The La Niña phenomenon could potentially spell trouble for Thailand, heightening the risk of widespread flooding, especially in low-lying areas like Bangkok and Samut Prakan. Environmental expert Sonthi Kotchawat from Thai Environmental Academics recently sounded the alarm on social media, urging the government to implement robust measures to mitigate flood risks. According to Sonthi, the weather oscillation linked with La Niña is poised to bring increased rainfall across the nation. Bangkok and Samut Prakan are particularly vulnerable due to their coastal proximity and dense jungle of high-rise buildings. These skyscrapers can significantly reduce wind speeds, leading to more intense and prolonged downpours. Additionally, their strategic position in the Central Plains means they bear the brunt of water run-off from upstream provinces, particularly during the peak monsoon months of August to October. “Already, provinces such as Chon Buri, Rayong, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son have reported above-average rainfall,” Mr. Sonthi…
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Experts have sounded the alarm for Thais, urging vigilance against the new mpox strain, given the potential for the current outbreak to spiral into a global calamity. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, an acclaimed clinical virologist at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, took to Facebook on Monday to highlight the dangers posed by the Clade 1b subvariant. This strain, capable of spreading through respiratory droplets, represents a significant threat. Dr. Yong explained that Clade 1b, currently making waves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), is a fiercer adversary compared to the Clade 2 strain previously encountered in Thailand. Known for its aggressive nature, Clade 1b has been detected in both children and adults, irrespective of gender, in central Africa. Tragically, the hardest hit have been the younger population. He elaborated that the Clade 1 strain spreads through close physical contact and respiratory droplets, which facilitates easier transmission compared to Clade…
On a sun-dappled Sunday in Phitsanulok, excitement filled the air as Monchai Wiwatthanat received a bouquet from his jubilant supporters. The atmosphere was electric, a reflection of a closely-fought election that had been the talk of the town for weeks. (Photo by Shinawat Singha) The elections for the Phitsanulok Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chairman had all the elements of a political thriller. Much of the spotlight was on Siripan Prajak-ubon, a candidate backed by the once-influential Move Forward Party (MFP) turned People’s Party (PP), helmed by ex-member Padipat Santipada. Despite the fervor of her supporters, Siripan ended up in the second position with 104,163 votes, trailing behind Monchai Wiwatthanat, who clinched the victory with a resounding 214,519 votes. Trailing behind, Settha Jittijarurat managed only 13,759 votes, according to the initial results released on Monday. The election saw a significant turnout, with 361,642 out of 677,410 eligible voters making their voices…
Experts have raised the alarm over a new mpox strain, underscoring the critical need for vigilance amid concerns that the outbreak could escalate into a global pandemic. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, a seasoned clinical virologist at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, took to Facebook on Monday to highlight the potential threat posed by the Clade 1b subvariant. This particular strain, he pointed out, can spread via respiratory droplets, adding an extra layer of concern. Dr. Yong noted that Clade 1b, currently spreading throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo, exhibits a more aggressive behavior compared to the previously identified Clade 2 strain in Thailand. Alarmingly, this variant has been detected in both children and adults, affecting men and women alike in central Africa, with young children bearing the brunt of the fatalities. The virologist explained that Clade 1 can be transmitted through close physical contact and respiratory droplets. This characteristic makes it…
As the fresh scent of ripening berries fills the air in the picturesque landscapes of Sweden and Finland, an exciting announcement has been made: the first batch of Thai labourers for the current berry harvesting season is set to embark on their journey this month. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled on Monday that the Department of Employment (DoE) recently granted permission for 1,129 Thai workers to travel to Sweden for the 2024 berry-picking season. These laborers are expected to dive into the scenic Swedish countryside, collecting nature’s bounty of juicy berries. In a wonderful example of international cooperation, Thai and Swedish authorities have come to an agreement ensuring employers take on the responsibility for expenses, including fees for passports, visas, work permits, alongside meals and accommodation. Additionally, both employers and workers are mandated to sign comprehensive employment contracts, safeguarding the interests and rights of each hardworking individual. Meanwhile, in Finland,…
