News
Public Invited to Join New Year’s Eve Chanting Ceremony Honoring Monarchs

New Year’s Eve Chanting Ceremony to Celebrate Royal Merit
The Ministry of Culture has extended an invitation to the public for the “New Year’s Eve Chanting” ceremony, a significant event aimed at receiving blessings and welcoming the New Year. Scheduled from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025, this ceremony will honor the royal merit of Thailand’s past monarchs and commemorate His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s upcoming 72nd birthday on July 28, 2024.
Promoting Buddhist Traditions and Teachings
This event seeks to uphold Buddhist traditions while promoting the application of Buddhist teachings in daily life. It also encourages participants to abstain from harmful activities during the New Year festivities. Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, Minister of Culture, emphasized the importance of this ceremony in fostering spiritual reflection as the year comes to a close.
Sacred Flame and Symbolic Gifts for Participants
The Ministry has received a royal blessing from the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, who provided a sacred flame for lighting auspicious candles during the chanting ceremony. Additionally, the Supreme Patriarch has graciously allowed his initials to be printed on matchbox covers that will be distributed by provincial cultural offices across the country. These matchboxes will be used to light candles during the ceremony and serve as symbols of blessings for attendees.
Central Events in Bangkok
In Bangkok, central events will occur at prominent locations including Sanam Luang, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho on December 31. The ceremonies will be broadcast live via television and other media platforms, allowing people nationwide to participate in this spiritually enriching experience.
Special Activities and Nationwide Participation
Participants will have the opportunity to pay homage to the Buddha’s relics (Sacred Tooth Relic) enshrined at Sanam Luang from December 4, 2024, to February 14, 2025. The Department of Religious Affairs has also encouraged religious organizations to host New Year activities according to their respective practices. For instance, Christian churches will hold Thanksgiving services, Hindu-Brahmin temples will organize prayer ceremonies, and Sikh Gurdwaras will conduct Ardas prayer ceremonies.
Nationwide Alms-Giving Ceremony
On January 1, 2025, a nationwide alms-giving ceremony will take place for Buddhist devotees as a way to usher in blessings for the New Year. All 76 regional offices will host chanting events and alms-giving ceremonies, with additional activities coordinated by 17 provincial cultural offices along Thailand’s borders with ASEAN nations.
A Unified Celebration of Faith and Tradition
The “New Year’s Eve Chanting” ceremony represents a unique opportunity for individuals across Thailand to come together in celebration of their faith and cultural heritage. By honoring past monarchs and His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn through this spiritual event, participants can reflect on the year gone by while welcoming new beginnings with hope and positivity.
News
Strengthening National Security: New Authority for Supreme Commander

The Prime Minister has granted the Supreme Commander new authority to tackle transnational threats, marking a significant step in enhancing national security. This initiative aims to bolster efforts against emerging cross-border challenges, including organized crime and cyber threats.
Enhancing Security Measures
Combating Organized Crime
The Supreme Commander’s new authority will focus on combating call center gangs and other forms of transnational crime. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and protect citizens from evolving threats.
Strategic Coordination
International Cooperation
The initiative also involves strategic coordination with international partners to share intelligence and best practices in combating transnational crime. This collaboration is crucial for staying ahead of sophisticated criminal networks that operate across borders.
Technological Advancements
Cybersecurity Enhancements
In addition to traditional crime-fighting methods, the Supreme Commander will leverage advanced technology to enhance cybersecurity. This includes investing in digital tools to monitor and disrupt cyber threats, ensuring the safety of national infrastructure and personal data.
Public Awareness and Engagement
Community Involvement
To maximize the effectiveness of these efforts, there will be a focus on public awareness and community engagement. Educating the public about the risks of transnational crime and encouraging participation in reporting suspicious activities are key components of this strategy.
News
Celebrating Five Decades of Thai-Chinese Diplomatic Relations

Strengthening Cultural Bonds
Cultural Events and Performances
Thailand and China are marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations with a grand celebration of their 50-year ties. The event, held at the China Cultural Centre in Bangkok, featured a captivating performance by the renowned Symphony Choir of China. This cultural exchange aimed to deepen the understanding and friendship between the two nations, symbolizing their enduring partnership through music. The celebration highlighted the importance of cultural, economic, and educational exchanges in strengthening their bilateral relations.
Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation
Economic and Cultural Exchanges
The 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations is being commemorated with a series of events and activities designed to promote bilateral cooperation. These include cultural performances, exhibitions, and special promotions that reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of both countries. The official logo for the anniversary, featuring a Naga and a Dragon, represents the shared aspirations of Thailand and China towards a community with a shared future, emphasizing stability, prosperity, and sustainability.
Golden Jubilee Celebrations
High-Level Visits and Cultural Activities
This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, with high-level visits planned between the two nations. Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang is scheduled to visit Thailand, coinciding with the 5th Mekong-Lacang Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting. Additionally, cultural representatives from various Chinese provinces will visit Thailand, further enriching the cultural exchange between the two countries. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is also organizing Chinese New Year celebrations, reflecting the deepening cultural ties and cooperation between Thailand and China.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Bilateral Agreements and Trade
Thailand and China have signed 14 bilateral agreements, reinforcing their cooperation in strategic sectors such as economy, investment, energy, and customs. These agreements aim to enhance trade efficiency, particularly for key agricultural exports like durian, and promote scientific collaboration and technological advancements. The emphasis on strengthening economic ties underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering a prosperous and sustainable partnership.
News
Thailand Braces for Severe Weather: Storm Alert Issued

A storm alert has been issued for Bangkok and surrounding areas, effective from Thursday. This warning comes as a moderate high-pressure system from China is expected to extend over the Northeast and the South China Sea, bringing significant weather changes.
Weather Conditions and Precautions
Understanding the Storm System
The approaching storm system is anticipated to bring thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail to upper Thailand. Residents are advised to be cautious of these sudden weather changes, avoiding open areas, tall trees, weak structures, and advertising billboards. Farmers should also take necessary precautions to protect their crops from potential damage.
Preparing for the Storm
The storms are expected to follow a period of intense heat, with temperatures in the Central and Northeast regions possibly reaching 40°C. Southerly and southeasterly winds are currently affecting the lower North, Northeast, Central, and East, leading to isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds. It is crucial for residents to stay indoors during the heatwave and be prepared for the storms by having safety gear ready.
Regional Weather Outlook
Bangkok and Surrounding Areas
Bangkok and its vicinity will experience hot days with isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to range from 25-28°C to a high of 34-37°C. While the storms may cover only a small portion of the city, residents should remain vigilant and prepared for any weather hazards.
Other Regions
In the southern region, partly cloudy skies with thunderstorms in about 10% of the area are expected. The East will see haze paired with heat, while the South will experience easterly breezes with temperatures fluctuating between 22-36°C. The sea conditions will generally be calm unless thunderstorms occur, which could increase wave heights.
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