In a dramatic turn of events this past Monday, local police in Pattaya, Chon Buri province, apprehended an alleged Korean drug smuggler, who had reportedly overstayed his visa by almost a year. The arrest followed the resolution of four significant drug-smuggling cases initiated by vigilant customs officials in South Korea. According to South Korean investigators, the suspects in these cases—various drug couriers—had revealed the identity of a middle-aged Korean man operating in Thailand, known only as Jin, 40. This revelation pointed to Jin as the man behind the transactions in Thailand’s Chon Buri and Samut Prakan provinces, where the illicit substances were believed to be sourced. Enacting upon this tip-off, Thai investigators meticulously tracked Jin’s movements. Their efforts culminated this Monday, when they discovered he frequented a Korean restaurant in tambon Na Klua, part of Chon Buri’s bustling Bang Lamung district. Armed with this critical intelligence, they orchestrated a sting…
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Outdoor School Bangkok (OSB) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of two of its students, nine-year-old Milin Punthapong and ten-year-old Montisha Kingkanjanathorn. These talented young performers secured second place in the Musical category for ages 10 and under at the American Protégé International Vocal Competition 2023, earning them the prestigious opportunity to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall earlier this year. Milin and Montisha’s success goes beyond their captivating performances of “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December.” Their achievements embody OSB’s unique philosophy, which balances academic excellence with immersive natural experiences and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. This holistic approach is designed to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also creatively inspired and resilient. Ms Anna, the creative communication teacher at OSB, remarked, “This achievement reflects not just musical talent but the holistic development we nurture at OSB. Our students are encouraged…
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or GIT, alongside both government and private sector organizers, have joined forces to announce the much-anticipated 70th “Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair,” fondly known as “Bangkok Gems.” Set to dazzle the world from September 9 to 13, 2024, at the esteemed Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), this event is projected to generate a dazzling 3.5 billion baht in revenue. Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, the Director-General of the DITP, cannot emphasize enough the pivotal role the gem and jewelry industry plays in propelling Thailand’s economy forward. Despite global economic whirlwinds, the gem and jewelry exports in 2023 soared by an impressive 9.61%, topping a monumental USD 8.8 billion. The momentum has continued in the first half of 2024, with exports hitting USD 4.556 billion, marking an 8.48% year-on-year increase. The Bangkok Gems Fair…
Imagine stepping off a ferry on a bright Monday morning at the bustling Tha Ratchawong pier in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong district. The air is filled with the lively chatter of locals and tourists alike, a hallmark of the vibrant riverside life of the Chao Phraya River. Yet, amidst the serene waters and picturesque backdrop, an urgent message echoes through the hustle and bustle. Residents living near waterways across the 11 provinces nestled along the Chao Phraya River basin, including the heart of Bangkok, are receiving a crucial heads-up: prepare for rising water levels. The Royal Irrigation Department, the vigilant watchmen of our waterways, sounded the alarm on Tuesday. In Nakhon Sawan province, the swift flow of the Chao Phraya River galloped at 1,169 cubic meters per second. Swift and strategic, the department began diverting the abundant river water into connecting canals that snake alongside the mighty Chao Phraya. A bit further…
In the bustling cityscape of Bangkok, yet another tragic tale unfolded as another individual succumbed to the lethal grip of moonshine methanol over the weekend, pushing the death toll from this illicit disaster to a grim total of four. The scene was set near the infamous street liquor stalls where 33 people found themselves hospitalized after partaking in what would be their most fateful drink. Dr. Somsak Thepsutin, Public Health Minister, gravely detailed the aftermath: “Three individuals succumbed to methanol poisoning earlier, and the fourth casualty was confirmed on Tuesday.” The stark reality of illegal rotgut consumption had never been this palpable. He further painted a harrowing picture—fifteen lives hanging by a thread, tethered to respirators, 22 undergoing kidney dialysis, while 21 struggled with blurred vision. Remarkably, amidst this myriad of tragedies, no cases of permanent blindness were reported, a small solace in an otherwise dire situation. However, the ordeal…
