Community health workers gathered enthusiastically for the National Community Health Workers Day, hosted by the Ministry of Public Health in Bangkok on March 20 last year. The photo taken by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill captures the vibrant energy of the event. However, not everything is as cheerful behind the scenes. A proposed bill from the Public Health Ministry has sparked a wave of controversy among village health volunteers nationwide. The bill, open for public comment online until July 11, proposes an age limit of 70, effectively mandating retirement for volunteers upon reaching that age. This change would disrupt the lifetime service terms currently in place. Opposing voices are loud and clear, especially from the northern province of Chiang Mai, where village health volunteers are preparing to submit a formal letter of opposition to the provincial governor. Similarly, in Khon Kaen, the sentiment is that the proposed age cap is grossly unfair to…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Cannabis advocates are stepping up their game, calling on the government to form a specialized committee before making any hasty moves to relist the plant as a narcotic. Leading the charge is Prasitchai Nunual, the passionate secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future group. On a sun-drenched Monday, Prasitchai and his spirited team staged a protest near Government House, demanding a thorough study on the plant’s impacts on physical and mental health, society, and its therapeutic benefits compared to tobacco and alcohol. Prasitchai argued that if cannabis is found to have no more detrimental effects than tobacco and alcohol, it should be governed by a dedicated law that regulates its usage. However, if the data suggests otherwise, he believes it should be controlled as a narcotic. Emphasizing transparency, he declared, “A committee should study the issue. The facts should be established and laid out for the public to see.” The…
The Senate candidates are reaching the climax of their electoral journey in Nonthaburi on June 26. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) The Election Commission (EC) has been shrugging off criticisms regarding the delay in certifying the election results for the 200 new senators. It’s been almost two weeks since the votes were cast, leaving many on edge. Speaking after the EC’s meeting on Monday, EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong stated that the results couldn’t be announced immediately due to several issues that needed addressing first. When asked if the results would be revealed during their upcoming Tuesday meeting, Ittiporn was tight-lipped. He assured skeptics that the delay wasn’t a sign of foot-dragging, irrespective of what critics might think. A source within the EC hinted that if the results aren’t announced by Tuesday, the announcement might be postponed for another week, specifically until Mr. Ittiporn returns from his planned leave. The pressure on…
The Senate candidates are entering the final stretch of their election journey in Nonthaburi, with the critical date set for June 26. As captured in a striking photograph by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill, the atmosphere is thick with anticipation. However, the excitement is shadowed by controversy as the Election Commission (EC) faces mounting criticism for the delay in announcing the certified results for the 200 new senators, almost two weeks after the votes were cast. During a recent meeting, EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong addressed the media, clarifying that several issues needed final resolution before the results could be officially announced. Despite the criticism, Boonpracong steadfastly denied stalling tactics, emphasizing the necessity of thorough scrutiny before making any declarations. Although there’s widespread speculation, Boonpracong refrained from confirming whether the EC’s upcoming Tuesday meeting would see the results unveiled. An insider hinted that if Tuesday passes without any announcement, the release might be pushed…
In the heart of bustling Phra Nakhon, elderly citizens gathered in early January 2022, eagerly awaiting their turn to register for the much-needed benefits. A testament to the enduring spirit of the community, this scene, beautifully captured by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul, illustrates the critical importance of social support systems. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has recently raised a flag of caution regarding the sustainability of the Social Security Fund (SSF). This alertive note comes at a crucial juncture, suggesting a pivotal change: the government should consider increasing its contribution to SSF from the current 12.75% to a more robust 18%. This recommendation accompanies a pressing call to clear the staggering 71.4 billion baht in outstanding debts owed to the fund. In March 2023, the FPO’s fiscal risk report shed light on potential perils, drawing attention to both recent and future fiscal vulnerabilities. Among the highlighted concerns is the sustainability of old-age…
