Each year, secondhand smoke leads to the tragic loss of more than 9,000 lives in Thailand, a figure notably higher than that of the United States, according to a recent report. The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) shed light on the country’s social climate for the first quarter of 2024 in a presentation to the cabinet, revealing some startling statistics. The report spotlighted crucial issues such as labor challenges, rampant household debt, public safety, consumer protection, and health concerns, with a particular focus on the prolific consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Alarmingly, the number of patients afflicted by epidemiological surveillance diseases surged to 259,672 in the first quarter alone—a staggering 80.1% rise from the previous year. This spike can largely be blamed on lingering outbreaks from the preceding year. For instance, influenza cases skyrocketed by an eyewatering 195.2%, while dengue fever reported a 106.8% uptick.…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The harmonious hum of opportunity reverberates through Thailand’s expanding elderly care industry, a thriving sector buoyed by the country’s evolving demographic landscape, as assertively discussed by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). Stepping into the scene, Director-General Poonpong Naiyanapakorn puts forth a vivid narrative: Thailand is not just witnessing, but embracing a transformation into an ageing society, with a burgeoning elderly population becoming the new norm as birth rates decline steadily. Drawing on data from the United Nations (UN), Naiyanapakorn highlights a fascinating trend—13.06 million individuals in Thailand, astonishingly 20% of the entire population, were aged over 60 last year. This marks a significant leap, a 4.3% increase from the previous year. The numbers speak for themselves, revealing a pattern that reflects an average growth rate of 4.8% every four years over the past decade. This shift towards a greyer populace isn’t a mere blip on the radar; it’s…
The Supha Wongsena Foundation For Debtors’ Rights Reform has made an impassioned appeal to the government for increased funding for the Land Bank Administration Institute to aid individuals in clearing their debts. This call to action emerged during a riveting seminar on household debt solutions last Thursday, organized by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) at the DSI Academy in Nong Chok district. Arjin Joonglook, the determined vice chairwoman of the foundation, revealed that her organization is spearheading a project to assist debtors in avoiding asset seizure. She recounted an illustrative case from Phatthalung. In this example, a man had lost his home due to an outstanding debt with the Government Savings Bank. Turning to the foundation for help, he found support in a time of dire need. The foundation successfully facilitated a loan for the debtor from the Land Bank of the Land Bank Administration Institute. With hope rekindled,…
In an electrifying display of political fervor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, fondly known as “Ung Ing,” greeted a throng of supporters and media representatives during a press conference held at the new headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. This gathering came hot on the heels of her momentous victory in the House of Representatives, where she was elected as Thailand’s 31st prime minister. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) At just 37 years old, Paetongtarn, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is set to bring a breath of fresh air to Thai politics. She addressed the media with conviction, promising to forge a brighter future for all Thai citizens by creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life. The House’s vote in her favor signified an overwhelming support, making her the nation’s youngest prime minister ever. The numbers speak volumes. Paetongtarn secured an impressive 319 votes, even garnering the support of…
The vibrant city of Bangkok is turning green in more ways than one! Thanks to an innovative and humanitarian effort spearheaded by City Hall, the BKK Food Bank initiative has been a beacon of hope for many. Since its launch on August 8th, this groundbreaking project has amassed a jaw-dropping 315 tonnes of surplus food, transforming what would have been waste into over 1.3 million nourishing meals for the city’s needy and vulnerable residents. Pornphrom Vikitsreth, adviser to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt on sustainability, proudly shared that individuals and businesses across Bangkok have united in generosity, donating an impressive 315,741.42 kilograms of surplus food. This spirit of giving has reached 67,449 residents who were previously struggling to find their next meal. But the project isn’t just about feeding the hungry. It’s also making a significant environmental impact. By repurposing surplus food that would otherwise contribute to growing landfills, the BKK…
