As the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits roll out their red carpets in Vientiane, Laos, a discerning eye is cast upon the National Convention Centre’s sweeping architecture. Amidst the diplomatic discussions and regional tête-à-têtes, a pressing issue rises with the tides—flooding. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has highlighted this very concern, with the northern region of the country grappling with deluges of biblical proportions. The ASEAN gathering from October 8th to 11th is not just a symposium of economic cooperation, investment agendas, and regional stability, but also a platform to address natural calamities that know no borders. Laos, an ever-graceful host, opens its arms to discourse on floods, following the Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa’s initiative of rallying Myanmar’s cooperation on this watery dilemma. Amidst this geopolitical discourse, Chiang Mai finds itself submerged in more than just discussions. The city’s engulfed streets have prompted queries about urban planning and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the vibrant heart of Thailand’s tumultuous political landscape, a sudden ripple has captured the attention of both the populace and policymakers alike. It is the elevation of Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet to the eminent position of national police chief of the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The decision was sculpted into reality by a unanimous vote from the Police Commission, a key panel that included the insightful presence of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, although she chose the path of abstention from casting a personal vote. This pivotal meeting was a crossroads for the commission, a gathering where all roads led with concurring support for Pol Gen Kitrat. Notably, Ms. Paetongtarn, with all her poise and precision, stood aside from the voting arena, maintaining her neutral stance as the chairwoman. The reason for her abstention sparked much speculation but sufficed to say that it underscored the weight of the decision at…
One adventurous soul from Thailand has made a safe journey back from the picturesque, yet currently tumultuous, Lebanon. Meanwhile, five others eagerly await their chance to escape the conflict-torn country, according to updates from Thailand’s vigilant Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, despite the brewing storm, about 100 other Thai nationals choose to stay put, engaging in a delicate dance of cautious optimism and concern. The MFA spokesperson, Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, took center stage on a virtual platform this Sunday. With a backdrop of escalating tension along the Israel-Lebanon border, owing to the incessant feud between Israel and Hezbollah, his message struck a chord close to home. Just a day earlier, the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh had rung the alarm bells, hinting at a potential aggravation in the hostilities. As whispers of war twined through the grapevine, the embassy in Riyadh and the diligent general consulate in Lebanon initiated a…
The vibrant nation of Thailand is setting the stage for an extraordinary year of tourism with the launch of “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025.” In a strategic alliance, the government has partnered with six prominent global tourism giants, namely Grab, Agoda, Expedia, IHG, Marriott International, and Trip.com Group. The objective? To draw a whopping 40 million international visitors and rake in a staggering 3.4 trillion baht in revenue next year. Speaking at a press briefing this week, Jirayu Huangsap, an adviser to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, revealed that the prime minister had convened a roundtable discussion with executives from these six esteemed firms. The focus was on harnessing their expertise to propel this ambitious plan forward. PM Shinawatra outlined a compelling roadmap pivoting on three strategic pillars: “Thai charms,” “hidden gem cities,” and “five must-dos.” Underpinning the heart of these strategies is the unrivaled allure of Thailand’s cultural tapestry.…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, things took a dramatic turn on Monday when the police nabbed a rather elusive figure. A Chinese woman had been cleverly sidestepping the long arm of the law in China, thanks to a cunning plan and a little nip and tuck. Enter the world of Ms. Jing Qu, a 30-year-old whose story reads like a suspenseful thriller. Pol Lt Col Suriya Phuansombat, who helms the Immigration Division 1, had his team in hot pursuit after a tip-off led them straight to Ms. Jing’s hideaway. This wasn’t just any routine police work—this was about ensnaring a fugitive wanted by the Zhouping Provincial Public Security Bureau for a series of audacious public frauds that unfurled between 2016 and 2019. But Ms. Jing wasn’t your average lawbreaker. With a flair for deception, she allegedly swindled six of her fellow citizens by convincing them she could secure them…
