Posts published in “Thailand”

In a whirlwind of activity and anticipation, the streets of Bangkok’s enigmatic Bangkok Noi district buzzed with whispers and excitement. It wasn’t every day that residents witnessed the unfolding of a visit with the weight and pomp of the nation’s prime minister, Srettha. The grapevine had it that just hours before his arrival, Srettha had looped in the Royal Thai Navy with his plans, setting the stage for an inspection that would spell the beginning of a new era for the naval community on Soi Arun Amarin 35. Picture this: a quaint, almost nostalgic collection of 15 official residences, their foundations laid in the transformative years of 1968, playing home to some 50 naval hearts and minds. These seasoned structures, witnesses to decades of unspoken tales and unwavering service from members of the Naval Supply Department and the flotilla of the Naval Transport Department, now awaited a fresh chapter. And…

In a tale as old as time yet freshly unfolding, the serene expanses of Ob Luang National Park, a verdant paradise sprawling over 5,280 hectares, have been swallowed by the raging maws of relentless fires. In what reads like a solemn narrative from a desolate land, the park finds itself under siege, with more than 33,000 rai of its lush forests transformed into charred memories. Enter Kritsayam Kongsatree, a figure of authority and the director of the 16th protected zones administration office, a man standing at the helm in these turbulent times. Kritsayam spills the beans on an unsettling cause of these fiery outbreaks – the local villagers. According to him, these fires are no act of God but are set deliberately by the villagers aiming to harvest wild plants or hunt animals. Some even ignite these flames in a vengeful act against park officials for curbing their hunting endeavors.…

“` Imagine a scene right out of a heartfelt family reunion movie, complete with heartwarming embraces, laughter echoing through richly adorned halls, and a dining table brimming with dishes that promise to evoke nostalgia. This is exactly what unfolded in the storied corridors of the Shinawatra residence, Chan Song La, transforming an ordinary evening into a tableau of cherished memories for Thailand’s notable Shinawatra family. After the dinner, the air was thick with the joyous aftermath of reunion as Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest beacon of the family’s next generation, took to her Instagram to share a snapshot of the moment with her followers. Paetongtarn, along with her elder brother, Panthongtae, and sister, Pintongta, were the stars of this memorable gathering. “Dining at Chan Song La. It’s another memorable day for our family. Dad invited us just the five of us for dinner. (In-laws and grandchildren, you’re up next week!),” she…

In the serene night that blankets Chon Buri, a tragic tale unfolded on Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district, transforming the quiet of late Sunday into a narrative of loss and lament. Under the shroud of darkness, around the witching hour of 11:30 p.m., a disturbanceshattered the peace in tambon Na Jomtien, signaling an event that would mar the road’s history. The central figure of this somber story was a 73-year-old Swiss cyclist, who, amidst his nocturnal journey, became the unfortunate protagonist of a fatal encounter. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, their hopes high and tools ready, only to find the cyclist enveloped in the silent grip of unconsciousness. Despite their fervent efforts and whispered prayers for a miracle, the spark of life refused to reignite. It was a grim tableau – the man’s essence had slipped away, leaving behind a shell marked by the violence of the incident…

Imagine delving into the depths of the ocean, where the remnants of battles and the whispers of history lie in silent repose. This isn’t just a tale of adventure; it’s a chronicle of a dedicated team’s journey beneath the waves, unfolding around the mysterious and intriguing wreck of a sunken vessel. Central to our narrative is the HTMS MunNai, serving not merely as a vessel but as a floating hub of operations, where bravery and precision meet. Our intrepid divers, embodying the spirit of underwater explorers, embarked on a mission shrouded in both solemnity and a hint of excitement. Their task was formidable: the retrieval of artifacts from the murky depths, including M16 rifles, a relic of conflict now resting on the ocean floor. Even more daunting was the disassembling of a 20-millimetre-calibre machine gun, its parts carefully documented and preserved for posterity. Through the lens of their cameras, comprehensive…

Picture this: a sunny Saturday morning, passengers bustling with the anticipation of adventure or the comfort of returning home, all aboard a Thai AirAsia flight destined for Nakhon Si Thammarat. Among these passengers was none other than Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul, ready to embark on her journey alongside 185 others. But what was meant to be a routine flight quickly took a startling turn. Imagine the sudden mix of confusion and fear as a power bank—a gadget as common in our bags as a wallet or keys—erupted into flames, sending smoke spiraling through the cabin. It’s the kind of heart-stopping moment that has you reciting every safety manual you’ve never read. Yet, amidst this potential chaos stood the real heroes of our tale: the quick-thinking crew. Swift as a breeze and cool as the other side of the pillow, they extinguished the fire within a mere two minutes, ensuring the…

Imagine waking up to the bustling streets of Thailand, the aroma of street food filling the air as you prep for your daily commute. But wait, there’s a buzz around the Chalongrat Expressway that’s about to change the way commuters have been breezing through the lanes. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has announced a slight adjustment in the toll rates on the Chalongrat Expressway that’s set to kick in from March 1. Yes, you heard that right! It’s the talk of the town, and it’s certainly something that’s going to affect both your pocket and your daily commute. Why the change, you wonder? Well, as per the guidelines set by the Thailand Future Fund, it’s time to give the toll rates a little nudge upwards – a ritual followed every five years to keep up with the changing times. But here’s the kicker – the changes were supposed to…

In the lush, expansive stretches of Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park, an event unfolds that feels almost as ancient as the forests themselves. Imagine, if you will, a tranquil scene pierced by the gentle rustling of leaves, as a majestic herd of gaurs, those towering embodiments of untamed nature, emerge from the protective embrace of the forest, venturing into the open in search of sustenance. This isn’t a scene from a nature documentary; it’s a real, palpable event witnessed in the park’s Khao Phaeng Ma Non-Hunting Area this past January, where these giant creatures made their stately journey across the landscape, captured beautifully in an image by Prasit Tangprasert. The serene life in Ban Heo Pla Kang, nestled in the Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima near Khao Yai, however, churns with disquiet beneath the surface. The heart of this disquiet? A perplexing decision by the Agricultural Land Reform Office…

In the ever-twisting saga of politics and its bedfellow, controversy, the spotlight has once again swerved onto an intriguing plot thick with the aroma of potential scandal. This time, it’s none other than the Tourism and Sports Minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, who finds herself ensnared in a web of suspicion, teetering on the tightrope of legalities concerning ministerial shareholding rules. The questions swirling around: Did she, or did she not adhere to the stipulations that keep the corridors of power in check? Enter Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a political activist donning the cape of civic duty, armed with a petition and a keen eye for detail. He marches to the Election Commission (EC), the bastion of electoral integrity, with a request so compelling it could very well script the next chapter of Ms. Sudawan’s political career. His arsenal? A pointed inquiry into whether Ms. Sudawan’s shareholdings, potentially veiled behind the cloak of nominees,…

Amid the hustle and bustle of international diplomacy and economic strategy, Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee recently shared some exciting news that promises to add a dash of adventure and cultural exchange between Thailand and Kazakhstan. With the signing of three groundbreaking memoranda of understanding (MoUs) come April, the winds of prosperity seem to be blowing favorably for tourism and trade between these two vibrant nations. Imagine, if you will, a delegation of Thai investors, led by the dynamic duo of Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong and the esteemed Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, embarking on a journey to the heart of Central Asia. Their destination? The bustling cities of Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan. Their mission? To explore and forge new pathways for mutual economic growth and cultural exchanges. Their adventure took them through the industrious food manufacturing sector and key economic sites of Almaty, not to mention a…