Welcome to 2023, where Thailand’s economic adventure unfolds with twists and turns that could rival any blockbuster movie. This year, the Land of Smiles saw its economy grow by a modest 1.9%, a slight dip from the action-packed 2.5% in 2022. The plot thickened as exports, usually the heroes in this saga, took an unexpected turn, falling by 1.7% year-on-year. Agro-manufacturing products, hard disk drives, plastics, metals, and steel – all faced the villainy of declining overseas sales. Enter the scene, Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, the Bank’s senior economist for Thailand, and the voice of reason amidst the chaos. “The prolonged delay in budget approval for fiscal 2024 has cast a shadow on public investment,” he lamented. Yet, like any good story, there’s hope on the horizon. The World Bank forecasts a comeback, with Thai economic growth expected to leap to 2.8% this year, fueled by the dynamic duo of tourism and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
It was a typical Tuesday when Cholnan decided to stir the pot, or rather, clarify the haze surrounding Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent revelations. Srettha, in a moment that caught the digital world off balance, mentioned to an online news platform that his government was considering relegating marijuana back to the shadows of the narcotics list. The news struck like a bolt from the blue, sending ripples through political corridors and leaving Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, visibly flabbergasted. Anutin, who donned the public health minister’s hat in the preceding cabinet, had been a staunch advocate for marijuana’s liberation from the clutches of the narcotics’ blacklist. His advocacy wasn’t merely a political stance but a campaign promise from the 2019 general elections – a vow from his Bhumjaithai Party to the voters that marijuana would shed its criminal cloak, finding sanctuary in the realms of medical treatment and health product ingredients,…
Picture this: a radiant April morning in Thailand, where the streets come alive, not with the usual hustle and bustle, but with an enchanting fusion of water, culture, and boundless joy. Yes, we’re talking about the Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year, which in a groundbreaking move, will span the better part of April this year. Why, you ask? In celebration of its glorious recognition by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December last year. During a vibrant press event held at the prestigious Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the air was thick with anticipation as Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol took the stage. Flanked by luminaries such as Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich and PM’s Office Minister Puangpetch Chunla-ead, she announced the arrival of “Yen Tua La Maha Songkran” on April 13 – the day when Songkran truly unfolds. The announcement was…
Imagine standing amidst the hallowed grounds of Thammasat University, your eyes drawn to a poignant scene: the photo of Pridi Banomyong, an illustrious figure in Thai political history, adorning the backdrop of his statue. This was the spectacle on a significant day, May 11, 2022, when the air was abuzz with respect and reminiscence, commemorating the life and monumental achievements of an undeniably transformative statesman. It wasn’t just any ceremony; it was a vivid tableau painting the legacy of a man whose life was a beacon of progressive change. Captured beautifully by Chanat Katanyu, this moment transcended mere memorial; it embodied a collective memory, a nod to the past that shapes our present. In a move that bridges geographical distances and unites cultural narratives, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the charismatic leader of the Progressive Movement, has artfully woven another thread into the tapestry of Thai political heritage. With a vision steeped in…
In the labyrinth of Thai politics, where alliances are as dynamic as the weather in monsoon season, a flurry of speculation has recently taken center stage, swirling around the possibility of the Democrats joining forces with the current coalition, an idea that Phumtham Wechayachai, with a mix of amusement and slight exasperation, has labeled “groundless”. Yet, this hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from working overtime, with even seasoned journalists from eminent news sources like The Nation poking around for a scoop. Why the sudden interest? It seems the whispers began when whispers of a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin this June became public knowledge. Instantly, political soothsayers and the general populace alike began piecing together a narrative that had the 25 mighty Democrat MPs swooping in to inject some fresh vitality into the coalition’s parliamentary presence. It’s the kind of political maneuvering that would make for a gripping…
