As the sun rises over the dreamy beaches of Phuket, the island’s inhabitants are gearing up for what is being termed as a pivotal moment in their civic life. Tomorrow, on a tropical Sunday, the locals of this picturesque island will flock to the polls in a high-stakes municipal election, a decision-making day that’s expected to redefine the political landscape across Phuket. From the azure oceans of Patong to the serene outskirts of Rawai, citizens are being called to action in what has been dramatically billed the “Big Day.” At a lively and spirited rally at Saphan Hin’s spacious 4,000-seat gymnasium, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat was seen passionately advocating for citizen participation. Standing before a backdrop of banners and energy, he urged every eligible voter to head to the polls between 8 AM and 5 PM. “Vote with honesty and integrity,” he encouraged, gesturing vigorously, “Say ‘No’ to vote-buying and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In Thailand, where the summer sun seems to have taken a personal vendetta against everyone and everything under its rays, the ingenious folks at Khao Kheow Open Zoo have conjured a creative and rather mouthwatering antidote for their lovable residents. Nestled in the verdant stretches of Chon Buri, the zoo has embarked on a mission that’s as refreshing as a dip in a cool pool: the deployment of frosty snacks, bamboo bowls, and a burst of enrichment activities designed not only to beat the scorching temperatures but also to put a big, metaphorical smile on the snouts and beaks of their animal wards. This clever initiative falls under the zoo’s Animal Enrichment programme, a strategy that, while it may sound like a catchy title for a nature documentary, actually represents a thoughtful approach to animal welfare. “This isn’t just about cooling down,” narrates Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo’s director and apparent…
Amid the lush greenery and serene landscapes of Mae Sot, Tak province, Thailand, the thudding whispers of distant conflict have reached a crescendo, echoing through the dawn-lit skies on the morning of April 20, 2024. The tranquil cadence of life at the border was disrupted as over 300 Burmese nationals fled into Thai territory, each footstep shadowed by tales of turmoil and the resolve for survival. As the fiery skirmishes blazed across the Myanmar side, the valiant soldiers of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), under the indomitable banner of the Karen National Union (KNU), spearheaded an assault with indomitable courage. Their objective: to wrest control of a significant military base from the clutches of the Myanmar army. Strategic alliances with the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) fortified their resolve, as together they orchestrated the assault on the Repanadi base, nestled a mere stone’s throw—seven kilometers—from the Thai frontier in…
In the midst of an early morning haze on April 20, 2024, a scene unfolded that reminded the world of the precarious balance at the Thailand-Myanmar border. Thai soldiers, clad in full combat gear, found themselves at strategic positions, seeking shelter near the renowned 2nd Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. All eyes were drawn towards the tumultuous frontier where Myanmar’s troops and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) were locked in a fierce confrontation. The serenity of Mae Sot in Thailand’s Tak province, much like a silent bystander, observed as history once again wrote a chapter of skirmish and survival. This was not an isolated incident. It marked just one more instance of the ongoing strife that has spurred tales of courage, escape, and resilience. A sobering rush of adrenaline settled across the region as over 300 Myanmar nationals—328 to be precise—sought refuge on Thai soil with the dawn of Saturday. The…
The search operation dedicated to finding the missing construction workers following the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office (STO) building in Bangkok has, after an intense and exhaustive forty-five days, officially come to a close. With the dust settling, we gather insights into the tragic event. The vast majority of those previously unaccounted for have now been located. Out of an unfortunate pool, 89 individuals have been confirmed dead, while nine have survived. Focus now shifts sharply onto the perplexing task of the forensic identification of the remaining seven workers still missing. Leading the charge, Suriyachai Rawiwan, esteemed Director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office under Bangkok’s vigilant Metropolitan Administration, along with his commanding position at the incident command centre, declared on Saturday the thorough search in critical zones, including mysterious Zone B and all six somewhat elusive lift shafts, has concluded without further discoveries of bodies. But…
