Posts published in “Thailand”

In a charming abode nestled in the heart of Bangkok, a scene that seems to dance straight out of a vibrant storybook unfolds in the family swimming pool. Here, with the sun casting shimmering patterns on the gentle ripples, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now a figure of controversy and compassion alike, is spotted engrossed in a session of aqua therapy, his hands deftly maneuvering through the water with aqua dumbbells. But this isn’t just any ordinary day by the pool – it’s a session sprinkled with the laughter and joy of his beloved grandchildren, who accompany him in this aquatic dance. The photos, capturing moments of aquatic bliss, have recently set the cyber waves buzzing, painting a picture of familial love and healing waters. Yet, beyond the frame, these images have stirred the pot of public discourse, bringing to light questions and quips about the health of the paroled…

Welcome to Chiang Mai, the city where tradition meets a modern paradox, and where, as they gear up for the Songkran water festival, a much less festive cloud hangs over—the cloud of smog. Early Tuesday morning, the beautiful city of Chiang Mai soared to undesirable heights, earning the title of the most polluted place on the globe. This wasn’t a trophy anyone wanted to display on their mantle, but according to IQAir rankings, with fine dust levels peeking at 203 microgrammes per cubic meter around 9.20 am, Chiang Mai was labeled “very unhealthy.” In an ironic twist, as the city prepares to welcome the cleansing splashes of Songkran, which runs from Thursday through to next Monday, it’s also grappling with this atmospheric grime. Songkran, known for its water-fights and festive spirit, sees Chiang Mai transformed into a playground for locals and tourists alike. However, this year, it’s not just about…

In the shadowy jungles of Kawkareik, nestled within Myanmar’s complex terrain, a unique transformation unfolded on December 19, 2021. A group of once-peaceful protesters morphed into the valiant guerrilla warriors of the People’s Defence Forces (PDF), taking to the frontlines, a testament to the resilience and indefatigable spirit of those fighting for democracy and freedom in the face of adversity. This moment, captured in a photograph that blazed across global headlines, symbolized the fierce determination of the Myanmar people in their struggle for self-determination. As the crescendo of conflict in Myanmar reached fever pitches, with the echoes of war reverberating across the rugged landscape, Thailand presented a beacon of hope and neutrality amid the storm. With a statement imbued with compassion and foresight, Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara announced on an unassuming Tuesday that the Kingdom stood ready to open its arms to up to 100,000 souls displaced by…

In an intriguing turn of events rippling through the Southeast Asian geopolitical landscape, the quiet town of Mae Sot, typically known for its bustling markets and vibrant cross-border trade, has found itself at the heart of an extraordinary episode. According to Thai media, the military regime of Myanmar has made an unprecedented request to land a transport plane at Mae Sot airport. But this is no ordinary flight; it’s a mission aimed at repatriating more than 600 of its troops and their families who, in a stunning twist, have fled Myawaddy for the safety of Thai soil. Set against the backdrop of a fierce struggle, these soldiers reportedly surrendered to the Karen National Union (KNU) and allied forces. These groups, in a bold move, captured seven military bases in and around Myawaddy, a township that sits whisper-close to Mae Sot, marking a significant blow to the junta’s grip in the…

Imagine a landscape where the sun reigns supreme, casting its golden rays across the vast expanse, creating a masterful painting of light and warmth that envelops the region in a soothing embrace. This is the portrait of much of Thailand today, thanks to the firm grip of a high-pressure system hailing all the way from China, spreading its influence across upper Thailand and caressing the waters of the South China Sea. The weather forecast promises a tale of extremes – from intensely hot days in peaceful zones to the dramatic episodes of thunderstorms elsewhere. As calm as it might sound in areas untouched by stormy moods, the weather takes a thrilling turn in the Northeast. Imagine the sky, usually a tranquil guardian, suddenly pulsing with energy, its temper shifting. Thunderstorms rise to perform a symphony, complete with gusty winds that dance wildly through the air, hail that drumbeats on every…

