Once upon a recent time, from April 11th to the 17th, 2023, to be exact, the air was filled with an unsettling statistic: a towering number of 4,340 souls found themselves entangled in mishaps on the road, a direct aftermath of mingling too closely with their liquid courage – alcohol. Among these, a shocking 502 were youngsters under the tender age of 20. One might imagine a vast highway as the stage for these tragedies, but no, it was the less trodden secondary roads that bore witness to the majority of these incidents. In a decisive move, the guardians of public health, led by Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Minister of Public Health himself, convened on a fine Monday. There, amidst the clinking of coffee cups and the rustling of papers, a resolution was born. The Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee, with a stroke of unanimity, green-lit a comprehensive blueprint designed to…
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In the sleepy, sun-drenched district of Chanae, a story that could rival any Hollywood blockbuster thriller unfolded, involving a Haad Thip plc truck, a driver named Uthai, and a band of nefarious hijackers dressed in paramilitary-style black garb. It was an ordinary Monday evening that took an extraordinary turn into the world of high-stakes crime and mistaken identities. The scene begins with Uthai, our unsuspecting protagonist, navigating the familiar routes back to his office in the heart of Narathiwat’s Muang district. Fresh from a visit to clients nestled in the quaint Moo 1 village of Tambon Dusongyor, Uthai’s journey back was anything but routine. As fate would have it, a group of six or seven figures emerged from the shadows, their appearances cloaked in black, resembling something out of a special forces operation. Uthai, misled by their authoritative allure, complied with their signals to halt, expecting a routine security check.…
In a world that seldom pauses to recognize greatness, especially when it flourishes in the hearts and deeds of women, the Bangkok Post’s Women of the Year 2024 brings a refreshing change. As International Women’s Day paints March in hues of respect, empowerment, and commemoration, the Bangkok Post has embarked on a journey to highlight the stories of ten remarkable women who have not just excelled in their fields but have revolutionized them, becoming beacons of change and inspiration within their communities. This place-setting narrative doesn’t just sing praises; it delves deep into the heart of their achievements, offering an insightful glimpse into the careers and contributions of these extraordinary figures. Today, the spotlight shines brightly on two trailblazing women: Wallaya Chirathivat, the awe-inspiring President & Chief Executive Officer of Central Pattana Plc, and the formidable Narumon Chivangkur, Citi Country Officer and Banking Head of Citi Thailand. These women, in…
In the mesmerizing labyrinth of human rights advocacy, a tale that echoes the unyielding spirit of hope and justice resonates deeply within the heart of Thailand. It is the poignant narrative of Angkhana Neelapaijit, a beacon of courage, clutching a photograph of her husband, Somchai Neelapaijit, at the venerable halls of Thammasat University. The image, a powerful testament to love and resilience, was captured on a day that marked the four-year anniversary of her relentless quest for answers, on March 12, 2018. Somchai, a lawyer passionately defending the marginalized, vanished without a trace on March 12, 2004, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire a nation to seek justice. Two decades have woven themselves into the fabric of time since the enigmatic disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit. Yet, the tireless voices of Thai and international human rights champions persist, a resounding chorus calling for the unveiling of truth and the long-overdue…
In a gripping narrative woven with dedication and international camaraderie, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), in a heartfelt collaboration with its American counterparts, embarked on a solemn quest beneath the waves of the Gulf of Thailand. Their mission? To unveil the mystery behind the tragic demise of the US-built HTMS Sukhothai corvette that succumbed to the abyss in December 2022. It was a saga of resilience and determination, where the depths of the sea harbored both evidence and tales of valor. Under the able command of Admiral Chatchai Thongsaard, a distinguished figure whose resolve mirrored the steadfast spirit of his fleet, the joint operation set sail on February 22. As the days unfolded, the sea relinquished its hold on 58 artefacts – silent witnesses to the last moments of the HTMS Sukhothai. Among these, a CCTV camera recording device stood out, promising a glimpse into the past and holding the…
