Once again, the vibrant streets of Pattaya have transformed into an impromptu racetrack, and not in the exhilarating, legal sports car kind of way. Amidst the tropical allure of Thai hospitality, a group of audacious Middle Eastern tourists—or as they’re locally dubbed, “Arabian racers”—has taken to Sukhumvit Road with a gusto usually reserved for professional events. Picture the scene: the sun is high, the air is thick with anticipation, and then suddenly, there they go—three helmetless riders screeching away like an action sequence from a Hollywood blockbuster! It’s all captured on a viral dashcam clip now making the rounds online, like an unwanted sequel to a film the residents hoped had ended. The clip, now infamous across social media for its shocking audacity, has stirred quite the hornet’s nest among locals. “This isn’t just a grumble about noise anymore; it’s a glaring, revving, tire-squealing safety hazard,” lamented one concerned local.…
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It’s astonishing how one individual’s ordeal can turn an entire community topsy-turvy. Picture the serene coastal streets of Phuket, famed for their sun-kissed beaches and lively nightlife, suddenly marred by the alarming antics of one troubled soul. In the Soi Palai area, residents have been living their own thriller, played out in the form of Thiranai Chanphong, a man beleaguered by mental health issues who, until recently, roamed the streets unleashing waves of panic among the locals. Thiranai’s story is, sadly, not just one of personal anguish but also a saga that underscores the vulnerability of communities when faced with the unpredictable nature of mental illness. This chapter of chaos remained relentlessly open for over a year. Embodying persistence over terror, local landlady Pranee Boonsawang became the unexpected heroine in this drama. The 51-year-old, exhausted by worry and sleepless nights, looked the problem in the eye. Her countless pleas to…
In the lush, emerald heart of Thailand lies a shimmering gem that’s not only golden in color but golden in opportunity—the golden banana of Nong Bua Daeng, Chaiyaphum Province. Just imagine, every year this fruitful venture turns over more than 36 million baht for local farmers. This isn’t just any banana we’re talking about; we’re talking about the crème de la crème, the golden bananas with a prestigious geographical indication (GI) certification that have taken the international market by storm. Let me introduce you to Chaisak Wuttisak, the dynamic director of the Office of Agricultural Economics Region 5, based in Nakhon Ratchasima. Now, Chaisak isn’t your average banana cheerleader; he’s spearheading the charge in promoting these high-value economic crops. The golden banana thrives in Chaiyaphum soil and local farmers predominantly grow the Kosmosal, known for its sweet, medium-sized fruit with skin as tough as a protective shield, making it perfect…
In a firm proclamation and demonstration of unwavering dedication, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) chief, Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, has recently emphasized Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. His resolute announcement came amidst whispers of forthcoming exercises by the Cambodian naval forces near the serene shores of Koh Kut in Trat province, an area often shadowed by territorial disputes. Sitting in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Admiral Jirapol addressed these rumors, explaining that the emerging tensions are primarily linked to ongoing land border disputes. Koh Kut, a peaceful island oasis, unfortunately finds itself enmeshed in the thorny issues of maritime boundary demarcation. With a calculated calmness, the admiral reflected, noting the rarity of such Cambodian drills, hinting it might be an effort to bolster operational readiness. “Were I in the shoes of the Cambodian navy chief, obedience to governmental orders is a duty undisputed,” he remarked, urging tranquility among the concerned citizens. The…
In a blend of royal grace and agricultural innovation, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn inaugurated the anticipated 2025 National Rice and Farmers Day on June 6. The festivities, celebrated under the banner “Advanced Agricultural Technology: Promoting New Age Farming and Sustaining Thai Farmers,” unfolded in a manner as lush as the emerald paddies that stretch across the nation. With her characteristic poise, the princess bestowed certificates of honor upon the central committee of national community rice centers, alongside four exemplary farmers and agricultural institutions. This ceremony, a tribute rooted in deep respect for the nation’s agrarians, took place at the Non-Agricultural Occupation Promotion and Development Centre in Chang Yai subdistrict, nestled within Ayutthaya’s historical Bang Sai district. From the heart of the paddy fields to the bustling event grounds, the day’s agenda was as diverse as a farmer’s crop rotation. It was a gardener’s delight, replete with exhibitions…
