In the sun-drenched paradise of Phuket, the air was abuzz with anticipation as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra touched down, setting the stage for a day brimming with promise and progressive ideas. The mission? To infuse new life into Thailand’s tourism industry through the alchemy of soft power and economic stimulus, all while carving a path toward sustainability. The government’s man in the know, Jirayu Houngsub, was quite the busy bee yesterday, announcing the premier’s star role at the Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025. The curtain rises today at Phuket Rajabhat University Convention Centre, where the Prime Minister will be delivering a riveting lecture on leveraging soft power to boost sustainable tourism. An apt choice of venue, wouldn’t you say, when considering Phuket’s reputation as a jewel in Thailand’s tourism crown? The TSTC 2025 conference, a prelude to the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) scheduled for next year, isn’t just…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a harrowing tale that’s riveted attention from near and far, authorities are on the hunt for a Singaporean man last seen with his girlfriend in Bangkok, Thailand, before tragedy struck. The story reads like a suspense thriller and is now making waves as authorities work to connect the perplexing dots. Our protagonist, Daniel, has found himself the subject of an expansive manhunt after the body of his Thai girlfriend, Praopilat Paladon, was discovered in their upscale condo. Police are now scrambling to track him down across the cities and possibly even chase him across borders. Praopilat, a 30-year-old from Khon Kaen, disappeared from the radar after her last contact with friends two days before her body was found. Her confidantes, concerned about the radio silence, presented themselves at the Thong Lor police station, the dramatic prelude to uncovering a baffling case. The bewilderment began on a warm Wednesday evening…
The air was thick with tension as the Constitutional Court unceremoniously brought down the gavel on Senator Somchai Lenglak’s political aspirations. In a decision that sent ripples through the political landscape like a stone skipping across a glassy pond, Senator Lenglak was disqualified from elections, stripped of his Senate membership, and left with a decade-long electoral blackout looming ominously over his future. This ruling, handed down after the Supreme Court’s determination of Somchai’s guilt in a shadowy election fraud scandal, paints a cautionary tale about the high stakes and murky undercurrents that often run beneath the surface of Thai politics. The stipulations of this scandal aren’t just courtroom whispers; they’re the kind of story that engrosses everyone from political operatives huddled in dimly lit war rooms to the everyday citizens of Songkhla, who watched this saga unfold in real-time. In the fateful 2023 general election, Mr. Somchai waded into the…
In a gripping geopolitical twist, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong found themselves amid historical corridors at the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. Their boots on the ground visit to China’s Xinjiang region on March 20 held a singular purpose—to follow up on the status of Uyghur returnees. An intriguing trip that served as a backdrop to an evolving diplomatic quandary marking the crossroads of international commerce and human rights. Against this politically charged tapestry, the Committee on Economic Development sprang into action, assembling a strategic huddle like no other. Tasked with untangling the complex skein of ramifications stemming from the Thai government’s deportation of Uyghurs—an act that had the European Union shaking its diplomatic finger—top brass from the corridors of foreign and commerce ministries joined forces with stakeholders from private enterprises, the influential Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and the robust Federation of Thai SMEs…
In a move that’s stirred the pot of public opinion, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra proclaimed the cabinet’s decision to give the green light to the much-debated casino and entertainment complex bill this past Thursday. Outside the Government House, a chorus of dissent arose as approximately 80 fervent protesters, representing groups like the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, the Centre of People for the Protection of the Monarchy, and the Dharma Army, made sure their voices were heard loud and clear. Pichit Chaimongkol, one of the vocal leaders of the opposition, was not shy in his critique of the cabinet’s maneuvering. He argued that the cabinet was strong-arming the public into swallowing the bill, which had never even graced the Prime Minister’s initial policy proclamations to parliament. “It’s as though they’re dangling temptation in front of us, urging a step off the righteous path,” he lamented, highlighting how…
