Posts published in “Thailand”

Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has taken a calm and composed approach to recent talks of discord within the party and its coalition counterparts. On a typical breezy Friday, he downplayed the uproar sparked by party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob’s outspoken stance against the government-sponsored entertainment complex bill in the Thai parliament. “Having a chat with Newin Chidchob,” Anutin shared with a grin – for Newin is not just a name in their party’s chronicles but the wise founder and father of the outspoken Chaichanok – “reassured me there’s nothing to worry about.” As the vibrant Songkran festival approaches, a holiday known for its water splashes and smiles, Anutin is all set to meet with Chaichanok. His eagerness mirrors the enthusiasm of a Songkran reveler, intent on dousing any remaining embers of misunderstanding with the cool waters of dialogue. The winds of political gossip were fanned when some…

On a seemingly average March day, a significant tremor left parts of Bangkok reeling, etching an indelible mark on the infrastructure and sparking a riveting saga of steel, safety, and scrutiny. Emerging from the aftermath was a pile of dismantled steel bars, telltale relics of the State Audit Office building’s abrupt demise, spotlighting substandard steel produced by none other than Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co. Battered by seismic waves, the structure in Chatuchak district crumbled, thrusting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) into a whirlwind of investigations and directives. Heat-treated steel, often called “T-steel,” became the focal point of the inquiry. The BMA, taking proactive strides, decided to banish the use of this material in future high-rise construction projects, pending a rigorous round of quality inspections. An April 9th memo, whispering through the halls of the Public Works Department like a vigilant overseer, laid down the law: any steel born from…

In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, an intriguing financial drama is transpiring as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) races against the clock to settle outstanding debts with the city’s iconic Green Line Skytrain operator, Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC). The urgency is palpable following an incisive report from an ever-watchful city council committee that has thrown this fiscal conundrum into sharp relief. A meticulous committee study delved into the city’s mass transit mechanisms, emerging with a pointed conclusion: City Hall must accelerate its debt repayments, especially given a firm nudge from a ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court and an eye-watering daily accrual of interest. Standing at the forefront of this brewing storm, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has taken these findings seriously, pledging a strategic review and consultation with two or three trusted legal eagles—arguably the modern-day equivalent of a knight’s council. With one part of this debt puzzle still…

Welcome to the bustling heart of Bangkok, where culinary art meets relaxation at Blue by Alain Ducasse — the city’s newest gem for all-day dining. Located at the iconic ICONSIAM, this space has made waves on the gastronomy scene with a refreshing approach that combines the world-renowned elegance of Michelin-starred dining with a laid-back vibe perfect for any time of the day. Amidst a panoramic 120 sqm of contemporary design, this new chic venue brings a touch of casual refinement to Bangkok’s dining culture. At this new extension, the menu is thoughtfully crafted to be approachable yet sophisticated, making every meal an unforgettable experience. With an à la carte menu that spans the globe in flavors, the offerings range from delightful breakfasts and fulfilling lunches to exquisite dinners. Each dish — from savory classics and indulgent desserts to vibrant afternoon teas, inventive cocktails, and seasonal mocktails — reflects the exceptional…

As the cruise leisurely drifted across the gentle night breeze, the enchanting lights twinkled vibrantly along Hong Kong’s iconic Harbourfront. On deck, under a starlit sky, guests swayed to uplifting rhythms while raising glasses of champagne to commemorate the grand opening of Art Basel Hong Kong (ABHK)—the preeminent art fair across Asia. The week unfurled itself in a whirlwind of captivating openings, lively parties, invigorating performances, and record-shattering sales. Hong Kong, recognized for its storied tradition of free trade, has always been a beacon for art dealers and collectors from around the globe. Yet, the picturesque landscape is evolving rapidly. Voices from the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association (HKAGA) echoed concerns over soaring shipping costs, with the ghost of escalating tariffs haunting the art world. The lingering shadows of Trump’s trade war still ripple through the scene, influencing everything from raw materials to logistical intricacies. In spite of the storm…

In a world where international trade relations are as delicate as a soufflé and fluctuating like the stock market, New Zealand and Thailand have decided to shake hands across the Pacific yet again, aiming to fortify and embellish their trade bonds. Enter Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand and her avid conversational partner, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who took a virtual stage this past Friday. As recounted by the vocal chords of Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, this digital diplomacy session was all about collaboratively navigating the choppy seas of global trade challenges. For anyone wondering, these are primarily spurred by a little thing called US tariff policies. Ms. Paetongtarn, ever the resilient leader, assured that Thailand is keeping a hawk’s eye on the situation, eagerly poised to chat up the folks in Washington about ironing out these trade wrinkles. Christopher Luxon, the math-savvy counterpart from the serene pastures…

If there’s one thing that can stir both awe and a hint of panic, it’s the sight of nature throwing a bit of a tantrum over the tranquil waters of Chalong Bay in Phuket. Just this past Friday, this picturesque locale known for its sun, sea, and serene scenery suddenly played host to an impromptu show starring a waterspout — the ocean’s very own version of a mini tornado. The dramatic spectacle unfolded just shy of a bustling yacht marina, catching both seafaring souls and land-loving onlookers by surprise. A foreign tourist, perfectly positioned to capture this swirling sensation, didn’t hesitate to document what could best be described as Mother Nature’s virtuoso performance at 11 am sharp. The video, now making waves across social media, shows the swirling column of water pirouetting gracefully from the sea to the sky, sending a ripple of shock and awe through the crowd. Despite…

In a dramatic turn of events off the idyllic shores of Koh Kut, a tourist boat erupted into flames, transforming a serene coral diving trip into a nail-biting escape. The picturesque eastern province of Trat found itself amid chaos when at least two individuals sustained injuries following the boat’s impromptu combustion this past Friday. The boat, known as the Aor Subpiti, became the center of unwanted attention when its engine turned into a fiery monster at approximately 11:40 AM. The vessel, carrying a family of four and two crew members, was cruising back from a delightful day of coral exploration when fate decided to toss them a blazing curveball. Alerted by the dramatic turn of events, provincial authorities wasted no time rushing to provide necessary aid. The fire proved to be a formidable foe, as the crew battled bravely to lead everyone safely back to the shore. Despite their valiant…

Bangkok, April 2025: Step right into the pages of an exhilarating cultural festivity as Bangkok gears up for the much-anticipated Songkran festival of 2025. With the charismatic Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, leading the charge at the Rattanakosin Room of Bangkok City Hall, an electrifying press conference unfolded, rolling out a grand invitation to residents and visitors alike to dive into the city’s delightfully wet and wonderful celebrations. This year’s festivity, boasting a whopping 196 venues splashed across Bangkok, isn’t just a good old water fight—it’s a thoughtfully crafted celebration, categorized into low- and high-splash zones where safety and merriment walk hand in hand. Festival-goers can revel in the festivities knowing that their fun comes with a side of responsibility, thanks to the five cornerstone safety measures designed explicitly for the cheerful chaos of Songkran: no oversized water guns, no alcohol, no nudity or risqué attire, no powder smearing,…