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Posts published in “Thailand”

Meet Moo Deng: The Baby Pygmy Hippo Stealing Hearts at Khao Kheow Open Zoo

The Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPOT) director, Attaporn Sriheran, believes that the current “Moo Deng” fever sweeping through Khao Kheow Open Zoo will persist for at least another three months. Once the baby hippo grows bigger, its irresistible charm among children and the media might fade. However, Mr. Attaporn already has a strategy up his sleeve to keep the excitement alive with other adorable baby animals. But, like a good magician, he’s keeping his future stars under wraps for now. Since her recent birth, the two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus has transformed into a colossal crowd-puller at the zoo in Chon Buri’s Si Racha district. Last weekend’s visitor numbers surged dramatically to 15,000 – a far cry from the usual 2,000-3,000 seen at the same time last year. “I predict the influx of Thai and international visitors to our zoo will continue to rise in the coming months,” Mr. Attaporn remarked…

Ngern Tid Lor’s 2024 Success: Piyasak Ukritnukun’s Vision for These Top Insurance Brands

Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited (“TIDLOR” or “the Company”), led by Mr. Piyasak Ukritnukun, Managing Director, beams with pride as he recaps the company’s significant strides over the past year. It’s been a whirlwind of achievements, with TIDLOR cementing its status as a market leader in vehicle title loans, boasting an outstanding loan portfolio surpassing 100 billion baht. However, the juiciest stories come from TIDLOR’s ambitious foray into insurance brokerage—a venture that’s been transforming the industry with a powerful punch. Driven by a mission to make insurance accessible to everyone, TIDLOR rolled out a groundbreaking initiative: 0% cash installment plans for car insurance premiums. This idea was a hit, rapidly becoming the industry’s gold standard and sparking a trend among other brokers. The cherry on top? TIDLOR’s insurance transactions now dwarf loan applications by a staggering three-to-one ratio, showcasing the company’s skyrocketing reputation in the insurance realm. Incredibly, 9…

Paradorn Prissanananthakul: The Neutral Force in Thailand’s Politically Charged Parliament 2024

Paradorn Prissanananthakul, an esteemed Bhumjaithai Party MP for Ang Thong, has stepped into the limelight as the newly appointed Second Deputy House Speaker. His promise? To remain steadfastly neutral in the politically charged atmosphere of the chamber. As he embraced his new role, just a day after being elected, Paradorn faced his first task head-on during the intense two-day parliamentary meeting concerning the government’s policy statement. With an unwavering commitment to his responsibilities, Paradorn emphasized the significance of adhering strictly to meeting regulations and maintaining a stance of absolute political neutrality. He believes that by following these principles, not only can the meetings proceed without a hitch, but his judgments will also retain their fairness and integrity. When asked to draw a comparison between the present-day atmosphere in the chamber and that of the past, Paradorn noted a remarkable shift. “The average age of parliamentarians has dropped significantly, and this…

Anutin Charnvirakul Leads Efforts to Mitigate Flood Damage in Northeastern Thailand

Authorities are pulling out all the stops to expedite water drainage in the northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bung Kan, aiming to mitigate the damage caused by the recent flooding. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, if water is efficiently channeled into the Mekong River, the northeastern provinces could experience far less destruction than the northern regions, which were severely affected. Mr. Anutin, who oversees natural disaster prevention and mitigation, pointed out that the devastation in the northern areas was partly due to forest runoff and mudslides. In contrast, the expectation is that water drainage in the northeast will be more effective, thus minimizing the damage. The inundation of northeastern provinces is a result of water flowing from the north and the discharge from upstream dams. Various riverside communities are facing severe flooding. In Nong Khai, for instance, the water level surged to…

Thapanee Kiatphaibool Unveils ‘Wellness on a Plate’: Discover Thailand’s Culinary & Health Treasures in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has rolled out an exciting new campaign titled “Wellness on a Plate,” designed to highlight Thailand’s diverse culinary delights and their extraordinary health benefits. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the TAT governor, emphasized that Thai cuisine transcends mere food; it embodies the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. As part of this campaign, tourists will be invited to embark on various wellness-themed journeys, offering fresh perspectives on experiencing Thai cuisine. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the “Ignite the Spirit of Thailand” campaign, which aims to craft meaningful and enriching travel experiences for visitors. Under this vibrant campaign, destination management companies (DMCs) are encouraged to focus on one of six unique wellness tourism concepts to captivate and invigorate travelers. The first concept, aptly named “Taste of Wellness,” promotes Thai dishes that incorporate local herbs and ingredients into therapeutic activities like Thai massage and yoga, fostering overall well-being. Imagine sinking…

