In a flurry of election activity, the serene district of Ban Phue in Udon Thani played host to an important visitor this past weekend. None other than the diligent Election Commission secretary-general, Sawang Boonmee, made an appearance to inspect the preparedness of polling units ahead of the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) elections. His visit was all captured through lenses and lenses – quite literally, by the ever-watchful eyes of the Udon Thani Provincial Administration Organisation, no less. The political atmosphere is nothing short of electrifying as the PAO chairman elections in Udon Thani, as well as in Phetchaburi and Nakhon Si Thammarat, approach. According to the seasoned folks of the Election Commission, everything’s been set up meticulously to ensure smooth proceedings, hopefully without any unexpected political thunderstorms. During Mr. Sawang’s visit to the vibrant Udon Thani, where he scrutinized the transfer of ballot papers and the arrangement of equipment, he…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a twist that sounds like a plot from an animal documentary, Plai Sak Surin, the majestic 31-year-old elephant, finds himself in the spotlight not for his grand diplomatic tales, but for his unusually hefty tusks that have turned troublesome. Picture the scene at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang, where Plai Sak Surin is camped out, his tranquility disrupted by the too-long tusks, giving him the elephantine version of a stiff neck. This saga began years ago, with Plai Sak Surin’s journey from Thailand to Sri Lanka back in 2001. As an adorable seven-year-old, he was gifted to Sri Lanka, where he served as a goodwill ambassador, charms intact. Fast forward to 2023, the charming diplomat found his way back to Thailand, but this time, not on a mission, but for medical care. The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, speaking on behalf of our tusked protagonist, has proposed a…
It seems that the tropical allure of Koh Kut is set to make a splash this season, as the local arm of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) rolls out an enticing campaign aimed at showcasing its often-overlooked beaches. From now up until April, this hidden gem is basking in the limelight, luring visitors to discover its tranquil shores and untouched landscapes. Mind you, the journey begins from mainland Trat with daily ferry services operating between 10 AM to 4 PM, when the vivid tapestry of teal seas, sun-kissed beaches, azure skies, and verdant forests is at its most breathtaking. Perched on the eastern edge of Thailand’s maritime realm, Koh Kut holds the limelight not just for its natural beauty, but also courtesy of a longstanding yet controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia dating back to 2001. Rest assured, the Thai government stands firm that its sovereignty over this…
In the quaint and often serene village of Umphang in Tak province, a palpable tension had taken root on an otherwise ordinary Saturday. The air was thick with a shared sense of purpose as more than 50 of the village’s residents congregated at the stoic facade of the local police station. Their mission? An unwavering demand for justice following a tragic incident that had shaken their tight-knit community to its core. The tragic narrative that unfolded began on a grim Friday night under the dim glow of inadequate roadside lighting. Three vibrant lives, embodied by friends, Ekapop and Worakan, both 17, and the youthful Kanida, 16, were tragically marked when their motorcycle tragically crossed paths with an ominous black Toyota pickup truck. The truck was piloted by none other than Pimnara, a woman of note, serving as a deputy district chief. In a cruel twist of fate, Ekapop’s life was…
In a dramatic scene that could be ripped straight from a suspense thriller, 29 Myanmar nationals found themselves tightly packed like sardines in a box, nestled in the bed of a pickup truck. This rather uncomfortable situation came to a head one cloudy Saturday in the Sai Buri district of Pattani, Thailand, as law enforcement officers decided that their vehicle needed a closer inspection. All the signs pointed to a smuggling attempt gone wrong. Along for this bumpy ride was the Thai driver, whose day certainly took a turn for the unexpected when the police showed up. The apprehension of these weary travelers wasn’t merely the product of intuition; it was the result of a well-timed and coordinated police operation. The Thai authorities had their ears to the ground and picked up intelligence that suggested something shady was traveling on Highway 42 – a route connecting the serene landscapes of…
