Posts published in “Thailand”

In a heart-wrenching event that unfolded in the serene surroundings of Phuket, a vibrant 28-year-old Ukrainian tourist, Veronika Kobzova, succumbed to a tragic accident in the early hours of May 31. What began as a seemingly joyful night turned into a fateful tale of misfortune, as Veronika, reveling in the bliss of her vacation, unwittingly strayed into dangerous territory. The sun had barely cast its first light when the tranquil neighborhood of Chalong was stirred by the sound of emergency sirens. It was 5 am when local police officers, led by the conscientious Police Lieutenant Kriangkrai Daokrajai, arrived at the villa estate nestled on Soi Sainamyen, prompted by a distress call marking another unfortunate incident. As the story unraveled, witnesses recalled the night’s events with a somber tone. Veronika, whose laughter had echoed through the corridors just moments before, was enjoying some drinks with her friends. However, the blissful rooftop…

In a surprising turn of events amidst a sea of digital whispers, the beloved Royal Thai Army has robustly refuted a cascade of viral online tales about the impending closure of 16 border checkpoints clasping hands with Cambodia. Major General Winthai Suvaree, the distinguished voice of the army, confronted the buzz with clarity and conviction on May 31, categorically denying such rumors linked to recent kerfuffles in Ubon Ratchathani, where territorial tempests have occasionally brewed. Like a guardian of goodwill, Maj. Gen. Winthai clarified, “We have not received reports regarding border closures.” His words were a soothing balm, echoing that previous closures were as rare as a blue moon and only unfolded when long-range threats loomed on the horizon. At present, the borders are as calm as a placid lake, with minor skirmishes deftly handled by Thai and Cambodian collaborators through harmonious bilateral accords. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub chimed in,…

While Thailand toasts to a hard-earned victory in slashing its smoking rate by nearly half over the past 33 years, the nation still grapples with the lingering economic repercussions of tobacco use, particularly within lower-income households. This enduring struggle was cast into the limelight by the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation (ASH) during the observance of World No-Tobacco Day, which dawned yesterday, May 31. Doctor Prakit Vathesatogkit, the ever-persistent chairman, brandished insights drawn from an exhaustive series of tobacco consumption surveys spanning the timeline from 1991 to 2024. An illuminating revelation was that the smoking rate among Thai adults nose-dived from a staggering 32% in 1991 to a more modest 16% by 2024. Among regions, the North shone as a beacon of success with a laudable 58% decrease, while the South seemed to hit the brakes, only managing a 29% reduction. Yet beyond the statistical triumphs lies a grimmer…

In the vibrant yet sometimes unpredictable tourist city of Pattaya, an unexpected drama unfolded this past Saturday, capturing the attention of both locals and visitors alike. Picture this: a showdown involving three Chinese nationals aged between 24 to 32, a heated financial dispute, and an impulsive moment leading to gunfire. Here’s how the day played out. The clock had barely struck noon when around 20 police officers, some clad in plain clothes, orchestrated a strategic operation to apprehend three individuals attempting to flee their rented abode. Nestled on Soi Khao Makok 6/4 in the tranquil Moo 4 village, their house had become the epicenter of a dramatic altercation that would pull this quiet corner of the world into the spotlight. The catalyst for this commotion? A heated disagreement paired with a rash use of a firearm. Reports came flying in just before hardware-store lunch break—a quarrel and gunfire erupting from…

In a vibrant city that never sleeps, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life harmonizes with its rich cultural tapestry, Bangkok stands as a testament to progress and possibility. As Governor Chadchart Sittipunt marks his third anniversary in office, the journey of transforming Bangkok into a “City of Opportunity and Hope” is both an ambitious challenge and an exhilarating adventure. Presented with enthusiasm at the illustrious Bangkok City Hall on May 7, the report highlights not only his administration’s strides but also areas ripe for further development. The Bangkokians have spoken, and in a recent survey by the esteemed National Institute of Development Administration (Nida Poll), their sentiments reveal a strong endorsement of Governor Chadchart’s performance. Between the sunny skies of May 15 and 21, 2,000 Bangkok residents cast their digital votes, representing a colorful spectrum of age, education, and income. The results? A chorus of approval despite some…

As the clock struck midnight on June 1st, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) sounded the alert for an expected deluge across the charming landscape of Thailand. If you’re nestled in one of the 28 provinces being forewarned—or in the bustling cityscape of Bangkok—be prepared for a soggy spectacle as heavy rain takes its dramatic stage. With moderate monsoon systems dancing across the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, it’s time for everyone to strap in and, quite literally, weather the storm. Excitement, and let’s admit, a tad bit of apprehension, is in the air as the weather forecast unrolls the next 24 hours’ itinerary. The Upper parts of Thailand, particularly the verdant northern and upper northeastern regions, are slated to receive generous offerings of heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms, ever dramatic and unpredictable, are expected to make surprise appearances in some southern locales, reminding residents to be vigilant against potential…

The heart of Bangkok is all set to beat a little faster this Sunday, as the vibrant and colorful Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 is poised to march through the city’s bustling streets. Imagine the spectacle as the rich tapestry of colors unfolds, with music echoing in the air and the smiles of participants lighting up the afternoon. However, in the midst of this joyful chaos, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) does have a gentle reminder for all commuters: it might be wise to steer clear of Rama I Road and its lively, crowded vicinity from 12pm to 6pm. The BMA’s friendly advisory isn’t just a friendly nudge; it’s a sage piece of advice, given the mammoth crowd that typically flocks to this celebration of diversity, equality, and love. The revelers will be taking over central Bangkok, promising significant traffic quagmires that could transform a simple drive into a marathon of…

In a tale echoing both intrigue and heartbreak, a peculiar discovery took place deep within the forested embrace of Ratchaburi province, Thailand. More than 20 innocent, young long-tailed macaques found themselves at the heart of an unsettling drama. Their cries, mistaken by locals for those of an abandoned infant, led to the revelation of a clandestine operation on June 1, 2025. Residents of the quaint Hin Kong subdistrict were first to stumble upon this curious incident. It was a typical day for Prae Kumkoet as he ventured into the woods, following an unyielding call of what he believed was a child in distress. To his astonishment, what he found instead were bags—blue mesh bags—hanging ominously amongst the verdant foliage, each home to one to three macaques, caught in a mesh of fear and unfamiliarity. Understanding the urgency, the community sprang into action. The imminent query was directed to Sirikhun Sangtaku,…

As the monsoon season heralds its arrival in Thailand in the year 2025, the streets of Bangkok are thrumming with a nervous energy akin to the quiet before a storm. This year, discussions revolve around what is shaping up to be a particularly formidable season, with rainfall levels already hinting at severe floods. Picture it: the iconic Phahon Yothin Road in the city’s heart submerged under torrents from heaven—a scene straight from a cinematic thriller. It’s a spectacle no one is keen to star in, and yet, residents brace themselves with leftover fears from previous flood-riddled years. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is on high alert, eyes glued to the forecasts, hands on deck with a slew of precautionary measures. Recent figures indicate April and May have surpassed historical rainfall averages—a statistic adding a ripple of urgency to the air. Meteorologists worldwide warn of a capricious climate, unpredictable and unforgiving,…