The recognition of Thailand as a leader in Southeast Asia’s wild tiger conservation efforts is a significant accolade, one that the government proudly embraces. This commendation stems from the country’s exemplary measures in safeguarding royal tigers (Panthera tigris), which have led to a remarkable surge in their population. As of the latest count, adult royal tigers in Thailand are estimated to number between 179 and 223. This figure represents a substantial increase of about 149 tigers from the previous year, 2022, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. These statistics, drawn from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, were unveiled during the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference held this Monday in Paro, Bhutan. The increase earned Thailand accolades as a vanguard in tiger conservation. The rise in royal tiger numbers has been praised as a benchmark for other nations, highlighting Thailand’s commitment to ecological preservation. “This increase not only…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an unfolding drama that has gripped the industrial heartlands of Thailand, Thai Oil Public Company Ltd has firmly denied allegations of promising a hefty payout of 567 million baht to clear long-standing debts owed to subcontracted workers. The stirring issue revolves around the Unincorporated Joint Venture (UJV) consortium, a collective of heavyweights in the construction sector, hired for Thai Oil’s ambitious Clean Fuel Project (CFP). The consortium, a formidable alliance between Petrofac South East Asia Pte Ltd, Saipem Singapore Pte Ltd, and Samsung E&A (Thailand) Co Ltd, had roped in vast armies of labor from companies like One Turn Ten Co Ltd, EMCO LTD Co Ltd, and Thai Fong Engineering and Construction Co Ltd, subcontracted under Sinopec. Among these beleaguered workers are numerous Vietnamese nationals who have staged a valiant fight for their rightful wages. The unpaid dues story has cast a shadow over the bustling construction sites for…
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is currently on a mission that resembles a detective novel, investigating officials who might have allowed blackchin tilapia, an intrusive fish species, to wade into the country’s waters. On Wednesday, NACC secretary-general Niwatchai Kasemmongkol shed some light on the matter, hinting at possible government involvement in the spread of these aquatic invaders, which pose a severe threat to local fish populations. Given the environmental havoc wreaked by these slippery characters, the NACC now has the power to dive into investigations without needing to wait for a formal complaint. If it’s found that state officials fell asleep at the wheel, allowing blackchin tilapia to roam free in our waterways, the NACC can spring into action right away. This burgeoning concern has multiple agencies casting their nets wide, with the NACC eagerly gathering any findings to get to the bottom of this finny fiasco. “If evidence of…
The Criminal Court has launched a manhunt for Aphidit Intulaksana, the CEO of an expansive enterprise and a relative of a former foreign minister, after he failed to appear in court to face serious allegations. Aphidit, accused of raping and molesting a young actress, was notably absent when he was expected to stand before the judge on Wednesday. A 36-year-old entrepreneur, Mr. Aphidit heads Aphi Enterprise, a multifaceted company involved in myriad ventures, notably within the entertainment sector. His connection to Upadit Pachariyangkun, the foreign minister from 1976 to 1980, adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. Its sheer scale of operations and the influential connections of its leader have cast a significant spotlight on this case. When Aphidit failed to show up for the court ruling on his alleged crimes, the judge took decisive action. Not only did the court order the forfeiture of his one-million-baht surety,…
People gathered in protest following the tragic assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, with demonstrators expressing their outrage near the Israeli embassy in Amman, Jordan, on July 31, 2024. (Reuters photo) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued a stark warning to the approximately 2,000 Thai nationals working in northern Israel, alerting them to the looming threat of an attack from Hezbollah, Hezbollah being a staunch ally of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The MFA spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, made this announcement on Wednesday in light of the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah that could potentially lead to an all-out conflict. In a recent media briefing, Israeli troops disclosed details of their ambitious operation in Beirut, Lebanon, targeting those they claim are responsible for the harrowing attack on Majdal Sham City which left 12 children dead on July 27. This bold move has heightened the likelihood of…
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira took the floor in parliament, providing an impassioned explanation of the much-anticipated digital wallet handout scheme, a keystone policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The backdrop of the discussion was brilliantly set with the grandeur of parliamentary proceedings, evoking both skepticism and anticipation among the lawmakers present. The supplementary bill that seeks an impressive budget increase of 122 billion baht for the current fiscal year, aimed at bolstering the digital wallet initiative, finally crossed the finish line after its third and final reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Following a heated five-hour debate, the bill clinched the support of 292 MPs, faced opposition from 161, while one chose to abstain. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who played a pivotal role as the deputy chairman of the House committee overseeing the bill, extended his gratitude to the supportive lawmakers. He emphasized the bill’s paramount…
In a dramatic twist reminiscent of a political thriller, the Bhumjaithai Party is gearing up to possibly seize the coveted position of first deputy House speaker. This power play unfolds as the Move Forward Party faces potential dissolution in the coming week. Currently, the esteemed position is held by Padipat Suntiphada, a Fair Party MP for Phitsanulok. Once aligned with Move Forward, Padipat nabbed the role amid political reshuffling. Unfortunately, if the Move Forward Party is disbanded, Padipat’s tenure will be abruptly curtailed under legal constraints. By law, the main opposition party cannot have its members holding key parliamentary roles. Demonstrating political finesse, Padipat had himself expelled from Move Forward, allowing him to cling to his deputy speaker seat while enabling the party to spearhead the opposition. A ticking clock hangs over Move Forward as the Constitutional Court preps for an August 7 ruling. Should the gavel fall against them,…
The Talat Kao community in Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri faced significant flooding after relentless heavy rainfall and runoff from Khao Yai, as snapped through the lens by Manit Sanabboon. The community was submerged under water up to an alarming height of 50-70cm, causing disruptions to everyday life. Students had to trudge through floodwaters to get to their classes, and some ailing residents had to be relocated to the safety of their relatives’ homes. Residents across Bangkok and five other provinces, namely Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan, have been put on high alert. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) warned that a confluence of high tides and continuous rainfall until August 8 threatens to swell rivers to dangerous levels, imperiling low-lying riverside communities outside flood embankments along the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Thachin, and Bang Pakong rivers. The situation is especially dire…
Siapo Po-arnon is escorted by armed police after being arrested at his house in Bangkok in February 2021. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) A high-profile incident has erupted as a lawyer advocates for an investigation into what is being labeled an “assassination attempt” against the notorious celebrity gambler Siapo Po-arnon, previously known by the name Apirak Chat-anont, who is currently incarcerated in the notorious Bang Kwang Prison. Back in 2022, the Criminal Court slapped Siapo — a famed internet personality with connections to a House panel advising on gambling — with a staggering 54-year prison sentence for deceiving people into gambling online. In a twist of fate, this sentence was later reduced to a 20-year term, the maximum permissible under the Criminal Code. Not out of the legal woods yet, Siapo was additionally hit with a 13-year sentence by the Thon Buri Criminal Court in 2023 for an attempted murder that took…
A section of metal sheet found itself lodged in a passing pickup truck after a dramatic fall from the elevated highway under construction above the bustling Rama II Road. This gripping incident on Monday set off a flurry of activity among the Department of Highways as they sprang into action to investigate the unsettling occurrence. The scene of this unexpected plunge was near the Wat Pak Bo junction, around 11:45 AM. Helming the department, Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai has been leading the charge to uncover the specifics behind this metal rain. The stories since shared by Arjin Rodthani, the 46-year-old owner of the ill-fated pickup, paint a vivid picture: a 50cm sheet of metal embedded itself into the hood of his vehicle, sending shockwaves through him and his family, who were also in the car when this steel missile struck. In the age of digital connectivity, the news spread like wildfire…