The bustling streets of Bangkok came alive with an air of excitement and hope last July, as parents and their children eagerly flocked to the Equitable Education Fund’s ‘Mobile School’ Open House in the heart of the Klong Toey slum community. The scene was one of animation, with children darting around, parents exchanging stories, and a palpable sense of possibility wafting through the warm afternoon air. In what can only be described as a monumental push against educational inequality, the Ministry of Education of Thailand has adopted an innovative initiative known as the Thailand Zero Dropout policy. This noble endeavor aims to usher as many school dropouts back into the educational fold as possible. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. A detailed survey conducted by the Ministry revealed a staggering platform. In 2024 alone, an astonishing 1,025,514 children between the tender ages of 3-18 had unfortunately dropped out…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The New Year celebrations, with all their fiery splendor, didn’t go quite as planned for some unfortunate party-goers in Thailand this year. Amidst the air filled with cheers and the sky lit with breathtaking fireworks, some explosions went awry, turning the halcyon festivities into chaotic scenes, especially in Nakhon Ratchasima and Pattaya, where four individuals were injured in explosive incidents. In the picturesque province of Nakhon Ratchasima, known for its lush landscapes, the celebrations took a grim turn. The night was meant to be a joyous occasion, with communities coming together to usher in the New Year. However, in the districts of Wang Nam Khieo and Chalerm Prakiart, the sparkle of fireworks quickly escalated into a night of peril. Somyos Butsadee, a 35-year-old resident of the Udomsappattana housing estate in Wang Nam Khieo, found himself at the epicenter of a frightening explosion. What was supposed to be a moment of…
In the land of smiles and political intrigue, a new chapter unfolds as Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the charismatic opposition leader, promises to sift through the sands of governance with the precision of a watchmaker scrutinizing the gears. His focus? None other than the mysterious machinations potentially orchestrated by Pheu Thai’s so-called mastermind, Thaksin Shinawatra. And as the shadows flicker, a question looms large and bold: Is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the enigmatic figure at the forefront, the real puppet master of the kingdom? Amidst the valor of Tuesday’s bustling press conference, our hero, Natthaphong, brandished his eloquence like a sword, cutting through the haze to evaluate the coalition government’s adventurous journey over the past twelve months. What he found was a peculiar political matrimony—a coalition’s “marriage of convenience” born amidst the clashing sounds of Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai’s ideological swords. Such discord, he argued, hampered the swift passage of ambitious policies. As if…
In the heart of Thailand’s intricate political landscape, one figure stands at the helm of the Defense Ministry, navigating its complex corridors with both caution and determination. Meet Phumtham Wechayachai, a man whose past affiliation with the Communist Party of Thailand might seem like an unlikely precursor to his current role as Defense Minister. As a deputy prime minister as well, Phumtham has stepped into his dual roles with a keen awareness of the challenges that lie ahead. Since embarking on his defense ministry journey on September 3rd, Phumtham has been candid about the hurdles he faces. “Yes, there have been some shortcomings,” he confides with a blend of humility and resolve. The minister acknowledges that several persistent issues remain unaddressed, acting as nagging reminders of the work yet to be done. However, he remains undeterred, asserting, “We have to start somewhere and deal with the problems based on our…
The sun-drenched Southeast Asia is bustling with economic growth, vibrant cultures, and promises of a brighter future. Yet, lurking in the shadows is the pressing challenge of climate change—a challenge that has prompted a unique and spirited collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Introducing the region-saving hero: the Green Transition Investment Initiative. Like a gust of fresh, sustainable air, this initiative aims to not just address, but to elegantly pirouette around the climate obstacles faced by this indispensable part of the world. Sarah Tiffin, the UK Ambassador to ASEAN, recently dished out all the exciting details in a lively conversation with the Bangkok Post. Picture this: a world where bustling streets with street food vendors coexist with lush greenery, where skyscrapers have solar hats and electric vehicles hum melodiously in harmony with nature. This vision is not a fantasy but a work…
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is a man on a mission, striving to bring a fresh perspective to the corridors of power within Thailand’s Defence Ministry. As he juggles the roles of both Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham acknowledges the weight of the challenges he faces, candidly admitting that some pestering issues remain untamed under his watch. Reflecting on his performance since he took the helm of the ministry on September 3, Phumtham has had to confront certain setbacks. “We’ve faced some rough patches and not everything has gone according to plan,” he admits with transparency. However, he remains determined, seeing each challenge as an opportunity to deepen his understanding and refine his approach. Gone are the days of his fiery university years when his viewpoints clashed sharply with military perspectives. Now, as the minister, Phumtham is seeing the military through a transformative lens. “Being in this position is…
Picture a vibrant classroom buzzing with energy as young minds rediscover the joy of learning—a testament to Thailand’s unwavering commitment to educational inclusivity. This year, the Ministry of Education embarked on an ambitious endeavor to reintegrate over 360,000 children back into schools, a cornerstone of the Thailand Zero Dropout initiative. As the crisp December air of 2024 filled with the echoes of new beginnings, the country’s determination to tackle its educational dropout rates was as palpable as ever. A meticulous survey conducted by the Ministry unearthed a somber statistic: a staggering 1,025,514 children, aged between 3 and 18, had stepped away from the traditional educational pathway this year. Of these, 767,304 were Thai children, with the remainder hailing from various countries. The good news? An impressive 365,231 Thai students—approximately 47.6%—found their way back to school, rekindling their pursuit of knowledge. For children of non-Thai nationality, while the numbers were lower,…
The Interior Ministry is shaking things up with a dynamic reform of provincial administrations across the nation. With a diligent eye on public welfare, security, social affairs, and the bustling realm of economic activity, they’ve introduced four deputy governors tasked with steering these critical areas into the future. According to spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul, Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, has laid out this strategic plan to help the ministry adapt to the ever-evolving social and economic landscapes this year. To put these plans into action, the ministry has revamped its provincial administration. Each provincial governor is now backed by four hardworking deputies to turbocharge administrative duties. The first deputy gets their hands busy with security concerns, tackling the suppression of crimes that threaten the peace, informal debt, and the ominous shadow of illicit drugs. This is a crucial role given the ever-present challenges to societal…
In the tranquil setting of Nan province, a significant conversation unfolds as Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, the Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), and pharmacist Wiboonchai Pantip discuss the future of Thailand’s healthcare at a local clinic. Their focus? The growth of an “innovative health services” scheme designed to elevate both the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare under the universal coverage plan. This progressive extension into patient-centered services demands an intricate balancing act between practical patient needs and efficient resource management. During the visit, Dr. Jadej emphasized the importance of incorporating feedback from local practitioners – the very individuals tasked with the day-to-day execution of this ambitious program initiated earlier in the year. With its aims set on curtailing healthcare costs, easing hospital congestion, and reducing lengthy wait times, this scheme is more than just a policy; it’s a lifeline for many. Dr. Jadej succinctly captured the scheme’s essence,…
In a bold move aimed at addressing the looming challenges of climate change, the United Kingdom has launched a pioneering green transition investment initiative, targeting partnerships with the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean). Southeast Asia, renowned for its vibrant economic dynamics, has also been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate-induced shifts, a concern echoed by Sarah Tiffin, the UK Ambassador to Asean, during a recent Bangkok visit. This partnership underscores the shared commitment between the UK and Asean to transition towards a sustainable and resilient future, amidst an era of rapid economic expansion. The joint venture kicked off with the Asean Green Investment Catalyst initiative, a collaboration between the UK and the United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap). This initiative is a rallying call to inject sustainable foreign direct investment across Southeast Asia, endeavoring to harness the power…