A heartwarming scene unfolded at Banbangkapi School in January when a teacher, a student, and the student’s guardian exchanged the iconic wai greetings. Captured beautifully by photographer Varuth Hirunyatheb, this snapshot illustrated a tradition deeply embedded in Thai culture. Recently, an exciting development has emerged: the cabinet has officially recognized the “wai” gesture as a national identity for greetings and expressions of respect. This was announced by deputy government spokesman Karom Phonphonklang, adding another layer of significance to this cherished custom. Though the roots of the “wai” gesture trace back to India, carried through Hindu and Buddhist beliefs across Southeast Asia, Thais have ingeniously curated their own unique version. “In Thailand, we’ve developed an array of ‘wai’ gestures, each embodying a spectrum of profound meanings,” explained Karom. These variations show the depth and adaptability of the gesture within Thai society. Performing the “wai” involves intricately straightening the palms with all…
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In a bold move to curb fuel smuggling, police officers in Hat Yai district of Songkhla recently intercepted a clandestine operation. With swift action, they seized contraband fuel being transferred from a truck to a pickup, showing that law enforcement is taking a determined stance against this illicit trade. The crackdown, part of a broader effort to tackle fuel smuggling along the southern border, occurred on April 20, 2023, and the Royal Thai Police managed to catch the offenders red-handed. (Photo: Royal Thai Police) The recent fuel subsidy changes by Kuala Lumpur have sent ripples through the smuggling operations along the Malaysian-Thai border. According to Perlis police chief Muhammad Abdul Halim, this policy shift is likely to spur smugglers into a frenzy of activity. The cessation of diesel subsidies in Malaysia means lower profit margins domestically, prompting these illegal networks to buy even more fuel to sell at higher prices…
In the corridors of political power, few stories have captivated the public quite like the recent saga of three former Bhumjaithai Party MPs. Among them, Natee Ratchakitprakarn, who held a significant position not just in politics but also as the wife of the current Minister for Labour, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. Their tale is one of power, intrigue, and ultimately, a fall from grace that culminated in the Supreme Court’s ruling this Tuesday. The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders handed down the formidable sentences. Chalong Thoetwiraphong, a former MP from Phatthalung’s constituency 2, Phumsit Khongmi, who represented Phatthalung’s constituency 1, and Natee Ratchakitprakarn were each sentenced to nine months in prison. Their crime? Proxy voting during the heated 2020 budget bill debate—a move that went against the very ethics they vowed to uphold. Delving into the decision, the court was unyielding. They found…
Hylife Group ushered a new era on the 7th of June with the spectacular grand opening of its cutting-edge headquarters in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai. Helmed by Group CEO Mr. Shubhodeep Das, the event was nothing short of monumental, attracting more than five hundred dignitaries, including board members, employees, and business associates from Thailand and beyond, including Singapore, Korea, Australia, and India. This significant leap forwards underscores Hylife’s relentless pursuit of growth and unwavering commitment to excellence. The evening was an exhilarating blend of tradition and innovation, creating an electric atmosphere perfect for networking and celebrating. Guests were treated to an entrancing Lanna dance and drum performance, which paid homage to the rich cultural tapestry of Chiang Mai. The celebration didn’t stop there; a jaw-dropping 3D mapping technology display captivated the crowd, showcasing Hylife’s innovative spirit. Guided tours offered an in-depth look at the new three-story office space, conveniently…
13-Year-Old Girl in Nakhon Ratchasima Collapses After Being Paid to Drink Alcohol at Temple Ceremony
13-Year-Old Girl in Nakhon Ratchasima Collapses After Being Paid to Drink Alcohol at Temple Ceremony
Local officials paid a visit to the family of a 13-year-old girl at Mitsamphan village in Nong Bunmak district, Nakhon Ratchasima, on Tuesday. The ordeal began when the girl collapsed after she and another 13-year-old boy were paid to chug alcohol from bottles during a jubilant ordination ceremony at a local temple on Sunday. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert) NAKHON RATCHASIMA – In a bizarre and troubling incident, a 13-year-old girl was paid 1,000 baht to guzzle alcohol at an ordination ceremony, leading to her collapsing into a coma and an urgent trip to the hospital. She was rushed into intensive care and, after tense moments, was eventually declared to be in stable condition. Authorities have launched an investigation to track down the man who recruited the girl and her friend, also 13, to consume alcohol at the event. Both kids were paid 1,000 baht each and urged to down a half-bottle…
