End of an Era at Salaya Campus Iconic Trams to Cease Operations Mahidol University announced on July 17, 2025, that its iconic tram service at the Salaya campus in Nakhon Pathom’s Buddha Monthon district will retire in September, concluding nearly two decades of service. The university plans to replace the trams with electric minibuses, promising enhanced safety and convenience. The decision marks the end of a cherished chapter for students and staff, who have relied on the trams since their introduction in 2007. A Legacy of Sustainable Transport Promoting Green Mobility Since 2007, the four-wheeled electric trams have been a…
Author: Wadi
Surging Foreign Film Investments Record Revenue in 2025 Thailand’s film industry is poised to generate 10 billion baht in revenue from foreign productions in 2025, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan. From January to June, 279 international film projects contributed 2.8 billion baht to the economy, surpassing expectations and prompting officials to revise the annual target from 7.5 billion baht. This growth highlights Thailand’s rising status as a global filming hub, driven by strategic incentives and diverse locations. Boosting Tourism and Economy Impact of International Productions The influx of 279 foreign film projects in the first half of 2025…
A Familiar Yet Flawed Narrative Echoes of Girls in London Lena Dunham’s latest Netflix series, Too Much, premiered on July 17, 2025, as a spiritual successor to her HBO hit Girls, but it struggles to capture the same spark. Set in London, this 10-episode drama-comedy follows Jessica, a mid-30s New Yorker navigating heartbreak and a new job abroad. While aiming to explore millennial angst and self-discovery, the show often feels like a rehash of Dunham’s earlier work, weighed down by self-indulgent storytelling and unlikable characters. Jessica’s Chaotic Journey A Troubled Protagonist The series centers on Jessica, played by Megan Stalter,…
Strengthening Exam Integrity OCSC Bolsters Anti-Fraud Measures On July 20, 2025, the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) reaffirmed its commitment to combating cheating in civil service entrance exams, addressing concerns raised by a social media exposé. Deputy Secretary-General Kitipong Maharatthanawong detailed robust security protocols to safeguard the integrity of the selection process for approximately 400,000 civil service positions. The move responds to sophisticated cheating networks using advanced technology, ensuring fairness in Thailand’s competitive exam system. Exposing Modern Cheating Networks High-Tech Tools Evade Detection A recent revelation by the Thammasat Exam Center’s Facebook page uncovered organized cheating rings employing…
Early Morning Collision Injuries Reported in Nonthaburi In the early hours of July 20, 2025, a drunk driver crashed into a parked police patrol vehicle in Nonthaburi, injuring two people. The incident occurred at 1:20 a.m. outside a convenience store on Kanchanaphisek Road in Bang Rak Phatthana subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district. The driver, found to have a blood alcohol level of 181 milligrams percent—far exceeding Thailand’s legal limit—caused significant damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers of drunk driving. Incident Details Unfold Routine Patrol Disrupted The crash took place as police officers were conducting a routine check, with their…
Monsoon Intensifies Across Regions Severe Weather Warnings Issued On July 20, 2025, Thailand’s Meteorological Department issued urgent warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, and Phangnga provinces, driven by a strengthened southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The forecast, effective through the coming days, highlights the risk of severe weather impacting Thailand’s eastern and southern regions. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for potential disruptions as monsoon conditions escalate. Flash Flood Risks in Lowlands Central and Northeastern Areas on Alert The Meteorological Department cautioned residents in parts of Thailand’s central and northeastern…
Abrupt Departure from Monkhood Ecclesiastical Chief Disrobes On July 19, 2025, Phra Thamma Wachiratheerakhun, the 67-year-old abbot of Wat Nakhon Sawan and ecclesiastical chief of Nakhon Sawan province, left the monkhood just before midnight. The ceremony, held at Wat Nakhon Sawan in Muang district, marked the end of his 47-year tenure as a monk. This dramatic exit followed his resignation from both leadership roles on July 18, prompted by a brewing scandal that has shaken Thailand’s Buddhist community. Resignation Amid Controversy Health and Reputation Cited In his resignation letters, Phra Thamma cited health issues and damaging reports that tarnished the…
Enhancing Airport Efficiency Fast Lanes for International Families Thailand’s immigration authorities have expanded fast-lane services at major international airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, to accommodate a growing influx of family tourists, particularly during the summer school holidays. Announced on July 20, 2025, this initiative targets students and their families from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and China, streamlining their entry process during Thailand’s low tourism season. Catering to Student Travelers Surge in Global Family Arrivals Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee, commander of Immigration Division 2, highlighted the rise in family visitors, with approximately…
Urgent Mine-Clearing Operations Launched Combat Engineers Tackle Chong Bok Crisis On July 20, 2025, Thailand’s Suranaree Task Force initiated mine-clearing operations in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani province, near the Thai-Cambodian border, following a landmine explosion that injured three Thai soldiers on July 16. The Second Army Region, overseeing the Northeast, reported the discovery of approximately 100 newly planted landmines, including Russian-made PMN-2 devices, prompting immediate action to secure the border and protect stationed troops. Heavy machinery, such as armored tractors, is being deployed to ensure safe clearance. Evidence Points to Treaty Violation Cambodia Accused of Ottawa Convention…
Strong Stance Against Narcotics Acting PM Vows Tough Measures On July 20, 2025, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to eradicating the drug epidemic during a national broadcast. Emphasizing the government’s resolve, he warned that officials found negligent or complicit in the illegal drug trade will face severe consequences, including immediate transfers and legal action. This bold stance underscores Thailand’s prioritization of drug suppression as a critical step toward national development. Addressing a National Crisis Drugs Hinder Economic Progress Phumtham echoed concerns from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and suspended PM Paetongtarn, highlighting that narcotics pose a significant…