In a recent development that’s sure to stir more than a few feathers in the skies above Thailand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has given a green light to a 25-baht hike in the passenger service charge (PSC) at some of the country’s bustling provincial airports. The decision, proposed by the Department of Airports, affects a set list of airports, each a charming gateway into Thailand’s diverse regions: Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phitsanulok. What does this mean for the globe-trotting adventurer or the busy business traveler hoping to breeze through these airports? Well, you’ll now find yourself paying 425 baht for the privilege of taking off on an international flight and a modest 75 baht for domestic jaunts. Chayatan Phromsorn, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and the deputy chairman of the CAAT, assures us that this…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a move that’s causing quite the stir, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra touched down in Beijing and engaged in high-level discussions with none other than China’s President Xi Jinping. The rendezvous took place at the famed Great Hall of the People on a crisp Thursday, as covered by the official Xinhua news agency. Accolades to cooperation were in the air as Ms. Paetongtarn embarked on this diplomatic mission, determined to tackle an issue that has irked many—a crackdown on online scams and call centers plaguing Thai citizens. In a sweeping agenda, Ms. Paetongtarn threw the spotlight on protecting tourists, with a nod to the swath of visitors hailing from China. She took the bold step of advocating for a digital cleanse, urging Beijing to take a hard look at online platforms notorious for peddling misinformation about Thailand’s vibrant tourism sector. The emphasis was clear: cybersecurity and cross-border cooperation are…
As dawn broke over the bustling metropolis of Bangkok on a typical Thursday morning, an unsettling report from the Air Quality Information Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) sent ripples across the city. The air quality in 29 districts failed to meet safety standards, raising concerns about the health risks lurking in the air. The notorious PM2.5 particles took centre stage in this environmental drama, with their average levels hovering at 38.7 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) during the early hours from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. These tiny, yet powerful, particles just managed to edge above the national benchmark of 37.5 µg/m³, painting an ominous picture. A slight improvement, you might say, from the previous day’s reading of 40.7 µg/m³, but certainly not enough to breathe easy. For those who have been blissfully unacquainted, PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller—more than…
In the bustling landscape of Thailand’s ever-evolving digital economy, a shadowy undercurrent has emerged, with mobile applications turning the tables on unsuspecting users. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has assumed the role of a vigilant guardian, honing in on a troubling phenomenon—illegal mobile apps offering personal loans on a whim. These arbitrary lenders, including names like Fineasy and Happy Loan, have found themselves under the spotlight and poised to be expunged from digital marketplaces. With determination as their guide, the central bank is on a mission to sanitize the App Store and Google Play Store of these rogue entities. The story begins with Pirajit Padmasuta, the central bank’s senior director, succinctly voicing the institution’s concerns. By teaming up with the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) under the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, the bank has embarked on a quest to eradicate these unlicensed money lenders from digital storefronts. The…
IMPACT Exhibition Management Co Ltd is orchestrating a grand symphony of ambition as it bids to become the towering maestro of Thailand’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism industry. Like an artist with a fresh canvas, IMPACT is set to splash 5 billion baht into the vibrant tapestry of Mueang Thong Thani, transforming it into a world-class haven for events and entertainment. This hefty investment comes as part of IMPACT’s masterful expansion strategy, closely tied to a visionary 100-billion-baht government mega-project that aims to create an entertainment complex of epic proportions. However, the plot thickens as IMPACT’s CEO, Paul Kanjanapas, reveals a twist. Due to the murky waters of uncertain government policies, the company is shifting its spotlight from the entertainment complex to hotel development. “The timeline for the entertainment complex project remains an enigma,” Kanjanapas unveiled, emphasizing that IMPACT isn’t twiddling its thumbs in the meantime. The company…
