Picture this: It’s 2025, and as the sun sets over the bustling cityscape of Bangkok, a transformation begins on the renowned Yaowarat Road. Nestled in the city’s vibrant Chinatown, this iconic street flickers to life with an enchanting array of decorative lights, ushering in the much-anticipated Lunar New Year celebrations. This year, the spotlight is on the intriguing Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom and contemplation. Not only is this celebration a feast for the eyes, but 2025 also marks a significant milestone—the 50th anniversary of cultural camaraderie between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and China. It’s a testament to half a century of shared heritage and mutual exchanges, beautifully captured through this festive embellishment that will illuminate Yaowarat Road until the 9th of February. Under the gentle glow of these lights, Yaowarat transforms into more than just a street—it’s a living narrative where the past meets…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the colorful tapestry of world affairs, few threads are as vibrant and poignant as the tales of those seeking refuge, hope, and solace. As the sun rises over the verdant landscapes separating Thailand from Myanmar, the hopes and dreams of many lie nestled within nine refugee camps along the border, home to some 100,000 souls. Yet, in the landscape of international politics, an unexpected tremor has rippled across these tranquil lands. US President Donald Trump, in a rather bold maneuver, enacted a 90-day pause on foreign aid. This decision has sent financial shockwaves through the support systems that underpin these camps’ operations, putting a critical strain especially on the healthcare services provided to these communities. Enter Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, the steady hand at the helm amidst this brewing storm. With a sense of resolve, he declared the Thai government’s commitment to continue supporting healthcare for these refugees.…
Amidst the academic corridors and vibrant discussions at Mahidol University, the air buzzed with promise and innovation. The revered *Assoc Prof Naeti Suksomboon*, Vice President for Education, joined hands with a distinguished lineup of leadership, including *Asst Prof Ittichote Chuckpaiwong*, Vice President for Infrastructure and Environment, and a host of other esteemed individuals, each bringing their unique vision to the table. Together, they steered Mahidol University into uncharted waters, with the ambition of transforming the medical tapestry of Thailand through collaboration with the Mahidol University Foundation, under the esteemed Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This sea of change was radiantly evident at the “Human Interaction for Systematic Innovation” gathering, a melting pot of global trailblazers, managerial magnates, and medical alchemists, all converging to chart a luminous course for Thai medicine. Among the stellar revelations of the event was the heralded Mahidol Foundation for Sustainability Fund.…
The Council of State (CoS) finds itself entangled in a web of deliberations, as it grapples with the enticing yet controversial prospect of allocating a portion of entertainment complexes for casino ventures, amid a newly proposed bill. According to CoS Secretary-General Pakorn Nilprapunt, the topic has already undergone a series of thorough discussions with related governmental bodies on four separate occasions over recent weeks. Despite these scrutinous consultations, the matter remains as indecisive as ever. On a brisk Monday morning, the corridors of financial power echoed with the voice of Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. He proudly asserted that his ministry had recently nudged the CoS to reconsider the bill, proposing that a tantalizing 10% of each entertainment complex’s footprint could be earmarked for casino builds. However, the path to consensus seemed like a journey without a destination. “We have not yet reached [an agreement on] that level yet,” Julapun…
In a compelling stand against the pervasive influence of e-cigarettes, youth representatives have stepped forward to demand an active role from the Education Ministry to implement a strict zero-tolerance policy in schools across the nation. These passionate appeals were made in the form of a formal letter delivered by prominent youth groups, including the Youth Health Promotion Movement, the Youth Risk Reduction Network, and the Foundation for Youth and Family Development, to the Education Minister, Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, through Pridee Phusinam, inspector-general at the ministry. Abdulfatah Yusof, a dynamic coordinator for the Youth Health Promotion Movement in the South, has been on a relentless quest to shield children and young people from the lurking hazards of e-cigarettes. With a voice full of conviction, Abdulfatah painted a concerning picture of today’s scenario wherein even very young children, some merely nine years old, have fallen prey to the easy accessibility of…
