In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the serene town of Lopburi witnessed a devastating tragedy on February 17, 2025, when the life of young Thawatchai Sangkanak was abruptly cut short. Under the bright midday sun, the 15-year-old boy ventured across Phahon Yothin Road, near the picturesque Wat Khao Wong Phra Chan, to fulfill a simple errand – getting a haircut. It was a routine day, an anticipation filled with the regular humdrum of teenage life, until fate intervened with chilling finality. The busy stretch of road at kilometre markers 179-180 became the unwitting stage for this unforeseen calamity. As police and rescue teams hurried to attend to the chaotic scene, the stark reality of a life interrupted lay painfully apparent. Thawatchai, as described by Police Major Piyap Rung Huaphai, an investigator at the Khok Samrong Police Station, was caught tragically unawares. A white Toyota pickup truck from Sing Buri, driver…
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In the heart of Nakhon Chai Si district, nestled within Nakhon Pathom province, a rather spectacular series of events unraveled involving none other than a daring 27-year-old driver named Wiriya. On what seemed like an ordinary day, February 17, Wiriya had a significant lapse in judgment, involving a fuel station heist, a thrilling police chase, and the inevitable crash that made it surely unforgettable for those involved. The escapade began with Wiriya making a pit stop at a gas station along the busy Phetkasem Road, filling up his hefty six-wheel truck without so much as a glance towards his wallet. Surely $86, or 2,920 baht, might not have seemed like a small amount to most, but Wiriya, fueled by bravado and perhaps something a tad more potent, decided his money was best kept where it was—as he hit the gas pedal and took off. Close behind with a sense of…
Nakhon Ratchasima, a bustling hub in northeastern Thailand often affectionately called Korat, is setting its sights on a transformative leap forward in urban transport. Local authorities have unveiled an ambitious plan to seek approximately 4 billion baht from the national government to fund a state-of-the-art light rail transit system. Anticipation is in the air as construction could kick off as soon as next year, signaling a new era of streamlined transit for the region. Former mayor and current advisor to the Chairman of the Senate’s Transport Committee, Surawut Cherdchai, shared insights into the decision that sees a light rail system as the perfect fit for the province. With a focus on economic efficiency, the estimated cost of the project is pegged at a manageable 4 billion baht, significantly lesser than traditional heavy rail systems. The plan envisions a 20-kilometer track adorned with 20 stations poised to interlace the vibrant fabric…
Politics in the Land of Smiles never fails to deliver an intriguing mix of drama and policy, and the latest chapter is no exception. Imagine the bustling corridors of power as Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stands resolute, outlining the government’s pledge to clamp down on public land encroachment. As he does so, the spotlight shines brightly on a certain verdant patch in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district—that’s right, a golf course that ticks all the boxes for drama and intrigue, being owned by none other than Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. But is this just another storm in a teacup, or something more? Mr. Phumtham, steadfast as ever, assures us that this investigation, carrying all the weight of a blockbuster headline, won’t stir up discord within the ruling coalition. Far from it, he insists, there’s ample camaraderie between the Bhumjaithai Party captained by Mr. Anutin and the…
Imagine stepping off your flight, stretching your legs, and being greeted by the comforting sight of a sign guiding you to your next adventure. Well, that’s exactly what awaits travelers at Don Mueang Airport. But what if I told you there’s an exciting new way to explore the stunning landscapes of Thailand directly from its busiest airports? Yes, you heard it right! Buckle up, because come March 8, the State-run Transport Co is rolling out first-class bus services that promise to whisk you away in style to some of Thailand’s most captivating destinations: Hua Hin and Pattaya. Meet the mastermind behind this initiative, Managing-director Atthawit Rakchamroon, who unveiled this ambitious plan much to the delight of avid travelers. Picture this: a comfortable, scenic ride from Don Mueang Airport to the vibrant city of Pattaya, not once, but four times a day. Clocking in merely two and a half hours to…