In the lively realm of Thai politics, few names echo with as much vigor as Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite his absence from the prime ministerial seat, the whispers of his influence are far from fading into silence—or so says Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin, a man not known for mincing words, boldly counters claims suggesting Thaksin’s political sway has turned faint. In a statement as sharp as it is memorable, Anutin asserts, “Warriors are warriors. To underestimate Thaksin or say he is losing his magic can bring [the big mouth] an unprecedented disaster.” Such words serve as a vivid brushstroke in the portrait of a political landscape that is anything but predictable. These declarations arise amidst the backdrop of analyses questioning the enduring potency of Thaksin’s legacy, primarily fueled by the Pheu Thai Party’s less-than-stellar performance in the recent provincial administration organisation (PAO) elections. For many, these results indicated a…
Within the tranquil stretches of Phatthalung province, an intriguing tale of familial bonds and betrayal unfolds, drawing the attention of both locals and the curious afar. Two sisters, each steadfast in their convictions and torn by what was once an unbreakable family unity, have become tangled in a dispute as dramatic as any televised drama. At the heart of this sibling rivalry are Kulisara and Kirati, women familiar to their neighbors yet now planted firmly on opposing ends of a family feud that revolves around a considerable 30 million baht inheritance. Kulisara, aged 46, has leveled serious accusations against her elder sister, Kirati, aged 50. It all started with the mysterious moving of their frail parents, who found themselves unexpectedly lodged in a rented house, seemingly against their wills. Kulisara is resolute. She claims that Kirati clandestinely relocated their parents without a whisper of notice, and administers unprescribed psychiatric drugs,…
In the enchanting province of Tak, nestled along the vibrant Thai-Myanmar border, local public health officials are bracing for an extraordinary influx of patients from neighboring refugee camps. This surge encompasses a sea of humanity, with estimates hovering between 40,000 to 50,000 individuals seeking solace and healthcare. The catalyst? A dramatic decision by none other than US President Donald Trump, putting a halt to funding for the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Deep within Tak’s Umphang district lies the Nu Po Refugee Camp, a space now swallowed by silence since January 27th as its healthcare services are left stranded. Today, only the gravest emergencies are acknowledged, while non-urgent ailments are relegated to the dusty sidelines, leaving many in a quandary. This area, home to a network of nine refugee camps, serves as a living testament to the resilience of some 90,000 individuals. These camps, established three decades ago as sanctuaries for…
In a heartfelt plea for help, a worried mother, Khajorn Somjai, 48, has turned to the authorities in a bid to locate her missing 21-year-old son, who feared to have been entangled in a treacherous call scam web in Poipet, Cambodia. The young man, Jetsarit Phumjai, vanished under suspicious circumstances after meeting a woman he had connected with through social media. Now, Ms. Khajorn together with her eldest son Boonlong U-Nak, 27, has reached out to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) for assistance in unraveling this worrying mystery. The distressing saga began on the afternoon of January 26, when Jetsarit was last seen heading out to meet his newfound friend from Instagram. The pair exchanged messages regularly, but little did he know the danger that lay ahead. Witnesses recall seeing him leaving in a distinctive green-yellow taxi outside a local convenience store, a departure that marked the beginning of his…
In an era where international travel is more accessible than ever, the excitement of exploring new horizons often comes with a side of inconvenience: securing the necessary visa. With a rise in outbound travel from Thailand, VFS Global, the world’s premier visa outsourcing and technology services provider, has sounded the alarm over increasing scams targeting anxious travelers. Hosting an enlightening event in the bustling city of Bangkok, VFS Global sought to arm Thai travelers with crucial knowledge, ensuring their travel dreams aren’t derailed by unscrupulous scammers. Gracefully gracing the event were diplomats from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Norway, and Switzerland. Their presence underscored the pressing issue of visa fraud—a menace that’s grown in tandem with soaring visa applications. As destinations become more desirable, demand climbs, and so do fraudulent activities. Crafty con artists, masquerading as official visa agents, are peddling bogus appointments and false promises of visa approvals,…