As the sun peeked through the trees surrounding Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn monastery, a surreal investigation was brewing in the serene corners of Phichit province’s lush forests. Police, alongside rescue workers, were meticulously examining evidence, following chilling reports of cadavers clandestinely integrated into meditation practices. Nestled in Pho Thale district, this monastery had inadvertently catapulted itself into the national spotlight, stirring both intrigue and controversy. The drama unfolded as authorities embarked on the difficult task of identifying forty-one bodies discovered at the monastery. With so many unanswered questions, the priority was clear—determine if these cadavers were procured and utilized in accordance with the law. Entrusted with this Herculean task, Pol Maj Gen Tadej Klomkliang, the chief of Phichit provincial police, emphasized the significance of ensuring that these deceased individuals passed away from natural causes, casting a skeptical eye on the monastery’s claims that these were the generous offerings of devout followers.…
With a triumphant blast of the train whistle, a Harmony train, brimming with “Made in Anning” products, embarked on its journey from Anning North Port in the Kunming International Dry Port, China. Its destination was not just one location, but a vibrant thread of trade stretching to Bangkok, Thailand via the China-Laos-Thailand Railway, and finally arriving at Ranong by road. Meanwhile, in a similar vein, another train crammed with luscious Thai fruits set off from Larang, weaving its way through Vientiane, Laos, to return to Anning, Yunnan Province. The surge in rail-based projects between China and Southeast Asian nations has added a fresh dynamism to trade links between China and ASEAN. Embarking on the China-Laos Railway, blending with Thailand’s metre-gauge railway, and spiced with road journeys, this transportation marvel offers export businesses not just a reliable option but a quicker, cost-effective route, elevating global trade benefits. Excitement bubbles over the…
The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as the People’s Party (PP) gears up for yet another thrilling political showdown in Udon Thani, a bastion traditionally loyal to the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Last year’s general election saw the PP making significant strides in this stronghold, and now, as they prepare for the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman election, they are pulling out all the stops to seize victory. In the storied trenches of political warfare, Pheu Thai is fiercely determined to guard its terrain. It’s more than just an election—it’s a matter of pride. An astute observer noted this race is a make-or-break contest for the major political parties vying for control. On the flip side, the PP, revitalized from its predecessor, the Move Forward Party (MFP), is laser-focused on capturing the PAO chairmanship, hoping to end its string of electoral disappointments. The MFP’s abrupt dissolution in…
In a world becoming ever more culturally diverse, growing up today means much more than just academic success; it’s about evolving into a well-rounded global citizen. Back in 1994, the International Schools Association of Thailand (Isat) sprung into existence, committed to upholding educational excellence, ethical practices, and enhanced student learning among its members. Fast forward 30 years, Isat now proudly counts 193 member schools as part of its family, celebrating its mission to educate both Thai and international students in Thailand, preparing them to be empathetic, knowledgeable, and responsible stewards of the global community. Usa Somboon, the passionate leader of Isat, assures us that the education offered by Isat members stands shoulder to shoulder with the top international educational standards, recognized by various accreditation bodies while seamlessly aligning with Thailand’s national education directives. Her philosophy underscores a commitment to nurturing students into compassionate, future-focused individuals ready to make a positive…
In a peculiar twist of events, a seemingly harmless prank spiraled into an international incident involving the aviation world and law enforcement agencies across Southeast Asia. The headliner in this drama was none other than Ho Wai Chong, a man holding a Singaporean passport, whose actions on a sunny Thursday afternoon in Thailand led to nerve-wracking moments, culminating in his capture. The timeline of this event unfolded with a sense of urgency that would make any action movie proud. The clock struck 2:47 PM when a Thai-accented voice made a spine-chilling bomb threat against AirAsia’s flight FD 3114, a routine route from bustling Bangkok to the southern city of Hat Yai. Don Mueang Airport’s usually sedate public relations office became the epicenter of panic as the ominous message came through, claiming that the plane was lugging explosives like unwanted baggage. As flight FD 3114 taxied towards the blue skies of…