<pre class="fr-text-uppercase fr-text-spaced fr-text-gray fr-text-bordered" style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 21px; font-family: "Cordia New", sans-serif; text-indent: 36pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;'><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/aMNnVo-Ea_%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%20%2823%29%20re.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">
If you live in Bangkok, there is a slim chance that you would miss noticing the extravagant Bang Sue Grand Station while driving on the Sri Rat expressway. If you get stuck up there in a traffic jam, which is common in this city, you could even spend time to carefully study the futuristic structure from different angles.</pre> Its function is explicitly hinted from its exterior that has a New York’s Grand Station-like vibe. The station is Thailand’s next mega infrastructure project which will not only help ease Bangkok’s infamous traffic congestion, but also support the country’s role as a regional transportation hub. It is positioned to strengthen Thailand’s railway system and its connections with the regional transportation network, hence enhancing economic growth. This grand station is on its way to becoming another top attraction in Bangkok – a new landmark with an external design inspired by Hua Lamphong Station but with a modern twist recognizable from miles away. If there is one word to describe the rationale of this project—it is mobility. Thailand has great ambitions to use its railway network to transport passengers and goods more effectively and more economically, particularly to lower its logistics cost which stands around 13.6% of GDP in 2018. Since the inception of the railway system in Thailand in 1893, this is probably the first bold move to upgrade the system at a mega scale. <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/mOhpX-kmd_Banbg%20Sue_%E0%B9%92%E0%B9%90%E0%B9%91%E0%B9%91%E0%B9%90%E0%B9%99_4%20re.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Bangsue Grand Station is just one piece of the whole jigsaw puzzle, albeit a major one. It will replace the grande dame Bangkok Station or Hua Lamphong as the capital’s railway hub with a much larger capacity and seamless connectivity to match Thailand’s regional ambitions. Besides intercity trains, it will also serve underground, commuter and high-speed trains that link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao international airports. The 220 kilometres train route between Don Mueang in Bangkok and U-Tapao in Rayong province could be traveled in under an hour, ready to transport Bangkokians to hit the Rayong beach in only a heartbeat. <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/wd6tKEzJc_Banbg%20Sue_%E0%B9%92%E0%B9%90%E0%B9%91%E0%B9%91%E0%B9%90%E0%B9%99_3%20re.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> To date, the external construction of the station has already been completed, and only interior tweeks are required for the station to be fully functional by 2021. &nbsp;The station covers an area of 1,280 acres, and is set to be the largest railway station in Southeast Asia. Standing four stories high, with 12 platforms and 24 tracks, Bang Sue Grand Station can accommodate 26 to 40 trains at the same time, with a daily passenger capacity as high as 600,000 persons or ten times more than its century old predecessor Hua Lamphong Station. Think about it. More trains means less waiting time and faster travels.&nbsp; Designed to be environmentally friendly, the station will have at least 30% green spaces and according to Voravut Mala, former Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, it will be “pollution free since it will serve only electric trains.” Initially, the station was planned as an extension of the Red Line Mass Transit System in the national Infrastructure Development Plan (2015-2022). Later on, authorities expanded the plan, transforming the main terminus platform to accommodate various types of rail services. Similar to&nbsp;Japan’s Tokyo Station and Taiwan’s Taipei Main Station,&nbsp;Bang Sue Grand Station will act as a new transit hub primed with facilities for future installments of hi-tech equipment and system. Once the high speed railway to U-Tapao is completed, it will facilitate travel between Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a flagship project of Thailand to promote higher valued investments of upgraded industries that are more high-tech-oriented. It will also complement Thailand’s prominent tourism industry, as well as contribute to urbanisation and the decentralisation of cities, expanding economic opportunities beyond city walls. <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/Ue5NdRfkt_re%20Banbg%20Sue_%E0%B9%92%E0%B9%90%E0%B9%91%E0%B9%91%E0%B9%90%E0%B9%99_1.