In an uninterrupted and ever-evolving global supply chain, cyber-attacks propagate causing disruptions not just in the production line but also affect the distribution networks in industries. Though this phenomenon is global, I sat down in an exclusive tête-à-tête with the Secretary General of Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Amorn Chomchoey. In this engaging conversation, he elaborates on the current landscape of cybersecurity in Thailand and around the world, giving an insight into a rather concealed world. Mr Chomchoey accentuated how cybersecurity has become a topic of interest globally and not just in Thailand. When asked about the continuous rise in cybercrimes, he smilingly said, “Ransomware today generates higher revenue than the ever-thriving illegal drug trade”. The analogy might sound implausible, but the US itself witnesses online scam-expenditure touching a whopping $10.3 billion per annum. That equates to nearly 5% of the annual GDP in Thailand. Cyber romance frauds majorly…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Waraphon Piyathansomsin, a renowned influencer and chief executive of Bondi Jelly, more affectionately known by her fans as “Bew”, recently found herself in the middle of a whirlwind of controversy. While travelling to South Korea for a combination of pleasure trip and wedding dress shopping with her soon-to-be spouse, Bew was unexpectedly taken into custody by South Korea’s immigration enforcement. The incident quickly gained traction online, thanks to her dedicated fan base comprising over 700,000 followers. In what Bew described as her unfortunate first-time experience being held at immigration despite nearly a decade of regular visits to South Korea, she faced inexplicable detention. The immigration officials provided no information as to why she was detained. Her fiancé, however, was given the green light and was allowed to proceed without her. Bew shares how she and three to four other detainees spent the night in a frigid holding cell, equipped with…
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has released a statement concerning a looming heavy rainfall expected to hit 49 provinces, with a major concentration expected in 70% of these areas. The heartbeat of the nation, Bangkok, is foreseen to experience the most impact from the storm. In this view, residents have been armed with warnings of emergent endangerments such as flash floods and fast-paced forest water flow. The validity of this forecast is set from 6am today till the same time the following day. Continuous eastern and southeastern winds blanket the lower northeast and east areas of the nation. Simultaneously, the southwestern monsoon is progressively weakening, encompassing the Andaman Sea along with the Western part of Thailand. These weather conditions propel the prospects of thunderstorms and significant rainfall in certain sections of the lower central region such as Bangkok and its environs, the east, as well as the south. Residents residing…
The renowned apex court of Thailand has formally issued a lifetime ban against Pannika “Chor” Wanich, a prominent former member of the Future Forward Party (FFP), which restricts her right to contest elections or hold political office due to her indiscreet public disdain towards the Thai Monarchy. The court’s decision is consequential to a complaint lodged against a Facebook post she made in 2019, venting her disrespect to the monarchy. This dramatic saga commenced when Chor’s Facebook post came to the attention of the secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution, Srisuwan Janya. Prompted by her remarks, Janya registered a plea with the influential National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), setting into motion a comprehensive inquiry into Chor’s ill-considered conduct. The NACC then proceeded to present a detailed report to the Supreme Court, accusing the former parliamentarian of direct affront towards the monarchy. The NACC’s investigation revealed that…
One fateful day in the quiet Pathum Thani province, located on the humble outskirts of bustling Bangkok, a traumatic incident occurred. A 13-year-old Thai girl, who had become the unfortunate victim of rape, went through the distressing process of childbirth alone in her home. Taunted by shame and fear, she chose to conceal the dreadfully cruel sequence of events from her family and the local law enforcement authorities alike. Wishing desperately to keep the devastating secret hidden, the young girl cooked up a heart-wrenching story that revolved around an innocent, abandoned newborn found in the market. On the 19th of September, she shared this carefully crafted story with her teacher, convincing her that she had chanced upon this appointmentless infant during a market visit. The concerned teacher, oblivious to the truth, dutifully reported the alleged discovery to the officers at the local Lat Lum Kaew Police Station, initiating a wild-goose-chase…
