It’s incredible to think how much Thailand’s economy benefits from its overseas workforce, with a mind-blowing 400 billion baht being injected every year. Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has highlighted that a significant chunk of this is generated by Thai workers operating outside of legal boundaries. Despite rigorous government efforts to curb this trend, the allure of higher wages abroad continues to tempt many Thais, resulting in a staggering 382,699 of them working illegally last year. In the year 2024, Thailand officially dispatched 92,392 workers overseas, marking an 11% decline compared to the previous year. This dip was mainly attributed to conflicts in Israel. Nevertheless, remittances by these legal workers saw a notable increase of 9%, climbing up to 267.8 billion baht from the 245.7 billion baht tallied in 2023. This boost is largely due to the global community’s insatiable demand for Thailand’s skilled labor, especially in sectors such as construction,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an exciting move that’s set to give Thailand’s economy a significant boost, the country has sanctioned investment applications totaling a whopping 200 billion baht. This ambitious plan is being driven by a major Bangkok transit line and a trio of cutting-edge data centers, making it a beacon of hope for Thailand’s economic landscape. At the forefront of this plan is Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc’s staggering 109 billion baht (US$3.2 billion) investment in the Orange Line. Imagine this: a rapid transit line unfurling across the cityscape, seamlessly linking Bangkok’s bustling western and eastern suburbs, from Bang Khunnon to the vibrant Min Buri. It’s as if two long-separated friends are finally being reunited, bringing ease and efficiency to the lives of Bangkok’s residents. As if that wasn’t enough to get the investment wheels turning, the Board of Investment (BoI) report revealed another set of impressive approvals. It’s like a surprise…
In the quiet village of Non Si Thong in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wang Nam Khiao district, an ordinary morning was shattered by a mysterious explosion that led to a heartbreaking tragedy. The peaceful air turned to chaos at 8:30 am on March 18, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community as an unexpected blast ripped through a seemingly innocuous recycling shop. The scene was surreal. Officers from the Udomsap Police Station arrived swiftly, their vehicles pulling up alongside bomb disposal units and forensic experts from Nakhon Ratchasima’s Forensic Centre 3. Hook 31 rescue volunteers were also on the ground, their faces set in grim determination as they worked against time. The explosion had erupted in front of the shop, where a Toyota pickup truck, bearing the Saijai Recycle logo, was parked — an irony that now hung heavy in the air like the lingering smoke of the explosion. Tragedy had struck, scattering…
In a world where roads can become as hazardous as stormy seas, a peculiar tale from the Expressway Traffic News Facebook page is making waves. Picture this: a seemingly ordinary pickup truck becomes the talk of the town, but not for its make or model. Instead, this metallic steed caught attention for its audacious cargo – metal doors that seemed to defy the laws of space and security. With only a haphazard approach to fastening, this vehicle was clearly in need of a regulatory wake-up call. This rolling safety concern was spotted cruising along the Bang Phli-Suksawat Expressway, a move that prompted more than a few raised eyebrows. Originally shared by the eagle-eyed social media aficionados of the Kanchanaphisek Expressway management team, the image revealed it all – doors that stretched beyond the permissible bounds, creating a metallic menace ready to tango with traffic. The post, laden with cautionary undertones,…
In the face of a formidable adversary—the notorious cross-border forest fires—Mae Hong Son province is pulling out all the stops. With its neighboring areas including Shan State, Karen State, and Kayah State, illegal forest burning has long been a persistent issue. Undeterred by past challenges, Deputy Governor Boonlue Thammathranurak has stepped forward, shining the spotlight on a renewed determination to tackle the fiery threat. This year, the concerted effort is particularly pronounced. The collaboration with the Karen people stands out as a promising alliance. Together, the resilient team from the Salween Wildlife Sanctuary and Salween National Park, under the guidance of Conservation Area Office 16, Mae Sariang Branch, graces the battlefield side-by-side with the 36th Ranger Force, Mae Khong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, and the ever-vigilant Border Patrol Police 337. A coalition, if you will, fueled by shared purpose! In true trailblazing style, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed…
