In the world of cinema and art, few can claim the visionary prowess possessed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul. His latest tour de force, A Conversation with the Sun (VR), poised to mesmerize audiences in Bangkok, will mark its exclusive debut at the One Bangkok Forum from January 24 to February 2, 2025. This is not just an event; it is the crown jewel of the 7th Bangkok Experimental Film Festival, a shrine to avant-garde multimedia and cinematic expression. Imagine standing on the precipice of conventional storytelling and plunging into an ocean where virtual reality, performance art, and moving images converge. This is the heart of Apichatpong’s ingenious project, which invites viewers on a meditative journey through the essence of light, the ethereal tapestries of memory, and the relentless cycle of existence. It is an invitation to press pause on life’s high-speed chase, to breathe deeply, and connect with the fleeting yet…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, near the lively Ratchaprasong intersection, a peculiar yet fascinating figure towers atop a police truck. This isn’t your typical officer; it’s the latest marvel in traffic management, the “Sarawat Choey AI.” As crowds bustled beneath its gaze on Wednesday, this AI-powered guardian was set on a mission to bring order to one of the city’s most chaotic intersections. Known affectionately as ‘Jah Choey’ or Pol Sgt Idly Silent, this figure has been a long-standing emblem of traffic enforcement in Thailand. Recently, however, after an impressive 17-year tenure, Jah Choey has undergone a significant transformation. Now elevated to the rank of police major and rebranded as ‘Sarawat Choey AI,’ it boasts cutting-edge AI technology aimed at revolutionizing the way traffic violations are detected and managed. Friday’s announcement by Pol Lt Col Tossaporn Kleebkaew, the deputy superintendent of the Traffic Police Division, hailed this advancement as…
In the picturesque district of Sangkha Buri, Kanchanaburi, a tale unfolds that’s as thrilling as it is fishy—pun intended. Under the cloak of evening on a seemingly ordinary Thursday, a covert operation unveiled a narrative richer than any fisherman’s yarn. As the sun dipped behind the upland agricultural stretch of Tambon Nong Lu, a scene was set for perhaps the greatest caper involving seafood this side of Thailand. The intrepid Latya task force, bolstered by border patrol police and local stalwarts, was hot on the trail of two suspicious pickup trucks. These vehicles, bold enough to bypass the vigilant eyes at the Ban Nam Kerk checkpoint, led officials on a chase worthy of a crime thriller. The soldiers and their partners in duty intercepted the trucks, having trailed them through the hidden natural corridors that entwine the borderlands. At the heart of this salty saga were two men—local sons of…
Srettha Thavisin stood before the media at Government House on August 14, clarifying that there had been no breach of ethical standards in his appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a minister. This statement followed the Constitutional Court’s ruling, and as the year 2025 nears, ‘Bangkok Post’ reflects on the most captivating political stories of the past year. One story, in particular, continues to resonate—Srettha Thavisin’s meteoric rise and precipitous fall as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister. Once a towering figure in real estate, Srettha’s entry into the political arena was as dramatic as his departure. His premiership, though short-lived, carved an indelible mark in the annals of Thai politics, perhaps more for its swiftness than any policies enacted. Srettha’s political journey began when the ruling Pheu Thai Party selected him from among their triad of prime ministerial candidates, edging out Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party (MFP), whose Senate endorsement…
In the heart of Thailand’s Khon Kaen province, where roads weave through lush landscapes and vibrant towns, a routine holiday journey turned into an unexpected ordeal. On a serene Friday morning, as the Air Muang Loei bus journeyed amidst the early whispers of dawn, an unsettling crash echoed through the once-quiet Chumphae district. The festive spirit, embodied in a busload of passengers eager to celebrate the New Year, was suddenly overshadowed by disaster. The massive double-decker, entrusted with the spirits of 36 individuals, was on a pilgrimage from bustling Bangkok to the tranquil Chiang Khan district in Loei province. This wasn’t just any trip; it was the prelude to a joyous holiday, a time when stories are exchanged, laughter echoes, and memories are woven into the fabric of the New Year celebrations. Yet, destiny had other plans at kilometre marker 225 on Road 201. As the clock ticked towards 6:30…
