Imagine the relief and jubilation at Suvarnabhumi Airport last Thursday as seventeen Thai souls, once held captive by the militant group Hamas, stepped back onto their homeland soil, breathing in the air of freedom. Their release, a result of an all-too-brief ceasefire with Israel that ignited a glimmer of hope on November 24, brought an end to part of an ongoing ordeal that has kept the nation on edge. Yet, the tapestry of conflict is a complex one. When Israel rekindled its offensive efforts in Gaza, the fragile ceasefire crumbled like a dry cookie, and the taste of fear flooded back, heavy for the remaining Thai individuals yet to be liberated. Now, tucked within the intricate geopolitical puzzle, twenty-three Thai nationals had tasted freedom while a confusing headcount—eight? Nine?—remained tangled in the clutches of uncertainty. The spotlight then shifts to a man of steadfast resolve, Mr. Srettha, who, amid these…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Welcome to a tale woven from the rich tapestry of Thai culture and celebration held on the sprawling royal expanse known as Sanam Luang in the vibrant heart of Bangkok. This is not just any day, but a day where the air buzzes with reverence and festivity under the shining Thai sun—National Father’s Day—a day dedicated to the cherished memory of the late and great Rama IX. The verdant field of Sanam Luang was transformed into a scene from a storybook, as Mr. Srettha, joined by the graceful Pakpilai Thavisin, his devoted wife, took the stage alongside a constellation of noteworthy figures. The crème de la crème of Thailand’s dignitaries gathered, including towering pillars of justice such as the Supreme Court president, legislative luminaries like the Senate speaker, the Premier’s own right hand, the secretary-general, the steward of the city, the Bangkok governor, and leaders of military and police, each…
Enveloped in a cloak of vibrant hues and exuding a regal aura, the intriguing flower stands as a testament to Thailand’s beloved monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. Born on a Monday, the day drenched in a sea of yellow, the king’s color, the blossom takes its radiant cue from his birth. It’s not just a flower; it’s a symbol, a nod to a guardian Buddha aptly named “Phuttharaksa,” translating to a protector who is enlightened. The floral gem doesn’t just hold one name but is christened afresh with each region it graces. Saunter through the Central terrain, and you’ll hear the whisper of “Sakhu Hua Kha” or “Sakhu Mon” caught in the breeze, while the denizens of the North fondly refer to it as “Phutthasorn.” Traverse to Lampang and Lamphun, and you’ll find locals bestowing upon it the name “Bua Lawong.” Its beauty isn’t merely for adorning…
In the heart of Thailand, where tradition sings and history sleeps under the watchful gaze of eloquent monuments, Vacharaesorn, a dignified 42-year-old gentleman, stood with a reverent posture before an enigmatic statue. With the solemn grace of a practiced ritual, he tenderly placed a tray adorned with vibrant flowers to celebrate a date that inked its mark not only in his family ledger but also in the nation’s heart – his grandfather’s birthday, affectionately embraced by all as Father’s Day. The King Rama IX Memorial Park – a labor of love marinating in nostalgia and affection since 2018, is a masterpiece in the making, poised to swing open its regal gates come the following year. Yet, such is the fervor of reverence for the beloved late King, the grounds graciously unfurl to the public in a duet of annual solemnities – on the poignant King Rama IX Memorial Day each…
Imagine a land where the spirit of gratitude is etched in every heart and mind; where the winds whisper tales of a sacrosanct bond between fathers and their children – this is Thailand on December 5, known affectionately as Thai National Day or Father’s Day. Drawing on the insights of a robust survey that reached out to 14,426 souls across different walks of life, the tapestry of this day’s celebrations and its beloved customs come to vibrant life. In an overwhelming tide of remembrance and respect, a staggering 96.4% of our vibrant populace, encompassing the innocent giggles of children to the wise words of the youth, recognize this day as one dedicated to paternal figures nationwide. The vibrant canna flower, symbolizing the fatherly virtues of virtue and purity, holds a special place in the hearts of 86.15% of the respondents, a testament to the deep cultural threads that bind this…
