Posts published by “Editorial Team”

The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has been working hand-in-hand with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) on an ambitious coral reef rehabilitation project in Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province. This joint effort aims to rejuvenate the marine ecosystem in four key areas of Koh Samui, and according to the latest reports, the endeavor is making excellent progress. Viboon Wongsakul, the Governor of PWA, stated that the collaboration between PWA and DMCR has been ongoing since 2018. As mandated by the National Environment Board, the PWA has implemented various measures to prevent and reverse the environmental impacts of undersea sewage pipelines. These measures encompass the creation of artificial corals and the restoration and replanting of existing coral reefs, with the project set to achieve its objectives within five years. The extensive coral planting and restoration efforts are focused on four specific areas, including Koh Samui Coral Reef Area…

As Indonesia gears up for the much-awaited general election in February 2024, the spotlight is on the top contenders for the Presidential and Vice Presidential tickets. Let’s dive into the profiles of these prominent political figures and what they bring to the table: Presidential Candidate: Prabowo Subianto Currently serving as Indonesia’s Defence Minister and leader of the Gerindra party, Prabowo Subianto is a seasoned political veteran who has run unsuccessfully in the past two elections. Despite his previous losses, Prabowo’s expertise in military affairs and political experience make him a respectable contender. As an elder statesman, the 2024 election might be his last chance to secure the top spot. Vice Presidential Candidate: Erick Thohir Erick Thohir, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and chairman of the Indonesian football association (PSSI), has earned praise for his management of FIFA’s cancellation of the Under-20 World Cup. Regarded as a strong minister who fights…

From past protests to current electoral campaigns, a group of young activists led by Chonthicha “Lookkate” Jangrew in Thailand is now advocating for change through the ballot box. Despite facing multiple charges for participating in the 2020 student-led protest movement, Chonthicha is running in the May 14th election under the Move Forward Party. Breaking new ground, these activists have brought previously off-limits issues like the role of the monarchy in society to the forefront. The Move Forward Party is not only seeking to change but also reduce the severity of punishments within Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law which deals with royal defamation. Given its significant implications, anyone convicted under this Section is disqualified from the House of Representatives. For these young activists, the path to change in Thailand involves both street movements and participation in the political process. As Chonthicha explains, “Both paths need to move…

The recent launch of cross-border passenger services on the Laos-China high-speed railway just in time for Songkran, the Thai New Year, marks a turning point for the region, particularly for Nong Khai and neighboring northeastern provinces. With the first train originating from Kunming in China’s Yunnan province and arriving in Vientiane, the Lao capital, on April 13, there is great anticipation for an influx of tourists and investment to the area. Nong Khai Tourism Association consultant Jiranan Sakuntangkoon highlights how many tourists opt to enjoy an overnight stay in Nong Khai before continuing their journey to Vientiane, situated only 20 kilometers away. The strategic location of Nong Khai makes it an ideal pitstop for travelers, and the added charm of its local attractions further entices visitors to spend more time exploring this vibrant area. As the president of the Nong Khai Chamber of Commerce, Monnipa Kowitthasiri-kul expresses her hopes of…

Recent internal data from Airbnb reveals a noticeable upward trend in the travel industry across Southeast Asia. In 2022, there was a more than twofold increase in the number of nights booked on Airbnb’s platform compared to 2020. Though not quite back to pre-pandemic levels, these figures indicate a positive sign for the region’s ongoing recovery. Airbnb’s data also shows that small group travel among family members and cousins is on the rise, as travelers increasingly view trips as opportunities to reconnect with loved ones. Group travel in the region more than tripled year on year in 2022, while family travel via Airbnb surged by 60% compared to pre-pandemic times. This is likely due to families seeking more value and space in their accommodations. Furthermore, solo travel is gaining popularity, with a 2.6 times increase in lone travelers throughout Southeast Asia in the past year. Additionally, many visitors are choosing…

