It was a heartwarming scene of joy and relief at the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport where groups of eager relatives waited in anticipation for their loved ones. A total of 244 Thai nationals, returned home from the sandy terrains of Israel. The returnees, which also included a group of eager academic explorers from Princess of Naradhiwas University, had their flights touch down at the Bangkok-based airport at precisely 10pm on the evening of October 16. The welcoming group added a formal touch to the joyous homecoming, featuring some notable individuals such as Bunyawee Khwaiphan, who holds the pivotal role of Deputy Director at the Department of Employment, and Sombat Phothiwat, the abled Director of the Central Employment and Labour Protection Registry. They were joined by Thipawan Thongsi, the acting Director of the much lauded Department of Labour Abroad. The Suvarnabhumi airport staff, remembered for their tireless and dedicated service, were also…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today sent out a substantial rain warning for a staggering 32 provinces, as the southern region is predicted to witness hefty rainfall covering an extensive 70% of its geography. Thai locals in the affected regions are being sternly advised to stay alert for probable heavy water accumulation, an event that could trigger unexpected floods. The most recent 24-hour forecast from the TMD points towards a continuous covering of high-pressure cold air mass over the upper northern and northeastern areas of Thailand. At the same time, a trough is currently moving across the upper southern region, the Gulf of Thailand, and the eastern territories, marking its entry into a low-pressure zone within the South China Sea. These meteorological phenomena, paired with the southwestern monsoon blanketing the lower southern regions, the Gulf of Thailand, and the Andaman Sea, result in ongoing thunderstorms across the length and breadth…
Recently, a total of 33 Thai students who found themselves ensnared in the escalating conflict fueled by the Hamas militant group in Israel finally set foot on Thai soil again. Extracted from the fervor of the battlefront, these students were flown back in dedicated charter flights on Monday evening. The Israeli-based El Al flight brought back 244 Thai returnees, with the students intertwined in the mix. It lifted off from Ben Gurion Airport located at Tel Aviv at approximately 6:20 am, within the Israeli time zone. This charter flight, bearing the weary souls from the land of blood and dust, made its awaited landing at Suvarnabhumi airport at exactly 7:05 pm, as per Thai local time. These evacuated students comprised 30 individuals from the Princess of Naradhiwas University (PNU) and the rest from Sakonnakhon Rajabhat University. It was these enthusiastic blossoms that had set sail for Israel to participate in…
Gracing the Asia-Pacific headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bangkok was none other than Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Acting as the FAO’s Special Goodwill Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific, her mission was simple: fuel a fire beneath the current efforts to mitigate water scarcity and to push for enhanced water management schemes throughout the region. This gathering of minds took place on Monday, marking the Asia-Pacific World Food Day Observances. In a world where nearly a third of its population resides in areas plagued by water stress, the need for action is urgent and immediate. “Freshwater is becoming scarce, intensifying the contention for this invaluable resource. This, in turn, threatens our ability to cater to the escalating food demands of our increasingly populated region,” remarked the Princess. Her message was underlined by a compelling sense of resolve. “We can no longer sit idly…
Located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city of wondrous beauty and cultural wealth, often graced by the aroma of incense offered by visitors at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. With seasoned hospitality players and a lively entrepreneurial scene, Chiang Mai has witnessed a surge in popularity among international tourists, including visitors from China – our biggest international market before the devastating pandemic struck. Recent however, incidents like the unfortunate shooting episode in Siam Paragon shopping mall on October 3 have considerably dented the confidence of travellers, particularly from China. The repercussions can be seen in the form of approximately 60,000 cancellations from Chinese tourists amid security concerns. This aspect was highlighted in Airports of Thailand data that reported a drop in Chinese arrivals by 9.2% from a previous 650,000 to 590,000 visitors. With Chiang Mai being a preferred destination for Chinese visitors, this dip in tourism has been…
Athwart the country’s crisscrossing iron distant horizons, the railway police, affectionately known as the “train marshals”, have been an unwavering presence for seven decades and a bit. These silent guardians, whose duty originated following the advent of the contemporary Thai railway system during King Chulalongkorn’s reign, have been faithfully ensuring the safety of tireless trains and their passengers. However, the dawn of Tuesday will lower the curtains on these unsung heroes following an extensive reorganization of the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The imminent redeployment springs from the ambitious restructuring scheme envisaged under the National Police Act 2022. As per this transformative initiative, the railway police will join the ranks of their fellow colleagues positioned in different RTP departments. Their early origins can be traced back to their role as a “rail track patrol squad”, established in response to an escalating number of onboard criminal incidents. In the year 2005, this…
With a poignant embrace from a mother to her son at Suvarnabhumi airport, one of the 244 brave Thais who made it back home from Israel amidst the turmoil resonates deeply with the significance of their return. The photograph taken by Sutthiwit Chayutworakan encapsulates a moment of relief, a break in the storm for these tireless workers who had endured the conflict-bedeviled land of Israel. Saksit Wichitthongchai, one of the returnees, recollected his petrifying experiences with an invisible cloak of fear perpetually draped around him. The tales of living amidst sporadic gunfire, compliments of the Hamas terrorists – intimidating nearby work camps, echo the bravado and courage they exhibited while in the foreign land. Every night was a story of survival as every worker adhered to the alarming yet necessary ritual of carrying knives, forming an impromptu defense against the imminent danger. The terror of hearing about seven or eight…
Outstretched in the grasp of law-enforcement officers, an array of confiscated wildlife parts – antlers, tusks, pelts and more, lay in the aftermath of a two-year-old raid in Ratchaburi province. A grim testament to one individual’s illicit wildlife exploits. Pol Col Wanpichit Wattanasakmonta, the superintendent of Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division’s Sub-division 6, asserted the necessity of a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the natural world. “To protect wildlife is to safeguard our planet and its resources for future generations,” said the officer, dedicated to stemming wildlife trafficking, an unlawful industry amassing an estimated net worth of US$20 billion. Proudly hosting 10% of the planet’s diverse animal species, the allure of Thailand’s wildlife richness has unfortunately also made it a prime hotspot for illegal trade, serving as a source, crossing path and final stop. The situation, although alarming, has seen significant improvements over years. Species openly marketed…
The world-renowned Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, celebrated as the globe’s most advantageous business-related golf event, etched its inimitable imprint in the heart of Bangkok on the momentous date of October 16, 2023. To the backdrop of the prestigious Thai Country Club, this tournament was masterfully facilitated by Turkish Airlines, recognised globally as the foremost airline known for bridging more nations than any other airline in operation. Borne out of the ambitious vision in 2013, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup now stands as a beacon uniting an impressive assemblage of over 8,000 passionate golf aficionados competing in roughly 88 dynamic competitions scattered around the world. The Bangkok face-off signed the 76th edition of this highly-awaited event into the annals of golfing history. This unique tournament amalgamates talent and passion, paving a direct route to the illustrious Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Grand Finals slated to create ripples later in…
On a momentous day marking the end of an era, the Railway Police Division (RPD), an integral unit of the National Police Bureau, will cease to exist from Tuesday, October 17. The RPD, which has been ensuring the safety and security of railway systems since 1894, will be assimilated into various wings under the National Police Bureau. Originally initiated under the name Railway Security Unit during the rule of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the railway police undertook a series of transformations and reorganisations before evolving into the Railway Police Division. With outposts dotted across the country, the division has worked tirelessly to maintain order and safety within the vast and complex railway ecosystem. The primary responsibilities of RPD officers range from supervising investigations related to the railway system, to fighting against criminal activities within its purview. The division exercises its jurisdiction over a sprawling railway network that encompasses over 450…