THAI NEWS

Ubon Ratchathani storm left homes damaged and a child deceased

On May 7, 2024, a severe summer storm hit several areas in Ubon Ratchathani province, resulting in extensive damage to more than 1,000 homes and the tragic death of a young child. The hardest-hit locations were Nong Song Hong, Yang Yo Phap sub-district, and Mueng Sam Sip district. During the storm, a powerful whirlwind struck a brick house, causing a wall to collapse on two young girls sheltering inside. The younger sister, aged eight, later died from her injuries, despite being rushed to the hospital. The older sister survived but remained hospitalized for observation. The storm left the community without electricity and was marked as the most severe weather event the villagers had ever faced, leading to significant destruction and a profound sense of loss among the residents.

Elephant in the room: Thailand’s troubling trend of wild attacks

A recent report by Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation highlights a significant increase in wild elephant attacks since 2018, with at least 150 fatalities and over 133 injuries. The Humane Society attributes these dangerous incidents to tourist provocations. Disruptions include elephants blocking roads and invading tourist areas, positioning Thailand as the global epicenter for elephant-related disturbances. An elephant caused chaos by sitting in a car on a highway. The growing conflicts, especially in provinces like Nakhon Ratchasima, Phang Nga, and Hua Hin, have forced residents to employ creative deterrents. These aggressive behaviors are often a result of the harsh conditions faced by elephants in captivity, used in tourism and logging, which exacerbates their aggression and fear towards humans.

Phuket’s Ko Phai Ling closes to protect coral from bleaching

Thailand’s Ko Phai Ling and its surrounding coral reefs in Sirinat National Park in Phuket have been temporarily closed to tourists due to widespread coral bleaching, exacerbated by the highest sea temperatures in five years this April. Park Chief Watchara Songsi-awn announced the closure, which will last indefinitely until conditions improve. Marine scientist Thon Thamrongnawasawat described the coral’s condition as a significant disaster for the marine ecosystem. The park's decision to restrict access aims to prevent further damage and minimize human impact during this sensitive period. The closure represents a proactive effort to protect the reefs, crucial for marine biodiversity and tourism, and highlights the urgent need for environmental preservation in the face of climate change.

Cebu Pacific launches direct flights to Don Mueang Airport

Starting July 16, Cebu Pacific will increase its flights from Manila to Bangkok to 17 weekly, with new services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Don Mueang International Airport. Xander Lao, the airline's President, celebrated Bangkok's cultural and culinary attractions, emphasizing efforts to make travel there more affordable. Additionally, Cebu Pacific's network expansion reflects its ongoing commitment to connecting destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. In related news, Skytrax recently ranked Don Mueang International Airport among the top ten in the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Terminals.

Krabi’s cool facade cracks: Paradise threatened by water crisis

Krabi, a tourist haven with beautiful beaches, faces a severe water crisis threatening its economy. Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, acting president of the Krabi Tourism Association, urgently called for government intervention to solve water shortages. With over 23,000 hotel rooms and more under construction, the region is at risk of chaos due to inadequate water supply. Sasithorn recommended adopting Singapore’s water management techniques, such as desalination and wastewater reuse. She criticized the Provincial Waterworks Authority for relying solely on one water source, which failed last year, affecting 28,000 households in Mueang district. This crisis impacts not only tourism but also the cost of living for locals, highlighting the need for major infrastructure improvements.

Visa-free travel for Indian & Taiwanese visitors extended 6 months

The Thai Cabinet extended visa-free travel for Indian and Taiwanese visitors for another six months after the current period ends on May 10, aiming to boost tourism and economic growth. Initially launched in October last year, this policy allowed tourists from these countries to stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa fee. The extension, announced by Deputy Spokesperson Kenika Aunjit on May 7, will now continue from May 11 to November 11. Although Thailand will lose about 2.1 billion baht in visa fee revenues, the government expects the increase in tourism to compensate by enhancing international relations and boosting economic activity. Last year, Indian and Taiwanese tourists significantly contributed to the economy, and similar visa exemptions have been introduced for Russian visitors and certain other nationalities to further encourage tourism.

Russian arrested in Phuket for illegal mushroom possession

On May 9, in Phuket, a 29-year-old Russian national was arrested for possessing hallucinogenic buffalo dung mushrooms, classified as Type 5 narcotics in Thailand. The arrest took place during a police operation in Patong, a district on the island. Led by police chiefs Chalermchai Hernsawat and Sompron Surin, the team caught the individual at the border between Patong and Kamala with the psychoactive fungi, known to induce effects similar to LSD. These mushrooms can cause nausea, vomiting, and intense hallucinations, and are dangerous at high doses or to those with low resistance, potentially leading to death. The suspect has been charged with illegal narcotics possession and is now in custody for further investigation.

Maya Bay ranks 5th in the world’s best beaches for 2024

Maya Bay on the Phi Phi Islands in Krabi province has been ranked as the 5th-best beach in the world for 2024 by UK-based Beach Atlas. This ranking not only places Maya Bay at the forefront in Thailand but also as the top beach in the ASEAN region, highlighting Thailand as a key destination for pristine beach locations. The country also saw Pattaya Beach and Railay Beach, both in Krabi, achieve positions 12 and 66 respectively on the list of the top 100 global beaches. This recognition, against a backdrop of beaches like Bora Bora, Boulders Beach, Waikiki Beach, and Copacabana, which topped the rankings, celebrates Thailand’s attractive and varied coastal offerings based on aesthetics, charm, atmosphere, and lifestyle. This is a significant boost for Thailand’s tourism industry, emphasizing its appeal to a diverse audience.

Rayong tourism suffers after industrial area explosion

Tourism in Rayong, Thailand, has declined after an explosion at a pyrolysis gasoline tank in the Map Ta Phut industrial area last Thursday, resulting in one death and four injuries. The incident led to many tour cancellations at nearby fruit farms, disrupting plans for a three-day government holiday. Suwanna Doty, President of the Tourism Council of Rayong, highlighted the need for a safety-focused development plan and suggested establishing a war room and information center, recruiting more emergency personnel, and enforcing stricter safety measures. Phisamai Supanuntaroek from the Rayong Hotels Association mentioned that hotels are assessing the impact on reservations, and assured that tourist attractions outside the Mueang district are safe and unaffected.

THAI EVENTS

Pet Expo Thailand 2024

• 09 May 2024 - 12 May 2024

• Exhibition Hall 5-8, Level LG

Thailand’s first pet products and services exhibition that has been popular among exhibitors and visitors for more than 20 years with activities that serve the lifestyles of pets and pet lovers, as well as comprehensive product profiles of food, snacks, equipment, pharmaceuticals, supplements, shampoo, clothes, accessories, hotels, hospitals and many more.

THAILAND UNFILTERED

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, a city in Thailand, is famous for its rich history as the former capital of the Siamese Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws visitors with its stunning ruins that showcase its former glory. The city is filled with old temples, palaces, and statues, including the iconic Wat Mahathat, known for a Buddha's head surrounded by tree roots. Located just north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a peaceful place to explore Thailand’s deep historical roots and cultural treasures, making it a top spot for history lovers and travelers.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter where we'll delve deeper into Ayutthaya, unveiling hidden gems and local secrets that showcase the historical and cultural richness of this ancient city.