An instant alert message appears on a mobile phone in five languages during the live test by True mobile operator last Wednesday. (Photo: True Corporation) Brace yourselves, Thailand! A groundbreaking alert system promising to revolutionize public safety is gearing up for an early 2024 debut. Initially slated for a mid-2025 release, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has amped things up, aiming for a much earlier launch. Imagine receiving life-saving alerts in a snap, whether you’re a local or just sightseeing. You’ll hear the crucial news in five dynamic languages—Thai, English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian—without the need to download any additional apps. The notifications will be delivered through striking images and crisp audio to ensure everyone is fully informed. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke couldn’t contain his excitement as he confirmed the expedited timeline. The collaborative effort spans multiple agencies, including mobile phone operators and the Department of Disaster Prevention…
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Trok Pho community in Yaowarat is on fire late Saturday night. (Photo: Warunwipa Kasempongpanit) A fire that roared through a packed community in Yaowarat, Bangkok’s vibrant and bustling Chinatown, was brought under control late Saturday night. Miraculously, there were no fatalities, though 30 individuals required medical treatment. The blaze began in the Trok Pho community on Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong district around 8:42 pm on Saturday evening. This long-standing 3,200-square-metre community, dotted with about 30 wooden houses, found itself engulfed in flames. The response was swift but intense. Approximately 40 fire engines were deployed to battle the inferno. After several hours of relentless effort, firefighters declared the fire under control at 11:16 pm. The fire not only wreaked havoc on the community but also damaged parts of the seven-story New Empire Hotel. Thanks to the quick thinking and skill of firefighters, guests were safely rescued using the hydraulic lift of…
The vibrant heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown, the Trok Pho community, was abruptly thrust into chaos late on Saturday night. A raging inferno erupted at around 9 PM, reducing the bustling quarter to a scene of devastation. This catastrophic fire left approximately 30 people injured, although, thankfully, no fatalities were reported. The flames sprang to life in the Trok Pho community along Yaowarat Road, nestled in the Samphanthawong district. Firefighters were quick to respond to the call at 8:42 PM that night, racing against time to combat the blaze that threatened to engulf the 3,200-square-meter area. This densely populated zone was a labyrinth of about 30 wooden homes, which only added fuel to the fire’s voracious appetite. The daring rescue operation saw the deployment of around 40 fire engines, their sirens piercing through the smoky night air. It was a fierce battle, but the firefighters managed to wrest control of the…
In the bustling province of Pathum Thani, the air is rife with political intrigue and unanswered questions. The spotlight is firmly on Charn Phuangphet, a name that has recently resonated through the corridors of local governance. The looming question? Will he, or won’t he, officially become the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman? Pathum Thani’s provincial bigwigs, including Governor Passakorn Bunyaluck, are playing a cautious game of wait-and-see. “No moves yet,” Governor Passakorn affirmed with a hint of cautious optimism. The ball is in the Election Commission’s (EC) court, as the official confirmation of Charn’s election victory is still pending. Charn, representing the Pheu Thai Party, stirred up quite a buzz by winning the local poll just last Sunday. This win, however, isn’t straightforward. Suspicion lingers like an unfinished book series about Charn’s past when he helmed the PAO over a decade ago, drawing scrutiny for alleged malfeasance. The crux of…
Pathum Thani’s provincial authorities are treading carefully in adherence to the directives of the Interior Ministry and the legal counsel from the Council of State (CoS) regarding the heated dilemma involving the provincial administrative organization (PAO) chairman. Governor Passakorn Bunyaluck assured that no decisive actions have been taken thus far since the Election Commission (EC) has yet to officially endorse the election results that saw Charn Phuangphet clinch the PAO chairman role last Sunday. “As the overseer of local administrative entities, I am bound to act following the Interior Ministry’s guidelines, regulations, and the CoS’ legal standpoints,” declared Mr. Passakorn. Charn, the Pheu Thai Party’s aspirant, secured victory in the local polls on June 30, despite a cloud of skepticism lingering due to an ongoing malfeasance lawsuit from his previous stint as PAO chairman over ten years ago. The Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases had suspended…
