THAI NEWS

900-year-old statue returned to Thailand

After over three decades at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the 129-centimeter bronze statue known as the Golden Boy believed to depict the Hindu god Shiva, along with a smaller statue of a kneeling woman, has returned to Thailand. These artifacts were taken to the National Museum Bangkok for an official repatriation ceremony. The return follows verification of their connection to Douglas Latchford, charged in 2019 for art theft. Archaeologist Tanongsak Hanwong asserts the Golden Boy represents King Jayavarman VI due to stylistic similarities with the Phimai stone castle carvings. An official ceremony will be held to welcome the artifacts back​

Bleak reefs: Coral bleaching hits Mooh Koh Surin & Phi Phi Island

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DMCR) has reported significant coral bleaching in Moo Koh Surin National Park and around Krabi’s Phi Phi Island. An investigation found seven sites in Moo Koh Surin with bleaching ranging from 5% to 50%, with the worst near Koh Torinla. Around Phi Phi Island, over 50% of coral reefs are affected, leading to temporary closures of snorkeling and diving areas. The Marine National Park has designated new snorkeling sites to mitigate damage. Additionally, a recent survey in Mu Ko Lanta Marine National Park revealed extensive coral bleaching and marine debris​

Passengers recount chaos on ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight

Passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence, leading to an emergency landing in Bangkok after a 73-year-old British man, Geoff Kitchen, died from a suspected heart attack. The turbulence struck during meal service, injuring over 30 passengers. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with people and objects violently thrown around the cabin. The Boeing 777-300ER diverted to Bangkok, where it landed safely with 211 passengers and 18 crew members. Singapore Airlines expressed condolences and is assisting affected passengers. The incident, which occurred over Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Basin, highlights the dangers of severe turbulence and the importance of wearing seatbelts during flights.

Doctor warns of surge in COVID infections, over 18,000 cases daily

As COVID-19 cases and lung infections rise in Thailand, Associate Professor Doctor Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University warns that daily infections could exceed 18,000. Data from May 12-18 indicates that the virus may be infecting between 13,443 and 18,671 individuals daily. Hospitalizations last week included 1,882 patients, 679 with lung infections, and 281 requiring ventilators. Dr. Thira noted a continuous increase in lung infections and ventilator cases over the past ten weeks, stressing the importance of vigilance in schools and continued use of face masks. He urged parents to test sick children to prevent further transmission​

PTT worker assaulted by drunk foreigner claiming to be immigration

In Udon Thani Province, a 25-year-old gas station worker named Jirawat Sunthorn was assaulted by a drunk foreigner claiming to be an immigration officer. The incident occurred at a PTT gas station on May 22. The foreigner, described as a large, bald man with a northeastern Thai accent, became agitated after being asked to stop littering. When Tum refused to refuel his car due to his behavior, the foreigner attacked him, causing facial and arm injuries, and also assaulted a cashier who intervened. Tum has filed a complaint, and police are investigating to locate and charge the assailant​

Thailand slips to 47th in global travel rankings

The World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 has ranked Thailand 47th globally with a score of 4.12, a notable decline for the country. The United States topped the list, followed by Spain and Japan. In Asia, China ranked 8th, and Singapore 13th. Within ASEAN, Thailand is 4th behind Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, prompting discussions about its tourism strategy. Additionally, the Hurun Global Rich List 2024 ranked Thailand 12th worldwide for the highest number of billionaires, indicating economic potential despite tourism challenges​

Satun’s Khao Khom cave recognized as a new prehistoric site

The Fine Arts Department of Thailand has recognized Khao Khom cave in Satun province as a new prehistoric archaeological site, potentially dating back 6,000 years. Director-General Phanombut Chantarachot confirmed the discovery of human skeletons and pottery remains from the Neolithic period, approximately 3,000 to 6,000 years ago. This discovery, based on comparative analysis with the Pa Toh Ro cliff shelter, adds to the 46 identified archaeological sites in Satun. The cave's natural features suggest it was a Stone Age human shelter, enhancing future academic research​

Chiang Rai: Fire devastates central Mae Chan market

A massive fire erupted at Nuanchan Market in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai, causing extensive damage to numerous vendor stalls and adjacent buildings. The blaze, which took over two hours to control, left vendors devastated as it rapidly spread through the densely packed market. Despite the challenging conditions due to narrow entry points, multiple local agencies and volunteer teams managed to extinguish the fire without any reported injuries or fatalities, although significant property damage was incurred​

High-speed motorcycle crash kills 2 Frenchmen in Phuket

Two Frenchmen, Alexandre Serge Robert (41) and Michel Sebastien Robert (39), tragically died in a motorcycle accident on Anusawari-Ban Pa Khlok Road in Phuket's Thalang district early on May 24. The accident occurred at a curve, causing their motorcycle to crash into a traffic island and Michel to collide with an electric pole. Police and rescuers arrived at 4:40 am, finding the severely damaged motorcycle and the victims' bodies spread out across the road. The men were traveling home at high speed, leading to the loss of control. Their bodies were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital, and police are reviewing CCTV footage to investigate the cause of the crash​

THAI EVENTS

Bangkok Pride Parade

• June 1st 2024

• Rama I road, Bangkok

Bangkok, one of the world’s most gay-friendly and welcoming cities, celebrates Pride all month long with a series of parties, events, and the return of a colorful parade through the city’s streets.

The Bangkok Naruemit Pride 2024 activity will start at the National Stadium Supachalasai, pass by the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), continue through Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, and Wat Pathum Wanaram, and ultimately conclude in front of CentralWorld after a detour at the Ratchaprasong intersection.

THAILAND UNFILTERED

Pai, Mae Hong Son Province

Pai is a charming town nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, known for its picturesque scenery, relaxed atmosphere, and vibrant backpacker community. Located in Mae Hong Son Province, Pai offers a mix of natural beauty, including hot springs, waterfalls, and lush green valleys, as well as cultural attractions like the Pai Canyon and various temples. The town is also famous for its lively night market, which features a variety of local foods and handicrafts. With its blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, Pai has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a tranquil retreat​

Discover the hidden gems and vibrant culture of this captivating province in our next newsletter.