Amid the vibrant hustle and bustle of the 2023 diving exposition at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, a captivating poster of a scuba diver effortlessly pulled the gaze of intrigued visitors, setting the stage for an intriguing revelation in the realm of diving. Yet, beneath this dazzling surface lies a tale that stretches far beyond mere aquatic adventures into realms of conservation and environmental stewardship. As the azure waves whisper secrets of the aquatic world, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand has made an emphatic move to ensure these precious whispers are never silenced. With the flourish of a pen, Minister Chalermchai Sri-on has woven a new narrative – one etched with accountability and the promise of preservation. The Royal Gazette has captured this in its annals, heralding a sweeping ministerial order that sets forth a ban aimed squarely at scuba diving trainees and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
If your phone suddenly bursts into an ear-splitting alarm this May, don’t rush to dive under your desk or start concocting a survival plan—it’s merely a test. Grab a seat and let me walk you through the calm chaos orchestrated by Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). They’ve scheduled a full-scale tech rehearsal of their spiffy emergency Cell Broadcast alert system. This trial run is set to penetrate through the airwaves on May 2, 7, and 13, sending shockwaves—literally and figuratively—across selected locales. The planned olé of alert tests rolls out in three sizes: small, medium, and large, all commencing at the suspenseful stroke of 1 PM sharp. Each phone will scream out an intensely loud, stirring tone and display a message in both Thai and English, stressing the importance of serenity: “This is a test message from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). No action…
Imagine a world where advanced technology isn’t just a buzzword but a life-saving tool, drastically improving the outcomes of medical treatments. Welcome to that world at Siriraj Hospital in Thailand, where the latest advancements in interventional radiology are making waves in patient care. Standing as a beacon of medical innovation, Siriraj Hospital, led by the visionary Doctor Yongyut Sirivatanauksorn, is calling on the government to recognize the life-saving potential of investing in interventional radiology technology. Hitting the ground running in 2017, the Siriraj Centre of Interventional Radiology (SiCIR) was born from an urgent need to enhance patient care. As one of the 19 Siriraj Medical Centres of Excellence, SiCIR has transformed over 5,000 lives each year with its cutting-edge capabilities. And as Thailand’s population ages, the demand for such minimally invasive procedures is anticipated to skyrocket. However, as Doctor Yongyut points out, challenges abound—specifically, a scarcity of interventional radiologists (IR)…
As the sizzling sun sets its sights on Thailand, a daunting heatwave is poised to disrupt the tropical paradise, sparing none, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the idyllic beaches of Phuket. In a nation renowned for its vibrant energy and passionate culture, the Department of Health has sounded an urgent alarm. Public health officials have warned that life-threatening heat levels are en route, ready to make their unwelcome presence known in 35 provinces across the country. The heat index, a nemesis born from the marriage of temperature and humidity, is predicted to skyrocket, plunging parts of Thailand into a “very dangerous” red zone, with Phuket bearing the brunt of this thermal terror. Bangkok and other regions aren’t far behind, poised to embrace the “dangerous” orange level. According to Dr. Amporn Benjapolpitak, the Director General of the Department of Health, it’s a time to heed the heat. “The heat…
In a plot twist reminiscent of a detective novel, evidence has surfaced that could give even the savviest sleuth goosebumps. Secret chat logs and some rather suspicious money transfer slips have been discovered, linking the notorious operator of a gambling website to an academic scandal that involves none other than a police general! The revelations have thrust the incident into the spotlight, turning what seemed to be a routine case into a gripping tale of intrigue and deception. On the fateful day of April 23, tucked away within the confines of the Technology Crime Suppression Division 1, the air was thick with anticipation as Police Major General Siriwat Deephor took to the podium. His announcement of the arrest of 53-year-old Kanittha was met with a mix of gasps and murmurs. The arrest unfolded rather dramatically at her cozy abode in the Bang Bon district of Bangkok, executed under a warrant…
