The saga of Chon Buri’s ambitious 20,000-seat football stadium is one for the ages. It’s the kind of story that makes you marvel at human tenacity and perhaps wince a little at the inevitable tangles of bureaucracy. According to Poramet Ngampichet, the mayor of Pattaya, this grand project has seen a fair share of storms—figurative and literal—since the construction endeavor kicked off 17 years ago. Nestled in the Bang Lamung district, this sprawling stadium sits on a 371-rai plot that promises to be a sporting spectacle like no other. The ambitious dream took flight back in 2008 with a healthy injection of 774 million baht and a hopeful finish line penned for 2017. Alas, a cocktail of setbacks—some might say legendary—has blunted its progress. Picture vast expanses of stubborn rocky ground that challenge even the fearsomest of drills, and you begin to understand the arduous journey of the project. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling corridors of the recent 30th Chula the Impact seminar, held at the esteemed Chulalongkorn University and themed “Chula thinks together to solve the PM2.5 crisis,” experts and researchers converged with a collective resolve: to illuminate the urgent need for air quality management in Thailand. With pollution levels spiraling to concerning heights, the clarion call was made for science-backed policies and a robust, long-term action plan, uniting state agencies, dedicated researchers, and the vigilant public. At the core of this seminar, a vibrant tapestry of knowledge was woven as experts from diverse fields delved into the hazards posed by PM2.5 particles. These minuscule but potent pollutants pose a profound threat to human health and the environment. The event was designed not only to trigger public awareness but also to offer research-anchored recommendations poised to usher in significant change. Prof. Wilert Puriwat, the distinguished president of Chulalongkorn University, set…
In a determined move to tighten the reins on illicit activities, the government is ramping up efforts to tackle the rampant misuse of mule accounts and nominees in online transactions. This comes as part of a broader initiative to secure mobile banking systems and protect consumers. Deputy government spokesman Karom Phonphonklang announced on Saturday that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is rolling out robust security measures aimed at preventing the nefarious use of mule accounts—often a conduit for unlawful dealings. The new regulation mandates that the name linked to a mobile banking account must synchronously match the name associated with the mobile SIM card. Kicking off operations from this Saturday, banks will now alert users if there’s any mismatch in these details. This month, users will receive notifications via their bank’s mobile application. This alert will serve as a prompt for them to verify their identity with…
In the vibrant province of Samut Prakan, a scene straight out of a patriotic tale unfolded last weekend. On that quiet Saturday, citizens embarked on their civic journey, making their way to polling units with a sense of purpose and pride. It was election day for Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) members and presidents, a day that shaped the leadership map across various provinces in Thailand. This opportunity for change and continuity in governance spanned 47 provinces, a significant event following the term expiry on December 19 last year. The Election Commission (EC) had been steadily optimistic, setting their sights on a commendable voter turnout of 65%. In these bustling lands, both PAO presidents and their dependable members awaited the public’s mandate. Meanwhile, 29 provinces were on a different path, electing only PAO members, since their leaders had already been elected in prior scenarios, prompted by resignations of predecessors. Chiang Mai…
On a typical Saturday morning in Samut Prakan’s Muang district, a scene that reflects the harmonious blend of urban life and nature unfolds along the Chao Phraya River embankment. People congregate here, embracing the outdoors, their faces marked by both a smile and a mask. Yet, as they jog or walk briskly in this fresh air haven, doctors caution that the very masks intended to filter out pollutants might also restrict airflow, impacting oxygen levels, particularly during exercise. The pressing concern? The dreaded PM2.5 air pollution lurking in the atmosphere. Haze pollution is not a new adversary in these parts; it’s more of an unwelcome guest that has long overstayed its welcome. Even before recent weeks saw Bangkok swallowed by PM2.5 pollutants, the government stepped up its game, pumping more than 140 million baht into the veins of public transport. The goal? To entice the populace to swap their car…
