Posts published in “Thailand”

In a move destined to strengthen international alliances and security measures within Southeast Asia, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is embarking on a noteworthy mission this coming Sunday. Not only is Mr. Phumtham a vital cog in the ministry as the Defence Minister, but he also dons the hat of Deputy Prime Minister. This weekend, he’ll be leading a distinguished delegation to an impressive maritime marvel—the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, nestled amid the tranquil waves off the coast of Chon Buri in the Gulf of Thailand. Conveyed via helicopter, this high-octane visit is timed to perfection, set to commence at precisely 1 PM. What makes this mission even more exciting is the vessel they are to board—the majestic USS Carl Vinson, a titan of the sea. As a Nimitz-class supercarrier, this formidable ship boasts an overwhelming capacity to house up to 6,000 crew members. Talk about a floating city on…

In the vibrant setting of Si Sa Ket, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra captivated his audience this past Saturday, sparking enthusiasm among his loyal supporters. Rallying for Pheu Thai’s candidate, Wiwatchai Hotrawaisaya, in the Si Sa Ket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chief election, Thaksin chose the idyllic Wat Prang Ku School as the backdrop for his compelling discourse. Understandably, the crowd buzzed with anticipation as he unveiled enticing promises centering on economic revitalization and cutting-edge educational reforms. Reinvigorating the economic landscape formed the crux of Thaksin’s speech as he passionately vowed to wrap up the newest phases of the digital wallet scheme by the end of April. Fittingly, this timed perfectly with the third wave of financial payouts aimed at bolstering the economy. Excitement surged through the assembly as Thaksin disclosed that starting Monday, citizens over 60 years would be the first beneficiaries of the 10,000 baht cash prize, followed…

In a bizarre twist of fate that sounds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller, eight individuals, including a quartet of law enforcement officers and a paramilitary ranger, were nabbed for allegedly orchestrating the kidnapping of seven Chinese nationals. The scene of this audacious crime? A seemingly serene resort nestled in the Phibun Mangsahan district of Ubon Ratchathani, a picturesque province not typically known for high-octane drama. The unbelievable tale unfolded when the captured individuals, displaying an admirable mix of courage and quick thinking, managed to utilize a mobile phone—safeguarded from their captors—to relay the coordinates of their confinement to their family members. The victims’ relatives, who were stationed over in Laos, promptly reported the ordeal to the authorities, triggering a full-scale rescue mission led by the vigilant police force of Phibun Mangsahan. Upon breaching the resort, the police team swooped in like the calvary on a hot afternoon, pulling…

The forthcoming elections for Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) presidents on February 1 are set to be a grand spectacle, engaging and intense, but not necessarily synonymous with achieving true decentralisation. As political analysts have remarked, national politicians still cast long shadows over local politics, and the central government can’t seem to loosen its grip on the reins of power. The allure of decentralisation may be particularly tantalising, yet there stands the stubborn reality: several prominent figures from the pantheon of national politics are flexing their muscles in regional campaigns, treating the local political stage as an apprenticeship for grander schemes. Nothing short of a strategic masterclass by heavy-hitter former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ilk, such as Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, paints this political canvas. In fact, these PAO polls are not merely a trivia of local importance but a strategic chessboard for national ambitions, where…

All aboard the journey to cleaner air! As the city of Bangkok bustles forward, residents find themselves donning face masks while commuting, embracing the first day of complimentary public bus and electric train rides. This short-lived seven-day policy isn’t just a freebie bonanza; it’s an earnest endeavor by the government to tackle the notorious PM2.5 pollution clouding the urban skies. Snapshots capture this transformation in commuting norms, with commuters exuding an air of cautious optimism. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is taking bold steps to escalate the battle against PM2.5—from a concern within national borders to a call for regional solidarity with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking with reporters, fresh from the frosty corridors of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, she declared, “This crisis has unfolded beyond our boundaries. It’s become imperative to unite with our neighbors who are also grappling with…

