In a vibrant display of civic engagement, anti-casino demonstrators took to the streets at the Government House on March 27, their voices a chorus against the proposed casino-entertainment complex project. As the sun casts a warm glow over the passionate crowd, one might mistake the assembly for a festive gathering rather than a protest, yet the fervor for a serious cause is palpable. This unfolding saga will soon advance to the Senate, where a committee is poised to delve into the multifaceted impacts of the Casino and Entertainment Complex Bill. The House of Representatives is eagerly eyeing this bill for review in the coming week. Pisit Apiwattanapong, the astute senator and spokesperson for the Senate committee on Senate affairs, revealed that two pivotal motions related to this project have secured spots on the agenda for the April 8 meeting. As anticipation builds, senators prepare to engage in robust debate and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
While there’s a widely held belief that many animals possess an uncanny sixth sense for predicting natural disasters, one particular dog in Thailand comically shattered this myth during the recent tremor felt in Bangkok. Meet Echo, the lovable Samoyed who turned what could have been a panic-stricken evacuation into an internet sensation with her rather unconventional response to the quake. In a TikTok video that has racked up over 5 million views, Echo’s owner can be seen in the throes of an “it’s time to get out of here” moment. Panic in the air, adrenaline pumping, she attempts to coax her 32-kilogram fluffy friend into action. But Echo, in an ultimate display of indifference, simply refused to be roused from her serene slumber, sprawled comfortably on the ground amidst vibrating furniture and frantic feet. As the owner desperately tries to rouse the snoozing Samoyed by tugging at her front leg,…
In the aftermath of the recent earthquake, Thailand finds itself at a pivotal moment. As the ground beneath has settled, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up to shake the dust off the nation’s tourism industry. The pressingly urgent task at hand? Restoring the dented confidence of both local and international travelers, while ensuring every guest feels not just welcome, but supremely safe and secure. Held under the astute guidance of Minister Sorawong Thienthong, a critical meeting drew together the best minds from government sectors and the private sphere. The gathering witnessed eager participation from key figures like representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the ever-vigilant Tourist Police, and top contributors from the Association of Thai Travel Agents and Thai Hotels Association. All eyes were on formulating a vision that keeps Thailand not just as a dot on the map, but as a beacon of tourism…
Picture this: The vast expanse of the Lam Takhong Reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima province. It lies a majestic but worrying image, clutching onto a mere 18% of its water capacity. But don’t let this sight alarm you just yet, as hope sails on the horizon according to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). They’ve confidently piped up that this year, for Thailand at least, drought is not on the agenda! Surprisingly upbeat despite the dry season’s brush with brevity, ends in April! But hold onto your umbrellas, folks, as summer storms accompanied by splashes of heightened rainfall are making a grand entrance soon. Sleuths of drought risks were nowhere to be sniffed out, which definitely keeps the water ghosts at bay. Surasri Kidtimonton, the ONWR’s secretary-general, nudged northerners to keep their eyes peeled for storm warnings. The Meteorological Department projects the North to get prime rainy seatings with…
Perched amid the serene yet haunting landscapes of the Nakhon Si Thammarat province lies a quaint district known as Chian Yai. It’s a delightful mosaic of verdant fields and charming stilted homes that echo the gentle cadence of rural Thailand. However, one particular house in this peaceful hamlet has recently been thrust into the harsh glare of notoriety, casting long shadows over its placid precincts. The house of tragedy, as it stands now, was on the quiet morning of a promising Wednesday, rudely interrupted by a heinous act that seems to defy logic and humanity. It was circa 10:30 AM when a distressed neighbor’s call pierced through the usual tranquility, summoning the local police and a dedicated team from the Po Tek Tung Foundation to the somber scene. The accused, an unassuming man named An Uimon, appeared a stoic figure of despair, his age having brushed past five decades. As…
