Posts published in “Thailand”

There’s a certain warmth in familiarity, isn’t there? The Interior Ministry in Thailand seems to be wrestling with this charming conundrum, as reflected in the recent buzz about how civil servants should address the public. According to Traisulee Taisaranakul, a spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry, there’s still leeway for these public servants to adopt terms of address that align with local community standards. This hubbub began when some civil servants, engaged under the aegis of the Ministry, received nudges to low-key revolutionize their everyday language. The focus of this gentle reformation was on abandoning the endearing “uncle” and “auntie” terms, traditionally imprinted with cultural affection, when addressing individuals seeking government services. Instead, a more formal approach was suggested by the Department of Provincial Administration following a strongly worded letter to the Prime Minister’s office. This correspondence from a concerned citizen raised eyebrows over the use of informal titles like “Pa”…

Picture this: Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald, sporting gleeful expressions as they gathered for a memorable group snap in the bustling city of Bangkok. The backdrop of this gathering? A mission to solidify sustainable and stable regional trade between Thailand and Australia. The primary goal on their diplomatic agenda was to magnify the value of automotive exports while ensuring Thailand retained its cherished crown as the top supplier of pickup trucks to the Land Down Under. Minister Pichai shared these insights with a twinkle of determination in his eyes after his meeting with the esteemed Australian Ambassador at her elegant residence this week. Among the buzzing topics of their discussion was Australia’s rather snazzy New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). This avant-garde framework is all about ushering in a new era of clean and green transportation, championing the movement towards vehicles that sip fuel sparingly…

Picture this: a dazzling ferry gliding down the Chao Phraya River, its decks teeming with students and other passengers, their faces adorned with masks, peering out at the scenic views of Bangkok. It’s January 15, and while life bustles on, the presence of Covid-19 is still felt throughout Thailand. In a recent announcement, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin took to public platforms to quell the bubbling fears surrounding a Covid-19 resurgence in the nation. His message was clear and firm: do not panic! The disease, while still prevalent, has been officially classified as endemic, akin to the common cold in terms of severity. It’s here to stay, but it’s not the fearsome adversary it once was. Now let’s delve into the numbers that have everyone talking. Since the start of the year up until today, May 10, Thailand has recorded a total of 53,676 Covid-19 cases with 16 associated deaths.…

In the heart of Pathum Thani province, a peculiar and unsettling discovery has captivated both locals and the online community. Imagine this: while meandering along a dusty roadside near an irrigation canal, you suddenly stumble across a sight as bizarre as it is alarming — two formidable heaps of cow heads, each pile exuding a stench potent enough to make your nose scrunch involuntarily. Flies buzz around like tiny helicopters, adding insult to olfactory injury and driving home the gravity of this grim situation. This real-life horror show unfolded in the Khlong Luang district, leaving its residents and authorities in a dizzying swirl of shock and speculation. An intriguing video made its way online one fateful Saturday, offering a close-up of the scene complete with the unsettling question: “So many animal parts, who brought them here?” The rhetorical nature of the inquiry only adds a layer of mystery, a riddle…

On a usual relaxed afternoon at the Khon Kaen railway station building, the atmosphere was abuzz with election fever. A group of poll staff busied themselves with meticulous checks on ballot papers, boxes, and other paraphernalia, promising a seamless election day for the municipal mayors and council members occurring nationwide this Sunday. With a predicated voter turnout of 70%, up from 60% in 2021, excitement was afoot. In the grand theatre of Thailand’s local governance, the stage was set across 2,463 municipalities. These civic battlegrounds include 33 cities, 213 Muang municipalities, and 2,217 subdistricts or tambons, where the political contenders were gearing up. A total of 4,558 dynamic candidates were vying for mayoral posts, while an impressive 60,515 hopefuls competed for 31,218 council seats. Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Pattaya are under the spotlight as the stakes reach sky-high levels amidst fierce competition. As the nation prepares for a grand…

Amidst the sea of steel and concrete that makes up the sprawling cityscape of Bangkok, the sight of backhoes steadily clearing away the debris at what was once the grand State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district adds a somber note to the busy rhythm of the metropolis. The hum of machinery fills the air, an ever-present reminder of the tragic events that unfolded when a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, spreading its devastating impact across borders and causing the collapse of this majestic 2.1-billion-baht edifice. With the sky a brilliant canvas of blues and whites, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration publicly announced this Saturday that rescue efforts at the site have officially concluded. These efforts, characterized by dogged determination and fueled by hopes of finding survivors, culminated in the final inspection of a precarious lift shaft beneath the basement level. Here, the city’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation…

As the sun rises over the dreamy beaches of Phuket, the island’s inhabitants are gearing up for what is being termed as a pivotal moment in their civic life. Tomorrow, on a tropical Sunday, the locals of this picturesque island will flock to the polls in a high-stakes municipal election, a decision-making day that’s expected to redefine the political landscape across Phuket. From the azure oceans of Patong to the serene outskirts of Rawai, citizens are being called to action in what has been dramatically billed the “Big Day.” At a lively and spirited rally at Saphan Hin’s spacious 4,000-seat gymnasium, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat was seen passionately advocating for citizen participation. Standing before a backdrop of banners and energy, he urged every eligible voter to head to the polls between 8 AM and 5 PM. “Vote with honesty and integrity,” he encouraged, gesturing vigorously, “Say ‘No’ to vote-buying and…

In Thailand, where the summer sun seems to have taken a personal vendetta against everyone and everything under its rays, the ingenious folks at Khao Kheow Open Zoo have conjured a creative and rather mouthwatering antidote for their lovable residents. Nestled in the verdant stretches of Chon Buri, the zoo has embarked on a mission that’s as refreshing as a dip in a cool pool: the deployment of frosty snacks, bamboo bowls, and a burst of enrichment activities designed not only to beat the scorching temperatures but also to put a big, metaphorical smile on the snouts and beaks of their animal wards. This clever initiative falls under the zoo’s Animal Enrichment programme, a strategy that, while it may sound like a catchy title for a nature documentary, actually represents a thoughtful approach to animal welfare. “This isn’t just about cooling down,” narrates Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo’s director and apparent…