Posts published in “Thailand”

Travelers taking to the skies from six major Thai airports might need to dig a little deeper into their pockets as new passenger service charges (PSCs) are set to roll out, putting a small dent in travel budgets. Effective from October 1, the Department of Airports (DoA) announced a hike in fees, with domestic travel charges rising from a modest 50 baht to 75 baht per passenger, while international flyers will see a rise from 400 baht to 425 baht. This move, according to DoA Director-General Danai Rueangsorn, is part of a comprehensive effort to enhance airport services and keep up with infrastructure demands. His remarks echoed through the corridors of the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) meeting held on a crisp February 4 morning. Why the price hike, you ask? Well, it turns out the six affected airports have undergone a significant tech makeover featuring the cutting-edge Common Use Passenger…

In the vibrant expanse of Sa Kaeo province’s Aranyaprathet district, a slight fever of urgency swept through the Ban Klong Luek Border Crossing. Picture a river of people flowing back into Cambodia, driven by a tempest of worry—an imagined impending closure of the border. As fears swirled, Sa Kaeo’s Governor Parinya Phothisat made an appearance to lay these frets to rest. The border, he reassured with a seasoned calm, would remain steadfastly open. On June 13, witness to this was a veritable congregation of Cambodians, forming serpentine queues at Ban Klong Luek, their anticipation spilling over the boundaries of orderly lines like so many dominoes. With the specter of closure looming large, a pronouncement by Cambodia’s twin premiers, Hun Sen and Hun Manet, tellingly set the stage for the chaos that ensued. They voiced a formidable threat—should Thailand continue its habit of closing border points unchecked, and severing internet and…

The simmering tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have reached a fever pitch, with Cambodia mulling over significant cultural and economic repercussions. The lively exchanges are embodied in recent statements by Senate President, Hun Sen, who has issued a bold call to the Royal Government of Cambodia to consider drastic measures. His proposal? A ban on Thai films and a halt to the importation of Thai goods, citing the increasing malevolence from Thai extremist factions. Unleashing his thoughts through a fervent social media post, Hun Sen launched a scathing critique against the so-called “pro-war” groups in Thailand that, according to him, are stirring the pot of regional unrest. “In the past, extremist groups in Thailand, abetted by pro-war military elements, have menaced Cambodia with threats to cut off electricity and Internet access,” he stated, adding a provocative jab, “But really, what power are they talking about? Cambodia is not dependent on…

In the ever-bustling city of Bangkok, where chaos and order often dance a delicate tango, the latest spectacle unfolded near a popular shopping haven. On what seemed like any other day, a traffic police officer engaged in a high-stakes pursuit of a motorcycle taxi rider, an event that didn’t just cause a stir, but also left a female passenger nursing a significant head injury. The social media sphere, never one to shy away from controversy, whipped into a frenzy. Facebook pages like อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 were ablaze with discussion. The dashcam footage they shared, capturing the entirety of the ill-fated chase from June 12, came with a caption that read like a diplomatic peace offering: “Both parties were at fault. The officer was performing his duty but acted inappropriately, while the rider should have stopped but chose to flee.” As the story goes, the cinematic-like pursuit began when the…

In an exciting update for globetrotters yearning to explore the Land of Smiles, Thailand’s travel advisory has painted a promising picture, marking it as generally safe for curious tourists. While the vibrant cityscapes and serene beaches invite visitors with open arms, a hint of caution is advised for certain southern regions grappling with civil unrest. The US State Department has aptly classified Thailand under its “Level 1” advisory for most parts of the country, demanding “Exercise Normal Precautions.” This noteworthy accolade positions Thailand alongside travel havens like Iceland and New Zealand, a solid testament to its allure and safety. For the intrepid travelers, this announcement beckons with the promise of unhindered exploration through Thailand’s most treasured spots, albeit with the usual traveler vigilance in place. A US State Department spokesperson further bolsters this sentiment: “In much of Thailand, your visit can proceed with nary a worry. Places like Bangkok, Phuket,…

