Bueng Kan boasts pristine natural beauty and cultural treasures, beginning with the iconic Naka Cave, a sandstone massif that offers breathtaking views. In addition, the scenic waterfalls can captivate any nature enthusiast. This article highlights the top destinations in Bueng Kan, Thailand.

Naka Cave, also known as Snake Cave, is one of Bueng Kan’s most fascinating attractions. Located within Phu Langka National Park, it features unique rock formations resembling a giant serpent. Visitors are often mesmerized by this site’s natural beauty and mythical allure.

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The cave is accessible via a moderate hike, adding an element of adventure. Trails lead you through lush forests and offer scenic views. The park’s varied terrain can be challenging but is accessible to most visitors with proper preparation.

Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chulapong Yukate has demanded that Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa outline his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. This call, made during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting, has sparked national interest.

Chulapong, who serves as the committee’s deputy chairperson, emphasized the public’s desire to understand the foreign minister’s plan to guide the country.

Maris, a seasoned diplomat, stepped into the role in late April, succeeding Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. His appointment, however, was not without controversy. Many voiced concerns about his perceived proximity to the polarizing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, adding a layer of intrigue to his tenure.

Chulapong’s challenge was direct and pointed. He urged Maris to clarify his vision for Thailand’s international stance, particularly within ASEAN. “What are Thailand’s positions concerning relationships with superpowers like the United States and China?” he questioned.

The civil conflict in Myanmar, which has recently intensified, was another focal point, according to Thai PBS World. The escalating violence has led to a surge of displaced persons seeking refuge in Thailand, prompting Chulapong to ask, “How will Thailand seek help and support from ASEAN countries, China, and the US regarding the Myanmar issues?”

In a related development, Maris is preparing for a significant diplomatic mission to Cambodia. His visit aims to address a contentious issue of overlapping claims area (OCA) in Koh Kood, situated in the border province of Trat. This visit is not only about resolving territorial disputes but also about strengthening bilateral relations, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic endeavor.

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Additionally, Thanya Buri Provincial Court has sentenced Move Forward MP Chonthicha Jangrew to two years in prison for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. The initial three-year sentence was reduced to two years without suspension. The court dismissed another charge against Chonthicha for violating the emergency decree on public gatherings.

Srisuwan Janya, a prominent solo activist, has taken his concerns to the Central Administrative Court, aiming to urgently halt the Commerce Ministry’s proposal to auction off roughly 15,000 tons of rice from the scandal-ridden rice pledging scheme of the Yingluck Shinawatra government. In his petition, Srisuwan stressed the objections of numerous rice experts who argue against the auction, citing concerns that rice stored for over a decade loses its nutritional value, becomes inedible, and may be infested with insects. Despite assurances from the Department of Medical Sciences regarding the rice’s safety for consumption, Srisuwan raised doubts about the reliability of these tests, questioning whether the samples tested genuinely originated from the designated warehouses in Surin province.

A key point of contention lies in the auction’s terms, scheduled for June, which do not specify whether the rice must be exported or can be sold domestically. Srisuwan warned that exporting this aged rice could damage Thailand’s global rice reputation while selling it domestically, posing health risks to consumers. He urged the court to intervene and suspend the auction, overseen by the Public Warehouse Organisation under the Commerce Ministry’s purview, as reported by Thai PBS World. Srisuwan emphasized the potential harm to Thailand’s agricultural reputation and the health of its citizens.

Update: Panel Established for Auction of Decade-Old Rice

A dedicated panel has been formed to oversee the auction of the remaining 15,000 tons of rice from the contentious rice-pledging scheme initiated during Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure as Prime Minister. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced this development, with the panel tasked with drafting the auction’s terms of reference (ToR), which is expected to be completed by the end of the month. The National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC) has granted the panel authority to proceed without further review.

The panel comprises representatives from various organizations, including the Public Warehouse Organisation, the Marketing Organisation for Farmers, the Internal Trade Department, the Foreign Trade Department, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The auction is anticipated to occur early next month or by the end of June.

Potential bidders will be able to assess the rice quality according to standards set by the Commerce Ministry. Phumtham states that the rice is intended to be exported to Africa. He expressed optimism about the auction’s outcome and highlighted that the revenue generated will benefit the state coffers. Phumtham called for an end to rice controversies, urging critics to focus on more pressing issues, such as the economy. He reiterated the safety of the rice as confirmed by the Department of Medical Sciences and a private laboratory, despite ongoing skepticism from critics regarding the origin of the tested samples.

Original Story: Thai Government to Auction Decade-Old Rice After Safety Confirmation

The Thai government plans to proceed with the auction of rice from Yingluck Shinawatra’s pledging scheme, stored in two Surin warehouses for ten years, following laboratory tests confirming its safety. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently in Italy, announced that tests conducted by a private laboratory on samples from the Surin warehouses revealed no aflatoxins or other chemical residues. Phumtham welcomed the results, mainly since journalists provided the samples and also tested by the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSc).

With the rice deemed safe, Phumtham instructed the Public Warehouse Organisation to prepare the auction’s terms of reference and draft contracts. DMSc Director-General Dr. Yongyot Thammavudhi confirmed the completion of testing on rice samples from the Commerce Ministry, with results to be disclosed at a press conference.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed the government’s willingness to have the rice quality assessed by a neutral agency to ensure its suitability for export. Phumtham stressed the necessity of auctioning off the remaining rice from the loss-incurring pledging scheme to generate revenue and reduce storage costs, estimated to be up to 380,000 baht monthly. The rice is expected to be exported to Africa.

Earlier inspections by Phumtham and officials at the Surin warehouses aimed to demonstrate the rice’s edibility after ten years of storage. Critics voiced concerns about potential health hazards due to multiple fumigation cycles over the decade. An organic chemistry expert claimed to have found aflatoxins in rice samples from the Surin warehouses, raising further doubts.

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Critics also highlighted concerns about the controversy’s impact on the reputation of Thai rice in international markets, given the history of the rice-pledging scheme’s losses and corruption allegations. Despite efforts to address safety concerns and proceed with the auction, skepticism persists among critics regarding the quality and safety of the rice.