Imagine a world where the whisper of e-cigarettes and juices fills the air, a universe where the vapor trails paint a story worth US$46 million, or to be precise, over a staggering 1.6 billion baht. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic movie, but Thailand in the year 2023, where every month, an average of 133 million baht worth of these products are reportedly swirled into the market, according to data from a source as revered as the Chinese Customs agency. But here’s where the plot thickens. In a twist worthy of a detective novel, a report by the Customs Department of Thailand reveals a seizure of about 68,000 contraband items related to e-cigarettes and associated gear, spanning from October 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. The value of these goods? A mere 15.5 million baht, which breaks down to just a little over 5 million baht per month. This…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling metropolis that never sleeps, Bangkok, a significant shift is on the horizon, spearheaded by none other than Thailand’s Prime Minister, who has recently orchestrated a masterstroke in administrative synchrony. In a move that echoes his dedication to expedite the city’s ambitious developmental agenda, the PM has appointed Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad of the Prime Minister’s Office to act as a linchpin, ensuring seamless collaboration between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the government. This announcement came to light during a riveting discussion with Bangkok’s very own Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, alongside other luminaries of the BMA City Hall. Their dialogue? None other than the blueprint for Bangkok’s future. The scene was set in a meeting that wasn’t just about exchanging pleasantries but delving deep into the nitty-gritty of city development projects. With the Governor laying down the city’s aspirations, it became crystal clear: the BMA’s vision needs a little…
In the serene mountainous landscapes of Chiang Rai, a story unfolds that seems straight out of a thrilling crime drama. The protagonists in this tale are none other than the diligent officers of the Chiang Rai police force, who recently showcased their exceptional detective skills in a series of events that led to the monumental seizure of 1.8 million methamphetamine pills, further sweeping up assets worth an eye-watering 10 million baht. This saga unfolded across three gripping drug bust operations. The opening act of this dramatic series began at the Pukaeng road checkpoint in the Phan district, where our vigilant police, with their keen sense of duty, intercepted a suspicious pickup truck adorned with Bangkok license plates. Little did the driver know, his fate was about to take a drastic turn. A meticulous search by the officers revealed a whopping 200,000 speed pills ingeniously hidden inside the vehicle. The driver,…
In the lush, serene landscapes of Chiang Rai province, normally famed for its majestic mountains and tranquil temples, a rather different story unfolded, injecting a dose of high-octane drama into the scenic tranquility. In a sweeping operation that could easily be mistaken for a scene straight out of an action-packed blockbuster, the local police orchestrated a series of raids that culminated in the arrest of 10 individuals, suspected of ferrying an eye-watering 1.8 million methamphetamine pills across the region. But that’s not all – the operation also led to the seizure of assets to the tune of 10 million baht, casting a spotlight on the dark underbelly of this northern Thai paradise. Our tale begins on a seemingly ordinary day at the Pukaeng road checkpoint in Phan district, where alert officers, with instincts honed by experience, flagged down a suspicious-looking pickup truck bearing the familiar skyline of Bangkok on its…
In an engaging diplomatic dance of documents and desires, Thailand gently nudged South Korea during a high-level meeting over consular affairs — a gathering where director-generals from both nations’ foreign ministries swapped notes and notions about how their citizens tread across each other’s borders. This intriguing encounter, buzzing with the static of officialdom, unfolded under the watchful eyes of Seoul’s diplomats, eager to smooth over any wrinkles in international travel. Last year, the digital grapevine buzzed with tales of dismay from several Thai travelers who, despite wielding the golden ticket known as the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) approval, found themselves rebuffed at South Korea’s doorstep. These stories, shared with the click of a button, rippled through the web, weaving a net of frustration and bewilderment among the Thai populace. The tale took a twist as Thai officials, in the quiet corridors of power, proposed a solution as simple as…
Imagine a verdant paradise, teeming with wildlife and the raw, enchanting beauty of nature. This is Khao Yai National Park, a gem nestled in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Yet, beneath its lush canopy, a drama unfolds that pits the guardians of this natural sanctuary against the specter of encroachment. A vigilant community bands together, flocking to the park office to voice their outcry against the alleged appropriation of 2,900 rai of this pristine land, feared to be maliciously transformed to cater to agricultural pursuits. A photograph capturing this assembly speaks volumes, echoing their determined stand against the encroachment. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert) The echo from The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) travels through the realms of conservation and agriculture, unraveling the narrative that the government’s policy of distributing land title deeds to earnest farmers treads separately from the shadow of land encroachment. This looming threat menaces over 100,000…
In the enchanting northern province of Mae Hong Son, a particular road sign has been capturing the hearts and cameras of bikers from all corners far and wide. This isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill sign, oh no. This one has become a canvas, an ever-evolving mosaic of stickers left by motorcycle clubs and lone riders alike. It’s a testament to the wanderlust that propels these adventurers through Mae Hong Son’s breathtaking landscapes. Legend has it, or rather, the person who initially brought this phenomenon to the limelight via a viral social media post, that this humble sign near the district has been transformed into a beacon for bikers. They come not just to marvel at the natural beauty surrounding it but to leave behind a piece of their journey, a sticker that marks their passage through this serene province. Opinions on this unique tradition are split right down the middle. Some…
Imagine stepping into the lush, vibrant expanses of Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park, where the air is fresh and the forest whispers tales of ancient times. It is here, amidst the towering trees and the chorus of wildlife, that a majestic herd of gaurs gracefully emerges from the dense foliage, venturing into the open in search of sustenance. This serene image, captured by the keen lens of Prasit Tangprasert, serves as a vivid reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human activity. Yet, beneath this picturesque scene lies a complex tapestry of land ownership disputes that have recently grabbed headlines, stirring the waters of governmental departments. At the heart of this controversy are two key players: the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro) and the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). These entities, each with a critical mission, have found themselves entangled over the rightful stewardship of…
Imagine a wave, not just any wave, but a wave of change sweeping across Southeast Asia, touching the lives of over 70,000 extraordinary individuals. From sprightly youths embarking on their life’s journey, to audacious women breaking stereotypes, from forward-thinking educators shaping minds, to innovative entrepreneurs rewriting the rules of the game, and not forgetting the resilient community members and migrant workers weaving the very fabric of society. This isn’t a mere figment of imagination—no, this is the impactful reality of the Kenan Foundation Asia, a beacon of inclusive growth and empowerment. In an era where the clarion call for action has never been louder, the foundation’s latest expedition is themed “Partnering for Impact.” This isn’t just a catchy tagline; it’s the very ethos that runs through the heart of Kenan. This year’s grand reception was more than an event; it was a testament to Kenan’s unwavering commitment to stitching together…
In the vibrant and ever-expanding digital cosmos, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has emerged as a powerhouse, commanding a whopping 40% of the global data centre colocation market in 2023, with a remarkable IT capacity of 10,233 megawatts (MW). This dynamo is not showing any signs of slowing down, with Structure Research’s crystal ball forecasting an explosion to 19,069 MW by the enchanting year of 2028. While Malaysia and Indonesia are riding high on this digital wave, Thailand – the ASEAN’s silver medallist in GDP – finds itself tangled in a web of policy and regulatory conundrums. This entanglement poses a cinematic cliffhanger: Will Thailand triumph and grab its slice of the burgeoning Artificial Intelligence (AI) Economy pie? AI, with its magical prowess, is not just another brick in the wall. It’s a game changer, a pivotal force energizing economic growth from both demand and supply angles. Imagine a world where…