The captivating Thai district of Koh Kut experienced a surprising 50% decrease in traffic from European travelers this year, as reported by Dechathon Chan-ob, the chairman of tambon Koh Kut administrative organization. An owner of a popular resort on the island, Chan-ob grappled with the decrease in tourism that used to teem the paradisiacal terrains of Koh Kut, slashing their previous year’s visitors from a whopping figure of 160,000-170,000 to nearly half. The serene and bewitching abode of Koh Kut along with its sister island Koh Mak, boast of a beauty that could only be imagined. Yet, their allure managed to entice nearly 100,000 globe trotters this year, reaching an all-time high count since the dreaded blow of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chan-ob attributed this unexpected increase to the lifted travel restrictions that used to hinder the Bachanalian voyagers from reaching these beautiful islands. Unfortunately, an unanticipated slump befell on this…
Posts published in “Thailand”
With a dual aim of boosting the economy and maintaining public safety, the Ministry of Public Health plans to put forth a proposal stipulating that nightlife venues wishing to extend their operating hours would need to conduct breathalyzer tests on patrons who appear excessively inebriated. It’s a step taken in the spirit of social responsibility and public safety in an attempt to reconcile economic stimulation with the preservation of public health and order, as indicated by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Indeed, venues which notice a patron extremely high on spirits might indeed be required to ensure their safe return home, possibly even by using transportation services. This proposal is the brainchild of a special working group established to facilitate the smooth execution of the government’s strategy to extend the operation hours of bars and nightclubs, while simultaneously ensuring the interest of public health is not compromised. Interestingly, this ingenious…
The recent suggestion of integrating Chinese police officers into Thai law enforcement operations has been defended by a government representative. The goal of this initiative, as clarified by spokesman Chai Wacharonke, is solely aimed at safeguarding Chinese tourists in Thailand against potential crimes by malevolent Chinese nationals. Contrary to certain media additions, these Chinese police would not be included in Thai police patrols within tourist zones. Furthermore, this proposal doesn’t imply any relinquishment of Thai sovereignty, stated Mr. Chai. Diving deeper into the inception of this idea, it was broached by the representatives of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) during a conference focused on Chinese tourist security with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This discourse transpired at Suvarnabhumi airport, with representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand also present, before the Prime Minister embarked on his trip to the United States to join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum leaders’ meeting.…
Moments were marked with silence and grief on Monday morning, as individuals offered up wreaths and the vibrant hues of blossoms in memorial. The scene: the front of a bank along the well-trodden Sunthorn Kosa road nestled within the bustling district of Klong Toey. The tragic event to be commemorated: the untimely demise of a teacher from Sacred Heart Convent School, an innocent victim in a typical Bali-saturday faceoff between rival student factions that went wrong. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In the wake of this and other recent violent occurrences in Bangkok, Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, contemplates imposing more restrictions on the public carry of firearms. This proposal stems from the apparent ease with which these confrontations evolve with catastrophic potentials, a trend that even the capital of the Land Of Smiles isn’t spared. While executing his duties at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the Deputy Prime…
The buzzing excitement was palpable as the respected governor stood as a beacon of honor, orchestrating the much-anticipated grand inauguration of Bua Tong field’s tourism season. This grand event unfolded atop the spectacular Doi Mae U Kho mountain, glowing like an emerald in the heart of Tambon Mae U Kho, nestled snugly within the picturesque landscape of Khun Yuam district. Joy and camaraderie filled the air as the governor’s wife, the gracious chairperson of the Mae Hong Son Red Cross, graced the event. Besides her was the indomitable Khun Yam district chief Narongpat Naksup, and sharing the limelight was Thara Chomsamonlert, the resilient chief of the Tambon Mae U Kho administrative organization. The entourage of esteemed dignitaries made the ceremony sparkle with an extra sheen. The proceedings unfurled in the majestic Bua Tong Pavilion. Positioned atop the mountain, it was like an oasis nestled amidst a golden sea of resplendent…
