In an impressive resolve displayed by the local police, four individuals alleged to be involved in harrowing acts of child sex trafficking have been taken into custody in the regions of Bangkok and Samut Prakan, as per an official police notification today. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) of the local police made the arrest of the two primary suspects possible. The duo were under a Criminal Court arrest warrant that had been activated on September 6. The alleged perpetrators, Noppadol Chanthong aged 40, and 51-year-old Khachaporn Khlainakpheuk, stand accused of sponsoring and mobilizing human trafficking, driving profit from prostitution, and luring or enticing minors below the age of 15 into explicit sexual enterprise. Two other alleged collaborators in this distasteful trade, 41-year-old Warit Wattanawongchai who administrates a website, and website proprietor Pheeraphon Jaensapsin, also 41, were subsequently apprehended by authorities as part of the sex trafficking circle. These two…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Two esteemed Thai ministries – the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education – are garnering considerable attention and praise for their unwavering commitment to eliminate alcohol from retirement parties for their retiring employees after this month. This prominent initiative, now in its seventh year, was put in place as a direct response to continuous advocacy from notable institutions such as the StopDrink Network Office, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, as well as an active group of educators dedicated to championing a society devoid of alcohol consumption. This disciplinary policy has been steadfastly upheld by Suttipong Juljarern, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. On August 28, he issued an authoritative mandate reaffirming the policy to the provincial leaders and various departments under the Ministry’s jurisdiction. Echoing this stance, Suthin Kaewpana, the deputy permanent secretary of the Education Ministry promptly…
In a strategic move aimed at promoting tourism and strengthening ties, Thailand and Laos have begun deliberations on creating interconnected tourism routes and hastening the construction of a second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Pak Chom district, Loei. The discussions were held in the recently concluded 20th Thai-Lao border security meeting at the upscale S Vangvieng Boutique Hotel, featuring Tawee Sermpakdeekul, Loei’s Governor, and Khamphan Sithidampha, Governor of Vientiane province in Laos. Notably, the high-profile meeting brought together not just the Governor of Loei but also other prominent figures such as the deputy governor, Narong Jeenam, 28th military circle chief Major General Prich Sukantasri, and several other officials. The key focus areas of the meeting were facilitating tourism promotion, fostering cultural exchanges, and fortifying economic, social, and security collaborations with Laos. In line with this move, the Thai government has recently decided to grant visa-free entry to Chinese visitors. This has…
In a telling revelation, recently compiled data by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has pointed towards an unsettling perception held by a significant segment of Thai residents – a suspicion of potential collusion between state officials, including the police department, and influential figures reputed for mafia-like activities. This comprehensive survey was orchestrated and implemented between September 12 to 14, encompassing over 1,310 participants exceededing 18 years of age. Education, occupation, and income levels varied significantly in this participant pool, ensuring a myriad of perspectives representative of the diverse Thai population. The survey essentially aimed to map out the prevailing perception of any unholy nexus that may exist between state officials and entities dabbling in the obscure. When probed about the existence of mafia-like influential individuals within their province boundaries, nearly half of the participants, marking a precise 49.54%, denied any such presence. However, a considerable 26.34% pointed fingers…
In a bid aligned with the global wellness trend, Phuket’s key sectors – tourism and property development, have urged the Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, to promptly consider their proposition for an Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC). This strategy is envisaged to give a facelift to the tourism niche and stimulate associated investments. This was brought to the fore during Mr Thavisin’s recent visit to the provinces of Phuket and Phang Nga. The Prime Minister interacted with the locals and sought input from private sector representatives on viable tourism promotion initiatives. Kan Prachumphan, the chief executive officer of Beach Group and Andaman City Development Co, was among the business leaders who, in response, revealed the AWC suggestion. The AWC concept, which took shape during the tenure of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, proposes the establishment of a corridor that would envelope the six Andaman provinces. The province list includes Phuket, Krabi,…
