Posts published in “Thailand”

Deep in the heart of bustling Bangkok lies Lumpini Park, an urban oasis that draws city dwellers seeking a slice of nature amidst the concrete sprawl. But it’s not just humans finding refuge here; a rather unexpected population has taken up residence, sparking intrigue and not a few raised eyebrows. Enter the water monitor lizards, the scaly stars of the story who have been strutting around the park as if they own the place, which, given their growing numbers, isn’t entirely untrue. You see, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is currently embroiled in a delicate dance with these reptilian residents. The water monitors—protected under Thai law—have turned Lumpini Park into their personal sanctuary. While some might be unnerved by these slinky creatures making an appearance during their afternoon stroll, experts reassure us: it’s all bark and no bite. Unless, of course, you give them reason to get snappy. Thanks to…

In the picturesque forestlands of Chachoengsao, a real-life drama unfolds that would rival any soap opera’s intrigue. The story begins with a clandestine plot to seize forest lands, driven by the enticing allure of the king of fruits—durian. This bucolic landscape finds itself in the eye of a storm as the Thai government takes bold strides against an extensive illegal land grab orchestrated by clever Chinese investors, masked under the guise of local patrons. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has sprung into action, reclaiming 1,500 rai of verdant forest nestled in the Tha Takiab district. This dramatic crackdown comes on the heels of uncovering transactions deemed unlawful by local laws. The jungle magic has been usurped by a Thai company acting as the front for foreign investors. As the plot thickens, 450 rai have already morphed into an expansive durian plantation. The rest of the greenscape stands poised,…

In a landmark move set to bolster the global status of Muay Thai, the Labour Ministry has thrown its weight behind sending highly skilled Muay Thai boxing coaches to Hong Kong. This exciting initiative was underscored during Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn’s visit to the vibrant territory, where the demand for seasoned Thai boxing coaches is as high as the skyscrapers silhouetting the skyline. Phiphat, in a recent whirlwind tour, graced a popular fitness centre nestled on Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok district—kind of like the Times Square of Hong Kong. The fitness center, bursting with energy and echoes of rhythmic punches, belongs to none other than Santichai Kongsankaew, who has turned Thai boxing into more than just an exercise. It’s a lifestyle and an art form all wrapped into one exhilarating package! The Labour Ministry is buzzing with news—at least 600 Muay Thai coaching positions are waiting to be…

The Senate has taken a decisive stance against the use of purse seine nets with mesh sizes smaller than 2.5cm during night fishing, which has led them to send the Lower House’s fisheries bill back for further discussion. Following the careful evaluation by the Senate committee, the Upper House met to review the amendment bill for the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries 2015. Comprising 71 sections, this bill underwent meticulous scrutiny by the Senate, with the spotlight notably on Section 28. The proposed changes in Section 28 aimed at altering Section 69 of the 2015 law caused quite the stir, especially concerning the technicalities of the purse seine nets. The Senate made it clear that they were not in favor of the amendment passed by the House of Representatives, opting instead for a broader prohibition on all purse seine nets with mesh sizes under 2.5cm for nighttime fishing. In a decisive…

In an unexpected turn of events yesterday, the pristine beaches and bustling streets of Phuket played host to a real-life drama worthy of a Hollywood movie plot. The scene unfolded in the upscale district of Kathu, where a seemingly ordinary luxury condominium became the focal point of a high-stakes immigration operation. Sparks flew as a determined team from Phuket Immigration, alongside the Investigation Unit of the Crime Suppression Division 3 and Region 8 Crime Suppression Division, descended on the address with clockwork precision at precisely 11:30 am. The target? An elusive Chinese duo – a man of dignified 43 years with the surname Bin, and a 39-year-old woman known as Chen – both unsuspecting guests of the island’s hospitality, albeit in the most surreptitious manner. Their comfortable abode became the unhallowed ground for a sting operation that could rival any primetime police procedural. Once a sanctuary, their home turned into…