Soaring fuel prices have been on the lips of many across the nation, leading the government to introduce a string of subsidies on various fuels as a measure to cushion the blow on consumer pockets. These relief measures, which include subsidies on several types of petrol, on diesel oil, and on cooking gas, have turned out to be rather costly, draining around 402.44 million baht from the government coffers every single day. According to a source privy to the debate, the current trajectory of this financial haemorrhage could result in the subsidy fund facing a crippling deficit of up to 100 billion baht by the time the year draws to a close. A concerning prediction indeed. But the wheels of the subsidy train had already been set in motion, and did not seem likely to slow down anytime soon. On the last day of October, the Cabinet gave the green…
In the past year, the paradisiac islands of Koh Kood and the burgeoning Koh Mak experienced a significant influx of about 170,000 wanderlust-driven tourists, confirms Dechatorn Chan-orb. Notably, the island chief of Koh Kood, who is also a proud proprietor of the famed Suanya Resort, stated that Koh Kood was the preferred landing destination for 100,000 of these visitors. This impressive arrival rate harkened back to the good old days before the debilitating pandemic struck, reviving the much-needed revenue streams for these tropical havens. Regrettably, the islands’ traffic pace hit a speed bump in the current year. The incoming tourist population was cut in half, presumably due to global incidents such as the troubling Russia-Ukraine crisis, a disastrous mall shooting in Bangkok, and the escalating Israel-Hamas conflicts. As a consequence, the normally snowbird-laden high season, a potential goldmine for both these islands, is noticeably subdued this year. In light of…
After engaging in a substantive dialogue with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, esteemed director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT), revealed on Sunday an actionable game plan for strengthening security and uplifting the quality of services afforded to tourists relishing the beauty of Thailand. Attaining these vibrant goals, Thapanee added, requires the nurturing of a strong alliance between the TAT, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the leadership at the Central Investigation Bureau and Tourist Police. This collaborative approach is the first step towards fortifying Thailand’s tourism sector. On November 15, an insightful conversation is scheduled to take place with officials from the Chinese embassy. The purpose of this discussion revolves around enlisting Chinese police officers for patrolling duties in Thailand’s most frequented tourist cities. This strategic move, inspired by an effective model currently in use in Italy, is anticipated to mirror the same levels…
In a battle of words and political will, the government has taken up arms over the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) questioning of its 10,000 baht digital money handout plan. The opposition cast doubt on the administration, stating it’s retreating on its pledge to provide financial help. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin bristled at MFP Deputy Leader Sirikanya Tansakun’s scrutiny. Reprimanding her, he noted, “Don’t assume that others will always conform to your expectations. Cease casting shadows on the government’s genuine intentions to uplift the citizens’ living standards and stop muddying the waters for the general public.” The government, in its quest, has pledged its interest in instituting a new law allowing for a whopping 500 billion baht (approx US$13.75 billion) loan to fund the said scheme. However, Sirikanya fears that the bill might infringe the constitution and tread on fiscal discipline norms. She contested that the scheme isn’t so significant as…
Triggering a ripple of exhilaration across the vast ocean of the internet, a delightful paradox played out on the popular food blog ‘Whatisthekitchen’ on Facebook. The blog, boasting some seriously mouth-watering food content, further spices its followers’ existence by selling pork by-products. On a very normal day, the click of one unsuspecting follower delivered a hilarious twist: The 229,999th follower, singled out for a porky prize, turned out to be a follower of the Islamic faith — known for its strict edict against the consumption of pork. The administrators of ‘Whatisthekitchen’, in a crunchy suspense akin to a thriller movie, had been regularly scanning their followers until the numbers stacked up to 229,999. Then came the bell-ringing moment of awarding the prize to the immensely fortunate follower. The Arabic knowledge held a rather Muslim name. A gasp echoed in the admin cabin as they thoughtfully perused the possibility of the…