The idyllic 1,496-rai plot near the stunning Songkhla Lake in Phatthalung is buzzing with excitement as it steps into the spotlight as the chosen site for a brand-new airport in this beautiful southern province. This exciting development is set to transform Phatthalung into a bustling hub of tourism and transport for the neighboring provinces of Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat, potentially becoming a cornerstone in the region’s economic growth. Situated in the serene tambon Khuan Maphrao of Muang district, this parcel of land is managed by the Department of Rice (DoR). The landmark decision to designate this site was finalized by Phatthalung’s public-private working group during their meeting on August 19. Kittiphit Klapkhun, the enthusiastic chairman of Phatthalung’s Chamber of Commerce, couldn’t contain his excitement as he shared the news. The deciding meeting, expertly chaired by Provincial Governor Nisakon Wisitsora-at, saw the attendance of senior government officials and executives from…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In 2022, activists carried powerful messages denouncing sexual harassment and rape as they moved from Suntiphap Park to Victory Monument. This demonstration highlighted a growing and deeply troubling issue: the rise of sexual harassment on social media, which is having a devastating impact on children and young people. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) released a revealing social outlook report on August 26, 2024, pointing out the alarming consequences of online sexual harassment on the youth. Victims are not only at risk of developing severe social, emotional, and mental health problems—such as anxiety and depression—but some even end up engaging in criminal activities due to the traumas they have endured. ECPAT International, an organization affiliated with UNICEF, has identified Thailand as one of the 25 countries with terrifying levels of online sexual harassment against children and adolescents. This grim reality aligns with data from the Royal Thai Police,…
Walailak University is truly setting the stage and leading by example in championing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university has proudly clinched the third spot globally for stewardship and an impressive fourth place for outreach, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024 report. The THE Impact Rankings, crafted in collaboration with Elsevier, a renowned scientific publishing entity, provides an in-depth evaluation of universities across four critical dimensions: research, teaching, stewardship (how well universities advance the SDGs), and outreach (engagement with local and global communities). Notably, Walailak University stands as the sole institution in Southeast Asia gracing the top 10 globally, snagging third in stewardship and fourth in outreach. Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, shared his elation, saying, “Walailak University places great importance on sustainable development in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and continues to make significant progress in…
Under the vibrant sun of Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers gathered for an official group photo on the picturesque lawn of Government House on September 7. Amidst the majestic backdrop, there was a moment of unexpected charm—Paetongtarn and her team broke the formal demeanor with delightful mini-heart gestures. The photo, captured by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, showcased a light-hearted camaraderie, yet spiraled into a new political controversy. Fast-forward to a spirited Monday where activists filed fresh complaints against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her party, Pheu Thai. The crux of their grievance lies in a party hosted in Pathum Thani back in June and the much-debated mini-heart gesture. Noparuj Worachitwuthikul marched to the Election Commission’s Office, aiming a decisive question—should Pheu Thai be dissolved for flouting election laws governing local councils and administrators? His appeal referenced a celebratory gathering for the ordination of Thanyaburi district mayor’s son, held…
An official (left) carefully handles a box containing three precious blood bags, delivering them to Phichit Hospital after a carrier helicopter from Chiang Rai touched down at a football stadium in Phichit’s Muang district on Monday. This dramatic scene, captured by the Phichit public relations office and shared on their Facebook account, underscores the urgency of the situation. Phichit Hospital has issued a heartfelt plea for urgent blood donations to assist four brave rescue volunteers who were seriously injured in a road accident. These volunteers were on their way back to Nonthaburi after tirelessly aiding flood victims in Chiang Rai. The hospital’s statement on Monday revealed that it had received three bags of invaluable donor blood transported by helicopter from Chiang Rai. Two of these bags were immediately put to use, while the third was still undergoing checks, as reported by the provincial public relations