As Thailand’s tourism sights hit a low ebb, there’s one hotel maverick who’s flipping the script and setting the hospitality temperatures sizzling. At the forefront of this innovative strategy is none other than Koko Global Hospitality (Thailand) Co Ltd (KGH), the enterprising force behind the vibrant Kokotel hotel chain. Despite encountering a lull in international tourist arrivals, KGH is ambitiously spreading its wings far and wide across the land, betting the farm on the pulsating pulse of local wanderlusters. In an unexpected twist, Rei Matsuda, the astute CEO of KGH, views the current tourism lull not as an obstacle, but as a magnificent silver lining. “Sure, the market’s dialed down more than the low season playlist,” quips Matsuda, “but we’re primed for a resurgence as the High Season buzz builds up!” The bustling land of smiles welcomed over 15 million sun-chasing foreigners from January 1 to June 8, which marked…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The world of journalism isn’t always smooth sailing, especially when tensions rise between government officials and the media. Recently, the spotlight was cast on an exchange between Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and a journalist—a squabble that’s caused quite the stir beyond the serene Thai beaches. It all began on a seemingly ordinary June 4th day, when the 38-year-old Prime Minister steeled herself for a probing interview. The topic was anything but mundane—the simmering feud between Thailand and Cambodia. When quizzed about whether Cambodian military forces had crossed into Thai territory, Paetongtarn deflected the question with a suggestion that the inquisitive reporter accompany her team to witness the situation firsthand. Her expression seemed to scream “game on!” However, the atmosphere took a swift turn when the journalist couldn’t suppress a chuckle—a moment that didn’t fly under Paetongtarn’s radar. “Oh, what’s wrong? Journalists are fierce today,” she volleyed back, not missing…
In an empowering and heart-wrenching adventure, a 46-year-old Thai man named Piya has set out on an extraordinary journey to liberate himself from the clutches of cannabis addiction. Hailing from Ratchaburi, Piya is making headlines as he walks over 700 kilometers to Chiang Mai, driven by a potent blend of resilience and hope. For the past 20 days, Piya has been traversing the roads armed with just a spare set of clothes and an indomitable spirit. To fund his daily necessities, he has embraced humility, collecting and selling empty cans to buy meals. Meanwhile, his nights are spent in various makeshift shelters, ranging from temples to the comforting arms of police stations. The roots of Piya’s determination are deeply intertwined with the love and support of his family, particularly his 74-year-old mother and sister, who maintain daily contact via phone. Their unwavering encouragement acts as his beacon in this arduous…
The serene beauty of the Mekong River was abruptly shattered by tragedy on June 10, when a routine patrol mission spiraled into a frantic search operation of urgent proportions. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), led by Air Vice Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, wasted no time in launching an urgent rescue mission after news broke of a capsized boat during a critical anti-drug mission near the border. The incident has left a palpable sense of concern across the nation, as questions of safety and survival hang in the balance for Master Sergeant Sukasem Prompanchai, an officer known for his valiant commitment to preserving national security. In the small but resilient community of Ban Bung Khilek, located in the Na Waeng subdistrict of Khemmarat district, Ubon Ratchathani province, the watchful eyes of nature and man alike witnessed the unfolding drama. The river’s otherwise gentle allure transformed with ominous vigor; its ordinarily placid…
The bustling hub of Lopburi, traditionally a juxtaposition of serene cultural landmarks and a chaotic monkey metropolis, is undergoing a sweeping transformation. Amid the ancient ruins and modern-day enterprises, mischievous macaques have long been the uninvited occupants, reigning supreme, much to the chagrin of locals and curious tourists alike. This year marks a turning point as an ambitious project to control the monkey population takes center stage, orchestrated by the dedicated teams from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Embarking on this bold venture in May, the operation involves a meticulous plan of trapping, sterilizing, and relocating the macaques. The captured creatures are given temporary residence in expansive enclosures in the Po Kao Ton subdistrict. This approach aims to mitigate the frequent disruptions caused by these furry marauders—be it ambushing unsuspecting pedestrians or orchestrating unauthorized entry into homes and businesses,…
