Buckle up, travel enthusiasts! Don Mueang Airport is all set to witness an exhilarating buzz this New Year, with Airports of Thailand (AoT) forecasting a thrilling 13.32% leap in flights zipping in and out. The key takeaway? Approximately 717,002 passengers are expected to scurry through its gates, transforming the airport into a festive wonderland of jet-setting frenzy. Flashback to the days before the pesky pandemic, and you’ll find that this forecast represents an impressive 88.62% recovery in flight numbers, as announced with delightful zeal by AoT’s president, Kerati Kijmanawat, on a splendid Saturday. These figures illuminate a robust 19.96% increase from last year, echoing the sounds of suitcases being wheeled—and let’s not forget, that’s about 85.84% of the glorious footfall once enjoyed in the pre-Covid era. “Attention, passengers!” chimes Mr. Kerati with fervor. This year, the airport gears up to pamper and seamlessly facilitate around 102,429 eager travelers per day…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Once upon a time in the intricately woven landscape of Prachin Buri’s political scene, the name Soonthorn Vilawan was as much a staple as the morning sun. At 85 years old, Soonthorn was not just an elder statesman but the centerpiece of a family dynasty that held the political reins of the region firmly in their grasp. Admired by some and feared by others, he was at the helm of countless party negotiations and electoral strategies, his influence rippling through the communities like a brisk breeze on a still afternoon. Yet, even in the corridors of power, fortunes can shift as swiftly as a change in the weather. The once-mighty Soonthorn now finds himself one of seven suspects tangled in a web of intrigue and tragedy following the fatal shooting of his adopted son. The somber echoes of gunfire that resonated through his own home on December 11 have left…
In the enigmatic, mist-shrouded heart of Chiang Mai, a tale of daring, danger, and dashing derring-do unfolded under the cover of darkness. In the bewitching early hours of a Saturday morning, when most of the city slumbered, a small corner of this northern province buzzed with a clandestine commotion that would leave even the most stoic heart racing. The Chaiyanuparb special unit, a band of sharp-eyed soldiers with a propensity for foiling nefarious schemes, was weaving through the whispering shadows of orange groves in Fang district’s tambon Monpin. Armed with resolve and military precision, the patrol spotted the silhouettes of three or four shadowy figures—each hefting a conspicuously misshapen rucksack. Clocking in at a bleary-eyed hour around 3 am, the soldiers signaled the mysterious carriers to halt. But rather than pause for a chat, the figures opted for a less diplomatic response. Shots rang out, cutting through the stillness, echoing…
In the sultry backdrop of Pattaya’s bustling streets, a chilling tale of betrayal and brutality unfolded that would soon capture headlines around the globe. Picture this: A serene neighborhood in tambon Nong Prue is swept into a maelstrom of macabre intrigue as law enforcement officers descend upon a seemingly ordinary house. Inside, the unimaginable waited—a grim discovery that still sends shivers down the spine—a body tucked away in the icy silence of a freezer. It was July 2023 when the notorious crime came to light, leaving the community rattled and the international media captivated. The victim, a well-known German property broker, Hans Peter Walter Mack, aged 62, had met a dreadful fate that puzzled the authorities. His absence since July 4 had been a cause for concern, and when detectives pieced together cryptic clues from security footage, their perseverance led to the shocking revelation on July 10. As the investigations…
Politics is never a dull arena, especially in the dynamic landscape of Thailand, where an unexpected rift between major players Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai could stir up early election whispers, while one man’s caution may spark another’s zeal for a fresh poll. The duo formed a coalition after last year’s decisive election, with Bhumjaithai snagging the prestigious Interior Ministry and the influential ministerial helm occupied continuously by their leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, a figure not to be overshadowed. The Interior Minister’s role is a potent seat of power, a hotly contested cabinet role often reserved for the leading party. Yet, in a surprising maneuver showcasing Pheu Thai’s strategic recognition of Bhumjaithai’s heft as a negotiating force, this key position was conceded. Despite this camaraderie, the partnership has seen its share of friction. Notably, former Prime Minister Srettha’s proposal to relist cannabis as a narcotic, a stark reversal of Bhumjaithai’s decriminalization victory…
