In recent discussions around agricultural strategies in Thailand, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan found himself at the center of an intriguing suggestion that seemed to stir quite the conversation. Speaking before a curious crowd, he addressed the notion of diversifying crops, specifically using the example of bananas. However, lest anyone misconstrue his intentions, Mr. Pichai was quick to clarify that his remarks were not to incentivize farmers to trade their rice paddies for banana plantations, but rather to demonstrate an exciting avenue for enhancing financial stability through high-value crops. Rice, without a doubt, stands as the cornerstone of Thailand’s agricultural sector, deeply ingrained in the cultural and economic fabric of the nation. The government remains steadfast in its dedication to maintaining the prosperity of rice farmers. Minister Pichai emphasized that the ministry’s demonstration farms are rolling out to unearth lucrative markets scattered across the globe. Behind the scenes, market dynamics have…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a move to clamp down on the burgeoning tide of illicit e-cigarettes sweeping the nation, the government is setting the wheels in motion to form a dedicated committee. As of late, more than a staggering 9,000 websites peddling vapes have been obliterated in a sweep of cyber-zoning laws. In the heart of this crackdown, Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuprai, Minister from the PM’s Office, presided over a convergence of 20 pivotal government bodies to brainstorm strategies aimed at curbing the growing menace of e-cigarettes. This meeting was a progression from an earlier assembly convened just last week, setting the stage for the intricate dance of legal and proactive measures against vaping. Ms. Jiraporn laid out the master plan comprising three pivotal strategies: iron-fisted enforcement against illicit e-cigarettes, preventative measures to stunt their proliferation, and, not least, a wave of legal reforms to bolster these efforts. She divulged that a motion to…
As the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, we find ourselves inspired by the stories of extraordinary women whose indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of our society. Today, the Bangkok Post turns the spotlight on these remarkable trailblazers who have reshaped industries, broken barriers, and steered us toward a future rich with promise and potential. Among these luminaries is Pannabha Chandraramya, a woman who has fearlessly navigated the often tumultuous waters of international diplomacy. Her tenure as the former Ambassador to Tel Aviv was marked not only by her adept handling of delicate political landscapes but also by her ability to foster understanding where there was once discord. Her wisdom and insight have paved the way for harmonious relations, showcasing the profound impact of courageous diplomacy. The Bangkok Post Women of the Year 2025 builds upon…
In the bustling hub that is Bangkok, where the modern skyline meets the timeworn traditions, a Herculean task is unfolding beneath the streets of Soi Sukhumvit 22. As city lights twinkle overhead and nightlife buzzes, a dedicated team toils away in the shadows, their mission: to dredge the seemingly endless pipe systems. “It’s quite the challenge,” quips Chadchart, drawing the curtain back on the relentless task at hand—a task made all the more daring due to its nocturnal nature and the daunting depths of the pipes they delve into. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, led by an unwavering resolve, commences their excavation every night like clockwork. As night owls revel, BMA officials pick up their tools around 10 p.m. Each night presents its own brand of obstacles, but their commitment sees them through from the late hours until the first rays of dawn at 3 a.m. Wednesday brings somewhat of a…
It’s a warm day in Bangkok’s bustling Din Daeng district, and the first meeting room of the Environment Department at the Bangkok City Hall is alive with a palpable buzz of anticipation. The city remains a metropolis of dynamism, but today, all eyes are on the future of a greener Bangkok. Leading the charge is the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). With a vision that extends beyond bureaucratic walls, he passionately highlights the mission of the Bangkok Green Office—a cornerstone initiative aimed at bolstering sustainable ecosystem management and enriching the quality of life for Bangkok’s citizens. “Our criteria for the Bangkok Green Office should be more than mere guidelines—they need to be comprehensible and actionable,” he insists, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration between BMA and its diverse network of agencies. Only through cohesive efforts can the city hope to achieve eco-friendly outcomes that resonate with efficiency…
