The vibrancy of Thailand shone brightly as King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida graced the grand unveiling of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s first satellite terminal and its long-awaited third runway. This ceremonious occasion took place with the backdrop of a heartwarming celebration: the King’s 72nd birthday, which added an extra layer of significance to an already monumental event. The royal couple was met with an enthusiastic welcome from an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, and the governor of Samut Prakan, Surapong Chinssri. They joined hands with key players from Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, notably the company’s CEO, Keerati Kitmanawat, and the director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Kittiphong Kittikhachorn. This glittering assembly stood testament to the importance of the occasion. In a moment steeped in tradition and reverence, King Maha Vajiralongkorn commenced the ceremony with a religious rite. As he lit candles…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a bustling temple market in Ubon Ratchathani’s Warin Chamrap district, where the air is filled with enchanting aromas of incense, the melodic chants of monks, and the vibrant sounds of commerce. But on a day that would be forever etched in the memory of its visitors, this serene setting was suddenly shattered as chaos ensued—ironically, at the hands (or wings) of a swarm of belligerent bees. Yesterday, what should have been a typical day at Phasukaram Temple’s amulet market turned into a scene from a suspenseful nature documentary gone wrong. The catalyst? A vendor daringly attempted to sell a sizable hive of wild bees. Yes, you read that right—a box containing both the sweet allure of honey and its fiercer defenders, the bees themselves. This audacious display caught the attention of an unlikely audience—a local hive of bees residing within the temple grounds, who took grave offense to the…
In a delightful twist of educational advancement, the Ministry of Education has wholeheartedly endorsed the innovative One District One Scholarship (Odos) initiative. This enchanting opportunity beckons Matthayom 4 (Year 10) students across the nation to dive into a world of international exploration through a newly launched overseas summer camp program. This exciting development was rolled out on a Thursday that seemed to sparkle with opportunity, invigorated by insights from Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the honorable assistant to Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob. The intent is clear: immerse Thai students in an enriching overseas experience that will groom potential scholars for the prestigious Odos higher education scholarships. With a keen eye on past hurdles, the ministry has recognized the struggles faced by past Odos scholarship recipients. Their journey into the cultural tapestry of foreign lands has sometimes hit turbulent language barriers and complex cultural landscapes. The newly minted summer initiative aims to…
The sun shone brightly on the bustling city, seemingly oblivious to the brewing storm of controversy brewing in the political arena. The once unbreakable ranks of the Move Forward Party (MFP) found themselves facing an ethical conundrum that could potentially reshape their future. As the calendar flips to March 21, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) announced that the ethics probe against 44 former members of the now-dissolved MFP, who dared to challenge the integrity of the lese majeste law, is reaching its final crescendo. In a room where decisions that steer history are made, Sarote Phuengramphan, the diligent secretary-general of the NACC, deftly summed up the situation. With a somber tone, he explained that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill criminal case. No, this involves an alleged breach of ethics—an area where the moral compass is scrutinized with a magnifying glass. The accused, those 44 defiant souls, have been summoned. They…
The blackchin tilapia, a remarkably adaptive invader, has become a looming menace to aquatic ecosystems across the region, according to fishery experts. These resilient critters can thrive in a vast range of water temperatures, posing a growing challenge for local biodiversity. In response, the government has decided to up the ante, approving a hefty budget of 98.4 million baht to eradicate an additional 3,000 tonnes of these unwelcome guests from local waters. This financial commitment forms a part of a broader 450-million-baht initiative for 2024-2027, sanctioned by the cabinet in July 2024, to tackle the blackchin tilapia predicament head-on. As the spearhead of this initiative, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Akkhara Prompow, outlined the expenditure plans. A significant chunk of this budget—60 million baht—will be spent on acquiring 3 million kilograms of blackchin tilapia. These will be purchased at 20 baht per kg for use in bio-fermentation and processing.…
