Welcome to the vibrant world of Koh Lan, where the azure waves gently kiss the sandy shores. Nestled in Chon Buri province, this idyllic paradise is taking remarkable strides toward marrying adventure with eco-friendly tourism. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has launched an innovative initiative—environmentally friendly sea walking tours around Koh Lan and its charming neighboring islets. Under the watchful eye of DMCR Chief Pinsak Suraswadi, this venture aims to promote the “blue economy,” a sustainable practice that responsibly harnesses the bounty of nature without depleting its treasures. You see, earlier sea walking tours in southern provinces operated with little regulation, often wreaking havoc on the delicate marine ecosystems beneath the waves. Coral was displaced from its natural habitats, all in the name of giving tourists an up-close-and-personal encounter with marine life—a practice that ultimately strained the underwater harmony. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the Chon…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Amidst the tropical charm of Thailand’s cherished destinations, there’s a buzz of anticipation as the New Year approaches. Phuket, the jewel in Thailand’s glittering crown, is gearing up to welcome an impressive throng of 230,000 visitors from December 28 to January 1, painting a vibrant picture of celebration and economic uplift. The island, known for its pristine beaches and bustling nightlife, is set to weave magic for tourists as the sands glide through the hourglass, bidding goodbye to the old year and heralding the new. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, the dynamic director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office, has his sights set on a hefty jackpot of almost 8 billion baht, courtesy of these visitors who are expected to open their hearts and wallets ready to soak in the island’s lavish offerings. On average, the revelers are anticipated to shell out approximately 35,000 baht during their stay, injecting vitality into…
At the heart of Samut Prakan, where the sprawling expanse of Suvarnabhumi Airport bustles with eager travelers, a significant change is making waves—a change that promises to delight both locals and globetrotters. You see, the Prime Minister’s Office has just rolled out a rather spirited regulation, one that allows the sale of alcoholic beverages every single day at major international airports across the country. This announcement, published in the Royal Gazette right on Christmas Day, has already taken flight as of Thursday. Now, you might be wondering, “Why the sudden shift?” According to some savvy observers, it’s all about aligning the regulations with our ‘current situation.’ Whatever that might mean, one thing’s for certain: travelers can now sip and savor their favorite libations without a calendar-checking conundrum. Helming this amendment is none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. With sage advice from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee ringing in her…
In the whirlwind that defines the political landscape, Srettha Thavisin, once a titan in real estate, saw his career morph in a blink. Ascending to the lofty perch of Thailand’s 30th prime minister, his time in office was unprecedentedly short — a mere year before an unforeseen culmination of events led to his dramatic downfall. Thavisin’s journey to premiership was anything but straightforward. He emerged as the prime choice from the Pheu Thai Party’s triad of hopefuls after the Move Forward Party (MFP) faltered in their attempt to secure Senate backing for their candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat. Thus, on August 22, 2023, Thavisin found himself at the helm. Despite his towering role, Thavisin was somewhat of an outsider within his own party. With no political faction allegiance and limited political savvy, he was somewhat lampooned as a “puppet PM”. His critics noted his partiality for overseas diplomatic forays and his notoriously…
Bangkok – a city full of life, bustling with energy and the ceaseless harmony of traffic chaos. It was here that the city’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, recently found himself at the heart of a heated discussion surrounding the city’s new speed limit regulations. Many residents took to social media, voicing their opinions – some supportive, some less than thrilled. The governor, however, stood firm, defending these regulations as vital tools to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities. Joined by a team consisting of his deputies, advisers, and the astute Sitthiporn Somkidsan from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) Office of Transport and Traffic, Chadchart set out to enlighten the public on the reasoning behind these new limits at a City Hall briefing. Like a seasoned maestro, he conducted what was a symphony of facts and figures, illustrating why this orchestra of change was crucial for Bangkok’s streets. To set the stage,…
