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Fine Arts Department Offers a Wide Range of Attractions for New Year

Published

1 month ago

December 25, 2024

Wadi

Special Activities at National Museums and Historical Sites

In celebration of the New Year, the Fine Arts Department of Thailand is offering a variety of special activities at national museums, historical parks, and archaeological sites. This initiative allows both Thai citizens and foreign visitors to enjoy these cultural attractions without admission fees from December 30 to January 1, excluding the Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum and Thai Farmers National Museum.

Showcasing Buddha Statues Nationwide

National museums across the country will feature exhibitions of Buddha statues, providing an opportunity for devotees to pay their respects and seek prosperity during this festive period.

Bangkok National Museum Exhibit: From December 25 to January 5, the Bangkok National Museum in Phra Nakhon district will showcase a collection of ten Buddha images that are between 300 and 800 years old.

Evening Visits to Cultural Attractions

Nighttime Access to Historical Sites

Visitors are invited to explore the National Museum of Royal Barges, Chankasem National Museum, and Ayutthaya Historical Park during the evening hours, where numerous cultural antiques will be on display.

National Museum of Royal Barges: Located in Bangkok Noi district, this museum will exhibit eight royal barges and components used in royal processions from December 27 to 29. Notable barges include Suphannahong, Anantanakkharat, and Narai Song Suban HM Rama IX.

Exploring Ayutthaya’s Rich History

Chankasem Palace and Ancient Temples

Chankasem National Museum in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district invites visitors to explore Chankasem Palace, which dates back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1577. The museum is open Fridays through Sundays.

Ayutthaya Historical Park: Visitors can explore four ancient temples—Wat Phra Ram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram—every Friday through Sunday until February 28.

Additional Attractions for Book Lovers

Extended Library Hours

The National Library will extend its services until dusk from January 1 to March 31, providing a haven for book enthusiasts.

Discounts at FineArts Bookshop: The FineArts Bookshop located in Bangkok’s Dusit district is offering discounts of up to 20% on books published by the Fine Arts Department both in-store and online until January 15.

Embrace Cultural Experiences This New Year

The Fine Arts Department’s initiative provides a unique opportunity for both locals and tourists to engage with Thailand’s rich cultural heritage during the New Year celebrations. With free access to museums and historical sites, along with special exhibitions and activities, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and history that Thailand has to offer.

News

Bangkok’s Free Transit Initiative Sparks Unprecedented Surge in Train Ridership

Published

19 hours ago

January 28, 2025

Wadi

Bangkok’s public transport system experienced a remarkable boost in ridership following the implementation of a free transit initiative aimed at combating air pollution. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) reported a significant increase in train usage across Greater Bangkok.

Dramatic Increase in Train Usage

Sunday Ridership Soars

On the second day of the government’s week-long free public transport offer, train ridership surged by an impressive 60.90% compared to the average of the three previous Sundays in January. The total number of trips reached 1,549,622, marking a substantial increase from the 45.29% growth observed on Saturday, the first day of the campaign.

Breakdown by Rail Lines

Varied Growth Across Networks

The DRT director-general, Pichet Kunathammarak, provided a detailed breakdown of ridership increases across different rail lines. The Gold Line saw the most dramatic rise, with a 153.07% increase to 16,470 trips. Other lines also experienced significant growth, with the Pink Line showing a 122.36% increase and the Yellow Line reporting a 114.47% surge.

Government’s Anti-Pollution Measures

Free Transit to Combat PM2.5

The free public transport initiative, running from January 25 to 31, is part of the government’s efforts to address the high levels of PM2.5 polluting Bangkok’s air. By encouraging the use of public transportation, authorities aim to reduce private vehicle usage and, consequently, lower emissions.

Impact on Air Quality

Evaluating the Initiative’s Effectiveness

While the increase in public transport usage is evident, the long-term impact on air quality remains to be seen. The government will likely assess the effectiveness of this measure in reducing PM2.5 levels and may consider extending or modifying the initiative based on the results.

News

Thailand’s Minimum Wage Hike: A Phased Approach to 400 Baht

Published

19 hours ago

January 28, 2025

Wadi

Thailand’s plan to raise the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide has hit a snag, with the government opting for a phased implementation instead of a blanket increase. This decision comes after extensive deliberations by the Tripartite Wage Committee, balancing the needs of workers with economic realities.

Regional Rollout

Economic Considerations Drive Wage Decisions

The wage hike will initially target specific regions, with Chachoengsao, Phuket, Rayong, and Koh Samui district of Surat Thani set to implement the 400 baht daily minimum wage starting January 1, 2025. These areas were chosen due to their high cost of living or strategic economic importance.

Gradual Implementation

Balancing Worker Needs and Business Concerns

Other provinces will see varying increases, with Bangkok and six adjacent provinces receiving a 372 baht daily minimum wage. The government’s approach aims to mitigate potential negative impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while still improving workers’ livelihoods.

Economic Impact

Weighing Benefits Against Potential Challenges

While the wage increase is intended to boost consumer spending and improve living standards, concerns have been raised about its effect on business costs and inflation. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking has expressed reservations, citing global economic uncertainties.

Future Outlook

Monitoring and Adjusting the Wage Policy

As the phased implementation unfolds, the government will likely monitor its impact closely. Future adjustments may be made based on economic performance and the ability of businesses to adapt to the new wage structure.

News

Thai Government Intensifies Efforts to Free Detained Fishermen in Myanmar

Published

20 hours ago

January 28, 2025

Wadi

The Thai government continues its diplomatic efforts to secure the release of four Thai fishermen detained in Myanmar since November 2024. Despite challenges, officials remain committed to ensuring the crew members’ well-being and eventual return home.

Diplomatic Negotiations Underway

Foreign Minister’s Assurances

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has affirmed that the ministry has not abandoned the detained crew members. The Thai authorities have made at least three attempts to visit the fishermen, demonstrating ongoing commitment to their welfare.

Detention Background

Incident Off Ranong Coast

The four Thai crew members were detained following a gun attack by Myanmar patrol boats on their fishing vessel and 14 others off the coast of Ranong province on November 30, 2024. This incident sparked immediate concern and diplomatic action from Thai authorities.

Challenges in Communication

Limited Access to Detainees

Senator Thanakorn Phawornshinnachot raised concerns about the limited communication with the detained fishermen. Reports suggest that only one brief visitation has been allowed, lasting less than three minutes, with phone calls being infrequent and short.

Government’s Two-Step Approach

Prime Minister’s Directive

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a two-pronged approach to the situation: ensuring the well-being of the detained crew and pushing for their release. This strategy aims to address both immediate concerns and long-term resolution.

Ongoing Bilateral Discussions

Border Committee Involvement

A bilateral border committee is actively discussing the matter to reduce tensions stemming from the incident. These discussions are crucial for maintaining regional stability and facilitating the fishermen’s release.

Previous Release Efforts

Mass Pardon Exclusion

On January 4, 2025, Myanmar released 151 Thai nationals from local jails as part of a mass pardon. However, the four fishermen were not included in this release, prolonging their detention and complicating diplomatic efforts.

Challenges in Diplomatic Processes

Differing Protocols

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa explained that the delay in resolving the situation is partly due to differing protocols between Thailand and Myanmar. This highlights the complexities of international diplomacy in such sensitive cases.