In the twilight of a usual Saturday in the Klong Toey district, colorful floral tributes started to form a moving memorial near an innocent ATM machine, a silent witness to a tragedy caused by a stray bullet that claimed an innocent life. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The tranquility was shattered when a hapless freshman university student became a target of a mindless act of violence carried out by alleged perpetrators hailing from a single school, both recent and long graduated. These individuals unleashed chaos that culminated in the unforeseen tragedy of the day, the demise of an innocent woman, marking a dark week for Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau. Bangkok’s Metropolitan boss, Pol Lt Gen Thiti Sangsawang, conveyed the chilling details of the event on Tuesday. The vile act was executed by a faceless perpetrator, hidden behind the mask of a full-faced helmet, trailing behind on a motorcycle, yet it was clear…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the picturesque district of Mae Sot, Tak, a striking scene unfolds. Myanmar workers diligently file in to submit their visa applications at the Tak Immigration Office. This imagery captured last year is a testament to the changing tides of labor dynamics in Thailand. But the tide has shifted once again. On a recent Tuesday, the Ministry of Interior in Thailand sprang a revelation that sparked waves of relief among migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. These laborers previously granted temporary stay and work permissions have now been offered an extension of stay. And it’s not only a chance to extend their visas, but also their pursuit of ambition, as work permit applications are being processed simultaneously. The secretary to the Interior Minister, Traisuree Taisaranakul, unveiled that two new announcements were issued on this matter, introducing a special provision for the migrant workers from the aforementioned countries. This…
Envision breezing through airport immigration in a whir of efficiency. Come next month, that dream will become a reality for the majority of outbound international passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, the gateway to Thailand- a land of enchanted temples, lively night markets, and serene yet vivid beaches. This development will revolutionize the airport experience creating a smooth, rapid boarding process for all and ushering in a new era of convenience, thus alleviating the often unbearable congestion. A spearheading force behind this progressive move is Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimphadee, the esteemed commander of Immigration Division 2. Under his strategic guidance, Suvarnabhumi Airport has been offering this nimble process only to individuals with Thai, Hong Kong, or Singaporean passports. The international gateway is now mapping the blueprint to broaden this efficient avenue to a broader chunk of outbound foreigners through its automatic channels, initiating a revolution from December 15. The…
Thailand, renowned for its pristine beaches and bustling markets, is set to take its flourishing tourism industry to new heights. Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, in a recent conversation shared exciting plans that are set to reinvigorate the nation’s tourism scenery. The game-changer? An extension of the visa-free policy currently enjoyed by tourists from China and Kazakhstan, enhancing its allure until February 2024. Intriguingly, the first phase of this audacious proposal focuses primarily on enveloping nations of Europe and nearby regions. We’re talking about stalwarts such as the UK and Germany, the idyllic Scandinavian nations, and members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) like the picturesque Kazakhstan, enigmatic Uzbekistan, and charming Turkmenistan. An exciting bunch indeed! Considering the limitless opportunities that the visa-free policy has ushered in for Thailand, Sudawan rightly dubs it as a game-changer. Now, the Ministry alongside the ever-dynamic Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are toying with the…
Let me whisk you to a place where an exciting blend of technology and healthcare is taking shape. In this enchanting land of Thailand, in the vibrant heart of Southeast Asia, data meets healthcare in an embrace, creating a smooth, seamless experience for both healthcare providers and recipients. Covering clinics, pharmacies, and private practices, the data network is the thread that binds together diverse sectors. The dawn of this revolutionary initiative? None other than the start of 2024. Picture this: a service so evolving that it refuses to be confined within the boundaries of a select few provinces. Starting strong within four provinces from January 1, it’s set to unfurl its wings nationwide, with no less than the Prime Minister officially inaugurating the breakthrough progress by March 8, 2024. The journey does not stop there. From here, the roadmap unfolds into a second phase, reaching out to embrace 12 health…
