Thailand’s northern province, Mae Hong Son, a usually peaceful and picturesque location, has evolved into a sanctuary for an estimated 9,000 individuals who find themselves compelled to flee their homes due to the violent escalation of conflict in neighboring Myanmar. This alarming news has been officially confirmed by relevant authorities, putting the exact number of refugees at 9,064, seeking solace in the three primary districts of the province; namely, Mae Sariang, Khun Yuam, and Muang. Already, there are strategies being implemented to provide these refugees with essential immediate aid. These displaced individuals are now residing in makeshift shelters dispersed across five distinctive locales within the province. In Mae Sariang’s Sao Hin, we find 3,431 refugees temporarily residing in Ban Sao Hin. Ban Phaekhae, found in Mae Ki of Ban Khun Yuam, is providing shelter for 82 individuals. Ban Joprakhi in Mae Khong of Mae Sariang is housing 726 residents, while…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an intriguing turn of events, reports indicate that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is poised to press charges against former Royal Thai Police chief, Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda, along with three other police brass. All four come under fire for their alleged involvement in the acquisition of biometric technology for the Immigration Police Bureau (IPB) in 2019. The deal, totaling a hefty 2.1 billion baht, has prompted NACC into action, initiated by a police insider’s revelation. According to the source, NACC will soon dispatch official communication to Pol Gen Chakthip and his counterparts. These letters will elaborate on the charges and invite the implicated parties to state their case before the investigation wraps up. The case first came under scrutiny when Sittra Biabungkerd, a prominent figurehead at People’s Lawyers Foundation, exhorted NACC to scrutinize the procurement transaction. This biometrics acquisition raised eyebrows due to inconsistencies between the supplied equipment…
Anticipation buzzed in the air as vacationers eagerly awaited their voyage to the well-loved island of Koh Kut, nestled in the beautiful province of Trat. The date was June 3, but their minds were set on the leisurely sea breezes and breathtaking views they would soon enjoy. Their sanguine eyes reflected their upcoming journey as they waited to board the ferry. Interestingly, this rush to revel in the serene ambiance of Koh Kut can be attributed to an intriguing decision made by the interim cabinet on a fateful Tuesday. An exceptional image of that day, captured by the renowned lensman Jakkrit Waewkraihong, epitomizes the joy of discovering new horizons. (Picture: Jakkrit Waewkraihong) On that particular Tuesday, the temporary cabinet gave its nod to the cabinet secretariat’s brilliant idea to proclaim Monday, July 31, as a distinctive public holiday. The purpose behind this decision was to ignite a rise in holidaymaking…
In the northern province of Chiang Mai, a dismal event reverberated through the peaceful expanse of Doi Saket district on Monday, shaking the very foundation of a fireworks factory and injuring eight unsuspecting individuals. As a result, the governing authorities of Chiang Mai, in a bid to prevent any repetition of such an unfortunate incident, have swiftly ordered a comprehensive inspection of all the firework factories inhabiting the area. The provincial governor of Chiang Mai, Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, on Tuesday, pointed fingers toward a short circuit as the initial culprit responsible for instigating the fireworks explosion at the heart of San Thungmai village within the tranquil confines of tambon San Pu Loei. The incident erupted just after noon on Monday, swallowing the factory whole and extending the damages to more than 30 abodes in the vicinity. The victims caught in the conflagration, totaling eight in number, are presently receiving medical attention,…
Imagine the lively scene of holidaymakers filling the pedestrian-friendly Old Town district of central Phuket. This quaint, picturesque town is an indisputable favorite among travelers who come from all corners of the globe. (Photograph by Achathaya Chuenniran) The enchanting island of Phuket is poised to experience a significant influx of vacationers towards the month’s end. Predictions made by the local branch of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) point towards an impressive figure exceeding 2 billion baht in tourism income. Anticipated to unfold from Friday through Sunday is a swarm of approximately 234,035 explorers gracing this tropical paradise, thereby injecting an incredible 2.2 billion baht into the local economy. The information was conveyed by Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, who helms the TAT’s local office. Offering a stunning assortment of 1,890 hotels, Phuket boasts an incredible capacity of 101,556 rooms to accommodate the needs of visitors, from backpackers to luxury seekers. As of…
