Ever wondered about the delicate dance between Mother Nature and mankind in Thailand? Well, Prof Pennung Warnitchai from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) certainly has, and he took to the stage at the Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum: After the Quake, with quite the seismic story to tell. The forum, which unraveled last Thursday at the prestigious Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, became a stepping stone to understanding Thailand through the mysterious lens of potential earthquakes. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill). Lucky for those residing in Thailand, the chance of an earthquake striking in the near future is relatively low. However, as Prof Pennung wasn’t shy to point out, several areas, including the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, are sitting ducks when it comes to feeling tremors emanating from nearby fault lines. Despite not having its own fault line celebrity, Bangkok could just as easily become the site of a seismic afterparty. As…
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When it comes to setting new standards for international education, Thailand is making significant waves with its fresh regulatory measures. In a bold move to safeguard the sanctity of short-term educational programs, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has rolled out a series of comprehensive regulations targeting foreign students. Launched with immediate effect, these guidelines are designed to prevent the misuse of short courses as a guise for unauthorized work within the country. Helming this progressive initiative is Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, who, on a notably sunny Thursday, explained that these measures are imperative not just for upholding legal compliance among foreign students but also to align with the collaborative agreements established between the MHESI and Thailand’s Immigration Bureau. The regulations encompass stringent measures that institutions offering short courses need to adopt. It’s all about maintaining the revered Thai educational standards while keeping a keen eye on…
While the sands of time may obscure certain realities, they certainly haven’t buried the potential threat of earthquakes looming over Thailand. Yet fret not, dear reader, for in the labyrinth of such geophysical intrigues, we have the renowned Prof. Pennung Warnitchai from the Asian Institute of Technology to guide us. His insights at the recent Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum turned the spotlight on the seismic conundrum facing Bangkok, despite the city’s geographical allure. The forum, aptly titled “After the Quake,” conjured imagery of tremors originating from elusive fault lines and casting shadows over the city, reminiscent of a mystery novel. With Bangkok’s unique topography, one might wonder if it moonlights as a dormant shake rattle and roll zone. Prof. Pennung, with a twinkle in his eye, explained how the city isn’t exactly sitting atop a fault line, but rather, figuratively resting on a beanbag of soft soil. Delightfully unconventional, right?…
In an unfolding legal drama that intertwines tragedy with controversy, construction magnate Premchai Karnasuta finds himself in the legal spotlight once again. Picture this: June 11, 2019, where Premchai, a figure not unfamiliar with the courtroom, leaves the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Case Region 7 in the serene Samut Songkhram province. Fast forward, and he’s one of 17 individuals for whom the iron-fisted arm of justice has swung an arrest warrant, courtesy of a decision made by the Criminal Court on a fateful Thursday. The catalyst for this legal quagmire is none other than the devastating collapse of the State Audit Office building in the bustling heart of Bangkok. A cataclysmic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, striking central Myanmar on March 28, sent tremors that shattered more than just structures—it shook the foundations of responsibility and ethics within the construction industry. At the heart of this controversy is Premchai, now 71…
In the bustling district of Sam Phran, within Nakhon Pathom province, lies the eminent Wat Rai Khing, a revered Buddhist temple that usually stands as a beacon of peace and spirituality. However, serenity was recently shattered here following a scandal of epic proportions involving high-stakes financial deception and illicit online gambling, akin to unraveling a real-life thriller. Recent turmoil began when the abbot of Wat Rai Khing, Phra Dhammawachiranuwat, known to his followers as Yaem Kittindharo, turned himself into the authorities, staunchly maintaining his innocence in a sophisticated case of embezzlement. The accusations were nothing short of scandalous; an astounding 300 million baht was allegedly pocketed from the temple’s coffers and funneled into the risky world of online gambling. This intricate drama took a twist worthy of a crime series when a 28-year-old broker, Aranyawan Wangthapan, entered the fray. Captured by officials in the ever-vibrant city of Pattaya, Aranyawan stands…
