Welcome, dear readers, to a tale of urban development, fiscal challenges, and sky-high aspirations… literally! We journey to the bustling streets of Bangkok, where the city’s skyline is etched with the sleek lines of the BTS Skytrain. But behind the scenes, drama unfolds—a financial saga involving billions of baht, city officials, and the transit system’s operator. Grab your popcorn, because this is a story of debts, deadlines, and negotiations. Picture it: a Wednesday not so far past, a new ordinance whirls into action. Its mission? To maneuver a colossal sum from the city’s coffers—all 23,488,692,200 baht of it—into the hands of the BTS Skytrain operator. Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just any number; it’s a financial behemoth, stirring from the depths of municipal reserve funds. The genesis of this monolithic debt traces back to a grand vision—the second extension of the Green Line, stretching ambitiously from Bearing to…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine diving into the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Trang and coming face-to-face with a gentle giant—the dugong. These serene sea cows, gliding through their underwater meadows, have long been the ocean’s whisperers, telling tales of the health of our marine ecosystems. Yet, this year, a startling discovery by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources paints a grim picture of these gentle giants’ struggle for survival. Once bustling with the gentle back-and-forth of dugong families, the seagrass beds now tell a tale of solitude. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, marine biologists noted a significant drop from the twelve maternal pairs of dugongs recorded last year to a solitary duo in the present. The alarms of concern don’t stop there, as the toll on dugong lives climbs, with four noble beings lost to the abyss this year. The tale of one 20-year-old male, found thinner than the shadows…
Imagine stumbling upon a scene straight out of a high-stakes thriller movie, yet this one, laden with an unexpected twist, occurred in the rather serene backdrop of Ratthaphum district, Songkhla. Here we have our dauntless police and local officials undertaking what seemed to be a routine inspection, only to unearth a startling discovery at a deserted petrol station, now overtaken by the embrace of nature. It was a typical Tuesday night until it wasn’t. The desolate, overgrown frame of what once buzzed with vehicles and chatter, now whispered secrets of a darker trade. Hidden among sacks of cow dung — an ingeniously deceptive camouflage — were about 3 million meth pills, quietly sitting and perhaps, counting stars in the night sky. Yes, you heard it right! Methamphetamine, with a street value dancing around the hefty sum of 58 million baht, rendering this haul the largest drug seizure witnessed by the…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, nestled within the ornate confines of the Government House, Srettha Thavisin sat opposite Charlie Campbell of Time magazine, diving deep into a conversation peppered with ambition and unveiled plans for the nation. The room, alive with the buzz of possibility, was virtually encircled by whiteboards laden with visions of Thailand’s future — from the allure of digital wallets to the untapped potential of potash mining, and even dreams of positioning Thailand as a gleaming national aviation hub. And yes, there was talk of Tesla. On the glossy cover of Time, Srettha’s visage exudes a blend of grit and resolve. With his arms folded firmly across his chest, he seems to embody the spirit of a man on a mission, signalling loud and clear: Thailand is back in business and ready to roll out the red carpet to the world. Since taking the helm in…
Welcome to Chiang Mai, a province that’s more akin to a dragon breathing fire than its tranquil imagery of serene temples and lush landscapes suggests, especially when it comes to the plight it faces every year: forest fires. On a bright yet bittersweet morning, the Chiang Mai provincial administration, with brows furrowed and eyes scouring data, revealed a staggering number: 291 hotspots of forest fires blazing across 19 of its 25 districts. It wasn’t a new record anyone was celebrating; it was the highest count of infernos the area had seen this year. The flames didn’t just pick any spots to ignite – they chose the majestic slopes and hidden ravines, making the task of taming them a Herculean effort. The spotlight, or rather the ‘hotspot’, belonged to Mae Taeng district, wearing the unfortunate crown with 40 fiery patches scorching its terrain. The brave souls tasked with quelling these fires…
