Posts published in “Thailand”

In the latest chapter of an intriguing urban saga that has spanned the better part of a decade, former Senator Rosana Tositrakul has reignited calls for an overdue justice in the high-rise heart of Bangkok. With a sharp ultimatum on her Facebook post this Sunday, Rosana turned up the heat on Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, demanding a swift demolition of the Aetas condo—a towering 21-storey structure whose fate was sealed by the court’s decision a full ten years ago. The crux of the matter? A long-standing legal battle anchored on a breach of the Building Control Act, whose resolution seems to have been lost amidst the administrative shuffle. The Supreme Administrative Court’s order for immediate demolition of the behemoth on Soi Ruamrudee has been caught in limbo, mirroring an unusual persistence as it continues to overshadow the local landscape, almost as if challenging the very winds of change. For Governor…

In a dramatic turn of events that could be straight out of a high-stakes thriller, two Chinese nationals found themselves in hot water in the serene province of Chachoengsao. The peaceful landscape was disrupted by a daring operation led by the Natural Resource and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), which announced yesterday that they had arrested two unsuspecting factory managers, known only as Guo, 55, and Li, 42, in the otherwise tranquil district of Phanom Sarakham. Their crime? The surreptitious housing of hazardous materials that could have rivaled any Bond villain’s stockpile. The operation unfolded like a scene in a crime drama, with NED officers and staff from the Department of Industrial Works storming the factory gates. What lay behind them was a staggering find—10 tonnes of waste, not just your garden-variety rubbish, but a toxic mix steeped in heavy metals. This treasure trove of pollution included not one but…

In a bid to revolutionize Bangkok’s approach to waste management, the city’s latest marvel, the On Nut waste-to-energy power plant, is set to be completed by late 2026. Overseeing the ambitious endeavor is Jakkapan Phiewngam, Bangkok’s deputy governor, who recently took a tour of the site nestled in Prawet district. Spanning an impressive 30 rai, the On Nut Waste Disposal Centre is getting its wings thanks to a colossal investment of 4.89 billion baht from New Sky Energy (Thailand). It’s a green initiative with an electrifying twist, aimed at transforming Bangkok’s burgeoning waste output into much-needed power for the city. Construction of this monumental project kicked off on February 19 of last year. The countdown is on, with roughly 1,000 days allocated for its completion and a due date locked in for November 14, 2026. Once operational, the plant promises to tackle a hefty chunk of Bangkok’s refuse, with the…

As fiery tongues licked the lush greenery of Khao Chom Hae in Rayong, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, with the urgency of a guardian of the natural realm, commanded the army to stand vigilant. The heart of Khao Chom Hae, spanning a sweeping 20,000 rai of verdant land across the districts of Nikhom Phatthana, Ban Chang, and Muang, now bore the scars of devastation, with flames having ravaged nearly 30% of the forest within a relentless four-day span. Phumtham, doubling as the Defence Minister with a resolve as iron as the military helm he commands, shared that there was a fragile sense of control over the situation, based on yesterday’s reports. He directed the armed forces to deploy both military personnel and state-of-the-art equipment to bolster local authorities and volunteers in their grassroots battle against the fire’s menacing advance. “The navy has been rallied, equipped, and its forces dispatched to…

The vibrant strides towards gender inclusivity in Thailand just got bolder and brighter as the Public Health Ministry unveiled their commitment to ensuring healthcare equity. With a significant allocation of 145.63 million baht designated to the National Health Security Office, approximately 200,000 transgender individuals are set to receive hormone therapy support, a much-anticipated step forward in bridging health disparities. Deputy government spokesman, Mr. Anukool Pruksanusak, eloquently underscored the government’s unwavering resolve to support marriage equality. “We’re not just talking physical health here; we’re diving deep into the realms of mental well-being for our sexually diverse community,” he conveyed, with a nod to the growing acknowledgment and acceptance of diverse gender identities across the nation. In a watershed move, the National Health Security Board, amid its rigorous 2025 budgeting, gave the nod to fund comprehensive health services, inclusive of hormone therapy for the transgender populace. This decision, anticipated to transform the…

