Last month, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) found itself on an intriguing rollercoaster ride of volatility, largely due to unexpected developments on the global stage. As April rolled in, the brewing storm was set in motion by US President Donald Trump’s surprising tariff announcements. Just before the beloved Songkran festival, the SET plummeted to a worrying 1,056.41 points, nosediving like a bumpy carnival ride due to these surprising tariffs. This wasn’t just isolated to Thailand – global stock markets seemed to tremble at the news, like a global financial earthquake rippling across continents. Yet, there was a glint of gold, quite literally. Gold prices glimmered upwards past US$3,300, or roughly 113,190 baht per ounce, offering a shiny refuge in tempestuous seas. Post-Songkran, the SET appeared to regain its footing, albeit unsteadily, and embarked on a gradual ascent against the backdrop of a US market slump exceeding 5%. The love…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a world often peppered with tales of tension and confrontation, it’s remarkably refreshing when we encounter a story that showcases the softer, kinder side of humanity. This week, Pattaya became the backdrop for such an unexpected narrative, where municipal officers exhibited an extraordinary display of empathy—proving that sometimes, a compassionate approach can make all the difference. The story began in a seemingly routine setting: a bustling convenience store in Pattaya. It was there that a man, whose name remains anonymous, found himself at the eye of a small storm. Distressed and visibly agitated, he caused quite a scene, prompting onlookers to dial the police, expecting a swift, and possibly harsh, resolution. However, what followed was a departure from the usual. Upon arriving, instead of resorting to confrontation or reprimand, the municipal officers approached the man with calm understanding. A dialogue unfolded as they inquired about his predicament. The man’s…
Picture this: A stunning island paradise known for its tantalizing beaches and vibrant night markets, bustling with visitors from across the globe. Yes, I’m talking about Phuket, a jewel in the crown of southern Thailand. However, amidst the palm trees and holidaymakers seeking sun-kissed bliss, an unusual story unfolded that left even the locals scratching their heads. On a breezy Saturday morning, the picturesque Phuket International Airport, typically a hub of excited travelers, became the unlikely setting for a mystery and mischief. A young Ukrainian woman, referred to only as Anastasiia, found herself under arrest at the immigration counter. The charge? Allegedly turning her rented condominium into a scene straight out of a disaster movie. Her supposed escapade caused approximately 350,000 baht in damages—a significant amount that could make anyone gasp louder than a horror film jump scare. The whirlwind of chaos appears to have begun on April 29, nestled…
Public uncertainty and apprehension have been bubbling to the surface in Thailand as concerns over a new wave of Covid-19 gain traction. However, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin is stepping forward with a calm demeanor and sage advice: there’s no cause for alarm. His reassuring words come as a gentle balm, emphasizing that Covid-19 has evolved into an endemic disease in our midst. While the numbers might paint a dramatic picture with 53,676 cumulative cases and 16 unfortunate fatalities reported in the country since the beginning of the year, the mildness of the symptoms has been a silver lining. Bangkok, the vibrant heartbeat of Thailand, has emerged as the hotspot with a staggering 16,723 infections. The figures soared to their peak from April 27 through May 3, during which 14,349 cases and two deaths were recorded. Meanwhile, other regions like Chon Buri, Nonthaburi, and Rayong have not been spared either,…
In an effort to bolster the integrity of the tourism industry, a new nationwide joint task force has been launched to eliminate the scourge of illegal tour operators and unlicensed tour guides. This initiative, revealed by Deputy Government Spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan, comes amid growing concerns regarding the impact of rogue elements on the country’s tourism economy. The formidable task force, a coalition comprising five key agencies— the Tourism Ministry, the Business Development Department, the Department of Special Investigation, the Tourism Police Bureau, and the Immigration Bureau—is armed with the mandate to ensure that tour operations comply with the laws governing Thailand’s cherished tourist trade. Laser-focused on key tourist magnets across the nation, the authorities have their sights set on rooting out unlawful practices. From the pristine beaches of Phuket to the historic grandeur of Chiang Mai, the task force’s presence spells significant change. By October of last year, extending through…
