Gather ’round, folks! The latest curtain-lifter in Thailand’s legislative theater, the Entertainment Complex Bill, is getting its spotlight moment as it sashays closer to primetime. With the Office of the Council of State (OCS) putting the finishing touches on this much-anticipated act, inquiring minds are invited to voice their critiques until March 1, because who doesn’t enjoy a good public hearing, right? Atavit Suwanpakdee, the chairman with the advisory board-esque title longer than a Thai summer day, is practically beaming over the draft. With its shiny new amendments and glitzy technical details, the bill notably tries to rein in casinos, confining them to a mere sliver—10%, to be precise—of the grand entertainment venue pie. Despite its specificity on space, it’s a bit airy-fairy about the number of these glittering oases and their geographic sprinkle across the land. It’s like crafting a gourmet dish but giving no clue about how many…
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Tragedy struck the serene streets of Wichit, Phuket, in the early hours of February 17, 2025, when a devastating crash claimed the life of a 30-year-old man named Patiphat Phonhiran. In the stillness of the night, his bright red Mazda 3 zoomed down Mueang Chaofa Road, a crucial pathway connecting the heart of Phuket with Chao Fa West Road. But near the Bangchak petrol station, calamity unfolded—his vehicle flipped violently, slamming into the roadside barrier, leaving a scene of twisted metal in its wake. Alerted at around 2:30 AM, the Wichit Police and Kusoldharm Foundation’s valiant rescue team rushed to the unfortunate site. There, they encountered the horrifying remains of Patiphat’s car, its front and side crumpled beyond recognition. Trapped inside was Patiphat, clinging to life with grave head injuries, a tragic reminder of his mortal frailty. Despite the rescue workers’ tireless efforts, armed with advanced extraction tools, the young…
Phuket is turning the tides on its notorious traffic troubles, ready to revolutionize commuting with a fresh strategy that takes to the water! With an aspiration to smooth out the island’s tangled traffic jams, local officials came together at the Phuket Provincial Hall’s Smart Operations Center just yesterday, February 17, charting a groundbreaking course with their ‘Boat Taxi’ initiative. The meeting was chaired by the savvy Doctor Somkid Chokhong, advisor to the Governor of Phuket. His team, composed of various agencies, shared grandiose ideas on unraveling the mess on the roads. Central to their spirited brainstorm? The catalytic impact of construction projects and the ambitious idea of bypass roads, partnered with the creative vision from the Phuket Marine Office to cultivate a nautical-inspired relief from land gridlock. Picture this: picturesque mooring buoy sites peppered around the island, transforming places like Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao, Sakhu, Cherng Talay, Kamala, Patong,…
Motorists can start their engines with added excitement, as the promised land of smoother journeys along the infamous Rama II Road, lovingly known as Highway 35, is on the not-so-distant horizon. Thanks to the diligent efforts of construction teams, the extensive projects dominating this area are zooming to completion at a blistering pace. The Transport Ministry has proudly proclaimed that 87% of the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road expressway is ready for the grand curtain call in November, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Despite initial delays, the clock is set against any obstacles, determined to welcome Thailand’s citizens onto their new and improved paths by year-end. Meanwhile, the elevated Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo Intercity Motorway 82 (M82) isn’t lagging behind in this race towards progress. The segment stretching from Bang Khuntian to Ekkachai is nearly at the finish line, with a commendable 98% completion rate. The Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo stretch is…
As the calendar flips to 2025, many of us look towards optimizing our health and well-being, and who better to guide us than Prof. Dr. Jiří Dvořák? This illustrious Senior Executive Advisor at BDMS Wellness Clinic, with his extensive experience steering the Schulthess Clinic Zurich’s Spine Unit and influential role as FIFA Chief Medical Officer, shares invaluable insights to keep us thriving. While fitness fanatics might cling to the cliché “no pain, no gain,” it’s vital to recognize it can backfire. Whether you’re testing the waters of your first cardio session or a seasoned marathoner pounding the pavement, overdoing it—or doing nothing at all—can spell trouble for your health. From musculoskeletal strains to potential threats on life expectancy, balance is key. The Lifeline Called Fitness Fitness isn’t just about squeezing into your skinny jeans—it’s a lifeline, quite literally. Cardiorespiratory fitness serves as a benchmark for longevity. If you’re gasping for…