During the Songkran Festival in Kanchanaburi, a popular celebration marked by joy and excitement, the revelry was overshadowed by a series of road accidents. From April 11-17, the seven-day period known for a campaign promoting safe driving, there were 2,203 road accidents reported, resulting in 264 deaths and 2,208 injuries. On Monday, the last day of the safety campaign, Interior Deputy Permanent Secretary Chotenarin Kerdson stated that there were 183 accidents, 16 deaths, and 202 injuries. Among these incidents, speeding contributed to 45% of the accidents, while another 17% were caused by sudden lane switching. Motorcycles were involved in a staggering 80% of these accidents, with about 46% taking place on highways and 30% on local tambon and village roads. A majority (83.6%) of accidents occurred on straight roads, with the most accident-prone period being from 3pm to 4pm, accounting for 9.3% of all incidents. Kanchanaburi had the highest number…

After years of anticipation, the Songkran Festival made a triumphant return this year, drawing people from all corners of the globe to participate in this Thai tradition during the Thai New Year. Among the top places to partake in the festivities, Bangkok stands as a crowd favorite, offering a unique and vibrant experience for all. ICONSIAM hosted an unparalleled celebration this year with “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2023”, which took place from April 11 to April 17, 2023. Utilizing its River Park area, ICONSIAM provided a full day of activities, including the traditional practice of pouring water on a Buddha statue to receive blessings, as well as captivating performances from well-known artists. With activities showcasing Thailand’s diverse cultural heritage, ICONSIAM attracted countless individuals eager to participate in the Songkran celebrations. From April 12 to April 15, 2023, Khao San Road drew in throngs of both Thai and international tourists, reaching…

Tourists continue to flock to the historic Old Town area of Phuket, enjoying the vibrant walking streets and rich cultural experiences. Hoteliers and industry experts anticipate a hotel occupancy rate of around 60% post-Songkran, the Thai New Year, thanks to increased arrivals from China, even as the low tourism season approaches. In Q1 2022, Phuket’s hotels experienced an impressive 86% occupancy rate. During the Songkran festivities, bookings remained strong at around 80%, according to Sueksit Suvunditkul, president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association. “After Songkran, hotel bookings are expected to be 60% because Phuket is entering the low tourism season, starting from June,” he said recently. As the rainy season sets in, Suvunditkul expects more international travelers from countries such as Australia and the Middle East to visit the island. Although European tourism is expected to drop, Chinese tourists are predicted to steadily increase their presence in…

Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, once again experienced the world’s worst air pollution on Tuesday morning, with an air quality index (AQI) of 180, according to IQAir, an air-pollution monitoring website. Ongoing forest fires and agricultural burning were identified as the primary causes of the dangerously unhealthy air, officials reported. Fire hotspots were predominantly found in hard-to-reach forests on steep slopes in Fang, Phrao, and Chiang Dao districts. Officials have been dispatched to these areas to address the situation, said Chatchawan Panya, deputy governor of the northern province. Mr. Panya provided this update after presiding over a meeting on combating wildfire smoke and PM2.5 pollution with representatives from district offices. The deputy governor urged all agencies to increase their efforts to prevent illegal burning in forests and to remain vigilant. He also expressed gratitude to every agency and volunteer for their work in fighting wildfires this month. The…

During the Songkran Festival in Thailand, which took place from April 11 to 17, a total of 2,203 road accidents resulted in 264 deaths and 2,208 injuries, according to the official statistics released on Tuesday. The last day of the seven-day safe driving campaign witnessed 183 accidents, resulting in 16 deaths and 202 injuries. Among these accidents, speeding contributed to 45%, followed by sudden lane switching, which accounted for about 17%. Approximately 80% of the accidents during the festival involved motorcycles, and about 46% of these incidents occurred on highways, while around 30% took place on local tambon and village roads. The vast majority of accidents, approximately 83.6%, happened on straight roads. The period with the highest frequency of accidents was between 3 and 4 pm, which saw 9.3% of all accidents. Kanchanaburi had the highest number of accidents and injuries, with 11 accidents and 13 injuries. Chanthaburi, Nakhon Pathom,…