Weather Alert: Thunderstorms and Heatwave Expected Across Thailand The weather department has issued a warning for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in several provinces across Thailand this weekend as a moderate high-pressure system moves from upper Vietnam into the Northeast and South China Sea. On the other hand, a significant rise in temperatures is forecasted for the rest of the country due to southerly and southeasterly winds. Temperature Spike in Various Regions Residents in the North, Northeast, and Central regions should brace themselves for scorching temperatures, ranging between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the East and South can expect a slightly cooler but still humid climate with temperatures of 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Safety Precautions and Advice Authorities have cautioned people living in areas prone to thunderstorms to remain indoors, avoid hiding under large trees, and stay clear of unsecured billboards. Additionally, it is advised not to wear…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Empowering Thailand’s AI Innovations Nectec executive director Chai Wutitiwatchai has revealed their intention to support Thai engineers and developers in the artificial intelligence (AI) field. The goal is to provide affordable resources and essential tools to encourage local technological advancements in AI. The initiative will also play a crucial role in transitioning all public departments and related agencies into digital service providers, as outlined by the government. Chai explains that AI is needed for Thailand to become a truly digital society. By making existing technologies more intelligent in their interactions with humans, AI has the potential to improve many aspects of life in the country. Overcoming Challenges Despite the readiness of the nation’s current infrastructure – such as electricity, internet access, 5G networks, cloud services, and data centers – to support the digital transformation, Thailand still has some hurdles to overcome. Chai identifies the lack of skilled AI engineers, integrated…
During Songkran, Thais traditionally travel to visit family, resulting in congested roads and a marked increase in vehicular accidents. This year, Songkran, also known as the Thai new year, will be celebrated from April 13 to 17. Transport Co Offers Discounts for Post-Songkran Travel Passengers planning to travel between April 18 and 24 can avail a 10% discount on their bookings through the e-ticketing application or Transport Co’s official website (https://tcl99web.transport.co.th). Sanyalux Panwattanalikit, the company’s president, announced on Friday that Transport Co membership card holders would also receive double reward points for bookings within this period. State Welfare Cardholders Eligible for Monthly Bus Ticket Subsidy Furthermore, state welfare cardholders can utilize up to 750 baht of their monthly card value to purchase bus tickets. However, eligible purchases must be made in person at ticket boots. Increased Transport Capacity to Accommodate Post-Songkran Travelers To accommodate the expected influx of approximately 58,000…
Overcrowding Concerns in Public Spaces Highlighted by CIB Police With the issue of overcrowding becoming a point of concern in public gathering spaces, the CIB police have offered guidelines on how to navigate congested areas safely. This is particularly essential in urban areas like Bangkok, where an enormous number of revelers often congregate for various events, sometimes hindering security and safety efforts. An Example of Overcrowding – The Case of Khao San Road Recently, Bangkok’s Khao San Road witnessed a gathering of around 40,000 partygoers, resulting in an extremely overcrowded situation. The concern was so severe that authorities had to step in, limiting entry to the area and deploying an additional 100 officers and volunteers to maintain security. Such instances have raised concerns among people about the likelihood of accidents and disasters similar to the tragic Halloween stampede in South Korea last year. The catastrophe left 156 partygoers dead and…
A Unique Rot Nam Dam Hua Ceremony at Big Buffalo Station Visitors, including local residents and tourists, were pleasantly surprised when they witnessed a unique Rot Nam Dam Hua ceremony for buffaloes at Big Buffalo Station in Sawang Arom district. Traditionally performed for elders, this time-honored water-pouring ceremony was a delightful experience for many who had never seen it carried out for buffaloes. Buffaloes as the Center of Attention A 70-year-old visitor shared their surprise, remarking, “This is the first time in my life that I saw a Rot Nam Dam Hua ceremony for buffaloes.” The ceremony, known in Thai as “Rot Nam Dam Hua,” is a practice where scented water is poured onto the hands of elders to express gratitude and seek blessings. Elephants have been involved in such ceremonies due to their significant historical importance as a national symbol. However, performing the ceremony for buffaloes was surely a…
