While some tastebuds reel back from the potent flavor of durian and noses scrunch at its memorable aroma, it’s a fruit that is projected to see a dramatic surge in demand. There’s a whopping 400% annual increase on the horizon, to be precise. The primary driving force behind this newfound fascination? None other than China, the nation that’s taken a surprising liking to what many refer to as ‘the world’s smelliest fruit’,” notes Aris Dacanay, renowned economist at HSBC Bank’s Asean region. Over the past couple of years, China has emerged as the globe’s major durian importer, shouldering an impressive 91% of the worldwide durian market. The trade value? A cool US$6 billion. Durian, much to the surprise of many, has become somewhat of a hot commodity in China. This is a place where the fruit is not only savored for its unique flavor, but also cherished as a societal…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
The Thai governmental authorities have set a course towards consulting their legal advisory institution, the Council of State, in relation to possibly rescinding certain directives and announcements that were formerly put forth by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), a body now defunct. The present Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, publicly announced this intent, attributing the move to the apparent redundancy and obstructions that parts of the former NCPO’s orders are currently presenting to governmental operations and the day-to-day existence of Thai citizens. Previously, Chai Wacharonke, the spokesperson for the government, disclosed that Prime Minister Thavisin had instructed a range of ministries and government departments to evaluate the necessity of keeping any previous instructions they had received from the NCPO. The final date has been fixed for October 9 to submit such requests to the cabinet. If no plea for keeping these orders is raised, they are expected to…
Revelations have emerged about the revival of a significant educational initiative that was first introduced by the previous Pheu Thai government in Thailand. The revamped scheme, outlined by the Thai Education Ministry, aims to provide a tablet computer to each student and teacher within the nation, with a primary intent to foster equal educational opportunities. Led by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob and deputy Surasak Phancharoenworakul, both members of the Bhumjaithai Party within the Pheu Thai-led coalition, the initiative announcement was made amidst a gathering of ministry officials. The proposed tablet distribution is being touted as a means of endorsing a joyful learning experience while lessening the financial burden on students. Permpoon was optimistic about the “One Student, One Tablet” scheme, implying that it would also reduce disparities in educational opportunities. He is however still considering the total cost associated with the initiative. The availability of sufficient budgets is a concern,…
In the bustling cityscape of Bangkok, nestled amidst the usual humdrum of city life, an unusual encounter unfurled on the Sirat Expressway. Here, Metropolitan Police officers made a surprising discovery linked to a bone-chilling kidnap-for-ransom case, amidst an investigation into a minor car collision involving Thai and Chinese civilians. As reported by ThaiRath, the Expressway Police Station 2 was alerted about the incident by a 33-year-old Thai national, known as Somphong Sisod. Casualties from the accident included a grey Toyota Yaris sedan and Somphong’s personal vehicle – a white Toyota Fortuner SUV. The sedan was driven by Zhao Wulin, a 36-year-old Chinese national, who offered to cover the damage expenses using a translator app. However, Somphong turned down the offer, recommending contacting insurance companies instead for a more thorough procedure. This ordinary traffic exchange took an unexpected turn when additional police officers arrived at the scene, seemingly out of the…
The esteemed Minister for Tourism and Sports in Thailand, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, recently disclosed an audacious new goal for foreign tourism earnings: a never-before-seen figure of 3 trillion baht. This bold initiative denotes a considerable leap from the preceding record of 1.9 trillion baht, set in 2019. The ambitious target is part of a comprehensive blueprint aimed at propelling Thailand to the forefront of the arena of sports and entertainments. Minister Sudawan emphasized that even though the administration is resolute about achieving this ambitious objective, an actionable roadmap is still under construction. An initial measure to drive up tourism numbers hinted at by Sudawan was the recent cabinet resolution to expand visa exemptions for denizens of specific nations. She stated, “The visionary Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has equipped us with strategies to attract more tourists, including the elimination of visa requirements for certain nations, along with simplifying the airport travel procedures.”…
