Friday’s agenda saw Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra making waves at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. She wasn’t just there to cheer on the Thai ice hockey team; she was flanked by a powerful entourage, including the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and the esteemed International Olympic Committee member, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. The Prime Minister looked relaxed yet determined—her presence lending an air of confidence to the team. However, it wasn’t just sportsmanship on her mind. Prime Minister Paetongtarn had a mission to accomplish. She was tackling a pressing concern that interestingly intertwined with her heritage. “I have Chinese blood in me,” she boldly declared this week, directly addressing the heightened security apprehensions among Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. With safety protocols under her personal scrutiny, she aimed to ensure their tranquility during their stay. Reports of the abduction of a minor Chinese…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the hilly expanses of the Thai-Myanmar border, a somber hush has settled over the Mae La refugee camp. An inexplicable silence carries the weight of loss as news of 71-year-old Pe Kha Lau’s passing seeps through the camp. Tracing the course of her life’s final journey reveals an unsettling tale of healthcare’s retreat from those most in need. Pe Kha Lau, a woman who battled lung issues with tenacity, succumbed shortly after being dismissed from a U.S.-funded hospital. Her demise isn’t just a footnote in the healthcare narrative; it’s emblematic of the humanitarian crisis following U.S. President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign aid—a sweeping decree that shuttered doors of lifeline healthcare facilities, including Lau’s sanctuary. The erstwhile U.S. State Department-funded hospital in Mae La was a haven where languishing breaths found solace in a stream of oxygen. But late January brought with it an IRC announcement: the curtains were…
As the sun rose over Thailand earlier this week, two brave women, once caught in the sinister web of human trafficking, stepped back onto their homeland’s soil. However, while their return is cause for relief, dozens more are believed still held captive in a horrifying human ‘egg farm’ in Georgia, as stated by the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women. In an unsettling tale that projects the grim shadow of trafficking far beyond borders, both Thailand and Georgia have launched investigations into a human trafficking ring. This criminal network, according to a prominent Thai non-governmental organization, deceitfully harvests human eggs from Thai women, luring them into the South Caucasus country under false pretenses. Georgia’s interior ministry added a disturbing twist on Thursday—it had repatriated three Thai women who were reportedly coerced into acting as surrogate mothers. As legal loopholes abound in Georgia, surrogacy remains a gray area. Companies capitalize…
In the picturesque province of Mae Hong Son, nestled in the northern realms of Thailand, four Israeli men recently found themselves at the heart of a storm that was anything but serene. The tranquility of this otherwise peaceful region was shattered when, on an otherwise unassuming Sunday, an incident unfolded within the walls of Pai Hospital that would send ripples through the local community and far beyond. The mayhem began, not with a whisper, but with a crash, as a motorcycle accident left one Israeli injured, setting the stage for a scene reminiscent of a blockbuster action movie. Daniel Gagaev, Aviv Rom, Emanoel Ashton, and Dan Nisko, aged between 24 and 26, stormed into the emergency room, not with the intention to help, but rather to wreak havoc. Their blatant disregard for peace and order resulted in a violent outburst that left hospital property battered and staff shaken—a scene no…
6th February 2025 – Riyadh, KSA – The illustrious 2025 RLC Global Forum concluded its trailblazing event in Riyadh, leaving an indelible mark of innovation and insightful discussions among global leaders from the retail realm. From industry partners, policymakers, to leading academics, the forum was a melting pot of groundbreaking ideas centered on the future trajectory of retail, focusing on global best practices and region-specific opportunities. The second day was a whirlwind of revelations, emphasizing the revolutionary potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs), and spotlighting the evolving role of shopping malls in Saudi Arabia, particularly amidst the expected surge in supply. An intriguing aspect discussed was the underestimated potential of discount grocery retail, with a staggering 70% of regional consumers expressing a preference for value-focused retail models. A kaleidoscope of topics further enriched the agenda, including the burgeoning trend of omnichannel commerce, the promising horizon of travel retail in Saudi Arabia,…
