Posts published in “Thailand”

Picture this: Thailand’s bustling streets and vibrant markets brimming with life, yet beneath this colorful facade, a silent specter looms large – the gargantuan shadow of debt swallowing the country whole. Surapol Opasatien, the astute chief executive of the NCB, paints a rather alarming picture of the financial fiend threatening to eclipse Thailand’s economic sun. As of November 2023, the ledger of woes tallies a staggering 2,674,081 cases of debt, with a total weight of 15.99 trillion baht, nearly mirroring the country’s hefty household debt of 16 trillion baht and dangerously flirting with the GDP’s dancefloor at 17 trillion baht. It’s a fiscal fandango of figures that would make even the savviest of accountants swoon. Of those chilling cases, 1.05 million have seen the gavel fall in favor of the creditors, amassing to about 15 trillion baht. Yet, here’s the twist – they’re still tiptoeing around the actual collection. Imagine…

Once upon a recent Monday, the virtual realms buzzed with a new sensation – a video that was more stirring than the usual fare of dancing pets and culinary feats. This wasn’t your typical Internet fluff; it was a glimpse into a quaint café nestled in the heart of Phuket’s Rassada subdistrict, where patrons could sip their lattes alongside an unusual companion, a lion cub. Viewers across the globe were captivated, yet one question lingered in the digital ether: Was this enchanting or alarming? The video, a deft mix of wonder and worry, showed the tiny king of the jungle making the café his kingdom, and it wasn’t long before it sparked a heated debate. Amidst the awe, a crucial query arose – was this legal? Or, veering beyond legality, was it right? As if summoned by the collective concern of the Online Realm, the next day saw action. Enter…

Imagine the towering skyline of Bangkok, a city where the buzz of street vendors harmoniously clashes with the rhythm of the bustling city. In the heart of this vibrant, ever-pulsating metropolis lies Sukhumvit – an area famed not just for its illustrious nightlife but for housing some of the most luxurious highrises you can set your eyes on. Yet, amidst the sparkle of city lights, a chilling story unfolds on the 23rd floor of a Sukhumvit highrise, turning the usual tranquility of a Klong Toey district night into the scene of a grim investigation. In the early hours of Wednesday, a tale as old as time about business and betrayal took a deadly turn. A 53-year-old businessman from Myanmar found his life’s final chapter penned in a luxury apartment, his body telling the silent tale of a brutal encounter. The story? A tale of two Scotsmen, business partners turned suspects,…

In the heart of Bangkok, under the radiant sun and towering facade of the Thai Ku Fah building, a moment of diplomatic camaraderie unfolded that resonated with the warmth of long-standing international friendships. At precisely 10:40 AM, Governor-General Hurley and his wife Linda were welcomed with open arms by Thailand’s Prime Minister, marking the beginning of an event that was more akin to a reunion than a formal state visit. The air was charged with anticipation, and not just because of the high-profile guests gracing Thai soil from Tuesday to Saturday on a state visit that underscored the robust ties between Australia and Thailand. No, this visit was special for it was woven from the threads of personal connections and shared histories, all at the kind invitation of the Thai prime minister, who ensured that the government’s guests felt right at home. At the iconic Government House, the scene was…

Imagine stepping into a world where the air is cleaner, the energy pulses with a green heart, and the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future isn’t just a dream—it’s a plan in motion. This is the vision that was vividly painted by Srettha in his electrifying keynote speech at the Thailand Energy Executive Forum, held at the lavishly appointed Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel. The event, orchestrated by the prestigious Thailand Energy Academy, wasn’t just another gathering; it was a beckon of hope for a greener tomorrow. Amid the plush settings and the eager anticipation of industry mavens, Srettha, with the poise of a seasoned statesman, made an audacious pledge that resonated through the halls: a vow to transition from the grey shades of “brown” energy to the vibrant hues of green energy. But this path to a low-carbon oasis wouldn’t overlook the pragmatic steps needed during this eco-friendly…

Imagine a scene where the laughter and joyful shouts of children fill the air, where their innocent games paint a picture of a future teeming with life and promise. This idyllic setting isn’t the opening of a modern-day fairytale but rather a heartwarming sight at the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Din Daeng, Bangkok, captured in a snapshot by Varuth Hirunyatheb. Yet, behind this scene of youthful jubilance lies a pressing issue that has caught the attention of Thailand’s government – a concerning dip in the country’s birth rates to the lowest point in seven decades. In an unprecedented move that mirrors the ethos of inclusivity and progression, the Thai government is setting the wheels in motion to enact legislative changes geared towards making the path to parenthood a breeze for single parents and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They’re not just stopping there; plans are afoot to integrate infertility treatment services…

In the heart of Phuket’s bustling Muang district, an unusual guest made quite the stir—not in the lush jungles surrounding this tourist haven, but within the cozy confines of a local coffee shop. This guest, a 2-month-old female lion cub, became an unwitting centerpiece in a tale that’s as wild as her homeland. The cub’s owner, a Chinese entrepreneur with a flair for the exotic, decided that her hotel room would serve as an unconventional den for her furry companion, whom she affectionately named Nong Kiwi. However, this whimsical arrangement caught the attention of the local authorities, not because Nong Kiwi had developed a taste for lattes, but due to her daily appearances at the coffee shop. Patrons expecting their usual caffeine fix were greeted instead by the sight of a lion cub frolicking amongst the tables. This spectacle, as endearing as it was to see, raised more than a…

Welcome to Thailand, a country renowned not just for its breathtaking temples and vibrant street markets, but also its ability to turn up the heat – quite literally! Imagine strolling in front of the majestic Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew, absorbing the rich history and culture of Bangkok on a fine Tuesday. Then picture this – the air around you begins to warm, a telltale sign from the skies that Thailand is ramping up for a sizzling week ahead. Yes, you heard that right! Courtesy of the Thai Meteorological Department, the Land of Smiles is about to get a little toastier. Thermometers are expected to hit a sweltering 32-37°C by Monday in Bangkok, a notable climb of 3-5°C. This isn’t a drill, folks; the temperatures across Thailand are on a steep incline thanks to a lesser chill from cold air masses flirting with the upper parts of…

Have you ever glanced at the headlines and wondered what all the buzz about the latest government budget in Thailand is? Well, my friend, you’re in for a treat because we’re diving deep into the government’s ambitious plan to juggle a whopping additional 560 billion baht. Ready for a rollercoaster ride through fiscal policies? Buckle up! The curtain rises on the fiscal year 2024, and the Thai government is not just dipping its toes but diving headfirst into the financial blue. With the grace of a seasoned acrobat, it’s expertly partitioning this daunting amount into three spectacular acts. Act I: The Grand Leap – Government’s New Debts Picture this: A leap from 97.43 billion baht to a staggering 603.21 billion baht. Yes, you read that right. We’re talking about a massive upward adjustment of 505.77 billion baht in the government’s debt portfolio. But hold on, there’s a method to the…

It was a night of glitter and glamour at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in bustling Bangkok this Tuesday evening, as the corridors echoed with the laughter and chatter of over 300 distinguished guests. The crème de la crème of Thailand’s political landscape, including Cabinet members and MPs, assembled under the starry banner of the Pheu Thai Party, the linchpin of the coalition’s command, for an evening that promised to be unforgettable. The air was thick with anticipation as Srettha, the illustrious Finance Minister who wears his dual hats with aplomb, made his grand entrance. The crowd’s excitement was palpable as he headed straight for the photo booth, where Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai leader, the ever-charismatic Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, awaited. The trio’s camaraderie was captured in snapshots that were nothing short of iconic. The glittering event was graced by the presence of a constellation of political…