In the heart of Thailand’s bustling streets and serene countryside, a new hero emerges from the shadows—not with a cape or a mask, but with dedication and a resolve to keep their communities safe. Enter the local health volunteer, a seemingly ordinary citizen who has taken on the extraordinary task of battling one of the country’s most daunting foes: drug smuggling. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has shone a spotlight on these unsung heroes, calling upon them to play a vital role in this fight for public health and safety. Imagine, if you will, a network of around one million vigilant eyes, all registered under the Ministry of Health, weaving through the nooks and crannies of Thailand’s vast landscape. These volunteers are not just the backbone of the healthcare system; they are now the frontline soldiers in the ministry’s war against drugs. According to Mr. Somsak, their mission, should they…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine the sky ablaze with the vibrant colors and the thunderous sounds of bang fai rockets, an age-old tradition that lights up the horizons of Thailand’s northeastern provinces. This spectacle, deeply rooted in local culture and festivity, brings communities together in a celebration that’s as visually stunning as it is culturally significant. However, amidst the revelry, comes a cautionary tale from the skies where metal birds soar and guardians of safety keep vigilant watch. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, in a moment reminiscent of a scene where tradition meets modernity, has voiced concerns over these fiery handmade projectiles after a pilot reported a close encounter at a startling altitude of 6,000 feet. Without a hint of forewarning, the skies shared by aircraft and rockets suddenly seemed too small, prompting a call for better regulation and harmony between age-old festivity and the safety of the skies. In a response that demonstrates a…
In a story that seems more akin to a screenplay of a fantasy film rather than the humdrum of everyday reality, the tale of eight-year-old “Nong Nice” and his so-called telepathic abilities has captivated the nation. This young prodigy, alongside his parents and a coterie of believers, has been running what is referred to as a cult, boasting of mental powers that could easily be mistaken for plot devices in a superhero movie. The drama unfolded this past Friday in a scene that could very well be pictured: Lawyer Anantachai Chaidej, in a moment ripe with anticipation, hands over a sheaf of evidence and a petition to Thaneadpon Thanaboonyawat, the Secretary to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security. The atmosphere is charged, as the very fabric of Buddha’s teachings are called into question by the claims of little “Nong Nice”. The National Office of Buddhism (NOB), in a…
In an audacious move that might just be the silver bullet Thailand needs to combat the ever-persistent drug menace, the Public Health Ministry has come forward with a bold proposal that could redefine the battle lines in the war against drugs. Spearheaded by the indefatigable Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, a recent high-level meeting turned the spotlight on what could potentially pivot the fate of countless individuals caught in the murky waters of drug use and trafficking. The crux of the matter lies in a seemingly simple, yet profoundly impactful proposal: to recalibrate the legal threshold for what constitutes drug use, specifically in relation to methamphetamine, locally referred to as “ya ba”. In a striking departure from the existing norm that earmarks the possession of up to five meth pills as the boundary separating the users from the dealers, the new proposal seeks to trim this down to just a…
In a world where fashion intertwines with politics and innovation meets tradition, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, embarked on a fascinating journey to the heart of Italian style, visiting the iconic Zegna factory in the picturesque town of Valdilana. But this was no ordinary visit. Amid the luxurious fabrics and cutting-edge designs, strategic dialogues unfolded with the crème de la crème of the Italian fashion industry, as captured in a memorable photograph that symbolizes more than just a meeting – it’s a bridge between cultures, industries, and nations. Thailand and Italy, two countries renowned for their rich heritage and innovative spirit, are setting the stage for a new era of collaboration. Under the watchful eyes of Deputy Government Spokeswoman Radklao Intawong Suwankiri, the agenda for these talks is as ambitious as it is promising. From the sun-kissed fields of renewable energy to the pulsating arenas of sports tourism, and from…
