Welcome to the grand celebration that is set to wash over Thailand – the Songkran festival! This isn’t just any Songkran; this year, we’re talking about a three-week extravaganza promising to be a lifeline for tourism, with an expected windfall running into tens of billions of baht. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the scenic landscapes of Chiang Mai, the sandy beaches of Phuket, to the vibrant city of Pattaya, Thailand is rolling out the red carpet from April 1 to 21. The festivities have caught the eye of Unesco too, earning the traditional Thai New Year festival a spot on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. But what’s a festival without a bit of intrigue? As hearts itch for the celebration, a shadow looms over Chiang Mai – the notorious PM2.5 pollution. Yet optimism flourishes like the lilies of spring; there is hope that the number of…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a turn of events that feels plucked straight from a high-stakes environmental thriller, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, has embarked on an urgent quest full of twists and turns. The mission? To unravel the mysterious vanishing act of a whopping 11,000 tonnes of cadmium waste from a Samut Sakhon smelting factory. The drama unfolded on the premier’s X account, where he made a declaration reminiscent of a superhero’s call to action. He pledged to banish all renegade tailings to the shadow realm (figuratively speaking) within a mere 15 days. Last Thursday, the scene was set at an unassuming smelting factory nestled in the Muang district, which turned out to be the stage for this environmental enigma. Here, some 13,450 tonnes of cadmium tailings, alongside their zinc counterparts, were discovered hoarding space without so much as a by-your-leave. The plot thickened as it came to light that these…
In a resplendent ceremony that seemed to sparkle with the weight of its significance, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, the distinguished second-eldest son of His Majesty the King, marked a new chapter in his illustrious journey. This wasn’t just any day on the calendar; it was the moment when he was ceremoniously named the honorary advisory chairman to none other than the president of the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT). The venue was abuzz with the stirrings of change, anticipation hanging in the air like a promise. The esteemed LCT president, Wichien Chubthaisong, with a flourish of his pen, signed a letter that would carve Mr. Vacharaesorn’s role into the annals of legal history, at least until the year 2025. A law graduate from the prestigious George Washington University in the United States, Mr. Vacharaesorn wasn’t just taking up another title; he was stepping into a legacy of service and dedication. The corridors…
Imagine this: As the sun began its descent on a rather ordinary Friday in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, an extraordinary series of events was about to unfold—one that would see 135 souls from Myanmar embarking on an exceedingly risky adventure, only to find themselves in the vigilant grasp of Thai authorities. This tale is not just about illegal entry; it’s about hope, desperation, and the lengths people will go to seek a better life. The adventure starts with a tipoff to the local police about a suspicious pickup truck, weaving its way toward the heart of Kanchanaburi’s Muang district along the scenic Highway 323. This wasn’t just any road trip; nestled within the confines of this vehicle were 58 determined souls from Myanmar, hidden away as if they were mere cargo. Led by the keen Pol Col Pattarachai Korsanan, deputy commander of the provincial police, and his right-hand man, investigative superintendent…
In the heart of Southeast Asia, where the mighty Mekong River winds its way through lush landscapes and vibrant communities, a beacon of collaborative progress and mutual development shines brightly. The Chinese government, in a significant gesture of international cooperation, has orchestrated a substantial investment into the future of the region through the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund (MLCSF). This year, a pot of US$4.1 million, translating to an impressive 151 million baht, is being funneled into 18 transformative local projects, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Thailand. The journey to selecting these fortunate 18 projects was no small feat. Out of a hopeful 106 proposals spanning from governmental sectors to educational advocates, these projects emerged victorious. Each one carries the promise of elevating the quality of life for the Thai population and their neighbors in the Mekong sub-region. The diversity of these initiatives is staggering—from bolstering…
Imagine this: The sun is setting on the horizon, painting the skies above Koh Samui and Nakhon Si Thammarat in shades of orange and purple, and there’s a buzz about a topic that’s as hot as the Thai sun itself – Kaeng Tai Pla. Srettha, a connoisseur with a mission, takes to the digital world, stirring a culinary storm with a simple question, “Where can one find the most soul-stirring Kaeng Tai Pla in Koh Samui and Nakhon Si Thammarat?” But that’s not all – as dawn turns to dusk, Srettha is set to dive deep into the pressing issues of water shortages and garbage on the paradisiacal island of Koh Samui, before turning attention to the agricultural marvels and bountiful rubber of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Why, you ask? It’s a quest, a quest to champion the unsung hero of southern Thai cuisine, all for the prestigious TasteAtlas. “Imagine a…
Imagine the meandering rivers of Southeast Asia as veins pumping life into a body, the body being the vibrant landscapes and diverse cultures of Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2016, these nations bound together under the banner of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), a testament to the power of collaboration and shared dreams. Spearheaded by the visionary leaders of Thailand, this alliance has flourished, setting a triumphant example of transboundary cooperation. Within its framework pulses the heart of the LMC Special Fund, a mighty force committed to turning ideas into reality. This fund, a beacon of progress, breathes life into small and medium-sized projects, weaving a tapestry of tangible benefits for the citizens of the six member countries. With over 780 development marvels already under its belt, the fund beams with pride, showcasing Thailand’s dedication with 77 projects completed and another 18 recently given the green light. In…
In the tranquil heart of Sattahip district, nestled amidst the scenic beauty that Chon Buri is celebrated for, a disconcerting discovery disrupted the rhythmic pulse of daily life. It was on an otherwise ordinary Friday that the calm waters of a local reservoir, a life source to the community, clasped within their depths a secret grim enough to send shivers down the spine of the district. What seemed like an invitation to a mystery novel turned into an all-too-real saga when the stench of decay led to a macabre find – two lifeless bodies floating, their stories untold, in the reservoir tasked with quenching the thirst of Sattahip’s residents. Shoes believed to belong to the unfortunate men lay forlorn on the bank, silent witnesses to the tragedy that unfolded. There were no signs of struggle, no whispers of farewell – just the quiet lapping of water against the shore. The…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the streets pulse with the vibrant rhythm of daily commerce and the air is thick with the sizzle of street food, a story unfolded that seemed straight out of a thrilling crime novel. The protagonist of this tale was a 59-year-old Indian national, known in our saga merely as Veejay. This character, unlike any other, had crafted his own niche in the sprawling urban labyrinth of Lat Phrao district, but not in a manner that society could commend. Veejay, a man of mysterious motives, had been weaving through the streets of Bangkok on his trusty motorcycle, not in search of adventure or sightseeing, but on a quest of a more clandestine nature. He was the merchant of money, offering financial salvation to the local vendors and denizens ensnared in the quicksand of fiscal despair. But alas, this salvation came with a steep price…
In a ceremony that could have easily been the climactic scene of a blockbuster film, complete with the grandeur and reverence fitting for royal involvement, Wichien Chubthaisong, the esteemed president of the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT), extended an arm of collaboration adorned with an accolade of significant prestige to none other than Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse. The event, undeniably infused with a blend of formality and heartfelt emotions, saw Vacharaesorn—an individual whose lineage to His Majesty the King is as notable as his academic and professional prowess—being appointed as the honorary advisory chairman to the president of the LCT. This awe-inspiring appointment was solidified through a formal letter, penned and signed by Wichien himself, marking a momentous occasion within the ornate halls of the council’s headquarters in Bangkok that Friday. The council, a beacon of legal professionalism and advocacy within Thailand, could not have found a more distinguished figure for this…