In the vibrant heart of Chatuchak district, Bangkok, where life buzzes with energy and vibrancy, lies Suan Rod Fai—also known fondly as Wachirabenjathat Park. It’s a verdant sanctuary where you’ll spot local residents in brightly colored sneakers and sweatbands, diligently hopping on and off various fitness apparatuses. The air is perpetually infused with a spirit of vitality. It was here, in this very atmosphere of well-being, that whispers of a rather dramatic procurement scandal began echoing last year amidst the cacophony of chirping birds and gym-goers’ banter. Now, let’s rewind to a saga of suspense and gripping anticipation that began in June last year. The scene was set when the illustrious governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, launched an intensive probe into what was rumored to be a sleazy patchwork of graft revolving around exercise equipment procurements for not one, but seven recreational and sports centers peppered across Bangkok’s sprawling expanse.…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a heart-wrenching plea, the family of a young man from Loei, Thailand, who met a tragic end in Japan, is desperately seeking assistance from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The family is calling for her help to ensure the safe return of their loved one’s body to his homeland. This impassioned request was initiated by Nannaphat Tanming, the victim’s aunt, who reached out to the Loei Independent Media Club to amplify her family’s cries for justice and closure. The young man in question, 25-year-old Kornnaphat Promsung, was discovered lifeless behind a Thai restaurant in the bustling city of Hiroshima. This discovery came a distressing month after his family had reported him missing, a devastating blow marking the end of a nerve-wracking period of uncertainty and anguish for those who loved him. Kornnaphat had traveled to Hiroshima in 2022 as part of a promising training program with Chuzosho Co Ltd and…
As hazy days envelop Bangkok under a thick cloak of smog on January 23, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to take significant strides toward tackling the city’s haze dilemma. Upon her return from the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, over the past weekend, she declared that the surging pollution crisis knows no borders, urging a collective global effort to mitigate it. Prime Minister Paetongtarn evidently means business as Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is set to engage in discussions with ASEAN to foster regional cooperation for combating this prevalent menace. According to the candid account delivered by government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, the upcoming cabinet meeting on Tuesday is shaping up to be a haze-busting extravaganza with PM2.5 pollution at the forefront of discussions. Monday’s revelation unfolded as Mr. Jirayu announced the plan to review actions impressed upon various ministries since October of the previous year. Crucial players in this…
As vibrant lanterns and striking decorations engulf Bangkok’s Chinatown, visitors have flocked to join the exhilarating celebration of the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 29. The bustling streets are alive with travelers who have arrived to shop, feast on delectable dishes, or perhaps seek blessings from Chinese deities for an auspicious year ahead. The district has turned into a grand tapestry of lights, with a resplendent dragon-shaped light installation and vibrant floral arrangements capturing everyone’s gaze. With the weekend’s fanfare, the district commemorated the auspicious opening of two grandly embellished archways – Vajirasathit 72 Phansa and Vajirathamrong 72 Phansa – to honor the 72nd birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. This landmark event adds to the festive spirit, filling hearts with joy and appreciation. This year, an extra layer of festivity envelops Yaowarat, as it plays host to the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between…
The magnificent EM District recently teamed up with the Chinese Embassy, various government agencies, and numerous private partners to host an exceptional Chinese New Year celebration. This event was designed to shine a spotlight on the remarkable 50-year diplomatic relationship shared between Thailand and China. The highlight of these spectacular festivities was undoubtedly the breathtaking display of over 3,000 panda sculptures that were artfully distributed throughout the EM District and the lush surroundings of Benjasiri Park. As visitors wandered through the panda-adorned pathways, the scene was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of art and culture, offering both locals and tourists a unique opportunity to capture unforgettable memories. These charming panda installations served as a powerful symbol of harmony and unity, epitomizing the connection between the two nations. This grand celebration not only paid homage to the enduring friendship between Thailand and China, but it also elevated the traditional Chinese New…
