Posts published in “Thailand”

There’s a wave of excitement sweeping through Thailand’s enchanting northeastern realm, as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) embarks on an ambitious venture in collaboration with local academia and network partners to revamp railway tourism and fuel a creative economy. On a significant Wednesday, an impressive 25 agencies from both public and private sectors, alongside the SRT, Mahasarakham University (MSU), and Loei Rajabhat University, formalized their partnership with the signing of a well-crafted memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Northeastern Region Railway Development Project. This groundbreaking initiative is not just about connecting tracks and trains; it’s about connecting people, stories, and cultures. It aims to pivot research and innovation towards leveraging local railways as avenues for rich, immersive travel experiences, while twining together tourist routes with the heartbeats of local communities. This symphony of collaboration is poised to elevate Thailand’s tourism industry to global prominence. SRT Deputy Governor Awirut Thongnet…

In a dramatic turn of events that gripped the local community, the Rayong Khwaeng Court recently delivered a verdict that put the spotlight on tensions at Rayong Hospital back in February. The court proceedings revolved around an incident involving a heated encounter in the ICU ward of the hospital, leading to a man facing legal repercussions due to an impulse-fueled decision. Meet Sanphong, age 46, whose emotional upheaval resulted in a confrontation with a nurse tasked with managing the intense environment of an intensive care unit. On an eventful February 16, Sanphong found himself in the throes of exasperation when his daughter was firmly refused entry to the ICU, where her grandmother was valiantly battling the grip of influenza A. As tensions flared, Sanphong lost his composure, leading to an altercation that culminated in slaps across the face of the attending nurse. His actions were fueled, as he later admitted,…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, the Klong Toey Market is undergoing a vibrant transformation. The Klong Toey District Office, alongside the Department of Public Works, is working diligently to revamp the market’s landscape. Gone are the days of cracked and worn-out pavement as they make way for a new, enhanced pathway guided by the meticulous efforts of Somchai Poomlard. Bangkok, the city where the streets seemingly never sleep, has been on an ambitious journey to rejuvenate its walkways. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) proudly revealed that they’ve already spruced up 700 kilometers of the city’s walkways, with a grand scheme to upgrade another 1,000 kilometers by next year. BMA spokesman, Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, recently supervised the footpath project that stretches from Phran Nok Market in Bangkok Noi district to the Itsaraphap MRT Station in Bangkok Yai, linking these vibrant districts like a beautifully woven tapestry. This extensive footpath project, which…

In the ever-evolving landscape of politics and business, few stories capture the public’s imagination quite like the tale swirling around Santi Promphat—a former deputy public health minister and deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Recently, murmurs have surfaced implicating him in a web of controversial real estate dealings centered on the Social Security Office’s (SSO) acquisition of the SKYY9 Centre, nestled on the bustling Rama IX Road. However, Santi, with a stalwart demeanor, has steadfastly denied any such allegations of collusion. The saga kicked off when eyebrows were raised regarding the involvement of Santi’s son, Pattana Promphat. Pattana is an executive at Watergate Pavilion Co., the company that snapped up the building in 2017 before selling it to another firm. After a series of transactions, the building eventually found its way into the hands of the SSO for the staggering sum of 7 billion baht. This acquisition, enveloped…

If there’s one thing that tickles the taste buds and piques the curiosity of fruit aficionados around the world, it’s the mighty Thai durian. Known affectionately and sometimes notoriously as the “King of Fruits,” durian certainly rules the tropical realm with its unique aroma and distinctive taste. But fear not, dear durian devotees! You can now relish this exotic delight without a shadow of doubt concerning its purity and safety. Picture this: under the sweltering Thai sun, amidst lush orchards, diligent farmers are hard at work ensuring that every durian reaching your table passes the rigorous quality checkpoints set by the Thai government. Armed with new strategies and a mission, they stand guard against any threats of chemical contaminants – especially pesky nuisances like the infamous Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye. In the eyes of Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, Thai durian exports are nothing short of unblemished treasures. Free from…

