On the 11th day of September, a grand spectacle took place at the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base – a collaborative exercise involving the United States and Thailand. This undertaking embodied the dedication and mutual agreement of both nations to enhance military alliances and promote better understanding. A notable battalion of around 230 US servicemen were on deck, hailing from the esteemed ranks of the Washington Air National Guard and the Oregon Air National Guard. They arrived with more than just determination and discipline, they brought with them an impressive arsenal of over 20 high-powered fighter aircraft pouring with might and readiness. The aircraft arrayed a series of breath-taking drills, from mixed incongruous air-to-air combat courses to refuelling procedures in mid-air and intricate ground-controlled interception operations. Helming these exercises were the seasoned war veterans with vast experience, each bearing the fruits of more than 15 years of dedicated service.…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
In the bustling town of Chalong, a stringent prohibition on waste disposal has been swiftly initiated by the mayor at a three-rai location in Baan Khoktanod, Moo 9, Chalong. This rapid response was ignited by an aerial photograph of the landfill site circulating across social media platforms. Monsoon Garbage Thailand, a popular Facebook page, was the first to share this compelling photograph, which prompted immediate action from the local governance. The reigning Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew, entrusted the responsibility of inspecting the contentious site to Thanaporn Ongsantiphap and The Chief of Muang District, Phairot Srilamul. The odoriferous spot is conveniently located opposite Wat Ladthi Wanaram (Wat Tai) on the busy Chao Fa East Rd. Upon thorough scientific investigation of the site, Mayor Thanaporn lost no time in erecting “No Dumping” signs to curtail further environmental harm. The intriguing aspect of this narrative is that the land is apparently under private…
The allure of Thailand as a tourist destination for Chinese travelers continues to waver, evident by the consistently lower than anticipated volume of Chinese tourists. Despite China lifting travel constraints more than eight months ago, figures up to September 10 reveal a mere total of 2.28 million Chinese tourist arrivals for this year. Forecasts for the year-end range between 4 and 4.4 million, which stands in stark contrast to the ambitious target of 5 million set earlier. This discrepancy mirrors a downward trend in Chinese tourism in Thailand. The nosedive isn’t arbitrary – Chinese tourism in Thailand witnessed an astronomical 99% decrease in 2021 from roughly 10 million in 2019. The massive drop is largely attributable to China’s rigid border lockdowns. Several intertwined factors play into this trend. Prevailing safety concerns, a lethargic Chinese economy, and vigorous domestic tourism campaigns by the Chinese government are all part-and-parcel of the issue.…
The Tropical Storm Warning Centre, a division under the Thai Meteorological Department, triggered an alarm for upcoming stormy weather, a move that will affect 42 counties in the northern and southern sections of Thailand. The announcement is expected to stay in effect until dawn tomorrow, cautioning locals of an impending 60% chance of heavy downpours which could trigger disastrous flash floods and sudden water surges. The south-westerly monsoon has settled over the Andaman Sea, spreading to Thailand and blanketing parts of the Gulf of Thailand. Parallelly, an easterly and south-easterly gust is being experienced in the lower northeastern region. These atmospheric conditions have birthed storms in the northern sections of the country, posing an imminent danger to residents in stormy locales. Accumulated rainwater could unpredictably spark sudden flash floods or rapid runoff, especially in elevated landscapes near water bodies and low-lying regions. Motorists traversing these weather-beaten routes are advised to…
In a series of punishing weather events, Loei, a northeastern province in Thailand, has been battling substantial flooding as a result of unyielding rainfall over the past several days. The devastating floodwaters have left in their wake submerged homes, inundated agricultural lands, and damaged government buildings, in addition to turning a central sports field into a virtual lake. The extraordinary volume of continuous rainfall has caused numerous tributaries to exceed their capacity with the mightily roaring Loei River, the principal aqua-jugular vein of the province, spilling over its banks. Although recent reports indicate a receding of water levels in the Loei River in specific regions such as Phu Luang, Wang Saphung districts, and the municipal district of Loei, floodwaters continue to wreak havoc, more so in low-lying areas swept by torrential flows neighboring the river banks, primarily in the Chaiyaphruek region in the central Loei district. Communities such as Kaeng…
