As the glistening royal barges cut through the serene waters of the Chao Phraya River, the scene promises to be nothing short of breathtaking. This Tuesday, the vibrant city of Bangkok plays host to a mesmerizing event that blends tradition, culture, and regal grandeur. The full-dress rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession is more than just an event; it’s an experience that beckons both Thais and curious travelers alike. The royal procession, part of a noble krathin ceremony, is organized in honor of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday celebration, which occurred on a sun-drenched day in July. This event, falling on the 27th of October, is not just a ceremonious float but a vibrant tapestry of history and respect woven into modern life. Picture this: 52 splendidly adorned barges, each a floating beacon of Thailand’s rich heritage, making their stately journey down the river. The air will be filled…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Ah, the audacity of Mother Nature! On a fateful Monday in the heart of October, motorists in the bustling district of Phra Samut Chedi in Samut Prakan found themselves navigating not just the usual road traffic, but what seemed like Neptune’s very own welcome mat—a flooded Suk Sawat Road, courtesy of an impressively high tide. This aquatic adventure was captured for posterity by the good folks at “We Love Phra Samut Chedi” and shared via the ever-buzzing @fm91trafficpro Twitter account. Meanwhile, in the atmospheric world above us, the Meteorological Department spotted a not-so-friendly visitor: thunderstorms. They promptly sounded the alarm for a possible drenching in 15 provinces, cleverly scheduling this atmospheric gig exclusively for Monday. It’s a one-day-only phenomenon, perfect for those who appreciate the brevity of chaos. The grand conductor of this symphony of showers? A monsoon trough playfully poised over the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand,…
In the bustling world of technological advancement, one company is making waves—quite literally—in the depths of the ocean. ZeaQuest Co. Ltd., emerging from the collaborative efforts of Mermaid Subsea Services (Thailand) Ltd. and Rovula (Thailand) Ltd., under the auspices of the AI and Robotics Ventures (ARV) division of PTT Exploration and Production Plc., is setting its sights on a daring venture. Their mission? To train 30 adept Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) pilots over the span of the next five years. The intentions behind this initiative encompass the burgeoning demand within Thailand’s petroleum exploration and production (E&P) industry and the ever-evolving global energy market. The maritime industry is witnessing an exhilarating technological revolution. As needs for sophisticated solutions in engineering activities swell, including underwater pipeline installations, safety inspections of subsea structures, and underwater geological surveys, companies are integrating robotic marvels like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Unmanned…
In a scene reminiscent of an action movie, Assistant National Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot took on the challenge of dismantling an illegal web of deceit stretching from Thailand into Laos. Armed with nothing but determination and some heavy-duty cable cutters, he brought down the nefarious internet lines winding across the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Mukdahan. What lay beneath this bold maneuver, you ask? A tangled tale of cross-border cyber trickery! Envisioning serenity as it spans the Mekong River, the Friendship Bridge has now become an unintentional accomplice in a drama of international intrigue. How did this story unfold? Quite unexpectedly, as the Public Relations Department in Mukdahan captured a defining moment—Pol Lt Gen Thatchai slicing through the illicit network with precision and a sense of purpose. Behind this seemingly simple act lay a complex operation to sever the electronic lifeline of scam gangs exploiting unsuspecting Thai…
As we slide gracefully into the tail end of the year, Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance steps up the celebration with their scintillating campaign, “Life’s Delicious By Krungthai-AXA Life.” This isn’t just any ordinary campaign; it’s a culinary invitation to relish each moment through experiences you’ll fondly remember. How, you ask? By teaming up with Thailand’s crème de la crème of Michelin-approved culinary wonders, of course! Khun Bubphawadee Owararinth, who steers both the People and Brand & Communications ship at Krungthai-AXA, enthusiastically shares, “At Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance, our heartfelt mission is to shower our cherished customers with experiences that touch the core. This isn’t a one-off; it’s a year-long symphony of curated activities that dance across the senses, from soulful health and wellness to culinary escapades and explorations, both near and far. Our pledge? To make every heartbeat momentous.” Taking center stage in this enchanting endeavor is “Life’s Delicious By Krungthai-AXA Life…
