In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, an intriguing financial drama is transpiring as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) races against the clock to settle outstanding debts with the city’s iconic Green Line Skytrain operator, Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC). The urgency is palpable following an incisive report from an ever-watchful city council committee that has thrown this fiscal conundrum into sharp relief. A meticulous committee study delved into the city’s mass transit mechanisms, emerging with a pointed conclusion: City Hall must accelerate its debt repayments, especially given a firm nudge from a ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court and an eye-watering daily accrual of interest. Standing at the forefront of this brewing storm, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has taken these findings seriously, pledging a strategic review and consultation with two or three trusted legal eagles—arguably the modern-day equivalent of a knight’s council. With one part of this debt puzzle still…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Welcome to the bustling heart of Bangkok, where culinary art meets relaxation at Blue by Alain Ducasse — the city’s newest gem for all-day dining. Located at the iconic ICONSIAM, this space has made waves on the gastronomy scene with a refreshing approach that combines the world-renowned elegance of Michelin-starred dining with a laid-back vibe perfect for any time of the day. Amidst a panoramic 120 sqm of contemporary design, this new chic venue brings a touch of casual refinement to Bangkok’s dining culture. At this new extension, the menu is thoughtfully crafted to be approachable yet sophisticated, making every meal an unforgettable experience. With an à la carte menu that spans the globe in flavors, the offerings range from delightful breakfasts and fulfilling lunches to exquisite dinners. Each dish — from savory classics and indulgent desserts to vibrant afternoon teas, inventive cocktails, and seasonal mocktails — reflects the exceptional…
As the cruise leisurely drifted across the gentle night breeze, the enchanting lights twinkled vibrantly along Hong Kong’s iconic Harbourfront. On deck, under a starlit sky, guests swayed to uplifting rhythms while raising glasses of champagne to commemorate the grand opening of Art Basel Hong Kong (ABHK)—the preeminent art fair across Asia. The week unfurled itself in a whirlwind of captivating openings, lively parties, invigorating performances, and record-shattering sales. Hong Kong, recognized for its storied tradition of free trade, has always been a beacon for art dealers and collectors from around the globe. Yet, the picturesque landscape is evolving rapidly. Voices from the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association (HKAGA) echoed concerns over soaring shipping costs, with the ghost of escalating tariffs haunting the art world. The lingering shadows of Trump’s trade war still ripple through the scene, influencing everything from raw materials to logistical intricacies. In spite of the storm…
In a world where international trade relations are as delicate as a soufflé and fluctuating like the stock market, New Zealand and Thailand have decided to shake hands across the Pacific yet again, aiming to fortify and embellish their trade bonds. Enter Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand and her avid conversational partner, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who took a virtual stage this past Friday. As recounted by the vocal chords of Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, this digital diplomacy session was all about collaboratively navigating the choppy seas of global trade challenges. For anyone wondering, these are primarily spurred by a little thing called US tariff policies. Ms. Paetongtarn, ever the resilient leader, assured that Thailand is keeping a hawk’s eye on the situation, eagerly poised to chat up the folks in Washington about ironing out these trade wrinkles. Christopher Luxon, the math-savvy counterpart from the serene pastures…
If there’s one thing that can stir both awe and a hint of panic, it’s the sight of nature throwing a bit of a tantrum over the tranquil waters of Chalong Bay in Phuket. Just this past Friday, this picturesque locale known for its sun, sea, and serene scenery suddenly played host to an impromptu show starring a waterspout — the ocean’s very own version of a mini tornado. The dramatic spectacle unfolded just shy of a bustling yacht marina, catching both seafaring souls and land-loving onlookers by surprise. A foreign tourist, perfectly positioned to capture this swirling sensation, didn’t hesitate to document what could best be described as Mother Nature’s virtuoso performance at 11 am sharp. The video, now making waves across social media, shows the swirling column of water pirouetting gracefully from the sea to the sky, sending a ripple of shock and awe through the crowd. Despite…
