In the quiet pre-dawn darkness of February 12th, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in The Bronx, New York City. A serene Buddhist temple, a two-story haven of spirituality, became the center of despair as a monstrous fire swept through its confines. The early morning hours were pierced by the raging inferno, consuming not only the temple but also the accompanying residence for monks. This unexpected calamity claimed the lives of two individuals, one of whom was a cherished monk. As the flames devoured the hallowed halls, they left behind nothing but ashes and heartache. John Esposito, venerable Chief of the FDNY, stood under the oppressive weight of the moment, his voice solemn as he confirmed the dismal news. “We had fire throughout two buildings, and unfortunately, we did have two fatalities,” he declared, his words resonating with the somber truth of the morning’s events. The small temple, once a modest white…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a bold move aimed at revolutionizing Thailand’s road safety, the country’s transport ministry has recently announced the introduction of precise speed limits for its tollways. This development is more than just a bureaucratic update; it represents a significant shift in how traffic flow and safety are approached in the land of smiles. For the first time in history, concession highways fall under the governmental magnifying glass of speed regulations, thanks to a newly issued directive under the Highway Act of 1992. Now, let’s dive into the specifics of these newly minted rules. Trucks weighing over 2.2 tonnes and those massive, seat-filled buses catering to more than 15 passengers must gracefully glide along at a maximum of 80 km/h. Vehicles with quirky add-ons like trailers or those charmingly compact four-wheelers are advised to keep things calm at 65 km/h. When it comes to the iconic yellow school buses that dot…
Love truly swept through the vibrant streets of Phuket Town today as more than 100 joyous couples gathered at the Mueang District Office to exchange their vows and seal their love with formal marriage certificates. The air was thick with affection, smiles adorned every face, and the spirit of Valentine’s Day was in full swing as partners from diverse walks of life, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community, united in matrimony. This heartwarming event was no ordinary registry affair—it was an embrace of love in all its splendid forms. The district hummed with excitement under the guidance of Phuket District Chief Pairoj Srilamul, who orchestrated an enchanting traditional long drum procession to herald the arrival of the soon-to-be wedded. As the sweet sound of drums filled the air, the couples made their way through a gorgeously adorned archway of flowers—a picturesque threshold leading to the next chapter of their lives.…
In the heart of the bustling and vibrant city of Phuket, a fierce rivalry between two motorcycle taxi drivers erupted last night into a dramatic and intense altercation that has left one man with severe injuries. This dramatic scene unfolded on the evening of February 13th, near the bustling Vachira Phuket Hospital, in an unexpected turn of events that became a shocking knife fight over passengers. The clock struck around 9pm when tensions, which had been simmering for quite some time, boiled over spectacularly in the dimly lit streets. Chit Saengsuwan, aged 56, and 45-year-old Nikhom Yukong found themselves locked in a heated dispute over cherished motorcycle taxi fares. The night turned grim when knives were drawn, resulting in a brutal exchange that left Chit severely injured, while Nikhom sustained injuries from an unfortunate tumble. Phuket City Police, ever vigilant, were quick to respond. Under the leadership of the dedicated…
Gather ’round, dear readers, as I spin you a tale of intrigue and high finance in the bustling heart of Thailand. Our story begins with the charismatic Dr. Boon Vanasin, the founder of the Thonburi Healthcare Group—a name synonymous with medical prestige in Southeast Asia. But alas, not all that glitters is gold, and even the most revered of figures can find themselves entangled in thorny thickets of scandal. With a narrative that might rival the most elaborate of thrillers, Dr. Boon is currently the subject of a gripping manhunt. Word on the street is that our elusive protagonist has sought solace beyond Thailand’s borders, leaving authorities on a frenzied chase. A photograph of Dr. Boon, taken by the ever-watchful Somchai Poomlard, shows him as a figure larger-than-life, a titan now tackled by the long arm of the law. In this unfolding saga, Dr. Boon, along with a veritable entourage…
