Back in the vibrant days of the 1990s, when technology was rapidly advancing and globalization was knitting the world closer, Thanong Bidaya, a notable figure in Thailand’s governmental and corporate sectors, found himself amidst the crossing corridors of aviation and international business. He held the prestigious role of chairman at Thai Airways International, a crown jewel of the nation that soared high above the clouds. However, unbeknownst to the masses enjoying their in-flight comforts, the skies beneath the wings of THAI were clouded with turbulence of another kind. In a plot straight out of a corporate thriller, Rolls-Royce, the distinguished UK-based engine manufacturer, was embroiled in scandal. It was a scheme scented with intrigue and peppered with whispers of clandestine meetings as the company admitted to lubricating its deals through a rather unsavory route—bribery. The goal? To secure lucrative contracts for its jet engines, the powerful beating hearts of modern…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Ah, the gentle hum of adventure and camaraderie abounds as young scouts eagerly parade through the grounds of the Thai-Japanese stadium in Din Daeng, each step resonating with the spirit of exploration! Yet, amidst this delightful ensemble of youthful exuberance, change is afoot. The word has it that the regulations regarding scout uniforms might soon see a refreshingly flexible twist. Hold onto your neckerchiefs, folks, because Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has quite the update for you! On a crisp Tuesday morning, Mr. Surasak confidently addressed the curious ears awaiting the fate of scout attire. Fear not, traditionalists, there’s no grand scheme to bid farewell to the iconic scout uniforms. Instead, the plan is to sprinkle a bit of modern adaptation into the mix. Yes, you heard it right! The ministry is busy at work amending regulations to incorporate both traditional and casual styles into the scout wardrobe. Imagine the…
In a whirlwind of misinformation and unnecessary frenzy, the digital ether was recently abuzz with alarming—and unfounded—rumours about the stability of a dam in Narathiwat province. What sparked this chaos was the wild claim that an earthquake in the United States had sent monstrous sea waves charging towards Thailand, threatening to crumble the dam into ruin. However, before anyone could scream “Titanic 2.0,” cooler heads at the Thailand Anti-Fake News Centre intervened with some much-needed truth serum. The experts swiftly dismissed the chatter as false and utterly misleading. It turns out, there are no active fault lines in the scenic southern province of Narathiwat. The region isn’t gearing up for a tectonic two-step with the US either, as they’re parked on entirely separate tectonic plates—talk about keeping a safe distance! Reassuringly, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) confirmed that the dams are standing their ground with all the…
In a touching display of human kindness, a foreign woman who experienced a seizure by the roadside in Thailand was met with immediate assistance from the compassionate Thai locals. It all happened on April 28th when a TikTok user, @guyslumclub, shared a video that captured this spontaneous act of goodwill. Not only did this post shine a light on the benevolence of the locals, but it also humorously nudged viewers to support the poster’s noodle shop, Ann’s Kuay Teow Khua Gai, Baanthat Thong. Talk about creative marketing! The video chronicles a day that took an unexpected turn for the poster. Having just closed up their noodle shop, they stumbled upon a foreign woman in distress, suffering from a seizure on the street. While pondering if the sweltering heat was to blame, the poster sprang into action, administering first aid and quick-dialing Thailand’s emergency hotline, 1669. In a scene that could…
Bangkok, the bustling Thai capital, has emerged as an expatriate oasis, proudly clinching the 6th spot in the coveted annual survey conducted by InterNations, which explores the crème de la crème of expat-friendly cities worldwide. While the sunny streets of Malaga, Spain, shone the brightest to claim the top position, Bangkok’s impressive standing underlines its growing allure among those seeking new beginnings on foreign shores. The survey, a compass for those navigating the vast sea of expatriation, revealed some fascinating insights. According to its findings, a hearty 67% of expats in Bangkok found making friends to be a breeze, painting a warm picture of friendly encounters in the vibrant city’s social tapestry. Be it the hum of its nightlife or whispers of its storied past, Bangkok weaves a rich narrative that beckons the adventuresome spirit with promises of a thriving job market and cultural enchantment. And as technology lent its…
