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…
Posts published in “Thailand”
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…
In a tale that seems ripped straight from a crime thriller, a young entrepreneur’s foray into the world of e-commerce took a dark turn, leading to an arrest that sounded the alarm on an underground e-cigarette ring. The stage was set in Thailand, where a 23-year-old, known only as Jirapong, turned his dorm room into the command center of an operation targeting a market most would overlook – students hungry for the forbidden allure of vaping devices. The protagonist of our story was no ordinary vendor. With the savvy of a seasoned businessman and the audacity of a rebel without a cause, Jirapong carved out his niche in the shadowy corners of the online world. Utilizing the popular social messaging app Line, he created a virtual marketplace named “Vape Zone KPS V2,” a haven for those seeking to indulge in the vaping culture clandestinely. This secret society wasn’t just any…
Imagine the streets bursting with vibrant colors, the air filled with laughter, and a spirit of celebration wrapping around every corner. Yes, you’ve guessed it right – it’s time for the Songkran festival, Thailand’s most anticipated and beloved national holiday. A time when millions come together to celebrate, make merry, and welcome a brand new year with open hearts and splashing water. It’s a festival that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Thai culture and tradition, bringing people from all walks of life together in a joyful communion. At the Bangkok Post, we’re just as excited about Songkran as you are! We recognize the importance of staying updated with the current state of affairs, whether it’s happening in our own backyard or in far-off lands. That’s why we’ve always been dedicated to delivering top-notch news coverage to our valued readers, making sure you’re always in the loop. However, as the festival…
In a heart-wrenching tale that unfolded in the tranquil yet paradoxically tumultuous setting of Uttaradit, a province that whispers tales of both serenity and sorrow, Sitthanan, a young man of 25, became the center of a narrative that gripped the community with both horror and empathy. This story, underpinned by the harrowing dynamics of desperation, love, and despair, begins almost innocuously, with CCTV footage capturing a father, Sitthanan, and his daughter on a motorcycle, a prelude to a tragedy no one saw coming. The tranquility of a local resort in Muang district was shattered when it turned into the scene of a chilling crime—Sitthanan, a former illegal overseas migrant worker, was arrested for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Koi. His actions have since catapulted the community of Uttaradit into a realm of disbelief and sorrow. Captured while on the run in Tha Pla district, Sitthanan’s confession unearthed a tale…
In the early hours of a serene morning, the world bid farewell to a luminary of spirituality and activism, Samana Phothirak. The founder of the Santi Asoke movement, a beacon of ascetic commitment within the Theravada Buddhism tradition, Samana left an indelible mark on this earth. His journey culminated peacefully at 89, with the dawn at about 6.40am yesterday, as shared by Boonniyom TV on Facebook, drawing the curtain on a life devoted to not just personal enlightenment but societal transformation as well. Before ascending to the spiritual echelons as Samana Phothirak, he was Mongkol Rakpong, born into the simplicity of Sri Sa Ket on June 5, 1934. His upbringing, cradled in the nurturing arms of Ubon Ratchathani alongside his mother, was the canvas upon which his rich tapestry of life was painted. Education beckoned him to Bangkok, where high school and college not only shaped his intellect but also…