Author: Wadi
Thailand’s Tourism Strategy for Songkran 2025 Songkran Festival Extended to Drive International Tourism Thailand is set to transform its iconic Songkran festival into a month-long celebration, aiming to attract millions of tourists and generate record-breaking revenue. Traditionally lasting three days, the festival will now span weeks, featuring water fights, cultural parades, and temple rituals to enhance Thailand’s global appeal. Economic Impact of Songkran Expansion The extended festivities are expected to draw over 500,000 international tourists and millions of domestic travelers during April. Officials project that this will generate approximately 24 billion baht ($668 million) in tourism revenue, significantly boosting the…
Min Aung Hlaing to Join BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand Junta Leader’s Rare Foreign Visit Highlights Regional Diplomacy Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is set to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok from April 2-4. This marks a rare foreign trip for the junta chief since seizing power in a 2021 coup, which led to widespread civil unrest. Earthquake Aftermath Overshadows Summit Participation Myanmar Faces Devastating Humanitarian Crisis The visit comes as Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, the deadliest in over a century,…
A Legacy of Craftsmanship The History Behind Bangkok Dolls The Bangkok Dolls Museum, located in the Ratchathewi District of Bangkok, Thailand, was established in 1957 by Khunying Thongkorn Chanthawimol. Trained at the renowned Ozawa Doll School in Tokyo, Japan, Thongkorn brought her expertise to Thailand, creating a collection that now boasts over 400 handmade Thai dolls. Her dedication earned international recognition, including the first prize at the International Folklore Dolls Competition in Kraków, Poland, in 1978. Preserving Thai Heritage Through Dolls Thongkorn’s vision was not just about creating dolls but preserving Thai culture and tradition. The museum showcases themes from…
Introduction to the Ancient Artillery Museum A Glimpse into Thailand’s Military Heritage The Ancient Artillery Museum, also known as the Old Big Gun Museum, offers a captivating journey into Thailand’s military history. This open-air museum is located near the historic Ministry of Defense building in Bangkok, a striking European-style structure adorned with yellow walls, white decorations, and green windows. The Arsenal of Ancient Cannons Preserving Historical Firepower The museum boasts an impressive collection of approximately 40 ancient cannons, ranging from the Ayutthaya period to the Rattanakosin era. Each cannon is accompanied by detailed explanations about its origin and era, ensuring…
Myanmar’s Devastating Earthquake: A Region in Crisis Catastrophic Impact of the 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Myanmar was struck by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, with its epicenter near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. The quake caused widespread destruction, flattening buildings and damaging critical infrastructure like airports. Neighboring Thailand also felt the tremors, leading to fatalities and structural collapses. Rising Death Toll and Injuries The death toll in Myanmar has surpassed 2,000, with over 3,400 injured and more than 300 people reported missing. In Thailand, at least 18 people have died, many of whom were trapped in a collapsed high-rise construction site…
Impact of False Tsunami Warning on Trang Tourism Social Media Misinformation Causes Hotel Cancellations A false tsunami warning circulated on social media after Myanmar’s recent earthquake has led to a significant decline in tourism in Trang. Somsak Suaboonthong, president of the Trang Tourism and Hotel Association, revealed that 30% of tourists canceled their hotel bookings, while 50% to 60% postponed their trips indefinitely. Severe Impact on Hotel Operators The wave of cancellations and postponements has severely affected hotel operators in Trang and other Andaman coastal provinces. Somsak noted that similar disruptions were likely occurring in neighboring provinces due to the…
Leaders Confirm Attendance at BIMSTEC Summit Uncertainty Surrounds Myanmar’s Representation The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit, scheduled from April 2 to April 4 in Bangkok, is set to host leaders from Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Myanmar. However, Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, remains uncertain about attending due to the aftermath of a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28. Thai officials revealed that while all other leaders have confirmed their participation, the junta chief might join virtually if unable to attend in person. Earthquake Impact on Myanmar’s…
Over 2,700 Dead as Myanmar Faces a Humanitarian Crisis Earthquake Leaves Thousands Dead and Injured A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, claiming over 2,700 lives and injuring more than 4,500. The epicenter near Mandalay caused catastrophic damage, with over 10,000 buildings destroyed or severely damaged. Rescue workers are racing against time to save lives, but hopes are fading as aftershocks continue to rattle the region. Survivors Left Without Food, Shelter, or Medical Aid Humanitarian organizations report an urgent need for food, clean water, and medical supplies. Many survivors are forced to sleep outdoors due to the fear of…
Chinese Nationals Sentenced in Thailand Suspended Jail Terms for Four Chinese Citizens Four Chinese nationals were recently sentenced in Thailand, receiving suspended jail terms and a fine of 3,000 baht each. The court’s decision reflects a lenient approach to the charges, which remain undisclosed but are believed to be linked to ongoing legal issues involving foreign nationals in the country. Legal Implications of the Suspended Sentences The suspended sentences allow the individuals to avoid immediate imprisonment, provided they comply with the conditions set by the court. This judgment highlights Thailand’s judicial flexibility in handling cases involving foreign citizens, particularly those…
Explore the World of Precious Gems Introduction to the Gem and Jewelry Museum The Gem and Jewelry Museum, situated in Bangkok’s Silom district, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the intricate world of gemstones and jewelry-making. Operated by the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand within Chulalongkorn University, this museum provides an educational journey into the origins, mining, crafting, and grading of precious gems. A Journey Through Jewelry Craftsmanship From Mining to Masterpieces Visitors are taken through a fascinating process of jewelry-making, starting with the extraction of raw gemstones from mines. The exhibits showcase how these gems are cut,…