In a dramatic turn of events, the peaceful atmosphere of Soi Wat Lakhon Tham in Bangkok Noi district was shattered on a seemingly ordinary Thursday. The quiet street found itself thrust into the spotlight as a tense standoff unfolded between police and an armed man, whose disturbances sent echoes of apprehension through the neighborhood. The man at the center of this incident, 31-year-old Nathawat, also known by the alias Tay Watyang, etched a day of chaos as he holed up in a family residence, armed with a pistol, a knife, and a makeshift explosive device. From the crack of dawn until the creeping dusk, law enforcement officers patiently tried every tactic they knew to persuade him to yield peacefully. Nathawat’s troubling descent into turmoil began to unravel as early as 7 a.m. Residents reported to the police that an individual, known locally for drug addiction and trafficking, attempted to enter…
On the vibrant stage of the Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum 2025, a formidable gathering of experts kicked off a pivotal conversation at Chulalongkorn University. Under the insightful theme “After the Quake: From Lessons to Prevention — What We Must Know When the World Shifts,” these luminaries dove into the seismic intricacies that Bangkok faces, as well as strategies for fortifying the city against future tremors. Bringing weight to the dialogue were pioneering voices from diverse disciplines: Pennung Warnitchai, steering the Structural Engineering Program at AIT Amorn Pimanmas, the spirited President of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association (TSEA) Alongkorn Parivudhiphongs, Deputy Dean of Research and International Affairs at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Communication Arts Poomipak Julmanichoti, the strategic mind as Chief Strategy Officer at Sansiri Plc. With an ensemble like this, the stage was set for an engaging exploration into Bangkok’s seismic vulnerabilities, and of course, the proactive measures needed ahead…
In a tale that sounds plucked straight from a detective novel, the illustrious Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpha recently unveiled an intricate web of deceit, where victims were cunningly ensnared through digital charm and internet trickery. Picture this: a digital Casanova, flaunting a façade of youthful allure, crafted the perfect bait that led to a substantial financial pitfall, with losses scaling over 1.5 million baht. The saga unraveled in vivid detail at a press meet, complete with a compelling narrative, akin to a gripping thriller. The tale begins with a LINE account, slyly named “Tor (Nattapoom)”, adorned with the visage of a handsomely crafted young man. This virtual Adonis was the brainchild behind the scam, designed to serenade unsuspecting users into a web of trust. Albeit an illusion, the charade was captivating enough to hoodwink even the savviest of individuals into believing the promise of a prosperous side hustle. Seemingly…
In the lush and bustling heart of Thailand’s southern territories, the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat buzzes with life. This vibrant region, known for its rich tapestry of culture and tradition, witnessed an unexpected twist on Thursday. The usual activity at a local construction site in the Tha Sala district took a turn when authorities intervened, marking the day’s events as poignant and arresting. The clock had barely struck noon when officers, guided by insider tips, swooped in on a seemingly unassuming locale in Moo 1, nestled within the serene embrace of tambon Klai. A modest construction effort was underway, yet it concealed a secret that would soon unfurl in the humid Thai air. Four individuals, hailing from the neighboring land of Myanmar and aged between the hopeful years of 21 and the seasoned 35, were found feverishly working—albeit without the necessary official documentation. Prasong Chanprayun, the chief of Tha…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, a shocking tale of harassment has surfaced, leaving many questioning the safety measures in place for delivery riders. A courageous female delivery rider took to a popular Facebook page to recount her disturbing encounter with a customer who falsely claimed to be an air force officer. Her account is nothing short of a cautionary tale, detailing a harrowing experience that unfolded in the seemingly safe enclave of the Don Mueang area. The story began on an ordinary day as she picked up extra work and was tasked with a delivery at an air force housing complex. Initially, her customer—a man with a seemingly respectable facade—engaged her in friendly conversation. His questions about her work and the innocent request for her contact details seemed benign, especially given the family photo displayed on his profile. However, the veneer of normalcy quickly shattered, and what followed was…