Welcome to an electrifying possibility that’s sparking conversations not only among racing enthusiasts but also among advocates of greener, cleaner technology. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has teased the tantalizing possibility of the kingdom becoming the next hotspot for the world-renowned Formula E racing. Imagine, if you will, the vibrant city of Chiang Mai transforming its serene streets into a symphony of speed, powered not by the traditional roar of combustion engines but by the whisper-quiet whir of electric motors. This isn’t just idle chatter over cups of tea. The premier, wearing his dual hats as the country’s prime minister and finance minister, is serious about this initiative. So serious, in fact, that he’s slated to meet with Formula E executives who are jet-setting to Chiang Mai next week. Their mission? To survey the land, to measure the streets, and perhaps, to dream a little dream of electric cars dashing…
In the sprawling, meticulously groomed grounds of Government House, an unexpected sight has captured the attention of many – a congregation of crows, adroitly strutting their stuff on the lush, newly-laid lawn. This particular patch of green, which now serves as a feathered runway, didn’t come cheaply, boasting a price tag of 498,352 baht. It’s a minor piece in a grand puzzle, part of a colossal 138-million-baht re-landscaping and procurement symphony orchestrated at Government House. Amidst swirling controversy and an eyebrow-raising budget, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stepped into the limelight on Monday, wielding not just assurances but a vision. He was there not to talk about any ordinary lawn or any run-of-the-mill renovation. No, he was there to discuss a comprehensive 138-million-baht facelift poised to breathe new life into the venerable Government House. The critique was swift and sharp from activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, who, just a day prior, had questioned…
In the serpentine twists and labyrinths of financial misdemeanors, there’s a tale so rife with intrigue and deception, it could very well spring from the pages of a high-stakes thriller. At the heart of this saga is Sanga “Kofuk” Kungwan, a figure now synonymous with one of the most audacious tax fraud cases to ever grip the nation. With a plot thickening around an alleged 18-billion-baht tax evasion, the storyline veers into unexpected territories, enveloping not just Sanga himself, but his family, and purportedly even the highest echelons of political power. Sanga, born to the scenic vistas of Ranong and blessed (or perhaps cursed) with dual Myanmar-Thai citizenship, found himself ensnared in allegations most grim. Accused of masterminding a complex ruse involving phantom oil exports to unjustly claim gargantuan tax refunds over a decade, his purported misdeeds have cast a long shadow. Adding layers to this already complex narrative, Sanga…
In a dazzling display of cinematic achievement, the 96th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, turned into an unforgettable night for British director Christopher Nolan. Capturing the essence of triumph, Nolan stood proudly in the Dolby Theater, clutching the Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture for his mesmerizing creation, ‘Oppenheimer’. The room was alight with the glow of accolades, each snapshot by the press immortalizing a moment of sheer brilliance. The streets of Los Angeles were abuzz with excitement as ‘Oppenheimer’, a riveting biographical film about the mind behind the atomic bomb, clinched a total of seven Academy Awards. The cinematic spectacle didn’t just claim the night’s highest honors of Best Picture and Best Director for the visionary Nolan but also spotlighted a stellar performance by Irish actor Cillian Murphy. Portraying physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, Murphy’s embodiment of the conflicted genius earned him the Best Actor award, further elevating…
Imagine a world where the retail and property development landscape is woven into a thrilling narrative of innovation, leadership, and environmental stewardship. At the heart of this saga is a figure whose vision and determination paint the canvas of Thailand’s retail sector with vibrant colors of success and future-forward strategies. This luminary, Wallaya Chirathivat, stands as a beacon of excellence in her role as President & Chief Executive Officer of Central Pattana Plc (CPN), one of Thailand’s premier retail and property development giants. With an innate talent for leadership and a clear vision for the future, Ms. Wallaya has steered CPN to dizzying heights of achievement. Her tenure is punctuated by groundbreaking milestones that have not only reshaped the company’s trajectory but have also left an indelible mark on the country’s retail narrative. The launch of pioneering shopping center projects under her guidance has redefined the retail experience for millions,…