In an exciting bid for global acknowledgement, Thailand takes a significant step towards earning UNESCO World Heritage status for its cherished Wat Arun temple. Recently, the Cabinet sanctioned its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, a decision that not only highlights the temple’s striking architectural legacy but also underscores its cultural significance during the Rattanakosin Kingdom era. During a pivotal meeting, Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol unveiled the proposal, stating that the Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam – often honored as the ‘Identity of the Rattanakosin Kingdom’ – would be formally submitted. This nomination underscores the temple’s exquisite Phra Prang architecture, a staple of the Rattanakosin era and a rare emblem of this structural style in Southeast Asia. “The Phra Prang of Wat Arun stands tall as a testament to Thailand’s opulent cultural heritage and architectural magnificence,” stated Minister Wangsuphakijkosol. “Securing its place on the World Heritage Tentative…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture yourself in a picturesque high-rise overlooking the bustling city of Pattaya, Thailand. An evening that began with a casual hangout amid the glow of the city lights spiraled into an unimaginable nightmare. In the early hours of April 8th, in the heart of this vibrant city, a series of unfortunate events played out that would forever alter the lives of those involved. Michael, a British gentleman, a traveler perhaps seeking the allure of Thailand’s infamous nightlife and warm beaches, now battles for survival. Found unconscious and gravely wounded, this is not the vacation anyone envisions when booking a flight for sun and adventure. A bullet wound in the forehead told a harrowing tale of a night gone awry at a condominium on Soi Chaiyaphruek 1, this was no ordinary night out. Michael had plunged into an evening infused with a dangerous concoction of substances—a potent mix of cannabis entwined…
Speeding towards tragedy, a foreigner driving a black Ford Everest SUV lost control on a treacherous curve on Wang Tapin–Saphan Si Road, Rayong, leading to a tragic collision with a six-wheel truck and a motorcycle. This unsettling mishap unfolded precisely at 11:20 a.m. on April 8, deeply shaking the Pluak Daeng district. The fiery nature of the accident cruelly ended the life of a 56-year-old foreign man, trapped within the mangled remains of his overturned vehicle, while luck eluded the two Thai motorcyclists who endured severe injuries. Rescuers arrived swiftly, their tools clanking as they meticulously worked to extract the foreign driver’s body from the rubble of twisted metal. Meanwhile, a six-wheel truck, mangled but still upright, bore witness to the catastrophic impact on its right side, its front wheel now crooked and scarred. A motorbike lay nearby, its form disfigured after the SUV veered into it post-collision, its riders—a…
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory that’s bringing eyes to the skies and causing umbrellas to pop open across the country. Today promises to be anything but dry, as a deluge of storms is expected to rain down on 49 provinces, sparking nature’s symphony complete with thunderous applause and gusty breezes, Bangkok included. This anticipated spectacle isn’t just a watery showstopper but might feature cameo appearances by hailing hailstones! Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep a lookout; after all, who wants to be bonked on the head by a piece of frozen cloud? The atmospheric brouhaha is all thanks to a low-pressure system that’s hanging out over upper Thailand, some might even call it a case of ‘hot-headed’ weather. With temperatures hopping from hot to very hot, there’s a unique meteorological cocktail brewing. Winds from the southwest and southeast are colluding to bring thunderstorms and those…
In what has become a lively debate on the gambling landscape in Thailand, former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has minced no words in expressing his staunch opposition to a proposed bill that aims to introduce integrated entertainment complexes, complete with casinos, to the country. With a flavor of both caution and conviction, Abhisit voiced his concerns in a conversation with the Bangkok Post ahead of the draft bill’s much-anticipated Parliament reading—a reading that has since been postponed, adding an extra dose of suspense to the proceedings. Highlighted as a potential Pandora’s box, Abhisit warned of a likely surge in gambling addiction and associated societal woes, such as debt escalation and crime waves, should this bill pass. He argued that sanctioning gambling, whether in swanky hotel casinos or virtually in digital dens, sends an unsettling message to the Thai populace—a message that financial recklessness is somehow condoned, possibly even glamorized. Abhisit…
