In the heart of Thailand’s bustling industry scene, a peculiar and worrisome tale unfolded this past Monday, as officials unveiled a saga teeming with hazardous substances, whispered confessions, and a transnational trade that reads more like a thriller novel than a typical weekday news report. At the center of this narrative is Zhang Chen Mao, the mastermind behind Sin Hong Cheng Inter Tech (2008) Ltd, located in the industrious town of Samut Sakhon. His warehouse, now notorious, was discovered to be the final resting place for an astonishing 1,034 tonnes of cadmium, a hazardous substance that could give nightmares to any environmentalist. But wait, the plot thickens—another staggering 4,000 tonnes had already embarked on a journey to Chonburi province, perpetuating the cadmium saga. For those not in the know, cadmium is no ordinary player; it’s the kind of character that, if it infiltrates water sources, can turn carcinogenic. Quite the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a scene straight out of a crime thriller, the quiet streets of Krathum Baen district in Samut Sakhon province were the backdrop for a dramatic police raid on Tuesday. As the sun beat down on the dusty concrete of a nondescript warehouse, officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division discovered a trove of danger hidden in plain sight. Imagine this: over a thousand tonnes of cadmium, a substance as carcinogenic as it is hard to pronounce, were nestled among the rafters and shelves of this ordinary-looking depot. But this was not the end of the story; the authorities believe there’s still a staggering 1,500 tonnes of this hazardous material skulking in the shadows, unaccounted for. The police had been on the scent of this environmental villain for some time. Their big break came when they trailed a lorry, which had innocently stopped at a weigh station…
Imagine, if you will, a world where the glitz and glam of casinos don’t just light up the night sky but create a complex conundrum for society, stirring a hot pot of debate among the brainiest of brains: our beloved academics. Picture this—stacks of cash moving not through the engine of production, but in a merry-go-round from the unlucky to the lucky, and more often than not, into the overflowing coffers of the casino owners. This, the academics argue, is a merry-not-so-much-go-round for the rest of us. The drumbeat of support for casinos marches on, playing a tune akin to backing ventures that, rather than filling the communal pot, prefer to dip their sizable ladles into it, particularly targeting the soup of the middle-income families, industrious workers, the lean-pocketed lower-income earners, and the broader lower echelons of society. It’s like a reverse Robin Hood saga, only with more neon lights…
Imagine stepping into a world where the air is filled with the joyful sound of laughter, the streets are awash with vibrant colors, and the spirit of festivity is palpable in every corner. This is the essence of Thailand’s Songkran festival, a celebration that marks the traditional Thai New Year. However, in a recent turn of events, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, in a declaration that rippled through the hearts of revelers, announced a modification to the festivities that had attendees scratching their heads in wonder. Picture the excitement of attendees from across the globe, their hearts set on indulging in the month-long euphoria of water splashing, only to discover a sudden change in the festival’s playbook. Initially envisioned as an enthralling month-long celebration from April 1 to the end, the effervescent water-splashing that symbolizes the heart and soul of Songkran, Minister Sudawan declared, would not drench the entire…
Meet Dr. Sakan Bunnag, the erudite deputy director-general of the Medical Services Department, who delivered a startling revelation on a sunny Tuesday that could chill you to the bone. Lung cancer, a stealthy invader of our very breath, has chosen its favorite haunt, and it’s not the bustling cities we might suspect. No, this insidious disease has a preferential attachment to the serene landscapes of the North, casting a dark shadow over its tranquility. But let’s delve into the specifics, shall we? In an almost theatrical regularity, the North witnesses the unwelcome debut of approximately seven new lung cancer cases daily. Yes, you read that right – a staggering average of 2,487 new cases each year slice through the lives of unsuspecting individuals like the cold, northern wind. And as if the diagnosis wasn’t grim enough, around 1,800 souls bid farewell to the world, succumbing to this ruthless adversary every…
