Siranudh “Psi” Scott has burst into the media limelight following a dust-up with Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, known as the DNP, eventually resulting in his dismissal as an adviser to the department’s director-general. The public is divided: some applaud his tireless conservation efforts, while others critique his audacity, accusing him of exploiting his position for personal gain. Let’s dive into the details of this unfolding saga. Who exactly is Siranudh Scott? Known affectionately as the “Merman,” Mr. Siranudh is a Scottish-Thai marvel: a marine conservationist, endurance swimmer, and the mastermind behind Sea You Strong, a vigorous volunteer initiative championing ocean preservation and environmental education. In 2023, he, alongside a spirited team of 36 volunteers, splashed into the spotlight with a record-setting 70-kilometer relay swim across the Andaman Sea. This watery feat not only dazzled Southeast Asia, but also spotlighted the dire need for marine conservation…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The enchanting land of Chiang Mai, often referred to as the Jewel of Northern Thailand, is gearing up for a monumental moment on the global stage. The Thai government has set its sights on a prestigious accolade – the coveted Unesco World Heritage Site status. By 2026, as the city celebrates its 730th anniversary, Chiang Mai could join an elite list of locations renowned for their historical and cultural significance. Announced by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, this ambitious endeavor has been years in the making. Since 2015, when Chiang Mai was first included on Unesco’s tentative list, a dedicated government committee has diligently crafted a nomination dossier. This painstakingly detailed document aims to showcase the city’s rich history and cultural vibrancy, acting as a passport to the world stage. Integral to this dossier are seven iconic sites that encapsulate the essence of Chiang Mai’s past and present. These cultural bastions…
In the lush, verdant landscapes of Kanchanaburi, where emerald hills merge seamlessly with the horizon, an inspirational story has been unfolding. This story belongs to Praiwan Yapan, a beacon of hope and a passionate advocate for education. His remarkable journey and contributions to the field of education have led him to be honored with the distinguished Princess Maha Chakri Award 2025. This accolade is not just a commendation but a testament to his steadfast commitment to transforming the educational landscape for ethnic minority children in remote areas. The Princess Maha Chakri Award is renowned for applauding exceptional educators across ASEAN countries and beyond, including Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Mongolia. This year, as the award recognizes 14 phenomenal educators, Praiwan Yapan stands proudly among them, cementing his legacy in the educational domain. Praiwan Yapan, whose professional roots are deeply embedded in Ban Kong Mong Ta in Kanchanaburi’s lovingly rustic Sangkhlaburi district,…
Stepping confidently into the spotlight at Government House on a busy Tuesday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was quick to quell the gathering storm of speculation concerning a potential cabinet shake-up. With steadfast resolve, she proclaimed that any whispers of political windstorms were merely the fabrications of a lively imagination rather than facts on the ground. The government, she declared, was standing firm, its sails unfurled with unity. Amid a swirl of rumors alleging disquiet within the coalition ranks and murmurs for economic portfolio shuffling, the prime minister stood tall, asserting, “There’s no change on the horizon. I’m attuned to public sentiment and welcome all perspectives—everything, including my own position, is temporary. Calmness is our greatest ally.” When queried about the fate of coalition ally Bhumjaithai, potentially being supplanted by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), she was unflinching. The Nida Poll may carry whispers of desires to replace key ministers, but…
Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong remains unruffled amidst the swirling controversy concerning the Ombudsman’s scrutiny of Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation decree. The hullabaloo revolves around the former prime minister, whose extended six-month residency at Police General Hospital (PGH) in 2023 has raised eyebrows. Nevertheless, Tawee has articulated his stance that Thaksin’s extended hospitalisation was thoroughly vetted and legally above board. Earlier this week, Tawee expressed his lack of apprehension regarding the petition submitted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which seeks to challenge the Department of Corrections’ (DoC) regulation that purportedly granted Thaksin preferential treatment. While respecting the autonomy of independent investigations, Tawee assures that the ministry maintains a hands-off approach, resisting any meddling. The Ombudsman’s vigilance has already birthed three articulated opinions concerning Thaksin’s transition, medical care, and compliance with existing statutes. Meanwhile, Tawee clarified that the Criminal Procedure Code and the Corrections Act hold similar juridical clout.…
