province of Chumphon, the flooding fairy tale spanned across Muang, Pathiu, Sawi, and Thung Tako districts. Meanwhile, over in Nakhon Si Thammarat, the relentless deluge made its presence felt in a whopping eleven districts, including Cha-uat, Chalerm Prakiat, and the quaint seaside town of Khanom. Similarly, the rains danced over Ranong, affecting areas like Kraburi and La-un, leaving the locals and visitors agog at the power of nature. The story in Surat Thani was no different. Places known for…
In the early hours of a seemingly tranquil Sunday, the serene tourist paradise of Koh Samui turned into a heart-pounding race against time. On this fateful morning, rescue workers and soldiers were locked in a courageous battle against both nature and time, striving to locate two missing Myanmar construction workers who had vanished beneath a torrent of mud after a landslide. The picturesque island, known for its sandy beaches and lush landscapes, was now the scene of a frantic rescue operation as tragedy struck at the break of dawn. The disaster unfolded at a resort development site perched precariously on a mountain slope in the quaint nook of Soi Hima Thong, nestled within the Maret sub-district. As the clock ticked towards the early hours, a sudden, thunderous roar ripped through the air, jolting eight workers from their slumber. Awestruck and terrified, they beheld the grim reality: one of their shelters…