In a heartwarming tale blending concern, hope, and just a touch of international camaraderie, the tale of Kuay Tiew—a spirited cat from Thailand’s rustic Buriram province—unravels like a drama worthy of gripping reels on Netflix. Last week in the tranquil setting of Isaan, our feline protagonist found herself in a harrowing ordeal. With an ill-intentioned harpoon piercing her right eye and leg, Kuay Tiew’s future looked bleak. Her owner, the 68-year-old Narong Sookprasert, faced the harsh reality of veterinary bills his modest means simply couldn’t cover. Narong’s immediate recourse was the Wang Kood Rescue Foundation, opting for their compassionate aid over conventional vet services. As the community huddled in dismay, suspicions surfaced pointing fingers at members of a minority group famed for their bizarre belief that cat meat boosts warmth better than any winter coat. While Narong narrated his nocturnal awakening by a disquieted feline’s cry and the unsettling whir…
The heart-wrenching mystery surrounding the disappearance of Kornnaphat “Nat” Promsung has cast a somber shadow over what seemed to be a promising chapter in the young Thai student’s life. Nat, a 25-year-old intern in Japan, was on the cusp of concluding a three-year program at the Hiroshima Sokeisai Cooperative Society Centre and was eagerly anticipating his return to his homeland Thailand. Tragedy struck when his lifeless body was discovered inside a Thai restaurant in Japan, sparking outrage and suspicion among his loved ones. Nat’s aunt, Nannaphat Tanming, has been rallying for justice, urging Thai news outlets to broadcast her nephew’s plight in hopes of prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other pertinent departments to dig deeper into the perplexing circumstances of Nat’s untimely demise. Before fate cruelly altered his course, Nat had completed his higher vocational education at Loei Technical College. His journey to Japan was a blend of…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, where the vibrant energy never ceases, there was a different kind of hustle and bustle on this particular Monday morning. A graceful dance of efficiency was taking place at BTS stations like Asoke, with employees passionately distributing free train tickets. Imagine the shuffling of hurried feet and the exchange of smiles as these tickets were handed out. It was all part of the government’s bold initiative to offer free public transport as a means to curtail the notorious air pollution looming over Bangkok’s skyline. This initiative saw an astounding increase in train ridership, surging by a whopping 60% on a Sunday, typically a day of leisure. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) reported this surge on Tuesday, with the DRT’s director-general, Pichet Kunathammarak, delighting in the statistics. On this day, Sunday saw an impressive 1,549,622 trips on the electric train network, a unrivaled figure…
In the intricate dance of diplomacy, every step must be choreographed with precision, and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has found himself right in the middle of such a delicate performance. On a rather typical Monday, during a Senate session led by the astute deputy Senate speaker, Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, Maris eloquently addressed the prickly subject of a 26,000-square-kilometer maritime puzzle that lies embroiled in a web of overlapping claims between Thailand and its neighbor, Cambodia. As the topic of tides and territorial waters took the spotlight, Senator Yukol Chanawatpanya eagerly probed the progress of a newly anticipated Joint Technical Committee (JTC) tasked with navigating the choppy waters of what could be a cross-border conundrum. To the Senate’s curiosity, Maris calmly revealed that the anticipated JTC was still adrift, floating in a sea of legislative procedures that required parliamentary approvals before setting sail. This maritime mystery, set against the picturesque backdrop…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, especially within the vibrant locales like Din Daeng district, you’ll often spot swarms of food delivery riders zipping past high-rise condominiums, delivering a delightful array of cuisines to hungry city dwellers. This scene, which was captured brilliantly back in 2021 by photographer Nutthawat Wichieanbut, embodies the pulse of the city’s gig economy. Fast forward to 2025, and these gig workers—alongside their digital compatriots, including YouTubers and social media influencers—are under a crucial advisory from the government regarding their financial responsibilities. The government, not missing a beat, has issued a gentle yet firm reminder to these freelancers that their 2024 personal income tax forms must be filed by March 31. The stakes are high, with the consequences of negligence ranging from substantial fines that can soar to a staggering 200,000 baht, to the grave prospect of a seven-year stint behind bars. Deputy Government Spokesman, Karom…