The year 2024 has truly been a golden year for Phuket, marking a historic achievement as the destination proudly secured two prestigious accolades at the 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards, organised by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. The results were revealed on the morning of 30 September 2024 (Thailand time). The award that fills the people of Phuket and the entire nation with pride is the “World Festival and Event City Award,” showcasing Phuket Province’s readiness to host world-class events and festivals. In addition, the “Phuket Vegetarian Festival” received the prestigious “Grand Pinnacle,” the highest award given by the IFEA, the premier association supporting and enabling festival and event professionals worldwide. This award is considered the Oscars of the event industry. Phuket: The 2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City Being recognised as the ‘World Festival and Event City’ does not simply…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of health and longevity has become a top priority for many people. The growing interest in longevity medicine reflects this global trend, aiming to fulfill the increasing demand for a healthier, longer life. Recent statistics reveal that people across the globe are not only living longer but also striving to maintain good health well into their senior years. At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Artirat Charukitpipat, Chief Executive Officer of Bumrungrad International Hospital, and Executive Director of the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center. According to the New Global Wellness Institute, the health and wellness industry is currently valued at a staggering 5.6 trillion US dollars and is projected to soar to 8.5 trillion US dollars by 2027—a remarkable 40% increase from 2023’s figures. This surge underscores the escalating demand for health solutions, particularly in an aging society where both younger and older generations…
In a whirlwind of political drama, the Office of the Election Commission (EC) in Thailand has been under the spotlight with over ten complaints seeking the disbandment of certain political parties and the removal of none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and some cabinet members. These complaints have surfaced since the formation of the new government, but as of late, two of these grievances have been dismissed due to insufficient information, according to Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC’s secretary-general. Sawaeng Boonmee shared that despite receiving more than ten complaints, the specifics of the complaints were too vague to meet the criteria for valid submissions. Essentially, for a complaint to be considered, it must precisely cite the offenses and the relevant sections of the law that were allegedly infringed. Simply asking questions based on newspaper clippings and hearsay doesn’t cut it. The EC’s rigorous standards mean they won’t entertain anything less…
A statue of a deity gracefully sits on a lavishly decorated palanquin, making its way through the bustling streets of Phuket during the electrifying Vegetarian Festival. The atmosphere is a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and scents, a melting pot of spirituality and celebration that captivates both locals and visitors alike. This kaleidoscopic spectacle is just one of the reasons why Phuket was recently named a 2024 World Festival and Events City by the prestigious International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). In a ceremony held in Pittsburgh, USA, on Sunday, the IFEA acknowledged Phuket’s exemplary contribution to the global festival scene. Pattanachai Singhavara, the southern director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, was beaming with pride as he explained that Phuket’s accolade wasn’t just a nod to its dynamic festival calendar, but also its significant economic development ushered in by these cultural extravaganzas. The IFEA elaborated on its website, spotlighting…
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited (BCP) has proudly secured a remarkable upgrade in its credit rating from TRIS Rating. The company’s corporate credit has been elevated to an impressive “A+” from a previous “A,” marking the highest rating Bangchak has ever achieved. This stellar rating comes with a “Stable” outlook, taking effect from Monday, 30 September 2024. This credit uplift is a testament to the fortification of Bangchak’s business framework, significantly bolstered by the flourishing sectors of refining and oil trading, along with its robust marketing operations. Integral to this achievement has been the successful incorporation of Bangchak Sriracha Public Company Limited (BSRC) into the Bangchak Group. This strategic move, coupled with the continual expansion of its exploration and production (E&P) business, has been a driving force for sustainable growth. Furthermore, the diversification of Bangchak’s business portfolio serves as a crucial buffer against the inherent volatility in oil prices and…