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> People living in surrounding areas of Bangkok, the next generation of rail services will enable them to skip the traffic and hop on the ‘Red Line’ commuter trains. There are two routes in the Red Line; the north-south ‘Dark Red Line’ from Ayutthaya to Ratchaburi for a distance of 114.3 kilometres, and the west-east “Light Red Line” connecting Nakhon Pathom with Chacheongsao in 127.5 kilometres.&nbsp; For those looking forward to hopping onto the first high-speed train, the journey also starts at Bang Sue Grand Station,&nbsp;as the station will offer a platform for extended high-speed railway projects in the upcoming decades.&nbsp; The first high-speed train project to be materialised is the route from Bangkok to Nong Khai, a Thai-Sino collaboration to connect Thailand with Lao PDR and China. The first phase from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima spanning 250.77 kilometres is under construction right now. The rest of the route linking Nakhon Ratchasima with Nong Khai covers a distance of 356.1 kilometres. Once completed, this project will enable travellers from Bangkok to reach Nong Khai in just three hours’ time instead of the usual 11-hour train ride or the 8-hour drive on the road.&nbsp; Consequently, Bang Sue Grand Station and Thailand’s railway network will enhance ASEAN intraregional connectivity and could, in the foreseeable future, be extended to link with China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI) or other prospective bilateral or regional logistical projects. The plan for Bang Sue Grand Station is not limited only to trains and tracks. Inspired by the success of Japan in urban development based on railway, Thailand hopes to promote Bang Sue Grand Station as a catalyst for developing a New Central Business District around the station. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to adopt the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) model into the surrounding the area to draw in more investment in business complexes and residential units. This infrastructural elevation will undoubtedly generate a new stream of jobs and income for the local economy. At the same time, the infamous Bangkok traffic will hopefully ease as a result of a more efficient commuting network, subsequently decreasing the number of city dwellers as they spread out to reside outside city areas.&nbsp;Completion of this mega project is timely as Thailand and the world is facing a pandemic. Mass employment and business opportunities both domestically and regionally could offer a chance for the people and the economy to finally pick up and get back on track. <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/nemuEX24t_Banbg%20Sue_%E0%B9%92%E0%B9%90%E0%B9%91%E0%B9%91%E0%B9%90%E0%B9%99_0%20re.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">


If you live in Bangkok, there is a slim chance that you would miss noticing the extravagant Bang Sue Grand Station while driving on the Sri Rat expressway. If you get stuck up there in a traffic jam, which is common in this city, you could even spend time to carefully study the futuristic structure from different angles.Its function is explicitly hinted from its exterior that has a New York’s Grand Station-like vibe. The station is Thailand’s next mega infrastructure project which will not only help ease Bangkok’s infamous traffic congestion, but also support the country’s role as a regional transportation hub. It is positioned to strengthen Thailand’s railway system and its connections with the regional transportation network, hence enhancing economic growth. This grand station is on its way to becoming another top attraction in Bangkok – a new landmark with an external design inspired by Hua Lamphong Station but with a modern twist recognizable from miles away.If there is one word to describe the rationale of this project—it is mobility. Thailand has great ambitions to use its railway network to transport passengers and goods more effectively and more economically, particularly to lower its logistics cost which stands around 13.6% of GDP in 2018. Since the inception of the railway system in Thailand in 1893, this is probably the first bold move to upgrade the system at a mega scale.Bangsue Grand Station is just one piece of the whole jigsaw puzzle, albeit a major one. It will replace the grande dame Bangkok Station or Hua Lamphong as the capital’s railway hub with a much larger capacity and seamless connectivity to match Thailand’s regional ambitions. Besides intercity trains, it will also serve underground, commuter and