Posts published in “Thailand”

In a delightful twist to her governmental duties, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to TikTok with a rather playful initiative. Donning the apron of a fruit vendor for a day, she embraced the fruit-selling spirit to promote a cause dear to her heart: bolstering the consumption of locally grown fruit. With a sparkling smile and hearty enthusiasm, she encouraged her fellow Thais to relish the bounty of their homeland’s orchards. The premier didn’t miss the opportunity to accentuate the fame and glory of Thai mangoes, known globally for their succulent taste and quality. In her charming TikTok video, Paetongtarn extolled their affordability and unmatched flavor profile. “Hello, hello everyone! It’s fruit season!” the vibrant caption boldly declared, inviting viewers to join this fruity celebration. Optimistically, she cited that favorable weather conditions had graced the nation with a bountiful harvest, pushing fruit production up by an impressive 15% compared to the…

Picture this: you’re cruising down Theparat Road in Samut Prakan province, just minding your own business when, suddenly, life throws you a flaming curveball. That’s precisely what happened to Anothai, a 49-year-old woman whose car unexpectedly turned into a roadside firework display, leaving her as puzzled as an unsolved Sudoku puzzle. The saga unfolded on May 13, on the inbound express lane close to the Highway Police Service Centre in Bang Chalong, Bang Phli district. Just a week before, Anothai’s car had been pampered with an oil change and a routine inspection, courtesy of a local service center. This automotive spa treatment should have ensured smooth sailing, but instead, her car seemed to be auditioning for the next blockbuster disaster movie. The fire started its dramatic performance under the car’s hood, drawing the immediate attention of the local fire department and the heroic Poh Teck Tung rescue team. With three…

In a twist straight out of a family drama, a Thai woman named Ree embarked on what turned out to be a startling quest for her mother, Peng, only to uncover more than just her mother’s whereabouts. It all started one quiet Sunday in the Isaan province of Roi Et, where Ree raised the alarm when her mother seemingly vanished into thin air. For Ree, the situation felt dire as she believed her mother, who had Alzheimer’s, could be in severe danger. But the plot thickened faster than a mystery novel when Ree received an unexpected knock on the door. It wasn’t a worried neighbor or the police at her doorstep, but instead, a court document. The paper ordered her to vacate the family home because, unbeknownst to her, her mother had sold off the property. Confused and blindsided, Ree learned that Peng herself had orchestrated the entire sale, claiming…

In a groundbreaking move, the government has widened the scope of venues eligible to sell alcoholic beverages daily, effectively reshaping Thailand’s alcohol sales landscape. The recent legislation, enacted last week and headlined in the Royal Gazette on May 9, has been a topic of fervent discussion. Effective from May 10, this law endows five categories of venues with the license to sell alcohol, albeit with a thoughtful nod to cultural sensitivities. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has made it clear that while the evolving law offers venues more freedom, respect for Buddhist traditions remains front and center. As such, the prohibition on alcohol sales during significant Buddhist holidays such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asanha Bucha, and the beginning and end of Buddhist Lent is still rigorously upheld. But there’s a twist! International airport terminals catering to outbound passengers, licensed entertainment spots like bustling restaurants and lively pubs, especially…

In the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, lottery enthusiasts are caught up in the midst of a mixed-result season that has everyone guessing and hoping for Lady Luck’s favor. As the calendar flips through May, it coincides with culturally substantial dates such as Visakha Bucha, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, and Coronation Day. These dates sparked a frenzy of excitement, yet, ironically, lottery vendors are experiencing a bit of a curveball with sales taking a slight plunge due to the start of the school term. On May 14, the heart of Chiang Mai witnessed its usual flurry of activity. People ambled around major markets—Chiang Mai Gate, Chang Phueak Gate—and other bustling hubs like the Arcade Bus Terminal and Haiya Cemetery, seeking out those elusive lucky numbers. The price tag remains unchanged, with a single ticket going for 100 baht (around US$3). For those feeling extra adventurous, bundles of tickets are available:…

Phuket found itself underwater today as torrential rain turned the vibrant island into a scene out of an aquatic adventure. Major roads morphed into temporary canals, sparking travel upheaval in some of the island’s most frequented tourist areas. From the crack of dawn on this rather soggy May 14th, the relentless downpours pounded the districts of Mueang and Kathu, unleashing flash floods across seaside subdistricts like Patong, Chalong, and Rawai. These areas, typically bustling with locals and visitors basking in the sun, now resembled more of a waterlogged wonderland. As nature’s deluge continued, small cars found themselves stranded, transforming even the most confident drivers into reluctant sailors. Traffic reached a near standstill in several locations as officials hurried to maintain some semblance of order. Among them, Samran Jindapol, the resilient Mayor of Chalong Municipality, was seen wading through the waterlogged streets, directing traffic with a blend of authority and aquatics.…