It was a jubilant scene last month as marriage equality activists catapulted bridal fashion into a realm of celebration, marking the monumental passage of the Marriage Equality Bill. Tulle and lace may have taken center stage at that glorious event, but come next Monday, an entirely different kind of spotlight will shine on the United Nations Convention Centre in Bangkok. That’s because the Interior Ministry is hosting a launch event to proudly declare Thailand’s readiness to roll out the Marriage Equality Act on January 23—pioneering legislation in this beautiful Southeast Asian kingdom. With the grandeur befitting such a transformative occasion, 400 esteemed guests will gather, including officials from the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA), UN representatives, members from various embassies, the media, and many others who have championed the cause for equality. The master of ceremony, Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who holds the dual role of deputy prime minister, will take…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture a bustling airport where the flow of passengers is as seamless as clockwork—where your journey begins with a swipe of your ID and ends with you basking in the sunshine of a new destination in record time. This is not just a pipedream, but the vision unfolding at the six major international airports operated by the Airports of Thailand (AoT). Prepare for a journey through the world of cutting-edge technology as AoT director Kerati Kijmanawat takes us on a tour of the new era of airport efficiency. The heart of this transformation lies in the implementation of advanced biometric identification systems. As Mr. Kerati elaborates, these systems are already up and running at the Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai airports. Yet, like any new technology dipping its toes into the vast ocean of possibilities, there are a few ripples to…
As the calendar flips through the final pages of the year and the jubilant spirit of the festivities swirls around us, there’s truly no better way to unwind than by sinking into a haven of tranquility and indulgence. This holiday season, allow yourself and your cherished ones the exquisite gift of calm at Chi, The Spa, situated within the opulent Shangri-La Bangkok. In a gesture of seasonal generosity, Chi, The Spa is offering an invigorating 90-minute treatment that promises to leave you invigorated and luminous just in time to dazzle at the holiday parties. This soothing journey begins with an exquisite 60-minute Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage. Delight in the tranquility as fragrant oils weave through your senses, gently melting away stress and inviting profound relaxation. After being transported into this realm of calm, your experience continues with a 30-minute facial specializing in dual-action hydration. This treatment is designed to impart a…
As the vibrant festivities of the Year of the Snake approach, there’s no better way to celebrate than with an opulent feast that promises both abundance and conviviality. Welcome to Shangri-La Bangkok’s Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant, where culinary magic awaits you. This Chinese New Year, immerse yourself in the rich tradition of ‘Poon Choi,’ an extravagant one-pot dish that symbolizes the spirit of festive opulence and togetherness. Imagine a pot filled to the brim with a medley of top-tier ingredients, each contributing to a harmonious dance of flavors and textures. Crafted with meticulous care, this culinary masterpiece features Braised Abalone, Fish Maw, Sea Cucumber, Dried Oyster, and succulent Roasted Duck, amongst other delicacies. It’s a gastronomic symphony that transforms any meal into an occasion for celebration. Historically reserved for grand celebrations, ‘Poon Choi’ is more than just a dish; it’s an experience, an invitation to gather with family and friends…
In the charming province of Chumphon, a provincial administrative organisation officer finds himself in a spotlight he’d rather dodge. The drama unfolded when this officer turned a black Nissan Terra SUV—meant for government duties—into his personal chariot. As fate would have it, this play with privilege ended with the SUV embraced in a rather awkward, yet emphatic, tree hug. The scene unraveled in Mueang district, Chumphon, following a jubilant birthday bash in honor of a local politician. The officer decided to skip the dance and instead do the tango with the road. Yet his dance partner, the SUV, didn’t quite keep up, leading to a collision with a steadfast tree in the Saphli subdistrict of Pathio district. The front of the SUV crumpled like a bad poker hand, and the right tires went out with a pop! Miraculously, the daring driver managed to escape with minor injuries, but this incident…
