Excitement buzzes through the air in Thailand as progressive steps towards inclusivity and acceptance ripple across the nation. Picture this, a scenic backdrop of vibrant cities and serene shores, and right at the heart of it, history unfolds. It’s the crack of dawn on the transformative legislation for the LGBTQ+ community as Thailand teeters on the verge of a groundbreaking moment. After a series of events that could only be described as legislative alchemy, on December 21, four drafts aiming to rewrite the narrative on gender and marriage equality breezed through the first reading in Parliament. This wasn’t just any day—it was the day Thailand inched closer to becoming the coup de grace of ASEAN, a beacon for same-sex marriage legalization. Embracing differences and stitching them into the social fabric, the proposals — a colorful tapestry woven together by the Cabinet, the opposition Move Forward and Democrat parties, and civil…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the glimmering sun-dappled waves playfully danced along the shoreline, the premier of the land, accompanied by his delightful daughter Chananda, was seen basking in the serenity of a breezy Saturday afternoon. There on the sandy beach, with the salty air teasing his senses, he donned a simple yet classic ensemble—a timeless black T-shirt paired with comfortable shorts, the attire of a man ready to embrace a moment of leisure. The scene was one of familial joy and laid-back repose, and they were not alone in their escape to this coastal haven. Alongside him, in a display of solidarity and relaxation, was Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul with his lovely spouse, Wathananon. The couple’s presence added a touch of grace to the panorama, both mirroring the premier’s casual vibe in their own breezy weekend wear. Their gathering was nothing less than illustrious as key executives from the…
Imagine waking up to a magical winter wonderland right in the heart of Thailand—a country more commonly associated with warm, tropical climates. This is not a fairy tale; it’s precisely what 15,345 intrepid souls did on a chilly Friday morning as they flocked to the lofty heights of Doi Inthanon, affectionately crowned as the “roof of Thailand.” Standing majestically at 2,565 meters above sea level in the welcoming arms of Chiang Mai province’s Chom Thong district, Doi Inthanon beckons adventurers and serenity seekers alike. Here, amidst the shroud of early morning, a frosty phenomenon greets visitors—the breathtaking “moei khab,” or hoarfrost, whimsically kissing the low-lying flora. Thailand’s cooler months between November and February are a ticket to a very different kind of paradise. The northern highlands transform into a mystical canvas where the crisp, cold air is an artist, and the dew a willing medium, creating icy masterpieces not only…
Ah, Bangkok, the pulsing heart of Thailand where the nights are as bright as the days, thanks to its vibrant city lights and the thrumming echo of celebration. Just last week, the city’s very own captain of change, our esteemed Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, made headlines with a bold move. He’s declaring an all-out ban on the snap, crackle, and pop of fireworks and firecrackers at digs of indulgence all over our beloved metropolis. You might ask why such a sparkle-stifling decree? Well, it’s all in a heartfelt effort to prevent history’s dark smudges from tarnishing our bright future—specifically, to avoid a rehash of the harrowing Santika Pub calamity. Remember that fateful first day of 2008? It flickered into horror as flames engulfed the place, claiming 67 revellers in its fiery maw and scarring another 103. But, there’s more to this tale. Just a scroll away on Facebook, the Bangkok…
Welcome to a tropical bonanza where vibrant flavors burst under the sun’s blessing, and the feast stretches as far as the rolling hills of Thailand. In this exotic realm, fruits aren’t just nature’s candies; they are gold mines churning out an impressive US$5.06 billion—a staggering 31.9% growth from the previous year. Imagine, if you will, 1.74 million tons of these juicy treasures, from the spiky durian to the succulent mangosteen, traveling across seas and borders to bring a taste of Thai paradise to fruit aficionados worldwide. Let’s peel back the layers of this fruit empire where durians reign supreme, tipping the scales at 965,284 tons exported. These thorny monarchs are followed by the fragrant longan, the luxurious mangosteen, the beloved mango, and the tangy pineapple. Each fruit, a character in a luscious narrative that has hooked the palate of an international audience. And who, you may ask, is the largest…
