The forthcoming long holiday period commences this weekend – beginning on July 28, His Majesty the King’s birthday, and concludes on August 2, marking the inception of Buddhist Lent. This announcement came from the interim government last week, who chose to add an extra public holiday on Monday, July 31st. The intention behind this initiative was to allow the citizens of Thailand more time to return to their ancestral homes. Yuthasak Supasorn, the esteemed Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), acknowledged that with the last-minute addition of an extra holiday, Thai citizens are unlikely to arrange international getaways. Instead, he believes they will opt for local visits, boosting domestic tourism. In light of this upcoming long break, TAT anticipates around 4.96 million local trips will be made, resulting in an average hotel occupancy rate of 63%. Particularly, it estimates hotels in the eastern part of the country may…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Considered an authority in his field, Dr. Seri Suprathit, the esteemed director of Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Centre, argues passionately that extensive, profound changes are paramount in the bid to boost agricultural productivity, decrease water use, and put innovative survival solutions into practice. In a thought-provoking Facebook post, Dr. Seri meticulously breaks down four potential scenarios that could shape the immediate future for Thai farmers. 1. Standard scenario: Even when situations are predictable and the climate is calm, farmers in Thailand put in serious effort yet yield minimal profits. This is primarily attributed to the arrangement of rice prices and poor management, culminating in exceedingly low yields when compared to various other rice-growing nations around the globe. Although Thailand prides itself on being an exceptional rice exporter, it’s an illusive claim. The ‘top exporter’ status is drawn from the fact that a vast amount of land (approximately 27.67…
In the latest development concerning Thailand’s real estate sector, the developer and involved state agencies are faced with considerable liabilities due to damage inflicted by a construction project. These entities have been issued a two-week ultimatum to deliver solutions without resorting to the building’s demolition. This decision comes as the climax of a significant court case wherein the supreme administrative court backed the preceding court’s verdict to retract the construction permit of the Ashton Asoke-Rama 9 scheme. This construction project has been a subject of controversy, involving the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) as a party. The MRTA had foreseen the utilisation of the land as part of the first stage of a rail project. The land, initially defined for a plush condominium project, neighboured a public route, Asok-Montri Road. However, a fraction of it was later regained to house the project. WCP’s legal counsel, Pisit Detchaiyasak, highlighted…
Observing the tense activities near the Khun Yuam district, the central monitoring body reported that the Myanmar Army has been actively engaged in aerial surveillance along the border area. Furthermore, consistent sightings of military operations led by Myanmar soldiers have been noted in neighbouring territories such as Mueang and Mae Sariang districts, amplifying concerns over the escalating situation in the region. According to the information gathered, the number of Myanmar refugees seeking asylum has risen significantly. An estimated total of 8,852 individuals hailing from Myanmar have found temporary shelter within the boundaries of Mae Sariang, Khun Yuam, and Pang Moo districts. These refugees are housed across five different shelters, their lives disrupted by the ongoing conflict in their home country. Simultaneously, an insider from the Karenni Army shared grave updates about the increasing hostilities. As per the source, an attack was orchestrated by the Myanmar Army on three settlements located…
With the dazzling cityscape of Bangkok serving as the backdrop, industry specialists from disparate corners of the globe converged at an event of large scale earlier this week. The unique platform was designed to spark connections between global health and wellness representatives, and Thai entrepreneurs, thus empowering the latter to showcase their innovative health and wellness tourism products. Beyond product exhibitions, this pivotal gathering was also a crucible for intellectual exchange through informative seminars and critical business negotiations. The attendees represented a broad geography extending from the far reaches of the United States and distant Italy to nearby Australia and China. Delegates also arrived from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Indonesia, and Cambodia, in what can only be described as a truly global gathering. Apichai Chatchalermkit, who holds the impressive title of TAT’s Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, opined that all attendees had…
There’s an exciting wave of digital transformation sweeping across Thailand, as the country’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) works tirelessly to expand its digital horizons. In a swift and strategic move, the ministry recently made an extension to the influential ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). Having added three more Thai provinces – Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Rayong, the DES is propelling Thailand further into the digital age. The proud announcement was made by the esteemed DES chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, at the significant sixth annual ASCN assembly in Bali, Indonesia. With these new inductions, the network, which began with 26 cities, has now grown to encompass a total of 29 cities – a commendable expansion indeed. However, the ASEAN Smart Cities Network is not just about numbers. The mission behind ASCN is to fuse efforts of member cities in a synergistic collaboration with the private sector. The goal? To…
Thailand, a nation known for its lush landscapes, is currently battling against the ripple effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon. However, its Royal Irrigation Department (RID), which obsessively monitors water supply channels of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), assures of a continuous water supply regardless of the challenging climate conditions. These weather conditions, predicted to last through April next year, won’t be an obstacle, thanks to the RID’s proficient water management. The meticulous planning and execution of the RID have garnered much attention and respect. Its director-general, Prapit Chanma, reiterates this dedication, assuring that the Bureau of Water Management and the Hydrology and Irrigation Office 9 are guided to set a comprehensive water management plan into action. This detailed plan is poised to guarantee sufficient water to EEC-based industries even amidst the unpredictable trials brought on by the El Nino climate event. El Nino, notorious for bringing about a…
In a harrowing incident of inexplicable loss, a 49-year-old woman hailing from the Nakhon Ratchasima province unwillingly embarked on what would be her final journey. Travelling for casual labor to the ostentatious and complex city of Dubai, she tragically lost her life a mere three days post her arrival. As her shocked kin grapples with her mysterious demise nine months later, they have had to seek aid from the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation. They wish to bring her remains back to their homeland and unravel the cause that lead to her sudden death. She was characterized by her nephew as the family’s sturdy backbone. Her responsibilities didn’t just end there, she was also the principal provider for a frail 85-year-old parent. She had experienced the hustle of working abroad numerous times before, but her last trip to Dubai was fatal, claimed her life on October 3 of the previous year. Her…
In an exciting development for Thailand’s economy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has made an intriguing projection. The vigorous vacation period, sanctioned by the Thai cabinet to stimulate domestic travel, is expected to generate a whopping 16.6 billion baht in income. This particular holiday stretch extends for six days, beginning on July 28 and ending on August 2, and includes several significant holidays such as the King’s Birthday, Asalha Puja (a reverential commemoration of Buddha’s first sermon) and the solemn Buddhist Lent day. This extended public holiday has seen an upswing in the number of high-income groups looking to explore overseas destinations. With the TAT governor, Yuttasak Supasorn, and his analysis team predicting nearly 5 million Thai tourist visits over this holiday period, the economic impact promises to be substantial. Even more encouragingly, hotel occupancy rates are projected to hover around the 63% mark, with Eastern Thailand expected to…
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has given an assurance that no instances of the dangerous Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been detected within the country’s borders. CCHF, pronounced worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a high-risk communicable disease, has seen its ominous foothold in regions like Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia escalating at an alarming rate, racking up a mortality rate that swings between 30 to 40%. Dr Thares Krasanairawiwong, DDC’s director-general, reassured the public in a recent statement. The chief emphasized, “So far, no case has been reported in Thailand.” This viral haemorrhagic fever, manifested by a tick-borne Nairovirus, usually infiltrates hosts found in livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep. Transmission occurs upon any sort of contact with the infected, according to the expert account of the DDC chief. Some of the tell-tale symptoms accompanying CCHF include fever…