The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) pulled no punches during their address at the SX Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023), declaring an urgent, collective action imperative to face the urgent crisis that climate change poses. Renaud Meyer, the esteemed UNDP Resident Representative to Thailand, highlighted the dire necessity of incorporating the often overlooked vulnerable communities in sustainability solutions. Meyer’s cautionary notes painted a grim picture—the end of humanity if substantial action isn’t taken. Moreover, the UNDP encouraged policy makers around the world to shift their investment focus from damaging fossil fuels to forward-looking renewable energy sources–a significant move to mitigate the bitter effects of climate change. Meyer expressed approval of the strategic initiatives outlined by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin regarding Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contributions. As a testament to the country’s dedication towards a greener future, they aim for carbon neutrality by 2050—a commendable goal that aligns with global sustainability objectives. Another…
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People from all around the world watched as the clock ticked closer to the much-anticipated launch of Thailand Earth Observation Satellite 2 (THEOS-2). With mere seconds to go, a technical hurdle robbed the event of its peak moment. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), the reins holder to this ambitious project, had to put a temporary stop to the countdown at just 14 seconds remaining. THEOS-2 wasn’t the only one to take a step back; Taiwan’s Triton, also known as FORMOSAT-7R, a weather satellite, and 10 smaller satellites belonging to the European Space Agency were fettered to the same timeline. All set and ready on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, South America, they had been prepped to share the spotlight during this momentous lift-off. In an ironic twist of fate, while millions of eyes were glued to Gistda’s livestream at 8.37 am Thailand time,…
Sustainability: no longer an option but a necessity. That was the central message from leading business figures at the Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023), held on a typically hot and humid Thai Saturday at the heart of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event’s focal point was undoubtedly the Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN) Business Partners Conference, during which industry titans lent their insights to the topic: “Self-Applying for Sustainable Business Survival”. The conference lined up some of the most influential voices in Thailand’s business scene, with each taking turns on the podium. There was Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, the distinguished president and CEO of Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev), Roongrote Rangsiyopash, the pragmatic president and CEO of Siam Cement Group (SCG), and the insightful Suphachai Chearavanont, the energetic CEO of the diversified conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group. Rangsiyopash of SCG kicked off discussions by highlighting the economic implications of the conflict in…
For those Bangkok residents who began their day on a typical Sunday, the shocking news of the ex-ambassador Vichit Chitvimarn’s death was anything but routine. The city’s routine tranquility was disrupted when Suthisan police station revealed the mysterious and distressing circumstances surrounding Vichit’s sudden demise. Chitvimarn, the respected and accomplished former ambassador to Denmark, was found dead inside a toilet of a three-storey house located in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Strange enough as that was, it wasn’t all that befuddled the police. Upon conducting a forensic examination of the corpse discovered on Sunday, a chilling revelation was brought to light – Vichit had been violently stabbed, not once or twice, but thrice in the chest, as confirmed by Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Noppasilp Poonsawat. Despite the intrigue surrounding the murder case, law enforcement was methodically and promptly carrying out their investigation, leaving no stone unturned. A kitchen on…
Pol Maj-General Theeradej Thammasuthee, the commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation division, verified that the 14-year-old suspect in question had taken target practice at the Territorial Defence Shooting Range, located in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. In a revelation that surprised many, the highly ranked officer shared that, “According to the suspect’s own admission during the police investigation, he had undertaken more than 20 practice sessions at the range on the day preceding the fatal incident,”. Emphasizing the strict regulations of the range, he pointed out that the facility strictly admits members only. Furthermore, individuals under the age of 18 are mandated to be in the company of an adult member during their time at the range. The recent, grave incident, where a 14-year-old boy feloniously discharged a modified blank gun in Siam Paragon, led to the unfortunate demise of two individuals and left five others wounded. The incident which…