In the quaint province of Phayao, Thailand, an unusual tale unfolds; the sighting of an out-of-the-ordinary, dual-tailed gecko clinging tenaciously to a wall. The residents of house number 51/1, situated in the serene and peaceful village of Honghin, regard this sighting as a lucky charm, a signal of impending fortune. Following this bizarre omen, the superstitious homeowner decides to try his luck in the lottery, using his house number. The conspicuous geckos, of a decent size ranging between 10 and 12 centimetres, with plum body structure, make for an intriguing sight. Their two tails are identical, separated by a span of a mere 1 centimetre. Their bodies sport a muddy-brown hue while their tails beam in stark white. This odd, yet fascinating duo has managed to capture the neighbourhood’s attention, staying put in the same location since their arrival. According to KhaoSod, a daily news outlet in Thailand, the gecko…
There has been a noteworthy surge in the adoption of taxi applications throughout Phuket. The convenience and cost-effectiveness these modern technologies offer pose a significant challenge to local cooperatives that have traditionally dominated taxi services in key tourist hotspots. Recognizing the pressing nature of this issue, top-ranking officials and representatives of these taxi groups came together for a meeting held recently at the Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office. Championing this important event was Phuket’s Vice Governor, Anupap Rodkhwan Yodrambam. The hot topic in focus was the Ratsada VIP Coral Tour group’s operations at Ratsada Pier. Although it’s been a year since an agreement was put in motion, stipulating that the pier’s taxi services would be regulated by its authority, there have been concerns. Are the cooperative taxi drivers at Ratsada Pier still operating under the same misunderstanding that sparked a problematic incident last year, when a cooperative driver obstructed another driver…
The digitally savvy populace of Thailand is up in arms, as a photo portraying a pathetically conceived pedestrian pathway for the disabled stirs considerable ire. The image in question presents a distinct sign, announcing a wheelchair-friendly route, pathetically sandwiched in between the tight perimeters of a lopsided sidewalk and rudely interrupted by an electric pole. The mystery deepens further since the location remains veiled. The digital masses are beseeching local government bodies to scrutinize the site promptly and rectify these glaring setbacks, as the path obviously falls short of its proclaimed purpose. The debatable photograph features a sign announcing a pedestrian route for the differently-abled, strategically installed on a walkway. Sadly enough, the sign stands desolately in the midst of a squeezed and unequal pathway, obstructed by the misplaced electric pole. This photograph reignites the hitherto heated debates across various social media interfaces, focusing on the glaring hurdles the disabled…
In a deeply disturbing case that recently surfaced, a 14-year-old girl has been left pregnant as a direct result of a sexual assault allegedly carried out by a group of teenagers. This distressing event took place after the victim was forced to smoke cannabis with her assailants. This shocking incident was reported to the officials at Khlong Luang Police Station today precisely by 11 a.m., as narrated by the visibly distraught aunt of the innocent victim. Accompanying the heartbroken aunt to the police station was Cholada Butwicha, who is a known figure from the Survive group. The two women sought to report this heinous crime to Adisak Kotchasak, a dutiful investigative officer stationed at Khlong Luang Police Station. The officer is now taking the necessary steps to ensure justice by chasing down the five teenage boys believed to have been involved in the crime. According to Cholada, it was only…
The highly esteemed global market intelligence company, Mintel, recently unveiled an insightful study on the Healthy Lifestyle habits of Thai consumers. This research doesn’t only shine a light on their wellness and fitness behaviours but also highlights invaluable opportunities for brands to harness their drive towards comprehensive wellbeing. The study uncovers a notable difference between the health ambitions of Thai consumers and their actual actions. Despite acknowledging the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, over a third (35%) struggle to stick to exercise routines. Equally, about 32% believe that their hectic schedules hinder their fitness plans. Interestingly, a whopping 67% of Thais believe that healthy habits are more conveniently sustained when others are involved. This creates a terrific chance for brands to introduce versatile healthy alternatives that smoothly fit into the daily lives of consumers and encourage the formation of wholesome habits. These insights were shared by Wilasinee Siriboonpipattana (Kaimook),…