The critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Songkhla Lake faces a precarious future, with their population dwindling to a mere 17. This alarming decline has spurred the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment into action, racing against time to rescue this beloved species and rejuvenate the lake’s delicate ecosystem. On a recent visit to the lake, Minister Chalermchai Sri-on was emphatic about the need to balance conservation efforts with development, to mesh the ecological and economic future of the area seamlessly. Irrawaddy dolphins are among the rarest marine mammals, and Songkhla Lake is one of the few freshwater sanctuaries they inhabit. However, these dolphins are teetering on the brink of extinction, raising the stakes for conservationists and local authorities committed to their survival. Singular in its resolve, the ministry has rolled out a comprehensive 10-year conservation initiative spanning from 2024 to 2033. This ambitious program is set on three robust pillars:…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Amidst the tranquil surroundings of Thailand’s famed Wat Rai Khing, a storm brewed that now captures national headlines. Since May 17, the serene façade has been overshadowed by a financial controversy of immense proportions. The former abbot, now a figure of intrigue, finds himself ensnared in the nets of justice, as police dig deeper into a sprawling embezzlement case that has left the public reeling. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with anti-corruption bodies, stormed into Wat Rai Khing following the whisper of extensive financial anomalies and undisclosed monetary trails. Their return on Tuesday marked a critical step in the probe, as they sifted through a labyrinth of financial documents, unearthing the temple’s multifarious bank accounts. In a sensational twist, investigators discovered an incredible tally of 49 accounts—far surpassing the meager four officially declared to the National Office of Buddhism. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew of the CIB minced…
Excitement buzzes in the air as the 3.78-trillion-baht budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year takes center stage, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra proudly announcing its approval on a bustling Tuesday in May. After intense scrutiny by none other than the sharp-eyed Council of State, the government’s trusty legal arm, the bill gets the green light from the cabinet. The flickering lights of the House of Representatives will soon witness the first reading of this colossal bill, scheduled for May 28-30. Ms. Paetongtarn, having rolled up her sleeves for earnest discussions with coalition parties, believes all parties are aligned. “Coalition parties see eye to eye on the bill,” she confidently declared, hinting at a hopeful consensus that feels as idyllic as a summer breeze. Songkram Kitlertphairoj, one of the prime minister’s top advisors, chimed in with assurances about the government’s readiness to dive deep into discussions, unwrapping the layers of…
Navigating the intricacies of economic policies can often feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle with pieces that seem to change shapes spontaneously. Recently, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself at the heart of such a conundrum as she defended the government’s decision to delay the third phase of the ambitious 10,000-baht cash handout programme. Initially aimed at offering financial relief to the nation’s elderly following its pledge in the recent election, the project has hit a snag due to unexpected global economic tremors. In a session peppered with probing questions and pointed criticisms, Ms. Paetongtarn stood firm, articulating that the unforeseen economic whirlwind stirred by the US’s reciprocal tariff policies has forced a recalibration of priorities. These external pressures have left many economies, Thailand included, navigating choppy waters. “When faced with circumstances beyond our control, adaptability becomes our greatest strength,” she stated, in her hallmark blend of resolve…
In the scenic and ordinarily serene environs of the Takro Reservoir in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand, an unsettling discovery has cast a shadow of intrigue and mystery. Police Major General Narewitch Sukonthawit, a figure known for his tenacity and leadership, spearheads a series of forensic meetings to decipher the enigma of a body found sealed within a submerged barrel. The mysterious, unidentified male, estimated to be around 50, was found with a gunshot wound piercing his chest, dressed in a long-sleeved green shirt baring the name “Sangdee Gold Shop, Si Thep, Phetchabun.” This garment, a relic of past promotional giveaways, offered its own clues but no clear answers as to the identity of this unfortunate soul. The inquiry, however, revealed a tableau of items at the scene, painting a cryptic picture. The plastic barrel housing not just the body, but weighted by five hefty stones, accompanied by a hodgepodge of everyday…
