Author: Wadi
A Journey Through Humanitarian History Discovering the Red Cross Legacy The Thai Red Cross Society Museum, nestled in the heart of Bangkok, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich history of humanitarian efforts in Thailand. Located at 1871 Rama IV Road in the Pathum Wan district, this museum serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and volunteerism. Exhibits That Educate and Inspire From Past to Present: The Red Cross Story The museum’s seven rooms are carefully curated to showcase the evolution of the Thai Red Cross Society from its inception in 1893 to its present-day operations.…
Vessel Grounding Incident Engine Failure Leads to Crisis An oil tanker named Thai Laemthong 8 ran aground near Koh Mai Si, off the coast of Koh Kood in Trat province. The incident occurred when the vessel encountered strong waves, causing engine failure and leading to the grounding. All 10 crew members aboard the ship are reported to be safe. Rescue Operations Underway Authorities Respond to Distress Call The Trat Marine Security Center received a distress call from the captain of Thai Laemthong 8 at approximately 6:00 AM on September 17. The ship suffered a breach, causing seawater to flood the…
The Controversy Surrounding Thames Valley Khao Yai Hotel Allegations Targeting Prime Minister’s Business Ties The Thames Valley Khao Yai Hotel, a luxury property in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, has come under scrutiny due to allegations of improper land acquisition. Member of Parliament Theerachai Phanthumas accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of unethical business practices, questioning her suitability for leadership. The prime minister’s past role as a company director and her family’s ongoing financial ties to the hotel have intensified the controversy. Historical Land Use Disputes The land on which the hotel stands was originally part of the Lam Takhong…
Thailand is facing a severe air pollution crisis as Bangkok and 57 out of 76 provinces are blanketed in dangerous levels of fine particulate matter. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported alarming concentrations of PM2.5 particles across the country, raising serious health concerns for millions of residents. Widespread Red-Level Air Pollution Northern and Northeastern Regions Hit Hardest The air quality situation is particularly dire in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand. Bueng Kan province recorded the highest PM2.5 level at 146.2 micrograms per cubic meter, followed closely by Nong Khai and Loei. These readings far exceed…
Thai Education Council Disputes Low Ranking OEC Questions Methodology and Data Sources The Office of the Education Council (OEC) in Thailand has rejected a recent report that places the country’s education system below most other ASEAN nations. The 2025 education ranking by World Population Review positioned Thailand 107th globally out of 203 countries, trailing behind seven of the nine other ASEAN countries. Conflicting Data and Rankings Discrepancies Between Different Reports The OEC points out that the ranking conflicts with data from other reputable sources. The annual Best Countries Report, which covers 73 countries, shows Thailand in 48th place globally and…
Global Warming Accelerates Iceberg Melting Iceberg A23a and Its Alarming Impact The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, covering approximately 3,500 square kilometers—over twice the size of Greater Bangkok—has become a major environmental concern. This massive iceberg, which broke away from Antarctica in 1986, is now melting rapidly near South Georgia Island due to increasing global temperatures. Experts warn that this melting process could significantly accelerate sea level rise, threatening coastal areas globally, including Thailand. Rising Temperatures Beyond Paris Agreement Threshold As global temperatures exceed the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement, the iceberg risks breaking into smaller fragments. These fragments…
The Birth of Thai Journalism Unveiling the Roots of Thai Publishing The Thai Press Museum, nestled in the Press Association of Thailand building on Ratchasima Road, Dusit district, offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of journalism in Thailand. Established over two decades ago, this hidden gem showcases the rich history of Thai publishing and newspapers. From Religious Booklets to Modern Newspapers Dr. Dan Beach Bradley’s Pioneering Efforts The museum’s exhibits reveal that the first Thai publications were religious booklets, printed in June 1836 by American missionary Dr. Dan Beach Bradley. His publishing house, established at the Bangkok Yai Canal,…
Opposition Launches Scathing Attack Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Under Fire In a heated censure debate that unfolded in Bangkok’s parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself at the center of a political maelstrom. The opposition, led by the People’s Party, launched a barrage of accusations, ranging from tax evasion to prioritizing family interests over national welfare. Tax Evasion Allegations Controversial Share Acquisition Raises Eyebrows The opposition’s primary focus was on Paetongtarn’s acquisition of shares valued at 4.43 billion baht. They alleged that this move was a calculated attempt to circumvent a substantial inheritance tax of 218.7 million baht.…
Prime Minister Rejects Opposition’s Claims Paetongtarn Shinawatra Addresses Censure Debate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly dismissed allegations of tax evasion during the first day of a censure debate. She asserted that her financial transactions, particularly the use of promissory notes (PNs), were standard business practices that have undergone constant scrutiny. Controversial Promissory Notes Opposition Questions Share Transactions The People’s Party MP, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, alleged that the prime minister had engaged in questionable legal tactics. He claimed that Paetongtarn had disguised share transfers from family members as purchases to avoid paying gift tax on assets received as part of her family’s…
The Scourge of Land Grabbing Defining a Global Issue Land grabbing is the large-scale acquisition of land through buying or leasing by companies, governments, and individuals. This practice often targets agricultural land, forests, and areas rich in natural resources, particularly in developing countries. The phenomenon gained prominence following the 2007-08 world food price crisis, sparking concerns about food security and economic opportunities. Impact on Local Communities Disrupting Traditional Ways of Life While investors and some economists hail land grabbing as a pathway to agricultural development, it often has devastating consequences for local communities. Indigenous peoples and small-scale farmers are frequently…