The skies over Thailand today seem to have consulted a Shakespearean playbook, pregnant with clouds ready to unleash a drama of monsoon madness across the nation. If ever there was a time to channel your inner rain enthusiast, now is it, as the next 24 hours promise a meteorological symphony of sorts, complete with thunderous crescendos and flashing floodlights. During this time, the Thai residents find themselves akin to sea captains braving tempestuous waves, advised to display prudence as they navigate through a landscape liable to flash floods, forest surges, and mischievous landslides. Hilly areas, lowlands, and any region cozying up to a watercourse would need to heed these warnings with extra vigilance. Welcome to Mother Nature’s show, influenced by a middling southwest monsoon playing tag with a low-pressure cyclone lounging over northern Laos and Vietnam—enough to make one wish for a more peacefully lazy Sunday afternoon! Meanwhile, on the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an island paradise famed for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant nightlife, the picturesque Phuket is grappling with an unexpected and unwelcome surge. Recent figures have sent ripples of concern through the white sands and palm-fringed streets, as public health officials unveil a troubling increase in HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This revelation casts a shadow over the sun-soaked haven, painting a stark picture of an island in the throes of a health crisis. Phuket, often depicted as the epitome of tropical escape, has reported 244 new cases of HIV and STIs, ratcheting up the province’s number of registered patients to a staggering 6,622. Behind these alarming numbers is Krittaya Charoensuk, a dedicated public health specialist. She unveiled these figures for the second quarter of 2015, showing that 5,699 patients are receiving ongoing treatment. However, this represents only 86% of the Health Ministry’s target, highlighting gaps in healthcare coverage.…
In a complex blend of diplomacy and tension echoing historical nuances, the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint at Chong Sai Taku, nestled in the rustic tapestry of Buriram’s Ban Kruat district, finds itself cloaked in silence as the military enforces a closure. This move follows a spirited protest by Cambodian visitors at the unassuming yet geopolitically sensitive Ta Kwai temple, leisurely resting in the heartbeats of Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district. It’s the kind of hiccup that stirs the pot of long-standing discussions about sovereignty between these two culturally rich neighbors. On June 21, a party of 30 Cambodian visitors voiced their discontent at Ta Kwai temple, lighting the spark for the subsequent shutdown of the Chong Sai Taku checkpoint. This peaceful act of civil unrest didn’t sit quietly on the political landscape. The ripples reached all the way to Phnom Penh, prompting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to order a retaliatory…
In today’s digital age, caution in online interactions is more important than ever, as evidenced by the unsettling tale of Noina, a young Thai woman whose mother’s digital deceit has spiraled into a threat on her life. The ordeal began innocuously enough with seemingly innocent phone calls, but it quickly escalated into a catastrophe, encompassing romance, lies, and a most unwanted spotlight on Noina’s life, all played out under the glaring lights of social media. Noina, bewildered and desperate, turned to TikTok on an urgent June day seeking a digital army of support to help quash her mother’s brazen impersonation. On her account, @napapaaaaaaaaaa, she implored viewers to share her videos, raising a cry for caution to any unsuspecting souls her mother might currently have enraptured with false promises and borrowed charm. Her mother’s charade began by cobbling together social media personas with Noina’s photos and videos, a ruse initially…
In the vibrant political theater that is Thailand, June 23 delivered another riveting act. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced with steely resolve that the grand finale of the Paetongtarn Cabinet’s line-up will be unveiled this week. However, as political whispers crop up, Phumtham has artfully eluded any speculation of his impending ascension to the head of the Interior Ministry. The charismatic Phumtham gave nothing away as he described the previous day’s meeting between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and coalition leaders about the tantalizing eight Cabinet positions left unattended following the dramatic departure of the Bhumjaithai Party. With high stakes, this powerful arena has the Interior Ministry seat, once Bhumjaithai’s prized possession, potentially gliding back into Pheu Thai’s hands with the grace of a well-executed political ballet. In a clever twist of developments, the remaining eight seats have been divvied up, with the coalition partners eagerly anticipating their share. Pheu…
