In a dynamic effort to redefine the landscape of ride-hailing services, the Ministry of Transport recently engaged in a crucial meeting with a senior Bolt manager. The objective of this meeting was crystal clear: to revamp the registration of riders, ensuring alignment with the Department of Land Transport (DLT) standards. Sorapong Paitoonphong, the deputy permanent secretary of the ministry, underscored the initiative’s central goal—to guarantee safe and reasonably priced services across all Bolt platforms. As the digital ink dried on the meeting notes, a sense of optimism was palpable. Mr. Sorapong outlined critical resolutions, highlighting Bolt’s pledge to revitalize its rider registration process. This update would ensure compliance with DLT standards, particularly focusing on vehicle specifications and the issuance of public driving licenses for all its riders. An additional focus of the discussions was the need for Bolt to expedite the registration process for motorcycles and ride-hailing vehicles, especially for…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Yesterday, the diligent workers of the Expressway Authority of Thailand were seen meticulously removing the rubble left behind by the unfortunate collapse of a beam from the newly constructed elevated Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway. This incident, which unfolded around Rama II Road in the Chom Thong district, had caused major traffic disruptions, drawing significant public attention. One poignant detail that emerged was the identity of the sixth victim, a young Myanmar national named Htike Wai Yan, age 22, whose body was identified at Taksin Hospital. It was reported that a relative who had tried to find Htike Wai after the disaster discovered only a bag and a mobile phone left behind at the construction site. Authorities confirmed that Htike Wai was last witnessed diligently working on the bridge, his routine task morphing into tragedy without notice. The catastrophe, occurring a mere 200 meters from the expressway entrance, saw a concrete…
In a remarkable stride towards public health, Thailand is extending an offer of hope and protection to girls and young women—free cervical cancer vaccinations are up for grabs until the end of April! This initiative targets the vulnerable population of 11 to 20-year-olds. One can imagine the feeling of empowerment cascading through the community, as they receive a shield against this silent adversary. Cervical cancer, a dreaded disease quietly stealing lives every year, especially in Thailand, is being valiantly countered, thanks to initiatives spearheaded by Deputy Government Spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan. The star of this health campaign is none other than the life-saving Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Known for warding off a common and rather elusive sexually transmitted infection, this vaccine acts as a sentinel, blocking the pathways of the virus that stealthily travels through mere skin contact. Not just a preventive measure for HPV-related cancers, this vaccine also plays the…
Perched over the bustling currents of the Chao Phraya River, the Kiakkai Bridge is steadily taking shape, an ambitious infrastructural endeavor that promises to redefine connectivity in the heart of Bangkok. Nestled around the vibrant Kiakkai intersection within the capital’s historic Dusit district, this bridge is a cornerstone project undertaken by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), determined to see its completion by the year 2026. The intricate dance of construction unfolds under the watchful gaze of Tawatchai Napasaksri, the adept director of BMA’s Public Works Department, who keeps a keen eye on the project’s progress. Part of a grand blueprint outlining the future of bridge infrastructure across the Chao Phraya within the expansive Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), the Kiakkai Bridge is a marvel of modern engineering and a pivotal link in the urban lattice. This architectural masterpiece is crafted through three meticulously planned phases, each as daunting as the last…
Every day in Thailand, a staggering 47 individuals lose their lives to cigarette smoking, yet not a single fatality has been recorded from using e-cigarettes. It’s a statistic that underscores a perplexing double standard: while traditional cigarettes are readily available at every corner store, e-cigarettes remain outlawed. Millions around the globe have turned to vaping as a lifesaver, a reliable exit from the clutches of smoking addiction. Numerous countries eagerly promote vaping as a safer alternative, highlighting its potential to save lives. But in Thailand, the rhythm dances differently. The government’s stance is a curious one—illuminating the dangers of vaping while seemingly turning a blind eye to the catastrophic toll of smoking, which claims 71,000 lives a year as the country’s number one preventable cause of death. Thai officials have continuously asserted that vaping carries dangers similar to smoking, but troves of peer-reviewed scientific literature offer no such evidence. Contrarily,…
