THAI NEWS

UNESCO-recognised Songkran festival goes global

Thailand’s Songkran festival, marking the Thai New Year, received international attention. The event was promoted globally by 35 foreign embassies in collaboration with the Thai government, following UNESCO’s recognition of the festival as an intangible cultural heritage. Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich announced that the embassies had produced a series of short videos wishing Thais a happy traditional New Year. These videos were shared on the Ministry of Culture's social media platforms to provide a glimpse into Songkran's cultural significance. The participating embassies included those from a variety of countries, such as Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, and many others. The festival saw a notable increase in international tourists, especially in Bangkok.

Gargantuan cleanup followed the end of Songkran festivities

After Bangkok's Songkran festivities, a large cleanup was necessary, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reporting 51,000 tonnes of waste collected from April 12 to 15—an increase from the previous year. At Khao San Road, a key celebration spot, 58 tonnes of waste were accumulated, with nearby areas adding another 104 tonnes. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt personally supervised the early morning cleanup involving six water trucks and city officials. He highlighted challenges in managing vendors and crowd flow to reduce congestion and announced plans to install more smart poles next year to enhance safety and monitoring at the festival.

Foreign couple filched 1m baht gold bracelet

Police are searching for an East Asian couple suspected of stealing a gold bracelet worth 1 million baht (about US$28,000) from a jewelry store in a prestigious Bangkok mall. The theft happened on Tuesday, and the couple managed to distract the store staff using their mobile phones. The woman used her phone to block the view while she slipped the bracelet up her sleeve, and her partner distracted another staff member with his phone. After the incident, they quickly left the store and were seen getting into a taxi. The police followed the taxi's route, which headed towards Don Mueang International Airport.

Sanam Luang Songkran reported to draw over 784,000

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported that the Songkran celebrations at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, held from April 11 to 15, were a major success, attracting 784,883 participants, including 693,288 Thais and 91,595 foreign tourists, mainly from Europe. The event generated around 950 million baht in direct spending and contributed 2.886 billion baht to the economy, including 742 million baht in VAT for the government. The festival supported income for about 500 street vendors and 2,000 workers. Positive feedback from attendees and wide social media coverage enhanced the landmark's international visibility. The festival's location also provided easy access to other festive sites like Khao San Road and was well-organized to cater to various age groups.

Fire lit up Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep Forest blaze sparked alarm

A fire erupted in Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep Forest on the night of Wednesday, April 17, initially spotted by officers at a temple within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The challenging terrain prevented vehicle access, necessitating a foot trek for additional firefighters. The Governor of Chiang Mai, Nirat Pongsitthaworn, responded by orchestrating an overnight firefighting operation. By the morning of Thursday, April 18, the fire was under control, showcasing the firefighters' dedication.

Chiang Mai is currently facing a surge in forest fires, with over 15 fires and 17 hotspots detected last week, particularly in the Chiang Dao district. Despite support from local communities and state agencies, the steep and uneven terrain complicates firefighting efforts.

THAI EVENTS

Fansland WEB3.0 Music Festival 2024

• May 4–May 5, 2024

• IMPACT Exhibition Center Hall 5-8 | Mueang Pathum Thani

The Fansland WEB3.0 Music Festival 2024 is set to take place on May 4th and 5th at the IMPACT Exhibition Center Hall 5-8 in Bangkok. This festival will feature performances from a host of celebrities including PSY, HENRY, HYOLYN, WIN METAWIN, and many others. Popular groups like 8TURN and SISTAR19 will also perform, alongside Thai stars PP KRIT and BILLKIN.

This year's festival is unique because it integrates Web3 technology, allowing attendees to create a 'virtual idol' using blockchain and AI technologies. Expected to attract 50,000 attendees and potentially billions of online views, the Fansland Music Festival is anticipated to be a major global event.

THAILAND UNFILTERED

Kao Lak 

Khao Lak, Thailand, is a stunning destination along the beautiful Andaman Sea coast. Known for its peaceful beaches, thick rainforests, and relaxed vibe, it provides a calm alternative to Thailand's busier tourist spots. Whether you're diving into vibrant coral reefs or exploring secluded waterfalls and rich jungles, Khao Lak appeals to both adventure seekers and those looking for tranquility.

Keep an eye on our upcoming newsletters, where we'll reveal more about the charming attractions and activities in Khao Lak. Join us to find out why Khao Lak should be your next vacation destination!