The atmosphere was alive with a sense of history and shared spirituality as the Sri Lankan Embassy hosted a captivating celebration of Vesak at the Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple in Bangkok last Saturday. This memorable occasion marked the three sacred milestones in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and peaceful death—events that resonate deeply with millions of Buddhists worldwide. Furthermore, the day offered a platform to celebrate a remarkable 70 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand, showcasing the enduring bonds that unite two nations through Theravada Buddhism. It’s enthralling to reflect on how Buddhism first arrived in the lush lands of Sri Lanka back in the 3rd century BC. The credit goes to Arahant Mahinda, the illustrious son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, who embarked on a noble mission to disseminate the Dhamma beyond the borders of India. This momentous adventure led to a…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a captivating seminar titled “Geopolitics, the Global Economy, and China’s Role: Opportunities and Challenges for Thailand,” China’s Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, delivered a speech that delighted the audience, radiating optimism amidst global turmoil. As the words flowed, it was clear that China is eagerly extending an olive branch to Thailand and its neighboring nations, warmly opening its colossal market doors to high-quality products. Ambassador Han’s remarks painted a vivid panorama of China’s vibrant economic landscape, emphasizing that its consumer market, vast and bustling, nearly touches a staggering $7 trillion mark fueled by China’s middle-income population of 500 million. At the heart of his response to the Thai Senate’s query about recession-proofing market access, Ambassador Han proudly shared insights about China’s unwavering dedication to fostering a high-standard open economy. Through ambitious platforms like the annual China International Import Expo gracing Shanghai, China has made global access to its market…
In the heart of bustling Bangkok, a solemn plaque at Suan Santiporn on Ratchadamnoen Road serves as a poignant reminder of the turbulent chapter known as Black May—or, more hauntingly, Bloody May. These events, spanning from May 17 to 19, 1992, were marked by protests that met with a harsh military crackdown, culminating in the abrupt fall of a government that emerged from the shadows of a coup the previous year. This past Saturday, the city once again honored the courage and resilience of those tumultuous days with a remembrance ceremony, marking the passing of 33 years since the streets of Bangkok bore witness to unprecedented violence against peaceful demonstrators. Echoing through the crowd was the sentiment shared by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who laid a wreath as a symbol of tribute and respect. He spoke fervently about the enduring impact of those who stood for freedom and justice, their…
In the vibrant month of May 2025, a crescendo of technological prowess and cross-border collaboration has captured the attention of the IT world. The stage is set in bustling Bangkok, where FPT Corporation—a beacon of global IT solutions—is scripting a new chapter in digital synergy by forging formidable alliances with two of Thailand’s industry leaders, Sunline and Buzzebees. This alliance echoes the harmonious melody of progress between Thailand and Vietnam, as the digital economy concerts resonate loudly, marching towards a promising future. The narrative began unraveling during an illustrious event that coincided with the inaugural visit of Thailand’s Prime Minister, H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to Vietnam—a diplomatic affair that promised more than just pleasantries. On the sidelines of the Vietnam–Thailand Business Forum 2025, amidst a gathering of statesmen and visionaries, FPT inked a pivotal pact with Sunline, a luminary in core banking solutions. With a tech-driven handshake, FPT pledged its innovative…
Bella Culley was living her best life, or so it seemed from her vibrant Instagram account. Flashing a toothy smile in sun-drenched photos from Thailand, the young British woman seemed to be reveling in her Southeast Asian escapades. But Bella’s carefree travel tales took a dark turn, landing her in a serious predicament thousands of miles away from her last known location. In a shocking twist, authorities in Georgia, a small yet storied nation at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, arrested Bella at the Tbilisi International Airport. Accused of smuggling an eye-popping 12 kilograms of marijuana and two kilograms of hashish, the former holidaymaker now faces the grim prospect of a minimum 20-year life sentence. Suddenly, the vivid snapshots from Thailand took on a foreboding hue. Bella, a Billingham native, hadn’t been heard from since May 10, when she unexpectedly vanished from her family’s radar. Her mother, Lyanne Kennedy,…
