Posts published in “Thailand”

Immersed in the hustle and bustle of Krungthep Aphiwat station in Bangkok, a passenger with an eager smile captures a moment on their camera. Just a few steps away, the historic framework of a train stands, waiting to play its part in a renewed journey between two vibrant cultures. (Photo courtesy: PR SRT Facebook) In a move that echoes the rhythmic clatter of train wheels through Southeast Asia, Thailand and Malaysia are set to rekindle their cross-border camaraderie through the revival of a storied train line spanning from the lively streets of Bangkok to the heritage-laden enclave of Butterworth. This renewal promises to happen in the forthcoming months, a testament to the commitment of both nations’ leaders to bolster transportation links between their peoples. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit, with an air of enthusiasm, announced on Friday that the highly anticipated service will see its revival no later than July, marking…

In the pulsating heart of Samut Sakhon province, a tale of tragedy and negligence unfolded on a Tuesday morning as massive chunks of concrete took a daring plunge from the venerable Mahachai-Krathumbaen flyover onto Rama II Road. This decades-old structure, standing tall for over 30 years, chose that ill-fated day to deliver its fatal payload onto the roof of an unsuspecting pickup truck driven by 46-year-old Amnat Thongkham. Amidst the sprawling chaos of twisted metal and scattered debris, Amnat’s life slipped through the cracks of destiny’s fingers all too soon. The morning, seemingly ordinary, transformed into a mosaic of calamity when two hefty slabs of the flyover decided it was time to part ways with their longtime airborne abode. The concrete grenades found their mark, smashing into Amnat’s vehicle with unyielding force. Despite heroic medical efforts, Amnat succumbed to grievous injuries, including a ruptured liver and relentless abdominal bleeding, as…

The winds of change are sweeping through Thailand’s economic landscape, and they’re bringing a mixed bag of forecasts. The Ministry of Finance has recently dialed down its projection for the kingdom’s economic growth this year to 2.1%, dropping from a more optimistic 3%. The culprits? The ominous shadows of US tariffs and the widespread ripples of a global economic slowdown have made their presence felt in Southeast Asia’s second most buoyant economy. Pornchai Thiraveja, the man steering the Fiscal Policy Office ship, highlighted an intriguing possibility. Should Uncle Sam decide to go gentle and apply a 10% tariff on Thai imports instead of wielding the heavier 36% stick, the GDP could have a little more spring in its step, potentially shimmying up to 2.5%. In this economic jigsaw, exports are a crucial piece, but they’re caught in a less favorable light too. They’re expected to climb a modest 2.3% this…

The quaint district of Si Racha in Chon Buri, usually known for its laid-back charm, was recently shaken by a tragic and deeply complex incident that unfolded on April 29. The kind of tale that grips its readers, this involves a tangled web of love, jealousy, and a jarring dose of reality that one could call a true crime of the heart. The heart of the drama centers around a Thai man named Sanya, 50, who stumbled upon a heart-wrenching scene in the rented house he shared with his girlfriend, Wannapa “Muay” Pimrod, aged 51. Upon entering, he found Muay lifeless from eight fatal stab wounds. In a shocking twist, another man, Pachara, lay grievously wounded behind the house. The narrative quickly spun towards jealousy as the motive, hinting at an ill-fated rendezvous and an ex-lover’s desperation turned violent. Pachara, believed to have ended Muay’s life, then attempted to take…

In a dramatic twist that seems to have been scripted straight out of a high-stakes thriller, Thai authorities have recently foiled a grandiose plan hatched by a group of ambitious Chinese nationals. These individuals were poised to dive deep into the world of luxury real estate, acquiring a whopping 72 rai of prime land in the serene Rayong province, all set for an opulent condominium project. The catch? This high-value venture didn’t just involve big bucks; it was entirely orchestrated by foreign hands, as revealed by Police Major General Thatphum Jaruprat of the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD). The operation unfolded across Rayong and Chon Buri, adding another notch to the string of similar endeavors previously tackled in bustling Phuket and vibrant Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district. According to the dedicated Pol. Maj. Gen. Thatphum, the raid played out like a classic detective saga. Officers swooped in to seize a trove…

