Posts published in “Thailand”

Welcome to the captivating world of environmental policy, where the thrilling tale of a riveting showdown with one of modern society’s most elusive adversaries unfolds – PM2.5 pollution. This isn’t just any story; it’s a narrative teeming with intrigue, innovation, and insight, all set against the backdrop of Thailand’s breathtaking northern landscapes. Imagine, if you will, a microscopic villain, no larger than 2.5 microns in size, wreaking havoc unseen. This is PM2.5, fine particulate matter that has silently besieged the splendid North of Thailand for years, hiding beneath the guise of air and mingling with the breath of the unsuspecting. The stakes? Nothing less than the health of millions, with the shadow of premature mortality and a slew of lung and heart conditions trailing in its wake. Enter our heroes: the policy think tank with a vision to vanquish this invisible foe. Their master plan? They propose the formation of…

In the labyrinthine twists and turns of international politics, where the silent hum of jet engines often whispers tales of escape and sanctuary, a poignant drama unfolded under the starry canopy of Mae Sot, a quaint district nestling in Thailand’s Tak province. Here, on a Sunday night that felt like the prologue to a great adventure, an ATR 72-600 airplane, emblazoned with the insignia of Myanmar Airways, perched silently on the tarmac, an emblem of hope and anticipation. Yet, as the night whispered its secrets, not a single fleeing official graced its waiting embrace. (Photo credit: Assawin Pinitwong) The political tempest brewing in Myanmar had reached a fervid climax, compelling the government to cast a plea across the borders into the welcoming arms of Thailand. The request, imbued with urgency and whispered hopes, sought sanctuary for airborne vessels at Mae Sot airport, a beacon in the night for those fleeing…

On a crisp Monday morning in Chiang Mai, a gathering of some of the most brilliant minds took place, amidst an unwelcome guest – a thick, misty smog, blanketing the air with a menacing cloak of PM2.5 particles. Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, standing with the stoic resolve of a seasoned champion of public health, alongside luminaries from the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University, addressed the media with an air of urgent concern. The topic on everyone’s lips? The insidious invasion of PM2.5 and its terrifying grip on public health across 37 out of Thailand’s 77 provinces, predominantly suffocating the North. (Photo credits: Panumet Tanraksa) Imagine waking up to a world where the air is so thick with pollutants that every breath feels like inhaling a murky soup of invisible, yet hazardous particles. This was the reality for residents in the enchanting regions of the North, with Chiang Rai caught…

Imagine a scene straight out of a summer postcard – the sun beaming with unabashed generosity, the water in the pool shimmering like a myriad of diamonds under the sky, and the sounds of laughter and splashes echoing in the warm air. This isn’t just any summer day, however; it’s a snapshot of familial bliss at the grandiose residence of Chan Song Lar, belonging to none other than the intriguing figure of Thaksin Shinawatra. Recently, his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, took to Instagram to share this heartwarming scene with the world, and honestly, it’s the wholesome content we didn’t know we needed. The set of four captivating photos she posted tells a story more vibrant than words could ever express. In two of these, we see Thaksin, at the ripe age of 74, not just enjoying the warm embrace of the sun but also engaging in a casual display of vigor,…

Welcome to a forum like no other, a place where the passionate voices of youth merge with the rhythm of Songkhla’s beating heart. The buzz was palpable as “What kind of Songkhla do you want… Speak out, young ones” unfolded, a stage set not just for airing views but for weaving dreams. The air was thick with anticipation as Nipon gracefully steered the conversation towards the future – a canvas upon which the younger generation was invited to paint their vision of an ideal world, encompassing the realms of infrastructure, economy, politics, society, environment, and the very essence of life itself. The question hung in the air, a challenge and an invitation: What direction should Thailand tread? Amidst this fertile exchange of ideas, Madam Dear took the stage, her words painting a picture of a world where power dances freely among the people. She spoke of lands afar where the…

