In a bold and rather graceful dance between progress and preservation, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has embarked on a quest to modify the mighty Ayutthaya High-Speed Rail Station’s roof structure, all to preserve the historical charm of the original Ayutthaya Railway Station. The heartwarming tale of this architectural negotiation follows the gentle nudge from a rather illustrious advisor—the World Heritage Committee’s advisory body. The SRT’s governor, the ever-diligent Veeris Ammarapala, unveiled this riveting twist yesterday, after an enlightening escapade to the cultural treasure trove of Ayutthaya province. The grand expedition spanned from Monday to Wednesday, and in a stroke of international cooperation, SRT officials were accompanied by cultural wizards from the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the legendary International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)—including the esteemed Michael Pearson, who served as the voice of the advisory body…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the heart of Prachin Buri, nature’s guardians found themselves in a smoky predicament. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) had to pull the plug on a well-intentioned yet controversial initiative at Thap Lan National Park. The plan? A controlled burn of a sprawling 600-rai tract. However, what was meant as a firewall against future infernos turned into a blazing hot topic, thanks to the resulting air pollution. At the forefront of the ensuing brouhaha was Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the department’s diligent director-general. His stance was clear: “Even within the park’s bounds, if burning shoots PM2.5 levels through the roof, the central region might feel the choke.” PM2.5, those microscopic mischief-makers that can slip into our lungs unnoticed, were already at a concerning high. Thus, he gave a stern talking-to to the National Park’s chief, demanding a cease-and-desist. The narrative isn’t without its nuances, though. Controlled burning,…
In recent times, the lush landscapes of Thailand have become the unlikely battleground for a war against ineffective waste management practices, an issue brought to the fore by activists who insist that the laws governing hazardous waste need a serious overhaul. At the “Ratchadamnoen Talk,” an enlightening event organized by the Thai Journalists Association, Penchome Sae-Tang, the tenacious director of Ecological Alert and Recovery-Thailand, addressed an increasingly pressing problem: pollution, a grim guest spreading its unwelcome tendrils into many local communities nationwide. The very heavens seem to rumble with the outcry from communities swamped by pollution. The rise of foreign investment, intended to bolster the economy, has inadvertently nudged Thailand into a precarious tango with its environmental wellbeing. Penchome argues that this surge has transpired without the imposition of essential environmental safeguards. It’s like throwing a grand party but forgetting to reinforce the floorboards. In an attempt to woo foreign…
Picture this: a bustling marketplace brimming with curious shoppers eager to get their hands on the king of fruits, none other than the infamous durian. The scene unfolds at the Qingdao Thai Fruits Golden Months 2021 event in Qingdao, China. With its unmistakable aroma and unique taste, Thai durians have always been a favorite among fruit aficionados. In May 2021, this love affair was palpable, as consumers reminisced or perhaps schemed their next big durian feast. The tantalizing journey of these durians to China recently faced a hurdle due to the Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) challenge. This innocuous-sounding name belongs to a carcinogenic coloring substance, a thorn in the side of Thai durian exporters. The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) laid down the law on January 10, 2025, stating that each juicy durian must pass the BY2 test before embarking on its journey to excite taste buds across…
In the heart of bustling Bangkok, the air now carries an uneasy weight. As the sun’s rays struggle to pierce the murky haze engulfing the renowned Grand Palace, city dwellers find themselves grappling with the unseen menace—PM2.5 pollution. This ultra-fine particulate matter has transformed Saturday’s vibrant city life into a health hazard, with nearly all districts cloaked in a grayish shroud. Amidst growing concern, the government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is springing into action with a suite of measures aimed at tackling the pollution crisis. In a passionate Facebook post, the Prime Minister laid out her plan to counter this foe, emphasizing the necessity for immediate, decisive action. One keystone of this initiative is an appeal to both the public and private sectors to reduce vehicle emissions. State agencies are now mobilized to facilitate remote work for officials, mirroring a similar request to private companies. By shrinking the…
