Throngs of Tourists Arriving for Songkran Festivities in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is set to welcome a large number of tourists this coming Thursday to Sunday, as they gather to participate in the much-awaited Songkran celebrations. The province is buzzing with a variety of festivities, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all attendees. A Diverse Selection of Activities The event boasts an array of activities for visitors, including a traditional merit-making ritual, a coveted Songkran beauty pageant, and a ceremonial water showering of venerated Buddha statues. Unique Tunnel Sprinklers Attracting Tourists With Chiang Mai experiencing quite hot weather, the 50-meter long tunnel sprinklers are proving to be a major hit among tourists seeking relief from the heat. Clean Waterways and Alleviated Congestion Measures Concerned about the influx of visitors, provincial authorities have unveiled plans to release 1 million cubic meters of water per day from the Mae Ngat Somboon Chon dam…
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Enhanced Safety Measures for Songkran Festival at Khao San Road Pol Maj-General Attaporn Wongsiripreeda, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 1, announced enhanced safety measures at Khao San Road in response to concerns about potential mishaps during the Songkran festival. Critics expressed worries about the possibility of a stampede in the face of such large crowds gathering in a small area. Due to safety concerns, on Thursday night, police barred further entry to Khao San Road after it became overcrowded. Some estimates placed the number of visitors at over 50,000 during that time. New Traffic Measures to Improve Pedestrian Flow Attaporn stated that pedestrian traffic would be limited to one-way from the beginning of the strip close to Chana Songkhram Temple on Chakrabongse Road. Songkran celebrants must walk along Khao San to its end at Tanao Road, as they are not allowed to move “against the traffic,” as they did…
Boosting Tourism with Innovative NFT Project In a groundbreaking move to revitalize the tourism industry, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with Crypto City Connext and over 30 other partners to launch a trailblazing non-fungible token (NFT) project. The project features digital coupons adorned with images of “Nong Sukjai,” the TAT’s mascot, designed by more than 20 artists in various styles. Initiating the Trial Phase Currently in the trial phase, the NFTs can only be collected at select attractions, including Ratchaprasong Road in Bangkok, Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai, Dibuk Road in Phuket, Khao Niaw Road in Khon Kaen, and Yomjinda Road in Rayong. On April 13, a total of 5,550 digital coupons were released at these locations, with 5,000 classified as “normal,” 500 as “rare,” and 50 as “super rare.” The rarity level signifies the difficulty in finding the coupons and the value of the prizes that…
Weather Alert: Thunderstorms and Heatwave Expected Across Thailand The weather department has issued a warning for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in several provinces across Thailand this weekend as a moderate high-pressure system moves from upper Vietnam into the Northeast and South China Sea. On the other hand, a significant rise in temperatures is forecasted for the rest of the country due to southerly and southeasterly winds. Temperature Spike in Various Regions Residents in the North, Northeast, and Central regions should brace themselves for scorching temperatures, ranging between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the East and South can expect a slightly cooler but still humid climate with temperatures of 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Safety Precautions and Advice Authorities have cautioned people living in areas prone to thunderstorms to remain indoors, avoid hiding under large trees, and stay clear of unsecured billboards. Additionally, it is advised not to wear…
Empowering Thailand’s AI Innovations Nectec executive director Chai Wutitiwatchai has revealed their intention to support Thai engineers and developers in the artificial intelligence (AI) field. The goal is to provide affordable resources and essential tools to encourage local technological advancements in AI. The initiative will also play a crucial role in transitioning all public departments and related agencies into digital service providers, as outlined by the government. Chai explains that AI is needed for Thailand to become a truly digital society. By making existing technologies more intelligent in their interactions with humans, AI has the potential to improve many aspects of life in the country. Overcoming Challenges Despite the readiness of the nation’s current infrastructure – such as electricity, internet access, 5G networks, cloud services, and data centers – to support the digital transformation, Thailand still has some hurdles to overcome. Chai identifies the lack of skilled AI engineers, integrated…
