Posts published in “Thailand”

In a move poised to bridge the gap between government and the public, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is stepping on a bold communication stage by launching a monthly national broadcast. Aptly named “Empowering Thais,” this captivating broadcast is set to make its grand debut on a serene Sunday morning, precisely at 8am, airing on the state-managed NBT HD2 digital channel. A harmonious symphony of information will also resonate through radio networks helmed by the Public Relations Department, alongside the buzzing world of state-owned social media platforms. In the local dialect, this enlightening program is christened “Okat Thai Kub Nayok Paetongtarn,” and it promises to charm audiences on the first Sunday of each month. Heralding this novel concept, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub revealed that the prime minister aims to engage her citizens with a compelling narrative. Ms. Paetongtarn will shed light on the myriad policies that are shaping the nation’s future…

The brouhaha surrounding the refugee crisis has taken another turn, as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai gently derails Fair Party list-MP Kannavee Suebsang’s well-meaning proposal to provide employment to refugees. Describing the proposition as “unfeasible,” Mr. Phumtham unraveled the complexities of this delicate matter yesterday, addressing the strategic quandary imposed by America’s decision to pull the purse strings for hospitals at nine refugee camps festooning the Thailand-Myanmar border. Thailand, a haven for the displaced, warmly embraced refugees for decades, now finds itself in a conundrum, Mr. Phumtham illuminated. With Uncle Sam cutting the financial cord, the burden of nurturing these camps creeps up Thailand’s shoulder. But fret not, for the International Rescue Committee and the always diplomatic United Nations shoulder part of this onerous responsibility. Mr. Phumtham murmured reassurance that dialogues were afoot, with the UN poised to parley with US President Donald Trump, the architect of…

Power lines stretched taut like guitar strings hum with electricity, weaving their way from the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province into the mysterious terrains of Tachilek, nestled in Shan state, Myanmar. These connectors of modern civilization are more than mere physical wires—they represent a complex situation brewing at the border, where geography meets geopolitics, and where electricity might hold a key to combating a new-age nemesis: call-centre scammers. The government of Thailand stands on a precipice, contemplating a decision that could send ripples across borders. To cut or not to cut electricity supplies to Myanmar remains the burning question. The sinister operations of call-centre scams, believed to thrive in the shadowy fringes of Myanmar along the Thai border, have cast a long shadow over bilateral relations. These operations, often suspected of being shielded by ethnic armed groups, pose not just a cross-border financial threat, but also a reputational…

When the corridors of power in Washington DC are buzzing more frantically than a beehive in the height of pollination season, it’s usually about something severe—perhaps a financial downturn or those confounding income taxes. Yet, on a day not long past, the eye of the storm was none other than TikTok, the app renowned for its kaleidoscope of whimsical dancing feline videos and short, snappy clips. Donald Trump, in his much-anticipated return to the White House, made headlines by unleashing an executive blitz to press pause on the looming ban of TikTok. Applause echoed across the digital landscape—from content creators fearing digital Armageddon to executives at the Chinese-owned corporate behemoth. Amid the jubilant cheers, a foreboding shadow lingers: what some dub the ‘TikTokalypse.’ However, such fears might be misplaced, rooted not in reality but in misconceptions about the app’s security risks and the internet’s resilience. TikTok, with its staggering 170…

As the crisp winter air settled over the scenic landscapes of Davos, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 sprang into action, bringing together some of the planet’s most brilliant minds in finance and technology. One such luminary beamed among the constellation of global leaders was Jirayut “Topp” Srupsrisopa, the founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co, who skillfully represented Thailand’s burgeoning presence in the digital asset realm. At the heart of this influential gathering, Mr. Jirayut took his seat amid a dynamic panel discussion titled “Assets: From Concrete to Ether,” welcoming conversations that would ripple through the financial world. The panel featured other trailblazers such as Ola Doudin, co-founder and CEO of BitOasis; Jeremy Allaire, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Circle Internet Financial; and Marc Bayle de Jessé, CEO of CLS Bank International. Orchestrating this assembly of thought leaders was Xin Guan, the adept news anchor…

