The beautiful and mesmerising island of Koh Lan, located off the coast of Pattaya Beach in Chon Buri, has recently been the focus of attention for an unfortunate maritime occurrence. The typically azure seawater around this much-visited island has turned an unsettling shade of green, causing quite an uproar among tourists and prompting an immediate response from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). The change in colour was first noticed over the weekend. After images of the strangely green seawater were posted to the “We Love Pattaya” Facebook page, an inspection of Ta Waen Beach on Koh Lan was quickly carried out by the DMCR. Swimming in these waters was discouraged by the authorities due to reduced visibility caused by the greenish hue. Apichai Aekwanakul, the deputy director of the DMCR, pointed out that the chief cause behind this eye-catching transformation was Noctiluca scintillans. This is a non-toxic…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the shadow of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the prevalence of Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) has grown, weaving itself evermore into the fabric of Thai culture. TTM, offering an array of alternative treatments using diverse local herbs, is beginning to take the main stage as an indispensable element of Thailand’s identity. The 20th instalment of the National Herbs Expo, carried out under the supervision of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, took place from June 28 to July 2. The event attracted a barrage of experts, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts eager to share knowledge and experiences concerning the versatility and efficacy of Thai traditional remedies. Common scepticism unusually took a backseat, overshadowed by an increased understanding and acceptance of TTM due to the pandemic. In the days preceding the pandemic, traditional remedies were mostly viewed as food supplements or dietary aids, rather than serious medicinal substitutes. However, when the pandemic hit, and…
In the bustling city of Kunming, located in the heart of China’s Yunnan province, Bhavivarn Noraphallop, the Royal Thai Consul General, addresses an increasing concern involving Thai women marrying Chinese men via matchmaking agencies. Due to its strategic location bordering Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and close proximity to Thailand, Yunnan has seen its fair share of complex border-related predicaments, such as illegal immigration, overstays, and crime. However, one issue that has particularly drawn Bhavivarn’s attention is the escalating number of failed marriages between Thai women and local Chinese men. During a workshop under the theme “China in the New Era: What the Thai Media Should Know,” hosted by the Embassy of China to Thailand in cooperation with the Thai Journalist Association, Bhavivarn asserts the necessity for Thai women to investigate their prospective spouse’s history meticulously before committing to matrimony. This piece of advice was offered amid the surging number of heartbreaking…
In a significant and strategic move for Thailand, Energy Absolute PCL (EA), one of the major players in the renewable energy sector within the ASEAN region, has revealed its plans to construct a battery cell manufacturing plant. This initiative is in partnership with two Chinese powerhouses in battery manufacturing, EVE Energy Co. Ltd, and Sunwoda Mobility Energy Technology Co., LTD (Sunwoda). Both are listed among the top 10 battery manufacturers in China. The intention behind this collaboration is to build a state-of-the-art battery cell plant in Thailand with a production capacity of at least 6 GWh, aimed at fulfilling the rising demands of the burgeoning Thai and ASEAN battery markets at comparative prices. A frontrunner in promoting and developing a comprehensive suite of renewable energy solutions, EA has been instrumental in popularizing Commercial Electric Vehicles (EVs), Li-ion Batteries, and Charging stations within Thailand’s borders. The firm’s efforts align with the…
With an impressive record of sustainability practices, Megabangna steps ahead in the league of eco-friendly businesses by inaugurating its upgraded solar panel installation. This colossal rooftop solar arrangement stretches across an impressive 62,000 square meters and includes a whopping 18,139 panels. Thanks to this greener upgrade, Megabangna is now capable of generating more than 12 million units of electricity (KWH) annually. This further solidifies Megabangna’s commitment to a holistic sustainability policy that promotes not only business growth but also societal and environmental value. Mr. Chaiyasith Suthiwongsunthorn, the Vice President of Facility and Projects at Megabangna, reiterated the company’s ongoing dedication to preserving the environment since its inception. The company has teamed up with Thailand’s top integrated utility and power provider, WHA Utilities and Power Public Company Limited (WHAUP), pushing forward its eco-efforts by increasing the solar panel installation from 8,000 square meters in 2013 to the current 62,000 square meters.…
