In recent years, Thailand has embarked on an ambitious journey to harness nuclear power as a key component of its energy mix. Despite its determination, the path to implementing the Power Development Plan (PDP) for small modular reactors (SMRs) is proving to be a rather bumpy ride. Originally slated for launch from 2024 through 2037, this plan seems to have hit a few roadblocks, leaving stakeholders and spectators in a state of suspense. The Energy Regulatory Commission, in tandem with the Office of Atoms for Peace, finds itself knee-deep in collaborations to wrangle the complexities of nuclear power and electricity management in the region. The star of this nuclear show—SMRs, a brainchild blessed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, isn’t your typical available nuclear powerhouse. These units strut with capacities of up to 300 megawatts, flexing about a third of the muscle of the traditional, hulking nuclear reactors. According to…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the vibrant city of Chiang Mai experiences a rare chill, with temperatures dropping to a brisk 10 degrees Celsius (°C), the beloved Chiang Mai Zoo is stepping up in a heartwarming display of care, ensuring their animal residents stay cozy and content through the nippy nights. Perched picturesquely at the foot of a mountain, the zoo faces sharp nighttime and early-morning temperature drops that could leave its inhabitants shivering, if not for the dedicated initiatives in place. Zoo director Wutthichai Muangman, a man on a mission, unveiled the strategy to conquer the cold with proactive measures. Heat lamps now beam their warm glow across the various animal habitats, transforming them into cozy retreats. Additional layers of hay have been meticulously lined within the enclosures, offering snug beds for the likes of deer, reptiles, and monkeys who spend their slumber on the ground. “The changing weather can affect the animals’…
In a poignant display of desperation and hope, Sun Maoxing and Wang Weiju, a couple hailing from China’s Shandong province, have embarked on an extraordinary journey. For their first-ever trip abroad, the 64-year-old Sun and his 60-year-old wife have landed in Bangkok. Their mission? To find their missing son, Sun Baochao, and bring him back from the shadows of fear that human trafficking has cast over Southeast Asia. Standing resolutely outside the imposing Chinese embassy, the couple’s voices echo with the anguish that only a parent’s heart can know. “He is our only son. We cannot live without him. Please save my son,” pleaded Sun, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. Their son, only 32, had last communicated with them during the solemn occasion of his grandmother’s funeral in April of the previous year. Since then, the familial conversations have been reduced to intermittent WeChat messages, some…
Thailand, renowned for its golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and incredible food, is rolling out the welcome mat in an ambitious move to attract the crème de la crème of global citizens and location-independent professionals. With a strategic revamp of its Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program, the country is setting its sights on becoming a premier destination for long-term stays, enticing everyone from wealthy global nomads to families seeking sun-soaked adventures. The news of this transformative agenda was delivered hot off the presses, as Thailand’s Cabinet gave the green light to updates that streamline visa applications while demolishing outdated Smart visa categories. This development is a game-changer for three primary groups: remote workers, affluent international citizens, and dependents of LTR visa bearers. A little birdie from Government House chirped about these significant changes, and the tweaks are certainly generating buzz. One of the standout amendments in this policy facelift is the…
In a tragic turn of events, a delightful sunny day in Phuket took a somber note when joy rides on rented jet skis turned into a disaster. Two adventurous tourists hailing from Henan province, China, experienced a catastrophic collision while riding their rented watercrafts off the thrilling shores of Patong beach. The unfortunate incident, occurring around 1:45 pm on a vibrant Tuesday, resulted in the untimely death of one tourist, despite hurried attempts to save him with urgent medical attention at Patong Hospital. As reported by CCTV, the prominent Chinese state broadcaster channel, this shocking accident has made waves far beyond the immediate vicinity. With the Chinese embassy in Thailand adding their voice to the reports, it was clear that international concern was shortly to follow. The specifics of the collision remain shrouded in mystery, prompting a meticulous investigation into how a seemingly safe thrill-seeking activity went so horribly wrong.…
