Posts published in “Thailand”

Imagine strolling through the vibrant streets of Phuket’s old town, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food, the mesmerizing sound of bustling markets, and the laughter of tourists from all corners of the globe. Phuket, a gem in the crown of Thailand’s tourist destinations, attracts sun-seekers from Europe and Russia, all drawn to its golden beaches and the promise of an eternal summer. The allure of Phuket lies not only in its picturesque landscapes but in the rich tapestry of experiences it offers. However, beneath the surface of this tropical paradise, there’s a pragmatic aspect of tourism that often goes unnoticed until needed – the legal protection of its international visitors. In an innovative move to bolster the island’s appeal as a safe and just destination, the Phuket Provincial Court has announced the reopening of its tourist section. This decision comes at the helm of…

Imagine, if you will, a scene straight out of an urban jungle chronicle, where the protagonists are none other than the cheeky, mischievous, and utterly fearless monkeys of downtown Lop Buri. In an intriguing blend of modern life and nature’s untamed spirit, a press conference quite unlike any other unfolded. Framed against the larger-than-life image of a monkey, photographers captured the moment, marking the beginning of an adventurous saga orchestrated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP). Amidst swirling rumors and the bustling life of Lop Buri, the DNP finds itself at the heart of a narrative filled with curious macaques and concerned humans. Dispelling myths with the ease of a seasoned storyteller, DNP’s director-general, Atthapol Charoenchansa, steps into the limelight. On a sunny Wednesday that seemed to herald new beginnings, he unveiled a plan not just to reclaim the streets but to rewrite the relationship…

Imagine the biggest festival party in the world and the excitement that comes with it. Picture the scene at Songkran in Thailand, where revellers splash water all over each other in the ultimate festival experience. They throw powder over each other and the excitement is unreal. Suddenly, a group of students prepares for the ultimate photo opportunity on Khao San Road. Powder in hand, they’re ready to create a vibrant scene of color and joy. The atmosphere is electric and the anticipation builds. But let’s turn our attention to an incredibly important issue. The Ministry of Public Health, and health advocacy groups, are making a groundbreaking call. They want the upcoming Songkran, set to dazzle us from April 13-16, to be celebrated with an innovative twist: zero alcohol for public safety. Imagine the potential for pure, undiluted fun, where the water-dousing festivities don’t need to be fuelled by drinking. In…

Welcome to the tropics, where the warmth of the sun is always more indulgent! Thailand, the jewel of Southeast Asia, may soon redefine what it means to be “sun-soaked”. Imagine, if you will, stepping into a world where temperatures could sizzle up to a blistering 50C in the next six decades. Yes, you read that right! Assoc Prof Seree Supratid, a maestro of climate science from Rangsit University’s Center for Climate Change and Disasters, has turned the thermostat up with his predictions. In a series of posts that lit up his Facebook page like a mid-summer sun, Assoc Prof Seree shared insights that could make even the most seasoned sun worshipper break a sweat. Picture this: the number of days where the mercury boldly dares to tip over 40C is expected to leap from a mere nine to a staggering seventy-five each year. This isn’t your typical tropical tango; it’s…

In the bustling world of politics and policy, where the digital age meets the demands of the common folk, sit back as I unfold a tale that’s as engaging as it is muddling—the saga of Thailand’s 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme. The story’s protagonist, Sirikanya Tansakun, a deputy leader from the ever-vigilant Move Forward Party (MFP), recently took to the parliamentary stage with a perplexing conundrum that seems straight out of a financial thriller. Imagine, if you will, a flagship policy by the ruling Pheu Thai Party that’s akin to a tantalizing treasure chest, promising riches (well, an economic boost) but consistently eluding the grasp of its beneficiaries due to an ever-morphing source of funding. Yes, dear reader, you heard that right—the funding source has shape-shifted not once, not twice, but a bewildering five times. Sirikanya, with the steely resolve of a detective on a mission, delved deep into the…

In the vibrant, ever-evolving tapestry of Thai politics, a remarkable shift has been observed, slicing through the turmoil that has dominated headlines for the better part of two decades. Jakrapob Penkair, with the insight of a seasoned politico, shared during a candid interview that the stormy waters of Thai political strife are significantly calmer than they’ve been in the past 15 years. Pressed on whether this newfound tranquility could be credited to the Pheu Thai Party’s strategic alliance with its erstwhile rivals, the military backers, Jakrapob’s response was thought-provoking. “It’s a piece of the puzzle,” he conceded, “but the picture is more complex. We’re witnessing a seismic improvement in our political landscape, yet pinning down specifics is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.” He reminisced about a time when Thailand seemed to be a nation with dual identities, torn between an elected government and an obstinate, shadowy…

It was a scene ripe with anticipation and concern, nestled within the four walls of the committee’s monthly congregation this past Wednesday. The agenda was hefty, delving into the pulse of Thailand’s economic heartbeats – industry, commerce, and banking. Yet, amidst the rigorous dissections and dialogues, the undercurrents of an upcoming celebration – the Songkran festival – whispered tales of joy, apprehension, and hope. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the stalwart chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), painted a vivid picture of the Songkran Festival, Thailand’s herald of the New Year, anticipated to be a magnet for revelers, both local and international. The bells of celebration were set to ring louder this year, he noted. But beneath the surface of jubilation, Kriengkrai harbored a concern – the voluminous crowd might not translate into the avalanche of spending everyone was yearning for. Flashbacks to the previous year served as a grim reminder:…

It seems like the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, nestled in the heart of Thailand’s northern region, is on its way to breaking free from the clutches of air pollution, a notorious uninvited guest that has been overstaying its welcome for years. The architect behind the city’s breath of fresh air, Governor Nirat Wongsitthithavorn, in a recent engagement colored by hope and determination, shed light on the significant strides taken towards a cleaner, healthier Chiang Mai. Gathered under the high ceilings of optimism, alongside representatives from 15 consulates and consulate-general offices, Governor Nirat outlined an elaborate blueprint aimed at diminishing the grey shroud that has long loomed over the province. The master plan, he elaborated, zeroes in on the perennial problem of forest fires and agricultural burning, two notorious culprits behind the haze. But instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the strategy is as multifaceted as it is inclusive, involving local…

In the enchanting world of Baan Ratchathani School, nestled in the heart of Roi Et, a seemingly minor incident unfolded on March 16 that would ripple across the social fabric of Thai education, challenging the very foundations of hierarchical traditions. The tale begins with Wanida Rangsrisak, an educator whose passion for teaching is only matched by her commitment to her students. On this fateful day, she took to Facebook to share a peculiar message from the school’s principal that read: “I feel something inappropriate happened today – a teacher sat on my chair. Though I did not see it, while I was a teacher, I never once sat on an executive’s chair and never dared put myself at the commander’s level.” This message did not just stay within the confines of Facebook; it caught like wildfire, sparking debates and discussions on social media platforms far and wide. The incident, which…

In the heart of a bustling political drama, where the stakes are as high as the ideals that drive them, Chaithawat, the charismatic leader of the Move Forward party, took a bold stand against the tides of traditional legal maneuvers. With the gravitas of a seasoned warrior in the political arena, he made a stirring declaration that would not only shape the future of his party but also possibly redefine political activism in the country. The scene was set against the backdrop of a dramatic announcement by the Constitutional Court, which had agreed to hear a case that could potentially alter the trajectory of the Move Forward party forever. This case had its roots in allegations by the Election Commission (EC) that Move Forward had overstepped the bounds of the organic law governing political parties. The crux of their offense? The ambitious campaign spearheaded by the then party leader, Pita…