Posts published in “Thailand”

Imagine cruising along Rama II Road on a lazy Sunday afternoon in Samut Sakhon province, the sun playing peek-a-boo with the clouds, when suddenly the unexpected happens—a gigantic section of steel scaffolding decides to take a nosedive onto the highway. Yes, you read that right. An entire section of the construction skeleton that was supposed to stand tall and strong decided it had enough and came crashing down, creating a scene straight out of a blockbuster movie (minus the dramatic background score, of course). In response to this heart-stopping incident, Sarawut Songsivilai, the director-general of the Department of Highways, sprang into action faster than a superhero. He didn’t just call for an investigation faster than you can say “Oops” but also demanded a rigorous check-up of all steel scaffolding along the elevated Motorway 82 (M82) project. For those unfamiliar, this mammoth undertaking stretches like a steel serpent for 81 kilometres…

Amidst the hustle and bustle of London’s vibrant streets, a scene unfolds that feels delightfully out of place yet perfectly at home amidst the city’s eclectic tapestry. Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, with an air of nostalgia mixed with contemporary grace, is seen cradling mangoes with a smile that could light up the Thames, during a Songkran shopping spree at Khanom Krok Kuk. This little Thai shop, nestled in the heart of London, has become her sanctuary away from home, a place where the aromas and tastes transport her back to the familiar streets and warmth of Thailand. The photo capturing this moment, shared on her X account (@PouYingluck), portrays more than just a shopping trip; it’s a poignant snapshot of home, longing, and the enduring spirit of Songkran, halfway across the world. Meanwhile, back in the sun-kissed Hua Hun resort town of Thailand, amidst the Songkran festivities that engulf…

In an event that could easily be straight out of an action-packed blockbuster, a hulking piece of steel scaffolding took a nosedive onto the bustling Rama II Highway in Samut Sakhon province, not just interrupting the Sunday afternoon calm but also setting the stage for an urgent investigation ordered by none other than the top dog at the Department of Highways, Mr. Sarawut Songsivilai. Imagine, if you will, the scene: it’s a lazy afternoon, perhaps you’re musing over the gentle hum of your car’s engine or the latest catchy tune on the radio, when suddenly, out of nowhere, the sky darkens for a moment and down comes a giant lattice of steel, missing your car by mere inches. That was the reality for drivers on the Bangkok-bound side of Rama II Highway at 3.17pm on a day that will surely live long in their memories. But fear not, for Sarawut…

Seas are whispering tales of grandeur; the waves embrace yachts like long-lost friends returning home. This isn’t just about the sea calling out to the avid travelers and luxury seekers. It’s about a whole new dimension where the glamorous world of yachting meets the visionary goals of a nation. Thailand, with its breathtaking landscapes and azure waters, is setting the stage for an unparalleled saga in the maritime realm. Drifting into the heart of this nautical narrative, we find ourselves in Phuket – a name synonymous with paradise. However, it’s not just the island’s beauty that’s drawing attention. The rising popularity of boat travel has caught the eye of the powers that be, leading to a groundbreaking initiative. The ministry, recognizing the surge in yachting aficionados, has set the wheels in motion for a project that sounds straight out of a visionary’s dream book: a Public Private Partnership (PPP) aimed…

Welcome to the dynamic world of durian diplomacy, where the luscious, spiky king of fruits reigns supreme and nations jostle to satiate the global appetite for this pungent delicacy. Thailand, with its verdant orchards waving under the gentle Asian sun, has long sat comfortably on the throne as the premier exporter of durians. Yet, in the realm of international commerce, new challengers emerge, with ASEAN neighbors and the burgeoning giant, China, rolling up their sleeves to partake in the durian fray. The stakes? Supremacy in the lucrative durian market. However, amidst this ripe competition, Thailand isn’t ready to relinquish its crown just yet. The strategy? A steadfast commitment to the quality and expansion of its durian dominion. With visions of achieving a jaw-dropping one trillion baht from this thorny treasure, the Thai government is putting the pedal to the metal. On April 9, beneath the gilded ceilings of governance, Prime…