Set against the vibrant, bustling backdrop of Pattaya, a beach town that dances to its own lively rhythm, recent events unfurled that drew curious gazes. Twenty women, a multicultural tapestry, found themselves at the center of legal attention. Seated with solemn expressions, they were caught up in a whirl of police activity that unfurled on an otherwise typical Friday in Chon Buri province. The narrative began as whispers from both locals and sun-kissed tourists, who buzzed about a striking ensemble of foreign women frequenting scenic nooks along the renowned beach. Their lingering presence, combined with persistent attempts at soliciting monetary compensation for companionship, stirred the atmosphere. The chorus of concerns grew too loud to ignore, inevitably reaching the ears of Pattaya’s vigilant tourist police. Taking center stage was Pol Lt Col Piyapong Ensan, a name perfectly suited to the dramatic unfolding this investigation demanded. With practiced poise, he led his…
In the vibrant tapestry of Pattaya Beach, where golden sands kiss the turquoise waves, an unexpected drama unfolded that left both tourists and locals raising their eyebrows. Late Friday, the typically serene seaside town of Chon Buri became the stage for a crackdown by the sharp-eyed immigration police, leading to the apprehension of twenty women alleged to be involved in an under-the-table trade—sex services. Imagine a place where laughter echoes against the backdrop of the ocean, where the sun dips below the horizon in a spectacular wash of colors. Yet, amid this picturesque scene, whispers among beachgoers and residents began to rise. These whispers soon reached the ears of the vigilant Pattaya tourist police, helmed by the astute Pol Lt Col Piyapong Ensan. Concerns were voiced about a posse of foreign women positioned strategically along the beach, allegedly offering more than just a cheery smile and a friendly chat. The…
In the exhilarating realm of high-speed rail construction in Thailand, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) stands poised on the brink of a critical takeover. As the new year approaches with bated breath, the airports of Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao may soon find themselves seamlessly connected by an ambitious high-speed rail (HSR) project fraught with drama, ambition, and a touch of intrigue. Although this futuristic venture has been delayed for a staggering five years, a tale resembling a saga of epic proportions, the SRT—a government-backed titan—has declared its readiness to commandeer the reins from the current contractor, Asia Era One. This joint venture, wedged between the corporate might of CP Group and its partners, has found itself in the limelight, unable to leap over bureaucratic and logistical hurdles fast enough to transform vision into reality. The clock ticks toward a decision, with urgency echoing through the corridors of the…
The festive season in any country often brings a mix of joy, bustle, and, unfortunately, an increased likelihood of traffic mishaps. As 2025 awaits on the horizon, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has taken a determined stance to curb this downside by instigating more stringent consequences for drunk drivers. Through a collaborative venture with the Interior Ministry, they intend to ramp up the penalties and crack down on repeat offenses. It seems that every year, despite awareness campaigns and warnings, road accidents surge, and the numbers are daunting. Historical data provided by the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation revealed that last year’s New Year period alone was marred by 284 tragic fatalities and 2,307 injuries due to road accidents. It’s a reality that is both chilling and wholly preventable if measures are strictly adhered to. Mr. Suriya laments over the persistent causes of these accidents: intoxicated driving, drivers engrossed in texting or…
In the bustling corridors of Thailand’s transportation sector, whispers are getting louder about the ambitious high-speed rail (HSR) project that aims to seamlessly link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports. For five years, this project has been more of a dream than a reality. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga introduces the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) as a potential new lead if the current contractor, Asia Era One—a partnership spearheaded by the CP Group—fails to deliver. Word on the grapevine is that SRT is ready to step in and take control, much like a superhero answering the distress signal of a city in need, especially after an Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECP) meeting highlighted the prolonged delays with this pivotal infrastructure endeavor. SRT’s governor, Veeris Ammarapala, recently assured that the state-run agency has prepped to shoulder the hefty 120-billion-baht investment should matters fall apart with the current…