In a city renowned for its vibrant culture and bustling life, Bangkok is currently grappling with a wave of public anger spurred by an environmental scandal that has shocked its residents. The serene Chao Phraya River, which snakes its way through the heart of the bustling metropolis, is at the center of this controversy. The dark clouds began to gather when former beauty queen Carla Porter, who gained fame as the first runner-up of Miss Thailand World 2009, dropped a bombshell online that has since reverberated across social media platforms. Video footage taken discreetly by Carla’s friend reveals the jaw-dropping actions of a cruise ship’s staff as they unabashedly dump piles of plastic bottles, foam boxes, and assorted rubbish directly into the river. The clandestine clip, which Porter shared on her popular Facebook page, has made a staggering impact, drawing widespread condemnation from concerned citizens and environmental advocates alike. According…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the early dawn hours of a Thursday morning, a cloak-and-dagger operation unfolded quietly yet dramatically in Bangkok. Fair Party MP Kannavee Suebsaeng captured photographic evidence of shadowy detention vans. Their windows, shrouded in black tape, departed the confines of the immigration detention center on Soi Suan Phlu. This clandestine exodus marked the departure of 40 Uyghur detainees who had become unwilling residents of Thailand for an extensive 11-year stretch. Thailand’s Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, confirmed the transfer was executed after receiving assurances from China regarding the detainees’ well-being. “We have worked in accordance with international standards,” he pronounced, putting an end to a whirlwind of speculation. Yet, this governmental maneuver swiftly ignited a blaze of dissent among human rights advocates. Voicing vehement disapproval, Phil Robertson, a leading light at Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates, lambasted Thailand’s actions as an “unthinkable betrayal.” He proposed Thailand vacate its coveted seat…
In the heart of Nong Sai village, under the gentle cover of a star-studded night, a timeless ritual unfolds. A gnarled neem tree, its branches spreading like a silent storyteller above the abandoned whispers of an old house, becomes the focal point for hopeful residents. With roots sinking into soil that’s witnessed over a century, the tree stands tall amid rice fields, a sacred sentinel for those who gather beneath its leafy canopy on this special Buddhist holy day. Yesterday, February 26, the air was filled with quiet anticipation as villagers from the Mueang district of Surin province made their offerings—flower petals like colorful whispers, incense plumes tracing the past, flickering candles, and red drinks beloved by spirits. The local gathering circled the ancient tree, each participant’s eyes shimmering with a mix of reverence and hope. As part of their ritual, incense smoke curled upwards in a fragrant announcement to…
A snapshot shared on social media by Fair Party MP, Kannavee Suebsaeng, recently stirred up a storm. The image captured an early-morning exodus of detention vans with windows obscured by black tape, pulling out from the immigration detention center on Soi Suan Phlu in Bangkok. This covert operation seemed to be the preamble to a day loaded with tension and debate, as 40 Uyghur detainees found themselves being deported from Thailand, ending an eleven-year chapter in the country. The move came following reassurances from China stating that these individuals would be well taken care of, as disclosed by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. With that, Thailand has come under heavy siege from human rights activists worldwide. When the news broke, Phil Robertson, Bangkok’s own watchdog from Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates, was not one to mince words. Describing the move as “unthinkable,” he boldly suggested that Thailand should relinquish its…
As darkness falls over Nong Sai village, a sense of anticipation fills the air. Residents eagerly gather around an ancient neem tree, its history stretching back over a century, nestled beside an abandoned house at the edge of the rice fields. It’s a Buddhist holy day, February 26th to be precise, and the villagers believe this spiritual occasion could bring them good fortune in the upcoming lottery draw. The neem tree stands tall, its bark aged and wise, embraced by the shared memories of the community. Flowers, incense, brightly burning candles, and a scattering of red drinks form a sacred offering at its base. This ritual is not just tradition; it’s a hopeful plea for the spirits to reveal promising numbers. With respectful reverence, the villagers begin by lighting incense, a signal to the spirits that they’re seeking guidance. The careful scraping of the bark follows, the villagers’ eyes squinting…
