In the quaint province of Phrae, the peaceful day was dramatically interrupted as about 1,000 residents rallied against the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s contentious revival of the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam project in Song district. The air was thick with a unique blend of resistance and solemnity as locals converged at tambon Sa Lab, parading three coffins ominously marked with the names of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, and former deputy prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi. These prominent figures have found themselves at the heart of the controversy, accused of breathing new life into a project long buried by dissent. The protest was a direct response to Mr. Phumtham’s recent comments underscoring the government’s renewed interest in a colossal 200-billion-baht water management program. This ambitious agenda includes the controversial dam, touted as a solution to the perennial flooding in the Yom River basin.…
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A health worker administers a measles vaccine to a student at a school in Narathiwat province on November 2, 2018. (Photo: Waedao Harai) Health authorities have launched an intensive vaccination campaign in response to a troubling outbreak of measles in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces. Five lives have been claimed by the highly contagious disease in recent weeks in Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, with three of the victims being children under the age of 15. The other two victims were adults aged 32 and 43, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC). He described the current situation as severe and “very worrisome.” From January 1 to September 2, a staggering 4,408 individuals were suspected of having contracted measles, with 2,371 of these cases confirmed by laboratory tests. Alarmingly, 371 of the infected individuals developed pneumonia as a complication. Dr. Thongchai emphasized that measles is…
In a breathtaking blend of cultural history and modern luxury, Siam Piwat Group and its esteemed global partner Hyundai Department Store hosted an exclusive soiree at the iconic Korea Furniture Museum in Seoul. This captivating event was designed to shower customers with invaluable experiences and exclusive privileges, transcending the ordinary. “Siam Piwat has always ventured into visionary realms to offer our customers and JAI by ONESIAM members extraordinary experiences. This exclusive evening is not just a significant milestone for connecting our esteemed communities beyond borders, but also a celebration of our shared values with global partners,” remarked Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat Group. Echoing this sentiment, Hyundai Department Store CEO Jeong Ji-young added, “Earlier this year, Siam Piwat Group and Hyundai Department Store inked a business agreement in person. Our goal is to leap beyond the domestic market and establish ourselves as leaders in the global retail sector.” He…
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau swooped into a clinic in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi district on Friday evening, homing in on an unexpected discovery—a former navy officer moonlighting as a doctor without a medical licence. Captured in the act, the 55-year-old man, identified only as Thanaboon, was ushered away in handcuffs. (Photo: Metropolitan Police Bureau IDMB Facebook) In a twist that could be straight out of a suspense novel, this rogue medic has been masquerading as a legitimate doctor for two whole decades! The arrest took place at a clinic nestled in Phetchaburi Soi 31, sparking a buzz across the neighborhood. The Metropolitan Police Bureau reported that Thanaboon, an anomaly in an otherwise tranquil clinic, had managed to fool both patients and authorities alike. The drama unfolded when a local resident raised the alarm about a suspicious bunch of “fake doctors” purportedly offering abortion services at clinics sprawled along Phetchaburi Road.…
Siam Piwat Group, in partnership with the prestigious Hyundai Department Store, recently hosted an opulent event at Seoul’s famed Korea Furniture Museum that was nothing short of spectacular. This evening was designed to provide customers with unparalleled experiences and exclusive privileges that resonated throughout the evening. “Siam Piwat has consistently sought innovative ways to offer extraordinary experiences to our clientele and JAI by ONESIAM members. This exceptional evening stands as a significant milestone, enabling our esteemed communities to connect and venture beyond geographical confines while celebrating our collaborative spirit with global partners who share our values,” stated Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat Group. At the onset of 2023, Siam Piwat Group and Hyundai Department Store forged a significant business partnership to transcend local market boundaries, striving to become front-runners in the global retail arena. “Together, our companies will continue to provide our customers with the rich, traditional cultures of…
