In an innovative twist to living in harmony with nature, Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is proposing a groundbreaking solution to manage the burgeoning population of wild elephants. With the aim of minimizing human-elephant conflicts, the Ministry is gearing up to administer birth control shots to these majestic creatures. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on is spearheading this initiative, urging the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) alongside related sectors to embrace this novel approach. Currently, Thailand is home to a thriving population of wild elephants, their numbers estimated at a staggering 4,000 and rising annually by 7-8%. Projected to soar to at least 6,000 within the next four years, this growth starkly contrasts with the ever-diminishing expanse of forested land. Unfortunately, the rise in elephant numbers has also accompanied an increase in tragic confrontations; since 2012, over 240 individuals have lost their lives, and 208 have been injured…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the halls of Thailand’s Defense Ministry, the air is thick with anticipation, as well as a few furrowed brows. The spotlight is firmly on Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, the stoic yet decisive Defense Minister, who’s balancing the interests of national security with the persistent tick-tock of looming deadlines. At the center of the intrigue is the high-stakes submarine procurement project, an intricate dance of diplomacy and engineering that’s bound to keep anyone on their toes. The project, agreed upon amidst much fanfare in 2017, was heralded as a landmark endeavor—a 13.5 billion baht deal woven in the threads of a robust government-to-government contract with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. However, what started as a gleaming dream of naval prowess found itself ensnared in a net of complications, from engine controversies to global pandemic-induced delays. Phumtham, ever the prudent overseer, hits pause with the resolve of a chess master contemplating…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the vibrant energy of Khao San Road pulls in tourists from all corners of the globe, a tragedy unfolded that has sent ripples through Thailand’s tourism industry. Late on Sunday night, a fire broke out at The Ember Hotel on Tanee Road, tragically claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving several others injured. This incident has prompted a swift and robust response from Thailand’s Interior Ministry, which is now urging a nationwide crackdown on safety standards across hotels and tourist hotspots. Traisuree Taisaranakul, speaking on behalf of the Interior Ministry, revealed that Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has wasted no time in calling for an investigation into the cause of the blaze. The Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, along with other relevant agencies, have been tasked with unraveling whether this disaster stemmed from negligence or was merely an unfortunate accident. The fire erupted in Room…
As the last school bell reverberated through the air last Tuesday at Ban Don Kwang School in Thailand’s enchanting Nakhon Ratchasima province, students and parents ambled out, blissfully unaware of the impending tragedy. The picturesque setting, named for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, was suddenly marred by the screech of tires and the terrible thud of a car in distressing motion. A watchful guard, normally a figure of mundane routine, now stood as a silent witness to unfolding chaos. Just a day prior, the same scene had played out with a far more harrowing end—an end that robbed the life of a young soul and a diligent policeman. Envisioned scenery quickly turned dark and ominous as a 5-year-old pupil, alongside others, fell victim to an egregious lapse in humanity: a drink-driver behind the wheel. The weight of this calamity grew heavier last Monday, as we learned of the tragic…
In a scene that tragically unfolded outside Ban Don Kwang School, located in the bustling Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima, a sense of shock lingers in the air. What was supposed to be a typical school day turned into a nightmare on December 23rd, when a car driven by an intoxicated retired civil servant, Somsak Asaichao, veered wildly into a crowd comprised of students, parents, and a vigilant on-duty police officer. The somber tale first graced the headlines with the unfortunate loss of a dedicated officer, Pol Lt Wimut Tansupho, who succumbed promptly to his injuries. However, the community was once again jolted by grief as the second victim, little Assadavuth Phiewsuay, aged just five, tragically passed away a week later while under intensive care at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. The young boy’s gentle life slipped away despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, leaving a void that mere…
