Puntid Tantivangphaisal
- Thailand News
Thai tourism revolution: Duty-free ditch and booze bonanza
In a bold move set to redefine Thailand‘s tourism landscape, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to propose changes that could reshape the way tourists spend their cash. The Finance Ministry is set to pitch a revolutionary plan to Cabinet today, December 19, aiming to suspend duty-free shops in the arrivals section of all airports. Lavaron Sangsnit, the ministry’s permanent…
- Thailand News
Visitors to explore the depths of heroism in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave
A handful of thrill-seeking visitors now have the golden ticket to explore the hidden depths of chambers 2 and 3 in Tham Luang Cave, nestled within Chiang Rai province. Renowned for the sensational 2018 Wild Boar football team rescue, this daring escapade promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of heroism. Registration kicked off on December 15, granting access to…
- Thailand News
Revolutionary reforms: Government’s 90-day plan to boost economy
In a move to transform the nation‘s fortune, the Public Relations Department has unveiled a game-changing report highlighting the government‘s efforts to boost the economy over the last 90 days. The report, released with much fanfare yesterday, December 18, boasts an array of initiatives aimed at cutting costs, boosting income, and ushering in a new era of prosperity. Chai Watcharong,…
- Thailand News
New York Metropolitan Museum: Stolen Thai ancient artifacts to be returned
The prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York has yielded to pressure, agreeing to return 16 Khmer-era ancient artifacts to Cambodia and Thailand. Unraveling a tale of illicit trafficking, these masterpieces were linked to the late Douglas Latchford, a notorious dealer accused of dealing in ancient artifacts. The Met, under scrutiny for years, succumbed to the Cambodian government’s…
- Thailand News
111 Thai nationals freed from Myanmar but 10 face charges
A total of 111 Thai nationals stranded amidst Myanmar‘s violent conflict found their way back home to Chiang Rai. The return of the Thai citizens, orchestrated by the Thailand-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC), marked the fourth group to be repatriated, tallying up to 179 individuals. Amidst the gripping rescue, however, a shocking twist unfolded at the Second Friendship Bridge in…
- Thailand News
Former MFP leader Pita faces court drama over media scandal
The former leader of the Move Forward party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, is gearing up for a courtroom showdown to defend himself against allegations involving a media scandal. Former MFP leader Pita has declared his readiness to face the Constitutional Court next Wednesday, December 20. The political maverick is set to battle allegations that he held shares in the now-defunct iTV…
- Thailand News
Zika virus panic in Hua Hin: 10 confirmed cases, officials call for emergency meeting
Officials convened yesterday, December 14, to tackle the escalating concerns surrounding the Zika virus outbreak in Hua Hin. With a staggering 10 confirmed cases in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the situation has hit a critical point, prompting a high-stakes meeting chaired by Dr Watcharapong Luangprairot, Deputy Provincial Public Health Doctor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, at the Hua Hin Municipal Office’s Chomsin…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong police offer 4 million baht rewards for overseas dissidents
Hong Kong police raised eyebrows by doubling the stakes, offering staggering rewards of HK$1 million (4 million baht) for information on five more local dissidents currently residing overseas. This controversial move amplifies the ongoing news of the authorities resorting to bounties in their pursuit of pro-democracy activists. At a press briefing yesterday, December 14, Chief Superintendent Li Kwai-wah of the…
- Thailand News
Former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob to be judged by charter court
The Constitutional Court will unveil its verdict on January 17 on the contentious share concealment accusations against former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob. Following a marathon six-hour hearing, Saksayam defended himself against all accusations. “I’ve laid bare the truth about my stake in Burijarearn Construction Limited Partnership. I’ve fully explained the matter.” The court spectacle featured an ensemble cast, including Varaporn Thetsen,…
- Thailand News
Thai tourism booms as over a quarter vow to return: Visa insights
