Posts published in “Thailand”

On a morning steeped in tradition and the rich tapestry of history, the air at 10:20 AM became electric as Their Majesties graced the grounds to partake in time-honored ceremonies, weaving through the heart of their kingdom’s spirit at the Ho Sulalai Phiman, the Phaisan Thaksin Throne Hall, the Ho Phra That Monthien, and the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall. With every step, they breathed life into the very essence of their realm’s legacy. The day was marked by an air of solemn reverence as Their Majesties embarked on a spiritual journey, beginning at the Ho Sulalai Phiman Hall. In this hallowed space, His Majesty took to the ceremonial task with grace, lighting candles and anointing Buddha images and a precious Buddha relic with holy water—a gesture that bridged the divine with the royal. Next, their voyage took them to the Phaisan Thaksin Throne Hall, a place charged with the majestic…

On a notably crisp Monday morning, the air in Thai politics was as charged as ever, featuring a riveting drama that felt almost Shakespearean. At the heart of this political theatre stood the Democrat Party’s very own spokesman, Rames Rattanachaweng, making headlines with his latest proclamation. It seems the plot thickens in the tale of whether the Democrats would entertain the notion of joining forces with their arch-nemesis, the Pheu Thai Party, in a coalition government. The intrigue deepened as Rames asserted, with the air of mystery befitting a seasoned diplomat, that the party’s high command had yet to convene over this tantalizing prospect. The decision-making, he affirmed, lay squarely in the hands of these upper echelons. This protocol meant that no solitary MP could, in a bout of maverick ambition, initiate talks or agreements. Individual heroics were off the table; this was a game for the collective. In an…

In the heart of Bangkok, beneath the bustling skyline and amidst the vibrant celebrations of the Songkran water festival, a series of tragic events unfolded that captured the city’s attention. As the sun set on the Pratunam pier, rescue teams raced against time to recover the body of a tourist from the murky depths of the Saen Saep canal. This unfortunate soul, swept away by a momentary lapse in judgment, had leaped into the canal under the cloak of night to reclaim a water gun, marking a somber beginning to what should have been a night of revelry. The incident, captured by the lenses of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of adventure. The city, however, knew no rest. Just a few hours after the canal’s quiet had been disturbed, another tale of woe was unfolding. This time, the scene was set against the backdrop…

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, marking the end of another vibrant Songkran holiday, the bustling streets of Bangkok began to witness a peculiar phenomenon. Despite the traditional Thai New Year stretching into Tuesday, a wave of early birds decided to cut their celebrations short, embarking on a journey back to the capital. Their mission was clear: to outsmart the inevitable gridlock that looms over the finale of this festive season. By Monday afternoon, the pulse of the city’s arteries began to quicken. Highways No 117, the lifeline connecting Nakhon Sawan to Phitsanulok, and No 122, the strategic Nakhon Sawan bypass, became the stages for an automotive ballet. It was a display of precision and patience as vehicles weaved and flowed, their drivers united by a common goal to return to the hum of city life. In the heart of Nakhon Sawan’s Muang district, the tempo of traffic…

Imagine the streets bustling as the city awakens to the familiar chaos of returning residents. The weekend has come to a close, and the exodus back to Bangkok and its urban siblings beckons, a migration that paints a bittersweet tableau of reunion and peril. This past Sunday, the drama unfolded with a staggering 317 accidents, weaving a tapestry of sorrow with 38 lives lost to fate and 311 souls left nursing their wounds. In the heart of this orchestrated pandemonium stands Pol Lt-General Kornchai Klaiklueng, the assistant national police chief, who on Monday painted a vivid picture of the nation’s resolve to tame the beast of road mayhem. With a determined tone, he announced a fortified strategy, one that sees the Traffic Police joining forces with their provincial brethren. Together, they vow to cast a wider net of vigilance, setting their sights on the nocturnal spectacle of event venues and…

Imagine this: a regular sunny Sunday transformed into an unexpected thriller for five passengers traveling from Mukdanah to Yasothon. As the clock struck 3.45pm, the van, a seemingly innocuous vehicle of transport, rolled into the Yasothon bus terminal. What should have been the end of a mundane journey became the beginning of a mysterious tale. The passengers, who moments before were chatting or lost in their thoughts, were found in a state that seemed straight out of a suspense novel – unconscious in their seats, with some showing signs of distress through vomiting. Mysteriously, the van’s driver, Somsak, aged 51, and his front-seat companion appeared to be untouched by the affliction that struck the others. How could such a divide appear amongst those sharing the same space? Four out of the five passengers soon found themselves in the clinical surroundings of Yasothon Hospital, leaving more questions than answers. Upon the…

Imagine stepping into the bustling heart of Thailand, where the anticipation of Songkran—the traditional Thai New Year—fills the air. In this vibrant setting, Premier Srettha gave a captivating interview to eager reporters, revealing ambitious plans that underscore his government’s drive, seven months into their term. It’s a storyline brimming with challenges and aspirations, and at its core is the daring mission to revamp the Customs Department. Why, you might ask, is the Customs Department in the spotlight? Srettha illuminated this by explaining that while it stands as a key pillar among the trio of tax-collecting agencies, contributing a modest 100 billion or merely 3% to the national revenue, it holds the potential to be a game-changer. Imagine, a department that’s fundamental in overseeing imports and battling contraband, yet only scratches the surface of its capabilities. The premier passionately argued that the Customs Department could significantly bolster Thai society. By eradicating…

Imagine a country where political sagas unfold like the plot of a thriller novel, and you’ve got a glimpse into the fascinating world of Thai politics. In a recent twist, former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, made headlines with a heartwarming albeit politically tinged promise. He expressed his longing to celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, with his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, in 2024. Thaksin’s words painted a vivid picture of familial bonds intertwining with the threads of political aspirations, following his return from a self-imposed exile on a sunny day in August 2023. Thaksin’s homecoming after years of living abroad was nothing short of cinematic. His steps on Thai soil were cautious yet hopeful, as he emerged from the shadows of his self-imposed exile on August 22, 2023. Currently savoring the air of freedom on parole, Thaksin’s visit to his home province of Chiang Mai stirred emotions. Amidst the…