In the vibrant cultural tapestry of Thailand, there’s a spectacular display of colors and creativity making waves internationally—but it’s not traditional arts or cuisine. It is the exquisite realm of ornamental fish that now finds itself at the center of Thailand’s latest surge in global trade. The kingdom is rolling up its sleeves, determined to elevate its thriving ornamental fish industry as a linchpin for agricultural exports. Under the stewardship of Bancha Sukkaew, the Director General of the Department of Fisheries, this aquatic venture has the potential to enhance Thailand’s stature on the world stage, while simultaneously boosting local farmers’ income. As we navigate through 2024, the worldwide market for ornamental fish sparkles with promise, projected to reach a whopping 10 billion baht (which is about US$307 million). Thailand, with its picturesque landscapes and aquatic richness, dances proudly near the top of the global leaderboard, commanding an 11% market share…
Posts published in “Thailand”
A seismic shift is abuzz in Thailand, all due to the domino effects of the US tariff policy, and the hardy entrepreneurs of the Land of Smiles are being thrust into the limelight. At the heart of these changes is the Board of Investment (BoI), who have rolled out proactive measures to cushion Thai business mavens from the economic tremors caused by the trade war with the United States. Gone are the days of solar panel subsidies without thought; instead, the initiative is now laser-focused on revolutionizing technology in Thai factories, even if it means axing support for photovoltaic (PV) panel production. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, BoI’s eloquent Secretary General, elaborated on dropping the promotion of PV panel production – a move rooted in its low-tech nature and susceptibility to US trade whims. But fret not, solar aficionados! There’s solace in the sun’s brilliance as the BoI extends generous tax incentives to…
Two Russian tourists, finding themselves in quite the pickle in Pattaya, Thailand, certainly didn’t expect a duo of police officers to play the unlikely heroes. It was a morning that began routinely enough but soon descended into a light-hearted spectacle, an impromptu circus of goodwill on Sukhumvit Road that warmed the hearts of onlookers and netizens alike. The clock had just struck 9:40 AM on July 16th. Picture this: a bustling road alive with the buzz of early traffic and the boiling Thai sun glaring down. Right there, smack in the middle of it all, our hapless travelers were stranded. Their motorbike had gone on strike, its battery flat and silent. They were stuck like deer caught in headlights, unable to utter a single word of Thai. Their plight drew the sympathetic gazes of commuters zipping by, yet all seemed lost—or at least doomed to a very sunburnt day. Then,…
In the picturesque, usually serene coastal town of Hua Hin, rubbish collectors encountered a surprisingly perilous twist to their daily routine. A heap of hazardous military explosives was shockingly discovered beside a bin, leading to an explosive spectacle that has now embroiled the entire community in a gripping drama. The incident unfolded at the quiet Village 4, in the Hin Lek Fai subdistrict, transforming an ordinary day into a scene from a thriller on the morning of July 16. It was around 11:30 a.m. when an observant resident noticed an ominous presence by the bin opposite Amnat Timber Shop. Sensing danger, this eagle-eyed individual promptly contacted law enforcement, turning an otherwise mundane rubbish collection into a full-scale safety operation jarring enough to awaken the coastal town from its usual torpor. In a flash, officers from the Hua Hin Police Station commandeered the scene, cordoning off the area with the precision…
In the lively locale of Pattaya, known for its bustling nightlife and sandy beaches, there’s a brewing concern that has grabbed the attention of local authorities and citizens alike. Picture this: a serene cycling route opposite a popular eatery transforms into a curious case of pollution, with a whiff of wrongdoing in the air! It all comes down to the mysterious situation at a drainage pipe near the famous Hot Two Point junction on Phonpraphanimit Road 34. Imagine pedaling along, minding your business when you’re greeted by an unexpected, unappetizing sight—it’s not the aroma of delicious street food but rather the unpleasant stench of oil and grease oozing out. Yes, that’s right! Local officials quickly pounced on this lead, suspecting some unscrupulous behavior jeopardizing the precious water source. On July 16, an all-hands-on-deck inspection was initiated by none other than Nong Prue Municipality’s Mayor, Winai Inpitak, teaming up with Pong…