As the sun gently sets over the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, a new chapter in the realm of tourism unfolds. By the close of this year, chatter abounds with the impending arrival of a 300-baht tourism tax, set to be levied on foreign visitors. This new scheme, a brainchild of Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, aims to strike a delicate balance between generating revenue and smoothing the tourist experience during Thailand’s much-awaited High Season. Yet, as with all great innovations, the tax proposal has sparked a whirlwind of debate across the industry, with critics and supporters locking horns over its potential implications. If all goes according to plan, this contentious tax will leap from legislative text to living reality by March, once it graces the pages of the Royal Gazette. The tax applies uniformly to all globetrotters—those arriving via the ease of air travel and those embarking upon more…
In a somber turn of events on February 26, a catastrophic accident unfolded on Highway 11 in the serene province of Nakhon Sawan, transforming a routine journey into an indelible tragedy. The accident, involving an unyielding collision between a passenger van and a hulking trailer truck, resulted in the heartrending loss of four lives and left five others injured, casting a pall over the community. The fateful van was making its way back from the hallowed grounds of Dhammakaya Temple, carrying a group immersed in spiritual reflection and headed toward the tranquil province of Phichit. On its journey back, destiny had a different plan as it met its sudden and cruel fate. The incident was promptly reported to Police Lieutenant Pisol Phasuk from the vigilant Tha Tako Police Station, marking a grim precedent for that day in Don Ka subdistrict, nestled in the heart of Tha Tako district. Upon their…
In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on February 26, a serene highway in the tranquil province of Nakhon Sawan bore witness to a devastating accident that has left the community in shock. A van, filled with hopeful pilgrims returning from the revered Dhammakaya Temple, collided disastrously with a trailer truck on the well-traveled Highway 11, transforming a spiritual journey into a tragic tale of loss and survival. The serene ambiance of the Don Ka subdistrict was shattered as Police Lieutenant Pisol Phasuk from the Tha Tako Police Station responded to urgent reports of a catastrophic collision. The scene that greeted the emergency services was nightmarish. Amidst the roadside chaos, an 18-wheeler loomed, its trailer visibly marred where contact had been made. Yet, it was the sight of the crumpled Toyota van, its structure mangled almost beyond recognition, that told the somber story of the day. Inside the twisted metal, four…
Step into the world of Cindy Sirinya Bishop, where beauty goes beyond the surface, and advocacy takes center stage. This Thai-American supermodel, actress, and advocate has charted an inspiring journey of transformation and empowerment. Born on December 30, 1978, Cindy stands tall—literally at 178 cm—and figuratively as a beacon of change, continually breaking molds and setting new standards. Her journey boasts milestones from being crowned Miss Thailand World 1996 to becoming a UN Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Women. As the year 2025 unfolds, Cindy is poised to captivate audiences as a keynote speaker at the Bangkok Post Women Vision 2025 event, aptly titled HER STORY OUR STORY. This event celebrates the indomitable spirit and contributions of women across various industries, and Cindy’s journey is nothing short of legendary. Imagine growing up in the vibrant tapestry of Thailand, a place where beauty standards have long been defined by traditional norms. Cindy,…
In the vibrant world of glamour and advocacy, Cindy Sirinya Bishop stands tall—not just in stature, but in her remarkable journey of transformation and empowerment. As we eagerly await her appearance as a guest speaker at the heralded Bangkok Post Women Vision 2025 event, HER STORY OUR STORY, Cindy’s life story continues to inspire many. This celebration of women’s contributions to leadership across industries is a testament to emerging voices that challenge the status quo, a task Cindy has embraced with grace and determination. Born on December 30, 1978, with a captivating blend of American, English, Indian, and Thai heritage, Cindy Sirinya Bishop has not merely skimmed the surface of societal norms—she’s redefined them entirely. Raised in Thailand, her distinctive multinational looks and striking height drew more than a few sideways glances during her formative years. Labeled as a ‘farang,’ a local term for foreigners, young Cindy wrestled with self-doubt,…