Posts published in “Thailand”

In what can only be described as an unexpected yet heartwarming adventure, Turkish YouTuber and world-traveler, Deniz, found himself on an unanticipated detour in Thailand’s vast cultural landscape. With a burning desire to experience and understand different cultures, Deniz embarked on his journey across the globe, but little did he know that a simple hitchhiking attempt in Thailand would highlight the heartening hospitality of its locals. Deniz’s tale took a riveting turn when he was spotted in the bustling area of Rangsit, a place known for its lively streets and welcoming residents. Armed with nothing but a large backpack and an optimistic thumb raised in the universal hitchhiking gesture, Deniz hoped to make his way up north to the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. However, despite his repeated attempts from around 10 AM, no vehicles stopped to offer him a ride, leaving him baking under the relentless afternoon sun. As…

In the bustling cityscape, where skyscrapers stretch into the heavens and life unfurls in a rhythm of its own, something else hangs in the air—literally. Enter PM2.5, the elusive microscopic villain in Bangkok’s air quality saga. With dainty diameters of just 2.5 micrometers or less, these pesky particles are capable of infiltrating deep into our lungs, hitching a ride to our bloodstream, and foreshadowing a brewing storm of health concerns such as respiratory and cardiovascular afflictions. This Sunday, the center reported that the city’s PM2.5 levels averaged slightly above the country’s benchmark, settling at a reading of 38 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) over the early morning stretch from 5am to 7am. A modest drop from yesterday’s angst-inducing count of 42.5 µg/m³, but still a gentle nudge above the national standard of 37.5 µg/m³. As such, the alert rang out for city dwellers—be wary, be safe, the air isn’t as…

The political landscape of Thailand seems to be embroiled in yet another saga of intrigue and contention, as a group of senators joins forces to call for the dismissal of Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong. At the heart of the matter lies the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) decision to probe into alleged misdemeanors surrounding last year’s Senate election, transforming the corridors of power into avenues of accusation and defense. The DSI, with its seasoned investigators, is set to gather on Tuesday to deliberate on whether to cast its net over these complaints of vote-fixing. This meeting is fueled by a clamor from a gathering of disconsolate candidates, who beseech the Election Commission (EC) to dig deeper or hand the reins over to the DSI. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee appears unfazed by the rising tide of dissent, having already deigned the Senate election complaints within the righteous jurisdiction…

In a bid to keep the public informed and engaged, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has thrown his support behind a call for transparency regarding the Social Security Office’s (SSO) spending habits. This move aligns with the opposition’s demand for an investigation into the allocation of resources, especially concerning the much-debated production of 4.1 million yearly calendars. With the people’s curiosity piqued, Minister Phiphat stands ready to shine a light on these murky waters and has assured the citizens that a comprehensive clarification is on the horizon. Mr. Phiphat has emphasized that all 26 million members of the Social Security Fund (SSF) deserve utmost clarity about how their fund is being managed and what benefits they can expect. Although eager to address these pressing issues, a slight delay was inevitable as he embarked on a scheduled trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Nevertheless, he is committed to resuming the discussion posthaste.…

In the lush embrace of Thailand, the majestic elephants have long been the stars, drawing tourists from around the globe to witness their gentle grandeur. Yet, it’s crucial for travelers to tread this path with an ethical compass. Picture Baifan and Maethongkam, freely roaming giants at Blue Daily, untouched by hands, admired from a respectful distance; a sanctuary indeed for these colossal creatures, where they thrive without the burden of entertaining. Elephant experiences captivate the hearts of visitors, but it’s a delicate dance between human curiosity and animal welfare. World Animal Protection Thailand pleads for restraint, urging camps to forsake the allure of direct interaction—bathing and feeding most of all—for the sake of true ethical tourism. Travelers face the conundrum of finding sanctuaries that honor this pledge, with many opting out entirely, fearing the lure of false advertising in so-called “ethical” camps. Chiang Mai, the epicenter of this spectacle, boasts…

