In the vibrant and often politically tumultuous landscape of Thailand, recent events have painted a dynamic picture as the country grapples with leadership debates, social issues, and a delicate tourism recovery. A whirlwind of activity characterizes this chapter, spearheaded by a revealing poll that underscores the country’s political discontent. A poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) delineates a striking call for political change as over 80% of Thais express a strong desire for the suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to either step down or initiate fresh elections. Discontent stems from the perception of uncertainty in leadership, amplified by past coups and unresolved political skirmishes. The survey divulged that only a meager 15% support the continuance of Shinawatra, with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former coup leader, emerging as a popular alternative, favored by 32.8% of respondents. Beyond the political sphere, social incidences have sparked public outrage. In…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the sultry paradise of Phuket, where turquoise waters kiss golden sands, a shadowy drama has unfolded, drawing attention from those seeking tales as riveting as the tropical sunsets. On July 14th, Phuket police arrested an Uzbek national, Artur Amirbekov, on suspicion of a crime that marries shock and intrigue: the physical abuse of his girlfriend and the theft of her cherished belongings. Imagine the scene: a condominium in Phuket’s serene Wichit sub-district, transformed into the stage for this high-stakes drama. Here, the girlfriend, whose identity remains cloaked in mystery, stood as the unwitting protagonist in an unfolding saga of betrayal. She bravely reported to Wichit Police Station that her 41-year-old beau had cast aside all grace, physically assaulting her before vanishing with her cash, motorcycle, and mobile phone. It was a cocktail of betrayal and urgency that spurred the authorities into action as she whispered to the officers about…
In the vibrant, but sometimes perilous paradise of Pattaya, a tragic and tumultuous tale unfolded involving a British disabled tourist, Mr. Glennon. What promised to be an evening of convivial companionship turned into a distressing and humiliating ordeal, as three companions vanished with his valuables, evaporating into the night’s shadows like phantoms. On the early hours of July 16, Glennon crossed paths with two Thai women and a transgender woman amidst the bustling beauty of Pattaya Beach. Enticed by the prospect of staving off loneliness, the 61-year-old Brit, who navigates life with speech impairment and a wheelchair, invited the trio for an evening at his hotel. However, the night veered off into an unfortunate and unexpected detour. In the privacy of his Central Pattaya hotel room, Glennon sought refreshment in a shower, assured in the presence of his newfound acquaintances. But upon re-emerging, he was greeted by the emptiness of…
In an innovative move set to reshape Bangkok’s approach to waste, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unveiled a pioneering campaign that’s as rewarding as it is eco-friendly. Dubbed “This House Doesn’t Mix Waste,” this ambitious initiative is a clarion call for residents to step up their waste-separation game in exchange for enticing discounts on their trash-collection fees. The official launch of this program, designed to dovetail with the city’s environmental aspirations, is slated for October. However, residents eager to join the movement can start registering as early as August 1, a date marked by anticipation. The campaign is a brainchild of Bangkok’s proactive governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, who championed the initiative by announcing an energetic 80-day countdown on July 15. It’s a substantial collaboration with the private sector, promising participants not only savings but the satisfaction of contributing to a cleaner, greener metropolis. Flexibility is a hallmark of this initiative,…
ARTICLE In a tranquil corner of the Bannang Sata district in Yala province, an ordinary day took a dramatic turn as a group of unidentified assailants plotted a bomb attack that left an indelible mark on the community’s peace. It was around 1:20 PM on July 15, when the atmosphere of Moo 2, Ban Kue Da village, was shattered by the explosive orchestration, leaving four brave members of the 3306 Task Force’s ranger unit injured during their routine patrol. The explosive event echoed through the heart of the village, quickly drawing the attention and concern of emergency responders. The injured officers, including Sergeant Peetachai Saleewa with an ominous ringing echoing in his ears and tightness gripping his chest, Ranger Chatchai Nantakarnprida nursing minor wounds, and Rangers Suwan Nantakan and Porncharoen Yokpoonpondee battling similar symptoms, were promptly whisked away to Bannang Sata Hospital for urgent care. Following the blast, a swift…