In a bustling room in Samut Prakan, speed pills adorned a display table while cameras clicked and reporters scribbled notes. It was a media briefing on February 8, 2024, and the spotlight was on these tiny, yet powerful, tablets (Bangkok Post File Photo). Fast forward to a momentous decision, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the cabinet has, in principle, greenlighted a new law targeting methamphetamine possession. Anyone found with more than a single meth tablet will now be deemed an offender and stripped of the option for rehabilitation. This comes as a significant shift proposed by the Ministry of Public Health, which seeks to tighten up on a previously criticized regulation. The earlier rule had stipulated that offenders would only face legal action if caught with five or more speed pills. Not surprisingly, this regulation drew ire for its loophole. Possessing anywhere between one and four pills categorized one…
Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has issued a heartfelt plea for people to cease giving money to beggars, as their numbers continue to swell across Bangkok. Alarmingly, some of these individuals are reportedly pocketing nearly 100,000 baht each month. Addressing this pressing issue on Tuesday, Mr. Varawut shared insights into his ministry’s vigorous efforts to manage the beggar situation, underscoring the crucial role played by various collaborating agencies, including the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The ministry employs a meticulous strategy, conducting sweeps five times a month to apprehend beggars populating the city’s streets. Foreign beggars who are caught face deportation to their home countries, whereas Thai beggars are provided shelter at homes for the destitute, run by the ministry. These homes not only offer refuge but also career training and job placement support, intending to encourage a shift away from street…
Speed pills are displayed at a media briefing in Samut Prakan on Feb 8, 2024. (File photo) The cabinet has greenlit a groundbreaking law that stipulates anyone caught with more than one methamphetamine tablet will be deemed an offender and stripped of the option for rehabilitation, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This decision was made during the cabinet’s weekly meeting on Tuesday, approving the draft regulation presented by the Public Health Ministry. Previously, the law dictated that possession of five or more meth tablets would result in legal action. However, the new rule lowers this threshold significantly, making individuals caught with more than a single tablet legally liable as offenders. This shift stems from the Public Health Ministry’s proposal to abandon the controversial provision that considered individuals possessing between one and four tablets simply as drug addicts needing rehabilitation. Critics argued this created a loophole, allowing offenders to avoid…
Excitement is in the air at UOB Thailand with the announcement on June 11, 2024, of Mr. Richard Maloney as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Maloney is all set to take over from Mr. Tan Choon Hin, who has led UOB Thailand with distinction since 2016. Mr. Tan will be heading back to Singapore to embrace a new role as the Deputy Head of Group Governance, Risk and Compliance. Meanwhile, Ms. Vira-Anong C Phutrakul will step in as the Head of Wholesale Banking and Deputy CEO of UOB Thailand. Mr. Maloney brings a treasure trove of experience to the role, with a staggering four decades in the banking industry. His illustrious career spans Wholesale Banking, Capital Markets, and Retail Banking. Since joining UOB in 2014, he has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Group Wholesale Banking. Before UOB, Mr. Maloney was the…
A teacher, a student, and the student’s guardian exchange wai greetings at Banbangkapi School in January. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) In a move set to underscore cultural pride and uniqueness, the cabinet has agreed to elevate the traditional “wai” gesture as a national identity for greetings and expressions of respect. Deputy government spokesman Karom Phonphonklang shared the news, highlighting that although the roots of the “wai” trace back to Hindu and Buddhist traditions from India, the Thais have given their own distinctive twist to this beautiful gesture. To perform a “wai,” practitioners ensure their palms are straight with all fingers aligned closely together. The palms are then pressed together, drawing both hands up towards the chin, nose, the middle of the eyebrows, or chest, accompanied by a slight bow of the head. This act serves as a versatile greeting and symbol of respect towards juniors, seniors, peers, and esteemed monks, making…