Posts published in “Thailand”

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a notable appearance in Surin on Sunday morning, where he led a grand mass ordination ceremony. His visit sparked significant attention and enthusiasm across the region. After receiving a parole, the ex-premier journeyed to Surin, a lower northeastern province in Thailand where the Pheu Thai Party holds a minority of House seats. This political heavyweight declared his intention to start meaningful initiatives for public welfare in the near future. Thaksin’s journey began at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. From there, he touched down at Buri Ram Airport, located in the Satuk district of Buri Ram province. Upon arrival, he was greeted warmly by Pheu Thai’s current and former ministers, along with Surin Members of Parliament (MPs). He then ventured to the neighboring province of Surin by road. In Surin, Thaksin made his way to Wat Suwan Wichit in Prasat district. It was here that…

Exciting times are on the horizon for Bangkok commuters as two new stations on the Pink Line Monorail at Muang Thong Thani inch closer to completion. Currently, this highly anticipated extension is 60% finished and is set to open its doors to the public in the second half of 2025. The buzz around this project has only grown with each passing month, as local media like the Bangkok Post continue to spotlight its progress. According to the latest announcement from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), the construction between Si Rat and Muang Thong Thani stations is now at an impressive 60.24% completion rate. As of June, the civil engineering work is nearly 67% done, while the electrical installations are at just over 47%. However, the new stations aren’t just figures on a report; they represent a significant leap forward in Bangkok’s transportation infrastructure. The Pink Line’s extension, stretching three…

Immigration police extended a warm welcome to visitors arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport ahead of last year’s enchanting Loy Krathong festival. Captured in a moment by Somchai Poomlard’s lens, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. In a move set to bolster tourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced his decision to sign off on an ambitious visa-free scheme, allowing visitors from 93 countries to explore Thailand’s wonders for up to 60 days. Revealed on Sunday, the prime minister expressed confidence in the seamless roll-out of the scheme. Proposed by the Interior Ministry, this expansion is a significant step for Thailand’s tourism. The prime minister noted that comprehensive measures are in place, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of tourists, citing successful implementations for visitors from China, India, and Kazakhstan. “Immigration police and security authorities have executed robust strategies, and they have been highly effective,” said Srettha. “I am confident these measures will…

Thap Lan National Park is currently at the center of a heated debate that has everyone from local villagers to environmental activists buzzing. National Park Office director Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn is pushing for the cabinet to revisit a resolution from March 14, 2023, concerning the park’s boundary. The proposal aims to redefine a sweeping 265,000-rai (over 104,000 acres) region within the park. But, not everyone’s on board. In a public hearing held recently, an overwhelming number of participants voiced their concerns. According to Mr. Chaiwat, this record-setting event pulled in 947,107 people—yes, you read that right, nearly a million participants. That’s like filling ten football stadiums! And guess what? A staggering 95.2% of them opposed the changes. Clearly, this isn’t a small ripple; it’s a tidal wave of public sentiment. Let’s rewind a bit. What’s all the fuss about? The proposed plan, originally put forth by the previous government, suggests redrawing…

Parcels waiting to be delivered to online shoppers (Bangkok Post file photo) The concept of opening parcels before making cash-on-delivery (COD) payments has garnered overwhelming support among consumers, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida Poll). The poll, carried out from July 9-11 through telephone interviews, involved 1,310 respondents aged over 18, from diverse educational backgrounds, occupations, and income levels. Opinions were sought regarding the newly introduced “Dee-Delivery” rule by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, aimed at safeguarding COD consumers. The survey revealed that a notable 70.45% of respondents were in full agreement with the rule, while 24.46% somewhat agreed. On the other side, 4.00% somewhat disagreed, 0.87% were firmly against it, and 0.22% were either unsure or indifferent. When delving into the online shopping habits of those surveyed, 70.53% acknowledged having experience with online purchases, leaving 29.47% who had never…

