Posts published in “Thailand”

Welcome to the thrilling and somewhat murky world of Southeast Asian politics, where intrigue, drama, and allegations of negligence against a picturesque backdrop unfold. Let’s dive into the captivating story that’s been brewing at the heart of a geopolitical hotspot: the Thai-Myanmar border. It’s a tale that could easily be mistaken for a script out of a high-stakes political thriller, complete with villains, heroes, and a pressing quest for justice. Our story begins with the audacious claims by the fiercely outspoken Move Forward Party (MFP) against the Thai government, sparking a whirlwind of controversy and speculation. What’s the fuss about, you ask? Well, let’s just say it involves a sinister web of call centre scams, sprawling across the border into Myanmar, and the implications are as dire as they sound. Rangsiman Rome, a sharp and perceptive list-MP from the MFP, stepped onto the political stage, wielding allegations like a sword.…

In the simmering cauldron of Thai politics, a whisper of clandestine rendezvous and veiled alliances recently bubbled to the surface, courtesy of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The political corridors were abuzz when he hinted, with a nudge and a wink, that an unexpected guest from the opposition’s camp was spotted at the metaphorical table of the Pheu Thai-led coalition, engaging in hush-hush talks about hitching their wagon to the governing powerhouse. Keeping the dramatis personae anonymous, Mr. Srettha stirred the pot but assured everyone that he hadn’t been invited to this secret soiree. “I may be the Prime Minister, but apparently, that doesn’t get you an invite to every clandestine caucus in town,” he might as well have said. His comments landed amid the swirling gossip that the Democrats, equipped with their strategy and savoir-faire, were inching closer to the government’s embrace, especially as the whispers of a Cabinet reshuffle…

Welcome to the most exhilarating travel season of the year in Thailand – the Songkran festival! Yes, folks, it’s that time when water fights rule the streets and smiles light up the nation. But here’s the scoop that’s making waves this year: six international airports in Thailand are gearing up to host a staggering 2.61 million passengers. That’s right, folks – the travel buzz is real, and we’ve got all the juicy details straight from the Transport Ministry! The ever-enthusiastic Transport Minister, Suriya Juengrungreangkit, couldn’t contain his excitement as he outlined the preparations in place to ensure every traveler’s safety. And let me tell you, the numbers are nothing short of spectacular. During the period of April 11 to 17, which is basically the heart of the Songkran festivities, the passenger count is expected to skyrocket by 28.50% compared to last year. It’s a blend of excitement with a dash…

Imagine taking a scenic stroll around the breathtaking cape of Laem Phromthep, the golden sun setting in the background as you admire the towering, iconic palmyra palm trees. This picture-perfect scene is a hallmark of Phuket, a beloved island that has long enchanted visitors with its stunning landscapes and tranquil vibes. However, lurking beneath the serene beauty of these majestic palms is a tiny yet formidable adversary threatening to disrupt the natural splendor of this paradise: the black-headed caterpillars. On a recent expedition to survey the encroaching danger, Phuket’s governor, Sophon Suwannarat, revealed a concerning observation. The population of these diminutive devourers has skyrocketed, a phenomenon attributed to a particularly dry spell that has left the region parched for months on end. The absence of rain, it seems, has played a pivotal role in this ecological imbalance. Should we fail to intervene, we’re facing the grim possibility of the palmyra…

In the hallowed halls of Thailand’s parliament, amidst the buzz of political machinations and the air thick with strategy and counter-move, a controversy of cinematic proportions was brewing. Enter Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a dashing figure from the main opposition, the Move Forward Party (MFP), wielding an accusation as sharp as a well-forged saber. On a Thursday that promised to be like no other, amid the crescendo of a two-day general debate, Wiroj pointed a finger at the government, alleging a devious plot to embezzle funds earmarked for the navy’s procurement of a shiny new frigate. This spectacle unveiled what’s now known as the “change money” scandal, and trust me, it’s as intriguing as it sounds. The plot of this political thriller thickens when you understand what “change money” really refers to. Picture this: a deal is struck at an inflated price, and then, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of…

