In the heart of Japan, amidst the dazzling lights and mechanical whirl of Pachinko parlours, an intriguing tale of political tussles unfolds across the seas in Thailand. As visitors indulge in the uniquely entrancing rhythm of Pachinko, a form of legal gambling that captivates many in Japan, in Thailand, a different kind of gamble is underway—a legislative one. This isn’t about the odds of shiny balls cascading into glorious jackpots, but about a gamble as to who will seize control over the impending rise of legalized casinos. According to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, a mysterious battalion of murky enterprises is fighting tooth and nail to derail the government’s trailblazing bill, poised to embrace casinos as pivotal pieces of new entertainment empires. “Now, we must stand resolute, embattled against these unseen forces which covert operations have uncovered, all striving vigorously to sabotage the legislation,” proclaimed Mr. Jirayu on a rousing Thursday.…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The ever-intriguing landscape of land ownership and politics in Thailand has recently been stirred by the actions of Chada Thaised, a senior figure in the Bhumjaithai Party. Before stepping down as deputy interior minister, Chada made a decisive move by signing the order to nullify the Alpine land title deeds. This decision, hanging in the balance, now lies with Chamnanwit Terat, the currently deputy permanent secretary for interior. As discussions abound, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul highlighted that the weight of this decision now firmly rests on Chamnanwit’s shoulders. “Chamnanwit must chart a course of action, otherwise he risks contravening Section 157 of the Criminal Code,” warned Anutin. With retirement beckoning Chamnanwit at the end of September, the window for action is steadily closing, adding a sense of urgency to the proceedings. Central to this high-stakes drama is the fate of the infamous Pathum Thani land, which is embroiled in a…
In a heart-wrenching tale that has captivated the attention of many, a Chinese model named Yang Zeqi has seemingly vanished into thin air during his visit for an acting role in Thailand. The calendar pages have turned, counting two weeks since anyone has heard a peep from the once-eager young actor. In a courageous bid to find answers, Yang Hai Tao, the father of the missing model, has stepped into the limelight, making an earnest appeal to Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, Thailand’s national police chief. His plea is simple yet profound: hasten efforts to unravel the mystery of his son’s disappearance. With a mix of hope and desperation, Yang Hai Tao was accompanied by Lawyer Ratchapon Sirisakorn to deliver this urgent request. Their quest began on a note that was filled with excitement and promise. On December 21, Yang Zeqi embarked on his journey to Thailand, his eyes shining with…
Imagine this: A snorkeler diving into the sapphire waters around Phuket, their attention suddenly diverted from vibrant coral gardens to a worrisome parade of plastic bottles and beer cans strewn across the ocean floor. No, this isn’t a storyline from an environmental documentary—it’s the unfortunate reality in the waters surrounding the tropical paradise of Phuket, Thailand. Known for its postcard-perfect beaches and breathtaking sunsets, this popular tourist hotspot now faces a towering challenge—literal piles of garbage. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the shoreline, in a part of Phuket less photographed by visitors, trucks and tractors bustle about tirelessly, shuttling piles of waste around an ever-expanding landfill. This spot is where over 1,000 tonnes of trash from the island’s daily collection find their final resting place. An astonishing leap from 742 tonnes in 2022 to 961 tonnes in 2023, the dump mirrors the island’s unstoppable growth according…
As the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year approaches, Thailand is gearing up for an influx of travelers to its bustling centers. Between January 24th and February 2nd, an astounding 4.03 million foreign visitors are expected to flood the country, turning its airports into vibrant gateways of excitement. This year, the focus is on making the journey as smooth and secure as possible, with a little dash of Thai charm. The Transport Ministry, under the watchful eye of Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, is leaving no stone unturned. With nearly three million passengers set to arrive at Bangkok’s airports—Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang—the anticipation of New Year’s celebrations is palpable. Picture the lively hustle and bustle of Suvarnabhumi airport, where approximately 1.91 million travelers will witness the city’s vibrant tapestry, while Don Mueang readies itself to host 989,584 eager souls. Together, these airports become the heartbeat of a destination renowned for its…