In the quaint and bustling locale of Bang Bo district in Samut Prakan, mere miles away from Bangkok, fishermen have found themselves battling an alien invasion. But this is no sci-fi story—it’s the reality of dealing with the blackchin tilapia that has dominated local waterways to an alarming extent. As Saturday afternoon turned into a demonstration for reporters, young fisherman Sitthikorn Ekwong, 21, cast his net into Khlong Dan canal, only to bring up more of these foreign fish. The sight of blackchin tilapia filling nets wouldn’t have been so jarring if it weren’t for the eerie absence of other species. Residents and long-time fishers in this area reminisced about a time when a variety of fish, including local tilapia, wandered through these waters. But as of late, it seems blackchin tilapia are the headliners—and pretty much the entire show. Enter Pisamon Srisin, a seasoned local of 75 years. She…

The streets of Bangkok have recently echoed with the chants of pro-cannabis activists, a scene vividly brought to life on a sweltering June day. There, near the Government House, throngs of advocates raised their voices against a new government proposal to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. This policy shift, they argue, could send shockwaves through Thailand’s burgeoning cannabis industry, putting a damper on investment and undermining businesses that have flourished since the plant’s decriminalisation. On July 5, in a decision that could ripple through Thailand’s economic landscape, a health committee responsible for overseeing illegal drugs voted by majority to relist cannabis and hemp as narcotics. The move, set to take effect from January 1, 2025, has been spearheaded by Surachoke Tangwiwat, the deputy permanent secretary for public health. The committee’s resolution is detailed: cannabis and hemp will be designated narcotic plants, with the sole exceptions being their branches, roots, and…

The ongoing saga of the long-delayed elevated expressway continues to unfold as the foundations for this ambitious project are now visible on Kaset-Nawamin Road. Yet, what stands out is the dramatic twist involving the third-phase expressway’s N2 section. This development is not merely about concrete and steel but a gripping tale of community resistance and bureaucratic maneuvers. Imagine this: picture a room at a Bangkok hotel in the Chatuchak district, packed with over 50 residents. They’re not there for a social gathering but to voice their deep opposition to the Expressway Authority of Thailand’s (Exat) new proposal. The plan in question? An underground route set to replace a highly contentious section of the N1 Expressway. Manawat Kamolsilp, a vocal critic and resident, was quick to assess the financial implications, “The underground route’s projected cost is a staggering 50 billion baht, whereas an elevated expressway would only set us back 17…

Picture this: a night departure from the bustling Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok, and by dawn, you’re greeted by the serene charms of Vientiane. The highly anticipated cross-border rail journey linking Thailand and Laos took a significant step forward with a successful test run held last Saturday. This sneak peek promises an enriching travel experience for passengers eagerly awaiting the official launch this Friday. The test voyage saw Nong Khai governor Sompob Samitasiri and a diversified entourage of officials, private sector representatives, and tour operators embark on the train from Nong Khai Railway Station, making their way to the newly developed Vientiane Station (Khamsavath) in Laos. Their mission? To ensure everything runs smoothly before the big day. Good news for eager travelers: bookings for this unique rail adventure have been available since July 10, and the excitement is palpable. The inaugural commercial journey is slated to depart…

On June 28, the officers at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau unveiled compelling evidence gathered from a large-scale operation targeting Euro 2024 football betting websites and call center syndicates. The operation revealed a staggering network that drew millions of users into illegal gambling activities. According to law enforcement, over 200 websites facilitating Euro 2024-related gambling have been shut down, bringing an astounding 2.4 billion baht of illicit funds under scrutiny. This unprecedented crackdown was timed to coincide with the exciting finale of the Euro 2024 football matches, which wrapped up on Sunday. The rigorous campaign kicked off on June 14, the day Euro 2024 football finals commenced, and concluded with a resounding impact by Thursday, as revealed by Assistant National Police Chief, Pol Lt Gen Akradet Pimolsri. Leading the charge was a specially formed task force that strategically dismantled these complex operations. Over the span of this operation, authorities managed…