In a refreshing twist on public health initiatives, the Ministry of Public Health is throwing its weight behind an innovative pilot project that transforms a traditional temple into a vibrant community health centre. By blending the spiritual guidance found in Buddhist teachings with practical health advice, this program aims to tackle diabetes head-on and pave the way for healthier lifestyle choices. At the heart of this initiative stands Wat Asomthammathayat, a serene temple nestled in the Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima. The program is built on a simple yet powerful premise: that diabetes can be managed, if not significantly improved, through natural means. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Public Health Permanent Secretary, shared this visionary concept on Sunday, highlighting the pilot project’s community-based approach. It’s a tapestry of collective effort, weaving together hospitals, schools, families, and grassroots community groups to reduce the incidence of diabetes. The initial outcomes have been nothing short…
As the country gears up for a pivotal parliamentary debate, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to host a gathering of coalition party leaders for an insightful dinner this Friday. This highly anticipated meeting aims to strategize for next week’s political showdown. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who doubles as the secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party, disclosed this strategic powwow on a bustling Sunday, hinting at the electrifying political moves waiting to unfold. In what seems to be much more than a casual dinner meeting, this assembly harks back to a previous coalition soirée on February 25, where party leaders cooked up the idea of reconvening once the burning questions of parliamentary debate were cast in stone. Mr. Sorawong assures that our savvy Prime Minister is ready to tango with any inquiries laid before her. Ministers from various domains are poised to lend their expertise, ensuring crystal-clear explanations…
Nestled in the idyllic setting of Phuket, Vachira Phuket Hospital is making waves as it steps into the burgeoning world of medical tourism. With a strategic eye on international visitors, this state-run facility is rolling out the red carpet for patients seeking the blessings of weight-loss surgery. In an era where the pursuit of health often takes people across the globe, Vachira Phuket is ensuring they’re a worthy stop. Pioneering this initiative is Dr. Thakoon Poonthananiwatkul, a seasoned senior surgeon, whose expertise has been shaping lives for over a decade. With a track record of treating more than 3,400 patients through the transformative bariatric procedure, Dr. Thakoon reflects the hospital’s esteemed standing in this specialized field. Under his helm, Vachira’s bariatric practices proudly carry the prestigious accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), a testament from the esteemed U.S. nonprofit portending safety and high standards in the medical realm. For…
US President Donald Trump, in his characteristic bold style, has once again captured headlines with his latest executive maneuver. This time, his decision to dismantle US federal policies designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) threw a wrench in the gears of progress for many advocates worldwide, and Thai supporters of gender equality and anti-discrimination have certainly felt the tremors. As these policies are hitting the pause button on humanitarian aid, Thai activists rally, urging both businesses and society at large to adhere to anti-discriminatory principles that drive not only public interest but also business success. The president’s executive order, announced alongside a 90-day suspension of foreign aid, resonated like an unexpected thunderclap across continents, including Thailand. While civil organizations labor tirelessly to safeguard rights for the LGBTQ+ community, the grounding of these initiatives raises pressing concerns for these vulnerable groups. Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, the dynamic founder of Trans Consulting…
In the serene, palm-ensnared embrace of Surat Thani, a deceptive illusion weaved its way through the peaceful air, disrupted by the unexpected clamor of flashing cameras and the steady march of law enforcement. Four British men stood at the center of this unfolding drama at Samui Airport, nabbed by the authorities amid accusations of attempting to spirit cannabis, secreted within suitcases, out of Thailand. As courteous travelers, it seemed their idealistic wanderings took an intriguing plunge into criminal escapades. The plot thickens in this rendition of tropical escapade meets law and order. Pol Col Naruwat Phutthawiro, the determined face behind Surat Thani’s immigration operations, revealed the spine-chilling discovery and arrest to eager listeners and puzzled onlookers on a sultry Sunday. The spotlight shone brightly on Antony, Billy, Philld, and John, whose ages ranged from the early thirties to the ripe wisdom of sixty-three. Each gentleman, all smiles and courtesy, carried…