In a world where fizzy drinks quench the thirst of millions, the buzz around the potentially chlorate-infused soft drinks from a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Europe has been the hot topic du jour. But for all the worried faces and jittery nerves, folks on this side of the globe can now heave a sigh of relief. The guardians of our grocery store shelves, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have declared that not a single fizzy bottle of these chlorate-contaminated soda pops from the Coca-Cola plant in Europe has crossed our borders. Just last month, over in the cobblestone-lined streets of Europe, Coca-Cola hit a bit of a production snag at their plant in Ghent, Belgium. The dastardly villain in this tale? Chlorate! This sneaky substance sometimes pops up when chlorine-based disinfectants are wielded in the realm of water treatment and food processing. It’s the sort of chemical visitor you…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The seemingly unyielding efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to secure the freedom of four Thai fishermen detained in Myanmar is the stuff of high-stakes diplomacy that would make for a riveting drama. The unfortunate saga began last November when these seafarers found themselves ensnared in the nebulous domain of disputed waters, resulting in their apprehension and detention in the quaint border town of Kawthaung, Myanmar. Yet, amidst the turbulence of uncertainty, one constant remains: the MFA’s unrelenting quest to bring these men home. Ras Chalee Chan, the determined MFA Vice Minister, has assured that the ministry’s resolve is as strong as ever. Their perseverance is akin to embarking on a labyrinthine expedition of diplomacy, where every twist and turn demands strategic negotiation, a sprinkle of patience, and a dash of tact. It’s reminiscent of the delicate dance that recently saw success in securing the release of Thai…
In a twist that could rival even the most complex of mystery novels, the residents of the Alpine Golf Club housing project in Thailand’s Khlong Luang district find themselves caught in a perplexing web of legal quandaries woven around land ownership. Like characters in a never-ending saga, over 10 residents from the Samakkhi community, who have crafted their lives on over 200 plots of this scenic yet embattled estate, are turning to the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) for assistance. The spotlight is on Wira Kaewsaitip, who, acting as the dazzling maestro of this unfolding drama, has formally petitioned LCT president Wichien Chubthaisong for legal guidance. With a flair for gripping narration, Wira recounts how the residents, including 30 to 40 families who have already planted deep roots into what seemed like a promising housing project, have now found themselves perched precariously on the edge of uncertainty. Each home, meticulously…
The bustling terminals of seven provincial airports in Thailand are about to experience a bit of a shake-up, as the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) recently gave a nod to raising the passenger service charge (PSC). This extra 25 baht fee comes at the proposal of the Department of Airports (DoA), which oversees the airports in locales like Krabi, Surat Thani, and the picturesque city of Udon Thani, among others. Yes, folks flying through these vibrant hubs—including Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phitsanulok—brace yourselves for a tad more on your travel tab. But hold your boarding passes! Before you get too ruffled about this new price tag, let’s get the full picture. Chayatan Phromsorn, who dons the hat of the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Transport, along with his esteemed position as the deputy chairman on the CAAT commissioner board, made it clear during the…
In an ambitious attempt to redefine rehabilitation, the Department of Corrections (DoC) has proposed an innovative approach to parole: reading. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, with his adeptness for progressive thinking, has laid out a plan where inmates might earn a day’s parole for each book they consume during their incarceration, a novel idea already taking root in some corners of the world. Delving into the heart of the reform, the impetus is to ignite a spark of learning within prison walls, providing inmates with the gift of knowledge before they reenter society. “The cornerstone of this initiative,” Pol Col Tawee asserts, “is ensuring that each and every inmate emerges with the skills to read, write, and even navigate the business world upon release.” The statistics present a sobering narrative: out of the colossal population of 230,000 prisoners across the nation, a striking 77% have not completed compulsory education,…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has touched