high-speed trains that link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao international airports. The 220 kilometres train route between Don Mueang in Bangkok and U-Tapao in Rayong province could be traveled in under an hour, ready to transport Bangkokians to hit the Rayong beach in only a heartbeat.To date, the external construction of the station has already been completed, and only interior tweeks are required for the station to be fully functional by 2021. &nbsp;The station covers an area of 1,280 acres, and is set to be the largest railway station in Southeast Asia. Standing four stories high, with 12 platforms and 24 tracks, Bang Sue Grand Station can accommodate 26 to 40 trains at the same time, with a daily passenger capacity as high as 600,000 persons or ten times more than its century old predecessor Hua Lamphong Station. Think about it. More trains means less waiting time and faster travels.&nbsp;Designed to be environmentally friendly, the station will have at least 30% green spaces and according to Voravut Mala, former Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, it will be “pollution free since it will serve only electric trains.”Initially, the station was planned as an extension of the Red Line Mass Transit System in the national Infrastructure Development Plan (2015-2022). Later on, authorities expanded the plan, transforming the main terminus platform to accommodate various types of rail services. Similar to&nbsp;Japan’s Tokyo Station and Taiwan’s Taipei Main Station,&nbsp;Bang Sue Grand Station will act as a new transit hub primed with facilities for future installments of hi-tech equipment and system.Once the high speed railway to U-Tapao is completed, it will facilitate travel between Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a flagship project of Thailand to promote higher valued investments of upgraded industries that are more high-tech-oriented. It will also complement Thailand’s prominent tourism industry, as well as contribute to urbanisation and the decentralisation of cities, expanding economic opportunities beyond city walls.People living in surrounding areas of Bangkok, the next generation of rail services will enable them to skip the traffic and hop on the ‘Red Line’ commuter trains. There are two routes in the Red Line; the north-south ‘Dark Red Line’ from Ayutthaya to Ratchaburi for a distance of 114.3 kilometres, and the west-east “Light Red Line” connecting Nakhon Pathom with Chacheongsao in 127.5 kilometres.&nbsp;For those looking forward to hopping onto the first high-speed train, the journey also starts at Bang Sue Grand Station,&nbsp;as the station will offer a platform for extended high-speed railway projects in the upcoming decades.&nbsp;The first high-speed train project to be materialised is the route from Bangkok to Nong Khai, a Thai-Sino collaboration to connect Thailand with Lao PDR and China. The first phase from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima spanning 250.77 kilometres is under construction right now. The rest of the route linking Nakhon Ratchasima with Nong Khai covers a distance of 356.1 kilometres. Once completed, this project will enable travellers from Bangkok to reach Nong Khai in just three hours’ time instead of the usual 11-hour train ride or the 8-hour drive on the road.&nbsp;Consequently, Bang Sue Grand Station and Thailand’s railway network will enhance ASEAN intraregional connectivity and could, in the foreseeable future, be extended to link with China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI) or other prospective bilateral or regional logistical projects.The plan for Bang Sue Grand Station is not limited only to trains and tracks. Inspired by the success of Japan in urban development based on railway, Thailand hopes to promote Bang Sue Grand Station as a catalyst for developing a New Central Business District around the station. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to adopt the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) model into the surrounding the area to draw in more investment in business complexes and residential units.This infrastructural elevation will undoubtedly generate a new stream of jobs and income for the local economy. At the same time, the infamous Bangkok traffic will hopefully ease as a result of a more efficient commuting network, subsequently decreasing the number of city dwellers as they spread out to reside outside city areas.&nbsp;Completion of this mega project is timely as Thailand and the world is facing a pandemic. Mass employment and business opportunities both domestically and regionally could offer a chance for the people and the economy to finally pick up and get back on track.