Meet Chadchart Sittipunt, affectionately known as ‘Trip’—a man who has risen through the ranks to become one of Bangkok’s most recognizable figures. Born on May 24, 1966, in the bustling heart of Bangkok, Chadchart is no ordinary leader. He carries the impressive title of Governor of Bangkok, a role he assumed with vigour in 2022. Since taking office, he has gained admiration for resolving an impressive 700,000 out of 860,000 grievances submitted via the city’s digital complaint platform, Traffy Fondue. With the community at the heart of his governance, social media lovingly dubs him “the strongest man on Earth.” The Engineer’s Path: Bridging Knowledge and Innovation Chadchart’s foundation in education is akin to a masterclass in connecting the dots. In his own words, “Life is like connecting the dots. The more dots you have—more knowledge, more experience—the better you can connect them to shape your future.” And, oh, does he…
In the vibrant heart of Songkhla, a new beacon of hope is taking shape—literally. No, it’s not another culinary phenomenon or a hidden gem spa, but rather a state-of-the-art, nine-story building that promises to transform healthcare in the region. Currently underway at the Songkhla Hospital in Muang District, this project is turning heads for reasons both inspiring and nail-biting. At the helm of this ambitious undertaking is a well-known figure in the world of large-scale construction: the same Chinese company that had the daunting task of building the now-infamous 30-story State Audit Office. Yes, the very one that crumbled like a house of cards during last Friday’s earthquake. Yet, despite its riskier-than-usual prestige, this company is also behind the much-talked-about new terminal at Narathiwat Airport—a project that’s been creeping along at a leisurely pace, to put it mildly. The new hospital facility, pegged to cost a cool 426.9 million baht,…
In an unexpected twist of events, the usually fastidious State Audit Office (SAO) found itself at the epicenter of uproar last Friday. The kerfuffle followed the audit office’s under-construction building succumbing to the seismic wrath of an earthquake in Myanmar. As dust settled, questions of accountability were raised faster than one could say “audit,” and amidst this turmoil was the circular issued by the ever-composed Auditor-General, Monthien Charoenpol. Monday dawned with an envelope of tension. Monthien, steering the ship as calmly as any captain confronting a storm, reached out through the SAO’s Line group chat, delivering words wrapped in both stern advisories and gentle reassurances. His message? “Take a deep breath. Hold hands firmly and step forward together.” It sounded like a page from a self-help book but was accompanied by a sense of sincere leadership in unprecedented times. The earthquake was labeled as the worst calamity the SAO had…
In the wake of the recent earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, reverberations were felt across borders, rattling Thailand and its bustling capital, Bangkok. Amidst the chaos, the Bangchak Group swiftly rose to the occasion, acknowledging the pressing needs of those caught in the turmoil. Just two days after the seismic event, Bangchak was already knee-deep in relief efforts by March 30. The Group embarked on a mission of mercy, providing much-needed support to rescue workers, courageous volunteers, and dedicated personnel at the heart of the crisis in Chatuchak District, where a building had toppled under the quake’s unforgiving grip. Fueling both bodies and spirits, Bangchak generously supplied Inthanin beverages to the dedicated individuals toiling tirelessly at the rescue site. Their commitment extended further with the distribution of fuel cards to a host of invaluable rescue organizations. Among the beneficiaries were the Gun Jom Palang Chuay Su Foundation, the…
In a remarkable display of humanity and solidarity, Bangkok has joined forces with Airbnb.org to offer free accommodation to individuals in distress following the recent earthquake in the bustling metropolis. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) shared the news via Facebook on March 31st, unveiling this heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting those unable to return home due to the calamity’s aftermath. This benevolent partnership provides a lifeline of temporary housing at no cost to the earthquake-affected population of Bangkok. It not only extends its helping hand to those whose homes now bear severe scars from the quake but also warmly welcomes the brave rescue personnel and volunteers steadfastly working in the field. Airbnb.org has committed to offering up to 2,000 nights of free shelter in collaboration with the BMA, a pledge that has already embraced over 200 individuals seeking refuge, thus lighting a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. The process…