When you think of enjoying the lush landscapes of Chiang Dao district in Chiang Mai, you probably don’t imagine having to sidestep gushing water and cautiously eyeing the stability of your surroundings. Yet, this picturesque part of Northern Thailand is currently grappling with an eerie undercurrent—one that, quite literally, could change the ground beneath residents’ feet. After relentless, soaking rains that have overwhelmed the area for the past two months, experts are sounding the alarm about potential landslides and sections of land subsiding. Particularly concerning is tambon Muang Na, where a viral TikTok video by user @j_khamsan vividly captures nature’s bewildering display: water surging up from the ground with determined persistence, rendering roads treacherous and, in some cases, entirely impassable. The culprit here? It’s not just Mother Nature’s wet embrace but a geological quirk of the region. Kritsada Moonpa, a seasoned geologist from Chiang Mai University’s eminent Faculty of Science,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
With a whirlwind of ballots soon to unfold, the stage is set for the election of chairs and members of the Provincial Administrative Organisations (PAOs), now scheduled for Saturday, February 1. The shuffle from the originally intended Sunday, February 2 is all part of ensuring a seamless electoral experience, especially given the intricate dance of legal formalities as emphasized by EC commissioner, Santhat Siriananpaiboon. The clock is ticking under the current mandate which insists that the election occur within a 45-day window post the conclusion of the PAO members’ tenure, which wraps up on December 19. This tightening of the electoral belt means February 2 is the last possible day elections can hold their ground. By shifting to February 1, Mr. Santhat assures a breach-proof buffer, allowing authorities ample space to dot their i’s and cross their t’s, meticulously concluding the election procedures. There’s an art to this pre-election process,…
Imagine stepping into a realm where the vibrant essence of Thai culture seamlessly intertwines with cutting-edge functionality—welcome to Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Midfield Satellite Terminal 1 (SAT-1). This marvel of modern architecture has recently been crowned one of the World’s Most Beautiful Airports for 2024 by none other than the esteemed Prix Versailles. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit proudly highlighted this accolade, which recognizes airports that not only serve as transportation hubs but also elevate the travel experience to an art form. Suvarnabhumi Airport shares this prestigious recognition with five other airport giants across the globe: Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates; Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Zumpango, Mexico; Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 2; and two notable entries from the United States—Logan International Airport Terminal and Kansas City International Airport. Such a lineup provides a dazzling display of architectural prowess, celebrated annually by Prix Versailles, which since 2015, has…
In an engaging whirl of diplomatic rituals and economic discourse, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra embarked on a whirlwind journey to join global leaders at the 31st Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The scenic city of Lima, Peru, played host to this high-profile gathering, which kicked off with aplomb on an otherwise ordinary Thursday. One of the highlight encounters on her agenda is a meeting with the formidable Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with a star-studded roster of other influential world leaders. As the curtains rose on this four-day affair, a seemingly inexhaustible source within the diplomatic circles revealed Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s aspirations. The summit is not just an opportunity to sip coffee over small talk; rather, it is a stage for trumpeting Thailand’s readiness for robust trade and investment, underscoring the nation’s newfound stability. This gathering is where visions are vocalized and stamped into the global economic narrative. Words from the…
On a bustling Thursday in the lively town of Ban Dung district, Udon Thani, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a spirited appearance. Amid fervent cheers from loyal supporters, he lent his influential presence to Pheu Thai’s campaign rally. The mission? To rally support for their candidate in the upcoming Provincial Administrative Organisation chair election, set to unfold with much anticipation on Sunday. Thaksin, ever charismatic and brimming with confidence, took center stage to express his unwavering belief in the longevity of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government’s term. This statement served as a soothing balm to speculative whispers suggesting otherwise. At the core of these rumors are four petitions swirling around, accusing the party of being under Thaksin’s sway. The critics allege this domination, all because Thaksin is none other than the father of Prime Minister and Pheu Thai stalwart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. But Thaksin remains undeterred by such conjectures. The…
