In a recent turn of events, medical staff at Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital swiftly responded to a seismic scare, ensuring the safe evacuation of patients after a robust earthquake originating in Myanmar sent tremors rippling across Thailand, reaching as far as Bangkok, on March 28. Chanat Katanyu reported the scene vividly, capturing a tense moment where professionals stood bravely united. Amid the backdrop of this tectonic commotion, Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, is set to renew his call for a 9-million-baht investment to arm eight major high-rise hospitals in the city with state-of-the-art earthquake measurement devices. This initiative isn’t new but rather a renaissance of an earlier proposal which faced a snub from the Bangkok City Council in September 2023, possibly due to an underestimated need for urgency. However, one’s foresight can be prone to short-sightedness when Mother Nature decides to remind us of her might. “Truth be told, back then, the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling heart of Chatuchak district, Bangkok, a dramatic scene unfolded that seemed straight out of a suspense thriller. As cranes swung into action at the site of the toppled State Audit Office (SAO) building, the rumble of heavy machinery was soon matched by an even louder uproar reverberating across social media landscape. The reason? An eyebrow-raising list of opulent furniture costs meant for the now-defunct construction. The Facebook page “STRONG Anti-Corruption Thailand” — a fiery watchdog with a formidable following of over 180,000 eager digital watchdogs — had the pleasure of blowing the whistle. On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday, they decided to roll up their sleeves and dish out a mouth-watering, spicy exposé. Their appetizer? The bafflingly high expenditure details for SAO’s luxurious office furniture and fittings, an outrage enough to leave an Italian opera singer speechless. But just what made the populace spit their morning coffee right…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, an imposing crane looms over the once-stalwart structure of the State Audit Office, now reduced to rubble by the unrelenting tremors of last Friday’s earthquake. As if the very earth had sought to underscore the scandal unfolding, a meticulous tally of luxuriously excessive spending on the Office’s new construction has ignited a wildfire of indignation across digital landscapes. The STRONG Anti-Corruption Thailand Facebook page, a hub for over 180,000 avid watchdogs of fiscal propriety, laid bare staggering details of the palace that was to house public scrutiny. This revelation was not without its drama—it was the stuff of investigative thrillers, a sequel in the endless saga of transparency and embezzlement suspicions. The riveting post delved into exorbitant expenses that bordered on the absurd, each price tag a dramatic gasp inducing line item in a screenplay of impudence. Picture this: A chair, no…
In a rather intriguing turn of events, Thitikan Thitipruethikul, a devoted People’s Party (PP) MP representing the scenic haven of Phuket, has stirred waves by petitioning the House Committee on Natural and Public Disasters Prevention and Mitigation (NPDPM). The bone of contention? The mysterious vanishing act of two vital tsunami warning towers within Thalang district. You see, these aren’t just any towers; tower WH09 stood guard at the picturesque Mai Khao Beach, while tower WH10 kept watch over the sun-kissed sands of Le Phang Beach. Concerned residents tipped off Mr. Thitikan about this astonishing disappearance, and upon revisiting the sites on December 12th, he discovered that both towers had indeed vanished without leaving a note behind. A perplexing episode indeed! The plot thickens as Phuket’s governor, the illustrious Sophon Suwannarat, entered the narrative stage with revelations of epic proportions. Just this past Monday, he assured his audience that these towers…
In an unprecedented move towards empowering financial security for its citizens, Thailand’s Parliament has given a unanimous nod to a groundbreaking initiative. The stage is set for a transformative amendment to the National Savings Fund (NSF) Act of 2011, introducing a novel twist to retirement planning—a “retirement lottery.” This powerful initiative is designed to kindle the spark of retirement savings among the populace, allowing the NSF to step into the enchanting and often unpredictable world of lottery tickets. The parliamentary session that saw this motion unfold was skillfully presided over by none other than Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangpan. It was a day when the echoes of consensus filled the legislative halls as MPs across the board rallied behind the bill, recognizing its potential to cement financial security for Thailand’s ageing population. At the heart of this initiative’s design stands Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. In an address laden with…
It was a splendid day at the Government House when an aura of enthusiasm filled the air as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended a warm welcome to Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Amidst the sound of cheerful conversations and the click-clack of pens on official documents, the day marked a significant milestone in the diplomatic chronicles of Thailand and Nepal. It was an occasion loaded with anticipation, as a total of eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements were finalized between the two nations. These MoUs herald a new era of cooperation across several vital areas such as tourism and education, setting a promising tone for a prosperous partnership. Both leaders, brimming with optimism, signed a MoU on state cooperation, as heralded by the government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. The strategic rendezvous was a part of the Nepali PM’s visit to the kingdom, just ahead of the 6th Bay of…
In a vibrant display of civic engagement, anti-casino demonstrators took to the streets at the Government House on March 27, their voices a chorus against the proposed casino-entertainment complex project. As the sun casts a warm glow over the passionate crowd, one might mistake the assembly for a festive gathering rather than a protest, yet the fervor for a serious cause is palpable. This unfolding saga will soon advance to the Senate, where a committee is poised to delve into the multifaceted impacts of the Casino and Entertainment Complex Bill. The House of Representatives is eagerly eyeing this bill for review in the coming week. Pisit Apiwattanapong, the astute senator and spokesperson for the Senate committee on Senate affairs, revealed that two pivotal motions related to this project have secured spots on the agenda for the April 8 meeting. As anticipation builds, senators prepare to engage in robust debate and…
While there’s a widely held belief that many animals possess an uncanny sixth sense for predicting natural disasters, one particular dog in Thailand comically shattered this myth during the recent tremor felt in Bangkok. Meet Echo, the lovable Samoyed who turned what could have been a panic-stricken evacuation into an internet sensation with her rather unconventional response to the quake. In a TikTok video that has racked up over 5 million views, Echo’s owner can be seen in the throes of an “it’s time to get out of here” moment. Panic in the air, adrenaline pumping, she attempts to coax her 32-kilogram fluffy friend into action. But Echo, in an ultimate display of indifference, simply refused to be roused from her serene slumber, sprawled comfortably on the ground amidst vibrating furniture and frantic feet. As the owner desperately tries to rouse the snoozing Samoyed by tugging at her front leg,…
In the aftermath of the recent earthquake, Thailand finds itself at a pivotal moment. As the ground beneath has settled, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up to shake the dust off the nation’s tourism industry. The pressingly urgent task at hand? Restoring the dented confidence of both local and international travelers, while ensuring every guest feels not just welcome, but supremely safe and secure. Held under the astute guidance of Minister Sorawong Thienthong, a critical meeting drew together the best minds from government sectors and the private sphere. The gathering witnessed eager participation from key figures like representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the ever-vigilant Tourist Police, and top contributors from the Association of Thai Travel Agents and Thai Hotels Association. All eyes were on formulating a vision that keeps Thailand not just as a dot on the map, but as a beacon of tourism…
Picture this: The vast expanse of the Lam Takhong Reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima province. It lies a majestic but worrying image, clutching onto a mere 18% of its water capacity. But don’t let this sight alarm you just yet, as hope sails on the horizon according to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). They’ve confidently piped up that this year, for Thailand at least, drought is not on the agenda! Surprisingly upbeat despite the dry season’s brush with brevity, ends in April! But hold onto your umbrellas, folks, as summer storms accompanied by splashes of heightened rainfall are making a grand entrance soon. Sleuths of drought risks were nowhere to be sniffed out, which definitely keeps the water ghosts at bay. Surasri Kidtimonton, the ONWR’s secretary-general, nudged northerners to keep their eyes peeled for storm warnings. The Meteorological Department projects the North to get prime rainy seatings with…