“Striking that crucial equilibrium between humanity and our natural environment is essential,” declares Pol Col Wanpichit Wattanasakmonta, an officer involved in the formidable task of combating wildlife trafficking. “This is not merely about preserving wildlife. Our focus is to instill in everyone the importance of safeguarding our resources and the environment. With a sustainable ecosystem, we can coexist in peace with nature.” While this is a noble aspiration, the reality is that Pol Col Wanpichit’s day-to-day involves a relentless pursuit of criminals involved in a shockingly sizable yet illegal industry, with an estimated valuation of a staggering US$20 billion. This nefarious trade ranks fourth globally, trailing only drug, human, and arms trafficking. With its rich biodiversity, accounting for about 10% of all animal species globally, Thailand occupies a critical position in the world of wildlife trade. It serves as a source, destination, and transit point for trafficking activities. However, the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, a 19-year-old academic prodigy named Atiya met with an unexpected ending to her young life. After being duped into paying a hefty down payment of 20,000 baht for an iPhone that was never intended to materialize, Atiya was found lifeless, a tragic victim of her own desperation and online scam. Identified as a Grade 12 student, Atiya was discovered at her family residence in the pastoral area of tambon Koh Thuad in Pak Phanang district, succumbing to the immense stress imparted by cyber criminals. Following the tragic discovery, law enforcement swung into action, scouring for clues related to the elusive culprits, including a woman linked to a mule account through which the gang members funneled their illicit earnings. Probing Atiya’s close friends and a distressed aunt living in the same residence, police learned about Atiya’s connection with a purported cell phone shop…
The former mogul of Italian-Thai Development, Premchai Karnasuta, was granted an early release from Thong Pha Phum prison located in Kanchanaburi, seven weeks prior to the end of his sentence scheduled for Dec 7. The Department of Corrections announced that a meeting was convened on Monday to evaluate potential sentence commutations for 567 eligible prisoners. Of these, 484 received approval, of which 113, including Premchai, were sanctioned for release on Tuesday. The erstwhile chief of one of the largest construction companies in Thailand, Italian-Thai Development Plc, Premchai was incarcerated for illegal hunting activities. He was found guilty of shooting protected wildlife species, specifically a rare black panther, a kalij pheasant, and a barking deer, in the eminent Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018. Premchai, being 69 years old and ailing from diabetes, met the criteria for a premature release, as stated by the Department of Corrections. Diabetes had led to…
On the cusp of his departure to Beijing, Srettha shed light on both concerning and unfolding situations in Israel. His forthcoming trip sets him on a path to the 3rd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, an event drawing in distinguished attendees and soliciting attention worldwide across Tuesday and Wednesday. The premier’s grim update paints a stark picture of the ongoing dilemmas in Israel. Despite hopes to the contrary, the reports suggest a worsening scenario with no significant improvement. This bleak reality, Srettha explains, has shifted from bad to worse, escalating into a state of critical concern. Inquiring minds eager for some hint of progress or optimism amid the continuous hostage crisis were met with a candid response from the premier. Up to this moment, Srettha confirmed, there have been neither notable changes nor positive strides towards securing the release of the captives. He acknowledged the concerted efforts being made,…
Nestled within these locales, occupants are advised to adopt a sense of vigilance as torrential downpours accompanied by their subsequent accumulation could potentially give rise to instantaneous flooding and rapid deluges within forests, extending specifically to terrains located near water sources in hill areas. A notable mix of a formidable high-pressure system accompanied by a frigid air engulfing the upper northern and northeastern expanses is anticipated to persist. Concurrently, it’s predicted that the monsoon trough will traverse across the superior portion of the southern expanse, making a passage across the Gulf of Thailand, and advancing eastwards. This climatic trajectory is expected to infiltrate the domain occupied by the expressively low-pressure systems situated in the central quarters of the South China Sea. The interpretation of this weather model bears the likelihood of gravitating closer towards Vietnam’s coastal line. Integration with the southwestern monsoon looming over the inferior southern expanse and the…
The Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has rescheduled this week’s customary cabinet meeting due to an impending state visit to China. This significant development was disclosed by the Transport Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit. Among the topical issues sparked by this shift includes the public discourse revolving around a popular “Quick Win” campaign policy of the dominant Pheu Thai Party, scheduled for a crucial discussion. This policy involves a flat 20-baht fare rate, which was a pressing promise crafted to gain traction from the body of voters during the most recent election period. Historically, fare prices traversing the two pivotal lines have always been dependent on the journey’s length. It varied from rates as low as 14 baht to as high as 42 baht. This fare adjustment seeks to introduce a level fare rate system that is less chaotic and more financially manageable for passengers. The preliminary implementation of this 20-baht rate was…
Highlighting an optimistic approach to push the scales of tourist attraction, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delightedly announced an extended visa-free access for Russian citizens to Thailand. As an additional role of finance minister, Srettha introduced this liberating policy with a primary focus on inviting tourists from Russia wishing to elude the chilly winters of their homeland, wandering from December till March, in the warmer aura of Thailand. Any strategy is hollow without future prospects, keeping that in mind, Srettha also unveiled upcoming diplomatic dialogues with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. Accumulating at the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, these conversations are scheduled to take place in Beijing, from the 16th to the 21st of October, shaping the future of international relations. Laying down the figures for a clearer picture, Thailand witnessed a whopping number of slightly more than 20 million foreign tourists, precisely, 20,051,535 to be exact,…
The central province of Thailand finds itself in a precarious situation as water levels rise in the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers, along with the region’s canals. The reason for this phenomenon isn’t far to seek – the Chao Phraya Dam has been discharging water at a rate of an incredibly high 1,800 cubic meters per second. From the reports of Ayutthaya’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office on Monday, things seem grim. The flooding has now reached as many as nine different areas including Sena, Bang Ban, Phak Hai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Sai, Bang Saai, Bang Pahan, Maha Rat, and Bang Pa-in. The increase of water levels in these areas hasn’t just posed risks to living but also caused difficulties for commuting. A worrisome aspect of this development is the submergence of Wat Ko Phai and the hospital situated in the Bang Luang Dod subdistrict. These are not…
In an exclusive discussion with Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC)’s respected chairman, Chaichan Chareonsuk, he posited the paradoxical situation the Thai economy is currently navigating. Yes, the weakened baht has intuitively made Thai exports more affordable in the global market, but it’s not all smooth sailing. There’s a flip side to this coin, and it’s significantly raising the stakes for the Thai economy. This stems from the heightened costs of importing crucial goods and raw materials, an unavoidable necessity for sustainable production. The frail baht’s impact is rippling through the economic milieu, amplifying the production costs and consequently the market prices of Thai products. This escalation in costs unintentionally erodes the competitive edge Gaussianed from the previously advantageous export prices. The situation is laden with complexity and fraught with risks for the Thai economy. Adding to this convoluted economic plight, the weakened baht indirectly fuels a surge in costs to…
In October of the coming year, Russia has the honor to host the illustrious BRICS Summit. Six fresh members are set to join the ranks of the association, namely Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia. As it stands today, BRICS is a five-member coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa on a mission to foster cooperation and mutual assistance. Real interest is not lacking when it comes to courting the favor of BRICS, with around 40 countries vying for a seat at the table, according to Russia’s Ambassador Tomikhin. As he phrases it, “These countries are desirous of a closer kinship with BRICS and look forward for consultations on urgent domestic as well as global matters.” What’s on the menu for prospective members? Tomikhin provides a few tantalizing tidbits, teasing of possible all-out membership or perhaps an intimate alliance with the BRICS. He also…