In a groundbreaking venture to redefine the bounds of education, the Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) has partnered with visionaries from China to unveil an ambitious pilot project—the “digital smart classroom.” Imagine a world where learning isn’t constrained by the physical walls of a classroom. Picture students diving into subjects at anytime, anywhere. This vision is now becoming a reality, thanks to an alliance with Guangxi University and the cutting-edge tech enterprise, Baijiayun Information Technology Ltd. Leading the charge, Acting Sub Lt Thanu Wongjinda, the secretary-general of Obec, is confident about this progressive stride. “I am pleased that the group from Guangxi University and Baijiayun Information Technology have provided good learning opportunities for Thai students,” he remarked, exuding hope for a brighter, more accessible educational future. The inception of this vision has already taken tangible form with two prototype smart classrooms set up at the prestigious Benjamarachalai School in…
Dr. Chanida “Cee” Charuchinda, a revered luminary in the realm of gem and jewelry sustainability, has taken the reins as the Managing Partner of Robb Report Thailand. This thrilling appointment promises to propel the publication into uncharted territories of luxury media, under Dr. Cee’s adept guidance. Her role predominantly focuses on steering client development and orchestrating special projects, further cementing the magazine’s position as a trailblazer in the opulent media world. Renowned for her deep-seated understanding of the intricate dance between sustainability and high-end luxury, Dr. Cee’s formidable leadership is set to chart a new course for Robb Report Thailand. Her extensive connections within the community of ultra-high-net-worth individuals paint a promising horizon for the publication as a global luxury media landmark. The agenda bristles with excitement as exclusive collaborations and extraordinary, world-class experiences are poised to capture the imaginations of international luxury brands. Under Dr. Cee’s meticulous care, Robb…
In a tale filled with intrigue and unexpected twists, a seemingly ordinary petrol station restroom in Khon Kaen has become the unlikely setting for a scandal that stretched far beyond its walls. The drama unfolded on a typical Saturday when two vigilant police officers unearthed a clandestine operation being conducted right under their noses—or more specifically, right behind closed restroom doors. The plot thickened when it was revealed that the orchestrator was none other than a local civil servant from Udon Thani, a director of a Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO), known only as Mr. Ae. Our story begins on Mittraphap Road in the Nam Phong district, where Mr. Ae, who by all accounts seemed an unassuming figure, was caught in the act of filming unsuspecting restroom patrons. His choice of venue might seem odd—after all, who really wants footage of a pit stop? Yet, for Mr. Ae, it was the…
In an unexpected twist of cross-border electrification, the sight of those robust power lines stretching from the Mae Sai district in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province into Myanmar’s scenic Tachilek of Shan State has become the epicenter of a rather electrifying debate! Picture this: the provincial power, literally, lighting up the horizons of a neighboring state, while sparking a spectrum of opinions back home in Bangkok. Now, why exactly has this seemingly benign current of energy become such hot news? Well, let’s flick on the switch and shed some light on the matter. Recently, the Ministry of Interior found itself at the center of inquisitive frenzy after it sent a note up the bureaucratic ladder to Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC). The ‘shockwave’ of attention came in the wake of Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s request, which had one simple—albeit potent—question: is our electrical generosity lighting up illegal activities across the…
In the cozy, sun-dappled living room of their Udon Thani home, Chumsi Seekanya sits beside her husband, Buasa, tenderly clutching a faded photograph of their missing daughter, Lamduan. This cherished photo is accompanied by a haunting sketch of an unknown woman whose lifeless body was discovered in Yorkshire, England, in 2004—a mystery that remained unresolved until recently. Fast-forward to January of this year, and a significant development has emerged in this long-cold case. David Stuart Armitage, a 62-year-old British man, found himself at the center of a decades-old murder investigation, leading to his recent repatriation from Thailand. A source within the Immigration Police confirmed that Armitage was wanted by UK authorities for the murder of his wife, Lamduan Seekanya, back in 2004. His arrest took place in the Muang district of Kanchanaburi on January 23, and he was promptly handed over to the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok. From there, Armitage…