On a bustling Tuesday at the heart of Thailand’s political epicenter, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a notable arrival at Government House, stirring the air with anticipation and speculation. Amid the whirlwind of activities, a hot topic surfaced, compelling PM Srettha to address whispers that had begun circulating with fervor. These weren’t just any rumors; they hinted at a seismic shift in the financial confidence of citizens towards the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). The word on the street? A significant number of people were allegedly withdrawing their savings, triggered by news that the government had its eyes set on a hefty sum of 172.3 billion baht from the BAAC. This colossal amount was earmarked to partially fund an ambitious 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout scheme. But was there any truth to this narrative? PM Srettha stepped forward on Friday, poised and ready to dismantle the swirling rumors. With…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture this: the majestic beasts of Thailand, elephants, once pivotal architects of the nation’s economy, playing a crucial role in building its prosperity by hauling logs through the dense forests during the Rattanakosin era. But, as history would have it, a dramatic turn of events unfolded in 1988 when over 50,000 logs, unleashed by floods and landslides, ravaged a community in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Phipun district, leaving a tragic mark with 90 souls lost and over 200 wounded. This catastrophe prompted a decisive command from Former Agriculture Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, who called for an immediate halt to forest concessions. Consequently, the domesticated giants and their loyal companions, the mahouts, found themselves at a crossroad, their traditional roles in forestry abruptly ceased. The ensuing years saw some embracing new careers as stars of Thailand’s tourist attractions, while others, less fortunately, delved into the shades of illegal logging or were reduced to…
In a thrilling display of aerial prowess, two F-16 fighter jets sliced through the sky near Thailand’s border, partaking in a meticulous safety maneuver this past Friday—a scene straight out of an action-packed blockbuster, courtesy of the Royal Thai Air Force. This wasn’t just any routine patrol; it was a carefully orchestrated operation under the steely command of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The backdrop of this high-stakes drama is a land where tensions run high, at the very frontier where Thailand whispers secrets with Myanmar. The plot thickens as the Prime Minister divulges his latest strategic move, a directive issued with the gravity and precision that could rival any chess grandmaster’s cunning plan. He commanded the nation’s armed might to stand sentinel, ensuring not a single military aircraft from Myanmar dared breach the sanctity of Thai airspace. With Myanmar’s internal strife reaching a boiling point, Mr. Srettha’s orders were clear:…
Welcome to a tale that unfolds in the humble abodes nestled near a smelting titan, J & B Metal Co, located in the heart of Samut Sakhon. An unusual suspect emerged from this narrative on April 9, when a group of local denizens found themselves part of an unenviable storyline—cadmium, the uninvited guest in their bodies. In an episode that sounds as if it were plucked straight from a modern-day environmental thriller, the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Administrative Division embarked on a detective mission. Urine samples were collected from 34 unsuspecting souls dwelling in the shadow of the factory, situated in tambon Bang Nam Jued. The revelation that followed was as chilling as it was foreboding—all samples tested positive for cadmium, with nearly half showcasing levels that screamed danger. The plot thickens as our protagonists, the 16 afflicted residents, find themselves in a battle against an invisible adversary. Their…
In the vibrant heart of Thailand, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant cultures, an issue lurks that dims the sparkle of youth: the soaring rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The Disease Control Department, a beacon of health and safety, has turned its vigilant gaze toward a burgeoning crisis, one marked by a disconcerting trend among the country’s vibrant youth. Over the past five years, an invisible menace has been on the rise, weaving its way through intimate moments and leaving a trail of health concerns in its wake. The numbers are more than just alarming; they’re a clarion call for action. The shadow of syphilis has stretched out far and wide, with patient numbers ballooning to an astounding 2.5 times the count of 2018, just last year alone. This stark increase is not just a statistic—it’s a narrative of unchecked moments and unguarded decisions. Even more concerning is the…
In the bustling heart of Thailand’s political arena, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stepped forward to quell a storm of speculations that had been swirling around the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). The rumor mill had been working overtime, churning out tales that citizens, caught in a whirlwind of concern, were rushing to withdraw their money en masse. This financial frenzy was supposedly triggered by the government’s ambitious announcement: a plan to dip into the BAAC’s coffers for a hefty 172.3 billion baht. Why? To inject life into a 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout scheme, designed to digitalize prosperity among the masses. “Hold your horses,” said Mr. Srettha, addressing the nation, effectively asking everyone to take a deep breath and look at the facts. He was quick to assure that the streets outside the BAAC were not thronged with people in a panic, and the bank itself stood like a…
Imagine stepping into a world where traditions blend with unabashed merriment, where the streets come alive with vibrant colors, laughter, and the jubilant chorus of splash wars. Welcome to Hat Yai district in Songkhla, a place that’s quickly becoming the epicenter of Songkran festivities, especially for our neighbors from Malaysia. This weekend, Hat Yai is set to transform into a jubilee of joy, expecting the arrival of up to 100,000 Malaysian tourists ready to dive into the splendor of the Songkran festival. Why the massive surge in Malaysian tourists, you ask? Well, the stars have aligned this year, marrying the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan and the beginning of Songkran’s water-soaked revelries. Sitthipong Sittipatprapha, the esteemed president of the Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association, beams with anticipation at the prospect of embracing the cultural confluence. Friday morning witnessed the arrival of ‘My Sawasdee’, not just any train, but…
Imagine the hustle and the bustle, the vibrant colors, and the electric atmosphere as Lao people, filled with excitement, line up at the immigration checkpoint in the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom. The air is thick with anticipation as they wait to join the local Songkran festivities – Thailand’s legendary water festival. This scene, captured on a sunny Wednesday, is just a prelude to the significant ease travelers could soon experience when entering the Land of Smiles. The Thai government, in a move as refreshing as the Songkran water splashes, has decided to suspend the TM 6 immigration form requirement for foreigners entering by land or sea – a beacon of hope for streamlined travels. From April 15 until October 15, the cumbersome process will be on pause, following a proposal by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that was greenlit by the cabinet on April 9, as shared by ministry spokeswoman…
Embarking on an adventure or simply navigating through daily routines, the quest for safety and prudence never ceases to be of paramount importance. Imagine setting off into the sunset, your vehicle purring contentedly beneath you, only to realize halfway that your brakes are more of a suggestion than a guarantee. Terrifying, right? Before you channel your inner explorer, take a moment to ensure that both your chariot and you are in tip-top shape. Familiarize yourself with the nooks and crannies of your intended path, and make sure your vehicle’s brakes, tyres, and lights are more reliable than a superhero in a cape – because, at the end of the day, safety is the real MVP. Now, for those knights and dames who prefer their steeds motorized and on two wheels – the romance of the open road calls to you. But remember, every knight’s shining armor includes a helmet. Protect…
Imagine the majestic elephant, Thailand’s pride, and a creature of immense significance, weaving its way through the lush landscapes of this beautiful kingdom. This grand animal is not just Thailand’s national emblem but a living symbol entwined deeply within the country’s rich tapestry of traditions, culture, and beliefs. Come March 13, the entire nation pays homage to these gentle giants on National Elephant Day, an ode to the conservation of these magnificent creatures. In Thailand, the land of smiles, elephants are revered, and they roam both as wild beings under the canopy of expansive forests and as treasured domesticated companions. The kingdom acknowledges the importance of these creatures, safeguarding the wild ones under the robust Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, while those tamed fall under the care of the Beasts of Burden Act. The Alarming Plight of Thailand’s Elephants The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has…