In a spirited stand reminiscent of David facing Goliath, the tight-knit Pracha Samakkhi community in the heart of Phuket has taken a bold step, reaching out for aid to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. Their plea? To stave off the looming threat of eviction from their cherished homeland, a place they’ve called home for countless years. The community, under the determined leadership of President Surasak Tainapreaw, alongside passionate village representatives, delivered a heartfelt petition to Minister Chalermchai Sri-on. Their encounter took place amidst the serene backdrop of Sirinat National Park in Phuket’s Thalang district, where they bared the distressing reality facing 512 family members of this vibrant community. As the tale unfolds, their narrative paints a picture of resilience and perseverance. These 512 families reside in a sprawling 346-rai expanse in tambon Koh Kaew, Muang district, a land they hold dear yet lack formal title deeds for. “We’ve…
Picture yourself soaring through scenic landscapes aboard a train linking metropolises across borders. Since its maiden voyage on July 19, more than 13,000 eager passengers have embraced the exciting Bangkok-Vientiane rail service, driving the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to bolster its offerings with an additional passenger wagon. During a recent rendezvous, SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala exchanged insights with Daochinda Siharat, leader of the Lao National Railway State Enterprise, unaffectionately wading into the technicalities of freight transport—a command meeting heralding a shared vision on literally crossing bridges to expand transit capabilities and welcome more travelers. Imagine the harmonious clatter of progress on rails, as the dynamic duo endeavors to choreograph international freight trains into a verifiable ballet, with a lofty aim of 14 round expeditions daily, contemplating even more curtain calls as demand crescendos. To quench the growing thirst of passengers for cross-border escapades, SRT is on the cusp of…
In a fervent bid to polish Thailand’s image in the global marketplace, the energetic Labour Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, is spearheading an initiative that could well redefine the nation’s approach to labor ethics. The Ministry of Labour has pledged to take swift action to clear Thai products such as fishmeal, fish oil, and animal feed from the US government’s 2024 List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. This list, which sends a stark signal to international trade partners, is a consequence of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005, commonly referred to as the TVPRA List. Moreover, these products have also made their unfortunate debut on another less-than-flattering list—the “List of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor” dictated by Executive Order 13126, or the EO List. This unexpected spotlight casts a shadow on the pride of Thailand’s industrious sectors, especially as the 2024 edition…
In what can only be described as a high-stakes political drama, the stage in Thailand is set for another act featuring none other than the much-discussed Shinawatra family. As bright lights shine on Thailand’s current political scene, one cannot overlook a narrative that is as entangling as a yarn spun by a master weaver. The Pheu Thai Party stands at the crux of controversy, with a petition seeking its dissolution leveling allegations of undue influence. Seemingly masterminded by a former ally turned nemesis, the petitions suggest an uncanny puppet play, allegedly orchestrated by Thailand’s ex-premier, Thaksin Shinawatra. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, wears the mantle of leadership for the party, casting further shadows of intrigue. What raises eyebrows here is the essence of the allegations—Thaksin, by law, is not even a card-carrying member of Pheu Thai. Yet, the claims are bold, asserting that his ghostly influence is in breach of the…
In a whirlwind of political paddling, the Pheu Thai Party, together with its merry band of coalition partners, is navigating the choppy waters of Thailand’s never-dull political scene. The latest squall? An amnesty bill that’s got everyone talking, especially since it flirted with the idea of including the dreaded lese majeste offenses under its forgiving umbrella. But rest assured, the coalition has hoisted its flag high and clear — they’re not having any of it. A Thursday to remember saw the House of Representatives diving into a detailed report penned by a dedicated committee, whose mandate was to explore various amnesty avenues. This exploration led to presenting three tantalizing options: a full amnesty, a conditional one, and the unpopular kid on the block — no amnesty at all. These options, under intense scrutiny and debate, are lined up for a vote later this week. The opposition party, the spirited People’s…