Buckle up, Thailand! The weather comes with a dramatic twist as the land of smiles braces for a week-long meteorological adventure. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has spread the word, warning citizens of possible torrents and rough skies across 50 of the nation’s provinces. As droplets drizzle and clouds collide, experts forecast thunderstorms galloping across Bangkok with a whopping 80% probability of precipitation come May 15th. Every region in this tropical kingdom seems to be getting ready for a wet spectacle. Northern Thailand, with its rolling hills and cultural kaleidoscope, gears up for deluges visiting Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and other picturesque locales. If you’re residing in the low-lying terrains or near the mystically riveting mountainous slopes, it’s time to exhibit caution and an overabundance of umbrellas. But why such climatic chaos, you ask? Well, it’s the return of the mighty monsoons. A southwest monsoon swathes the Andaman Sea…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a heartwarming yet cautionary tale from Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, a Good Samaritan’s act of kindness almost turned into a fiasco worthy of a crime drama. It all began innocently enough when 57-year-old Phairot Rotthaphao decided to open his unlocked home to a homeless man in dire need of shelter. Little did he know, the new guest was harboring secrets more menacing than a stray dog’s loyalty. This anecdote is a rich weave of human kindness meeting an unexpected brush with the law, giving us some thrills, and a chuckle or two on the way. The curtain lifted on this unfolding mystery on May 14th, when 39-year-old Suthep Thadyenjai was in the middle of his mundane yet blissful routine — dropping his son off at school. However, this ordinary task turned into an incredulous moment of personal detective work. Spotting a motorbike he had lost a mere week ago…
True Corporation’s dynamic chief, Sigve Brekke, has hit the ground at full speed, rolling out a transformative 100-day blueprint that promises to propel the telecom giant into a new era of profit, technological leadership, and long-awaited dividends for its shareholders. Brekke, who took charge as Group Chief Executive in March, is leveraging a triumvirate of data, discipline, and dividends to ignite a revival at this telecom powerhouse after its landmark merger with dtac. “We united two industry behemoths and intensely focused on driving performance, enforcing financial discipline, and achieving synergy,” Brekke notes. “We’ve modernized our networks and instilled AI deeply into our customer interactions.” A triumphant financial turnaround means cash is now firmly on the agenda. For the first time in over a quarter-century, True is committed to paying dividends in 2025, having finally cleared its colossal backlog of accrued losses. Following the merger, True posted a neat 1.6 billion…
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the Royal Thai Navy’s top brass converged upon their headquarters in the heart of Bangkok back in August 2020. The topic of the hour? The much-debated submarine purchase that seemed to have captivated the interest of international and local media alike. With intricate details and diplomatic twists, this story is bound to keep even the most seasoned of military enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. The submarines in question, sleek and shrouded in an air of mystery, are a testament to China’s craftsmanship. However, a snag emerged on their voyage to Thailand’s shores—one that involved Germany’s legendary engineering prowess. The engines, initially slated to be from Germany, hit a geopolitical iceberg. As a dedicated member of the European Union, Germany sternly upholds the embargo preventing arms exports to China. This little hiccup was a revelation from Germany’s defence ministry, echoing the complexities of…
In the vibrant landscape of Thai politics, where drama is never far from the surface, Deputy Senate Speaker Kriangkrai Srirak recently found himself thrust into the spotlight. As the calendar inches towards May 19, Kriangkrai, alongside 52 fellow senators, is preparing to make his case before the Election Commission (EC). It’s an inquiry that resonates with whispers of a rigged Senate election from last year, allegations stirring the pot of political intrigue. In a bold stance, Kriangkrai has dismissed calls, notably by Sen Nantana Nantavaropas, urging the accused senators to step back from their duties during the investigation. With a chuckle perhaps, he termed this suggestion a mere personal opinion rather than a binding rule. His confidence anchored in the due process of law, Kriangkrai continues to steer through the tempest, relentlessly performing his senatorial duties. The political seas grew stormier as Sen Premsak Piayura proposed postponing the special Senate…
