Under the bright but somber skies of Bangkok, the relentless hum of machinery competed with the cool whispers of a calm April breeze. Deep in the heart of Chatuchak district, all eyes were fixed on the sprawling collapsed building site, where the rhythmic chaos of rescue operatives continued their tireless dance against dust and debris. On what seemed like an ordinary Tuesday, an extraordinary scene unfolded as both drama and determination prevailed. It was a day when the clock ticked slower, each second echoing the urgency felt by those involved. Among the central figures coordinating this cacophony was Kriengsak Kovadhana, the executive vice president of the Italian-Thai Development, a significant player in the construction of the ill-fated State Audit Office (SAO) building. On that fateful day, Kriengsak found himself under the scrutinizing gaze of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). He was there to shed some light on the twisted…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture this: a bustling scene in Buri Ram, where a long line of people eagerly waits at ATMs outside the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. The atmosphere is electric. Why? Because in September 2024, folks are about to withdraw the much-awaited government cash handout. (Yes, that joyous occasion captured through the lens of ace photographer, Surachai Piraksa.) This excitement is set to repeat as the third phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout takes center stage during next week’s cabinet meeting. Get ready for its grand rollout, slated between May and June. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat assured everyone that the operation sticks to the roadmap. “We’re all systems go with no detours,” he announced confidently. Approved way back in March, this phase is part of a mega economic stimulus plan. Spotlight on 2.7 million youngsters, aged 16 to 20, each holding a digital wallet poised to receive a 10,000-baht…
In the picturesque province of Buri Ram, a typical scene unfolded as residents formed orderly queues outside the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, eagerly awaiting their turn at the ATMs. The excitement was palpable in the midst of September 2024, as citizens looked forward to withdrawing funds from the government’s much-discussed cash handout program. The air buzzed with conversations, life stories, and the occasional optimistic laughter, almost giving the impression of a community fair had it not been for the flicker of ATM screens. Fast forward to April 2025, and the stage is set for the third phase of the government’s ambitious financial support scheme, a 10,000-baht handout set to be a headline topic in next week’s cabinet meeting. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat was in high spirits when he addressed the press on Tuesday. “We’re sticking to the original timeline,” he announced with a cool assurance. “Everything is…
Bangchak Group has recently unveiled a groundbreaking cornerstone in Thailand’s push for sustainable aviation—its brand new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production Unit nestled in the vibrant heart of Phra Khanong at the Bangchak Refinery. With the wave of a green flag, this installation marks a monumental achievement: the creation of Thailand’s inaugural facility dedicated exclusively to whipping up 100% Neat SAF. This sustainable marvel is operated by BSGF Company Limited, a key player in the Bangchak Group’s robust line-up, showcasing the Group’s steadfast dedication to green innovation and energy transformation. As Bangchak charges ahead as a renewable energy leader, it boldly steps onto the stage as a vanguard for future energy solutions. Imagine a fully integrated standalone crown jewel gleaming amidst the bustling refinery landscape—this SAF production facility is Thailand’s first of its kind. It stands as a testament to Bangchak’s commitment, managing the entire value chain under the meticulous…
In the bustling heart of Samut Sakhon, beneath the seemingly benign Mahachai flyover on the well-tread Rama II Road, an unsuspecting morning drive turned into a harrowing ordeal. The serenity of an ordinary commute was shattered as chunks of concrete rained down with thunderous force, smashing through the windshield of a white Ford Ranger, leaving its driver in dire straits. Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreungkit detailed the unnerving incident that unfolded near kilometre marker 27+500, where road safety was compromised by the aging infrastructure. Contrary to early reports blaming the notoriously precarious expressway construction above Rama II, the origin of these concrete missiles was the decrepit Mahachai flyover, a relic crossing that had only ghosts of maintenance past. The accident sent shockwaves at precisely 7:40 a.m., catalyzing a swift response from the Samut Sakhon Foundation. Rescuers arrived to a scene of chaos—a law-abiding pickup suddenly stationary in a Bangkok outbound lane,…
