Posts published in “Thailand”

In the wee hours of a seemingly routine night in Pattaya, chaos erupted in the vibrant yet notorious nightlife hub, culminating in a scene that could’ve been plucked straight from a blockbuster movie. Just minutes past 3 a.m. on May 7th, the tranquil atmosphere was shattered by an unruly brawl at a popular beer bar nestled in Soi 6, off Pattaya Second Road. By the time the dust had settled, the incident left behind a trail of destruction — blood-spattered floors, injured staff, and one very bewildered Irishman who would later insist on his innocence. It all began when the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received an urgent SOS call about a violent fracas. Responders and local authorities raced to the scene, only to find the alleged instigator, a heavily inebriated foreigner, had taken flight into the shadows of the nearby Runway Market — thought to be eerily deserted at the…

Amidst the tropical tranquility of Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Chawang district, the serenity was shaken—literally—on a seemingly unremarkable Wednesday. At the epicenter of this unexpected geological mischief was none other than the distinguished Chawang Crown Prince Hospital. A pillar stood cracked, its structural pride slightly bruised but boldly refusing to falter. With unwavering dedication, hospital staff efficiently moved into action, as if they had rehearsed nature’s unpredictable dance routine. This story, however, took a riveting plot twist the very next day as the earth, seemingly with a mind of its own, decided to jolt the northern province of Nan just as the sun began its ascent. The double tremors were like a sneak preview to what had been a rather unshaken narrative. At precisely 4:04 am and again at 4:52 am, the Richter scale tickled the nerves of seismologists with readings of 1.7 and 1.5. Underground, deep beneath the feet of…

In the picturesque rural landscapes of Thailand, an economic storm is brewing, endangering the livelihoods of hardworking farmers across the nation. As the calendar pages of 2025 turn, farmers from Phichit to Mae Hong Son are facing unprecedented challenges, driven by a stunning collapse in crop prices. The echo of their plight resonates through bustling markets and silent fields as communities deeply steeped in tradition grapple with modern economic realities. Amidst this unfolding drama, they are fervently calling for support, hoping for a lifeline from the government. In the fertile land of Phichit, watermelon farmers find themselves staring at fields teeming with unsold, luscious melons. Once, the lifeblood of their community thrived under a robust market with watermelons fetching 7 to 9 baht per kilogramme. Yet now, the haunting figures have plummeted to a disheartening 2 baht for the smaller, and even the largest, juiciest melons can only garner 5…

Imagine the scene: the splendid Chao Phraya River glistening under the gleaming Thai sun, while a state-of-the-art parliament building proudly stands on its banks. Construction aficionados and political watchers alike might expect this setting to host nothing but the most modest architectural masterpieces. However, in a narrative as riveting as a thriller, the People’s Party (PP) has lifted the veil on a project that is as hefty in cost as it is in ambition—a high-priced parking structure destined to make wallets weep. Leading the charge in this tale of public spending is Parit Wacharasindhu, a prominent member of the PP and chairman of a key parliamentary committee focused on political development and public communication. His revealing words echo across the chambers and beyond: it seems an eye-popping 104.5 million baht has been set aside just for the design phase of a futuristic car park on Sam Sen Road. This announcement,…

In the chronicle of geopolitical ballet, Tuesday marked another episode as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai found himself reassuring the citizens of Kanchanaburi province. An unexpected visit by a Myanmar fighter jet near the border had stirred quite the buzz, but Mr. Phumtham was quick to clarify – no, the aircraft did not trespass into Thai airspace. The fast-moving jet, which flirted with the border’s imaginary line, was just a cameo in the skies and retreated soon after a cordial nudge from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). “A minor incident,” Mr. Phumtham described, waving off concerns. In the realm of military flights, such near-miss scenarios are not uncommon, they’re akin to the thrill of seeing wildlife on a safari – a rush, yes, but safe under guided watch. The fighter jet in question displayed a moment’s curiosity, straying near enough to raise eyebrows but not venture…

