Picture a vibrant classroom buzzing with energy as young minds rediscover the joy of learning—a testament to Thailand’s unwavering commitment to educational inclusivity. This year, the Ministry of Education embarked on an ambitious endeavor to reintegrate over 360,000 children back into schools, a cornerstone of the Thailand Zero Dropout initiative. As the crisp December air of 2024 filled with the echoes of new beginnings, the country’s determination to tackle its educational dropout rates was as palpable as ever. A meticulous survey conducted by the Ministry unearthed a somber statistic: a staggering 1,025,514 children, aged between 3 and 18, had stepped away from the traditional educational pathway this year. Of these, 767,304 were Thai children, with the remainder hailing from various countries. The good news? An impressive 365,231 Thai students—approximately 47.6%—found their way back to school, rekindling their pursuit of knowledge. For children of non-Thai nationality, while the numbers were lower,…
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The Interior Ministry is shaking things up with a dynamic reform of provincial administrations across the nation. With a diligent eye on public welfare, security, social affairs, and the bustling realm of economic activity, they’ve introduced four deputy governors tasked with steering these critical areas into the future. According to spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul, Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, has laid out this strategic plan to help the ministry adapt to the ever-evolving social and economic landscapes this year. To put these plans into action, the ministry has revamped its provincial administration. Each provincial governor is now backed by four hardworking deputies to turbocharge administrative duties. The first deputy gets their hands busy with security concerns, tackling the suppression of crimes that threaten the peace, informal debt, and the ominous shadow of illicit drugs. This is a crucial role given the ever-present challenges to societal…
In the tranquil setting of Nan province, a significant conversation unfolds as Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, the Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), and pharmacist Wiboonchai Pantip discuss the future of Thailand’s healthcare at a local clinic. Their focus? The growth of an “innovative health services” scheme designed to elevate both the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare under the universal coverage plan. This progressive extension into patient-centered services demands an intricate balancing act between practical patient needs and efficient resource management. During the visit, Dr. Jadej emphasized the importance of incorporating feedback from local practitioners – the very individuals tasked with the day-to-day execution of this ambitious program initiated earlier in the year. With its aims set on curtailing healthcare costs, easing hospital congestion, and reducing lengthy wait times, this scheme is more than just a policy; it’s a lifeline for many. Dr. Jadej succinctly captured the scheme’s essence,…
In a bold move aimed at addressing the looming challenges of climate change, the United Kingdom has launched a pioneering green transition investment initiative, targeting partnerships with the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean). Southeast Asia, renowned for its vibrant economic dynamics, has also been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate-induced shifts, a concern echoed by Sarah Tiffin, the UK Ambassador to Asean, during a recent Bangkok visit. This partnership underscores the shared commitment between the UK and Asean to transition towards a sustainable and resilient future, amidst an era of rapid economic expansion. The joint venture kicked off with the Asean Green Investment Catalyst initiative, a collaboration between the UK and the United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap). This initiative is a rallying call to inject sustainable foreign direct investment across Southeast Asia, endeavoring to harness the power…
The political arena in Thailand is poised to sizzle this New Year, prominently showcasing the case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who stands accused of wielding undue influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party. As allegations swirl, the very existence of Pheu Thai and its erstwhile coalition partners from the Srettha Thavisin administration hangs in the balance. If proven complicit in Thaksin’s alleged behind-the-scenes machinations, these parties may face dissolution under Section 29 of the organic law governing political parties. The crux of the allegations hinges on a notable meeting held at Thaksin’s Chan Song La residence in bustling Bangkok on August 14, the very day Mr. Srettha was ousted as prime minister by Thailand’s Constitutional Court. Thaksin, often perceived as the shadowy maestro of Pheu Thai, reportedly convened with current and former coalition members to deliberate on potential heirs to Mr. Srettha’s political throne. The specter of Thaksin’s…
