In a groundbreaking move, a dedicated team of medical professionals at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health is offering a lifeline to young hearts with their innovative Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation (PPVI) procedure. This cutting-edge method stands at the frontier of medical advancement, promising to reduce the need for repeated invasive surgeries in patients beset by critical congenital heart disease. According to the Department of Medical Services (DMS), every year in Thailand sees the birth of approximately 4,000 babies with congenital heart disease, a staggering 10% of whom suffer from severe conditions requiring immediate medical intervention. Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the esteemed Director-General of DMS, explains how such disorders can be a surprise package, discovered during prenatal screening or, in some cases, only after birth. With congenital heart disease affecting eight out of every 1,000 newborns, the numbers add up rapidly. Considering the annual birth rate exceeding half a…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a world where choices often define our quality of life, it’s about time that the realm of HIV prevention steps up its game. Recently, a dynamic forum highlighted the urgent need for diversifying PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) medication options, aiming to provide individuals with a personal armor, customized to fit their unique lifestyles. Enter Nittaya Phanuphak, the formidable executive director of the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), who is championing this transformative movement forward. Why the clamor for diversity, you might wonder? Well, the current star in the lineup, oral PrEP, is undoubtedly a powerhouse when it comes to warding off HIV. Its track record is sterling, yet, like all stars, it has its quirks. Taking it with steadfast regularity can sometimes be as awkward as flaunting flip-flops to a black-tie event—particularly for those with bustling lives rife with unpredictable schedules. Besides the logistical hassles, the obligatory medical…
Fury unleashed by the unyielding rains swamped Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat recently, turning what were once bustling neighborhoods into islands in a sea of despair. With tens of thousands affected, evacuation operations were carried out, and those stranded were rescued and taken to safety. (Photo: Royal Thai Navy) Amidst the chaos, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stepped forward with a beacon of hope, announcing the government’s decision to offer compensation to each household engulfed by the South’s deluge. Mirroring efforts made in the North earlier, the proposed solace amounts to 9,000 baht per household and is set to bring some relief to the flood-ravaged provinces. As both an earnest politician and the Interior Minister, Mr. Anutin assured that respite was in sight with meteorologists forecasting a downturn in the relentless rains. “Our brave local authorities are tirelessly evaluating the extent of havoc wreaked on both private homes and crucial…
In a remarkable stride towards achieving environmental sustainability, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has embarked on an ambitious project: the integration of solar rooftops across its ports. This green initiative isn’t just a minor shift; it’s a major leap towards sculpting “green ports” as a pivotal component of the country’s broader ecological commitments. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri proudly unveiled this venture, emphasizing its alignment with the ever-pressing global need for ecological responsibility. The deputy minister articulated the ministry’s steadfast dedication to steering all its agencies towards adopting green logistics. This is not merely an isolated endeavor but a calculated stride towards nurturing a low-carbon society, harmonizing with the tenets of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles—a testament to Thailand’s forward-thinking vision. A primary benefit of the solar rooftops is their capacity to significantly diminish carbon dioxide and other noxious greenhouse gas emissions. This transformation, in concert with PAT’s…
Vientiane: In the heart of Southeast Asia, a beacon of hope shines for Myanmar as the next round of extended informal consultations is set to take place in bustling Bangkok this month. The talks are poised to bolster the esteemed five-point consensus on Myanmar, previously put forth by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Chatoulong Bouasisavath, the director-general of Laos’ Asean Department, relayed this promising news during the 8th Asean Media Forum held in Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos. Laos, proudly donning the Asean chair mantle this year, gears up for crucial conversations that will see past, present, and future Asean chairs pool wisdom and resources. This dynamic trio will engage in a comprehensive review of the five-point consensus, a framework adopted during the chairmanship of industrious Indonesia last year. With Malaysia waiting in the wings to claim the chair in the coming year, the role of each…