Amidst the sprawling digital networks of social media, a heartwarming tide of support has swelled for a brave young soul named Akin. Diagnosed with the exceedingly rare genetic disorder, Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADC Deficiency), Akin finds himself at the heart of a global wave of kindness that’s welding together minds and hearts from far and wide. With only about 130 individuals globally known to bear this condition, Akin’s story resonates deeply, echoing in the chambers of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in vibrant Bangkok, where he undergoes his vital treatment. Akin’s journey, steeped in both hope and adversity, has roused an online brigade eager to alleviate the daunting financial burden that his family faces. The specialized gene therapy, imperative for Akin’s health, carries a staggering cost of €3 million (a jaw-dropping 105 million baht). But this is no ordinary endeavor; it is a lifeline that holds the promise of…

Imagine stepping outside into the vibrant, bustling streets of Bangkok, city of limitless energy and adventure, only to find the air tinged with a barely visible menace—tiny, invisible dust particles. This isn’t a plot from a dystopian future; it’s the reality today, and it’s called PM2.5. These minuscule but mighty particles have recently caused quite the stir, prompting swift action from local authorities. BMA deputy permanent secretary, Sunthorn Sunthornchart, has noted a troubling rise in the levels of PM2.5 in Thailand’s capital, with these delicate dust specks tiptoeing over safety limits not once, but for several days in a row. Such persistence in the air has led to a notable surge in the number of people seeking medical help due to air pollution-related ailments. As one might imagine, when the very air becomes your adversary, sitting idle isn’t an option. With this in mind, City Hall is on the front…

As dawn breaks in Bangkok, the iconic backdrop of Lumphini Park and its surrounding skyscrapers fades into a haze of smog. Another day begins under a cloud of growing environmental concern. Some 150 kilometers away, a relentless wildfire rages through Khao Chom Hae in Rayong, persisting over five days and leaving residents and officials grappling with its aftermath. This fiery beast has devoured over 20,000 rai—an expansive 7,900 acres—across Nikhom Phatthana, Ban Chang, and Muang districts. Nearly 30% of the forest has already succumbed to the flames, and the battle to contain it is nothing short of Herculean. Local firefighting teams face arduous treks up steep, uneven terrain, crafting makeshift firebreaks with sweat and determination as their only companions. Kittipong Bamrungphong, a 57-year-old volunteer driver, notes that while their trusty off-road vehicles can traverse some of the rugged landscape, they often leave the crew miles from their fiery quarry. “Once…

In the gritty heart of Samut Sakhon, a serene district now stirring with tales that could adorn the pages of a thriller novel, Pol Maj Gen Noppasil Poolsawat, a formidable presence within the Metropolitan Police Bureau, stands in the eye of a storm of intrigue. This Friday evening, under the dim glow of street lamps, he scrutinizes a staggering cache of weaponry and ammunition that tells a chilling story of clandestine trade and high stakes. The unfolding drama centers around the arrest of a man whose life swirled into the sphere of illicit weapons trade. Known only as Phatthakorn, this 28-year-old resident of tambon Don Deekai found himself at the sharp end of law enforcement’s ire. A cadre of officers from both the local police and the robust Metropolitan Police Bureau invaded the quiet of his abode and emerged with an arsenal fit for warfare: a lethal M79 rifle, half…

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand has rolled up its sleeves, ready to embark on a high-stakes mission. The mission? To halt electricity supply to the border towns of Myanmar in a bold move intended to dismantle scam operations thriving next door. But before we dive into understanding the electrifying details of this daring initiative, let’s set the stage. PEA Deputy Governor, Prasit Junprasit, recently ushered his words across, confirming that any halt in electricity wouldn’t be a lone act. Instead, it requires a meticulously coordinated tango between Thai and Myanmar security agencies. Prasit was quick to reassure that the electrifying dance aimed at Myanmar’s ploys wouldn’t leave Thai border residents in a blackout, ensuring their supply remains untouched. His statements hit the airwaves following some pressing inquiries by Thailand’s House Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, and National Strategy. January 23rd saw the committee raising eyebrows at the…