Greetings from the land of smiles, where the weather is anything but, as we navigate through today’s tumultuous Thai climate tale. Our esteemed Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded the thunderous gong of caution, alerting us to the fact that more than half of Thailand will soon be drenched in a vigorous downpour. Imagine 40 provinces donning their rain boots and hoisting colorful umbrellas in anticipation. Buckle up, folks! Mother Nature is about to put on quite a show, and there’s a 60% chance you might just be in the front row. Of notable concern on this rain-slicked stage are nine daring provinces: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Loei, Nong Khai, Chanthaburi, and Trat. These daring provinces are on high alert for the unpredictable specters of flash floods and forest runoffs. With a mischievous low-pressure system loitering over Laos and northern Vietnam like a stormy sentinel, it’s as if…
In an unexpected twist of fate, the bustling nightlife of Pattaya took a turn for the mysterious and chaotic when a bar girl was discovered bewildered and abandoned by the roadside. The incident unfolded in the early hours of July 15, near the lively Mae Wilai Market, when a 41-year-old bar worker, whose identity remains undisclosed, was found in a perplexed and intoxicated state. Police and rescue workers quickly responded to reports of a woman in distress and, upon arrival, discovered her slumped on the pavement, struggling to articulate her words and unable to recall how her night had spiraled into such disorder. The dazed woman could only manage to tell the authorities that she had been enjoying drinks with a “friend” at the establishment where she was employed. However, her memories thereafter seemed to have been obliterated, leaving her in an unsettling haze. Demonstrating swift action, volunteers from the…
In a heart-wrenching tale from Pathum Thani, Thailand, a distressed mother is vigorously seeking justice for her young daughter, who has made grave allegations against a temple abbot. This chilling case, which emerged on July 1, has captured the attention of many, highlighting a desperate plea for protection and truth. On that fateful day, May, a 39-year-old mother, dialed the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women’s hotline, a beacon of hope for those in need of advocacy and justice. With a trembling voice, she reported a harrowing tale: her nine-year-old daughter had suffered unspeakable harm in the very place where many seek solace and peace. The alleged incident took place in the temple bathroom, with her daughter being forced into silence by the abbot under a veil of secrecy. This heart-wrenching revelation took place after a seemingly innocuous series of events on June 24. The young girl was near the…
The atmosphere along the Thai-Cambodian border has taken a notable turn, impacting businesses in a profound way. The closure of permanent border checkpoints at Ban Hat Lek and several temporary border points in Trat province has not only affected traders in Koh Kong, Cambodia but has also caused a ripple effect felt deeply at the Ban Hat Lek border market. These closures, extending beyond 20 days, have consequently led Cambodian traders to source supplies increasingly from Vietnam, altering trade dynamics in the region. Phornchai Limpolpipat, head of reception at the Koh Kong Resort Hotel, shared insights into the disruptions these closures have brought. Koh Kong stands deprived of its usual Thai exports, a situation particularly evident in markets like Saothong Market and Ban Mai, where once-beloved Thai products are now absent. Products, especially popular items like Thai instant noodles and snacks, have vanished from shelves, leaving a void hastily filled…
The air was charged with excitement as Deputy Education Minister Rinthipond Varinvatchararoj took to the podium, energizing the crowd with news that even the fainthearted could appreciate. Unveiling the third phase of the Outstanding Development Opportunity Scholarship (ODOS), Rinthipond proudly announced that 1,200 new scholarships were primed and ready to nurture Thailand’s brightest young minds. Talk about a cause for celebration! Against the backdrop of a nation aspiring towards educational equity, behind the scenes, the government was plotting some serious investment under the suspended yet influential Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The stakes were high, but so too were the rewards. Education, as Rinthipond poetically emphasized, isn’t just about academics; it’s about shaping the clay of human capital, especially in a growing creative economy. Picture it as a vital gear in the economic machine, driving both sustainability and equity through the gears of academia. Now, picture this: 1,718 ambitious students from…