Posts published in “Thailand”

The Kaeng Lawa reservoir in Ban Phai district of Khon Kaen experienced severe drought in 2019, resulting in the reservoir drying up completely. Now, as summer is predicted to end by mid-May, the impact of El Niño, including drought, is forecasted to hit Thailand around mid-June, according to the Meteorological Department. This has prompted Saturday authorities to warn residents in various parts of the country, including Bangkok, to avoid going outdoors due to extreme heat. Initially, the maximum temperature was expected to peak at 43°C this summer. However, the highest temperatures are now predicted to remain above 40°C for the rest of the season, as explained by Somkhwan Tanchan, director of the department’s Meteorological Observations Division. He further added that this year’s drought severity could be worse than those in 2019 and 2020, potentially resulting in another series of high temperatures in Thailand. The persistent high heat has sparked concerns…

Residents and emergency personnel in Song district of Phrae province recently faced the tragic task of removing a fallen tree that resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl. The unfortunate event occurred as a series of summer storms battered the district on Friday. The extreme weather conditions prompted the Meteorological Department to issue a warning for upper Thailand, predicting thunderstorms, gusty winds, isolated hail, and lightning strikes from Sunday through Wednesday. Furthermore, the department stated that a moderate high pressure system from China will cover the northeastern regions of Thailand and the South China Sea from Monday to Thursday. The country can expect hot to very hot temperatures coupled with southwesterly and southeasterly winds blowing over the upper regions during this period. These unstable weather conditions can result in summer storms, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and lightning across northeastern and eastern regions, eventually impacting other areas. Authorities are urging residents…

In a recent crackdown on illegal money lending services, authorities arrested two individuals during a raid on a residence in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district. The suspects, Thanachai Ruangphueng, 43, and Natthajaree Muangthong, 42, were apprehended by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) at their home in tambon Khlong Nueng. The duo now faces charges related to operating a personal loan business without the necessary authorization, and for charging interest rates surpassing the legal limit. Pol Maj Gen Phutthidet Boonkraphue, commander of the ECD, shared that complaints concerning the suspects’ activities prompted the police investigation which ultimately led to their arrest. It has been alleged that the suspects advertised their money lending services on a Facebook page, enticing potential clients with offers to buy gold ornaments and branded products through high-interest installment plans. These clients were then reportedly burdened with exorbitant interest rates, reaching up to 304% per year. According…

In a recent warning issued by the Meteorological Department, residents in upper Thailand should brace for summer storms, thunderstorms, gusty winds, isolated hail, and lightning strikes expected to take place from Sunday to Wednesday. A moderate high-pressure system from China will affect the Northeast of Thailand and the South China Sea from Monday to Thursday, bringing hot to very hot weather conditions to the entire country. As southwesterly and southeasterly winds prevail over the upper regions, it is crucial that people be cautious of impending severe weather. Areas such as the Northeast and the East are predicted to experience the brunt of the summer storms and thunderstorms. People are advised to avoid risky outdoor areas and stay away from big trees, large billboards, and unsecured structures. Farmers are encouraged to seek ways to protect their crops from potential damage. The stormy weather is expected to affect other regions later on.…

In an impressive display of athleticism, Prime Minister candidate General Prayut of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, took to Lumpini Park in downtown Bangkok to engage in a spirited game of rattan ball. The 69-year-old politician energetically participated in the match for about 10 minutes, alongside PM Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana and local joggers, leaving the crowd in awe of his vigor. Lumpini Park, located in the bustling district of Pathum Wan, is a popular destination for Bangkok residents looking to stay active and fit. Seizing the opportunity to socialize, General Prayut and UTN members conversed with exercising park-goers after the lively sporting session. Seeking a third term in office after initially gaining power through his 2014 coup, General Prayut’s energetic appearances may aid in boosting his popularity among the citizens. Paddling across Lumpini pond in a pedalboat, the prime minister continued to greet park attendees on the opposite…

