Boosting Thailand’s Tourism with NFTs The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has recently introduced a non-fungible token (NFT) project in collaboration with Crypto City Connext and over 30 other partners. This innovative project aims to strengthen the tourism industry in the country through the use of digital coupons featuring TAT’s beloved mascot, Nong Sukjai. Collaboration with Local Artists and IT Companies The project has engaged over 20 local artists to design various styles of Nong Sukjai for the digital coupons. These digital artworks are integrated with Thailand’s tourist 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. Various Types of NFTs during the Trial Phase During the trial phase of this project, a total of 5,550 digital coupons have been released on April 13. These coupons are categorized into “normal,” “rare,” and “super…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Family Care Expected by Majority of Thai Elderly A recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) revealed that most elderly individuals in Thailand expect to receive care from their families, particularly their daughters. The nationwide survey, carried out from March 14-17 among 1,310 respondents aged 60 and above, aimed to determine who should be responsible for elderly care in the country. Findings from the Survey According to the results, 53.1% of the participants anticipate family members providing care, while 41.9% prefer assistance from government organizations such as state-run facilities. Care from temples, foundations, associations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is expected by 3.6% of respondents, and 1.5% from private organizations. Within the group preferring family care, 36% want support from their eldest or second eldest daughters, 23.9% from their eldest or second eldest sons, and 19.1% from all their children. In contrast, 84.8% of those seeking help…
Increasing Eastern Sarus Crane Population in Vietnam With a mission to save the Eastern Sarus Crane, the Zoological Park Organization (ZPO) is joining hands with the Vietnam Zoos Association, People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province in Vietnam, and the International Crane Foundation to bolster their population. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), these organizations have agreed on collaborative measures to support these majestic birds in their natural habitat. Reviving Sarus Cranes in Vietnam and Thailand Since 2009, the ZPO has been working on reintroducing the Eastern Sarus Crane to Thailand. The birds are bred and released into the wild wetlands of Buri Ram province. Director-General of the ZPO, Attapon Srihayun, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “We are striving to bring them back from the brink of extinction into their natural habitat so they continue to fly in the skies.” Mr. Attapon expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in…
ONWR Warns of Drought Risks Due to El Nino Phenomenon The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a warning for people in Thailand to prepare for potential drought conditions by conserving water. The El Nino phenomenon, which began in July, has led to significantly less rainfall than in typical years. Coordinated Efforts to Address the Drought Crisis ONWR secretary-general Surasee Kittimonthon, speaking after a meeting with representatives from various water-related agencies, stated that a plan has been established to address the possible drought crisis, especially during intermittent rains in August. These agencies include the Department of Royal Irrigation, the Department of Water Resources, Thai Meteorological Department, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat). The national committee on water resources supports the plan, which identifies the areas most vulnerable to drought and outlines the necessary tools, machines, and additional water sources to assist in emergencies. “We have…
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s Surprise Visit to Khao San Road Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha recently made an unexpected visit to Khao San Road, engaging in an entertaining water fight with locals and tourists alike. The Prime Minister and members of the United Thai Nation Party arrived at the famous Songkran celebration venue on Friday afternoon, where they were met with excitement and curiosity from the crowd. Discussing Safety Measures amid Songkran Celebrations Upon arrival, Gen Prayut took the time to discuss safety measures with officials responsible for overseeing the festivities. As he began his consultation, enthusiastic revelers initiated a light-hearted water attack, prompting the Prime Minister to purchase a large water gun to fend off his assailants. Despite attempts by his followers to protect his face from the onslaught, the crowd continued its playful assault. First Visit in 15 Years and Boosting Tourism Efforts As he made his way through…
Super Poll Survey Predicts No Landslide Victory in May 14 Election The latest Super Poll survey reveals that none of the parties will secure a landslide victory in the upcoming May 14 election. The nationwide survey, conducted from April 5-13 with 6,073 participants, forecasts that Pheu Thai will come out on top, securing 160 House seats from both constituency and party-list systems. Pheu Thai Leading the Charge Pheu Thai is expected to win 133 out of the 400 constituency seats and an additional 27 out of 100 party-list seats. Although the party has set an ambitious goal of winning 310 seats, Super Poll estimates that it will secure a maximum of 185 seats or a minimum of 135 seats in a worst-case scenario. Bhumjaithai Comes in Second Bhumjaithai is predicted to finish as the runner-up with a total of 121 seats, comprised of 101 constituency seats and 20 party-list seats.…
Celebrate Family Day and Songkran at Thailand’s National Parks Thailand’s Family Day, which falls on April 14, presents an excellent opportunity for Thai nationals to visit the country’s national parks. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced that entry fees for national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and non-hunting areas across the country will be waived for Thai nationals and their vehicles on this special day. An Invitation to Strengthen Family Bonds Anucha Mokhaves, from the Department of National Parks, mentions that the government encourages Thai nationals to visit national parks during Family Day and the Songkran festival. These visits aim to foster relationships among family members, boost tourism, and allow visitors to learn about Thailand’s natural resources. National parks typically experience an influx of local visitors during the Songkran festival. Preparations for the Holiday Season To accommodate the increased number of visitors during the New Year Festival,…
Growing Social-Welfare Expenditures in Thailand Pose Economic Challenges Thailand’s rising social-welfare costs are expected to surpass 1 trillion baht in 2033 due to an ageing population and the increasing cost of elderly care. As the number of senior citizens in Thailand rises, the government’s spending must also grow to accommodate their needs. At the same time, tax revenues from the working-age population are under strain. Falling Birth Rates Concern Finance Ministry The country’s Finance Ministry, represented by deputy spokesperson Pornchai Thiraveja, highlights the falling birth rates in Thailand since 2013. This demographic shift can lead to a deceleration in the country’s economic growth, thereby affecting the state’s tax revenues. Moreover, the cost of providing services to the growing elderly population has increased by 5.15% over the past five years, according to Pornchai. Striking a Balance Between Spending and Tax Revenue As the cost of elderly care rises, the Thai government…
Songkran Celebrations Resume, Bringing Back Water Fights and Revelry After three years of subdued festivities due to Covid-19, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebrations, Songkran, returned in full force on Thursday. The event, marked by water fights and enthusiastic splashing, has been a cause for concern among conservative Thais and authorities, as it often features partygoers scantily clad and engaging in wild water battles. Authorities Enforce Four Strict Rules for Songkran Festivities With worries that this year’s Songkran celebrations could be particularly rowdy, authorities have implemented four rules to maintain order during the event. The regulations, which apply to both Thais and foreigners, include: No nudity No going half-naked No face-daubing powder No high-pressure water guns Mass Influx of Foreign Tourists Expected for New Year Celebrations Over 300,000 foreign tourists are predicted to join the throngs of Songkran revelers in Bangkok and other popular tourism destinations. Bangkok has set up 198…
Paving the Way for Tourism with NFTs and Digital Coupons In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering the tourism industry, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with more than 30 collaborators, including prominent IT company Crypto City Connext, to launch a non-fungible token (NFT) project. This innovative venture offers digital coupons featuring “Nong Sukjai,” the TAT’s adorable mascot, illustrated in various styles by over 20 collaborating artists. Trial Phase and Exclusive Collection Points Currently in its trial phase, these exclusive NFTs can be collected only at specific attractions: 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, TAT released 5,550 digital coupons across these five locations, with differing levels of rarity—5,000 are “normal” NFTs, 500 are “rare”, and the remaining 50 are “super rare.” The rarer the coupon, the more…