As the golden sun lit up the historic city of Phnom Penh, a momentous event unfolded that showcased the flourishing relationship between Thailand and Cambodia. The peace-infused corridors of the Peace Palace played host to a vibrant mosaic of diplomacy, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with her Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet. This pivotal gathering marked the grand occasion of commemorating 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations with the unveiling of a specially crafted logo. The air was charged with a spirit of ambition and collaboration as Prime Minister Paetongtarn announced an exciting goal shared by both countries: a commitment to bolster bilateral trade to an impressive USD 15 billion over the ensuing two years. To set this endeavor in motion, Ms. Paetongtarn embarked on a significant two-day visit, underscoring the strengthening bonds between these vibrant neighbors. The atmosphere at the Peace Palace resembled a jubilant family…
Posts published in “Thailand”
It was a scene straight out of a thriller, yet starkly real—a pickup truck marred with bullet punctures adorning its rear window and stranded with a flat tire, an unwelcomed souvenir of an ambush in Songkhla’s Saba Yoi district on a quiet Tuesday morning. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat) As the southern winds carry whispers of recent unrest, Thailand’s deep South finds itself at an unsettling crossroads, where the tide of violence threatens to unsettle the delicate fabric of peace residing there. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has sounded the clarion call for security forces to elevate their game. His plea resonates with urgency: a call to action designed to stifle the cycle of bloodshed and anguish that has, once again, marked the southern border provinces with its dark ink. His words, laden with the weight of his dual role as both Deputy and Defense Minister, encapsulate his resolve to tackle the…
Picture this: a Western Hognose snake, sleek and curious, resting comfortably amidst 11 of its companions as they stowed away in parcels journeying from Taiwan to Chiang Mai in September 2019. Little did these serpentine adventurers know, they exemplified a larger issue: the clandestine trade of snakes creeping through borders. In a bid to wrangle this slippery trade and invigorate Thailand’s economy, the country’s cabinet has unfurled plans to lift the long-standing embargo on snake exports. Until now, for over three decades, Thailand’s serpentine treasures were preserved within its borders due to two pivotal resolutions from 1990 and 1991. But change is afoot. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with resolute conviction, appealed to the powers that be and successfully annulled these restrictions. The result? A new dawn for snake breeders aiming to cater to an expanding global demand, while simultaneously choking the life out of unlawful snake trading.…
Deep beneath the tranquil forests and winding paths of Mae Hong Son’s Pang Mapha district, the earth decided to stretch and flex its ancient muscles. On a regular Wednesday evening, an event was set in motion beneath the idyllic landscapes that remain untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life. The Earthquake Observation Division, eyes peeled sharply, pinpointed the epicentre of this little seismic spectacle with the precision of a cosmic cartographer. It all began with a humble rumble—a mere 3.3 on the Richter scale, yet enough to stir the pot of intrigue. It was 6:07 PM when Mother Nature gave a slight nod beneath the tambon Tham Lot, showing she hadn’t forgotten her dance routines yet. The quake was a tiny ripple in the fabric of the earth, detectable in the vicinity and compelling the residents to pause their evening routines, if only for a moment. What caused…
In a world where diplomatic relations often navigate turbulent waters, stories of international diplomacy can be as gripping as a spy novel. This tale unfolds as Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong journeyed to the Xinjiang region of China, aiming to visit the renowned Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. Their mission was of significant concern: monitoring the status of Uyghur returnees, reportedly compelled to leave Thailand and return to China on a rather tense day marked as February 27. However, the plot thickens as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai finds himself at the heart of swirling speculation. It was rumored that the United States has been playing hard to get—refusing him a visa. This alleged slight followed Thailand’s contentious decision to send 40 Uyghurs back to China, causing global heads to turn and wag fingers with disapproval. Amid mounting pressure, Minister Phumtham faced the media on a…
