In the bustling coastal city of Pattaya, where azure waves beckon tourists year-round, the city is battling a foe as relentless as the tides – the annual rain deluge. As every monsoon season rolls in, the streets of this lively hub morph into mighty rivers, and city officials find themselves in a frantic race against time. Their mission? To lay the groundwork, quite literally, for a massive drainage revamp that promises to curb the chaos caused by surging floodwaters. This ambitious endeavor, taking place along the bustling railway parallel road, isn’t just another drainage project. It’s a colossal effort — akin to a marvel in engineering — aiming to seamlessly connect a brand-new pipeline to the Huai Yai canal’s waters. This creation will serve as the long-overdue relief valve for Pattaya’s overburdened roads and neighbourhoods. For what seems like an eternity, locals have had to endure the knee-deep floods transforming…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Amid the sunny shores and vibrant waves of Arugam Bay, a serene haven for surf enthusiasts, an unexpected wave of controversy swept through the small town. A 26-year-old transwoman from Thailand found herself in the eye of a cultural storm. What was intended as a carefree stroll along one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque coastlines transformed into a viral moment that sparked not just social media uproar but also legal consequences. The drama unfolded on July 14, when videos emerged on social media showing the tourist, topless and bare-chested, meandering along the sandy paradise. The ripple effect was immediate, with conservative locals expressing outrage over what they deemed indecent exposure. Calls, both digital and telephonic, flooded the local police department, compelling authorities to act swiftly. “She was detained at the police station overnight and taken before the magistrate today following a lot of complaints from residents as well as on…
In a bold defensive move, Thailand’s Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, has stepped into the ring against allegations that the government’s proposed 20-baht flat fare scheme is merely a grand giveaway for the big fish in business. Far from being a windfall for wealthy investors, Suriya insists the plan is tailored to relieve the financial stress on everyday commuters and not to stuff the coffers of rich corporations. The main opposition, the People’s Party (PP), has not held back, claiming the scheme is a strategic ploy designed to funnel public money straight into the pockets of affluent companies through government subsidies. However, Suriya struck back with confidence, reinforcing, “This is for the people. For too long, the public has been shouldering the heavy burden of steep transport costs. If implemented successfully, this initiative promises to lessen the financial load and in the process, deliver a much-needed blow to air pollution.” At…
In a surprising twist of fate, after more than 16 years on the lam, a woman named Woraporn has finally been apprehended in connection with the murder of her aunt, a case that has haunted both investigators and those involved since its inception. Captured yesterday, July 15, in Thailand’s Nakhon Pathom province, the 47-year-old Woraporn now faces charges laid out by the Pathum Thani Provincial Court, which issued an arrest warrant as far back as February 2009. Her alleged crimes include collaborative murder and the grim task of concealing a corpse, charges that emanated from a family feud over inheritance that spiraled into sheer tragedy. To unravel this tangled web of family discord, one must travel back to February 5, 2009, when the case first came to light in the Mueang district of Pathum Thani. Somchao, a distressed husband, reported to the authorities the disappearance of his wife, Boonthing. She…
In an urgent bid to stave off a potential environmental and public health disaster, Thailand has initiated a decisive crackdown on toxic cross-border pollution. This follows alarming discoveries of dangerous heavy metals contaminating rivers in the northern reaches from Myanmar, raising red flags about an impending crisis. On July 15, the Thai Cabinet formally backed recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) aimed at safeguarding communities flanking the Kok and Sai rivers. Already suffering from contamination, these areas now face the looming threat of further pollution spreading into the vast Mekong River basin. “The government fully acknowledges the grave health risks posed by this crisis and is acting swiftly to address it,” stated a government spokesperson. The planned course of action is divided into two primary strategies: bolster domestic defenses and enhance international diplomatic efforts to tackle this issue comprehensively. The Pollution Control Department is beefing up its testing…