The Next Great Leap in Thailand’s Transportation Infrastructure 

<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/6uld_VKvJ_1604377689959.png" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;-Thai medical staff tending to a COVID-19 patient-An exploration of Thailand’s public health system and pre-emptive measures to intercept COVID-19 transmissions along the Myanmar border. Quality healthcare in Thailand is not defined by a high price tag, but rather by its high levels of public accessibility. From birth, Thai citizens instantly become eligible for basic health insurance which enables them to receive subsidized services at their local hospital. “Good health should come at a low cost” according to Suwit Wibulpolprasert, who spent over two decades analyzing Thailand’s health services at the Ministry of Public Health. This scheme has enabled a far reaching system of accessible healthcare in Thailand which has been praised by the World Health Organization as one of the leading models of social insurance schemes in the Southeast Asia Region.&nbsp;Despite not being a Thai citizen, expats will still find that local clinics, dentistry practices, and dermatologists are readily available and can be found operating entirely on a walk-in basis. All health complaints ranging from a common cold to more compromising illnesses are fully addressed by these facilities without question. This method eliminates barriers to medical services such as the conundrums of organizing a GP appointment, waiting weeks for common dental services, or facing inexplicable discrepancies over the cost of health care.The competency of Thailand’s public health system was put to the test in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in new schemes such as free treatment of COVID-19 for Thai citizens. As of October 14st 2020, Thailand’s containment of the first wave was largely deemed a success story with only 3,652 positive cases in which 3,457 have been discharged.&nbsp;In spirit and in practice, Thai citizens are all protected by Universal Coverage. However, another statistic provided by a 2006 study on the UC indicates that the number of Thai policyholders reflects but 79% of all residents. The remaining 21% are those who either do not make use of this scheme, or those who lack awareness about their rights to such provisions. These numbers also tend to fluctuate depending on people leaving and entering the country. Along Thailand’s shared borders with Myanmar and Laos, local hospitals would regularly report a large number of stateless patients, unregistered displaced persons, and cross-border patients arriving at their doorstep. These known circumstances have prompted new&nbsp;COVID-19 concerns in border provinces such as Tak and Chiang Mai while cases in Myanmar have climbed to 30,437 as of mid-October 2020. Bangkok residents have therefore started to question whether the second wave of Coronavirus will strike Thailand from the border rather than from international flights carrying home potentially infected Thai passengers.A study conducted in 2012 by the HSRI, a Thai research office on Health Coverage, has shown that cross-border healthcare has been a largely preferred method amongst impoverished Lao and Burmese populations that live along Thailand’s borders. State hospitals in such areas are often forced to admit sick patients that have travelled across natural passageways to seek their assistance. With the majority of patients being unable to pay for their treatment, public hospitals have resolved to utilize their own funds to subsidize the medical fees of vulnerable minority groups. It is important to note that stateless Thais also fall into this group due to their unclear status and lack of identification. Dr. Narin Jaroensubphayanont a lecturer at Khon Khaen University believes that the public health system will also face a “growing burden in expenses” due to the “increase of the elderly and the demands of advancing medical technology.”&nbsp;<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/xMhS2EYe0_iStock-1141793751%20re.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- Mae Sot Refugee Camp -Nevertheless, Thai authorities have organized insurance schemes which allow registered stateless persons and migrant workers to receive protection regardless of these challenges. The remaining issue which Thailand heavily prioritizes is how to raise awareness about health insurance to the public. It has also been reported that a number of Thai people unaware of this scheme remain hesitant to take their children to the hospital due to their perceived lack of funds. Certain groups such as undocumented urban refugees and illegal migrants still fear prosecution or deportation should they seek aid from hospitals.Based on statistics from 2016 provided by Hfocus, an independent news website focusing on health issues, public hospitals situated in border provinces along the Myanmar border incurred the highest amount of medical debts from stateless and foreign patients who were unable to cover their bills totaling 431,081,275 Baht. This number encompasses 74% of all unpaid medical bills accumulated from this group in Thailand. In this regard,Thai hospitals in border provinces have shown a remarkable sense of responsibility towards any person regardless of their status, nationality, or ability to finance their treatment. Through these unconventional methods, the medical staff in such locations have independently promoted a safer environment for displaced persons and vulnerable minorities.It is important to note that cross-border healthcare is a common world-wide phenomenon, and is heavily studied in new members of the European Court of Justice which ensure. Concrete authorization systems and national contact points allow for the exchange of patients in the European Union context to remain mutualistic. The same however cannot be said for Thai, Myanmar, and Lao border hospitals who lack the mechanisms to charge their foreign patients. However, this obstacle has not deterred Thai medical staff from providing healthcare to those who need it. The driver of such actions lies within the spirit of Thailand’s Universal Health Care policy which aims to comprehensively provide everyone with human security.