Posts published in “Thailand”

In a world where the lines between right and wrong often blur, a recent policy by the government has sparked a debate so heated, it could melt the polar ice caps. The issue at hand? The classification of individuals found with fewer than five methamphetamine pills as patients in need of treatment, rather than criminals deserving of a striped jumpsuit and a cozy cell. According to an opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), this policy doesn’t sit well with the masses. Imagine, if you will, a survey – not just any survey, but one that dives deep into the heart of the matter, questioning 1,310 souls aged 15 and over, over the course of a bustling weekend in March. The findings? A staggering 67.4% of respondents looked at the government’s policy with the kind of disapproval usually reserved for pineapple on pizza. A mere 12.6%…

In a twist that could rival the plot of a prime-time military drama, the army has found itself at the center of a viral sensation – not for feats of heroism or strategy, but for an incident that has sparked heated debate and a flurry of online activity. It all began when a video clip, stealthily recorded within the barracks’ walls, hit the digital world like a lightning bolt, courtesy of a conscript with a tale to tell. The video, now infamous, showcased a scene straight out of a tense confrontation: a conscript, reeling from the effects of an unauthorized nighttime escapade, found himself on the receiving end of a duty officer’s boot. The kick, delivered with a force that seemed to echo through the corridors of the military establishment, was aimed squarely at the lower back of the not-so-stealthy soldier. This startling act of discipline gone awry was the…

On a radiant Sunday, the lively shores of Koh Samui were abuzz with excited chatter, the air brimming with anticipation. There stood Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, amidst the kaleidoscopic backdrop of Surat Thani’s lush landscapes, extending warm greetings to the island’s inhabitants. This was no ordinary visit. The Prime Minister, along with a delegation of ministers from the Transport and Tourism and Sports Ministries, embarked on a pivotal journey to not only grace Koh Samui and Nakhon Si Thammarat with their presence but to unfold a vision that would transform the face of tourism in the region. Their mission? To champion the construction of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal on the enchanting isle of Koh Samui, a move poised to catapult cruise tourism to unparalleled heights. The air was thick with promise as Mr. Srettha declared his ambition to bring the proposal before the cabinet for green lighting by the terminus…

In a world where opinions fly as freely as leaves in a storm, the recent policy by the government regarding methamphetamine possession has stirred a rather boisterous tempest. Imagine a regulation that parades with the notion: possess five or fewer meth pills, and you’re deemed a patient needing health care, not a dealer facing jail time. This daring move by the Public Health Ministry has knitted brows and sparked debates across the nation, as unveiled by a fascinating survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida). Picture this: 1,310 individuals, each with their own story, aged 15 and above, were asked between March 18-20 about their views on this controversial policy. The results? A staggering 67.4% scoffed at the idea, firmly placing their feet in the camp of disbelief. They could not fathom calling someone with meth pills in their pocket a “patient.” A mere 9.8% shared this…

When the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) shared their latest announcement on social media at the stroke of 11am, the online world buzzed with applause. It wasn’t just any routine update – this was a proclamation that promised to bring about a much-needed transformation to the streets of Bangkok. Residents of the bustling city, who have long navigated sidewalks that seemed more like obstacle courses, could hardly contain their excitement. The message was clear: Change was coming, and not a moment too soon. Traverse Bangkok’s sidewalks today and you’ll find a patchwork of challenges. From the frustrating absence of slopes for wheelchair accessibility to the jarringly high edges that seem to mock those attempting to wheel themselves onto the paths, it’s an accessibility nightmare. But the issues don’t end there. These pedestrian paths seem to play host to an array of impromptu obstacles – utility poles, unpredictable tree roots, and a…

In a turn of events that could easily be the plot of an international food saga, Vietnam has spectacularly stolen the durian crown right from under Thailand’s nose in the Chinese market. The latest buzz from the Vietnamese newspaper Dan Viet reveals that Vietnam’s grip on the Chinese durian market has tightened, boasting a market share increase to 57% in January and February, up from a mere 32% last year. Imagine, for a moment, the humble durian — a fruit so divisive in its aroma that it’s banned on public transport across Southeast Asia — now sitting at the heart of an agricultural showdown. But let’s talk numbers, because in the world of durians, it’s not just about the scent; it’s about the cents too. China imported a whopping 53,110 tons of durians, valued at an astronomical US$283.6 million (or 10.41 billion baht), in just the first two months of…

Imagine yourself basking in the tropical sun on a pristine beach, the sea breeze gently playing with your hair, and then, the highlight of your day comes in the form of a dish that’s a riot of flavors making a beeline for your taste buds. That’s the scene Srettha found himself in as he savored every bite of the southern masterpiece, Kaeng Tai Pla, on an island that tourists flock to. With a satisfied smile and a thumbs-up that could rival any enthusiastic food critic, he proclaimed, “It’s so delicious,” his words echoing the sentiments of many who have been spellbound by this dish. But here’s the twist in the tale – just last month, the TasteAtlas website threw a curveball by announcing that Kaeng Tai Pla had been voted the world’s least favorite dish by its readers. This revelation sent shockwaves through the Thai community, sparking an outcry among…

Imagine standing under the relentless blaze of the sun, beads of sweat trickling down your forehead as you wait, excitement bubbling within despite the heat, to enter the majestic Grand Palace in Bangkok. The scene was nothing short of a testament to Thailand’s allure, even as the mercury soared on that particular day, March 30. Captured in a photograph, tourists stood in line, patient and eager, ready to delve into the rich history and stunning architecture that awaited them inside (Photo: Apichart Jinakul). As if the sun had decided to test the limits of endurance, the entire northeastern region of Thailand is bracing for an even more intense show of force from the skies. After the vibrant Songkran festival, temperatures aren’t just going to rise; they’re expected to leap even further into the realm of scorching until the first week of May. This alarming update came straight from the keyboard…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a verdant oasis known as SRT Ploenchit Park celebrated a milestone that has tails wagging and humans smiling alike. Just last month, this green marvel nestled between the urban stretches of Sukhumvit and Rama 4 road commemorated its first anniversary. Yet, the cherry on top of this green cake has to be its warm welcome to our furry, four-legged companions, turning everyday walks into delightful escapades. The park’s inception was a dream brought to life by the SRT governor, Nirut Maneephan, who envisioned a verdant sanctuary in Bangkok’s concrete jungle. This green hideaway offers Bangkokians a breath of fresh air, inviting them to stretch their limbs, reconnect with nature, and now, share joyful moments with their beloved pets. Dubbed the SRT Pet Friendly Park, this section is a paradise for pets and their owners. Open from the crack of dawn at 5 am until…