In a recent announcement, the Social Security Office (SSO) of Thailand addressed widespread rumors concerning a potential adjustment in the retirement age for pension eligibility. Contrary to popular belief, the notion of increasing the retirement age from 55 to 65 remains just a suggestion, originating from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and hasn’t yet been implemented. The Secretary General of the SSO, Marasri Jairangsee, highlighted that this idea has been under review since 2017, but no legal steps have been taken towards its realization. Marasri’s comments came in response to the Labour Ministry spokesperson, Phumphat Muanchan, who discussed several strategies aimed at preserving the financial sustainability of the Social Security Fund (SSF), including a gradual increase in the retirement age. Under the current Social Security Act of 1990, to claim an old-age pension, individuals must meet three requirements: they must be at least 55 years old, must no longer be…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Every once in a while, the bustling streets of Bangkok seed a story so captivating, it transcends its dusty sidewalks and reaches the hearts of people worldwide. Our tale begins with a Russian photographer, Semyon Rezchikov, roaming through the vibrant chaos of Bangkok’s Chinatown on a typical March day. A street portrait artist by passion, Semyon captures the raw beauty and unique essence of strangers he encounters, immortalizing these moments in quick bursts of Polaroid film. On March 14, it was a humble road sweeper named Meen who stole the spotlight, unbeknownst to her at first. Donning her official Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) uniform, Meen worked diligently, her broomstick and dustpan in hand. She was caught in the lens of Semyon while walking along the iconic Yaowarat Road, a place where the aroma of street food mingles with the clamor of tireless vendors. In a serendipitous twist, Meen’s portrait became…
Picture the stunning landscapes of Phuket, Thailand, a paradise island teeming with sun-drenched beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a carousel of experiences meant to create lasting memories. For Ricky Eury, a 39-year-old British restauranteur, this idyllic escape quickly morphed into a living nightmare. Instead of enjoying the relaxing vacation he had envisioned, Ricky now finds himself grappling with a grim reality, clinging to life in a hospital after a shocking accident. Spun from the pages of a thriller, this harrowing incident unfolded on what seemed like an ordinary sun-kissed Saturday, March 15th. Ricky, known for his exuberant spirit and zest for life, was navigating the lively streets of Phuket when fate cruelly intervened. While crossing a bustling road, a Russian tourist couple, Sergei Medvedev and his wife Svetlana, collided with him as they zoomed by on their XMAX motorcycle. In a split second, Ricky’s world—and the lives of all those who…
Picture this: a weekend spent meandering through the watery arteries of Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district, serenaded by the gentle lapping of water against your boat as it glides past some of the city’s most revered sacred sites. That’s exactly what awaits adventurers who hop aboard the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s free boat trips, which run every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best part? There’s no charge or prior booking hassle! All you need is a zest for exploration and perhaps a camera to capture the rich cultural tapestry that unravels before your eyes. The journey sets sail from five strategically chosen piers, each one a gateway to the enigma of this bustling district: Phra Sumen Fort: A historical marvel standing stoic by the riverside. Norarattana Sathan Bridge: A bridge steeped in local lore and pivotal in the city’s narrative. Shrine of King Taksin the Great: A…
The bustling city of Bangkok, with its never-ending energy and vibrant street life, has always danced with the rain, sometimes gracefully, sometimes clumsily. The challenge of flooding seems to have danced circles around the city for years, particularly on the notorious Chuang Akat Uthit Road. However, the governor, Chadchart, has taken center stage, choreographing a new set of moves designed to lead the city to safety and infrastructure harmony. Unfolding the Plan: Picture the infamous Chuang Akat Uthit Road, a crucial artery in Bangkok’s bustling Don Mueang district. This is not merely a road but a roller coaster of water woes, where every drop of rain seemed to transform it into a small river. But hope is on the horizon with a master plan unfolding, much like a four-act play: Phase 1, stretching from Saphan Phu to Sirisuk Intersection, is a hefty 1,200 meters. It’s a casting call in progress,…
