Posts published in “Thailand”

In a move set to radically shift how authorities handle suspected cases of drunk driving, police now have the power to take urine or blood samples from drivers who refuse to blow into breathalyzer devices, thanks to a new regulation. This announcement was published in the Royal Gazette last Friday, supplanting the older regulations from 1994 and 2017 that relied heavily on breathalyzers as the primary means of testing for intoxicated drivers. The updated regulation aims to better align the alcohol testing procedures with modern-day scenarios while enhancing the effectiveness of legal measures designed to curb drunk driving. However, the real impact of this change, including how many additional offenders will be ensnared, remains to be seen. Under this new rule, if a driver refuses a breathalyzer test, police are now authorized to collect urine samples or escort the driver to a hospital for a blood test. For urine collection,…

Wet worship: A photo captures the mesmerizing ‘Um Phra Dam Nam’ ceremony, set to begin on Oct 2 in the Pa Sak River, at the pier of Wat Bot Chanamarn in Phetchabun’s Muang district. (Photo: SOONTHORN KONGWARAKHOM) The age-old tradition of “Um Phra Dam Nam,” translating to “the bathing of a Buddha image,” in Phetchabun is poised to draw a staggering 200,000 visitors. This event, spanning a delightful 10-day period, is estimated to generate an impressive 80 million baht. The festivity kicks off this Friday, on a new moon night, falling on Oct 2 this year according to the 10th lunar month, shared Mr. Seksan Niyompeng, the spirited mayor of Muang Phetchabun municipality. In keeping with tradition, the provincial governor ceremoniously invites the image of Phra Phuttha Maha Dhamma Racha from Wat Tri Phum in Muang district. Transported by boat, this revered Buddha image is then ceremonially plunged into the…

The recent flooding in Nong Khai province has prompted swift action from the government to support those affected, especially the tourism sector. Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, announced that since Wednesday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration has been discussing a comprehensive compensation plan. “No travel business will be left behind,” emphasized Sorawong during his Saturday briefing. Among the relief measures, a one-month exemption on tap water and electricity bills will be granted to households in the flood-stricken areas. In addition, the government is extending soft loans with remarkably low interest rates to help rejuvenate the tourism businesses that are the backbone of these communities. But the government’s response doesn’t stop there. They are eager to hear from those directly impacted. “We are open to any suggestions that will contribute to a more effective compensation scheme,” Sorawong noted, urging operators to voice their concerns and share details on the…

Opposition is rapidly mounting against a bid by the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the main opposition People’s Party (PP) to amend parts of the 2017 constitution, particularly those related to the ethical standards for political office-holders. The Bhumjaithai Party, a coalition partner, and a prominent senator have joined these growing calls to halt any changes to these key charter provisions. Last Wednesday, Pheu Thai submitted its partial charter amendment bill to the House, following a similar submission by the PP the week before. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha announced that the deliberation on these bills in the Lower House is likely to commence around mid-October, potentially even earlier, but definitely not later than the end of this month. The contentious charter provisions include Section 160, which establishes the prerequisites for aspiring cabinet ministers. It mandates that they must be demonstrably honest and free of any severe ethical violations…

The ruling Pheu Thai Party’s decisive victory in the Phitsanulok by-election on September 15th has sent ripples across the political landscape of Thailand. Political pundits suggest that this triumph is a significant harbinger, indicating that coalition parties, spearheaded by Pheu Thai, will likely continue their unified front against the People’s Party (PP) in the forthcoming general election. Pheu Thai’s candidate, Jadet Jantar, managed to edge out his only contender, Nathachanon Chanaburanasak of the PP, in a nail-biting contest for Phitsanulok’s Constituency 1. The stakes were high, especially since the PP had banked on a vigorous campaign, roping in key figures to rally support and reclaim the seat once held by Padipat Santipada. Padipat had clinched the seat in the previous general election, but his political career hit a roadblock when the Constitutional Court disbanded the Move Forward Party (MFP), the precursor to today’s PP, on August 7th. The court cited…