In a momentous occasion that elevates Thailand’s prowess on the international stage, the Phyathai-Paolo Hospital Group has been celebrated as “Asia’s Marketing Company of the Year 2024.” This prestigious honor was conferred during the illustrious Asia Marketing Excellence Awards held in the vibrant Philippines on November 8, 2024. A feather in the cap for the Land of Smiles, this accolade underscores the hospital’s pioneering spirit in redefining healthcare standards via a symbiotic blend of sustainability and inventive marketing strategies, marking a historic first for a Thai hospital. Accepting this coveted recognition were Mr. Supakorn Phawanna, the astute Marketing Executive Director, Ms. Wanida Setthasawet, the visionary Corporate Brand Marketing & Public Relations Director, and Ms. Supapron Ngerndee, the adept Business Strategy & Special Projects Manager. With a resolute commitment to fostering sustainable health advancements across Asia, they represent Phyathai-Paolo’s strategic embrace of cutting-edge technology and innovative practices to significantly uplift patients’…
ICONSIAM, the stellar jewel perched on the banks of Bangkok’s iconic Chao Phraya River, is setting the stage to dazzle the world once again. Through an innovative collaboration among Siam Piwat, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), and Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), ICONSIAM reasserts its position on the global map as a destination that blends Thailand’s vibrant culture with international flair. By hosting the breathtaking “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025,” ICONSIAM aims to propel Thailand’s global image, carving a niche as a must-visit countdown hotspot. This countdown spectacle promises to be nothing short of mesmerizing, with Thailand’s and the world’s longest fireworks display, marking a grand debut solo performance by global Thai sensation “Lisa Lalisa Manobal,” alongside an ensemble of star-studded local and international artists. As the clock ticks towards this glorious festivity, a captivated global audience exceeding 30 million is anticipated, ready to witness a celebration that’s set to elevate Thailand…
In a stunning and heart-wrenching case that has gripped the community, a woman suspected of trafficking a 10-year-old girl from Myanmar was escorted into a police van, her face bereft of emotion, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the charges she faces. This incident, which unfolded under the relentless sun of Thursday in Chon Buri, Thailand, has led to the arrest of three individuals. Their alleged crimes against the child, a nd the resilience shown by the young girl, weave a tale that’s both distressing and compelling. The arrests include two Thai nationals, known as Porntip, 65, and Saman, 50, alongside a Myanmar citizen, Naw Tha Tha Yee. They stand accused of participating in a heinous plot of human trafficking, reportedly turning the innocence of a child into a horrific cycle of labor and abuse. Their charges, as cooperatively filed by the police Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) and…
Four ancient Ban Chiang artefacts have made a triumphant return to their homeland, shining once more under the tropical sun of Thailand’s National Museum. These revered relics, each whispering tales of a civilization 3,000 years past, were ceremoniously welcomed back on International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. Nestled now in the illustrious Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall in Bangkok, their return underscores the collaborative dance between nations, an endeavor spearheaded with grace by the U.S. Embassy and the Thai Fine Arts Department. U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec, eyes alight with the significance of the moment, recounted the artefacts’ journey. A touch of history enfolded in his words as he spoke of how these treasures once found a temporary abode with an American soldier in the 1960s, offered as diplomatic gifts from the Thai government—a gesture of goodwill during a tumultuous era. Since then, they’ve been residing in the embassy, nestled…
Picture this: the sun-soaked paradise of Phuket, a world-famous Thai resort island, bustling with tourists from around the globe, all eager to experience its tropical allure and vibrant nightlife. But amidst the neon-lit haven of Bangla Road, the plot thickens as local law enforcement swoops in on what appears to be an illicit transaction taking place beneath the relentless glow of street lamps. Treading the fine line between lawful enterprise and underground dealings, three Ugandan nationals—Kembabazi, 34; Nancige, 27; and Ajambo, 22—alongside one Tanzanian woman named Sangana, 29, found themselves at the center of a police operation led by Pol Col Kriangkrai Arayaying, the chief of the Phuket Immigration office. The police had received tip-offs about certain foreign women offering more than mere conversation to the assembled throng of tourists and decided to investigate. On a typical lively night, Bangla Road buzzed with the chatter and laughter of those eager…