The exemplar of sustainability celebrations – The Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023) – is once again making waves, this time with a captivating ‘Blind Experience’. Nestled in the heart of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), this one-of-a-kind event is designed to foster empathy and understanding for the visually impaired community by providing participants with an opportunity to step into their shoes. Every year, the spotlight of SX2023 keenly shines on key issues confronted by marginalized communities, while also consistently holding the title of the Asean region’s largest annual festivity devoted to sustainability. This year, they’ve put a real twist on things, proving that sight is not the only sense capable of painting vivid pictures of the world around us. The ‘Blind Experience’ offers a multitude of ‘blind’ activities that take participants on a unique sensory journey. These activities begin with the “Nice to see you” workshop. Burdened with blindfolds,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Last year, the bustling streets of Thailand witnessed a significant rise in road accidents involving delivery riders – eighty-one to be precise. Sadly, these accidents resulted in 28 fatalities and left 36 riders in severe physical distress. The culprits of these unfortunate incidents? Predominantly, reckless speeding, lane indiscipline, distracted driving due to mobile phone usage, and an incessant rush to meet delivery deadlines. Kongkarn Takhiranrit, the incumbent director of the Social Risk Control Office at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (also known as ThaiHealth) shed some light on this issue. She revealed a rather grim statistic – delivery riders and motorcycle taxis figure in the majority of Thailand’s road accident death toll. She elaborated on the sobering scenario by providing some numbers. Currently, Bangkok is home to 5,556 motorcycle taxi service stations with a registered rider strength of 84,547. In her expert opinion, hastily driving through complex traffic scenarios without…
Srettha Thavisin, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister, was the main character at the opening of the 2nd Thailand Climate Action Conference (TCAC) held at the SX Grand Plenary Hall of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The illustrious event also witnessed the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwon. As the threat of climate change looms large on our planet, Thailand steps up to reaffirm its commitment to counter this global menace. The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) scheduled for next month in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will see the nation asking for increased technological and financial aid. The Thai Prime Minister emphasized that the country takes its environmental protection responsibilities seriously and aims to boost its investment in green bonds. Addressing the crowd at the 2nd Thailand Climate Action Conference (TCAC), Mr. Thavisin…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, at an entrance point of the popular Siam Paragon shopping mall, you will undoubtedly notice the vigilant security personnel dutifully checking incoming visitors’ bags as they funnel in. This is following a recent incident that hit the headlines, stirring up an influx of queries and concerns from independent readers and media agencies alike. The Thai government, in response to these concerns, has committed to boosting security measures, aiming to reassure and rekindle the trust of international tourists who flock to Thailand for its rich cultural experiences and fine shopping scene. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, after finding himself in the centre of Chinese media inquiries, offered reassurances following the unfortunate Siam Paragon shooting episode which occurred on a Tuesday. The distressing event resulted in two foreign nationals, a Chinese and a person from Myanmar losing their lives. Five more people – one Chinese, a Laos…
In an audacious move, Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of the incumbent Pheu Thai Party, echoed his steadfast support for the 10,000-baht digital wallet stimulus package aimed at every Thai citizen above the age of 16 years. This declaration was made despite a wave of disapproval rippling through the expert panels. He made this bold assertion during a press event held on a balmy Friday matinee. Renowned Bank of Thailand governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, had previously criticised this very policy. In response, the head of the government acknowledged his commentary and iterated that the Pheu Thai Party’s ears are wide open to any and all suggestions or recommendations related to the said scheme. In an ambitious stride to underscore this digital wallet venture, the ruling government targets 56 million recipients. The plan is slated to hit the ground from the 1st of February. While the program’s budget stands at an estimated…
On a recent Friday, Srettha Thavisin, the esteemed Prime Minister of Thailand, made a critical visit to Ubon Ratchathani province. This was no routine visit, but rather a mission to hold discussions with provincial officials bearing the weight of the area’s flooding situation. His chosen location for this urgent conversation was the Regional Irrigation Office 7, seated in the heart of the Muang district, where he hoped to inspire quick and efficient responses to the flooding. Mr. Thavisin not only emphasized the need for immediate action but also the importance of long-term strategies to prevent future flooding. Despite the fact that the current flooding situation isn’t as dire as what was experienced in the previous year, each flood’s mark on the province’s industrial sector cannot be ignored, he pointed out. Additionally, he expressed concerned about the potential for floods to instigate outbreaks of transmittable diseases, which he assured would be…
Caught between two watchful guardians of the law, stands the awe-inspiring silhouette of the Democracy Monument, forming an unforgettable vista during an anti-government demonstration on the crisp afternoon of October 14, 2021. This breathtaking snapshot was captured by the talented lensman, Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. Following this grandiose spectacle, our attention shifts to the crucial meeting of the newly-formed 35-member panel tasked with formulating a referendum that aims to set in motion essential amendments to the constitution. The council’s inception received a nod from the cabinet in the preceding week, reliable sources confirm. Chusak Sirinil, an esteemed member of the panel and the Pheu Thai-list, provides insights into the agenda for this key meet, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The team central priority is to orchestrate a common ground on the critical matters such as the number of referendums required to make concrete decisions regarding the structure…
Could a seemingly innocent Instagram snap of ex-prime minister Thaksin contentedly splashing around in a pool with his grandchild, in July 2021, trigger a stirred-up controversy? A former politician asserts it could, and according to him, it just did. The man behind this assertion is the ex-Democrat Party MP, Watchara Phetthong, who is using that image to raise suspicions about Thaksin, the 74-year-old, convalescent, convict. Thaksin’s recent homecoming to Thailand after over a decade and a half of self-imposed exile was immediately marked with an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power and conflict of interest during his time as premier, which, fortunately for him, was ultimately abbreviated to a year. A mere 13 hours into the jail term saw him admitted to the Police General Hospital, where he has resided till date. Watchara is now challenging Thaksin’s admission into the hospital and doubting whether he indeed qualifies medically for…
Unveiling their bold initiative, the Move Forward Party submitted a comprehensive amnesty bill on a fine Thursday that sought to encompass all political protestors, dating back to February 2006. Aiming to stitch together the cracked unity of the nation, party leader Chaithawat Tulathon described the bill’s purpose as condoning the multitude of political protestors who faced legal consequences for their involvement in political demonstrations since the inception of protests incited by the People’s Alliance for Democracy on Feb 11, 2006, against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra. Optimism emanated from the opposition party as they projected this sweeping amnesty to embrace countless protestors previously chastened by sundry laws linked to their politically driven activities, giving outspoken rationalization through Mr Chaithawat. The party holds a staunch belief in the potential of their initiative to mend societal peace, harmony, and unity by liberating individuals involved in past political demonstrations. The daring proposal forwarded…
The former steward of Thailand’s police force, Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, stirred the political milieu recently when he lodged a formal complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission, or NACC. At the crux of his grievance stands Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Police Commission, who, according to Temeeyaves, have egregiously violated the law in their recent appointment of Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol as the fresh face of the national police force. Not just any former chief, but a leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, Sereepisuth Temeeyaves was seen entering the NACC offices last Thursday, lawyer Ananchai Chaidet in tow. Rendering his presence even more pronounced in the political scene, Temeeyaves is a pivotal figure among the eleven parties merged in the Pheu Thai-led coalition government. This bold move came in the wake of Ananchai’s tantalizing forecast of an upcoming “super big surprise” slated for October 5th. The complaint lodged by Sereepisuth…