Picture this: a mysterious, looming crisis brewing in the heart of Samut Sakhon, Thailand, a saga unfolding that reads more like a thriller than an environmental report. At the epicenter of this tale is a foundry, owned by the enigmatic J & B Metal Co, harboring a secret that would soon ripple across the province and beyond. This narrative began with the unassuming discovery of a hefty bag of cadmium waste – a substance as treacherous as it is toxic, mishandled and forgotten in Muang district. Flash forward to a revelation that would escalate concerns to fever pitch: eight workers, each a vital cog in the machine of the smelting factory, found themselves ensnared by the invisible enemy of excessive cadmium levels. Dr. Kitti Kanpirom, a vanguard for the Public Health Ministry, unveiled this alarming development. The tests they conducted showed a chilling result – eight souls, now battling illness…

Imagine this: you’re scrolling through the bustling digital marketplace, where the glow of your screen promises endless opportunities for exciting purchases and investments. You’re in a world where convenience reigns supreme, and everything you’ve ever wanted is just a click away. But lurking in the shadows of this vibrant online ecosystem are the crafty figures of consumer fraudsters, whose schemes have recently topped the charts as the reigning champions of online scams. In a startling revelation that rocked the nation this Monday, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) uncovered that a staggering 1 billion baht had vanished into the abyss of these nefarious activities in just the first quarter of the year alone. Deputy government spokesman, Karom Polpornklang, laid bare the numbers: a jaw-dropping 26,507 cases of online skullduggery reported through the official RTP lifeline, thaipoliceonline.com. The cost of these digital deceptions? A whopping 4.65 billion baht, breaking down to an…

Imagine the soft, sandy beaches of Koh Samui, a jewel in Thailand’s crown, bustling with excitement over an announcement that has the potential to bring more visitors to its shores than ever before. Last Sunday, under the tranquil sky, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made his grand entrance, not just for a casual visit, but with news that could transform the island’s future. On a sun-kissed Monday, draped in the enthusiasm of potential growth, the Prime Minister, alongside an entourage of key officials, unveiled plans that have the island buzzing. At the heart of their visit was the Samui Airport – a gateway to paradise that, despite its charm, has been playing a game of catch-up with the growing influx of eager travelers. With only a single runway that welcomes the compact Airbus A319, bringing a cozy group of around 120 passengers at a time, Samui has been a victim of…

In the serene expanse where Thailand’s heart meets the pulsating energies of the Mekong River, an incident unfolded that briefly threatened to mar the natural camaraderie shared between the river and its inhabitants. Not far from the Thai shores, nestled against the gentle clasp of Bueng Kan province, a drama involving nature, humanity, and a rogue chemical intruder played out, leaving the local community and authorities on high alert. The tranquility of the Mekong River, a lifeline for millions and a sanctuary for an array of aquatic life, faced an unwelcome visitor last Wednesday. In a mishap that sent ripples of concern across borders, a lorry in Laos lost its composure and its hazardous cargo – sulphuric acid – seeped into the river’s whispering tributaries. This incident set the stage for a rigorous test of resilience and cooperation between Thai and Laotian environmental safeguards. Amid the rising tide of concern,…

Welcome to a chapter in the transformational saga of Bangkok, where urban change promises to redefine the heart of the city along the vibrant banks of the Chao Phraya River. At the epicenter of this urban renaissance is the bustling Bangkok Port, nestled in the Klong Toey district’s embrace, a place brimming with life and activity. Commanded by the Port Authority of Thailand, this port, much more than a mere point of embarkation, is a storied junction of commerce and culture. However, the winds of change are blowing, and with them, the dawning of a new era for this historic port. The Thai government, in a move as bold as it is visionary, has unfurled plans to relocate the 32-rai Bangkok Port. This directive springs from a desire to repurpose the venerable docks and their immediate surroundings to enhance the public realm. In a letter that carries the weight of…