In the vibrant yet bustling heart of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in a bold and conscientious move, decided to turn the bustling city’s typical work rhythm on its head for February 15th and 16th. This wasn’t just any routine directive; it was a well-thought-out strategy aimed at wrestling down the sneaky, unseen adversary of urban living: PM2.5 pollution. The ever-resourceful Pornphrom, wearing the hat of BMA’s Sustainability Manager, championed the cause with a work from home (WFH) campaign. This wasn’t your usual “let’s avoid a bit of traffic” maneuver. Oh, no. This was a grand coalition for clean air, rallying a whopping 151 partner agencies and business operators. The result? An army of 60,279 staff members transforming their homes into fortresses of productivity, all in unison for two pivotal days. And, as if by magic (but really, through well-coordinated effort), the bustling streets of Bangkok witnessed something extraordinary.…
Posts published in “Thailand”
On a rather typical morning that turned out to be anything but, the Donmueang International Airport was abuzz with activity not seen every day. At precisely 10 am, an air of anticipation thickened as Hun Sen, aboard his private jet, made his descent onto Thai soil. Trailing behind him were whispers and the weight of a history between nations, marking a visit that was anything but ordinary. Before this notable arrival, the air outside Chan Song La residence crackled with a different kind of energy. Here, Sitanan Satsaksit, brimming with a resolve as unyielding as the morning sun, prepared to stage a protest. She stood as a lone, but powerful, figure in opposition to the Cambodian government’s controversial claim to the United Nations regarding the unsettling disappearance of her brother, activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit, in 2022. This bold act underscored a pressing narrative of unresolved grievances, demanding attention amidst the diplomatic…
In the bustling lands of Thailand, where the warm sun meets the serene beaches of South Pattaya, a chilling tale unfolded that seemed more like a scene from a suspense thriller than real life. It began on a seemingly ordinary Sunday when 29-year-old Meilin, a visitor from China, found herself embroiled in a harrowing adventure that no one could have anticipated. Meilin and her brother were poised at the edge of the Sattahip-Nakhon Ratchasima Road, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of public transport to whisk them away to their next adventure. As fate would have it, their wait was cut short, not by a bus or a taxi, but by two men who emerged from the tapestry of the day like characters from a film, offering a ride on their motorcycles to the vibrant area of South Pattaya, a proposal that seemed serendipitous at the moment. However,…
In the whimsical whirl of a Wednesday morning, the streets of Bangkok witnessed a spectacle far removed from the usual political parade. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in a move that felt straight out of a modern eco-fairy tale, made his grand entrance into the Government House not in the plush confines of his official van, but at the helm of a zesty lime-green Fiat Abarth 500 electric car. Picture this: the Prime Minister, grinning behind the wheel of this eco-friendly chariot, weaving through the city’s bustling streets, a convoy of traditional vehicles trailing in his wake. It’s not every day you see a head of state doubling as an advocate of sustainable transportation, now, is it? But this was no impromptu joyride. The Prime Minister’s electric escapade was a prelude to a significant meeting on electric vehicle (EV) policy, marking the beginning of this year’s governmental ambition to weave the…
Welcome to the enchanting world of Thailand, where the vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes entices millions from across the globe. Amidst the alluring chaos and serene beaches, a particularly delightful headline has been making the rounds, signaling yet another prosperous chapter for Thai tourism. As the sun sets over the picturesque horizon, it sheds light on a staggering influx of visitors who have generously contributed approximately 254.7 billion baht to the pockets of jubilant Thai entrepreneurs. In the kaleidoscope of cultures that converge in this Southeast Asian paradise, China emerges as the radiant leader, with a whopping 987,941 travelers gracing the Land of Smiles within the first 49 days of this year alone. Not far behind, our neighbors from Malaysia painted our towns with 641,605 vibrant strokes, followed closely by the adventurous Russians (347,837), the dynamic South Koreans (341,447), and the spirited Indians (258,269). One might wonder,…
