Imagine stepping into the lush, vibrant expanses of Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park, where the air is fresh and the forest whispers tales of ancient times. It is here, amidst the towering trees and the chorus of wildlife, that a majestic herd of gaurs gracefully emerges from the dense foliage, venturing into the open in search of sustenance. This serene image, captured by the keen lens of Prasit Tangprasert, serves as a vivid reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human activity. Yet, beneath this picturesque scene lies a complex tapestry of land ownership disputes that have recently grabbed headlines, stirring the waters of governmental departments. At the heart of this controversy are two key players: the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro) and the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). These entities, each with a critical mission, have found themselves entangled over the rightful stewardship of…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the vibrant and ever-expanding digital cosmos, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has emerged as a powerhouse, commanding a whopping 40% of the global data centre colocation market in 2023, with a remarkable IT capacity of 10,233 megawatts (MW). This dynamo is not showing any signs of slowing down, with Structure Research’s crystal ball forecasting an explosion to 19,069 MW by the enchanting year of 2028. While Malaysia and Indonesia are riding high on this digital wave, Thailand – the ASEAN’s silver medallist in GDP – finds itself tangled in a web of policy and regulatory conundrums. This entanglement poses a cinematic cliffhanger: Will Thailand triumph and grab its slice of the burgeoning Artificial Intelligence (AI) Economy pie? AI, with its magical prowess, is not just another brick in the wall. It’s a game changer, a pivotal force energizing economic growth from both demand and supply angles. Imagine a world where…
In a recent vibrant episode of environmental drama, the bustling halls of Thai governance bore witness to a saga unfolding over the lush, green tapestries of the nation’s land. At the heart of this story were two key players – the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro) and the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The tension? A high-stakes game of land ownership chess, wherein more than 150,000 rai of prime national park land, whispered to be encroached upon with ambitions of agricultural reformation, took center stage. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, stepping into the limelight on Thursday, cast a firm gaze upon the chessboard. “Wednesday’s resolution,” he proclaimed, “was robust, a testament to our resolve. It is our shield against the tempest of new disputes.” He was referring, of course, to the landmark agreement etched into time mere days before, a blueprint for peace between the DNP, guardians…
In the beguiling blue waters off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan, an extraordinary mission has unfolded, capturing the imagination of onlookers and professionals alike. Picture this: forty-nine divers, a mix of the dauntless Thai and the intrepid US navies, embarking on an audacious 19-day mission. Their quest? To salvage the HTMS Sukhothai, a vessel that met its untimely demise beneath the waves. This high-stakes operation forms a part of the esteemed Cobra Gold joint military exercise, a testament to international collaboration and expertise. On a day brimming with anticipation, the Navy commander-in-chief, Adm Adoong Pan-iam, set foot on the US Navy’s Ocean Valor, an offshore supply ship transformed into the mission’s command center. There wasn’t just a ripple but a wave of morale-boosting energy as Adm Adoong surveyed the scene. His presence was a beacon of appreciation for the fearless team ready to tackle the formidable depths to make…
Imagine a serene night in Samut Prakan being abruptly pierced by the roaring engines of motorcycles, shattering the calm and catapulting the neighborhood into chaos. This isn’t a scene from an action-packed movie but a real-life drama that unfolded recently, pulling the curtain back on a gripping tale of youthful rebellion and the heavy hand of the law. At the heart of this turbulent episode were 10 daring youths, their motorcycles screaming through the streets, weaving a tale of adrenaline and defiance. But every action, as they say, has its consequences. The long arm of the law, in the form of the vigilant Pol Lt Gen Samran Nualma, Assistant National Police Chief, descended with a resolve as steely as their bikes, leading to the apprehension of not just these 10 but a total of 22 suspects engaged in this high-octane drama. The twist in this tale? The spotlight turned towards…
In a heartwarming display of progress and compassion, a dedicated sub-committee under the grand umbrella of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has rolled out a plan set to transform lives and ignite smiles across the nation. The stirring narrative unfolded as Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa proudly announced a sweeping enhancement to the welfare benefit programs, one that promises a brighter tomorrow for the elderly, the youngest members of our society, and individuals with disabilities. Embarking on this journey of altruism, the committee has decided to redefine the notion of support for our beloved seniors. Gone are the days of the sliding scale; now, each elder will bask in the security of a consistent 1,000 baht monthly welfare payment, a substantial leap from the previous 600-800 baht allotment. This adjustment isn’t just a number change—it’s a beacon of stability illuminating the golden years of…
As the sun peeked over the horizon of Chiang Mai, painting the sky with hues of gold and orange, a chill still lingered in the air atop Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s loftiest peak. Here, frost delicately adorned blades of grass and the edges of leaves, a frosty greeting as the country edged into the embrace of summer. This frosty phenomenon was beautifully captured by Panumet Tanraksa, standing as a crisp reminder of nature’s wonders even as the thermometer begins its upward climb. In an announcement that had sun-seekers thrilled and heat-averse folks seeking the nearest fan, the Meteorological Department unveiled that summer had officially commenced last Wednesday. The department’s forecast wasn’t for the faint of heart: temperatures are set to soar to a scorching 45°C on certain days, with the average day-to-day temps lounging around a toasty 36°C. This hearty serving of warmth, courtesy of strong sunlight blessing the upper reaches…
Imagine a world where the glow of candles and the smoke of incense sticks are replaced by the lush, vibrant green of newly planted seedlings. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic novel; it’s the vision that the Tree Planting Foundation is bringing to life in Thailand for the celebration of Makha Bucha day. This Saturday, amidst the traditional festivities, they’re championing a revolutionary change: swapping burning candles and incense for the planting of seedlings. A change, they say, will cultivate acres of green space across the nation and foster a new era of environmentally-conscious merit-making. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Director Tawatchai Tositrakul, the foundation is not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk. Tositrakul passionately points out a sobering truth: the remnants of our customary offerings – smoldering incense, wilted flowers, and half-melted candles – morph into pollutants and waste quicker than one can say “Makha Bucha.”…
On an ordinary Sunday in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district, the Ban Chan Song La residence, belonging to the Shinawatra family, became a spectacle of anticipation and curiosity. Amidst the thriving greenery surrounding this illustrious home, a gathering of fervent supporters and eager reporters awaited a glimpse of the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, or perhaps a morsel of news regarding his recent parole. Thaksin, a figure whose political saga continues to captivate and divide the nation, embarked on a startling return to Thailand, not having to endure the confines of a cell for even a single night—a development that churned the waters of public and political discourse. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, caught in the whirlpool of interrogation and criticism, found himself addressing pointed questions from Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a spirited MP from the Move Forward Party, during a parliamentary rendezvous that Thursday. Nattacha, armed with the meticulousness of a…
Imagine stepping into the enchanting world of Khon Kaen Zoo, where the unexpected sight of three black swan chicks—or cygnets, as the connoisseurs call them—have recently made their grand entrance, courtesy of their first successful breeding program for these majestic creatures. Early this February, the zoo’s tranquility was pierced by the soft chirping of these newborns, a sound as captivating as the mystery that surrounds their ebony feathers. The zoo’s verdant expanses, typically known for their vibrant assemblage of fauna, became the cradle for these rare beauties under the watchful eyes of a team of dedicated veterinarians. Thipawadee Kittikhun, acting as the zoo’s director-general, shared the thrilling journey of a seven-year-old swan, the proud mother, who laid her eggs in the serene December of last year, only for them to hatch into life on the 9th and 10th of February. A tale that sounds almost as if plucked from the…