In a vibrant exchange of ideas and aspirations, Chadchart Sittipunt, the ebullient Governor of Bangkok, extended a warm Thai welcome to esteemed guests from across the Pacific. Among them were noteworthy figures such as the Ambassador to Washington DC and Thapassorn Narukhatphichai, a dynamic operational diplomat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ North America Division. Their rendezvous blossomed in the illustrious Amarin Room at Bangkok City Hall, nestled in the heart of the historic Phra Nakhon district. The agenda? To chart the course for future collaborations and to cordially invite the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to grace the SAWASDEE DC Thai Festival, destined to enchant audiences in Washington DC on September 14, 2025. The distinguished assembly was graced by the presence of illustrious dignitaries including Sanon Wangsrangboon, the astute Deputy Governor of Bangkok; Sunthorn Sunthornchart, the sagacious Deputy Permanent Secretary of the BMA; Phimuk Simarot, the insightful Secretary to the…

In a tale that feels more like a dramatic script from a suspenseful TV series than real life, five suspects have been apprehended for their unsettling obsession with the adored Thai actresses, Sirilak “Lingling” Kwong, and Kornnaphat “Orm” Sethratanapong. These leading ladies of the beloved series, The Secret of Us, found themselves ensnared in a relentless and harrowing ordeal at the hands of fervent fans whose admiration crossed into alarming territory. The ordeal began with subtle signs: unusual sightings, unfamiliar cars lurking near their homes, and the occasional flutter of flash photography. As the pattern emerged, it became clear these weren’t mere coincidences but calculated actions by an overzealous group. The revelation that shocked many was the betrayal within their inner circle; Orm’s own driver, a trusted entity, was implicated in this sordid drama. His role wasn’t just a passive one. In exchange for cash, he provided confidential details about…

In a twist straight out of a crime thriller, the idyllic island of Phuket finds itself embroiled in a swirling saga of deception, suspicion, and international intrigue. At the epicenter of this storm is a student visa scam that has shaken the very foundations of trust in the community, with the spotlight falling on a private international school and, possibly, a shadowy Chinese criminal syndicate. Picture this: hopeful individuals looking to secure a pathway to education abroad, only to find themselves ensnared in an elaborate web woven by a notorious figure known only as Patcharin. The victims, swindled out of a staggering 40 million baht, are now rallying for justice in the wake of a scheme that promised much but delivered despair. Amidst the humid bustle of June 11, Phuket’s own MP, Chalermpong Saengdee, became the beacon of hope, escorting these disillusioned investors to the formidable doors of Police Major…

In the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi, where hustle and tranquillity exist side by side, an unexpected drama unfolded on June 11th that was anything but mundane. As the afternoon sun flickered through the tree-lined Route 3199, the vigilant eyes of the Kanchanaburi highway police locked onto a white four-door Isuzu pickup truck sitting idly at a red light near the Lat Ya intersection. A routine patrol turned into a suspenseful pursuit when the pickup’s apparent load raised more questions than it did answers. The officers’ curiosity piqued, their senses sharpened as the vehicle attempted a poorly executed escape maneuver in classic thriller style—an action that only cemented their suspicions. Like a scene out of an action movie, police swiftly blocked the Isuzu’s retreat, bringing to a halt an international caper on Thai soil. Behind the wheel was U, a 32-year-old from Myanmar, whose jittery demeanor was only outdone by the…

In an intriguing twist of fate, a Thai woman identified as Som, who identifies herself as a tomboy, found her life deeply entwined with a spiritual medium couple over the span of nine years. Their saga has now unravelled publicly, with Som accusing the couple of swindling a staggering 50 million baht from her. The couple, in their defense, adamantly reject these accusations, insisting that Som’s monetary outlays were lavished on her partners rather than handed to them. Let’s rewind to 2016, a year when despair and desperation found Som at her most vulnerable. Her mother lay critically ill, casting a somber shadow over Som’s every decision. Without adequate funds for medical treatment, Som was in dire straits. With few options, she decided to put up her family’s land for sale, but it attracted no buyers. Growing despondent, Som turned to the spiritual realm for assistance, meeting the infamous couple…