In a whirlwind of police raids and legal maneuvers, law enforcement in Thailand has dealt a significant blow to the intricate web of online gambling operations, seizing over 100 million baht in assets and apprehending 10 individuals believed to be the masterminds behind the notorious Tiger24 gambling platform. The financial footprint of this sprawling network, astonishingly, exceeded one billion baht, a staggering figure that underscores the vast scale of this illicit enterprise. As dawn broke across the bustling urban landscape of Bangkok, along with the quieter regions of Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, and Sa Kaeo, police swooped in simultaneously, armed with warrants and steely resolve. These meticulously coordinated raids were not just about cracking down on illegal activities but were a focal point in a broader campaign to combat the rising tide of technology-fueled crime that has ensnared countless individuals in its digital allure. Leading the charge was Pol Lt…
Amid the bustling atmosphere of Suvarnabhumi Airport, where passengers eagerly gaze at flight information dashboards, a significant change could be on the horizon. Airport authorities are mulling over the idea of reintroducing smoking rooms within the terminals of Thailand’s key airports. This move, championed by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT), could potentially bring a breath of fresh—or should we say, smoky—air to frequent flyers. AoT President Kirati Kijmanawat voiced the call for change, noting that the request comes on the heels of numerous complaints. Passengers, especially those on marathon connecting flights, find themselves with limited options when it comes to lighting up. With nothing but the hands of the clock spinning, some determined individuals have resorted to puffing away in non-smoking areas like washrooms, willingly absorbing the sting of fines to satisfy their cravings. But it’s not just fines being triggered. The pervasive scent of cigarettes has been setting off…
In the bustling streets of Bangkok, amidst a backdrop of whirlwind politics and scandal, a new chapter unfolds in the life of Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, a Bangkok MP whose past missteps come haunting him again. Known for both his political acumen and notorious controversies, Chaiyamparwaan finds himself once more in the eye of a storm, but this time, the stakes are significantly higher. On the fateful evening of January 9, in the charming yet discreet corridors of Chiang Mai, a Taiwanese tourist reported an alleged harrowing ordeal at the hands of the scandal-ridden politician. She claims that the once promising figure in the now-defunct Move Forward Party had deceitfully led her to a hotel room, taking advantage of her intoxicated state. This explosive allegation sent ripples across the nation, drawing intense scrutiny and immediate action from law enforcement authorities. With the dust barely settled from his previous expulsion from the Move…
This February, cupid’s arrow strikes at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok as they set the stage for romance with enchanting Valentine’s experiences. Whether you’re on a quest for gourmet journeys with a loved one or seeking a fun singles night with potential matches, 2025 promises to be a February to remember! For the Gourmets At Ms.Jigger, Chef Davide Caló has orchestrated a captivating four-course Valentine’s menu that promises to delight. Begin with a tropical and floral-infused sloe gin cocktail before diving into venison tartare or salmon carpaccio. Prepare your taste buds for smoked eggplant tortelli paired with creamy stracciatella and tomato fondue, followed by a choice of snow fish nestled on a bed of saffron potato purée or a hearty Secreto Iberico pork complemented by gorgonzola. The dessert finale? A strawberry tart lovingly embraced by sweet vanilla custard and strawberry jelly. This gourmet delight is available from February 13-15, 2025, for THB…
Imagine a night that begins with the tantalizing play of twilight upon the legendary Chao Phraya River, setting the perfect romantic canvas for a Valentine’s Day to remember, taking place on February 14, 2025. Nestled along this enchanting river, Shangri-La Bangkok extends an irresistible invitation to all lovebirds eager to depart from the ordinary and embark on an extraordinary culinary adventure. Promising elegance and sophistication, this luxury hotel offers a choice between five distinct dining experiences, each more captivating than the last. A journey of flavors awaits, tailor-made for those who wish to savor romance bite by bite. Let’s start with the exquisite Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar. Here, couples are whisked away on a luscious Italian escapade, courtesy of Executive Chef Bruno Ferrari. This special set menu is more than just a meal; it’s a declaration of love, each dish crafted with passion and precision to capture hearts. For…