The repercussions of war are harrowing, personal, and far-reaching; they affect not just the locations where conflict happens, but also those who’ve journeyed there to work and make a living, thereby hoping to make a better life for themselves and their families back home. A somber reminder of this is the plight of the Thai laborers who recently found themselves amidst the reignited Hamas attacks in Israel, creating a distressing experience that has led some to question the wisdom of allowing Thais to find work in such volatile regions. On a fated Thursday, 41 Thai laborers made an emotional return home from Israel, onboard Israel Airlines flight LY 083. Of these, 15 were under the auspices of the Thai government, while the other 26 had managed to secure passage by financing their own tickets. Thailand’s government has dispatched around 30,000 workers abroad, a staggering 7,000 of whom landed jobs in…
Posts published in “Thailand”
On his recent trip to the vibrant region of Phitsanulok, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended an invitation to the public to express their stance on the government’s digital wallet scheme. The ambitious plan, promising to deposit 10,000-baht into the digital wallets of Thai citizens, has soared into the limelight, sparking a rigorous debate among economic experts. Emphasising the urgency of this digital economic stimulus, the Prime Minister announced that the government is compelled to implement the giveaway by February. “The digital wallet scheme is more than a handout; it’s an injection of energy into our economy and fuel for personal spending,” commented Mr. Srettha. Encouraging public involvement, he urged the citizens who are in favour of the scheme to make their support count. In a landscape increasingly swayed by social media narratives, the Prime Minister has been utilising his X account to assemble followers in support of the digital wallet…
In a significant recognition of his tireless environmental advocacy, Niwat Roykaew, fondly known as “Kru Thi”, has become the first Thai recipient of the renowned Leader on the Frontlines Award. Bestowed by the Asia Foundation in its headquarters in San Francisco, this award celebrates the relentless efforts of Mr. Niwat to preserve the pristine ecosystems of the Mekong River and the livelihoods of its resident communities. Notably, the Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organisation committed to improving lives across the dynamic landscape of Asia. At 64, Mr. Niwat holds reputable positions as the chairman of the Chiang Khong Conservation Group and the director of the Mekong School’s Institute of Local Knowledge. His most acclaimed accomplishment lies in rallying communities to successfully thwart a series of disastrous explosions and dam constructions that, if left unchecked, would have wreaked irreparable havoc on the river and its dependents. According to the…
The peaceful tranquility U-Tapao International Airport in the Ban Chang District was interrupted in the early morning hours as the third batch of Thai workers from Israel made their landing. There were 90 individuals in total, forming a group with a broad gender imbalance, comprising of 88 men and just two women. The returnees had left Israel the day before and, through the nurturing care of government arrangements, journeyed home on a commercial flight. The trek was far from linear. The workers embarked from their foreign home on Fly Dubai Flight FZ1550 at 11am local time. This flight was their first link to the outside world from their now ex-home, taking them to Dubai, located in the affluent realm of the United Arab Emirates. After a layover, the workers then boarded another flight, FZ1837, at 7pm on the same day. The second leg of their Odyssey took them to their…
The city of Paris, the epitome of romance and glamour, transformed into a somber landscape of escalating tension as French authority heightened its national threat alert to an unprecedented level. This turn of events came in the wake of a gruesome knife attack at a public school in Arras, a city located in the northern region of France. Primarily resulting in the tragic loss of a teacher and causing injury to several other individuals, this incident is reportedly the handiwork of an erstwhile student suspected to have fallen prey to the tentacles of Islamic radicalisation. Staggered by the gravity of the evolving circumstances, the quick-acting French governance initiated an immediate surge protocol to ensure the safety of people. Landmarks that often buzz with the cacophonous chatter of tourists, such as the iconic Louvre Museum and the grand Palace of Versailles, witnessed an emergency exodus on Saturday. Prompted by speculative intel…
Early Sunday morning, the scenic U-tapao airport in Rayong witnessed the emotional homecoming of the third wave of Thai expatriates who had been flown home. The latest group is comprised of 90 men and women who were formerly employed in Israel. The blissful reunion took place at SC Park Hotel in Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, where families eagerly awaited the arrival of their loved ones. This return home was a matter of life and death considering the conflict that the workers had experienced in Israel. The unsettling reality is that four more Thai nationals who were working in Israel have had their lives claimed in the terrifying Hamas attacks. This brings the death toll of Thai nationals to 28, alongside 16 injured individuals and 17 more being held captive. Reports from a counselor assigned to look after labour affairs at the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv, relayed this chilling information…
Enveloped by tranquil waves, majestic yachts find their haven in the exquisite marinas of Phuket, a stunning spectacle of Thailand’s nautical prowess. Boasting 18 piers and five resplendent marinas, the island serves as an iconic testament to the seamless interaction between man and the sea (Image: Achadthaya Chuenniran). Discover an invigorating mingling of tourism and maritime traditions as the Region 5 Marine Office spearheads the race to incorporate intuitive maritime safety measures in the Andaman Sea. This initiative isn’t merely a significant step towards safer water-borne adventures, but an earnest pledge to provide an unforgettably secure experience to the eager wave-riders who flock the region in the high season. The relentless dedication of the Marine Office is made manifest in the nurturing leadership of its director, Prawet Supachai. Unyielding in his commitment, Prawet leads marine offices in Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phangnga, Satun, and Trang to ensure an environment where safety…
Within the serene scenery of Amnat Charoen’s Phana district, a gruesome mystery unfolded. A chilling call echoed through the corridors of the Phana police station, prompting the quick deployment of its personnel. The crux of the matter? A foreign couple found lifeless in their rental home. The couple, a Swiss man aged forty-seven, and a Moldovan woman barely forty, have become the focus of a perplexing scenario, which the authorities speculate could be a murder-suicide. On the day of the dreadful discovery, Superintendent Pol Col Chotnarin Sathupawarat orchestrated both local and forensic teams to assess the scene, comprehend the chronology of events and importantly, establish the cause of death. The couple’s resting place for their last moments was a tranquil two-story house. The initial view was gory; both bodies exhibited knife-inflicted wounds to their throat and arms, and their poodle lay lifeless near the bathroom, adding to the grim scene.…
Our current climatic condition is significantly influenced by an average-strength high-pressure system originating from China. This atmospheric phenomenon is blanketing both the northeastern and northern parts of Thailand, extending its reach to the southern expanses of the Gulf of Thailand. Carrying a significant amount of moisture from both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the system is causing significant meteorological activity. Residents residing in these regions are being strongly urged to maintain high alert for substantial rainfall and accumulative precipitation. Such drastic weather alterations could potentially trigger immediate flooding and even flash floods. This warning is particularly crucial for individuals in low-lying areas and those inhabiting regions characterized by prominent mountainous landscapes where the risks are substantially greater. Turning our attention seaward, the conditions in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are also affected by this high-pressure system. Sea waves are anticipated to measure approximately…
From the verdant parks to the sprawling wildlife sanctuaries of Thailand, a diligent count by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation concluded that as from March 9, this year, the elephant population ranged between 4,013 and 4,422. These magnificent creatures roamed across 91 national parks, sanctuaries and non-hunting zones, painting a postcard-worthy picture of nature’s beauty. However, the steady deterioration of their habitat coupled with a lack of adequate food sources have been impacting the health of these elephants, precipitating a decline in their number. This concern laid the groundwork for a groundbreaking project launched in 2002, aiming to freeze elephant semen for artificial insemination applications, a step forward in securing the continuation of the species. The innovative project witnessed a fruitful collaboration between the Zoological Park Organisation, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kasetsart University, and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. The result? The birth of…