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Posts published in “Thailand”

Prasit Boondoungprasert Addresses CPF’s Alleged Role in Blackchin Tilapia Invasion

Pla Mor Si Karng Dam, commonly known as blackchin tilapia, have turned the aquatic scene on its head, preying voraciously on shrimp fry in farms and competing fiercely with native fish species. The introduction of these invasive aquatic troublemakers has caused an ecological stir, but one name often linked with the chaos—CP Foods (CPF)—stepped forward to clear the air. CPF, a vital cog in the Charoen Pokphand agribusiness machine, denies any involvement in unleashing these finned foes. CPF wasn’t the lone ranger in importing blackchin tilapia, confirmed the Department of Fisheries. Their meticulous records reveal not one, not two, but eleven different companies exporting these fish to a whopping seventeen countries around a decade ago. The timeline gets intriguing with Prasit Boondoungprasert, CPF’s chief honcho, stating, “We dabbled with some imports for research back in December 2010. It was all good fun until the fish flopped within a month.” Mr.…

Supachai Pathumnakul Unveils Major Academic Fraud Scandal in Thailand’s Higher Education Sector

Supachai Pathumnakul, the deputy permanent secretary for The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, revealed the results of the ministry’s investigation into fraudulent research papers during a meeting held on July 16. The meeting, documented on the ministry’s Facebook page, disclosed some startling developments. Six academics from three different universities have been dismissed, and eight more are under scrutiny for their involvement in research paper fraud, as confirmed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). Among those terminated, three lecturers from Khon Kaen University are set to face criminal charges. The dismissals didn’t stop there—two lecturers from Chiang Mai University (CMU) and one from the Chulabhorn Royal Academy have also been fired, according to Supachai Pathumnakul. This action follows an extensive investigation triggered by a report last year that implicated a CMU lecturer in purchasing a research paper for 30,000 baht. The probe, which…

Thailand’s Farmers Speak Out: Korrawee Prissananantakul Challenges New Fertilizer Subsidy Scheme

In the heart of Chai Nat province, a picturesque paddy field unfolds, where diligent farmers are hard at work, tending to their crops with the aid of fertilizers and pesticides. Against this bucolic backdrop, a storm brews in Thailand’s political landscape, centered around a contentious 30-billion-baht fertilizer subsidy program approved by the cabinet. The fervent opposition comes from both coalition parties, Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai, as well as the Democrat party, all united in their call for a revision of the scheme designed to benefit 4.68 million rice farmers. This hot-button issue was passionately highlighted by Korrawee Prissananantakul, a Bhumjaithai MP representing Ang Thong, at a House meeting held on Thursday. Standing firm in his stance, Korrawee voiced the concerns of his constituents, asserting that the current fertilizer subsidy program, despite its noble intention to alleviate farmers’ financial burdens, falls short of their expectations due to its co-pay requirement. “Farmers…

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Defends Controversial Thai Olympic Uniform Inspired by Ban Chiang Heritage

Badminton star Sapsiree Taerattanachai strikes a pose in the stunning uniform that Thai athletes will proudly don at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games’ opening ceremony on July 26. The outfit, which has ignited both admiration and controversy, draws its essence from the intricate patterns of ceramics found at the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a World Heritage gem, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. (Photo: Stadium TH Facebook page) In the face of a digital maelstrom of criticism, Prime Minister Srettha stepped up to defend the fresh and bold look, emphasizing that the design is inspired by Ban Chiang’s hallowed historical motifs. “When you say your clothes or mine are outdated, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it?” he retorted, advocating for a broad-minded appreciation of design during his visit to the Office of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) on Thursday. Breaking the social media silence, Srettha…

Coalition and Opposition Parties Unite Against New Fertilizer Subsidy Scheme in Thailand

Farmers diligently apply fertilizers and pesticides in the sprawling paddy fields of Chai Nat province. (File photo) In a fervent discussion on Thursday, key coalition parties Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai, along with the opposition Democrat party, expressed strong objections to a recently approved 30-billion-baht fertilizer subsidy program by the cabinet. This program, aimed at aiding 4.68 million rice farmers, has sparked considerable controversy and calls for revision. The issue was highlighted by Korrawee Prissananantakul, a committed Bhumjaithai MP from Ang Thong, during the House meeting. Mr. Korrawee expressed that, although the subsidy initiative aims to alleviate farmers’ expenses, a significant number of agriculturists in Ang Thong are against the scheme’s co-payment requirement. “There are hidden difficulties and disadvantages,” he emphasized. “These farmers have urged me to relay their concerns to the government and request a revision of the program. Ideally, they wish for the reintroduction of the earlier subsidy model,…

