In a rather intriguing turn of events, Thitikan Thitipruethikul, a devoted People’s Party (PP) MP representing the scenic haven of Phuket, has stirred waves by petitioning the House Committee on Natural and Public Disasters Prevention and Mitigation (NPDPM). The bone of contention? The mysterious vanishing act of two vital tsunami warning towers within Thalang district. You see, these aren’t just any towers; tower WH09 stood guard at the picturesque Mai Khao Beach, while tower WH10 kept watch over the sun-kissed sands of Le Phang Beach. Concerned residents tipped off Mr. Thitikan about this astonishing disappearance, and upon revisiting the sites on December 12th, he discovered that both towers had indeed vanished without leaving a note behind. A perplexing episode indeed! The plot thickens as Phuket’s governor, the illustrious Sophon Suwannarat, entered the narrative stage with revelations of epic proportions. Just this past Monday, he assured his audience that these towers…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an unprecedented move towards empowering financial security for its citizens, Thailand’s Parliament has given a unanimous nod to a groundbreaking initiative. The stage is set for a transformative amendment to the National Savings Fund (NSF) Act of 2011, introducing a novel twist to retirement planning—a “retirement lottery.” This powerful initiative is designed to kindle the spark of retirement savings among the populace, allowing the NSF to step into the enchanting and often unpredictable world of lottery tickets. The parliamentary session that saw this motion unfold was skillfully presided over by none other than Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangpan. It was a day when the echoes of consensus filled the legislative halls as MPs across the board rallied behind the bill, recognizing its potential to cement financial security for Thailand’s ageing population. At the heart of this initiative’s design stands Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. In an address laden with…
It was a splendid day at the Government House when an aura of enthusiasm filled the air as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended a warm welcome to Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Amidst the sound of cheerful conversations and the click-clack of pens on official documents, the day marked a significant milestone in the diplomatic chronicles of Thailand and Nepal. It was an occasion loaded with anticipation, as a total of eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements were finalized between the two nations. These MoUs herald a new era of cooperation across several vital areas such as tourism and education, setting a promising tone for a prosperous partnership. Both leaders, brimming with optimism, signed a MoU on state cooperation, as heralded by the government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. The strategic rendezvous was a part of the Nepali PM’s visit to the kingdom, just ahead of the 6th Bay of…
In a vibrant display of civic engagement, anti-casino demonstrators took to the streets at the Government House on March 27, their voices a chorus against the proposed casino-entertainment complex project. As the sun casts a warm glow over the passionate crowd, one might mistake the assembly for a festive gathering rather than a protest, yet the fervor for a serious cause is palpable. This unfolding saga will soon advance to the Senate, where a committee is poised to delve into the multifaceted impacts of the Casino and Entertainment Complex Bill. The House of Representatives is eagerly eyeing this bill for review in the coming week. Pisit Apiwattanapong, the astute senator and spokesperson for the Senate committee on Senate affairs, revealed that two pivotal motions related to this project have secured spots on the agenda for the April 8 meeting. As anticipation builds, senators prepare to engage in robust debate and…
While there’s a widely held belief that many animals possess an uncanny sixth sense for predicting natural disasters, one particular dog in Thailand comically shattered this myth during the recent tremor felt in Bangkok. Meet Echo, the lovable Samoyed who turned what could have been a panic-stricken evacuation into an internet sensation with her rather unconventional response to the quake. In a TikTok video that has racked up over 5 million views, Echo’s owner can be seen in the throes of an “it’s time to get out of here” moment. Panic in the air, adrenaline pumping, she attempts to coax her 32-kilogram fluffy friend into action. But Echo, in an ultimate display of indifference, simply refused to be roused from her serene slumber, sprawled comfortably on the ground amidst vibrating furniture and frantic feet. As the owner desperately tries to rouse the snoozing Samoyed by tugging at her front leg,…
