In a dazzling turn of events, Bangkok has ascended to 7th place in the prestigious global rankings for international conference destinations. As per the fresh-off-the-press 2024 report by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), unveiled at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 in Germany, Bangkok is now rubbing shoulders with the heavyweights of the Meeting, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) universe. This leap from 15th position in 2023 isn’t just a numerical progression; it’s a testament to Thailand’s burgeoning allure as a global epicenter for high-profile gatherings. Bangkok Steals the Global Spotlight With a glint of national pride, Deputy Government Spokesperson, Sasikan Wattanachan, heralded this accomplishment while citing ICCA’s GlobeWatch Business Analytics – Country & City Rankings. These rankings were fashioned from the analytical crucible of over 11,000 international conferences tallied throughout 2024, cementing Asia’s stature as the second-most sought-after region for these intellectual congregations, just a heartbeat behind Europe. Thailand’s 2024…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The winds of change are sweeping across Thailand, but not the kind you might find in a fortune cookie. Instead, it’s a flurry of digital interruptions causing millions of customers to brace for a momentary pause in their banking services. As if orchestrating an intricate dance, three of Thailand’s financial behemoths—Krungthai, Government Savings Bank (GSB), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)—are rolling up their sleeves to dapple in some intense system maintenance. In layman’s terms, hold on tight, because your online banking, ATMs, mobile apps, and payment services are about to play a game of hide and seek. Krungthai Bank is opening the curtain on this digital detour with not one, but two grand acts of maintenance magic. First up, Krungthai BUSINESS is set to take a breather starting at 10 PM today, June 13, pulling an all-nighter until 6 PM tomorrow, June 14. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill interruption; it’s…
In a remarkable twist of fate on the bustling highways of Isaan province, an unusual mishap left a Thai doctor with quite the story to tell. Picture this: the sun was setting over Udon Thani, casting a warm glow on the Friendship Highway, where our protagonist, a dedicated 44-year-old doctor named Eng, was on her way to pick up her child from school after a long day at the hospital. Little did she know that her commute was about to take an unexpected turn worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. Out of nowhere, a rogue wheel made its dramatic entrance. Dislodged from its truck, it rolled with an alarming determination and struck the good doctor’s electric car. One might imagine this wheel as an oversized, rebellious donut, launched on a mission of its own. Eng, with nerves of steel, tried to maneuver her car out of the wheel’s path, but alas,…
In a heart-stopping week of unexpected twists and turns in a story that defies belief, an incident in Thailand’s southern province of Chumphon unfolded like a gripping drama. It all started with a local fisherman, going by the name of Sila Wongpaen, who was simply attending to his usual business near a shrimp farm in the verdant embrace of mangrove trees. As he ventured deeper, he stumbled upon what he presumed to be a corpse nestled in the mud. As the shock escalated into panic, Sila dashed away to rally the authorities, convinced he had encountered a tragedy. Reports were quickly filed at Ban Wisai Nue Police Station, resulting in a flurry of activity among police officers, a medical team, and a rescue foundation. Together, they embarked on a mission through the sticky, relentless mud to retrieve the body, preparing to carry it on a stretcher to a hospital for…
In the wild and wacky world of Facebook, an unexpected post recently captivated audiences, showing a man’s hand covered with alarming, blistering wounds. Although it looked as if his hand had become a breeding ground for some alien creature, the truth was much more bizarre: the culprit was none other than Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM), commonly nicknamed “skin worms.” Once known only to warm-blooded animals, this condition has crossed the line, creating pandemonium in humans too. Assistant Professor Dr. Natthakaphat Rattanapitoon, part of Suranaree University of Technology’s crack team at the Parasite Disease Research Centre, broke it down for the curious masses. You see, CLM is a cunning condition caused by mischievous hookworm larvae, creatures usually found lurking in soil or sand. These persistent parasites hitch a ride via the skin, leaving a trail of inconvenient, itchy rashes and blistery mischief. Hookworms, specifically Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma caninum, are the…