Picture this: Bangkok Port, nestled in the vibrant tapestry of Klong Toey, is on the cusp of a transformation that might just take its allure to exhilarating new heights. The scene is set for an intriguing venture, as the Transport Ministry has unveiled plans for an integrated entertainment complex much like a magnetic beacon promising fun and frenzy. This bold plan, spearheaded by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, builds on an initial proposition by his deputy, Manaporn Charoensri. With a clear instruction to conduct a feasibility study, the wheels have been set in motion to explore the possibility of turning Bangkok’s ports into immersive entertainment paradises. Several choice spots are under the microscope, and it seems Bangkok Port is basking at the forefront thanks to its sizeable charm, scenic river views, and untapped potential as a glitzy yacht marina. “Bangkok could not be more perfect for such an ambitious endeavor,” said…
It was a bustling scene at Davos, Switzerland during the World Economic Forum (WEF) this week, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra mingled with industrial giants and global leaders. Armed with a vision for Thailand’s future, she did more than just sip Swiss hot chocolate amidst the snowy Alps; she outlined a dazzling array of opportunities for investment in Thailand’s burgeoning economy. During the “Country Strategy Dialogue on Thailand” forum, Ms. Paetongtarn passionately unveiled Thailand’s blueprint for economic prowess. As the hub of innovation in Southeast Asia, the country wears many hats—second-largest economic titan in the region, a warm vacation spot, and an innovation powerhouse. Thailand’s strategic position and world-class infrastructure certainly make it a sparkling jewel on the investment map. Riding the coattails of technology, Ms. Paetongtarn highlighted the nation’s commitment to the digital frontier. The goal is simple yet ambitious: revolutionize the agricultural domain, unleash soft power, and pioneer…
The drama that unfolded on October 12, 2024, could easily rival a best-selling crime thriller. Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, aged 41 and presiding as the imperious CEO of The iCon Group, made headlines for turning himself into the consumer protection police. It was a plot twist straight out of a suspense novel, with the photograph of the event splashed across media outlets, courtesy of Wassayos Ngamkham. Cranking up the suspense, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has stepped in, slapping on more charges against Boss Paul. This time around, it’s not just him in the crosshairs; the charges extend to politician Samart Janechaijittawanich and his mother, Wilawan Phutthasamrit. Remember Samart? The former deputy spokesman of the Palang Pracharath Party? He’s now wrapped up in this scandal, his name buzzing in coffee-shop conversations everywhere. The DSI’s latest accusations are riveting. Apparently, an audio clip surfaced, featuring an intriguing chat between Warathaphon…
In the vibrant backdrop of Phuket, a popular paradise renowned for its pristine beaches and lively nightlife, an unusual drama unfolded that seemed to jump straight out of a gripping novel. On a sunny Thursday, a seemingly ordinary house in the Muang district became the focal point of an unexpected police raid, spotlighting six British nationals in a narrative that had all the elements of a thrilling plot. With the sun beating down and casting long afternoon shadows, the officers moved with purpose and precision. Their mission? To uncover something extraordinary and clandestine. Inside, they found a surprising stash: a hefty total of six kilograms of cannabis buds neatly stored in six separate bags. It’s a sight reminiscent of a treasure trove, although decidedly less legal. Three kilos of this peculiar “green gold” were casually placed by the door of a bedroom, with another three nestled snugly inside the room…
In the vibrant region of Chiang Rai province, where the bustling Mae Sai district lies, power lines from Thailand make their journey over to Tachilek in Myanmar’s Shan State. An image shared by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) on its Facebook account gives a glimpse into this transnational electricity exchange. However, things might take a significant turn, as the PEA has expressed its readiness to collaborate with security forces to cut off this power supply to Myanmar should it become necessary to thwart the operations of fraudsters exploiting the border towns. The intricate dynamics of such a decision involve more than just flipping a switch. PEA Deputy Governor Prasit Junprasit emphasized, on a crisp Friday morning, that any movement toward severing electricity ties necessitates a harmonious alliance between Thai and Myanmar security agencies. Despite the potential power cut, Mr. Prasit reassured that PEA’s valued Thai customers residing along the border…