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is taking bold steps to shake things up on its tracks. In a spirited move, they plan to propose the lifting of the current ban on alcohol sales on trains at the upcoming Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meeting. Circle February 21 on your calendar because, on that day, discussions will be flowing just as smoothly as a cold, refreshing beverage. Previously, the committee under the Public Health Ministry took a hard stance against the idea, citing more risks than benefits. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, leading the charge, noted that earlier research echoed concerns over potential negative impacts, tamping down the proposal like a corked bottle of champagne. Yet, undeterred, the SRT is ready to pop the cork on a plan to invigorate local tourism, especially with a tipple-tantalizing proposal for tourist train services. Seeking exemptions at train stations and on the rumbling rails…
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Thailand is exuding confidence these days, and there’s a sweet, pungent reason for it. Thailand’s world-renowned durians are the center of attention as they maintain their dominant hold in the Chinese market. Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, fresh off a diplomatic trip to China, is optimistic about the Thai durians’ future prospects. In a recent dialogue with Minister Sun Meijun of the General Administration of Customs of China, she discussed the high demand and unwavering love the Chinese have for Thai fruits, with durians taking the lead. It’s not surprising, considering that Thai durians corner a whopping 57% of the market over there! The numbers are as staggering as the fruit itself – with annual exports of durians valued between a striking 130 to 140 billion baht, there’s anticipation and excitement around boosting this figure even further by 2025. The tantalizing aroma of these figures…
A troubling incident took place in the serene province of Rayong, Thailand, that has sparked outrage across the nation. This peculiar tale of misunderstanding and unchecked anger unfolded at Rayong Hospital, involving a diligent nurse, a concerned father, and a family caught in the crossfire of emotions. The story first emerged on social media thanks to Prang Tewika, who took to Facebook seeking justice for her sister, a nurse at the hospital, and to shed light on this unfortunate event. As the clock struck the mid-afternoon lull, the hospital’s bustling corridors were interrupted by an unexpected confrontation. The nurse in question had advised a Thai mother, with a stern but caring voice, to refrain from bringing her young child into the ward. Her intent was pure—to shield the child from catching influenza, inadvertently brought in by the woman’s elderly mother, the patient. Little did she know her words would ricochet…
Hold onto your hats and batten down the hatches, folks! Thailand is gearing up for a weather rollercoaster as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted a string of significant storms sweeping across 33 provinces. Adding to the thrill ride are predictions of strong winds, lightning, and a weather smorgasbord that’s bound to keep the locals on their toes, especially in the bustling city of Bangkok where the weather appears to have split personalities – cool and calm in the mornings, then morphing into a sizzle-fest by afternoon. In fact, it’s not just Bangkok under the weather spotlight. The upper northeastern area is also bracing for a slight dip in temperature. With a high-pressure system muscling in from the northeast and the South China Sea, moisture is on a collision course with the lower north, northeast, central regions, and beyond. This atmospheric drama is setting the stage for thunderstorms, boisterous…
Imagine drifting through the tropical paradise of Hawaii, marveling at the cherry blossoms in Japan, and savoring the fiery delights of Thailand, only to return home with an uninvited guest in your cranium. This bizarre and gritty saga unfolded around a 30-year-old woman from New England, USA. Her idyllic holiday turned grim after she discovered her travels had landed her in a sinister struggle with rare parasitic worms taking up residence in her brain. Who would have thought that a dream vacation could spiral into a medical horror show? Upon her return, she was plagued by severe headaches and an unsettling burning sensation crawling from her feet to her arms. A trip to the ER offered little relief; she was sent home with some pills to quell what was wrongly chalked up to anxiety. Little did anyone know, she was harboring Angiostrongylus cantonensis, more ominously known as the rat lungworm.…