Posts published in “Thailand”

Step into the heart of nature at the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province where serenity resides, and mere footsteps promise adventure. Yet as dawn broke on Sunday morning, the tranquil scene was juxtaposed with serious weather news, as heralded by none other than the Meteorological Department. A sharp drop in temperatures is poised to blanket the country’s upper echelons from November 17 through November 23. While the entire region braces for the chill, it is the Northeast that must prepare for the most notable plunge, seeing mercury levels plummet by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, those residing in the bustling Central region, including the ever-vibrant Greater Bangkok, as well as the North and East, will experience a cooler dip by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. Thailand’s peak, Doi Inthanon, already set the stage with a bone-chilling 6 degrees Celsius on Sunday — the coldest thrill of the…

In a scene that could be lifted straight out of a tropical crime thriller, the sunny holiday haven of Phuket was thrown into disarray under the shady dealings of a suspect known in legal circles only as Mr. Anton. Picture this: a 31-year-old Russian man, seemingly just another student soaking up the sun and language lessons on a Southeast Asian adventure. But what lurked beneath his innocent student visa facade was a scandalous tale of illegal transactions and digital espionage worthy of a summer blockbuster movie. Under the keen eye of Pol Lt Col Pitaya Thepmueang, a sharp-minded and seasoned Phuket tourist police inspector, the drama unfolded on a sultry Friday evening. Mr. Anton, energetically blending into the vibrant island scene, was spotlighted in a cleverly orchestrated sting operation. The operation crescendoed with a rendezvous at a nondescript hotel in the bustling area of tambon Chalong, where undercover officers played…

In a heartwarming demonstration of international solidarity, a Thai student has safely returned to her homeland after facing a life-threatening ordeal in South Korea. The journey home was a remarkable collaboration involving various entities, highlighted by the generous contributions of the illustrious Korean actress, Lee Young Ae. The Immigration Bureau (IB) shared that Sirinya, a young student whose last name remains undisclosed, had slipped into a coma while undertaking studies at Chonnam National University (CNU) in the bustling city of Gwangju. Her sudden collapse in July was attributed to a subdural hematoma, thrusting her into a prolonged state of unconsciousness that spanned more than a quarter of a year. In a race against time and mounting medical expenses, Sirinya’s family found themselves overwhelmed by the spiraling costs required for her treatment and the logistics of returning her to Thailand. However, the dire situation sparked the deeply compassionate CNU’s Rhythm of…

A majestic ceremonial elephant gracefully leads the majestic royal ‘kathin’ procession to the hallowed grounds of Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy, captivating all in honor of the ceremonial offering. (Photo by Chairith Yonpiam) As the calendar marks a momentous occasion next Thursday, Thailand and Sri Lanka jubilantly celebrate 70 splendid years of formal diplomatic ties. But what truly steals the spotlight is not just the modern camaraderie; it’s a timeless spiritual and cultural bond that stretches back over seven centuries, cemented by their deep-rooted Theravāda Buddhist traditions. Amidst this spirit of unity, however, a delicate diplomatic affair has surfaced. The Thai government stands firm on its decision to bring back two cherished elephants, gracious gifts to Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago as embodiments of goodwill. With this decision coinciding with the celebratory year, it has added a layer of complexity to the otherwise serene relationship between these two nations.…

In a whirlwind of political maneuvering and backstage strategy, the Pheu Thai Party has unleashed a barrage of criticisms toward the much-debated “20-to-1” formula, a system devised for selecting the individuals who will helm the charter-drafting panel. Imagine the scenario as a game of political chess – and the Pheu Thai Party fears that the rules are tipped too heavily in favor of the player who knows how to dominate the board. Led by some of its more vocal representatives, the Pheu Thai Party has turned the spotlight on this contentious formula, which has found backing from both the People’s Party (PP) and Bhumjaithai (BJT). The primary concern? The method lacks adequate public involvement and transparency in selecting members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), raising alarms about the potential for manipulation by powerful political interest groups. Now, in the opposing corner, we have the ruling BJT. They stand with…

In the serene paradise that is Phuket, a burgeoning issue looms that threatens to tarnish the island’s idyllic reputation: fake taxi registrations on ride-hailing apps. This modern conundrum has caught the attention of the provincial administration, helmed by Governor Saransak Srikruanet. He recently convened a spirited meeting to tackle the alarming incidences of fraudulent activities within the ride-hailing sector—like individuals submitting bogus IDs to slip through the cracks during the registration process. But wait, there’s more! The discussion also zeroed in on the pesky “black-plate” taxis, those crafty vehicles intended for personal use yet clandestinely moonlighting as commercial taxis, muscling in on the licensed taxi territory and creating chaos in tourist hotspots. It’s a veritable game of cat and mouse on the Thai island, famed for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife. The stakes are high for these unauthorized drivers who, as of October 2nd, were being nabbed in droves.…

The vibrant and bustling streets of Thailand are soon to feel the winds of change as the Customs Department gears up for a major overhaul of the nation’s e-commerce landscape. From January 1st, the department plans to impose taxes on all imported e-commerce goods, a move hailed as a positive stride according to an economics lecturer from the prestigious Thammasat University. For years, Thailand has allowed imported items priced below 1,500 baht to enter the country duty-free, sparing them from import duty and the all-too-dreaded value-added tax (VAT). This policy, however, has been a double-edged sword. It has kept prices tantalizingly low for consumers but has simultaneously created a challenging environment for domestic small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they struggle to hold their ground against a tidal wave of competitively priced goods from neighboring countries. While the move is drawing applause, especially from Kiatanantha Lounkaew, an astute assistant professor…

In the vibrant heart of Phuket, a tale of deception unfolded that seemed straight out of a crime novel. Beneath the sunny skies and sandy beaches, a covert operation was underway, threatening the serenity of this island paradise. The scene opens on a bustling warehouse in the Muang district, where endless streams of parcels flowed like secrets in the moonlight. This unexpected warehouse hub, however, wasn’t what it seemed. The protagonist—or perhaps the antagonist?—of our story is a 30-year-old woman, now finding herself at the center of a police investigation. The clever enterprise she orchestrated was as ripe and baffling as a plot twist. Allegedly, she dispatched unsolicited, subpar goods to unsuspecting recipients who hadn’t ordered them, raking in an impressive 80,000 baht a day. Yes, you read that right—a day! Phuket’s chief of police, the vigilant Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, elaborated on the unfolding drama. For weeks, his…