In the bustling realm of Thai society, a growing concern lies beneath the surface—a concern that is not about an economic crisis or a political upheaval, but rather a silent yet significant demographic shift. The echoes of anxious whispers are growing louder as experts, like the insightful Director of Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research, Chalermpol Chamchan, clamor for urgent governmental intervention to halt Thailand’s dwindling birth rates. Just a glance at the recent statistics from the Bureau of Registration Administration under the Department of Provincial Administration paints a sobering picture. As of the last tick-tock of December 31st, Thailand boasted a population of 65,951,210. Yet, amid this sea of humanity, only a scant 462,240 babies were cradled in the arms of hope last year. This startling figure made 2024 the first year since 1949 where births dipped below the half-million mark. Disturbingly, this marks the fourth consecutive…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the sun rose over the vibrant land of Thailand on a bustling Saturday morning, citizens across the nation embarked on a mission—a mission that resonates with the beating heart of democracy itself. In Samut Prakan, an array of patriotic individuals thronged polling units, navigating their way through a process that promised to shape the course of local governance. Capturing the essence of this democratic fervor, the nationwide elections for Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) members and presidents unfolded seamlessly, with the Election Commission (EC) expressing high hopes for a 65% voter turnout. The elections spanned an impressive 47 provinces, where the expiration of PAO presidents and members’ terms on December 19th of the previous year called for new leadership. Amidst the democratic cacophony, 29 fortunate provinces had previously settled their leadership quandaries, thanks to earlier elections following voluntary resignations of incumbents. Yet, the stakes remained high for the 47 provinces…
As the sun timidly peeked through a hazy blanket of PM2.5 particles, folks determined to maintain their fitness routines could be spotted along the Chao Phraya River embankment in Samut Prakan’s Muang district. There they were—donned in face masks, diligently puffing their way through push-ups and yoga poses. Yet, as their breaths mingled with dust-filled air, the question hung in the air: Is masking up while working out really the wisest thing when PM2.5 pollution chokes the atmosphere? It’s not just the physical exertion that might leave one gasping for air these days. Doctors have raised a red flag, warning that wearing masks during exercise might hinder ventilation and restrict oxygen intake—a real double whammy considering the ongoing air quality crisis. One can’t exactly inhale a deep breath of fresh air when each gulp is laced more with particles than clean oxygen. PM2.5 pollution—the bane of serene city life—is not…
In a compelling seminar that blended science and urgency, the message was as clear as the smog hanging over Bangkok: Our beloved city needs a breath of fresh air. Experts have implored policymakers to step up and prioritize air quality management with rock-solid, science-backed strategies. A rallying cry for teamwork echoed throughout the Chulalongkorn University amphitheater, as state agencies, researchers, and citizens were urged to unite against the common enemy—dangerous PM2.5 pollution. The 30th “Chula the Impact” seminar, themed “Chula Thinks Together to Solve the PM2.5 Crisis,” morphed into a beacon of hope and knowledge. Hosted by the prestigious Chulalongkorn University, this event wasn’t just about swapping statistics; it was an electrifying call to arms for everyone who dares to dream of a cleaner tomorrow. Scientists from myriad disciplines huddled together to shed light on the invisible menace known as PM2.5, serving up a plethora of studies and potential saviors…
As the sun rose over Thailand on a typical Sunday morning, an eerie shroud of ultrafine dust particles settled over a vast majority of its provinces, painting a somber image of the air quality crisis unfolding across the nation. Out of Thailand’s 77 provinces, an alarming 64 found themselves ensnared in the grip of polluted air, thanks to the pervasive presence of particulates so fine that they could easily seep into the lungs and spread havoc. In a revelation that was as inevitable as it was disheartening, the prestigious Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported that no less than 17 provinces were mired in hazardous levels of PM2.5 — those infamous particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, known for their ability to infiltrate the deepest recesses of the respiratory system. By the break of dawn, the readings resembled a precarious race to the bottom, with Sing Buri…