The Royal Thai Air Force has made a game-changing decision, opting for the sleek Swedish Gripen jets over the traditional US-made F-16 aircraft. This move, championed by RTAF Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Punpakdee Pattanakul, is raising eyebrows and stirring conversations, as it promises to bring a myriad of benefits to the Thai government. The Gripen jets are set to swoop in as the new guardians of the skies, replacing the aging F-16 fleet stationed in Wing 1, Nakhon Ratchasima. Currently, the procurement project – a meticulous affair – is undergoing a detailed review. The evaluation is as multi-faceted as a diamond, focusing on key aspects like aircraft performance and the alluring promise of direct offsets, which include technology transfer. Indirect benefits are also on the table, such as potential trade privileges graciously offered by the Swedish government. It’s a package deal that’s hard to pass up. ACM Punpakdee emphasized…

In a bold move to boost welfare for the elderly, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra marks a significant milestone, kicking off the second phase of a comprehensive cash handout initiative. With much anticipation, the Prime Minister launched this ambitious campaign on a Monday, a day of new beginnings, especially for approximately three million senior citizens eagerly awaiting their slice of the 10,000-baht relief fund pie. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat explained on Sunday that this initiative is aimed specifically at individuals aged 60 and over, an indication of the government’s commitment to supporting its elderly citizens. These recipients will receive their payments through the reliable PromptPay service, integrated via the Tang Rath app. Julapun emphasized the importance of linking national ID cards with PromptPay to prevent any hiccups in the fund disbursement process. “Only those who have registered and meet the eligibility criteria of earning less than 840,000 baht annually and…

With the recent introduction of the revolutionary Marriage Equality Bill, there’s a buzz of excitement in the air as it promises to secure equal marriage rights for everyone. Yet, amidst the celebrations, a group of newly-wed couples find themselves wrestling with a different conundrum: their gender title refuses to align with their personal gender identity. As such, they are fervently advocating for the passage of the Gender Recognition Bill, which would empower individuals to select a gender title of their choice, while also offering a gender-neutral option for those who prefer not being boxed into the binary male or female identity. When Identity Meets Reality Atitaya Asa, who plays a pivotal role in the Transmasculine Network for Equality, sheds light on the poignant struggles facing many transgender men. Despite their transition to male, they continue to be labeled as “Miss” on official documents. For transmen who have courageously embraced medical…

In the midst of Bangkok’s bustling skyline, where the horizon is often hidden behind a veil of persistent smog, a spark of controversy has ignited over the recent governmental decision to allocate a hefty 140 million baht. This sum is earmarked to compensate operators for providing a week’s worth of free public transport – a bold initiative rolled out in the battle against the city’s escalating haze pollution. The announcement by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, made on a recent Friday, heralded the free transport scheme commencing the following day. It was clear that urgent actions were needed as dust levels soared, blanketing the capital with dangerous levels of PM2.5 particulate matter. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, echoing the urgency, declared that both buses and electric trains would open their doors at no cost to the citizens from January 25th to 31st. This coordinated effort, involving Bangkok Transit System Plc and Bangkok…

Walking through Bangkok these days feels like navigating a city wrapped in a permanent haze, as the city battles an intensifying pollution problem. On January 22, 2025, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra decided enough was enough, instituting a bold plan to combat the pervasive smog blanketing the city: free public transport. While well-intentioned, this 140-million-baht initiative has not come without its share of criticism. The plan aims to encourage the citizens of Bangkok to swap their cars for public buses and electric trains in a bid to reduce vehicle emissions, a significant contributor to particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) that currently chokes the city. Starting January 25 and running through the end of the month, Bangkok hopes to see a shift in commuting behavior that might help clear the air—literally. But not everyone is convinced this will solve the underlying issues. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has jumped on…