A Visa study has uncovered that Thailand is set to witness a tourism surge with a whopping 28% of travellers who explored the country this year, expressing their firm intention to make a return within the next 12 months. The 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study by Visa, the largest and longest-running consumer insights study of its kind, has provided a…
- China News
Xi Jinping and Joe Biden at China-US summit: The twist that could change relations forever
Ambassador Xie Feng dubbed the historic meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last month in San Francisco a groundbreaking milestone in the decades-old relationship. The face-to-face encounter between the Chinese and US presidents marked a significant step forward after a year of diplomatic silence. During their talks, both leaders hammered out agreements on critical issues…
- Thailand News
Revolutionary roadmap revealed: Thailand’s expressway blitz to slash emissions
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) unwrapped an audacious 10-year blueprint set to roll out 200 kilometres of spanking new expressways, aimed at slashing a whopping 30% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The ambitious plan is the key to unlocking Thailand’s carbon neutrality by 2050, as revealed by EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk at the electrifying Sustainability Forum 2024 hosted…
- China News
Diagonal dilemma: Hong Kong crackdown on Tokyo-style crossings, residents push back
Hong Kong pedestrians find themselves in hot water for daring to crisscross streets diagonally, a common practice in Tokyo‘s vibrant Shibuya district. While Japanese authorities have embraced this diagonal dance, Hong Kong police launched a citywide crackdown on what they deem illegal jaywalking. Hong Kong newspaper Sing Tao Daily, in collaboration with another local news outlet, The Standard, revealed that…
- World News
Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast mourns the loss of beloved co-star Andre Braugher at 61 (video)
The vibrant world of Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been dimmed as the beloved Andre Braugher, aka Captain Raymond Holt, has passed away at the age of 61. The cast paid homage to their co-star’s legacy, sharing cherished memories and celebrating the man behind the iconic character. The news of Andre Braugher’s passing shocked the entertainment world, leaving the cast of Brooklyn…
- World News
French farmers turn the tables: Campaign leaves road signs topsy-turvy
French farmers are making headlines with a unique protest that has left the countryside in disarray. Road signs are now upside-down, thanks to a campaign aimed at drawing attention to the turmoil farmers claim is threatening their very way of life. In rural France, motorists are doing double-takes as they encounter a surreal landscape – town and village entrance signs…
- Thailand News
Thai PM unleashes bold tourism overhaul: Second-tier provinces take centre stage
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shook the foundations of Thailand‘s tourism strategy, revealing a radical shift during a high-stakes meeting at Government House. The Thai premier, flanked by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chief Thapanee Kiatphaibool, unveiled his masterplan to propel the nation into a perpetual high-season destination, leaving traditional hotspots like Chiang Mai…
- Thailand News
Irishman’s life hangs by a thread after mosquito bite in Thailand
A truck driver from Cork, Ireland, is fighting for his life in a Bangkok hospital after an unexpected twist of fate following a rare mosquito bite in Thailand. The Burke family now faces daily bills of 2,700 euros (103,213 baht) for his intensive care, leaving them in a desperate plea for help. Originally planning to return home on November 19,…
- Thailand News
Geminids meteor shower to light up the sky
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has extended an invitation to Thai citizens to witness the Geminids meteor shower, commonly known as the Gemini Twins meteor shower, which will peak tonight December 14, continuing into the early hours of tomorrow. The spectacle can be observed from around 8pm onwards, with an expected peak frequency after midnight of approximately…
- Thailand News
Culinary triumph: Thailand’s gastronomic scene sizzles with 2024 Michelin Guide debut
In a culinary coup, Thailand‘s gastronomic landscape has been transformed with the unveiling of the 2024 Michelin Guide. This year, the nation welcomes two groundbreaking two-star restaurants, Baan Tepa and GAA, alongside an impressive six new one-star establishments. But the real star power lies in the hands of two remarkable female chefs, Chef Chudaree Debhakam, aka Tam, of Baan Tepa…
- Crime News
Three Japanese ministers resign amidst 124 million baht kickback controversy