In the serene suburban landscape of Saraburi’s Kaeng Khoi, a somber cloud has descended, shrouding the neighborhood in disbelief. On the gentle afternoon of January 8, a quaint wooden house turned into the site of a harrowing incident that defies the heartwarming bond often shared between humans and their furry companions. This heartbreaking tale unveils a tragic turn of events that concluded with the untimely demise of 84-year-old Khanthi, a gentle soul cherished by those who knew him. Nestled discreetly along the modern hustle and bustle lay Khanthi’s abode, a cozy wooden structure that had withstood the test of time. It was here that the chilling discovery was made. Beneath the comforting eaves of the house, amidst a scattered array of belongings, rescue volunteers stumbled upon a sight that froze time momentarily: Khanthi lay lifeless near the modest bathroom, his body marked by grievous bite wounds that whispered the story…
In a story that has gripped the heart of Sisaket province, a 64-year-old man named Prasert Chaleekul uncovered a harrowing scene while on a routine mission of field rat hunting in the serene rice paddies of Wang Hin district. What he found was not some pesky rodent, but the tiny, lifeless body of an infant silently buried beneath the earth. This chilling discovery dates back to January 8, when the baby’s body was unearthed, tossed into a towel and left with nothing but a white rabbit toy as silent testimony to her short-lived existence. The investigation into this heart-wrenching case has fallen into the diligent hands of Police Captain Thasnan In-ngam, flanked by Deputy Police Superintendent Phanyos Thuanphongthiam and Police Sub-Inspector Rakphong Phiengkaew. These officers, along with forensic experts and a doctor from Wang Hin Hospital, rushed to the tragic scene as they pieced together the puzzle of what happened…
The whimsical, captivating world of ice and snow came alive once again at the 17th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest, held amid the crackling cold of Harbin, China. This year’s champions were teams from Thailand’s Saowabha Vocational College and Saraburi Vocational College, who twinned in triumph at the event held from January 4th to 7th. Notably organized by Harbin Engineering University, the contest is a glittering jewel in the crown of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. In a spectacle that saw 55 teams from eight countries chisel their dreams into frosty reality, Thailand shone brilliantly. Teams from China, Italy, Germany, Russia, Malaysia, Portugal, and Belarus brought their A-game, but it was the Thai teams’ artistry that enchanted the judges. The Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) proudly sent three teams, with Thailand’s creative genius on full display. The Fine Art Department of Saowabha Vocational College captivated everyone…
In the heart of Surin, a tale more tumultuous than any soap opera unfolded at the bustling Sunday market. A Thai woman, who once juggled two husbands, decided to rewrite her life story by dating a foreign gentleman. This decision, however, transformed the otherwise lively market atmosphere into a scene straight out of a Hollywood dramedy. The opening act of this unexpected theatrical performance began with the usual shopping hustle and bustle. The Thai witness, an unsuspecting bystander, narrated her close brush with danger on Facebook, posting a video that quickly went viral. Within the frame, the woman at the eye of the storm sported a dark blue hoodie and jeans, while her foreign beau looked casually unfazed in a brown jacket. But her two Thai husbands, decked in a blue-and-white striped tee and a grey jacket respectively, were there for more than just a friendly chat. The argument escalated…
In a delightful twist of fate, the once-chaotic expanse of Kata Noi Beach has undergone a near-miraculous transformation, winning applause and sighs of relief from local beach lovers and visitors. Where once a sprawling battleground of vendor-anointed sunbeds stifled the shoreline, the beach now rejoices in renewed tranquility. Beach aficionados can hardly contain their excitement over having their beloved sandy paradise back, now free to cater whimsically to snorkelers and sun worshippers alike. Local townsfolk are reveling in the sand-grab saga’s conclusion, as a morning snorkeler ecstaticly mentions, “I just got back from a dawn dive off Kata Noi, and it indeed seems the sand scuffle has been sorted! At last, there are numerous zones entirely free of beach chairs. They’ve thoughtfully moved the chairs a good distance away from the high-water mark, generously leaving ample room for sunbathers with just their towels in front. It’s clear paths and structure…