Welcome to an era where the thrill of exploring new cultures is just a QR scan away! Nestled on the azure banks of the Mekong River lies the iconic Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, a marvel of engineering that not only connects the picturesque Mukdahan province of Thailand with the charming Savannakhet in Laos but also symbolizes the blossoming relationship between these two Southeast Asian jewels. This relationship recently took a leap into the future, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the financial guardians of Thailand and Laos. Picture this: a sun-drenched Sunday that marked a pivotal moment as the Bank of Thailand (BoT) and the Bank of Lao (BoL) unveiled a shiny new QR payment system. This digital leap forward, announced amidst the grandeur of the 11th Asean Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Luang Prabang, promises to weave the fabric of Thai and Laotian economies even closer.…

Imagine the bustling streets of Bangkok, transformed into a vibrant canvas of joy, colour, and spirited revelry during the Songkran celebrations. Last year, the city was a spectacle as revellers were joyously doused with water, echoing the playful heart of Thailand’s most cherished festival. (Photo credit: Apichart Jinakul). This year, the spirit of Songkran promises to be even more exhilarating, especially in the historic Phra Nakhon district, where the pulse of the celebration beats the loudest. The district, known for its iconic locales like Khao San and Silom roads, is bracing for an influx of tourists, all eager to dive into the festive spirit. Kosol Singhanat, the meticulous district director, anticipates the arrival of throngs of visitors, drawn by the allure of the three main arenas of joy: the ever-lively Khao San Road, the grandeur of Sanam Luang, and the charming Phra Athit Road. The heart of the festivities will…

Imagine traipsing through the dense, verdant underbrush of Kaeng Krachan National Park, a jewel nestled in the heart of Phetchaburi. You’re surrounded by the chorus of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the ceaseless chatter of the forest’s unseen denizens. Now, imagine stumbling upon a discovery so minute yet so monumental – a brand-new scorpion species, no larger than the nail on your little finger! This isn’t a scene from an entomologist’s dream but the reality for a dedicated team from Chulalongkorn University’s Biology Department. During an expedition filled with the thrill of discovery and the passion for unearthing the unknown, these intrepid researchers unearthed a tiny titan of the insect world: the “Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) krachan.” The tale of this discovery, shared on the Kaeng Krachan National Park’s Facebook Page, reads like an ode to the spirit of exploration. The creature owes its name to its cradle of discovery, a…

Imagine this: You’re standing amidst the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, a city pulsating with life, and there, slicing through the urban sprawl like a red ribbon of modernity, is the Red Line electric commuter train. This marvel of transportation, seen at the majestic Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, isn’t just a train; it’s the heartbeat of the city, connecting dreams, lives, and destinies. But, as with all grand tales of engineering feats, there comes a moment of challenge. Recently, the guardians of this metallic steed, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), embarked on a quest. It was discovered, during an odyssey of inspection, that not all escalators and elevators were in service, much to the concern of daily commuters. In a realm where time is the currency, such hindrances could not be left unattended. Ekarat Sriarayanphong, the head of the SRT governor’s office, emerged as the herald of news,…

In the shadowy nooks of Bangkok’s bustling streets lies a tale of resilience and rebellion; a tale that takes us to the heart of an old futsal stadium tucked away in the Don Muang district. This isn’t a story of legendary sports battles or epic showdowns, but of a gambling den that has leaped metaphorical and literal fences to stay in the game. On a seemingly ordinary Saturday evening, under the cloak of dusky skies, Superintendent Pol Col Sukrit Mangklasawas alongside a brigade of 30 unyielding officers took to the scene, determined to snuff out the continuous ember of illegal gambling activities. Their target? An old futsal stadium on Soi Song Prapha 1, cloaked not in the glory of athletes, but in the secrecy of gamblers. The Don Muang Kwaeng Court had armed them with a warrant, their golden ticket through the gates of this illicit Wonderland. However, this was…