Yan Ruimin Murder Case: Thai Police Apprehend Suspect Ma Qinyan in Hong Kong

An image from a security camera shows Yan Ruimin checking her phone as she walks along a street in Bangkok on July 1. (Photo supplied) A chilling development has emerged in the heartbreaking case of Yan Ruimin, a popular Chinese TikTok influencer, whose body was found discarded in Chachoengsao province. Thai police announced on Thursday that Ma Qinyan, the prime suspect wanted for Yan’s brutal murder, has been apprehended in Hong Kong. This arrest follows swift collaboration between Thai authorities and Interpol. According to Pol Maj Gen Noppasil Poolsawat, the deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau in Bangkok, Hong Kong police detained Ma Qinyan soon after receiving the urgent request. He was subsequently extradited to mainland China where Chinese officials began coordinating with their Thai counterparts. “The police Foreign Affairs Division is handling the case meticulously as per the extradition treaty between our two countries,” stated Pol Maj Gen…

Yan Ruimin: The Chilling Case of a Missing Chinese TikTok Influencer in Thailand

An image captured by a security camera, dated July 1, shows Yan Ruimin, engrossed in her phone, walking down a busy street in Bangkok—a snapshot of normalcy that quickly devolved into a chilling mystery. Thai authorities have confirmed through a DNA test that a body discovered in Chachoengsao on Saturday is indeed that of Yan, a Chinese TikTok influencer. This heart-wrenching verification comes after her sudden disappearance on July 1. According to Pol Col Thammasak Saraboon, commander of the Bang Rak police station, DNA samples from Yan’s father matched those from the body, confirming the devastating truth. Following this confirmation, police moved swiftly to secure an arrest warrant for Ma Qingyan, who was identified as the last person seen with Yan. He appeared in CCTV footage on the day of her disappearance, July 1, and was later spotted in a remote area of tambon Bang Phra, Muang district of Chachoengsao,…

Tragic Accident: Runaway Horses Struck by Vehicles on Borommaratchachonnani Road in Nakhon Pathom

One of the two runaway horses rests lifeless on Borommaratchachonnani Road in the Samphran district of Nakhon Pathom, casting a somber shadow over the morning hustle. (Photos: Nakhon Pathom Highway Police) NAKHON PATHOM: In a heartbreaking turn of events early Thursday morning, two horses met a tragic end after they were struck by vehicles on a bustling highway in the Samphran district, just a stone’s throw from Bangkok. The normally docile animals had broken free from their enclosure at a nearby café, setting off a chain reaction of unfortunate events. At the crack of dawn, as commuters made their way toward the city, calamity struck. A van and a car careened into the horses on the Bangkok-bound lane of Borommaratchachonnani Road at around 7:30 am. The initial impact was catastrophic enough, but it didn’t stop there. The van was then rear-ended by two more cars, one of which crashed after…

Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon Leads TOA Paint to No.1 Brand Thailand 2024 Award for 12th Year

Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, has once again proven the company’s mettle by earning the prestigious No.1 Brand Thailand 2024 award. This accolade, voted by Thai consumers across the nation, cements TOA’s dominance in the building paint category for an astounding 12th consecutive year. The honor, which reaffirms the brand’s unwavering market leadership, doesn’t merely reflect consumer trust; it solidifies TOA’s reputation as the top choice for high-quality paint products. Garnering this recognition from a thorough survey conducted by Marketeer Group in partnership with Marketing Move Company Limited — including a diverse sample of 6,000 respondents across various regions — has set a benchmark that marketers and brands aspire to reach. The grand award ceremony, graced by the presence of Permpol Popermhem, the visionary Editor and Founder of Marketeer, took place with much fanfare at the luxurious Siam Kempinski Bangkok. Beaming…

SMEG Launches Revolutionary Galileo Oven with Chef Gerard Villaret Horcajo at Exclusive Event

SMEG, a globally leading kitchen appliance brand from Italy, recently held an impressive event, the “Smeg Galileo Launch 2024,” to unveil their latest product line. The spotlight of this launch was their newest innovation in ovens, aptly named “GALILEO.” This grand unveiling featured the culinary artistry of Chef Gerard Villaret Horcajo from Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu, a prestigious one-Michelin-star restaurant. Chef Horcajo dazzled attendees with a sumptuous 6-course meal, each dish meticulously prepared using the revolutionary Omnichef oven, showcasing its exceptional innovation and cutting-edge technology. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout from SMEG Thailand’s partners in development, interior design, and architecture, including Sansiri, AP, KVIK, RCD Design, Noble, and DWP Design, all of whom enjoyed a special dining experience at the SMEG Thonglor showroom. Khun Thanatporn Suensilpong, Brand Managing Director of Pen K Intertrading Co., Ltd., emphasized the primary goal of the event: to introduce the Smeg Galileo series…