Posts published in “Thailand”

Thap Lan National Park is currently at the center of a heated debate that has everyone from local villagers to environmental activists buzzing. National Park Office director Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn is pushing for the cabinet to revisit a resolution from March 14, 2023, concerning the park’s boundary. The proposal aims to redefine a sweeping 265,000-rai (over 104,000 acres) region within the park. But, not everyone’s on board. In a public hearing held recently, an overwhelming number of participants voiced their concerns. According to Mr. Chaiwat, this record-setting event pulled in 947,107 people—yes, you read that right, nearly a million participants. That’s like filling ten football stadiums! And guess what? A staggering 95.2% of them opposed the changes. Clearly, this isn’t a small ripple; it’s a tidal wave of public sentiment. Let’s rewind a bit. What’s all the fuss about? The proposed plan, originally put forth by the previous government, suggests redrawing…

Parcels waiting to be delivered to online shoppers (Bangkok Post file photo) The concept of opening parcels before making cash-on-delivery (COD) payments has garnered overwhelming support among consumers, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida Poll). The poll, carried out from July 9-11 through telephone interviews, involved 1,310 respondents aged over 18, from diverse educational backgrounds, occupations, and income levels. Opinions were sought regarding the newly introduced “Dee-Delivery” rule by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, aimed at safeguarding COD consumers. The survey revealed that a notable 70.45% of respondents were in full agreement with the rule, while 24.46% somewhat agreed. On the other side, 4.00% somewhat disagreed, 0.87% were firmly against it, and 0.22% were either unsure or indifferent. When delving into the online shopping habits of those surveyed, 70.53% acknowledged having experience with online purchases, leaving 29.47% who had never…

In the quaint and bustling locale of Bang Bo district in Samut Prakan, mere miles away from Bangkok, fishermen have found themselves battling an alien invasion. But this is no sci-fi story—it’s the reality of dealing with the blackchin tilapia that has dominated local waterways to an alarming extent. As Saturday afternoon turned into a demonstration for reporters, young fisherman Sitthikorn Ekwong, 21, cast his net into Khlong Dan canal, only to bring up more of these foreign fish. The sight of blackchin tilapia filling nets wouldn’t have been so jarring if it weren’t for the eerie absence of other species. Residents and long-time fishers in this area reminisced about a time when a variety of fish, including local tilapia, wandered through these waters. But as of late, it seems blackchin tilapia are the headliners—and pretty much the entire show. Enter Pisamon Srisin, a seasoned local of 75 years. She…

The streets of Bangkok have recently echoed with the chants of pro-cannabis activists, a scene vividly brought to life on a sweltering June day. There, near the Government House, throngs of advocates raised their voices against a new government proposal to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. This policy shift, they argue, could send shockwaves through Thailand’s burgeoning cannabis industry, putting a damper on investment and undermining businesses that have flourished since the plant’s decriminalisation. On July 5, in a decision that could ripple through Thailand’s economic landscape, a health committee responsible for overseeing illegal drugs voted by majority to relist cannabis and hemp as narcotics. The move, set to take effect from January 1, 2025, has been spearheaded by Surachoke Tangwiwat, the deputy permanent secretary for public health. The committee’s resolution is detailed: cannabis and hemp will be designated narcotic plants, with the sole exceptions being their branches, roots, and…

The ongoing saga of the long-delayed elevated expressway continues to unfold as the foundations for this ambitious project are now visible on Kaset-Nawamin Road. Yet, what stands out is the dramatic twist involving the third-phase expressway’s N2 section. This development is not merely about concrete and steel but a gripping tale of community resistance and bureaucratic maneuvers. Imagine this: picture a room at a Bangkok hotel in the Chatuchak district, packed with over 50 residents. They’re not there for a social gathering but to voice their deep opposition to the Expressway Authority of Thailand’s (Exat) new proposal. The plan in question? An underground route set to replace a highly contentious section of the N1 Expressway. Manawat Kamolsilp, a vocal critic and resident, was quick to assess the financial implications, “The underground route’s projected cost is a staggering 50 billion baht, whereas an elevated expressway would only set us back 17…

