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Posts published in “Thailand”

Social Security Fund Expands Coverage: Customized Prosthetic Eyes Now Included

Great news for insured members! The Social Security Fund, under the Social Security Office (SSO), now covers customized prosthetic eyes. According to Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the SSO’s secretary-general, this new extension aims to support those who’ve faced eye loss under particular conditions. These specific conditions include being born without an eye, losing an eye due to a rupture, or undergoing eye removal surgery. What’s truly heartwarming is the comprehensive nature of this support. For pre-prosthetic examinations, insured members can claim up to 500 baht per visit — a crucial step to ensure they receive the best possible care. The process of making the mould for these customized prosthetic eyes can also be quite intensive, and for that service, an additional 500 baht is covered. On the actual day of receiving the prosthesis, members benefit from a further 600 baht! But wait, there’s more! The SSO will generously pay up to 5,000…

Pattaya Red Line Monorail: Revolutionizing Public Transit and Boosting Local Economy

Pattaya City is gearing up for an electrifying addition to its bustling streets: the brand-new Red Line monorail. This cutting-edge transportation system, stretching a sleek 17.37 kilometers, promises to revolutionize public transit in this vibrant coastal hub. With ten strategically placed stations, the Red Line aims to seamlessly whisk passengers across the city, all while significantly bolstering the local economy. The excitement surrounding this development was palpable at the recent public hearing, the second of its kind, where a comprehensive feasibility study on the monorail was presented. The meeting, held on Tuesday, drew a diverse mix of keen participants. From top-notch consultant companies tasked with designing the electric rail project and conducting an environmental impact assessment, to enthusiastic local business owners eager to share their feedback, the room buzzed with anticipation and ideas. So, what exactly is the route of Pattaya’s soon-to-be-famous Red Line? According to the detailed report, the…

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Unveils Major Thai Coastal Conservation Initiatives to Boost Ecotourism

The picturesque sands of Pattaya beach in Chon Buri have once more become the center of attention as the government launched not one, but two ambitious coastal projects on Tuesday. In a grand gesture to honor His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday anniversary, the 72 Thai Beaches Conservation and the Phuket Maritime Conservation Sandbox initiatives were unveiled with a mission to preserve the maritime biodiversity and further boost Thailand’s image as a top-tier tourist hotspot. At the helm of this ceremonious launch were Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, joined by enthusiastic representatives from various sectors committed to the cause. Highlighting the nation’s splendiferous oceanic and coastal treasures—true gems that attract flocks of tourists and generate a staggering national income of at least two trillion baht annually—Mr. Srettha emphasized the importance of these ventures. The dual-pronged initiative aims to stir public consciousness…

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat Confirms Funding for 10,000-Baht Digital Wallet Scheme

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat elaborates on the much-anticipated digital wallet scheme at Government House on July 24, shedding light on an initiative that’s creating ripples throughout the economic and political arenas. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In an unprecedented move, Budget Bureau director Chaloempol Pensut confirmed on Tuesday that the government can indeed allocate the budget for its flagship 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme from the fiscal year 2025. This revelation comes amidst growing concerns from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), which has been vocal about the lack of clarity regarding the funding sources for this ambitious initiative. The MFP previously criticized the government for not adequately detailing how funds for the digital wallet scheme would be sourced from the 2025 fiscal year. Addressing these concerns, Mr. Chaloempol clarified that the government is prepared to re-allocate the 2025 budget, emphasizing that the funds would be sourced from canceled projects. He…

Flash Floods Force Closure of Beloved Waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park

Two of Khao Yai National Park’s cherished waterfalls have been temporarily closed due to severe flash floods in the eastern region. Park chief Chaiya Huaihongthong officially announced on Tuesday that Takhro Falls and the Sai Yai River in Prachinburi were closed as of Monday. Following suit, the beloved Nang Rong Falls in Nakhon Nayok shut their grounds to visitors on Tuesday. Local sources revealed that Na Di district in Prachinburi experienced relentless downpours, resulting in a sudden flood starting from the Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids in the Sai Yai River. As the torrents surged, the rapids were deemed unsafe for rafting. Nearby communities faced immediate impacts, including Ban Saphan, where inundation struck the heart of Saphan Hin Subdistrict. Amidst the rising waters, soldiers and rescue teams rapidly mobilized with boats to aid and evacuate residents and animals from the embattled village of about 200 households. Access routes to safer zones…

