The pristine beauty of Mu Ko Similan National Park has long been the crown jewel of Phangnga province, drawing nature enthusiasts from across the globe to its turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. Recently, however, the serene paradise has found itself at the center of a turbulent storm, not conjured by nature, but by whispers of corruption. The scandal revolves around a purported illegal ticket sales scheme that has rocked the park’s administration to its core. The intrigue began unraveling when inspectors from the ever-watchful National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) swooped in for what was supposed to be a routine check. It wasn’t long before they stumbled upon a discovery that had their senses tingling: a slew of entry tickets for Thai nationals, conveniently masquerading as transactions meant for foreign visitors. This information raised eyebrows, and for good reason. In Thailand, entry prices do a curious dance depending on one’s nationality.…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a heart-stirring tale from Phatthalung, Thailand, a family endured three days of grief, only to discover that their presumed-to-be-late son was alive and recovering in a hospital. The twist of fate unfolded when Amarawadee Datekhao and her family were informed of a tragic motorcycle accident on March 23 involving her 17-year-old son, Pongsaphak Thaneerat, and his friend, leading them to an emotional rollercoaster like no other. Upon their arrival at Phatthalung Hospital, the family was met with sorrowful news—they were told that Pongsaphak had succumbed to his injuries. In a daze of disbelief and heartache, they accepted the body handed to them, deeply affected by the disfigurement that masked their son’s familiar features. As tradition prescribes, they commenced funeral rites, brushing aside the nagging suspicion that the attire didn’t quite match Pongsaphak’s wardrobe. The plot thickened as the final day of mourning dawned. The observant parents of Pongsaphak’s companion…
On the picturesque island of Phuket, where azure waters meet sandy shores, a captivating event is set to unfold this Friday. None other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is making her way to this tropical paradise, not just for the island’s enchanting views, but to champion a cause that’s as pressing as it is promising—sustainable tourism infused with a touch of soft power magic. Prime Minister Shinawatra is all set to underscore this vision at the esteemed Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025. Hosted at the majestic Convention Centre of Phuket Rajabhat University, this forum promises to be a melting pot of ideas, conversation, and innovation. “Placing sustainability at the heart of tourism,” shares government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, “is more than a commitment—it’s a way forward.” The TSTC 2025 serves as Thailand’s grand dress rehearsal for the much-anticipated Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) slated for April next year. It’s a…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a saga of intrigue and mystery unfolds at the Veterans General Hospital, where one doctor, Dr. Barinda Ujwatee, had reportedly been responsible for dispensing over 29% of the hospital’s medication orders. This eyebrow-raising statistic is only the tip of the iceberg in a burgeoning investigation that unfurls a labyrinthine tale of alleged embezzlement and misdeeds dating back to 2018. It all began some seven years ago, as police investigators sketch the timeline, when suspicious patterns emerged in the hospital’s pharmaceutical order logs. Overprescribed medication, worth a staggering 60 million baht, reportedly found its way into illicit resale channels, much to the chagrin of hospital authorities and law enforcement alike. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is at the forefront of an expanding investigation, ensuring that no external forces will meddle in uncovering the truth. As the scandal’s exposure unfurled, the media spotlight zeroed in on…
Picture this: a grand hall teeming with a buzz of anticipation at the Centara Life, nestled in the Government Complex & Convention Center on Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok. It’s a day to remember because Chia Tai Company Limited, a trailblazer in Thailand’s agricultural sector, is about to be honored with a prestigious accolade. The atmosphere is electric as Mr. Kiattisak Limsawon, the ever-dedicated Corporate Service Administration Manager, steps forward to receive the Outstanding Green Office (Gold G) Award for 2024. The applause rings loud as Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, the esteemed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, hands over this emblem of excellence. What does this award mean, you ask? Well, it’s not just another trophy to line the office shelf. It’s a symbol of Chia Tai’s unwavering commitment to eco-friendly practices amidst the urban hustle of Sukhumvit 60. The company’s headquarters have undergone a rigorous evaluation, earning…
