As the rains finally subside and the vibrant chaos of the floodwaters recedes, Thailand faces yet another environmental challenge – the dreaded haze of air pollution. You may wonder, “What’s next after the waters have gone?” Well, it seems that an invisible menace has taken center stage, cloaking cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai in a light veil of dust and smog. According to the latest atmospheric insights from Swiss-based IQAir, Bangkok and Chiang Mai have clinched spots in the notorious list of the top 50 cities worldwide with the highest levels of small dust particle pollution. On a seemingly ordinary Friday morning, the air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok stood stark at 101, securing it the 13th spot on this list of infamy—albeit a brief bump to the 7th position earlier, much to the city’s chagrin. Chiang Mai wasn’t far behind, perched at rank 43 with an AQI mark…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Four exquisite Thai tourism destinations have made their nation proud this year, as they clinched the prestigious “Green Destinations Top 100 Story” awards. In an unprecedented feat for Thailand, these accolades have emerged as the highest number ever bestowed upon it since entering the competition. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable destinations, namely, Nan Living Old City in Nan province, Songkhla City in Songkhla, U Thong Ancient City in Suphan Buri, and the enchanting Chiang Khan in Loei. These awards are an honor handed out by Green Destinations, a globally recognized organization dedicated to championing sustainable tourism, supporting eco-conscious destinations, their businesses, and their communities. Dasta’s director, Group Captain Athikhun Kongmee, couldn’t be more thrilled, as he enthusiastically declared this year’s achievements as a record-breaking moment for Thailand in the realm of sustainable tourism. So, what’s all the fuss about, you might wonder? According to Green Destinations, this…
Picture this: a sleek, brand-new expressway whisking you from Samut Sakhon to Samut Prakan, a journey gliding through scenic landscapes and bypassing the infamous urban traffic, paving the way for a smoother, faster commute. This vision is at the heart of a burgeoning idea conjured by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), taking shape as the ambitious Samut Sakhon-Samut Prakan Riviera project. Fresh news just in from a well-placed source brings intriguing insights into this prospective engineering marvel being discussed with growing enthusiasm. This isn’t just about adding a new road. Think of it as a 71.6-kilometre ribbon of innovation, seamlessly connecting Highway 35—fondly recognized as Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon—to Highway 34, the reliable Bang Na-Trat Road situated comfortably within Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan. It’s a project carrying an eye-popping price tag: around 109.25 billion baht, aiming to reshape how we traverse this bustling corridor. Yet,…
Amidst the bustling world of finance, where change is the only constant, one man stands as a beacon of sustainable transformation. Enter Kenichi Yamato, the visionary President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Ayudhya Public Co, Ltd, colloquially known as Krungsri, who is on a relentless mission to steer the bank into a greener, more sustainable future. It’s been just over a year since Mr. Yamato took the helm at Krungsri on that bright morning of May 15, 2023. Yet, in this relatively short span, his unwavering commitment to redefining banking through sustainability has started to ripple across Thailand’s financial landscape. As a non-independent executive director on Krungsri’s board, Yamato’s influence extends beyond the walls of his executive office, echoing throughout the organization. With a career that spans over three decades in the banking industry, Mr. Yamato’s credentials are nothing short of illustrious. He began his journey at Mitsubishi…
In a world that’s quickly shifting towards the digital age, Jareeporn Jarukornsakul is spearheading a transformative journey for WHA Group. Just two years after aspiring to rebrand the conglomerate as a tech powerhouse, Jareeporn confidently anticipates hitting this groundbreaking milestone next year. WHA Group, known for its industrial estates, logistics, utilities, power sectors, and digital platform services, has been digitalizing its operations with gusto, thanks to her visionary leadership. As both the group chief executive and chair of the executive committee, Jareeporn is fully committed to steering WHA into new territories of business opportunities, armed with the incredible advancements in digital technologies. From the ubiquitous smartphone apps to the marvels of generative artificial intelligence, she’s got her sights set on a tech-forward future. She envisions a future where all branches of WHA, especially the industrial estates, will flourish hand in glove with digital transformation, ushering in new growth avenues amid…
