Posts published in “Thailand”

As the world keenly felt the jab of a Covid-19 vaccine needle in the bustling district of Pathumwan back in December 2022, a photo capturing this moment by Somchai Poomlard evoked a sigh of relief mixed with a cautious anticipation. Yet, amid this groundbreaking race to vaccinate, experts have started to shine the spotlight on an area possibly overlooked but equally critical – antiviral therapeutics. It’s not just about preventing the next global health crisis but navigating it with fewer casualties, something Sharon Lewin, a luminary in infectious diseases from the University of Melbourne, passionately advocates for. Lewin, who has been at the forefront of battles against invisible enemies, brought an interesting perspective to the table during a virtual forum titled “Fair Treatment: The place of therapeutics in future pandemics”. She presented a somewhat unsettling scenario: what if the next pandemic drags us into a battle where vaccines are an…

In a world that’s always racing to get from point A to point B, it’s easy to overlook the journey of those for whom travel isn’t just about the destination, but also about the hurdles they face along the way. Enter Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, a man on a mission to transform air travel into a journey that’s as seamless for disabled passengers as it is for everyone else. On a sunny Sunday, with determination in his stride, he embarked on an eye-opening journey from the buzzing city of Bangkok to the serene landscapes of Roi Et. This wasn’t just any routine inspection tour. Minister Varawut traded his government official shoes for a day to experience the world on wheels. Yes, you read that right. The minister navigated through Roi Et airport in a wheelchair, immersing himself in the reality faced by disabled travelers. This firsthand…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district, a scene reminiscent of a high-stakes detective drama unfolds – members of an elite government task force, with a mission as critical as it is daunting, meticulously examine open-billed storks at the serene Phut Khao Bird Park. The year is 2004, and the adversary is invisible yet formidable – avian influenza. This flashback sets the stage for our tale of vigilance, science, and birds. (Photo courtesy of the Bangkok Post archives) The shadow of avian influenza, or bird flu as it’s more commonly known, has once again crept into the limelight, prompting the Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand to kick their surveillance tactics into high gear. This resurgence of concern traces back to an unsettling dispatch from U.S. health authorities detailing a second human encounter with the bird flu just last week. Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the sagacious director-general of…

Imagine cruising along on a sunny Sunday in Nonthaburi, when suddenly, a real-life action movie scene unfolds right before your eyes. This isn’t your average traffic jam story. Oh no, this one’s straight out of a Hollywood stunt show, except it’s all too real and happened just before the clock struck noon. Picture this: a Honda Jazz, not just any car, but a compact beast with ambitions far bigger than its footprint, decides it’s going to be a hero of the tarmac. The stage? None other than the bustling overhead dancefloor above the Phraram 5 roundabout on Nakhon In Road. Our protagonist, the plucky Honda Jazz, found itself shoulder to shoulder, or bumper to bumper, with two other metal giants – an Isuzu pickup truck and a Mitsubishi van. Both were minding their own business, cruising side-by-side like two peas in a pod. But our Honda had different plans. It…

In the serene landscape of Seka district in Bueng Kan, a chilling tale unfurled that shook the very essence of this quiet northeastern province of Thailand. It was there, amidst the tranquility of rural life, that the air was pierced by the grim discovery of charred human remains, a grim testament to a sinister deed laid bare for the world to see. This discovery marked the beginning of a tale that intertwined friendship, betrayal, and the darkest corners of human nature. At the heart of this macabre story stands a 42-year-old Belgian man, known only as Steve, whose actions have catapulted him into the center of a riveting investigation. His arrest in the adjacent province of Nakhon Phanom, while attempting to discard a seemingly inconspicuous motorcycle into a pond in the Ban Phaeng district, would unravel the thread to a gruesome narrative. Narcotics suppression detectives, acting on instinct, decided to…

Imagine this: you’re nestled comfortably in your seat aboard the illustrious Singapore Airlines, the pioneer of luxury in the sky, soaring high on flight SQ321 from London to Singapore. The ambiance inside the aircraft is a testament to SIA’s commitment to customer satisfaction, their attention to detail second to none. But then, the unthinkable happens—severe turbulence, out of nowhere, over the serene skies of Myanmar. This isn’t just any bump or jolt; we’re talking about the kind of air disturbance that sends shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned travelers. It was Tuesday, a day that began like any other for the 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board. Little did they know they’d be part of an unforeseen event that led to a dramatic emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The story took a heart-wrenching turn when we learned of a 73-year-old British gentleman who…

In a heartwarming turn of events, seventeen Thai workers, who found themselves in the clutches of Hamas, breathed the air of freedom as they touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport on an El Al Airways flight LY081 on May 30, 2023. This momentous occasion, capably captured by the Bangkok Post, marked the end of their harrowing ordeal and a significant victory for diplomacy and international cooperation. Amidst this backdrop of relief and reunions, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is setting his sights on further cementing the ties between Thailand and Israel. With a meticulously planned four-day sojourn to the Middle Eastern nation from May 26 to 29 upon the gracious invitation of the Israeli government, Mr. Phiphat is not just a man on a mission; he’s a pioneer envisioning a future where opportunities abound for Thai workers far and wide. Accompanied by an entourage of high-ranking officials, the Labour Minister is poised…

The curious tale of a massive Buddha amulet scam is something more akin to a script for a high-stakes drama rather than an event from real life. However, for one unfortunate victim, this story is all too real. Under the fluorescent lights of a meeting room, where a staggering 380-million-baht trade deal was once confidently inked, only the echo of betrayal remains. The photographic evidence of this moment, captured by Chalit Poomruang, now serves as a haunting reminder of trust misplaced. In the heart of the tale are Thanapol and Amornrat, a couple deeply entangled in a web of deceit. Their playground for fraud? The mystical market of Buddha amulets. This story unfolds as the hands of the clock point to 11 pm in the serene landscapes of Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. It was here, amid the tranquil whispers of the night, that the couple’s world of…

The journey of Chonthicha Jangrew from an impassioned activist to a distinguished member of the House of Representatives is nothing short of captivating. With a fire ignited in her heart post the 2014 coup, Chonthicha has been on an unwavering mission to advocate for democratic freedoms, a quest that recently found her in the spotlight of global recognition. The Move Forward Party MP’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, belief, and the relentless pursuit of change. Monday is poised to be a pivotal day for Chonthicha as she steps into the Thanyaburi Provincial Court, awaiting a crucial ruling in a lese-majeste case that has captivated national and international observers alike. This court appearance comes on the heels of an immense honor: being named one of the 2024 Next Generation Leaders by Time magazine, a title that celebrates her unyielding commitment to social and political reform. Chonthicha’s legal…

In a world increasingly dominated by digital dominions and virtual ventures, Thailand is gearing up to fortify its cyber ramparts with the impending establishment of a specialized cyber-command unit. This strategic move, spearheaded by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang’s spokesperson, Jirayu Huangsap, marks a pivotal leap towards strengthening the nation’s cyber warfare capabilities. Set to take the digital stage in October, this initiative reflects Thailand’s proactive stance in navigating the intricate web of modern technological threats. During a Defence Council meeting that resembled less of a conventional gathering and more of a cerebral symposium, chaired by the meticulous Mr Sutin, the baton of responsibility was passed to none other than Gen Songwit Noonphakdi. As the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), Gen Songwit was tasked with the formidable challenge of bringing this cyber-command unit to life. The ambiance of the room, filled with the gravitas of the mission ahead,…