Imagine a canvas where Thailand paints its grand vision of a future brimming with opportunity—a future where every corner of this beautiful nation pulsates with the energy of innovation and creative flair. This is Thailand’s bold new strategy, as insiders reveal from Krungthai Compass, the pioneering research hub under the wings of Krungthai Bank. They’re betting big on man-made spectacles—from sprightly sports arenas to the glitz of major events—to catapult Thailand to the forefront of the tourism industry. But hold on to your hats, because this plan isn’t just a daydream; it’s a meticulously crafted blueprint poised to transform fantasy into reality. The idea is to harness the charm of artificial attractions to rev up Thailand’s tourism machine, painting a picture of prosperity with bold, broad strokes of economic impact. Krungthai Compass spills the beans: these eye-popping, human-crafted wonders could funnel in a staggering US$5.3 billion by the time 2025…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the delightful chill sweeps across Thailand, you might just want to snuggle in with a hot cup of tea and witness a remarkably cool spell that has every corner of the country whispering tales of winter-like wonders. Thailand, a land not much famed for its cold, is seeing mercury levels plunge, particularly in the north and northeast, making it a standout January for layers of cozy sweaters and scarves. Bangkok, our beloved bustling metropolis, usually sings a different tune, but this time it’s part of the cold chorus, with temperatures dipping as low as 16 degrees Celsius. That’s practically freezing for the locals, who are more accustomed to balmy, sweat-inducing days. As the chilly breath of a weakening high-pressure system extends its icy fingers across upper Thailand and beyond, these quirky weather patterns are sure to keep residents on their toes—or perhaps, wrapped in blankets. Mornings are particularly magical,…
In an exciting turn of political events, the seasoned Pheu Thai MP, Wisut Chainarun, has expressed immense confidence regarding the Senate’s support of the party’s proposed charter amendment bill. This bill aims to create a charter drafting assembly (CDA), which will be responsible for crafting a new constitution for the nation. With a seasoned eye on the Senate’s stance, Wisut Chainarun, who also heads the government whip, anticipates a wave of support when the proposal reaches deliberation. Why so hopeful, you might ask? Well, Wisut is strategically steering clear of potential landmines by promising that the proposed changes will not meddle with the sensitive Chapters 1 and 2 of the existing constitution. These chapters address matters related to the monarchy, a topic that demands a delicate touch. Chainarun made it clear that the CDA to be established must respectfully sidestep these contentious areas, ensuring a smooth legislative journey. When pressed…
Picture this: A bustling scene outside the Government House, where young activists rally passionately with placards and chants, uniting against the looming shadow of legal casinos. The date was a crisp September last year, and the fervor was palpable. This photograph, snapped by Chanat Katanyu, captures the moment when voices clashed against a monumental shift in policy. Fast forward to the present—Monday heralded a groundbreaking decision as the cabinet gave a tentative nod to a groundbreaking bill. This legislation clears the path for sprawling entertainment complexes, where the cha-ching of slot machines is soon to harmonize with the clinking of cocktail glasses. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveiled the Entertainment Complex Bill, a masterpiece of the Finance Ministry’s craftsmanship. Its mission? To catapult tourism into new stratospheres and parry the pervasive reaches of illegal gambling. Prime Minister Paetongtarn, full of optimism, assured the public that the Council of State (CoS), the…
Ekkalak Phaenoi, a name now imprinted in the grim annals of crime, finds himself under the microscopic lens of the justice system, as he is tightly ensconced in the fortified confines of Bangkok Remand Prison. An ex-Thai Marine, now a prime suspect in the chilling assassination of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian opposition MP, Mr. Ekkalak’s journey from alleged crime to confinement unfolds with a tension akin to a thriller plot. The transfer of Mr. Ekkalak to the prison was nothing short of a cinematic spectacle. Decked in a bulletproof vest and helmet, his expression echoing the stoic visage of someone caught in the ruthless wheels of fate, he was escorted under heavy security by the elite Arintaraj 26 Special Operations Unit. The non-stop vigilance and security detail are vital, given the weight of the allegations and the repercussions they carry. Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn Wongsiripreeda, the lionhearted Commander of…
