The air was thick with anticipation as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra scanned the room, absorbing the technical details fed to her about the intricate water management mechanisms meant to tame the annual wrath of the northern and central plains. Like an orchestrated ballet of water engineers and hydrologists, the experts buzzed around the table in Government House, dissecting the possible flood scenarios with the precision of a seasoned conductor leading a symphony. It was a midweek rendezvous at the Royal Irrigation Department in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, where Ms. Paetongtarn was briefed comprehensively on the fluid dynamics of the region’s rivers, particularly the formidable Chao Phraya. Like a seasoned captain navigating a storm, she assured the nation that Mother Nature had scaled back her drama for the year. With rains softer than a sad ballad, Bangkok’s citizens could breathe a collective sigh of relief—there would be no rerun of the 2011…
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In the heart of Pathum Thani, where the bustling life on Phahon Yothin Road pauses for a silent moment, lies a scene filled with solemnity and unreleased tears. The tragic bus fire, which sent shockwaves through the land, has left milk cartons—a poignant symbol of innocence and youth—crumbled near the scene. In the wake of such devastation, Their Majesties the King and Queen have graciously offered a royally sponsored funeral for the 23 cherished souls—including 20 students and three dedicated teachers—who tragically lost their lives in this harrowing incident. With love and respect, the families decided that Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district would be the resting venue for the rites, returning the victims to where their minds once soared with dreams and knowledge. The Deputy Interior Minister, Sabeeda Thaised, along with Uthai Thani governor, Teerapat Kutchamath, surveyed the multifaceted school hall, a place echoing…
The Comptroller General’s Department (CGD) has made revelations regarding the previous fiscal year’s budget underspending, attributing it to the prolonged delay in budget approval. According to CGD director-general Patricia Mongkhonvanit, the late passing of the state budget created quite a ripple effect. The fiscal year 2024, which concluded on September 30, saw significant usage of the fixed fund, totaling 2.8 trillion baht, primarily designated for crucial expenses such as civil service salaries. Remarkably, this segment was over-disbursed by 101%, exceeding expectations. On the other hand, the investment portion of the budget painted a different picture. The government managed to disburse only 440 billion baht, which accounts for just 65.1% of the available funds. This figure lagged 10 percentage points behind the 75% target, revealing a clear underperformance. The unallocated portion of the investment fund hasn’t gone to waste, though. Ms. Patricia noted that the leftover funds have been redirected to…
Staff of Police General Hospital stood solemnly at attention as an ambulance, carrying the body of a victim, solemnly departed from the hospital’s forensic institute in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha) The Ministry of Transport is significantly increasing safety measures for public transport to enhance passenger safety after a heart-wrenching bus fire claimed the lives of 20 students and three teachers on Tuesday. The response will entail comprehensive checks on thousands of buses using compressed natural gas (CNG), establishing stringent requirements for buses used on school field trips, and conducting safety training for both teachers and students. Officials revealed startling reports that the bus involved in the tragic incident in Pathum Thani had been in service for over 50 years, had undergone numerous modifications, and the CNG modifications were improperly executed. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that a special committee would work on implementing both urgent and long-term measures…
The future of global economies lies in the circular economy (CE), and it’s a movement that governmental bodies, especially within the Asean community, must vigorously propel forward. “Governments play a pivotal role in uniting efforts from businesses, local authorities, and even community members to weave this into a unified economic tapestry,” asserted Dr. Hong Quan Nguyen, the head of the Institute for Circular Economy Development at Vietnam National University. Many people mistakenly reduce the circular economy to mere waste management or recycling. Yet it’s a far-reaching concept that can be seamlessly integrated into business models, significantly bolstering socio-economic advancement, Dr. Nguyen clarified during his presentation at the Asean Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) 2024 in Bangkok on a vibrant Wednesday. The circular economy is an audacious and groundbreaking approach encompassing the entire lifecycle of products. From sourcing raw materials to the manufacturing process, and even customer involvement, every step necessitates collaboration…
Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana is currently undergoing an intensive physical therapy regimen at Chulabhorn Hospital, following a successful surgical procedure on her left foot and ankle. This development, officially announced by the Bureau of the Royal Household on October 1, details the steps taken to alleviate her persistent pain. The surgery, which took place on July 30, involved a series of intricate procedures including the relocation of a tendon in the arch of her foot, bone fusion at the base of her big toe, lengthening of her heel bone, and the realignment of the rear part of her heel bone. This remarkable feat of medical expertise was conducted by a dedicated team of specialists at Chulabhorn Hospital, situated in Bangkok’s Lak Si district. Two months post-operation, Her Royal Highness’ progress has been positive, reassuring both the medical team and well-wishers. Follow-up examinations, including a detailed CT…
The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand is calling out to all creative minds for an exciting opportunity: design a new logo featuring their adorable and energetic new star, the young pygmy hippo, Moo Deng! This delightful little creature is set to become the face of the zoo’s official souvenirs, and you could be the mastermind behind her iconic emblem. The Director-General, Attapon Srihayrun, announced on Wednesday that the organization will reward the winning design with a cash prize of 10,000 baht. The only requirement? The logo must proudly display the name “Moo Deng”. Entries are open until October 7, so don’t miss your chance to see your artwork immortalized. Submissions can be emailed directly to [email protected] or sent via the zoo’s official Facebook page inbox at facebook.com/ZPOTthailand. Our star, Moo Deng, was born on July 10 at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province. She is a bundle…
Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has issued a call to all schools to put a halt on student field trips following the devastating bus fire that shook the nation on Tuesday. As discourse over the safety of children swirls on social media, the minister has taken action by announcing a temporary suspension of study trips for state schools, urging private institutions to follow suit as well. The ban comes in the aftermath of a tragic incident that occurred on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, close to the Zeer Rangsit shopping center in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani, claiming the lives of 22 students and three teachers, and leaving many others severely injured. The minister is keen on reassuring parents that the safety of their children is of utmost importance. “All school trips should be put on hold for now. Although such excursions are…
Amid the solemn stillness of the Rangsit area in Pathum Thani, offerings of flowers, bottled water, milk, and various snacks were tenderly placed on the footpath on Wednesday. This heartfelt gesture was a tribute to the victims of the tragic bus inferno that unfolded on Tuesday. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, which claimed the lives of at least 20 students and three cherished teachers, the community is left grappling with a profound sense of loss. (Photo: Pongpat Wongyala) The harrowing incident has led to significant police action. Authorities have pressed four grave charges against the bus driver, Samarn Chankut, who fled the scene immediately after the disaster. Later, in a twist of fate and perhaps conscience, Mr. Samarn turned himself in to the police in Ang Thong’s Wiset Chai Chan district on Tuesday night. Subsequently, he was transported back to Pathum Thani’s Khu Khut police station for exhaustive questioning.…
Soldiers meticulously examined the clash scene in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province, meticulously sifting through the remnants of a late-night gunfight. Amidst the chaos, they discovered speed pills and heroin hastily abandoned by fleeing smugglers. This dramatic August encounter painted a stark picture of the burgeoning drug crisis in Thailand. (Photo: Pha Muang task force) Thailand is grappling with a relentless wave of illegal drugs streaming in from neighboring Myanmar. The country has witnessed an alarming spike in methamphetamine and heroin seizures, a trend exacerbated by the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar. According to Apikit Ch. Rojprasert, the deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the northern region of Thailand remains a primary conduit for drug trafficking. Dealers exploit the mountainous terrain and the vast expanse of the Mekong River to smuggle in methamphetamine pills and crystal meth, popularly known as “ice”. Authorities…