The shocking revelations have sent ripples through the walls of the prestigious Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (Afaps). In an unexpected turn of events, a panel has been formed to delve deep into unsettling allegations: the purported sexual harassment of 18 young cadets by none other than the school’s physical therapist. As the nation holds its breath, initial findings are eagerly awaited, set to be unveiled within a mere seven days. Adding gravity to the situation, Maj Gen Withai Laithomya, the unyielding spokesman from the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters (RTARF), confirmed that the investigation’s wheels were set into motion the moment these grim tidings surfaced online last Thursday. The accused, a lieutenant officer, allegedly took advantage of his position from October through November, preying on cadets aged between 16 and 18, leaving the community in a state of disbelief. According to Maj Gen Withai, each of these brave young…
In a captivating turn of events, the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) is calling out the Thai government, urging them to step up their game in the peace negotiations department. The BRN seems less than impressed with what they consider procrastination on Thailand’s part in assembling a fresh peace negotiation team. Their statement comes hot on the heels of Prime Minister Paetongthan Shinawatra’s meet-up with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during her official jaunt to Malaysia. Who doesn’t love a little international tête-à-tête, right? The discussions, as reported, dabbled in fostering peace across Thailand’s restive southern provinces. However, rumor has it that the specifics of this noble endeavor were noticeably absent. In a rather fiery statement, the BRN questioned the Thai government’s sincerity, boldly asserting its readiness to get down to brass tacks. Yet, their participation comes with a twist—they demand that any talks adhere strictly to international laws. Forget…
In a world bustling with change, where every ray of progress breaks through thick clouds of adversity, the United Nations working group has set its sights on Thailand. With an earnest goal of fortifying legal protection to secure the welfare of women across diverse backgrounds, this group acknowledges the strides made by Thailand in championing women’s rights. Yet, as they diligently parse through hidden layers, they find the journey far from concluded. Amidst the awe-inspiring days from December 2nd to December 13th, this ensemble of five adept experts embarked on a voyage through Bangkok, Mae Sot, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai. With the intent of delving deep into the veins of societal progress and the yet daunting challenges of gender equality, they traded discussions and insights with involved stakeholders. Their thorough assessment saga continues through February, with the culmination awaiting presentation to the esteemed UN Human Rights Council by June…
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened an extended informal consultation recently in the bustling city of Bangkok, with key players from the region converging to focus on the intricate and pressing situation in Myanmar. Notably absent from this important gathering were representatives from Myanmar, whose empty seats seemed to emphasize the colossal challenges faced in the quest for regional peace and stability. Mr. Bolbongse Vangphaen, the Director-General of the ASEAN Affairs Department, was on hand to brief the eager media. He reaffirmed the collective commitment of the ASEAN member states to advance the Five-Point Consensus (5PC). This framework, designed to steer Myanmar towards peace, includes immediate cessation of violence, initiating dialogue among all parties, appointing a special envoy, providing humanitarian assistance, and ensuring an envoy visits to engage with stakeholders. However, as Mr. Bolbongse candidly admitted, applying this consensus is no simple task. The situation in Myanmar is…
Picture this: a clandestine casino nestled within a hotel in Nonthaburi becomes the epicenter of a dramatic police raid. If it sounds like a scene from a Hollywood movie, think again. This was the reality in November last year as law enforcement swooped in on the illegal operation. Fast forward to today, and the winds of change may be sweeping across the country. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has hinted at a paradigm shift—that is, if the proposed legislation to legalize gambling sees the light of day. Should the bill pass into law, the government will meticulously select locations for casino-entertainment complexes, ensuring a fair playing field for all investors vying for a piece of the action. According to Mr. Julapun, this strategic approach will prevent any sneaky, underhanded tactics from monopolizing bids through rigged specifications or conditions. It’s like a real-life Monopoly game, where some investors are sitting on…