Posts published in “Thailand”

PTT Oil and Retail Plc (OR) is gearing up for a thrilling financial turnaround in 2025, fueled by a vibrant wave of tourism and lively investment activities. Peekthong Thongyai, the chief of OR, shares his optimism, envisioning a Thailand that’s bustling with travelers and investors alike. This upbeat forecast is not just a pipedream; it’s backed by a recent tourism surge that paints an auspicious picture for Thailand’s economic future. Back in 2019, Thailand was the darling of the tourist world, attracting a whopping 39.7 million international visitors who collectively splurged an astounding 1.9 trillion baht. Fast forward to just last year, and the nation welcomed 35.5 million foreign guests, marking an impressive 26.2% leap in arrivals and a 34% boost in spending, reaching an incredible 1.6 trillion baht. This resurgence in tourism is set to be the jet fuel that propels Thailand’s economy to new heights come 2025. Peekthong…

In a dramatic twist that exemplifies the intricate dance of political strategy, the latest session of Thailand’s Parliament unfurled like a gripping soap opera scene. On the morning of February 13, what began as a hopeful discussion on charter amendments swiftly descended into chaos when the meeting was abruptly adjourned due to a lack of quorum—a term which in this context could be described as “the mysterious disappearing act of politicians.” The Pheu Thai Party, in an act of strategic wizardry, decided to withhold their participation. This intriguing move was aimed at preventing a rejection of the proposed constitutional amendment bill. The proposed changes were spearheaded by Parit Wacharasindhu of the People’s Party and Pheu Thai’s own Wisut Chai-aroon, intending to revamp Article 256 and create a Charter Drafting Assembly for a new constitution. However, instead of smooth sailing, the debate quickly devolved into a political chess game where moves…

The quest for gold has reached a fever pitch, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) making headlines again. February 13 saw gold prices shimmering higher, setting the stage for another dazzling day in the complex world of precious metals. The market buzzed with anticipation as the GTA rolled out its morning updates, setting a fresh benchmark for gold enthusiasts everywhere. By 9:03 a.m., gold lovers awoke to a scene akin to finding the morning dew on golden petals. Prized gold jewelry glistened at 47,250 baht per baht weight, marking a tidy 100 baht uptick from the prior day. Across the board, buying and selling prices ricocheted with eager investors and collectors weighing their shiny options. On the trophy board of metals, gold bars fetched a buying price of 46,650 baht per baht weight, with those looking to sell seeing a slightly higher 46,750 baht. Somewhere amidst the global stage drama,…

In a plot twist that could have been ripped straight from the pages of a thriller, the quiet neighborhood of Khlong Khlung in Kamphaeng Phet province is now abuzz with whispers and speculation. The discovery of an abandoned pickup truck, ensconced behind a veil of white cloth and housing a morbid secret, has left both the local community and Thai police in a state of bewilderment. What started as a mere report of an unpleasant smell cascading through the air has unfolded into a chilling narrative that shakes the very foundation of this peaceful enclave. It was 11am sharp on February 13 when the Khlong Khlung police department received a call that would herald the unraveling of this murky saga. Residents reported a suspicious vehicle — a white Isuzu D-Max, no less, lurking in the shadows of a derelict house off Phahonyothin Road. The vehicle wasn’t just silent; it was…

Picture this: you’re nestled comfortably in your airplane seat, lulled by the gentle hum of the engines. The cabin lights are dimmed, and you’re drifting off into a snooze, blissfully unaware that your valuables might be doing a little traveling of their own—right into the pockets of a sneaky thief. Recently, such high-altitude heists have prompted swift action from the Thai police, as they grapple with a wave of in-flight thefts, with valuables worth a whopping 19 million baht taken on flights to Hong Kong in the past year alone. This airborne epidemic of thievery has certainly caught the attention of the powers that be. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong is rallying airlines to bolster their cabin security and remind passengers to keep a close eye on their stuff. As a result, a number of airlines are beefing up their defenses, hoping to counteract this soaring crime wave. The…

