Every year, the lively and vibrant Bun Bang Fai festival in Phetchabun bursts into action with exhilarating homemade rocket launches, painting the skies with streaks of enthusiasm and tradition. It’s a time when locals and visitors alike gather to witness these mighty ‘bung fai’ rockets ascend towards the heavens, as part of an age-old cultural celebration dating back centuries. However, with the modern age comes modern concerns, and this year, the government has taken a stern stand to ensure that the festival doesn’t compromise aviation safety. The thrill of rockets whooshing through the air during the Bun Bang Fai festival is unparalleled. Yet, as Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Polpornklang highlighted on Saturday, these enhanced rockets now achieve remarkable altitudes that pose significant threats to aircraft—especially considering the festival’s popularity in the Northeast where several airports operate. Thus, the Ministry of Transport has instructed the Department of Airports to take a…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine standing before a centuries-old pagoda as it trembles violently, slowly crumbling into dust. In that fleeting moment of chaos, the world you once knew seems to vanish as families sprint down the street, gripped by panic. Such was the scene in Mandalay on March 28, precisely at 12:50 p.m., when a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake ravaged central Myanmar. The quake claimed the lives of over 5,000 souls, leaving thousands injured and devastating more than 120,000 homes. The exhibition titled “7.7 MMERQK: Capturing Myanmar People’s Unheeded Cry” transports visitors to these haunting moments of terror and resilience. Curated by Platform 36 alongside SEA Junction, CMB Foundation, and Bangkok Tribune News, the exhibition showcases poignant images captured by four brave photographers from Myanmar. These photographers, including both seasoned professionals and courageous citizen journalists, braved aftershocks, political backlash, and the ever-watchful eyes of the junta’s censorship to chronicle the quake’s immediate aftermath in…
In the lush embrace of Chanthaburi’s verdant orchards, something juicy is cooking, and it’s not just the durians! Speculation is ripening like the fruits themselves as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra waltzes into the eastern region, her sights set on unlocking global markets for Thailand’s diverse bounty. Equipped with a warm smile and hands-on enthusiasm, she tries her hand at cutting the king of fruits from its lofty perch during her recent visit to Tha Mai district on a bustling Saturday. It’s a delightful scene, akin to royalty mingling with the commoners amid the aroma of sun-kissed durians. As the farmers gather under the generous shade of the orchard trees, they express a collective wish that could catapult Thai fruits onto the global stage with a grand flourish. Their proposition? Enlist none other than the mesmerizing Thai K-pop superstar Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal as the face of their fruit promotion initiative. With…
The land of smiles could soon transform into the land of several ‘cheers’ as Thailand’s small-scale brewers brace themselves for a sweeping change in their industry. Imagine, if you will, the delightful clinks of craft beer mugs reverberating through the cozy streets and bustling markets, heralding a new era for independent breweries. On May 13, in a turn of events that could have been plucked from a brew-master’s dream, the cabinet gave its nod to draft ministerial regulation changes aiming to make crafting beer in Thailand as easy as ordering a plate of Pad Thai. These modifications, proposed by the Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance, are a refreshing pint-sized revolution for local entrepreneurs. Not only does this initiative promise to add fizz to our happy hour traditions, but it also signals greater opportunities for Thailand’s enterprising brew artisans. By lowering entry barriers, reducing red tape, and legalizing the…
Amid the electrifying anticipation in Nonthaburi, a flurry of activity marked the arrival of Senate candidates at Muang Thong Thani on what was a defining day—June 26, 2024. Cameras clicked incessantly as candidates, representing every conceivable political echelon, gathered under the brilliance of the early morning sun. The atmosphere vibrated with an air of cautious optimism, as these politicians embarked on the national round of voting, accompanied by an intense gaze from both media and public lingerers. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The Election Commission, in this pivotal moment, unveiled the gears behind its investigative machinery regarding the Senate’s elections of the previous year. Spearheading this transparent exercise, the EC secretary-general, Sawaeng Boonmee, reassuringly disclosed that the investigation was right on schedule, with a dedicated committee meticulously examining any alleged electoral law violations. This unveiling marked just the initial phase of a comprehensive four-step scrutiny designed to uphold electoral integrity. With Mr.…
