In a tale that might rival the most unpredictable of Netflix dramas, a Thai woman named Golf has admitted to weaving a web of romantic liaisons that stretched from the righteous aisles of sacred temples to the polished corridors of political power. Her confessions have sent shockwaves through the serene halls of the renowned Tri Thotsatheo Temple in Bangkok and beyond, implicating monks, politicians, and affluent men alike. The narrative takes a particularly scandalous twist with the involvement of the esteemed Abbot Arch, a pillar of spiritual wisdom until his hasty departure from monastic life last June. Arch’s sudden exit from the cloistered confines of a northeastern Nong Khai province temple left tongues wagging. To many, his journey to Laos under a shroud of mystery hinted at something more than a mere spiritual sojourn. Little did anyone know that love—or at least its turbulent offspring, scandal—was the prime mover. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine this—a bustling city where motorbikes whirl past, the aroma of street food fills the air, and skyscrapers stretch to the clouds. Welcome to Bangkok! In a joyful twist of fate for the city’s busy motorists, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has decided to sprinkle some extra kindness during the Asanha Bucha and Buddhist Lent holidays, by making the trio of expressways toll-free for two whole days. In a grand gesture of holiday goodwill, the toll barriers are down on July 10 and 11, inviting cars to zoom through without reaching for their wallets. Some 61 toll booths scattered across the Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, and Udon Ratthaya expressways will roll out a financial red carpet for the public, aiming to lighten the load on travelers’ pockets. Let’s dive into the details. On the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, a whooping 20 toll booths waive their fees, making pathways…
As the sun dips below the horizon, a bustling new venue breathes life into the vibrant streets of Phuket Town. Just near the historic Surin Circle, the Plern Pao Night Market has swirled into existence, a dynamic playground for both locals and wanderlust-filled tourists. Inaugurated under the watchful eyes of Phuket MP Thitikan Thitiphrutikul on a lively Saturday evening, July 5, this sprawling market is set to become a beacon of culture and commerce. Strategically perched opposite the elegant Baan Klang Mosque, Plern Pao is a fruit of collaboration between the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) and Phuket City Municipality. As per market manager Winyu Chongkitthana, this marketplace is not just a congregation of stalls—it’s a meticulously crafted masterpiece designed to elevate Phuket’s charm while inviting all to partake in an extraordinary sensory experience. Spanning over an impressive 15 rai, the market comprises an eclectic mix of 256 stalls, each…
In the serene landscapes of Trang, where the air hums with the promise of ripening durians, the murmur of an epic tale unfolds. Picture this: a durian orchard bathed in the golden light of dawn, its peace shattered by the whispers of something majestic slithering through its midst. Enter the protagonist—a regal, yet stealthy king cobra, whose unannounced appearances have been the talk of the town during the harvest season. The 73-year-old orchard owner, Jarun Sae-Iew, a fixture in the Ban Thung Yao community of Palian district, recounts his encounters with the elusive serpent. “It’s as if it has a vendetta against punctuality,” Jarun grumbles, having witnessed the snake’s high-stakes vanishing act more than once. Despite his calls for aid, the cobra always seemed to know when to make its mysterious exit just in time to foil any rescue attempts. But July 7 was different. On that fateful morning, as…
In a scene straight out of an action-packed blockbuster, a family daringly aboard a single motorcycle in Phuket has raised eyebrows across Thailand’s social media sphere. Last Thursday afternoon, captured through the lens of a passing motorist, this remarkable spectacle involved seven individuals — two parents and five children — all taking an unintended thrill ride through the Sam Kong Tunnel. What began as a typical day on the road quickly transformed into an unexpected reality show, full of perilous twists and turns. The father, who had undoubtedly tried to channel his inner daredevil, was at the helm of this two-wheeled ensemble, with a tiny adventurer perched at the forefront. Another child, doubling as a mini-anchor, was seated snugly next to him, ensuring a firm grip on a younger sibling. Meanwhile, the mother, stationed at the rear, was visibly holding two more pint-sized passengers whose feet seemed dangerously close to…
