Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it is unexpected and involves the loss of someone so young and full of life. The island paradise of Koh Samui turned into a somber setting on Wednesday, as a funeral ceremony was held for Kamilla Belyatskaya, a vivacious 24-year-old Russian influencer known for her love of yoga and a budding career in acting. Her untimely demise has struck a chord, not just in her native Russia, but also across the global community that had followed her adventures online. In what sounds like a scene ripped from the pages of a heartrending novel, Kamilla was swept out to sea in a tragic accident while she was practicing yoga on a scenic seaside rock. It was at the picturesque Lad Koh viewpoint where she found solace on that fateful day, her graceful postures silhouetted against the azure Thai sky, as if choreographing a final…
Posts published in “Thailand”
A British expatriate, known merely as Luke, found himself at the center of a maelstrom as he stared intently at the police officer, absorbing the gravity of the charges being laid at his feet. The arrest took place in the bustling hub of Pattaya, a locale notorious for its lively nightlife and sprawling beaches, where Luke’s seemingly serene life was shattered like brittle glass upon allegations as abhorrent as one could imagine. The venue of the arrest was Luke’s own condominium in the tranquil tambon Na Kluea, situated in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri—a place that had witnessed his days of freedom swiftly dwindling. The air seemed to thicken as Pol Maj Gen Sarut Kwaengsopha of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) announced the day’s grim proceedings. The circumstances surrounding the arrest were both dire and shocking, involving accusations propagated by the UK’s National Crime Agency. A social…
Kindness, a renowned Thai beauty brand birthed from the brilliant minds of two entrepreneurial geniuses, has once again taken the skincare world by storm with the launch of three remarkable Freedom Sunscreen formulas. These new offerings are crafted to satiate the surging demand for eco-friendly, health-conscious beauty solutions, all while staying true to Kindness’s celebrated Clean Beauty philosophy. Ever at the forefront of innovation, Kindness delivers skincare that promises safety and serenity, free from irritants and gentle enough even for the most sensitive of skins, all while effectively catering to a diverse array of skincare needs. The introduction of the Freedom Sunscreen line is an exciting evolution of Kindness’s already impressive suite of facial care products, which are rooted deeply in a harmonious blend of gentle efficacy, wellness advocacy, and environmental stewardship. This new trio of sunscreens not only enriches Kindness’s product portfolio but also stands as a beacon for…
In a strategic turn of events aimed at uplifting millions of households rooted in agriculture, the cabinet has given the nod to a fresh programme set to provide a lifeline to over 4 million farmers across the nation. This initiative will channel 38.5 billion baht into the hands of hardworking farmers, effectively marking the end of the now-defunct fertiliser co-payment plan which was axed by the government just yesterday. Instead of subsidizing fertilisers, the new plan proposes a direct financial infusion for each eligible farming household. Under the newly unveiled scheme, qualifying households will receive a generous 1,000 baht for every rai of arable land they possess, maxing out at 10 rai, which translates to a tidy sum of 10,000 baht per household. This decisive move aligns with the cabinet’s resolution, a directive signed on November 21 last year, urging state agencies to shift their focus from subsidies and price…
Picture this: almost four out of ten fathers in Thailand find solace in the hazy embrace of cigarette smoke. While this fact may not raise too many eyebrows initially, its implications for future generations are rather thought-provoking. A troubling trend is emerging among youngsters, as vaping seems to be all the rage, and the average age of those indulging in it continues to tumble almost annually. Riveting insights from a recent survey spotlight this growing concern. The spotlight of this survey shines on 1,159 fathers and pivotal male figures involved in the nurturing of children from birth until they’re six years old. The revelations? A staggering 39.8% of these role models are habitual smokers. This nugget of information comes courtesy of Assistant Professor Wasin Siwaasarit from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics. Of the fathers wielding cigarettes, a substantial majority (77.22%) remain loyal to traditional smoking, while 12.36% dabble in vaping.…
In an unexpected turn of maritime events, four Thai nationals find themselves at the heart of an international diplomatic effort after their fishing expedition allegedly took a wrong turn into Myanmar waters in the Andaman Sea on a seemingly quiet Saturday. The serene backdrop of the ocean was swiftly disrupted when reports emerged of Myanmar navy vessels opening fire on a flotilla of fifteen Thai fishing boats, which had inadvertently ventured some six to seven kilometers off course into Myanmar’s maritime territory. The sea’s waters turned treacherous as, in the chaos, a fisherman tragically drowned after taking a desperate leap into the waves. In the aftermath of the confrontation, 31 crew members, including our four Thai citizens, were detained, casting a shadow over what should have been a routine day at sea. Reassuringly, the Thai government, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra leading the charge, has confirmed that the Thai nationals…
Phuket’s vibrant cabaret scene is strutting its stuff as one of the most enthralling “soft power” tools of the province, significantly contributing to the local economy by churning out over 200 million baht in revenue each year. In the spotlight is none other than the fabulous Simon Cabaret Show, nestled in the lively Kathu district. Sophon Suwanrat, the provincial governor, shined the spotlight on this booming business after he officiated the opening ceremony of the renowned show. As the curtain rose on yet another promising year, Mr. Suwanrat couldn’t help but bask in the golden glow that 2024 has cast upon Phuket’s bustling tourism industry. With an astonishing 10.5 million tourists having already landed on its shores by October 31, this tropical paradise has raked in a jaw-dropping 390 billion baht. And the year isn’t over yet! Enthusiastic projections suggest the island could amass a total of 450 billion baht…
In a robust move aimed at addressing the devastating impacts of flooding across numerous Thai provinces, the cabinet has sanctioned a generous budget of five billion baht. This allocation serves as a vital lifeline to tide over households afflicted by the relentless deluge, covering 16 additional provinces on top of the staggering 57 already battered by the floods. After what can only be described as an intense cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured the public that these flood-hit households would receive a solace payment of 9,000 baht each, mirroring the relief efforts extended to those previously contaminated by nature’s wrath. The resolute Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized the urgency of saturating the flood-impacted zones with the needed financial aid, with the Interior Ministry spearheading the prompt disbursement to alleviate the hardships of those affected. This essential help couldn’t come soon enough, especially given the displacement and challenges facing the communities ensnared…
In an intriguing turn of events, next month a team of experts from UNESCO’s esteemed World Heritage Committee is gearing up for an adventurous journey to Ayutthaya. Their mission? To inspect a section of Thailand’s high-speed rail track construction, a project that gracefully slices through the historical richness of the Ayutthaya region, much like a modern-day explorer. But fret not, history lovers! This is no ordinary inspection. It’s a meeting of technological modernity and cultural antiquity. These experts, world-renowned custodians of cultural legacy, aim to engage in spirited discussions with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Their focus will be on the project’s Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), a report that holds the blueprint to ensuring that Ayutthaya’s cherished past isn’t overshadowed by its race to the future. While these discussions promise to be both robust and illuminating, know this: the decision to pause or continue the Ayutthaya station’s construction within…
Carrying a bag brimming with rice and other essentials, an elderly woman makes her way through Wat Klong Toey Nok in Bangkok. Her grateful presence on that March day in 2023 was courtesy of the abbot and benevolent monks. Moments like these capture a spirit of communal support that continues to ripple throughout Thailand, especially as recent government initiatives aim to extend their reach to the nation’s most vulnerable groups. Set to roll out on October 1, 2024, new measures are in the pipeline to increase monthly allowances for newborn children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, as announced by Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security. Speaking at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Government House, the minister illuminated the cabinet’s decision to bolster support for these groups. The exciting development aims at a universal subsidy of 600 baht per month for each newborn child…