Back in the vibrant days of the 1990s, when technology was rapidly advancing and globalization was knitting the world closer, Thanong Bidaya, a notable figure in Thailand’s governmental and corporate sectors, found himself amidst the crossing corridors of aviation and international business. He held the prestigious role of chairman at Thai Airways International, a crown jewel of the nation that soared high above the clouds. However, unbeknownst to the masses enjoying their in-flight comforts, the skies beneath the wings of THAI were clouded with turbulence of another kind. In a plot straight out of a corporate thriller, Rolls-Royce, the distinguished UK-based engine manufacturer, was embroiled in scandal. It was a scheme scented with intrigue and peppered with whispers of clandestine meetings as the company admitted to lubricating its deals through a rather unsavory route—bribery. The goal? To secure lucrative contracts for its jet engines, the powerful beating hearts of modern…
Ah, the gentle hum of adventure and camaraderie abounds as young scouts eagerly parade through the grounds of the Thai-Japanese stadium in Din Daeng, each step resonating with the spirit of exploration! Yet, amidst this delightful ensemble of youthful exuberance, change is afoot. The word has it that the regulations regarding scout uniforms might soon see a refreshingly flexible twist. Hold onto your neckerchiefs, folks, because Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has quite the update for you! On a crisp Tuesday morning, Mr. Surasak confidently addressed the curious ears awaiting the fate of scout attire. Fear not, traditionalists, there’s no grand scheme to bid farewell to the iconic scout uniforms. Instead, the plan is to sprinkle a bit of modern adaptation into the mix. Yes, you heard it right! The ministry is busy at work amending regulations to incorporate both traditional and casual styles into the scout wardrobe. Imagine the…
In a whirlwind of misinformation and unnecessary frenzy, the digital ether was recently abuzz with alarming—and unfounded—rumours about the stability of a dam in Narathiwat province. What sparked this chaos was the wild claim that an earthquake in the United States had sent monstrous sea waves charging towards Thailand, threatening to crumble the dam into ruin. However, before anyone could scream “Titanic 2.0,” cooler heads at the Thailand Anti-Fake News Centre intervened with some much-needed truth serum. The experts swiftly dismissed the chatter as false and utterly misleading. It turns out, there are no active fault lines in the scenic southern province of Narathiwat. The region isn’t gearing up for a tectonic two-step with the US either, as they’re parked on entirely separate tectonic plates—talk about keeping a safe distance! Reassuringly, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) confirmed that the dams are standing their ground with all the…
In a touching display of human kindness, a foreign woman who experienced a seizure by the roadside in Thailand was met with immediate assistance from the compassionate Thai locals. It all happened on April 28th when a TikTok user, @guyslumclub, shared a video that captured this spontaneous act of goodwill. Not only did this post shine a light on the benevolence of the locals, but it also humorously nudged viewers to support the poster’s noodle shop, Ann’s Kuay Teow Khua Gai, Baanthat Thong. Talk about creative marketing! The video chronicles a day that took an unexpected turn for the poster. Having just closed up their noodle shop, they stumbled upon a foreign woman in distress, suffering from a seizure on the street. While pondering if the sweltering heat was to blame, the poster sprang into action, administering first aid and quick-dialing Thailand’s emergency hotline, 1669. In a scene that could…
Bangkok, the bustling Thai capital, has emerged as an expatriate oasis, proudly clinching the 6th spot in the coveted annual survey conducted by InterNations, which explores the crème de la crème of expat-friendly cities worldwide. While the sunny streets of Malaga, Spain, shone the brightest to claim the top position, Bangkok’s impressive standing underlines its growing allure among those seeking new beginnings on foreign shores. The survey, a compass for those navigating the vast sea of expatriation, revealed some fascinating insights. According to its findings, a hearty 67% of expats in Bangkok found making friends to be a breeze, painting a warm picture of friendly encounters in the vibrant city’s social tapestry. Be it the hum of its nightlife or whispers of its storied past, Bangkok weaves a rich narrative that beckons the adventuresome spirit with promises of a thriving job market and cultural enchantment. And as technology lent its…