Imagine diving into the heart of Thailand’s culinary landscape, where the aroma of exotic spices fills the air, and every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the vibrant tapestry of Thai culture. Amid this rich culinary tradition stands a dish that has stirred up quite the conversation: ‘Kaeng Tai Pla’. This Southern Thai curry, known for its bold use of fish entrails, has recently been crowned the “Worst Rated Food in the World” by TasteAtlas. But, as we’re about to discover, taste is an incredibly subjective adventure. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, weighing in on TasteAtlas’ controversial ranking, reminds us of the inherent subjectivity in culinary preferences. “Culinary likings are a subjective matter,” he says, emphasizing that while ‘Kaeng Tai Pla’ may not cater to everyone’s palate, Thai cuisine continues to enchant taste buds around the globe with dishes celebrated for their divine flavors. It’s important to note that…

In the heart of Bangkok, a monumental task has begun that promises to transform the cityscape from a chaotic web of wires into a vision of organized beauty and safety. At the helm of this ambitious venture is a coalition of Thailand’s leading forces: the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), along with telecom giants True Corporation and Advanced Info Service (AIS). Their mission? To liberate the bustling Asok Montri area of its dense, unused communication cables that dangle precariously from power poles. Marking the start of their operation on a bright Thursday morning, this team set out on a 2.4-kilometre stretch between the Phetchaburi and Sukhumvit intersections, a site notorious for its tangled skein of cables. But this is just the beginning. The endgame? A radical overhaul that doesn’t stop at the removal of cables but extends to the complete…

Welcome to Phuket, a tropical paradise where the sun kisses the shore with her golden rays, and the sea hums a lullaby to those who tread her sands. Yet, this idyllic haven lately finds itself entwined in tales more suited to a bustling city’s back alleys than its serene beaches. Enter the newly minted spearhead against unruliness, Phuket’s special task force, born from the ashes of incidents that seemed to mar the island’s pristine reputation. Under the vigilant watch of Governor Sophon Suwannarat, this team has swiftly swung into action, notching up an eye-watering 400 criminal cases against foreigners who mistook paradise for a playground devoid of rules. A narrative sparked by an incident so shocking it sent ripples through the tranquil waters of Phuket: a Swiss vacationer, in a display of wanton disregard, launched an unprovoked attack on a female Thai doctor at Yamu Beach one balmy February day.…

Imagine a tranquil morning on the serene waters surrounding the picturesque island of Koh Tao, when suddenly tranquility is shattered by an urgent distress call. An incident unfolded approximately two to three nautical miles off the island’s idyllic shores— a tale of quick responses, communal effort, and unexpected detours. The cause of the commotion? A boat engulfed in flames, creating a scene that looked like it was plucked straight from an action-packed movie, except this was no scripted drama. The Facebook page of the Disaster and Mitigation Special Unit sprung into action, painting a vivid picture of heroism as boats in the vicinity rushed towards the accident site. These vessels became unexpected knights in shining armor, coming to the rescue of passengers who, in a desperate bid for safety, hurled themselves into the embrace of the sea below. By the break of dawn, at 8am to be precise, all 108…

Imagine a tranquil province on the fringes of the bustling city, where the air is crisp and the waters clear. This was Samut Sakhon, a jewel in Thailand’s industrial crown, until a discovery that shocked the local community and its governing officials to their core. Nestled within the unsuspecting district of Muang, two foundries, which from the outside looked as harmless as any other, held a dark secret—a colossal 15,000 tonnes of cadmium waste, a substance as dangerous as it is carcinogenic, lay hidden within their confines. It was on a day like any other that the governor of Samut Sakhon, Phol Damtham, led an investigation into these two foundries, operated by a company that seemed to be quietly tucked away on Soi Kong Phananphon off the arterial Ekachai Road. But what they found was anything but ordinary. About 1,600 large bags filled with cadmium and zinc waste revealed the…