Once a tranquil haven purely celebrated for its sun-kissed beaches and lively nightlife, Phuket is evolving into a bustling hub of digital finance—where sandy attire meets savvy new technology. This tropical paradise is not just drawing visitors for its stunning shores but for the cutting-edge cryptocurrency culture blossoming within its confines. As digital payment methods gain momentum in Thailand, there’s a resounding focus on Phuket, turning it into a pioneer of this financial revolution. Welcome to a decentralized sanctuary where Bitcoin, not Baht, is fast becoming the currency of choice. In recent years, Thailand has muscled its way onto the digital economy stage with an eagerness rivaled only by its appetite for Pad Thai. Both government and financial watchmen are striding toward pioneering policies that embrace cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. The Bank of Thailand has made peace with crypto, working hand-in-hand with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to craft…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling heart of Southeast Asia, where skyscrapers rise above serene Buddhist temples, an important conversation is unfolding about the future of Thailand—a conversation that could very well shape not only the country’s destiny but also inspire a ripple of change across the region. Spearheading this dialogue is none other than Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who is passionately leading the charge for a sustainable and inclusive tomorrow. During her recent visit to the vibrant city of Bangkok, Wignaraja found herself standing at the forefront of the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, orchestrated at the grand United Nations Conference Centre. Nestled among diplomats, thought leaders, and visionaries, she delivered an articulate plea to the Government of Thailand, its thriving private sector, and its proud communities. Her message? Collaboration isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Over a series of insightful…
In the early hours of March 23rd, a young Cambodian motorcyclist found himself in a real pickle on Sukhumvit Road near Pattaya. As the city slumbered, the otherwise bustling road became a scene of intense drama when 21-year-old Reaksmey Chek collided with a parked 18-wheeler near the Krating Lai Bridge, pointing towards Bangkok in the serene province of Chon Buri. This seemingly quiet moment was about to get loud. When the clock struck 2:06 am, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received a call that set their adrenaline rushing. A swarm of rescue volunteers and medical teams hustled to the scene, greeted by a crowd gathering around the unfortunate spectacle. There it was—a black Honda Wave 110 wedged snugly under the truck’s rear, echoing a tale of unexpected misadventure. As onlookers watched, hearts in their throats, the young rider, Reaksmey, was spotted trapped beneath the back end of the mammoth…
As the vibrant lights of Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Stadium dazzled the city, fashionistas from far and wide gathered to commemorate a milestone like no other—the 20th anniversary of the TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION (TGC). This epic celebration was not just a showcase of styles but a collaborative manifesto under the electrifying mantra “HERE WE GO!” Under this thrilling theme, the illustrious 40th “Mynavi TGC 2025 SPRING/SUMMER” event combined creativity and innovation with the concept “共創 (KYOUSOU) – co-creation, co-produce,” beckoning people around the world to step into the future hand in hand. The runway was literally buzzing with excitement as celebrated artists from diverse corners of the globe took their proud strides. In a delightful twist, the charm of the East intertwined with the exuberance of Southeast Asia as Thai sensations “Freen-Becky” made their debut. Their presence at the “Mynavi TGC 2025 S/S” in bustling Tokyo marked an historic first, solidifying…
March 6 was a day buzzing with anticipation and fresh hopes as eager students flocked to Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. Their mission? To conquer the entrance exam for Mathayom 4 (Year 10) at the esteemed Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok. Known for its sprawling landscape of ambitious learners, this school boasts the largest annual enrollment in the country – a claim it wears proudly like a badge of honor. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Hot on the heels of this academic fervor, a shake-up in the educational realm stirred up conversation. The Office of the Education Council (OEC) found itself fending off unsettling reports that rattled the perception of Thailand’s education system. A recent ranking by World Population Review, an authority on demographic analysis, slotted Thailand into the 107th position globally out of 203 countries reviewed. The shockwave didn’t stop there; Thailand found itself trailing behind seven out of…