The telecommunications landscape in Thailand is set to undergo a refreshing transformation, thanks to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). On July 16th, the NBTC, headed by acting Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul, decided to take significant strides in reducing the cost of mobile phone tariffs, with a particular focus on introducing affordable Blue Flag Packages. These packages, initially capped at 240 baht per month, are slated to become even more budget-friendly to accommodate the ever-evolving needs of consumers. In an NBTC meeting that meticulously combed through 86 agenda items, 25 were thoroughly analyzed. Among these, agenda item 4.44 shone brightly, covering the crucial guidelines for setting and supervising domestic mobile phone service rates amidst today’s digital tide. As the world of telecommunications shifts gears, the NBTC is committed to ensuring fair play and improved accessibility for users across the country. The proposal is a breath of fresh air for consumers.…
In the dim, shadowy hours just after midnight on July 17, a young Russian named Dobrynia found himself caught in a moment of misjudgment at Pattaya’s cherished Bali Hai Pier Overpass. Clad in the rebellious spirit of youth and holding a can of spray paint as his instrument, the teenager was in the throes of altering the face of this iconic structure when the vigilant eyes of Pattaya City’s Special Affairs Unit fell upon him. Just as the vibrant swirls of paint began to twist across the cold, hard surface of the overpass, officers swooped in to halt the ungainly dance of colors. With six spray cans and a Yamaha Aerox motorbike in tow, Dobrynia was stilled in his frenzied artistry – an adventure turned to infamy with one illuminating moment of attention. The escapade has stirred a tempest among the local guardians of Pattaya’s reputation, cranking the gears of…
Thailand is turning up the heat on its culinary ambitions, putting the pedal to the metal in a high-stakes trade mission to ensure that the best of its flavorful exports, from the succulent sweet tamarind to the luscious pomelos, land on plates across China—the world’s largest consumer market. With a determination as robust as the zest of their tamarinds, Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has set an unstoppable course to skyrocket its Geographical Indication (GI) products into China’s gastronomically adventurous hands. From July 15 to July 17, an intrepid entourage led by the fervent Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Ekachat Seetavorarat, took center stage in China, engaging in pivotal talks with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). Waving the flag of commercial diplomacy with gusto were key figures, including the Secretary-General of the Board of Investment, Narit Therdsteerasukdi, and the astute Deputy Director-General of…
In the bustling streets of Pattaya, where vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches hold sway, a new sensation emerged that took the local social media scene by storm. The unexpected protagonist? A South Korean influencer with a penchant for the comedic and absurd. His claim to viral fame was not merely his infectious personality but a haircut so unique that it defied convention and ignited laughter across Thailand. The scene unfolded at Sixteen Barbershop Pattaya, where the adventurous influencer became both muse and maestro in an eccentric hair odyssey. Everything began to unravel on July 11, when the owner of Sixteen Barbershop Pattaya, operating under the moniker Barber King, shared an irresistibly amusing video on Facebook. Showcased was a South Korean tourist whose appearance bore an uncanny resemblance to the fabled Kappa—an aquatic creature from Japanese folklore known for its distinctive, aquatic hairdo. The barber’s post, laced with humor, read: “South…
In the lush green heart of Thailand’s Isaan province, enveloped by the serene beauty of Khon Kaen, unfolds a mystifying tale. A tale of family, forests, and the kind of mysteries that only nature could weave. It all began on a seemingly ordinary day of foraging for bamboo shoots, a local tradition here, as timeless as it is tempting. Little did Samorn know, it was going to be a day etched into memories with a shadow of uncertainty and longing. Samorn, a devoted 52-year-old mother, set out into the expansive greenery with her family. Accompanied by her 24-year-old son, Wisarut—endearingly known as “Benz”—and her brother, the trio embarked on their bamboo quest beneath the sprawling canopies of Phu Meng Mountain. While the majestic forest was familiar terrain for her brother, it was an unexplored domain for Wisarut, making this venture a brave first for him. Yet the mountains disagreed and…