Experiencing Pattaya City from the vantage point of Phra Tamnak Hill in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district is nothing short of breathtaking! (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard) Pattaya has emerged as an unparalleled magnet for tourists, alluring more than 12 million visitors in the first half of this year—surpassing last year’s count by a cool million, as reported by the local Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office. Urai Mukpradabtong, the dynamic director of TAT Pattaya, highlighted that Chon Buri province experienced a superb 9.32% uptick in tourists, rising from the previous year’s 11.61 million during the same timeframe. Among the 12.69 million who flocked to Chon Buri and Pattaya City from January to June, Thai nationals led the charge, numbering a remarkable 7.2 million, with the remaining 5.49 million being globe-trotting foreigners, according to Ms. Urai. The TAT is optimistic about adding another million visitors to Pattaya in the latter half…
The launch of JAI by ONESIAM, a groundbreaking luxury lifestyle club, represents an exquisite leap for Siam Piwat, a frontrunner in real estate development, catapulting luxury experiences to uncharted heights. This venture not only cements Siam Piwat’s dominance in luxury retail but also captivates Thailand’s elite clientele and extends its wings on a global scale. JAI by ONESIAM transcends the concept of a mere private club—it’s a thriving collaborative ecosystem that fosters innovation through co-creation. The club’s exclusivity is fortified by non-tradable, soul-bound NFTs, which serve as both a sophisticated security measure and a golden gateway to bespoke experiences and global events. At the Techsauce Global Summit 2024, Southeast Asia’s premier tech conference, hosted at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Momori Hirabayashi from Siam Piwat Co. Ltd., along with visionary founding members Chayapa Chutrakul, CEO of The Pink Lab, and Gabriel Yang, Deputy CEO of ARC, unveiled the triumphs…
Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn recently addressed reporters outside the Bangkok South Criminal Court after filing a defamation suit against a senior police officer on June 24. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham) Any hope Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn had of ascending to the position of national police chief this year has dissipated with his official dismissal announced in the Royal Gazette. The high-profile officer, known to many as “Big Joke,” was removed from his duties due to an investigation into a serious breach of discipline, the announcement stated. This termination order was backdated to April 18. The Royal Gazette announcement, endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, mentioned a royal command to dismiss Pol Gen Surachate under Sections 140 and 179 of the Royal Thai Police Act BE 2565 and the Police Commission regulations had been issued. This dismissal disqualifies Pol Gen Surachate from being in the running for the position…
In a twist akin to a suspense thriller, a Bangkok hotel room became the scene of a harrowing tragedy on July 16. The evidence? Six lifeless bodies of Vietnamese nationals and sinister cyanide-tainted teacups. It sounds like a plot from a movie, but this chilling event was heartbreakingly real. Fast forward to the investigation’s latest development. Phan Ngoc Vu, a 35-year-old Vietnamese man, turned from witness to detainee. Arrested on a fateful Friday morning, Mr. Vu was caught meeting a group of tourists at a hotel nestled within Soi Rang Nam, in the bustling Ratchathewi district of Bangkok. Little did he know his guiding days were about to come to an abrupt halt. Let’s rewind to the gruesome discovery that started it all. Six Vietnamese tourists were found dead in a room at the opulent Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The initial shock reverberated across the community, drawing urgent attention from…
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a thorough investigation into a rather alarming incident involving an 11-year-old schoolboy who suffered finger injuries after experiencing an electric shock at a bus stop. When officials meticulously inspected the bus stop situated near Sukhumvit Soi 71, no evidence of any electrical circuit malfunction or faulty devices was found, revealed Bangkok Deputy Governor Wissanu Sapsompol. Although the initial inspection didn’t uncover any immediate hazards, the BMA is taking proactive steps to ensure heightened public safety. All power units at bus stops across the city will now be encased in protective materials to prevent similar mishaps in the future. This marks a significant move towards reassuring Bangkok’s citizens that their commuting infrastructure is as safe as possible. Furthermore, the BMA has pledged to cover the medical expenses incurred by the young victim. According to local media, the boy’s ordeal began when he inadvertently placed…