In a whirlwind of controversy and intrigue, a Spanish YouTuber found himself in the clutches of Thai law this week. The man in question, Francisco Javier Cuesta Ramos—more widely recognized by his YouTube moniker, Frank Cuesta—was arrested at his expansive estate in the picturesque central province of Kanchanaburi. Allegations had surfaced about his unlawful possession of numerous safeguarded animals, prompting authorities to take swift action. Thai officials from the Immigration Bureau paired up with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation to raid Cuesta’s property. On the sprawling 38-acre property, the authorities stumbled upon what could only be described as Cuesta’s personal zoological Eden—albeit an unauthorized one. Home to a menagerie that included kangaroos hopping alongside ostriches, deer frolicking with miniature horses and buffaloes, and an assortment of other exotic creatures such as emus, capybaras, and Sulcata tortoises, Cuesta’s collection wreaked of wildlife overwhelm. The audacious display totaled…

Ah, Bangkok—home to the infamous traffic jams, tantalizing street food, and now, a burgeoning community of charismatic water monitors that have turned Lumpini Park into an unexpected reptilian rendezvous! If you’ve ever wandered through this urban oasis, you might have caught a glimpse of these dinosaur-like creatures casually lounging by the canal along Rama IV Road or enjoying a leisurely afternoon in the park’s greenery. With the number of water monitors on the rise, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is pondering innovative strategies to manage this cold-blooded conundrum. And who could breathe life into this tale better than the enigmatic Prapas Lueangsirinapha, the director of the BMA’s Environment Department? Well, let’s just say he’s our knight in shining armor—or rubber boots, more likely—tackling a new-age dragon problem everyone’s talking about. Yet, don’t mistake these gentle giants for terror-inducing villains. Protected under the esteemed Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act BE…

In a recent spat of travel faux pas, the vibrant shores of Thailand have found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Sai, a diligent park ranger, became a digital hero when he took to social media, highlighting the irresponsibility of two Italian tourists. These daring snorkelers ventured into a restricted coral reef area, disregarding explicit warnings, thus sparking an online uproar. The drama unfolded when officials had to physically intervene, dragging the unruly tourists onto their boat. Their parting exclamation, a crude dismissal of Thailand, echoes their disregard for local laws. Sai’s frustration mirrors a larger sentiment, as he pointed fingers at Thailand’s free-visa policy for encouraging such audacity. “Do foreigners believe money puts them above the rules?” he questioned. Yet, amidst the digital furor, the fine print of any penalties remains shrouded in mystery. In a shocking turn, Thailand faces another wave of criticism, this time…

In the heart of Thailand’s unrest-ridden south, tragedy struck as a revered law enforcement officer met an untimely and violent end. On the evening of February 27, the serene township of Sai Buri district in Pattani province was jolted by the sounds of gunfire, unsettling its peace once again. This chilling event claimed the life of the distinguished 58-year-old Police Lieutenant Muhammad Azan Jamae, who served as the Deputy Inspector of the 6th Investigation Division, part of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division. His routine journey back home from the mosque ended in an act of brutality that left the community in shock and despair. Lieutenant Jamae was ambushed outside his home in Ban Kalupe by a group of assailants. The two bloodthirsty duos rode motorcycles with precision, executing their attack with ruthless efficiency. In front of his home, numbered 80, they unleashed a barrage of bullets that…

Amidst the vibrant backdrop of Thailand’s cultural tapestry, a somber shadow has been cast by yet another tragedy unfolding in the nation’s restless southern region. The morning sun of February 27 sought to cast its warmth over Pattani province, but the light was dimmed by the cold and calculated actions of unknown assailants. Within the quiet streets of Ban Kalupe, situated in the Sai Buri district, a scene of violence disrupted the tranquil transition from dawn prayers. The victim of this ruthless act was 58-year-old Police Lieutenant Muhammad Azan Jamae, a man of integrity and duty, who served as the Deputy Inspector of the 6th Investigation Division in the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division. His commitment to justice and environmental integrity was apparent, but this very dedication might have painted a target on his back. Departing from the mosque, he walked with a peaceful heart, yet destiny had…