As the sun rose over Thailand on a typical Sunday morning, an eerie shroud of ultrafine dust particles settled over a vast majority of its provinces, painting a somber image of the air quality crisis unfolding across the nation. Out of Thailand’s 77 provinces, an alarming 64 found themselves ensnared in the grip of polluted air, thanks to the pervasive presence of particulates so fine that they could easily seep into the lungs and spread havoc. In a revelation that was as inevitable as it was disheartening, the prestigious Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported that no less than 17 provinces were mired in hazardous levels of PM2.5 — those infamous particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, known for their ability to infiltrate the deepest recesses of the respiratory system. By the break of dawn, the readings resembled a precarious race to the bottom, with Sing Buri…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Amidst the idyllic landscapes and serene temples, Thailand found itself grappling with a not-so-hidden monster on Sunday morning. This invisible villain took the form of ultrafine dust pollution, which covered 64 out of the nation’s 77 provinces with alarming intensity. The watchdogs from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) were on high alert as they sounded the alarm on the hazardous levels of particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, which refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. Of the impacted provinces, a worrying seventeen bore the brunt of the pollution, recording ‘red levels’ indicating critically hazardous air quality. Sing Buri seemed to draw the short straw, reporting a suffocating PM2.5 concentration of 95.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air over the preceding 24 hours—enough to make anyone gasp for air. Trailing Sing Buri, but not by much, was Si Sa Ket logging in 91.2µg/m³, followed by…
In a whirlwind of political intrigue and law enforcement upheaval, the United States is witnessing a dramatic saga unfold. As the curtain rises on this riveting narrative, FBI agents who played pivotal roles in the investigations that ultimately led to the withdrawal of criminal charges against President Donald Trump now find themselves facing an uncertain fate. Reports from major media outlets on Friday have suggested that these agents might soon be looking for new employment opportunities, making this an unprecedented episode in American history. The tale begins with the events of January 6, 2021, a day forever etched into the American consciousness. On this fateful day, throngs of Trump supporters converged upon the U.S. Capitol, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. Federal agents, in the aftermath, launched investigations into those involved, a web that at the time swiftly expanded to include high-profile figures. Now, as we turn a…
In the bustling heart of Southeast Asia, amid the vibrant street markets and tranquil temples, Thailand finds itself grappling with an astonishing paradox: a serene land faced with a tumultuous demographic upheaval. As the year 2024 drew to a close, an alarming statistic emerged, casting a shadow over the Land of Smiles. For the first time in nearly three-quarters of a century, the number of newborns dipped beneath the half-million mark, a stark signal of the nation’s plummeting birth rate that hasn’t seen such low figures since 1949. This demographic shift has sent ripples of concern through the corridors of government and academia alike. Leading the clarion call for action is Chalermpol Chamchan, the astute director of Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research. In a recent press briefing that resonated across the nation, Mr. Chalermpol voiced concerns that have long simmered in academic circles but are now boiling…
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…
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…