Medical Services officials observed a distraught victim of moonshine methanol poisoning admitted to Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok on August 24. (Photo: Dept of Medical Services) In a tragic turn of events, another individual succumbed to the lethal grasp of methanol moonshine, raising the death toll to eight. This dire incident emerged from stalls located in northern Bangkok. The latest victim was pronounced dead at approximately 6:30 PM on Monday in a hospital within Saphan Sung district. The hazardous moonshine drink has wreaked havoc on 44 unsuspecting revelers, resulting in a cascade of sickness allegedly traced back to two brothers, aged 44 and 46, believed to be the suppliers. In a startling twist, a 49-year-old woman reportedly purchased what she thought was legitimate alcohol from these men. She utilized the dubious liquid to concoct liquor using an old family recipe handed down from her late father, which subsequently found its…
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The picturesque old quarter of Phuket found itself submerged after an unrelenting deluge on October 16, 2023. Photos shared on the Phuket PR office’s Facebook page gave a glimpse into the severity of the flooding, turning the bustling streets into canals reminiscent of Venice. It was an image that spoke a thousand words, highlighting the vulnerability of this historic area during extreme weather events. Phuket’s old town, renowned for its Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant streets, is among 49 locations identified as high-risk zones for flash floods and landslides. This information was released by the Mineral Resources Department, presenting a sobering reality for residents and tourists alike as they braced for yet another round of inclement weather. The department’s extensive research employed sophisticated mathematical models and geographic data to ascertain which villages and communities were most susceptible to these natural disasters. Among the many areas flagged for potential disaster were the…
DJI, the world’s leading brand in drones, aerial photography, and camera technology, has just made waves in Thailand by opening its latest DJI Experience Store at Central Pattaya, right along the stunning Pattaya Beach. Whether you’re a Thai local or an international DJI aficionado, this new store has you covered. From the newest gadgets to a comprehensive range of services, it’s all here under one roof with the exclusive DJI One Stop Service. Mr. Johnny Liao, CEO of DJI Thailand, couldn’t contain his excitement: “The Central Pattaya store is our 10th branch in Thailand, which is a significant milestone since our first store opened in December 2021. The reception across all our locations has been phenomenal. This new branch is crafted to meet the needs of both Thai and international customers in Pattaya and its neighboring areas. From the highly coveted DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Avata 2 to…
It was a typical sunny Monday in Phuket, where tourists and locals mingled, enjoying their meals and scenic views. However, the ambiance drastically shifted when uniformed police officers descended upon a quaint restaurant in the bustling Muang district, bringing an unexpected climax to the lunch hour. They were not here for the pad thai; they had come for Ben Ransom. Ben Ransom, a 28-year-old British national, had been living what appeared to be a double life. Known by his ring name, “Billy,” he had made a name for himself as a noble prizefighter in the Muay Thai rings of Phuket over the past two years. Little did most know, Ransom had a shadow trailing him all the way from Britain—charges of drug trafficking. According to Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Mr. Ransom will soon find himself extradited back to face British authorities. Despite his…
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited has every reason to celebrate as it marks its 40th anniversary in the first half of 2024, stepping confidently into its fifth decade. This milestone year echoes the company’s journey marked by synergy, transformation, and growth. With a strategic vision clear as crystal, Bangchak focuses on excelling within its group, improving efficiency, driving continuous business expansion, and maintaining strict financial discipline. The target is set: an EBITDA of THB 100 billion by 2030, reaffirming Bangchak’s leadership in Thailand’s energy sector and creating a robust foundation for sustainable growth. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, along with his team of executives, revealed that the first half of 2024 showcased the group’s resilience and adaptability amidst a challenging market landscape. With a clear vision and efficient management, Bangchak achieved stable and sustainable growth, proving its mettle once again. The…
Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong PATTAYA – A city famed for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches faced an unexpected visitor on Monday night: torrential rain. For over three relentless hours, heavy downpours turned the streets of Pattaya into rivers, leaving motorists stranded and cars stalled in the middle of flooded roadways. From central Pattaya to the neighboring Bang Lamung district in Chon Buri, no corner was spared; even parts of the crucial Sukhumvit Road, which connects Pattaya to other provinces, felt the fury of the deluge. As dawn broke on Tuesday, the city began to breathe a sigh of relief. The floodwaters, as quickly as they came, began to recede. By morning, a semblance of normalcy returned, although subtle hints of the night’s havoc lingered in scattered pockets of water across the city. People slogged through the mess, while businesses reopened their doors, determined to shrug off the previous night’s chaos.…
The upcoming fiscal landscape is set to witness the smooth sailing of the 2025 budget bill, according to chief government whip Wisut Chainarun. The House of Representatives has lined up a three-day debate starting Tuesday to sift through the nuances of the 3.75-trillion-baht budget plan. This budget bill, already given the nod during its first reading on June 21, is on the trajectory to secure broad approval. Wisut Chainarun appeared notably confident on Monday, stating, “The bill should pass the House comfortably. It is expected to receive the support of at least 320 MPs from the coalition parties.” He emphasized that the caretaker government is well-prepared to address any challenges posed by the opposition, especially concerning the much-discussed digital wallet handout scheme. Backing this sentiment, Sorawong Thienthong, secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party, articulated his expectation that MPs from the Democrat Party, now allies in the Pheu Thai-led coalition, will…
Amid the bustling streets and neon-lit markets of Bangkok’s Bang Bon district, an undercurrent of secretive activity was brought to light. In 2016, soldiers conducted a daring raid on an illegal liquor production facility, seizing a staggering 24,080 litres of illicit moonshine. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) Fast forward to today, and the shadow of dubious distillation looms large once more as a House committee delves into the serious, consequential problem of unregulated herbal moonshine, colloquially known as “ya dong.” This wake-up call was tragically underscored by the death of six individuals and over 30 hospitalizations after consuming ya dong contaminated with methyl alcohol. The scrutiny of the alcoholic beverages control bill is being spearheaded by Wisarn Techathirawat, chairman of the panel. He stressed the grave public health hazard posed by the widespread and unregulated production of herbal moonshine, an issue made more perilous by consumers’ lack of awareness about the potential…
An aerial view of the devastation paints a poignant picture of the aftermath, as a fire ravaged the warehouse of Win Process in Ban Khai district, Rayong, this past April. The image, courtesy of the Disaster Response Association, illustrates the dire consequences of hazardous waste mismanagement. In a landmark decision, the Rayong Provincial Court has mandated the waste recycling company, Win Process Co., to shell out a colossal 1.74 billion baht in compensation. This ruling came after the court found the company culpable of causing severe environmental pollution in the Nong Pawa community. The verdict stemmed from an intensive investigation carried out by the Department of Pollution Control, which unveiled disturbing levels of hazardous chemicals in soil and water samples from the region. Rewind to 2022, the court had previously directed Win Process to disburse 20.82 million baht to 15 distressed residents affected by the plant’s operations. Yet, the company…
Nestled atop Phuket’s majestic Nak Koet Hill, the revered Buddha statue – a symbol of tranquility and spiritual solace – now faces a precarious fate. The tranquil ambiance has been jolted by recent natural calamities, prompting urgent action from Phuket’s Royal Forest Centre. This striking landmark, an emblem of serene devotion, has been compromised by the geological unrest that resulted in tragic consequences on August 23, leading to the loss of 13 lives. Sorasak Rananan, the vigilant director of Phuket’s Royal Forest Centre, disclosed the gravity of the situation this past Monday. An inspection conducted around the Buddha statue on the previous Tuesday unveiled unsettling findings: the statue stands on approximately 20 rai of land, yet, alarmingly, 5 rai of this land extends beyond the authorized boundaries. This miscalculation placed this monumental structure, whose base was meant to be on solid footing, in a perilous position. Wat Kittisankaram, home to…