Posts published in “Thailand”

The tranquil beauty of a Pattaya morning was shattered yesterday when an early riser witnessed a scene more suited to a dramatic movie than real life. Chaos ensued at the bustling intersection where Pattaya South Road meets Thanon Sai Sam. This was no run-of-the-mill traffic squabble; it was, instead, a fiery altercation that turned the heads of both passersby and the Internet alike, creating a social media storm of epic proportions. At approximately 6:45 AM, the heart of Pattaya found itself at the center of an unfolding drama as a viral video captured the scene of a motorcycle taxi driver, clad in the unmistakable orange vest of his trade, embroiled in a furious confrontation with a Bolt passenger. This gentleman of the two-wheeled taxi brigade was later identified as Wiriyaphanit Yusawat, aged 66, whose temper flared in the mesmerizing glow of early daylight, igniting a public outcry that resounded across…

The vibrant yet simmering streets of Phuket Old Town became a stage for a charged demonstration as hundreds of locals rallied their voices against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This eruption of public discontent came to life following a sensational leak of an audio clip, which sent waves through both political tide pools and bustling markets alike. As the sun descended on June 19th, the group known as ‘Phuket Loves the Nation’ assembled a passionate crowd of around 200 to 300 demonstrators at Queen Sirikit Park, carving out a space where dissent wore no muzzle and creativity met activism. Driving the pulse of protest from the back of a lively pickup truck, charismatic speakers seized the microphone to fan the fiery spirits of the gathered masses. It wasn’t long before fervent voices chorused under bold banners, with plumes of reflection and frustration wafting upwards. One particularly audacious placard emblazoned with the…

Forget the easy shortcut of relying solely on international driving permits (IDPs) when acquiring a driver’s license in Thailand! Very soon, all foreign nationals yearning to steer a vehicle in the land of smiles will need to put their knowledge to the test. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is introducing sweeping changes that will see foreign drivers stepping up to the challenge of passing a written test, even if they’re already equipped with valid international permits. Wonder what this uproar is all about? This initiative is part of a thoughtful remodeling towards global synchronization and enhanced road safety. Gone are the days when IDPs alone could suffice to snag a temporary Thai driver’s license. Under this proposed regulation, amassing public feedback as we speak, the new guidelines will write a fresh chapter in the Thai tale of driving, detailing revised protocols for training, testing, and the renewal of licenses…

On June 20, the ever-fiery stage of Thai politics was set ablaze once more by veteran activist Jatuporn Prompan, as he declared an open political war against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. At a press conference held amidst the historical walls of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Hotel, Jatuporn unleashed a vehement rallying cry to a packed room of over 40 political activists, former PAD, PDRC, UDD members, academics, artists, performers, and even military veterans. United under the banner “Uniting the Power of the Land,” these formidable forces called for an immense protest at the iconic Victory Monument on June 28, demanding the Prime Minister’s immediate resignation. The catalyst for this insurrection? A leaked audio recording that spread like wildfire across the nation, igniting feelings of betrayal and outrage. In the clip, Prime Minister Paetongtarn was reportedly engaged in an unsettling phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, seemingly undermining the authority of…

The subtropical whispers of the palm plantation in Nakhon Si Thammarat seem to hide more than just secrets of nature. On the 19th of June, a chilling discovery sent shivers down the spines of the local folks—a tale reminiscent of a ghost from the past. Just like clockwork, a sinister déjà vu wove through the Tha Rue sub-district, unraveling with the kind of dark poetry that ensures some mysteries of life are never forgotten. Last seen amid the tranquil foliage and endured silence of the palm trees that dance to the whims of the southern wind, the scene was anything but serene. Residents, following an invisible thread spun by the repugnant odor sweeping through their idyllic locale, unwittingly orchestrated a grim march to unveil the grim final chapter of an unknown soul. Burrowed within a canal, swaddled by grass and masked by a burial of leaves, lay the decomposing body…