Every year, on the 6th of October, a solemn air descends over Thailand. It is a day not just about saluting those brave individuals who fell defending democracy, it’s a day when the nation revisits its commitment to the democratic cause. The 47th anniversary of the unspeakable act that came to be known as the October 6 Massacre was commemorated last Friday. Key political figures from Pheu Thai Party, Move Forward and Democrats, as well as activists from the red-shirt movement, converged on the Thammasat University campus. They laid flowers and wreaths at the site now memorialized as the “Thammasat and the Fight for Democracy” garden. “Let not the October 6 atrocity be erased from memory. The scale of bloodshed far exceeded what any society should have to endure. We must learn from such a dark event,” warned Pita Limjaroenrat, the former head of Move Forward, after partaking in the…
In the heart of Thailand, a grievous tragedy unfolded at the acclaimed Siam Paragon luxury mall, leaving two precious lives lost and five others wounded. The responsible parties for this ill-fated incident, a barely teenage 14-year-old boy wielding a modified blank gun, delivered distress and pandemonium to this popular shopping realm. Aiding in the turmoil were sorrow and affliction, the uninvited guests who quickly overtook the scene. Amidst the sea of branded stores and luxury boutiques, those who were enjoying an everyday shopping spree were suddenly caught in an unexpected occurrence. A visiting Chinese tourist, eager to explore the vibrant city’s retail paradise, and a Myanmar national employed in the area were the unfortunate souls who succumbed to the fatal incident, while another Chinese tourist, a citizen of Laos, and three Thai locals were left nursing physical wounds and a traumatic experience. Stemming from this vile incident, the rhythmic pulse…
A meteorological report issued recently highlights that a monsoon trough is predicted to traverse across the northern, upper central, and northeastern regions of Thailand for the ensuing 24-hour period. Compounding the weather conditions further, a low-pressure system is also covering large portions of the country’s western parts. Coinciding with these weather systems, the southwestern monsoon retains its stronghold over the vast expanses of the Andaman Sea, the southern region, and the Gulf of Thailand. This climatological pattern puts into effect a sequence of events likely to result in bouts of substantial rain lashing different parts of Thailand. Parts of the northern and northeastern areas should brace themselves in particular for the ensuing deluge, since weather models point towards uncharacteristically heavy rainfall in these regions. People living in these regions are strongly encouraged to exercise heightened precautionary measures, bearing in mind the potential risks arising from torrential and cumulative downpours of…
The proposal focuses on a significant minimization of the current expenditures of the organization, especially on aspects such as maintenance and fuel for the 2,885 buses under its management. There’s a clear intent to cut financial losses by approximately 60%, reducing the current 12.5 billion Baht per annum expenditure, a significant factor contributing to the financial drain of the authority. With revenues last year totalling around 7.8 billion Baht, the initiative seems prudent as it targets to remove the existent 4.7 billion Baht deficit. Manaporn paints a bright future with electric buses, with their lower maintenance and operational costs compared to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Notably, the move is also environmentally minded, with an eye on helping the city battle against the ongoing PM2.5 air pollution issue. PM2.5 entails dust particles of a minimal 2.5 micrometres diameter or smaller, which can be easily inhaled, and prolonged exposure has…
In the northeastern province, specific districts have been considerably affected. Notably, Ban Khwao, Chatturat, Muang, Noen Sa-nga, and Khon Sawan have borne the brunt of this situation. The local individuals have been counselled to keep a watchful eye on the water levels, and proactively relocate their precious belongings and livestock to higher grounds, as recommended by the office. This advice comes on the heels of the provincial office’s mandate to have local administrative bodies primed and ready. They are required to have essential supplies on hand — water pumps, vehicles, necessary tools, and an efficient human force actively available round-the-clock from Saturday, in preparation for potential public evacuations and flood relief operations. Chaiyaphum, a region dotted with agricultural and residential premises, has been under a deluge since the start of the week. Intense bouts of rain have resulted in water runoffs flowing from the Phang Hoei and Phu Lan Kha…