In a riveting pursuit to amplify international collaboration and glean insights from the world’s leading practices, the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) has embarked on an exciting diplomatic mission to the vibrant city of London. This isn’t just any ordinary visit; it’s a significant reaffirmation of ties with the London Assembly and an eager exploration of future collaboration opportunities. Led by none other than the esteemed Surachit “Dr. John” Phongsinghvithya, President of the BMC, this delegation ventured into the iconic London City Hall, setting the stage for an official meeting with Andrew Boff, the affable Chairman of the London Assembly, and his esteemed members. Responding to a gracious formal invitation, this diplomatic endeavor marks a substantial leap forward in the pursuit of strengthening city-to-city links. Dr. John’s words resonated with purpose as he articulated, “This visit responds to an invitation from the Chairman of the London Assembly and marks a significant…
Singha Estate Public Company Limited, affectionately known as ‘S’, is shaking up the world of luxury living with its pioneering ‘Craft to Trust’ philosophy. This innovative approach isn’t just a catchy tagline; it’s a reflection of their meticulous craftsmanship, timeless design, and an unwavering eye for detail that promises quality from the ground up. In the words of Khem Khamwongpin, the Chief Design and Construction Officer at Singha Estate, “Our residents choose us not only for our homes but for the trust we build through our craftsmanship.” With a vision rooted in ‘Mastering the Luxury’, Singha Estate promises to deliver elegance and value in each of their flagship ventures. This guiding principle can be seen in their impressive developments such as Santiburi The Residences, SIRANINN Residences Pattanakarn, and S’RIN Ratchaphruek–Sai 1. Moreover, two up-and-coming projects, SMYTH’S KASET-NAWAMIN and SMYTH’S RAMINTRA, epitomize the evolution of this concept, nestled in some of…
The echoes of celebration reverberated throughout Sala Vichit Rattanasiriwilai at Wat Sisudararam Worawihan in the Bangkok Noi District, as the Medical Service Department marked its impressive 51-year journey. At the helm of this momentous occasion was the esteemed Dr. Lertluck Leelaruangsang, Director-General of the Medical Service Department. The ceremony was graced by esteemed executives and key figures from the department, all gathered to partake in this milestone moment. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) turned the occasion into a tapestry of tradition and wellness with a merit-making ceremony. Reverence filled the air as attendees made offerings to revered Buddhist monks, intertwining piety with celebration. In an ambiance of spiritual grace, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok led the lighting of incense and candles – a homage to the sacred Triple Gem. Offerings were presented to a procession of nine monks from Wat Sisudararam Worawihan, drawing a beautiful synergy between ancient customs…
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s vibrant cityscape, the persistent issue of pollution plaguing its canals has become a priority for city officials. Mr. Jetsada Jantraprapa, the astute Director-General of the Drainage and Sewerage Department (BMA), has rolled out an elaborate plan to tackle this old adversary with a mix of traditional methods and modern technology. Picture this: four ingenious debris traps strategically positioned at Trok Sake, Dinso Road, Maha Chai Road, and the Khlong Ong Ang discharge point. Like steadfast sentinels, these traps are cleared twice a day—morning and afternoon—amassing a staggering 600-700 kilograms of detritus from the city’s lifeblood. Most of this stems from the bustling Trok Sake area, a hub of food distribution for the less fortunate, and sadly, an inadvertent dumping ground for local residents. But clearing trash alone isn’t enough to stem the tide of pollution. Enter a more robust tactic. Rallying support from…
In the heart of bustling Bangkok, atop a towering 22-story condominium, a chilling tale of love, enigma, and pursuit unfolds. Daniel Benjamin Goh Wei-En, a 32-year-old Singaporean national, is the man at the center of this dramatic manhunt. The mystery commenced when the lifeless body of his girlfriend, 30-year-old Phraophilas, was discovered swathed in a blanket and a blood-spattered bedsheet within their opulent apartment’s bathroom. It was a close confidante of Phraophilas who stumbled upon the morbid scene on a solemn Wednesday evening. Concerned after losing touch since the ominous Monday of March 24, she reported her friend as missing to the Thong Lor Police Station. With a gentle plea, she persuaded the building manager to unlock the doors of mystery. Pol Maj-General Noppasin Poonsawat of the Metropolitan Police Bureau disclosed tantalizing details fetched from the all-seeing eyes of CCTV cameras. Footage painted a vivid picture of the couple’s last…