Imagine strolling through the bustling streets of Bangkok, the vivid cityscape pulsating with life. Now, picture those same city streets with a new addition—a series of conspicuously marked pedestrian crossings, a beacon of safety amidst the urban flurry. These crossings stand as a poignant reminder of a tragic event that reverberated through the heart of the Thai capital: the untimely passing of a young and promising doctor in Phaya Thai district in early 2022. The loss of Dr. Waraluck Supawatjariyakul, who succumbed to her injuries after being struck by a motorcycle while navigating a zebra crossing, served as a wake-up call. Her story catalyzed a seismic shift in pedestrian safety measures, transforming once-overlooked crossings into vivid symbols of caution designed to shield city walkers from a fate similar to Dr. Waraluck’s. Fast forward to a Wednesday that would echo through the marble hallways of justice, as echoes of the preceding…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Welcome to the lush and bustling Khao San Road, a cornucopia of exciting encounters right in the heart of Bangkok. Here, among the eclectic array of stall holders and neon lights, curious visitors in November 2022 might have stumbled upon an oasis of green— a cannabis shop teeming with fragrant options that promise more than just a sensory delight. Now, let’s take a deep breath because, amidst this aromatic revolution, there arises a sage voice of regulation—the Public Health Minister, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew. With a new legislative masterpiece in the making, Dr. Cholnan unveils an act meticulously drafted to draw a clear, unassailable boundary between medical miracle and recreational revelry. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill decree. Dr. Cholnan’s bill struts in with clarity wearing its crown; dictating that indulging in cannabis shall require more than a doctor’s nod—it needs a bona fide permit! Oh yes, you heard that right. But fret…
Picture this: The year is 2008, and Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport is swarmed with a formidable crowd, not of tourists or business travelers, but of passionate protesters from the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD). This wasn’t your average sit-in; this historical battle of wills was about to take a turn that would echo through the halls of Thailand’s Criminal Court nearly a decade later. The PAD, a group now a whisper from the past, stood united and strong, with the unwavering Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang at the helm, alongside the spirited 32. They were on a mission, one that stemmed from deep political roots, aspiring to pull out the supposed puppets that they believed were being danced around by the strings of the exiled – and now jailed – former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Their modus operandi? A siege, a blockade of Bangkok’s aerial gateway from November 24 to December…
Deep within the lush, enigmatic heart of Thailand’s southern regions, a spirited debate is swirling like a tropical storm, this time, not over the land but over fundamental human freedoms and the thorny path to peace. The House committee dedicated to nurturing the tender shoots of peace in the south has recently cast a spotlight on a contentious issue that’s as complex as the intricate patterns on a traditional Malay outfit. Picture this: a serene beachside scene at Wasukree Beach in Pattani’s Sai Buri district, the soft murmur of waves crashing, a gentle breeze, and a gathering of individuals known as the Civil Society Assembly for Peace (CAP). This, on the surface, benign convergence was aimed at sowing the seeds of tranquility and harmony on May 4, 2022. However, fast forward to the present, and we see that tranquility disrupted. Nine of these peace-lacing activists, adorned in the cultural tapestry…
Welcome to the whimsical world of justice and intrigue, where former prime ministers come with more plot twists than your favorite soap opera. The latest episode? None other than Thaksin Shinawatra, a man whose life story could give any drama series a run for its money. And here’s the cliffhanger – Thaksin, the erstwhile leader with a penchant for grabbing headlines, is now a hot candidate for parole. The stage for this legal drama was set at an enthralling press briefing hosted within the steadfast walls of the Justice Ministry. Picture this: Sitthi Sutivong, donning the dual hats of spokesman and DoC’s deputy director-general, steals the limelight explaining the tantalizing possibility of Thaksin’s medical escapades beyond the iron bars. Our protagonist, Thaksin, checks off all the boxes on the parole eligibility list. He’s crossed the venerable age of 70, he’s got a collection of illnesses, and, perhaps most plot-thickening, he’s…