The political scene in Thailand is once again abuzz with lively discussions, as the Bhumjaithai Party rallies behind Pheu Thai list MP Noppadon Pattama’s suggestion for a general debate. This political tête-à-tête revolves around the infamous 2001 Thailand-Cambodia memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning joint development in the Gulf of Thailand. Stepping into the limelight is Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister, and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who stands staunchly in favor of this intriguing dialogue. It’s a grand spectacle, as Mr. Noppadon calls for this debate under Section 152 of the constitution, allowing the MPs and senators to delve into the depths of the MoU in the next parliamentary session. The aim? To douse any political protests before they catch fire. Mr. Anutin, with a flair of assurance, declares that such discussions are the parliamentarians’ rightful domain, driven by facts and noble intentions. He firmly reassures the public that the…
At the heart of the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, amidst the futuristic backdrop of True Digital Park West, an air of excitement and curiosity enveloped the 14th Greenovative Forum. This year, the event was themed “Crafting Tomorrow’s Future with Sustainable Energy and AI,” and it served as the celebratory hallmark of Bangchak Corporation Plc’s 40th anniversary. With Prasong Poontaneat, the acting board chairman, sharing opening remarks, the event set the stage for a thrilling discourse on the intersections of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable energy. AI is a buzzword that’s hard to ignore in today’s tech-savvy world. While it promises to revolutionize numerous industries with its advanced computational capabilities, it relentlessly consumes electricity like an insatiable behemoth. The core dilemma highlighted at the forum was this: as the global community inches toward cleaner energy solutions, how do we feed AI’s ever-growing hunger for power without compromising our environmental goals? Chaiwat…
In the bustling world of global business, where the stakes are higher and the competition fiercer, emerges a beacon of leadership—Mr. Bandhit, CEO of Thaioil Plc. This year, Mr. Bandhit has been honored with the illustrious title of CEO of the Year, a distinction that resonates deeply within the corridors of power, not just in Thailand but on a global scale. His acumen is being tested in the shadow of a towering challenge: the $5.37 billion Clean Fuel Project (CFP), which is currently stalled due to a complex web of disputes and delays involving its main contractors. Thaioil Plc, steadfast in its vision to soar among the elite echelons of the world’s top refineries, is now poised to leverage its rights under a parent guarantee agreement. This assertive measure is being contemplated as negotiations with the central contractor coalition, known as UJV, tread water, showing few signs of resolution. This…
Chaiwat Kovavisarach, the dynamic Group Chief Executive Officer and President of Bangchak Corporation Plc, recently took the stage at the 14th Greenovative Forum, delivering an inspirational keynote titled “AI, Energy, and the Environment” to celebrate 40 illustrious years of Bangchak at True Digital Park West in the vibrant city of Bangkok on November 29. As celebrations go, this one was infused with insights and foresight, painting a picture of Thailand’s promising future. Letting your imagination fly, picture Thailand establishing itself as the digital economic powerhouse of Southeast Asia, a majestic goal that is very much on the state’s agenda. This grand vision is driven by the burgeoning growth of homegrown data centers and cloud service enterprises, which are indispensable in nurturing artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. But as we all know, even dreams come with a cost—albeit not in fairy tales. The stark reality is that these pioneering facilities require a…
In recent stirring events that have set the seas abuzz, Thai navy patrol vessels made a resolute return to the docks of Ranong, following a daring rescue mission. With a tale befitting a high seas adventure, the crew of beleaguered Thai trawlers found salvation from the midst of chaos after coming under attack by three assertive Myanmar vessels. This dramatic maritime altercation tragically resulted in one fatality and two injuries, the latter whisked away for urgent care to a local hospital. The Thai government, in reaction to this sobering incident, has promptly lodged an official complaint with their counterparts in Myanmar. Provoked by the assault on their fleet off the Ranong coast, where one fishing boat and its crew vanished into Myanmar’s custody, the Thai authorities are now calling for action. Among those captured were four Thai citizens, whose safe return is now a top governmental priority. Prime Minister Paetongtarn…