Picture yourself basking in the glorious sun of Koh Samui, an island that is now buzzing with energy thanks to the tantalizing exposure it received from the latest season of “The White Lotus.” For fans of luxury and opulence, Koh Samui has thrown open its doors wide, inviting the curious and affluent global wanderers eager to experience this newfound slice of paradise. And while the island’s hotel rates have soared an eye-popping 50% since the television series aired just a couple of weeks ago, the allure remains undeniable. Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan, the astute Senior Vice-President of Advisory and Asset Management for Asia at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, shared some enticing insights into this tourism boom. Delving into the figures, the average daily rate (ADR) for luxury hotels in this idyllic island has exceeded a staggering 10,000 baht per night recently. And it’s no surprise! After the filming locales went public,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Once upon a time, deep in the heart of Narathiwat, there lived a dashing and valiant Sergeant named Worawit Naratna, fondly known as Puen by those who cherished his company. At 36 years of age, Puen had valiantly served as an explosives ordnance disposal officer, a role that most would approach with trepidation. Yet, Puen embraced it as his calling. However, life took an unexpected turn on that fateful May day, the 20th to be precise, when an explosive incident rocked his world in Narathiwat Province, leaving him without the legs he once stood so proudly upon. Forced into a new way of life and seeking solace in the shadows of uncertainty, Puen’s indomitable spirit remained unabated. During his recovery, nestled in the comforting embrace of Lam Pam subdistrict, Mueang district, within the serene Phatthalung province, Puen discovered a newfound passion. The crisis had sparked the entrepreneur within, leading him…
In an intriguing turn of events, the much-debated Entertainment Complex Bill has undergone a noteworthy transformation, swapping its previous contentious clause for a more attainable criterion. No longer is it a prerequisite for Thai citizens to flaunt a hefty 50 million baht in a fixed deposit to step foot inside the envisioned casino-entertainment complex. Instead, a more structurally feasible requirement has taken its place: the submission of income tax returns spanning three past years. This evolution surfaces from the depths of Section 65, a section thoroughly examined by the Council of State, the diligent legal advisory body at the government’s side. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Pichai Chunhavajira bore the news, heralding the council’s exhaustive review and the proposals they’ve tendered to align the bill with clarity and public sentiment. Signature wields power, and with a flourish, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnivirakul has signed the…
In the ever-evolving realm of urban development, the concept of ‘mixed-use’ has become the modern-day gold standard. It’s a solution that maximizes land value while preserving the cultural tapestry of history. These architectural innovations skillfully intertwine hotels, retail spaces, offices, and homes to sculpt self-sustaining microcosms that breathe new life into whole neighborhoods. With the Dusit Central Park in Bangkok on the verge of completion, let’s delve into how iconic landmarks worldwide have brilliantly reimagined historic spaces to fit into today’s world. Battersea Power Station: London’s Industrial Icon Reborn Once the powerhouse of London from 1935 until its shutdown in 1983, the Battersea Power Station, recognized by its four imposing flue-gas stacks, has undergone an extraordinary $16.5 billion transformation. Today, this riverside hallmark is a Grade II Listed Building, reborn as London’s largest mixed-use development undertaking. The project, occupying almost 170,000 square meters across seven phases from 2014 to 2025,…
Picture this: an entire entertainment complex rising majestically in Thailand, a beacon of fun and luxury inviting guests from far and wide. Yet, like a lively party with an exclusive guest list, entry comes with a rather hefty stipulation. If you’re Thai and dreaming about dazzling lights and high-stakes games, you might need more than just your enthusiasm to get past the velvet rope. According to a whisper from the corridors of government, before any Thai national can experience the splendor of this futuristic casino complex, they must first assure their financial weight in gold—or baht, to be precise. How much gold, you ask? At least 50 million baht neatly tucked away in a fixed deposit account for a grand total of six months. This regulation, nestled within Section 65 of the newly-minted Entertainment Complex Bill, presents a rather formidable entry barrier. Just imagine the silent drums these propositions have…
