Travelling in Thailand without a Passport
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Crime Prominent Meditation Centre Under Investigation for Encroachment
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. All current and former chiefs of Khao Laem National Park are facing investigation after authorities uncovered a large-scale illegal development by an unregistered meditation centre operating within protected forest land in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) released images showing extensive construction underway at the site, which they later confirmed to be part of the Dhamma Kanchana Vipassana Centre. Officials found at least 24 permanent structures erected without permission, alongside evidence of illegal logging and forest clearance. Satellite coordinates confirmed the entire 15-rai area to be within the boundaries of Khao Laem National Park. The area had not been registered or surveyed under Section 64 of the National Park Act, rendering all development illegal. Authorities discovered multiple felled logs from protected tree species, including mai daeng (Xylia xylocarpa) and makha (Afzelia xylocarpa). Heavy machinery and construction vehicles, such as a concrete mixer, crane, backhoe, and six-wheeled truck, were seized from the site. A woman identified only as Rungarun, who claimed to serve as a document officer for the centre, was present at the scene. She produced a registration form from a private foundation but failed to present any legal documentation for land ownership or building permission. The Dhamma Kanchana centre had reportedly been operating as a private retreat, accepting online bookings. Its ownership and sources of funding remain unclear. Officials allege that the centre began as a small meditation shelter and gradually expanded into a significant illegal development. Park Chief Dome Chansuwan, who assumed his position six months ago, stated that he acted immediately upon receiving a public tip-off. He said the crackdown followed clear instructions from DNP Director-General Athapol Charoenshunsa to take decisive action against encroachment and illegal logging in protected areas. Athapol confirmed that a total of seven criminal charges have been filed with Sangkhla Buri Police, including: • Illegal encroachment and land clearance within a national park • Destruction and removal of natural resources from a protected area • Unauthorised use of national reserved forest land • Felling of protected tree species without a permit • Damaging forest ecosystems for personal gain • Possession of unmarked protected timber • Possession and use of an unlicensed chainsaw The department has also mobilised additional personnel from nearby national parks, Thong Pha Phum and Lam Khlong Ngu, to conduct further inspection and gather evidence. The case has sparked public concern due to the scale of deforestation in one of Thailand’s most ecologically significant forest reserves. Khao Laem National Park is home to diverse wildlife and is a crucial watershed area in the region. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-18. -
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Rub, Tug, and a Plumbing Surprise: Welcome to Thailand, Rupert!
First sentence was enough. Yawn. -
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Economy EGAT Floating Solar Project at Vajiralongkorn Dam Bidding Open Until June 20
Picture courtesy of kaoded. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is forging ahead with its ambitious plan to develop floating solar power plants, launching the first phase of a 50-megawatt (MWac) floating solar project at Vajiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi Province. The bidding process for interested contractors is now officially open and will run until 20 June. The initiative is part of EGAT’s broader strategy to increase the share of clean energy in Thailand’s power generation mix and advance its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. Mr. Thidet Eiamsai, Deputy Governor for Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy at EGAT, said that this floating solar installation will produce electricity from photovoltaic panels mounted on floating platforms across the dam’s reservoir. This project, referred to as Vajiralongkorn Floating Solar Power Plant Phase 1, is expected to begin commercial operation by 2027. The development is part of Thailand’s Power Development Plan 2018–2037 (PDP2018 Revision 1) and its forthcoming updated energy roadmap. Under this plan, EGAT aims to deploy a total of 2,725 MW of floating solar power capacity nationwide by 2030. These projects will be built on the surface of EGAT-managed reservoirs across the country, leveraging existing hydropower infrastructure to minimise costs and optimise energy output. This hybrid model, integrating solar with existing hydroelectric facilities, offers cost-effective power generation with reduced environmental impact. By using shared infrastructure and available water surfaces, EGAT can significantly lower production costs, which in turn benefits consumers with more affordable electricity. EGAT’s floating solar initiative is also expected to stimulate private sector participation in Thailand’s clean energy transition. Interested companies can purchase bidding documents from now until 20 June 2025, with the envelope opening scheduled for 16 September 2025. For more information and detailed procurement documentation, visit EGAT’s official bidding portal: Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-18. -
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Crime Koh Lanta: Mentally Ill Woman Found Murdered in Palm Plantation
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 23-year-old woman suffering from mental illness was found brutally murdered in a palm plantation on Koh Lanta, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Pol. Lt. Chokdee Phetduang, an investigator with Koh Lanta Police Station, received a report of a female body discovered in a plantation in Moo 1, Koh Lanta Noi subdistrict. He immediately proceeded to the scene with forensic officers and local investigators. At the crime scene, officers found the body of Miss Krisana “Min” Manpian, lying face down near an abandoned hut in a small palm grove. The victim had sustained multiple machete wounds to the face, back of the head, and right wrist. Officials estimate she had been dead for approximately four to five hours. The body was sent to Koh Lanta Hospital for autopsy, after which it was released to the family. According to relatives, the victim had a history of psychiatric illness and was staying with her father, whose house is located around 800 metres from the murder site. She was last seen alive in the evening, walking around the village. At approximately 20:00 on 16 May, her niece invited her for dinner at a neighbouring house. Before leaving to buy food, the niece asked if Krisana wanted anything. She declined. When the niece returned, Krisana was no longer at the house and the doors were closed, leading the family to believe she had gone to bed. Early the next morning, villagers were horrified to find her body in the palm grove. Police believe the suspect was someone familiar with the victim, possibly luring her to the abandoned hut. A local rubber tapper working nearby reported hearing the woman scream for help at around 04:00, although no other voices were heard. Officers are now reviewing CCTV footage from village roads and nearby areas in an attempt to track the victim’s movements and identify the perpetrator. Efforts to gather more information have been hampered by the mental condition of both the victim’s father and limited witnesses. Investigators have vowed to bring the killer to justice swiftly. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-18. -
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Opinion Unpacking Thailand’s Beauty Ideals: A Call for Diversity and Inclusion
But their brains and minds are still thai. -
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Updates and events in the War in Ukraine 2025
Putin deliberately targets civilians.
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