The Transport Ministry has thrown open the floodgates for larger, ultra-luxurious cruise ships, commonly known as super yachts, to ply Thai waters. Yes, you read that right. Thailand is set to transform into an Asian marina paradise! On a sunny Friday, Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri joyfully affirmed that the Marine Department has updated its regulations to align with the present maritime reality and to give a significant boost to the marine tourism sector. “The regulation, which has been on the books since August 2015, was crying out for a makeover to keep up with the changing tides. We’re now laser-focused on attracting affluent foreign tourists,” Charoensri enthusiastically declared. With plans to make Thailand the beating heart of regional ocean tourism and cruise ship travel, Charoensri reiterated the vision: “Thailand is primed to become a major hub for Asian marina activities, marking our ambitious strides to boost marine tourism.” Venturing into…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Ten years ago, an anonymous sketch of a woman sparked a decade-long hunt that led to the arrest of the final suspect, Sompong Soithong, in a notorious human trafficking case. A single sketch was all the police from the Anti Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) had when they began their search. The case was a tough nut to crack. “It’s a tough job, but if we didn’t do it, who would?” said Pol Maj Gen Sarut Kwaengsopha, commander of the ATPD, after his team nabbed the suspect in Samut Prakan this Wednesday. This arrest marks the closure of a dark chapter in Thailand’s fight against human trafficking. On September 16, Pol Maj Gen Sarut ordered Pol Col Korkiat Wuthijumnong, superintendent of Sub-Division 1, to arrest 62-year-old Sompong Soithong, using a warrant from December 19, 2014. Pol Lt Col Burin Kapittha, an inspector, made the arrest under Pol Col Korkiat’s directive.…
The ruling Pheu Thai Party is vigorously defending its ambitious casino-entertainment complex project, asserting it will usher underground gambling activities into legality and enable the government to harness substantial tax revenues. According to an official statement on Pheu Thai’s webpage released this past Saturday, legalising these clandestine gambling activities and levying taxes on the project itself could exceed 50% of the country’s GDP, significantly bolstering the economy. This influx of revenue is slated to be channeled into essential areas such as education development and other vital projects. Pheu Thai’s vision for casino entertainment complexes aims to tap into the immensely lucrative “fun” economy, which is currently valued at an astounding US$13.7 trillion. This ambitious project was elaborately detailed in the Pheu Thai-led government’s policy statement presented by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in parliament on September 12. The plan has sparked a mixture of excitement and skepticism among various societal factions.…
The government has rolled out a big shake-up in the military ranks this year, revealing the list of 808 officers set to take on new roles in an annual reshuffle. Among the high-profile changes are fresh faces for the top brass of the Royal Thai Army and Royal Thai Navy, with their current leaders set to retire at the month’s end. Announced by the Prime Minister’s Office and published on the Royal Gazette’s website this past Saturday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially submitted the list for royal endorsement. Once granted, these appointments will come into effect on October 1. The appointment that has generated much buzz is that of Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, tapped as the new commander-in-chief of the army. Gen Pana was recommended by the outgoing army chief, Gen Charoenchai Hintao. Currently, Gen Pana sits as the army’s chief of staff and is a distinguished member of the…
In a significant shakeup to the Royal Thai military forces, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced the much-anticipated list of 808 military officers who are set to be transferred to new positions as part of this year’s annual military reshuffle. Among the noteworthy appointments are the new chiefs of the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy, who will assume their roles following the retirement of the current leaders at the end of this month. With an official proclamation published on the Royal Gazette’s website this past Saturday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has moved forward with submitting the list for royal approval. Once the royal endorsement is granted, the appointments will be enacted, taking effect on October 1st. Drawing a fair share of public and media attention is the appointment of Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk as the incoming commander-in-chief of the army. This high-profile nomination comes at the recommendation of…
