Let’s embark on a culinary adventure into the realm of Thai rice, a staple poised to transform from humble grain to a global sensation, with new contenders stepping into the spotlight. Envision a verdant field, swaying with grains that outmaneuver the fiercest of natural foes, from the voracious brown plant hopper to the sudden, unforgiving flash flood. And nestled within this green battlefield are the soon-to-be stars: the hard round rice and its fleet-footed relative, the shorter-lifespan variation, both eagerly vying for a spot among the department’s elite list of 172 certified breeds. Hard rice, the burly member of the family, is a marvel of starch—boasting over 20% amylose, it demands more water to soften its muscular grains, only to generously expand post-cooking, offering a banquet-sized bounty from a modest portion. If rice were an athlete, this would be the long-distance runner, unfazed by marathons or the kitchen pot. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the bustling energy of a charged political atmosphere filled the air, none shone quite as brightly as Pita Limjaroenrat, the advisory chairman of the ever-dynamic Move Forward Party (MFP). With the magnetic charisma one would expect of a distinguished leader, Pita beamed amidst a sea of supporters, his return to the parliament as a list-MP marked by the flash of eager photographers capturing history on Thursday. His presence announced without words the beginning of a new chapter in Thai politics. The MFP, a powerhouse of opposition resolve, is gearing up to unleash a robust censure motion aimed squarely at the coalition government led with Pheu Thai Party at the helm, slated for April. This strategic move, outlined by the influential voice of Pita himself, aims to unfold under three blistering spotlights: the alleged administrative failures that plague the government, a concerning pattern of general misconduct, and foothold delays in…
Welcome to an entangled tale of tropical turmoil where the vibrant neon lights of Pattaya clash with the somber shadows of scandal. It’s 2022, and the bustling beachfront city, a magnet for tourists from around the world, finds itself at the heart of a story that weaves intrigue and misconception into a narrative fit for the silver screen. Enter our protagonist, or perhaps antagonist, a German tourist whose alleged nocturnal escapades led to accusations most sordid, and whose subsequent story spun a web that almost tarnished the gleaming badge of Thai justice. Riveting as it is, this tale takes a twist that’s as unexpected as a monsoon in midwinter. But first, let’s rewind. Picture the scene: Pattaya, a city where the party never stops, and Cobra Beer Bar, an establishment as enigmatic as its venomous namesake. Here, amidst the cacophony of clinking bottles and neon dreams, a man—allegedly—crosses a line…
Welcome to the bustling, vibrant heart of Southeast Asia: Thailand. As we delve into the pages of the “2023 Thailand Investment Report”, we uncover the pulse of commerce coursing through the nation. A captivating story unfolds, a narrative rich with entrepreneurial spirit, as we see that Bangkok, the gleaming epicenter of Thai prosperity, has crafted a grand 29% of new endeavors (25,120 companies) within its embrace. Yet, the tale takes an intriguing twist as we venture beyond the cityscape where the remaining 71% (60,180 companies) of these business ventures are blossoming in the rich tapestry of Thailand’s other provinces, each with its own unique flavor and promise. The report paints the Central region in triumphant strokes, with a dazzling array of 17,581 companies (20.61%) emerging triumphant. The South follows suit with 11,675 companies (13.69%) nodding in gentle agreement, and the East not far behind with 10,948 companies (12.83%). The Northeast…
Ah, brace yourselves! The mercury is on an audacious ascent, and it won’t be taking prisoners, nudging the thermometer until it quivers with defeat. Imagine a staggering 44.5 degrees Celsius – that’s not just hot, that’s sizzling its way through some of Thailand’s provinces. And the capital? It’s gearing up for a blazing 41 degrees Celsius. Yes, my dear friends, when mid-March waltzes in, it’s bringing a heatwave that’s ready to set records ablaze. The ever-varied palette of our skies will dance with hues of purple and grey as thunderstorms rumble in, courtesy of those tempestuous southeast winds and a flirtatious drop in barometric pressure. It’s the kind of weather that makes you believe even the heavens are in on this dramatic performance. Now, with all spectacles of nature, there’s always a twist. The specter of forest fires looms ominously on the horizon. The department has issued a clarion call,…
Welcome to the thrilling world of political strategy, where the moves are calculated, the stakes are high, and the drama unfolds like a binge-worthy TV series! Let’s dive into the latest twist on the Thai political scene, where the feisty opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) is gearing up for a showdown in April. They are not pulling any punches and are on a mission to challenge the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition government with a censure motion that’s buzzing with anticipation. The MFP, with list MP Pita Limjaroenrat at the helm as their advisory chairman, is setting their sights on three major weak spots in the enemy’s armor. They’re calling out the alleged failures in public administration, general misconduct, and what they see as sluggish footwork when it comes to responding to Thailand’s newest challenges. Pita, a savvy strategist, is ready to unravel the intricacies of this political behemoth for the…
Welcome to the hustle and bustle of Thai politics, where the winds of change are stirring up a storm that even Mother Nature herself would envy. Our protagonist, the charismatic Jirayu Houngsub, has donned his political cape, ready to ascend as the prospective chair of an exhilarating new parliamentary escapade— a special committee with a mission that could rival the plot of a Hollywood blockbuster. Picture this: a team of 25 dynamic individuals, a formidable mix of political savvy and fresh perspectives, including the ever-vibrant Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the phoenix rising from the ashes of the now-legendary Future Forward Party. This ensemble is all abuzz with one electrifying goal: to take the reins of power from the mighty grip of the military and hand them over to the people’s champion, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). Jirayu, with a backstory as a former Pheu Thai Party MP, might just have the perfect…
Pack your sunscreen and get ready for sizzle, folks! The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is raising the curtain on what seems to be an epic performance by Mother Nature herself. Summer is strutting in fashionably late next month, and it’s bringing temperatures that are ready to set the stage on fire, we’re talking a scorching 44.5C crescendo! Mark your calendars—this torrid affair kicks off in the fourth week of February and doesn’t take a final bow until the end of May. And when mid-March hits, brace yourselves, because that’s when the temperature is going to soar between 43-44.5C, reaching its steamy peak through to early May. It’s not just the heat that’s going to steal the spotlight, though; the TMD’s forecast teases us with an ensemble of downpours, albeit with a plot twist—the precipitation might just take a 30% nosedive from the usual annual routine. Shorter showers could mean a…
Imagine this: you’re casually scrolling through your social media feed or checking your messages when suddenly, a notification pops up. It’s a message claiming to be from a Thai consulate official. But hold on to your hats, folks, because the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is sounding the alarm on a rather unsavory crew of scammers masquerading as Thai consulate bigwigs. These tricksters have stooped to old-school tactics with a modern twist, hijacking social media accounts and repurposing phone numbers once used by the Royal Thai Honorary Consulate in Melbourne. What’s their end game? They’re after your personal details and your hard-earned cash, enticing victims to reveal sensitive information or to hop onto a Line account and fork over payments online. The saga doesn’t end Down Under, though. In Sydney, the ever-vigilant Royal Thai Consulate-General has already spotted these shady dealings and promptly flagged them to Scamwatch, the go-to guardians against…