Imagine a fresh wind blowing through the corridors of power in Thailand, where the vibrant pulse of democracy beats with renewed vigor. At the center of this invigorating political landscape stands a figure who has captured the imagination of a nation yearning for change: Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat, former captain at the helm of the Move Forward Party (MFP). Pita, with his enigmatic aura and progressive visions, has surged in popularity to become the most favored choice for the mantle of prime minister, according to a riveting survey conducted in the waning days of 2023. The study, masterfully orchestrated by the esteemed National Institute of Development Administration, or NIDA Poll, canvassed the diverse tapestry of the Thai populace. Through careful telephone interviews spanning from the 13th to 18th of December, voices from every corner of the country—more than 2,000 in total—resounded their preferences. Picture researchers meticulously dialing numbers, seeking to understand…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, gently rocking you back and forth as the tropical sun beams down from an almost impossibly blue sky. For a group of adventure-seekers, their diving trip off the exquisite coast of Phangnga was supposed to be nothing short of paradise – a taste of Thailand’s underwater nirvana. Then, without warning, their gateway to aquatic wonders turned into a tale of survival as their vessel, the Porn Sawan, succumbed to the unforgiving sea. The day had begun with a spectrum of scuba gear and excited chatter abuzz at Tap Lamung Port. Divers, novices and veterans alike, were raring to explore the undersea marvels near Torinla Island—or as the locals endearingly call it, Koh Kai. This slice of heaven is nestled just a whisper away from the enchanting Surin islands, calling out to those yearning for communion with marine tranquility. But as the Porn…
As the gentle waves of the Andaman Sea lapped against the hull of the Tor 995 patrol boat, there was an air of tense hope mixing with the salty breeze. Onboard, a navy soldier stood statue-like, his eyes scanning the horizon through a pair of binoculars, searching relentlessly for signs of the two passengers that time and the vast ocean seemed to have spirited away. This wasn’t just another day out at sea; it was a race against the clock to unravel the mystery that befell the ill-fated scuba-diving tour boat near the captivating allure of the Surin Islands National Park on that unforgettable Saturday. Under the shade of azure skies, nestled some 55 kilometers off the beckoning mainland of Thailand, the verdant oasis of the Surin Islands National Park looms as a tranquil haven for marine adventurers. Yet, amidst this natural paradise, the Ko Torinla or Ko Khai island…
Ahoy, prospective island-hoppers and globetrotters! Let me paint you a picture of maritime adventure and the capricious whims of Mother Nature, as experienced by sea-bound voyagers aiming for the tropical haven of Koh Samui. On a sunny, yet tempestuous Sunday, the great expanse of emerald waves that is the Gulf of Thailand played host to a suspenseful scenario. The coast of Surat Thani province buzzed with anticipation, but alas, the seas had a different plan for our travelers. The ocean, churning with untamed winds and towering surges, played gatekeeper to approximately 5,500 spirited souls, mainly Europeans, who were set on exploring the enchanting island of Koh Samui. These passengers, with dreams of golden beaches and coconut-laden palms, found themselves momentarily anchored in a sea of uncertainty as two majestic cruise liners, the Celebrity Solstice and the Diamond Princess, postponed their one-day sojourns on the island’s welcoming shores. The Celebrity Solstice,…
Picture this: a sunny Sunday morning in Nonthaburi, Thailand, disrupted by an unexpected twist. Transportation Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit takes center stage, examining a peculiar metallic snake that has taken residency across a four-kilometer stretch of Tiwanon Road. In the spotlight is the unfortunate Pink Line monorail system, looking quite undignified with its conductor rail sprawled on the ground, a sight witnessed by local residents and the concerned press with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. The curious case of the collapsing conductor rail begins with a seemingly innocuous event. A sheet pile— a tall, metal barrier used commonly around construction sites— was being hoisted high above the ground by a mighty crane. Its purpose? To clear traffic lanes previously claimed by the construction hustle for the Pink Line. Yet, in an unforeseen action-movie-style plot twist, a cascade of soil, perhaps with dreams of flight, plummeted from its metal haven straight…
