Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra returned from Beijing with an enthusiastic glimmer of possibilities aglow in her eyes. Fresh from meeting with the notable Chinese leadership, she reported on her diplomatic journey with an air of assured optimism. It’s a visit she believes will spark a cascade of opportunities for Thailand, with a particular emphasis on enhancing security and trade relations with China. Appearing on the monthly TV broadcast “Opportunities for Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn” (or Okat Thai Kap Nayok Paetongtarn in Thai), she unpacked her trip in detail. Hungrily watched and dissected by thousands of eager eyes on NBT HD2, here was a firsthand account of how a cross-border friendship celebrated 50 glorious years. From February 5 to 8, amidst the cultural tapestry that is the heart of Beijing, Paetongtarn hobnobbed with Chinese President Xi Jinping, National People’s Congress chair Zhao Leji, and Prime Minister Li Qiang. High on…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the calendar flips to 2025, it seems young New Zealanders have discovered an alluring treasure on the world map: Thailand, affectionately dubbed the “Land of Smiles.” With its intoxicating blend of adventure, culture, and affordability, it’s no wonder this enchanting destination is quickly becoming a favorite among Kiwi travelers. Thailand isn’t just aiming, it’s soaring towards a goal of welcoming a record-breaking 40 million tourists by the end of this year, and young New Zealanders are a vibrant part of this wave. The latest Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey by the Asia New Zealand Foundation unveils Asia as a prime region attracting Kiwi holidaymakers. Amongst them, the trendsetters are undoubtedly the youthful souls, those fresh graduates from across the Pacific keen on etching their footprints in foreign sands. Thailand, in particular, has garnered a magnetic appeal for these ambitious explorers. Meet Max Weinstein, a sprightly 21-year-old who…
There’s a fresh breeze blowing through Thailand’s tourism industry, and it’s coming from an unexpected direction—senior citizens. As the government declares 2025 the year of “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports,” Thammasat University’s own Assoc Prof Saifon Suindramedhi has thrown a thought-provoking idea into the mix. Instead of solely pursuing the whirlwind of young travelers, she suggests turning the gaze towards older tourists—those mature globetrotters who relish stretching both their legs and budgets when they explore new places. This year, the Land of Smiles is gleaming with ambitious plans to draw 40 million international tourists and rake in a whopping 3 trillion baht. The buzz is all about amplifying world-class concerts, dazzling performances, and adrenaline-pumping sporting events. With partners from across various sectors jumping on board, Thailand is poised to solidify its standing as a global tourism powerhouse. While these grandiose ventures should indeed magnetize a youthful crowd, one can’t…
Pedestrian crosswalks, those seemingly simple painted lines on roads, are a crucial lifeline in bustling cities like Bangkok. Yet, the daily reality faced by those who traverse these zebra crossings is fraught with danger, and nowhere is this more concerning than outside schools and hospitals. A recent incident has reignited calls for bolstered safety measures to protect pedestrians in these high-risk zones. Chamaipan Santikarn, the proactive manager of ThaiHealth’s Social Mobilisation for Motorcycle Safety Project, has become an articulate advocate for addressing this pressing issue. Her call for action follows a distressing accident involving a 68-year-old South Korean tourist struck by a motorcycle while using a pedestrian crossing near the Kidney Institute Hospital on Phaya Thai Road, a location already marked by tragedy two years prior when an ophthalmologist was fatally hit by a motorcyclist. The recurrence of such accidents at the same spot underscores a glaring inadequacy in Thailand’s…
In the vibrant and unpredictable world of Thai politics, the Pheu Thai Party, steering the government ship, remains unfazed amidst tempestuous seas stirred by sweeping calls for a House dissolution from the spirited opposition People’s Party. These passionate appeals seem to stem from what the Pheu Thai perceives as a simple misunderstanding, where differing opinions on a proposed charter amendment were misinterpreted as a rift threatening the coalition’s core. “It’s all just another day at the office,” shrugged Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang with an easy smile, brushing off any notion of a rocky coalition with the aplomb of a seasoned diplomat. Regardless of recent tumult—two aborted joint sittings fell on both Thursday and Friday like a comedic farce—Mr. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the zealous leader of the opposition, passionately argued for the House’s dissolution. Yet, both sessions faltered due to a missing quorum, a head-scratching absence of MPs, which threw his…
