Posts published in “Thailand”

As the gentle breeze of a Friday afternoon swept through the Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo province, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was deep in conversation with police officials. The topic was as complex as it was urgent: the cross-border situation between Thailand and Cambodia, a tale fraught with intrigue and desperate for resolution. In a bid to curb rampant illegal crossings, Thailand is contemplating the idea of constructing a wall along segments of its border with Cambodia. This is part of a growing multinational effort to dismantle the labyrinthine network of call-scam centers, nestling a cruel niche just beyond Thailand’s boundaries. The sinister operations have cast a vast net, ensnaring victims worldwide, with Thai citizens not immune to their grasp. Taking a leaf out of a grand detective novel, these criminal organizations, helmed largely by shadowy Chinese figures in Cambodia and Myanmar, are finally facing the music. They have orchestrated…

In an alarming incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 33-year-old woman from Chon Buri bravely came forward to report a distressing experience at a well-known massage establishment located in the bustling Bang Kapi district of Bangkok. The establishment, known for its health massages, became the center of controversy following an accusation against one of its male employees. The drama unfolded after the woman, referred to as “A” for the purpose of privacy, shared her harrowing tale with the media from the comfort of her Samet subdistrict home in the Mueang district of Chon Buri. A’s ordeal began when she decided to travel to Bangkok for a business venture involving the setup of a sales booth. Exhausted from her work, she sought solace and relaxation in the form of a massage from a highly-rated health massage parlor. A’s expectations for a rejuvenating experience took an unfortunate turn when…

Picture yourself basking in the glorious sun of Koh Samui, an island that is now buzzing with energy thanks to the tantalizing exposure it received from the latest season of “The White Lotus.” For fans of luxury and opulence, Koh Samui has thrown open its doors wide, inviting the curious and affluent global wanderers eager to experience this newfound slice of paradise. And while the island’s hotel rates have soared an eye-popping 50% since the television series aired just a couple of weeks ago, the allure remains undeniable. Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan, the astute Senior Vice-President of Advisory and Asset Management for Asia at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, shared some enticing insights into this tourism boom. Delving into the figures, the average daily rate (ADR) for luxury hotels in this idyllic island has exceeded a staggering 10,000 baht per night recently. And it’s no surprise! After the filming locales went public,…

Once upon a time, deep in the heart of Narathiwat, there lived a dashing and valiant Sergeant named Worawit Naratna, fondly known as Puen by those who cherished his company. At 36 years of age, Puen had valiantly served as an explosives ordnance disposal officer, a role that most would approach with trepidation. Yet, Puen embraced it as his calling. However, life took an unexpected turn on that fateful May day, the 20th to be precise, when an explosive incident rocked his world in Narathiwat Province, leaving him without the legs he once stood so proudly upon. Forced into a new way of life and seeking solace in the shadows of uncertainty, Puen’s indomitable spirit remained unabated. During his recovery, nestled in the comforting embrace of Lam Pam subdistrict, Mueang district, within the serene Phatthalung province, Puen discovered a newfound passion. The crisis had sparked the entrepreneur within, leading him…

In an intriguing turn of events, the much-debated Entertainment Complex Bill has undergone a noteworthy transformation, swapping its previous contentious clause for a more attainable criterion. No longer is it a prerequisite for Thai citizens to flaunt a hefty 50 million baht in a fixed deposit to step foot inside the envisioned casino-entertainment complex. Instead, a more structurally feasible requirement has taken its place: the submission of income tax returns spanning three past years. This evolution surfaces from the depths of Section 65, a section thoroughly examined by the Council of State, the diligent legal advisory body at the government’s side. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Pichai Chunhavajira bore the news, heralding the council’s exhaustive review and the proposals they’ve tendered to align the bill with clarity and public sentiment. Signature wields power, and with a flourish, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnivirakul has signed the…

In the ever-evolving realm of urban development, the concept of ‘mixed-use’ has become the modern-day gold standard. It’s a solution that maximizes land value while preserving the cultural tapestry of history. These architectural innovations skillfully intertwine hotels, retail spaces, offices, and homes to sculpt self-sustaining microcosms that breathe new life into whole neighborhoods. With the Dusit Central Park in Bangkok on the verge of completion, let’s delve into how iconic landmarks worldwide have brilliantly reimagined historic spaces to fit into today’s world. Battersea Power Station: London’s Industrial Icon Reborn Once the powerhouse of London from 1935 until its shutdown in 1983, the Battersea Power Station, recognized by its four imposing flue-gas stacks, has undergone an extraordinary $16.5 billion transformation. Today, this riverside hallmark is a Grade II Listed Building, reborn as London’s largest mixed-use development undertaking. The project, occupying almost 170,000 square meters across seven phases from 2014 to 2025,…

Picture this: an entire entertainment complex rising majestically in Thailand, a beacon of fun and luxury inviting guests from far and wide. Yet, like a lively party with an exclusive guest list, entry comes with a rather hefty stipulation. If you’re Thai and dreaming about dazzling lights and high-stakes games, you might need more than just your enthusiasm to get past the velvet rope. According to a whisper from the corridors of government, before any Thai national can experience the splendor of this futuristic casino complex, they must first assure their financial weight in gold—or baht, to be precise. How much gold, you ask? At least 50 million baht neatly tucked away in a fixed deposit account for a grand total of six months. This regulation, nestled within Section 65 of the newly-minted Entertainment Complex Bill, presents a rather formidable entry barrier. Just imagine the silent drums these propositions have…

Welcome to the latest thrill-packed edition of Southeast Asia’s news updates! Blending intrigue and gravity, Alex and Jay navigate us through the bustling lanes of Thailand and beyond, delivering a palette of updates steeped in drama and discovery. Buckle up, because the ride through this enchanting region promises a whirlwind of stories that captivate the senses and send quivers of excitement running through our curiosity-stricken veins. Pattaya has once again piqued our interest with a tale right out of a crime thriller. Daniel, a 22-year-old adventurer from Denmark, has had a rather unfortunate brush with the darker side of the city. On the memorable day of February 28, along the lively Chalerm Phrakiet Road, Daniel found himself embroiled in a frightening stabbing incident. Despite siphoning his own blood in what should have been a scene from a movie, this intrepid soul refused medical attention. Ignoring his gaping arm and head…