The cityscape of Bangkok, with its characteristic skyline, looked somewhat fabled as an opaque mist, reminiscent of a scene from a noir film, enveloped its towering edifices. This shroud of haze, captured in an evocative photograph by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill on October 8th, serves as more than just an artistic shot; it is a clarion call for action against the persistent air quality issues plaguing the City of Angels. With the ever-reliable Bangkok winter approaching—bringing with it a notorious reputation for air stagnation—the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided it’s time to up the ante. Speaking on behalf of BMA, the eloquent Aekvarunyoo Amrapala laid out a determined plan, underscoring the need for collective action to stymie the persistent PM2.5 pollutants. These fine dust particles have become an unwelcome seasonal guest, regularly overstaying their welcome from November through to March, and significantly breaching the ‘safe’ threshold of 50µg/m³. To tackle this…
Posts published in “Thailand”
On a warm morning in Bangkok, an unusual gathering took place outside the esteemed United Nations Conference Centre. It was October 18, 2024, and students, emboldened by a shared sense of justice and indomitable spirit, had congregated to demand action in a long-standing and deeply controversial case—the Tak Bai massacre. With banners aloft and voices in unison, they fervently sought accountability, two decades after the fateful events that shook the nation and echoed across borders. Yet, amidst this resonant call for justice, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself in a dilemma. As questions mounted about the potential issuance of an executive decree to extend the statute of limitations on the haunting 2004 Tak Bai tragedy, her response was as swift as it was evasive. “Excuse me, I have to go,” she remarked, leaving the throng of gathered press craving for clarity on the government’s stance and prospective actions. The suggestion…
In the intricate tapestry of luxury real estate transactions, the dream of an upscale condominium can sometimes unravel into a nightmare, as evidenced by a riveting case unfolding in picturesque Chiang Mai. Imagine, if you will, a group of unsuspecting investors embroiled in a saga of deception and intrigue. Their quest for justice has taken them to the doors of the venerable Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice, where they hope that their plight will finally be addressed. One key player in this real estate drama is Narumon Simons, a bold individual ready to face head-on the daunting challenges presented by a fraud-infused condominium project in the idyllic district of Hang Dong, Chiang Mai. Back in January 2019, a grand launch event, teeming with celebrities and influencers like the infamous Kan Kantathavorn, marked the beginning of this ill-fated venture. The allure? Snagging a slice of luxury starting at a mere…
Imagine buying your dream condominium, only to later find out that dreams can sometimes morph into nightmares. For over a hundred distraught individuals, this nightmarish scenario is their reality. These victims, seeking justice, have turned to the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice, valiantly led by the dedicated lawyer, Ronnarong Kaewpet. This passionate group has been tirelessly pursuing a condominium fraud case lingering in limbo since 2022. In the bustling city of Chiang Mai, nestled in the alluring Hang Dong District, the luxury condominium project with units starting at a hefty 2.9 million baht promised buyers a piece of paradise. But as time unfolded, it appears this paradise had a devilish twist. The project kicked off with great fanfare in January 2019, attracting a crowd of glittering celebrities, including Kan Kantathavorn, known for his controversial involvement in the iCon Group pyramid scheme scandal—hardly the resume you want for a project…
Nikorn Chamnong, an influential member of the joint House-Senate panel tasked with shaping the charter referendum bill, revealed on a brisk Wednesday morning, that the much-anticipated public vote scheduled for February might just be a far-off dream. The mood in the corridors of power is tense, as both the House and Senate have set up a committee to iron out their differences regarding the crucial number of votes needed to pass a referendum designed to amend the nation’s charter. The House, with unwavering persistence, insists that a straightforward majority will suffice. Meanwhile, the Senate stands firm, demanding not just any majority, but a double-layered one: over half of the voters must show up at the polls, and among them, the majority must give a nod of approval. This dual requirement seems like a tall order, challenging even the most seasoned politicians. With a sigh, Mr. Nikorn admitted that the joint…
