The pivotal decision by Cambodia to cease refined oil imports from Thailand can be seen as a dramatic move, but experts say it won’t induce much turbulence for Thai oil companies. With their sophisticated networks and foresight, Thai oil exporters stand primed to redirect their staggering 6 million litres of daily oil shipments once meant for Cambodia to other eager markets across Asia, such as Singapore, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB). Overseeing this slick operation is Sarawut Kaewtathip, the savvy Director General of the OEB. Under his guidance, Thai oil refineries powered by industry titans Thai Oil, IRPC, and PTT Global Chemical, among others, churn out approximately 160 million litres of refined oil each day. Of this mammoth production, a lion’s share – around 130 to 135 million litres – feeds the thirst of domestic consumption. Sarawut brims with confidence, asserting that the displaced oil will easily…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the serene break of dawn on the picturesque island of Koh Samui, a tragic tale unfolded that cast a shadow over the paradise known for its vibrant sunsets and lively beaches. The island stirred to an unsettling incident on the morning of July 2, when a 45-year-old Austrian vacationer met with a fatal accident that would ripple through the peaceful corridors of the hotel he was staying at, forever altering the lives of those involved. This unfortunate event caught the attention of the Bo Phut Police Station in Surat Thani province, when an urgent call was made to the 191 emergency center around 5 a.m. The news was grim—a foreign guest was found lifeless at a prominent hotel along the bustling Beach Road, nestled in the Bo Phut subdistrict of Koh Samui. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, unearthing a scene both haunting and heartbreaking upon their arrival. The tourist’s…
Just as the jungle echoes the mystique of nature, an ominous shroud of anxiety has fallen over Tak Province’s verdant heart. The tranquil Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary became the epicenter of a brazen onslaught, when the peace of night was shattered by the crackling of gunfire. At the stroke of midnight, when the world sleeps under the watchful spell of the moon, two shadows on a motorcycle broke the stillness with a fiery challenge aimed at the very guardians of the forest—the Pha Lado Forest Protection Unit. In a muse-worthy audacious act, two perpetrators, likely rogue loggers with a hankering for rosewood, a treasure as forbidden as it is valuable, declared war. Command felt from the notorious corridors of a thrilling novel, Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, the spearhead of natural resources and environment crusade, unsheathed his takedown orders, steering police towards justice like a maestro coaxing symphony from chaos. The head…
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Thailand’s political landscape, Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself at the center of a storm following a decision by the Constitutional Court. On July 1st, the court voted 7-2 to accept the senators’ petition for her removal from office, based on a controversial audio recording. In the clip, Paetongtarn supposedly engages in a conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, leading to her temporary suspension from her duties as Prime Minister. The suspension not only halts her current ministerial engagements but also bars her from appearing before His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua for the oath-taking ceremony as Minister of Culture set for July 3. This pause in her political trajectory could have extensive ramifications, signaling turbulent times for her and the Thai political scene. Former senator Somchai Sawaengkarn wasted no time in voicing his apprehensions about this judicial intervention. He called…
In the heart of Chiang Mai, a picturesque northern province exuberant with cultural vibrancy and vivid history, came a rather unconventional advertising stunt that had the locals buzzing with intrigue and a sprinkle of apprehension. It all began with paper posters bedecked across street corners and electricity poles, like cryptic artworks waiting to spill their secrets to the curious onlooker. The mastermind? A mysterious travel agency intent on capturing attention in an unconventional, almost scandalous, manner. The message was as dramatic as any blockbuster romance could aspire to be: “James, I know you’ve been CHEATING!!! on me with Olivia. I have PROOF!!! And now the whole of Chiang Mai will TOO.” Bold, accusatory, and with an air of a detective novel unfolding in real-time, this message promised intrigue and sordid revelations, mounting everyone’s curiosity higher than the province’s famous mountains. Enter Wirawat Buranarom, a local with a healthy dose of…
