Posts published in “Thailand”

In the heart of Bangkok, a monumental task has begun that promises to transform the cityscape from a chaotic web of wires into a vision of organized beauty and safety. At the helm of this ambitious venture is a coalition of Thailand’s leading forces: the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), along with telecom giants True Corporation and Advanced Info Service (AIS). Their mission? To liberate the bustling Asok Montri area of its dense, unused communication cables that dangle precariously from power poles. Marking the start of their operation on a bright Thursday morning, this team set out on a 2.4-kilometre stretch between the Phetchaburi and Sukhumvit intersections, a site notorious for its tangled skein of cables. But this is just the beginning. The endgame? A radical overhaul that doesn’t stop at the removal of cables but extends to the complete…

Welcome to Phuket, a tropical paradise where the sun kisses the shore with her golden rays, and the sea hums a lullaby to those who tread her sands. Yet, this idyllic haven lately finds itself entwined in tales more suited to a bustling city’s back alleys than its serene beaches. Enter the newly minted spearhead against unruliness, Phuket’s special task force, born from the ashes of incidents that seemed to mar the island’s pristine reputation. Under the vigilant watch of Governor Sophon Suwannarat, this team has swiftly swung into action, notching up an eye-watering 400 criminal cases against foreigners who mistook paradise for a playground devoid of rules. A narrative sparked by an incident so shocking it sent ripples through the tranquil waters of Phuket: a Swiss vacationer, in a display of wanton disregard, launched an unprovoked attack on a female Thai doctor at Yamu Beach one balmy February day.…

Imagine a tranquil morning on the serene waters surrounding the picturesque island of Koh Tao, when suddenly tranquility is shattered by an urgent distress call. An incident unfolded approximately two to three nautical miles off the island’s idyllic shores— a tale of quick responses, communal effort, and unexpected detours. The cause of the commotion? A boat engulfed in flames, creating a scene that looked like it was plucked straight from an action-packed movie, except this was no scripted drama. The Facebook page of the Disaster and Mitigation Special Unit sprung into action, painting a vivid picture of heroism as boats in the vicinity rushed towards the accident site. These vessels became unexpected knights in shining armor, coming to the rescue of passengers who, in a desperate bid for safety, hurled themselves into the embrace of the sea below. By the break of dawn, at 8am to be precise, all 108…

Imagine a tranquil province on the fringes of the bustling city, where the air is crisp and the waters clear. This was Samut Sakhon, a jewel in Thailand’s industrial crown, until a discovery that shocked the local community and its governing officials to their core. Nestled within the unsuspecting district of Muang, two foundries, which from the outside looked as harmless as any other, held a dark secret—a colossal 15,000 tonnes of cadmium waste, a substance as dangerous as it is carcinogenic, lay hidden within their confines. It was on a day like any other that the governor of Samut Sakhon, Phol Damtham, led an investigation into these two foundries, operated by a company that seemed to be quietly tucked away on Soi Kong Phananphon off the arterial Ekachai Road. But what they found was anything but ordinary. About 1,600 large bags filled with cadmium and zinc waste revealed the…

Welcome to a year of groundbreaking collaboration and international charm, as the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) join forces with the renowned Index Creative Village to take the global stage by storm at four spectacular trade fairs across two vibrant countries. Picture this: Cambodia and Saudi Arabia, set to host a brilliant showcase of business prowess and innovation that promises not only to dazzle but elevate the essence of B2B markets to new heights. First on the agenda, Phnom Penh beckons with its architectural elegance and flavorsome extravaganzas, hosting the Cambodia Architect & Decor, Foodplus Expo, and the Health & Beauty Expo from August 2-4 at the esteemed Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre. Each fair, a hub of creativity and industry, drawing businesses and minds together in a symphony of opportunity. Fast forward to the crisp days of November,…

Imagine the vibrant streets of Thailand, awash with the laughter of both locals and tourists, as the nation gears up for Songkran — an event that’s not just a traditional festival but a monumental catalyst for the country’s economy. According to the keen analysis by the savvy folks at TMBThanachart Bank’s economic analysis centre, the Songkran break is setting the stage for a staggering 55% surge in spending, catapulting from last year’s impressive 26.80 billion baht to an even more astonishing figure. If you thought the celebrations were merely about water fights and festive spirits, think again; they’re a boon for the economy too! The spotlight shines brightly on the throngs of Thai tourists, who are expected to inject a whopping 17.20 billion baht into the economy. This influx of cash will flow into various sectors including travel, commodities, and accommodation, with tourism hotspots and the scenic coastal cities near…

In the intriguing world of regulatory changes and the ongoing battle against narcotics, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew finds himself at the epicenter of a riveting debate that’s been lighting up the corridors of power and sparking animated conversations across Thailand. Picture this: On a seemingly ordinary day, set against the backdrop of the Department of Medical Services, the minister steps forward, addressing a sea of eager reporters gathered on March 11, each hanging on to his every word. The air is charged with anticipation as he delves into the heart of the matter—a controversial new rule that’s shaking up the status quo. The crux of the matter lies in a groundbreaking regulation, one that redefines the very essence of personal drug possession versus intent to distribute. Under this bold new framework, individuals found with up to five methamphetamine pills are no longer immediately cast in the sinister role of…

Imagine a time in the year when the sun decides to take center stage, casting aside all shadows with its fiery grandeur. This celestial spectacle, known as the solar zenith, graced the skies of Betong at precisely 12.19pm, as announced by the institute through the modern-day heralds of Facebook and their website. But what, you may wonder, breathes life into this astronomical marvel? A solar zenith isn’t just your everyday sun-overhead scenario. It’s an exclusive event where the sun, like a spotlight in the vast theatre of the sky, positions itself directly overhead at a perfect 90-degree angle. This star-studded performance is reserved only for those lucky lands lounging between the tropical embraces of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, lying 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, respectively. Like clockwork, this natural phenomenon curtsies onto the tropical stage twice a year, daring the shadows to shrink away to…

Welcome to Phuket, Thailand’s jewel in the crown of tropical paradises, where the sun kisses the shimmering sands and the turquoise waves whisper tales of serenity. But, amidst this picture-perfect postcard setting, there’s a story unfolding that might just pique your interest—a tale of adventure, misadventure, and the delicate dance between tourists and the law. Imagine lounging on the pristine beaches of Phuket, your worries melting away like the ice in your coconut drink. That’s the dream, right? However, Phuket’s governor, Sophon Suwannarat, has recently been dealing with a slightly different scenario. In an intriguing turn of events, at least 400 criminal cases have been filed against foreigners by a newly minted special task force. Why, you ask? To keep a vigilant eye on those visitors who decide to add a dash of notoriety to their holiday itinerary. This initiative didn’t just spring up overnight. Oh no, it was sparked…

In a movie-esque operation that unfolded in the heart of downtown Bangkok, the silence of a typical Thursday was shattered by the sound of law enforcement swooping in on a major narcotics operation. The scene of this high-stakes drama? A seemingly innocuous hotel parking area, where nestled among the vehicles, a Honda H-RV sat harboring a staggering 110 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, amongst an array of other illicit substances. This was just the beginning of a significant bust that would unveil a smorgasbord of narcotics intended to flood the streets of Bangkok and its surrounds during the high-spirited Songkran festival. The police, acting on intelligence that could rival the plot of any crime thriller, discovered not only the enormous cache of crystal meth but also 60kg of ketamine discreetly stowed in the vehicle. The area, known for its bustling activity, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight as the epicenter of…