&nbsp;This brings the question of how Thailand should prevent a possible second wave from neighboring countries.The standard disease control procedures have been modified to specifically manage potential risks from local Coronavirus transmissions. The Ministry of Public Health has trained medical personnel to conduct extensive contact-tracing as well as mass testing of individuals in risk areas. The investigation would begin with testing one individual and a web of contacts would be followed to identify paths of transmissions outward into the larger community. The team is always on standby to move into any local areas within a 24 hour notice to conduct investigations.<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/eMGuVkJTi_1604377970423.png" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- Contact tracing and testing on the Myanmar border with the Disease and Control Team -The Thai Border Police have recently identified 2 cases of foreign drivers infected with COVID-19 through systematic screening at the border. Upon hearing this news, 6 COVID testing vehicles were sent to Mae Sot to investigate the potential threat of transmissions.As of mid-October 2020, 3 new cases have been identified from contact tracing and active testing of over 4,187 people. The cases identified were relatives of the driver who lived in Mae Sot Province who are now receiving a second test at Mae Sot Hospital. These results still must be re-confirmed according to medical experts.More recently the Disease and Control Team have been dispatched to Samui Island to urgently investigate the case of a French woman who has correctly followed quarantine procedures but later tested positive during her holiday. Within a few days of contact tracing the team uncovered traces of COVID-19 on gym equipment at the Samut Prakan ASQ facility where the woman stayed. The necessary adjustments to facility protocols were made immediately to prevent any further possibility of transmissions between guests. Over 100 people have been tested by the team in Samui in which all tests have returned negative. <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/sG_Xpqe6b_1604378043478.png" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- Mae Sai Border Crossing, Tak Province -Security patrols on the Thai-Myanmar border have now been increased across 542 kilometers according to Bangkok Post, with some areas already under 24 hour patrols by the Thai Border Police. These measures are to ensure that illegal migrants carrying the virus will not trespass through natural barriers. Tak’s border crossing is now closed to halt possible transmissions while active testing continues in Mae Sot.&nbsp;<h1 class="fr-text-bordered" style='margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 8pt; font-size: 21px; font-family: "TH SarabunPSK", sans-serif; text-align: center;'>Whether the second wave of transmissions will occur from the border, the real question is whether Thailand’s measures will appropriately tackle such matters. As the pre-emptive measures of the Disease and Control Department have already successfully contained the first set of potential new cases, it is evident that Thailand is ready to face such challenges.</h1>

&nbsp;-Thai medical staff tending to a COVID-19 patient-An exploration of Thailand’s public health system and pre-emptive measures to intercept COVID-19 transmissions along the Myanmar border.Quality healthcare in Thailand is not defined by a high price tag, but rather by its high levels of public accessibility. From birth, Thai citizens instantly become eligible for basic health insurance which enables them to receive subsidized services at their local hospital. “Good health should come at a low cost” according to Suwit Wibulpolprasert, who spent over two decades analyzing Thailand’s health services at the Ministry of Public Health. This scheme has enabled a far reaching system of accessible healthcare in Thailand which has been praised by the World Health Organization as one of the leading models of social insurance schemes in the Southeast Asia Region.&nbsp;Despite not being a Thai citizen, expats will still find that local clinics, dentistry practices, and dermatologists are readily available and can be found operating entirely on a walk-in basis. All health complaints ranging from a common cold to more compromising illnesses are fully addressed by these facilities without question. This method eliminates barriers to medical services such as the conundrums of organizing a GP appointment, waiting weeks for common dental services, or facing inexplicable discrepancies over the cost of health care.The competency of Thailand’s public health system was put to the test in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in new schemes such as free treatment of COVID-19 for Thai citizens. As of October 14st 2020, Thailand’s containment of the first wave was largely deemed a success story with only 3,652 positive cases in which 3,457 have been discharged.