Thailand is bustling with excitement as it prepares to kick off a transformative project that promises to redefine its transportation landscape. After more than half a decade of anticipation and hurdles, the high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports is finally on the brink of becoming a reality. This colossal venture, valued at a whopping 224 billion baht, is poised to be a game-changer in Thailand’s infrastructure, shepherded by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). However, the path to this point has been anything but smooth, with a pandemic-induced derailment and financing challenges creating numerous detours along the way. The advent of Covid-19 threw a proverbial wrench into the works, tightening credit lines and leaving financiers hesitant to bankroll such a massive undertaking. Enter Asia Era One, the private consortium spearheaded by the Charoen Pokphand Group, tasked with steering this monumental project under a 50-year concession. Yet,…
In a twist of fate, life has thrown a curveball at a Thai woman, Som (alias), who now finds herself on a quest for justice and stability. After her ex-husband came out as gay, Som is left grappling with the responsibility of raising their two daughters and the daunting task of repaying a colossal debt exceeding one million baht. Her story has compelled her to step into the public eye, sharing her family plight on the Channel 3 talk show, Hone Krasae, on June 5, seeking advice and urging her ex to shoulder his share of the burden. Som’s tale began in the corridors of a university where love blossomed over textbooks and youthful dreams. For 15 years, she stood by her husband, only for the romance to sour and the relationship to come crashing down amidst revelations of his changing sexual orientation. The couple’s harmony started to wither in…
Late in the evening yesterday, June 5, a heart-stopping event unfolded on Highway 36 in Pattaya, captivating both the locals and the occasional traveler. As if part of an unscripted drama, a sedan spectacularly pirouetted into a rollover, leaving bystanders and rescue teams holding their breath. This unexpected twist of fate occurred near the pivotal intersection with Highway 331, as vehicles headed earnestly towards Sattahip, snaking through the quaint Pong subdistrict. Summoned by a distress signal received precisely at 8:10 PM, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s rescue crew sprung into action. Upon arrival, they were met with a jaw-dropping sight—an upside-down bronze Toyota Altis, resting forlornly by the wayside. Amidst this metallic turmoil, stood 41-year-old Thanamet Hirunpatcharannon, the car’s driver, who, remarkably, had emerged with just minor scrapes. As if guided by some unseen guardian, the male passengers accompanying him were similarly fortunate, stepping out with nothing more than superficial…
Amidst the enchanting beaches and azure waters of Phuket, dedicated marine biologists are weaving their magic to preserve the island’s vibrant marine life. Their recent endeavors involved a couple of breathtaking sea turtle rescues that highlight the relentless commitment these heroes have towards the ocean’s gentle creatures. Adding to their tasks was a probing investigation into the perplexing demise of a dolphin, which cast a shadow on the otherwise shimmering seascape. On the sunlit shores of June 5, teams from the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) and the Rare Marine Animal Rescue Network found themselves mobilized for action. Reports had surfaced, signaling distress among two of the sea’s most majestic yet critically endangered inhabitants. The first heartwarming rescue unfolded on the sandy expanse of Karon Beach. There, a juvenile Olive Ridley sea turtle, with its olive-green shell and weighing a solid 20 kilograms, had found itself ensnared in an irresponsible…
In a chilling turn of events, residents of Surin’s Isaan province are left in shock after a beloved local, Pratheep Kongthawee, was discovered in his home with a fatal wound to his neck. The 63-year-old’s death on Wednesday, June 4, sent ripples of anxiety through the community, exacerbated by the mysterious disappearance of his cherished gold accessories, valued at over 1 million baht. Pratheep was known for his opulent display of gold jewelry and the substantial cash he often carried—amounting to over 50,000 baht on any given day. His home, situated in Surin’s Mueang district, became a crime scene as local police pieced together what appeared to be a gruesome and perplexing murder mystery. The sinister intrigue deepened as officers from the Sawai Police Station discovered signs of an attempted post-crime clean-up. A yellow cloth, stained with blood, seemed to betray a failed effort by the assailant to erase the…