The vibrant hustle and bustle at Thailand’s bustling borders has taken an unexpected turn with the announcement from the Public Health Ministry to open a command centre that will team up with border hospitals to tackle the treatment of refugee patients. This maneuver comes as a response to the sudden suspension of funding by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), casting a shadow on the healthcare provision available to the refugees. Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that the ministry is stepping into action, sending mobile medical teams into refugee shelters every week, ensuring that healthcare doesn’t become a rare commodity during this challenging period. In a move that shook humanitarian corridors, US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to pause the funds for IRC for a three-month period has left many scrambling for solutions. For Thailand, notorious for its long-standing commitment to refuge since 1984, the ripple effect is palpable. The country’s nine…
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In a significant stride towards strengthening global health and social safety nets, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Mahidol University have formalized their alliance through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This visionary collaboration aims to harness their collective expertise to advocate for universal health and social protection across the region. As Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, ILO’s dynamic Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, eloquently put it, “This partnership heralds the dawn of a new era in social health protection, nurturing future trailblazers who will champion inclusive systems grounded in international principles.” Not just a formality, the MoU’s signing took place on February 6, at the conclusion of an enlightening workshop titled “Achieving Social Justice through Inclusive Social Health Protection.” This event was part of the countdown to the World Day of Social Justice 2025, an annual observance falling on February 20, aimed at highlighting the vital need for…
The captivating city of Bangkok is all set to host the much-anticipated sixth meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, affectionately known as Bimstec, from April 2-4. This thrilling development, brought to us by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is more than just another conference; it’s a grand adventure into the future of regional collaboration and prosperity. Thailand proudly stepped into the Bimstec chairpersonship shoes back in March 2022, following in the footsteps of Sri Lanka. With this prestigious responsibility, Thailand has rolled out what can only be described as a blockbuster agenda: the “Prosperous, Resilient and Open” Bimstec vision. And let me tell you, this vision promises to be as exciting as any epic tale, driving the region’s cooperation to cinematic heights! According to MFA spokesman Nikorndej Balankura, this masterpiece of a vision seeks to bolster the economies of the member countries after…
In the vibrant land of Thailand, where the tropical sun shines brilliantly and the bustling markets offer a delightful tapestry of colors, aromas, and sounds, a noteworthy initiative has captured the attention of many: the 10,000-baht cash handout program. Helmed by the distinguished Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the astute Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, this program has brought a ray of hope and economic relief to millions. On a breezy day on January 27, amidst the hum of anticipation, the Prime Minister and Finance Minister stood side by side to unveil the latest phase of this generous handout, targeting about 3 million elderly Thai citizens. It was a moment of unity and solidarity, a testament to the government’s commitment to provide well-deserved support to those who laid the foundation of their nation’s futures. The good news doesn’t stop there, though! In a stroke of strategic planning, Finance Minister Pichai carefully…
In the midst of swirling debates and opinionated discussions, the topic that’s abuzz in Thailand is the legalization of casinos and online gambling. Spearheading this vigorous debate is none other than the former prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva. Known for his articulate speeches, Mr. Vejjajiva has never shied away from voicing his concerns, and this time, he has taken a firm stance against the government’s controversial plan. In a seminar that felt more like a captivating symposium, Mr. Abhisit did not mince words describing gambling as nothing short of a “major social problem.” It’s not just an issue that entangles individuals in its web of pitfalls but also casts a shadow on their families. Although it seems that the legal gears are set in motion, with casinos and online platforms inching closer to legal status, Mr. Vejjajiva has rung the warning bells, urging his fellow Thais to brace themselves for possible…
It’s a regular bustling day on Phaya Thai Road in Bangkok’s vivid Ratchathewi district. The vibrant streets echo with the usual hum of engines and the soft flicker of speed limit signs, now indicating a maximum speed of 60 km/h. A new traffic regulation, effective for over a month, is reshaping the city’s roadways, and while the signs are up, the much-anticipated AI security cameras designed to enforce this rule are still conspicuously absent. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had previously declared this speed adjustment on December 23, nudging most roads in the city to this new limit, with a slightly more subdued 50 km/h cap around the storied Grand Palace. The city’s intricate network of streets stands divided by this new regulation. Thirteen primary roads, lifelines of urban mobility, escape this decree: Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bang Na-Trat Road, Srinakarin Road, and others debate in the company of swifter speeds.…
Imagine navigating through the bustling expanse of Pak Nam market in Samut Prakan province, a place where the locals jovially meander through knee-deep tides as if it were part of the daily commute. Amidst such scenes, a debate rages on regarding the possible relocation of Thailand’s capital—a notion as captivating as it is controversial. Recently, an intriguing proposal emerged from a Pheu Thai Party lawmaker, suggesting that the capital be moved to the vibrant province of Nakhon Ratchasima. But this proposition, ambitious as it may be, has encountered a fair share of challenges. The House, armed with practicality, contests the idea, labeling it as budget-intensive and arguing that such a colossal decision would necessitate a referendum. The Interior Ministry, tasked with forming a committee to investigate this proposition, has underscored the need for a thorough impact assessment and a substantial financial plan to bring such an idea to fruition. Perched…
Imagine standing at a bus stop, only to find yourself basking in the glow of innovation. Well, not too far into the future, this could be your reality in Bangkok. Picture this: a smart bus shelter nestled in the bustling streets of Bang Phlat district, a haven for weary commuters seeking both comfort and convenience. On a fine day in early February, something fascinating caught the eye of passersby near Soi Charansanitwong 94, stirring conversations louder than Bangkok’s legendary traffic jams. Bangkok’s governor, the dynamic Chadchart Sittipunt, has been defending what many consider a red-eyed endeavor. We’re talking about replacing approximately 3,000 bus shelters scattered promiscuously across the city. Why all the fuss? You might ask. It’s all about design and, perhaps, a splash of pizzazz, aimed at making these shelters not only smart but incredibly pedestrian-friendly, too. The initiative, masterminded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), has faced its…
Amidst the breathtaking vistas of Antarctica’s icy expanses, a Thai research team embarks on a crucial expedition, facing the stark realities of climate change. Under the esteemed royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and supported by her patronage through the Information Technology Foundation, this mission aims to uncover the profound impact of global warming on this fragile ecosystem. Leading this adventurous pursuit into the heart of the icy continent is the eminent Prof Suchana Chavanich, a celebrated lecturer from Chulalongkorn University’s Marine Science Department. In keeping with grave expectations, the team witnesses a disheartening truth—they are greeted by stark stretches of barren land, where once thick blankets of ice and snow reigned supreme. Prof Suchana reflects with dismay, “We were taken aback by the extent of ice and snow disappearance in several areas. Even during brief snowfalls, the snow vanished almost as soon as it touched…
The enigmatic saga of Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand’s fugitive former Prime Minister, continues to capture headlines and spark intrigue across the nation. In an ongoing effort to navigate the complex political landscape, Yingluck’s brother, the equally renowned Thaksin Shinawatra, has committed to bringing her back to the country. However, as with any great drama, there are numerous plot twists and turns yet to unfold. Thaksin made bold promises to reunite his sister with her homeland in a high-profile interview with Nikkei Japan back in November of last year. With a hopeful eye on the Songkran festival as a potential homecoming backdrop, he expressed confidence that the path was clear for Yingluck’s return, contingent only on the right timing and opportunities presenting themselves. Fast forward to now, and Thaksin remains steadfast in his pledge. In a recent encounter with the media, he assured the public that nothing had derailed the plan, although…