In a region as tumultuous and complex as the deep South of Thailand, the passage of time often brings with it a sense of unease rather than relief. This rings particularly true as today marks the expiration of the statute of limitations in the Tak Bai massacre case, prompting a flurry of concern among authorities about the potential for fresh unrest. Lt Gen Phaisarn Nusang, the robust commander of the 4th Army Region, has been at the forefront of this simmering issue. Just yesterday, he revealed that a House committee, dedicated to studying peace efforts in the troubled southernmost provinces, had queried him about strategies to quell potential disturbances. As the clock ticks away on the statute of limitations, there lurks the shadowy threat of “third-party” groups, whose ill intentions could stir the pot of unrest. Heeding this possibility, Lt Gen Phaisarn has rallied local authorities, urging them to maintain…
Thailand is basking in the limelight, as never before, thanks to a wave of accolades in the realm of sustainable tourism. The nation has made remarkable strides, with not one, not two, but a staggering four of its enchanting locales being celebrated as “Green Destinations Top 100 Story” awardees this year. This triumph marks Thailand’s most prominent showcase since it began competing, as proudly announced by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta). Our award-winning quartet of tourist jewels includes the idyllic Nan Living Old City nestled in Nan province, the vibrant Songkhla City in Songkhla, the historical treasure of U Thong Ancient City in Suphan Buri, and the charming Chiang Khan in Loei. These destinations have soared above competitors, capturing the essence of sustainable travel in Thailand. These acknowledgments are part of an initiative by Green Destinations, a worldwide organization deeply committed to supporting destinations in their sustainability…
Imagine a land bustling with innovation, where digital dreams take flight, and this magical place is none other than Thailand. But hold your horses – we’re not talking about enchanting beaches or bustling street markets. No, we’re delving into the world of hyperscale data centers, led by the extraordinary ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Thailand (STT GDC Thailand) and its charismatic CEO, Supparat Sivapetchranat Singhara na Ayutthaya. In this tale of tech prowess, STT GDC Thailand stands tall, not just within the borders of the Land of Smiles but stretching its tech-tentacles across the dynamic Southeast Asian landscape. As digital demands explode like a virtual supernova, Supparat and his team are on a mission to spearhead Thailand’s digital infrastructure revolution. Talk about ambition! Once upon a time, data centers were just a whisper in the wind, but now STT GDC Thailand is rewriting the story with numbers that would make…
In the bustling corridors of the House of Representatives, a pivotal decision was made that echoed through the political landscape of the nation. On a Thursday steeped in anticipation, the House fervently debated the potential inclusion of the contentious lese majeste charges in the ambit of a newly proposed political amnesty bill. However, after spirited discourse, the proposal met a resolute rejection, with a substantial count of 270 MPs standing firm against its inclusion, while 152 MPs rallied in favor of it. This proposal was nestled within a comprehensive report from a House special committee, tasked with exploring myriad pathways to fashion an amnesty bill aimed at political offenses. Yet, despite the rejection of the lese majeste component, the assembly embraced the wider findings of the report, which meticulously charted alternative routes for potential political reconciliation. The opposition People’s Party (PP), known for its advocacy of social engagement, has been…
In a world where echoes of the past reverberate into today, an incident that shook Thailand two decades ago continues to haunt the nation’s conscience. Imagine, if you will, a demonstrator clutching a banner with fervor during a rally organized by the Muslim Student Associations of Thailand. This gathering took place in front of the United Nations building on the historic Ratchadamnoen Road in bustling Bangkok, on an otherwise unassuming October 18. What was the purpose? To cast a glaring spotlight on the infamous Tak Bai case. Fast forward to the present—I can almost hear the clock ticking as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra steps into the glaring limelight on a Thursday, issuing an apology that many would argue is two decades overdue. It was a sincere expression of remorse for the ghastly fate suffered by 78 protesters, lives lost as they were cruelly crammed into army trucks like spoils of…