In a heart-wrenching incident in the bustling streets of Phuket, tragedy struck a family from Israel during what was supposed to be a joyous vacation on this tropical paradise. The sun had set, the night was alive with the island’s vibrant energy, and a songthaew, the iconic local transport known colloquially as a tuk-tuk, was navigating its way through the animated city. Bunyang Kaewaksorn, a 52-year-old songthaew driver, found himself in the midst of a dire situation that unfolded in mere moments but would leave a lasting sorrow. On that fateful Thursday night, at around 10:40 PM, a scene of alarming urgency emerged on one of Phuket’s roads. Weaving through the narrative is a young Israeli girl, merely five years of age, whose excitement could not be contained within the confines of the moving vehicle. With innocent curiosity, she leaned out of the right window, eager perhaps to catch the…
On a crisp, bustling morning of April 24, 2024, the air at the Department of Disease Control was charged with anticipation. The stage was set in the Pramern Chandavimol Room, an arena known for hosting pivotal discussions, for a hybrid conference that promised to mark a significant milestone in the journey of vaccine security in the nation. At the heart of this congregation was the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), steered by the visionary Vice Minister for Public Health, Cherdchai Tantisirin, poised to evaluate the strides made since the advent of the 2018 National Vaccine Security Act. Imagine, if you will, a room abuzz with the collective wisdom of over 70 distinguished guests. Among them were the sagacious members of the Committee and Subcommittee from NVI, the strategic minds governing the executive boards across all departments of the Ministry of Public Health, luminaries from the Vaccination Research and Development Network, and…
In a spectacular display of environmental stewardship, AP Thailand, under the adept leadership of the ever-dynamic Mr. Boonchai Jankrajanglerd, Chief Supply Chain Officer, has made a striking move towards sustainability. At a prestigious ceremony held at IMPACT Challenger Hall, Mr. Boonchai beamed with pride as he received the esteemed GREEN MISSION Certificate. This accolade, representing ‘The Most GHG Reduction Organisation’, was gracefully handed over by Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, the visionary CEO of TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Co., Ltd. This monumental achievement marks a significant milestone in their joint venture aimed at providing a healthful and eco-friendly living experience to their customers. The air was filled with a sense of purpose, as both companies have laid ambitious plans to reach Net Zero by 2050, a testament to their commitment to our planet’s future. At the heart of Thailand’s booming property development sector stands AP Thailand Public Co., Ltd., a name synonymous…
In a splendid celebration of resilience and growth, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) marked its 73rd anniversary with a grand gesture of philanthropy and an illuminating showcase of economic progression. Amidst the festivities, PAT announced a staggering 36 million baht donation to the Chaloem Phrakiat project in a noble endeavor to uplift the national economy and recommit to its eco-conscious aspirations, aiming to set benchmarks in sustainability with its green port policy. The commemoration was graced by the presence of Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri from the Ministry of Transport, who highlighted the ceremony’s dual purpose: to honor the enduring legacy of PAT and to bolster community health initiatives. A magnificent 36,720,400 baht contribution was allocated to the Kanchanabaramee Foundation for the procurement of a gynecological cancer screening unit. This initiative, set to roll out in remote areas, promises a beacon of hope for at-risk women, offering them early-stage cancer…
Imagine a sun-kissed day turning into a starlit evening in Phuket, where adventure and beauty intertwine in the bustling streets and tranquil beaches. It’s here, amidst the vibrancy of this resort island, that a tale of heartbreak unfolds, casting a shadow over the tropical paradise. This is the story of a five-year-old Israeli girl whose excitement and wonder were abruptly cut short in a tragic accident. On a balmy Thursday night, under the watchful gaze of the moon, a family from Israel set out to explore the wonders of Phuket in a song thaew, an experience unique to Thailand’s streets. Song thaews, known affectionately as tuk tuks in Phuket, are more than just modes of transportation; they’re a gateway to the soul of the island, offering breezes scented with freedom and traces of adventure. However, for this family, the ride took an unforeseen turn. Bunyang Kaewaksorn, a 52-year-old song thaew…