Sun, sand, and salutations—these three elements harmoniously intertwined to create a symphony of serenity at Pattaya Beach. As the waves lapped gently against the shore, hundreds congregated to kick off the countdown to the International Day of Yoga. This spirited celebration was all about embracing wellness, fostering unity, and championing global harmony. As it marked the “25 Days to International Day of Yoga,” Pattaya City partnered with the Indian Association of Pattaya to host a vibrant beachside event that drew yoga aficionados from every walk of life. From Thai residents to internationals, Indian business leaders to health advocates, and enthusiastic students from Pattaya City School 8 (Pattayanukul), everyone gathered to find their balance and peace. Presiding over the proceedings, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet made a compelling case for yoga’s growing significance in the city. “Yoga transcends mere exercise—it’s a way of achieving balance, discovering inner peace, and forging deeper connections,”…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The ever-watchful eyes of the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC) are keenly trained on the horizon, monitoring the emergence of Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 as it follows its potential destiny to become the prevailing strain within the nation. On the sunny morning of the previous day, Dr. Yongyot Thummavudhi, the insightful director-general of DMSC, eloquently shared updates on the matter, shedding light on the unyielding vigilance of the World Health Organization (WHO), which meticulously tracks the evolving family of Omicron variants. Of these, certain variants have piqued the interest of the global health community and earned distinctive classifications—richly named Variants of Interest like JN.1 and the Variants under Monitoring, a group currently composed of six notable strains. As the curtain rises on this microbial drama, the six strains that occupy the limelight are KP.3, KP.3.1.1, LB.1, the cryptic XEC, and LP.8.1, with the spotlight now intensifying on NB.1.8.1. The story unfolds…
The latest twist in the saga of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s legal battle is poised to take center stage as her adept legal team gears up to petition the Administrative Court for a significant yet strategic delay in a hefty order laid down by the Finance Ministry. The demand? A staggering 10 billion baht that looms large over Yingluck, a cost born from the contentious rice-pledging scheme during her tenure. Aiming to turn the tide, the team, led by the diligent Norawit Lalaeng, is rallying all forces to secure a retrial based on compelling fresh evidence that could drastically change the narrative. In the heart of the bustling legal preparations, Mr. Norawit conveyed an unexpected revelation. He painted an intriguing picture of accounts still whispering of vast quantities of rice—an astounding 18.5 million tonnes—sitting idle in warehouses post the military intervention on that fateful May 22, 2014. That day,…
Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of Nakhon Si Thammarat, a shocking scandal has unfolded, with a university lecturer at the heart of an illegal firearms operation daringly conducted from within the confines of the Vajiravudh military camp. This hair-raising tale revolves around the intriguing figure of Wisut Hemman, a 41-year-old academic recently caught in the net of law enforcement, facing some serious accusations. Under the guise of a benign welfare store, military special ops units uncovered a treasure trove of illicit weaponry in a surprise Tuesday night raid. The operation, nestled in a PX welfare store building tucked inside the camp and quietly rented by civilians, was blown wide open, revealing the brazen business known as “GUN SMART & TACTICAL SHOP.” The clock struck midnight on Mr. Wisut’s clandestine enterprise, whisking him into the spotlight. This audacious operation was allegedly masterminded by a fellow who doubles as a business administration…
In the bustling corridors of power, where decisions of national significance are hammered out and future blueprints are meticulously crafted, a lively group of activists is making quite the stir. Meet the Constitution Drafting Network and Internet Law Reform Dialogue, affectionately dubbed iLaw. These tireless crusaders, in collaboration with Constitutional for All (Conforall), recently orchestrated an event probing the powers wielded by the Senate. They aptly titled it “Senators Must Stop”, urging a moratorium on senatorial selections for independent organizations, until the air is cleared of vote-rigging dust clouds that have enveloped a swath of senators. With a tale worthy of Shakespearean intrigue, over 150 senators find themselves emblazoned on the Department of Special Investigation’s and the Election Commission’s guest list, regarding these daunting allegations of electoral faux pas in last year’s Senate lineup. Impressive, yet concerning, a number akin to a symphony orchestra yet striking discord as they’re ushered…