On a picturesque Thursday, Thai and foreign mourners congregated on Patong beach for a commemoration as deeply nostalgic as it was somber. This heartfelt gathering was peppered with poignant scenes, such as mourners gently placing flowers to honor the victims of the devastating 2004 tsunami. This natural calamity had a profound impact, claiming approximately 230,000 lives across a broad swath of countries including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and seven others. The serene Thursday event was just one of many ceremonies held along Thailand’s Andaman coast to mark the 20th anniversary of that fateful day. Locations such as Mai Khao Cemetery and Tsunami Memorial Park in Ban Nam Khem were alive with activities. At the solemn Mai Khao Cemetery, both local and foreign attendees collectively shared a quiet minute of reflective silence. The day unfolded with religious and merit-making ceremonies blessing the occasion, followed by floral tributes adorning the memorial…
A man stands in quiet reflection as he gazes at the seemingly endless list of names etched on the wave-shaped monument dedicated to the victims of the infamous 2004 tsunami. This poignant tribute stands tall in Ban Nam Khem, a once-thriving fishing village in Phang Nga that was obliterated by the cataclysmic wave. Today, on December 26th, a somber ceremony is held here, a reminder of nature’s immense power and the devastation it can unleash. (Photo: UN Development Programme) In the spirit of remembrance and readiness, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) urges Thailand to embrace disaster preparedness as an integral part of daily life, in hopes of averting future tragedies as grave as those caused by the 2004 tsunami. Niamh Collier-Smith, the UNDP’s resident representative in Thailand, highlights the strides made in tsunami preparedness, calling for these practices to become second nature, safeguarding communities against potential future threats. It…
Politics in Thailand often plays out like a drama where the characters, both celebrated and notorious, take center stage to the applause or boos of the audience. Such was the scene on September 6, 2024, when Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, a veteran political figure, found himself under the spotlight once more during a Palang Pracharath Party meeting. This rare appearance was noteworthy since Gen Prawit, known for his frequent absences, had previously returned a staggering six-figure monthly salary amid public outcry over his performance. It was one of those moments that would be forever captured in time, much like a photograph by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. In the intricate ballet of Thai politics, no parliamentarian managed to capture the title of a ‘rising star’ for the third consecutive year. This accolade, typically bestowed by the media on those who shine with promise, found no suitable candidate. However, two names have made quite an…
In a case that reads like a plot twist in a high-stakes drama, the Criminal Court delivered a shocking verdict that left jaws on the floor on Thursday. Three men found themselves awash in legal turmoil as they were slapped with a gargantuan collective sentence of 49,125 years each for their roles in the infamous multi-billion-baht Forex-3D Ponzi extravaganza. Meanwhile, amidst the storm, four others, including the colorful personalities of Thai celebrities Pattanapon “DJ Man” Kunjara and the melodious Suteewan “Baitoey” Thaweesin, emerged acquitted, unscathed by the legal cyclone that threatened to topple them. The dramatic court proceedings revolved around seven individuals enmeshed in a tangled web of deceit, promising a treasure trove of investments in the Forex-3D foreign exchange group. This ensemble cast featured Singaporean Daryl Cai Yonghui, Pattanapon, Suteewan, Chatchai “Sue” Khotchathin, Theeraphassakorn “Mark” Kimwangtako, Suranart Nakmusik, and Ayuwat Chaimethanarakul. The charges against them were as intricate as…
Exactly a year ago, the sky above the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok was painted with a riot of colors. The fireworks display, viewed from Asiatique the Riverfront, was nothing short of spectacular—a fitting farewell to 2023 and a dazzling hello to 2024. This stunning visual feast was captured beautifully by Pornprom Satrabhaya and remains etched in the memories of those who experienced it. Yet, as the 2024 New Year approaches, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) has released some critical and rather tight guidelines on how the city will ring in another year. The decision by the BMA to impose a ban on fireworks, floating lanterns, and similar celebratory devices without permission is geared towards preventing the dangers of fire mishaps during the bustling holiday buzz. This cautionary move is especially significant considering many Bangkokians choose this time to vacate the city, leaving their homes unattended. Significantly, Bangkok governor Chadchart…