Posts published in “Thailand”

In the vibrant heart of Nanning city lies Laonanning Sanjie Liangxiang, a picturesque attraction that seamlessly entwines the profound history of the Guangxi region with the pulse of modernity. Set against a backdrop of lush, verdant landscapes, this gem in southern China captures the essence of a locale where tradition gracefully dances with the forward march of progress. A flick of the kimono reveals Beijing’s broader agenda: positioning Nanning as the new southern gateway between China and the dynamic powerhouse that is the ASEAN community. Jiang Xuelin, who heads the editorial ship at the Guangxi Branch of the China News Service, recently took on the challenge of explaining this vision to an eclectic ensemble of 17 local and international media maestros and online influencers. They were whisked away on a tour brimming with insight and intrigue, to peek behind the curtains into the blossoming potential at the Pingxiang border—a locale…

Last week, a passionate assembly from the Soo Phua Chang Network, also known as Fighting for Elephants, gathered in protest outside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The reason? A contentious plan to use birth control injections on wild elephants—a proposal that has sparked lively debate across the nation. Fast forward to Friday, when the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) convened a high-stakes forum to confront this very issue. The focus was on the use of contraceptive vaccines as a method to control the burgeoning population of wild elephants, keeping the gentle giants from straying beyond protected lands. The event drew a crowd of about 300, featuring a diverse mix of affected locals, sharp-witted academics, impassioned elephant conservationists, and even some Members of Parliament. Opinions were as varied as a box of mixed chocolates. Some heralded the contraceptive approach as a breakthrough, while others dismissed…

In what can only be described as a whirlwind journey, the young and dynamic Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepped onto the political stage with an unexpected flourish, capturing the hearts of many and the astonishment of others. At her relatively tender age, her ascension to the highest office may have surprised some political veterans, but her nomination amongst the three prime ministerial candidates of the Pheu Thai Party proved she was more than ready to wield the sceptre of power. The tides of change were ushered in largely due to the People’s Party’s burgeoning clout, which ultimately nudged Pheu Thai to throw its support behind Paetongtarn after Srettha Thavisin’s ousting by court decree in August the previous year. Indeed, it was a momentous occasion for Pheu Thai to seize this leadership mantle as opportunities of such magnitude could become a rare commodity in the political arena. Paetongtarn’s alignment with her father and…

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the spotlight, energetically engaging with Pheu Thai supporters on a vibrant campaign trail in Nakhon Phanom’s Muang district. Despite the January chill, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Thaksin passionately championed the cause of Anuchit Hongsadee, aiming for the prestigious position as the Nakhon Phanom Provincial Administration Organisation chief. Not just known for his warmth and charisma, Thaksin took this opportunity to address a topic that’s sparking both fervor and controversy throughout Thailand—entertainment complexes. In his characteristic style, he laid all rumors to rest, asserting unequivocally that licenses for operating casinos within these complexes would only be awarded through transparent bidding processes. His words cut through the air with clarity: “The truth is, the license will be given out by means of open bidding where any and all interested parties can participate.” Thaksin, always one to have his finger on the…

In the realm of bravery and courage, the names of Pol Lt Col Suwit Chuaythewarit, 56, and his son, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Dome Chuaythewarit, 35, are etched with honor. These two valiant border patrol officers tragically lost their lives in a bomb explosion in Narathiwat province on January 14, a day that marks both sorrow and reflection. Shrouded in the embrace of the Thai national flag, their sacrifice encapsulates a profound sense of duty that continues to resonate. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat) This catastrophic event has sent ripples throughout the region, compelling the police to seek arrest warrants against two men alleged to have masterminded this heinous act. SATURDAY brought this revelation to light, indicating that DNA samples procured from the crime lab have provided a match, linking the suspects to previous disturbances and acts of violence noted in the troubled South. The first suspect, Abdulloh Bula, 40, is far…