A catastrophic fire erupted at the plastic precursor plant belonging to Thai Plastic and Chemicals Plc, nestled within the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Thailand’s Rayong province, causing ripples of concern among the local residents and authorities. The blaze, which broke out on a calm Sunday afternoon, has invoked vivid anxiety and swift action amidst an unwitting community. The initial spark of chaos ignited around 12:25 PM, triggered by a dangerous leak of vinyl chloride, a highly flammable and toxic gas integral to the plant’s polyvinyl chloride production. This unfortunate event soon birthed a fierce conflagration and dense, menacing plumes of smoke, prompting an immediate state of emergency. Thai Plastic and Chemicals Plc promptly swung into action, sending out urgent advisories to residents positioned downwind. The advice was straightforward and grave—retreat indoors and stay safe, or venture out only with proper face masks to guard against the perilous fumes.…
A backhoe loads mud onto a truck in Mae Sai district of Thailand’s Chiang Rai province on Sunday. (Photo: Public Relations Department) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has swiftly mobilized efforts to rid Chiang Rai of the thick layers of mud left in the wake of severe flooding. The task is mammoth, with an estimated 68,000 tonnes of flood-related debris cluttering this northernmost Thai province. On Sunday at Wing 6 in Bangkok, Ms. Paetongtarn bid farewell to air force aircraft loaded with supplies, destined for the flood-stricken residents of Chiang Rai. These essential items, sourced from both governmental and private sectors, aim to bring relief to those affected. Ms. Paetongtarn has directed officials to clear away the pervasive mud, prioritizing drainage systems before the sludge dries and becomes even more challenging to remove. In an inspiring act of generosity, His Majesty the King has donated 100 high-pressure water cleaners to expedite…
(Photo: Royal Thai Air Force) The government is fast-tracking a comprehensive compensation plan for tourism businesses devastated by the recent floods in Thailand’s Nong Khai province, announced an official. Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, revealed on Saturday that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration had deliberated on the plan since Wednesday. “We’re rolling out several measures, including a one-month exemption on tap water and electricity bills for households impacted by the floods,” Sorawong stated. The government isn’t stopping there; they’re also extending soft loans with low-interest rates to affected tourism businesses. Sorawong emphasized the importance of feedback from operators to fine-tune the compensation scheme, stating, “We welcome any suggestions that will enhance the success of our compensation plan. Your insights are crucial for assessing the damages accurately.” The aid measures aim to be operational in about two weeks, as various sectors continue with their damage assessments. The Ministry of…
An unprecedented attack disrupted the serene wilds of the Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary in Waeng district, Narathiwat, on a fateful Saturday night. What started as a tranquil evening took a sudden, violent turn when about 20 heavily armed men stormed the sanctuary armed to the teeth and clad in ominous black attire. These men with faces veiled plunged the sanctuary into chaos, targeting the very office that serves as a sanctuary for nature and knowledge. Attapon Charoenchansa, the steadfast director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, revealed the distressing details. Four officials, peacefully resting in their living quarters, found themselves yanked into a nightmare. The assailants, reeking of malice and armed to hilt, held the officials hostage, shaking the peace of this natural haven. The clamor of blasts and the roar of flames engulfed the night as the attackers bombarded and set ablaze four buildings within…
In a night that shook the serene surroundings of Narathiwat, the Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary office in Waeng district found itself under siege. The tranquillity of this wildlife haven was shattered when about 20 heavily armed men stormed the sanctuary on a fateful Saturday evening, turning it into a fiery battleground. Attapon Charoenchansa, the director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, revealed the chilling details of the brazen attack. Under the cover of night and dressed in black, the attackers who had meticulously concealed their identities descended upon the sanctuary with a strategic, almost cinematic fervor. The assailants, armed to the teeth, forcibly took four of the sanctuary’s officials hostage, effectively trapping them in their living quarters. With cold precision, they bombed and torched the sanctuary’s buildings, including houses and a tourist bungalow, painting the night sky with harsh, fiery hues. The entire ordeal—abduction and arson—unfolded…