In a poignant snapshot from September 3, 2023, the image of CNS ‘Chang Cheng’—a submarine integral to Thai-Chinese military exercises in Chon Buri province—encapsulates a significant chapter in maritime defense collaboration. This formidable vessel, captured in a file photo courtesy of the Royal Thai Navy, signifies more than just technological prowess; it highlights a strategic partnership with profound implications for regional security. Recently appointed navy chief, Adm Jirapol Wongwit, is resolute in advancing Thailand’s submarine procurement project with China. Fresh from the ceremonial handover of command, Adm Jirapol expressed his determination to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, to elucidate the strategic necessity of this initiative. The admiral emphasized that the submarine program is not merely an acquisition but a cornerstone of the navy’s long-term capability-building agenda. He is committed to tackling any apprehensions the defence minister might harbor. “The navy is also ready to vigorously…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has emphatically decreed that all future electric train network plans outside Bangkok must safeguard the sanctity of historical sites within inner-city areas. This directive comes in the wake of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand’s (MRTA) ambitious proposal to develop electric rail networks across major cities like Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Phitsanulok, with an estimated combined budget of 77 billion baht. The primary objective of these projects, according to the MRTA, is to offer residents a modern public transport option aimed at alleviating chronic congestion in urban centers while enhancing access to tourism hotspots located on the outskirts. However, the proposed 30-billion-baht electric train route in Chiang Mai has stirred considerable debate, with many critics voicing concerns over the potential threat to historical sites in the Muang district. Responding to these apprehensions, Minister Suriya has suggested a balanced approach:…
The vigilance of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) bore fruit in the 2024 fiscal year as they seized an astounding amount of drugs, including crystal meth ingeniously hidden within furniture cushions. This carefully orchestrated crackdown led by the NSB set a new record, capturing over 380 million methamphetamine, locally known as ya ba, pills. That’s a whopping increase of 137 million pills from the previous fiscal year, a 56% spike that accounted for 41% of all meth pills confiscated by the Royal Thai Police over the same period. Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Khirisak Tantinvachai was quite vocal about the efforts that went into these operations. His team meticulously planned and executed sting operations targeting over 100 drug networks, resulting in the arrest of 729 suspects—an increase of 518 from the 2023 fiscal year. To add to the success, the NSB also managed to seize assets worth more than 4 billion…
The authorities have issued a fresh warning for more wet weather sweeping in from Tuesday to Thursday, signaling yet another bout of heavy rains for the already flood-weary upper North. Residents in areas that have been reeling from the deluge over the past few weeks are advised to brace themselves. According to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) secretary-general, Surasee Kittimonthon, parts of the North, the Central Plains, the East, and even Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are forecast to experience heavy downpours and gusty winds. This weather havoc is attributed to a high-pressure trough making its presence felt in the region. Adding to the tension, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has echoed similar sentiments. Residents, especially those in the upper northern provinces of Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan, as well as lower northern provinces like Phetchabun and Sukhothai, should brace for potential repeat downpours on Monday. Somkwan…
The ruling Pheu Thai Party is gearing up for a pivotal meeting with its coalition partners to advocate for a new constitution. This move comes in response to the recent Senate vote on Monday, which saw the retention of the double majority requirement needed to pass a referendum on a new supreme law. The Upper House voted 164-21, with nine abstentions, to maintain this stringent threshold. The Senate committee vetting the charter referendum bill also backed the decision. Prime Minister’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil announced that a joint committee is likely to be formed to resolve the differing opinions between the Lower and Upper Houses regarding the requisite majority size for passing a referendum on the government’s proposed rewrite of the 2017 constitution. However, this development might stretch the timeline for a national referendum, tentatively scheduled for February 2 next year, coinciding with the elections for provincial administrative organization members.…
The world needs to shift its focus toward measuring what truly matters, setting ambitious climate goals, and aligning private finances to foster a green transition. These were the core messages delivered by Niamh Collier-Smith, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, during her keynote address at the “ESG Symposium 2024: Driving Inclusive Green Transition.” The forum, hosted by Siam Cement Group at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, was a key segment of the Sustainability Expo 2024 and centered on advancing towards net zero carbon emissions through the lenses of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. In her compelling speech, Ms. Collier-Smith challenged conventional metrics of progress, advocating for the transformation from “a society that values what it measures to one that measures what it values.” She reminisced about the 1990s, a time when gross domestic product (GDP) was the prime indicator of progress, a metric…
Niamh Collier-Smith, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, emphasized the necessity of refocusing global priorities to measure what truly matters. Speaking at the “ESG Symposium 2024: Driving Inclusive Green Transition” held by the Siam Cement Group at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, she highlighted the crucial need for ambitious climate goals and the alignment of private finances to facilitate the green transition. This symposium was a significant part of the Sustainability Expo 2024, and its primary focus was the transition to net-zero carbon emissions through the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. Collier-Smith’s speech resonated deeply with the audience as she urged a paradigm shift from “a society that values what it measures to a society that measures what it values.” Reflecting on the 1990s, Collier-Smith noted that back then, global progress was largely measured by gross domestic product (GDP)—a method she described…
A daring rescue unfolded in a quiet neighborhood of Maha Sarakham province, where a highly venomous cobra decided to pay an unexpected visit to the unsuspecting residents. The reptile’s unfortunate detour was none other than a young boy’s bedroom, setting off a chain of events that would be talked about for days. Saturday morning started like any other in the serene housing estate of tambon Lao in Kosum Phisai district. But soon, the tranquility was shattered by panic-stricken cries. The pandemonium began when a 13-year-old, named Tan, discovered the uninvited guest in his room and experienced something no one ever wishes to—a snake bite. Tan’s aunt, Ms. Mayura, was just 20 meters away from the house when she heard her mother’s frantic shouts that her grandson had been bitten. A teary-eyed Tan, displaying remarkable composure, ran out of his bedroom and tactically shut the door behind him, trapping the unexpected…
A view of a car used for a bomb in Tak Bai district in Narathiwat on Sunday night. (Photo: Internal Security Operations Command via Abdullah Benjakat) The serene yet bustling Tak Bai district of Narathiwat was thrown into chaos on Sunday night when a car bomb exploded, a violent act that many believe could be eerily linked to the infamous mass killing court case. According to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Monday, “It is possible,” he stated when questioned about the connection. “The Tak Bai case is drawing significant public scrutiny as the statute of limitations is set to expire on Oct 25.” Mr. Phumtham, who also serves as the defense minister, noted that investigators are working tirelessly to determine if there’s a solid connection between this bomb attack and the upcoming court case. In the meantime, he cautioned residents in the border district to steer clear of the…
In an incident straight out of a wild adventure tale, a highly venomous cobra found its way into a boy’s bedroom in Maha Sarakham province, resulting in an unforgettable weekend for everyone involved. This chilling encounter took place in a housing estate in the tranquil tambon Lao of Kosum Phisai district early Saturday morning. The morning chaos began when 13-year-old Tan felt a sharp, searing pain on his left foot. It didn’t take long for him to understand that he’d been bitten by a snake. With a mix of adrenaline and terror, he bolted out of his bedroom and slammed the door shut, effectively trapping the slithering intruder inside. Ms Mayura, Tan’s aunt, who was about 20 meters away from the house, heard her mother’s panicked cries alerting her that something dreadful had occurred. The revelation came with the overwhelming news that her beloved nephew had been bitten by a…