In the picturesque yet quietly bustling province of Phrae, nestled away from the usual hustle of urban life, a scene quite out of the ordinary unfolded recently. The tranquility of the town was jolted by rumblings of discord that seemed almost like they seemed out of a gripping drama novel, except the script veered into a startling reality. It was a story that made the villagers sit up—a tale involving none other than Sompong Sriladda, a retired police officer with a passion for raising gamecocks. Now, if you’re imagining Sompong as an unassuming, mild-mannered retiree nurturing gamecocks in his spare time, that image has taken a sharp turn. A dispute over these very gamecocks intertwined the lives of the community in more dramatic ways than one might expect in this quaint part of the world. Everything spiraled on a seemingly ordinary day when an explosive mix of suspicions, family rivalry,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the heart of Southeast Asia, a dramatic sequence of events unfolded on Friday as a powerful earthquake rocked central Myanmar. Measuring a formidable 7.7 in magnitude and originating 10 kilometers below the surface near Mandalay, its tremors reverberated across borders, reaching the bustling streets of Bangkok and beyond. In mere moments, what was an ordinary afternoon morphed into a scene of chaos and uncertainty, as the earth’s volatile energy spilled into the lives of thousands. Among the hardest hit by this seismic tempest were three construction sites in Bangkok, where a calamity unfolded with the collapse of a 30-storey government building. The devastation resulted tragically in 10 lives lost, 16 more injured, and an alarming 101 individuals unaccounted for, shaking the city to its core. “It was a scene of utter pandemonium,” recounted Bangkok’s Deputy Governor, Tavida Kamolvej, as the city’s spirit flickered amidst the tragedy. The earthquake’s impact…
In a dramatic turn of events, the earth beneath us shifted dramatically on a seemingly ordinary Friday afternoon, triggering a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that sent ripples of alarm from central Myanmar to Bangkok and beyond. Like a scene from an action-packed thriller, rescue personnel were seen hustling, their heads tilted upwards towards the sky, assessing the damage in the wake of this natural catastrophe. This seismic surprise not only rattled buildings but also frayed nerves, sweeping panic across the Thai capital. Beneath the chaos, heartbreaking headlines emerged: ten lives lost, sixteen others injured, and a sobering count of 101 individuals unaccounted for amidst the debris. Among the cityscape altered by the quake, a 30-storey government edifice was a towering casualty, now a symbol of the quake’s merciless might. Reports from the Bangkok Deputy Governor, Tavida Kamolvej, painted a stark picture of the city’s struggle, seeking clarity and calm amidst the…
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has unleashed a formidable campaign to tackle the persistent challenge of online crimes—a mission that’s already saved the nation a staggering 3 billion baht! Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong proudly announced the results of this intensified crackdown, which unfolded between October 2024 and February of this year. With newly launched measures emanating from the committee on technology crime prevention, the Ministry’s efforts have sparked substantial improvements. According to the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the financial toll of online crimes from October to February registered at an eye-watering 11.3 billion baht. Still, this represents a promising reduction of 3.3 billion baht from the same timeframe the year before. February alone saw dramatic change, as the daily financial hemorrhage dropped from 117 million baht to a more palatable 65 million baht—a breathtaking 45% decrease! The ministry, under its vigilant chief, has orchestrated a symphony of strategies, all…
The Bangkok South Criminal Court delivered a solemn verdict yesterday as it sentenced Anawin Kaewkeb, a mere 22 years old, to the ultimate punishment for his involvement in a tragic shooting that unfolded amidst the bustling streets of Klong Toey district. On that fateful November morning in 2023, not only were guns drawn, but lives were irreparably changed—and ended. This case, marinated in the bitter depths of rivalry, saw Anawin pay a steep price, not just in the language of law, but also in a towering financial compensation of over 6 million baht levied against him in favor of the victims’ grieving families. The turmoil erupted quite like a summer storm on November 11, as the clock neared 9:30 am. The bustling facade of TMB Bank in Klong Toey bore unwitting witness to a clash as dramatic as it was deadly. The protagonist? Anawin Kaewkeb, a young student from the…
