The Transport Ministry is gearing up to embark on a slew of pivotal public transportation ventures this year, contingent upon the cabinet giving the green light. This initiative aims to drastically enhance the nation’s connectivity, a vision championed by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Among the array of projects on the docket are the expansion of the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) fabled Dark Red and Light Red lines, alongside an ambitious second phase of double-track enhancements on vital routes in the North, Northeast, and South of the country. All in all, we’re talking about a gargantuan investment of 319 billion baht to bring these transformative projects to fruition. So, what’s the highlight reel, you ask? First up, we’ve got the Dark Red electric commuter rail line, primed for an 8.84-kilometer stretch that will seamlessly connect Rangsit to the esteemed Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus. This project received the nod of approval…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The vibrant realm of online gambling is poised for a significant shift in Thailand, and at the forefront of this transformation is Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. As the torchbearer for this controversial yet potentially lucrative endeavor, Mr. Prasert calls upon officials from all relevant ministries to synchronize their discussions and efforts to breathe life into this ambitious plan. During a spirited meeting on Monday, Mr. Prasert, who also holds the esteemed position of the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister, announced that an official study into the intricacies of legalizing online gambling is set to conclude in the coming months. The anticipation builds as this move could redefine not only the economy but also the social fabric of the nation. The conversation gained momentum following former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s remarks in the picturesque locale of Chiang Rai. Thaksin passionately argued that bringing online gambling into the regulatory fold,…
In the vibrant heart of Phuket, a picturesque island known for its stunning beaches and lively ambiance, an unsettling incident unfolded that could easily be mistaken for a plot from a high-stakes thriller. This tale involves an unfortunate twist of fate for a Russian visitor, who found himself ensnared in a menacing scheme that left him not only lighter in the wallet but also grappling with the shadows of a past he’d hoped to leave behind. The evening commenced like any other leisurely Sunday, with the sun setting over the Andaman Sea, casting vibrant hues across the skyline. Our protagonist, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery, was nestled comfortably in his hotel room located in the tranquil corners of tambon Karon, Muang district. However, tranquility was short-lived when, at the hour of 8pm, an abrupt knock shattered the evening’s calm. Upon opening the door, expecting perhaps a friendly staff member…
In the heart of Bang Khunthian district, an ambitious endeavor is underway — a quest to maintain harmony between residents and their furry neighbors, the macaques. Leading this charge with aplomb is the district chief, Passara Natheethong, who has unveiled plans to neuter up to 100 macaques in the forthcoming month, building upon an ongoing initiative that saw 122 of these cheeky primates undergo the procedure throughout 2024. The district, renowned as a macaque haven, estimates a population of 330 free-roaming macaques frolicking across three iconic spots: the Khun Kala monument, Thian Thalay community, and the bustling Ua Samae Dam Arthorn housing estate. The latter hosts the biggest contingent of these primates, boasting a headcount of 136, as reported by the ever-vigilant Ms. Passara. This meticulous population control is orchestrated by the symmetric skills of the DNPWPC, or for those not privy to governmental acronyms, the Department of National Parks,…
Picture this: the gates of Government House swing wide open, an invitation to the nation’s youngest heroes for a day filled with laughter, learning, and perhaps a dash of future political ambition. Yes, it’s that time of year again—National Children’s Day! The excitement is palpable as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to host this cherished event on a Saturday that promises to be anything but ordinary. This year, the festivities are poised to surpass all expectations. The Prime Minister’s Office is pulling out all the stops, curating an array of activities that not only promise fun but also encourage a sense of civic engagement and democratic curiosity in young hearts and minds. Curious little ones will have the exceptional opportunity to sit in the prestigious PM’s chair within the historic Thai Khu Fah Building. Yes, they can momentarily rule the nation—at least in the realm of make-believe—as they roleplay as…
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand’s bustling hub of economic ambition, is gearing up to make 2025 a landmark year by attracting a jaw-dropping 100 billion baht in investments. Chula Sukmanop, the spirited secretary-general of the EEC Office, is leading the charge. He confidently asserts that they’ll lock in these hefty investments by year-end, with a lion’s share coming from proactive businesses eager to capitalize on the bounteous privileges offered by the EEC. “We’ve set our sights high, and we’re going to get there,” declares Mr. Chula with the zeal of a visionary. He’s a man on a mission to galvanize companies into action, ensuring that those granted the coveted EEC privileges are ready to roll up their sleeves and invest robustly and comprehensively. The incentives are as tempting as sunshine in the land of smiles, and Mr. Chula knows just how to wield them to turn dreams of economic…
In the ever-buzzing heart of Bangkok lies the Erawan Shrine, a beacon of devotion and tradition amidst the urban hustle. Nearby, the city’s metropolitan rhythms are echoed in the bustling pathways of Pathumwan district, where street vendors once peppered the sidewalks, offering everything from sizzling street food to handcrafted trinkets. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has recently put their foot down to ensure the preservation of these pavements—no longer just for the benefit of the foot traffic, but to maintain the city’s aura of cleanliness and accessibility. The rules of the pavement tango have changed, as the BMA has officially cancelled street vending in two pivotal locales in Pathumwan. The first being Ton Son on Ploenchit Road, previously a market haven for 17 lively vendors. The second is right in front of the Siam Scape building, where nine more street sellers buzzed about until they too, were courteously asked to…
In the bustling corridors of political power, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul finds himself once again at the center of a swirling controversy, valiantly defending the actions of the Ministry of Interior in the complex Khao Kradong land dispute. Amidst the grand setting of an Upper House meeting, a pointed inquiry comes forth from Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, casting a spotlight on the investigative maneuvers of the Department of Lands (DoL) concerning this tangled affair. On a serene day in March 2023, the Central Administrative Court issued a command that embroiled the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the DoL in a joint task — to demarcate the contentious boundaries of the Khao Kradong region in Buri Ram province. Spanning an expanse of 5,083 rai, this land has long been a focal point of friction, with 900 land titles stirring up a tempest, 12 deeds — collectively accounting for 179 rai…
In recent times, there’s been an unsettling surge in cases of a menacing condition locally referred to as “hearing loss fever.” This rising health concern is attributed to the consumption of raw or undercooked pork, an irresistible delicacy for some but not without its risks. The alarming uptick, especially noted over the extended holiday period in several provinces, has prompted health experts to urge caution and prudence. Among those sounding the alarm is Dr. Taweechai Visanuyothin, the esteemed director of the Department of Disease Control’s Regional Office 9, located in the vibrant city of Nakhon Ratchasima. With his finger on the pulse of public health, Dr. Taweechai has been an outspoken advocate for awareness as more individuals have shown symptoms after indulging in inadequately prepared pork. He cites a worrisome statistic from January of last year to the beginning of this year: 197 reported cases of the disease, accompanied by…
In the ever-evolving world of political intrigue, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently found himself addressing swirling rumors and setting the record straight. The seasoned politician took center stage on Monday to emphatically reassure the public that the coalition parties are rock-solid as ever, dismissing any murmurs about an impending cabinet reshuffle as nothing more than baseless gossip. “Ridiculous,” he declared with a touch of exasperation, urging media outlets to rely on credible sources, lest they inadvertently become pawns in the political chess game, spreading confusion that nobody needs. This latest bout of speculation was trigged by whispers concerning the energy minister and United Nations Party (UTN) leader, Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga. Thaksin Shinawatra, often seen as the enigmatic puppet master behind the Pheu Thai Party, swiftly entered the fray on Sunday, quashing any idea that Mr. Pirapan would be ousted or that a cabinet reshuffle was on the cards.…