With the dazzling cityscape of Bangkok serving as the backdrop, industry specialists from disparate corners of the globe converged at an event of large scale earlier this week. The unique platform was designed to spark connections between global health and wellness representatives, and Thai entrepreneurs, thus empowering the latter to showcase their innovative health and wellness tourism products. Beyond product exhibitions, this pivotal gathering was also a crucible for intellectual exchange through informative seminars and critical business negotiations. The attendees represented a broad geography extending from the far reaches of the United States and distant Italy to nearby Australia and China. Delegates also arrived from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Indonesia, and Cambodia, in what can only be described as a truly global gathering. Apichai Chatchalermkit, who holds the impressive title of TAT’s Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, opined that all attendees had…
Posts published in “Thailand”
There’s an exciting wave of digital transformation sweeping across Thailand, as the country’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) works tirelessly to expand its digital horizons. In a swift and strategic move, the ministry recently made an extension to the influential ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). Having added three more Thai provinces – Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Rayong, the DES is propelling Thailand further into the digital age. The proud announcement was made by the esteemed DES chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, at the significant sixth annual ASCN assembly in Bali, Indonesia. With these new inductions, the network, which began with 26 cities, has now grown to encompass a total of 29 cities – a commendable expansion indeed. However, the ASEAN Smart Cities Network is not just about numbers. The mission behind ASCN is to fuse efforts of member cities in a synergistic collaboration with the private sector. The goal? To…
Thailand, a nation known for its lush landscapes, is currently battling against the ripple effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon. However, its Royal Irrigation Department (RID), which obsessively monitors water supply channels of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), assures of a continuous water supply regardless of the challenging climate conditions. These weather conditions, predicted to last through April next year, won’t be an obstacle, thanks to the RID’s proficient water management. The meticulous planning and execution of the RID have garnered much attention and respect. Its director-general, Prapit Chanma, reiterates this dedication, assuring that the Bureau of Water Management and the Hydrology and Irrigation Office 9 are guided to set a comprehensive water management plan into action. This detailed plan is poised to guarantee sufficient water to EEC-based industries even amidst the unpredictable trials brought on by the El Nino climate event. El Nino, notorious for bringing about a…
In a harrowing incident of inexplicable loss, a 49-year-old woman hailing from the Nakhon Ratchasima province unwillingly embarked on what would be her final journey. Travelling for casual labor to the ostentatious and complex city of Dubai, she tragically lost her life a mere three days post her arrival. As her shocked kin grapples with her mysterious demise nine months later, they have had to seek aid from the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation. They wish to bring her remains back to their homeland and unravel the cause that lead to her sudden death. She was characterized by her nephew as the family’s sturdy backbone. Her responsibilities didn’t just end there, she was also the principal provider for a frail 85-year-old parent. She had experienced the hustle of working abroad numerous times before, but her last trip to Dubai was fatal, claimed her life on October 3 of the previous year. Her…
In an exciting development for Thailand’s economy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has made an intriguing projection. The vigorous vacation period, sanctioned by the Thai cabinet to stimulate domestic travel, is expected to generate a whopping 16.6 billion baht in income. This particular holiday stretch extends for six days, beginning on July 28 and ending on August 2, and includes several significant holidays such as the King’s Birthday, Asalha Puja (a reverential commemoration of Buddha’s first sermon) and the solemn Buddhist Lent day. This extended public holiday has seen an upswing in the number of high-income groups looking to explore overseas destinations. With the TAT governor, Yuttasak Supasorn, and his analysis team predicting nearly 5 million Thai tourist visits over this holiday period, the economic impact promises to be substantial. Even more encouragingly, hotel occupancy rates are projected to hover around the 63% mark, with Eastern Thailand expected to…
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has given an assurance that no instances of the dangerous Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been detected within the country’s borders. CCHF, pronounced worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a high-risk communicable disease, has seen its ominous foothold in regions like Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia escalating at an alarming rate, racking up a mortality rate that swings between 30 to 40%. Dr Thares Krasanairawiwong, DDC’s director-general, reassured the public in a recent statement. The chief emphasized, “So far, no case has been reported in Thailand.” This viral haemorrhagic fever, manifested by a tick-borne Nairovirus, usually infiltrates hosts found in livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep. Transmission occurs upon any sort of contact with the infected, according to the expert account of the DDC chief. Some of the tell-tale symptoms accompanying CCHF include fever…
In a recent development, the director of Khao Kho National Park has been reassigned to a passive role, and an intensive investigation has been initiated after it was discovered that multiple resorts were illegally expanding into a protected forest area within Phetchabun province. Acting on a tip-off, a surprise inspection was spearheaded by the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), alongside park chief Prasan Iadsang this past Thursday. Their inspection zeroed in on Pha Hua Sing, locally known as the ‘lion head cliff’, a distinctive terrain that forms part of the protected national park. During their scrutinizing inspection, the team uncovered two resort properties that were unlawfully encroaching on the park’s territory. One of them, named Phu Thap Boek Suansawan, was located just about 200 metres from the precipice of the Pha Hua Sing, spanning over a vast 69-rai (equivalent to approximately 110,400 square meters) land allotment. The second resort, which…
As a leading provider of air traffic control services, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (Aerothai) is actively preparing for the roll-out of their ambitious metroplex air traffic control plan. This strategic move is designed to streamline the growing volume of air traffic while bolstering safety and efficiency within Thailand’s bustling aviation industry. Aerothai’s esteemed president, Nopasit Chakpitak, has confirmed that this plan aligns perfectly with the Transport Ministry’s future growth projections for the aviation sector. The initial phase of implementation will see a major overhaul of the route structure and airspace management of three primary airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-tapao. According to Nopasit, the integration of the metroplex air traffic plan is set to accomplish more than simply furthering efficiency and safety within air navigation. Crucially, it will also contribute towards a reduction in aviation fuel consumption. The restructuring at the aforementioned airports will, in turn, provide numerous benefits…
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the charismatic figure at the helm of the Progressive Movement and a driving force behind the Move Forward Party (MFP), has found himself at the centre of swirling rumors. Gossip in political circles suggests that he might have struck a clandestine political agreement with Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential yet controversial head of the Pheu Thai Party. Associate Professor Somchai Preechasinlapakun, a reputed legal academic from Chiang Mai University, has expressed that Mr. Thanathorn must provide clarity on these allegations. He regards a straightforward answer as essential not just for him as a voter, but for the integrity of MFP’s future political trajectory. The Professor’s concern stems from an unspoken expectation: transparent political practices are key to the healthy functioning of a democracy,” he said. “The people of Thailand deserve more than cloak-and-dagger politics and clandestine deals.” Adding flames to these whispers is an unnamed source from the Pheu…
In a triumph of human-animal coordination, a path-breaking project has been witnessing a relocating process of numerous Crab-eating macaques from communities within Phetchaburi to an idyllic island in Phuket. The result? A resounding success! The Environment and Natural Resources Ministry jubilantly announced this major milestone on a bright Thursday, noting this achievement has set the stage for relocating more monkeys from escalating macaque populace within the province and its nearby region, Prachuap Khiri Khan, to numerous island vicinity. The motive driving this relocation are entwined with the ministry’s purpose to mitigate the burgeoning impact due to rapid population growth of these macaques on the local communities, shared experienced advisor to the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Yuthapol Angkinan. Yuthapol, who was set on this path by Environment and Natural Resources Minister Varawut Silpa-archa to find solutions to mounting macaque-related issues in Phetchaburi. These agile animals have amplified a series of…