Amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, the new parliament house stands tall, ushering in a wave of intense debate and scrutiny. At the heart of this is an eyebrow-raising request for hundreds of millions of baht—meant for renovations—coming at a time when many Thais are experiencing economic struggles. The request isn’t just a standard refurbishment expense. It includes 113 million baht for the refurbishment of the little-used Sala Kaeo, or ‘Crystal Pavilion,’ an area that, frankly, feels more like a futuristic sauna than a functional space. Assoc Prof Puangthong Pawakapan from Chulalongkorn University famously quipped on Facebook, “After 8am, don’t even think about walking in—you might turn into grilled chicken.” Her post spread like wildfire, triggering nods of agreement among the public and even among some of the People’s Party MPs. PP MP Rukchanok Srinork, echoing the sentiment of her constituents, vowed to “vote down…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The bustling world of pharmaceuticals is taking an intriguing turn in Thailand, as Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin ardently champions the incorporation of herbal medicines alongside Western pharmaceuticals for treating common ailments. This spirited initiative, far from being just a standard policy roll-out, is a heartfelt idea meant to give patients a plethora of treatment choices. A delightful array of options, shall we say? Minister Somsak, with great enthusiasm, nudges doctors—particularly those in state-run institutions—to delve into the realm of herbal medicaments. Why prescribe a chemically synthesized cough syrup when a tantalizing herbal concoction could do the trick? The move aims not only to loosen the nation’s grip on costly imported drugs but also to infuse a sense of confidence among the populace about these natural elixirs. Could ginger and tea tree soon overshadow antibiotics, one wonders? Importantly, this unveiling isn’t some authoritarian decree aimed at physicians. “Think of it…
In the enchanting ambience of Bangkok, a significant gathering unfolds with every definitive fervor, setting the stage for a momentous discussion about the tapestry of human rights in Thailand. This isn’t just any debate, mind you. It revolves around Amnesty International’s freshly-minted State of the World’s Human Rights 2024/2025 report – an eye-opening revelation unveiled last Tuesday amid the city’s vibrant chaos. The spotlight, surprisingly, is not just on the jubilant chorus celebrating Thailand’s groundbreaking passage of the Marriage Equality Bill last January, securing its esteemed spot as the 38th nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Yet, as the echo of this victory reverberates through the land, juxtaposed is the shadow of unaddressed human rights concerns. These include LGBTQ+ rights, freedom of expression, and the battle to protect human rights defenders, to name a few. Indeed, a dramatic contrast crafted in the environment post-celebration. Imagine a room brimming with passionate voices,…
The ever-evolving world of digital broadcasting in Thailand is hitting a pivotal moment as the countdown to the expiry of digital TV licenses in 2029 continues. The Association of Digital Television Broadcasting (ADTEB) isn’t sitting idly by. Instead, they’ve turned the spotlight on the urgent need for clarity regarding regulation. It’s a call to action: they want the assurance that the 3500MHz spectrum remains accessible for broadcasting purposes. Picture this: a gathering of prominent figures deep in discussion, and at the helm of the conference table sits Sen Chib Jitniyom. He’s the voice of the Senate Committee on Information Technology, Communications and Telecommunications. On a balmy Sunday, Sen Chib shared the highlights of a recent meeting that tackled the looming future of Thailand’s digital TV landscape. Digital TV licenses are due to reach their terminus within a handful of years, and the chatter around the table was animated, to say…
Nearly 11 years ago, a fateful car crash turned Saranya Chamni’s world upside down. Today, at 45, she’s at a crossroads, torn between continuing her relentless fight for justice or letting her daughter, Nong Cartoon, find peace. It was a calamitous night on September 19, 2014, in Bangkok’s bustling Bang Bon district. Namphueng Jaisangiam, then 22, was racing down the street illegally when her souped-up pickup truck lost control. The vehicle veered off course and crashed into the “Lung Yai Steakhouse” at the entrance of Soi Ekkachai 119, claiming the life of Saranya’s husband, Phanuthat Saksitphan, who heroically shielded their five-year-old daughter, Narasiri, lovingly nicknamed Nong Cartoon, from the impending disaster. The accident left a permanent mark on Nong Cartoon, causing severe brain trauma, rendering her blind, unable to communicate, and confined to a bed. The road to recovery has turned into a decade-long marathon, punctuated by soaring medical bills…