Imagine stepping into a bustling bus terminal expecting the hum of activity and the ease of modern conveniences, only to find yourself navigating a labyrinth of broken amenities. This was the stark reality presented to Move Forward Bangkok MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt, who sounded the alarm bell after a recent inspection of the terminal that makes up the heart of Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Suphanat uncovered a list of woes that would dishearten even the most patient of commuters: A symphony of stillness where five escalators should’ve soared. The ghostly silence of absent lifts. A discouraging sight of fire extinguishers, with 10 out of 15 surrendering to disrepair. The crucial first-aid room, shrouded in inaccessibility. A hidden alcove for breastfeeding mothers, barred and forgotten. Bus platforms sweltering in the tropical heat, devoid of the cool respite of air-conditioning. Lonely ticket vending machines, collecting dust instead of dispensing tickets. Paths unwelcoming to those…
Picture this: a winding road weaving its way up to a majestic temple perched atop a breezy 830-meter zenith. While the throngs of tourists might create a bit of a squeeze, the laughter and lively chatter infuse the air with a celebratory vibe that’s simply infectious. That’s exactly the scene described by an affable temple official named Ekachai Kasetkorn, amidst a backdrop of enthusiastic visitors gathered to greedily drink in the stunning sunrise and the enchanting sea of fog that envelops the peak where the temple stands proud. Ekachai notes, with a glint of pleasure in his eyes, that despite the human traffic jam, the place was abuzz with joyful reverence amplified by the crisp, cool weather that seemed to dance through the crowds. The temple, he remarks, rolls out its spiritual carpet as early as 5 in the morning and only tucks it away come 7 in the evening,…
Welcome to Khon Kaen, the Northeast province of Thailand, recently spotlighted not for its vibrant culture or delicious food, but for a more somber statistic: it topped the charts with a staggering 24 car crashes on a single Friday. This revelation came courtesy of Chotenarin Kerdsom, the Interior Ministry’s deputy permanent secretary who can probably recite traffic stats faster than a street racer shifting gears. Chotenarin took to the stage – figuratively, of course, this is government, not Broadway – on a calm Saturday to deliver some less-than-calm news from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Apparently, not only did Khon Kaen win the dubious honor of having the most crunched metal, but it was also where 23 unfortunate souls collected cuts and bruises from those roadside tangos. Why so many automotive ballets? Well, Chotenarin pointed his finger at the usual culprits – that dastardly duo of speeding,…
Hold on to your hats, political enthusiasts, because the word on the street is that there’s a storm brewing in the hallowed halls of Thai politics, and it’s promising to be quite the spectacle! Step right up and meet the ringleader of the upcoming showdown, the deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, none other than Sirikanya Tansakun. She’s not your average politician—she’s got her eye on the prize and is ready to take on the Herculean task of holding the government’s feet to the fire, much like her party did with the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration. Buckle up, folks, this ride is going to be as turbulent as it is thrilling! That’s right! According to the deputy leader, there’s no time for slacking, no room for idle hands in the robust arena of government scrutiny. “Expectations are sky-high with an elected government,” she proclaims, eyes gleaming with the reflection of…
Imagine this: You’re minding your own business, perhaps sipping a refreshing Thai iced tea under the tropical sun, when suddenly—ZIP! ZAP!—bullets are raining down from the heavens like a deadly metallic monsoon. The culprit? Clouds don’t pack heat, my friends; these lethal projectiles are courtesy of reckless celebratory gunfire slicing through the sky. But never fear, the guardians of the peace in Thailand are on high alert and this is where the venerable Pol Colonel Chanchai Rattanapanit, a paragon of protection and the deputy spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, enters the narrative stage. On a serene Saturday, Pol Colonel Chanchai took a stance against the gravity-defying bullets that sadly, once propelled into the atmosphere with joyous abandon, transform into grim harbingers of chaos on their earthbound journey. Picture Chanchai with concern etched upon her face, warning of the velocity with which these misguided missiles return to terra firma—a velocity…