In the heart of the scenic valleys of Chiang Rai, the recent deluge has left its mark, turning the vibrant Mae Sai district into a tapestry of muddied streets and waterlogged homes. Amidst the havoc, a glimmer of hope shines through as the government steps up to the plate, offering financial lifelines to those hardest hit. A whopping 10,000 baht is set to be distributed to households grappling with the aftermath of these relentless floods, aimed at easing the burden of cleaning up the water’s daunting aftermath. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, ever at the helm, assured the nation earlier this week that a crucial budget allocation nod had been secured from the Comptroller General’s Department. This financial aid does not require further cabinet approval, a testament to the urgency of the relief efforts. Instead, the cabinet’s focus was on acknowledging the swift action required in such trying times. This generous…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Amidst a whirlwind of speculation and political intrigue, the Bank of Thailand finds itself at a crossroads as the quest for a new chairman of its board takes a pause. This unexpected halt has reignited discussions about potential political machinations, involving a surprising cast of characters, including former Bank of Thailand (BoT) governor Tarisa Watanagase. As the government allegedly prepares to put forth its preferred candidate to replace the outgoing Porametee Vimolsiri, whispers in the corridors of power suggest that former commerce minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong is the frontrunner for the position. With a resume that boasts time as a deputy leader and chief economic strategist for the ruling Pheu Thai Party, not to mention his tenure as an adviser to former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Mr. Kittiratt is certainly no stranger to the inner workings of Thailand’s political landscape. Notably, he has been a vocal critic of BoT’s interest rate…
In the heart of Khon Kaen, a team of inspectors meticulously examined the emergency exit of a school bus. This wasn’t a routine check. It was part of a rigorous, stepped-up inspection program following the horrific fire incident that tragically claimed the lives of 20 children and three teachers on the first of October. The somber aftermath of this tragedy was captured in a snapshot by Chakkrapan Natanri, still fresh in the minds of many. The Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was swift and decisive in her response. On Tuesday, she decreed that the operators of no less than 13,426 gas-fueled passenger buses would halt their services. This suspension was a cautionary measure, pending crucial safety inspections. Only then, could these buses—equipped with either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)—be deemed safe to carry passengers again. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has mandated that all such buses…
In a solemn commemoration ceremony that resonated with emotions and reflections, Orna Sagiv, the dedicated Israeli ambassador to Thailand, tenderly placed a candle in remembrance of the victims of the harrowing October 7, 2023, massacre. This poignant event, hosted collaboratively by the embassy and the Jewish Association of Thailand, unfolded under the elegant chandeliers of the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok. The image of Ambassador Sagiv lighting a candle — captured by Varuth Hirunyatheb — poignantly encapsulates the somber mood of the gathering. On the diplomatic front, the drumbeat of hope continues to echo as the Israeli government reaffirms its unyielding commitment to rescuing the remaining six Thai workers, whose fates remain shrouded in mystery a year after the dark events of the Hamas attack on southern Israel. Ambassador Sagiv’s words echoed this pledge, affirming, “There have been no reports about the remaining Thai hostages believed to be held in Gaza.”…
In the picturesque town of Lan Sak, located within Uthai Thani province, a somber event unfolded as families and friends bid farewell to 20 young students and three dedicated teachers, whose lives were tragically lost in a devastating bus blaze. The serene sports field at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School was transformed into a site of mourning and remembrance, as the community came together for a royally sponsored cremation ceremony. The event, presided over by Privy Councillor Gen Surayud Chulanont on behalf of His Majesty the King, drew thousands of mourners, including local dignitaries, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and Uthai Thani MP Chada Thaiset. Many traveled from distant provinces, united in grief and solidarity. The school had prepared seating for 6,000 attendees, yet every spot was taken, reflecting the profound impact of the tragedy on the community. Messages of farewell and prayers flooded the school’s Facebook page, offering a…