Nikorn Chamnong, sitting at the heart of the home-and-away showdown—also known as the joint House-Senate panel on the charter referendum bill—dropped a bombshell on Wednesday. His announcement had the political hallways buzzing: the much-anticipated public vote, once penciled in for February, is now veering off course. Seems like another case of ‘politics as usual’ as the chambers are grappling with a classic face-off about the mighty majority: should it be a simple nod, or a more elaborate agreement that requires elaborate handshakes? With the House team backing the straightforward majority path, it’s time to consider their opposition—our friends in the Senate, steadfast in their belief that the ticket to referenda success hinges on extra conditions. Behold, their two golden keys: the elusive attendance of over 50% of the voter crowd and a decisive majority nod from those gracing the polls. Nikorn, a man with a calm demeanor and a smile…
In an unexpected twist that shook the social media landscape to its very core, a picturesque gem of the Thai paradise, the island of Koh Kham, emerged in the spotlight with headlines as eye-catching as its own crystalline waters. Nestled in the enchanting eastern province of Trat, whispers across Facebook suggested a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a slice of untouched beauty. A separate post by Apassara Sonsab, a name now etched in the annals of virality, tantalizingly promised potential buyers a haven described as the “most beautiful island in Trat,” bundled intriguingly with a collection of unfinished resort houses. The enigmatic price tag? A breezy 1.8 billion baht. The beguiling advertisement detailed a coveted expanse of about 10 rai on Koh Kham, where nature herself seems to play curator. Here, visitors find themselves ensnared by the allure of translucent waters and a pristinely inviting 300-meter sandy beach, all punctuated by…
In a bustling city like Bangkok, where traffic is both a way of life and an endless source of stress, getting around can feel like navigating a labyrinthine nightmare. Enter Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who, with all the resolute passion of a man on a mission to solve the city’s gridlock, has proposed an audacious plan to tackle one of Bangkok’s most notorious challenges—traffic congestion. His masterstroke? The introduction of a congestion fee that aims to elegantly dance around the city’s traffic problems while also laying the groundwork for a fairytale vision of affordable train travel. Minister Suriya’s ambitious blueprint, which has gotten tongues wagging and eyebrows raising, involves an extensive study spanning six months to a year. The study is tasked with scrutinizing the practicality of levying a congestion fee on motorists who brave the bustling boulevards of Bangkok. The ultimate goal? To channel these fees into a mammoth…
The House Committee for Transportation is deeply immersed in the progress of the Andaman International Airport, a beacon of promise set to grace Phangnga by 2030. Picture this: a state-of-the-art airport sprawling across the picturesque Khok Kloi and Lo Yung sub-districts of Takua Thung district. Last Saturday, the committee’s eagle-eyed representatives, led by the indefatigable Kroomanit Sangpoom—a Pheu Thai MP lighting up the scene for Surin—strolled through the site’s dusty roads to assess how this architectural marvel is shaping up. The visit was a tapestry of chatter about land reclamation and nifty ways to weave transportation infrastructure into the community’s fabric. As Kroomanit articulated amid the chattering voices of local officials and construction workers, the airport signifies an impending economic surge for the region, and he couldn’t hold back the excitement. This positive development spurred the establishment of a new special subcommittee, its mission—peel back the layers of investment potential…
In the bustling province of Chon Buri, a noteworthy piece of news has emerged, casting a spotlight on the aviation education industry in Thailand. It all began when concerns were raised about an aircraft maintenance course offered by a university in Bangkok, which is known for its educational prowess but is now under scrutiny for allegedly running a substandard program. The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry, led by the vigilant Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, has swung into action, ordering a thorough investigation into these troubling allegations. The crux of the issue is centered around an aircraft repair technician course that features a hefty price tag, with enrolment fees approaching a staggering million baht. Miffed students claim they’ve been shortchanged, their dreams of a promising career in the skies tainted by subpar training. Complaints have surfaced on social media, notably highlighted by Mr. Weerachai Phutthawong, a respected lecturer at Kasetsart…