Posts published in “Thailand”

The roadside shops along Banthat Thong Road in Pathum Wan district are set to transform into a pedestrian paradise this weekend as tourists flock on Jan 19, 2024. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Get ready for an extraordinary experience as Bangkok gears up to celebrate Car Free Day this weekend on Banthat Thong Road! This vibrant event, dubbed “Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting for Life,” syncs perfectly with the annual World Car Free Day on September 22, as revealed by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala. This coming Friday, the charismatic Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with his enthusiastic team, will stream live on Facebook, diving into the riveting details of an innovative transportation project designed to broaden travel options within the bustling city. This ambitious project roots itself in the “First Mile-Last Mile” concept, fervently encouraging the use of public transportation over personal vehicles, thus envisioning a cleaner, greener urban…

As the sun rose over the idyllic island of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani last Thursday, a rather unexpected spectacle unfolded outside a quaint local eatery. A Russian man, seemingly engrossed in his task, was meticulously installing a CCTV system. Little did he know, his diligent efforts were about to take an unexpected turn. The tranquillity of Moo 1 village was momentarily disrupted as tourist police arrived on the scene. With cameras, conduit pipes, wires, and a tool set in tow, the 34-year-old Russian was promptly arrested for working without the necessary permits. Though his precise handiwork might have impressed onlookers, it didn’t quite win over the authorities. Speaking to the police, the Russian man revealed his role as a marketing manager at a local company. A respectable job, granted, earning him a monthly salary of 41,300 baht. However, the plot thickened as he disclosed an additional assignment given by…

In a remarkable display of international solidarity, Spain and Morocco have stepped up to bolster Portugal’s exhausted emergency services, as deadly wildfires continue to ravage central and northern regions of the country. This news, announced by the civil protection authority on Wednesday, brings a glimmer of hope and much-needed reinforcement to the front lines of this devastating natural disaster. As the relentless flames consume vast swathes of land, the brave firefighters on the ground have been working around the clock, battling not just the fires but the fatigue and despair that come with such a grueling mission. The arrival of additional resources from neighboring countries could not have come at a more critical time. Spain, Portugal’s immediate neighbor to the east, has dispatched a seasoned team of firefighters and equipment to lend their expertise and strength. Their vast experience in combating wildfires will be invaluable in coordinating an effective response.…

Military personnel stood watch as hundreds of refugees made their way across the river frontier between Myanmar and Thailand on April 13, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) In a bid to stabilize its border areas and keep essential trade routes open, the government of Thailand is pushing to repair a crucial highway slicing through conflict-ridden Myanmar. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa announced the initiative on Thursday, emphasizing the need for collaboration with opposing factions in Myanmar. The strategic effort to revamp parts of the Asian Highway 1 (AH-1), damaged amid the ongoing strife, has found backing from not only the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) but also India. Addressing reporters, Mr. Maris elaborated on the goal of this ambitious plan. “I don’t think Myanmar’s problems can be addressed militarily, but through constructive dialogue,” he stated. The turmoil in Myanmar traces back to February 2021, when a military coup ousted the elected…

Policemen place barricades next to a large rock that fell during a landslide caused by heavy rain in the Patong municipality of Kathu district, Phuket province, on Wednesday. (Photo: Patong police station) Buckle up, Thailand! Weather aficionados, intrigue-seekers, and casual readers, gather ’round for the latest meteorological mayhem. A depression, poised to evolve into a full-fledged tropical storm, is racing towards Vietnam, packing wind speeds of 55 kilometers per hour. This atmospheric ruckus, located about 300km northeast of Vietnam’s Quang Tri province, is set to make landfall on Thursday or Friday. Our trusty meteorological soothsayer, Director-General Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, predicts a parade of pluvial pandemonium until the final curtain drops on Monday. In detail: this tropical tempest is zipping west at 20km per hour and is forecast to smash into central Vietnam. Lamentably for those hoping for a quick dissipations as the storm will host a monsoon trough party, dragging yet…

