Posts published in “Thailand”

In a momentous event back in 2005, the Queen declared, “This centre shall serve as a safe haven for all women”, as she inaugurated the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer (QSCBC). To ensure that every Thai woman confronting this formidable disease could access the necessary help despite their financial status and societal standing, Dr Kris Chatamra, the Centre’s premier physician, initiated the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation – a non-profit entity, two years later. The foundation aims to support the humanitarian endeavours of the QNSCBC. Launching the Centre has not been without its challenges, but its accomplishments and the incredible work it has facilitated are honourably recognised in a brand-new, limited-edition coffee table book. This captivating volume has been meticulously compiled by Dr Kris Chatamra and Khunying Finola Chatamra, serving as an Honorary Advisor to both the Centre and the Foundation. Divulging an extensive 15-year history of…

Imagine it, a magical dance of fiery shards across the night sky, as the Leonid meteor shower set to rain down on planet Earth from 1am according to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). It’s been relayed through their latest social media update that spectators could anticipate up to 15 streaking meteors each hour. It’s a celestial ballet performed on a grand stage. The celestial stage is set perfectly for this cosmic spectacle, given that the weather conditions are predicted to be flawless. The absence of lunar luminescence will ensure a perfect backdrop of a cloudless, moonless night. So, get your blankets, thermos, and your sense of wonder ready for an exciting night under the stars. The Leonid shower this time around is set to take centre stage near the Leo constellation, which can be found nestling on the eastern side of the night sky. An additional piece…

As the full moon casts its radiant glow over Thailand on November 27, the nation will come alive in vibrant color and festivity during the Loy Krathong celebration. Held on the night of the 12th lunar month’s full moon, Loy Krathong sees Thais paying homage to Phra Mae Khongkha, the resplendent Goddess of Water, by casting intricately decorated floats or ‘krathongs’ over bodies of water. But this illustrious event is not merely a spiritual gathering, it is an extravagant spectacle that celebrates Thai culture in its rawest form. Fireworks burst into shimmering cascades of color, illuminating the night skies, while some regions add another touch of magic, orchestrating a display of lanterns soaring up into the sky, their glow adding to the ethereal charm of the night. According to TAT, the Thai tourism authority, the festival is anticipated to see a travel surge of approximately 2.04 million locals, who will…

The peaceful agrarian life has turned into a daily showdown of wit and perseverance for locals ever since the reptiles, particularly iguanas, started infesting their premises and farms, laying waste to crops, and disrupting their means of livelihood. Operating with strategic precision, local authorities have now adopted innovative techniques to quell the rampant iguana presence. Their methods include the use of a selection of vegetables as bait for ensnaring green invaders from their lofty havens in tree branches near water bodies. The objective is two-fold: to assimilate a head count of these reptilian marauders and to experiment on the efficiency of different Iggy-capturing techniques. In this rural community, where the sight of an iguana is as common as a fresh dawn, a native confesses that many of these invaders bear a legacy of disruption for a good decade. Some are even estimated to be of 5-6 years of age. While…

Where the enchanting beaches of Prachuap Khiri Khan province give way to the glittering, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, an unusual spectacle has unfolded. Extending over a splendid 200-kilometre stretch from the world-renowned Hua Hin Beach to the quaint, unspoiled district of Bangsaphan Noi, waves have been cresting at an astonishing 2 to 4 metres. These substantial waves have given rise to an array of anomalies along this otherwise calm coastline. The might of the incoming tides overflows, causing seawater to wash over certain parts of the scenic beachfront road. The unexpected deluge has not only caused widespread flooding but has also thrown the otherwise smooth traffic flow into disarray. Businesses that thrive along the vast beach, including local eateries and charming beachfront cafes, have had to shutter their doors temporarily. Bracing against the ceaseless waves, these establishments mourn the loss of the vibrant, beachy atmosphere that usually…

As the fragrance of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage wafts across international borders, the nation’s Tourism Council is gearing up for a strategic financial initiative to bolster the country’s tourism sector. Financed by fees paid by global explorers visiting Thailand, a dedicated tourism fund is being concocted behind the scenes. Spearheading the idea is Surawat Akaraworamat, the Vice-President of the Tourism Council, who eagerly awaits the green signal from the government to roll out this financially promising project. As intricate as the designs on a traditional Thai dancer’s costume, the formation of this project involved an impeccable team effort from three dutiful subcommittees specialising in unique areas of concern, namely, fee collection, fund management, and tourist insurance. A panel of eminent fund managers weighed in on the proposed rules regarding the collection and distribution of the fund earlier this month, reflecting the promise and potential of this endeavour. Sharing the honour…

As an eminent online travel support, eDreams Odigeo has acclaimed Bangkok as the fourth most favored destination worldwide. The charming and vivid city of Thailand has effortlessly stomped its approval on the travel map, only next to the global giants – London, Paris, and New York. This piece of exciting news was announced by Chai Watcharong, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, at a press conference. Thailand’s bustling capital, with its unique blend of culture, cuisine and stimulating city life, is making headlines as one of the top choices for globe-trotters. Following the top three sought-after locations comes a line of other destinations that found their way into the coveted lineup: Spain’s artsy Barcelona, Turkey’s captivating Istanbul, Japan’s dynamic Tokyo, and Italy’s fashion haven Milan and Rome, as well as Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital city. But this wasn’t the only applause for Bangkok. The city also acquired a position amongst…

Witness the power and drama of Mother Nature in Northern Thailand as an immense cold front moves in, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Get ready for a thunder-laden display and forceful winds in this region. What’s more, don’t be stunned when your teeth start chattering—there’s a hefty drop in the mercury forecasted, and another wave of the biting cold is due to hover over as night blankets the area. This Arctic blast has already swept over the upper sectors of Vietnam, draped across Laos, and invaded the South China Sea, leaving a frosty touch in its wake. Prepare yourself, Thailand – the roar of thunder and might of the wind are headed your way, bringing with them a vertigo-inducing nosedive in the temperature. This storm system promises to deliver an onset of nippy weather along with gusty winds capable of rustling the most robust leaves. Look out for…

The Equitable Education Fund (EEF), a pivotal force in transforming the educational landscape of Thailand, has recently thrown light on a pressing concern: the urgent need for the Thai government to ramp up investment in human capital. This appeal was prominently staged at the annual Equity Forum, an intellectual battleground that brought together leading minds to collectively evaluate the possible impact of such investments on minimizing education disparity. The noted venue being the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre made the call even more significant, reinforcing the inevitable intertwining of education and culture. The limelight of the event was pivoted on Kraiyos Patrawart, EEF’s charismatic Managing Director, as he unveiled an insightful annual report on educational disparity. The report painted a relatively gloomier picture of Thailand’s education system, strained by the persistent shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic and worsened by debilitating inflation. Rising living costs related to education, showcasing troubling spikes…

Immersed in the unwavering fascination enveloping the cassette tape, we discover the undeniable allure of this iconic 90s relic. A tangible token of a bygone era, these analogue relics, enjoyable to touch, hold, and play, have surged in value over time. For many, they’ve blossomed into prized possessions, highly-sought antiques from a forgotten era of music consumption. The worth of the cassette tape has exponentially grown for those aficionados and enthusiasts seeking to acquire releases from elusive artists. Certain tapes are not just rare; they’re lucrative assets, turning many a profit for seasoned collectors. If we were to travel back a few decades, we’d find ourselves amidst the golden age of the cassette tape. Indeed, the 90s was a time when music lovers unabashedly carried their Walkman, flipping tapes and rewinding them with a simple flick of the fingers. Today, however, these analogue music libraries have morphed into trophies of…