In light of the recent resolution allowing Chinese travellers to enter without visa prerequisites, the Tourism Department is expressing apprehension around potential risks involving illegal tours and unauthorized tour guides. The root of this distress lies in the department’s incapacity to authenticate the legitimacy of tour operators during visa exemptions. Head of the Tourism Department, Jaturon Phakdeewanit, brought this issue into light following the acceptance of the exemption plan by the Minister for Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. This plan allows Chinese and Kazakh tourists to explore without visa from September 25 till February 29, 2024. In an attempt to ensure streamlined communication in the tourism sector, the Tourism Department, the Consular Affairs Department, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) came together earlier this month. They signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to synchronizing inbound tourist data. As a result, the Consular Affairs Department was able to accelerate…
Recently, discussions have been sparked across the digital landscape about a matrimonial tussle involving a soon-to-be bride grappling with the controversial issue of her wedding dowry. The contemplative bride-to-be stirred up an insightful conversation detailing a recent family gathering that ended in an unexpected turn of events. The initial agreement granted by both her family and her soon-to-be spouse’s family was fixed at a dowry of 300,000 baht along with 2 baht of gold. Following a thorough fact-check of its feasibility from her family’s end, her spouse’s family had given their affirmation. However, during their subsequent gathering, her soon-to-be husband invited numerous relatives from diverse provinces to consent to the agreement. All was going well until they broached the dowry topic. Suddenly, the relatives seemed eager to change the rules of the game. Our resolute bride-to-be stood her ground, staying faithful to the original concord. The funds were to be…
The Government Savings Bank (GSB) is stepping up to the plate with a new lifeline in the form of a loan scheme. This financial aid is meticulously crafted with the small-scale self-employed individual in mind. These are your taxi drivers, motorcycle riders, and online sellers who have been dealt a heavy blow by the increasing cost of living, leading to dwindling income and financial distress. GSB’s hope is that these loans, which can reach up to a staggering 100,000 baht and come with an eight-year repayment timeline, will help alleviate these financial burdens and breathe some life back into an otherwise strenuous economic landscape. GSB’s director, Witthaya Rattanakorn, shared the big news of this financial scheme launching, explaining that it was born out of the governational directive aimed at helping taxi drivers, public transport workers, and self-employed individuals who are treading water due to the biting economic climate. This loan…
Envisaging a surge in tourist footfall from China and Kazakhstan as a result of the new visa-free policy coming into effect next week, the Immigration Bureau (IB) is gearing up by bolstering its officer count at the bustling Suvarnabhumi International Airport. This more accessible entry for nationals of the mentioned countries, announced in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday and given a green light on Sept 13, will be in operation from Monday till Feb 29 of the following year. Deputy police commissioner Pol Lt Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot took the initiative to meet with officers from Immigration Division 2 stationed at the airport on Tuesday. The purpose of this meeting was to delve into the preparations put in place to accommodate and greet the incoming influx of tourists expected during the tourist high season. According to Pol Lt Gen Thatchai, the airport is predicted to witness a large increase in traffic…
In the recent uproar over the travel expenses of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s chartered flight to the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Natreeya Thaweewong, the PM’s deputy secretary, came forward with clarifications. The trip, held between Sept 18-24, reportedly cost a staggering 30-million-baht, raising eyebrows and leading to calls for investigation by political activist, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. The PM’s travel involved chartering a Thai Airways International (THAI) flight, which flew from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Big Apple with a layover in Tokyo. In Responding to these inquiries, Ms. Natreeya, who organized the travel details, explained that an e-bidding process was in place to ensure a fair price. Initially, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) had proposed 32 million baht for a charter flight service, whereas Thai Airways had asked for 25 million. However, the final cost with Thai Airways rose to 30 million baht owing to an increase…