A royal flourish of environmental stewardship graced the lush landscapes of Khao Hin Son Royal Development Study Centre in the quaint district of Phanom Sarakham, Chachoengsao. It was a ceremony drenched in regal charm and ecological promise, as Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn donned the honorable mantle of the United Nations to bestow a prestigious accolade upon the Soil and Fertilizer Society (SFS). This celebratory Tuesday was marked by pomp and grandeur, with the society reveling in the international spotlight of commendation. The SFS, a bastion of soil preservation, was lauded for its exemplary efforts in championing the bedrock of all life on earth – soil. Rapeepat Chantarasriwong, the esteemed director-general of the Agriculture Department who also helms the SFS, proudly attested to the society’s zealous work. The SFS has been adeptly spearheading Thailand’s crusade to realize the United Nations’ 17th sustainable development goals (SDGs) through an initiative…
Welcome to the serene heart of Ban Phai Khor Nam, where time seems to slow down and allows for the appreciation of rituals deeply rooted in the soul of the village. This is a place where the modern world’s chaos gives way to tradition; a place where the villagers, with hearts as fertile as their fields, gather to celebrate a ritual that’s as much a part of their identity as the very air they breathe—the venerable “Tham Boon Klang Ban,” or as one might say in the tongue of global discourse, merit-making in the heart of the village. The event, an enchanting spectacle of unity and devotion, was expertly orchestrated by none other than the village chief, the venerable Chaijamnong Ruankon. At a sprightly age of 76, Chaijamnong leads this cultural symphony with a wisdom and grace that time has only served to refine. The ceremony is a grand finale…
Imagine the rhythmic beats of traditional music echoing through the heart of Bangkok as spirited crowds gather under the sweltering Thai sun, all amidst a backdrop of ornate temples and modern city skylines. This is the scene set by Penpisut Jintasophon, the enigmatic spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, as Thailand stands on the cusp of global recognition for its most vibrant festival, Songkran—the traditional Thai New Year. In an exciting turn of events, Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit has issued an open invitation to one and all—locals and travelers alike—to revel in the festivities at the historic Lan Khon Muang grounds, situated tantalizingly opposite Bangkok’s City Hall. The thrumming anticipation is palpable as the ministry has put forth a compelling nomination for “Songkran in Thailand” to be honored by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, a prestigious accolade that would thrust this age-old celebration into the international limelight. The buzz…
Under the cloak of night, an incandescent moon bearing witness, the shimmering waters of Chonburi were about to reveal a secret they’d been concealing in their depths. On a seemingly typical Monday evening at precisely 10 p.m., the marine police, having received a nugget of clandestine information, converged with the drug suppression squad to probe the depths of the TNS pier, nestled within the arms of Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong district. What they uncovered there was a substance far chillier than the water it had been skulking beneath. Hidden away in what appeared to be innocuous crates brimming with dried foods, laid a staggering 2,000 kilograms of crystalline contraband—methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice.’ In an orchestrated dance of chaos and desperation, the tugboat’s 13 crew members, sensing the approach of the law, took a fateful plunge into the inky waters. The scene could have been mistaken for a dramatic reenactment of…
Amidst the sultry tropical climes and vibrant green terrains, Indonesia’s rice farmers face an unseen adversary — drought. The once abundant rice fields of Java and swathes of South Sumatra now grapple with an unyielding sun, leading Deputy Commerce Minister Naphinthorn Srisanpang to shine a spotlight on the parched predicament this Tuesday. The water scarcity has compelled farmers, particularly those in the highland regions, to shy away from the thirsty rice and embrace the resilient corn, in a bid to adapt to the ever-changing whims of Mother Nature. Moreover, the tale of rice and resilience has scribed a new chapter in the annals of trade, with stats to tell the story. Just last year, Indonesia nestled comfortably in the 20th spot of Thailand’s roster of rice importers, securing a modest booty of 91,714 tons of the grain, or in monetary lingo, US$42.24 million’s worth. However, cue the music and behold…