Manchester Airport is riding the winds of change, having clinched a sparkling new direct flight route straight to the heart of Thailand—Bangkok. This exciting addition catapults Manchester into the spotlight, as it becomes the sole airport outside London offering a non-stop passage to the Asian jewel. This weekly service, captained by Norse Atlantic Airways, is set to launch on a sleek Boeing 787-9 in November, promising easy access for northern travelers to one of the world’s most trodden-upon cities. And if you’re eager to grab a ticket, they’d better be hot off the press, as the travel industry’s abuzz with excitement, at least according to Chris Woodroofe, the Managing Director of Manchester Airport. In his own words: “Connecting the north to the world is a mission of pride for us. Bangkok stands as one of the planet’s most electrifying destinations, which also explains its unyielding popularity. Historically, folks eager for…
In the vibrant world of Thai tourism, the year 2025 is unfolding with a twist that’s as unexpected as a plot-twist in a thrilling novel. Imagine, if you will, a bustling scene in Bangkok with eager travelers gawking at the grand Wat Arun Temple, cameras clicking, the skies a perfect shade of adventure blue. Yet, beneath this dazzling veneer, there’s a nervous undercurrent among tourism authorities as they face a dramatic dip in visitors from China, their once-upon-a-time top-tier market. This year, the narrative took a sharp turn when Chinese tourist arrivals nosedived by 34% compared to the year before. With just over 2.26 million Chinese tourists gracing Thailand’s shores in the first half of 2025, the country finds itself maneuvering in second place beneath Malaysia, which managed to draw nearly 2.3 million tourists despite its own challenges. Now, let’s dive into some numbers to set the stage. Thailand opened…
Bangkok’s vibrant metropolis is set to transform its waste management game, and the charge is being led by none other than the energetic Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. With his sleeves metaphorically (and perhaps literally) rolled up, Chadchart visited Don Mueang District to rally support for the lively campaign aptly named “This Home Doesn’t Mix Waste”. The city, known for its bustling streets and authentic cuisine, is now gearing up for a cleaner, more sustainable future with fresh fiscal incentives ready to roll out in October 2025. The sun shone brightly on Friday, 5th July, as Governor Chadchart, along with his green-thumbed advisor Pornphrom Vikitsreth—the Chief Sustainability Officer for the city—kicked off the eco-conscious crusade at the Don Mueang District Office. Bangkok’s own beacon of civic pride, Councillor Kanoknuch Klinsung, couldn’t help but beam about the vibrant community cooperation she had witnessed in the noble quest of waste separation. As the day…
Imagine a bustling day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the unifying spirit of sports! The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as students, parents, and volunteers came together for a vibrant array of activities. From the rhythmic beats of musical ball passing to the teamwork in three-legged races, every moment was a testament to joy and inclusion. The land rowing added a nautical flair, while jump rope contests promised heart-racing fun at its finest! Among the attendees was the Governor, wading through the sea of participants, engaging and cheering everyone on with a heartwarming eagerness. This lively event also laid the seeds of a groundbreaking idea. The Governor fondly recalled a poignant memory from a past visit: three blind students, side by side, traversing the sidewalk amidst the challenges of uneven terrain and bustling vehicles. That inspiring scene sparked a vision—the construction of a skywalk—a bridge of accessibility and safety. The envisioned…
In the wake of the recent seismic tremor on March 28, sustainable urban design has taken centre stage as a vital component for building disaster resilience in Bangkok. Addressing the aftermath, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) introduced an innovative seismic monitoring system, fondly dubbed the Seis Monitor, strategically placed at the Thani Noppharat Building, nestled within Bangkok City Hall (Din Daeng). This savvy piece of technology has its ear to the ground, quite literally, as it diligently tracks building vibrations during seismic activities, offering a guardian angel role against unnecessary evacuations and the consequential turmoil it may bring to emergency medical procedures—a true lifesaver for those needing immediate care. As BMA engineers pore over printouts churned diligently by the Seis Monitor, they are empowered with insights to ascertain the structural soundness of urban edifices and whether any remedial action is warranted. Meanwhile, the Traffy Fondue platform has become a bustling…