Welcome to the mesmerizing realm of Thailand, a land where the gentle flow of time paints a picture of cultural vibrancy and serene landscapes. However, beneath this tranquil surface lies an evolving demographic tale that captures the very essence of modern transformation. The Land of Smiles, as it’s affectionately known, is witnessing a pivotal shift in its population structure. As we soar into 2023, the nation embraces the dawn of an ‘aging society,’ with a staggering 20% of its beloved citizens dancing past the age of 60. Fast forward to 2040, and Thailand prepares to step into the spotlight of ‘super-aging societies’ – an exclusive club where 30% of the population will have tales of six decades or more to share. This silver streak of longevity comes with its silver linings and challenges. Amidst the backdrop of lush rice fields and bustling city streets, the socio-economic fabric of this tropical…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an overt display of camaraderie tinged with nostalgia, Sathit Wongnongtoey and Ornanong Kanchanachusak, once prominent figures within the hallowed halls of the Democrat Party, have chosen to embark on a new journey, leaving behind the party’s time-honored legacy. In scenes depicted by photographs shared on their Facebook accounts, the fondness for their political alma mater is palpable, framed by the serene presence of the former party leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, underscoring the end of an era. The chiaroscuro of the political landscape was sharply drawn during the Democrat Party’s recent convocation. Amidst the fervor and fervid whispers of delegates, the assembly heralded the ascent of Chalermchai Sri-on to the mantle of leadership, flanked by a freshly minted Executive Committee—anointing the future path of Thailand’s oldest political party, founded in the heady aftermath of World War II, in 1946. Yet, the seismic tremors of change continued to reverberate, as two bastions…
As the morning sun cast a soft glow over Ban Bang Kapi School nestled in the bustling Bang Kapi district, an energetic buzz filled the air. The familiar sight of students forming orderly queues, with the gleam of determination in their eyes, they stepped forward for their ritualistic cleansing. Hands outstretched, they greeted the day with a sanitizing spritz, one small yet powerful gesture in our new normal. So commenced another day of enlightening young minds, the echo of their laughter a testament to resilience in the face of an enduring pandemic. (Dig into the archives and you’ll find a snapshot in the pages of yesteryear, courtesy of Varuth Hirunyatheb’s astute lens.) But the tune of the world outside these school walls hummed a more somber note as the Department of Disease Control (DDC) unfurled a banner of cautionary news on a Monday not too long past. From Dec 3-9,…
Imagine the electric atmosphere at Don Mueang airport, where a sea of zealous supporters wait in anticipation. Suddenly, a wave of elation surges through the crowd as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his equally charismatic daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, stride confidently through the gates on that fateful day of August 22. This isn’t just any family reunion—this is political dynamite, with Paetongtarn now at the helm of the formidable Pheu Thai Party. The snapshot of their arrival captures more than just their smiles; it captivates a nation’s undying loyalty to a legacy. (Snap! The cameras go off, thanks to the keen eye of photographer Pattarapong Chatpattarasill.) But as the clock strikes, and Thursday looms closer, the House committee on police affairs is penciling in a debate that’s gushing with controversy as much as a Thai monsoon. Come Thursday, a spotlight will shine on the matter of Thaksin’s lingering residence within…
Welcome to Siam Paragon, a beacon of shopping splendor and the cornerstone of Bangkok’s illustrious “Colorful Bangkok 2023” campaign. This December, Siam Paragon is not just a mall; it’s the stage for a symphony of experiences, a spectacle of culture, intertwined with the happier hues of art and music, a grand celebration that’s been fashioned in league with The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Kasikorn Bank to bring something truly unforgettable for the city’s heartbeat. Underscoring Siam Paragon’s status as a premier global shopping hotspot, Mrs. Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Head of the Business Unit, voiced her enthusiasm for the mall’s 18th anniversary. Welcoming over 50 million guests a year, this December marks a pinnacle of delight as Siam Paragon transforms into a wonderland of events, set to enrapture hearts with merriment and joyful cheer. The crescendo of the 18th-anniversary celebrations is “The Grand Stage of the World,” a collection of…