In an intriguing twist in Thailand’s public health sector, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has approached the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) with a nuanced stance on their recent decision concerning three doctors linked to the medical treatment of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra while out of prison. Dive into the drama, as tensions rise over medical ethics, professional responsibility, and the wider implications for the Thai health system. Buckle up, because this story is quite the rollercoaster! Let’s rewind to the start of this riveting tale: according to his aide, Mr. Thanakrit Jitareerat, Minister Somsak found himself on a collision course with the MCT following their controversial verdict on the case. Back on May 8, the MCT took decisive action by suspending two senior doctors from the Police General Hospital and issued a stern warning to a third doctor from the Department of Corrections Hospital. The focal point? Their certificates…
The serene locales of Maha Sarakham have been struck with an alarmingly thorny issue – a public health alert concerning an outbreak of melioidosis. Affectionately dubbed “soil fever” by locals, this perilous disease has claimed three lives, sending ripples of concern through the provincial public health office. The culprit behind this unwelcome intruder? The Burkholderia pseudomallei bacterium, a mischievous microorganism that lurks in the soil and water, more at home in the northeast. As creepy as it sounds, it seems this bacterium thrives in the very charm of the rainy season, particularly when rice farmers are eagerly sowing the seeds of their new crop. Dr. Watthana Sriwattana, the vigilant deputy public health chief of Maha Sarakham, has sounded the alarm. According to insightful epidemiological projections dating from January 1 to May 17, the province clocked in 24 cases, yielding a rather uneasy 2.54 in every 100,000 folks falling prey to…
Get ready for a dazzling display of Thai silk’s exquisite beauty and craftsmanship as the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Association of Thai Silk and Culture, turns the spotlight onto Thailand. This year’s “14th Celebration of Silk: Thailand’s Silk Road to the World 2025” is set to captivate audiences at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall on June 21. With cultural luminaries like Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol attending, along with international dignitaries, the event promises to be a spectacular tribute to this elegant fabric’s storied legacy. This year’s celebration pays special homage to Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, whose unwavering commitment to promoting Thai silk has been an inspiration worldwide. Beneath the grandeur of the hall’s chandeliers, spectators will be mesmerized by a spellbinding fashion show featuring creations modeled by no less than cabinet ministers and government agency representatives. The diplomatic corps from an impressive array of over…
In what can only be described as a saga of temple turmoil, a vivid fresco of corruption has been unearthed at the National Office of Buddhism (NOB). It appears that even the serene abodes nestled in the folds of spirituality are not immune to the tendrils of dishonest dealings. According to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), three former officials of the NOB have been fingered for their roles in the illicit gathering of wealth, all originating from funds intended to support temples—a cause as noble as the mountains but as tainted as a smudged monastery mural in this tale. The indomitable Saroj Phuengrampan, the vigilant secretary-general of the NACC, broke the silence on this unsettling matter. As one might relay the fall of great empires, he unveiled the findings of a comprehensive inquiry into the shenanigans reportedly orchestrated by these once-revered custodians of faith and public duty. What they discovered…
The new fiscal year is around the corner, and along with it comes a flurry of debates about big-budget projects. One of the most talked-about plans is the Transport Ministry’s proposal to construct a new office building, with a price tag that’s raising more than a few eyebrows. The proposed 3.83 billion baht expenditure has drawn intense scrutiny from the main opposition People’s Party (PP), who are asking the kind of probing questions that keep government officials on their toes. In a recent session of the House of Representatives, Surachet Pravinvongvuth, a member of parliament from the PP, resurrected memories of a costly blunder- a not-so-distant scandal involving the State Audit Office (SAO). They spent a whopping 2.56 billion baht on a new office building, which inconveniently decided to buckle under the pressure of an earthquake. Naturally, Surachet wondered why the Transport Ministry’s building, projected to be even more expensive,…