In the aftermath of the recent earthquake, Thailand finds itself at a pivotal moment. As the ground beneath has settled, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up to shake the dust off the nation’s tourism industry. The pressingly urgent task at hand? Restoring the dented confidence of both local and international travelers, while ensuring every guest feels not just welcome, but supremely safe and secure. Held under the astute guidance of Minister Sorawong Thienthong, a critical meeting drew together the best minds from government sectors and the private sphere. The gathering witnessed eager participation from key figures like representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the ever-vigilant Tourist Police, and top contributors from the Association of Thai Travel Agents and Thai Hotels Association. All eyes were on formulating a vision that keeps Thailand not just as a dot on the map, but as a beacon of tourism…
Picture this: The vast expanse of the Lam Takhong Reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima province. It lies a majestic but worrying image, clutching onto a mere 18% of its water capacity. But don’t let this sight alarm you just yet, as hope sails on the horizon according to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). They’ve confidently piped up that this year, for Thailand at least, drought is not on the agenda! Surprisingly upbeat despite the dry season’s brush with brevity, ends in April! But hold onto your umbrellas, folks, as summer storms accompanied by splashes of heightened rainfall are making a grand entrance soon. Sleuths of drought risks were nowhere to be sniffed out, which definitely keeps the water ghosts at bay. Surasri Kidtimonton, the ONWR’s secretary-general, nudged northerners to keep their eyes peeled for storm warnings. The Meteorological Department projects the North to get prime rainy seatings with…
Perched amid the serene yet haunting landscapes of the Nakhon Si Thammarat province lies a quaint district known as Chian Yai. It’s a delightful mosaic of verdant fields and charming stilted homes that echo the gentle cadence of rural Thailand. However, one particular house in this peaceful hamlet has recently been thrust into the harsh glare of notoriety, casting long shadows over its placid precincts. The house of tragedy, as it stands now, was on the quiet morning of a promising Wednesday, rudely interrupted by a heinous act that seems to defy logic and humanity. It was circa 10:30 AM when a distressed neighbor’s call pierced through the usual tranquility, summoning the local police and a dedicated team from the Po Tek Tung Foundation to the somber scene. The accused, an unassuming man named An Uimon, appeared a stoic figure of despair, his age having brushed past five decades. As…
Meet Chadchart Sittipunt, affectionately known as ‘Trip’—a man who has risen through the ranks to become one of Bangkok’s most recognizable figures. Born on May 24, 1966, in the bustling heart of Bangkok, Chadchart is no ordinary leader. He carries the impressive title of Governor of Bangkok, a role he assumed with vigour in 2022. Since taking office, he has gained admiration for resolving an impressive 700,000 out of 860,000 grievances submitted via the city’s digital complaint platform, Traffy Fondue. With the community at the heart of his governance, social media lovingly dubs him “the strongest man on Earth.” The Engineer’s Path: Bridging Knowledge and Innovation Chadchart’s foundation in education is akin to a masterclass in connecting the dots. In his own words, “Life is like connecting the dots. The more dots you have—more knowledge, more experience—the better you can connect them to shape your future.” And, oh, does he…
In the vibrant heart of Songkhla, a new beacon of hope is taking shape—literally. No, it’s not another culinary phenomenon or a hidden gem spa, but rather a state-of-the-art, nine-story building that promises to transform healthcare in the region. Currently underway at the Songkhla Hospital in Muang District, this project is turning heads for reasons both inspiring and nail-biting. At the helm of this ambitious undertaking is a well-known figure in the world of large-scale construction: the same Chinese company that had the daunting task of building the now-infamous 30-story State Audit Office. Yes, the very one that crumbled like a house of cards during last Friday’s earthquake. Yet, despite its riskier-than-usual prestige, this company is also behind the much-talked-about new terminal at Narathiwat Airport—a project that’s been creeping along at a leisurely pace, to put it mildly. The new hospital facility, pegged to cost a cool 426.9 million baht,…