A scene straight out of an urban legend unfolded when an unexpected occurrence turned heads and sparked some unexpected fortune on the bustling roads of Thailand. Picture this: a coffin, slick and polished, suddenly ejects from a moving vehicle, creating a traffic-stopping spectacle right in the heart of the city. Captured in real-time by TikTok user Irinrumtoey, the viral video encapsulated the drama and chaos of the moment—enough to make anyone’s pulse race. The coffin, making its unplanned public debut, didn’t just stir the hearts of onlookers with its eerie arrival; its companion on this unusual journey also grabbed attention—the vehicle’s registration number: 4878. This seemingly innocuous detail transformed into a golden ticket for Irinrumtoey. Inspired, or perhaps guided by cosmic chance, she used the digits to place a lottery bet and, against staggering odds, found herself a winner. As chance would have it, the numbers 87 tumbled into alignment…
As sunlight danced over the sprawling greens of Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province, whispers of change echoed across its untouched terrains. The catalyst for such buzz, surprisingly, was not the rustle of leaves or the chatter of exotic birds, but the very modern concept of a cable car project. This proposal, like a contentious cable dangling through time, continues to spark fervent debate, swinging between promises of advancement and fears of environmental exploitation. Recently, the spotlight on this initiative intensified when the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation gave the green light to extend the cable car proposal’s feasibility study. In tandem, the Budget Bureau’s substantial 25.7 million baht allocation empowered the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) to refine the project’s design. Initially conceived in 1982, this ambitious venture has endured a rigorous journey of ups and downs, much like the park’s own fluctuating…
A lively, bustling night in Pattaya took an intense turn early today, May 17, when a brawl erupted that set social media ablaze. Just as the damp morning air was starting to clear, around 5 a.m., the iconic Walking Street—already famous for its vibrant nightlife—played host to an unexpected scene of conflict. Six Thai women found themselves in a torrential showdown amidst the drizzle, their punches and kicks sending ripples of shock through the crowd of tourists observing from the sidelines. The raw footage of this unscripted street drama unfolded like a scene from a blockbuster, capturing onlookers’ attention worldwide thanks to the power of social media. The 42-second clip, which quickly gained traction online, showed a melee of fists and fury, sparking concern among tourists soaking up the nightlife vibes. The potential cause behind this explosive altercation? A heated dispute fueled by job-related tensions, compounded, it seems, by an…
In the heart of Maha Sarakham’s Mueang Phayakkhaphum Phisai district, a wave of joy swept through as 26-year-old Satthawat Horthaisong, affectionately known as Bas, struck gold—or rather, a hefty 12 million baht—courtesy of the Thai lottery. The winning miracle bore the number 251309, announced on the blissful day of May 16, and sent ripples of excitement through social media, with Khok Lam’s village head, Asda Nuek Kaewbutsa, leading a jubilant chorus online celebrating their local millionaire. Satthawat, beaming with disbelief-turned-glee, wasn’t one to keep the victory to himself. His home transformed overnight into a hub of celebration, where friends, family, and curious villagers gathered to revel in his newfound fortune. The joyful buzz was complemented by laughter, music, and hearty congratulations, filling the air with infectious excitement. The origin of Satthawat’s lucky streak is as charming as a fairy tale—stemmed from the license plate of his recent purchase, a humble…
The atmosphere was alive with a sense of history and shared spirituality as the Sri Lankan Embassy hosted a captivating celebration of Vesak at the Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple in Bangkok last Saturday. This memorable occasion marked the three sacred milestones in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and peaceful death—events that resonate deeply with millions of Buddhists worldwide. Furthermore, the day offered a platform to celebrate a remarkable 70 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand, showcasing the enduring bonds that unite two nations through Theravada Buddhism. It’s enthralling to reflect on how Buddhism first arrived in the lush lands of Sri Lanka back in the 3rd century BC. The credit goes to Arahant Mahinda, the illustrious son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, who embarked on a noble mission to disseminate the Dhamma beyond the borders of India. This momentous adventure led to a…