During Songkran, Thais traditionally travel to visit family, resulting in congested roads and a marked increase in vehicular accidents. This year, Songkran, also known as the Thai new year, will be celebrated from April 13 to 17. Transport Co Offers Discounts for Post-Songkran Travel Passengers planning to travel between April 18 and 24 can avail a 10% discount on their bookings through the e-ticketing application or Transport Co’s official website (https://tcl99web.transport.co.th). Sanyalux Panwattanalikit, the company’s president, announced on Friday that Transport Co membership card holders would also receive double reward points for bookings within this period. State Welfare Cardholders Eligible for Monthly Bus Ticket Subsidy Furthermore, state welfare cardholders can utilize up to 750 baht of their monthly card value to purchase bus tickets. However, eligible purchases must be made in person at ticket boots. Increased Transport Capacity to Accommodate Post-Songkran Travelers To accommodate the expected influx of approximately 58,000…
Overcrowding Concerns in Public Spaces Highlighted by CIB Police With the issue of overcrowding becoming a point of concern in public gathering spaces, the CIB police have offered guidelines on how to navigate congested areas safely. This is particularly essential in urban areas like Bangkok, where an enormous number of revelers often congregate for various events, sometimes hindering security and safety efforts. An Example of Overcrowding – The Case of Khao San Road Recently, Bangkok’s Khao San Road witnessed a gathering of around 40,000 partygoers, resulting in an extremely overcrowded situation. The concern was so severe that authorities had to step in, limiting entry to the area and deploying an additional 100 officers and volunteers to maintain security. Such instances have raised concerns among people about the likelihood of accidents and disasters similar to the tragic Halloween stampede in South Korea last year. The catastrophe left 156 partygoers dead and…
A Unique Rot Nam Dam Hua Ceremony at Big Buffalo Station Visitors, including local residents and tourists, were pleasantly surprised when they witnessed a unique Rot Nam Dam Hua ceremony for buffaloes at Big Buffalo Station in Sawang Arom district. Traditionally performed for elders, this time-honored water-pouring ceremony was a delightful experience for many who had never seen it carried out for buffaloes. Buffaloes as the Center of Attention A 70-year-old visitor shared their surprise, remarking, “This is the first time in my life that I saw a Rot Nam Dam Hua ceremony for buffaloes.” The ceremony, known in Thai as “Rot Nam Dam Hua,” is a practice where scented water is poured onto the hands of elders to express gratitude and seek blessings. Elephants have been involved in such ceremonies due to their significant historical importance as a national symbol. However, performing the ceremony for buffaloes was surely a…
Overcoming Challenges: How Prayut’s Leadership Led Thailand Out of the Covid-19 Crisis In a 1.09-minute video clip shared on the United Thai Nation Party (UTNP)’s official Facebook page, viewers are taken on a journey from the dark times of the global Covid-19 pandemic to the vibrant and restriction-free Songkran celebrations happening this week. The video (www.facebook.com/unitedthaination/videos/770634717721070) highlights the tremendous progress Thailand has made under General Prayut’s leadership, who is credited with the country’s successful handling of the pandemic and the impressive economic recovery that has followed. Young People Desperate for Change The video begins with scenes from three years earlier, showcasing the frustration and disappointment of young people who were forced to remain at home due to Covid-19 restrictions. With vaccine acquisitions moving at a slow pace, the “stupid leader” and “lousy country” are blamed for their predicament. These somber scenes stand in stark contrast to the jubilant Songkran water-splashing…
Transport Company Executive Arrested in Bangkok for Multimillion-Dollar Fraud A German-American transport company executive, sought by the United States for alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar fraud, has been apprehended in Bangkok, Thailand. His arrest came after the suspect allegedly fled the U.S. to avoid authorities. Collaboration between Thai and U.S. Authorities Pol Maj Gen Montree Thesakhan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, confirmed the arrest, stating that the individual was taken into custody at a condominium on Lat Phrao 10 Road, Chatuchak district, on Thursday. The arrest followed a valuable tip-off from U.S. authorities. The suspect was identified solely as “Lars” by Pol Maj Gen Thesakhan. He further stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had named ten people suspected of embezzling approximately $52 million (1.7 billion baht) from the transport company over a ten-year period. Escape to Thailand and Extradition Nine of the ten suspects were quickly apprehended,…