Posts published in “Thailand”

In the cool, early hours of yesterday morning, the northern province of Nan became the unexpected stage for Mother Earth’s gentle reminder that we live atop her restless crust. Two tremors woke the drowsy inhabitants of Nan, with nature’s curious orchestra taking place at 4:04 AM and offering a sequel performance at 4:52 AM. With magnitudes of 1.7 and 1.5 respectively on the Richter scale, these tremors were barely a whisper in the geological symphony but enough to make headlines. The Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division pinpointed the quakes to a depth of just one kilometer underground in the quaint tambon Yap Hua Na of Wiang Sa district. Ground beneath this tranquil locale seems to be in a spirited dance this year. These events in Nan follow in the recent seismic footsteps of a more formidable 3.0 magnitude quake that rattled Nakhon Si Thammarat on May 7th. Occurring at…

In the arrestingly beautiful locale of Phuket, where verdant hills meet azure waters, not everything is just sun, sand, and blissful getaways. One might assume that the drama in Thailand’s most sought-after island paradises would be restricted to stunning sunsets and sizzling street food. However, a Tunisian man, now quite the talk of the town, added a slice of suspense to the paradise narrative. He valiantly tried to execute a tire-swap escape worthy of an action movie scene right on the bustling streets of Phuket… Our unwitting spectacle began on a balmy May day, the day after people were busy celebrating Labor Day, on the throbbing Dibuk Road near the historic Soi Rommanee. This road isn’t just known for local flavor but also for its strict no-parking policies. It’s hard to miss the conspicuous signs sternly warning against street-side lounging vehicles. Yet, amidst foreign tourists and locals enjoying the taste…

In the verdant heart of Loei province, a tempest brews over the tranquil enchantment that is Phu Kradueng National Park. The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, a stalwart guardian of Thailand’s natural wonders, has drawn a clear line in the sand against the proposed cable car system, a project that promises convenience at a steep ecological price. Here, among ancient trees and whispering winds, the question isn’t just about modernity’s march but the very soul of preservation. Recently, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) hit the pause button, extending the project’s feasibility studies and the all-important environmental impact assessments (EIA) by two years. This move underscores the gravity of the concerns raised. On paper, it’s about budget lines and feasibility, with a substantial 25.7 million baht (or US$775,980) earmarked through the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) for development efforts. The DNP director-general, Atthapol Charoenchansa, outlined a…

Next week promises to be quite eventful with anticipated arrest warrants for three groups alleged to be culpable in the spectacular collapse of the State Audit Office’s building. The structure, which was tragically ravaged by an earthquake on March 28, left the city grappling with unanswered questions. Stepping up to unravel this mystery is none other than the dedicated Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, who is leading a monumental investigation. Picture this: 193 witness accounts have been diligently recorded. From the officials of the SAO to kin of the casualties, and not forgetting the brains behind the building design—it’s a diverse portfolio of sources. It’s a bit like a grand courtroom drama with the designers, construction supremos, and workers all taking their turn in giving testimony. The depth of this investigation is astounding. Evidence galore has been amassed, comprising a symphony of witness…

Can you smell that? The mouth-watering aroma of sizzling meats dancing away on a grill? It’s hard to resist, especially with the explosion of barbecue joints popping up across Thailand. Yet, as these eateries gain popularity, the very gas canisters fueling these delicious gatherings are drawing more than just flavorful attention. Recently, the Ministry of Industry in Thailand has been turning up the heat on safety concerns. Minister Ekanat Prompan emphasizes the rising incidents of gas explosions at these smoky hot spots, prompting a hefty proposal: to classify gas canisters as controlled products. Now, don’t get caught up in a firestorm of fear just yet. But do light up with awareness. Many of these grills rely on gas canisters designed strictly for single use. It’s akin to a disposable camera; imagine trying to swap in a new film—certain disaster awaits. The directive is simple: don’t refill these canisters, especially with…

Three months into its ambitious “3 Cuts” strategy, the government of Thailand has declared a resounding victory in its mission to disrupt illicit call center operations in Myanmar. The mastermind behind this daring initiative, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, proudly announced on May 8 that the bold measures — targeting electricity, fuel, and internet access in key border locations since February 5 — have considerably curtailed the nefarious activities of these call centers. Boasting significant success, particularly in hotspots like Mae Sai in Chiang Rai and Mae Sot in Tak, the plan has targeted notable sites such as the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, Ban Huay Muang in Myawaddy, the Three Pagodas Bridge in Payathongzu, and other strategic locations in Shan State. Phumtham, taking on dual roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, asserted, “We’ve effectively dismantled the infrastructure that has been fueling these criminal enterprises.” This pressure has led…

In a captivating twist of events on the idyllic island of Koh Phangan, tourist police struck gold—or rather, a notorious figure—while busting an alleged illicit operation. Picture this: a serene tropical paradise where the turquoise waves kiss the golden sands, suddenly infiltrated by the arm of the law in pursuit of justice. Against this picturesque backdrop, the Thursday sun bore witness to the apprehension of 34-year-old Russian national Alina Nizamutdinova, who found herself at the center of a high-stakes drama. Alina, known in the clandestine circles by her enticing alias “Sofia,” was caught off guard during a meticulously planned sting operation orchestrated by the diligent Tourist Police Bureau. The collaboration was nothing short of a spy thriller, with the police joining forces with immigration and security agencies to unravel the secrets advertised on the elusive Thailand.escortnews.com. This cyber hotspot was buzzing with whispers of opulent service offerings, boasting prices that…

As the monsoons sweep across Thailand, a familiar narrative returns with the reopening of schools. Health authorities have raised an essential advisory: remain cautious as both Covid-19 and Influenza are expected to spread during this damp season. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) echoes this sentiment, urging people to stay vigilant as schools gear up to welcome back their students next week. Since the start of the year, a staggering 41,197 individuals have found themselves in hospitals, battling Covid-19, with heart-wrenching reports of 15 fatalities, predominantly among the elderly aged 60 and above, says Dr. Panumas Yanwetsakul, the sharp-minded director-general of the DDC. In parallel, Influenza has not been stealthy, with a whopping 322,991 patients having been treated, and 43 solemn deaths marking this viral conflict. In a concise span from May 4th to May 8th, the Covid-19 toll included 7,013 new patients and a singular, though equally tragic, death.…

What makes Bangkok an invigorating city to live in isn’t just its vibrant market scenes, incredible street food, or its rich tapestry of cultural prowess. It’s also the quality of life its residents experience every day. In a novel endeavor, Rocket Media Lab launched the Bangkok Index, painting an intricate portrait of the city’s livability across all 50 districts by delving into an intriguing mix of environmental and well-being parameters. This index is crafted with an aim to peer beneath Bangkok’s glowing economic and cultural facade to uncover the structural complexities residents face—capabilities and gaps within public services, economic disparities, urban emergencies, and environmental fits. Our ambitious curators at Rocket Media Lab, a proactive data-centric organization zeroed in on social dilemmas, embarked on the Bangkok Index 2024 journey. By sifting through heaps of data encompassing all 50 districts, the index targets offering a fact-formed narrative to steer policy decisions and…