In a twist more tangled than her famous noodle dishes, Thai celebrity chef Yuwadee Chaisiripanich, better known as Chef Aoi, finds herself in the spotlight for reasons far removed from her culinary talents. While most people know her for her delectable creations at her renowned noodle shop franchise, Chef Aoi’s recent brush with the law involves something far less savory—an alleged fraud case concerning the sale of gold and diamond jewelry, estimated to be worth around 2 million baht. The 54-year-old chef was apprehended in Bangkok while exhibiting her culinary skills at a bustling booth in a shopping mall on Srinakarin Road located in the city’s Prawet district, according to police sources on a recent Tuesday. This arrest came hot on the heels of a complaint lodged at the cybercrime division of the Bang Bon police station. Yet, the name of the complainant remains shrouded in mystery. The drama unfolded…
Celebrated as one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia 2024, the remarkable Chief Financial Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Accounting and Finance at Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited stands as a towering figure in the Asia-Pacific financial landscape. Her inclusion in this esteemed ranking by Fortune is a testament to her influential prowess in financial management, fortifying the company’s fiscal fortitude, fostering expansion, and spearheading the relentless growth trajectory of the Bangchak Group. Her adeptness in financial strategy played a pivotal role in the triumphant 2023 acquisition of shares in Bangchak Sriracha Public Company Limited (BSRC), formerly Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited, a deal that surpassed a whopping 26 billion baht. Buoyed by Bangchak’s robust balance sheet and forward-thinking leadership, she has pioneered financial innovations that not only elevate the organization but also extend benefits to society at large. Among this year’s celebrated figures, she shines as one…
In the picturesque yet bustling district of Muang, Samut Sakhon, a curious event unfolded on Monday when officials launched a keenly orchestrated raid, targeting a shop shrouded in secrecy and stocked with contraband from across the border in Myanmar. As the sun rose on the typically quaint streets, capes of formal authority fluttered with purpose, echoing the shadows of a similar crackdown in Bangkok the previous week. This raid was orchestrated by none other than the hawk-eyed officials from the Food and Drug Administration, eager to protect public interest. Deputy Secretary-General Weerachai Nolwachai stood at the helm of this operation. Describing this mission on a crisp Tuesday morning, Mr. Weerachai recounted with remarkable detail how a team of determined FDA officials and astute health officers, fortified by the seasoned local police, descended on two seemingly innocuous shops in the vicinity of tambon Khok Kham. The objective was simple—to collect and…
In a scene straight out of an airport thriller, an unusual discovery unfolded under the bustling neon lights and perpetual whir of Phuket International Airport. The evening air buzzed with its usual chorus of suitcase wheels and flight announcements when Aiyanah Pa-ngo, an eagle-eyed airport security screener with a knack for detecting the unexpected, made a startling find. While scrutinizing the luggage flowing through the X-ray scanner, Aiyanah’s practiced gaze caught sight of a peculiar outline. What was otherwise just a routine check became the headline of the night, echoing across the concourse and beyond. Aiyanah immediately flagged the suspicious image to her superior, a silhouette unmistakably resembling a firearm hidden among the clutter of clothes and travel essentials. The decision was swift—a call to action, directing the controversial baggage to the luggage room at Gate 81 for a more invasive search. Under the glow of fluorescent lights, law enforcement…
Meet Vachara Leegomonchai, the visionary CEO at the helm of the CLP Group, who’s been trailblazing revolutionary pathways in Thailand’s bustling agricultural sector. When it comes to designing and manufacturing top-notch agricultural machinery, especially in the realm of rice milling, CLP Group shines like a beacon of innovation. But hold your horses; Leegomonchai’s vision strides far beyond mere efficiency. She dreams of a future where farmers aren’t just toiling away, but are empowered, entrepreneurial maestros of their craft! The curtain recently fell on the vibrant Farm Expo 2024, hosted from October 3-6 at the gleaming halls of BITEC Bangna. A first of its kind in Thailand, this indoor spectacle paraded under the theme “Revolutionizing Farm Business,” aiming to catapult the agricultural sphere into new realms of possibility. It was a grand confluence of farmers, business whizzes, and tech aficionados, all eager to spin a fresh narrative in farming innovation. “We…