Posts published in “Thailand”

In an atmosphere thick with anxiety and urgency, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself abruptly redirecting her day from a strategic meeting about Phuket’s burgeoning tourism landscape to dealing with a humanitarian crisis nearing disaster proportions in Bangkok. The tremors from a formidable earthquake—emanating from the neighboring lands of Myanmar—reverberated through northern Thailand, leaving in their wake a trail of destruction that brought parts of the bustling capital to its knees. On the afternoon of March 28, precisely at 12:30 p.m., the 38-year-old premier was delving deep into plans focused on invigorating Phuket’s charm and connectivity, contemplating an ambitious expansion of the Phuket International Airport as a tourism magnet. However, in a striking leap from desk to disaster management, her attention was commandeered by the shrill urgency of a crisis that couldn’t wait. Reports of a building collapsing like a house of cards in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district added a grim…

In an exciting development for Thailand’s cultural landscape, this charming Southeast Asian nation is all set to pitch the inclusion of the enchanting Loy Krathong festival on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Like a dazzling dragonfly dancing over water, this festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the country’s rich cultural tapestry and unwavering tradition. Announced by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol after a recent Cabinet pow-wow, this move is a calculated leap in enhancing Thailand’s “soft power.” In layman terms, this means showcasing Thailand’s cultural jewels to the world, effectively making its glittery mark on the global tourism map. Loy Krathong, officially declared a national cultural heritage in 2011, isn’t just another date on a calendar. With candlelit leaf boats bobbing gently along rivers, it paints a picture of calmness and reflection amidst bustling city lights. It’s no wonder that this nomination is a bright feather…

A sense of urgency has gripped the bustling city of Bangkok as its diligent officials spring into action following a massive earthquake that reverberated across borders. With seismic waves cascading into Thailand from a staggering 7.7-magnitude earthquake in neighboring Myanmar, the city finds itself grappling with both unease and a commitment to resilience. The trail of destruction navigates through the heart of the city, leaving behind a sprawling mosaic of structural damage. Among the casualties of this natural havoc is a bridge, once standing tall, now crippled, connecting two lofty condominiums—a stark visual somberly painted in shades of concern. The tireless Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), steered by the astute and responsive Bangkok Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, has launched a comprehensive mission to remedy this fractured metropolitan landscape. With over 2,000 reports of damage cascading into the council’s annals, each case is a story—a piece of the grand puzzle yet to be…

In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where the city skyline is dotted with cranes stretching towards the heavens, an unexpected tragedy unfolded that has left the community reeling. Yesterday, on March 28, what seemed to be a routine day at a condominium construction site in the Chatuchak district turned into a scene of disaster when a crane crumpled to the ground amidst the chaos of an earthquake. It was just after lunch, around 1:30 PM, when the peaceful facade of the area was shattered by a rumbling beneath the earth. A tragic day for 37-year-old Thirapong Yaiyong, the crane operator, who lost his life in this heart-stopping incident. The earthquake that shook Bang Pho in the Bang Sue district set off a chain of events that culminated in Thirapong’s harrowing fall from over 20 storeys high. Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthikorn Treeprapakorn from Taopoon Police Station was quick to report that…

Amid a swirl of social media buzz, Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN) has stepped into the spotlight, providing clarity on the scenes of mall-goers fleeing Central Ladprao’s premises in apparent alarm. The footage painted a dramatic picture reminiscent of the previous day when tremors from an 8.2-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar sent ripples of fear across the region. In response to the viral clips, CPN has assured the public, attributing the panic to a misunderstanding rather than an actual threat. “The situation resulted from a misunderstanding, and a thorough inspection has confirmed that the area is safe and operating as usual,” declared CPN in a steadfast statement, reassuring customers, tenants, and employees that safety remains at the forefront. Just like an ace pal prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, the company is steadfast in prioritizing the well-being of those who cross its thresholds. On Saturday, CPN also waved the green flag…

Embarking on a journey to the Land of Smiles is always an adventure, but starting May 1, 2025, that adventure begins before you even set foot on Thai soil. Say goodbye to the decades-old TM6 paper arrival form and hello to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). However, don’t pop the champagne just yet. This shiny new digital debut might just be the tech equivalent of a traffic jam in Bangkok. The launch of the TDAC website has ignited a mix of curiosity and confusion among travelers. Designed to replace those infamous blue-and-white forms, the TDAC requires every non-Thai passport holder—whether they’re swooping in by air, rolling through by land, or sailing the seas—to input personal and travel details online ahead of their arrival. The payoff? A QR code that should, in theory, ease their entry through immigration. Sounds straightforward? Spoiler alert: It’s as clear as a bowl of Tom…

In the vibrant tourist hub of Pattaya, a day that started with typical sun-kissed skies quickly shifted into a whirlwind of urgency and action. As the clock struck 1:20 PM on March 28, the serene backdrop was rocked by the news of a formidable 7.4-magnitude earthquake striking the heart of Myanmar. The tremor, originating from 21.682°N latitude and 96.121°E longitude, was not just a distant geographical event—it sent palpable shockwaves rippling through the region, leaving a tremor of concern in its wake. Pattaya and the neighboring Bang Lamung were no exceptions to the seismic shudder. The tremor’s depth, a mere 10 kilometers beneath the Earth’s crust, suggested potential aftershocks, an unsettling prospect that called the cities’ hospitals into immediate action. As the Thai Meteorological Department relayed updates, the otherwise bustling corridors of medical centers transformed into systematic zones of precaution and preparedness. By 2:26 PM, hospitals in Bang Lamung were…

In a bustling corner of Pattaya, where the vibrant nightlife often dances with the unexpected, an incident unfolded that startled locals and visitors alike. Under the neon lights and amidst the hum of the city, 28-year-old Bua found herself at the heart of a dramatic and distressing ordeal. On the evening of March 27, she made a brave decision to share her story, accompanied by a piece of damning evidence—a video capturing the brutal street attack she endured, along with two of her colleagues. Shockingly, her cries for justice appeared to fall on deaf ears, as the police, it seems, moved with the pace of molasses in winter. Rewinding the clock to March 23, the scene was set outside an entertainment venue on Soi Pattaya 14 at precisely 7:20 pm. Bua, together with her co-workers, 32-year-old Kritayanee and 23-year-old Thitikarn, was ready to dive into another bustling working evening. Yet,…

In the early hours of yesterday morning, the serene roads of Phuket were abruptly thrust into chaos when a pickup truck driver, determined to test the limits of early-morning traffic, collided spectacularly with the historically significant Heroines Monument. At precisely 12:54 am on March 28, the Thalang Police received an urgent call that had rescue workers from the dedicated Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation rushing to the scene faster than a tuk-tuk in a hurry. Upon arrival, the officers were greeted with quite the scene: a Toyota pickup truck had made an unfortunate acquaintance with the monument’s protective barrier and decided to take a mid-road nap on its side. Registered right here in the heart of Phuket, the vehicle left its mark on the barrier, now sporting a distinctive crash-induced art style. Behind the steering wheel of this newly acclaimed artist’s endeavor was 51-year-old Phongsak Promma. Though he sported a modest head…