In the tranquil town of Ban Makkhaeng, an unexpected family drama has unfolded that could rival even the most engaging soap operas. The serene morning of June 11 was interrupted for an 80-year-old woman named Chalo and her 35-year-old son, Cha, when they found themselves at the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station. They were there to report a most unsettling theft, one that cast a shadow over their family ties. The stolen goods were no less than 9 baht of gold jewelry and 30,000 baht in cash—collectively valued at around 453,798 baht, or about US$13,990. These weren’t merely material possessions but represented decades of hard work and prudence, wrapped up in memories. The valuables had been cleverly stashed in a tin, housed inside a plastic container, cloaked with a green necktie, and then discreetly placed on Chalo’s bed, a place they thought was safe, beneath their old family home. The…
In the lively and enchanting land of Thailand, unusual stories seem to blossom like the country’s famed orchids. Today, we’ve got a juicy assortment of intriguing tales—from mystical revivals to scandalous high jinks—sure to tickle your curiosity and keep you glued to the screen. So grab a comfy seat and prepare for a whirlwind tour through these wild happenings! Let’s plunge into the wonderfully odd case of a presumed ‘dead’ man resurfacing in a canal in Nonthaburi. It started like a scene from a detective novel: a body discovered face-down in the murky waters, lifeless—or so it seemed. But just when rescue workers were about to pull him ashore for the last time, the ‘body’ suddenly began crying out for assistance! Turns out, this man was merely taking a misguided swim, allegedly under the influence of too much adult grape juice. As you might imagine, this surprise twist has locals…
In a case that intertwines the medical world with the menace of narcotics trafficking, a significant development has unfolded at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok. The drama hinges on the suspension of a psychiatrist, Police Colonel Dr. Anchulee Theerawongpaisal, at the center of a high-profile scandal involving a monumental misuse of her medical license. Allegations suggest she leveraged her credentials to acquire an alarming stockpile of alprazolam, amongst other psychotropic drugs, purportedly through various clinics, as implicated in the unfolding saga. As the narrative unspools, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau has stepped into the fray, urging hospital authorities to shed light on Dr. Anchulee’s professional status and the murky trail of her dealings, as emphasized by Police Major General Sirikul Srisa-nga, a spokesperson for the hospital. This culminated dramatically on a sultry Tuesday, June 10, when Dr. Anchulee, rather ominously nicknamed “Dr. Air,” was detained at her residence in Bangkok.…
This morning, near the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, a scene unfolded that was as explosive as it was unwelcome. At approximately 8:20 a.m., 53-year-old Chalerm, visiting from the serene province of Nan, abruptly shattered the tranquility at Gate 4 of Government House in Bangkok. Draped in an eye-catching orange reflective vest and wielding a whirring chainsaw, his mission was clear, if not utterly disruptive – he demanded justice for unpaid wages related to a state hospital construction project. This cry for help, albeit loud and intimidating, sent bureaucrats, law enforcers, and curious onlookers darting away, sowing pandemonium in every heartbeat. The scene was dramatic, to say the least. Security personnel, rapidly surmising the gravity of the situation, erected impromptu metal barriers to stymie Chalerm’s charged approach. It was a delicate dance of persuasion where officers, trained in the art of negotiation, urged him to shelve his buzzing companion. After…
An Austrian man, recently identified as Wolfgang Gantner, found himself in a dire predicament upon landing at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. Shortly after his arrival, Gantner experienced a medical emergency that escalated quickly into a potentially life-threatening situation, necessitating a swift transfer to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital. As doctors raced against the clock to determine the cause of his seizures and fainting spells, what was thought to be a medical mystery soon unraveled into a tale of crime gone wrong. At the hospital, Dr. Chaowarit and his team were puzzled when an unusual pink fluid began seeping from their foreign patient. Concerned and curious, they embarked on a thorough medical investigation, conducting a CT scan that led to a startling discovery. The scan revealed multiple foreign objects loitering ominously within Gantner’s gastrointestinal tract. The suspicious spherical packages raised immediate red flags. Among them, one had already exited, revealing its illicit…