The anticipation is palpable as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) gears up to kickstart the bidding process for a state-of-the-art high-speed railway linking the bustling metropolis of Bangkok with the serene town of Nong Khai. Scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, this ambitious project promises to be nothing short of a revolution in Thai transportation. Spearheading this groundbreaking initiative is SRT’s chief, Veerath Amrapal. At a recent public consultation meeting, he unveiled the meticulously crafted study, review, and analysis of the project’s bidding documents. In what has been a collaborative effort between Thailand and China, this project is set to align seamlessly with the 2019 Act on Public-Private Partnership (PPP), marking a significant leap in cross-border infrastructural cooperation. Veerath’s enthusiasm was infectious as he highlighted the paramount importance of these discussions. “This seminar is vital,” he asserted, “for gathering invaluable insights from every sector to ensure that our…
In an unfolding saga that has all the elements of a blockbuster drama, the trade discussions between Thailand and the United States are veering towards a potential crisis. Picture this: farmers across the lush landscapes of Thailand rallying with fervor, echoing the resounding sentiment that Washington’s demands could potentially bring local agriculture to its knees, leaving the nation’s food security teetering on a precarious edge. The calendar reads July 16th, 2025 — a day when Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stoically confirms the deadlock in negotiations as the US hand-draws its line in the sand, insisting Thailand drastically cut tariffs on imports of pork, chicken, and beef, a proposition facing fierce resistance from Thailand’s robust farming sector. Here’s the catch: the United States is contemplating slapping a hefty 36% tariff on Thai exports starting as soon as August 1st, unless Thailand throws open its market doors a…
In a vibrant celebration of Thai culture and sporting prowess, Phuket has kicked off an exhilarating initiative focused on uplifting the standards of Thailand’s iconic martial art—Muay Thai. As aspiring coaches flock from across the nation, the picturesque Bukitta Boutique Hotel has become a hub of excitement and potential. On a sunlit morning of July 16, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) hosted the grand opening ceremony for the C-License Muay Thai Coach Training Project, triggering a wave of enthusiasm among its participants. The event was nothing short of a spectacle, with the esteemed Thammarat Wongcharoenyos, a renowned SAT board member and President of the Phuket Provincial Sports Association, welcoming an array of elite officials, dedicated guests, and emerging talents. The presence of Wandee Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, a distinguished expert from the Boxing Committee Office, and Thanawut Petchara, the SAT Phuket branch director, highlighted the commitment from Thailand’s highest sports…
In an era when brands vie fiercely for consumer trust, any allegation can send ripples through the market. Such was the case when beloved Thai celebrity Chanya Tamada made a startling claim that the water from her Coway purifier was teeming with coliform bacteria. This pushed the renowned water purifier brand Coway into the limelight, as they scrambled to reassure their legions of loyal customers that their water purifiers, indeed, live up to their promise of purity. Chanya, who had once been a staunch advocate of imported mineral water, had sought to change her lifestyle for the betterment of the environment. Ditching the plastic bottle habit, she turned her gaze to the world of water purifiers, spurred by advertisements that seemed to promise a spotless reputation. A hefty consumer of over three liters a day, she thought a Coway device could deliver water pure enough to quench her considerable thirst.…
Amidst the kaleidoscope of Southeast Asia, Thailand has firmly established itself as a tourism juggernaut, largely attributed to Chiang Mai, a city that has gracefully ascended to the summit of Asia’s best cities for 2025. Tucked cosily into the northern wilderness, this cultural jewel has turned the heads of globetrotters, thanks to a stellar endorsement from Travel + Leisure. With a remarkable score of 91.94 out of 100, Chiang Mai’s accolade puts an exhilarating badge of honour on Thailand’s tourism cape, inviting travellers from across the globe to explore its unique offerings. Even Bangkok, the bustling heart of Thailand, isn’t far behind, having secured the third spot with a commendable score of 91.34. Meanwhile, the ever-charming Tokyo nudged slightly ahead, capturing the second position with 91.39. A whirlwind of excitement followed the announcement. The Prime Minister’s Office, represented by the exuberant Deputy Spokesperson Sasikan Wattanachan, welcomed this acknowledgment with optimistic…