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Posts published in “Thailand”

Chula WISE: Transforming Student Mentorship at Chulalongkorn University with Innovative Online Platform

The CBA Foundation has recently unveiled the Chula WISE program (Chula Wisdom for Self-Enrichment) designed for students at Chulalongkorn University. This innovative initiative has evolved from the highly successful ChAMP (Chulalongkorn Alumni Mentorship Program) pioneered by the Chulalongkorn Business School (CBS), which has been a cornerstone for undergraduate mentorship, facilitating invaluable learning experiences from alumni. This model has transcended educational boundaries, becoming a benchmark for several public and private organizations alike, thus setting a new course for personal and professional development. Given the soaring demand from students eager to unlock their potential, ChAMP ingeniously embraced online technologies, giving birth to Chula WISE—an online platform that transcends traditional classroom boundaries, epitomizing the essence of lifelong learning. In this ‘New Normal’ era, universities are tasked with empowering undergraduates, fostering strong foundational growth essential for thriving in an ever-evolving global landscape. Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, Acting President of Chulalongkorn University, emphasized that the…

Manaporn Charoensri Drives $740M Andaman Sea Maritime Overhaul: Boosting Tourism and Economy

The Transport Ministry has swiftly instructed the Marine Department to accelerate their efforts in enhancing maritime connectivity across the enchanting Andaman Sea provinces, aiming to invigorate economic activities in the region. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri emphasized that the ambitious 740-million-baht initiative is a crucial element of a renewed drive spearheaded by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. This initiative seeks to elevate the logistical framework and promote tourism in the area. The centerpiece of this transformative project involves the construction of two spanking new piers: Ao Po Ferry Pier in the picturesque Phuket and Tha Len Pier in the breathtaking Krabi. Additionally, substantial upgrades are planned for Manoh Pier and Chong Lard Pier, located in the serene Koh Yao district of Phangnga. Upon completion, Ms. Manaporn highlighted, these piers will seamlessly link Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi, collectively forming the remarkable Andaman Triangle. This region, while brimming…

Chaturon Pakdevanich Champions Thailand as Premiere Filming Destination at Thai Movie Festival 2024

The Department of Tourism’s Thailand Film Office (TFO) is gearing up to make a significant splash at the Thai Movie Festival 2024, slated to run from September 12 to 15 at the illustrious National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) in Mumbai. This cinematic extravaganza, orchestrated in tandem with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Mumbai, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Information, and India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), seeks to elevate Thailand’s soft power and underscore the nation’s allure as a premier filming haven for Indian filmmakers. Chaturon Pakdevanich, the forward-thinking Director-General of the Department of Tourism, underscored the monumental influence of the Indian movie industry, a colossal market teeming with films, TV series, and diverse forms of entertainment. “From January to August this year alone, we saw 35 Indian movies being shot on Thai soil,” he revealed, with a gleam of excitement. This enthusiastic influx brought in…

Phumtham Wechayachai’s Commerce Ministry Triumphs: Boosting Thai Agriculture, SMEs, and Tourism

Yesterday, former commerce minister Phumtham Wechayachai proudly touted a series of remarkable achievements of the Commerce Ministry during his initial year at the helm. These triumphs include securing higher prices for agricultural produce, alleviating the public’s cost of living, and amplifying the competitive edge of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Now serving as the defence minister in the Paetongtarn government, Phumtham held a vibrant press conference to shed light on the successful commerce-focused endeavors under his watch. Phumtham enthusiastically detailed how the ministry fostered collaboration among Thai conglomerates and government entities, orchestrating a collective effort to procure both primary and secondary crops. This initiative injected approximately 200 billion baht into the coffers of Thai farmers, significantly boosting their incomes. Such measures reflect the concerted efforts to bolster the agricultural sector, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s economic stability. Moreover, the ministry’s endeavors were not limited to just bolstering farmers’…

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Faces Crucial Policy Debate: Can She Secure Thailand’s Future?