The political landscape in Thailand is heating up as fierce rivals, the ruling Pheu Thai Party and Bhumjaithai, gear up for the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) elections in 47 provinces on February 1. Despite the competitive nature of these elections, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured onlookers that the unity within the coalition government will remain intact. After a cabinet meeting at Government House, Ms. Paetongtarn expressed confidence that candidates from the ruling party will continue to serve the public post-elections. Addressing concerns about the intense campaigning, particularly in the politically significant Northeast, Ms. Paetongtarn likened the electoral frenzy to a friendly sports match. “When the competition ends, one doesn’t necessarily have to dislike the other contestants,” she remarked. “I personally don’t hate anyone… Every party has the right to field candidates, and they have to be fully devoted to campaigning.” In typical sporting spirit, she encouraged a healthy contest without…
During the lively Songkran festivities last year, the bustling Suvarnabhumi airport was flooded with exuberant tourists, as captured beautifully by Varuth Hirunyatheb. Fast forward to today, and the Thai aviation sector is soaring to new heights, forecasted to bounce back to its pre-pandemic glory in 2025. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) assures travelers and stakeholders alike that the industry is on the runway to a spectacular comeback! Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT’s astute director, is optimistic about welcoming a boom of over 25 million passengers this year alone. This delightful air traffic surge is hoped to propel Thailand back to the bustling numbers of 2019. It’s an exciting narrative shift for an industry that initially braced for full recovery not until 2024, only to find itself outpaced, primarily by the hesitant return of Chinese globetrotters—a saga influenced by China’s economic ripples. CAAT’s enlightening statistics reveal that in the golden…
The air was thick with anticipation as the Council of State, the esteemed advisory powerhouse of the government, lingered on the precipice of making a monumental decision. The focus of their deliberation? Deciphering the conundrum of precisely what fraction of a sprawling entertainment complex could comfortably embrace a ritzy casino under a freshly minted bill. This legislative concoction was still simmering, despite four high-stakes meetings with representatives from various sectors of the government, which had left it tantalizingly undetermined. Pakorn Nilprapunt, the savvy secretary-general of the council, found himself in the intricate dance of weighing myriad possibilities. Amidst the unfolding drama, Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, took center stage on Monday, revealing his ministry’s earnest request to tinker with the bill. The proposal was clear—to allow each anticipated entertainment complex to dedicate about 10% of its glittering expanse to the lure of casinos. Yet, decisive consensus remained elusive. “We have…
On a fateful Monday that had more than just the ordinary start-of-the-week vibes, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra graced an event that launched the second act of the government’s much-discussed 10,000-baht handout program. The backdrop captured the heartwarming image of an elderly beneficiary—a stark reminder that this financial aid is more of a lifeline than a luxury for many. Yet, as the gleaming screens echoed around the room, a political undercurrent was simmering just beneath the surface. With provincial elections knocking at the door this Saturday, the timing of this handout has raised quite a few skeptical eyebrows. Among those raising red flags is People’s Party MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul. He minced no words as he called out the potential for this initiative to be perceived as good old vote-buying. Given the high stakes in 47 provinces, where voters will decide on their Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) presidents and members, it’s not…
In a bustling event that brimmed with excitement and curiosity, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took center stage, eagerly announcing the next phase of the government’s eagerly anticipated 10,000-baht handout initiative. The anticipation in the air was palpable as a giant screen behind her displayed the smiling face of an elderly recipient, a poignant testament to the program’s impact. Ah, but as with any grand gesture, it didn’t escape a fair share of skepticism, especially with elections just around the corner. The second wave of this handout, strategically deployed just days before provincial elections, has certainly fueled whispers of vote-buying. Pakornwut Udompipatskul, an MP from the ever-vocal People’s Party, didn’t mince words on Tuesday about the potential implications of the timing. Set against the backdrop of impending votes in 47 provinces for Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) leaders, this financial gesture becomes all the more intriguing. With 3 million elderly citizens—the most…