Three high-ranking Japanese government ministers have thrown in the towel amidst a whopping 500 million yen (124 million baht) corruption scandal. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the stalwart ruling force in the world’s third-largest economy, is now grappling with the fallout from allegations that could reshape the nation’s political future. In a seismic blow to the political establishment, three top-tier…
- China News
Xi Jinping’s game-changing Vietnam visit: Unprecedented power plays
China‘s President Xi Jinping descended upon Vietnam for a two-day spectacle, strategically timed just three months after US President Joe Biden‘s high-profile visit. The Chinese president kicked off his much-anticipated two-day sojourn in Vietnam on December 12, marking his first visit to the nation in six years. The intricate dance of diplomacy has been underway for months, with initial contemplation…
- Thailand News
Revolutionary Thai project turns waste into gold: The PARQ’s green secrets unveiled
In a move towards environmental sustainability, The PARQ, Thailand‘s pioneering mixed-use development, has unveiled its secret weapon: a cutting-edge waste management system that’s turning food waste into nutrient-rich plant vitamins. As the first project in Thailand to achieve the prestigious LEED Gold® version 4 certification and the WELL certifiedâ„¢ core gold standard, The PARQ is not just a real estate…
- Thailand News
Nightly temples extravaganza: Bangkok’s spiritual spectacle lights up the sky
In a dazzling celebration of tradition and spirituality, Bangkokians are set to bask in the mesmerising glow of the city’s temples after dark. The much-anticipated Illuminated 10 Temples and National Museum event promises a spiritual journey like no other, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to bid adieu to the old year and embrace the dawn of the new…
- Thailand News
2.4 million lights transform Bangkok cityscape into magical wonderland
In a luminous extravaganza set to rival the stars, over 2.4 million enchanting lights are casting their glow upon Bangkok‘s cherished Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Rattanakosin Island. This breathtaking spectacle, unveiled by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, promises to be a visual feast for locals and tourists alike. The dazzling campaign, inaugurated yesterday, December 12, at the Ministry’s headquarters on Atsadang Road,…
- Thailand News
Taiwanese singer Jay Chou wows 70,000 fans in epic Carnival Concert in Bangkok (video)
At Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok, Mandopop sensation Jay Chou last week transformed the venue into a musical carnival. Breaking records as the first Mandopop artist to grace the iconic stadium, the Taiwanese singer’s Carnival World Tour left fans breathless in an extraordinary audio-visual journey on December 8 and 9. Returning to Thailand after two decades, the 44 year old kicked…
- Thailand News
Thai police arrest two Cambodians for shooting at football match
A friendly football match in Khu Khot, Pathum Thani, transformed into a battlefield when gunfire erupted, sending more than 200 Cambodian players and spectators into a panicked frenzy. Police Lieutenant General Jirasant Kaewsaeng-eak, Commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1, revealed the details of the incident during a press conference. The perpetrators were identified as two Cambodian nationals, 20 year…
- Thailand News
Healthcare revolution or expat confusion? Thai Minister unveils game-changing scheme
In a move that promises to transform healthcare access for foreign nationals and the stateless, Thai Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew is set to launch a registration scheme on January 1 next year. The scheme, which boasts a mere five-minute registration process, aims to streamline access to public hospital coverage, leaving behind the antiquated healthcare systems that took weeks or even…
- World News
Hong Kong actress Kathy Chow passes away at 57
Renowned Hong Kong actress Kathy Chow bid an unexpected farewell just days after celebrating her 57th birthday. The beloved star, well-known for her illustrious three-decade-long career in the entertainment industry, left her fans in mourning on December 11, as her studio confirmed the devastating news following a whirlwind of social media speculation. The studio’s sombre announcement on Weibo left a…
- Thailand News
Chicken Run 2: Nuggets of laughter and Bond-level weirdness hit Netflix
In the clucking sequel to the animated sensation Chicken Run, Aardman Studios spills the beans on why chickens are comedy gold and shares nuggets of hilarity with a daring rescue mission. Peter Lord, co-founder of Aardman, and the genius behind Wallace and Gromit, and Shaun the Sheep, claims that chickens are fundamentally funny creatures but horses on the other hand…