down in Beijing, embarking on a dynamic three-day diplomatic escapade, with her schedule packed to the brim. Central to her visit is fostering long-term investment partnerships with China, a topic which is likely to dominate discussions and could provide a significant boost to both the Thai and Chinese economies. Picture this: Paetongtarn amidst grandiose halls and lush settings at the Jinjiang Palace—it’s not just a diplomatic mission, it’s a whirlwind of agendas and cordial exchanges! Her prime objective? To bolster bilateral cooperation, specifically to tackle the modern nuisance of online scams that have been targeting their citizens. And it doesn’t stop there. On Thursday, brace yourself for some power meetings when Paetongtarn squares off with none other than President Xi Jinping and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Their conversations will dance around a plethora of collaborative issues,…
The tranquil evening air of Ongkharak district was shattered on Monday night as officials stormed into a clandestine gambling den, seizing piles of gambling chips and cash. The raid, executed with precision by the Department of Provincial Administration law enforcement center, revealed an undercurrent of illicit activity that’s been flowing beneath the surface in Nakhon Nayok province. Meanwhile, in the bustling political arena of Thailand, the opposition Palang Pracharath Party has drawn a line in the sand. On a spirited Wednesday afternoon, they declared an unwavering stand against a new government bill set to revolutionize the country’s entertainment landscape. The proposed legislation aims to legalize casino gambling, a move that’s been met with both applause and alarm across the nation. Chaimongkol Chairop, a deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, passionately voiced his concerns. “This bill stands to inflict deep scars on Thailand’s social fabric,” he exclaimed, warning against the…
Pita Limjaroenrat, once the charismatic chief adviser to the Move Forward Party, waved to an enthusiastic crowd gathered at their headquarters in Bangkok on a sunny August 7th. The scene was both a moment of defiance and support, as just earlier, the Constitutional Court had delivered its verdict to dissolve the party. Enthusiastic supporters cheered, their voices echoing the spirit of resilience as Pita made his way through, smiling and undeterred. (Photo by Varuth Hirunyatheb) The political landscape in Thailand is teetering on uncertain grounds as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is set to make a pivotal decision. In the coming two months, the fate of 44 former MPs from the now-defunct Move Forward Party hangs in the balance—a party that once promised change and courted controversy like no other. These MPs, among whom 39 still serve under the banner of the People’s Party, are under scrutiny for their audacious…
On a starry Wednesday night, the town of Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy witnessed an unusual dimness. Nearly 40% of the lights, especially those normally brightening high-rise structures, flickered out, shrouding the town in unexpected darkness. This was no ordinary power failure; it was a consequence of Thailand’s decision to halt cross-border power and fuel supplies to Myanmar. But the story of lights and shadows in border towns such as Myawaddy, Payathongzu, and Tachileik isn’t just about illumination and darkness; it’s a saga of crime, commerce, and creativity. The Thai government, responding to increasing pressure from Chinese officials, decided to pull the plug on these border towns, citing concerns over the burgeoning call-centre scam operations targeting Chinese citizens. The masterminds behind these scams, as feared by the Thai and Chinese authorities, have proven to be as elusive as shadows. On Wednesday morning, the plug was pulled with vigor at the helms…
The allure of Pattaya’s sun-drenched beaches and electric nightlife often paints the city as a playground for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation. But beneath the veneer of sun-laden paradises lies a bustling metropolis where not everything is as it seems. Such is the backdrop for the unfolding drama involving British tourist Andrew Hopkins and the local law enforcement. Much to the chagrin of the Pattaya police, British media, specifically the notorious Daily Mail, recently alleged that Hopkins, a spry 55-year-old, was unceremoniously arrested, subjected to rough treatment, and relieved of 15,000 baht by the Pattaya police after a mere, innocent parsing with a direction sign. The immediate retort from Chon Buri Provincial Police came like a monsoon shower on a clear day – swift and adamant. According to Pol Maj Gen Thawatkiat Jindakuansanong, the esteemed commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, the narrative spun by the British tabloid was…