In the realm of Social Security, where numbers meet national welfare, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is making headlines with his unwavering commitment to transparency and his keen eye on financial returns. Responding to a clamor from the People’s Party, he is riding the wave of accountability, supporting the call for scrutinizing the spending practices of the Social Security Office (SSO). At stake is a curious query: should they continue the seemingly lavish production of 4.1 million yearly calendars? Minister Phiphat, who possesses an intellectual charm that’s as confident as a seasoned detective following a thrilling lead, assures that he and the labor permanent secretary are equipped to unravel any and all mysteries surrounding the SSO’s spending. The reassurance surely brings a sigh of relief to the 26 million members of the Social Security Fund (SSF), who are keen to witness the SSO’s progress in delivering the benefits they deserve. But…

Chiang Mai, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, was recently thrust into the spotlight for less favorable reasons. A 33-year-old man known as Oat found himself in handcuffs after running an illegal loan scheme, notorious for its sky-high interest rates and intimidating collection methods. This development comes after escalating reports of aggressive debt collection tactics in the Chai Sathan subdistrict of Saraphi. On the fateful day of February 21, stories of this menacing loan shark gang made waves, prompting alarm amongst local residents. Imagine this: You’re at home, fearing the ominous ring of your phone, every missed call potentially bringing unwanted trouble to your doorstep. For one debtor, this fear became a jarring reality when their noodle shop was vandalized simply for not answering a call. The shocking audacity of the gang has sent ripples across social media, with many sharing their harrowing experiences…

In the bustling heart of Nonthaburi, an unusual case had the local authorities scratching their heads. A 39-year-old transgender individual, known as Luk, was caught up in a whirlwind of scandal, impersonating a Thai massage housekeeper to swindle unsuspecting men. This caper was set against the backdrop of the serene Bang Yai district but wreaked havoc on the life of 53-year-old Thanida, the real housekeeper. Imagine her surprise, waking up to find random strangers persistently knocking on her door, thanks to Luk’s duplicitous maneuvers. Luk, who seemed more mischief than malice, found themselves in the hot seat with the Bang Yai police, including the sharp-eyed Police Colonel Ronnapat Thapthimthongchai and his colleague, Police Colonel Payu Nilla-aor. When confronted, Luk confessed to the scheme, admitting to using Thanida’s room number as bait for their scam. Luk’s demeanor radiated remorse as they profusely apologized to Thanida, the community, and the journalists hungry…

Blue Daily Elephant Care Sanctuary in Chiang Mai is a truly unique destination, and a shining example of a place where rescued elephants frolic freely amidst Thailand’s lush landscape. Picture this: Baifan and Maethongkam, two of Blue Daily’s beloved pachyderms, wander gracefully, their beauty best observed from afar by eager, yet mindful tourists. (Photo courtesy of Rosie Leishman) Thailand, renowned for its captivating elephant experiences, invites travelers from around the globe to witness the majesty of these gentle giants. However, with growing awareness of ethical tourism, visitors are now urged to practice caution, steering clear of hands-on interactions. World Animal Protection Thailand advocates for camps to quit using elephants for tourist entertainment, urging a ban on interactions like bathing and feeding. The quest for a “truly ethical” sanctuary isn’t without its challenges, as many intrepid travelers discover. Chiang Mai, the epicenter of Thailand’s elephant tourism, boasts approximately 90 camps with…

In a twist that could rival the most suspenseful courtroom dramas, Thailand’s political scene has erupted into a whirlwind of controversy and intrigue. At the heart of this tempest stands Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, currently fending off attempts by a group of senators who are seeking his removal from office. The reason? The Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) spirited decision to scrutinize the previous year’s Senate elections amidst rumblings of vote-fixing. This Tuesday, the DSI is gearing up to ponder whether to sink their investigative teeth into election-related complaints, sparked by discontented candidates who nudged the Election Commission (EC) to some form of action — be it ramping up their own investigations or handing the baton over to the DSI. Pol Col Tawee, overseeing this initiative, has made it clear: the DSI has uncovered enough to justify a deeper dive, as some allegations waft dangerously close to criminal…