In the bustling streets of Thailand, as shoppers bustle their way through grand department stores, there’s a hive of activity at automatic teller machines and sleek cash deposit machines. It’s a scene notable for both its convenience and potential risk. As December draws to a close, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) spins into action with plans that are set to transform mobile banking, boosting security against fraud and digital trickery. Picture this: the BoT, in its commitment to safeguarding digital transactions, is rolling out new frosted-glass regulations, part spectacle and part strategy, aimed at protecting the most susceptible sectors of the populace. Teenagers and the elderly, those defined as the ‘vulnerable groups,’ are at the center of this reform. Imagine the shock of a digital wallet rebellion—no more than 50,000 baht a day shall escape their digits—a move born out of a necessity to curtail the potential heartbreak caused by…
Get ready to usher in the New Year with a bang at the ‘CentralwOrld Bangkok Countdown 2025 – The Original’! Hosted by Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s leading real estate developer, this event promises to deliver a legendary celebration at the iconic centralwOrld—the quintessential ‘Times Square of Asia’. For over 20 years, this sensational bash has cemented its status as the ultimate New Year’s event, drawing throngs of people eager to bid farewell to the past year and welcome 2025 in grand style. As the clock ticks down, expect a dazzling display of over 10,000 fireworks erupting into the sky, each explosion echoing a message of sustainability, equality, and peace. The immense panOramix screen will broadcast these messages to the world, uniting us all in a shared hope for a brighter future. Highlighted by the presence of ‘Countdown Angels’ Ling-Orm and Freen-Becky, the night will be filled with spectacular performances by…
In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the picturesque shores of Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, the body of a Korean tourist was discovered adrift in the turquoise waters on a somber Tuesday. The unfortunate soul had been a passenger on a long-tail ferry boat that overturned on a fateful Sunday, setting off a desperate search by rescue workers. It was indeed a morning tinged with sadness when, at precisely 11:33 AM, a vigilant boat captain reported finding a body floating serenely yet tragically off the coast. This grim discovery occurred approximately 600 meters from Haad Rin pier, a stone’s throw from where the ill-fated vessel, the Pichitchai 38, capsized amidst the treacherous waves, claiming its victim from a world brimming with life. The Korean man, whose last moments were captured hauntingly on security footage, was clad in the same attire as seen on that ill-omened Sunday. His body was promptly…
As the sun casts golden rays over the tranquil shores of Thailand, eager tourists with cameras in hand flock to the renowned Samila Beach in Songkhla province. This picturesque locale has recently secured the coveted title of having the cleanest seawater in all of Thailand, an accolade that shines as brightly as its sun-kissed sands. While families and travelers capture memories against this stunning backdrop, the recent unveiling by the Pollution Control Department reveals both pristine paradises and less savory swim spots across the nation. On a balmy Tuesday, Director-General Preeyaporn Suwanaged introduced the “best and worst” list, derived from an extensive seawater-quality survey conducted at 210 coastal locations nationwide throughout the year. This report shed light on an intriguing mix, where 49% of the surveyed locations boasted good quality seawater. Meanwhile, 43% hovered at moderate levels, leaving 6% tinged with deterioration and a starkly unfortunate 2% plagued by high…
Ah, the intriguing allure of Phra Prang Sam Yot in Lop Buri, where ancient architectural majesty meets the mischief of the resident macaques! Recently, this tourist hotspot reminded us of its wild side when an unassuming Swedish traveler named Joel Gilbert experienced an up-close and rather personal encounter with a cheeky macaque. It’s not every day you receive a neck nibble from a monkey, but that’s precisely what happened, prompting a quick trip to the Phra Narai Maharat Hospital for some much-needed TLC and vaccinations. The guardian of this historic site, the ever-watchful Banjerd Roisaensuk, shares tales of these audacious primates whose bold bravado has sparked quite the spectacle for years. The macaques are known for their craftiness, snatching items with the skill of seasoned pickpockets. Whether it’s sunglasses perched precariously on your head, a flashy headband, or a vibrantly colored bag, these simian swindlers have an eye for anything…