Thai farmers are on the precipice of a digital revolution, courtesy of the 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) initiative. The program, which was unveiled in an exuberant launch ceremony on Monday, is a brainchild of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa). The union is seen as a marriage between grassroots understanding and top-tier technical expertise. One might ask, what are the primary objectives of this high-profile project? For Prasert Boonchaisuk, the Minister at the helm, the mission is twofold. Firstly, the project aims to increase knowledge & understanding, arming communities and farmers across Thailand with the skills needed to navigate a digital landscape. Secondly, it hopes to streamline technical know-how on drones to simplify their maintenance and application in agriculture at the core level. According to Prasert, the digital transformation introduced by Chumchon Drone Jai will ripple through community enterprises…
Featuring prominently on the platform in San Francisco this week, Chayatham Promsorn, the steely permanent secretary for Thailand’s Transport Ministry, presented an engaging and exciting business proposition that’s garnered substantial interest from global investors. The proposition revolves around an ambitious infrastructure project, set to significantly enhance Thailand’s standing as a major hub in the dynamics of global trade, and it all starts at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, happening in the bustling, tech-forward U.S. city. Chayatham, together with the authoritative PM and the astute Finance Minister Srettha, executing their leadership impeccably, are championing Thailand’s economic future. The stage is set for them in the United States, and their plan? The development of two state-of-the-art deep seaports – stationed in the beautifully scenic Ranong and Chumphon. Additionally, they’re suggesting encompassing motorways and cutting-edge double-track railways to ensure these ports are linked prolifically, thereby creating a groundbreaking trade artery between the Pacific…
Every year, the spellbinding “Festival of a Billion Lanterns” illuminates the night skies of Lamphun Province from November 1 to 27. This magical event brings together artists and spectators at the Haripoonchai Art Garden and the Sala Laolaeung Art Hall, injecting a dash of vibrant hues and radiance into the otherwise tranquil nights. Paying homage to the ancient Thai traditions, the “Loy Krathong and Candle Festival” commences on November 18 and extends until November 27 in Sukhothai Province. Enveloped in candlelight’s golden glow, the Sukhothai Historical Park morphs into a surreal dreamscape as countless candles light-up the night in a beautiful procession. Meanwhile, in Mae Hong Son Province, the “Sky Loy Krathong Festival” casts a mesmerizing spell on its visitors. Taking place between November 23 and November 27 at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, this festival achieves the delicate balance of celebrating ancient customs and providing a fantastic spectacle…
How could anyone even contemplate that I would summon the Chinese police to the teeming streets of Thailand?” An earnest plea seeped into the words of Srettha, as he addressed a pulsating crowd of reporters in the bustling metropolis of San Francisco. He was fresh off his flight, coasting on the anticipation of his arrival for the prestigious APEC Summit that was expected to commence on Monday. “Is it even plausible for someone to issue such an order?” His voice echoed in the crisp Monday morning, his question lingering in the air, unanswered. The air of controversy stemmed from a provocative proposal made public on the prior eve. The protagonist behind the plot was none other than the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, whose words stirred up a tempest in otherwise peaceful waters during a press interaction on Sunday. The controversy thickened as spokespersons for the Thai…
In 2021 Thailand saw a significant doubling of cases to 300,000, thereby tipping the scales to a staggering total of 3.3 million diabetes patients. This striking increase was revealed by none other than Dr Direk Khampaen, the esteemed deputy director-general of DDC. Such alarming statistics necessitate initiatives like World Diabetes Day, which is commemorated on November 14th. Instituted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), this year’s theme serves as a resounding caution — “Diabetes: Know your risk, know your response”. The global landscape for diabetes is equally troublesome. Referencing the authoritative IDF Diabetes Atlas, more than 537 million people are grappling with this debilitating disease worldwide. Shockingly, about half of them are unaware of their condition. To add to this, an overwhelming 90% constitute Type 2 diabetes patients. Projections for the future are grim; the number of diabetes patients is feared to surge to 643 million by 2030 and even…