At a policy meeting with leading figures from the Ministry of Financial Affairs, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, confirmed that Krungthai Bank’s owned Pao Tang app would be the preferred digital wallet choice for the government’s new scheme. Harmonizing this app with blockchain technology was a prime discussion point during yesterday’s discussion, Thavisin confirmed. The government’s primary ambition is to ensure a smooth rollout of digital currency handouts worth 10,000 baht. Approximately 56 million Thai citizens would all benefit from this incentive, as stated by the Thai leader. The digital wallet scheme played a pivotal role in the Pheu Thai Party’s election campaign, projecting a rough estimation of 560 billion baht to actualize the whole project. During a recent governmental policy debate in the parliament, specific details concerning the funding aspect were somewhat fuzzy. The only thing that came out right was that there wasn’t any plan of borrowing for…
The Chinese embassy has expressed its gratitude towards the visa-free policy offered by the Thai government. The new initiative is seen as an excellent effort to stimulate Thailand’s tourism sector by attracting a significant number of visitors, particularly from China. The updated visa procedures were shared via a Facebook message by the embassy. In their message, they also stressed the importance of safeguarding Chinese tourists throughout their stay in Thailand. The visa exemption program, formally announced on Wednesday, September 13, specifically targets travelers hailing from China and Kazakhstan. Operational from September 25 until the tail-end of February next year, the scheme’s goal is to give a new lease on life to Thailand’s tourism industry. The Thai authorities are optimistic that this effort will drive the number of international arrivals to a new high of 28 million this year. This figure includes an estimated five million Chinese visitors. The Ministry of…
The Internet is currently buzzing with a remarkable video clip that has gained more than a whopping 24 million views. Captured in the lens of celebrated wildlife documentarian Mark Bouldoukian, widely recognized on TikTok as @markian.b, this video offers an astonishingly vivid encounter between the photographer himself and a brown bear. Furthermore, what attracts the viewer’s attention are the apparent lengthy white ropes connected to the bear’s posterior. However, on closer inspection, these ‘ropes’ are, in reality, tapeworms. The content creator for the viral video stated that the size of tapeworms inside a bear can measure up to an unbelievable length of 30 feet or even longer – a measurement he had never encountered in his career till date. For those unaware, tapeworms are parasitic creatures that have a flat, ribbon-like appearance, usually displaying a dull white colour. Their bodies are characterized by segments which have no internal divisions, varying…
In an incident that has shaken up the tranquil Sattahip district in the Chon Buri province, a Thai woman with five months into her pregnancy, along with her American spouse and their young son, endured an unexpected and traumatic event during a supposed luxurious getaway. Monthakan Khansantier, the pregnant woman, came forward to recount their nightmare that unfolded in their hotel’s jacuzzi, emphasizing her worry for the potential harm the incident could have inflicted on her unborn child. Recalling their three-day stay at a prominent luxury hotel ranging from August 20 to 23 of this year, she revealed that the 3,364 baht per night package initially seemed justified for the amenities they were enjoying. However, an alarming incident on their last day marred their peaceful vacation. As Monthakan, her three-year-old son, and her husband sunk into the relaxing bubbles of the hotel’s rooftop jacuzzi, what should have been a blissful…
The majestic Democracy Monument forms an imposing backdrop for two vigilant law enforcement officers, captured during their duty of overseeing a demonstration against the administration on the 14th of October, 2021. (Photograph by the talented Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) Doubts are escalating concerning the scheduled referendum meant to decide upon the modification of the charter. The Move Forward Party (MFP) alleges that the government is intentionally delaying the significant event. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, appointed to head the panel geared towards planning the referendum, concedes that the decision to proceed with the referendum is still in the realm of discussions. Making these remarks after the cabinet’s inaugural meeting this Wednesday, Mr. Phumtham reveals that primary focus was given to policies deemed of immediate importance, which includes the prevalent call for a more democratic charter. This charter is perceived by many as a lingering relic of the coup in 2014. Simultaneously holding…