In an exciting step towards enhancing suburban transportation in Thailand, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is all set to introduce the classic charm of Japan’s diesel locomotives, the KiHa 40 and 48, on their routes. With final tests underway, these nostalgic yet robust machines are gearing up to provide a seamless commuter experience, expected to commence before the year wraps up. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala announced with enthusiasm that these vintage trains, gifted by Japan, have seamlessly adapted to fit the country’s narrow-gauge tracks, breathing new life into an old classic. Out of a fleet of 20 units being rejuvenated, a select few are poised to welcome passengers by year-end. As we speak, these engines are undergoing meticulous examinations at the SRT depot in Makkasan. The testing protocol adheres to internationally recognized standards, ensuring that every gear and brake is fine-tuned to perfection. Each component is subjected to yet…
In a remarkable turn of events, police in Thailand successfully intercepted a narcotics operation on a scale that seemed more suited to a cinematic thriller than real life. This gripping episode unfolded on an otherwise typical Thursday, when law enforcement arrested a 22-year-old newlywed accused of attempting to smuggle a staggering haul of over five million methamphetamine pills from the northeastern region of Thailand to the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. Colorful photos courtesy of the Royal Thai Police capture moments of high drama and tension. The saga features a cunning play of cat and mouse as the Metropolitan Police received a crucial tip-off from a mole embedded within the drug operation. The mole revealed on Saturday that a notorious member of a major narcotics syndicate in northeastern Thailand was orchestrating the transport of this illicit cargo. The pills had been clandestinely picked up from Amnat Charoen, with plans to pass…
In a whirlwind of fortune, Lotto Plus has just revealed a quartet of lottery winners spread across four different provinces, all sharing a staggering total of 60 million baht in prize money from first-prize tickets. Among these lucky winners, one woman from the picturesque northern province of Phichit hit the jackpot by purchasing five tickets, each boasting the fabulous winning number, securing herself a whopping 30 million baht! On May 16, the Government Lottery Office (GLO) declared the sensational winning first-prize number to be 251309. But the excitement didn’t stop there; additional prizes were announced, including two sets of three-digit front numbers, 109 and 231, alongside two sets of three-digit back numbers, 965 and 631, and a two-digit back number, 87. These thrilling wins were immortalized in a live event as Lotto Plus dramatically unveiled the victorious tickets from their safe. The jubilant roster of winners featured Em from Rayong,…
In the heart of bustling Songkhla province, the rhythmic tranquility of Hat Yai is being shattered by a roar that can only be described as untamed automotive chaos. Amidst the typically serene nights, amplified engines and screeching tires have become the wake-up call no one asked for, courtesy of a group of car enthusiasts from across the border. Picture the scene: the usually peaceful Kanjanavanich Road becomes an impromptu race track as night falls. The quiet of the evening is interrupted by the high-octane fervor fueled by adrenaline and modified exhaust systems, as Malaysian cars take center stage in a spectacle of daredevilry and youthful recklessness. For the residents of Hat Yai, this nocturnal nuisance was first noticed on a fateful Friday night, echoing the thrilling yet nerve-wracking synonymous passion for speed. Witnesses recount the event with a mix of awe and annoyance—luxury sedans, dressed in vibrant colors and aerodynamic…
In a tale that seems ripped from the pages of a thriller, the shimmy of scandal has danced over the serene halls of Wat Rai Khing, a prominent Buddhist temple in Nakhon Pathom. By the end of the week, the usually peaceful environment was punctuated by the tumultuous case of the erstwhile abbot Yaem Inkrungkao, famously known as Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat. Alongside him in this uproarious escapade was the spirited 28-year-old Aranyawan Wangthapan. Together, they are embroiled in an audacious embezzlement scandal accused of siphoning a staggering 300 million baht from temple coffers. It was a dramatic Saturday morning when the duo, displaying the weariness of their predicament, were ushered from police custody into a van bound for the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in the bustling heart of Bangkok. Ignoring the probing questions from journalists with the practiced stoicism of seasoned players, they remained tight-lipped as the…