On a lively day in Bangkok, throngs of eager shoppers meandered through the bustling aisles of the 28th Saha Group Fair, held on June 29, 2024. With over a thousand booths flaunting irresistible deals, it was truly a shopaholic’s paradise. The air buzzed with the thrill of great bargains and the scent of freshly unpacked merchandise, beckoning shoppers from every nook and cranny of the city. However, while deals might spark joy, the role of celebrity endorsements in influencing shopping decisions seems to be waning, at least according to a fascinating survey by the National Institute of Development Administration. This survey, conducted amidst the ripples from the notorious iCon scam, involved a candid conversation with 1,310 people spread across various demographics, from eager young adults to the more seasoned citizens who have witnessed the evolution of marketing through decades. When asked about the sway celebrities have over their purchasing choices,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a delightful and somewhat unexpected twist of events, this year’s “Best Restroom of the Year” awards have rolled out, brought to you by the ever-forward-thinking City Hall. Held in high esteem by both natives and visitors, this accolade upholds the capital’s commitment to upscaling hygiene standards across its myriad public spaces. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt elucidated that the awards, an initiative that first splashed on the scene in 2009, aim to spotlight those toilets in Bangkok that transcend ordinary flushing etiquettes to embrace a whole new level of pristine cleanliness. The anticipation surrounding the announcement hit a crescendo as 17 exemplary washrooms made the cut. More than just commendations in themselves, these lavatories have been propelled into the next level, set to wave the banner for Bangkok in regional competitions. The cherry on top? Toilets and their unsung hero operators share equally in the glory, a nod toward City Hall’s…
A stroll through the buzzing streets of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Muang district on a fine Saturday would reveal an intriguing phenomenon: locals and tourists alike, eagerly queuing at shop fronts radiant with anticipation. They’re all here for one thing – the much-coveted “N3 lottery” tickets. These vibrant shops are bustling with life, in stark contrast to the traditional lottery stalls that stand almost forlornly amid the quiet street corners. Consumer enthusiasm for the government’s new three-digit lottery remains unwavering. In fact, it’s so robust that the Finance Ministry is already contemplating opening additional points of sale. This move is a strategy to cater to the soaring demand and increase accessibility for all the hopeful ticket buyers. But why the craze for the N3 lottery? The answer lies partly in its affordability and partly in the enticing odds offered to players. At a mere 20 baht per ticket, a purchase opens up…
Imagine strolling through the lush, untouched beauty of Thailand’s national parks, where nature whispers its secrets to those who wander among its emerald canopies and shimmering waters. It’s an adventure like no other, and one that has brought quite the financial boon to Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) recently. In the fiscal year 2024, the department saw an impressive leap in its income, soaring by nearly 50% to a remarkable 2.2 billion baht. Sounds like a hefty sum, doesn’t it? Leading this financial triumph is none other than Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi, raking in a whopping 629 million baht. Meanwhile, Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima has claimed the title of most beloved, drawing in throngs of eager adventurers with its captivating landscapes and wildlife. The mastermind behind these successes, DNP director-general Attapon Charoenchansa, has some exciting plans…
In a bustling courtroom in Bangkok, energies ran high as the suspects from The iCon Group were escorted from the Central Investigation Bureau by law enforcement officers. The dramatic Thursday scene included a parade of figures embroiled in an intricate web of cryptocurrency conundrums and accusations of extensive fraud, a tale that has captured the imaginations—and ire—of many across Thailand and beyond. (Photo credit: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) The narrative unfolds with the Anti-Money Laundering Office, widely known as Amlo, taking center stage. They’re meticulously dissecting the financial spiderweb of about 241 million USDT, a digital currency trail worth a jaw-dropping 8 billion baht. Suspicions swirled around these numbers, hinting at an elaborate fraud orchestrated by none other than The iCon Group. Leading the charge, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has directed Amlo to delve into these murky waters. Initial findings suggest a vast network involving hundreds of thousands, each…
Almost one-fifth of Thai teenagers find themselves navigating the tumultuous waters of self-harm risks, according to startling insights shared by the Department of Mental Health (DMH). This revelation has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for enhanced mental health support for the youth, a sentiment echoed by keen observers and mental health advocates alike. Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong, the astute director of the DMH, unveiled a poignant narrative yesterday. Between February 12, 2022, and October 14, 2024, a staggering number of 503,884 teenagers aged 18 and below engaged with the DMH’s innovative Mental Health Check-in application. This app serves as a crucial tool, enabling young users to self-evaluate their mental health and flag potential vulnerabilities. It even offers a channel to connect with experts for professional guidance. Of the teens who ventured into this digital sanctuary, 51,789 users—approximately 10.28%—stood on the precipice of depression. Even more alarming, 87,718, translating to…
Picture this: a bustling Criminal Court in Bangkok serenaded by the mingling sound of quiet chatter and footsteps on marble floors. Just last Thursday, suspects from The iCon Group made their head-turning entry, escorted by the diligent hands of the Central Investigation Bureau. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) It’s quite the scene, akin to a movie thriller, except there’s no popcorn—only a brewing storm of controversy. At the eye of this storm is the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), hot on the trails of a whopping 241 million USDT. That’s a cryptocurrency mountain standing stark at over 8 billion baht, suspiciously tied to a scandal that’s got the town buzzing: the infamous iCon Group fraud. When Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong stepped in, he made it crystal clear: “Let’s follow this money.” Oh, but that’s putting it mildly. The Minister has instructed a deep dive into the undercurrents of this blockchain…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the vibrant chaos of traffic reigns supreme, the streets are buzzing with an audacious new proposition. Picture it: vehicles lined like sardines at a traffic light at the Asok intersection, all while the city’s powers-that-be are contemplating a groundbreaking strategy to navigate these bustling roads. City Hall is throwing its hat into the ring, cautiously embracing a government proposal that could transform the very essence of motorist life: imposing a toll on vehicles daring to traverse the city’s busiest streets. The funds, a staggering 200 billion baht, would be directed toward reclaiming electric train concessions from private corporations. It’s a bold vision set against the backdrop of Bangkok’s iconic chaos. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Leading this ambitious charge is none other than Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt. The Transport Ministry’s proposal to levy a congestion fee for driving into the city’s beating heart has found…
In a delightful twist that shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of urban convenience, City Hall has unveiled this year’s elite squad of 17 public-toilet champions. This much-coveted Best Restroom of the Year accolade is part of a broader campaign to trumpet the high hygiene standards of the capital. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, in his role as both restroom ambassador and city steward, explained that the award, first launched in 2009, commends public loos around the city for their unrivaled cleanliness and exemplary upkeep. But these accolades are not merely about shining ceramic and spotless mirrors; they are a tribute to the dedicated operators who keep these facilities in tip-top shape. As the governor aptly noted, “These awards are City Hall’s salute to their commitment and hard work.” This year saw an impressive lineup of 216 public bathrooms, all fiercely contending across 11 categories, with a notable roster at 50…
Welcome to the enchanting world of Thailand’s national parks, where nature weaves magic and leaves an indelible mark on every visitor’s heart. In recent news, the splendid landscapes of these parks have not only enthralled tourists but also significantly boosted the coffers of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP). With an impressive revenue increase of nearly 50% this fiscal year, we’re about to embark on a captivating journey through some of Thailand’s most visited natural wonders. Hold onto your hats, because leading the revenue parade is none other than the mesmerizing Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi. Raking in a whopping 629 million baht, this glorious park is a paradise for those seeking picture-postcard beaches and azure waters. But it’s not alone in its glory; the enchanting Mu Koh Similan National Park in Phangnga isn’t far behind, with a cool 243 million…