If you’ve ever dreamed of being whisked away on an enchanting boat ride through the bustling canals of Bangkok, you’re not alone. Imagine the gentle hum of the boat as it meanders down Khlong Lat Mayom, one of Bangkok’s most vibrant floating markets located in the charming Taling Chan district. It was here, in February 2024, amidst a scene so lively and colorful it could belong in a painting, that a photograph captured the essence of Thailand’s enduring allure. Wichan Charoenkiatpakul, with a click of the shutter, immortalized a moment that beckons travelers from all corners of the globe. In an extraordinary testament to Thailand’s magnetic pull, the country has seen a staggering influx of 9.4 million international souls in just the first quarter of this year. These globetrotters, adventurers, and seekers of serenity have infused an astonishing 454.6 billion baht (that’s a cool US$12.4 billion, folks) into Thailand’s economy…
Imagine stepping into a liquid world where majestic sharks glide silently by, rays dance in the water like living kites, and ancient turtles paddle through an underwater wonderland. Welcome to Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium, a magical realm that has recently undergone a transformative 29-million-baht renovation, courtesy of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand. Nestled in the heart of Muang district, this aquatic paradise now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including air conditioning for those steamy days, an all-accessible safety walkway for everyone to enjoy, and revamped habitats for over 80 species of aquatic wildlife. At the center of this mesmerizing underwater universe is the 133-metre-long tunnel, a marvel of engineering and the crown jewel of the aquarium. Claimed to be the longest of its kind in the world, this immersive tunnel invites you to journey through both the salty embrace of the sea and the fresh caress of riverine environments, split evenly…
In a daring display of bravery, firefighters achieved a monumental victory over the raging inferno that enveloped the majestic slopes of Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai this past Sunday. Capturing this moment was photographer Panumate Tanraksa, whose lens immortalized the firefighters’ valiant efforts against the backdrop of nature’s fury. As Tuesday morning dawned, however, the air told a different story. A villainous haze had crept in, painting the skies with ominous shades of red. The silent adversary, PM2.5 dust, had stealthily expanded its territory from the North, casting a shadow over parts of the Central Plain and the Northeast. Chiang Mai found itself under siege, grappling with the most severe levels of this microscopic marauder. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), in their 9 am report, revealed a grim tableau. Twenty-one provinces were ensnared by red (seriously harmful) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and smaller in…
Welcome to the Land of Smiles, where the warmth of the sun is only outdone by the warmth of its people! 🌞 In recent times, Thailand has witnessed an awe-inspiring influx of globetrotters, adventurers, and seekers of the exotic, contributing a staggering 454.65 billion baht to the thriving tourism economy. This financial boost has been nothing short of a bonanza for Thai entrepreneurs, who’ve welcomed visitors with open arms and the promise of unforgettable experiences. So, who’s leading the pack in this grand international rendezvous? Drumroll, please… 🥁 China takes the crown with a whopping 1,756,337 visitors, making it the top source market for foreign tourists venturing into Thailand. Not to be outdone, Malaysia secures the second spot with 1,168,574 travelers seeking Thai’s captivating beaches and vibrant culture. But wait, there’s more! The list continues with Russia (622,813), South Korea (558,873), and India (472,952), each contributing their fair share to…
In the ever-evolving political landscape of Thailand, a significant Cabinet reshuffle is on the horizon, set to unfold in the aftermath of the crucial budget draft for fiscal 2025. The buzz in political corridors suggests that this reshuffle, scheduled right after the budget draft makes its way through the initial reading in the Parliament slated for June 5-6, is not just any routine revision of positions but a strategic maneuver aimed at revitalizing and reinforcing the government’s efficiency and impact. At the heart of these speculated changes is Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is rumored to be considering a pivotal swap of his finance portfolio with Pichai Chunhavajira, the esteemed chairman of the Stock Exchange of Thailand. This move isn’t just about changing desks or titles; it’s about Srettha positioning himself in the realm of defense as the new Defence Minister. Imagine the strategic acumen required to navigate the economic…