When families pack their bags for a holiday, the last thing they expect is a medical emergency that turns their adventure into a nightmare. This was the harrowing reality for a British family from the picturesque North Yorkshire, England. Their tale is a stark reminder of the often-overlooked dangers lurking on travel adventures. After a trip to Thailand, a family favorite vacation spot, their teenage daughter returned home, unaware that she had brought back more than just memories and souvenirs. Thailand, with its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, captivated the family since their first visit. This recent journey was meant to be an even deeper exploration into the stunning beauty of the Land of Smiles. Little did they realize that beneath the charming facade of rice paddies and ancient temples lurked an unseen threat, ready to pounce. Their 17-year-old daughter initially seemed to be experiencing the typical growing pains associated…
In the peaceful and serene province of Nonthaburi, an astonishing event unfolded that touched the hearts of many. Perched on his electric wheelchair, 57-year-old Phra Vichai Saetang, a dedicated monk for nearly two decades, was on his usual morning alms round. Despite the tranquility of the early hours, the day took a dramatic turn when Phra Vichai’s wheelchair took an unexpected dive into a roadside canal. It happened just as morning hues mingled with the energy of a bustling school day near Wat Masong in the Thaweewattana subdistrict. Navigating carefully to steer clear of the lively traffic, Phra Vichai’s electric wheels, unfortunately, slipped from the road’s edge, tipping him into the waterway. Stranded and momentarily helpless, the monk found himself in a precarious position. Luckily, fate had other plans. Witnessing the fall, a group of quick-thinking students and compassionate bystanders rushed to assist, pulling Phra Vichai from the watery predicament.…
In a vibrant metropolis like Bangkok, the city is always abuzz with activity, colors, and lights. But recently, it seems some of those lights have been a bit too dazzling for comfort, creating disturbances for the city’s residents. Enter the newly proposed draft Bangkok Act, meticulously designed to bring clarity and peace to a matter that’s been casting quite a glare—LED advertising signs. This proposal took center stage at the bustling Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) meeting, a setting as dynamic as the city itself. The year’s third ordinary session kicked off in the elegant Irawatpattana Building of Bangkok City Hall, nestled in the lively district of Din Daeng. Chadchart, a voice of reason amid the twinkling chaos, highlighted the crux of the issue—LED signage that bathes expressways across Bangkok in a glow too intense for comfort. Residents living in close proximity have felt the brunt of this luminous exuberance, struggling…
In an engaging initiative to combat iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among the city’s youngsters, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Department of Health and Department of Social Development teamed up with Danone Specialised Nutrition (Thailand) to lead the charge. The mission? To screen and safeguard the iron health of kids aged 0 to 6, while simultaneously raising awareness about early detection and proactive nutritional care. Hosted at the vibrant Child Development Centre in Wat Puranawas Community, Thawi Watthana district, the event saw a bustling crowd of dedicated parents and eager children. The Deputy Governor, brimming with enthusiasm, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for the parents’ cooperation, underscoring that anaemia, though common, is frequently sidelined in discussions about a child’s health. “Anaemia doesn’t discriminate by age, but its early onset in childhood is something we need to prioritize,” she emphasized with a sense of urgency. “When we know a child’s iron status, we…
In the heart of Thailand, within the bustling Laksi district, a pivotal event unfolded at the Justice Design Studio, perched on the second floor of the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ). It was a gathering filled with hope, change, and a shared vision for a more understanding world. The event was graced by the presence of the Deputy Governor who, with heartfelt appreciation, applauded the TIJ’s dedication to fostering a collective responsibility towards justice. At the forefront of this initiative is a groundbreaking campaign designed to elevate awareness around the profound impact of restorative justice practices, not only within school corridors but also across the broader community. Sanon eloquently articulated the essence of restorative justice, portraying it as a beacon of hope for educators grappling with conflicts. This approach provides teachers with invaluable tools to nurture resolution, mend fractured relationships, and cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. The…