In the twilight of tragedy, the somber silhouette of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building looms, its remnants now reduced to a mere whisper of their former towering presence. The tireless efforts of rescue teams continue to whittle away at the debris, now less than 10 meters high, as they strive to unveil the secrets of the first floor before this month’s end. The unyielding resolve shown by the courageous souls of NAKON45 Ruamkatanyu Foundation is nothing short of heroic. The shadow of sorrow, however, is met with a glimmer of justice as China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) steps forth with a gesture of vital significance. This company, at the heart of recent investigations, has pledged a substantial 120 million baht to ameliorate the suffering of those struck by this calamity. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong acknowledges this move, emphasizing that while it stands distinct from the ongoing…
Imagine this: Representatives of employees, with hope brimming in their eyes, marched confidently to the Government House on Labour Day, May 1, with banners flying high, under the warm golden Sun. Last year’s Labour Day had been a grand spectacle, and there was much anticipation surrounding the government’s latest promise to hike the minimum wage to 400 baht. But alas, on a fateful Tuesday, this promise turned into a cliffhanger, leaving everyone hanging at the edge of anticipation and uncertainty. The grand ambition of raising the minimum wage was met with a sudden traffic jam known as the tripartite board, a team of 15 determined individuals led by the astute Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the Labour Ministry’s permanent secretary. Picture them huddled around a polished table, determination in their eyes, grappling with endless stacks of paper, pens poised mightily in their hands. Nevertheless, the result was a murky fog of indecision, and…
Late on a seemingly uneventful Monday night in the vibrant town of Nong Khai, a high-stakes drama unfolded that could easily rival anything seen in the movies. As the moon cast its silver glow on the quiet streets, two men found themselves at the epicenter of an adrenaline-pumping pursuit involving the ever-diligent Border Patrol Police. The plot? An ingenious yet foiled attempt to smuggle a staggering 632,360 methamphetamine pills across the district lines. Serving as the night’s unlikely stars were Yommana Bannarak, a seasoned 37-year-old, alongside his younger accomplice, the 26-year-old Pinyowit Watthan. These two, cruising in their inconspicuous yet trusty white Nissan Almera, were unwitting actors in what was about to become a gripping, real-life thriller, thanks to the sharp instincts of Pol Lt Col Boonlert Wisetchart and his accomplished team at the Border Patrol Police Sub-division 24. The curtain for this captivating tale rose with a tip-off—timely and…
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, a spotlight shines brightly on the Thailand Pavilion. This cultural exhibition has attracted both admirers and skeptics, as whispers circulate about its hefty budget of nearly 1 billion baht. At the center of this swirling debate is Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who is poised to make his way to Japan this Wednesday to scrutinize the pavilion’s value meticulously. Mr. Somsak has taken the criticism of the budget allocation in stride, delivering assurances that every baht spent has adhered to the proper channels. His upcoming journey to Osaka is more than just a formal visit; it’s a mission with a cadre of experts to ensure that every taxpayer’s contribution sees returns in innovation and cultural exchange. “If upon inspection, we find the execution lacking, budget reallocations will follow,” he announced firmly, pausing to emphasize the transparency of…
In a tale that feels straight out of a courtroom drama imbued with a tropical twist, the windswept island of Phuket finds itself swept up in a saga involving exotic locales, a Swiss expat, a Thai doctor, and a public spectacle on the sun-kissed shores of Yamu Beach. Our story begins with Urs Fehr, a Swiss elephant camp proprietor better known by some as David, who unwittingly found himself at the center of a tempest that combined physical altercation, legal battles, and the ever-alluring issue of beachfront rights. This drama, dubbed the “beach bully” incident, unfurled on February 24th of yesteryear. To set the scene, picture a serene morning on Yamu Beach, gently kissed by the waters of the Andaman Sea. Enter Dr. Thandao Chandam, a talented 27-year-old healer, who chose this picturesque spot to enjoy a quiet moment before her world took an unexpected turn. Allegedly, as she settled…