On a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon, an unexpected aerial ballet captured the attention of many in Samut Sakhon province, located just west of bustling Bangkok. A Thai Airways International plane, bound for the bustling city of Frankfurt, found itself performing an unscheduled return to Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main gateway of Bangkok, due to a surprising technical glitch. The aircraft, operating as flight TG 922, embarked on its journey at precisely 12:25 PM. The anticipation of touching down in Frankfurt by 9 PM seemed to be the plan until unusual circumstances morphed into compelling drama. Those below were treated to the unexpected spectacle of the airplane’s distinctive maneuvers as it discharged streams of fuel high above, generating whispy white trails that sketched the sky in fascinating patterns. For the residents and keen onlookers of Samut Sakhon, the sight was nothing short of mesmerizing. Mobile phones were whipped out in record speed,…
Gather around, dear readers, as we unravel an intrigue worthy of a globe-trotting thriller right here in the bustling heart of Bangkok. On a sun-kissed Saturday, while many of us were contemplating whether to indulge in street pad thai or dive into a shopping spree, the Central Investigation Bureau had other plans—plans that involved putting an abrupt end to a high-stakes game of deception and fragrant forgery. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) embarked on a daring operation, captivatingly referred to in covert circles as “Operation Perfume Peril.” Their quest took them deep into the urban labyrinth of Bangkok, with a keen aim squarely set on five warehouses. These seemingly unassuming storage sanctuaries concealed a treasure trove—no less than 34,000 counterfeit bottles of perfume, flamboyantly parading themselves as the crème de la crème of luxury scents. The loot? Worth a cool 4.3 million baht on the streets! Ah, the audacity!…
The lime-drenched skies of Thailand may be a feast for the eyes, but it seems the dining tables tell a more cautionary tale. The Department of Health Promotion (DHPS) has sounded the alarm on the nation’s culinary habits that, while flavorful, are increasingly unhealthy. Dr. Panuwat Panket, the perceptive guide at the helm of Public Health Ministry’s DHPS, disclosed the outcomes of a sprawling survey that canvassed 52,000 eager participants last February. The results? An ominous portrait of a nation indulging in the sweet, salty, and sumptuous. Imagine this: a week punctuated with delicious indulgence as 51% of those queried confessed to succumbing to the temptation of sugary delights like iced milk tea and syrup-laden coffees at least three times a week. Fat infiltrates their diet, too, with nearly 46% relishing in fried favorites, stir-fries, and the swift embrace of fast food chains. Moreover, 50% can’t resist beloved salty staples…
In the serene yet unpredictable landscape of Chanae district, nestled within the southern enclave of Narathiwat, an ominous rumble reverberated through Sunday’s unassuming afternoon. An explosion, both startling and calculated, disrupted the otherwise tranquil environment, serving as a stark reminder of the underlying tensions that occasionally punctuate this vibrant province. The sunlit day witnessed a jarring event as three policemen found themselves at the epicenter of an unexpected blast while diligently installing a surveillance camera. Reports filter through with clockwork precision: at precisely 1:14 PM, a blast was reported to resonate across Ban Ai Sue Reh village, nestled in the heart of tambon Chang Phueak. It’s one of those picturesque communities where daily life unfolds with a mixture of traditional rhythms set against the backdrop of modern challenges. This unexpected turn of events unfolded like a scene from a high-stakes drama. The starring roles were held by three dedicated officers…
Grab your umbrellas, folks! It’s that time of year again when the clouds orchestrate their grand symphony, orchestrating a spectacle of showers and thunderous applause. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has announced that from May 9 to 17, the country will undergo a captivating transformation into the rainy season, an atmospheric drama so riveting that it leaves you reaching for your raincoat. This seasonal transition, musically dubbed the pre-southwest monsoon period, is about to paint the skies with shades of gray and drench the streets with its celestial offerings. Picture this: a ballet of raindrops pirouetting gracefully across the land, as either a mischievous southeasterly wind, notorious for sprinkling showers during the morning or late morning hours, or a playful southwesterly breeze, known for orchestrating rainy performances in the afternoon or evening, takes the stage. It’s a weather waltz where the clouds twirl and sway, each gust of wind a…