Picture this: You’re rushing through the bustling streets of Bangkok, the sun bearing down as you juggle a tangled mix of train passes, bus tokens, and boat tickets. Sounds stressful, right? Well, fret no more! Enter the Common Ticketing System Management Bill—a game-changer that promises to simplify your city commutes by consolidating all your travel needs into one nifty ticket. The forward-thinking Thailand Consumers Council is leading the charge by organizing a public forum to discuss the bill that’s now under the scrutiny of the House special committee. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reshaping public transport by lowering prices and boosting efficiency. A seamless, integrated system can make your daily commute as breezy as a stroll in the park. And who doesn’t want a bit more ease in their hustle-bustle day? The bill aims to tackle those pesky overlapping responsibilities among the various agencies handling ticket systems across Bangkok’s…
Imagine an urban oasis elevated high above the bustling streets of Bangkok where pets and their owners can escape into a dreamy world of tranquility and enjoyment. Welcome to Pet PARQ, the city’s pioneering sky-park garden—a pet-friendly community that ingeniously blends relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation, right in the heart of Bangkok. Pet PARQ invites you to plunge into a sanctuary brimming with vibrant greenery, where the air is fresher, the laughter is louder, and the wagging tails seem to have a rhythm of their own. This lush paradise reimagines the picnic experience, designed specifically for the well-being of both humans and their four-legged companions. It’s a haven for those who seek solace from the chaotic hustle and bustle of city life, offering a serene escape into a world enveloped in a calming, shady ambiance. With a myriad of facilities to cater to every whim and fancy, Pet PARQ promises endless…
The bustling city of Bangkok has been startled by a troubling and mysterious case that emerged from the vibrant district of Bang Kapi. A Chinese national is now at the center of a major police manhunt, suspected to be linked to the untimely death of a young Thai woman named Airada. This tragic incident sent shockwaves throughout the metropolis when, on an unassuming day, hotel staff stumbled upon Airada’s lifeless body in a room, setting off a chain of events that has piqued the public’s curiosity and concern. Under the tenacious lead of Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom, the Metropolitan Police Bureau is fast-tracking an investigation into this perplexing case. Working hand in glove with him is Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, who has reiterated the urgency in solving the tragic puzzle. The case is rife with painful surprises as it wends its way through the intricacies of…
In a tale woven with mystery and intrigue, Bangkok’s bustling metropolis has found itself at the heart of a perplexing conundrum involving international figures and unresolved secrets. The spotlight is on a Chinese national, who authorities believe may hold the key to unraveling the mysterious demise of Airada, a 22-year-old Thai woman whose vibrant life ended abruptly within the confines of a hotel room in Bangkok’s bustling Bang Kapi district. The officer presiding over this high-stakes investigation, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, has been given stern directives to expedite the investigation by the vigilant MPB Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom. Both are steadfast in their commitment to uncovering the truth behind Airada’s death. The narrative begins with Airada’s engagement for a high-profile client, known only as “Duoying,” with whom she was expected to spend some socially dubious hours. The dark alleys of…
Last week, the bustling streets of Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district were overshadowed by a tragic incident that sent shockwaves throughout the city. The Metropolitan Police has embarked on an intensive manhunt to track down a Chinese national, suspected in the untimely death of a young Thai woman at a local hotel. The grim news involves a 22-year-old woman known solely by the name “Airada,” whose demise remains shrouded in mystery and raising eyebrows as investigators race against the clock. On the forefront of this intricate case is Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, under the orders of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom. They’ve been tasked with unraveling the circumstances surrounding Airada’s suspicious death. It’s a case entangled in whispers of illicit dealings and undercover antics, with investigators leaving no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the mystery. The preliminary investigation paints a chilling picture. Airada was…