Monchai Wiwatthanat, basked in the floral embrace of his supporters with a victorious grin at Phitsanulok on Sunday. (Photo: Shinawat Singha) In a thrilling race for the chairman seat of Phitsanulok’s Provincial Administration Organization (PAO), Monchai Wiwatthanat emerged triumphant. His main contender, Siripan Prajak-ubon, backed by the illustrious former deputy House speaker and ex-MFP member Padipat Santipada, couldn’t quite capture the hearts of voters. Monchai garnered an impressive 214,519 votes, significantly outpacing Siripan’s 104,163. Meanwhile, Settha Jittijarurat lagged far behind with just 13,759 votes, as unofficial results revealed on Monday. The sheer excitement could be felt in the air as 361,642 of the 677,410 eligible voters made their voices heard. This election was particularly poignant, following the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court last week, due to charges of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy. Former MFP members have since rallied under the banner of…
FrieslandCampina (Thailand) Public Company Limited, the esteemed producer and distributor of Foremost dairy products in Thailand and Indochina, recently joined forces with both public and private sector allies—including the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, BJC Big C Group, CP All Public Company Limited (yes, the giant behind 7-Eleven), Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM), the Mirror Foundation, and a nationwide base of enthusiastic consumers. Together, they orchestrated a riveting press conference aptly named “Foremost Happy Power: Energise Body, Fuel the Spirit with Foremost.” This notable gathering shines a spotlight on their unwavering commitment to the “Foremost for Million Smiles” project, now joyously marking its 4th year. This heartwarming initiative involves a generous donation of 1 million boxes of Foremost Omega 369 UHT milk, aiming to nourish children and vulnerable communities across the country. The essence of this project stops at nothing but delivering top-tier nutrition to Thai children, offering…
Jatuporn Sae Ung participates in the demonstration on Silom Road, Bangkok, on October 29, 2020. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The Appeal Court has maintained the two-year prison sentence given to a female activist convicted of impersonating HM the Queen during a 2020 protest. The court denied a suspension of the prison term and upheld a 1,000 baht fine. The Appeal Court’s decision was revealed at the Bangkok South Criminal Court on Monday. The defendant, Jatuporn Sae Ung, 25, had donned attire resembling that of the Queen during a demonstration advocating for royal institution reform in the Silom area of Bangkok in October 2020. The court disclosed that the defendant wore a traditional Thai-style dress and engaged with protesters who referred to her as the Queen and chanted “Long live.” The defendant conceded to imitating the Queen in her demeanor. Initially, Jatuporn received a three-year sentence from the court of first instance…
At a bustling press conference held at Bangkok’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Monday, police revealed the astonishing seizure of over 30,000 items of vaping hardware. These items, valued at a whopping ten million baht, were discovered in a meticulously planned raid on a storehouse in Chiang Mai. The operation was sparked by the government’s renewed commitment to crack down on the escalating issue of vaping among the youth. Leading the charge, the CIB’s investigation team zeroed in on an e-cigarette store known as ‘Yai Vape,’ which had been peddling its products through a website and the popular Line application. The momentous raid took place on August 15th in the San Sai district, at a nondescript house doubling as a stockroom for the illicit products. The alarmingly large haul included a mind-boggling 31,790 vaping devices, encompassing both disposable and refillable vapes, e-liquids, pods, and vape tanks. To everyone’s amazement, the…
A rescue volunteer prepared diligently, as the first rays of dawn filtered through the trees, to carefully remove the body of Kingor Rodsawai from the overnight bus in Chien Yai district of Nakhon Si Thammarat province. (Photo: Nujaree Rakrun) On what seemed like an ordinary Monday morning, the passenger aboard a long-haul bus journeyed from the bustling heart of Bangkok to the southern town of Hat Yai, only to be enveloped in an extraordinary and unsettling discovery. The seemingly endless bus ride operated by Sri Siam Transport took a chilling turn when a nearby traveler discovered that the silent neighbor in the adjoining aisle seat was, in fact, dead and cold to the touch. The tragic discovery was reported promptly to the Chien Yai police on Monday morning. The deceased passenger’s identity was soon unveiled through an ID card found with her—Kingor Rodsawai, a 57-year-old woman hailing from Songkhla province.…