Imagine feeling the ground beneath your feet quiver as you sip on a coconut cocktail on the sun-soaked beaches of Koh Samui. That surreal experience became a reality for residents and tourists last week when not one, but two microearthquakes lightly shook the picturesque island. Both tremors stirred enough commotion and curiosity that officials from the Department of Mineral Resources are springing into action, setting up seismic monitoring equipment on Koh Samui. This move comes amidst the flurry of concern regarding the island’s geological quirks. Visualize a vivid graphic from the Department of Mineral Resources, delineating the epicenters of these two quakes as white and red dots on the island’s right side, juxtaposed with the rather more menacing-looking red lines on the mainland to the left, known as the Khlong Marui Fault. Despite this dramatic map, the true story of these tremors is far less alarming. The department’s Facebook account…
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The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in Thailand as the country gears up for its upcoming Senate elections. However, not everything is as it seems, with whispers of clandestine dealings and collusion casting a shadow over the democratic process. On Monday, the Election Commission (EC) ramped up its efforts to unravel the truth behind claims of premeditated electoral victories, a move spearheaded by caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn. Picture this: Somchai has thrown a spanner in the works by alleging that no fewer than 149 Senate candidates have already been anointed as winners at the district and provincial levels before a single vote has been cast. Could this be a prelude to a manipulative orchestration designed to steer the results of the highly-anticipated June 9, 16, and 26 elections, where 200 new senators will be elected at varying levels of governance? Eagle-eyed EC chairman, Ittiporn Boonpracong, has vowed to…
The voices of the people, especially the youth, must resonate at the United Nations’ Summit of the Future later this year, urged human rights activist Vitit Muntharbhorn on Monday. Speaking at a seminar aimed at preparing Thailand for the September summit, Vitit’s call emphasizes an often overlooked demographic: the young, whose fresh perspectives could significantly shape global discourse. This illustrious Summit of the Future is set to be a high-stakes gathering. World leaders will converge with a singular mission—to forge an international consensus on how UN member states can collectively create a better tomorrow. Come September 22-23, the grand halls of the UN headquarters in New York will buzz with ideas, closing with the signing of a transformative “Pact of the Future.” This pivotal document will outline commitments to sustainable development, international peace and security, scientific and technological innovation, youth empowerment, and the reimagining of global governance. While the summit…
The Government House was bustling on May 7, with cabinet ministers posing for memorable photos. But behind those smiles, an intriguing narrative emerges, thanks to a recent study by the National Statistical Office (NSO). According to official spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, this study reveals that approximately 44% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the government’s performance during its initial six-month period in office. The NSO didn’t just pull numbers from a hat—they meticulously tapped into the sentiments of 6,970 participants aged 16 and above, spanning the nation from April 22 to May 15. And when the NSO director, Piyanuch Wuttisorn, unveiled these numbers, it became clear: about 44.3% of participants felt highly satisfied, while 39.6% were moderately content, and 14.1% displayed slightly content demeanor. Diving deeper into the data, it’s fascinating to observe how people keep tabs on government activities. A significant 83.9% of respondents said they primarily absorb government information through…
The voices of people, particularly the youth, must resonate at the United Nations Summit of the Future, where their perspectives should be woven into the final communique before its signing. This emphatic call came from human rights activist Vitit Muntharbhorn during a lively seminar aimed at gearing up Thailand for this year’s pivotal summit. The Summit of the Future, a prestigious high-level event, aims to convene world leaders to forge an international consensus on how UN member states can collaboratively strive for a brighter tomorrow. This illustrious gathering will take place at the UN’s iconic headquarters in New York on September 22-23, culminating in the endorsement of the “Pact of the Future.” This landmark document will delineate the participants’ unwavering commitments to sustainable development, development financing, international peace and security, as well as the advancement of science, technology, innovation, digital cooperation, and the empowerment of youth and future generations through…