Energy Absolute PCL (EA), a frontrunner in Thailand’s renewable energy landscape, revealed today (30 September 2024) that it has secured a notable THB 1.2 billion in short-term funding. This substantial amount is divided into two significant tranches: THB 300 million sourced from an independent juristic entity and a hefty THB 900 million extended by the company’s major shareholder, Mr. Somphote Ahunai. Mr. Vasu Klomkliang, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of EA, expressed his optimism regarding the new influx of capital. He explained that these funds are designated for use as working capital, facilitating ongoing discussions with potential strategic partners. “We have made significant strides in stabilising our business operations, and the confidence displayed by these loans is genuinely encouraging. We are particularly gratified that our largest shareholder has shown such robust support by advancing a substantial loan without necessitating any collateral from EA,” he remarked. With its reputation as a…
The wrecked car lay forlorn near the level crossing, its battered frame illuminated by relentless rain under a murky sky. Moments before, it had been struck by a Bangkok-bound Sprinter train in the Tha Chang district of Surat Thani, transforming a routine drive into a tragic event late on Saturday night. (Photo: Supapong Chaolan) In the serene southern province of Surat Thani, heartbreak struck abruptly on Sunday night. A mother and her young daughter lost their lives, while a married couple sustained serious injuries when their car collided with a Sprinter train at a railway crossing. The fateful crash occurred around seven in the evening at a level crossing en route to Ban Bang Por in tambon Tha Chang. Emergency responders, braving the torrential downpour, discovered a crushed white Honda City, its shattered remains resting roughly four meters from the crossing. Registered in Surat Thani, the wreck bore grim testament…
NARATHIWAT: In a chilling turn of events, a car bomb near the Tak Bai district chief’s house ripped through the tranquility of this far southern province late Sunday night, leaving two soldiers injured and homes engulfed in flames. The explosion struck at 9:51 PM, right next to the residence of Tak Bai district chief, Jirat Siriwanlop, located in Moo 3 village of tambon Jeh Hay. Fortuitously, Mr. Jirat happened to be in Muang district at the time, escaping the immediate danger of the blast. Sadly, not everyone was so fortunate. Pvt Kantayot Binrim, 22, and Pvt Anuwat Hemara, 22, who were off duty and merely out to grab a meal, found themselves at the epicenter of the chaos. Both soldiers, now bearing shrapnel wounds and severe burns, were quickly transported to Tak Bai Hospital before being further referred to Naradhiwasrajanagarindra Hospital for critical care. The ferocity of the explosion didn’t…
A heart-wrenching night descended on Narathiwat as a devastating car bomb left a trail of destruction and sent shockwaves through the tranquil Tak Bai district. Under the cloak of darkness late Sunday night, a violent explosion erupted near the residence of Tak Bai district chief, Jirat Siriwanlop, in Moo 3 village of tambon Jeh Hay, at precisely 9:51 pm. The blast transformed a peaceful neighborhood into a scene of chaos and despair. The district chief, Jirat Siriwanlop, was reportedly away in the Muang district at the time of the explosion, narrowly avoiding the sinister event. However, the same could not be said for Private Kantayot Binrim, 22, and Private Anuwat Hemara, 22. These brave young men, who were off duty and merely out to grab a bite, found themselves at the epicenter of a violent storm. The explosion inflicted severe shrapnel wounds and burns on their bodies, leaving them writhing…
In a reverberating courtroom drama, the Criminal Court delivered a stinging verdict against Bancha Chalapirom, the former chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Savings Cooperative (CU Savings Coop). Bancha has been sentenced to five years in prison for embezzling an astonishing sum exceeding 1.4 billion baht from the cooperative. The judgment handed down on Thursday unequivocally found Bancha guilty under Sections 353 and 254 of the Criminal Code. Despite the grim reality of his sentence, Bancha was granted bail as he expressed his intent to appeal the case. Let’s dive deeper into the sprawling financial behemoth that is CU Savings Coop. As of 2023, the cooperative boasted an impressive membership count of 15,592 and managed total assets worth a whopping 35.76 billion baht. Out of this vast pool, 25 billion baht was strategically invested, while 5.48 billion baht was allocated as loans to members. Additionally, 3.4 billion baht was issued as…