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra must act swiftly to boost public confidence in her administration’s ability to tackle the myriad problems facing the nation. This was the strong recommendation from political analyst Assoc Prof Thanaporn Sriyakul during a Monday press conference. He emphasized that the first crucial step involves clearly outlining the measures her government intends to implement in order to address these issues comprehensively. Most importantly, the Prime Minister should detail the financial strategies her administration will employ to secure the necessary funding for urgent policies. “A transparent plan will allow her to shine brighter than her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra,” Sriyakul suggested, highlighting the potential for Paetongtarn to carve out her unique political legacy. However, he issued a warning: if her policies mirror Thaksin’s vision too closely—as outlined in his forum speech on Aug 22—both Paetongtarn and the Pheu Thai Party could find themselves under investigation for…

Thailand’s Anti-Drug Taskforce Captures 1,607 Suspects: Major 2024 Crackdown in Northern Provinces

Anti-drug authorities in Thailand have made a significant dent in the battle against narcotics, capturing a staggering 1,607 suspects across six northern provinces this year. With a renewed vigor, they are pledging to intensify their efforts as they move into the next fiscal year, starting just next month. The regions primarily in the spotlight include the robust and picturesque territories of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Nan, and Tak. These provinces aren’t just known for their scenic beauty and cultural riches; they’ve unfortunately become vital links in a sprawling drug network. Estimates reveal there are tens of millions of methamphetamine pills and hundreds of kilograms of crystal methamphetamine stockpiled near the Thai border. These stashes are poised to make their way into central and southern Thailand, and even as far as Malaysia, wreaking havoc on communities. Held on a crisp morning, a press conference saw Pol Lt…

Surat Thani’s Efforts to Integrate Migrant Children After Myinttar Yeink Learning Centre Closure

In a recent announcement, the Surat Thani Provincial Education Office sought to clear the air regarding the closure of the Myinttar Yeink Learning Centre. Authorities emphasized their efforts to integrate its students into Thai education schools, only to face cooperation challenges from the centre. This announcement follows the National Human Rights Commission’s concerns about the shutdown of an unlicensed migrant children’s learning centre in tambon Bang Kung of Muang district on September 4, which triggered the closure of all Burmese language learning centres in the province. This sudden shutdown has left over 2,000 migrant children in the region grappling with an abrupt halt in their education. Chokdee Srathakan, head of the Surat Thani Provincial Education Office, addressed the media to elaborate on the efforts and legal processes involved. According to Chokdee, multiple discussions were held with the Myinttar Yeink Learning Centre, but legal actions became inevitable due to persistent non-compliance.…

Manaporn Charoensri Leads $740M Andaman Sea Maritime Connectivity Revival

The Transport Ministry has sounded the horn, rallying the Marine Department to accelerate its plans to enhance maritime connectivity along the Andaman Sea provinces. This initiative is set to ripple through the regional economy like a swift current, stimulating vibrant economic activities across the region. According to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, this ambitious 740-million-baht project is a cornerstone of a new strategic thrust championed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Their vision? To overhaul the local logistics infrastructure and invigorate tourism. Imagine this: the construction of two brand-new piers, Ao Po Ferry Pier in Phuket and Tha Len Pier in Krabi, paired with vital renovations to Manoh Pier and Chong Lard Pier in the captivating Koh Yao district of Phangnga. Once these upgrades are completed, the maritime connectivity between Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi—collectively dubbed the Andaman Triangle—will be as smooth as a dolphin gliding through…

Sukhothai’s Flood Crisis: Residents Seek Government Aid Amid Typhoon Yagi’s Impact

As the rhythmic waters of the Yom River continue to swell and cascade into the lives of Sukhothai’s residents, a call for aid rises with them. Local citizens, battling the relentless floodwaters for over two months now, are appealing to the government for relief as the torrential impact of Typhoon Yagi is set to exacerbate the situation. The deluge has submerged areas like tambon Pak Phra in Muang district and tambon Kong in Kong Krailat district, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Among those affected is Wongduan Si-phongsai, a resilient 60-year-old resident of Koh Kong, an island nestled in the Yom River. Wongduan’s tranquil life has been disrupted by rising waters, cutting off access to her village. With a wistful gaze, she fears that her home will not see reprieve until the rains subside after the Loy Krathong festival in November. Another local, who chose to remain anonymous, lamented…

Bangkok Woman Sasinan’s Life Shattered by Alleged Hospital Misdiagnosis: A Cautionary Tale

In a profoundly unsettling incident, a 31-year-old IT technician finds herself jobless and partially blind after a distressing medical ordeal allegedly sparked by a misdiagnosis at a privately run hospital in Bangkok. The woman, known as Sasinan (surname withheld for privacy), turned to the Sai Mai Tong Rot relief and emergency Facebook page to share her harrowing experience. Her plight began on June 18 when she noticed a red eye and felt a sore throat. Hoping for a simple solution, she picked up some over-the-counter medication, but it offered no relief. Determined to get professional help, she visited a privately run hospital in Phahon Yothin on June 20. There, a doctor diagnosed her with tonsillitis and administered an antihistamine injection, advising her to rest at home. However, things took a dark turn when she returned home. Sasinan reported severe chest pain, a full-body rash, blurred vision, and swollen lips. Alarmed,…