Posts published in “Thailand”

In a dazzling display of international collaboration and futuristic thinking, the British Embassy alongside Thailand’s Science Research and Innovation authority (TSRI) have rolled out a whopping fund of £337 million (or a cool 15.3 billion baht, if you prefer). This hefty sum is set to catapult bilateral relations into a new era of science and innovation, as announced in a ceremony that seemed less like a formal gathering and more like the opening scene of a science fiction novel, right in the heart of Bangkok. The grand unveiling of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) was nothing short of spectacular. Picture this: a room filled with some of the brightest minds from the United Kingdom and Thailand, all buzzing with excitement over what this means for the future of science. The UK government, demonstrating its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, has pledged to funnel these funds into…

Imagine, if you will, an atmosphere tinged with the anticipation of a high-profile visit, nestled in the vibrant heart of the Bang Phlat district. This is not just any day in the bustling life of Bangkok, for the mansion here is bracing for none other than former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s arrival. The curtains of intrigue draw open as the Special Branch Police Bureau meticulously inspects roads to ensure nothing but a smooth journey for this esteemed guest on his visit to Thaksin, scheduled for Wednesday. The city hums with whispers and speculation, marking a notable day in a tale of friendship and politics. But let’s rewind a bit, to Tuesday, a day significant for reasons beyond preparation. It marked the third day since Thaksin, a name that resonates with a blend of controversy and charisma, stepped out under parole from the Police General Hospital. For the average parolee,…

Imagine the deep blue sea, a place of infinite mystery and wonder, where intriguing creatures of the deep lurk in the shadows. Now, picture the rarest of them all, an elusive titan of folklore – the Oarfish. This shimmering leviathan, a herald of the ocean’s deepest secrets, recently graced the shores of Thailand not once, but twice, sending waves of excitement across the scientific community and the public alike. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the esteemed minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, recently shared an enthralling tale of oceanic discovery. The director of the National Science Museum (NSM), Rawin Rawiwong, delivered news that resonated like a deep-sea tremor – a second magnificent Oarfish had been discovered, ensnared in the nets of a humble fishing boat off the coast of Phuket on February 15th. The NSM, privy to this rare find, took custody of the specimen by Sunday, under Supamas’s directive to…

Imagine a world where the streets come alive with the spirit of joy and water becomes the medium of celebration. That’s exactly what happens every April in Thailand, especially on the bustling Silom Road in Bangkok. It’s not just any festival; it’s the Songkran water festival, a spectacle that draws smiles and laughter as much as it draws crowds from all corners of the globe. And last year, it was a sight to behold, as captured by the keen lens of Nutthawat Wichieanbut. But the revelry doesn’t stop there! In a move that has everyone talking, the cabinet has just green-lit a colossal budget of about 105 million baht to escalate the water festivities to an unparalleled zenith. Welcome to the Maha Songkran World Water Festival, set to splash across Bangkok and five other enchanting provinces this April. Deputy government spokeswoman, Kenika Ounjit, couldn’t contain her excitement as she announced…

Imagine waking up in a country where your very identity becomes a daily bureaucratic battle. Welcome to Thailand, a land renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, yet still tangled in a rigid binary system when it comes to legal gender recognition. This is the backdrop against which Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a forward-thinking MP from the Move Forward Party, steps onto the scene, brandishing a groundbreaking gender recognition bill that’s about to ignite discussions in parliament this Wednesday. But why is this so significant, you ask? Let’s dive into the heart of this evolving narrative. It all started with a simple yet profound revelation: a leading Thai bank, in an unprecedented move, assigned the non-binary title “Khun” to Treechada “Poyd” Petcharat—a celebrated transgender actress. This act, albeit later dismissed as a mistake, cracked open a broader conversation about the rights of transgender individuals to have their true identities recognized…

In a world that seems to juggle an array of complications – from the intricate dance of geopolitics to the unforeseen challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, social turmoil, the gradual depletion of natural resources, the rapid surge in technological advancements, and the inevitable shift towards a digital existence – finding a silver lining can often feel akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. However, amidst this chaotic tapestry of global predicaments, a beacon of collaborative hope has emerged through the partnership between Thailand and the UK, signifying a concerted effort to leverage technology and innovation in surmounting these pervasive challenges. “The contemporary landscape, rife with its multifaceted obstacles, necessitates a pivot towards technology and innovation. This pivot isn’t merely about staying afloat; it’s about harnessing the power of innovation to tackle specific issues facing nations on a granular level,” remarked Sirirurg Songsivilai, the esteemed chairperson of…

Imagine a realm where verdant forests stretch as far as the eye can see, where the air is pure and the silence is only broken by the symphony of wildlife. This is not the beginning of a fantasy novel, but a real-life narration set in the breathtaking landscapes of Phu Thap Boek and Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand. At the heart of this tale stands Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, a figure as controversial as he is committed, navigating through storms of accusations with the stoicism of a seasoned sailor. On a particularly telling day, under the watchful eyes of the media, Chaiwat, the crusading head of the Office of National Parks, showcased a judicial victory. The Lom Sak Provincial Court had just ruled in favor of conservation, ordering resort encroachers to vacate the lush expanses of Phu Thap Boek in Phetchabun. This episode was not merely about reclaiming land; it was a…

Imagine this: you’re scrolling through your Facebook feed, escaping into the abyss of cat videos and distant friends’ vacation photos, when you stumble upon a post that instantly grabs your attention. It’s from a passenger, just like you and me, venting about her recent adventure from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket. But there’s a twist – her flight cost a whopping 10,000 baht. Yes, you read that right. As your jaw drops, you’re not alone in your astonishment. This revelation sparked a wildfire of outrage among netizens, all echoing the same sentiment: domestic airfares are sky-high! In a world where everyone’s voice can be amplified through social media, this uproar reached the ears of none other than Suriya – the man with the plan, the spearhead of change. Taking to the stage on a fine Tuesday, Suriya announced that he has set the gears…

Imagine stepping into the vibrant and bustling world of Nakhon Phanom province, where the energy of progress meets the heartbeat of tradition. It was here, amidst the hum of activity and the solemnity of official duties, that Premier Chai found himself caught in a moment of linguistic discomfort—a discomfort that would soon ripple through the corridors of power and ignite a conversation on sexual equality and diversity. During his engagement with the esteemed officials of the Customs Department, Premier Chai stumbled upon a linguistic quirk that would unsettle anyone with a keen sense for gender inclusivity. Addressing a female official with the title “Nai Dan” (chief customs officer), a title dripping with masculine undertones, the premier couldn’t shake off a feeling of unease. For in the Thai language, “Nai” stands tall as a prefix denoting male title holders—a beacon of masculinity in a sea of titles. Meanwhile, its female counterpart,…

Imagine gliding through the sleek, futuristic corridors of Suvarnabhumi Airport, greeted by the latest in passport-check automation. It feels like stepping into a sci-fi movie, right? Well, add a dash of international diplomacy and goodwill to this scene, and you’ve stepped into Thailand’s latest move to woo globetrotters — particularly those hailing from the sprawling steppes and bustling cities of Kazakhstan. In a gesture that’s as warm as the tropical sun, the Thai cabinet, led by the enthusiastic Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has rolled out the red carpet for Kazakh tourists. By extending a visa-free scheme, they’ve essentially said, “Your passport is a golden ticket to our paradise, no strings attached!” From March 1 to August 31, Kazakh passport holders can breeze into Thailand without the usual visa hassle. But why, you might wonder, is there such a buzz about Kazakh visitors? Well, it turns out these Central Asian explorers…