For years, Pattaya’s 20,000-seat stadium stood as a haunting testament to thwarted ambitions and endless construction delays. It was a project many locals had come to accept as eternally ‘under construction,’ a seemingly never-ending saga that began back in 2008 with an eye-watering budget of 774 million baht. Mention of the Eastern Sports Stadium often sparked frustration, earning the nickname of a “marathon project” among residents. Yet, at long last, there is light at the end of the tunnel — and it’s not just the glare of neon signage. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, who took office with a vision to transform ‘dreams deferred’ into ‘dreams realized,’ is the man credited with breathing new life into this beleaguered project. As of April, the construction phase is remarkably ahead of schedule, with city officials and contractors confirming that Phase 3 is set to wrap up just in time for Christmas. That’s a whopping…

Imagine if Bangkok, the vibrant, bustling heart of Thailand, were governed with the autonomy of a country rather than a city. A radical idea, indeed, but one that’s picking up steam among politicians who believe it could usher in a new era of efficiency and responsiveness. On the balmy morning of May 1st, as the sun cast its golden glow over the ancient Giant Swing, an auspicious gathering took place within the solemn halls of the Nopparat Room at Bangkok City Hall. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stood at the helm, welcoming Members of Parliament to dive into this revolutionary proposition. The discussion was no mere whimsy—it was a session teeming with Bangkok’s intellectual heavyweights and the diligent lawmakers of the House Subcommittee on Upgrading Bangkok’s Administration. This influential think tank is spearheaded by none other than Parit Wacharasindhu, the astute party-list MP from the People’s Party. With a persuasive eloquence, Parit…

Back in the midst of the swinging 1950s, an era brimming with dynamic change and innovation, the legend of Orient watches was born. Fast forward 75 years to 2025, and this illustrious Japanese watch company is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate its rich heritage of impeccable craftsmanship and inventive designs, showcasing exclusive collections that capture the essence of time—literally. It all started on an auspicious day, July 13, 1950, when Orient planted its roots firmly in the world of horology. Renowned for producing exceptional yet affordably priced mechanical watches, the brand quickly ascended to a revered status not only in Japan but across more than 70 countries. In a bold and strategic maneuver this year, Orient has pivoted its production prowess from its home turf of Japan to the vibrant shores of Thailand. This marks a new chapter without compromising the revered Japanese standards of quality, thus expanding…

Picture this: sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea glistening under the tropical sun while vibrant speedboats zip across the horizon, carrying eager tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. This picturesque scene isn’t just a vacation dream; it’s Phuket’s next move towards innovative transportation. That’s right—coming later this year, a revolutionary boat taxi service is set to connect the island’s stunning beaches to its bustling airport, promising a journey like no other. Word from the horizon is that within four months, Phuket might just sail into a new era of commuting. As revealed by Surachai Burapanonthachai from the Marine Department’s planning office, the maiden voyage of this aquatic taxi route will likely commence from the island’s western shores. Imagine hopping on at iconic spots like Patong, Kata, or Karon and cruising serenely toward the airport, all in a breezy sixty minutes. Who could resist trading in the traffic labyrinth of roads for…

In an era where the digital world is often a tangled web of trust and deceit, one man’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the cunning and sophistication that scammers bring to the table. Meet Mr. Siwat, a 32-year-old engineer with a PhD to his name, who found himself ensnared in a fraudulent scheme that led him to part with over 8 million baht. His tale, made public through the popular Sai Mai Tong Rod (Survive) Facebook page, has captured the attention of many, a testament to how pervasive such scams have become. It all began with a seemingly innocent phone call on April 5. The voice on the other end of the line introduced itself as an official from Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI). In a calm yet authoritative tone, the caller informed Mr. Siwat that he was under suspicion for opening accounts for a controversial…