The Labour Department is joining hands with women’s rights advocates to create a more supportive workspace for women, especially during their menstrual cycles. On May 7, a letter was dispatched by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW) to provincial offices nationwide. This communiqué was a clarion call for employers to allow up to three days of paid menstrual leave per month, without these days counting against sick leave. Additionally, the initiative strongly encourages the provision of free sanitary pads as part of employee welfare. This step forward is the fruit of a labor-intensive dialogue between the Labour Ministry and a proactive network of migrant workers in the North, dating back to recommendations submitted on December 25. This collaboration underscores a commitment to tackle the plight faced by migrant female workers and bolster their workplace environment. Pushing the envelope further, the DLPW emphasizes the importance of equal access to…
Posts published in “Thailand”
When Senator Alongkot Worakee made a surprise entrance into the media circus, it wasn’t for a grand speech or heated debate but rather for an enigmatic linguistic twist. At the tender age of 61, the senator, who hails from the blue political fortress of Uthai Thani, found himself enveloped in a curious cloud of speculation, largely of his own making. He stunned the crowd, again, by dodging the relentless barrage of press inquiries with a simple, steadfast response delivered in a language not widely expected: “Je ne parle pas” [I’m not saying]. This intriguing replay was set in motion after his rather peculiar appearance before the Election Commission (EC) on a sunny Monday morning. They had called him, along with 54 other senators, to untangle a somewhat tangled web of Senate election collusion allegations stemming from the 2024 Senate election. Reporters, refusing to let go like a dog with a…
Amidst the verdant trails and sweeping sandstone peaks of Phu Kradueng National Park, a sparkling gem of a discovery has emerged, courtesy of an intrepid team of researchers from Chulalongkorn University. Imagine the excitement in the air as these dedicated botanists, armed with magnifying glasses and scientific zeal, ventured into the lush greenery of this natural wonderland, unearthing what might just be a treasure trove of leafy delights set to grace the pages of the world’s botanical records. Their mission was to explore the diverse realm of pteridophytes – spore-bearing plants like ferns, which possess an ancient lineage and elegance that would give any garden a run for its money. With the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation rallying behind them, this adventure in plants led to some sensational finds. Picture this: three species which have not just escaped the notice of botanists worldwide, but are entirely new…
On a bright, bustling Thursday, a notable figure took center stage in the heart of Thailand: Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Known for his thoughtful reflections and nuanced perspectives, Phumtham addressed a gathering on an eventful occasion—the 10th anniversary of the 2014 coup orchestrated by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). With the historical weight of that day hanging in the air, he entreated the nation to draw lessons from the past to fortify the pillars of democracy. In a moment that oscillated between contemplation and pragmatism, Phumtham leveraged his platform to emphasize patience as a virtue. “History is our tutor,” he reminded the audience, underscoring that democratic processes, though at times arduous, should never be compromised for expedient gains. As eyes turned toward him, the question on everyone’s mind was simple yet loaded: Could Thailand witness another coup? “Such guarantees are beyond my reach,” he remarked with…
In the bustling heart of Thailand, where the rhythmic hum of traffic is as familiar as the sun setting over the Chao Phraya River, the air was abruptly shattered on March 15. A tragic mishap unfolded on the under-construction Rama III–Dao Khanong–Outer Ring Road Expressway. It was a day that would echo in the memories of many, particularly those finding themselves amidst the calamity. March 16 saw the diligent workers from the Expressway Authority of Thailand laboriously clearing the wreckage left by a collapsed beam. This wasn’t just any beam—it was a centerpiece of the new elevated Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway on Rama II Road, nestled in the vibrant district of Chom Thong. The incident did more than clog the traffic—it also left a somber mark, taking five lives and leaving 22 others injured. This grave incident occurred near the Dao Khanong toll plaza on a stretch of the expressway…
As Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra strides confidently into the heart of London, her visit is no ordinary diplomatic affair. It is a mission that blends cultural export with strategic economic initiative, and its heart pulses with the rhythm of an ancient martial art — Muay Thai. Visiting a Muay Thai training facility in London, the Prime Minister highlights the sport’s explosive rise in popularity. With over 500 dedicated facilities now dotted across the United Kingdom, it’s clear that Muay Thai has muscled its way into the spotlight. The Prime Minister pledged to standardize training regimens to bolster its global reach — creating pact between sport and diplomacy. During her visit, Paetongtarn also sampled a slice of Asia by touring Wing Yip, an iconic Asian supermarket chain that stands as a bastion of multicultural flavor. Accompanied by a Thai delegation that included Deputy Permanent Secretary for Commerce Ekachat Seetavorarat, and Deputy…
Cannes, France – May 22, 2025 – The Cannes Film Festival, a glittering affair synonymous with cinematic excellence, once again played host to the illustrious Thai Night 2025, orchestrated by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the esteemed Ministry of Commerce. This enchanting event, unfolding on Thursday, May 15, was not just a celebration but a strategic beacon aimed at amplifying the global footprint of the Thai entertainment industry while fostering a dynamic environment for international business networking. The event radiated with royal grace as Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi presided over the ceremony. With an aura of inspiration, she delivered a keynote address that reverberated with the remarkable achievements of Thai cinema. Highlighting 2024 as a groundbreaking year, Her Royal Highness celebrated the industry’s unprecedented milestone—domestic revenues from Thai films surpassing 1 billion baht—an uncharted feat underscoring the unparalleled talent and creativity of the…
Have you ever imagined getting paid to snooze at work? Well, one intrepid Thai man might just have cracked the code, albeit with a rather unusual method that has the internet buzzing. In a viral video that has amassed over 11 million views, this resourceful fellow made headlines by riding a motorcycle while luxuriating flat on a mattress. That’s right, in the dusty roads of Sisaket province in northeastern Thailand, he was spotted zooming by with nothing but a mattress to support his daring doze-while-driving escapade. The extraordinary footage, which quickly spread across social media platforms and was reported by Sin Chew Daily, portrays the man unfazed as he lay sprawled on his stomach, sometimes shifting his body but never loosening his grip on the handlebars. This modern-day daredevil seemed to master the art of being cool and collected while possibly testing the threshold of century-old traffic norms. Was he…
In a move that has been brewing for over four decades, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports has finally given the green light to a cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park, aiming to have it operational by 2027. This project, a hotbed of debate since its inception, is designed to transport a whopping 5,000 visitors each day. This capacity aligns precisely with the visitor limit set by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, a cap aimed at curbing the environmental footprint. The discourse around this ambitious plan has seen heated arguments between governmental bodies and fervent conservationists. The latter argue passionately that bringing more visitors could tip the ecological scales, potentially causing more harm than good. The Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, remains undeterred. He has assured his constituents that the project will reach completion on his watch, having already navigated through comprehensive…
In a narrative that could almost be lifted from a harrowing crime novel, an 80-year-old gentleman, affectionately known just as Lee, finds himself thrust into the glaring spotlight of societal scrutiny. His alleged crime – a series of grave charges that have cast a long shadow over his previously tranquil existence in Phatthalung province, Thailand. Arrested amidst the quiet prayers reverberating through a Tha Chang mosque in the idyllic Bang Klam district, Lee’s life has unraveled like a coil of yarn, in the wake of accusations that have shaken his family and community to their core. The crux of these allegations centers around a girl we shall refer to as Dam, currently a 13-year-old navigating the choppy waters of secondary school. But rewind the years by five, subtracting not just time, but innocence, and you find an eight-year-old Dam starting third grade when, as per the allegations, the horrors commenced.…