The wheels are turning, and the buzz is in the air as the government’s legal advisory body, the Council of State, wraps up its scrutiny of the much-anticipated Entertainment Complex Bill. With an online public hearing slated until March 1, the stage is set for everyone to voice their opinions and concerns before this groundbreaking proposal takes its next big step—heading to the parliament. “We’ve had our pens busy, tweaking and adjusting the bill,” shared Atavit Suwanpakdee, the sage chairman of the Minister of Industry’s advisory board. He noted that while the council has polished some sections, curiosity remains about how many entertainment locations will dot the landscape and where exactly they will thrive. A notable update: casinos will take up no more than 10% of these venues. Time to put on your thinking caps, planners! Atavit revealed he’s on board with the idea of all-inclusive entertainment complexes, but clarity…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a giant living among us, a majestic creature stomping right into the pages of the Guinness World Records. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, meet Thailand’s own King Kong, a water buffalo who has taken the world by storm with its towering grandeur. In the serene landscapes of Nakhon Ratchasima, where the grass is evergreen and the sun kisses the horizon, strides King Kong, now heralded as the planet’s tallest buffalo. Standing at an awe-inspiring 185 centimeters (6 feet 0.8 inches) from hoof to shoulder, this nearly mythical figure stands head and shoulders above his kin by a staggering 50 centimeters. Despite his Herculean stature, King Kong carries himself with the gentleness of a seasoned statesman. Picture this: a giant enjoying life’s simple pleasures with serene abandonment—frolicking in refreshing ponds, nibbling on bananas, and winning hearts left and right with his affable personality. Clearly, King Kong is more than just a…
In the sun-kissed yet sometimes mystifying province of Krabi, an unsettling story has emerged involving a Turkish national who seems to have slipped through the fingers of justice—not once, but twice. This tale of misadventure kicks off with a Thai scuba diving trainer, who, puzzled and frustrated, turned to Channel 7 for help after her complaints went seemingly unheard by the authorities at Ao Nang Police Station. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, dive with me into the murky depths of this peculiar narrative. Picture this: it’s a serene day in Krabi on February 12 when a 33-year-old Turkish man, who shall remain nameless for now, decides to shake things up a bit. Our protagonist—if you can call him that—was caught red-handed by the lenses of modern technology. A video shows him picking up a rock, crossing a seemingly innocuous road, and launching it at the parked car…
In the scenic backdrop of a bustling metropolis, a constellation of dignitaries gathered yesterday for an illuminating forum titled “Wellness for Ramadan: The Science of Wellness and Ramadan, the Balance of Faith and Health,” curated by none other than Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS). Present were some of the leading minds from various domains of wellness and diplomacy, including BDMS President Dr. Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, Saudi Arabian Ambassador Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alsuhaibani, Vice President of the Central Islamic Council Prasan Sricharoen, and House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, not forgetting the venerated roles of Sheikhul Islam Arun Boonchum and Indonesian Ambassador Rachmat Budiman. Of course, at the helm was the BDMS Wellness Clinic CEO, Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun. The allure of Ramadan, with its intricate dance of mind training and body temperance, is more than just a spiritual exercise; it is an opportunity to coax the body into a harmonious state of health.…
As the curtains rise on a new chapter of diplomacy, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone embarks on a momentous journey to Thailand this Thursday, signaling a bold stride to fortify the bonds between these two neighboring nations. With anticipation high, this official visit, glowing under the spotlight of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, unfurls as a tapestry of collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth. Prime Minister Sonexay’s acceptance of an invitation from his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marks a significant milestone in his tenure. Both nations find themselves at a unique juncture where shared aspirations and challenges converge, making this visit a crucible for crafting a future of strengthened bilateral relations. It’s more than a mere ceremonial tour; it’s an expression of unity aimed at fostering ground-breaking initiatives in trade, connectivity, and heartening interaction among their peoples. At the crux of their dialogue will be pivotal discussions on tackling familiar…
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is buzzing with confidence as Thai durians continue to captivate the taste buds of China. Following a meticulous tightening of food safety and contamination screening processes, Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat is optimistic that these aromatic fruits will maintain their cherished status. Her recent rendezvous with Sun Meijun, the illustrious Minister of The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), set the stage for crunchy discussions on the future of Thai fruit imports. Thailand, the reigning champion of fruit exporters to China, proudly holds the crown with Thai durians capturing a mighty 57% slice of the market. According to Minister Narumon, this aroma-laden wonder contributes between 130 to 140 billion baht annually, with forecasts predicting even bolder figures in 2025. Amid whispers and murmurs about possible contamination with Basic Yellow 2 (BY2), a sneaky carcinogenic food coloring, in Thai durians headed for China, Minister Narumon has…
In what has become a heated exchange over how taxpayer money is being handled, the People’s Party (PP), a formidable opposition force, has levied serious allegations against the Social Security Office (SSO) regarding lavish expenditures. At the core of their claims lies a question of accountability and the necessity for the SSO’s outsized spending on overseas trips, training initiatives, and flashy public relations campaigns. Ratchanok Srinok, a notable Bangkok Member of Parliament, donned her detective hat and went public with her discoveries following a spirited “Hack the SSO Budget” forum held this past Saturday. In her pointed social media statement, she outlined six major points of contention, shedding light on the ballooning budgets the SSO has been wielding over the last few years. The financial trajectory she presented shows a steep ascent: from a relatively modest sum of 4 billion baht in 2020, soaring to a hefty 6.61 billion baht…
Rama II Road, renowned as Highway 35, is set to outshine its previous self with a construction renaissance that promises commuters a swifter, seamless journey. In a dynamic move, the Transport Ministry is making waves with its pledge to wrap up these pivotal projects before we bid adieu to this year. Under the meticulous eye of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), the first major undertaking—the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road expressway—has impressively reached the 87% completion mark. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, with an air of optimism, declared on Monday that we’re on track to see the finishing touches applied by November. As the hammers and drills hum along ahead of schedule, there’s an extra dash of urgency in the air. The Transport Ministry, like a maestro conducting a symphony, is orchestrating the construction crescendo to ensure an on-time finale by year’s end. But hold onto your hard hats,…
In a heartwarming and bustling visit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself amidst the serene waters of Thale Noi in the Khuan Khanun district of Phatthalung. There, with a cheerful sparkle in her eyes, she couldn’t resist the chance to engage with the local wildlife, feeding a buffalo as if greeting an old friend. This delightful escapade was part of her mission to assess the water management schemes destined for the iconic Songkhla Lake—a visit under the watchful eye of many smiling locals. The journey wasn’t just about buffaloes and water, though. Prime Minister Shinawatra voiced the government’s unwavering commitment: to unlock the bountiful potential of Thailand’s South. With grand ambitions laid out, she rallied support from a comprehensive cabinet assembly set to convene in Songkhla. Reports rolling out of Government House, courtesy of spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, unveiled an impressive financial strategy to bolster the Southern provinces straddling both the…
In the latest bout of political drama to transpire in Thailand’s coalition government, the focus has turned towards a picturesque golf course in the lush landscapes of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district. The setting is serene, yet beneath its green veneer, a storm is brewing over allegations of public land encroachment. At the heart of this controversy is a high-profile figure, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose affiliation with the disputed land has raised eyebrows and questions. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister, stood firm in his recent declaration that the government must launch an investigation into these claims, a stance that he asserts will not fracture the ties within this fragile political alliance. He emphasized the separation of governance from judicial proceedings, underscoring the necessity of pursuing the probe without causing cracks in coalition solidarity, especially amid looming no-confidence debates. In the statement, Mr. Phumtham expressed that, “Governance must be…