Overcoming Challenges: How Prayut’s Leadership Led Thailand Out of the Covid-19 Crisis In a 1.09-minute video clip shared on the United Thai Nation Party (UTNP)’s official Facebook page, viewers are taken on a journey from the dark times of the global Covid-19 pandemic to the vibrant and restriction-free Songkran celebrations happening this week. The video (www.facebook.com/unitedthaination/videos/770634717721070) highlights the tremendous progress Thailand has made under General Prayut’s leadership, who is credited with the country’s successful handling of the pandemic and the impressive economic recovery that has followed. Young People Desperate for Change The video begins with scenes from three years earlier, showcasing the frustration and disappointment of young people who were forced to remain at home due to Covid-19 restrictions. With vaccine acquisitions moving at a slow pace, the “stupid leader” and “lousy country” are blamed for their predicament. These somber scenes stand in stark contrast to the jubilant Songkran water-splashing…
Transport Company Executive Arrested in Bangkok for Multimillion-Dollar Fraud A German-American transport company executive, sought by the United States for alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar fraud, has been apprehended in Bangkok, Thailand. His arrest came after the suspect allegedly fled the U.S. to avoid authorities. Collaboration between Thai and U.S. Authorities Pol Maj Gen Montree Thesakhan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, confirmed the arrest, stating that the individual was taken into custody at a condominium on Lat Phrao 10 Road, Chatuchak district, on Thursday. The arrest followed a valuable tip-off from U.S. authorities. The suspect was identified solely as “Lars” by Pol Maj Gen Thesakhan. He further stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had named ten people suspected of embezzling approximately $52 million (1.7 billion baht) from the transport company over a ten-year period. Escape to Thailand and Extradition Nine of the ten suspects were quickly apprehended,…
Addressing Concerns About the Purple Line Extension and Historical Sites The Fine Arts Department has recently expressed its concerns over the potential impact of the new Purple Line extension on historical sites located in Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island old town area. In response, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has assured that they will work closely with the department to mitigate any potential damage to these sites during the construction of the BTS line. Progress and Design of the Purple Line Extension The 101-billion-baht Southern Purple Line (Tao Pun-Rat Burana) is currently 8% complete and is scheduled to be operational in 2027. The 23.6-kilometer extension features 17 stations, with seven being overland and ten underground. However, the proposed locations for four underground stations – Bang Khun Phrom, Phan Fa, Sam Yot, and Saphan Phut – are causing concerns, as they reside within the Rattanakosin Island area. The Fine Arts…
Fighting Electoral Corruption with Rewards and Technology The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has introduced a reward system offering up to one million baht for those who provide evidence of electoral corruption, such as vote buying or exchanging gifts for votes. The EC has launched a new online service through its Ta Sapparot (pineapple eyes) mobile app for Android and iOS devices, enabling the public to anonymously report suspected fraud or vote buying. Additional Reporting Channels Apart from the app, the EC has created other channels for individuals to submit complaints. These include phone numbers 02-141-8860, 02-141-8579, and 02-141-8858, as well as the EC’s 1444 hotline number. Cash rewards for tip-offs range from 100,000 baht to 1 million baht, depending on the evidence’s significance for securing a conviction. Overseas Ballot Distribution Election Commission secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee recently oversaw the transfer of ballots and equipment to 66 countries for advance voting…
Concerns Over Democrat Party’s Popularity The Democrat Party’s declining approval rating has left its patriarch, Chuan Leekpai, feeling uneasy. During a rally at Constituency 3 in Krabi, a southern province of Thailand, Chuan expressed his worry over the party’s dwindling popularity as it falls behind in opinion polls. Chuan is expected to help regain support in the southern region, the party’s traditional stronghold. Despite his concerns, he remains optimistic that the Democrats will secure more party-list seats in the May 14 polls. The former Democrat leader also voiced unease about widespread vote-buying before election day and urged voters to choose politicians with clean records. Democrat Party’s Policies Chuan detailed the party’s plans, which include a school milk project, education loans, and farmer income guarantees. Additionally, they hope to implement several other programs to win voter support. Pheu Thai’s Candidate Visits Hua Hin Srettha Thavisin, prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu…