In the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, a haze has descended that’s more than just an inconvenience; it’s a health hazard thick enough to write your name in. On a Wednesday that felt more like navigating through a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie, most districts in Bangkok found themselves under a blanket of fine particulate matter so tiny, yet so insidiously dangerous, that even the air seemed to hold its breath. These particles, known as PM2.5 because they’re smaller than 2.5 microns, stealthily invaded the city’s air, pushing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) into action more fit for a superhero squad. In a bold move, the BMA, led by the ever-vigilant Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, issued a clarion call to both the shields of the public sector and the swords of the private sector, rallying 151 organizations with a legion of 60,279 staff to transform their homes into bastions of…
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Imagine being swept into a whirlwind of controversy, not for capturing a moment through the lens of your camera, but for where that moment takes place and what it represents. This is the twist of fate that befell Nattaphon, a seemingly ordinary photographer whose day at work veered into an unexpected adventure, placing him at the heart of a political tempest. Last March, the serene premises of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram were disrupted not by the usual clatter of tourists, but by the echoes of a protest message sprayed onto its ancient walls. This act of defiance against the backdrop of a sacrosanct site became the vortex that drew Nattaphon into a maelstrom, disrupting the tranquility of his professional life. Arrested and charged for allegedly lending his lens to support the cause of a political activist, Nattaphon’s career was momentarily placed on pause. The Spacebar Co., zooming into the…
Welcome to a plot twist in the political landscape of Thailand that reads like the latest political thriller—one where the central character is none other than former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra! Picture this: the year is 2023, and the scene unfolds at Don Mueang Airport on August 22. The crowd goes wild as Thaksin, the convicted former prime minister with a saga that could rival any Netflix series, makes his grand entrance, waving to his legion of supporters. Snapshots fill the air; this is a moment for the history books. But hold on, it gets juicier. After serving six nail-biting months of a one-year food-for-thought sentence, Thaksin is poised for parole. Yet, it’s not your run-of-the-mill ‘tagged and tracked’ parole. Oh no—thanks to being 74 and battling health issues (plot armor, perhaps?), our protagonist may just sidestep the electronic monitoring bracelet. Imagine the scene: Pol Lt Col Montri Boonyayothin, deputy…
On a crisp morning in Nakhon Si Thammarat, the air was heavy with anticipation and the scent of determination as Pranee Danwattananusorn, a woman of unwavering resolve, stood amongst a sea of sympathetic faces outside the Government House in Bangkok. Clutching a photo of her husband, Surachai Danwattananusorn, who had vanished into the thin air of mystery, she was the embodiment of hope during a protest in February 2019. The image, poignant and profound, spoke volumes of a love that refused to fade amidst the shadows of disappearance (Bangkok Post File Photo). In an atmosphere charged with expectancy, a court in the historic city of Nakhon Si Thammarat delivered a verdict that was a whisper of comfort in the deafening silence of the unknown. The ruling declared Surachai Danwattananusorn, a fervent activist last heard from in 2018 after seeking exile in Laos, as officially missing. Emerging from the courtroom on…
Imagine, if you will, a journey from the warm, verdant landscapes of Thailand’s Northeast to the cold, mysterious forests of Finland and Sweden. This isn’t a tale of exploration or adventure but one of hope, despair, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. This is the story of countless Thai farmers, whose dreams of prosperity led them down a path fraught with hardship and uncertainty. It’s a saga that intertwines the innocence of ambition with the harsh realities of modern-day exploitation. The odyssey begins with a hopeful step — securing a loan. Across the vibrant lands of Thailand’s Northeast, farmers, brimming with hopes of greener pastures, reached out to sources like the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives and even veered into the shadows of unregulated lenders. Their borrowings? Figures that danced between 50,000 to 160,000 baht, a testament to their unwavering belief in promises of bountiful earnings. Little…
As the world turns a romantic shade of red and pink, bustling hearts and hopeful suitors make their way to a place that’s synonymous with love and fresh beginnings. Yes, I’m talking about Pak Khlong Talat, Thailand’s crowning jewel when it comes to all things floral. This isn’t just any market; come Valentine’s Day, it transforms into Cupid’s own garden, a haven where roses reign supreme and love is in the air (along with the sweet fragrance of thousands of flowers). The streets and alleys of this iconic Bangkok market are awash with color and life, especially during this week of love. It’s a sight to behold: a sea of eager faces, mostly teenagers, navigating through stalls, each in search of the perfect bouquet to encapsulate their feelings. Whether you’re on a quest for the humble yet deeply meaningful 20 baht bloom or the grandeur of a 1,000 baht bouquet,…
On a day that will be etched in the annals of diplomatic camaraderie, the grounds of Government House were aflutter with anticipation as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand and David Hurley, Australia’s esteemed Governor-General, stood side by side, their gazes piercing the horizon. This was no ordinary gathering; this was a vivid tableau of international friendship, with the ceremonial review of an honour guard serving as the perfect prelude to discussions that could redefine travel and business interactions between the spirited people of Thailand and Australia. The air buzzed with possibility as discussions veered towards a tantalizing proposal: a mutual visa exemption scheme. Imagine, if you will, the seamless wanderlust adventures and the boundless business opportunities that could unfold with such an agreement! This wasn’t just a topic of conversation whisked into the meeting room on Wednesday; it was a beacon of potential, lighting up the path for a…
In the heart of Bangkok, under the sweltering heat of a Wednesday morning, the saga of student activism against the backdrop of Thailand’s strict royal defamation laws took another twist. Three young souls, armed with nothing but their convictions and voices, found themselves ensnared in the iron grip of the law, their fate hanging in the balance within the austere walls of the Criminal Court. The day began with an air of tension as Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatuanon and Natthanon “Frank” Chaimahabud were escorted to court, facing charges that could easily be a subplot in a dystopian novel: sedition, attempting to disrupt a royal motorcade, and the audacity of defying a police summon. By 7:25 a.m., the atmosphere thickened with anticipation and dread as Tantawan, a beacon of resistance, made her way into the court, closely followed by Natthanon, their spirits unbroken but futures uncertain. The charge? An incident that unfolded…
In an intriguing turn of events, the director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DCD), Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, unveiled on a sunny Wednesday that a revolutionary initiative is taking root in the bustling heart of Siam Square. Imagine a world where grabbing a condom or an HIV self-test kit is as easy as picking up your favorite pack of chips. Thanks to Sun Vending Technology (SVT), this vision is turning into a reality. SVT is stepping up to the plate as the pioneering champion of DCD’s ground-breaking “condom anytime, anywhere” policy. Starting this Thursday, their vending machines nestled in the vibrant Siam Square will embark on a mission far beyond their usual snack-dispensing duty. This initiative, part of SVT’s CSR programme, is blazing a trail towards making health essentials effortlessly accessible to the masses. Thongchai’s enthusiasm was palpable as he shared insights into the DCD’s endeavors. With a burgeoning stockpile of…
Welcome to a tale of modern-day rebellion, where the spirit of dissent brews amidst the chaos of a bustling city. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill story; it’s the account of Tantawan Tuatulanon and Natthanon Chaiyamahabut, two activists who found themselves in the grip of the law one fateful Tuesday evening. The stage was set at the Criminal Court, not typically known for its drama outside the courtroom. But that day was different. Tantawan and Natthanon arrived to beam their support for a duo caught in the crosshairs just a day prior: a Prachatai reporter and a freelance photographer, whose only crime was their quest for truth. However, fate had a peculiar twist in store. Our protagonists were charged with public disturbance under the daunting Article 116 of the criminal code, a shadow that looms with a maximum penalty of seven years behind bars. The clock ticks aimlessly as investigators weave through…