The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) is making waves—or rather, aiming to manage them—by unveiling its ambitious water management plans for 22 river basins this year. With a mission to orchestrate the flow and utilization of precious water resources, Surasee Kittimonthon, the indefatigable secretary-general of ONWR, embodies the spirit of a modern Aquaman. Just last week, the agency marked a milestone with the completion of plans for the lower southern and Chi River basins, both formally enshrined in the Royal Gazette on February 6th. Amidst the buzz in government corridors, a crucial meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong reached a consensus—to give the green light to additional plans for three vital river basins: Sakae Krang, Wang, and Nan. As Surasee informs us, the remaining 17 compelling water stories are on track to be completed, wrapping up the grand hydrological narrative within this calendar year. The ambitious…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Image: Thick smog blurs the view of Bangkok’s skyline at 8am, seen from the Bang Kachao green area. (Photo: Prinya Muangarkas) In a scene that could easily be mistaken for the setting of a dystopian movie, Thursday morning dawned in the Land of Smiles with less than cheerful news. A veil of dense smog draped itself over Bangkok and no less than 53 out of 76 Thai provinces, turning what might have been a picturesque morning into a grey canvas of concern. The culprit behind this murky embrace is none other than ultrafine dust, known to the science-savvy as particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5). The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), on bright alert, reported around 8am that these invisible specks had reached hazardous levels in many areas. Imagine breathing through a layer of fuzzy cotton every time you take a breath—that’s the air quality…
In a serene yet bustling sugarcane field nestled in the heart of Kamphaeng Phet, a tragic incident unfolded under the sweltering Thai sun. The tragedy struck when a 15-year-old boy from Phetchaburi met an untimely death, caught in the unforgiving jaws of a sugarcane harvester. The victim, Anusorn Kalawicha, was believed to be resting in a furrow, blissfully unaware of the danger looming just above the rustling stalks. The day was February 11, and at precisely 2:30 PM, the dull whirr of machinery and the aromatic scent of freshly cut sugarcane hung heavy in the air. Anusorn, employed in these fields to help feed our sweet tooth, was welcomed by the embrace of Mother Nature as he laid down in the field for a brief respite. Little did he know, his moment of rest would be his last. Witnesses on the scene, shocked and bewildered, quickly informed the authorities. It…
In what seemed more like a scene from a thriller than a real-life incident, two teenage boys, aged 13 and 14, managed a daring escape from a custody vehicle as it navigated its way through a bustling traffic junction near Pakham Market in Phra Thong Kham district, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This escapade occurred in the afternoon hours, specifically at 3:30 pm, on February 11, leaving officials and onlookers stunned. Nithipong Klinhom, a diligent official from the Chaiyaphum Province Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre, was responsible for transporting four young detainees to the Nakhon Ratchasima Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre. The trip was meant to be just another routine transfer, but little did Nithipong and his team expect the unexpected turn of events that unfolded at the well-known intersection. The youthful duo made their break when the van slowed, and, in a maneuver that could rival a Hollywood stunt, they leaped…
In a bold and decisive move, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has taken a firm stand against the callous call centre gangs notorious for their role in human trafficking and transnational crimes. As of early February 2025, under the watchful eye of national police chief Kittharath Punpetch, the RTP has transformed the landscape with the introduction of over 5,000 nationwide checkpoints, creating a web of vigilance that stretches across Thailand. This formidable operation has already borne fruit with the apprehension of 524 foreign nationals linked to a spectrum of illicit activities. But the net has been cast wider. Crowds numbering 231 have found the gates to Thailand impenetrable. Meanwhile, over 45,000 individuals have been penciled into a critical watchlist, all within three weeks of intensified efforts. Spotlights of success include the riveting capture of two suspects in Songkhla, discovered alongside a nefarious assembly of two SIM boxes and an arsenal…
