In the dazzling realm of global soft power, few figures shine as brightly as Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, the phenomenal Thai K-pop sensation who recently clinched the top spot in the 2024 Thailand’s most influential soft power poll. Hot on her heels is an unexpected contender—a baby pygmy hippo named “Moo Deng,” capturing hearts and votes with a substantial percentage, followed by the charismatic Butter Bear mascot, affectionately known as “Nong Mee Noei.” The North Bangkok Poll Centre’s chief, Sanit Siriwisitkul, unveiled these results following a poll conducted from December 24 to 28, drawing insights from a diverse panel of 1,500 participants. Earning 25.4% of the votes, Lisa’s influence is undeniable, as her talent transcends borders and embodies the spirit of modern Thailand. Moo Deng, the adorable celebrity of Khao Kieow Zoo, romped into the second place with a commendable 15.2% of the votes, while Butter Bear, the charming face of…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the tranquil town of Takua Pa, nestled within Phangnga’s picturesque vistas, a story of resilience and preparedness has been unfolding ever since the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami devastated the region on December 26, 2004. This tale revolves around the Rajaprajanugroh 35 School, whose structure was obliterated by the merciless waves of that fateful day, leaving only a solitary flagpole standing as a grim testament to nature’s fury. But through unwavering determination and strategic planning, the school has transformed its tragic past into a beacon of disaster readiness. The silver lining amidst the tragedy was the fact that the tsunami struck on a quiet Sunday, sparing the 800 students and their teachers who would have filled the school grounds. As Prach Sawangpong, the devoted emergency response coordinator of this boarding school, recounts, it was a stroke of luck that saved many lives that day. Yet, luck alone couldn’t secure their…
As the calendar gears up to flip another year, the drama unfolding in Thailand’s waterways has yet to resolve, echoing a saga straight out of a fishy sci-fi thriller. Picture this: a formidable fish invasion that’s put the spotlight squarely on the notorious blackchin tilapia, a highly unwelcome guest in the aquatic realms of Thailand. For months, this slippery intruder has wreaked havoc across the country’s economic and ecological landscapes, leaving authorities in hot pursuit of those responsible while mastering the art of evasion. Rewind to the sultry days of July when the plight of shrimp farmers in Samut Songkhram hit the front pages. Baffled by sudden declines in their prized aquaculture, they soon unmasked the offender – the elusive blackchin tilapia, weaving its way through their farms. Accusations flew thick and fast, with farmers pointing an accusing fin at negligent releases into public waterways. As these finned fiends embarked…
As the eve of a new year beckons, Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is orchestrating plans with a grand ambition: signing more Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to rev up the country’s economic engine, projecting a growth rate nudging towards the 3% mark. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, following a strategic dialogue with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) luminaries, including their astute chairman, Kriengkrai Thiennukul, disclosed this economic endeavor. The initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s vision, wherein she deems the private sector as the linchpin for sustainable economic ascension, urging a symbiotic relationship between the government and business mavens. Minister Pichai, radiating optimism, unveiled that the Commerce Ministry will remain steadfast in forging alliances with the private sector, envisioning a rapid economic ascent. The spotlight is currently on closing negotiations for a European Free Trade Agreement, a pursuit poised to unlock Thailand’s market access to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.…
In an innovative twist to living in harmony with nature, Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is proposing a groundbreaking solution to manage the burgeoning population of wild elephants. With the aim of minimizing human-elephant conflicts, the Ministry is gearing up to administer birth control shots to these majestic creatures. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on is spearheading this initiative, urging the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) alongside related sectors to embrace this novel approach. Currently, Thailand is home to a thriving population of wild elephants, their numbers estimated at a staggering 4,000 and rising annually by 7-8%. Projected to soar to at least 6,000 within the next four years, this growth starkly contrasts with the ever-diminishing expanse of forested land. Unfortunately, the rise in elephant numbers has also accompanied an increase in tragic confrontations; since 2012, over 240 individuals have lost their lives, and 208 have been injured…
In the halls of Thailand’s Defense Ministry, the air is thick with anticipation, as well as a few furrowed brows. The spotlight is firmly on Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, the stoic yet decisive Defense Minister, who’s balancing the interests of national security with the persistent tick-tock of looming deadlines. At the center of the intrigue is the high-stakes submarine procurement project, an intricate dance of diplomacy and engineering that’s bound to keep anyone on their toes. The project, agreed upon amidst much fanfare in 2017, was heralded as a landmark endeavor—a 13.5 billion baht deal woven in the threads of a robust government-to-government contract with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. However, what started as a gleaming dream of naval prowess found itself ensnared in a net of complications, from engine controversies to global pandemic-induced delays. Phumtham, ever the prudent overseer, hits pause with the resolve of a chess master contemplating…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the vibrant energy of Khao San Road pulls in tourists from all corners of the globe, a tragedy unfolded that has sent ripples through Thailand’s tourism industry. Late on Sunday night, a fire broke out at The Ember Hotel on Tanee Road, tragically claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving several others injured. This incident has prompted a swift and robust response from Thailand’s Interior Ministry, which is now urging a nationwide crackdown on safety standards across hotels and tourist hotspots. Traisuree Taisaranakul, speaking on behalf of the Interior Ministry, revealed that Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has wasted no time in calling for an investigation into the cause of the blaze. The Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, along with other relevant agencies, have been tasked with unraveling whether this disaster stemmed from negligence or was merely an unfortunate accident. The fire erupted in Room…
As the last school bell reverberated through the air last Tuesday at Ban Don Kwang School in Thailand’s enchanting Nakhon Ratchasima province, students and parents ambled out, blissfully unaware of the impending tragedy. The picturesque setting, named for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, was suddenly marred by the screech of tires and the terrible thud of a car in distressing motion. A watchful guard, normally a figure of mundane routine, now stood as a silent witness to unfolding chaos. Just a day prior, the same scene had played out with a far more harrowing end—an end that robbed the life of a young soul and a diligent policeman. Envisioned scenery quickly turned dark and ominous as a 5-year-old pupil, alongside others, fell victim to an egregious lapse in humanity: a drink-driver behind the wheel. The weight of this calamity grew heavier last Monday, as we learned of the tragic…
In a scene that tragically unfolded outside Ban Don Kwang School, located in the bustling Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima, a sense of shock lingers in the air. What was supposed to be a typical school day turned into a nightmare on December 23rd, when a car driven by an intoxicated retired civil servant, Somsak Asaichao, veered wildly into a crowd comprised of students, parents, and a vigilant on-duty police officer. The somber tale first graced the headlines with the unfortunate loss of a dedicated officer, Pol Lt Wimut Tansupho, who succumbed promptly to his injuries. However, the community was once again jolted by grief as the second victim, little Assadavuth Phiewsuay, aged just five, tragically passed away a week later while under intensive care at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. The young boy’s gentle life slipped away despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, leaving a void that mere…
In the heart of Muang district, Chaiyaphum, under the blanket of an inky night, chaos unfolded. Rescue workers, with practiced urgency, rushed to the aftermath of a catastrophic collision between a bus and a car. Civilians watched anxiously as medical aid was administered to the injured, a somber reminder of the perils that lurk on highways during the lively New Year festivities. The holidays had barely begun, yet the roadways were already a tableau of tragedies, weaving tales of sorrow and caution in grim statistics. With New Year travelers flooding the roads in a frenzy of excitement and haste, the initial three days of the festive exodus bore witness to a staggering spate of 872 traffic accidents across the country. A toll that ticked to over 140 lives lost and 841 individuals nursing injuries, the numbers laid bare a pattern demanding attention and action. The delightful province of Ayutthaya, renowned…