Authorities are pulling out all the stops to expedite water drainage in the northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bung Kan, aiming to mitigate the damage caused by the recent flooding. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, if water is efficiently channeled into the Mekong River, the northeastern provinces could experience far less destruction than the northern regions, which were severely affected. Mr. Anutin, who oversees natural disaster prevention and mitigation, pointed out that the devastation in the northern areas was partly due to forest runoff and mudslides. In contrast, the expectation is that water drainage in the northeast will be more effective, thus minimizing the damage. The inundation of northeastern provinces is a result of water flowing from the north and the discharge from upstream dams. Various riverside communities are facing severe flooding. In Nong Khai, for instance, the water level surged to…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has rolled out an exciting new campaign titled “Wellness on a Plate,” designed to highlight Thailand’s diverse culinary delights and their extraordinary health benefits. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the TAT governor, emphasized that Thai cuisine transcends mere food; it embodies the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. As part of this campaign, tourists will be invited to embark on various wellness-themed journeys, offering fresh perspectives on experiencing Thai cuisine. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the “Ignite the Spirit of Thailand” campaign, which aims to craft meaningful and enriching travel experiences for visitors. Under this vibrant campaign, destination management companies (DMCs) are encouraged to focus on one of six unique wellness tourism concepts to captivate and invigorate travelers. The first concept, aptly named “Taste of Wellness,” promotes Thai dishes that incorporate local herbs and ingredients into therapeutic activities like Thai massage and yoga, fostering overall well-being. Imagine sinking…
Paradorn Prissanananthakul, a vibrant figure from the Bhumjaithai Party representing Ang Thong, has recently taken on a new mantle as the Second Deputy House Speaker. In this role, Paradorn has promised to uphold a stance of strict political neutrality within the chamber, a declaration that’s already stirring the winds of change in Thailand’s political landscape. Elected as the Second Deputy House Speaker just last Wednesday, Paradorn plunged into the deep end almost immediately. His first task arrived swiftly with a two-day parliamentary session dedicated to discussing the government’s policy statement. Talk about diving headfirst into the fire! At the heart of his new duties, Paradorn emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to meeting regulations and maintaining an unyielding stance of neutrality. He insists that these principles are the bedrock of smooth operations within the chamber and the touchstone of fair judgment. “When it comes to performing the duties of a…
PTT Plc, Thailand’s national energy titan, is reshaping its blueprint to harmonize business expansion with environmental sustainability, aspiring to dovetail both its own and Thailand’s aspirations for carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions, according to the company’s CEO. In a recent tête-à-tête with the Bangkok Post, PTT President and CEO Kongkrapan Intarajang unveiled that the company is avidly aligning business growth with sustainability, a move designed to fortify Thailand’s national energy security. PTT has thrown down the gauntlet by setting an audacious objective of reaching carbon net zero by 2050, a full 15 years ahead of the national deadline of 2065 agreed upon at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Steering towards a green horizon, PTT has dichotomized its operations into two cardinal areas: the hydrocarbon and power business and the non-hydrocarbon business. The hydrocarbon and power segment is anchored in sustainable expansion, zeroing in on reducing carbon emissions and syncing with global…
The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has recently come under scrutiny for its actions against a group of youths in the southern province of Narathiwat. These youths allegedly attempted to stage a pro-Palestine rally during an annual traditional parade on September 7. The Prachachat Party has accused the security forces of curbing their freedom of expression, but Isoc’s Region 4 Forward Command maintains that the paramilitary officers deployed at the parade site were merely trying to protect Thailand’s geopolitical neutrality. Isoc denies any attempt to violate the youths’ freedom of expression or any accusations of being heavy-handed in their response. The controversy was fueled by a video clip showing paramilitary officers confiscating Palestinian national flags and protest placards from some participants before they were allowed to join the parade. The clip, which quickly went viral, sparked public criticism and ignited a heated debate online. Speaking on behalf of Isoc’s Region…
The government must foster tighter collaborations with its neighboring countries to enhance the management of the Mekong River, aiming to minimize economic damage and loss of life due to future floods. This call to action comes from the International Rivers Network, which highlights the urgent necessity for cohesive international efforts. Pianporn Deetes, the campaign director for the Southeast Asia Programme at the International Rivers Network, underscored the substantial impact of water influx from Myanmar that has exacerbated flooding in Chiang Rai province. “At present, there’s a glaring absence of an effective mechanism to handle transboundary flooding,” Deetes commented. She emphasized the need for the government to actively seek collaborative measures with neighboring nations to mitigate flood impacts on downstream populations. Furthermore, she urged for cooperation with countries situated along the lower stretches of the Mekong River, pointing out that Thailand’s Northeastern region is particularly susceptible to flooding. Deetes voiced concerns…
In the swirling vortex of Thailand’s political scene, the appointment of this year’s new police chief promises to be nothing short of electrifying. Speculation around Bangkok suggests this could be the most politically charged reshuffle in a decade. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a name that sends ripples across the nation’s political landscape, has tapped Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to helm the Police Commission through this tumultuous period. Among Phumtham’s initial tasks: choosing the heir to Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol’s throne, who’s set to retire at the end of this month. But hold your horses; the actual selection can’t kick-off until October 3rd when the Police Commission’s new rules take effect. In the lull, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, the current deputy police chief, looks poised to step in as the interim chief. This year’s appointment is more than just a personnel change; it’s a high-stakes poker game…
Imagine a scene where torrential rains have turned serene landscapes into sprawling lakes, and anxious eyes are glued to the sky, awaiting solace. This isn’t the plot of a dramatic film but the reality gripping Thailand today. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has responded to this waterborne havoc by initiating a trifecta of national agencies aimed at combating and recovering from the flood crisis inundating the nation. On her X account, the PM left no room for ambiguity. She announced the formation of a national flood victim rescue centre, an official flood response directive committee, and another body dedicated to tracking the incessant flood and landslide threats. It’s not just an initiative; it’s a lifeline for the thousands affected. The urgency of the situation was palpable at Government House, where state agencies were summoned to devise rapid and effective strategies. In a meeting that buzzed with the tension of a ticking…
Prepare for a hefty dose of cuteness overload at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where “Moo Deng,” the baby pygmy hippo, has become the star attraction! According to Attaporn Sriheran, the director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPOT), this tiny bundle of joy is set to captivate hearts for the next few months. But don’t worry, the zoo has already got exciting plans to keep the buzz alive, although Mr. Attaporn prefers to keep the next baby star a mystery for now. This adorable two-month-old dynamo has single-handedly turned the usually tranquil zoo into a hub of excitement, especially in Chon Buri’s Si Racha district. Last weekend alone saw an unprecedented influx of curious visitors, pushing the count to a whopping 15,000 from the usual 2,000-3,000. The spectacle of Moo Deng prancing around is something no one wants to miss. “The surge in visitors is phenomenal, and I expect…
Imagine a world where the hassle of carrying your physical driver’s license becomes a thing of the past—welcome to Thailand’s newest innovation! The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has unleashed a game-changing mobile app named the QR License, designed to revolutionize the way motorists interact with their driving credentials. Forget rummaging through your wallet or purse; now, all you need is your trusty smartphone or tablet! According to Seksom Akraphand, the visionary director-general of the DLT, this app is set to make life infinitely easier for drivers across the country. With just a few taps, you can display your digital driver’s license on your electronic devices, be it an Android or iOS system. Imagine flashing your sleek smartphone to verify your identity—say goodbye to fumbling around for a battered, old plastic card. But this app is no ordinary digital document holder; it’s packed with features that put it leagues ahead…