In a spirited demonstration of ASEAN camaraderie, the Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok recently set the stage for a renewed commitment between Thailand and Myanmar to join forces against the pesky invasion of transnational call center gangs. This diplomatic dance saw Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister Gen Mya Tun Oo, also serving as the transport and communications minister, shaking hands with a promise to combat these nefarious groups head-on. Minister Prasert highlighted the gathering’s consensus on the need for urgent action against the pervasive threat of online fraud and call center gangs. According to him, these wily scammers, operating along the Thai-Myanmar border, have become public enemy number one in a region already fraught with digital crime challenges. He lamented that despite existing agreements with other nations, these international pacts serve as mere templates that still require robust, actionable strategies for effective…

In the bustling corridors of Istanbul’s international airport, a peculiar discovery was made that has captivated the world. This is the tale of Zeytin, a five-month-old gorilla whose short life has already been filled with incredible adventure and unwitting intrigue. Found in a rather unusual hideout—a wooden crate nestled within the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight—Zeytin has since become both a symbol of hope and a grim reminder of the complexities in wildlife smuggling. Originally uncovered in December, Zeytin’s clandestine journey was halted at Istanbul airport. The destination scribbled on the crate wasn’t what one would expect for a creature of her kind. Instead of a lush sanctuary, Zeytin was marked as a contingent for a farm in Thailand, specifically the TK Farm, legally recorded as an entity for importing and breeding animals. In Turkey, Zeytin has become quite the sensation. The zoo where she now resides has…

In an extraordinary and dramatic turn of events, the curious case of 25-year-old Chinese model Yang Zeqi unfolds like the plot of an international thriller. After a jaw-dropping month-long disappearance along the shadowy Thai-Myanmar border, Yang has finally returned to China, much to the relief and jubilation of his family—and audiences, if this saga were on the silver screen. Thai authorities reported on Saturday, with the Chinese embassy validating their claims, that Yang had indeed touched down safely in his home country. Pol Gen Chatchai Pitaneelaboot, with the Royal Thai Police Office, confirmed this during a briefing in the Mae Sot district of Tak. As the story gathered steam like an over-hyped blockbuster, Yang’s father sought the assistance of Thailand’s top cop, national police chief Kittharath Punpetch, urging a swift conclusion to this gripping tale. The saga began as many misguided adventures do—with the lure of Hollywood-esque fame. Yang was…

Yesterday, on January 17, 2025, the charismatic Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), made waves with the unveiling of revamped Work from Home (WFH) measures. As the iconic city grapples with persistent PM2.5 air pollution, these steps arrive not a moment too soon. The forecast for PM2.5 levels from Monday through Tuesday, January 20-24, paints a somber picture with three major concerns: Over 35 districts will likely exceed the orange PM2.5 threshold, sparking health concerns citywide. The air’s ventilation rates—a measure of its freedom to roam—are scarcely better than a painstakingly slow crawl, ranging a meager 875–2,250 m²/s. Capping off this perfect storm, over 80 daily hotspots have cast an ominous shadow from January 10-15. In response, January 20-21 will see the BMA’s troops rallying around robust WFH policies. Ever vigilant, authorities pledge to keep an eagle eye on the air quality situation. Should PM2.5 continue…

In the ever-evolving landscape of Thai politics, the People’s Party (PP) finds itself at a crossroads with a bold and controversial government proposal that seeks to legalize casinos through their incorporation into entertainment complexes. While the party is not inherently opposed to the idea, they stand firm on the necessity of stringent regulations to shield society from potential pitfalls. The ever-eloquent Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of PP, voiced these concerns in parliament, painting a vivid picture of caution in a sea of ambition. During a heated debate, Ms. Sirikanya passionately emphasized the importance of a transparent licensing process, a robust framework to thwart money laundering, and safeguards against social calamities like the scourge of gambling addiction. Amidst the political maelstrom, these measures form the cornerstone of PP’s stance, casting a guiding light on what could be a transformative, yet perilous, legislative venture. Her timely remarks came on the heels of…