Thailand

The Thai Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (In the Thai language we call it “Te-sa-gan Gin Je”) occurs every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This year, Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2023 happens from 2nd – 11th October 2024.

The Marine Department of Thailand is planning three major cruise terminal development projects in Koh Samui, Phuket, and Pattaya to boost marine tourism. These projects, with a combined investment of over 19 billion baht, will upgrade facilities to accommodate large cruise ships and improve infrastructure. The Koh Samui project is expected to generate significant economic returns, while the Phuket and Pattaya projects aim to expand their ports to become key cruise hubs in Asia. Construction is set to begin between 2025 and 2029, with completion targeted by the early 2030s.

Thailand is expecting a surge of South Korean tourists during the Chuseok holiday in September. The country aims to reach 2 million Korean visitors this year, despite competition from Japan and Vietnam. Thai tourism operators are confident in maintaining their appeal to South Korean travelers.

Thai embassies lack sufficient information to help foreigners apply for the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). While the visa offers many benefits, inconsistent guidelines and additional requirements by embassies have caused confusion. Some embassies require additional documents beyond TAT's guidelines, such as proof of property ownership or a higher bank balance.

A Spanish chef, Daniel Jeronimo Sancho Bronchalo, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder and dismemberment of his Colombian lover on Koh Pha Ngan. His sentence was reduced from the death penalty due to his confession. Bronchalo is ordered to pay a significant amount to the victim's relatives.

Airports of Thailand (AOT) has unveiled a revised 10-year master plan for Suvarnabhumi Airport, with a 159 billion baht investment to position Thailand as a regional aviation hub by 2035. The plan includes expanding terminal capacity, adding new runways, and accommodating up to 150 million passengers annually, with bidding for the East Expansion Terminal set to begin in December.

Thailand will host an adult video (AV) expo, featuring at least 15 Japanese porn stars, under the Asia Amazing Cultural Festival (AACF) and Asia Entertainment Expo (AEE) 2024. The event aims to promote the entertainment industry in Asia, showcasing various online and offline entertainment products and services.

Porsche Design, a German lifestyle brand renowned for its design esthetic, announced a partnership with Ananda Development, a major Thai property developer, to debut the Porsche Design Tower Bangkok on Tuesday, marking the brand's first foray into Asia's ultra-luxury residential market.

The Royal Thai Air Force has chosen to acquire Gripen fighter jets from Sweden over the US-made F-16s. This decision was made after a thorough review, considering factors like technology transfer and training benefits. The air force aims to enhance its capabilities and ensure national security with the new aircraft, pending final approval from the new defense minister and cabinet.

Great news for Muay Thai enthusiasts! Tourists can soon extend their stay in Thailand for up to 180 days solely for Muay Thai training, a significant increase from the previous 60-day limit. This extension provides a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about Muay Thai to train in the world's best environment. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Minister of Finance are committed to promoting Muay Thai as a form of soft power and aim to standardize instructor certifications and send trainers overseas. This initiative not only attracts a global audience but also boosts the local economy and provides more opportunities for trainers to work abroad.

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country. It’s known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canalside communities and the iconic temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Nearby beach resorts include bustling Pattaya and fashionable Hua Hin.