In an exciting fusion of culture and literature, the Ukrainian Embassy, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), has proudly unveiled the inaugural “Ukrainian Bookshelf” nestled within the welcoming walls of the Bangkok City Library located on the vibrant Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. This ambitious initiative is much more than a mere collection of books; it serves as a gateway to understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of Ukraine’s cultural fabric, stretching across time and space. A promenade up to the library’s second floor reveals a treasure trove of knowledge and creativity, with around 70 carefully selected books awaiting eager minds. These literary treasures transcend language barriers, as they are presented in Ukrainian, English, and Thai, catering to a diverse audience. Each book is a portal to myriad aspects of Ukraine’s storied past, vibrant culture, and thriving creative scene, offering readers a chance to explore the soul of a nation…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Thailand is gearing up for a significant milestone in its economic journey by setting its sights on joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, the country is on track to submit its Initial Memorandum this December, a crucial step on the OECD Accession Roadmap. This process will involve a thorough review of Thailand’s laws, policies, and practices as the nation prepares to embrace OECD membership, with a target completion date set for 2030. Thailand’s enthusiasm for this endeavor was palpable at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) in Paris this past Tuesday. This marked Thailand’s debut participation as an OECD Accession Country, a significant honor and responsibility. The prestigious gathering was held under the theme “Leading the way toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable prosperity through rules-based trade, investment, and innovation.” Over 55 countries and international organizations were represented, including Costa Rica, which…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a tale of economic renaissance is unfolding, spinning the threads of controversy and opportunity into the fabric of Thailand’s future. Picture this: A grand assembly of anti-casino demonstrators, passionate and vocal, gathered at the steps of parliament, voicing their concerns in the warm April sunlight. Their banners and chants resounded against the backdrop of the city’s towering skyline, a scene captured deftly by the lens of Pornprom Satrabhaya. At the epicenter of this drama is the government’s ambitious proposal for an entertainment complex, a dazzling fusion of casino and cultural allure projected to serve as a locomotive for economic advancement. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, the herald of this venture, unveiled the conception of the “Thailand Entertainment Complex” with a gusto that promised to rejuvenate the tourism sector and propel economic growth. His words echoed with conviction as data from the Finance Ministry forecasted…
Last month, officials were seen collecting water samples from one of northern Thailand’s rivers, casting a concerned eye over a grave environmental issue looming over the region. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has raised the alarm after confirming perilous levels of arsenic and other heavy metals polluting the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers. Tracing the sinister trail of contamination, they pointed fingers at upstream mining operations across the border in Myanmar’s Shan State. The PCD has brought to light the findings from their three rigorous rounds of water and sediment sampling conducted between March 19 and May 16. As they reveal the unsettling tale, the extent of pollution sweeping through these northern waterways becomes starkly apparent. Of all the contaminated waters, the Kok River stands out with the highest levels of toxins, especially between Tha Ton in Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai district and Chalerm Phrakiat Bridge in Muang district of…
The realm of investments can often feel like a high-stakes chess game where each move demands careful calculation and foresight. Currently, the Social Security Office (SSO) finds itself wedged into an intricate match concerning a hefty 6.9-billion-baht investment in the SKYY9 office building, generating quite the buzz across sectors. In the throes of this financial tumult stands Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, patiently awaiting the official findings of an investigation helmed by none other than Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The backdrop of this riveting saga unfolds with a leaked document making waves. Put into the public eye by the sharp-eyed People’s Party (PP) MP Rukchanok Srinork, the paper suggests possible anomalies in the purchase of the illustrious office building on the bustling Rama IX Road. Like the plot twists in a page-turner, the groundwork laid by Ms. Rukchanok has piqued nationwide interest and arguably, some eyebrow-raising. Minister Ratchakitprakarn maintains a…
Under the golden gaze of Southeast Asia’s relentless sun, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai exudes an aura of determination. His eyes, as sharp as eagle’s, scan the tapestry of lush green that signifies the border areas in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani. Every gesture he makes during an army briefing holds the promise of fortitude and resolve. It’s his inaugural visit since the unsettling skirmish that momentarily disturbed the peace of this serene locale. As his caravan rolls along this storied frontier, a stage is already set in Phnom Penh for an arguably political joust over contested terrains. The Cambodian government has recently drawn its line in the sand, announcing that the four contested border areas won’t feature in the crucial ministerial meeting agenda with Thailand next week. Preferring the solemn halls of the International Court of Justice, Cambodia dismisses the inclusion of these disputed lands in the talks of the…
In what can only be described as a controversy that leaves a bittersweet taste, a group of Thai teachers has stirred up a debate that bubbles with both ethical and societal concerns. A memorandum of understanding (MoU), inked on May 14, between the Office of the Welfare Promotion Commission for Teachers and Educational Personnel (commonly dubbed Otep) and Tawandang German Brewery, has sparked a spirited backlash among educators. The partnership, purporting to sprinkle a little bit of fun into the mix of teacher benefits by offering a 10% discount at select brewery outlets, is deemed by many as a misguided shot in the dark when it comes to promoting teachers’ welfare. Chayapa Khunpittikana, the vivacious coordinator leading a crusade with the “Thai Teachers Against Vice-Promoting Welfare” network, is having none of it. “Is this the toast we’re raising to the esteemed educators of our nation?” she quips, pointing out that…
In the colorful, bustling world of Thailand, a hidden shadow looms—a stealthy specter of methamphetamine consumption enveloping an alarmingly large segment of the population. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) recently illuminated this pressing issue, revealing that approximately 1.5 million Thai citizens have dabbled in the use of methamphetamine. This is no small matter, especially given the staggering statistic that around 220,000 of these users encounter mental health challenges due to their substance abuse. The revelations unfolded like the pages of a gripping detective novel during a research presentation that saw ONCB secretary-general Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon steering the narrative. The meeting was not merely a perfunctory recital of grim statistics but a clarion call to arms aimed at all agencies wrapped in the battle against drug misuse—a roadmap for crafting bespoke strategies that tackle this societal menace from the ground up. This research endeavor, a collaboration…
Intrigue, suspense, and a dash of corporate drama are brewing in Thailand as the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, keeps a keen eye on the swirling cloud of revelations surrounding the enigmatic SKYY9 building purchase. Floating ominously in the cityscape of Bangkok’s bustling Rama IX Road, this luxurious edifice has become the center of a financial whirlwind that has tongues wagging and eyes fixed on the investigation looming just around the corner. The heart of this saga lies with the Social Security Office (SSO) and its eyebrow-raising investment of a staggering 6.9 billion baht in the SKYY9 building. It all hinges on the astute findings of a carefully assembled probe team, a creation of Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. It’s a heady concoction of politics and finance, and Labour Minister Phiphat remains on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting the official word to formulate his next move. Sneaking into the limelight with a…
In a bustling session with reporters outside the illustrious Government House on a lively Wednesday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the swirling rumors concerning a potential cabinet reshuffle. Despite the speculation, she assured everyone that discussions, if any, would involve a collaborative approach with coalition partners, especially given the murmurs that the Bhumjaithai Party, a notable coalition player, was seeking a major overhaul in ministerial assignments. “At this moment, it’s just an idea on the drawing board,” she confided with a knowing smile. “We haven’t dived into any formal talks yet. I’m contemplating potential tweaks to the cabinet to bolster its effectiveness, but nothing is set in stone. It’s certainly not a done deal, not by a long shot!” she declared, her tone both measured and reassuring. Quelling unnecessary panic, the Prime Minister noted that she hadn’t been approached by coalition allies with reshuffle suggestions, nor had she initiated such…