In the heart of Muang district, Chaiyaphum, under the blanket of an inky night, chaos unfolded. Rescue workers, with practiced urgency, rushed to the aftermath of a catastrophic collision between a bus and a car. Civilians watched anxiously as medical aid was administered to the injured, a somber reminder of the perils that lurk on highways during the lively New Year festivities. The holidays had barely begun, yet the roadways were already a tableau of tragedies, weaving tales of sorrow and caution in grim statistics. With New Year travelers flooding the roads in a frenzy of excitement and haste, the initial three days of the festive exodus bore witness to a staggering spate of 872 traffic accidents across the country. A toll that ticked to over 140 lives lost and 841 individuals nursing injuries, the numbers laid bare a pattern demanding attention and action. The delightful province of Ayutthaya, renowned…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, in the iconic neighborhood near Khao San Road, tragedy struck at The Ember Hotel. The vibrant district, known for its lively streets and colorful nightlife, was the unlikely backdrop to a sorrowful tale fought by police and firefighters on a fateful Sunday night. As if out of an ill-fated drama, three lives were lost during the blaze that consumed Room 511 of The Ember Hotel, a tragedy that has left a hushed weariness in its wake. A poignant reminder of life’s fragility, the victims have been identified as a 24-year-old Brazilian woman, Pimentel Canales Albuquerue, a man from Ukraine named Tuzov Victor, aged 27, and an American, Freeman Timothy Jr., aged 35. Their stories interwoven with dreams, love, and most of all, untimely death. Pimentel, whose joyful moments turned into an unthinkable horror, had just experienced a blissful occasion—a proposal from her boyfriend in…
As the vibrant city of Bangkok takes center stage, so does the heart-wrenching tale unfolding outside The Ember Hotel. Nestled in the iconic Phra Nakhon district, this charming 11-unit commercial building turned hotel became the site of a devastating tragedy. In the shadow of Khao San Road, renowned for its bustling backpacker scene and hypnotic energy, the blaze at The Ember Hotel ignited more than just fire alarms. Amidst the swirling smoke and sirens, three lives were tragically cut short. The victims – a young Brazilian woman, an adventurous Ukrainian man, and an American explorer – were identified in the aftermath of this unforeseeable catastrophe, each leaving behind dreams yet to be fulfilled. The Brazilian woman, 24-year-old Pimentel Canales Albuquerque, whose radiant smile had just illuminated joy but a week ago when her beloved boyfriend tenderly asked for her hand in marriage, perished in the very room where the fire…
In the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima province, a somber tale unfolded last week—a tale marred by the recklessness of one intoxicated individual and the irrevocable impact on a close-knit community. The town was shaken to its core when Assadavuth Phiewsuay, a lively 5-year-old boy with a curious spirit, tragically lost his battle for life on a somber Monday. This loss marked the second heart-wrenching fatality stemming from the incident that occurred outside Ban Don Kwang School. The date was December 23. The schoolyard was bustling with the melodious chatter of students, the gentle hum of parents discussing their day, and vendors attending to their stalls. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows as students cheerfully headed home. Amongst them was Assadavuth, clutching his beloved blue pencil case while exchanging giggles with friends. Little did they know, their innocent laughter was about to be shattered. Out of seemingly nowhere,…
As the minutes tick down to 2025, all eyes are on centralwOrld, poised to host its legendary New Year’s Eve celebration, dubbed the “Times Square of Asia.” For over twenty years, the centralwOrld Bangkok Countdown has been a beacon of joy, bringing together locals and international guests in the bustling heart of Bangkok. This year, “centralwOrld Bangkok Countdown 2025 – The Original” promises an extravaganza that transcends borders. In a truly spectacular touch, vibrant images of Thailand’s jubilation will illuminate New York’s Times Square for the sixth year running. With performances from adored Thai sensations like PP-Krit, Billkin-Putthipong, Zee Pruk, NuNew Chawarin, and the dazzling centralwOrld Countdown Angels, the event is set to showcase Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry to a global audience. A Celebration Like No Other Nestled in the expansive Ratchaprasong district, capable of hosting over 250,000 revelers, this grand affair rivals any major music festival worldwide. Expect to…