In a delightful twist to her governmental duties, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to TikTok with a rather playful initiative. Donning the apron of a fruit vendor for a day, she embraced the fruit-selling spirit to promote a cause dear to her heart: bolstering the consumption of locally grown fruit. With a sparkling smile and hearty enthusiasm, she encouraged her fellow Thais to relish the bounty of their homeland’s orchards. The premier didn’t miss the opportunity to accentuate the fame and glory of Thai mangoes, known globally for their succulent taste and quality. In her charming TikTok video, Paetongtarn extolled their affordability and unmatched flavor profile. “Hello, hello everyone! It’s fruit season!” the vibrant caption boldly declared, inviting viewers to join this fruity celebration. Optimistically, she cited that favorable weather conditions had graced the nation with a bountiful harvest, pushing fruit production up by an impressive 15% compared to the…
Picture this: you’re cruising down Theparat Road in Samut Prakan province, just minding your own business when, suddenly, life throws you a flaming curveball. That’s precisely what happened to Anothai, a 49-year-old woman whose car unexpectedly turned into a roadside firework display, leaving her as puzzled as an unsolved Sudoku puzzle. The saga unfolded on May 13, on the inbound express lane close to the Highway Police Service Centre in Bang Chalong, Bang Phli district. Just a week before, Anothai’s car had been pampered with an oil change and a routine inspection, courtesy of a local service center. This automotive spa treatment should have ensured smooth sailing, but instead, her car seemed to be auditioning for the next blockbuster disaster movie. The fire started its dramatic performance under the car’s hood, drawing the immediate attention of the local fire department and the heroic Poh Teck Tung rescue team. With three…
In a twist straight out of a family drama, a Thai woman named Ree embarked on what turned out to be a startling quest for her mother, Peng, only to uncover more than just her mother’s whereabouts. It all started one quiet Sunday in the Isaan province of Roi Et, where Ree raised the alarm when her mother seemingly vanished into thin air. For Ree, the situation felt dire as she believed her mother, who had Alzheimer’s, could be in severe danger. But the plot thickened faster than a mystery novel when Ree received an unexpected knock on the door. It wasn’t a worried neighbor or the police at her doorstep, but instead, a court document. The paper ordered her to vacate the family home because, unbeknownst to her, her mother had sold off the property. Confused and blindsided, Ree learned that Peng herself had orchestrated the entire sale, claiming…
In a groundbreaking move, the government has widened the scope of venues eligible to sell alcoholic beverages daily, effectively reshaping Thailand’s alcohol sales landscape. The recent legislation, enacted last week and headlined in the Royal Gazette on May 9, has been a topic of fervent discussion. Effective from May 10, this law endows five categories of venues with the license to sell alcohol, albeit with a thoughtful nod to cultural sensitivities. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has made it clear that while the evolving law offers venues more freedom, respect for Buddhist traditions remains front and center. As such, the prohibition on alcohol sales during significant Buddhist holidays such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asanha Bucha, and the beginning and end of Buddhist Lent is still rigorously upheld. But there’s a twist! International airport terminals catering to outbound passengers, licensed entertainment spots like bustling restaurants and lively pubs, especially…
In the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, lottery enthusiasts are caught up in the midst of a mixed-result season that has everyone guessing and hoping for Lady Luck’s favor. As the calendar flips through May, it coincides with culturally substantial dates such as Visakha Bucha, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, and Coronation Day. These dates sparked a frenzy of excitement, yet, ironically, lottery vendors are experiencing a bit of a curveball with sales taking a slight plunge due to the start of the school term. On May 14, the heart of Chiang Mai witnessed its usual flurry of activity. People ambled around major markets—Chiang Mai Gate, Chang Phueak Gate—and other bustling hubs like the Arcade Bus Terminal and Haiya Cemetery, seeking out those elusive lucky numbers. The price tag remains unchanged, with a single ticket going for 100 baht (around US$3). For those feeling extra adventurous, bundles of tickets are available:…