The Thai government is poised to back the new draft of principles governing the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to strike a delicate balance between innovation and regulation. These principles are meticulously crafted, not as deterrents but as catalysts for investment in the AI sector. They focus on ensuring a unified approach for AI developers and service providers, with a strong emphasis on safety standards, efficient data management, and the mitigation of risks associated with personal data. Wisit Wisitsora-at, the diligent permanent secretary of the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, stressed that the AI law’s primary mission is to invigorate Thai participation in the AI revolution rather than stymie it. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between nurturing innovation and safeguarding data privacy. In a testament to AI’s transformative power, some Thai ministries have already undertaken AI pilot projects with spectacular success. These initiatives have turbocharged their…
As the allure of clear skies and tropical weather beckons travelers to Thailand, the country finds itself bracing for a deluge of rain showers. The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) has painted quite a soggy picture, forecasting vigorous rainfall across 44 provinces today. While the northeast and eastern regions stand in the crosshairs of Mother Nature’s downpour, the rest of the country is not getting off lightly either. So, if you’re reaching for your umbrella right now, you’re spot on! Those residing in the hilly terrains and lower-lying regions are particularly on alert, as heavy showers have the potential to trigger flash floods and swift forest runoffs. Meanwhile, city slickers in Bangkok have about a 60% chance of experiencing rain as they dash to work or take that casual morning stroll. Farmers, ever vulnerable to the whims of weather, are urged to prepare as this climatic drama unfolds, potentially threatening crops.…
In a startling mid-air crisis, a 52-year-old Indian man found himself at the center of an unnerving drama that forced an Air India flight to make a sudden detour to safety. The unplanned pitstop occurred at Phuket International Airport yesterday morning after a bomb threat sent a frisson of fear through the cabin. The incident mobilized an immediate and comprehensive security response, with 156 passengers embroiled in the suspenseful episode. As the ill-fated flight AI 379 charted its course from Phuket to the bustling city of Delhi, the clock struck 9:30am on June 13 when the pilot’s routine was shattered by the discovery of a menacing note tucked within the confines of the aircraft’s lavatory. The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, with determination and precision, sounded the alarm to Phuket Airport, and the skies bore witness to the pilot’s urgent plea for an emergency landing. With the Airport Contingency Plan springing…
In a dynamic bid to cater to the ever-increasing swarm of tourists, the Bang Lamung district, which presides over the vibrant city of Pattaya, has unveiled a plan set to modernize its hospitality scene and transportation system. At the forefront of this ambitious project is the overhaul of zoning regulations for entertainment venues along with a complete restructuring of the motorbike taxi system. This ambitious endeavor was officially announced at a strategic meeting held at the Takian Tia Municipal Office, helmed by District Chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon, and attended by a host of government officials and pivotal industry figures. “Our zoning laws that were implemented over two decades ago are notably outdated considering Pattaya’s burgeoning growth,” Patcharapat asserted, striking a chord with the stakeholders present at the meeting. Pattaya’s allure has continually spanned far beyond its renowned beaches and the famed Walking Street. Tourists are increasingly gravitating towards its effervescent nightlife…
The investigation into the calamitous collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building is taking an unexpected turn, transforming into a gripping saga that has captivated the nation. The recent development saw the last key suspect, Wu Bing Lin—known in Thailand as Chanchai Rungrotthanacharoen—voluntarily walking into the clutches of justice. On a seemingly ordinary Thursday, June 12, Wu stepped into the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), a move that re-energized the swirling drama enveloping this high-stakes investigation. “Five suspects are now heading to the prosecution table under allegations of violating the Foreign Business Act,” declared Police Major Woranan Srilam, a spokesperson for the DSI, not without a hint of satisfaction. This motley crew of suspects features a blend of nationalities. Among them are Thai nationals Manas Sri-anan, Prachuap Sirikhet, and Sophon Meechai. Joining them in this legal quagmire are Chinese nationals Chuanling Zhang and, of course, Wu. They are all…