In the bustling political web of Thailand, a tale as intriguing as a plot from a high-stakes drama unfolds, featuring the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at its heart. Amidst this narrative is Warong Dechgitvigrom, the steadfast chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, whose eyebrows were raised high enough to rival the towering skyscrapers of Bangkok, upon witnessing photographs that seemed to question the very fabric of truth. The images in question? None other than Thaksin himself, gracefully lifting dumbbells in the tranquil waters of his mansion’s swimming pool. A sight to behold, indeed, but one that churned the waters of political discourse. It was on a fateful Monday that Warong voiced his doubts, sparked by these surprising photographs shared by none other than Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a leading figure in the Pheu Thai Party. The photos, depicting Thaksin engaged in what appeared to be gentle aquatic exercises, seemed…
In a charming abode nestled in the heart of Bangkok, a scene that seems to dance straight out of a vibrant storybook unfolds in the family swimming pool. Here, with the sun casting shimmering patterns on the gentle ripples, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now a figure of controversy and compassion alike, is spotted engrossed in a session of aqua therapy, his hands deftly maneuvering through the water with aqua dumbbells. But this isn’t just any ordinary day by the pool – it’s a session sprinkled with the laughter and joy of his beloved grandchildren, who accompany him in this aquatic dance. The photos, capturing moments of aquatic bliss, have recently set the cyber waves buzzing, painting a picture of familial love and healing waters. Yet, beyond the frame, these images have stirred the pot of public discourse, bringing to light questions and quips about the health of the paroled…
Welcome to Chiang Mai, the city where tradition meets a modern paradox, and where, as they gear up for the Songkran water festival, a much less festive cloud hangs over—the cloud of smog. Early Tuesday morning, the beautiful city of Chiang Mai soared to undesirable heights, earning the title of the most polluted place on the globe. This wasn’t a trophy anyone wanted to display on their mantle, but according to IQAir rankings, with fine dust levels peeking at 203 microgrammes per cubic meter around 9.20 am, Chiang Mai was labeled “very unhealthy.” In an ironic twist, as the city prepares to welcome the cleansing splashes of Songkran, which runs from Thursday through to next Monday, it’s also grappling with this atmospheric grime. Songkran, known for its water-fights and festive spirit, sees Chiang Mai transformed into a playground for locals and tourists alike. However, this year, it’s not just about…
In the shadowy jungles of Kawkareik, nestled within Myanmar’s complex terrain, a unique transformation unfolded on December 19, 2021. A group of once-peaceful protesters morphed into the valiant guerrilla warriors of the People’s Defence Forces (PDF), taking to the frontlines, a testament to the resilience and indefatigable spirit of those fighting for democracy and freedom in the face of adversity. This moment, captured in a photograph that blazed across global headlines, symbolized the fierce determination of the Myanmar people in their struggle for self-determination. As the crescendo of conflict in Myanmar reached fever pitches, with the echoes of war reverberating across the rugged landscape, Thailand presented a beacon of hope and neutrality amid the storm. With a statement imbued with compassion and foresight, Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara announced on an unassuming Tuesday that the Kingdom stood ready to open its arms to up to 100,000 souls displaced by…
In an intriguing turn of events rippling through the Southeast Asian geopolitical landscape, the quiet town of Mae Sot, typically known for its bustling markets and vibrant cross-border trade, has found itself at the heart of an extraordinary episode. According to Thai media, the military regime of Myanmar has made an unprecedented request to land a transport plane at Mae Sot airport. But this is no ordinary flight; it’s a mission aimed at repatriating more than 600 of its troops and their families who, in a stunning twist, have fled Myawaddy for the safety of Thai soil. Set against the backdrop of a fierce struggle, these soldiers reportedly surrendered to the Karen National Union (KNU) and allied forces. These groups, in a bold move, captured seven military bases in and around Myawaddy, a township that sits whisper-close to Mae Sot, marking a significant blow to the junta’s grip in the…