Market vendors eagerly anticipate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s dedication to revitalizing the nation’s economy, as soaring costs continue to cripple their businesses. In a heartfelt visit to Bang Lamphu Market in Khon Kaen’s Muang district yesterday, The Bangkok Post gathered the hopes and expectations of these vendors following the official appointment of the new prime minister. Wannida Nakcha, a spirited 29-year-old meatball vendor, voiced a collective wish for Ms. Paetongtarn to prioritize alleviating the economic woes that have plagued the public. She shared how all vendors at the market are grappling with declining sales amidst rising operational expenses. Wannida made it clear that increasing the prices of their goods isn’t a feasible option, as customers are already struggling and vocal about their own financial strain. The discussion didn’t stop at sales and costs. Wannida expressed strong support for the continuation of the digital wallet cash handout scheme, emphasizing that ongoing…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi (RMUTSB) has taken decisive action by expelling four students believed to be involved in a brutal hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student with serious injuries. According to a Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESRI) official named Suchada Thaensap, this incident, which occurred on Thursday, was captured on campus CCTV, revealing a fraught scene of abuse and misconduct. In total, eight students have been implicated in orchestrating this harrowing hazing ritual. As the investigation presses on, four have already faced expulsion, while the roles of the remaining four continue to be scrutinized. Ms. Thaensap suggested that they too might face similar consequences pending the ongoing probe. RMUTSB has committed its full support to the ministry’s investigation, with an anticipated conclusion within the next two days. The deeply troubling details of the hazing, described as military-style training that veered into extreme physical…
The bustling chatter of a Monday morning at the Ministry of Education set the scene for a groundbreaking announcement by Caretaker Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob. His address to the nation highlighted a burgeoning concern that has been sweeping schools worldwide: the rampant use of digital communication devices among young students. Amid rising alarm, the Ministry is gearing up to implement strict measures to curb this electronic frenzy, driven by fears over its potential toll on child development. Imagine walking into a classroom where the glow of smartphones and tablets competing with the gleam of young, eager eyes. It’s a sight that’s becoming all too common. “Our research indicates that students engrossed in these devices spend alarmingly high amounts of time on them, often at the expense of their cognitive and emotional well-being,” Pol Gen Permpoon remarked. And it’s not just idle worry. His concerns are backed by compelling…
The La Niña phenomenon could potentially spell trouble for Thailand, heightening the risk of widespread flooding, especially in low-lying areas like Bangkok and Samut Prakan. Environmental expert Sonthi Kotchawat from Thai Environmental Academics recently sounded the alarm on social media, urging the government to implement robust measures to mitigate flood risks. According to Sonthi, the weather oscillation linked with La Niña is poised to bring increased rainfall across the nation. Bangkok and Samut Prakan are particularly vulnerable due to their coastal proximity and dense jungle of high-rise buildings. These skyscrapers can significantly reduce wind speeds, leading to more intense and prolonged downpours. Additionally, their strategic position in the Central Plains means they bear the brunt of water run-off from upstream provinces, particularly during the peak monsoon months of August to October. “Already, provinces such as Chon Buri, Rayong, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son have reported above-average rainfall,” Mr. Sonthi…
Experts have sounded the alarm for Thais, urging vigilance against the new mpox strain, given the potential for the current outbreak to spiral into a global calamity. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, an acclaimed clinical virologist at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, took to Facebook on Monday to highlight the dangers posed by the Clade 1b subvariant. This strain, capable of spreading through respiratory droplets, represents a significant threat. Dr. Yong explained that Clade 1b, currently making waves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), is a fiercer adversary compared to the Clade 2 strain previously encountered in Thailand. Known for its aggressive nature, Clade 1b has been detected in both children and adults, irrespective of gender, in central Africa. Tragically, the hardest hit have been the younger population. He elaborated that the Clade 1 strain spreads through close physical contact and respiratory droplets, which facilitates easier transmission compared to Clade…