The annals of law enforcement have been marked by another victory as a former entertainer for children, who was extradited from the sunny havens of Thailand to the serious confines of the United Kingdom, was ushered into jail on Monday. The charge: multiple sex offences involving children. The sentence: 30 chilling years. Paul McKee, the 57-year-old man at the centre of these chilling developments, originally hailed from Wallasey Village on Merseyside in the UK. His freedom was curtailed when he was gripped in the hands of the law in Thailand last September 2022, an operation overseen by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The chips started falling in place after that arrest, with his consequent extradition ensuring he was brought before a trial in Liverpool. The CIB Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, shed light on the matter, post-sentencing, to the Bangkok Post. He mentioned the integral assistance of the National…
High-ranking officials are gearing up for a series of consequential meetings with non-Asean nations that includes Australia, Canada, China, European Union, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, marking a strategic move towards a robust economic diplomacy. The significant economic issues that will be advanced under the supervision of Indonesia – as the chair of these meetings – span a broad spectrum from digitalisation, to environmental preservation, and bolstering of Asean’s fundamental industrial frameworks. In focus will be the outcomes of a study related to the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) of Asean, with a plan set in place to present it for negotiation and, subsequently, signing off in September. The evolution of Asean’s strategy towards Carbon Neutrality also features prominently in the agenda, which envisions to catalyse economic opportunities via innovative, low-carbon investments, catalyze the creation of novel…
Leading the way for innovation in agriculture, the Saraburi City Development Co Ltd’s latest brainchild, the highly anticipated Saraburi Food Valley project, is setting things into motion. Noppadol Thamwiwat, chief of research at the company recently divulged various details in an interview, highlighting the support and involvement they’ve garnered from the renowned Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMUA) and the provincial administration in the execution of this ground-breaking project. The pivotal role of PMUA’s affiliation to the Office of the National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) cannot be overstated. NXPO, an autonomous public organization, is a key player linked with the Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Ministry. According to Noppadol, the project is currently in an embryonic phase. Initial steps are aimed at drawing up tangible future plans after which 30 key stakeholders, encompassing adventurous food-processing entrepreneurs and farmers interested in embracing smart farming…
Placard-waving activists publicly criticized the senators for their refusal to back the candidacy of Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, for the position of Prime Minister. Among the more prominent voices was that of Sombat Boonngamanong, a political activist widely known as “Bor Kor Lai Jud”. He lamented that the senators’ actions were dealing a significant blow to the democratic fabric of Thailand and transforming the electoral process of May 14 into a mere farce. A notable subset of the protesters launched a unique card stunt. The stunt manifested in the form of the Thai alphabet’s consonant “Kho”, an unspoken message directed at the Senate. Its implicit question—just who holds the reins of power in the nation—was a powerful and clear indictment of the Senate’s decisions. At precisely 7:20 pm, Sombat made the call to wind down the protest for the day, urging the steadfast demonstrators to stay…
The noted Public Health Ministry’s Disease Control Department director-general, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, has issued an alarming statement regarding the startling rise in dengue fever cases across the nation. In a span of a week, over 5,000 cases have been registered, bringing the grand total to nearly 40,000 reported cases nationwide. Furthermore, a grim tally of 40+ deaths have been linked with the disease as well. This current development bares a strong resemblance to the previous 2019 outbreak, where an alarming 70,000+ cases and over 70 deaths were reported throughout the year. If the present upward spike in the number of cases persists, it might become necessary to instigate rigorous measures swiftly and effectively to curb the spread of this disease. In the face of this crisis, the representatives of the Department of Local Administration met virtually with the public health teams from 30 districts of 18 provinces. All of these provinces…