As the bustling and vibrant gateway to Thailand, Suvarnabhumi Airport is poised for a remarkable transformation, tailored to elevate its stature on the global aviation stage. Picture throngs of excited tourists arriving at the Suvarnabhumi airport passenger terminal, their excitement met by a symphony of progress echoing throughout the terminals. Airports of Thailand (AoT) has meticulously charted a course to expand this aviation behemoth, ambitiously setting its sights on accommodating a staggering 150 million passengers annually by the year 2033. With zeal and determination, AoT president Kerati Kijmanawat unveiled a mammoth 142 billion baht plan — a bold blueprint that sees Suvarnabhumi not just preserving but enhancing its place in the aviation hall of fame. Currently clocking a respectable 65 million passengers each year, the airport is ready to unfurl its wings and climb from its comfortable perch in the top 30 to soar into the prestigious top 10 airports…
Beyond the vibrant alleyways and bustling streets of Nonthaburi lies a clandestine realm where the rhythmic clinking of coins is music to the ears of many. Yes, we’re talking about the unlicensed casinos that have become a hot topic as a new legislative proposal teeters on the brink of approval. Cue the spotlight on the revised Entertainment Complex Bill, which Minister of the PM’s Office, Chousak Sirinil, is gearing up to present to the cabinet next week. This proposal is not just another piece of bureaucratic paperwork; it is considered urgent, with the government eager to usher it onto the legislative fast track. The bill, fresh from its consultation rounds with the Interior and Finance Ministries, has sparked discussions around a biennial requirement for casino enthusiasts. It’s reinstating a prior provision: Thais must have a minimum of 50 million baht lounging comfortably in their bank accounts for a six-month stretch…
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s… well, actually, it is a plane, and it’s racing towards a bold new era of air travel safety. Thai Airways International is joining a steadily growing list of airlines taking proactive measures to prevent in-air mishaps, particularly those pesky fires from lithium-ion batteries. As of March 15, passengers will need to bid a temporary adieu to their on-board power bank privileges. Yes, you heard it right: those portable chargers are officially grounded — at least in terms of use during flights on THAI aircraft. Before you start wondering about an unplugged voyage with a dwindling smartphone battery, take heart. This isn’t about a confiscation of power banks; you can still tuck them into your hand luggage. They’re just no longer welcome to play ‘connect the cable’ during your journey. In the airline’s statement, a nod to safety simply cannot be overstated. “For…
High drama and riveting turns of fate often walk hand in hand within the corridors of power, and few tales exemplify this as vividly as the career saga of Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, once an influential deputy police chief in Thailand. The police force’s disciplinary committee recently cast a unanimous vote to dismiss Surachate, putting a decisive twist on a career marked by both accolade and controversy. The dismissal, tied to accusations of his involvement in an online gambling syndicate, marks a notable fall from grace for a man who was once the radiant star of the law enforcement arena in Thailand. The firing decision now sits on the desk of Thailand’s national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharat Punpetch, awaiting final approval. With this dismissal, Surachate would not only lose his position but also forfeit his pension — a steep price for a man whose entire career revolved around service…
In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the serene tropical paradise of Koh Larn, the bustling yet idyllic island getaway just off Pattaya’s coastline, a tragic discovery was made on a seemingly ordinary Thursday afternoon. The sun, with its usual sultry embrace, painted the day golden as it slipped towards the horizon at 4:30 PM. But amidst the picturesque backdrop that had tourists meandering along the beaches and trails, a group of responders were hurriedly ushering down a somber path, one that neither begins with the soothing sounds of waves nor ends at a scenic viewpoint. Pol Col Anan Mahakitassawakul, the officer at the helm of the Pattaya City station’s investigative unit, received the report and acted swiftly. Nestled behind Khao Phra Yai, the locale commonly heralded for its peaceful panoramas and breathtaking vistas, the forested area bore witness to an unsettling sight. There, against the vibrant green…