In the bustling halls of Parliament, a wave of anticipation surged as the nation braced itself for the unveiling of a controversial casino-entertainment complex bill. This legislative endeavor, spearheaded by none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, had been the subject of intense debate, igniting both fervent support and staunch opposition. Behind the scenes, a special Senate committee embarked on a meticulous journey to unravel the intricacies of this legislative proposal. At the helm of this committee was the esteemed Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, a distinguished figure known for his measured approach and commitment to transparency. Amidst the swirl of media speculation, Senator Veerapun sought to quell the rumors about the prime minister’s immediate involvement in their discussions, stating firmly, “I don’t know how the agenda for the meeting was leaked. The agenda has not been checked yet.” The first meeting of this committee had already transpired on a lively day…

In the heart of Yala’s Raman district, as the evening settled into its usual hush, a sudden explosion tore through the calm. Left in its wake was a gaping crater, a stark reminder of the region’s persistent tensions. Two soldiers found themselves injured, victims in yet another wave of violence that has long plagued this part of the world. In response to this unsettling event, a call for peace echoed from the halls of power, a joint appeal by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the revered Chularatchamontri, Sheikhul Islam, Arun Boonchom. It was a significant moment as the Defence Minister, who doubles as the Deputy Prime Minister, and the religious leader met in Bangkok, aiming to harmonize their efforts against the backdrop of unrest troubling Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani. During their hour-long conversation at the Office of the Chularatchamontri, the focus was clear: dismantle the justification of violence under the…

In an unfolding drama that could rival a crime thriller, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) made headlines this week by apprehending a former police superintendent whose name had become synonymous with an elusive chase. Picture this: it’s 2020 in Pathum Thani, a bustling province just north of Bangkok, Thailand. A certain Pol Col Chaiwat, leading the Lat Lum Kaeo police station, found himself at the center of a web woven from the strands of authority and misconduct. The officer’s story took a sharp turn when he allegedly dipped into the budget meant for his diligent subordinates. The amount in question? A whopping 260,000 baht, earmarked as an allowance for those manning checkpoints at his behest. At first glance, the allocation of 283,176 baht seemed destined for distribution among officers who toiled tirelessly at these checkpoints. Yet, the officers would soon find themselves more than 260,000 baht short, thanks to orders…

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and excitement, the Bung Fai Talai rockets soared gracefully into the sky during the annual Bung Fai competition back in 2019. Held in the Kuchinarai district of Kalasin, these remarkable flat rockets, powered by the brilliant pyrotechnic splendor of fireworks, were launched with a single aim: to ask the weather gods for their blessings as the crucial planting season began. As captivating as they are breathtaking, these fiery airborne wonders encapsulate a time-honored tradition that is as much about invoking divine favor as it is about celebrating the forces of nature in all their glory. Fast forward to the present day, as the festival season approaches, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri is ensuring the tradition continues safely. With the duty to balance cultural exuberance and aviation safety, she has prompted the Department of Airports (DoA) to closely collaborate with local communities. It’s a…

Adventure unfolds at the borders! — A health scare comes alive, with unexpected twists and turns, right from the bustling crossroads of Southeast Asia. On a vibrant Tuesday, disease control personnel took center stage in Mukdahan, Thailand, expertly sterilizing the ground that previously saw the buzz of butchering activity. With the precision of an artist, they reinforced borders against a cunning adversary — anthrax. The appearance of this microscopic scoundrel has compelled neighboring nations, Cambodia and Laos, to slam their doors shut, albeit temporarily, against Thailand’s livestock and daring animal products. You might wonder, why the commotion? Well, the streets hum with whispers, as Xinhua News Agency reveals Cambodia’s proactive stance to thwart the anthrax threat creeping from Thai lands. “There’s not a case here!” proclaimed Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Yet, with the caution of a seasoned chess player, they halted imports right from every Thai border…