“` Imagine a world where bridges, tunnels, and towering skyscrapers spring to life under the skilled hands of international artisans. This isn’t the plot of the latest blockbuster but the real-life unfolding story of the Incheon Metropolitan railway project in South Korea – a marvel nearing its grand finale. At the heart of this epic construction saga are the unsung heroes from Thailand, whose dedication and expertise are building bridges in more ways than one. During a high-profile meeting, the spotlight shone on Samho Development, the construction giant steering this colossal project towards completion. Sim Jae-bom, the maestro chairman of Samho, shared a riveting narrative not just about constructing infrastructure but about building dreams and nurturing a family that transcends borders. Since 2013, Thai workers have been the backbone of Samho’s operations, blending into the company’s fabric so seamlessly that they’ve become much more than employees – they are family.…
Welcome to a land where majestic elephants roam free and are integral to the heart and soul of its people. Thailand, known for its rich heritage and stunning natural landscapes, pauses on March 13 to celebrate National Elephant Day. This isn’t just a day; it’s a heartfelt tribute to these grand creatures, acknowledging their monumental role in Thai culture, from bolstering the economy and creating jobs to enriching the spiritual lives of the people. The enchanting kingdom of Thailand is home to both wild and domesticated elephants, each category safeguarded by its own set of laws. The wild ones, roaming the vast preserved forests, fall under the protective umbrella of the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act. Their domesticated counterparts, meanwhile, enjoy the security provided by the Beasts of Burden Act. It’s a delicate balance, ensuring that these magnificent animals continue to thrive in both the wild realms and those intertwined…
Imagine cruising the vibrant, sun-kissed streets of Koh Phangan, your spirit soaring as freely as the wind, with only one minor hiccup – your mode of transportation is at the heart of an international scandal. Welcome to the curious case of Danil Kulnevnich, a 21-year-old Russian maverick whose entrepreneurial spirit might have flown a tad too close to the sun, or in this case, the law. Koh Phangan, a jewel in Surat Thani’s crown, known for its full moon parties and serene beaches, recently played host to a scenario straight out of a traveler’s cautionary tale. Danil, with dreams bigger than his Honda Forza 300, ventured into the murky waters of vehicle rental without the necessary permissions, leading to an episode that might as well be a plot for an international crime show, minus the crime part. Our protagonist’s method of operation? A Facebook page pompously named “Phangan Bike and…
In a stunning revelation that reads like a gripping crime novel, the law enforcement landscape is abuzz with whispers of intrigue and high-stakes drama unfolding within its very ranks. In a recent turn of events that would make even the most seasoned detective’s head spin, authorities have taken a decisive stand against corruption, targeting none other than their own. In the heart of the bustling metropolis, where the line between law and lawlessness often blurs, the Metropolitan Police Bureau has made a bold move. Pol Maj Gen Thinnakorn Rangmat, a figure whose name commands respect and fear in equal measure among those who walk the thin blue line, has emerged as the orchestrator of what could be described as a masterstroke in the battle against illicit dealings. On a Tuesday that will be etched in the annals of law enforcement history, it was announced that the wheels of justice are…
Welcome to the future of industrial innovation and coastal connectivity—all wrapped up in one colossal endeavor! Let me introduce you to Thailand’s ambitious plan that’s about to transform the Southern horizon: the land bridge project. This isn’t just any project; it’s a 1-trillion-baht venture that’s going to seamlessly stitch the Andaman Sea coast to the Gulf of Thailand. Picture this: A transport corridor that not only acts as a bustling conduit between the vast Indian and Pacific oceans but does so while skipping past the crowded lanes of the Straits of Malacca. Yes, you heard it right! We are talking about an economic game-changer, a logistical dreamscape poised to revolutionize how global goods shipments dance across oceans, providing a much-needed breather from the constant bustle of one of the world’s most congested waterways. But there’s more! This mega project isn’t just about cutting travel time and making global trade more…