The evidence-based Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) message is gaining momentum, and there’s an urgent call for African and Caribbean nations to rally behind it. At the heart of this message is the notion that when someone’s viral load is undetectable, the chance of sexually transmitting the virus is, quite simply, zero. This revelation has sparked a transformative movement spearheaded by visionary leaders like Dr. Nittaya Phanuphak, executive director of the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI). Last year, the World Health Organization trumpeted its endorsement of the U=U principle, signaling a shift in the global dialogue around HIV. Dr. Nittaya recently addressed a forum in the vibrant city of Bangkok, engaging with representatives from Botswana, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. This meeting, orchestrated by the Global Partnership for Action, served as a fertile ground for exchanging ideas on dismantling HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Dr. Nittaya’s…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Ah, politics! It’s a spectacle that never ceases to offer plot twists and high drama in equal measure. Right now, the limelight is shining brightly on the Pheu Thai Party and their party-list MP, the enigmatic General Pisal Wattanawongkiri. In what sounds remarkably like a scene straight out of a legal thriller movie, the party promises swift action against Gen Pisal, but only if—and it’s a big “if”—he returns to the country after the statute of limitations in the contentious Tak Bai case expires. Sorawong Thienthong, the party’s secretary-general and undoubtedly a man under some considerable pressure, explained with a diplomatic smile on Sunday that even if Gen Pisal gets the boot from the party, he’ll still maintain his status as an MP. Now, does that not sound like the plot of a gripping novel where the villain somehow manages to keep a foot in the door? This entire tale…
Step right up, education enthusiasts, visionaries, and lifelong learners, because the 3rd International Conference on Equitable Education is just around the corner. And let me tell you, it’s going to be quite the event! This year, the conference is aptly themed “Reimagining Education, Co-Creating Lifelong Learning for Youth and Adults“, and it’s set to occur this Friday and Saturday. The venue? The bustling IMPACT Forum Building nestled in Nonthaburi. But fear not, whether you’re comfortable in slippers at home or mingling in person, the hybrid format welcomes both digital and in-the-flesh attendees. Prepare to be inspired as the conference transforms into a melting pot of ideas, bringing together movers and shakers from across the globe. These are the people at the very forefront of equitable education reform and forward-thinking development in lifelong learning. So, what can you expect from this whirlwind of progressive thought? Only a serial explosion of enlightening…
Nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Chiang Rai, a serendipitous discovery has emerged, mystifying the locals and captivating the attention of enthusiasts far and wide. Within the serene confines of Wiang Chiang Rung Hospital, nature’s hidden gems have bubbled to the surface: three mesmerizing hot springs, now a topic of much intrigue and curiosity. The remarkable find was first brought to light by the keen-eyed faculty of social sciences at the reputable Chiang Rai Rajabhat University. With excitement sparking across social media, the university’s Facebook page illuminated with vivid photographs of the newly unearthed springs. These images not only depicted the springs but also captured the allure and mystery of this unforeseen treasure. A closer look at these natural phenomena reveals some tantalizing characteristics. Nestled within the living quarters dedicated to the hospital’s diligent staff, the hot springs exhibit remarkable thermal activity. They sustain a consistent temperature of around 40…
The e-shopping sphere was jolted awake last month by the explosive revelation of an alleged gold scam involving the charismatic duo, Kornkanok “Mae Tuck” Suwanbut and her charming husband, Kanpon “Pa Bia” Rueng-aram. The couple, renowned for their vibrant social media live streams, were accused of selling “99.99% pure” gold jewelry with an unfortunate twist—it apparently wasn’t gold at all! The brouhaha erupted when perplexed customers started replaying scenes from their favorite digital drama—a true consumer horror story—as other gold vendors flatly refused to touch the jewelry bought from Kornkanok and Kanpon, citing the disheartening lack of authentic hallmarking. Suddenly, the glimmer of gold turned into the glint of something mischievously deceitful. Disillusioned and in disbelief, over 300 betrayed customers rallied together, lodging complaints with the authorities, each finger pointing at the couple, demanding justice as if in a courtroom drama. They accused the dynamic duo of weaving a web…