In a riveting turn of events straight from the heart of Khao Yai National Park’s lush expanses, wildlife officials find themselves embroiled in a controversial case involving a majestic wild elephant, affectionately known as “Plai Biang Lek,” or “Wong Thong.” On the evening of June 19, the tranquility of the park was disrupted when wildlife rangers and volunteers, engaged in their routine task of guiding wandering elephant herds away from nearby farms, encountered an unexpected adversary. A landowner, carrying a shotgun, accompanied their shouts with the reverberating booms of fired rounds, echoing both in the air and the earth, in a bid to ward off the approaching giants. The serene scene of Ban Nong Makrut in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district suddenly turned tumultuous. When a courageous volunteer captured the incident with a quick snap of the camera and scooped up the spent shotgun shells, a chilling new narrative began…
If you’re in Bangkok and notice a towering pair of strikingly familiar dolls, it’s not your imagination playing tricks. Young-hee, fondly referred to in Thailand as the “Gogowa doll,” has made her prominent return to the city, accompanied by her mysterious male counterpart, Cheol-su. All this fanfare is to drum up excitement for the eagerly awaited release of Squid Game Season 3, set to hit Netflix on June 27. This Korean series, a suspense-filled survival thriller, has captivated Thai audiences since its debut in 2021. What started as a relatively straightforward premise of contestants playing traditional children’s games for a handsome monetary reward takes a dark turn as each loss is a permanent, fatal one. This shocking twist has kept viewers on the edges of their seats, and the anticipation for each season is heavy in the air. Last December saw the electrifying premiere of Squid Game Season 2. In…
In a bold move to transform urban commuting in the bustling capital, an initiative has taken root to entice residents towards public transportation. This initiative is not just about convenience, but also a mission to untangle the daily traffic snarl and to let the city breathe a bit easier, with cleaner air surrounding its iconic skyline. On a sunny Monday morning, Ekvaranyu Amrapala, the articulate spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), unveiled plans for a substantial leap in the BMA Feeder project. Prior to this announcement, the project had been modestly plying just two routes but is now gearing up for a grand expansion, promising to weave its presence into the city’s intricate transport tapestry. Thus far, these existing services charted paths from Wat Purawas to the majestic Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge on weekdays, as well as from the vibrant Thonburi Market to MRT Lak Song daily, both operating…
In the bustling, vibrant streets of Bangkok, a delightful whirlwind of adventure and culture is brewing! From June 21 to June 28, 2025, the city plays host to a fascinating cultural exchange as the Ulaanbaatar delegation embarks on an unforgettable journey of discovery. This remarkable visit is all part of the “Building a Multicultural Society with Sister Cities” initiative, and it’s brimming with opportunities for rich cultural immersion. Buckle up, because the itinerary is packed with wonders! The delegation is set to explore the sacred grounds of the Wat Phra Kaew temple, renowned for its mesmerizing architecture and deep spiritual significance. Here, they’ll marvel at the intricate designs and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Thailand’s sacred traditions. As the days unfold, the cultural tapestry continues to unravel with traditional puppet shows at Wat Khlong Bang Chak, brought to life by the talented Wayubut Youth. It’s an enchanting spectacle…
In a gripping twist of international intrigue, former Thai Police Chief and leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, Police General Seripisut Temiyavet, has taken a bold step on the political chessboard. On the bustling date of June 23, 2025, within the formidable walls of the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok, he filed a legal complaint that sent ripples through diplomatic waters. With the perceptive gaze of a seasoned investigator, Seripisut pointed an accusing finger at Cambodian Senate President, Hun Sen, once Cambodia’s dominant prime minister, alleging his involvement in a nefarious cross-border scheme. The accusation, shrouded in suspense worthy of a thriller, alleges that Hun Sen ordered an assassination on Thai soil. The target? Political dissident Lim Kimya. The air thickened with tension as Al Jazeera broadcast an explosive audio clip, capturing what seemed to be Hun Sen’s voice directing Keang Huot, Phnom Penh’s Deputy Governor, and Thai…