In the tranquil, mountainous region of Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, a dramatic series of events unfolded late Friday night. The silence of the northern border was shattered by an intense firefight, leaving six suspected drug smugglers dead. Soldiers inspecting the aftermath on Saturday morning discovered a startling 1.3 million speed pills in specially modified rucksacks amidst the dense forestry. This high-stakes encounter kicked off around 11:15 PM Friday. An army patrol, keeping a vigilant eye near the natural border crossing, spotted a shadowy group of 7 to 10 men heavily laden with rucksacks—an immediate red flag for illicit activity. The soldiers, following protocol, signaled the suspicious group to halt. However, instead of complying, the men opted for a more aggressive response—they opened fire. The soldiers, trained and ready for such eventualities, returned fire. What followed was a tense and ferocious exchange of gunfire, piercing the quiet night air for…
Two of Thailand’s beloved kitchenware brands, Zebra Group and Seagull, have set the culinary scene abuzz with their latest promotions, featuring stainless steel mess trays that mirror the Royal Thai Army’s specifications, while being significantly more wallet-friendly. These brands are riding a wave of public scrutiny following a heated parliamentary debate over the acquisition of 10,000 mess trays by the army, which an opposition MP claims came at a grossly inflated price. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a prominent figure from the People’s Party, first cast light on this contentious issue, questioning the Army Ordnance Department’s procurement methods. He pointed out that the army paid a whopping 520 baht per tray, a figure that seemed exorbitant when compared to similar options available in the market. Capitalizing on the ensuing uproar, Zebra Group took to social media last Friday, showcasing a six-compartment tray priced at a mere 355 baht. Praising its resilience and safety,…
In the tranquil province of Mae Hong Son, nestled away in Thailand’s picturesque north, an unexpected tragedy unfolded this past weekend. The serene district of Pai, known for its scenic beauty and laid-back vibes, turned into the focus of an intense search operation. Authorities were on a desperate hunt for 28-year-old Belgian tourist, Cloe Ferari, who had seemingly vanished without a trace. The alarm was raised on Friday when Cloe failed to return to her accommodation after setting out on a bicycle ride. Concerned for her safety, the Tourist Police quickly joined forces with local officers from the Pai station and a dedicated team of rescue workers. Their mission was clear—locate the missing tourist and bring her back safely. Local residents added a crucial piece to the puzzle by reporting the discovery of Cloe’s bicycle, abandoned along a trail leading towards the alluring Mae Yen waterfall, approximately 7 kilometers east…
In what could be a scene straight out of a high-stakes thriller, the highway police in Surat Thani made a jaw-dropping discovery when they intercepted a container truck filled with more than just fruits. Beneath baskets brimming with tropical delights lay fertiliser sacks concealing a whopping 250 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine! This audacious bust unfolded in Tha Chang district, turning a routine stop into a sensational news story. The clandestine cargo, valued at a staggering 100 million baht, was slated for overseas export, pointing to an extensive and sophisticated drug network. It was a nerve-wracking Friday around 4 p.m. when highway police, acting on a tip-off from drug suppression units, pulled over the six-wheel truck in tambon Khlong Sai. Little did they know, they were about to uncover a smuggling operation of epic proportions. The driver, soon to be infamous, didn’t mince words. He gestured towards a Toyota vehicle that…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, radiant and poised, took to the podium after chairing a highly anticipated special cabinet meeting this past Saturday. This significant event was her first official address following the cabinet’s solemn oath-taking before His Majesty the King on Friday. The hallowed halls of Government House buzzed with anticipation as Ms. Paetongtarn outlined an ambitious to-do list for her ministers, each point reflecting her dedication and grand vision for Thailand’s future. With an air of reverence, she began by stressing the importance of heeding the invaluable advice bestowed by His Majesty the King, highlighting it as a source of unwavering encouragement and wisdom that would light the path forward for her government. The way she articulated this was nothing short of inspiring, setting the tone for the critical tasks ahead. The first word of business on her agenda was continuity—specifically, preserving the robust economic policies of her predecessor,…