In an exciting development, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known for her forward-thinking leadership, has pledged her unwavering support towards transforming Phuket into a globally renowned hub for medical excellence and sustainable tourism. Her commitment was underscored during a stirring keynote address she delivered at the inauguration of the inaugural Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025, held against the beautiful backdrop of Phuket. During her captivating speech titled “Soft Power: A Tool for Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism,” the Prime Minister expressed her delight at visiting Phuket once again since she took the helm of the nation. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she spoke of Phuket’s pivotal role in driving Thailand’s tourism sector and its growing reputation as a prime destination for foreigners seeking top-notch medical treatments and extended stays. She reassured attendees of the government’s steadfast support in bolstering these areas. Remarkably resolute in her vision, Prime Minister Shinawatra highlighted the booming…
Embracing its rich heritage and vibrant culture, Thailand is making waves on the international stage by pushing to have the Loy Krathong tradition recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). The Culture Minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, announced during a recent cabinet meeting that the proposition to nominate the “Loy Krathong tradition in Thailand” for Unesco recognition has been officially approved. This step is pivotal in the ongoing effort to safeguard the country’s intangible cultural heritage and is expected to uplift Thailand’s soft cultural power. “The Loy Krathong tradition has been an iconic element of our nation’s cultural heritage since 2011,” explained Minister Sudawan. “We believe that gaining recognition from Unesco aligns seamlessly with the government’s strategy to highlight significant cultural festivities. Our aim is to showcase the depth of our cultural value, thereby solidifying Thailand’s position as a top-tier destination for travelers from around the globe.” Thailand’s…
Amidst the bustling political landscape of Thailand, the Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, finds herself navigating choppy waters as she attempts to steer the Pheu Thai Party to calm seas. While the government announced a new round of economic stimulus in the form of a digital handout, critics have scrutinized its execution, leaving Paetongtarn’s image somewhat dulled. The buzz around the 10,000-baht giveaway, aimed at 2.7 million tech-savvy youths aged 16 to 20, has sparked more debate than excitement. Unlike previous handouts which saw funds wired directly to bank accounts of the underprivileged and elderly, this digital endeavor aims to enlighten young Thais on the usage of cashless technology—a key promise from the Pheu Thai campaign trail. However, the Opposition, led by the sharp-tongued MP Sirikanya Tansakul, has not been kind. In a viral Facebook post cheekily titled, “The Horror of the Digital Wallet Scheme,” she questions the scheme’s efficacy, spotlighting…
The Dental Council of Thailand is pulling out all the stops in a bid to enhance access to dental benefits through social security. A lively tête-à-tête on Thursday served as the backdrop for this significant dialogue between the charismatic Dental Council chairman, Dr. Chairat Chaloemratroj, and the astute Labour Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. The hot topic on the table? How best to ensure fair play in accessing healthcare services across the myriad of different schemes for subscribers. Enter Dr. Wirasak Phutthasri, the eloquent council member who participated with zeal in this discussion. He shared the council’s bold proposal: to extend the privilege of receiving dental treatment to insured individuals at any public hospital. Picture this—a world where, despite the pesky ceiling of a 900 baht reimbursement limit per annum, patients still find solace, especially those of low income, in having their dental expenses covered under this generous umbrella. It’s worth noting…
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finally taken a significant leap forward in the ambitious high-speed rail project that aims to connect three pivotal airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao. As we charge closer to the much-anticipated signing ceremony in June, this revised contract signifies a pivotal moment in a venture that’s been on the drawing board for far too long. SRT Deputy Governor Anan Phonimdaeng is at the forefront, making sure that this amended agreement sails smoothly through the rigorous checks by the various oversight bodies, including the project’s oversight committee, the Office of the Attorney General, and, of course, the cabinet. Come June, all eyes will be on the final signing, which will greenlight the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for construction. The clock will then start ticking, with a target completion time set for a mere five years and an operational kickoff by 2029. In a proactive…