On April 21, 1782, King Rama I, the inaugural sovereign of the Chakri dynasty, founded the Rattanakosin Kingdom and shifted the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. To commemorate the establishment of the city, a shrine and city pillar, or lak muang, was erected in the present-day Phra Nakhon district. In a recent ceremony, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha paid tribute to the city pillar, accompanied by acting Deputy Defence Minister General Chaichan Changmongkol and Defence Permanent Secretary General Sanitchanok Sangkhachan. The Prime Minister also paid homage to numerous sacred items surrounding the shrine, including a revered Buddha statue. The religious proceedings were led by nine monks, with Somdet Phra Maha Weerawong, secretary of the Supreme Patriarch, at the helm. Following the ceremony, Prayut informed the media of his wish for a peaceful Thailand when inquired about his solemn demeanor during the event. The Prime Minister attributed his somber appearance to the…

A wildfire was observed blazing along the mountain slopes situated behind the renowned military academy in Muang district, with the first signs of it becoming apparent around 6pm on Thursday evening. It was a mere three weeks ago that soldiers and officials undertook a relentless fight to secure the safety of the military facility from a substantial forest fire, which was ignited by a lightning strike. On the following day, Friday, powerful gusts of wind exacerbated the fire situation on Khao Tabaek mountain, which looms over the academy grounds. These adverse weather conditions posed a great challenge for the firefighters, soldiers, and officials attempting to get the situation under control. As of this time, no injuries or damage to any properties have been reported, thankfully. Not only that, but water trucks have also been dispatched to nearby communities in an urgent effort to stop the wildfire from spreading any further.…

The 480-kilometer railway is set to connect economic zones in Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakhon Nakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai, and Nong Bua Lamphu provinces with U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong province, according to Palang Pracharath leader and deputy prime minister General Prawit Wongsuwan during a press conference at the party headquarters. “Once elected to form the new government, this project can commence immediately, as we have been planning it for several years,” announced Prawit, who is also the party’s prime ministerial candidate. The railway is an integral component of the party’s “Isaan Pracharath” initiative, focusing on expediting economic development in the Northeast, colloquially known as “Isaan” in Thai. Approximately one-third of Thailand’s population resides in this drought-prone region, where inadequate irrigation and infrastructure constraints have hampered the growth of its predominantly agriculture-based economy. The region is a stronghold of the opposition Pheu Thai Party. Prawit divulged that the railway’s…

Thailand’s renowned green papaya salad, known as Som Tam, has secured its place as the 6th best salad in the world, while another Thai dish, Pla Goong, has also managed to enter the top 10. TasteAtlas, a website that specializes in global food rankings, recently published its “10 Best Rated SALADS in the World” list, taking into account reviews from food enthusiasts across the globe. Som Tam successfully clinched the title of the world’s sixth favorite salad, while the spicy and tangy shrimp salad, Pla Goong, impressed food fanatics as well and was placed 9th in the worldwide rankings. The Dakos salad from Greece topped the list, renowned for its delicious combination of crunchy barley rusk, crumbled myzithra cheese, chopped ripe tomatoes, olives, capers, fresh oregano, and high-quality olive oil. Other noteworthy entries on this list include Tunisia’s Mechouia, a tomato and onion salad standing tall at the third position,…

Abhisit Vejjajiva, former Democrat Party leader, recently met with residents during a campaign walkabout in Bangkok’s Constituency 1, covering the Bang Rak district. He was there to promote the party’s candidate, Jermmas Juenglertsiri. The Democrat Party has introduced a new plan to bring economic prosperity to the southern region of Thailand by developing four mega-projects, with the city of Songkhla’s Hat Yai as the potential transportation center. First on the agenda is a 13-kilometer monorail system designed to address traffic congestion in Hat Yai during peak hours. With an investment of THB16 billion, this monorail line will feature 15 stations, initially connecting Khuan Lang to Ban Phru via Hat Yai railway junction, Kim Yong market, and Prince of Songkla University. The mass-transit system will later be expanded to Lop Buri Ramet Road and Hat Yai Park. Next, a double-track railway for electric trains is proposed to link Hat Yai and…