In an unfolding political drama, the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand, helmed by its stalwart chairman, Ittiporn Boonpracong, has taken center stage with its recent maneuvers. A cloud of suspicion envelops six senators, out of a pool of 53, as they find themselves entangled in allegations of vote-rigging during the last Senate election. As heavy as these accusations might sound, Mr. Ittiporn insists that the EC wields robust evidence to proceed with its charges. Saturday witnessed Mr. Ittiporn bolstering the EC’s stance, asserting that the issuance of summonses isn’t just a bureaucratic tick box, but rather a beacon of opportunity. An avenue, if you will, for the accused senators to lay bare their evidence and present a resolute defense of their actions. The wheels of justice, however, are well oiled but predictably slow. Once the senators present their case, this intricate investigation will transition into a new phase, taking a…
The veil of mystery and heartache that shrouded the disappearance of 17-year-old “Nong Namtan” has, with profound sorrow, been lifted. This past Saturday, the family of Namtan, whose real name is Napassorn, shattered by grief, confirmed the young girl’s tragic passing. Hailing from Udon Thani, Namtan’s last known steps were traced from her apartment in the bustling Rangsit area of Pathum Thani on May 1, leaving her family anxious when all contact ceased at the stroke of midnight. Her distraught father wasted no time in filing a missing person report with the local police the following day. As detectives pieced together the puzzling case, it emerged that Namtan had called a taxi via a mobile app, traversed the urban sprawl to Rama III Road, and then embarked on another cab journey to Pattaya’s iconic Walking Street. Her fleeting escapade to Pattaya only added to the intrigue, as she returned to…
April 28 saw the tranquil streets of Than To district in Yala disrupted by a road bomb explosion, leaving a gaping crater as a stark reminder of the ongoing turmoil. The southernmost provinces of Thailand have been gripped by a resurgence of violence, underscored by over 20 reported attacks in just three months, amidst stalled peace dialogues with insurgent factions. While the reasons behind this uptick in hostility from February to April remain elusive, there are whispers that the government’s unsympathetic stance towards negotiations may be fueling the flames. The recent escalation has been marked by no less than 10 bombings and six shootings, tragically impacting civilians, including children and the elderly. This has prompted renewed calls for the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration to reinitiate dialogues aimed at restoring calm to the volatile region. In a quest for insight, the Bangkok Post engaged with experts, peace advocates, and politicians from both…
There’s a certain warmth in familiarity, isn’t there? The Interior Ministry in Thailand seems to be wrestling with this charming conundrum, as reflected in the recent buzz about how civil servants should address the public. According to Traisulee Taisaranakul, a spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry, there’s still leeway for these public servants to adopt terms of address that align with local community standards. This hubbub began when some civil servants, engaged under the aegis of the Ministry, received nudges to low-key revolutionize their everyday language. The focus of this gentle reformation was on abandoning the endearing “uncle” and “auntie” terms, traditionally imprinted with cultural affection, when addressing individuals seeking government services. Instead, a more formal approach was suggested by the Department of Provincial Administration following a strongly worded letter to the Prime Minister’s office. This correspondence from a concerned citizen raised eyebrows over the use of informal titles like “Pa”…
Picture this: Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald, sporting gleeful expressions as they gathered for a memorable group snap in the bustling city of Bangkok. The backdrop of this gathering? A mission to solidify sustainable and stable regional trade between Thailand and Australia. The primary goal on their diplomatic agenda was to magnify the value of automotive exports while ensuring Thailand retained its cherished crown as the top supplier of pickup trucks to the Land Down Under. Minister Pichai shared these insights with a twinkle of determination in his eyes after his meeting with the esteemed Australian Ambassador at her elegant residence this week. Among the buzzing topics of their discussion was Australia’s rather snazzy New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). This avant-garde framework is all about ushering in a new era of clean and green transportation, championing the movement towards vehicles that sip fuel sparingly…