Two visitors joyfully snapped a selfie with an eye-catching vintage aircraft at Don Mueang Airport on October 28, 2021. Little did they know, exciting changes were on the horizon for this bustling hub. The state-run bus operator, Transport Co, has unveiled ambitious plans to link major cities with seamless bus services from this and two other bustling airports. (Photo Credit: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) In a noteworthy move aimed at revolutionizing travel, Transport Co announced on Monday their collaboration with Airports of Thailand (AoT) to kick off interprovincial bus services. Transport Co’s managing director, Atthawit Rakchamroon, divulged that comprehensive discussions with AoT had been fruitful. The planned bus routes will originate from Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports, with accompanying ticketing offices situated conveniently at these airports. Expect the rubber to meet the runway towards the year’s end. Yes, you heard that right! These innovative feeder buses are designed to connect travelers…
Once upon a sizzling summery week in June 2024, Bangkok played host to a vibrant confluence of entrepreneurial spirits at the GCEC NEW FRONTIER: BANGKOK SUMMIT 2024. This inaugural Asia-based summit, part of the illustrious Sasin Impact Entrepreneurship Week (Sasin IEW) from June 19-23, marked a groundbreaking moment in the heart of Thailand. Amidst the buzz of innovation and camaraderie, the opening ceremony on June 21 set the stage with warm greetings from the brass at Sasin, GCEC, and Chulalongkorn University, followed by a whirlwind of keynote sessions that promised to drive the conversation around inclusive entrepreneurship for real-world impact. The charismatic M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, affectionately known as Duke, and serving as both CEO of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and President of the Sasin Alumni Association, took the stage with a resonant keynote. He delved into the transformative prowess of social entrepreneurship, weaving tales of the…
At the heart of every formidable structure lies the unbreakable union of “cement and concrete” – two indispensable elements that seamlessly merge functionality and durability with an unexpected dash of beauty. This captivating blend comes to life in the annual photography competition ‘Concrete in Life,’ a celebrated initiative by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) now in its fifth year. This year’s enthralling exhibition is making its debut at the “GCCA CEO Gathering and Leaders Conference 2024” in Bangkok, Thailand. It showcases the spectacular results of the competition, featuring an awe-inspiring collection of photos snapped by skilled photographers from across the globe. From Urban Concrete to the intricate craft of Concrete Infrastructure, Concrete in Daily Life, and the synergy of Beauty and Design, these images unravel the myriad roles of concrete, highlighting its contribution to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Dr. Chana Poomee, the Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers…
Amidst the lush, green expanse of Phu Soi Dao National Park in Uttaradit, soldiers and rescuers forged ahead on a winding trail. On that crucial Sunday, hope and determination fueled their steps as they scoured the landscape in search of the missing tourist, Thanwarich Mateema. (Photo: Pha Muang Force Facebook account) Dedicated park rangers, soldiers, police, and volunteers banded together with relentless resolve, sweeping the park’s vast terrains. Their mission: to locate Thanwarich, who mysteriously vanished from the Nam Pad district last week. Despite torrential rains drenching the region on Monday, the brave souls pressed on, their eyes peeled for any sign of the 27-year-old adventurer. Their relentless effort yielded a few chilling clues. A lonely backpack and a pair of shoes were discovered, carelessly discarded on a steep trail. These abandoned items seemed to whisper the tale of Thanwarich’s solo trek into the park’s enigmatic depths. A spine-chilling reminder…
On a vibrant 4th of July, amidst enthusiastic applause, Southeast Asia’s dynamic petrochemical giant IRPC and the globally acclaimed material science virtuoso, Milliken & Company, took the stage to unveil groundbreaking new grades of polypropylene (PP) resin. These innovative resins proudly bear the prestigious UL Environmental Claim Validation label, symbolizing a significant leap towards sustainable production. This unveiling was the culmination of IRPC’s collaboration with Milliken, utilizing their cutting-edge additives to birth the Polimaxx clarified PP resin grades. Remarkably, these new grades consume 10% less energy on average during the moulding process—a noteworthy saving rippling through the entire plastics value chain. Vincent Wang, Commercial Director of Plastics Additives at Milliken, shared the excitement, “Millad NX 8000, our avant-garde clarifying additive, is the game-changer here. It significantly reduces conversion temperatures during the PP injection-moulding process. This not only slashes the energy used but also minimizes CO₂ emissions during production.” By integrating…