In the aftermath of the powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar, Thailand, and nearby regions on March 28, authorities are stepping up their game to ensure building safety. City Hall has issued a new directive aimed at setting a gold standard for structural integrity and, let’s face it, peace of mind. In an announcement shared on City Hall’s official Facebook page on Friday, a list of building types has been drafted, all of which will need to put their safety to the test by submitting detailed inspection reports. Here’s the rundown of who’s on the list: Sky-kissing high-rise buildings standing proud at 23 meters or taller. Expansive large buildings stretching over a total area of 10,000 square meters or more. Structures with the space to host the masses, bouncing over 1,000 square meters in floor area and seating upwards of 500 folks. Spectacular theatres hosting shows for the thrill-seekers and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In today’s vibrant cultural and economic tapestry, the bond between artists and their fans is more essential than ever. Enter Trinket, a revolutionary platform that fundamentally reshapes the way global artists can earn revenue from their devoted fanbases. Trinket isn’t just about merchandise; it’s about delivering exclusive, hyper-personalized collectibles that forge deeper, more meaningful connections between artists and their fans. What truly sets Trinket apart is its unique ability to transform run-of-the-mill memorabilia into high-value, verifiable collectibles. The items available on Trinket are always exclusive. Each “drop” is limited in both quantity and time. Once all editions of a drop sell out or the clock runs out, that’s it—those items are gone for good. But Trinket’s magic goes beyond simple exclusivity. Each item is crafted individually for its buyer, adding a profound level of personalization. These products are equipped with hyper-personalized elements, including an Ownership Certificate, a QR code that…
In an unexpected and harrowing encounter, 26-year-old Apisit found himself at the mercy of an unseen assailant while making a routine pit stop in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand. What began as a simple roadside break turned into a nightmare when Apisit, balancing a conversation with his girlfriend over the phone, felt an unusual sensation around his neck. The incident occurred on the evening of April 9, as Apisit was making his way home from his job at a bustling Chiang Rai shopping mall. His journey took a surprising turn at the quiet Nong Chang Khot Park along Den Ha–Dong Mada Road when duty called and he decided to relieve himself. Little did he know, danger was lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce the moment his guard was down. As he stood there under the night sky, engaged in conversation, Apisit was abruptly blindsided. Dropping his phone…
In a bold legislative move, Chaturon Chaisang, a Pheu Thai Party luminary and member of Parliament, is championing a bill set to wipe away a slew of orders issued by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). This legislative endeavor, years in the making, promises to set a fresh agenda when Parliament opens its doors for the upcoming session. Heading the Parliamentary committee tasked with sifting through these bygone NCPO directives, Chaturon shared fascinating insights on April 10. After engaging in exhaustive discussions over seven months, the committee has meticulously evaluated 23 NCPO orders deemed neither necessary nor appropriate, mirroring the Cabinet’s wise counsel. Now, with speeches prepared for the chamber, Chaturon feels this legislative act is ready to thrive in its second and third readings. His confidence isn’t unfounded; he sees no hurdles in garnering the approval of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. But…
As the world keeps spinning, Southeast Asia is bustling with a mixture of chaos, culture, and catastrophe. Here, in our roundup for this fine Friday, April 11, 2025, we witness a tapestry of events unfolding like dramatic scenes from an epic saga. Get ready for a virtual tour through the fascinating, fiery, and occasionally freaky happenings across Thailand and neighboring nations. Sadly, not all tales being told today end on a triumphant note. An architectural nightmare entrenched in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has swollen the city’s sorrow as the death toll from a disastrous building collapse climbs to 23, and heartbreakingly, 71 individuals remain unaccounted. It seems the rumblings from a monstrous 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, have awakened more than just tectonic plates. As rescue personnel bravely sift through the wreckage, awaiting families cling to hope, amidst silent vigils and whispered prayers. Over in Phuket, flames put on an early…
In an electrifying turn of events that could rival a real-life thriller, two military police officers are currently in hot water, facing disciplinary action for rolling out the red carpet—quite literally—for an alleged conman. According to Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, these officers, clad in their official uniforms, were caught leading a motorcade for a not-so-polished gentleman named Thanyatep Sirithapsadechakul. But, who is Thanyatep, you ask? Well, he’s a 32-year-old whose mastery of illusion seemingly extends to boasting connections with high-flying political and police figures, a claim that earned him quite a bit of notoriety. The plot thickened as an investigation revealed that the officers, in a surprising twist, were detained, only to find their paychecks now reflecting this unwanted intermission with reductions in salary and suspended pensions. Phumtham didn’t hold back when advising civil officers to steer clear of questionable moonlighting gigs, like playing bouncer at your local bar, while…
As the vibrant Songkran Festival 2025 arrived with its joyous splash, the spirited executives and employees of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited hit the ground running to make the festivities unforgettable. At the helm of this colorful caravan was the dynamic duo, Mr. Bundit Hansapaiboon, the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of the Refinery and Oil Trading Business Group, and the ever-enthusiastic Mrs. Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President of Sustainability Management and Corporate Communications. Together, they made a heartfelt journey to the local communities to sprinkle not just water, but a cascade of goodwill and camaraderie. Nestled in the neighborhoods around the bustling Bangchak Phra Khanong Refinery, where life hums in harmony with industrial innovation, eight lively communities in Phra Khanong and Bang Na eagerly awaited this annual visit. With warm smiles playing on their lips, villagers and community leaders welcomed the Bangchak team with open…
The vibrant Songkran festival, with its exhilarating water fights and cultural festivities, is set to begin. Yet this year, amidst the water splashes and laughter, there’s a new element to consider—Mother Nature is preparing her own dramatic display. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has sounded the alarm about impending summer storms that could turn the festival’s infectious fun into quite the thrilling aquatic adventure. Weather forecasters are predicting thunderstorms accompanied by robust winds and the rather rare phenomenon of hail, particularly in Thailand’s upper northeastern and northern regions. With the Songkran festival’s prime days being April 10 through 12, those planning to partake in the fun should perhaps consider keeping one eye on the sky. The Southern regions are not left out, as an increase in rainfall is anticipated during these very days. On a recent day, April 10, when the sun was earnest in…
The financial landscape of Thailand is facing a mounting crisis, as highlighted by a stark warning from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF, in a candid report unveiled on April 9, has urged Thailand to increase protections for families facing dire economic straits, lest they remain ensnared in an endless cycle of debilitating debt, much of which is borrowed merely to keep food on the table. The IMF’s critique focuses on a troubling reality: more than half of Thai workers are stuck in informal employment. This precarious situation leaves them without the safety net of job security or basic social protections, rendering them acutely vulnerable to economic fluctuations. As the report poignantly states, “Many households have no choice but to borrow just to cover daily living expenses,” spotlighting the vicious cycle of informal debt that poses a threat to the country’s financial stability. Although Thailand’s household debt-to-GDP ratio has…
In the ever-evolving landscape of Thailand’s digital sector, there’s a new sense of hope and revival. As the year 2025 unfolds, the country seems to be shaking off the lingering shadows of its past struggles, with the sector making a notable comeback. This resurgence is largely fueled by the fervor surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), strategic economic measures, and a more accommodating policy environment. However, industry insiders caution that without addressing crucial challenges such as skills shortages and rising wages, this recovery might be short-lived. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) recently announced an uplifting development: the Digital Industry Sentiment Index has climbed to 50.1 in the first quarter, a meaningful leap from 48.8 in the last quarter of 2024. In industry terms, any score above 50 signifies a positive sentiment. DEPA’s President and CEO, Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, stated, “The improvement reflects stronger business performance, increased production, higher employment, and greater investment.…