In a daring crackdown that could easily be the plot of a high-octane thriller, authorities have successfully dismantled a cunning criminal syndicate responsible for the audacious theft of no less than 50 rental cars. This nefarious ring was using counterfeit documentation to craftily re-register these vehicles, subsequently flipping them on digital marketplaces faster than you can say “Used Cars for Sale.” If the plot weren’t chilling enough, this grand operation reportedly churned through a dizzying 40 million baht in its circulation. It’s like a heist movie come to life, right here in 2025! On what seemed like a regular Thursday, Pol Maj Gen Khongkrit Loetsitthikun, the astute commander of the Highway Police Division (HPD), announced a significant victory. Eight out of the nine elusive suspects had been apprehended, including an ensemble of shady characters comprising four women. Their identifications were as tantalizingly cryptic as their crime spree: Phattharada, 32; Tharathep,…

The Good Shepherd Foundation’s charity schools have been making headlines lately, as raids have unfolded against them in what appears to be a coordinated effort. This week, the BanYa Literacy Centre in Srisoonthorn found itself under scrutiny as officials from the Thalang District Office, led by none other than District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, descended upon the small establishment. With Deputy District Chief for Security Chaiporn Yangchin and village leaders in tow, they conducted a thorough inspection of the literacy centre nestled in Village 6. The visit, as outlined in a succinct report from the Thalang District Office, aimed to investigate the centre’s operations as a school for children of Myanmar migrants. However, in a twist that raises more questions than answers, no concrete explanation for the raid emerged, nor did the officials highlight any specific irregularities that demanded their attention. The Good Shepherd Foundation has been a remarkable presence in…

Koh Samui, the jewel in Surat Thani province’s crown, is shining brightly on the map for globe-trotters who crave opulence and a prime slice of island paradise. Thanks to the recent filming of the sensational American TV series “The White Lotus,” set amidst the verdant and aquamarine splendor of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, this Thai island is seeing a dazzling boom in luxury real estate, as reported by Colliers Thailand. The series, with scenes unfurling at the picture-perfect Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort and splashes of intrigue elsewhere in Phang Nga and Bangkok, has propelled this exquisite enclave into the limelight. Phattarachai Taweewong, who steers research and communication at Colliers, unveils the secret sauce behind Koh Samui’s soaring status. He notes, “The White Lotus has cemented Koh Samui as the ultimate haven for high-end travelers from Europe, Australia, and even the heart of the Middle East. It’s like the…

Amid the eclectic blend of culture and chaos that defines Bangkok, there’s an unsettling trend that’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The bustling capital of Thailand, famed for its vibrant street life and rich traditions, now carries an unflattering distinction: the highest rate of overweight and obesity among adults and children in the country. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Public Health, this unwelcome status might be a lingering reminder of the modern lifestyle’s double-edged sword. Each year, on March 4, World Obesity Day invites a global reflection on this pressing health issue. Organized by the World Obesity Federation, the event aims to spur change in those wrestling with obesity, advocating for a shift in perspectives and habits. As sobering evidence mounts regarding the personal health risks and broader economic consequences associated with obesity, this day also serves as an urgent reminder. High public healthcare costs are…

In a disturbingly daring attack, two individuals masquerading as Muslim women unleashed chaos at a police checkpoint in the picturesque Pattani province. The incident, which occurred on the evening of March 19, left five unsuspecting residents nursing injuries and a family of five forever marked by the event. As the sun began its descent at 5:40 p.m., officers stationed at the Sai Buri District Police Station received an alarming alert about an explosion at the Wat Lieb checkpoint nestled within the serene Taluban subdistrict. The perpetrators, clad in the traditional garb of Muslim women, deftly approached the unsuspecting checkpoint on a motorcycle. The passenger, their face cleverly concealed, launched a pipe bomb into the crowded area. Although the officers stationed there were left untouched, the ripple effect of the explosion wounded five innocent bystanders—bruising the heart of the community. The victims, a close-knit family, had been traveling on a motorcycle…