Author: Wadi
Jay Fai Collaboration Ignites Thailand Nongshim, South Korea’s leading instant noodle manufacturer, is transforming Asian culinary markets with its Shin Ramyun Tomyum, launched in November 2024. Partnering with Michelin-starred Thai chef Jay Fai, the company introduced soup and stir-fry variants, achieving over 5.2 million units sold in Thailand within eight months, driven by a viral social media frenzy. Culinary Fusion Drives Success Authentic Thai-Korean Blend The Shin Ramyun Tomyum blends Nongshim’s signature bold beef broth with the zesty, aromatic flavors of Thailand’s iconic tom yum soup. Nongshim’s researchers collaborated closely with Jay Fai, visiting her Bangkok restaurant and hosting her…
River City Bangkok Welcomes Fans The “NARUTO THE GALLERY in Bangkok” exhibition, celebrating the legendary Shonen Jump manga, has launched at River City Bangkok, running through July 31, 2025. This immersive showcase takes visitors through Naruto and Sasuke’s epic journey across seven intricately designed zones. Team 7 Statues Greet Visitors Global Tour Reaches Fifth Stop Life-sized statues of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi, imported from abroad, mark the entrance to Bangkok’s edition, the fifth global stop after Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE. These iconic figures set the stage for a nostalgic dive into the NARUTO universe. Creator Signatures…
A Striking Feature at Wat Phra Kaew Visitors to Bangkok’s Grand Palace may be surprised to find a replica of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat within the revered Wat Phra Kaew compound. This miniature model, nestled in Thailand’s holiest site, embodies a fascinating chapter of Thai-Cambodian history, sparking curiosity about its origins. Roots in King Rama IV’s Era 19th-Century Thai Influence The replica’s story traces back to the 1860s during King Rama IV’s reign, when Thailand held sway over Cambodian regions like Siem Reap and Battambang. This period of administrative control inspired a cultural project that intertwined the histories of the two…
72 Intersections Upgraded in 2025 Bangkok’s adaptive traffic signal system, now active at 72 key intersections, has reduced travel delays by 10-41%, marking a significant step toward sustainable traffic management. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced the system’s success during a recent executive meeting at City Hall. Technology Behind the Change AI-Powered Traffic Control Unlike traditional fixed-time signals, the Adaptive Signal Control system uses high-precision cameras and AI algorithms to monitor real-time traffic flow. This intelligent setup adjusts light timings dynamically, optimizing efficiency and minimizing delays at busy junctions like Sukhumvit and Rama IV. Limitations of Old Systems Manual Controls Fall Short…
7th Place in ICCA 2024 Report Bangkok has secured 7th place globally in the 2024 International Congress and Convention Association rankings for international conference destinations, a significant jump from 15th in 2023. Announced at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, this achievement highlights Thailand’s growing stature as a leading MICE hub. Thailand’s MICE Success in Numbers 158 International Meetings Hosted In 2024, Thailand hosted 158 international meetings, up from 143 the previous year, elevating its global ranking to 25th. Retaining 5th place in Asia-Pacific and leading ASEAN, Thailand’s MICE sector, driven by Bangkok’s 115 meetings, showcases robust regional and global appeal. Secondary Cities…
No Unusual License Returns Observed Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has dismissed reports suggesting a widespread surrender of pico-finance licenses by provincial micro-lenders. Pornchai Thiravech, Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, called such claims misleading, affirming that no significant trend of operators exiting the sector has been detected. Pico-Finance Sector Thrives 1,155 Active Operators Nationwide Launched in 2017 to expand formal financial access, the pico-finance program supports small-scale borrowers and legalizes informal lending. By May 2025, 1,155 operators were active across 75 provinces, with over 5 million loan accounts approved, totaling more than 50 billion baht. Non-Performing Loans Decline NPLs Drop to 23.40%…
Military Clash Sparks Border Crisis A military skirmish near Nam Yuen, Ubon Ratchathani, on May 28, 2025, has intensified Thai-Cambodian border tensions, threatening cross-border trade valued at 175.53 billion baht in 2024. With no resolution in sight, Thailand’s temporary checkpoint closures are already impacting this critical economic lifeline. Trade Figures Highlight Stakes Thailand’s 109.16 Billion Baht Surplus In 2024, Thai-Cambodian border trade comprised 141.85 billion baht in exports, including beverages and auto parts, and 32.68 billion baht in imports like cassava and scrap metals. Thailand’s trade surplus of 109.16 billion baht underscores the economic importance of maintaining open borders. Key…
Revenues Reach $52.19 Billion Thailand solidified its position as a global agricultural powerhouse in 2024, with exports totaling $52.19 billion, a 5.9% rise from the previous year. Agricultural products grew by 7.5% to $28.83 billion, while agro-industrial products increased 4.1% to $23.36 billion, reinforcing Thailand’s role as the “Kitchen of the World.” Cassava Starch Tops Rankings 57% Global Market Share Thailand’s cassava starch exports climbed 8.86% to $1.61 billion, capturing 57% of the $2.83 billion global market despite a 2.59% contraction. This robust performance underscores Thailand’s competitive edge in this sector, maintaining its leadership amid challenging market conditions. Durian Exports…
Memories of 2011 Clashes Resurface Residents of Ban Sai Tho 11 Tai village in Buri Ram’s Baan Kruat district, just 3-4 kilometers from the Thai-Cambodian border, are on edge following a recent skirmish. The village, scarred by heavy shelling in 2011, fears renewed conflict as tensions linger ahead of a critical Joint Boundary Commission meeting. Anxiety Over JBC Talks Hope for Peaceful Resolution Villagers are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Joint Boundary Commission meeting in Phnom Penh, hoping for a peaceful resolution to avert conflict. The May 28 clash near Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani, though contained, has left…
Thailand Expresses Deep Concern Thailand has voiced alarm over the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, with ongoing attacks raising fears of broader regional instability. The Foreign Ministry is urging all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation, which could endanger civilian lives across the conflict zone. Emergency Support for Thais Crisis Coordination Centre Established The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a Crisis Coordination Centre to support Thai nationals in the Middle East. This hub works closely with regional Thai embassies and local authorities to ensure rapid assistance, preparing for potential emergencies as the situation deteriorates. Contingency…