Under the bustling city skyline, amid the cacophony of Bangkok’s Thonburi district, a solemn hush enveloped the Wong Wian Yai station construction site following a tragic accident on a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning. As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden hue on steel and concrete, the lives of many were irrevocably altered. It was approximately 8 am when the humming of machinery was abruptly pierced by an unimaginable catastrophe. Steel bars, round and unyielding, which were being hoisted from a diaphragm wall, suddenly became instruments of demise. A tower of metal, meant to fortify the expanding Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand’s (MRT) Purple Line, instead brought ruin. In the midst of orchestrated chaos that is a construction site, was Cholasit Suksabai—a young foreman with dreams as vast as the skyscrapers he helped erect. At the tender age of 23, Cholasit stood at the nexus of his…
Welcome, savvy travelers and frustrated weekend explorers! Let me take you on a journey through the tumultuous skies of airfare pricing—where the cries of disgruntled passengers on social media have soared just as high as the weekend rates from Bangkok to the stunning shores of Krabi. Here’s the lowdown: Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a member par excellence of the United Thai Nation Party, has thrown down the gauntlet. In a bold move last Sunday, he called upon the valiant knights of the Transport Ministry and their trusty allies at the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to wield their power and slay the draconian prices that plague the skies during weekends and those cherished long holidays. Why, you ask? Tantrums on Twitter and frustrations on Facebook reveal a bitter truth—a jaunt from Bangkok’s bustle to Krabi’s tranquil beaches can cost more than a small fortune on these peak days, with prices ballooning…
Imagine gazing up at the giggles of exuberance, where a nimble young boy, a true little spiderman, defies gravity, hanging upside down with a cheeky grin that lights up the Children’s Discovery Museum Bangkok 1. It’s National Children’s Day, January 14th—a moment captured by the adept lens of Nutthawat Wichieanbut, symbolizing the buoyant spirit of youth and the acrobatic feats of possibility. But behind this snapshot of joy lies a serious call for an all-hands-on-deck approach to the fortress of childhood—an approach where the very ramparts of rights and the bastions of protection for the young ones are fortified by not just a single ministry but by an alliance of government agencies. Najat Maalla M’jid, the esteemed UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, in her eloquent discourse with the Bangkok Post, impresses upon us the urgency of this full-scale mobilization. The clarion call is clear: This…
Imagine stepping into a world where the vibrant culture of Thailand meets the serene spirituality of Christmas under a canopy of chilly winds whispering across the mighty Mekong. Welcome to the northeastern province, a hidden gem bordered by Laos with a warmth that persists even as the temperature drops—a place known not just for its scenic beauty but also for its harmonious blend of Thai-Christian communities, exuding cultural richness in every corner. The season of joy is upon us, and it’s brought to life with the theme “Admire the Mekong amid Chilly Winds,” as announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Nakhon Phanom Office. It’s not your everyday festival; it’s a tapestry of tradition and celebration unfolding at the river’s edge, where the Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower stands proud in Muang district, inviting all to revel in the festivities. Let’s set the stage for a Christmas unlike any other,…
Have you ever peered at a bulky piece of furniture, an old mattress, or any large item that’s been a silent fixture in your home and thought, “How on earth do I get rid of this towering testament to bygone days?” Worry no more, dear residents of our vibrant city, for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has swung into action with a plan so splendid, it’ll practically make you want to throw a party in honor of garbage disposal! Last Friday, the BMA unveiled their latest gem of civic utility, a scheme that will make decluttering not just simple, but bordering on delightful. Eager to whisk away your bulky castoffs? Just amble over to the nearest collection point with your unwieldy items. Now, you might wonder, “Where in the urban jungle does one find these collection points?” With a simple scan of the QR code provided below, you’ll be whisked…