In a landmark achievement, Kimberly-Clark Professional Thailand has etched its name in history by becoming the first tissue brand in Thailand to secure the prestigious Carbon Footprint of Product (CE CFP) certification under the Circular Economy model. This accolade, awarded by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), sets a new benchmark for sustainability and demonstrates Kimberly-Clark’s unyielding dedication to environmentally responsible practices. It firmly positions the company as a trailblazer in the quest for sustainable hygiene innovation. The joyous announcement took center stage at the “Green Life Cycle: Insight Better Care for A Better World” seminar held at the illustrious Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The seminar was more than just a celebratory occasion; it was a congregation of visionaries from both government and business sectors, united by a singular purpose: to tackle urgent environmental quandaries. Among the key issues discussed were Thailand’s impending Climate Change Act and the adoption of…
In the intricate labyrinth of Thai politics, the saga of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra continues to turn heads, and with it, a swirl of allegations, inquiries, and investigative twists. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is currently embroiled in a particularly knotty investigation, scrutinizing claims that government officials potentially facilitated Thaksin’s prolonged spa-like stay at the Police General Hospital (PGH), a scenario that remarkably skipped over the legal rolls of the prison yard. The NACC Secretary General, Saroj Phungramphan, revealed the sluggish march of progress yesterday, attributing the snail’s pace to the challenges posed by unavailable information caches. A dogged team from the NACC, he shared, is painstakingly piecing together evidence through a cocktail of witness testimonies and document excavations from various quarters. The treasure hunt continues, with onsite visits by investigators, unlocking some secrets and others remaining buried, shielded under legal veils. “Legal protocols dictate our dance,” Saroj explained,…
In a riveting parade of news from Thailand, journalists Alex and Jay deliver a buffet of current affairs that range from startling to spellbinding. From a delayed visa policy to dramatics on the streets of bustling Phuket, there’s no shortage of action in this corner of the globe. As the calendar struck the 22nd of March, a German named Moritz Harald Hick, 24 years old, turned the quiet streets of Rawai into his own stunt show. Exiting a side street with the enthusiasm of an action hero, his BMW rocketed into a divider, soared through the air, and performed a dance with a parked Isuzu DMAX, which ended in devastation as it was slammed into shopfront poles. His companion, Anton Augsten, secured a different kind of ride—straight to Chalong Hospital. Meanwhile, in the serene surroundings of Korat, the tragic discovery of Matthias, 41, sends shivers down the spine. Allegedly intertwined…
Ah, the vibrant city of Pattaya—where sunny beaches, bustling nightlife, and tasty street food paint the scene. However, not everything glittered golden on the eve of March 23. In an unfortunate twist, an audacious motorbike thief turned into the unwitting star of a viral drama, yanking the brakes on a student’s birthday merriment. The thief’s Hollywood-worthy heist was caught red-handed on CCTV within the lively Soi Buakhao, showcasing an almost cinematic sequence of events. Zoom in on the stroke of 8 p.m.—enter the camera’s unwavering gaze. Hours silently tick away until the clock strikes 4:15 a.m., when a cocky figure clad in a veil of shadows ambles into view. Quick as a flash, he spirits away a sleek black Honda PCX, license plate glaringly absent—4 7973 Chon Buri, forever captured in pixel history. Amid the chaos, enter our protagonist: Thanaphon, the bike’s proud owner, who had been serenely slumbering, unaware…
In the bustling world of Thai news, where stories of shocking inheritance disputes and daring heists often steal the spotlight, a more subdued yet equally impactful issue has quietly stirred a pot of controversy. The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) has taken center stage in a compelling drama over the nation’s new health insurance regulation that demands policyholders to cough up a co-payment covering an eye-watering 50% of their medical expenses. This controversial rule, set in motion on March 20, has sparked debates across dining tables and digital forums alike, challenging the fundamentals of healthcare in a post-pandemic world. Imagine receiving a hospital bill and realizing you might be responsible for half of it—that’s the grim reality now looming for many Thai citizens under this new policy. But why this drastic change, you ask? The backstory is akin to a classic plotline: rising healthcare costs and a suspicious surge in tame,…