The political climate is heating up as the People’s Party (PP), the predominant opposition force, has set its sights firmly on the spending habits of the Social Security Office (SSO). With a spotlight firmly fixed on what they describe as lavish financial habits, the PP is stirring quite the talk down on the busy streets of Bangkok. The flames of discontent were ignited by Ratchanok Srinok, a vociferous Bangkok MP and sharp-eyed member of the House committee charged with scrutinizing budget tactics. In a bold move, she took to Facebook to spill some tea post a buzzworthy “Hack the SSO Budget” forum, leaving onlookers intrigued and concerned in equal measure. Grabbing everyone’s attention with figures that made heads spin, Ms. Srinok clued followers into the SSO’s ballooning budget, which has done a commendable job of increasing its weight each year. From a respectable 4 billion baht in 2020, it has…
Gather ’round, folks! The latest curtain-lifter in Thailand’s legislative theater, the Entertainment Complex Bill, is getting its spotlight moment as it sashays closer to primetime. With the Office of the Council of State (OCS) putting the finishing touches on this much-anticipated act, inquiring minds are invited to voice their critiques until March 1, because who doesn’t enjoy a good public hearing, right? Atavit Suwanpakdee, the chairman with the advisory board-esque title longer than a Thai summer day, is practically beaming over the draft. With its shiny new amendments and glitzy technical details, the bill notably tries to rein in casinos, confining them to a mere sliver—10%, to be precise—of the grand entertainment venue pie. Despite its specificity on space, it’s a bit airy-fairy about the number of these glittering oases and their geographic sprinkle across the land. It’s like crafting a gourmet dish but giving no clue about how many…
Tragedy struck the serene streets of Wichit, Phuket, in the early hours of February 17, 2025, when a devastating crash claimed the life of a 30-year-old man named Patiphat Phonhiran. In the stillness of the night, his bright red Mazda 3 zoomed down Mueang Chaofa Road, a crucial pathway connecting the heart of Phuket with Chao Fa West Road. But near the Bangchak petrol station, calamity unfolded—his vehicle flipped violently, slamming into the roadside barrier, leaving a scene of twisted metal in its wake. Alerted at around 2:30 AM, the Wichit Police and Kusoldharm Foundation’s valiant rescue team rushed to the unfortunate site. There, they encountered the horrifying remains of Patiphat’s car, its front and side crumpled beyond recognition. Trapped inside was Patiphat, clinging to life with grave head injuries, a tragic reminder of his mortal frailty. Despite the rescue workers’ tireless efforts, armed with advanced extraction tools, the young…
Phuket is turning the tides on its notorious traffic troubles, ready to revolutionize commuting with a fresh strategy that takes to the water! With an aspiration to smooth out the island’s tangled traffic jams, local officials came together at the Phuket Provincial Hall’s Smart Operations Center just yesterday, February 17, charting a groundbreaking course with their ‘Boat Taxi’ initiative. The meeting was chaired by the savvy Doctor Somkid Chokhong, advisor to the Governor of Phuket. His team, composed of various agencies, shared grandiose ideas on unraveling the mess on the roads. Central to their spirited brainstorm? The catalytic impact of construction projects and the ambitious idea of bypass roads, partnered with the creative vision from the Phuket Marine Office to cultivate a nautical-inspired relief from land gridlock. Picture this: picturesque mooring buoy sites peppered around the island, transforming places like Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao, Sakhu, Cherng Talay, Kamala, Patong,…
Motorists can start their engines with added excitement, as the promised land of smoother journeys along the infamous Rama II Road, lovingly known as Highway 35, is on the not-so-distant horizon. Thanks to the diligent efforts of construction teams, the extensive projects dominating this area are zooming to completion at a blistering pace. The Transport Ministry has proudly proclaimed that 87% of the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road expressway is ready for the grand curtain call in November, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Despite initial delays, the clock is set against any obstacles, determined to welcome Thailand’s citizens onto their new and improved paths by year-end. Meanwhile, the elevated Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo Intercity Motorway 82 (M82) isn’t lagging behind in this race towards progress. The segment stretching from Bang Khuntian to Ekkachai is nearly at the finish line, with a commendable 98% completion rate. The Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo stretch is…