Imagine a pristine beach, untouched by human footprints, stretching into the horizon under a clear blue sky. But on the fateful day of December 26, 2004, Patong Beach in Phuket became the resting place of a car, stranded in the wake of one of nature’s fiercest displays of power—the massive tsunami that forever altered the lives of over 227,000 individuals across various countries. Among the regions hit, Thailand counted a chilling toll of more than 5,000 souls lost and 8,000 wounded in the chaos. Fast forward to this Thursday, and the echo of that devastating event reverberates once more as Phuket prepares to host a significant commemorative event, marking the 20th anniversary since the tsunami. With a heart heavy with memories yet brimming with a resilient spirit, the residents of Phuket, alongside global visitors, are set to gather in honor of the past. Six southern provinces including Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi,…
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As the holiday spirit stirs excitement and celebration, a fleet of ambulances stands ready, poised for rapid response in one of the most traffic-heavy times of the year. Looking back to last year’s New Year festivities, the ominous statistics of road accidents sound like an alarming drumbeat in the background. In an effort to change this narrative, the government is kicking off an audacious new road safety campaign with a focus on reducing accidents and emphasizing the dangers of drunk driving. Led by the valiant efforts of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), this campaign is set to take on New Year 2025 with a message both straightforward and poignant: “Drink, Don’t Drive, Come Home Safe.” Sasikarn Watthanachan, deputy spokeswoman of the Prime Minister’s Office, paints a vivid image of what’s at stake. During last year’s festive cheer, a shocking 284 lives were tragically lost, a toll that the nation hopes…
In the quaint district of Tha Song Yang, nestled along the vibrant Thai-Myanmar border, Thasongyang Hospital is a bustling beacon of life and health. Recently, whispers of an unexpected influx of patients from neighboring lands have stirred the air, leading to a potpourri of public discussions about the hospital’s readiness and resilience. Brushing off any skepticism, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Public Health Ministry, the astute Montien Kanasawadse, ensured everyone that the nation’s healthcare structure was designed to embrace anyone on Thai earth, irrespective of their origins. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” says Montien, adding a touch of reassuring confidence to the situation. But who exactly are these foreign individuals drawing from the potion of healthcare, you ask? Well, Montien clears up the mist, revealing that a select trio of non-Thai nationals qualify for gratis healthcare services. These include those in limbo over Thai nationality, holding a precious…
In a triumphant stride against online skulduggery, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is celebrating some bold achievements. With the establishment of the pioneering 1441 Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) Hotline, the nation has witnessed a stunning 44% dip in cybercrime damages over the past year. Inspector-general Ekapong Rimcharone, who stands at the forefront of this digital crusade, unveiled the impressive results since the centre’s inception on November 1, 2023. The AOC is leading the charge in combating the ever-morphing threats that loom in the online space, deploying a multifaceted assault with the aid of banks, telecommunication giants, and law enforcement agencies. For anyone feeling under siege in the virtual world, the 1441 Hotline stands as a beacon of hope. It’s an access point for urgent intervention where victims can lodge their reports, triggering an immediate response mechanism. This nimble network can swiftly coordinate with banks to slam the…
In a refreshing twist for environmental sustainability, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) is paving the way for the conservation of Thailand’s mangrove forests by soon exempting them from land tax. DMCR’s Chief, Pinsak Surasawadi, proudly announced that the cabinet has just thrown its weight behind this innovative scheme, all in a bid to tackle the creeping transformation of these ecologically rich wetlands into agricultural plots. Thanks to the Land and Building Tax Act 2019, any piece of real estate left idle or mismanaged sits under the watchful eye of a hefty tax burden, hitting those landowners right where it hurts. Consequently, many have opted to do away with their mangrove holdings, beaming their energies into agriculture instead—much to the dismay of ecological purists like Mr. Pinsak. However, the future looks greener, or rather, brinier. “Mangrove lands are unsung heroes among their verdant peers,” Mr. Pinsak highlights enthusiastically.…
Nestled in the enchanting province of Loei, Phu Kradueng National Park once again beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts to explore its breathtaking landscapes. The park, which boasts lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and majestic vistas, is set to reopen its gates this coming Monday, following an unexpected closure that sent ripples of sorrow and concern through the nation. The brief hiatus of Phu Kradueng was initiated after a tragic encounter between a female tourist and nature’s gentle giant—the wild elephant. The incident, which occurred on December 11, resulted in the untimely demise of a passionate nature lover who was journeying from her camping site to the mesmerizing Phen Phop Mai waterfall. In response to this tragedy, officials sprang into action, instituting a temporary closure to ensure the security of nearly 900 other visitors, who were safely evacuated as an emergency precaution. Atthapol Charoenchansa, the esteemed director-general of Thailand’s Department of National…
The whispering leaves of mangrove swamps, accommodating an orchestra of aquatic life forms, are about to be celebrated like never before. In an effort to bolster the nation’s marine ecological treasures and vibrant biodiversity, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has announced a groundbreaking policy change. Mangrove forests will soon receive a tax exemption, a significant move aimed at fortifying these critical ecosystems. DMCR chief, Pinsak Surasawadi, recently shared the exciting news: the cabinet has given the green light to a proposal allowing for tax waivers on privately-owned virgin mangrove lands. This initiative seeks to deter the persistent transformation of lush, fertile wetlands into sprawling agricultural tracts. Under the looming shadow of the Land and Building Tax Act of 2019, property deemed idle or improperly utilized faces a steeper tax rate than lands dedicated to agriculture. Consequently, many landowners were forewarned, converting their mangroves into farmlands to sidestep…
Listen up, adventure seekers and nature aficionados! The captivating Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei is flinging open its gates once again, come Monday, after a brief hiatus since December 12. Why the wait, you ask? It was all in the interest of safety following the somber demise of a female tourist in an unfortunate wild elephant encounter. Atthapol Charoenchansa, the big boss of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), has assured us that they’ve put on their problem-solving hats, inspected everything meticulously, and rolled out shiny, new safety measures for your peace of mind. For those with a knack for exploration, don’t worry! They’re not just leaving it up to luck. Officials are eager beavers in educating eager tourists about the dos and don’ts when mingling with Mother Nature’s wild children. They’ve also got a plan up their sleeve to keep those gentle giants –…
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us, and travelers nationwide are now taking a deep sigh of relief, thanks to the brilliant innovation in technology! The government has introduced the ingenious ThaID app, which, as of December 22, 2024, is the latest trick up our sleeves for making air travel a breeze. Picture this: skipping the snaking queues and sailing smoothly through check-ins for your flights. Now, isn’t that a dream come true? Well, at both the Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, this dream has seamlessly blended into reality! With just a few taps on your device, your digital identification card is ready to fly with you, ensuring the holiday cheer remains untarnished by travel hassles. Now let’s dive into the magic, shall we? The ThaID app works in harmony with your airline’s online check-in service, creating an ironclad partnership against travel stress. Jirayu Houngsub, the…
In the bustling, cross-border world of Southeast Asia, where the Moei River elegantly winds its way through the landscape, an unexpected health crisis has loomed over the people of Tak province, Thailand. The year was 2016, and what should have been an uneventful part of the year was marked by the troubling whispers of cholera from the city of Shwe Kokko in Myanmar. Fast forward to today, and the watchful eyes of the Public Health Ministry have swung into action like the heroes of a medical drama, setting up a veritable command center in Tak. This emergency operations centre (EOC) symbolizes hope and resilience amidst the looming threat of cholera that has dared to rear its head again. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the ever-diligent permanent secretary for public health, announced the EOC’s establishment with the resolute tones of someone ready to face a tempest. Under the command of the capable Dr.…