The promising dawn of progression is casting its radiant glow over the Chaiya region, as the influencers and decision-makers of Surat Thani province have vowed to inject a robust 60 million baht directly into the creation of a state-of-the-art pier. The captivating news cut through the air in the voice of Governor Witchawut Jinto of Surat Thani, who revealed with a sense of great importance that the construction venture would activate without further delay. The envisioned pearl of infrastructure is set to take root adjacent to a lush public park within the heart of Tambon Phum Riang’s societal bloom. The aesthetically pleasing architectural sketches of the Chaiya Pier have won the approval of the Marine Department. The mission to construct and operate this marvel, designed to captivate the senses, has been graciously bestowed upon the provincial administrative organization. Witchawut revealed his unwavering belief in the potential of the new development…
Cholnan Srikaew, acting in his capacity as Thailand’s Public Health Minister, has cautiously unveiled the government’s intention to trial a groundbreaking approach to the nationally funded universal healthcare (UC) programme. This proposal, devised through comprehensive strategy planning and discussions with sector experts, enables UC members to exercise unparalleled flexibility in their choice of healthcare provider. More specifically, UC members will soon have the option to utilise their healthcare coverage at any eligible hospital across the nation. Prior to the nationwide roll-out of this innovative approach, the scheme will first be tested within a select few health zones, areas already well equipped to facilitate this shift in operational structure and resources. A total of 13 formal health zones exist in Thailand, a figure that includes the bustling capital city, Bangkok. These zones are essentially grouped provinces, thus ensuring a broad, comprehensive demographic reach. The final call on which zones will pilot…
Intriguing developments are underway at Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, as the formation of a dedicated panel to evaluate the finer details of a newly proposed cannabis bill has been announced. The unshakeable stance from the ministry remains that cannabis should solely be utilized for medicinal reasons and health benefits. The authority re-emphasized that the use of cannabis for recreational enjoyment should remain off-limits. Public Health Minister, Cholnan Srikaew, affirmed the necessity of a defined law to govern the production, distribution, and usage of cannabis. The intended law’s objective would be to ensure the plant’s usage strictly remains within the health and medicinal domain, keeping its recreational usage strictly out of the equation. However, this firm standpoint from the ministry does not put a damper on the actions of the Bhumjaithai Party. As an independent political entity, the Party had already brought a cannabis and hemp bill before parliament, securing…
Brace yourselves, as a series of temperature fluctuations ranging from 26 to 35 degrees Celsius have been forecasted. A stern warning was issued against the anticipated extreme weather conditions, which could potentially trigger flash floods in the precincts of foothills and overflow in numerous waterways in low-lying regions. A formidable monsoon trough is looming over the northern, upper central, and northeastern bits of Thailand. Concurrently, a low-pressure zone has encapsulated Myanmar, coupled with a moderate monsoon originating from the southwest, stretching across the expanse of both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. These meteorological conditions are responsible for the changing weather patterns in the above-mentioned areas. Angular winds are sweeping across the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, which is making the waves oscillate between one and two meters. The tumultuous weather during thunderstorms is even making these waves tower over two meters in height.…
Recognizing the significant value of “soft power” in promoting a nation globally, the previous government of Thailand had launched an innovative strategy called the “5Fs.” This initiative aimed at heightening Thailand’s international reputation, not just by bolstering tourism, but also by providing visitors with a more profound and rewarding experience. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) looks forward to utilizing this approach as a means to foster a more sustainable tourism model in the country. The “5Fs” strategy stays highly focused on digital promotions, unfolding a myriad array of promotional events that aim at initializing an exciting and fulfilling interaction with Thailand for global tourists. Such a comprehensive approach is projected to generate a remarkable revenue of 2.38 trillion baht from tourism sector alone within this calendar year, as per the targets set by TAT. In order to materialize the “soft power” tourism promotional programs, TAT has brought in various…