Posts published in “Thailand”

Amid the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city, a meeting was called to order on an auspicious Wednesday. The attendees were none other than the prestigious members of the OFFO committee, gathering under the stern yet visionary gaze of the esteemed Deputy PM and Energy Minister, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga. The air was electric with anticipation as they convened to tackle a matter of great urgency: the relentless upward march of global oil prices. With a sense of resolve that could only be described as heroic, the committee reached a unanimous decision that would bring a sigh of relief to many: the 30 baht per litre price ceiling on diesel would continue to shield the populace from the stormy seas of the global oil market. Yet, this was no ordinary decision. To counter the menacing tide of price hikes, the Oil Fuel Fund would magnanimously increase its subsidy by a modest…

In the heart of the night, an ominous glow pierces the darkness, its ferocity captured in a video that’s making rounds on social media, courtesy of the Fire & Rescue Thailand’s Facebook page. The video, a haunting testament to nature’s unforgiving power, shows tongues of flame leaping towards the sky, a clear sign that what started as a spark has transformed into a roaring inferno. The magnitude of this blaze is such that counting the casualties, both the injured and the possibly lost souls, remains a task mired in uncertainty as of our latest update. In a gripping twist of humanity bands together in the face of adversity, a beacon of hope shines through. The Disaster and Mitigation Special Unit, through their Facebook page, shares a riveting development: boats in the vicinity, recognizing the dire situation unfolding before their eyes, are navigating through the treacherous dark waters towards the epicenter…

In the bustling heart of Thailand, a tale of nocturnal construction endeavors unfolds, blending the mundane world of road expansion with the unexpected twists of night-time drama. The stage is set along the Rama II Road, a thoroughfare vital to the rhythm of daily commutes, now the protagonist in a saga of unforeseen expenses and governmental largesse. At the helm of this narrative is the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, a figure who brings to light the government’s decision to extend a financial olive branch—an impressive sum of no less than 1.59 billion baht—to the harried contractors embroiled in the Rama II Road expansion project. Originally, the project was a race against time, slated to pierce the ribbon at its completion in June. Yet, like all great tales, a twist awaited. The Highways Department, in a move prioritizing the safety of the everyday motorist over the ticking clock, decreed that contractors…

Amid the whirling rumors and the breathtaking drama that seems to be a staple in the corridors of the Royal Thai Police, the case of Deputy National Police Chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, takes center stage, spinning a tale that feels more like a plot from a high-octane thriller than real-life proceedings. In the eye of this storm is Acting National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kitrat Panphet, who spoke to the media with the calm assurance of a seasoned officer, outlining the procedural path ahead. His audience? None other than the eager ears of journalists gathered before a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at the iconic parliament building. According to Pol Gen Kitrat, the saga unfolds around two main issues. The first shines a spotlight on allegations as dark as a moonless night: money laundering connected to the notorious online gambling site, BNK Master. The second casts a shadow…

In the lush, verdant valleys of Chiang Mai, a marvel of horticultural prowess has emerged, casting shadows far and wide – a pumpkin, no less, that tips the scales at an eye-watering 380 kilograms. This is not just any pumpkin; this is Thailand’s heavyweight champion, nurtured to gargantuan proportions by the illustrious alumni of Maejo University. Imagine, if you will, a pumpkin so vast it could serve as a carriage for Cinderella and her entire entourage! The stage for this extraordinary display of agricultural achievement is the Panawat Dhammakaya Meditation Centre, nestled in the picturesque Hot district of Chiang Mai. Here, amidst the serene backdrop of the centre, the pumpkin takes pride of place, drawing admirers from near and far. The centre is not merely a haven of tranquility but is currently alive with the buzz of an agricultural fair, running until Sunday, with the giant pumpkin exhibition as its…

Imagine strolling through the vibrant streets of Phuket’s old town, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food, the mesmerizing sound of bustling markets, and the laughter of tourists from all corners of the globe. Phuket, a gem in the crown of Thailand’s tourist destinations, attracts sun-seekers from Europe and Russia, all drawn to its golden beaches and the promise of an eternal summer. The allure of Phuket lies not only in its picturesque landscapes but in the rich tapestry of experiences it offers. However, beneath the surface of this tropical paradise, there’s a pragmatic aspect of tourism that often goes unnoticed until needed – the legal protection of its international visitors. In an innovative move to bolster the island’s appeal as a safe and just destination, the Phuket Provincial Court has announced the reopening of its tourist section. This decision comes at the helm of…

Imagine, if you will, a scene straight out of an urban jungle chronicle, where the protagonists are none other than the cheeky, mischievous, and utterly fearless monkeys of downtown Lop Buri. In an intriguing blend of modern life and nature’s untamed spirit, a press conference quite unlike any other unfolded. Framed against the larger-than-life image of a monkey, photographers captured the moment, marking the beginning of an adventurous saga orchestrated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP). Amidst swirling rumors and the bustling life of Lop Buri, the DNP finds itself at the heart of a narrative filled with curious macaques and concerned humans. Dispelling myths with the ease of a seasoned storyteller, DNP’s director-general, Atthapol Charoenchansa, steps into the limelight. On a sunny Wednesday that seemed to herald new beginnings, he unveiled a plan not just to reclaim the streets but to rewrite the relationship…

Imagine the biggest festival party in the world and the excitement that comes with it. Picture the scene at Songkran in Thailand, where revellers splash water all over each other in the ultimate festival experience. They throw powder over each other and the excitement is unreal. Suddenly, a group of students prepares for the ultimate photo opportunity on Khao San Road. Powder in hand, they’re ready to create a vibrant scene of color and joy. The atmosphere is electric and the anticipation builds. But let’s turn our attention to an incredibly important issue. The Ministry of Public Health, and health advocacy groups, are making a groundbreaking call. They want the upcoming Songkran, set to dazzle us from April 13-16, to be celebrated with an innovative twist: zero alcohol for public safety. Imagine the potential for pure, undiluted fun, where the water-dousing festivities don’t need to be fuelled by drinking. In…

Welcome to the tropics, where the warmth of the sun is always more indulgent! Thailand, the jewel of Southeast Asia, may soon redefine what it means to be “sun-soaked”. Imagine, if you will, stepping into a world where temperatures could sizzle up to a blistering 50C in the next six decades. Yes, you read that right! Assoc Prof Seree Supratid, a maestro of climate science from Rangsit University’s Center for Climate Change and Disasters, has turned the thermostat up with his predictions. In a series of posts that lit up his Facebook page like a mid-summer sun, Assoc Prof Seree shared insights that could make even the most seasoned sun worshipper break a sweat. Picture this: the number of days where the mercury boldly dares to tip over 40C is expected to leap from a mere nine to a staggering seventy-five each year. This isn’t your typical tropical tango; it’s…

In the bustling world of politics and policy, where the digital age meets the demands of the common folk, sit back as I unfold a tale that’s as engaging as it is muddling—the saga of Thailand’s 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme. The story’s protagonist, Sirikanya Tansakun, a deputy leader from the ever-vigilant Move Forward Party (MFP), recently took to the parliamentary stage with a perplexing conundrum that seems straight out of a financial thriller. Imagine, if you will, a flagship policy by the ruling Pheu Thai Party that’s akin to a tantalizing treasure chest, promising riches (well, an economic boost) but consistently eluding the grasp of its beneficiaries due to an ever-morphing source of funding. Yes, dear reader, you heard that right—the funding source has shape-shifted not once, not twice, but a bewildering five times. Sirikanya, with the steely resolve of a detective on a mission, delved deep into the…