The elusive thief known as the “Spider-Man” has been apprehended, bringing an end to a nerve-wracking crime spree that struck fear into the hearts of a luxury housing estate in Pattaya, Thailand. The cunning bandit, whose audacious escapades left residents of the Bristol Park community over a million baht lighter, finally met his match yesterday, May 9th, 2025, at 5:30 pm. The apprehension unfolded in true cinematic fashion as the dedicated security team of this well-guarded community, nestled in Soi Thung Rahar, Huay Yai subdistrict, cornered their pesky perpetrator. The audacious 30-year-old, Nong, was nabbed red-handed while trying to scale the estate’s towering 5-meter walls—a defining moment that concluded his dizzying reign of terror. In an early morning episode, the drama kicked off at the unassuming hour of 3 am, when the estate’s security alarm disrupted the peace. The CCTV came alive with footage of a Thai man donning a…
In a jaw-dropping twist of events in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, a 42-year-old dental assistant found herself in hot water and handcuffs after an audacious gold heist. It’s not every day you hear about someone pinching 16 baht of gold, valued at a staggering 800,000 baht, especially from the privacy of a home sweet home. The victim, a senior citizen named Nuchwadi, age 72, was left not only without her gold but also mired in deep depression due to this betrayal. The unfortunate episode unraveled on April 9, when Nuchwadi took her grievances to the Rattanathibet Police Station, pulling back the curtain on a shocking snatch of her gold bars and treasured jewelry. The investigative magnifying glasses of the cops revealed traces of the suspect’s meddling, noticing the CCTV cameras at Nuchwadi’s residence had mysteriously vanished. As they say, sometimes the evidence disappears almost as quickly as the stolen goods! But…
Have you heard the buzz? Sun-worshippers are flocking to the hidden treasures of Thailand—Koh Kut and Koh Mak. These two barely-trodden gems nestled in the serene waters of Trat province are experiencing an explosive rise in popularity that’s sending ferry services into hyperdrive. Online chatter and a spate of public holidays are catapulting these tranquil islands into the spotlight, coaxing thousands of travelers to experience their unblemished beauty. Tourism fever hit these shores last April, and the travel momentum is only soaring higher. Only yesterday, the islands witnessed an inundation of over 30 vessel movements—with more than 20 high-speed ferries navigating the azure waves—to convey insatiable wanderers to their sandy paradises. The resulting demand-induced tide has left ferry operators scrambling for capacity. “It’s been an exhilarating rush,” chuckled Autthapon Klinthab, manager of Boonsiri Ferry. “Given the vacationers flooding in, we’ve added three more ferry services on Saturdays!” With travel figures…
The breathtaking island of Phuket, known for its beaches and bustling nightlife, has been shaken by a scandal of seismic proportions. The veil has finally been lifted from a sprawling web of illicit business practices involving over 60 companies and 23 individuals caught using faux Thai ownership to bend the nation’s firm business regulations. Just yesterday, May 9, the Department of Business Development (DBD) spilled the beans in a startling attempt to clean house. The Criminal Court, under Red Case No. A.2812/2567, reached a verdict back on September 11, 2024, sending shockwaves through the island. DBD’s Director-General, Auramon Supthaweethum, broke down the judicial thunderstorm, laying out how illegal schemes let foreigners sneakily control Thai businesses, sidestepping the nation’s Foreign Business Act. Those caught in the act, a motley crew of Thai citizens and corporate agencies, faced a 10-year prison sentence. But thanks to their confessions and previously spotless records, their…
In the heart of Thailand, where modernity intertwines with tradition, a storm brews not from the monsoon skies but within the walls of the country’s emblematic Parliament complex. It is here that an architectural masterpiece stands not only as a beacon of governance but as a testament to the nation’s artistic legacy. Created under the visionary guidance of Thailand’s esteemed architect, Chatree Ladalalitsakul, this grandiose structure has become the epicenter of a heated debate regarding its future. The controversy unfurled when Chatree, a revered National Artist who designed this riverside marvel, launched a fervent critique against proposed renovations that threaten to mar its exquisite canvas. On the balmy morning of May 8, Chatree, breaking a decade of stoic silence, emerged before the nation with an impassioned declaration at the Parliament itself. “For 10 years, we have remained silent despite the defamation,” he voiced, his words carrying the weight of ten…