In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the swirl of everyday hustle, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin cast a spotlight on an audacious financial maneuver set to redefine the digital landscape of Thailand. Against the backdrop of the pulsating Highway Traffic Operation Center in Ratchathewi district, he unfurled the blueprint of a 500-billion-baht digital wallet extravaganza, capturing the imagination of the nation. But before this digital dream could take flight, a pivotal legality check loomed large. The government, with a blend of prudence and ambition, decided to consult the Council of State, ensuring every step towards the colossal 172.3 billion baht loan from the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperative was anchored in the bedrock of law. This financial infusion was crucial, poised to energize the ground-breaking digital wallet handout scheme, aiming to saturate the Thai economy with a surge of liquidity. Whispers of a ‘super app’ began to circulate, promising…
Posts published in “Thailand”
It felt like a scene straight out of a high-stakes drama when Miss Earth Thailand 2019, Teeyapar Sretsirisuvarna, experienced an unexpected turn of events at Incheon International Airport. Picture this: a beauty queen, a hefty sum of cash, and an unforeseen tax debacle—a perfect recipe for a gripping tale. Teeyapar’s adventure began with a mission rooted in beauty itself. She voyaged to South Korea, a country famed for its cutting-edge plastic surgery. With a considerable amount of cash in tow to finance her planned procedure, Teeyapar’s plans took a sharp left turn when she opted out of the surgery. The decision led her to attempt to bring the full sum of money back to Thailand. Little did she know, this decision would plunge her into an unexpected confrontation. Upon her attempt to leave South Korea, she found herself face-to-face with three immigration officers. The crux of their concern? A hefty…
Under the shadow of dawn, with the air thick with tension and uncertainty, groups of individuals, carrying the weight of fear and hope in their hearts, found themselves at a crossroads. This wasn’t just any daybreak; it was a moment charged with the urgency of fleeing potential air strikes, a harsh reality for the people of Myanmar, seeking refuge at the Mae Sot border crossing. This compelling tale unfolds in the wake of the strategically significant town of Myawaddy’s fall to the resolute anti-junta forces, signaling a crucial turn in the tides of resistance against the ruling junta. The picturesque town of Myawaddy, lying tantalizingly close to Thailand, had always been more than just a point on the map. Its capture signifies a blow to the junta’s coffers, heavily reliant on the lucrative border trade, while simultaneously bolstering the spirits and arsenals of rebel forces, notably the Karen National Union…
On a fine Friday morning, the scene at the bustling local market was not just a symphony of vibrant hues and the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked delicacies, but it also played host to a rather unexpected guest. The Prime Minister himself, blending in more like an everyday citizen than the nation’s leader, was spotted partaking in a simple yet profound tradition – offering alms to monks. Amidst the flurry of activity, he paused to exchange words with fellow residents, a gesture that bridged the gap between governance and community. The warmth of the morning sun wasn’t the only thing that beckoned a smile; the PM’s visit to his favourite vendors further anchored his roots in tradition and local love. The choice of breakfast? Sticky rice paired with grilled pork and the tangy sweetness of mango. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a testament to his grounded preferences and…
Imagine a vibrant journey across borders, where culture and celebration intertwine, leading to the heart of Thailand’s jubilant New Year – the Songkran festival. This isn’t just any travel tale; this is the story of the My Sawasdee special train, a vehicle of joy that charts its course from the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, right into the festive arms of Hat Yai district, Songkhla. Picture this: it’s early morning, and the air buzzes with anticipation. At precisely 9am, the train pulls into Hat Yai station, its cargo? A lively group of over 400 revelers, all set to dive into the festivities of Thai New Year, all the way from Kuala Lumpur. But let’s rewind a bit, shall we? Our merry band of travelers began their adventure at 10.30pm on a Thursday, leaving behind the twinkling lights of Kuala Lumpur for an 11-hour nocturnal voyage. Their destination? The heart…
Imagine a land where the sun embraces the city with its warmest smile, a place vibrantly alive with colors and laughter. This is Bangkok during Songkran – Thailand’s most flamboyant festival, where tradition meets delightful chaos. Picture this: Women, armed with water pistols, stand ready at the frontline of fun, their eyes sparkling with mischief as they await the next passerby to drench. This isn’t just any ordinary weekend in Thailand. As the country wraps itself in the festive spirit of Songkran, signaling the Thai New Year, there’s an electric buzz in the air. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, and yet, amidst the joyous pandemonium, there lies a sweltering challenge. Surajit Jit-areerat, a dedicated duty official at the Meteorological Department, paints the weekend forecast with strokes of sizzling temperatures. Following a brief interlude of refreshing summer storms, the sun is set to reclaim its throne, casting a veil of…
Gather round, travel aficionados, and culture enthusiasts! There’s a buzz in the air and it’s all about the grand assembly that’s slated to unfold in the vibrant city of New Delhi, India come July. Picture it: the UNESCO committee, a gathering of culture connoisseurs and heritage heralds from around the globe, are setting the stage to sift through this year’s crème de la crème of candidates vying for the coveted title of a cultural world heritage site. The air is electric with anticipation and the stakes? Monumentally historic. In the quest for this prestigious designation, there’s a pathway that every aspirant must tread – a journey that begins with a nod of approval from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Nestled in the heart of the City of Lights, Paris, France, this centre is the guardian of cultural legacies, a beacon guiding the aspirants onto the UNESCO’s tentative list of candidates…
Imagine a world where the majestic waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans are effortlessly bridged, not through the congested veins of the Malacca Straits, but via a visionary mega project that promises to reshape the very fabric of regional trade. This isn’t the premise of a futuristic novel, but the heart of Thailand’s ambitious endeavor to construct deep-sea ports in the serene provinces of Chumphon and Ranong, linked by nothing less than a land bridge designed to revolutionize transport routes and, by extension, global logistics. With an eye-watering budget of 1 trillion baht, this isn’t just any project; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and the desire to reach beyond the horizons to connect oceans and continents in ways previously imagined only by the boldest of dreamers. The ports in Chumphon and Ranong are set to become more than mere points on a map—they are destined to be the…
Imagine a world where currencies engage in a high-octane race, zipping around the global financial racetrack, and among them, the Thai baht is currently facing a particularly steep hill. The baht, with its eyes set on the prize, is bracing itself for an uphill battle, potentially reaching a challenging peak of 37 baht per dollar in the upcoming week. This forecasted ascent is fueled by the unexpected twist and turns of economic data from the United States, paired with the US Federal Reserve’s cliffhanger decision to hold back on interest rate cuts. Picture the baht on the starting line, opening at 36.76 baht against the robust greenback just yesterday, and experiencing a twist of fate with a significant drift from its previous day’s closing rate of 36.38 baht. Enter Poon Panichpibool, a global market strategist at Krungthai Bank (KTB) and the commentator of our race, who observes the dollar flexing…
Welcome to a tale that has stirred the tranquil waters of Phuket, where sun-kissed beaches meet tales of intrigue and endurance. It’s a narrative that involves high-ranking officials, international residents, and the unwavering spirit of a local doctor. Our story brings into the spotlight none other than Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a man who decided to make a stand against the darker undertones of influence and power, shining a light on an alleged assault case that has captured the attention of many. In a move that underscores the gravity with which Thailand takes the rule of law, Minister Anutin took to social media to disclose a private conversation, a beacon of his commitment to justice. Addressing Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat through a Line chat message, he conveyed a message loud and clear – no lobbying shall pass through the gates of justice in the case involving Dr. Thandao Chandam, a…