Under the golden Thai sun, where tropical warmth usually reigns supreme, a frosty spectacle greeted the early risers on Doi Angkhang in the Fang district of Chiang Mai. Blanketed in shimmering ice, the peaks signaled an unusual nip in the air that was echoed across the nation. This surprising chill, experts inform us, is courtesy of the infamous La Niña phenomenon, and it promises to linger well into February, teasing Thailand’s winter with an extended encore. The country embarked on its La Niña journey just last month, a stark contrast against the typical balmy climes. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this climatic shift, affecting the vast stretches of the central and east-central Pacific, heralded an epoch where sweaters play a star role in Thailand’s sartorial saga. Jessada Denduangboripant, a noted environmental savant from Chulalongkorn University, took to Facebook to disseminate this meteorological drama. The script…
Despite today’s dusty haze being stubbornly stuck in our midst, there’s a light breeze of optimism floating through the air. Relief is headed our way as improved ventilation is anticipated over the next 3-4 days. This news is a breath of fresh air for the residents of Bangkok, who’ve been battling the persistent PM2.5 pollution, a mix largely fueled by vehicle emissions and a 20% surge in biomass burning compared to last year. To tackle this pollution monster head-on, the city of Bangkok is rolling out an arsenal of measures, including a flagship project—the Low Emission Zone. This project declares a no-go area for vehicles bearing six or more wheels within the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road, sparing only the eco-warriors among them—electric vehicles, NGVs, and Euro 5-6 compliant superheroes. Approximately 12,000 vehicles have earned their green cape, making it onto the exclusive Green List. The city is also urging drivers to…
In the vibrant city of Pattaya, known for its bustling nightlife and serene beaches, residents often find themselves in unexpected situations. Recently, an intense incident unfolded at an apartment in Soi Arunothai, leaving a Thai tomboy and her partner seeking justice after a violent confrontation with their neighbor. This isn’t just a simple story of noise complaints and neighborly disputes; it’s a tale that peels back the layers of urban life, conflict resolution, and the quest for safety. The drama began early on January 8, as the clock ticked past midnight. Sirinapa and Kanokwan, a couple residing in the apartment complex, were caught in a heated altercation with their neighbor, Tee. The dispute, reportedly sparked by loud noise, escalated to physical violence, forever altering the lives of those involved. Security footage from Channel 8 offers a glimpse into the chaos that ensued, showing Sirinapa’s bold attempts to fend off a…
In a thrilling and groundbreaking operation, the Region 1 Police swooped into action, raiding an inconspicuous apartment in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area, unveiling a sophisticated operation that had defrauded victims out of staggering sums of money. The plot thickens with a layer of intrigue—an apartment rented by a foreign national, implicated in this nefarious scheme. At the helm of the investigation, Police Major General Worachat Saenkham, a stalwart of the Region 1 Investigation Division, led the charge, flanked by high-ranking officers, Police Colonel Prathan Nantakobkul and Police Colonel Chutrakul Yosmadee. Their operation, meticulously planned and executed at the crack of dawn on January 13, was further bolstered by the sleek and cerebral brains at the Analytical News Division. But what sparked this cloak-and-dagger drama? A judicial nod, in the form of a search warrant erupting from the Criminal Court, warrant number K.4/2568, dated a mere day before, January 12. The…
In the swirling world of tourism and travel, the once vibrant anticipation of Chinese New Year celebrations has hit a bump on the road to festivities. As the days draw closer to the Lunar New Year, hotels and airlines are seeing a wave of cancellations from Chinese tour groups. These sudden changes in travel plans are sending ripples of concern through the Thai tourism industry, traditionally bolstered by Chinese holidaymakers. The primary cause of this unexpected downturn? A complex mix of safety anxieties among travellers and recent developments that have sparked alarms. Leading the charge of high-profile cancellations is none other than Eason Chan, a well-loved singer and actor from Hong Kong, whose planned concert in Thailand was recently pulled from the schedule. The artist’s decision was reportedly made with the safety of his Chinese fans in mind, stoking worries that are proving contagious among potential visitors. Adding layers to…