Under the balmy sun of Koh Samui, a scene unfolded that seemed straight out of a beachside drama. Imagine the usual serene ambiance of Chaweng Beach being unexpectedly stirred when the local police, while on their routine patrol at around 5pm, found themselves in hot pursuit of an errant motorcyclist. Amidst honking horns and curious onlookers, a chase ensued, transforming the otherwise tranquil setting into a makeshift cat-and-mouse arena. The protagonist of this impromptu saga? A British national by the name of Michael Philip Martin. At just 28, Martin’s evening took an unexpected twist when he caught the attention of the ever-vigilant Surat Thani police. In a bid to question him about his breezy disregard for traffic laws, the officers gestured for him to pull over. Instead of complying, Martin perhaps felt a surge of what one might call the ‘chase-impulse.’ He revved his motorbike and darted towards the airport…
Under the vibrant lights of Bangkok, at the United Nations Conference Centre on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, a bold assembly took place: the 81st UNESCAP Commission Session, which would linger in collective memory as a pivotal moment in the region’s journey towards safety and sustainability. Amidst an atmosphere charged with hopeful anticipation, Chadchart Sittipunt emerged as a charismatic protagonist, passionately advocating for the twin missions of road safety and sustainable transport in developing nations. Drawing a diverse melange of voices from all corners of Asia, the assembly unfolded as a bustling agora, where representatives eagerly swapped insights on everything from groundbreaking policy innovations to cutting-edge technological advancements. These discussions, infused with an infectious spirit of collaboration, centered on the singular goal of significantly enhancing road safety across urban landscapes. The session doubled as a rich tapestry of shared wisdom, with participants’ hailing from varied backgrounds — policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders alike…
In the bustling heart of Thailand, where the vibrant energy of Bangkok hums like a busy orchestra, a fervent initiative is taking shape within the towering walls of the city’s administrative core. Surachit Phongsinghvithya, the esteemed Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC), alongside Praphruet Hankitjakul, a diligent Huai Khwang District Councillor, received a poignant letter during the Council’s third ordinary session of the second term for the year 2025. This gathering unfolded in the BMC meeting room, nestled within the Airawat Pattana building of Bangkok City Hall 2, situated in the lively district of Din Daeng. With a voice carrying the weight of unspoken concerns, Sunthorn Sukcha, representing a passionate association, stepped forward with a declaration that rang through the room. “There is a glaring void,” he stated, “a striking absence of specific legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights and enriching the lives of persons with disabilities.” He envisioned…
The buzzing rumor mill has been churning out sensational claims that US visa sanctions have thrown a wrench into Thailand’s trade negotiations. Yet, according to Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, these rumors are merely ephemeral wisps of smoke without any tangible fire. During a press briefing on April 23rd, Phumtham firmly dismissed the notion that the visa bans—imposed in response to Thailand’s controversial deportation of Uyghur refugees to China back in February—have managed to sideline key Thai negotiators ahead of upcoming US trade talks. With a steely resolve glinting in his eyes, Phumtham declared, “Thailand is preparing itself as best and as calmly as possible. Once the schedule is confirmed, we will be ready for discussions.” In the same breath, he reaffirmed that the absence of certain officials has absolutely nothing to do with any alleged sanctions. He elucidated that Thailand remains resolutely prepared, particularly when it comes to security-related matters.…
An unanticipated drama unfolded in the bustling and vibrant streets of Pattaya when a restaurant bill dispute took a rather unpleasant turn. Picture this: It’s the bright morning of April 23, 2025, and the usually lively alley near Pattaya Walking Street is echoing with the sounds of an altercation, drawing the attention of passersby and rescuers alike. A South Korean man named Mugyeom found himself in hot water after what seemed to be a casual dining experience with Thai friends morphed into a scene from a soap opera. The drama began with a seemingly innocuous dining experience. Mugyeom and his company, three engaging Thai women, had just enjoyed a meal of local delicacies complete with a generous serving of alcohol. Everything appeared delightful until Mugyeom, channeling what one might call a slightly audacious energy, asked one of the women to foot the bill, with the promise of a swift reimbursement…