In the mesmerizing and intricate world of military enlistment, Thailand finds itself at a crossroads, enlisting approximately 45,000 spirited souls who choose the path of honor by either joining or continuing their journey with the military. Navigating through this intricate process, an additional 40,000 individuals are set to be woven into the fabric of this illustrious institution through conscription, as elucidated by the Defence Ministry’s eloquent spokesman, Rear Adm Thanitpong Sirisawetsak. Mark your calendars! The conscription spectacle has unfurled its curtains on Monday, embarking on a journey until April 12. A rite of passage for every young Thai man, the law beckons at the ripe age of 21, calling them to stand before their local military registrars, ready to serve the nation. Yet, in an intriguing twist of fate, should the eager patriots exceed the vacancies, luck takes the helm as lots are drawn to determine who shall step into…
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Amid the serene landscapes of Mon state in Myanmar, a heart-wrenching episode unfolded on March 27, transforming the tranquil village of Dhammatha into a ghastly scene of despair. Plumes of smoke spiraled upwards as homes, once filled with laughter and warmth, were mercilessly consumed by flames. The harbingers of this calamity were none other than Myanmar army gunboats, unleashing terror and rendering the air thick with the scent of charred dreams. This poignant moment was captured in a photograph, serving as a somber testament to the ordeal faced by the villagers. In a world where sports often provide a temporary respite from the harshness of reality, Pongsakorn Sangkasopha, a footballer of Mon descent, decided to harness his athletic renown for a noble cause. Stepping beyond the football field, he initiated an auction of a prized possession – his No. 15 jersey, adorned with the colors of the Thai national team…
Welcome to 2023, where Thailand’s economic adventure unfolds with twists and turns that could rival any blockbuster movie. This year, the Land of Smiles saw its economy grow by a modest 1.9%, a slight dip from the action-packed 2.5% in 2022. The plot thickened as exports, usually the heroes in this saga, took an unexpected turn, falling by 1.7% year-on-year. Agro-manufacturing products, hard disk drives, plastics, metals, and steel – all faced the villainy of declining overseas sales. Enter the scene, Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, the Bank’s senior economist for Thailand, and the voice of reason amidst the chaos. “The prolonged delay in budget approval for fiscal 2024 has cast a shadow on public investment,” he lamented. Yet, like any good story, there’s hope on the horizon. The World Bank forecasts a comeback, with Thai economic growth expected to leap to 2.8% this year, fueled by the dynamic duo of tourism and…
It was a typical Tuesday when Cholnan decided to stir the pot, or rather, clarify the haze surrounding Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent revelations. Srettha, in a moment that caught the digital world off balance, mentioned to an online news platform that his government was considering relegating marijuana back to the shadows of the narcotics list. The news struck like a bolt from the blue, sending ripples through political corridors and leaving Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, visibly flabbergasted. Anutin, who donned the public health minister’s hat in the preceding cabinet, had been a staunch advocate for marijuana’s liberation from the clutches of the narcotics’ blacklist. His advocacy wasn’t merely a political stance but a campaign promise from the 2019 general elections – a vow from his Bhumjaithai Party to the voters that marijuana would shed its criminal cloak, finding sanctuary in the realms of medical treatment and health product ingredients,…
Picture this: a radiant April morning in Thailand, where the streets come alive, not with the usual hustle and bustle, but with an enchanting fusion of water, culture, and boundless joy. Yes, we’re talking about the Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year, which in a groundbreaking move, will span the better part of April this year. Why, you ask? In celebration of its glorious recognition by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December last year. During a vibrant press event held at the prestigious Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the air was thick with anticipation as Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol took the stage. Flanked by luminaries such as Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich and PM’s Office Minister Puangpetch Chunla-ead, she announced the arrival of “Yen Tua La Maha Songkran” on April 13 – the day when Songkran truly unfolds. The announcement was…
Imagine standing amidst the hallowed grounds of Thammasat University, your eyes drawn to a poignant scene: the photo of Pridi Banomyong, an illustrious figure in Thai political history, adorning the backdrop of his statue. This was the spectacle on a significant day, May 11, 2022, when the air was abuzz with respect and reminiscence, commemorating the life and monumental achievements of an undeniably transformative statesman. It wasn’t just any ceremony; it was a vivid tableau painting the legacy of a man whose life was a beacon of progressive change. Captured beautifully by Chanat Katanyu, this moment transcended mere memorial; it embodied a collective memory, a nod to the past that shapes our present. In a move that bridges geographical distances and unites cultural narratives, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the charismatic leader of the Progressive Movement, has artfully woven another thread into the tapestry of Thai political heritage. With a vision steeped in…
In the labyrinth of Thai politics, where alliances are as dynamic as the weather in monsoon season, a flurry of speculation has recently taken center stage, swirling around the possibility of the Democrats joining forces with the current coalition, an idea that Phumtham Wechayachai, with a mix of amusement and slight exasperation, has labeled “groundless”. Yet, this hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from working overtime, with even seasoned journalists from eminent news sources like The Nation poking around for a scoop. Why the sudden interest? It seems the whispers began when whispers of a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin this June became public knowledge. Instantly, political soothsayers and the general populace alike began piecing together a narrative that had the 25 mighty Democrat MPs swooping in to inject some fresh vitality into the coalition’s parliamentary presence. It’s the kind of political maneuvering that would make for a gripping…
If you’ve ever dreamed of being whisked away on an enchanting boat ride through the bustling canals of Bangkok, you’re not alone. Imagine the gentle hum of the boat as it meanders down Khlong Lat Mayom, one of Bangkok’s most vibrant floating markets located in the charming Taling Chan district. It was here, in February 2024, amidst a scene so lively and colorful it could belong in a painting, that a photograph captured the essence of Thailand’s enduring allure. Wichan Charoenkiatpakul, with a click of the shutter, immortalized a moment that beckons travelers from all corners of the globe. In an extraordinary testament to Thailand’s magnetic pull, the country has seen a staggering influx of 9.4 million international souls in just the first quarter of this year. These globetrotters, adventurers, and seekers of serenity have infused an astonishing 454.6 billion baht (that’s a cool US$12.4 billion, folks) into Thailand’s economy…
Imagine stepping into a liquid world where majestic sharks glide silently by, rays dance in the water like living kites, and ancient turtles paddle through an underwater wonderland. Welcome to Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium, a magical realm that has recently undergone a transformative 29-million-baht renovation, courtesy of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand. Nestled in the heart of Muang district, this aquatic paradise now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including air conditioning for those steamy days, an all-accessible safety walkway for everyone to enjoy, and revamped habitats for over 80 species of aquatic wildlife. At the center of this mesmerizing underwater universe is the 133-metre-long tunnel, a marvel of engineering and the crown jewel of the aquarium. Claimed to be the longest of its kind in the world, this immersive tunnel invites you to journey through both the salty embrace of the sea and the fresh caress of riverine environments, split evenly…
In a daring display of bravery, firefighters achieved a monumental victory over the raging inferno that enveloped the majestic slopes of Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai this past Sunday. Capturing this moment was photographer Panumate Tanraksa, whose lens immortalized the firefighters’ valiant efforts against the backdrop of nature’s fury. As Tuesday morning dawned, however, the air told a different story. A villainous haze had crept in, painting the skies with ominous shades of red. The silent adversary, PM2.5 dust, had stealthily expanded its territory from the North, casting a shadow over parts of the Central Plain and the Northeast. Chiang Mai found itself under siege, grappling with the most severe levels of this microscopic marauder. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), in their 9 am report, revealed a grim tableau. Twenty-one provinces were ensnared by red (seriously harmful) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and smaller in…