High up on Thailand’s anticipatory radar is a remarkable infrastructure project. The widely-used Krabi Airport is undergoing a noteworthy expansion to increase its capacity to a staggering 8 million passengers per year. This substantial upgrade, spearheaded by the Department of Airports, is scheduled to cross the finish line in the closing chapter of 2024, with the highly-anticipated facilities opening their doors to the public the following year. The project scope is extensive, including the rise of a third passenger terminal, hefty enhancements to the pair of existing terminals, and an overhaul of the car park edifice. With a projected budget that frequents the 2.923 billion baht mark, the project is sprinting towards the end with approximately 87.52% completion, depicted in a recent statement from the department. Nevertheless, this is not where the upgrades cease. The project’s radius also extends towards the erection of a taxiway and an integrated upgrade to…
Mingling with the hustle and bustle outside the Parc Borough Hotel, the ebb and flow of the city of Chiang Mai seemed to hold its breath briefly on Monday morning. The news of an eerie incident within the hotel walls had unsettled the otherwise serene city. In a chilling account, local authorities narrated how a 25-year-old female tourist from Japan was discovered dead, sending ripples throughout this tranquil part of northern Thailand. What painted the incident in an even more macabre color was the detail about a mobile phone charging cable eerily formed around her neck at the time of her discovery. The cable, a mundane object of everyday utility, became a grim reminder of the tragedy that unfolded within the confines of the hotel room, which she shared with her husband. Police were contacted by the Parc Borough hotel staff, located on the bustling artery of Mahidol Road in…
In the heat of brisk maritime exercises, an unfortunate incident struck HTMS Naresuan, a frigate anchored with years of seafaring history and heritage. A torpedo launcher, a piece of vital equipment in this modern naval vessel, along with several life rafts, was damaged in what you might call a ‘dockside disaster’. The mishap took place at the industrious Map Taphut boat pier on a crisp Wednesday morning of July 26. Have you ever heard of HTMS Naresuan before? Commissioned close to three decades back, it had its imposing structure built by the mighty hands of the Chinese. It is not every day that such seasoned, stately vessels come about the accident, but here we are dealing with the inexplicable forces of fate and tide. At the time of the incident, HTMS Naresuan, with her gallant crew, was participating in an affair of strategic security significance. It was the Naval Security…
The illustrious Pheu Thai deputy leader, Phumtham Wechayachai reinforced on Monday that the formation of a fresh coalition government, endorsed by both elected members and chosen senators, hinged on the omission of the Move Forward Party (MFP) from its ranks. According to Wechayachai, the matter should be ironed out in discourses scheduled for this week, building up to the anticipated joint meeting of the two parliamentary chambers on Friday. He shared that discussions revealing the sentiment amongst various other elected MPs and nominated senators that they would rally behind a Prime Minister nominee proposed by the Pheu Thai Party, provided that the MFP was left out of the new government mix. “This quandary stands before us”, Wechayachai said, noting that the alliance’s resolve on the issue will be sought out during coalition discussions. Pheu Thai plans to hold a confab with MFP and the remaining six allies come Wednesday, while…
Brace yourselves, the weather report is in! Blustering winds are expected to whip across the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, thanks to the formation of a low-pressure zone in the area coupled with the southwestern monsoon unfurling its power over the Andaman Sea. Buckle up and stay alert as Mother Nature prepares to stage her dramatic performance. Let’s zoom in a bit and get a geographical glimpse of the situation. It’s about to get significantly wetter in numerous regions across the country. Forecasters are predicting heavy downpours not just along the coast but within the interiors as well, and this includes the northern, northeastern, eastern, central, and southern territories. Rising water levels often bring in their wake overflowing rivers and streams, specifically in lower-lying territories. Combine this with possible flash floods in hilly terrains, the aftermath could be quite unsettling. A crucial reminder to all – stay…