At the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport, air passengers eagerly await the call to board their flights, and a burning issue is at hand—smoking rooms, or rather, the absence of them. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) finds itself in the middle of a fiery debate as it seeks to reintroduce smoking rooms across its six major airports. The saga began as AoT raised concerns over passengers lighting up in unauthorized zones, posing significant health and safety hazards, stirring a fit of controversy. (Photo: Airports of Thailand) Yet, the road to reinstating smoking rooms seems clouded with uncertainty. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has made it clear that there’s no mad dash to implement these changes—at least not before thorough scrutiny. On a recent Thursday, Somsak mentioned that a dedicated working group is currently evaluating the implications of such facilities inside international airport terminals. In a move that stirred anticipation and speculation, he…
Amidst the bustling heart of Thailand’s political arena stands Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, unflinchingly facing a salvo of allegations, while deftly sporting his charm and resolve. Imagine the scene: On October 22, 2024, at the venerable Government House, Mr. Anutin’s stature seemed to match the towering significance of the occasion, as the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, not just defending his family’s legacy, but his personal integrity. The juicy topic of this political drama is none other than a lush expanse of green—the golf course. No ordinary golf course, mind you, but the illustrious Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, nestled snugly in the picturesque Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima. Here, whispers echo through the corridors of power that the land, sprawling across this verdant haven, might just be trespassing onto the sacred grounds of agricultural reform land. A rumor like this could shake the very foundations of…
In a bid to breathe new life into the dwindling fish stocks along the breathtaking coastlines of Thailand, the Department of Fishery has unfurled a bold initiative—a meticulously planned fishing ban spanning from the scenic Prachuap Khiri Khan to the idyllic shores of Surat Thani. This ambitious endeavor sets sail in two significant phases, aiming to rejuvenate the marine life that thrives beneath the azure waves. Carving out the first chapter of this maritime saga, the plan goes into action from February 15 to May 15, a period pinpointed as the prime breeding season for adult mackerel flitting along these picturesque coastlines. The ban will first cast its net over the vibrant sea areas stretching from Laem Monglai to Don Sak district in Surat Thani. As the seasons change, so too does the focus of this initiative, as the second phase, from May 16 to June 14, embraces the regions…
In an impressive show of unity, the Rubber Authority of Thailand has joined forces with the Department of Fisheries, private businesses, and local communities to turn the Blackchin tilapia predicament into a thriving opportunity. With an innovative, research-driven approach, they’re not just quelling the invasion; they’re revitalizing ecosystems and sparking new economic prosperity. Enter Phase II of the Bio-Fermented Solution Project, where Blackchin tilapia is being harvested from rubber farmers, forming part of an integrated strategy aimed at curbing its rampant spread. As if that weren’t enough, a recent December 2024 survey revealed an encouraging drop in the number of affected provinces, shrinking from 19 to a healthier 17—proof that their strategic measures are making waves. One of the standout innovations in this venture is the 4n Blackchin Tilapia Research Project. By inducing sterility in the Blackchin population, they’re tactically limiting its growth. Additionally, the “One in Ten” Project, masterminded…
In a tale that unfolded like a soap opera in a small village of Khon Kaen province, a senior monk was thrust into the midst of a scandal that seemed ripped straight from the headlines of a dramatic novel. This monk, revered for his spiritual guidance, found himself at the heart of a controversy when a seemingly innocuous selfie with a woman surfaced, casting a shadow over his monastic reputation. As the whispers of gossip grew louder, he was thrust into the limelight in a way no monk ever dreams of. The buzz reached a crescendo during an intense meeting at Wat Ban Lan in the Ban Phai district. Here, a gathering of the monastic committee was held, comprising Pharakhru Pariyattisarnwisut Chanruang, the esteemed abbot of Wat Sriboonruang, and other influential figures including village leaders and the provincial Buddhist office. In the eye of this storm lay the notorious photo…