Khao Kheow Open Zoo has catapulted into the digital age, and it’s all thanks to the star power of a charming, tiny pygmy hippo named Moo Deng. Zoo fans from around the globe can now watch live streams of this adorable critter, making hearts flutter and screens light up worldwide. Since the first of September, the zoo has captivated more than 81,786 visitors—cranking in a jaw-dropping 12.97 million baht in ticket sales. With the fiscal year ending this month, the zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoy, is optimistic about breaking the one million visitors mark and amassing over 200 million baht in revenue. The unexpected surge in zoo-goers can be attributed to the collective obsession with Moo Deng, who, at just two months old, has become the pint-sized ambassador of cuteness. Whether it’s her playful antics or her heartwarming bond with her mother, Jona, Moo Deng is drawing fans from all corners…

In a chilling twist of fate, an inheritance dispute in the serene Muang Pan district of Lampang turned deadly, leading to a tragic end for one family. On a quiet Friday evening, the peace of a local village was shattered by the sound of gunfire. The police who rushed to the scene found Jaipan Wiwatphong, 55, lifeless with a shotgun wound to his chest. The plot thickened when it was revealed that the alleged shooter was none other than Jaipan’s younger brother, Suchart, aged 52. The tension simmering between the two siblings had reached its boiling point, resulting in an irreversible outcome. As officers pieced together the chain of events, a tale of bitter resentment and unresolved disputes began to unfold. According to the preliminary police report, this tragic story has its roots in a bitter squabble over a piece of family land. Suchart recounted to the authorities that their…

In the bustling Huai Khwang district of Bangkok, a grim incident unfolded that sent shockwaves through the community. Under the stark neon lights of the city, rescue workers and an ambulance rushed to a high-rise condominium where a 27-year-old woman tragically fell to her death from the 43rd floor. Captured in a somber moment, a photograph by Amarin News Facebook echoed the gravity of the situation. The chilling event called Pol Maj Gen Chawarit Chankaen of the Sutthisan police station into action. Responding with urgency to a heart-stopping report of a body plummeting from a rooftop, Chankaen was not alone. Accompanying him were a forensic doctor from Ramathibodi Hospital, police forensic officers, and zealous volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, all converging at the scene in a race against time. Delving into the tragic tale, investigators unearthed that the young woman resided on the 28th floor of the towering building, sharing…

A quaint house in the otherwise serene Mancha Khiri district of Khon Kaen turned into a harrowing scene of tragedy early Saturday morning. On this day, tranquility was shattered by a series of gunshots that left four people dead and a two-year-old girl bewildered and alone. Eyewitnesses describe a haunting tableau of a family torn apart by jealousy and unchecked rage. Responding to the incident, Pol Capt Phongphit Thanaphanpakdee of the Mancha Khiri police, along with his team of forensic officers, doctors, and rescue workers, arrived on the scene around 11:30 AM. Upon arrival, they found a Toyota vehicle parked outside the one-story house, its Nong Khai license plates a silent testimony of the tragedy that had just unfolded inside. Inside the modest home, the first body discovered was that of Jaruayporn Faengrit, a 50-year-old woman who lay dead on a bed, her body marked by two fatal gunshot wounds.…

Moo Deng, a delightful and playful baby pygmy hippo, has captured hearts worldwide, becoming a viral sensation shortly after her birth in late June at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. Her adorable antics, coupled with her bouncy demeanor, have rocketed her to internet superstardom, turning her into an unlikely global icon. (Photo: Reuters) Recognizing the immense buzz around Moo Deng, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has decided to trademark the name “Moo Deng the Hippo.” This strategic move, as explained by the zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi, aims to ensure that the newfound fame of this enchanting hippopotamus translates into tangible benefits for the zoo. “One of our primary goals is to prevent the commercial exploitation of Moo Deng by unauthorized entities,” Narongwit shared with The Associated Press, a story that made its way to the pages of Time magazine. Narongwit elucidated how the funds generated through this…