Thailand, a land known for its vibrant culture and delectable cuisine, is facing a rather pressing issue. Recent studies have flagged the country as ranking third worst in ASEAN when it comes to child obesity. Shockingly, a whopping 84.1% of children between the ages of six to fourteen are regularly munching on salty snacks. To combat this worrying trend, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and several health advocacy networks, stepped up to host an event dubbed “Don’t Let Children Become Obese” at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Quite the setting for sparking change, don’t you think? This eye-opening event didn’t just settle for shocking statistics but instead, unfurled a range of creative initiatives aimed at improving eating habits in young ones. The spotlight was clearly pointed at encouraging less consumption of sugar, fat, and salt, while augmenting the…
The borderland between Thailand and Cambodia has long been a captivating blend of tranquility and bustling activity, a place where cultures mesh and economies intertwine. Recently, a much-anticipated meeting led by Interior Permanent Secretary Ansit Sampantarat unfolded as discussions of enhancing cross-border cooperation took center stage. With representatives from key sectors, including the National Security Council Office and the Department of Employment, the gathering aimed to reshape border crossing protocols in a way that benefits both nations. A hot topic on the agenda was the introduction of temporary border passes for non-residents, a visionary idea poised to transform cross-border travel. Imagining the dawn of effortless movement, these weekly passes promise a streamlined experience without the cumbersome residency stipulations. Provincial governors will wield the newfound authority to issue these seals of temporary freedom. For eager travelers, it’s a tantalizing glimpse into a future where spontaneity and security coexist seamlessly. Speaking of…
Picture this: the vibrant chaos of Yaowarat Road, teeming with eager foodies eagerly sampling culinary delights under the dazzling glow of lanterns. Yes, that’s Bangkok, bursting at the seams with jubilant spirits as visitors flock in droves to soak up the rich tapestry of cultural celebrations during the Chinese New Year. This lively street has transformed into a gastronomic paradise once again, as confirmed by none other than digital travel titan, Agoda. As December’s frost melts into the promise of New Year festivities, Agoda has spilled the beans on Bangkok’s unbeatable allure as the preferred destination for both Thai natives and globe-trotters plotting their Chinese New Year escapades. The upcoming celestial shindig kicks off on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake with a bang. And where, you ask, will this explosion of festivities be most vibrant? The answer is Bangkok, of course, a city that knows how…
In an era where technology is as unruly as it is indispensable, the spectral menace of online fraud lurks with palpable menace. Echoing a scene from a techno-thriller, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, recently found herself ensnared in the clutches of deception, nearly donating funds based on a voice that perfectly mimicked a foreign leader’s urgent plea, thanks to the nefarious artistry of AI voice cloning. It’s a cautionary tale that underscores the dire need for action, prompting swift governmental galvanization spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital, Economy, and Society. Thursday’s session at the 5th Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) in the heart of Bangkok transformed into an urgent assembly of digital age warriors. With Asean’s united front, the region’s ministers, under the watchful eye of Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, pledged to turn the tide against the relentless wave of transnational online scams. The summit became a fertile ground…
Imagine walking along the sun-kissed shores of Pattaya Beach, the gleaming turquoise waves welcoming your toes, and a gentle breeze whispering secrets of distant lands. It’s a place that once promised unbridled joy and relaxation, a quintessential playground for sun-seeking tourists from every corner of the globe. Yet, nestled between the laughter-filled evenings and the swaying palm trees, another story unfolds, one less idyllic and more turbulent. Pattaya Beach, celebrated for its vibrant nightlife and breathtaking coastline, has found itself battling an unruly tide of alcohol-fuelled disruptions. While the crashing waves play a melody of serenity during the day, nightfall unveils a different scene—one where harmony sometimes takes a backstage to the chaos of inebriated escapades. These tales of boisterous conduct are not mere whispers; they’re amplified by the palpable tension they leave in their wake, like a bad hangover that lingers on a Sunday morning. Local officials and the…