Amid the bustling cityscape of Bangkok, a significant gathering took place on Tuesday, a day marked by the essence of learning and communication. Anuchit Pipitkul, the astute Director-General of the City Law Enforcement Department, led the charge at an engaging training session in the Krung Thon 3 Room, nestled on the fifth floor of the Thonburi District Office. His presence, alongside department executives and dedicated officials, underscored the importance of mastering the art and science of communication within the contours of governmental operations. With a steely gaze and a voice imbued with conviction, Anuchit shared a keystone of management wisdom: “Communication is pivotal for BMA management as it facilitates our officials in receiving information, enabling collaboration, and executing operations seamlessly through radio communication equipment.” He paused, letting the words linger, before emphasizing, “Radio remains a swift and budget-friendly form of communication, transcending the barriers of distance in the blink of…
Picture this: nestled within the lush greenery of Kaeng Krachan National Park, a rare mother-cub duo gracefully meanders through the emerald thickets, blissfully unaware of their unexpected paparazzi moment. Captured not by a celebrity-hound photographer but by a cunningly placed trap camera, this endangered pair provides a heartwarming glimpse into the clandestine lives of clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa). In an announcement that sent ripples of excitement through wildlife conservation circles, Mongkol Chaipukdee, the vigilant head of the park, unveiled this astonishing capture. Set amidst the serene expanses of Phetchaburi province, the camera—initially deployed in early January to track down a herd of elusive wild banteng (Bos javanicus)—became an unintentional witness to this extraordinary scene. As fate would have it, the keen-eyed pair, suspected to be a mother and her cub of tender age, happened upon the camera with the unpremeditated grace worthy of an ancient feline dynasty. “It was extremely…
Let us whisk you away to Bangkok, where the very air hums with vibrant energy! Standing tall and dignified on Phahon Yothin Road is the bustling hub of numbers and accountability—the Revenue Department headquarters, brought to life by the lens of Nittaya Nattayai. But rather than merely counting coins, it seems the department has been doubling as a digital detective agency, sounding alarms with urgency that would rival a plot twist in a crime novel. The tax sleuths at the RD, with Pinsai Suraswadi at the helm, have unfolded a tale that’s rippling through the digital realm like a viral post. It turns out, millions of social media influencers and online vendors, all ensconced in their digital empires, are unwittingly navigating the murky waters of unfiled taxes. Yes, you read that right—the Revenue Department estimates there are around 9 million online maestros raking in billions of baht, yet some are…
Politics, especially in the vibrant democratic landscape of Thailand, never fails to dish out a potent mix of intrigue and drama. And as the no-confidence debate looms over Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the political stage is set for a riveting showdown. However, Ms. Shinawatra seems to be taking it all in stride, even if it means she might not make it through the marathon first day, which is anticipated to extend into the wee hours of the next morning. Scheduled for a marathon session from Monday through Tuesday, this debate is shaping up to be a test of endurance as much as political savvy. With the opposition parties allocated a generous 28 hours to probe and prod the Prime Minister, and the government plus its cabinet squeezed into just seven hours to counter, the balance might seem skewed. Meanwhile, two hours stand reserved for the House Speaker and deputies, who…
In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, where the streets are as lively as the spiciest Thai curry, finding a restroom in Yaowarat—more famously known as Bangkok’s Chinatown—can be an adventure of its own. Whether you’ve indulged in one-too-many pineapple skewers or slurped a bowl of fragrant noodle soup, knowing where to find these vital facilities can make all the difference during your exploration. Free Finds: First off, let’s talk about those delightful finds that won’t cost you a single Thai baht. If you’re zipping through the city on the MRT, make a convenient pit stop at MRT Wat Mangkon Station. This station not only offers relief to your tired legs but is also an oasis when nature calls. For those who enjoy a spiritual detour, several temples provide serene settings and facilities for your pit stops. At the Wat Leng Noei Yi, you can marvel at the intricate architecture during…