In a significant recognition of his tireless environmental advocacy, Niwat Roykaew, fondly known as “Kru Thi”, has become the first Thai recipient of the renowned Leader on the Frontlines Award. Bestowed by the Asia Foundation in its headquarters in San Francisco, this award celebrates the relentless efforts of Mr. Niwat to preserve the pristine ecosystems of the Mekong River and the livelihoods of its resident communities. Notably, the Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organisation committed to improving lives across the dynamic landscape of Asia. At 64, Mr. Niwat holds reputable positions as the chairman of the Chiang Khong Conservation Group and the director of the Mekong School’s Institute of Local Knowledge. His most acclaimed accomplishment lies in rallying communities to successfully thwart a series of disastrous explosions and dam constructions that, if left unchecked, would have wreaked irreparable havoc on the river and its dependents. According to the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The peaceful tranquility U-Tapao International Airport in the Ban Chang District was interrupted in the early morning hours as the third batch of Thai workers from Israel made their landing. There were 90 individuals in total, forming a group with a broad gender imbalance, comprising of 88 men and just two women. The returnees had left Israel the day before and, through the nurturing care of government arrangements, journeyed home on a commercial flight. The trek was far from linear. The workers embarked from their foreign home on Fly Dubai Flight FZ1550 at 11am local time. This flight was their first link to the outside world from their now ex-home, taking them to Dubai, located in the affluent realm of the United Arab Emirates. After a layover, the workers then boarded another flight, FZ1837, at 7pm on the same day. The second leg of their Odyssey took them to their…
The city of Paris, the epitome of romance and glamour, transformed into a somber landscape of escalating tension as French authority heightened its national threat alert to an unprecedented level. This turn of events came in the wake of a gruesome knife attack at a public school in Arras, a city located in the northern region of France. Primarily resulting in the tragic loss of a teacher and causing injury to several other individuals, this incident is reportedly the handiwork of an erstwhile student suspected to have fallen prey to the tentacles of Islamic radicalisation. Staggered by the gravity of the evolving circumstances, the quick-acting French governance initiated an immediate surge protocol to ensure the safety of people. Landmarks that often buzz with the cacophonous chatter of tourists, such as the iconic Louvre Museum and the grand Palace of Versailles, witnessed an emergency exodus on Saturday. Prompted by speculative intel…
Early Sunday morning, the scenic U-tapao airport in Rayong witnessed the emotional homecoming of the third wave of Thai expatriates who had been flown home. The latest group is comprised of 90 men and women who were formerly employed in Israel. The blissful reunion took place at SC Park Hotel in Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, where families eagerly awaited the arrival of their loved ones. This return home was a matter of life and death considering the conflict that the workers had experienced in Israel. The unsettling reality is that four more Thai nationals who were working in Israel have had their lives claimed in the terrifying Hamas attacks. This brings the death toll of Thai nationals to 28, alongside 16 injured individuals and 17 more being held captive. Reports from a counselor assigned to look after labour affairs at the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv, relayed this chilling information…
Enveloped by tranquil waves, majestic yachts find their haven in the exquisite marinas of Phuket, a stunning spectacle of Thailand’s nautical prowess. Boasting 18 piers and five resplendent marinas, the island serves as an iconic testament to the seamless interaction between man and the sea (Image: Achadthaya Chuenniran). Discover an invigorating mingling of tourism and maritime traditions as the Region 5 Marine Office spearheads the race to incorporate intuitive maritime safety measures in the Andaman Sea. This initiative isn’t merely a significant step towards safer water-borne adventures, but an earnest pledge to provide an unforgettably secure experience to the eager wave-riders who flock the region in the high season. The relentless dedication of the Marine Office is made manifest in the nurturing leadership of its director, Prawet Supachai. Unyielding in his commitment, Prawet leads marine offices in Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phangnga, Satun, and Trang to ensure an environment where safety…
Within the serene scenery of Amnat Charoen’s Phana district, a gruesome mystery unfolded. A chilling call echoed through the corridors of the Phana police station, prompting the quick deployment of its personnel. The crux of the matter? A foreign couple found lifeless in their rental home. The couple, a Swiss man aged forty-seven, and a Moldovan woman barely forty, have become the focus of a perplexing scenario, which the authorities speculate could be a murder-suicide. On the day of the dreadful discovery, Superintendent Pol Col Chotnarin Sathupawarat orchestrated both local and forensic teams to assess the scene, comprehend the chronology of events and importantly, establish the cause of death. The couple’s resting place for their last moments was a tranquil two-story house. The initial view was gory; both bodies exhibited knife-inflicted wounds to their throat and arms, and their poodle lay lifeless near the bathroom, adding to the grim scene.…
Our current climatic condition is significantly influenced by an average-strength high-pressure system originating from China. This atmospheric phenomenon is blanketing both the northeastern and northern parts of Thailand, extending its reach to the southern expanses of the Gulf of Thailand. Carrying a significant amount of moisture from both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the system is causing significant meteorological activity. Residents residing in these regions are being strongly urged to maintain high alert for substantial rainfall and accumulative precipitation. Such drastic weather alterations could potentially trigger immediate flooding and even flash floods. This warning is particularly crucial for individuals in low-lying areas and those inhabiting regions characterized by prominent mountainous landscapes where the risks are substantially greater. Turning our attention seaward, the conditions in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are also affected by this high-pressure system. Sea waves are anticipated to measure approximately…
From the verdant parks to the sprawling wildlife sanctuaries of Thailand, a diligent count by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation concluded that as from March 9, this year, the elephant population ranged between 4,013 and 4,422. These magnificent creatures roamed across 91 national parks, sanctuaries and non-hunting zones, painting a postcard-worthy picture of nature’s beauty. However, the steady deterioration of their habitat coupled with a lack of adequate food sources have been impacting the health of these elephants, precipitating a decline in their number. This concern laid the groundwork for a groundbreaking project launched in 2002, aiming to freeze elephant semen for artificial insemination applications, a step forward in securing the continuation of the species. The innovative project witnessed a fruitful collaboration between the Zoological Park Organisation, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kasetsart University, and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. The result? The birth of…
The augmentation of a groundbreaking law on the 21st of August this year has stipulated an interesting trajectory for businesses rendering services via digital platforms. According to this cutting-edge legislation, such establishments are compelled to furnish relevant information to the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA). This remarkable initiative has been introduced in order to further streamline digital operations and reinforce statutory requirements in the landscape of online services. Mr. Chaichana Mitrpant, the dynamic executive director of the ETDA, elucidated that the law apportions the responsibility to digital platform services to disclose their operations to the distinguished agency. Mr. Mitrpant also highlighted that the ETDA has played a significant role in offering consultation and valuable direction to these businesses. They have even taken the groundbreaking initiative of launching a supremely comprehensive digital platform assessment tool for effortless online self-assessments. Following the inauguration of the notification system on the memorable day of…
In the presence of his spouse, Pakpilai, members of the ruling Cabinet, and key figures from a range of government departments, Srettha took the lead at this significant affair. The event took place within the regal confines of the pavilion situated on the Royal field, a stone’s throw away from the iconic Grand Palace in bustling Bangkok. The esteemed Prime Minister also extended cordial greetings to the attendees gracing this venerable occasion. Some of the notable individuals present were Paetongtarn Shinawatra, her sister, Pintongta, and their life partners. The illustrious siblings hail from the family of the previous Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. He is the patriarch, the leading light behind the governing Pheu Thai Party. Paetongtarn is recognised as one of the likely prime ministerial contestants from Pheu Thai. Alongside Srettha, she is viewed as the prospective successor to the party leadership. As the day evolved, the diligent PM Srettha…