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy, Chulalongkorn University’s Sasin School of Management, and Workplace Pride, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at creating safer and more inclusive workplaces for Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community. Named the “Inclusion Toolkit for Organisations and Business: LGBTQI+ Insights to Increase Inclusion for All,” this resource compiles valuable input from a diverse array of sources including Thai LGBTQ activists, civil society organizations, and both local and international companies. This collective effort seeks to provide comprehensive guidelines for fostering an inclusive workplace environment. Renaud Meyer, the UNDP resident representative, emphasized the importance of championing economic rights for the LGBTQ+ community alongside their civil rights. He pointed out that despite Thailand’s reputation as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination, the reality on the ground is often starkly different. Discrimination in the workplace remains a pressing issue. Meyer cited data from a study conducted in…
Imagine the bustling streets of Bangkok, seemingly ordinary, yet teeming with secrets that would make even the boldest thriller novel blush. In the midst of this vibrant metropolis, a chilling narrative of betrayal and conspiracy unfolded, casting a shadow over the life of 37-year-old Wannipa Hamala and her now-deceased husband, Pichit Kleepchinda. The 44-year-old businessman, Pichit, met his untimely fate in the serene confines of his Maha Sarakham residence this past April. It was initially written off as death by “natural causes.” However, the story took a sinister twist worthy of any prime-time drama when it surfaced that just days before his mysterious demise, Pichit had narrowly evaded an assassination attempt in Bangkok. This startling revelation paved the way for a gripping police investigation. Authorities acted swiftly and decisively, apprehending Wannipa, who was nestled in her home within Ram Intra. She stood accused of the unthinkable—conspiring to kill her own…
This insightful graphic from the Department of Mineral Resources pinpoints the epicenters of two recent earthquakes on the idyllic island of Koh Samui. The graphic, adorned with white and red dots, highlights the quake centers on the right, whereas the formidable Khlong Marui Fault is illustrated as a red line on the left. In a proactive response to these geological ripples, mineral resources officials have ramped up their efforts, promising to install seismic monitoring equipment on Koh Samui within the week. These measures follow the unsettling tremors felt on Thursday and Saturday. The department relayed this information through their Facebook platform, emphasizing that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Patcharawat Wongsuwan remains acutely aware of the apprehensions harbored by the residents. Thus, he has commissioned the prompt setup of a seismic monitoring station on this popular tourist haven. Officials are scheduled to be on-site Tuesday and Wednesday to set up the…
Thaksin Shinawatra was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters as he made his way to the Pheu Thai Party headquarters this past March. The electrifying atmosphere was palpable, with supporters cheering and showing their unwavering support. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) In a surprising twist unfolding in the political landscape, a Pheu Thai MP has announced a strong push to expedite the passage of an amnesty bill. This move aims to support the youth, particularly those prosecuted under the controversial lese majeste laws, rather than aiding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The announcement came from none other than List MP Cherdchai Tantisirin, who revealed his intentions to bring this matter to the forefront in an upcoming Pheu Thai meeting. Mr. Cherdchai was firm in his stance, emphasizing that the proposed legislation was not designed to benefit Thaksin Shinawatra, who has faced his own legal battles under Section 112 of the Criminal…
On the brisk morning of October 28, 2022, a man captured an indelible moment on his camera—the progression of the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, ambitiously bridging Bung Kan and Bolikhamxay. This fifth marvel is but a tantalizing preview of what’s on the horizon. Enthusiastic murmurs are already circulating about a sixth bridge, aiming to weave an even tighter bond between Udon Ratchathani and Saravan. (Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut) Yes, it’s true! Thailand has thrown its hat into the ring for yet another grand architectural venture across the tranquil Mekong River. This proposed sixth bridge between Ubon Ratchathani and Saravan province in the scenic landscapes of southern Laos spurred animated discussions among the top brass. The heart of this enthralling discourse was none other than a meeting between Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, as reported by the Vientiane Times on a bustling Monday morning. Should this idea…