Amidst the idyllic landscapes and serene temples, Thailand found itself grappling with a not-so-hidden monster on Sunday morning. This invisible villain took the form of ultrafine dust pollution, which covered 64 out of the nation’s 77 provinces with alarming intensity. The watchdogs from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) were on high alert as they sounded the alarm on the hazardous levels of particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, which refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. Of the impacted provinces, a worrying seventeen bore the brunt of the pollution, recording ‘red levels’ indicating critically hazardous air quality. Sing Buri seemed to draw the short straw, reporting a suffocating PM2.5 concentration of 95.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air over the preceding 24 hours—enough to make anyone gasp for air. Trailing Sing Buri, but not by much, was Si Sa Ket logging in 91.2µg/m³, followed by…
In a whirlwind of political intrigue and law enforcement upheaval, the United States is witnessing a dramatic saga unfold. As the curtain rises on this riveting narrative, FBI agents who played pivotal roles in the investigations that ultimately led to the withdrawal of criminal charges against President Donald Trump now find themselves facing an uncertain fate. Reports from major media outlets on Friday have suggested that these agents might soon be looking for new employment opportunities, making this an unprecedented episode in American history. The tale begins with the events of January 6, 2021, a day forever etched into the American consciousness. On this fateful day, throngs of Trump supporters converged upon the U.S. Capitol, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. Federal agents, in the aftermath, launched investigations into those involved, a web that at the time swiftly expanded to include high-profile figures. Now, as we turn a…
In the bustling heart of Southeast Asia, amid the vibrant street markets and tranquil temples, Thailand finds itself grappling with an astonishing paradox: a serene land faced with a tumultuous demographic upheaval. As the year 2024 drew to a close, an alarming statistic emerged, casting a shadow over the Land of Smiles. For the first time in nearly three-quarters of a century, the number of newborns dipped beneath the half-million mark, a stark signal of the nation’s plummeting birth rate that hasn’t seen such low figures since 1949. This demographic shift has sent ripples of concern through the corridors of government and academia alike. Leading the clarion call for action is Chalermpol Chamchan, the astute director of Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research. In a recent press briefing that resonated across the nation, Mr. Chalermpol voiced concerns that have long simmered in academic circles but are now boiling…
The saga of Chon Buri’s ambitious 20,000-seat football stadium is one for the ages. It’s the kind of story that makes you marvel at human tenacity and perhaps wince a little at the inevitable tangles of bureaucracy. According to Poramet Ngampichet, the mayor of Pattaya, this grand project has seen a fair share of storms—figurative and literal—since the construction endeavor kicked off 17 years ago. Nestled in the Bang Lamung district, this sprawling stadium sits on a 371-rai plot that promises to be a sporting spectacle like no other. The ambitious dream took flight back in 2008 with a healthy injection of 774 million baht and a hopeful finish line penned for 2017. Alas, a cocktail of setbacks—some might say legendary—has blunted its progress. Picture vast expanses of stubborn rocky ground that challenge even the fearsomest of drills, and you begin to understand the arduous journey of the project. The…
In the bustling corridors of the recent 30th Chula the Impact seminar, held at the esteemed Chulalongkorn University and themed “Chula thinks together to solve the PM2.5 crisis,” experts and researchers converged with a collective resolve: to illuminate the urgent need for air quality management in Thailand. With pollution levels spiraling to concerning heights, the clarion call was made for science-backed policies and a robust, long-term action plan, uniting state agencies, dedicated researchers, and the vigilant public. At the core of this seminar, a vibrant tapestry of knowledge was woven as experts from diverse fields delved into the hazards posed by PM2.5 particles. These minuscule but potent pollutants pose a profound threat to human health and the environment. The event was designed not only to trigger public awareness but also to offer research-anchored recommendations poised to usher in significant change. Prof. Wilert Puriwat, the distinguished president of Chulalongkorn University, set…