In the ever-dramatic tale of business ventures gone awry, the saga involving The iCon Group Co continues to captivate audiences across the globe. As the scandal unfolds, a staggering additional 240 individuals have joined the ranks of those filing complaints against the corporation, swelling the roster of alleged victims to a startling 740. With a jaw-dropping 250 million baht reportedly disappearing into thin air, fingers point firmly at The iCon Group, not just from within Thailand, but also from several neighboring countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Japan. Over in Japan, the social media landscape has been stirred by tales of misfortune. A group of Japanese investors reported significant financial losses after trusting The iCon Group with their hard-earned money. Apparently, even netizens on Facebook couldn’t resist discussing the unfortunate turn of events. Meanwhile, similar sentiments of betrayal are echoed by investors from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, where disappointed folks…
Last month, Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri became the epicenter of a joyous stampede, drawing in a multitude of visitors keen to meet its swiftly famous resident, the pygmy hippopotamus calf, Moo Deng. This charming little creature became the star of the show over the long holiday weekend, aligning with King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s Memorial Day, celebrated on Sunday. As part of the commemorations, the zoo graciously invited children under 12 and adults over 60 to enter for free, a gesture that, predictably, led to a massive swell in attendance. Before Moo Deng captured the hearts of animal lovers across the nation, the zoo typically welcomed a modest daily crowd of 600 to 700 visitors. However, the allure of the adorable pygmy hippo changed all that. On Saturday alone, the zoo buzzed with over 10,000 visitors eagerly queuing to catch a glimpse of Moo Deng and the…
The winds of political change are sweeping through Thailand’s landscape as the Pheu Thai Party stands firm in its mission to bring about constitutional amendments, as outlined by the party’s steadfast Secretary-General, Sorawong Thienthong. A referendum on these amendments, planned for early next year, is a manifestation of their unwavering determination, despite the bumpy road of political negotiations with the Senate. In the center of this political dance is the issue of the double-majority rule, a bone of contention that has sparked rigorous debates in legislative corridors. This rule essentially mandates that for a referendum result to be considered valid, more than half of all eligible voters must cast their votes. Moreover, the outcome must garner the support of over half of those who head to the polls. This stringent requirement has been a sticking point, and the Senate eagerly calls for its reinstatement, much to the chagrin of Pheu…
The night sky over Thailand is all set to put on a spectacular show that’s bound to make you look twice. If you’re a moon enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the magic of the cosmos, make sure you mark your calendar for a celestial event that’s nothing short of sensational. This Thursday night, the moon will be waltzing closer to our planet than it has all year, presenting the people of Thailand with a captivating spectacle known as the “super full moon.” Imagine standing amidst the ancient grandeur of the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park in Phetchaburi province, where history meets the heavens. There, with the ruins whispering their timeless tales, the full moon will rise, bathing the landscape in its ethereal glow, much like it did for the charming photo by Chanat Katanyu back in May. But this time, that lunar luminary will appear even larger than life,…
Amidst the early Sunday morning haze in the heart of Phetchabun province, a miracle unfolded—a tale both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. In the serene vicinity of Lom Sak district, rescue volunteer Smitanan Singsee gingerly lifted a wash basin draped in a plastic bag. What lay inside was both utterly vulnerable and entirely miraculous—a cherubic baby girl who had been left to the whims of chance in a grassy expanse. The drama began with an urgent call to the Kok Sai Rescue Volunteers. A kind-hearted passerby, a good Samaritan strolling through tambon Wat Pah, couldn’t ignore the unusual sight on the grassy plot by a quaint used goods store. Without hesitation, the rescuers rushed to the scene and, after a brief search, stumbled upon the heart-stirring discovery: a newborn, swaddled in a towel, nestled in a large plastic bag that lay within a wash basin. Her arrival into the chaotic world, marked…