PM Paetongtarn Hosts Ceremony to Mark the New Year On January 2, 2025, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her husband, Pitak Suksawat, presided over a merit-making ceremony at the Santi Maitri Building in Government House, Bangkok. This event was held to celebrate the New Year and reflect on the hopes for the year ahead. Ceremonial Activities and New Year Wishes Almsgiving and Paying Homage During the ceremony, the couple participated in almsgiving to 68 monks in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building. They also paid homage to sacred shrines on the premises, including Phra Phrom, the household god, and other spirit shrines. New Year Greetings In her address,…
Author: Wadi
Record Tourist Arrivals Boost Thailand’s Economy In a significant boost to its economy, Thailand welcomed more than 35 million travelers in 2024, generating over 1.66 trillion baht in spending, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced these figures, highlighting the country’s recovery in tourism following the challenges posed by the pandemic. Breakdown of Tourist Demographics Top Visitor Nationalities Among the visitors, Chinese tourists comprised the largest group, totaling 6.70 million, followed by Malaysians at 4.93 million, Indians at 2.12 million, and South Koreans and Russians, with 1.86 million and 1.72 million, respectively. This diverse influx of tourists reflects Thailand’s appeal as a premier travel destination. Domestic Travel Insights During the same period, Thai citizens made approximately 197.53 million trips within the…
Final Phase of the 30-Baht Universal Healthcare Scheme Launched The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has officially launched the fourth and final phase of the “Treatment Anywhere” initiative, part of Thailand’s 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. This rollout commenced on January 1, 2025, covering all 76 provinces across the country. Overview of the “Treatment Anywhere” Initiative Background and Launch Initially launched on January 7, 2024, in four pilot provinces—Phrae, Roi Et, Phetchaburi, and Narathiwat—the “Treatment Anywhere” program aims to enhance healthcare accessibility for all Thai citizens. Dr. Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, confirmed that this initiative is now operational nationwide. Goals of the Policy…
Tourist Penalized for Ignoring Police Orders During New Year Countdown A Japanese tourist, identified as Hirano, has been fined 3,000 baht for disobeying a police order during the New Year Countdown celebrations in Chiang Mai. The incident occurred when Hirano attempted to release a hot-air lantern in a crowded area, posing a potential fire risk. Details of the Incident Confrontation with Police The altercation took place shortly after midnight on Wednesday when Hirano tried to launch the lantern in front of the Tha Phae Gate. A police officer named Thaweesak approached him and attempted to pull the lantern down for safety reasons. The situation escalated as Hirano reacted…
Suranari University of Technology Innovates with Agricultural Byproducts Researchers at Suranari University of Technology (SUT) have made a groundbreaking advancement by creating ceramic gemstones from agricultural waste, significantly increasing the value of these materials. The innovative project has resulted in gemstones priced 6,000 times higher than the original agricultural waste used in their production. Inspiration Behind the Research Utilizing Thailand’s Agricultural Resources The research team, consisting of senior students from the Institute of Engineering’s School of Ceramic Engineering—Parnpailin Jaichuei, Chatcha Chuma, and Saowalak Boonpakdi—was motivated by Thailand’s status as a major agricultural producer. With rice and sugarcane being key crops, the country generates substantial…
Experience the Majesty of Tigers in Thailand Thailand is renowned for its stunning wildlife, and tigers are among the most majestic creatures that attract visitors from around the world. However, it’s essential to choose ethical and responsible venues when seeking to enjoy these magnificent animals. Here are 10 tourist spots in Thailand where you can see tigers while prioritizing their welfare. 1. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary Home to Thailand’s Largest Tiger Population Located in Uthai Thani, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrated for having the largest population of Indochinese tigers in Thailand. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans over 2,780…
Discover the Excitement of the Giant Squid Game Doll in Bangkok The iconic Giant Squid Game Doll, known as Younghee, has become a must-see attraction in Bangkok, especially with the recent promotional events leading up to the release of Squid Game Season 2. This giant doll is not only a symbol of the popular Netflix series but also a fantastic photo opportunity for fans and tourists alike. Here are 10 tips to make the most of your experience with the Giant Squid Game Doll in Bangkok. 1. Plan Your Visit Around the Schedule Check the Sailing Times The Giant Squid Game Doll sails along the Chao…
TCC Warns of Potential Economic Losses Due to Trump’s Trade Policies The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has advised Thailand to maintain a neutral stance in global trade, cautioning that the trade policies of US President-elect Donald Trump could lead to significant economic repercussions for the country. TCC president Sanan Angubolkul indicated that these policies might result in a potential loss of 160 billion baht for the Thai economy. Impact on Thai Exports and Key Industries Concerns Over Export Declines Sanan highlighted that Trump’s trade policies are expected to adversely affect Thai exports, particularly in sectors where Thailand currently enjoys a trade surplus with the US. Key products…
Two Exciting Stamp Sets Announced for 2025 The Thai Stamp Museum has unveiled plans to release two sets of collectible postage stamps for 2025, showcasing a drawing by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and designs inspired by “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. First Set: Year of the Snake Stamps Details of the Princess Maha Chakri Stamp The first set consists of 10 stamps, each with a face value of 3 baht. These vertical stamps feature a charming drawing of three snakes created by the Princess, along with her signature. This release marks the 11th edition in the Princess’s Year of Zodiacs series, which has been issued…
Cholera Situation in Thailand Stabilizes Amid Ongoing Monitoring A minor cholera outbreak in Thailand has been successfully brought under control, according to public health and local security authorities. As of January 1, 2025, only a small number of patients from both Myanmar and Thailand have been diagnosed with the disease, characterized by severe diarrhea. Current Status of Cholera Cases Patient Recovery and Decline in New Cases Authorities report that a total of four patients—two Thais and two Myanmar nationals—have been diagnosed with cholera and have since received treatment. Additionally, there have been no new symptomatic cases reported, aside from three…