Imagine a setting where the economic mavens, the architects of Thailand’s financial framework, gather under one roof. The air buzzes with anticipation as Kiatipong Ariyapruchya from the World Bank, Arnunchanog Sakondhavat from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and Phurichai Rungcharoenkitkul from the Bank of Thailand step up to unravel the intricacies of Thailand’s economic vista. This isn’t just any gathering; this is where the future of Thailand’s economy begins to take shape. Kiatipong isn’t just a speaker; he’s a seer peering into the economic crystal ball, dissecting regional megatrends for 2024, revealing a future replete with opportunities and challenges. Meanwhile, Arnunchanog, with the precision of a seasoned economist, lays bare the economic forecast for Thailand, painting a picture both vivid and comprehensive. As if in a symphony, Phurichai chimes in with a discussion on the linchpin of economic stability – monetary policy, elucidating its…
In the heart of Thailand, amidst the lush greenery and majestic wildlife of Khao Yai National Park, a drama more enthralling than any soap opera unfolded. The protagonists? None other than two of the nation’s heavyweight ministries: Agriculture and Natural Resources and Environment. The bone of contention? The Sor Por Kor rights, a gripping tale of land ownership disputes set within the boundaries of Nakhon Ratchasima’s crown jewel, Khao Yai National Park. The plot thickened yesterday as these governmental titans convened, not for a duel, but for a discussion aimed at resolving the conflict through the powers of modern technology. Enter the Royal Thai Survey Department, armed with satellite imagery data, tasked with the Herculean job of untangling the ownership web of the disputed lands. Capt Thamanat Prompow, our Agriculture Minister and a man of action, was quick to dispel any notions of political undercurrents muddying the waters. His prior…
On a vibrant evening that pulsated with anticipation, Srettha, wearing two hats – one as the esteemed Finance Minister and the other, an eager participant turned dedicated supporter – shared with the press, his reluctant decision to sideline himself due to a pesky muscle injury around the waist. However, his spirit remained undeterred, as he looked forward to immersing himself in the joy of the game from the edge of the field, armed with enthusiastic cheers. The prelude to the match was nothing short of ceremonious. Amidst a buzz of excitement, the Prime Minister was presented with a striking red football jersey, a tasteful amalgamation of sport and stateliness. The jersey, which bore the proud inscription “SRETTHA 30” along with his autograph, instantly became a symbol of unity and camaraderie. As the clock struck 7.30pm, the field came alive under the floodlights. This was no ordinary match. It was a…
In an age where the buzz around sustainability is louder than ever, a groundbreaking collaboration is making waves across Thailand, transforming what was once considered mere scraps into a golden ticket for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Enter the scene: a brilliant partnership between the astute researchers of Chula and the dynamic team at Ampol Food Processing. This synergy is not just about innovative thinking but about giving a glamorous makeover to tons of leftover coconut jelly scraps, turning them into high-flying food additives dubbed “Cello-gum.” The magic behind this transformation is not just a testament to creativity but a bold step towards crafting a circular economy, a vision where waste does not exist—only resources in disguise. This ingenious venture not only paves the way for reducing Thailand’s hefty import bill for additives but also embroiders the narrative of embracing a zero-waste society. Fire for incineration? Not on their…
In the leafy, lush expanses of Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park, a drama as intriguing as any soap opera unfolds, featuring a cast of ministers, farmers, and satellite imagery. Picture this: two heavyweight ministries—the Agriculture and Natural Resources and Environment—are locked in an epic debate over Sor Por Kor rights. These rights, a vital part of Thailand’s agricultural tapestry, have sparked a dispute as tangled as the jungle vines in Nakhon Ratchasima. The issue at hand? Land—almost 3,000 rai of it—mistakenly marked for agriculture right in the heart of a Unesco World Heritage site. Enter Capt Thamanat Prompow, the Agriculture Minister, not in a cape, but with a no-nonsense approach, insisting that this complex tangle is devoid of political weeds. He’s been in talks with none other than Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the maestro behind the Palang Pracharath Party, cruising through discussions smoother than a ride through the park’s verdant landscape.…