Greetings, citizens of the digital era! We find ourselves at a crossroads paved with bytes and pixels, as the shimmering prospect of a 500-billion baht digital wallet bonanza teeters on the brink of reality and reschedule. This isn’t just pocket change we’re talking about—it’s a virtual treasure chest that our government, helmed by the tech-savvy Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornviwat, aims to bestow upon us. Alas, the cyber chariot may not roll out in May as planned, but fear not! The plot thickens with intrigue, bureaucracy, and a sprinkle of digital drama. Here’s the scoop: The prestigious digital wallet policy committee, which sounds like something straight out of a cyberpunk novel, hit the pause button on their latest rendezvous. The reason? They’re all ears, eagerly awaiting the wisdom of a band of specialists assembled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Julapun, our protagonist in this financial saga, assures us that…
Imagine waking up in a world where hope meets science in the most incredible of ways. This is not a tale of fiction but a real-life account of a monumental achievement at Rajavithi Hospital. Here, the impossible became possible as a gifted team of medical professionals brought new life to a 54-year-old woman through the first-ever simultaneous liver and kidney transplant performed by a state-run facility. It’s a narrative that doesn’t just chronicle medical history; it’s a story underscored by the utmost human compassion and cutting-edge science. The clock was ticking in September 2023 as our brave patient made the bold decision to add her name to the transplant waiting list. Little did she know that come January 5th, over a span of 12 laborious hours, her life would change forever thanks to the surgical symphony performed by seasoned hands at Rajavithi Hospital. Beneath the bright lights of the operating…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the heat of political stirrings often matches the sweltering Thai temperatures, the scales of justice have once more tipped in a tale that has captivated onlookers far and wide. The city’s Criminal Court resonated with the gravity of law as it declared activist and legal eagle Arnon Nampa, aged 40, guilty of a hefty accusation: defaming Thailand’s revered monarchy. The charge, steeped in tradition and the fervent protection of the royal institution, originates from Section 112 of the illustrious Thai Criminal Code, an edict famously referred to as the lese-majeste law. The regulation is known for its stringent defense of royal dignity, brandishing up to a ripe 15-year residency behind bars for those who dare tarnish the monarch’s image. Arnon, whose voice had carried across throngs of youthful protestors clamoring for democratic reforms, found himself ensnared in the legal web after posting a…
Greetings, nature enthusiasts and concerned citizens alike! Have you heard the latest buzz about Klity Creek in Thailand’s picturesque Kanchanaburi Province? Well, buckle up because there’s a tale of ecological challenge and recovery that’s sure to captivate! Once a victim of daunting lead contamination, this little creek is now on the upswing, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Department of Pollution Control. Flashback to a not-so-distant past, and we’d find Klity Creek swimming in a staggering 100,000 micrograms of lead per kilogram of sediment. Fast forward to today, and that number has impressively plummeted to a mere 3,000 mg/kg. It’s an environmental glow-up, folks! The diligent director of the department’s domestic wastewater management division, Chayawee Wangcharoenrung, assures us that the vigilant eyes of the officials grace this creek every four months, ensuring its well-being. With a hefty treasure chest exceeding 600 million baht—cha-ching!—the crew embarked on a daring two-act…
Greetings, dear readers! Have you ever imagined a world where technology stretches its helping hand not just through our daily tasks, but all the way into the intricacies of our mental wellbeing? Today, a spectacular wave of innovation comes from the heart of Thailand’s Public Health Ministry, which has brought science fiction to life by introducing an artificial intelligence (AI) leviathan to revolutionize the way we approach mental health. Let’s talk about the great digital giant known as DMIND, which is short for Detection and Monitoring Intelligence Network for Depression. This AI marvel is the offspring of an extraordinary collaboration between the Public Health Ministry, the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and the brainiacs at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering. It’s not just a system; it’s a beacon of hope! Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the esteemed permanent secretary for public health, shared his vision with an infectious excitement. He spoke of…