In an exciting development for Thailand’s cultural development, Atikhun Kongmee, who presides over the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), recently announced the acceptance of the provinces of Chiang Rai and Suphan Buri into the Unesco City of Culture Network (UCCN). Boasting of rich cultural and creative initiatives, Chiang Rai is joining as a city of design while Suphan Buri takes its place as a city of music, as stated by Atikhun. Since its introduction in 2004, the UCCN has thrived as a Unesco flagship initiative to foster cooperation among cities that have strategically emphasized culture and creativity as catalysts for sustainable urban progress. The network proudly seats nearly 300 cities from around 90 different countries, reflecting a diverse cultural profile that began to take form in its earlier years. The UCCN encapsulates seven creative dimensions which include: Crafts and Folk Arts Design Film Gastronomy Literature Media Arts Music…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In an unprecedented turn of events, Pol Maj-General Montree Theskhan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), announced to the media during a press briefing at the CSD headquarters, the successful apprehension of three individuals associated with a drug syndicate. These individuals, discovered during a province-wide investigation, had intended to distribute drugs cleverly hidden within numerous small plastic bags. Upon closer inspection, authorities found these bags tucked away deep inside specially-crafted wooden crates. Tracing back to this bold arrest which took place inside a warehouse, Nakhon Pathom province emerged as their area of operations. It was within these confines that the illicit substances were discovered, neatly sealed within covert compartments ingeniously designed and built into wooden pieces. They were then put together to resemble crates known for storing jade masterpieces and exquisite stone sculptures of the Buddha and other respected imagery. Pol Maj-General Montree recalled that it was the vital…
In a recent seminar aired by the Thai-language news outlet Thansettakij, which is a part of the reputable Nation Group, Thaiwut Khankaew, heralded as the director of the City Planning and Urban Development Department, brought to light an exciting new vision for the city of Bangkok. The seminar held at the luxurious Renaissance Bangkok Hotel was centralized around property development plans, shaping the future of the city. The inauguration of the new city planning act of 2019 – replacing its predecessor from 1975 – served as the incumbent responsibility for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to renew and meticulously devise the layout of the city Afresh. Reflective of the soaring voices and needs of city dwellers, it had become a necessity for BMA to upgrade and alter the status of multiple urban zones, because of the consistent city sprawl and the concurrent rise of new residential areas. The unique feature…
From the culturally vibrant heart of Thailand’s National Resource and Environment Ministry comes the heartening announcement of a ceremonious welcome for Sak Surin, a noble elephant of 30 winters, upon the termination of his solitude. As the quarantine on this majestic creature concludes after full circle of moon, the country embraces him with a festive event, a traditional Bai Sri Su Khwan ceremony. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, the vigorous steward of the Natural Resources and Environment, conveyed this uplifting news, implicitly revealing that the event is to unfurl at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC), nestled in Lampang. The sanctuary of TECC has been the haven for Sak Surin, providing him with meticulous medical care, ever since his journey back from his stint in Sri Lanka on July 2nd. His well-being is being rigorously overseen by specialists, with a comprehensive blood test forthcoming to establish his vitality, thereby concluding this chapter…
In a remarkable show of unity, five star-studded agencies from Thailand’s state machinery are pulling together to lock horns with shady financial dealings and money laundering that span across international borders. The deputy government spokeswoman, Traisuree Taisaranakul, divulged this groundbreaking initiative of these institutions with a steely resolve to purge the system of corruption. This remarkable assembly of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Revenue Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) denotes an important stand against organized crime. Banners of these renowned institutions congregating set a remarkable precedent underlining the government’s determined effort in compliance with the policy outlined by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to incapacitate scams and thwart rigged routers originating from border territories. With deep concern, the coalition of these agencies acknowledged the illicit use of digital asset platforms for peer-to-peer deals that often end up…