In a dramatic turn of events off the idyllic shores of Koh Kut, a tourist boat erupted into flames, transforming a serene coral diving trip into a nail-biting escape. The picturesque eastern province of Trat found itself amid chaos when at least two individuals sustained injuries following the boat’s impromptu combustion this past Friday. The boat, known as the Aor Subpiti, became the center of unwanted attention when its engine turned into a fiery monster at approximately 11:40 AM. The vessel, carrying a family of four and two crew members, was cruising back from a delightful day of coral exploration when fate decided to toss them a blazing curveball. Alerted by the dramatic turn of events, provincial authorities wasted no time rushing to provide necessary aid. The fire proved to be a formidable foe, as the crew battled bravely to lead everyone safely back to the shore. Despite their valiant…
Bangkok, April 2025: Step right into the pages of an exhilarating cultural festivity as Bangkok gears up for the much-anticipated Songkran festival of 2025. With the charismatic Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, leading the charge at the Rattanakosin Room of Bangkok City Hall, an electrifying press conference unfolded, rolling out a grand invitation to residents and visitors alike to dive into the city’s delightfully wet and wonderful celebrations. This year’s festivity, boasting a whopping 196 venues splashed across Bangkok, isn’t just a good old water fight—it’s a thoughtfully crafted celebration, categorized into low- and high-splash zones where safety and merriment walk hand in hand. Festival-goers can revel in the festivities knowing that their fun comes with a side of responsibility, thanks to the five cornerstone safety measures designed explicitly for the cheerful chaos of Songkran: no oversized water guns, no alcohol, no nudity or risqué attire, no powder smearing,…
Get ready to make a splash this April as King Power Group, Thailand’s premier travel retail giant, rolls out the RANGNAM SONGKRAN FESTIVAL “EPIC FUN”. From April 10th to 15th, 2025, King Power Rangnam will transform into a lively oasis of culture and entertainment, offering visitors an unforgettable BEACH! experience. Merging the best of Thai customs with top-notch entertainment, this six-day festival will be a whirlwind of music, delicious food, dynamic games, enticing shopping deals, and celebrations that promise never-ending excitement. The festival?s grand opening was a vibrant spectacle, led by none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Alongside a dazzling parade, top celebrities like Jeff Satur, Ling Ling Sirilak Kwong, Aom Kornnapat Sethratanapong, and Aim Sanphet Kunakorn graced the occasion, setting the festive tone with a theme that encourages attendees to “Splash, Dance, Play, Eat, Shop” in a carnival of pure fun. Mr. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, the innovative CEO of…
In a somber turn of events, confirmation has arrived that the number of lives tragically lost has increased from 17 to 21. The heartbreaking discovery came as search teams uncovered four additional bodies in the enigmatic Zone C. Sharing insights into the operation’s progress, she highlighted the substantial strides made by the search teams in Zone A. Unlike other areas, access to this site has been relatively more achievable, fueling hopes for more discoveries. The grand strategy now involves deploying an excavator in the ambitious Zone D. The mission? To carve out a pivotal base at Point D2—strategically positioned near the building’s upper echelons. In this high-stakes operation, the crew employs the intricate art of breaking concrete and slicing through rebar. The ultimate aim is to peel away approximately five meters of persistent debris from the surface. Remarkably, the most recent discoveries have been predominantly located in Zones B and…
In a fervent update, Chadchart offered a glimpse into the tenacious ongoing debris removal operation mounted after the State Audit Office building met its unfortunate demise. With a steadfast resolve, he noted that the operation dredges on with the surging determination to strip down Zone E—the upper echelons of this once-proud structure—as efficiently as possible. The colossal dance of heavy machinery is a sight to behold, each contraption buzzing with purpose while tirelessly chomping through vast mounds of debris. To put it in perspective, they’ve already spirited away an impressive 26,000 cubic meters of wreckage. This Herculean effort is backed by a loyal fleet of 21 trucks that shuttle tirelessly back and forth like busy bees in a meadow. If the stars align, by the close of April, the upper zone of the building will stand as clear as a summer sky. Chadchart embodies a beacon of hope amid this…