Posts published in “Thailand”

Welcome to the bustling city of Bangkok, where the heartbeat of its transit system – the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak), affectionately known as Mo Chit 2, is gearing up for a facelift that promises not just to uplift the spirits but also to ensure the safety and comfort of its myriad of travelers. Get ready to dive into an exciting journey of transformation, meticulously orchestrated by the dynamic team at Transport Co, as they gear up to propel Mo Chit 2 into the future, just in time for the splashy Songkran holidays in April. In a city that never sleeps, the terminal has already taken a bold move earlier this month, setting the stage by closing the arrival zone between the bustling hours of 8 PM and 4 AM. This clever tweak isn’t just for show. It’s a strategic masterstroke to reroute all pick-ups and drop-offs to the departure area,…

Welcome to a saga of conservation, controversy, and a clash between the guardians of nature and the progression of policies. Imagine, if you will, the serene and verdant landscapes of Khao Yai National Park, a jewel nestled within the heart of Thailand, now the center stage for a narrative that pits traditional land rights against conservation efforts. Our story begins with the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), taking a firm stand in a brewing storm. The DNP made it abundantly clear: the lush realms of Khao Yai National Park are sacred, a treasure chest of biodiversity, not to be divvied up under the new agricultural land title deed policy. Despite the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro) setting sights on around 2,933 rai of land within this UNESCO World Heritage site for agricultural purposes, the DNP stood tall like the ancient trees within the park, unyielding. Athapol…

In a breathtaking leap towards inclusive healthcare, Thailand is poised to revolutionize the realm of reproductive support with a pivotal amendment to its Surrogacy Law. Slated for passage in the shimmering third quarter of this year, this legislative gem promises a blanket of comfort and care for would-be parents navigating the complexities of technology-assisted reproduction. Imagine, from the magical moment of conception right through to 30 days post-delivery, the Universal Healthcare Scheme (UHS) vows to stand guard, ensuring every hiccup, hurdle, and health concern linked with pregnancy, childbirth, and the tender postpartum period is met with unwavering support and comprehensive coverage. Dr. Sura Wisedsak, the visionary at the helm of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), along with a coalition of the brightest minds from the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) and luminaries from insurance industry associations, has crafted this legislative masterpiece. But before it unfurls its protective…

Welcome to the spirited heart of democracy in action, where the air buzzes with anticipation and the fervent whispers of change. In a landmark move that twinkles with the promise of a new era, the nation is on the precipice of welcoming a fresh battalion of 200 senators into the hallowed hallways of governance, turning the page on the 250-member chamber formerly appointed by the illustrious yet now-retired National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The dance of democracy kicked off with a flourish on Thursday when the Election Commission (EC), chaired by the distinguished Itthiporn Boonpracong, unfurled the electoral regulations in the Royal Gazette. The curtain is set to fall on the five-year spectacle graced by the junta-appointed senators on May 11, yet their legacy will echo until the newly elected Senate takes the stage. Dive into the heart of this political symphony, conducted by the 2017 charter, revealing…

In the lush landscapes and vibrant communities of Thailand, a shadow looms for many, manifesting as the highest incidence of a particularly stealthy adversary among its ASEAN neighbors. This foe? Cholangiocarcinoma – a term that might twist the tongue, but the locals know it all too well as bile duct cancer. The news comes straight from the mouth of Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, who shed light on this pressing issue during an event that marked World CCA (cholangiocarcinoma) Day in the heart of Maha Sarakham. Dr. Cholnan painted a rather sobering picture: a menace primarily birthed by the liver fluke, silently invading the lives of many Thais. With Thailand sitting atop the unfortunate throne of having the most CCA cases in all of Southeast Asia, the country’s health ministry is not sitting idly by. In a vigorous response, they’ve mobilized a coalition of agencies, arming them with the ambitious…

In the heart of Bangkok’s bustling cityscape, nestled within the nooks of Soi Sukhumvit 4, an unexpected guest made an appearance that turned heads and ignited conversations. It was late January when the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation stumbled upon a sight that was as bewildering as it was awe-inspiring: a nine-month-old lion cub lounging amidst coffee patrons in a Klong Toey café. This discovery was not just a wake-up call stronger than the café’s espresso; it highlighted a burgeoning trend that’s raising eyebrows across Thailand. The allure of exotic pets has captured the fancy of Thailand’s elite, tiptoeing the thin line between affluence and audacity. Recent months have seen a spate of sightings that seem ripped from the pages of a surreal novel: lion cubs taking joyrides in luxury convertibles in Pattaya, or sauntering down suburban streets in Chon Buri. The narrative took a somber turn…

It was a scene straight out of a vibrant tapestry of Thai political lore, as supporters and journalists thronged the front of the Shinawatra family’s iconic Ban Chan Song La residence, their eyes fixed in earnest anticipation. The air buzzed with a palpable electricity — Thaksin Shinawatra, the prodigal son of Thai politics, was back. In the heart of Sakon Nakhon, amidst the murmurs of politics and justice, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin laid to rest any qualms about Thaksin’s parole. “It’s all above board,” he assured, painting a picture of a judicial system working in tandem with the spirit of better politics. “Imagine,” he mused, “a Thailand united in joy.” Thaksin, having braved the expanse of self-imposed exile, did not return to stir the political pot immediately, as some might have speculated. Instead, Srettha hinted at a man yearning for the simpler, sweeter pleasures of familial warmth. After all, time…

Imagine a scene straight out of a glossy Thai drama, where the heat of politics simmers beneath the surface of calm waters. At the heart of this riveting narrative is none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Prime Minister whose life could easily inspire a blockbuster. Recently, Thaksin was found soaking up the long-missed sunshine by the poolside of his residence in Chan Song La, a moment captured and shared by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her Instagram. This wasn’t just any day under the sun; it marked Thaksin’s first taste of freedom and natural light after a 180-day detention, and a staggering 17 years away from his home. The political arena, much like the waters of Thaksin’s pool, is about to experience some ripples – or perhaps waves. In an unexpected turn of events that reads like a script from a political thriller, Thaksin’s parole has set the…

On a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning that took a tragic turn, the quiet routine at Tha Phra electric train station in Bangkok Yai district was shattered. A scene more fitting of a gripping crime novel unfolded as police and forensic doctors congregated to untangle the circumstances that led to a man’s fatal plummet from the third floor of the station, an incident leaving onlookers in a state of shock and disbelief. The man in question, a 62-year-old pharmacist with a storied career in the pharmaceutical field, met an untimely end that morning. Described as a man devoted to his profession, he was a research manager for a leading company known for its significant contributions in importing and distributing vital medicine, chemicals, and medical equipment. His life, rich with dedication to healthcare, came to a heartbreaking halt at about 10 am under the gaze of the bustling city around him. Witnesses…

On a somber note that reverberated through the heartstrings of many, the case of Tomoko Kawashita, a Japanese woman whose life was tragically cut short in 2007 while exploring the historic expanse of Sukhothai Historical Park in Thailand, has resurfaced in the public consciousness. A haunting saga of mystery, international diplomacy, and the undying resolve of loved ones, this tale begins with the heart-wrenching endeavor of a family seeking justice. The tale took a significant turn last week when Yasuaki and Eiko Kawashita, the bereaved parents of Tomoko, then 27, stepped back onto Thai soil. Accompanied by officials from the Japanese Embassy, they embarked on a pilgrimage fuelled by love and the quest for closure; their destination was a meeting with Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, a rendezvous that only underscored the gravitas of their plea. The discovery of Tomoko’s body on that fateful November day in 2007, near Wat Saphan…