Welcome to the latest thrill-packed edition of Southeast Asia’s news updates! Blending intrigue and gravity, Alex and Jay navigate us through the bustling lanes of Thailand and beyond, delivering a palette of updates steeped in drama and discovery. Buckle up, because the ride through this enchanting region promises a whirlwind of stories that captivate the senses and send quivers of excitement running through our curiosity-stricken veins. Pattaya has once again piqued our interest with a tale right out of a crime thriller. Daniel, a 22-year-old adventurer from Denmark, has had a rather unfortunate brush with the darker side of the city. On the memorable day of February 28, along the lively Chalerm Phrakiet Road, Daniel found himself embroiled in a frightening stabbing incident. Despite siphoning his own blood in what should have been a scene from a movie, this intrepid soul refused medical attention. Ignoring his gaping arm and head…
Imagine being engulfed in the sky, flying thousands of feet above the earth, and suddenly finding yourself in the middle of an utterly inconceivable situation. A trip from Melbourne to Doha, with Qatar Airways, recently turned into a nightmarish ordeal for an Australian couple who found themselves seated next to a tragic, life-ending drama they could have never anticipated. The unfortunate incident began when a fellow passenger, bound for the Qatari capital, suddenly passed away mid-flight. What followed was a surreal and haunting experience for the couple, sealed in the confines of an aluminum tube piercing through the clouds. According to reports, the airline’s cabin crew, committed to their duty, acted swiftly, prioritizing the dignity and respect owed to the deceased while also caring for those deeply affected by such an unsettling event. As fingers pointed at the airline, Qatar Airways responded gracefully, extending their sincere condolences to the bereaved…
In the sunny, vacation paradise of Phuket, one would imagine that all’s sunny days and warm hospitality. However, last week proved otherwise, as local restaurant owners found themselves dealing with a rather unsavory side of tourism: the infamous “dine and dash” escapade. Two separate eateries fell victim to this deceitful tactic, each targeted by sneaky foreigners intent on savoring Thai delicacies without any intention of settling their bills. Our first tale unfolds at a cozy restaurant owned by the spirited Narissara O OOp, located in the bustling Sai Yuan area of Rawai. On February 28, Narissara took to social media with a fervent post. Beneath the shining sun of Phuket, two daring culprits—a woman sporting long jeans, a chic bikini top, and a black jacket, alongside her partner clad in a long-sleeved T-shirt and black trousers—devoured a meal worth 1,823 baht before making their hasty exit while Narissara’s staff bustled…
In a lively twist of events on the sun-drenched island of Phuket, an unsuspecting French tourist’s smartphone momentarily found itself in the mischievous grasp of a monkey, turning an ordinary day into a tale for the ages. Capturing the hilarity on her TikTok, @justinefortemps shared an uproarious encounter set against the backdrop of the infamous Khao Toh Sae—better known to travelers far and wide as Monkey Hill. The video, aptly tagged “Monkey Hill Attack,” opens with the curious primate nabbing the bright blue phone from the stunned tourist, who can only watch as her gadget becomes a spotlight stealer. The audacious monkey, seemingly a juvenile, takes to examining the device with its nimble right paw, all the while shooting cautious glances at its owner—a bemused French visitor clad in eye-catching pink attire. In a dramatic turn, our furry videographer makes its escape, scampering up a tree, the phone in tow.…
The infamous Walking Street in Pattaya once again set the stage for a scene worthy of Hollywood’s grittiest thriller, as a late-night scuffle left a 62-year-old British tourist knocked out cold by a local bar security guard. The action unfolded at around 11:30 PM on March 2, with the incident swiftly becoming the talk of the town and lighting up social media channels as spectators buzzed with recountings of the night’s events. The dramatic showdown began with tempers igniting under the kaleidoscopic glow of neon lights. According to eyewitness accounts, the security guard initially attempted to de-escalate the situation, avoiding the tourist as he trailed behind, seemingly seeking trouble. As tensions reached a boiling point, CCTV captured the tourist lunging forward – a move swiftly countered by the guard’s decisive right hook. The punch sent the tourist crashing down unceremoniously, his head hitting the pavement with a crack that echoed…