On a sun-dappled Sunday in Phitsanulok, excitement filled the air as Monchai Wiwatthanat received a bouquet from his jubilant supporters. The atmosphere was electric, a reflection of a closely-fought election that had been the talk of the town for weeks. (Photo by Shinawat Singha) The elections for the Phitsanulok Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chairman had all the elements of a political thriller. Much of the spotlight was on Siripan Prajak-ubon, a candidate backed by the once-influential Move Forward Party (MFP) turned People’s Party (PP), helmed by ex-member Padipat Santipada. Despite the fervor of her supporters, Siripan ended up in the second position with 104,163 votes, trailing behind Monchai Wiwatthanat, who clinched the victory with a resounding 214,519 votes. Trailing behind, Settha Jittijarurat managed only 13,759 votes, according to the initial results released on Monday. The election saw a significant turnout, with 361,642 out of 677,410 eligible voters making their voices…
Experts have raised the alarm over a new mpox strain, underscoring the critical need for vigilance amid concerns that the outbreak could escalate into a global pandemic. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, a seasoned clinical virologist at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, took to Facebook on Monday to highlight the potential threat posed by the Clade 1b subvariant. This particular strain, he pointed out, can spread via respiratory droplets, adding an extra layer of concern. Dr. Yong noted that Clade 1b, currently spreading throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo, exhibits a more aggressive behavior compared to the previously identified Clade 2 strain in Thailand. Alarmingly, this variant has been detected in both children and adults, affecting men and women alike in central Africa, with young children bearing the brunt of the fatalities. The virologist explained that Clade 1 can be transmitted through close physical contact and respiratory droplets. This characteristic makes it…
As the fresh scent of ripening berries fills the air in the picturesque landscapes of Sweden and Finland, an exciting announcement has been made: the first batch of Thai labourers for the current berry harvesting season is set to embark on their journey this month. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled on Monday that the Department of Employment (DoE) recently granted permission for 1,129 Thai workers to travel to Sweden for the 2024 berry-picking season. These laborers are expected to dive into the scenic Swedish countryside, collecting nature’s bounty of juicy berries. In a wonderful example of international cooperation, Thai and Swedish authorities have come to an agreement ensuring employers take on the responsibility for expenses, including fees for passports, visas, work permits, alongside meals and accommodation. Additionally, both employers and workers are mandated to sign comprehensive employment contracts, safeguarding the interests and rights of each hardworking individual. Meanwhile, in Finland,…
Monchai Wiwatthanat, basked in the floral embrace of his supporters with a victorious grin at Phitsanulok on Sunday. (Photo: Shinawat Singha) In a thrilling race for the chairman seat of Phitsanulok’s Provincial Administration Organization (PAO), Monchai Wiwatthanat emerged triumphant. His main contender, Siripan Prajak-ubon, backed by the illustrious former deputy House speaker and ex-MFP member Padipat Santipada, couldn’t quite capture the hearts of voters. Monchai garnered an impressive 214,519 votes, significantly outpacing Siripan’s 104,163. Meanwhile, Settha Jittijarurat lagged far behind with just 13,759 votes, as unofficial results revealed on Monday. The sheer excitement could be felt in the air as 361,642 of the 677,410 eligible voters made their voices heard. This election was particularly poignant, following the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court last week, due to charges of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy. Former MFP members have since rallied under the banner of…
FrieslandCampina (Thailand) Public Company Limited, the esteemed producer and distributor of Foremost dairy products in Thailand and Indochina, recently joined forces with both public and private sector allies—including the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, BJC Big C Group, CP All Public Company Limited (yes, the giant behind 7-Eleven), Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM), the Mirror Foundation, and a nationwide base of enthusiastic consumers. Together, they orchestrated a riveting press conference aptly named “Foremost Happy Power: Energise Body, Fuel the Spirit with Foremost.” This notable gathering shines a spotlight on their unwavering commitment to the “Foremost for Million Smiles” project, now joyously marking its 4th year. This heartwarming initiative involves a generous donation of 1 million boxes of Foremost Omega 369 UHT milk, aiming to nourish children and vulnerable communities across the country. The essence of this project stops at nothing but delivering top-tier nutrition to Thai children, offering…