In what could easily be a scene from a high-octane adventure film, the calm, serene waters off Na Jomtien turned into a theater of flaming chaos when a yacht caught ablaze early morning on May 3, 2025. The nautical misadventure began at around 6:20 a.m., but thanks to quick-thinking and fast-acting local heroes, the story ends without any loss of life. Let’s dive deeper into this fiery drama that unfolded in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district. The yacht, which was initially anchored at the picturesque Ao Ban Amphur, soon became the center of panic and professionalism thanks to the rapid response of the Na Jomtien disaster prevention and mitigation squad. Small boats from the elite Ocean Marina Yacht Club, armed with the fire-fighting tools of the trade, dashed to the rescue. This intense scene was no less than a spectacle, as firefighters teamed up with spirited civilian volunteers, riding the waves…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the serene and lush environment of Sai Khao Waterfall, nestled in Pattani province, a pleasant day of exploration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for two female students. It was on the 3rd of May, amidst the stunning backdrops of nature, that a sudden flash flood swept away these young women, casting a shadow of sorrow over what was meant to be an idyllic outing. The bodies of the two victims were found just a kilometer apart after an intensive search that tested the resolve and resilience of the emergency responders. Despite the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, the rescue teams, using an array of modern techniques such as rappelling and drone technology, launched an immediate and fervent search effort. These brave responders pushed beyond their limits as they scoured the tumultuous waters of Sai Khao National Park. The tragic incident unfolded swiftly at 3:15 PM when a deluge…
Tropical warmth mixed with a mischievous touch of meteorological mischief has dressed Thailand in a weather drama worthy of applause. As of the latest projections, the entire kingdom of Thailand has been placed under a weather advisory where the stars of the show are heavy rains and winds with dramatic flash floods making guest appearances. Foothill regions specifically have been advised to host extra vigilance parties as forest runoffs may barge in unexpectedly. The relentless torrents are courtesy of a dynamic atmospheric playlist: a cheeky easterly wind wave dances its way through the Gulf of Thailand and the south, while the northwesterly winds provide a backdrop ensemble across the Andaman Sea. This has turned many southern regions into rain magnets, with raindrops auditioning for downpour symphonies. The melodious waves of both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are rising, with some stormy areas having their waves reach an…
In the vibrant tapestry that is Surat Thani, a bustling province in southern Thailand, a recent tale of intrigue and justice unraveled, drawing the attention of many. Picture this: a formulaic setup of online football gambling, which, despite its seemingly clandestine nature, managed to cast a spell on the local youth — and not just any spell, but one woven with the threads of risk and the allure of quick gains. On a day that seemed destined to change the lives of its players, law enforcement officials swooped into action, hand-in-hand with administrative operatives, painting a scene that was both dramatic and impactful. They zeroed in on two gambling dens nestled in the heart of Muang district — spaces that had clandestinely become the playgrounds for youthful risk-takers and thrill-seekers. In the throbbing vibe of Saturday’s arrest spectacle, three individuals in their twenties were apprehended, their dreams of fortune spun…
The enchanting allure of Thailand as a tourism hotspot is undeniable. With its golden beaches, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine, the Land of Smiles effortlessly draws in tourists from across the globe. However, recent trends in hotel pricing during Thailand’s high tourism season have sparked a bit of a brouhaha among visitors and travel enthusiasts. What’s causing this hullabaloo around hotel room rates, and how are hoteliers coping as the season shifts from high to low? During the hustle and bustle of the high season, room rates in Thailand saw a significant spike, which hasn’t exactly earned applause from travelers comparing costs with neighboring destinations. In March, room rates for hotels across Thailand surged by a noteworthy 8% year-on-year, landing at an average of US$157 a night, according to data from HotStats. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, which has been a darling destination for Chinese tourists, the average rate hovered around US$129,…
In recent times, Thailand’s cigarette tax policy has become a sizzling topic, catching the attention of both locals and global observers. Some might think it’s merely a matter of puffs and packets, but this is a saga with serious economic and health implications. At the heart of this narrative is the call from academics to simplify the current tiered tax system, arguing for a singular excise tax rate as suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Let’s delve into the smoke-filled corridors of tax debate. According to Dr. Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine, the Excise Department is contemplating a new approach. For nearly four years, there have been two tax tiers: a 25% tax on packs priced up to 72 baht, aimed at easing the burden on low-income smokers, and a heftier 42% tax for pricier packets. Plus, every cigarette is burdened with a flat 1.25 baht…
Ah, Pattaya—the bustling coastal city, renowned not only for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife but also, occasionally, its colorful tales. However, last Thursday, May 1st, a story unfolded that brought a different kind of spotlight on this Thai gem, one that involved high stakes, cards, and swift justice. It was just like any other bustling midday in Village 10, Nong Prue, where a rather lively local restaurant was doubling as a hub of illicit activity. Information filtered through the grapevine, alerting the Pattaya City Police of a clandestine operation. Rumor had it that a local hotspot was catering to fans of Pok Deng, a popular Thai card game. A seemingly innocent pastime—until you bet money, that is. In a swift response, Police Colonel Anake Sarathongyoo, ever vigilant, gave the nod. His team, spearheaded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Siriwat Khachamat and Police Major Suchart Dusadee, dashed into action, resembling more of…
In the bustling corridors of Thailand’s political landscape, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is gearing up for an intriguing summit with her coalition compatriots. The agenda? The much-debated casino-entertainment complex bill that’s set to dance on the parliamentary stage come July. As the clock ticks towards this fateful session, Sorawong Thienthong, the Tourism and Sports Minister with a knack for tourism flair, spills the beans on what’s brewing. He’s got the inside track as the Pheu Thai Party’s Michievian Secretary-General. It seems Ms. Paetongtarn, the boss lady of Pheu Thai, has got her troops on the move; she’s rallying her MPs to paint the town red, blue, and every other color, explaining how the bill could just be Thailand’s golden ticket. “Fear not, dear citizens, for this isn’t just a casino,” they say, aiming to align their province pals with the vision of this potential jackpot. Sorawong spins the narrative further.…
When Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra donned her hard hat in February to personally inspect the diligent laborers working on the new road from Sadao checkpoint in Thailand’s Songkhla province to the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS checkpoint in Malaysia, it was clear she wasn’t there just for the ribbon-cutting. This crucial construction effort is just one chapter in an epic saga of renewed bilateral ties between two determined neighbors. The plot thickens with Transport Minister Suriya Juengrunreangkit stepping into the spotlight as the mastermind behind the scenes, orchestrating improvements in infrastructure and cross-border connectivity. In a cinematic moment befitting of a diplomatic thriller, Mr. Suriya welcomed Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, to Bangkok, and together, they staged a brainstorming session worthy of applause. After the credits rolled on their tête-à-tête, Mr. Suriya emerged with an enticing teaser of the future: fast-tracking two crucial memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on cross-border transport—one for…
On a bright morning in March, an unexpected scene unfolded at Government House. An enthusiastic crowd gathered, wielding placards, unified not in protest of a casino’s rise, but in skepticism of a new entertainment haven unfolding under the watchful eyes of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. These anti-casino demonstrators were about to change the landscape, not of Bangkok alone, but possibly the whole of Thailand. In the political heart of the city, there was a buzz of anticipation as the upcoming parliamentary session loomed on the horizon, set for an intense deliberation on the hotly debated casino-entertainment complex bill in July. It’s a subject that invites both hesitation and hope, a delicate tango between potential prosperity and social pause. Sorawong Thienthong, a man whose title stretches from Tourism and Sports Minister to the strategic mind of Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, stood at the forefront. In his calm and confident…