As excitement and anticipation continue to build, a new chapter has begun in the ambitious initiative to connect the bustling mainland of Surat Thani with the idyllic island of Koh Samui. Yesterday, on February 10th, the waters surrounding Koh Samui stirred with potential as seabed drilling commenced. This laborious process marks the initial steps in what promises to be an engineering marvel—a bridge spanning the picturesque gulf, linking paradise with practicality. The Koh Samui Marine Office, under the watchful eye of acting director Adul Ralukemul, heralded the start of this crucial geographical survey. Navigators traversing the area were advised to heed caution, with specific reference to the drilling zone outlined between latitude 09°19’15.19″N and longitude 009°49’05.59″E all the way to latitude 09°24’18.28″N and longitude 009°57’9.47″E. In a measure to ensure maritime safety, the area is marked by illuminated buoys, flashing like vigilant sentinels from Koh Samui’s coast to the Khanom…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a twist that seems more at home in a suspenseful TV drama than the corridors of power, a friend of Thai Progressive Party MP Chaiyamphawan “Puaut” Manpianjit has claimed that police officers demanded a substantial bribe to sweep a rape accusation under the rug. The claim adds another layer of complexity to a story already thick with intrigue and scandal. It all began when a Taiwanese woman stepped forward with serious allegations against the MP, accusing him of rape following an encounter on January 9 at a hotel in the picturesque Chiang Mai province. The incident has dragged Chaiyamphawan into the spotlight, casting a shadow over a political career not unfamiliar with controversy. Not so long ago, he was expelled from the Move Forward Party (MFP) after a similar accusation, prompting a switch to the Thai Progressive Party where the specter of past allegations has once again risen. Eyebrows…
Pattaya, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, faces an eerie and silent transformation as an ironclad alcohol ban descends upon its bustling streets, all in commemoration of Makha Bucha Day. This sudden prohibition, set to stretch from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on February 12, has left a throng of bewildered tourists seeking alternative escapades. Patrons eager to experience Pattaya’s notorious magic under the neon glow will instead find doors tightly shuttered, depriving them of the city’s lively bars and bustling pubs. The quiet order, decreed by Pattaya Police Department, comes laden with stern warnings. Businesses defying the ban—whether humble shops, buzzing pubs, or neighborhood bars—risk facing hefty repercussions, with penalties reaching up to 10,000 baht or a chance to enjoy up to six months in jail. This stringent measure is Thailand’s tribute to the sanctified Buddhist calendar, as Makha Bucha is considered one of its holiest days. While locals honor…
In a surprising turn of events in the Land of Smiles, Thailand’s leadership is contemplating a shift that could send cheers – quite literally – through its vibrant streets and serene beaches. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued a directive to reassess long-standing alcohol sale restrictions, sparking a wave of curiosity among tourists and locals alike. For those foreign visitors who’ve found themselves wandering into a convenience store during a sun-dappled afternoon or on a Buddhist holiday, only to be greeted with a polite refusal rather than a cold Singha, this could be a game-changer. The current rules, barring alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm and on sacred days, are a part of the perplexing puzzle for tourists oblivious to such local customs. In a recent Cabinet meeting, the youthful 38-year-old Prime Minister acknowledged the collective groan of a nation’s tourism and business sectors, which view these laws as a…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a figure both revered and pivotal in Thailand’s ongoing narrative, held the microphone like a maestro in control of a symphony, ready to orchestrate change. Speaking after a cabinet meeting that seemed more a council of wizards than mere ministerial gathering, she announced a targeted review of the long-standing ban on alcohol sales during the languid hours from 2 PM to 5 PM. This was no casual resolve but a response to the rising crescendo of voices from the business fraternities demanding change, all in the name of invigorating the tourism sector. The origin of this peculiarly timed prohibition is as storied as it is absurd—a 53-year-old decree from the bygone days of Thanom Kittikachorn’s coup, meant to curb the midday tippling of government officials. A relic from the days when bell-bottoms were the rage and disco was king, its persistence would be remarkable if not…
Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, affectionately known as “TIDLOR” or simply the “Company,” has been making waves once again, capturing the spotlight with its impressive financial performance in 2024. The company reported a record-breaking net profit of THB 4,230.5 million, marking a commendable 11.6% year-on-year (YoY) growth. Such a feat didn’t just happen overnight; it was fueled by TIDLOR’s strategic expansion in lending operations, a tantalizing improvement in the net interest margin, and their insurance brokerage business achieving phenomenal results. The year 2024 wasn’t just about net profits for TIDLOR; total revenue soared to THB 22,160.9 million. That’s a whopping 16.8% increase compared to the previous year! This financial crescendo was mainly orchestrated by a surge in interest income, combined with a delightful boost from fee and service income. Behind the curtains, the outstanding loan portfolio took a thrilling leap, reaching THB 103,933.7 million by the year’s end, displaying…
Picture this: It was a night to remember on Highway 105 in the Tha Song Yang district of Tak when paramilitary rangers struck gold—or rather, diesel. They stumbled upon two barrels containing a whopping 400 liters of diesel on a seemingly innocent pickup truck. What was this fuel’s destination? The clandestine alleys of Myawaddy in Myanmar. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in the unfolding plot that’s gripping two nations. Enter the scene, a troupe of government officials rallying to turn the tide in an ever-intensifying war against call-scam gangs operating from Myanmar. The narrative is getting a new twist—potential strategies include border bans on suspected miscreants and halting solar panel exports to Myanmar. At the helm, Chatchai Bangchuad, the secretary-general of the National Security Council, breathes life into this operation. Tuesday’s revelations hinted at a steady course of anti-scam efforts, poised to evolve with additional strategies if…
In a strategic move destined to redefine the hospitality experience at Thailand’s key international gateway, the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport, a noteworthy announcement was made on January 31, 2025. Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Co., Ltd. and Universal Hospitality Joint Venture shook hands on a brand-new management agreement ushering in a transformation—rebranding the hotel as the illustrious Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The signing ceremony, no less grand, unfolded within the illustrious Srivichai meeting room of the hotel. It was graced by several distinguished figures including Dr. Darut Khamwichittanapa, Chairman of Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Co., Ltd., alongside Ms. Chittimas Ketvoravit, Managing Director, and Ms. Bovornrudee Poonsornsiri, Co-Managing Director of Universal Hospitality. Marking the second renewal of their management partnership, this venture underscores an unwavering commitment—one that relentlessly seeks to elevate the hotel to a beacon of world-class standards. Elevating the Airport Hotel Experience With its enchanting rebranding as Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport,…
Amidst the bustling backdrop of international borders, a dramatic crackdown unfolded, casting a spotlight on the digital underbelly of the Thai-Cambodian border. It was a tale of lines and signals, of mysterious connections stretching into the darkness, threatening to weave intricate webs of malice from the heart of the communication networks. At the heart of the commotion: Poipet, the enigmatic border town, often whispered about for its call centre gangs adept in the art of deception. The scene was set on the afternoon of February 10, 2025. Police Lieutenant General Yingyos Thepchamnong and the ever-vigilant Trairat Viriyasirikul, serving as the acting Secretary General of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), embarked on their mission. Their quarry: the mysterious mobile phone base stations and the clandestine international connection points reaching surreptitiously into Cambodia. The first step of this audacious operation landed at Klong Luek border checkpoint’s railway station in Aranyaprathet…
Phuket, a tropical paradise celebrated for its beaches and nightlife, is set to redefine its identity with a dash of green innovation. If you’ve ever wandered the mystical alleys of Phuket Town, you’ve likely stumbled upon the enigmatic vestiges of the historic Phuket Prison. This establishment, steeped in stories from a bygone era, is about to embark on a journey of transformation that promises to captivate both locals and tourists. In an exhilarating initiative, the twilight echoes of this old penitentiary are being silenced by the bustling sounds of construction. Aimed at breathing vibrant life into the heart of Phuket Town, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) is spearheading an ambitious project to convert the 33-rai expanse of the former prison grounds into a sprawling haven of greenery and leisure. Prepare to step into a world where recreational dreams meet historical preservation. Imagine, if you will, a vast public park…