Picture this: a night departure from the bustling Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok, and by dawn, you’re greeted by the serene charms of Vientiane. The highly anticipated cross-border rail journey linking Thailand and Laos took a significant step forward with a successful test run held last Saturday. This sneak peek promises an enriching travel experience for passengers eagerly awaiting the official launch this Friday. The test voyage saw Nong Khai governor Sompob Samitasiri and a diversified entourage of officials, private sector representatives, and tour operators embark on the train from Nong Khai Railway Station, making their way to the newly developed Vientiane Station (Khamsavath) in Laos. Their mission? To ensure everything runs smoothly before the big day. Good news for eager travelers: bookings for this unique rail adventure have been available since July 10, and the excitement is palpable. The inaugural commercial journey is slated to depart…

On June 28, the officers at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau unveiled compelling evidence gathered from a large-scale operation targeting Euro 2024 football betting websites and call center syndicates. The operation revealed a staggering network that drew millions of users into illegal gambling activities. According to law enforcement, over 200 websites facilitating Euro 2024-related gambling have been shut down, bringing an astounding 2.4 billion baht of illicit funds under scrutiny. This unprecedented crackdown was timed to coincide with the exciting finale of the Euro 2024 football matches, which wrapped up on Sunday. The rigorous campaign kicked off on June 14, the day Euro 2024 football finals commenced, and concluded with a resounding impact by Thursday, as revealed by Assistant National Police Chief, Pol Lt Gen Akradet Pimolsri. Leading the charge was a specially formed task force that strategically dismantled these complex operations. Over the span of this operation, authorities managed…

In a bid to protect the pristine landscapes of Thap Lan National Park, National Park Office director Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn is appealing to the cabinet to revisit a significant resolution dated March 14, 2023. This resolution involves the redrawing of the park’s boundaries, specifically stripping away a massive 265,000-rai stretch of land. The proposal has ignited a fervent debate amongst locals, who made their voices heard loud and clear during a recent public hearing. Mr. Chaiwat revealed on Saturday that the cabinet might potentially reconsider their decision due to the overwhelming opposition it faced. The online public hearing dedicated to discussing the redesignation was a landmark event, attracting an unprecedented 947,107 participants—the highest turnout for any government-run public hearing to date. This engagement highlights how passionately people feel about preserving the integrity of Thap Lan National Park. The results unveiled by Mr. Chaiwat between June 28 and July 12 were nothing…

The bustling streets of Kaset-Nawamin Road now find their rhythm interrupted by the sight of towering foundations, signaling the long-anticipated arrival of a new expressway. Yes, folks, the third-phase expressway’s N2 section is coming to life! But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves – there’s a twist in this tale. In a twist that might make you do a double-take, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has proposed a sleek underground route to replace the embattled N1 Expressway section. Now, residents might not be jumping for joy at this development. Picture this: a heated third hearing held in a bustling Bangkok hotel, attended by more than 50 vibrant residents, each with their own story to tell. Manawat Kamolsilp, a local hero of sorts, voiced a concern many are echoing, “Building an underground route is set to burn a 50 billion baht hole in our pockets, compared to the 17 billion…

Imagine a seemingly harmless fish from distant African waters making its way to Bangkok’s bustling districts and turning into a troublesome invader. That’s the story of the blackchin tilapia, a predatory fish that was initially imported to Thailand for research but has turned into an unwelcome guest in the city’s waterways. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has joined forces with the Department of Fisheries to tackle this slippery menace. The blackchin tilapia is causing headaches for farmers in three Bangkok districts—Bang Khunthian, Thung Kru, and Bang Bon—as it devours smaller fish and their eggs, wreaking havoc on local aquaculture. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the issue, noting that the fish had been spreading from nearby Samut Songkhram provinces to other areas for quite some time, and now its numbers are booming in these three districts. It’s a significant challenge for about 900 aquaculture farmers who operate shrimp…