In a twist that has undoubtedly left many in disbelief, Pattaya—traditionally famed for its electrifying nightlife—has emerged as one of the Top 10 Safest Cities in ASEAN for 2025. The accolade comes from Numbeo, a comprehensive global database that meticulously measures the cost of living and quality of life across various cities. Against all odds, Pattaya secured the 9th spot with a respectable Safety Index score of 53.9. This list delves deep into the heart of safety metrics, gauging people’s everyday experiences and perceptions about crime, safety during diurnal and nocturnal hours, and societal concerns such as theft, assault, burglary, and vandalism. Topping the charts was the charming and serene city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, with an enviable score of 78.2, narrowly surpassing the ever-impeccable Singapore at 77.4. Not far behind, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok snuggled into the 7th position with a score of 60.7. According to Numbeo, their…
In the sun-drenched streets of Surat Thani, a town where the air is perpetually scented with the sweet, intoxicating aroma of durians, an unexpected mystery has gripped the local community. Sujittra, affectionately known as Jay Kaew, a seasoned vendor famed for her sumptuous durians, has been missing for several days, sparking serious concerns among her family and friends. The saga began on May 17, when Sujittra’s absence at her usual homecoming hour prompted anxiety among her loved ones. Her daily commute from the bustling durian shop, situated a mere two kilometers from her cozy abode, had never before been interrupted. With her family filled with unease, they swiftly turned to the Mueang Surat Thani Police Station for assistance. Matters grew graver as details emerged of Sujittra’s disappearance. She had departed her shop, adorned in gold jewellery and carrying substantial cash, a hefty sum totaling over 1 million baht. Fears brewed…
Companies are currently treading cautiously when it comes to embracing new credit lines, as they eagerly anticipate further updates on US tariff policies. This collective patient waiting follows a recent announcement of a 90-day suspension period, a move that has resonated across the corporate landscape, as highlighted by an executive from Bank of Ayudhya, commonly known as Krungsri. Prakob Phiencharoen, the chieftain of Krungsri’s corporate and investment banking division, has been keeping a vigilant eye on the evolving demand for corporate loans. Despite reaching the loan growth targets set for the initial quarter, the bank is diligently monitoring the terrain as they steer through the remainder of the year. With a meticulous corporate loan growth target set between 5-7% for this year, the bank had impressively grown its loan portfolio by approximately 5% by the close of March. However, uncertainty looms large. If clients continue to delay investment decisions due…
In the vibrant city of Pattaya, where bustling streets meet sunny shores, an unusual yet commendable crackdown is causing heads to turn and cheers to erupt. The municipal officers and traffic police have joined forces to tackle a long-standing issue that has made life difficult for many: illegal parking on wheelchair-accessible pathways. This bold initiative kicked off on Soi Paniadchang, tucked just behind Big C Central Pattaya, where enforcement squads began dishing out tickets and imposing fines on drivers who dared to obstruct these vital routes. “This has been happening for years in our neighborhood,” lamented one exasperated resident in an online forum. “It’s about time something was done.” The ongoing campaign comes in response to a deluge of complaints from locals, who describe how footpaths and wheelchair lanes are often carelessly blocked by motorists, leaving people with disabilities to navigate treacherously through bustling traffic. The mission? To hand back…
In a tale echoing the tension and drama of a gripping drama series, a distressing incident has unfolded in the tranquil central province of Nakhon Sawan, where a Thai woman is desperately seeking justice for her family. This whirlwind of emotions was sparked by a monk and his family members, ensnaring her mother into a maelstrom of manipulation and physical assault, as the woman detailed in a powerful video shared on social media. The saga began when her mother moved into a monastery nestled in the idyllic Nong Ping sub-district, under circumstances that seemed innocent at first glance. However, the tranquil façade quickly unraveled as her mother’s demeanor shifted dramatically. What was supposed to be a peaceful retreat seemed to turn into a battlefield of control, as her mother suddenly sought to remove her stepfather from their family home. More shocking was her attempt to liquidate the family’s cherished lands…