The relentless spread of the blackchin tilapia throughout numerous provinces might be more than just an ecological nuisance—it could potentially be the consequence of clandestine activities. According to academic experts, a combination of stringent methods including electrofishing and the release of other predatory species might effectively curb this invasive species’ burgeoning population. These insights were spotlighted during the 24th “Impact” academic seminar, hosted by Chulalongkorn University’s Communication Center and the Aquatic Resources Research Institute (ARRI) on a thought-provoking Friday. The seminar was buzzing with intellectual discourse, delving into the pressing issue of the blackchin tilapia proliferation. It attracted an ensemble of academics from diverse universities, institutes, and agencies, all ardent to share their perspectives and potential solutions. Setting an optimistic tone, the acting president of Chulalongkorn University, Prof. Wilert Puriwat, underscored the urgency of addressing this West African fish’s ecological disruption. Puriwat stressed that this gathering was pivotal for fostering…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the early hours of Sunday, a potential disaster was averted on the Mitraparp Highway in Ban Phai district of Thailand’s Khon Kaen province. It was a scene right out of an action movie, with firefighters heroically spraying water over a leaking LPG cylinder, preventing what could have been a catastrophic explosion. Just after the witching hour, at approximately 12:30 AM, a truck carrying a whopping six tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas began to leak while it was refilling another truck. This was no ordinary roadside mishap but an incident fraught with peril, occurring right opposite a petrol station — an ominous setting for such a volatile situation. The location, in Ban Nano of tambon Nong Nam Sai in Ban Phai district, quickly became a hub of activity. Police immediately cordoned off traffic within a two-kilometre radius to ensure the safety of motorists and residents. It was a tense atmosphere…
A gardener proudly displays a message on his phone, confirming his registration for the digital wallet scheme, outside Government House on Aug 1. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu). What might seem like a simple snapshot has gigantic implications for the nation. You see, this digital wallet handout scheme is the Pheu Thai-led government’s flagship initiative to invigorate the economy. And whether or not Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin retains his position, this scheme is expected to steam ahead full throttle. Come Wednesday, all eyes will be on the Constitutional Court, as it determines Srettha’s fate following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a cabinet minister. This decision rubbed many the wrong way, as Pichit was previously convicted of contempt of court for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials in 2008. The petition seeking Srettha’s ouster was filed in May by a group of 40 former senators but political pundits…
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is joining hands with the private sector to launch an exciting price reduction campaign for goods and services, ahead of the highly anticipated digital wallet scheme. The mastermind behind this initiative, Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as deputy prime minister, gathered with over 150 private operators in a vigorous discussion last Saturday. This strategic economic stimulus, as directed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, seeks to ease financial strains before the 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme rolls out in December. The prime minister has tasked the ministry with collaborating across all sectors to aid small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in lightening their financial load. This support begins on August 20 and spans until November 20, 2024, paving the way for the forthcoming digital wallet initiative. Here’s a sneak peek at the thrilling measures they’ve lined up: First on the agenda is a groundbreaking effort to partner with…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin found himself in the crosshairs of political controversy once again, the focus of animated discussions held among the coalition parties within the Pheu Thai-led government at Government House in Bangkok on a sultry Sunday. Despite the potential storm clouds gathering over his future, Srettha seemed to exude confidence, a sentiment echoed by political watchers who predict he will withstand the upcoming legal scrutiny. The brewing storm centers on Srettha’s contentious decision to appoint the controversial figure, ex-convict Pichit Chuenban, to a cabinet ministerial position. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai brushed off concerns on Saturday, describing the meeting as a routine monthly affair where coalition representatives come together to discuss the government’s ongoing work, lingering problems, and possible solutions. Particularly on today’s agenda was a review of parliament’s duties and the cabinet’s workload. “It’s just business as usual,” Phumtham said nonchalantly. “We have our…
Get ready for a celestial extravaganza as the Perseid meteor shower lights up the night sky across the country from the evening of Mother’s Day on August 12 (Monday) right through Tuesday morning. According to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Narit), this annual spectacle, affectionately named the “Mother’s Day meteor shower,” promises a mesmerizing show for all stargazing enthusiasts. Suparerk Karuehanon, Director of Astronomy Outreach and Public Engagement at Narit, is here to guide you on how to make the most of this phenomenal event. He reveals that during its peak, we could witness an awe-inspiring shower with up to 100 meteors gracefully streaking across the sky every hour. The excitement kicks off around 11 PM on Monday night and extends into the early hours of dawn. For the best viewing experience, Suparerk recommends seeking out a spot with minimal light pollution—think remote countryside or beachside retreats. “The…
The spread of blackchin tilapia across numerous provinces seems to be a consequence of smuggling, while measures like electrofishing, coupled with the introduction of other predatory species, might offer a viable solution to control their burgeoning population, as per academic experts. Recently, Chulalongkorn University’s Communication Center and Aquatic Resources Research Institute (ARRI) hosted its 24th “Impact” academic seminar, spotlighting the relentless proliferation of the blackchin tilapia. The seminar attracted academics from various universities, institutes, and agencies, all eager to share their perspectives. Prof Wilert Puriwat, the acting president of Chulalongkorn University, commenced the event with an opening speech, underscoring how the spread of this Western African fish species is disrupting multiple sectors. “This year’s seminar is pivotal. It aims to foster cooperation among experts across diverse fields to tackle this pressing issue, with the findings set to be handed over to governmental bodies for action,” he asserted. Prof Suchana Chavanich,…
The Commerce Ministry is joining forces with the private sector to roll out an exciting price reduction campaign for goods and services, ramping up the anticipation for the upcoming digital wallet scheme set to launch three months later. On a vibrant Saturday, Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as the deputy prime minister, spearheaded a lively discussion with over 150 private operators. This initiative, a strategic economic stimulus, was set in motion by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive. Minister Phumtham shared that the prime minister has put the ministry on a mission to collaborate across all sectors to lend a hand to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The aim is to lighten their financial load and slash living costs for three months, running from August 20 to November 20, 2024, leading up to the eagerly awaited 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme debuting in December. First on the agenda is partnering…
A gardener displays a message on his phone, confirming his registration for the digital wallet initiative at Government House on August 1. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The Pheu Thai-led government’s grand digital wallet handout scheme seems set to continue, regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s fate as the Constitutional Court deliberates on his controversial decision to appoint ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. Political insiders suggest that Pheu Thai’s flagship policy, aimed at invigorating the economy, will proceed as long as the party remains in power. On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court is slated to decide whether Mr. Srettha will stay in office following his choice to bring Pichit into the fold as a PM’s Office Minister during the last cabinet shuffle. The contention arises from a petition filed in May by 40 former senators. They argued against Pichit’s appointment, pointing out his 2008 conviction for contempt of court, where he…
**Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Government House on Aug 7. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)** When politics heats up, everyone’s eyes turn to the central players, and right now, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is feeling the spotlight. At Government House, a hub of activity on any given Sunday, the coalition parties of the Pheu Thai-led government are gearing up to respond to a much-anticipated ruling by the Constitutional Court this Wednesday. The burning question on everyone’s mind: Will Srettha keep his position? This uncertainty stems from his controversial appointment of Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, to a ministerial post. Though it might seem like a political nail-biter, seasoned observers believe the Prime Minister will successfully weather this storm. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai mentioned on Saturday that a regular monthly meeting of the coalition representatives is slated for today at Government House. “It’s just a routine discussion,” Phumtham assured reporters,…