Bangkok’s Gym Equipment Procurement Scandal: BMA Officials Under Fire for Corruption

Local residents were seen energetically using fitness equipment at Wachirabenjathat Park, affectionately known as Suan Rod Fai, nestled in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. But while the community enjoys these facilities, a storm brews within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). On Tuesday, City Hall revealed that at least 25 officials are suspected of collusive activities, leading to grossly inflated gym equipment purchases for seven projects, collectively costing 77.22 million baht. According to an emerging investigation, one of the implicated officials has already exited their post, while the remaining will be reassigned to inactive positions. This move precedes a deeper probe to establish whether their actions qualify as severe disciplinary misconduct. Nuthapong Disayabutr, a deputy city clerk and head of the BMA’s anti-corruption center, shared these findings. The initial results of this probe aren’t stopping at BMA’s desks—the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will also review them as legal proceedings loom. Nuthapong emphasized the…

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Awaits Critical Constitutional Court Ruling

Document The political spotlight is currently fixed on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who made a fervent plea for justice in his closing argument to the Constitutional Court this past Tuesday. Despite the swirling controversy over his appointment of the former convict Pichit Chuenban as PM’s Office Minister, Srettha stands resolute about his honesty and integrity in his service to the country. Drawing from sources within the Pheu Thai party, it appears the Prime Minister’s final submission treads familiar ground, echoing the comprehensive 32-page defense he presented back in June. Yet, this closing statement was anything but a simple rehash. It spotlighted several pivotal details designed to bolster the Prime Minister’s defense. Among the crucial points highlighted were provisions from Section 160 (4) and (5) of the Constitution, which dictate that cabinet ministers must hold themselves to the highest standards of moral integrity and refrain from any behavior that would violate…

Prime Ministers Srettha Thavisin and Anwar Ibrahim Boost Thai-Malaysian Border Security and Trade

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim couldn’t help but share a hearty laugh during their discussions at the Thai border in the Sadao district of Songkhla on November 27, 2023. As camaraderie thickened the air, the two leaders foresaw another rendezvous on Saturday, this time at the bustling Kelantan-Narathiwat border. The snapshot of their warm moment was proudly shared by Government House, capturing the essence of their mutual goals. Malaysia has pledged a hefty 100 million ringgit, equivalent to 770 million baht, to spruce up facilities across three states that hug the Thai border. This financial boost aims to bolster border security and enhance trade activity between the two neighboring nations. The announcement, which mirrored Malaysia’s burgeoning commitment, was made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday. The funds will be funneled into the security landscapes of Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan, states lying adjacent to the…

Bang Kapi’s Homeless Crisis: Viral TikTok Sparks Urgent Welfare Response in Bangkok

In the bustling Bang Kapi district of Bangkok, just outside the lively hub of The Mall Lifestore, a sight that evokes both empathy and concern unfolds on the night of July 28. A TikTok video, posted by Jeeraporn.ning, captures homeless individuals asleep at a bus stop, highlighting an issue that resonates deeply with city-dwellers and officials alike. Responding with urgency, welfare officials pledged to intensify inspections of Bangkok’s bus stops following the incident. This particular stop had become an unwelcome haven for five individuals—day laborers unable to afford lodging, former convicts trying to navigate life after incarceration, and elderly people abandoned by their families—all seeking refuge under the bus shelter. Intrigued by the viral video, which surfaced on Sunday night, authorities from the Human Security Emergency Management Centre (HuSEC) mobilized swiftly. The presence of the homeless at this bustling bus stop, directly outside one of the city’s major malls, spurred…

Bangkok’s Light Red Line Merger: SRT Aims for Cost Efficiency and Improved Connectivity

Red Line electric commuter trains gracefully glide into Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok, a symbol of progress and urban connectivity. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is laying the groundwork for an ambitious merger of two extensions of the Light Red Line mass transit project. This strategic move is designed to streamline operations and cut costs by addressing overlapping areas in the Taling Chan district, perched on the western frontier of Bangkok. SRT’s deputy governor, Anan Phonimdang, revealed that the Taling Chan-Salaya and Taling Chan-Siriraj sections would meld into a unified project, obliterating redundancy and bolstering efficiency. The merger, already rubber-stamped by the state enterprise’s board, stands to expedite not only the acquisition of necessary land but also the subsequent construction and system installations. The Taling Chan-Salaya route stretches 14.8 kilometers and is dotted with six stations: Phra Ram 6, Bang Kruai-Egat, Ban Chim Phli,…