Amidst the relentless hubbub of busy Bangkok, backhoes tirelessly chip away at the mountainous debris of what was once the proud State Audit Office building, casting solemn shadows over Chatuchak district. This scene of determination and despair unfolds against the backdrop of a bustling city, where the dull rumble of machines harmonizes with the city’s restless heartbeat. The task at hand, both grim and hopeful, carries on under the vigilant eyes of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The tower’s proud silhouette has now dissolved into chaos—a testament to nature’s unpredictable fury, manifested in the March 28 earthquake that caught an entire city unawares. As these giant mechanical beasts clear away the remnants, the BMA’s disaster prevention and mitigation czar, Suriyachai Rawiwan, stands at the helm, orchestrating the complex dance with precision and somber resolve. His recent briefing captured not just the progress, but the poignant reality of hope intertwined with…
In a world where passports are the golden keys to adventure, Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme has been an exhilarating ticket for explorers worldwide. Imagine jet-setting into the Land of Smiles with just a backpack and a dream, all while dodging the hassle of a visa application. This scheme, a hallmark of Thailand’s tourism triumph, grants eligible foreigners a blissful 90-day stay without the bureaucratic clutter. Yet, like all good things, there’s a twist in the tale. Recent rumblings suggest that this idyllic program is not without flaws, compelling Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to hit the pause button and reassess its inner workings. During a Cabinet meeting that hummed with gravitas, Paetongtarn, at a fresh 38 years young, highlighted the scheme’s potential pitfalls. These include an upswing in troublesome visa overstays and the somewhat sneaky engagements by foreigners in job markets without proper permits. This has sparked a flurry of activity…
In the bustling Thai province of Saraburi, an intriguing investigation was set in motion. The spotlight was on a construction company teetering under the scrutiny of the Thai authorities. This drama unfolded amidst swirling rumors that the company employed an entirely Chinese workforce, which would have been an eyebrow-raising deviation from normal labor practices. The stage was set on April 22. The plot saw Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyaluck teaming up with a formidable lineup including Police Major Generals Phanthana Nuchanarot and Chairit On-orat. Together, they dispatched a search team spearheaded by the indefatigable Acting Police Lieutenant Colonel Thiwaporn Rungroj, the Saraburi Immigration Inspector. Side-by-side with Saraburi Immigration Police, the team coordinated with local law enforcement actors including the Saraburi Provincial Employment Office, Saraburi Provincial Police, Region 1 Police, and local administrative bodies in Saraburi’s Kaeng Khoi district. Their mission? To unravel the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic company that allegedly…
In a warm and sunny nook of Thailand, where crystal-clear waters embrace the lush coastline, a drama as juicy as the fruit in question rippled across the internet. The protagonist? A well-meaning Thai tour guide who unwittingly stirred up online tidal waves by sharing a seemingly innocuous video on TikTok. Her video depicted an act of hospitality by her team, which offered fresh fruit to tourists, a-la floating style, as they reveled in the salty embrace of the sea. However, what was meant to be seen as a tender gesture of care akin to serving family members soon turned into a tempest of criticism. The video, once live, ignited controversy faster than you can slice a watermelon. Despite the original post being removed, screenshots resurfaced like stubborn barnacles on the internet, capturing the moment forever. As the footage spread, online communities splashed critiques and comments all over the place, expressing…
As the alluring island of Phuket approaches the conclusion of its dry season, the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is turning up the volume on their appeals for water conservation. Coinciding with Earth Day yesterday, April 22, the PWA sent out a heartfelt public message, urging the island’s residents to embrace mindful water-use habits and to report any burst pipes immediately. The goal? To emphasize that every drop is precious in the battle against dwindling water supplies. “Clean water is not only vital for sustaining life,” said a spokesperson from PWA, “but it serves as the foundation upon which our economic, social, and environmental systems are built.” In line with this message, residents are encouraged to make small but impactful changes in their water usage habits. Some suggested water-saving strategies include turning off taps while brushing teeth, installing low-flow showerheads, rinsing produce in containers rather than under running water, reusing laundry…