Author: Wadi

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…

Nationwide Disaster Preparedness Activating 24-Hour Monitoring Thailand has launched a 24-hour “war room” to monitor weather conditions and coordinate disaster response as Tropical Storm Wipha approaches. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings of heavy rainfall across northern and northeastern provinces, with the storm expected to make landfall in northern Vietnam on July 21–22, 2025. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the risks of flooding and landslides, ensuring public safety during the storm’s impact. Heavy Rainfall Forecast North and Northeast at Risk The TMD predicts intense rainfall in Thailand’s North and Northeast from July 22–23, potentially elevating Mekong River levels.…

Bullish Outlook for Precious Metal DBS Bank Forecasts $3,765 per Ounce Financial experts at DBS Bank are urging investors to boost their gold holdings as prices are projected to hit $3,765 per ounce by the fourth quarter of 2025. This bullish forecast, driven by global trade tensions and economic uncertainties, positions gold as a prime safe-haven asset. The bank advises reducing exposure to developed market government bonds, favoring gold as a hedge against market volatility in an increasingly unstable financial landscape. Trump’s Tariff Policies Stir Markets Geopolitical Shifts Fuel Gold Demand The re-election of US President Donald Trump has intensified…

Global Ranking Highlights Seven Thai Spots Bangkok Claims Top Spot On July 18, 2025, a global ranking by a hotel-finding website named seven Thai locations among the world’s top 100 destinations for digital nomads, with Bangkok securing the coveted first place. The list, based on an analysis of over 1,300 cities, evaluated key factors like affordability, safety, infrastructure, internet connectivity, and quality of life. Thailand’s prominence underscores its growing appeal as a hub for remote workers seeking vibrant and cost-effective locales. Bangkok’s Winning Formula Affordable Living and Strong Infrastructure Bangkok earned a stellar score of 91 out of 100, lauded…

Bolstering Domestic Industry New Excise Tax Proposal Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is exploring a plan to increase excise taxes on imported electric vehicles (EVs) that incorporate minimal local content, aiming to strengthen the country’s automotive sector. The proposal, under review as of July 2025, particularly targets electric pickup trucks to encourage domestic production. This move aligns with Thailand’s ambition to become a regional hub for EV manufacturing, a goal supported by the National Electric Vehicle Policy Board. Addressing Trade Imbalances Impact of Free Trade Agreements A key driver of the proposed tax hike is the competitive edge enjoyed by Chinese…

Setback for Thai Family Voting Rules Reinstated On July 17, 2025, Thailand’s Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court delivered a blow to the Mahagitsiri family in their ongoing legal tussle with Nestlé. The court overturned a temporary injunction, reinstating original voting rules at Quality Coffee Products Co Ltd (QCP), the joint venture behind Nescafé production in Thailand. This decision requires Mahagitsiri family directors, who hold shares in QCP, to secure joint approval from Nestlé’s directors for board resolutions, limiting their unilateral control. Core of the Conflict Dispute Over Business Direction The legal battle stems from a fundamental disagreement between…