In a scene teeming with emotion and relief, Wiwwaro Sriaoun, a resilient 53-year-old mother from the tranquil Kut Yang village in Thailand’s Udon Thani province, found herself enveloped in a whirlwind of emotions. Her son, Watchara Sriaoun, had been swept into the terrifying chaos during the fateful events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas executed a deadly assault. Leaning on her relative for support, tears mingled with smiles of joy as she watched the news unfold, confirming her son’s release from Gaza. It was a day she and her family will never forget. On this day, half a world away, the airwaves buzzed from Jerusalem to Thailand with long-awaited good news: the Israeli military announced a successful operation, bringing two Israeli and five Thai hostages safely back into Israeli territory. Among the freed were the brave Thai nationals: Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak. Their…

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has extended her profound admiration to the two shining stars of the 2024 Prince Mahidol Award, whose groundbreaking work stands as a testament to the boundless potential of human ingenuity to uplift humanity. The grandeur of the Chakri Throne Hall, nestled within the majestic Grand Palace, served as the ornate backdrop for this illustrious ceremony, with the princess stepping in as the esteemed representative of His Majesty the King. With a heartwarming welcome, she celebrated the magnificent contributions of Professor Tony Hunter and Professor Jonathan P Shepherd. Professor Tony Hunter, a visionary British-American biologist with a penchant for pushing the boundaries of medical science, was honored in the field of medicine. His brilliance lights up the halls of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he holds the title of Professor of Biology, alongside his esteemed role as an Adjunct Professor at the…

As the golden hues of the rising sun paint the silhouette of the iconic Bhumibol Bridge in Bangkok, a familiar haze hangs in the morning air. It’s not merely an aesthetic flourish; the haze is a reminder of the persistent air pollution challenge that the vibrant city faces. On January 26, 2025, this chronic issue prompted the government to announce an ambitious “no-burn” policy, aimed at throttling down the smoke and bringing back clear skies. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stepped before the microphones to explain the urgency of this directive. With scientific forecasts predicting stagnant air conditions persisting up till February 3, the urgency was clear. “Immediate action is imperative,” Mr. Jirayu articulated, referencing how the particulate matter levels, known ominously as PM2.5, could swell to health-threatening peaks without decisive intervention. To tackle pollution where it starts, Mr. Jirayu, advisor to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee, declared a…

In a determined dance with destiny, the government has announced a bold move to tackle the ever-menacing air pollution problem through a resolute “no-burn” policy. This decision, announced with a fitting grandeur by government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, arrives as a preventive measure in response to forecasted stagnation in air circulation that threatens to accentuate the PM2.5 predicament until February 3rd. Amidst this atmospheric intrigue, Mr. Jirayu, who moonlights as an adviser to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee, revealed that a nationwide prohibition on burning activities is now in effect. As pollution’s origins are tackled head-on, the committee has ramped up measures in regions identified with heightened air pollution, committing to purity and respite. Local authorities are instructed to march forth with strict enforcement, ensuring an active feedback loop on progress back to the committee. In a harmonious symphony of strategy and care, the committee has enlisted the Public…

In a chilling turn of events, the serene waters near Ao Por, Pa Khlok became the focus of a grim investigation as Thai authorities launched their probe into the mysterious death of 31-year-old Thanyawit Thahanthai. The young crewman was discovered lifeless, floating in the azure tides, sending ripples of unease through the local community. As the date stamped January 29, marked the unfolding of this tragic event, questions began swirling in the gentle sea breeze. Thanyawit, a diligent crewman on a renowned tour boat, was last accounted for the preceding evening, known to be residing aboard the very vessel that employed his skills. The night hummed along as he shared a meal with the captain and mechanic. Yet, with the break of day, there was no sign of him – a void left unfilled during the morning activities on deck. Before any alarm could sound, word came swift and severe:…