In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on a sunny Sunday morning in the picturesque southern island of Phuket, an event transpired that left the community in shock and grief. It was an ordinary day, with the tropical air brimming with the scent of durians from the local orchards, but destiny had other plans in the quaint Kamala community of Kathu district. Pradit Dumlak, a 62-year-old resident with a known heart condition, suddenly collapsed while going about his morning amidst the lush canopy of a durian orchard. As fate would have it, concerned family members, acting quickly, dialed for help, reaching out to the dedicated team at Patong Hospital at precisely 8:15 AM. The urgency in their voices was palpable, as every second counted in the race against the inevitability of Pradit’s condition. As the ambulance sped along the narrow and winding Kamala-Patong Road, with its sirens slicing through the morning…
Posts published in “Thailand”
On a bustling February afternoon, the people of Bangkok found themselves gathering in the vibrant Bang Phlat district, right in front of the ever-busy Soi Charansanitwong 94. Amidst the swirl of motorbikes, taxis, and the insistent clamor of city life, a new wave of excitement in the form of a technological upgrade was about to take center stage. Enter the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), with its ambitious new director, Kittikarn Jomduang Jaruwanpolkul, leading the charge. Kittikarn stood ready to catapult the BMTA into the digital age with the launch of the highly anticipated “super app” aimed for an October release. This tool promised to revolutionize urban commuting, weaving the fragmented payment methods into one seamless thread. The BMTA’s grand digital vision, however, wasn’t without its quirks. A collaborative endeavor with Techforge Global Co Ltd, the app promised much but also demanded much—in terms of user information, that is. Kittikarn,…
Efforts to Preserve Marine Life Yield Delightful Results in Trang Tucked away in the picturesque region of Trang, Thailand, two quaint islands, Koh Libong and Koh Muk, boast vibrant underwater gardens teeming with life. Recent developments have captured the hearts of marine enthusiasts and conservationists alike, as the enchanting seagrass meadows surrounding these islands have ushered in a burgeoning population of dugongs, much to the delight of their admirers. The latest survey conducted in this marine paradise revealed a heartwarming story of growth and renewal. Under the keen eye of Jinda Srisuppatpong, head of the Marine National Park Education and Research Centre 3, an aerial survey was executed with precision, utilizing the advanced technology of drones to sweep over the expansive waters of Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park. Like silent guardians, these drones captured mesmerizing images of a thriving herd of dugongs, successfully dispelling the clouds of concern that…
In a bid to usher in a new era of aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is on the brink of transforming its Air Navigation Act—a legislation that’s been guiding the Thai skies since 1954. As drone technology soars to unprecedented heights, CAAT is pivoting to meet the demand of this futuristic aviation wave. Under the watchful eye of CAAT Director ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon, this legislative revamp promises to be as groundbreaking as it is comprehensive. The Transport Ministry has tossed the gauntlet, urging CAAT to fortify the Air Navigation Act with enhancements aimed at amplifying safety and operations for the aviation sector. The winds of change are expected to blow in later this year, carrying with them a whirlwind of over 30 new directives. These fresh regulations are designed to bring Thai aviation in sync with lofty international standards, including those curated by the International Civil Aviation…
The remnants of a truck, tragically struck by a roadside bomb in Than To district, Yala, stand as grim evidence of the continuous unrest in the southern provinces. On this fateful Monday, two brave border patrol officers lost their lives, while another was injured in the assault that left everyone reeling. In response to the deteriorating situation, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has called for swift action. He’s set a firm seven-day deadline for security forces to draft a comprehensive report on their endeavors to quell the discord that’s engulfing the nation’s southernmost reaches. In a decisive meeting on Monday, Mr. Phumtham stressed the necessity for the army chief to recalibrate their strategy, urging for a more proactive approach to the security conundrum that stubbornly resists resolution. Within this timeframe, both the police and military branches must diligently document their forward momentum in addressing these pressing issues.…