In a surprising twist that promises to shake things up at national parks across the country, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has rolled out a major update to its regulations. If you’re a fan of nature and a casual drinker, this might be exciting news: designated booze zones are now in the works! Imagine sipping your favorite drink while soaking up the breathtaking views, but there’s a catch – you’ll need a permit to pop those champagne corks or crack open cold ones. But let’s dive deeper, shall we? According to the head honcho of the DNP, Attapol Charoenchansa, the decision to allow alcohol consumption in certain areas didn’t just happen overnight or on a whim. It came on the heels of a series of public hearings and intense deliberations. It turns out, they took the voices of the public into account and decided to…
In the vibrant land of Thailand, where spicy street food and colorful markets abound, a darker side to the nation’s culinary delights lurks. Contrary to the aromatic wafts of tom yum and the vibrant greens of som tam, the country faces a mounting challenge that’s steering its younger generation away from traditional, healthy meals towards a diet heavily influenced by global fast food trends. Nutritional experts are sounding the alarm bells, urging the government to take decisive action to promote healthier diets among Thai youth. According to Roland Kupka, a nutrition adviser for UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific, the situation is startling. The statistics are undeniable—one in every four children in Southeast Asia and the Pacific now carries more weight than is considered healthy, a dramatic increase considering that in 2000, less than one in ten children faced such issues. The fast-paced urbanization and economic growth seen in Thailand…
In an atmosphere laden with political tension, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stood her ground firmly, defending the government’s resolute actions against the notorious call center scam syndicates. Addressing parliament last month, she certainly wasn’t daunted by the weighty topic at hand. Instead, she appeared poised, ready to tackle the issue head-on with the fervor of a lioness protecting her cubs. Amidst this backdrop, the question of control over a 30-hour censure debate loomed large. The opposition, wielding their request like a magician’s wand, sought dominion over the entire length of discourse. Alas, such power was not in the grasp of Prime Minister Shinawatra. “It might not make sense,” she expressed candidly, facing the conundrum much like a seasoned chess player appraises the board, planning each move with meticulous precision. This impending debate promises to be no ordinary affair, with Ms. Paetongtarn herself likely to be the pièce de résistance in…
The whispers of dissent echoed throughout the Senate chambers as two high-profile nominees for the Constitutional Court faced an unexpected rejection. The curtain dropped on Siripan Noksuan Sawasdi, a political scientist with fiery convictions, and Chatri Atjananont, the former head honcho at the Department of Consular Affairs. Their hopes were dashed as they failed to secure the critical mass of 100 Senate votes, a threshold they never quite reached. Ms. Siripan, bringing her scholarly wisdom from Chulalongkorn University, faced an uphill battle. The numbers were stark: only 43 senators gave their nod of approval, overshadowed by 136 who opposed, seven who abstained, and a lone wolf who voted ‘no.’ As for Mr. Chatri, 47 supporters stood by him, but were overpowered by 115 nay-sayers, with 22 choosing to abstain while three opted for silence. The duo was poised to fill the shoes of departing Constitutional Court stalwarts, Nakharin Mektrairat and…
In a dazzling display of philanthropy, the legendary Muay Thai martial artist, Buakaw Banchamek, has embarked on a heartwarming initiative that marries the world of martial arts with wildlife conservation. This unique collaboration, launched in association with the esteemed Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF), introduces a special collection of boxing shorts inspired by none other than the world-famous pygmy hippo, Moo Deng. The project, dubbed “CPxMooDengxBuakaw,” has captured the hearts of many, blending Thailand’s revered cultural symbols—Muay Thai and Moo Deng—in a truly novel campaign aimed at making a meaningful difference. Buakaw, a revered figure in the world of Muay Thai, shared his excitement and insights into this altruistic endeavor in an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post. His collaboration with CPF unveils the “Moo Deng” Muay Thai shorts, a limited edition yet symbol-rich garment designed both to elevate the art of eight limbs and to channel aid to those…