In a dramatic turn of events in the bustling streets of Bangkok, the Phetkasem patrol unit made a significant arrest, capturing a wily motorcycle thief red-handed! The perpetrator, a 37-year-old man known as Chaiyot “Boy” Boonyawong, was caught in the act of trying to surreptitiously switch the license plate on a purloined motorcycle. The drama unfolded on January 12th at 3 pm in the Lak Song subdistrict of Bang Khae district. Chaiyot, who confessed to his crime, had pilfered the motorcycle from within the jurisdiction of the Bang Mae Nang police. The unfortunate victim, Surin, had previously reported his vehicle missing at the end of December the previous year. The local thieves’ attempt to evade capture was foiled by the astute eyes of Police Colonel Pramote Chanboonkaew and his dedicated team. Officers, including the sharp-minded Pol. Lt. Col. Kamlet Poolsukho and the diligent Pol. Lt. Col. Boonyarak Thonginsri, nabbed Chaiyot…
In the midst of serene landscapes and lush greenery, Khao Loi mountain in the charming Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima was thrust into the limelight due to a risky and daunting event—a series of wildfires. These fires stubbornly blazed for an intense eight days, raising alarms as they threatened to consume the natural beauty of the region. As the infernos raged on, remarkable teams of dedicated officials and brave volunteers joined forces in a combined effort to quench the relentless flames. The fires, suspected to have been ignited by those with a nefarious intent to flush out wildlife for hunting, challenged local authorities like never before. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, the diligent governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, spearheaded the heroic efforts of numerous agencies. From the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), the Royal Forest Department, to local administrative bodies, all came together to battle the blaze. The aerial…
In the tranquil district of Nam Nao, nestled within Phetchabun province, the air has seemed to take on an icy demeanor of its own. The mercury has plummeted to an ear-numbing -3 degrees Celsius, transforming the once lush landscape into a sparkling tableau of frost-etched artistry. Even the toughest car rooftops, usually indifferent to the dalliances of weather, found themselves adorned with a sheen of ice, like a modern-day Cinderella wearing a glass slipper. Last year, in 2023, this frosty little corner of the world set residents’ teeth chattering with a downright frigid record low of -5 degrees Celsius. This region, particularly Ban Huai Ya Khreu, has earned quite the reputation for its bracing winter climate, where frost is not merely a possibility but an eagerly awaited spectacle for the bold and hearty. A vigilant Facebook user became our unplanned correspondent for the day, waking at the bleary hour of…
In a tale that echoes the exhilarating vibe of a blockbuster with a watery twist, a catastrophe was narrowly avoided today off the paradisiacal coast of Phuket. A catamaran, aptly named Emiray 888, found itself in a precarious situation as it capsized with 38 spirited tourists onboard. Imagine embarking on what promises to be an idyllic day out on the crystalline waters, only to find the sea seeping into your dreams — rather literally. The sun was at its zenith, casting a golden hue, when at 1 pm, January 13, the sailing trip took an unexpected turn of events. The ill-fated voyage had just departed from Chalong Pier in Mueang district, destined for the picturesque Racha Island, when disaster knocked. Water rushed in without invitation, causing the sleek vessel to sink in stages, setting off a chaotic yet swift ballet of survival tactics 1.6 nautical miles north of its dreamy…
In a bold move that has captured the attention of the nation, Thailand’s premier music company has made an enthralling appeal to the government, seeking a corporate tax reduction in the entertainment sector. This intriguing plea is aimed at giving the industry the much-needed boost and uplifting the country’s aspirations for soft power. Spearheading this initiative is none other than Phawit Chitrakorn, the charismatic CEO of GMM Music Plc. He considers this strategy as a pivotal step to unlock the full potential of an industry operating on razor-thin profit margins, averaging a mere 10%. Let’s dive into the numbers here for a bit. When we talk about the combined might of Thailand’s film, TV, and music industries, we’re staring at an impressive annual revenue of 50 billion baht. However, the profit perched on this financial mountain summit is a modest 5 billion baht. Currently, with a corporate income tax rate…