In a world where unpredictability seems to be the only constant, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Piraphan Salirathavibhaga, is taking no chances. With an air of determination, Piraphan has rallied his team to keep a watchful eye on the simmering situation between Iran and Israel, a chess game of geopolitics with the potential to unsettle economies far beyond its borders. He’s put Prasert Sinsukprasert, the ministry’s stalwart permanent secretary, at the helm to steer the nation’s energy strategy through these choppy waters. While the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) maintains a cautiously optimistic stance, noting that the Iran-Israel tiff doesn’t seem likely to boil over into a full-blown episode of Game of Thrones, they’re not taking any chances. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of geopolitical relations and their butterfly effect on global economies, particularly as we navigate the intricate…

On a tranquil Sunday evening at precisely 7 pm, the bustling atmosphere of Pratunam Pier along Khlong Saen Saep took a somber turn. The air, usually filled with the laughter and chatter of tourists and locals alike, was pierced with urgency as authorities were alerted to a disconcerting report of a missing person. In a seamless display of collaboration, a proficient water rescue team, alongside forensic experts from the esteemed Ramathibodi Hospital, sprang into action, diving deep into the heart of the investigation. The chilling incident unfurled beneath the shadow of the Chalerm Lok Bridge, where the Khlong Saen Saep Pier lies nestled. With a blend of precision and speed, the water rescue team, seasoned in battling both the capriciousness of the waters and the ticking clock, made a heartbreaking discovery. A deceased male was pulled from the murky depths, the calm of the surrounding water belying the tragedy that…

In an atmosphere charged with the fervor of resistance against oppression, Padoh Saw Taw Nee, the voice of the Karen National Union (KNU), shared insights from the heart of the struggle in Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand, revealing a narrative of unwavering defiance and tactical resilience. Amidst the scenic backdrop of Tak, on April 14, 2024, Saw Taw Nee’s storytelling painted a vivid picture of the latest developments in the ongoing battle against Myanmar’s military rule, a junction in history where courage meets tyranny head on. Tucked away from the prying eyes of the world, yet standing bold and unyielded near the Thai border, lies Myawaddy – a town that has recently emerged as a bastion of rebellion. Just last week, the air in Myawaddy was thick with the spirit of defiance, as a coalition of anti-junta forces, with the KNU at the helms, outmaneuvered the military’s chains to declare…

In the vibrant heart of Thailand, amidst a backdrop of bustling streets and the rich tapestry of Thai culture, a beacon of progress shines brightly through the recent legislative milestone—the approval of a same-sex marriage bill. At the forefront of celebrating this historic moment is British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, alongside his partner, Christopher McCormick. Their journey to this point, a testament to love’s enduring power, mirrors a broader narrative of change and acceptance that transcends borders. Decades ago, in the midst of a quieter yet equally pivotal moment, Gooding and McCormick stood on the precipice of change in the United Kingdom. They became one of the pioneering couples to embrace the legal recognition of their union, a testament to their unwavering commitment, shortly after the Civil Partnership Act was passed in 2004. This act was a cornerstone, ushering in a new era where love, regardless of its form,…

Last week, the bustling district of Bang Sue was rattled by a rather unusual discovery: cadmium waste ominously lying in wait, like an unwelcome guest stirring up concern and contentious debates over environmental safety and the responsible handling of hazardous waste. It was a reminder of the challenges that lurk in the shadows of industrial progress, a wake-up call that was swiftly answered by the Industry Ministry on a sunny Sunday morning. Amid rising concerns, Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul stepped up to the plate with a plan that could perhaps be likened to a strategic chess move in the complex game of environmental management. The spotlight turned to Bound & Beyond Plc, a company tucked away in Tak, now under the watchful eyes of the nation for owning the notorious cadmium waste. A plan was laid out, one that would involve a parade of 30 trucks, tasked with the mission…