In the vibrant city of Bangkok, a digital revelation unfolded at the “Intelligence Ignites a New Era: Huawei Cloud Reshaping Thailand’s Digital Wave” forum. Hosted at the luxurious Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, over 200 luminaries from the world of business and technology gathered to delve into the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence. At the helm of this digital voyage was none other than Celine Cao, the visionary CEO of Huawei Cloud Thailand, who ushered in a new era with the announcement of an avant-garde suite of cloud services designed to aid enterprises in their AI-native transformations. As Celine eloquently put it, “AI shouldn’t be an enigma shrouded in complexity. Through collaborative innovation and open-source engagement, every country can cultivate its own intelligent ecosystem.” In an era where AI fuels industrial revolutions akin to a phoenix reborn, the emphasis was clear: breaking down barriers to make advanced technology accessible for all.…
The bustling stretch of Rama II Road in Thailand has suddenly found itself under the unflattering spotlight of controversy. The Thailand Structural Engineers Association (TSEA) has stepped into the fray, pointing accusatory fingers at the government, holding them accountable for the unsettling series of accidents that have peppered the main artery leading from Bangkok to the South. Saturday saw yet another tragic chapter in this ongoing saga, as a grievous accident claimed the lives of six diligent workers. Amorn Pimanmas, the intrepid voice of the TSEA and its current president, pointed to a stark reality: the chilling absence of adherence to stringent safety regulations. In his view, this negligence morphs into a veritable hazard not just for the hardworking crews, but also for unsuspecting passers-by. Prof Dr. Amorn passionately underscores the complex tapestry that is modern construction. These ambitious projects demand not only sophisticated engineering expertise but also an unwavering…
In a harrowing turn of events, Suriyanee, a dedicated female territorial defense volunteer, found herself at the center of a dramatic incident in Pattani province. It was a typical morning in Mueang district’s Moo 2, Ban Cho Kapo, Karubi subdistrict, when the tranquility was brutally shattered by a car bomb explosion that nearly cost her life. It was March 17, 10 am, and the day held the promise of yet another routine start. Suriyanee was making her way to her workplace behind the wheel of her trusty red Suzuki Swift. Little did she know, she was driving into a perilous situation that would become etched in the collective memory of her community. As she navigated the familiar roads, the sudden detonation turned her vehicle into a fiery inferno, leaving it unrecognizable and damaged beyond measure. Fortunately, the swift response of emergency services was a godsend. Firefighters immediately arrived to tackle…
In an anguishing twist of fate, the serene landscape of Thailand’s Rayong province became the backdrop for a grim tale of loss and mystery. On March 14th, a shocking discovery was made as 29-year-old Prasit Yeesunhom reported the unsettling find of a deceased woman in a roadside forest. Yet, this was no ordinary woman but a beloved 51-year-old transwoman named Wichai Aunruean. Wichai’s life had been a dance between shadows and light, seamlessly blending the humble tasks of collecting recyclable materials and tending to a rubber plantation. It was a simple existence at Wat Krabok Khuen Fang School; nonetheless, it was hers. Her vibrant red hair and penchant for pink shorts and striped shirts painted a picture of a soul adorned in color, even as she walked the quieter paths of life. But tragedy and brutality loomed that day. The scene was unsettling, with police noting a deep laceration on…
In a province where sunshine often dances over bustling streets, a tragic occurrence cast a shadow over Songkhla last weekend. A 55-year-old woman named Sudarat “Taeng” Waranakhon became unwillingly embroiled in a harrowing motorcycle accident, one that would ultimately claim her left hand. The incident, which was captured in vivid detail by CCTV cameras, has reverberated across Thai social media platforms since it happened on Saturday, March 15. The footage paints a vivid picture of the accident, showing Sudarat riding as a passenger while her male relative steers their motorcycle. But in a cruel twist of fate, it was the tip of her fluttering shirt that set motions in action for an accident no one could have foreseen. As it happened, the fabric tip found itself ensnared by the motorcycle’s rear wheel. The ensuing tug was immediate and unyielding, toppling Sudarat onto the unforgiving road. Eyewitnesses, jolted to alertness by…