Tourists eagerly gather at the bustling Tha Tien pier, snapping photos with the majestic Chao Phraya River glistening behind them and the iconic Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) standing tall across the waters in Bangkok. It’s June, and Bangkok is alive with an influx of tourists. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) In a remarkable rebound from the pandemic lull, Thailand has welcomed an astonishing 20 million foreign tourists in the first seven months of this year, marking a significant resurgence but still just around half of the pre-COVID numbers. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced in a recent X post that between January 1 and July 25, the country saw a 34% uptick in international visitors compared to last year. Prime Minister Srettha expressed gratitude to all parties and sectors involved for implementing effective measures such as visa-free travel, increased flight availability, the establishment of an aviation hub, and enhancements to tourist attractions.…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Critics have raised concerns over the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s initiative to legalize the adult entertainment industry, including pornographic materials and sex toys. Critics argue that without proper safeguards, children could inadvertently access explicit content. MFP MP for Bangkok, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, who introduced the bill to parliament earlier this month, clarified that the proposal will be debated in the Lower House next month. Currently, under Section 287 of the Criminal Code, all forms of adult materials, including pornographic images and sex toys, are banned. However, if the amendment passes, only certain types of explicit content, such as those depicting sexual violence, rape, and pedophilia, will remain prohibited. Additionally, the amendment will ensure that individuals under 20 years old cannot participate in the production of adult content. Mr. Taopiphop emphasized that the amendment would also aim to ease restrictions on the sale of sex toys. He suggested that adult products certified…
(File photo: Sontanaporn Inchan) The Eastern Forest Complex, a sprawling expanse of verdant wilderness, stands as the Central region’s most vital low-lying forest landscape. Encompassing over 1.363 million rai across the five provinces of Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri, and Sa Kaeo, this complex is a sanctuary for an impressive variety of wildlife. Within its dense foliage, you’ll find two wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks, making it a hotspot of biodiversity. Among the forest’s most majestic inhabitants are more than 600 wildlife species, inclusive of approximately 450 wild elephants whose population experiences an annual growth rate of 8.2%—the highest in the nation. This burgeoning elephant populace, however, has led to occasional raids into local communities, resulting in crop destruction and regrettably, sporadic human fatalities. From 2012 to 2023, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) documented 115 human deaths in the complex caused by encounters with…
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment recently revealed thrilling plans to establish three cutting-edge elephant training centers in the eastern provinces. These unique centers aim to tame the fierce wild elephants that have been stirring up trouble across the region. Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan is spearheading this initiative and has tasked the Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) with creating what’s been dubbed “Wild Elephant Behaviour Modification Centres.” It seems these majestic creatures have developed a taste for adventure, leaving their forest homes in search of food, much to the dismay of local communities. Pol Gen Phatcharavat noted that their forays often disturb residents and cause quite a ruckus. To address this, DNP Chief Athapol Charoenshunsa announced that these new centers will be set up at strategic locations: the Second Wildlife Rescue Centre (Krabok Khu) in Chachoengsao, the Kao Soi Dao Wildlife Breeding Station in Chanthaburi,…
The government has sent out an enthusiastic call for everyone to don bright yellow apparel this Sunday in honor of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday. The festivities are set to continue throughout the entire month, celebrating the regal milestone with grandeur and unity. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to X on Saturday to rally the nation. He urged the public to wear yellow shirts to exhibit their unwavering loyalty to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on his remarkable sixth cycle birthday. Mr. Srettha mentioned that the principal celebrations will take place on Sunday and Monday at Sanam Luang in Phra Nakhon district, running from the early hours of 6am until a precisely timed 7:19pm each day. Meanwhile, provincial festivities are being organized by local administrative bodies, ensuring that the celebration reaches every corner of the country. Interior Ministry spokeswoman, Traisuree Taisaranakul, echoed this sentiment by announcing that…
Mongkol Surasajja stood at the heart of the parliamentary chamber, waves and smiles marking his triumphant election as the new Senate Speaker on July 23. Formerly the governor of Buri Ram, Mongkol secured a sweeping victory with 159 votes out of 200. It was a moment captured in time by the press (Photo: Chanat Katanyu). The buzz of the newly-crowned Senate leadership carried well beyond the vote itself, as Mongkol and his deputies, Gen Kriangkrai Srirak and Boonsong Noisophon, took their oaths in a solemn ceremony the following Saturday. There was an air of anticipation as they received the royal command that formally ushered them into their roles; a formality witnessed by a gathering of senators and high-ranking officials. The royal command, held by Ms. Natjaree Anantasilp—the cabinet secretary-general—was ceremoniously conveyed to parliament, and with it, Mongkol’s tenure as Senate Speaker officially began. Ms. Natjaree’s reading of the royal proclamation…
Imagine gazing out from a high vantage point, and as far as your eyes can see, there’s a lush green expanse stretching out for miles. This is Chachoengsao, a slice of paradise firmly nestled within Thailand’s vast Eastern Forest Complex. This complex, basking in ecological richness, sprawls over an immense area of more than 1.363 million rai, engulfing five provinces: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri, and Sa Kaeo. It harbors two wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks, making it an invaluable environmental treasure. This rich haven is the abode of over 600 wildlife species, including a thriving population of about 450 wild elephants. With an impressive annual growth rate of 8.2%, the elephant population here is among the fastest growing in the country. However, this burgeoning population of majestic giants has ignited significant challenges, as these elephants often wander beyond their protected sanctuaries. In their quest for food, they find…
Critics have voiced concerns about the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s bold proposal to legalize the adult entertainment industry and its offerings, including pornographic materials and sex toys, fearing that it might expose children to inappropriate content. The bill, submitted by MFP MP for Bangkok, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, is set to be debated in the Lower House next month. Currently, Section 287 of the Criminal Code places a blanket ban on all types of adult materials, including pornographic images and sex toys. However, if this amendment is passed, only specific types of explicit content, such as those depicting sexual violence, rape, and pedophilia, will remain prohibited, according to Mr. Taopiphop. The proposed amendment also aims to prevent individuals under 20 years old from participating in the production of adult content. In addition, Mr. Taopiphop mentioned that the amendment would facilitate easier regulations surrounding the sale of sex toys. Certified products from the…
Imagine the buzz at Tha Tien Pier with the radiant Chao Phraya River as a backdrop, while eager tourists snap selfies against the timeless beauty of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). It’s scenes like these that encapsulate the vibrant resurgence of tourism in Thailand. In a remarkable recovery, Thailand welcomed a staggering 20 million foreign tourists in just the first seven months of the year—half the total of pre-pandemic levels! Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to social media to share the feat, heralding a significant 34% increase in international visitors compared to the previous year. From January 1 to July 25, bustling airports and busy streets saw over 20 million international faces, a testament to the collective effort of various sectors. Seamless visa-free travel, an uptick in flights, world-class aviation facilities, and revamped tourist hotspots all contributed to this upsurge. In what might be a pleasant surprise, Taiwan and…
A visitor captures the mesmerizing beauty of the Hor Nang Usa rock formation at Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Udon Thani with his camera. On a delightful Saturday, this park proudly earned the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand) Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Udon Thani now stands tall as Thailand’s fifth cultural heritage site to receive this esteemed recognition. The announcement was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in New Delhi. In the citation, the park was praised for being “a testimony to the Sīma stone tradition of the Dvaravati period”. The committee elaborated that, “While sacred boundary markers for areas of Theravada Buddhist monastic practice vary in materials, extensive use of stones is found only in the Khorat Plateau region in Southeast Asia.” This unique distinction adds to the park’s allure and historical significance.…