office. However, the hospital stressed…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, dazzling in her full dress uniform, struck a mini-heart pose alongside her cabinet ministers on the sunny Government House lawn in Bangkok on September 7. This charming moment was captured by skilled photographer Nutthawat Wichieanbut, but not everyone found the act endearing. In the latest swirl of political drama, activists have lodged fresh complaints against Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Pheu Thai Party. The accusations are linked to a lavish party held in Pathum Thani province in June and that memorable mini-heart gesture. Noparuj Worachitwuthikul stepped into the Office of the Election Commission on Monday, demanding an investigation into whether the Pheu Thai Party crossed legal boundaries. Specifically, Noparuj called for scrutiny over whether the party broke a law that forbids organizing events favoring any candidate running for local councils and administrative offices. The complaint is a reference to a grand celebration on June 8, marking the…
DJI, the global titan in drone, aerial photography, and camera technology, has skyrocketed its presence in Thailand with the grand opening of its latest DJI Experience Store at Megabangna. This innovative new hub warmly welcomes both Thai residents and international aficionados, providing a unique, hands-on engagement with every cutting-edge product the DJI brand offers. Beyond just a retail outlet, this store serves as a comprehensive DJI One Stop Service center, streamlining the often-daunting drone registration process. Mr. Johnny Liao, the dynamic CEO of DJI Thailand, passionately remarked, “With the breathtaking surge in customer interest, we’re enthusiastically accelerating our expansion to better serve our loyal fanbase. The Megabangna branch, smartly positioned in the bustling heart of East Bangkok, is meticulously designed to address the desires of our keen customers. Here, our visitors can indulge in top-tier guidance from our seasoned DJI Specialists, who are on hand to offer professional advice and…
This year’s appointment of a new police chief and the annual reshuffle could spark the most political drama in a decade, says a police source steeped in speculation. The buzz on the streets is that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has handed Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai the weighty responsibility of steering the Police Commission’s ship. One of Phumtham’s first Herculean tasks? Choosing a successor for Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the current police chief who’s ready to hang up his boots at the end of the month. But hold your horses; the real jockeying for the top spot can only commence after October 3 when the Police Commission’s shiny new regulations come into play. In the interim, we’re looking at a caretaker police chief, and all fingers point toward deputy police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet stepping into that transitional role. This source whispers that this year’s appointment…
In the heart of Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, a monumental effort is underway. Workers and volunteers tirelessly remove the remnants of extensive flood damage—a scene not uncommon in recent times. Photographs shared recently by Tambon Mae Sai municipal office on Facebook vividly capture these efforts. Yet, beneath those images lies an eye-watering price tag, one estimated at a staggering 500 million baht for repairs, according to a senior provincial official. And troublingly, the crisis is far from over as significant portions of this border town remain submerged. On a recent broadcast with Chulalongkorn University radio, Kanchit Chumpoodaeng, director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office in Chiang Rai, detailed the devastation. The hefty repair bill stems from an estimated 10,000 houses and shops damaged by the floods. These figures, however, are expected to climb as water recedes and thorough assessments are carried out. Currently, each damaged property is set…
Jadet Jantar, center, and key figures of the Pheu Thai Party celebrated his victory in the by-election in Muang district of Phitsanulok on Sunday night. (Photo: Chinnawat Singha) PHITSANULOK – In an election that sent ripples through the political landscape, Jadet Jantar, representing the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party, clinched a resounding victory in constituency 1’s by-election held this Sunday. He triumphed over his sole competitor, Nathachanon Chanaburanasak from the opposition People’s Party. Unofficial results revealed Jadet garnering 37,209 votes, surpassing Nathachanon’s 30,640. The mood was jubilant as key figures of the Pheu Thai Party gathered for an impromptu press conference at a local eatery in Muang district. Somsak Thepsutin, the Minister for Public Health, hailed the victory as a landmark occasion. “This victory signifies that the people of this northern province have, for the first time in nearly two decades, chosen a Pheu Thai MP. It’s a testament to the…