In a determined effort to breathe new life into the Northern region recently affected by severe floods, the Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, is ready to unveil a groundbreaking initiative dubbed the “Travelling North Half-Half” scheme. This innovative promotion is headed to the cabinet for consideration and approval, presenting a beacon of hope for local tourism rebounding. The “Travelling North Half-Half” scheme promises enticing subsidies—up to 400 baht per trip—for 10,000 adventurous souls eager to explore the wonders of Northern Thailand later this year. Crafted by the perceptive minds at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, it’s poised as a lifeline to revitalize the economy, particularly in enchanting locales like Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, which have felt the brunt of recent floods. Success in the coming months could spell expansion for this initiative, suggests Mr. Sorawong. He reflects on the triumph of “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together),…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a landmark move that might just tilt the balance of power within the military’s hallowed halls, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has orchestrated a sweeping reform to protect the rank and file from the unchecked powers of their superior commanders. The call to arms for these changes was announced following a Defence Council gathering last Friday, where the brass tacks of such reforms were laid bare by Defence Ministry spokesman, Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng. At the core of this initiative is a novel framework for online soldier recruitment, aimed squarely at safeguarding the well-being of these brave souls once they’ve signed on the dotted line. This revolutionary shake-up is seen, in part, as a direct reaction to the harrowing events leading to the death of 21-year-old Pvt Siriwat Jaidee. His heart-wrenching demise at the Sattahip Naval Base in pristine Chon Buri has sent shockwaves across the…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok’s vibrant Bang Na district, where the pulse of the city mingles with the rhythm of daily commutes, lies the intersection of innovation and tradition. As the sky trains zip along Srinakarin Road, weaving tales of modernity over the Srinakarin-La Salle crossroads, a marvel of engineering unfolds above — the MRT Yellow Line monorail. It’s a sight that captures the essence of Bangkok’s urban landscape, as the sleek train glides into Si La Salle Station, hovering elegantly over the busy streets below. Recently, however, whispers of concern have accompanied these urban sprinters. The operators of the cherished Yellow and Pink Lines have embarked on a meticulous journey to revamp the monorail’s guide wheel and conductor rail systems. This quest came in the aftermath of disconcerting incidents where a guide wheel descended abruptly from a Yellow Line train, causing an unexpected, albeit unwanted, impact with the…
In a somber tribute to those lost in a heart-wrenching bus fire tragedy on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, the landscape is dotted with quiet symbols of mourning—a row of milk cartons perfectly aligned to honor the departed souls. The devastating event near Bangkok on October 2, shook the community, marking a dark day for the Pathum Thani province. Behind the scenes, the gears of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) are turning at full speed to ensure that financial aid flows swiftly to those impacted by the tragedy. Acting Sub Lt Thanu Wongjinda, the determined secretary-general of the Obec, announced that, under the steadfast supervision of the Ministry of Education led by Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, comprehensive relief efforts are being meticulously monitored and expedited. This tragic incident claimed the lives of 20 students and three teachers, leaving a total of 46 victims, including those injured and others who…
In a somber yet determined atmosphere, the stunning aerial shots of the Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai leave no doubt—the devastation from recent floods is real and relentless, etched into the land like nature’s own signatures gone wild. It’s a stark reminder of the forces at play, as residents grapple with what they’re calling the worst flooding witnessed in decades. As if waking from a nightmare only to find the streets and homes plastered with defiant sludge, the community is striving to reclaim a semblance of normalcy, even as their thoughts swirl around the causes of such calamity. What led to such dramatic flooding? This puzzle is more intricate than a mere twist in the weather. Enter the detectives: seasoned experts in water management and urban planning, piecing together clues amidst a backdrop of complex geopolitical landscapes with Myanmar. Their consensus? Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate how humans interact…
In the vibrant tapestry of Thailand’s tourism, Northern Thailand, particularly the enchanting regions of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, has long been a crown jewel. But sometimes, even the shiniest gems need a little polish. That’s precisely where Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong comes into play, offering a beacon of hope and a splash of innovation amidst recent adversities. As the minister toured the bustling business district on Chang Khan Road, still looking to regain its former glory after the debilitating floods, the air was filled with a mix of determination and anticipation. Donning a smart black jacket, Mr. Sorawong’s resolve to meet with local business operators was clear: it was time to transform challenges into opportunities. Enter the “Travelling North Half-Half” scheme, a breath of fresh air poised to rejuvenate the local economy. With the magic phrase ‘co-payment tourism promotion scheme,’ plans were set in motion to propose…
Pheu Thai Party list MP Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri finds himself navigating a complex political landscape as the Tak Bai case looms large on the horizon. As the clock ticks down to the statute of limitations set to expire on October 25, questions abound regarding his future with the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) and his legal standing. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, also serving as the defense minister, recently shed some light on the current state of affairs concerning Gen Pisal, an influential figure tied to the infamous 2004 Tak Bai massacre. Addressing this issue on a balmy Friday afternoon, Mr. Phumtham revealed that discussions had been engaged with both the army commander-in-chief and the national police chief to ensure justice for all parties involved. The PTP, however, has yet to make a decisive move regarding Gen Pisal, who remains a central figure in the incident. Despite his prolonged absence abroad…
In a dramatic turn of events that could rival any drama series on television, Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, the 41-year-old CEO of The iCon Group, found himself at the center of a police investigation this past Saturday. As he voluntarily walked into the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), he again denied steering any pyramid scheme, contrary to the growing chorus of fraud accusations from hundreds of disgruntled claimants. Though legal challenges loom, Warathaphon pledges to assist those who have come forward with grievances against the online sales juggernaut, enlisting the services of his legal counsel to aid in his defense. Despite this move, authorities are still seeking to arrest him on fraud charges, while the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) considers freezing company assets pending further inquiries. Understandingly sporting a somber expression, Warathaphon expressed his distress over the financial hardships faced by numerous individuals who had a vested interest in the…
The drama surrounding the dissolution of the Move Forward Party took a fascinating turn, as the Constitutional Court unveiled its decision regarding Judge Udom Sitthiwirattham’s contentious remarks. In a surprising twist, the court, in a letter dated October 4th, assured the House of Representatives that Judge Udom’s statements neither jeopardized the court’s integrity nor its esteemed independence. The case sparked intrigue as it unfolded, casting a spotlight on a seemingly innocuous remark made during an academic forum in Surat Thani on August 15—an event that ironically took place just a week after the tumultuous disbandment of the Move Forward Party. The Constitutional Court’s dramatic move to dissolve the party on August 7 was based on the premise that its advocacy for amending the lese-majeste law posed a threat to the constitutional monarchy’s sanctity. But wait—before you gasp in horror at the disappearance of Move Forward, meet its progeny: the People’s…
The dynamic Bangkok Port, overseen by the Port Authority of Thailand, finds its home on the lively east bank of the Chao Phraya River nestled within the bustling Klong Toey district. This historic site, captured vividly in photographs by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, is on the brink of a transformation that could reshape the very heart of Bangkok’s waterfront. This month, excitement brews as discussions commence on the guidelines for land use in the ambitious Klong Toey Port redevelopment project, according to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri. A specialized committee, aptly named the Bangkok Port Development Committee, plans to establish sub-committees dedicated to exploring innovative space management, land use optimization, and enhancing community welfare. It’s a methodical approach aimed at shaping the future of this critical port area. At the forefront of these discussions is the fate of a 20-rai stretch currently serving the Customs Department as a depot for rare confiscated…