Meet National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, the man with an ambitious mission to transform law enforcement in Thailand. Hailing from Ratchaburi and following his father’s footsteps, he is set on a path to prioritize law, order, and community trust. Recently appointed by the Police Commission, his dedication to justice promises inspiring change. Succeeding Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, who ended his tenure in September, Pol Gen Kittharath emerged as the top choice from a pool of three strong candidates, selected under the watchful eye of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. At 58, this fresh chief will steer the police force until September 2026, with a vow to serve with “honesty and transparency” — twin pillars that he believes form the foundation of his public engagement philosophy. Highlighting seniority policy adherence as a path to professionalism in the police reshuffle process, Pol Gen Kittharath’s agenda encompasses more than hierarchical shifts. His…
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Amidst the lush greenery of Thailand, a native marvel has emerged from the heart of the Khok Makok community in Prachin Buri, enchanting botany enthusiasts and locals alike—the Chomphu Prachin Plumeria. Crowned by the Department of Agriculture as Thailand’s latest floral treasure, this exquisite variety joins the ranks of Theppharot tangerine and Thong Pramun Phrommani marian plum, securing its place as the third new local plant variety to be celebrated under Thailand’s plant species protection law. Picture a plant with a sleek, greenish-grey trunk that whispers of adventures in tropical climes. Its leaves, designed like nature’s very own javelins, spear towards the skies, while the plumeria’s petals sing in shades from gentle blush to a deep pink symphony, all painted with enchanting lines that seem to capture the very essence of a sunset. This stunning frangipani is not just eye candy; it’s a proud symbol of botanical innovation and dedication.…
The lively corridors of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) buzzed with activity this past Monday, as fate would have it, poised to address the grand tumult surrounding its well-intentioned yet currently beleaguered Cancer Anywhere (CA) programme. Think of it as the health sector’s spicy sitcom, sans the laugh track but packed with drama and plot twists. You see, this programme, not unlike a choose-your-own-adventure story, enables cancer patients to handpick their treatment destinations. An empowering notion, yes, yet one that has apparently set expert chickens clucking with concerns over runaway expenses. In response to the swelling murmur of dissent, NHSO’s head honcho, Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, donned his proverbial cape to declare the programme’s salvation. Rather than clipping the wings of the CA programme, he announced a cunning plan—a special task force set to brainstorm a fiscal fix within a three-month ticker. It’s as if the NHSO is casting themselves…
Bangkok, the city of vibrant street life and ornate temples, is under siege—not from invading armies, but from relentless swirls of dust and pollution that cloak its skyline. Recently, this bustling metropolis was wrapped in an ominous shroud of PM2.5, those pesky fine particulate matters that are so small they could slip through the eye of a needle. It’s not Mother Nature’s prank, but rather a grave and costly affair as the city loses over 400 billion baht annually due to this toxic haze. At a recent seminar on air pollution, held under the auspices of the National Health Commission Office during the 17th National Health Assembly, experts and stakeholders gathered under the banner of “Creative Economy for Clean Air Management”. This assembly was something of a brainstorming extravaganza where the private sector, academia, and local communities casually exchanged ideas and insights as though they were swapping recipes at a…
In the vibrant city of Bangkok, where the hustle and bustle never seem to pause, the bane of traffic congestion persists, weaving itself into the daily narratives of commuters. A recent survey, shedding light on this perennial issue, has spotlighted five intersections that transform into vehicular nightmares during rush hours. Intriguingly, this survey was orchestrated by Dataxet, a media intelligence virtuoso and news agency, known for its prowess in dissecting the digital pulse. Spanning the entirety of November, Dataxet tapped into the virtual grapevine of social media, unleashing its analytical tool, the DXT360 Essential dashboard. This handy contraption sifts through the cacophony of TV, radio, print, websites, and social platforms, offering a panoramic view of Bangkok’s traffic snafus, with intersections as the focal point. The illustrious yet infamous Asok-Phetchaburi intersection clinched the notorious title of being the most congested juncture. A convergence of major thoroughfares—Phetchaburi Road, Asok-Montri Road, and Asok-Din…