dwp | design worldwide partnership is a name synonymous with architectural brilliance, and they have once again proven their prowess. Tasked with crafting the headquarters for Siam Music Yamaha in Thailand, dwp has infused the project with a lively spirit of creativity and collaboration. Nestled within the illustrious Siam Patumwan House in the heart of Bangkok, this project is nothing short of a masterpiece. Ms. Sarinrath Kamolratanapiboon, an Executive Director at dwp, excitedly shared details of the ambitious venture. “The project unfolds across three expansive floors and houses the Siam Music Yamaha flagship store, the renowned Yamaha Music School, and the Siam Music Yamaha Headquarters,” she explained. This entire concept thrives on the inspiring theme of “Wave Length: Follow Your Own Rhythm,” aiming to curate an engaging, interactive workspace for both employees and visitors. The essence of the design revolves around a meticulous attention to detail, where each material has…
In an extraordinary drive to reshape the automotive industry, Thailand is steering full speed ahead towards becoming an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing powerhouse. The government has its foot on the accelerator, introducing bold policies designed to invigorate demand and, in turn, foster the adoption of EVs among its people. At the heart of this initiative is Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, who’s championing the creation of a robust domestic supply chain – because, after all, if you build it, they will come. Making a significant pivot from the internal combustion engine (ICE) era, Thailand’s government has rolled out the red carpet for EV production with its ambitious EV3.0 and EV3.5 schemes. These policies aren’t just tying a neat bow on regulatory reforms; they’re showering the industry with delightful incentives like a well-planned gift basket. Tax reductions abound, slashing excise tax on EVs from a hefty 8% to a minimalist 2%,…
Picture this: it’s the vibrant Songkran holiday season, a time for celebration and clinking water guns. Yet, amidst the lively chaos, traffic jams seem to mimic a sluggish river of metal and exhaust fumes. But fear not, weary travelers! For over the horizon, a beacon of hope in the form of a four-lane highway is set to unfurl across eastern Thailand, promising to untangle the perennial traffic woes once and for all. This vast undertaking is not just a pipedream. Highways 3486 and 348 are poised for a major metamorphosis. Imagine a slick, smooth 48-kilometer ribbon of road cutting through the landscape. It’s not just about cars zipping by at lightning speed—the real magic lies in its design, crafted thoughtfully to ensure our furry and feathered friends aren’t mere speed bumps. Enter the Department of Highways (DOH), the unsung hero gearing up to orchestrate this grand highway renaissance. With much…
In a startling incident from the Isaan province of Udon Thani, the mental health struggle of a young Thai woman has taken a somber turn. Chompoo, a 24-year-old grappling with the complexities of depression and bipolar disorder, has raised serious allegations against a doctor at a local hospital following a disheartening visit that underscored the dire need for empathy in healthcare. On April 3, Chompoo’s world turned upside down. Finding herself ensnared in the throes of her mental illness, she resorted to consuming ten sleeping pills, desperate for reprieve. This act of despair led her sister to hastily take her to the hospital, seeking immediate care. What transpired thereafter was nothing short of shocking. As she sat in the ICU, hoping for some semblance of comfort and assistance, Chompoo was left waiting from 7 PM to 9 PM before finally encountering the doctor. However, the words she heard were far…
In a rather shocking turn of events, the bustling city of Phitsanulok found itself at the epicenter of a heated debate concerning academic freedom and human rights. The controversy erupted when Paul Chambers, a respected American academic affiliated with Naresuan University’s ASEAN Community Studies Institute, was denied bail following his arrest by the Phitsanulok Court. Chambers, renowned for his extensive work on Southeast Asian military-civilian relations, faced accusations under the infamous Section 112, the lese majeste law, which criminalizes any defamation or insult to the monarchy. As the news spread like wildfire, the crime was purportedly filed by the Third Army Region, citing Chambers’ alleged dissemination of false information that could potentially damage national security. Charged with defaming the monarchy and violating the Computer Crime Act, this high-profile arrest has set the stage for a massive outcry. With implications reaching far beyond academic circles, both Thai politicians and international human…