In a political saga unfolding this week, Senator Premsak Piayura is gearing up to light a fire under Thailand’s parliamentary scene. The senator is preparing to table a motion aimed at invoking a Constitutional Court’s ruling to determine if parliament wields the power to amend Section 256 of the legal code. A move like this could open the doors to assembling a charter-drafting assembly (CDA). Interestingly, whispers on the grapevine suggest that Senator Premsak already has rallying support from 40 of his fellow senators, a requisite number under the law’s constraints. This motion isn’t just blowing in the wind; it’s primed to be slotted into the hands of Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha this Thursday. Why Thursday? That’s when the parliamentary chatter about charter amendment bills is slated to kick off, hitting the ground running with proposals that target, among others, the very Section 256 in question. But, like…
The joyous echoes of children’s laughter reverberated through the newly renovated halls of Ban Don Thong School (Ong Pittayakarn), nestled in the quaint locale of tambon Klong Mai within Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom. The reason? A heartwarming gesture of goodwill from the Israeli Embassy to Thailand, spearheaded by the enthusiastic and ever-charismatic Israeli Ambassador, Orna Sagiv. This picturesque school, offering a nurturing cradle for kindergarten to primary-level education, was in dire need of some TLC. Outdated infrastructure and a less-than-ideal environment hampered its potential. But thanks to the embassy’s benevolence, showered generously with a budget of 172,248 baht in early November, the school underwent a transformation that would make any phoenix blush. Roofs were rejuvenated, ceilings were revamped, boards received a facelift, and the once worn-down playground and activity hall now gleamed like new under the tropical sun. During a jubilant visit on Tuesday, Ambassador Sagiv was greeted with…
In a dramatic turn of events in Khon Kaen, local authorities apprehended a 31-year-old man, Warit, whose full surname remains undisclosed, for egregious crimes involving the sexual exploitation of underaged boys and distributing the heinous acts online. This arrest transpired during a meticulously planned raid conducted by the tenacious Cyber Crime Investigation Division 3 (CCID3), as they aggressively crack down on nefarious activities across several provinces under their jurisdiction, including Maha Sarakham, Yasothon, Roi Et, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The sting operations were spearheaded by Pol Lt Gen Chatpanthakan Klaiklueng, the astute commander of CCID3, who unraveled a labyrinthine network of illegal enterprises, extending beyond mere online debauchery to encompass illegal lottery rings and unsettling tales of human trafficking. The pursuit of justice gained momentum after an invaluable tip-off unveiled the existence of a sinister chatroom on the popular Line application, where members shamefully shelled out a 200-baht admission fee to…
The rhythmic sound of flowing water is one we often take for granted, yet it plays a crucial role in shaping our environment and lives. This year, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) is taking strides to ensure that the symphony of water flowing through Thailand’s 22 river basins hits just the right notes. Helmed by the diligent Secretary-General, Surasee Kittimonthon, this ambitious initiative is racing towards completion despite its share of twists and turns. Already, two comprehensive water management plans have materialized for both the Lower Southern Basin and the Chi River Basin. The announcement of these plans in the Royal Gazette on February 6 marked a significant milestone. However, this is just the overture. Under the baton of Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the ONWR committee has now greenlit additional blueprints for the Sakae Krang, Wang, and Nan River basins. A grand total of seventeen more…
Eight individuals find themselves entangled in a physical assault and extortion scandal that has rocked Bangkok University to its core. The case has captured the attention of the community and social media alike, sending ripples of outrage throughout the city. At the center of this debacle are two young suspects, Rasipa “Preem” Satchawan, 22, and Chakatpol “Oshi” Wachirawan, 19. Their names have become synonymous with extortion and assault, with accusations surfacing about the severe physical and psychological injuries inflicted on a junior student. It all began last Sunday when Rasipa and Chakatpol were apprehended. The chilling details of their alleged transgressions spread like wildfire across the internet, igniting a fury of protests by Saturday evening. The bone-chilling act involved pouring hot soup over the victim, leaving burns festooned across his back, neck, and arms, accompanied by a brutal beating and an unasked-for haircut. The duo insisted their actions were merely…