Over the past week, the pristine skies of the Kingdom of Thailand have experienced a gloomy transformation as air quality takes a nosedive, casting a shadow over 56 provinces with increasingly alarming levels of PM2.5. This isn’t just a bad spell up north or in the northeast—oh no, it’s a region-wide smog fest! With experts predictably forecasting an even murkier horizon, we cling on to those air purifiers like they’re lifeboats on the Titanic. The Air Pollution Solution Communication Centre, surely working round the clock, kindly delivered its air quality report as of March 27. The glaring takeaway? PM2.5 levels are just throwing a massive party above the national standards, alcohol or no. The guest list reads like a geographical tour of Thailand: Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, and many more. Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang—you’re all invited! Turns out, no one’s immune from this unwelcome dust blanket,…
In the serene and sacred surroundings of Wat Burapha Ban Khae temple, the community mourns the loss of their revered abbot, Phra Khru Kampeera Siddhikun. At 66, this esteemed spiritual leader—renowned for his tireless work in developing not only his temple but also the Phak Phang subdistrict—has sadly passed away. His sudden departure yesterday was a consequence of severe heatstroke, taking place in the most mundane of settings: his bathroom. Phra Khru Kampeera’s dedication to his spiritual duties was respected not just within his local community, but far beyond provincial boundaries. Many who called him their mentor are prominent figures, having found guidance and solace in his wise and compassionate presence. His death reverberates through the community, summoning a throng of grieving disciples who gathered to pay respects. Tears were shed, stories shared, and memories cherished as they prepared for the meticulous enactment of religious rites. On the morning of…
In a dramatic turn of events that sparks intrigue and controversy, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has been thrust into the spotlight following recent allegations of money laundering tied to the 2024 Senate elections. At the helm of this investigation is Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a pivotal figure navigating the tumultuous waters of Thai politics. Unfazed by the uproar, Mr. Phumtham, who also serves as the nation’s defense minister, approaches the situation with a sense of calm confidence, choosing not to rush into assembling a legal team as the specter of the Constitutional Court looms on the horizon. “There’s nothing to it,” he asserted with serene assurance, echoing a sentiment that suggests an unyielding faith in the judicial process. “We go about doing our jobs. It’s all up to the court now,” he adds, signaling a resolve steeped in a commitment to duty and honesty. However, beneath this…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to leave a sizeable footprint on the golden shores of Phuket, not by basking in the sun, but by igniting a soft power revolution that could reshape the landscape of Thai tourism. The dynamic 38-year-old leader is gearing up to embark on a journey to the southern island tomorrow, March 28, embarking on a mission to propel Thailand into the forefront of sustainable travel worldwide. This voyage is not merely a getaway; it follows a significant morning where she helmed the 12th Cabinet meeting of the year, as revealed by Jirayu Huangsap, the government spokesperson. But the real anticipation is centered on Phuket where Paetongtarn will take center stage at the Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025. She is slated to deliver a keynote address at Phuket Rajabhat University’s Conference Centre, titled ‘Soft Power: A Mechanism for Creating Sustainability for Thai Tourism.’ The essence…
Hold onto your hats because Thailand is shaking things up in the world of entertainment like never before! While many might expect this move to cater to gamblers, think again! In an exhilarating new development, the Cabinet has thrown its weight behind the draft of the Integrated Entertainment Business Act. With the brass tacks submitted to the House of Representatives, Thailand’s entertainment sector is on the cusp of a revolution. But let’s set the records straight – this isn’t just a gambler’s paradise we’re talking about. Sure, casinos might get a headline or two, but the government’s plan is far more multifaceted. In a thrilling reveal at Government House, spokesperson Jirayu Huangtrakul underscored, “Casinos will not be the centerpiece of these venues.” The true star of this show? Investment and tourism are taking center stage, baby! The Council of State has rolled up its sleeves with a revision of epic…