In a bid to ease the relentless traffic woes that have been plaguing commuters in northern Bangkok, the Transport Ministry is poised to unveil an ambitious proposal set to lay the groundwork for a groundbreaking expressway connector. This visionary artery, a mere whisper across urban planning boards, is soon to metamorphose into the vital Motorway 5 (M5)—an elevated lifeline stitching together the bustling Don Muang Tollway with the ever-expanding Motorway 6 that winds its path to Nakhon Ratchasima. Detailing the blueprint that has transport enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit shared candid insights into this monumental project. Envisaged as a six-lane, sky-high thoroughfare, the M5 will carve its course along Phahon Yothin Road, from the hive of activity at the Rangsit interchange in Pathum Thani to the deftly mapped out terminus at Bang Pa-in interchange in Ayutthaya. It’s not just another road; it’s a beacon of hope for…
The winds of change are sweeping through Thailand’s bustling thoroughfares as the Transport Ministry preps to roll out a ground-breaking proposal this Tuesday. Imagine an expressway that magically knits together the existing Don Muang Tollway and Motorway 6, weaving a seamless transport tapestry to Nakhon Ratchasima. If Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit’s ambitious blueprints come to life, the soon-to-be Motorway 5 (M5) will transform travel as we know it. Picture this: an elevated masterpiece of engineering stretching its six-lane span along Phahon Yothin Road. Beginning its journey at the Rangsit interchange in Pathum Thani, it gracefully snakes its way to the Bang Pa-in interchange in Ayutthaya. This marvel will stretch a mighty 22 kilometres and boast seven strategically placed entry and exit ramps, ensuring connectivity between the Don Muang Tollway and the far-reaching Motorway 6, paving a swift path from Bang Pa-In to Nakhon Ratchasima. Minister Suriya, with a twinkle of…
As the New Year unfolds, there’s a heartwarming surprise brewing in Thailand—a digital boon that promises to light up the lives of many. Picture this: 1.1 million SIM cards bundled with complimentary internet packages being benevolently handed out. It’s no ordinary gift; it’s a lifeline for those who often find themselves on the fringes of the digital divide. The pioneering minds behind this initiative are the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP). In a heartfelt statement, NBTC Commissioner Torpong Selanon shared that this initiative is crafted with a purpose—a lifeline for vulnerable groups, particularly individuals with disabilities. In today’s world, connectivity isn’t just convenience—it’s a necessity. The internet isn’t just a tool; it’s a bridge to opportunities, education, and even crucial healthcare services. Sadly, this essential resource isn’t accessible to everyone, a gap the NBTC and DEP are…
In a historic gathering that seemed to emphasize both the power of diplomacy and familial ties, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand recently waved to the cameras with a confident smile. Beside her stood Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with the majestic Putra Mosque providing a stunning backdrop in Putrajaya. This meeting wasn’t just a display of cordial relations; it was a harbinger of future collaborations that could reshape the region. One of the most intriguing announcements to emerge was the surprising revival of political giant Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor. Appointed by Mr. Ibrahim himself, Thaksin will lend his seasoned insights to Malaysia as it prepares to take on the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. Mr. Anwar, flanked by Prime Minister Paetongtarn at a press briefing, effused about this strategic move. “I have agreed to appoint Thaksin as my informal advisor on…
As the gentle hues of Monday morning began to grace Muang district in Nakhon Si Thammarat, an unusual scene unfolded—a watery world where roads turned to rivers and everyday life floated on a deluge backdrop. A photograph, captured by the ever-watchful lens of Nujaree Rakrun, illustrates the sweeping effects of nature’s relentless monsoon season. Welcome to the tale of an inundated South Thailand, where over 128,000 families have been battling the watery siege across five provinces, as reported by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Director-General Pasakorn Boonyalak took center stage, delivering news that 1,998 villages had reported flooding incidents, leaving households in Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Ranong, and Surat Thani in distress. It’s not every day you hear of a community drowning, but here we are—a living narrative of grand-scale waterworks. In Chumphon, the narrative of nature’s defiance played out in Lamae, Lang Suan, Muang, Pathiu, Phato,…