CPS CHAPS, a vibrant brand under the esteemed Jaspal Group, is making waves in the fashion industry by fusing sartorial elegance with the pulsating beats of music and vivid lifestyle trends. Renowned for its groundbreaking clothing designs and eclectic collaborations, CPS CHAPS has teamed up with top-tier artists from various musical genres to infuse their creations with an unbeatable “rock attitude.” These spectacular partnerships include icons like Dharmthai Plangsilp and the sensational girl group 4EVE, breathing life and personality into the brand’s bold collections. With its core philosophy of “CREATIVITY. PASSION. SELF.” at the forefront, CPS CHAPS continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts through innovative collaborations. These initiatives don’t just stop at surface-level endorsements; they embody the essence of the artists, making every piece a unique blend of music and fashion culture. Taking the customer experience to new heights, CPS CHAPS has unveiled a revamped flagship store on the G Floor…

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 3 has issued a landmark ruling, seizing assets totaling 5.1 million baht from a Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) official embroiled in an unusual-wealth scandal. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the secretary-general and spokesman for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), disclosed the court’s decision on Wednesday. Although the ruling was issued on March 28, it has only now come to light. The court has confiscated money deposited in two accounts belonging to Sarot Sutthiwong, who was found to have amassed significant wealth through questionable means. According to Niwatchai, the NACC initiated an investigation into Sarot following allegations of disproportionate wealth. “Our investigation yielded enough credible evidence to substantiate the allegations. We discovered that Mr. Sarot had indeed engaged in illicit activities,” Niwatchai stated. “Following this, we forwarded the case to the Office of the Attorney-General, which then brought it to the court with a request…

In a recent turn of events, Baan Kanchanapisek Vocational Juvenile Training Centre, led by the ever-dedicated juvenile justice expert Thicha Nanakorn, has been given a new lease on life. Contrary to the swirling rumors about its potential closure, the authorities have decided to keep its doors open. This decision was solidified during a pivotal meeting on Wednesday with Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong and the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection (DJOP) director-general, Pol Lt Gen Prawut Wongsrinil, at the center located in Nakhon Pathom. The looming budget cuts had threatened to bring an end to the center and Ms. Thicha’s influential role as its director. These budget reductions were meant to affect the hiring of juvenile experts, potentially jeopardizing the future of many young lives that Baan Kanchanapisek has been tirelessly working to rehabilitate. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee minced no words when describing the importance of institutions…

In a bid to provide more inclusive economic support, the Thai government has extended the application deadline for disabled individuals to apply for the 10,000 baht stimulus under its economic boost program, which was previously known as the digital wallet scheme. Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa, announced this extension yesterday, urging disabled people or their family members who missed the initial Sept 15 deadline to take advantage of this new opportunity before the Dec 3 cutoff. To ensure a smooth registration process, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has partnered with the Ministry of Public Health. This collaboration aims to simplify the registration process for the disabled, making it accessible and easy to complete. Families and individuals in need can head to any of the ministry’s nationwide hospitals to register for the funds. Echoing the sentiments of urgency, Deputy Minister of Finance, Julapun Amornvivat,…

The cabinet has greenlit an additional budget of nearly 6 billion baht to alleviate the financial pressures faced by healthcare units under the universal healthcare scheme. Rising costs have strained these units significantly, and the Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, made the announcement this Wednesday that the 5.92 billion baht allocated must be disbursed by the end of the fiscal year, September 30. This funding will be sourced from the central government budget for the fiscal year, the minister explained. Approximately 1 billion baht is designated to cover the losses endured by numerous hospitals. These losses stem from providing outpatient care under the scheme at a cost higher than the capitation budget they received. Minister Somsak further elaborated that an additional 3 billion baht would be distributed across various healthcare units. These funds aim to support a range of essential services, including family clinics, dental clinics, and physical rehabilitation clinics.…