The Ministry of Interior has just set the stage for the “Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear” design competition, which promises to elevate local designers to a professional level. Spearheaded by the Ministry’s Community Development Department, this contest showcases the creativity of young designers as they merge tradition with trend by incorporating Thai fabrics into contemporary fashion. The competition is aptly named “New Gen Young Designer 2024,” and it seeks to highlight how versatile and appealing Thai textiles can be, making them relevant for all ages, genders, and occasions. In an enthusiastic press conference held on Monday, 26 August 2024, at the Sapphire Room 202-203 of the Impact Forum Building, several notable figures explained the event’s purpose and details. Overseeing the event was Mr. Siam Sirimongkol, Director General of the Community Development Department, alongside Mrs. Jinnarat Sampuntharat, Vice President of the Ministry of Interior’s Ladies Association, and other distinguished attendees…
Gangwon State, a jewel in South Korea’s crown and a hotspot for Thai tourists, recently held its inaugural tourism briefing in Thailand. Hosted by the Gangwon Tourism Organisation (GWTO), the enchanting event known as “Gangwonderful Night in Thailand” took place on August 26 at the prestigious InterContinental Hotel in Bangkok. It was a grand affair, attended by over 120 officials from the Korean and Thai travel industry. If Gangwon State sounds familiar, that’s probably because it’s the picturesque backdrop for some of Thailand’s beloved Korean dramas like “Autumn in My Heart,” “Winter Sonata,” and “Goblin.” It’s also where global superstars BTS chose to shoot one of their album covers. In just the first half of this year, from January to June, a remarkable 17,981 Thai tourists explored Gangwon State, making them the fourth largest group of Southeast Asian visitors. Spanning 18 cities and counties in central eastern South Korea, Gangwon…
A worker cautiously navigated towards the rescue tube being driven through the debris of the collapsed high-speed railway tunnel under construction in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, on Monday night. The scene, a stark reminder of the perilous nature of large-scale engineering projects, was filled with anxiety and hope. (Photo: Public Relations Department) In Nakhon Ratchasima, a dramatic rescue operation unfolded as efforts to reach three workers trapped in the collapsed railway tunnel continued. The tunnel, part of the ambitious Sino-Thai high-speed railway project linking Bangkok and Nong Khai province, had collapsed during construction, trapping the men since Saturday night. Pak Chong district chief, Kanatchon Sricharoen, shared a glimmer of hope late Monday evening. A scanner and a sniffer dog had detected signs of life, sparking a renewed energy among the rescue teams. By Monday night, rescuers had pinpointed vital signs from one area within the wreckage, although the remaining…
Villa Kunalai PCL is reaffirming its leadership in the “suburban housing happiness” lifestyle with the introduction of its latest masterpiece: Navara Rangsit Klong 2. Nestled in a prime location at Klong 2, Pathumthani, this new venture boosts investment opportunities in the residential sector. With a valuation exceeding 7 billion baht, the newly launched property spans an impressive 330 rai and features the stunning “Rangsit Forest Field.” This dazzling clubhouse garden boasts over 24,000 square metres of lush green space, offering residents a peaceful retreat. Villa Kunalai has refined its business model to focus on large project investments, fortifying its brand image through a meticulous Market Penetration Strategy, ensuring sustainable growth. The development concept, “NAVARA = Single home… nature principle,” showcases indulgent living with the inclusion of a magnificent Rain Tree Forest. Mature trees create an oxygen-rich tunnel that significantly reduces PM 2.5 levels year-round, ensuring cooler temperatures compared to other…
The Pattaya Film Festival 2024 officially launched with an electrifying opening ceremony presided over by Mr. Pratya Unphetwarakon, Vice Governor of Chonburi Province, and graced by a hearty welcome from Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, Mayor of Pattaya City. The highly anticipated event took place on 21 August 2024, turning the activity area on the 1st floor of Central Marina Pattaya into a hub of cinematic excitement. The festival kicked off with an intriguing panel discussion titled “Pattaya: On Location – Developing Pattaya as a Filming Destination.” The panel featured a lineup of industry luminaries: Mr. Anucha Boonyawatana, President of the Thai Film Directors Association; Mr. Wasuthep Ketpetch, director of the heartfelt film Love You to Debt; and Mr. Thaneth Warakulnukroh, an actor whose illustrious career has made him a household name. Throughout its run, the Pattaya Film Festival 2024 offers an array of captivating activities that promise to engage and entertain…