In the bustling streets of Bangkok, where the nightlife sparkles brighter than the stars, a scene unfolds that might seem all too familiar yet remains critically important – a diligent policeman, the unsung hero of urban safety, conducts a breathalyzer test on a motorist. This snapshot, captured on a humid November evening last year, paints the ongoing battle against driving under the sweet yet deadly influence of alcohol. Fast forward to a recent Tuesday, where a shimmer of hope glistens in the form of new regulations approved by the cabinet, as unveiled by the ever-diligent deputy government spokesman, Mr. Kharom Polpornklang. In an unwavering effort to curb the menace of drunk driving, the Royal Thai Police have taken a monumental leap forward, proposing rules that sing in harmony with Sections 5 and 142 of the illustrious Land Transport Act. The crafting of these regulations was no small feat. It required…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine waking up in the vibrant city of Bangkok, where the buzz of construction signals the birth of towering high-rises and the air is filled with the promise of progress. In the heart of Bang Phlat district, amidst the cacophony of development, a slender device stands sentinel. Its mission? To keep a vigilant watch over the invisible menace lurking in the air – the PM2.5 particles. This hero device, installed at a construction site of a high-rise building, serves as the city’s guardian against air pollution. (Photo credit: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) Tuesday morning in Bangkok unfurled a tapestry of concern as the levels of PM2.5, the microscopic villains of air quality, crept stealthily beyond the realm of safety. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), with its orbiting sentinels and the Check Foon (dust check) air quality app, unveiled a daunting picture: 49 districts in the capital had embarked on…
Picture the beautiful lands of Thailand, with its resplendent temples, bustling markets, and street food that sends your taste buds to nirvana. But beneath this paradise lies a shadow that not even the sunniest of Thai smiles can dispel entirely. As revealed by the latest findings from Transparency International, Thailand has taken a tumble down the rabbit hole in the world of corruption perception, slipping seven notches to the 108th spot out of 180 nations in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This annual compendium, unveiled with anticipation each year, measures the perceived levels of graft within the public sector as sensed by experts and industry insiders. It scores nations on a zero to 100 scale, where zero is a corruption fest and 100 is as pristine as a freshly laundered shirt. This year, the champions of integrity were Denmark (scoring a virtuous 90), followed by a prestigious crew including…
Imagine stepping into the shoes of Natthakit, a man whose life took a twist fit for a thriller novel. The serene world of agriculture was rocked when he found himself ensnared in a web of extortion and deceit. It wasn’t just any Friday; it was the day that saw Srisuwan and his band of alleged extortionists, caught in a sting operation, the culmination of a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Srisuwan’s audacity? Demanding a whopping 3 million baht to turn a blind eye to purported irregularities in not one, but two grand projects. Natthakit, a man of integrity, couldn’t fathom bending to such corrupt will. The thought of paying off Srisuwan infuriated him. Why should honest officials live in the shadow of blackmail? With resolve as strong as steel, Natthakit decided it was time to rip the mask off these so-called whistleblowers. It was more than just personal; it…
Imagine you’re sitting at your favorite restaurant, the aroma of sizzling barbecue fills the air, and the vibrant chatter of fellow diners creates an atmosphere of sheer delight. This could easily be one of those nights to remember. Yet, lurking beneath the smoky scents and joyful banter, a recent Department of Health Service Support survey reveals some startling truths about our beloved DIY tabletop BBQ buffets that could make you ponder a bit before taking the next bite. Spanning from December 4 to 22, the investigation dove into the dining habits of 26,889 restaurant aficionados across the nation. According to the survey’s findings, a whopping 32% of these epicureans indulge in the art of grilling their own pork buffets on a regular basis. However, as it turns out, our culinary adventures might just be a bit bumpier than expected. Dr. Samart Thirasak, the deputy chief of DHSS, brings to light…
In a plot that could rival a suspenseful political thriller, the intricate web of politics, extortion, and accusations unfurls with key player Varawut at the center stage. As holder of the formidable Social Development and Human Security portfolio, Varawut found himself in the midst of a storm not of his making but certainly one that required his adept navigational skills. The controversy began to bubble when whispers of a deputy agriculture minister, shrouded in mystery with just an initial “P” to his name, surfaced as the alleged mastermind behind an audacious extortion ring. The political corridors were abuzz with speculation and intrigue, pointing fingers at none other than Praphat, who previously served as the deputy minister under Varawut’s stewardship in the Agriculture and Cooperatives portfolio during the Prayut Chan-o-cha government’s tenure. The plot thickened substantially when Srisuwan Janya, a name well-known for his prolific legal activism, found himself behind bars…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, on the ever-vibrant Ratchadaphisek Road, a legal drama worthy of a Hollywood screenplay unfolded within the walls of the Criminal Court. At the heart of this saga stood Myanmar tycoon Tun Min Latt, entangled in a web of allegations that spanned from drug trafficking to money laundering, with the added twist of being the son-in-law to Senator Upakit Pachariangkun. Yet, in an unexpected turn of events, the court ruled in favor of Latt and his co-defendants, citing the insufficiency of evidence presented by the police as the crux for their acquittal. The plot thickens as we dive into the intricacies of the case. Four individuals, including the enigmatic Latt, found themselves at the center of this storm, alongside Myanmar Allure Group, a company under the senator’s control. As the narrative unfolded, the prosecution’s storyline hinged on financial transactions linked to a solitary currency exchange…
In the verdant, tumultuous landscapes of Kayah state, Myanmar, a cinematic scene unfolds beneath the shadow of conflict. On November 14, 2023, amidst the chaos of government airstrikes, figures dash through the ruins of Loikaw. Among them, a member of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force, not just a fighter but a guardian angel in fatigues, extends a helping hand to civilians ensnared in the turmoil. This moment, captured by a Reuters photographer, encapsulates the dire situation in Myanmar and the sparks of humanity that shine through the darkest of times. Meanwhile, in a move that heralds hope, Thailand emerges as a beacon of refuge. The nation announced its plans to carve out a sanctuary in Tak for those fleeing the devastating skirmishes within Myanmar’s borders. Picture this – a corridor, not just any corridor but a lifeline, pulsing through Tak, delivering not just essentials but a promise of safety, a…
In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where the skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and historical temples, a saga unfolds that could easily rival the plot of the most captivating telenovelas. The protagonists? Two venerable institutions of higher education: Uthenthawai and the Pathumwan Institute of Technology (PIT). Their battleground? Not the figurative arenas of academic accolades or research breakthroughs, but the literal streets of Thailand’s capital. At the heart of this drama is none other than the esteemed Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Minister, Supamas Isarabhakdi. Imagine her, a figure of authority and resilience, stepping up to the plate on a Tuesday that felt more like the opening scene of a critical act in this ongoing educational drama. The cause of her decisive intervention? An escalating series of clashes between Uthenthawai and PIT students that had recently seen a tragedy, with a student falling victim to the violence…
On a breezy Tuesday that seemed like any other, Wuttichai stirred the air with an intriguing comment, referencing a conversation that would tickle the fancy of anyone with even a passing interest in the realm of international relations and adorable pandas. At the heart of this discussion was none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who had recently brought the cozy subject of “panda diplomacy” to the table in a chat with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The setting for this high-level dialogue was the vibrant city of Bangkok, where the two leaders delved into a variety of pressing topics. From economic partnerships that might shape the future to strategies aimed at boosting tourism, their conversation covered the gamut, yet it was the mention of pandas that captured the imagination of many. Reflecting on the meeting, Srettha took to X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) to share his thoughts.…