Imagine planning the trip of a lifetime, sun-soaked beaches and clear turquoise waters calling your name. That’s exactly what Jack, a spirited traveler from France, had in mind when he set his sights on the idyllic paradise of Koh Tao in Surat Thani. But as fate would have it, Jack’s journey took an unexpected twist, leading him on an adventure far beyond his original itinerary. It all began with a simple misunderstanding. Instead of basking in the sun at Koh Tao, Jack found himself in the bustling province of Chiang Mai, having inadvertently touched down in Doi Tao. Undeterred by this geographical hiccup, Jack decided to embrace his inner wanderlust and began crafting an impromptu journey that would take him across Thailand’s diverse landscape. Determined to reach his destination, Jack hitched a ride with a friendly truck driver transporting a load of cabbages—a true testament to Jack’s confidence in the…

In a striking turn of events, the serene transit of Hong Kong’s vibrant airport was sharply interrupted when a 22-year-old air passenger arriving from Bangkok found himself at the center of an unexpected drama. His quiet voyage abruptly transformed into a headline-stealing sensation as he became the focal point of a high-stakes customs operation, triggering ripples of intrigue all throughout the bustling terminals and beyond into the city. The suspense-laden saga unfolded on a seemingly routine Thursday afternoon, where amidst a swirl of bustling travelers, vigilant customs officers, with their trained eyes, sealed fate upon the unsuspecting passenger’s path. In a swift and decisive move, they uncovered an astonishing quantity— a staggering eight kilograms — of what authorities dub the “key component” of a rising menace in the drug world: the infamously dubbed “space oil.” This seizure drew not only gasps but also hefty implications, manifesting a street value upwards…

In the bustling heart of Southeast Asia, a pivotal gathering is taking shape, one that could significantly impact the region’s ongoing battle against human trafficking. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has extended a cordial invite to international embassies stationed in Bangkok to convene a high-stakes meeting. The agenda is as pressing as it is vital: discussing methodologies for identifying victims of human trafficking amid a recent operation that saw the rescue of at least 260 foreign nationals from neighboring nations. The embassies, once assembled, will be tasked with the crucial role of providing the RTP with any pertinent data they possess on their citizens who have been liberated from the grips of traffickers in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. These individuals now find themselves under the protective custody of the Thai police, awaiting resolution and repatriation. A prominent figure in this meticulous operation is Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, at the helm…

Amidst whispered tales and hushed conversations, Bangkok found itself swirled in a murky dance with invisible foes yesterday. Fifty-three of the nation’s 76 provinces joined her in this eerie ballet, as the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) cast a spotlight on the ghostly figure of ultrafine dust pollution shadowing the land. As the clock struck dawn, a report fluttered out from Gistda’s precincts, bearing tidings that felt as heavy as the smog itself. Our beloved capital, Bangkok, alongside 27 resilient provinces, donned the grim red cloaks of hazardous PM2.5 levels. They ranged ominously from 75.7 to a staggering 112.4 micrograms per cubic meter of air over the preceding day, hauntingly above the government’s stipulated safe serenade of 37.5µg/m³. At the forefront of this spectral procession was Trat, where the air whispered secrets dense and dark at 112.4µg/m³. Trailing not far behind in these murky shadows were Bangkok with…

The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) is throwing its full support behind the ambitious plan to carry out a thorough feasibility study for a revolutionary cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park, nestled in the breathtaking province of Loei. This bold initiative has garnered the attention of none other than Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who has given the green light for Dasta to dig deep into the controversial project. Dasta’s director, Thitipong Khiawpaisan, is spearheading this meticulous exploration which aims to map out the cable car design, craft an all-important environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, and orchestrate enlightening public hearings. These steps are crucial for garnering invaluable insights and suggestions from the public. The culmination of this endeavor will be a comprehensive report submitted to the National Environment Board (NEB), serving as the precursor for the cabinet’s ultimate decision on the project’s fate. On January…