Posts published in “Thailand”

In the serene town of Don Sak, Surat Thani, an unexpected visitor caused quite a commotion—a gargantuan king cobra, locally known as a bong la, decided to make a grand appearance right in front of a bustling community school. Residents found themselves in a state of surprise and curiosity on April 21, when this slippery spectacle unfurled, prompting an all-hands-on-deck response from the local heroes—the rescue services. Supawit Kamonbutr, a vigilant Facebook user, became the town’s roving reporter, sharing captivating snapshots of the intrepid rescue team from Don Sak district as they sprang into action. As dawn’s early light painted the roads near Baan Nang Kam Community School, there slithered the formidable serpent, drawing a throng of fascinated onlookers reminiscent of a swirling carnival crowd. The operation to safely wrangle the king cobra was deftly executed by local stalwarts in rescue prowess—rescue workers affectionately labeled as numbers 435, Kai Jong…

Nestled amidst the mystique and wonder of Chiang Mai, three of its most cherished temples — Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong — bore the brunt of a seismic surprise recently. It all started when an earthquake in neighboring Myanmar on March 28 jolted these architectural gems. Though structurally sound for now, their existence was slightly nudged off its pedestal, thereby propelling an urgent mission to preserve their dignity and splendor. These holy sites serve not only as historical records etched in stone but also as spiritual lifelines for the city, fostering centuries-old Lanna cultural threads. This shakeup sent ripples far enough to flirt with the edges of northern Thailand, yet close enough to whisper stories of cracks and crevices into the ears of these venerable temples. The Ministry of Culture, quick to pounce on preservation, confirmed that these three titans fell under the cosmic dance of…

In the bustling arena of global showcases, the upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka stands as a dazzling stage for countries to strut their stuff. Smack in the middle of this grand spectacle, Thailand aims to make a resounding statement with its pavilion. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of opinions, it’s clear that there’s much more than what meets the eye. The Ministry of Public Health has come forth like an unwavering conductor steering the orchestral symphony that is the Thailand Pavilion. In a glittering budget of 900 million baht, the pavilion is tasked with a grand mission: to shine a light on Thailand’s robust initiatives in health promotion. This includes everything from boosting child vaccination rates and promoting hygiene to advocating for better nutrition and encouraging physical activity as the path to longevity. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the keystone figure behind this project, recently…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, a tragedy of seismic proportions has unfurled. The collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building—a towering 30-story structure—has cast a shadow of devastation since March 28. The calamity rained ruin down upon those connected to it, claiming 51 lives and leaving 43 workers still unaccounted for, all since a violent quake near Mandalay, Myanmar, rendered the erection vulnerable to nature’s fury. Efforts to locate the missing continue with unwavering determination. Underneath the reduced starlight of April 22, rescuers painstakingly burrowed through the chaotic remnants of collapsed concrete. Their toil yielded heavy-hearted results as two more victims were pulled from the structure’s remains, each reminding the city of the lives stolen in an instant. The first was discovered deep within Zone C at the tail end of a long day, followed by the second almost an hour later in Zone B, both…

In a move set to revolutionize the way Thai drivers handle their licenses, the Cabinet has given a thumbs-up to a new draft ministerial directive that promises to whisk away the hassle of renewing driving licenses. Soon, eligible drivers will have the luxury of renewing their licenses with just a few clicks, erasing the ordeal of physical tests and long queues, all thanks to digitalization. This shift stands as a beacon of Thailand’s commitment to modernizing its services as it gears up to roll out this efficient system in the coming months. The brains behind this ingenious proposal, the Transport Ministry, saw their vision turn to reality with the Cabinet’s approval on April 22. Deputy government spokesperson, Karom Polpornklang, echoed the sentiment of convenience and savings, emphasizing how this digital maneuver will benefit the public by cutting down on unnecessary travel to the Department of Land Transport (DLT) offices. It’s…

Siranudh “Psi” Scott has burst into the media limelight following a dust-up with Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, known as the DNP, eventually resulting in his dismissal as an adviser to the department’s director-general. The public is divided: some applaud his tireless conservation efforts, while others critique his audacity, accusing him of exploiting his position for personal gain. Let’s dive into the details of this unfolding saga. Who exactly is Siranudh Scott? Known affectionately as the “Merman,” Mr. Siranudh is a Scottish-Thai marvel: a marine conservationist, endurance swimmer, and the mastermind behind Sea You Strong, a vigorous volunteer initiative championing ocean preservation and environmental education. In 2023, he, alongside a spirited team of 36 volunteers, splashed into the spotlight with a record-setting 70-kilometer relay swim across the Andaman Sea. This watery feat not only dazzled Southeast Asia, but also spotlighted the dire need for marine conservation…

The enchanting land of Chiang Mai, often referred to as the Jewel of Northern Thailand, is gearing up for a monumental moment on the global stage. The Thai government has set its sights on a prestigious accolade – the coveted Unesco World Heritage Site status. By 2026, as the city celebrates its 730th anniversary, Chiang Mai could join an elite list of locations renowned for their historical and cultural significance. Announced by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, this ambitious endeavor has been years in the making. Since 2015, when Chiang Mai was first included on Unesco’s tentative list, a dedicated government committee has diligently crafted a nomination dossier. This painstakingly detailed document aims to showcase the city’s rich history and cultural vibrancy, acting as a passport to the world stage. Integral to this dossier are seven iconic sites that encapsulate the essence of Chiang Mai’s past and present. These cultural bastions…

In the lush, verdant landscapes of Kanchanaburi, where emerald hills merge seamlessly with the horizon, an inspirational story has been unfolding. This story belongs to Praiwan Yapan, a beacon of hope and a passionate advocate for education. His remarkable journey and contributions to the field of education have led him to be honored with the distinguished Princess Maha Chakri Award 2025. This accolade is not just a commendation but a testament to his steadfast commitment to transforming the educational landscape for ethnic minority children in remote areas. The Princess Maha Chakri Award is renowned for applauding exceptional educators across ASEAN countries and beyond, including Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Mongolia. This year, as the award recognizes 14 phenomenal educators, Praiwan Yapan stands proudly among them, cementing his legacy in the educational domain. Praiwan Yapan, whose professional roots are deeply embedded in Ban Kong Mong Ta in Kanchanaburi’s lovingly rustic Sangkhlaburi district,…