In a tale of distress and disappointment, a woman known only as Ae, 30, has brought to light a troubling narrative involving allegations of sexual harassment within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Ae, who was a valued member of Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s team, has voiced her frustrations about the response to her plight. Ae stepped into the public eye through the media, claiming that she was subjected to unwanted advances by a senior executive of the BMA. Although a formal investigation was launched, it culminated in the governor merely asking the accused to step down from his role as assistant secretary-general on June 7, citing insufficient evidence. However, Ae contends that there was concrete proof in the form of Line messages that supported her claims. The accused had reportedly admitted his misconduct and apologized in these messages. Additionally, two deputy governors were present and witnessed the confession, according to…
In a bold move against the government’s latest stance on cannabis, pro-cannabis groups are gearing up to stage a protest outside Government House tomorrow. This comes in response to the Public Health Ministry’s committee’s nod to reclassify both cannabis and hemp as narcotic drugs. The committee’s decision means that, except for their branches, leaves, roots, and seeds, cannabis and hemp will be labeled as narcotics. Moreover, cannabis buds and materials containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will also fall under the narcotic category. With the majority in favor, this change is set to roll out on January 1 of the coming year, provided the Office of the Narcotics Control Board concurs. Prasitchai Nunual, the passionate secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future pro-cannabis group, announced an upcoming rally outside Government House to oppose the move. He expressed that the committee’s decision doesn’t reflect public interest and may even constitute an…
The government is gearing up to set up drug-free zones across the country, drawing inspiration from the successful Roi Et and Nan models, aiming to complete this endeavor by September 30. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, during a recent mobile cabinet meeting, pledged to tackle the nation’s drug issues with an arsenal of support from various agencies. Addressing the gravity of the drug menace, Mr. Srettha announced a two-pronged approach: cracking down on drug dealers and providing treatment for addicts to aid their smooth reintegration into society. He called upon provincial governors, particularly in Nakhon Ratchasima, to implement the drug suppression strategies demonstrated in Roi Et and Nan within their jurisdictions. The Roi Et and Nan model is currently operational in Thawatchaburi district of Roi Et and Tha Wang Pha district of Nan. The core strategy involves designating high-drug-prevalence areas as no-tolerance zones. The Prime Minister emphasized the effectiveness of this…
The crescendo of excitement reverberating from the release of the “Rockstar” music video by Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal on June 28 has undeniably thrust Bangkok’s Yaowarat, better known as Chinatown, into the global spotlight. In a breathtaking display of star power, Lisa’s first solo single in three years shattered records, racking up a staggering 32.4 million views on YouTube within a mere 24 hours. This viral sensation filmed predominantly in Yaowarat, has transformed the bustling historic area into a mecca for fans and tourists eager to walk the same streets as the charismatic K-pop idol. Lisa’s magnetic influence on her homeland is not unprecedented. Back in September 2021, her solo debut album “Lalisa” not only topped charts but also showcased her in traditional Thai attire, with the exquisite Prasat Hin Phanom Rung ruins serving as a majestic backdrop. Even mundane items, like local street vendor meatballs and herbal inhalers beloved by…
The government has sought to assuage public concerns regarding its proposal to increase the foreign ownership quota for condominiums to 75% and extend the land leasehold terms to 99 years. Speaking on his Facebook page, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke emphasized that additional regulations could be introduced to mitigate any negative impacts on Thai citizens. According to the government’s plan, the foreign ownership limit for condo units in any given project would rise from the current 49% to 75%. Additionally, foreigners would be able to secure land leases for up to 99 years, up from the current 30 to 50 years under renewable lease contracts. While acknowledging the economic advantages this proposal could bring, Mr. Chai also stressed that the government is actively listening to all perspectives. He outlined four primary concerns that have emerged since the proposal captured public attention last week. The first worry is that these changes could…