With a clear eye on an uncertain inflation outlook, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) is finalizing its interest rate increase plan with a last 25-point hike set for August 2. These observations arise from recent surveys. June’s annual headline inflation saw a downturn to 0.23%, a slump below BoT’s target range of 1% -3%, pointing to a price revival later in the year. This tells us that BoT isn’t ready to wind up its cycle of fiscal tightening. Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the BoT’s governor, affirmed last week that the current inflation outlook is on track with forecasts. Hence, future monetary policy is likely to ride on projections rather than relying entirely on present data. This slight recalibration has led economists, who participated in a poll between July 17-26 and previously predicted a cessation of the 150 basis points of policy tightening in May, to now foresee another rate hike. In…
In September 2016, an officer was spotted at the Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, in Bangkok, thoroughly spraying pesticides with the goal of eliminating mosquitoes that carry the perilous Zika virus, a scene captured by Patipat Janthong. Indeed, Zika virus, a highly contagious disease majorly transmitted by mosquitoes, has been a recurring health worry in Thailand. The Public Health Ministry has reported that since the commencement of the year till July 19, 110 people have been diagnosed with this virus in 20 different provinces of the country. This report, made by Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the standing secretary for public health, indicates that the virus is increasingly spreading with 30 reported cases in June itself. Lamentably, the virus is not sparing anyone. A total of six pregnant women from five distinct provinces, which include Chanthaburi, Phitsanulok, Rayong, Samut Songkhram, and Trat, have contracted the virus in July. It’s more alarming considering…
An exciting announcement in the world of archaeology and paleontology, Thailand has uncovered its 13th dinosaur named Minimocursor phunoiensis gen. et sp. nov. The intriguing details surrounding this grand revelation were officially presented in the 2023 edition of the international, open-access scholarly journal, Diversity, issued on July 13. An official press conference is slated to be hosted by the Department of Mineral Resources of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, locating its base in the bustling cityscape of Bangkok. The department set the event on Wednesday to formally introduce this remarkable find to the world. As reported on the department’s Facebook page, some key figures largely contributed to this discovery. Dr. Sita Manitkoon, associated with the Palaeontological Research and Education Centre at Mahasarakham University, joined forces with France’s Laboratoire de Géologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, and the renowned Sirindhorn Museum for this ground-breaking exploration. Nicknamed ‘a small runner,’…
The recent convention saw discussions centred around the topic, “Europe and Asia: Addressing common challenges in a changing global security environment through multilateral co-operation” which was graced by esteemed delegates from a variety of countries. Among the attendees of the conference was Somrudee Poopornanake, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, and Ambassadors from the 57 OSCE-operating states along with the five Asian Partners, one amongst whom was Thailand. The conference hosted elaborate discussion sessions, providing a platform to the Thai delegation to express their views and proposals to several issues of combined interest. The focus of their address was the enhancement of constructive cooperation between Asia and Europe, specifically bridging ASEAN and the OSCE. Non-traditional security issues such as cybersecurity and climate change were brought into the light. Furthermore, Thailand seized this opportunity to encourage an inclusive engagement with civil society in the promotion of human rights, democracy…
Bangkok’s Chatuchak district was teeming with energy as hundreds of enthusiasts and volunteers gathered at Soi Lat Phrao Wanghin 41, adjacent to the canal. The occasion? An event promoting waste sorting, recycling, and the monumental task of keeping the city’s canals clean. This noteworthy event was brought to fruition by the partnership between C2 drinking water, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and TerraCycle Thai Foundation. C2, a product of C Drink Ltd and pioneer of no-label bottled drinking water, takes pride in bolstering the zero-waste concept in Thailand. The company commands an extensive fanbase, especially after featuring Jackson Wang from the globally acclaimed GOT7 boyband as its ambassador. Jackson, with his massive popularity among Thai fans, effectively propels the brand’s vital cause of waste reduction and recycling. The participated enthusiasts, with sheer will and commitment, managed to extract over 2.2 tonnes of waste from the Lat Phrao canal, akin to conducting…