In a plot fit for a suspense thriller, the tranquil roads of Chumphon, a serene province in Thailand, became the stage for an audacious drug smuggling attempt camouflaged as an innocuous family road trip. With piercing intuition and strategic planning, Police Major General Khongkrit Lertsitthikul spearheaded an operation that led to the arrest of four individuals involved in this high-stakes game of deception. This tale of subterfuge unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of Highway Road 41, where fate caught up with those seeking to outsmart the long arm of the law. On April 28, officers intercepted the convoy at kilometer 62, in the vicinity of the Highway Police Service Unit. Among those arrested were Narongsak, aged 40, Sirisak, 43, a 19-year-old named Pornpen, and a 17-year-old only referred to as ‘A’. Their daring attempt to haul a staggering 100 kilograms of crystalline methamphetamine, cleverly concealed in six parcel boxes, was…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s whirlwind visit to the scenic province of Nakhon Phanom took a surprising twist yesterday, pivoting on an unexpected health setback that added a pulse of drama to her already demanding schedule. As the leader touched down amidst the serene backdrop of the Mekong River, her anticipated talks on cross-border drug prevention faced an unplanned interruption. The day unfolded with the Prime Minister soldiering through barriers, not of politics or policy, but of an unwelcome physical malaise. Her resolve was obvious as she attempted to stay laser-focused on briefing sessions, yet beneath her composed exterior, the toll of a high fever and persistent fatigue was evident. Reporters saw the telltale signs—a pale visage, a slightly distant gaze, indicators not lost on the attentive nurse trailing beside her. Realizing the gravity of the situation, her adept medical support sprang into action. With swift and efficient care, they offered…
In the serene yet bustling Mae Sariang district of Mae Hong Son, a community has been plunged into mourning and fear. On a fateful day, April 23rd, tragedy struck when an uncle, 65-year-old Dike Sukulkij, and his nephew, 41-year-old Kamol Sukulkij, were fatally shot. The alleged assailant? A 37-year-old man known as Yutthana Jatupornsivalee, or simply “Boy,” a person who vanished into the shadows without a trace, leaving an entire community on edge. The peacefulness of the quaint Mae Yom subdistrict is now a distant memory. Flowers and mournful songs filled the air on April 28, as relatives and friends bid farewell to Dike and Kamol. The Christian Cemetery was a sea of sorrow and silence, with tender gestures from those in attendance—a sprinkle of soil, a bloom of white lilies atop the coffins. Volunteers from the Mae Sariang Territorial Defence stood sentry, their presence a silent vow to protect…
The wheels of time continue to turn as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai lays down the gauntlet for Thailand’s security forces. With an unwavering resolve, Phumtham has handed them a mere seven days to pull together a comprehensive report detailing their strategies and actions aimed at quelling the ever-simmering unrest in the nation’s southernmost provinces. The clock ticks ominously, the stakes are high, and the world watches. In a bold move on April 28, Phumtham directed the Royal Thai Army chief to step up their game. It’s time for fresh tactics, proactive measures, and an iron-willed approach to tackle the turbulent issues that have long haunted the Deep South. The message is crystal clear: Show results, and show them fast. This deadline isn’t just a play for time; it’s a clarion call for accountability and urgency. The government is on a mission to track progress meticulously, ensuring…
City Realty and Swire Properties have officially set the wheels in motion for their exclusive, ultra-luxury residential haven located on the prestigious Wireless Road. This marks an exhilarating milestone in the project’s timeline following the awaited nod from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) earlier this year. With this vital approval in hand, the path is now clear for construction to commence. The groundbreaking ceremony was nothing short of a star-studded affair, graced by Chali Sophonpanich—City Realty’s President, Tim Blackburn—the Chief Executive of Swire Properties, and the dynamic duo of Casey Au and Thomas Woolsey, Co-Managing Directors of City Dynamic, the powerhouse joint venture steering this ambitious project. Chali Sophonpanich, clearly thrilled, remarked, “Breaking ground on this project symbolizes a significant chapter in our shared venture with Swire Properties. We are harmonizing their international prowess in crafting premium residential masterpieces with our profound foothold in Thailand’s vibrant real estate scene. As…