In a surprising twist, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has opted not to renew the contract of the enthusiastic marine conservationist, Siranudh “Psi” Scott. Despite a promising start to his tenure, Mr. Siranudh’s professional journey is set to come to an end this September, as confirmed by Attapol Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general. Initially, Mr. Siranudh was hailed as a beacon of hope for marine conservation, a vision embraced by Mr. Charoenchansa during his leadership at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources two years ago. Alas, as the sands of time shifted, so too did the tides of fortune for Siranudh. The young conservationist was invited to the department’s advisory team propelled by his early promise. However, the narratives surrounding his once-celebrated status began to change. Rumor has it that Mr. Siranudh’s demeanor took a turn, becoming more distant and less amicable towards the department’s…
In an effort to stride toward a new era of adventure and transparency, the shimmering shores of Thailand’s marine national parks are set to embrace a groundbreaking transformation. In the buoyant breeze of October 15, 2023, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) will unfurl a fully integrated e-ticket system at six of the finest marine paradises, aligning this technological leap with the rhythmic crescendo of the tourist season. This pioneering initiative aims to lift the veil guarding park revenues by as much as 10% and to illuminate the path toward uncompromised transparency in the labyrinth of entrance fee collections. The anticipation was palpable during Monday’s press briefing, where the charismatic DNP Director-General, Attapol Charoenchansa, passionately addressed a room full of eager attendees. With a glint of determination in his eyes, he vowed to confront the notorious specter of ticketing corruption that had haunted the hallowed halls…
On a somber Monday morning in Bangkok, teams from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) meticulously gathered crucial evidence from the site of the catastrophic building collapse that had the city in a state of shock. With the sun barely warming the landscape, the air was tense with a mixture of anticipation and dread as the officials prepared to delve deeper into the unfolding saga of the State Audit Office (SAO) building’s demise, a tragedy underlined by corruption and carelessness. Slated for a critical meeting on Tuesday are 40 engineers entwined in the construction of the ill-fated SAO structure. This audacious assembly by the DSI forms a pivotal part of the investigation into the scandal involving fraudulent use of nominees by the company awarded the contract. Beyond the tragic physical collapse, there lies a deeper narrative of alleged bid rigging that taints the entire project. It was last month when…
The thorny issue involving a group of seven Uyghur individuals currently incarcerated in Thailand has set off a wave of concern, drawing attention from the People’s Empowerment Foundation. Ms. Chalida Tajaroensuk, a prominent figure and chairperson of this civil society group, expressed her apprehensions in an interview with the Bangkok Post, shedding light on the compelling circumstances surrounding these individuals. This complex tale is segmented into two distinct narratives. The first, a group of five Uyghurs, stands accused of a daring escape attempt from a detention center in Mukdahan back in 2020. Their attempted bid for freedom, however, came at a steep price, landing them six-year sentences at the Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok. Ms. Chalida, undeterred by the razor-wire barriers, recently visited them, timed with the traditional Songkran holiday, to check on their spirits and overall state. “They remain steadfast,” Ms. Chalida revealed. “Their resolve not to be returned…
In an exciting bid to bolster development and enhance the quality of life in the upper Northeast of Thailand, a vibrant blend of public and private initiatives has been given the green light. A joint committee has earmarked a staggering 16.4 billion baht for 30 forward-thinking projects designed to transform this picturesque region—the heartbeat of traditional Thai culture and hospitality—into a modern-day hub of innovation and sustainable living. As the cabinet prepares for an on-the-road meeting in the serene town of Nakhon Phanom, expectations are high for a budget seal of approval. According to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit, who chaired Monday’s committee discourse, nine of these groundbreaking projects are ready to hit the ground running. Among them is a majestic facelift of the Mekong River landscape in Nakhon Phanom’s Muang district, promising to amplify its natural beauty and tourist allure. No less impressive is the endeavor to shape Nakhon Phanom’s…