Posts published in “Thailand”

It was a scene straight out of a thriller, yet starkly real—a pickup truck marred with bullet punctures adorning its rear window and stranded with a flat tire, an unwelcomed souvenir of an ambush in Songkhla’s Saba Yoi district on a quiet Tuesday morning. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat) As the southern winds carry whispers of recent unrest, Thailand’s deep South finds itself at an unsettling crossroads, where the tide of violence threatens to unsettle the delicate fabric of peace residing there. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has sounded the clarion call for security forces to elevate their game. His plea resonates with urgency: a call to action designed to stifle the cycle of bloodshed and anguish that has, once again, marked the southern border provinces with its dark ink. His words, laden with the weight of his dual role as both Deputy and Defense Minister, encapsulate his resolve to tackle the…

Picture this: a Western Hognose snake, sleek and curious, resting comfortably amidst 11 of its companions as they stowed away in parcels journeying from Taiwan to Chiang Mai in September 2019. Little did these serpentine adventurers know, they exemplified a larger issue: the clandestine trade of snakes creeping through borders. In a bid to wrangle this slippery trade and invigorate Thailand’s economy, the country’s cabinet has unfurled plans to lift the long-standing embargo on snake exports. Until now, for over three decades, Thailand’s serpentine treasures were preserved within its borders due to two pivotal resolutions from 1990 and 1991. But change is afoot. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with resolute conviction, appealed to the powers that be and successfully annulled these restrictions. The result? A new dawn for snake breeders aiming to cater to an expanding global demand, while simultaneously choking the life out of unlawful snake trading.…

Deep beneath the tranquil forests and winding paths of Mae Hong Son’s Pang Mapha district, the earth decided to stretch and flex its ancient muscles. On a regular Wednesday evening, an event was set in motion beneath the idyllic landscapes that remain untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life. The Earthquake Observation Division, eyes peeled sharply, pinpointed the epicentre of this little seismic spectacle with the precision of a cosmic cartographer. It all began with a humble rumble—a mere 3.3 on the Richter scale, yet enough to stir the pot of intrigue. It was 6:07 PM when Mother Nature gave a slight nod beneath the tambon Tham Lot, showing she hadn’t forgotten her dance routines yet. The quake was a tiny ripple in the fabric of the earth, detectable in the vicinity and compelling the residents to pause their evening routines, if only for a moment. What caused…

In a world where diplomatic relations often navigate turbulent waters, stories of international diplomacy can be as gripping as a spy novel. This tale unfolds as Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong journeyed to the Xinjiang region of China, aiming to visit the renowned Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. Their mission was of significant concern: monitoring the status of Uyghur returnees, reportedly compelled to leave Thailand and return to China on a rather tense day marked as February 27. However, the plot thickens as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai finds himself at the heart of swirling speculation. It was rumored that the United States has been playing hard to get—refusing him a visa. This alleged slight followed Thailand’s contentious decision to send 40 Uyghurs back to China, causing global heads to turn and wag fingers with disapproval. Amid mounting pressure, Minister Phumtham faced the media on a…

Amidst the relentless hubbub of busy Bangkok, backhoes tirelessly chip away at the mountainous debris of what was once the proud State Audit Office building, casting solemn shadows over Chatuchak district. This scene of determination and despair unfolds against the backdrop of a bustling city, where the dull rumble of machines harmonizes with the city’s restless heartbeat. The task at hand, both grim and hopeful, carries on under the vigilant eyes of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The tower’s proud silhouette has now dissolved into chaos—a testament to nature’s unpredictable fury, manifested in the March 28 earthquake that caught an entire city unawares. As these giant mechanical beasts clear away the remnants, the BMA’s disaster prevention and mitigation czar, Suriyachai Rawiwan, stands at the helm, orchestrating the complex dance with precision and somber resolve. His recent briefing captured not just the progress, but the poignant reality of hope intertwined with…