In the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, where waterways weave through lush green provinces, a unique culinary venture is brewing excitement. The notorious blackchin tilapia, an invasive fish species threatening vital aquatic ecosystems and economically valuable fish stocks, is being cast into the pot of transformation. How, you may ask? By turning this aquatic intruder into a beloved staple of Southeast Asian cuisine—”nam pla ra,” or fermented fish sauce. The Department of Fisheries, at the helm of this creative initiative, is rolling out an ambitious plan to transform blackchin tilapia from an environmental menace into a mouth-watering asset. With the unwavering backing of Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Akkara Prompow, this operation is poised to fend off the aquatic assailant’s invasion across at least nine provinces, including Chumphon, Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Prachin Buri, Ratchaburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, and Nonthaburi. The scheme’s blueprint is simple but bold: convert a staggering…
Nestled along the enchanting banks of the Chao Phraya River, ICONSIAM stands tall and proud as a beacon of global allure, underpinned by the exquisite craftsmanship of the Siam Piwat Group. This elite shopper’s paradise, a collaborative marvel alongside Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), doesn’t just drape itself in luxury; it bills itself as the flagship global hotspot for tourists streaming in from all over the globe. Recently, at the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024—an illustrious affair orchestrated by Cathay Pacific Airways—ICONSIAM swathed itself in glory by snagging the Asia’s Most Innovative Shopping Experience award. This accolade, echoing through the corridors of commerce and echelons of global travel, speaks volumes about ICONSIAM’s prowess in crafting an unparalleled shopping extravaganza. The award is drawn from a chorus of votes by Cathay Pacific’s well-traveled members, underlying ICONSIAM as an unmatchable quintessence of travel and shopping experiences in…
Prepare to be amazed as One Bangkok, a spectacular landmark, readies itself to transform urban living into an art form. Developed by TCC Assets (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Frasers Property Holdings (Thailand), One Bangkok promises a revolutionary experience in integrated city life. With aspirations to become “The Heart of Bangkok,” this district is set to make the city a coveted global destination. Mark your calendars for October 25, 2024, when the One Bangkok Celebration unveils a new chapter in the city’s illustrious journey. Frasers Property Limited’s Group CEO, Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, passionately expressed, “Entrepreneurial leadership is the lifeblood of economic momentum and a harbinger of investor faith in Thailand’s burgeoning potential. One Bangkok will be pivotal in elevating the city’s status as a ‘Global Integrated Lifestyle Hub’. After more than ten years of painstaking design and development, our unwavering focus remains on people, communities, and sustainable environmental practices. Collaborating with top-tier…
Picture this: the intense ambiance of a room filled with authority, as the Police Commission of Thailand, led by none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reaches a climactic decision. On this pivotal day, all eyes zero in on one man—though not quite all, as the PM tactically abstains—receiving an unequivocal nod of approval to take the helm as the 15th national police chief of Thailand. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet has now claimed the mantle of leadership, casting his shadow over the challenging path ahead. With eight affirmative votes in his arsenal, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet undoubtedly emerges as the commanding choice for the prestigious role. The air was thick with anticipation, and it wasn’t your regular Monday folks—this was a day that would redefine command in Thai law enforcement. Out of three commendable contenders, he was, without a doubt, the knight in shining armor.…
In a bid to tackle the blackchin tilapia menace plaguing Thailand’s waterways, the Department of Fisheries has come up with an innovative and surprisingly palatable solution: transform them into “pla ra,” the beloved fermented fish sauce! This delightful strategy aims to curb the presence of this invasive species, which is threatening the much-needed and commercially-valuable fish populations across at least nine provinces in the Kingdom. With a fervor that matches the importance of the task, department chief Bancha Sukkaew has announced this fermented fish revolution, echoing the directives of Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Akkara Prompow, who has called for dynamic and effective measures against this finned foe threatening local economies. The audacious plan, brimming with fishy ambition, is targeting the removal of a whopping 200,000 kilograms of blackchin tilapia from the waters of several affected provinces, including Chumphon, Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Prachin Buri, Ratchaburi, Chon Buri, Rayong,…