Paradorn Prissanananthakul: Champion of Neutrality Takes Over as Second Deputy House Speaker in Thailand

Paradorn Prissanananthakul, a vibrant figure from the Bhumjaithai Party representing Ang Thong, has recently taken on a new mantle as the Second Deputy House Speaker. In this role, Paradorn has promised to uphold a stance of strict political neutrality within the chamber, a declaration that’s already stirring the winds of change in Thailand’s political landscape. Elected as the Second Deputy House Speaker just last Wednesday, Paradorn plunged into the deep end almost immediately. His first task arrived swiftly with a two-day parliamentary session dedicated to discussing the government’s policy statement. Talk about diving headfirst into the fire! At the heart of his new duties, Paradorn emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to meeting regulations and maintaining an unyielding stance of neutrality. He insists that these principles are the bedrock of smooth operations within the chamber and the touchstone of fair judgment. “When it comes to performing the duties of a…

PTT CEO Kongkrapan Intarajang Drives Thailand’s Carbon Neutrality Vision for 2050

PTT Plc, Thailand’s national energy titan, is reshaping its blueprint to harmonize business expansion with environmental sustainability, aspiring to dovetail both its own and Thailand’s aspirations for carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions, according to the company’s CEO. In a recent tête-à-tête with the Bangkok Post, PTT President and CEO Kongkrapan Intarajang unveiled that the company is avidly aligning business growth with sustainability, a move designed to fortify Thailand’s national energy security. PTT has thrown down the gauntlet by setting an audacious objective of reaching carbon net zero by 2050, a full 15 years ahead of the national deadline of 2065 agreed upon at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Steering towards a green horizon, PTT has dichotomized its operations into two cardinal areas: the hydrocarbon and power business and the non-hydrocarbon business. The hydrocarbon and power segment is anchored in sustainable expansion, zeroing in on reducing carbon emissions and syncing with global…

**Isoc Faces Backlash Over Pro-Palestine Rally Clampdown at Narathiwat Parade 2024**

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has recently come under scrutiny for its actions against a group of youths in the southern province of Narathiwat. These youths allegedly attempted to stage a pro-Palestine rally during an annual traditional parade on September 7. The Prachachat Party has accused the security forces of curbing their freedom of expression, but Isoc’s Region 4 Forward Command maintains that the paramilitary officers deployed at the parade site were merely trying to protect Thailand’s geopolitical neutrality. Isoc denies any attempt to violate the youths’ freedom of expression or any accusations of being heavy-handed in their response. The controversy was fueled by a video clip showing paramilitary officers confiscating Palestinian national flags and protest placards from some participants before they were allowed to join the parade. The clip, which quickly went viral, sparked public criticism and ignited a heated debate online. Speaking on behalf of Isoc’s Region…

Urgent Call for Thailand’s Mekong River Cooperation: Pianporn Deetes Highlights Flooding Risks in 2024

The government must foster tighter collaborations with its neighboring countries to enhance the management of the Mekong River, aiming to minimize economic damage and loss of life due to future floods. This call to action comes from the International Rivers Network, which highlights the urgent necessity for cohesive international efforts. Pianporn Deetes, the campaign director for the Southeast Asia Programme at the International Rivers Network, underscored the substantial impact of water influx from Myanmar that has exacerbated flooding in Chiang Rai province. “At present, there’s a glaring absence of an effective mechanism to handle transboundary flooding,” Deetes commented. She emphasized the need for the government to actively seek collaborative measures with neighboring nations to mitigate flood impacts on downstream populations. Furthermore, she urged for cooperation with countries situated along the lower stretches of the Mekong River, pointing out that Thailand’s Northeastern region is particularly susceptible to flooding. Deetes voiced concerns…

Phumtham Wechayachai to Oversee Thailand’s Politically Charged Police Chief Appointment

In the swirling vortex of Thailand’s political scene, the appointment of this year’s new police chief promises to be nothing short of electrifying. Speculation around Bangkok suggests this could be the most politically charged reshuffle in a decade. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a name that sends ripples across the nation’s political landscape, has tapped Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to helm the Police Commission through this tumultuous period. Among Phumtham’s initial tasks: choosing the heir to Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol’s throne, who’s set to retire at the end of this month. But hold your horses; the actual selection can’t kick-off until October 3rd when the Police Commission’s new rules take effect. In the lull, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, the current deputy police chief, looks poised to step in as the interim chief. This year’s appointment is more than just a personnel change; it’s a high-stakes poker game…