Language shapes our world in more profound ways than we often recognize, weaving the very fabric of our interactions and perceptions. It’s no surprise, then, that Thaladchanan Chainares, the pioneering head of inclusive employment at the esteemed social enterprise Steps, champions the use of language that embraces inclusivity when referencing individuals with disabilities. Consider the traditional terms that have been used over time: “handicapped,” “physically challenged,” or “person with physical limitations or impairment.” These words, Thaladchanan notes, are brimming with ableism, casting a spotlight on what individuals cannot do, which can inadvertently erode their confidence. It is also prudent to sidestep certain euphemisms that, while well-meaning, can perpetuate otherness, such as “differently abled person,” “people of determination,” or “people of all abilities.” Instead, the spotlight should be on the person first, merging seamlessly into our language as we say, “He has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)” or “She is a…
Welcome to the thrilling odyssey of Thailand’s ambitious leap onto the global economic stage—a tale that spins the story of a nation poised on the precipice of joining the venerable Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)! A narrative where strategy intertwines with aspiration, as narrated by the illustrious Danucha Pichayanan, the sage secretary-general of Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Imagine the scene: a bustling Thai Cabinet, where members confer on a decision that may very well pivot the country into a new era. Here, we have Danucha championing the cause to secure the coveted seat at the OECD’s prestigious table. The first step in this grand dance of diplomacy? A mere letter of intent, yet brimming with the potent promise of Thailand’s earnest wishes to join the ranks of the world’s economic elite. Picture this letter, a beacon of Thailand’s ambition, landing amidst the OECD’s committees.…
Imagine the bustling streets of Thailand, humming with the energetic thrum of tourists and locals alike, each weaving their own story into the intricate tapestry of life there. Then, cut through that tapestry with a tale so riveting it’ll have you on the edge of your seat. This is the drama that unfolded when a German traveler found himself ensnared in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with local authorities, a story that Deutsche Welle fearlessly reported on September 11, 2022. The plot twists are better than any Hollywood script. Picture this: our German protagonist, whose adventures had him locked up following a meticulously crafted sting operation. But he wasn’t to be held for long; a whooping 1 million baht reportedly greased the palms of the officers, securing him an unexpected freedom. Yet, was this a tale of corruption or misunderstanding? As this saga continued, the intrigue deepened. The…
Welcome to the vibrant fields of Kamphaeng Saen Campus at Kasetsart University, nestled within the charming province of Nakhon Pathom, where the essence of innovation blooms amidst the greenery. Monday, December 11th, marks the finale of a groundbreaking event that promises to sear its brilliance in the annals of agricultural science. What has unfolded here could very well be a pivotal moment in our battle against climate change, and the headliner of this fair is none other than the revolutionary Khao Hom Siam 2. Enter Meechai Siangliw, not merely a researcher but a visionary at the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), who has been toiling with noble fervor to bestow upon us a grain capable of mighty feats. Khao Hom Siam 2, cultivated with painstaking care, is envisioned to not only enchant our senses with an aroma reminiscent of the famed Hom Mali—jasmine rice to the world—but…
Oh, what a bustling Friday it was for the tripartite committee on minimum wage! Picture this: a room abuzz with representatives from the colorful tapestry of Thailand’s workforce – the hard-working employers, the dedicated employees, and, of course, the esteemed members from the government sector. Each group brought their A-game, kindling the spirit of cooperation to weave the future of Thailand’s labor force. They weren’t just crunching numbers; they were tailoring the very fabric of the economy with a vision for prosperity! The radiant Labour Ministry permanent secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien, the brain behind the operation, masterfully chaired the meeting. The vibe? Pure anticipation, as they honed in on the grand reveal of the minimum wage makeover set to sweep across all 77 provinces. This wasn’t your average Friday fodder; this was history in the making! And the committee didn’t disappoint – they’ve crafted a proposal that’s ready to shoot up…