&nbsp;In spirit and in practice, Thai citizens are all protected by Universal Coverage. However, another statistic provided by a 2006 study on the UC indicates that the number of Thai policyholders reflects but 79% of all residents. The remaining 21% are those who either do not make use of this scheme, or those who lack awareness about their rights to such provisions. These numbers also tend to fluctuate depending on people leaving and entering the country. Along Thailand’s shared borders with Myanmar and Laos, local hospitals would regularly report a large number of stateless patients, unregistered displaced persons, and cross-border patients arriving at their doorstep. These known circumstances have prompted new&nbsp;COVID-19 concerns in border provinces such as Tak and Chiang Mai while cases in Myanmar have climbed to 30,437 as of mid-October 2020. Bangkok residents have therefore started to question whether the second wave of Coronavirus will strike Thailand from the border rather than from international flights carrying home potentially infected Thai passengers.A study conducted in 2012 by the HSRI, a Thai research office on Health Coverage, has shown that cross-border healthcare has been a largely preferred method amongst impoverished Lao and Burmese populations that live along Thailand’s borders. State hospitals in such areas are often forced to admit sick patients that have travelled across natural passageways to seek their assistance. With the majority of patients being unable to pay for their treatment, public hospitals have resolved to utilize their own funds to subsidize the medical fees of vulnerable minority groups. It is important to note that stateless Thais also fall into this group due to their unclear status and lack of identification. Dr. Narin Jaroensubphayanont a lecturer at Khon Khaen University believes that the public health system will also face a “growing burden in expenses” due to the “increase of the elderly and the demands of advancing medical technology.”&nbsp;- Mae Sot Refugee Camp -Nevertheless, Thai authorities have organized insurance schemes which allow registered stateless persons and migrant workers to receive protection regardless of these challenges. The remaining issue which Thailand heavily prioritizes is how to raise awareness about health insurance to the public. It has also been reported that a number of Thai people unaware of this scheme remain hesitant to take their children to the hospital due to their perceived lack of funds. Certain groups such as undocumented urban refugees and illegal migrants still fear prosecution or deportation should they seek aid from hospitals.Based on statistics from 2016 provided by Hfocus, an independent news website focusing on health issues, public hospitals situated in border provinces along the Myanmar border incurred the highest amount of medical debts from stateless and foreign patients who were unable to cover their bills totaling 431,081,275 Baht. This number encompasses 74% of all unpaid medical bills accumulated from this group in Thailand. In this regard,Thai hospitals in border provinces have shown a remarkable sense of responsibility towards any person regardless of their status, nationality, or ability to finance their treatment. Through these unconventional methods, the medical staff in such locations have independently promoted a safer environment for displaced persons and vulnerable minorities.It is important to note that cross-border healthcare is a common world-wide phenomenon, and is heavily studied in new members of the European Court of Justice which ensure. Concrete authorization systems and national contact points allow for the exchange of patients in the European Union context to remain mutualistic. The same however cannot be said for Thai, Myanmar, and Lao border hospitals who lack the mechanisms to charge their foreign patients. However, this obstacle has not deterred Thai medical staff from providing healthcare to those who need it. The driver of such actions lies within the spirit of Thailand’s Universal Health Care policy which aims to comprehensively provide everyone with human security.&nbsp;This brings the question of how Thailand should prevent a possible second wave from neighboring countries.The standard disease control procedures have been modified to specifically manage potential risks from local Coronavirus transmissions. The Ministry of Public Health has trained medical personnel to conduct extensive contact-tracing as well as mass testing of individuals in risk areas. The investigation would begin with testing one individual and a web of contacts would be followed to identify paths of transmissions outward into the larger community. The team is always on standby to move into any local areas within a 24 hour notice to conduct investigations.- Contact tracing and testing on the Myanmar border with the Disease and Control Team -The Thai Border Police have recently identified 2 cases of foreign drivers infected with COVID-19 through systematic screening at the border. Upon hearing this news, 6 COVID testing vehicles were sent to Mae Sot to investigate the potential threat of transmissions.As of mid-October 2020, 3 new cases have been identified from contact tracing and active testing of over 4,187 people. The cases identified were relatives of the driver who lived in Mae Sot Province who are now receiving a second test at Mae Sot Hospital. These results still must be re-confirmed according to medical experts.More recently the Disease and Control Team have been dispatched to Samui Island to urgently investigate the case of a French woman who has correctly followed quarantine procedures but later tested positive during her holiday. Within a few days of contact tracing the team uncovered traces of COVID-19 on gym equipment at the Samut Prakan ASQ facility where the woman stayed. The necessary adjustments to facility protocols were made immediately to prevent any further possibility of transmissions between guests. Over 100 people have been tested by the team in Samui in which all tests have returned negative.- Mae Sai Border Crossing, Tak Province -Security patrols on the Thai-Myanmar border have now been increased across 542 kilometers according to Bangkok Post, with some areas already under 24 hour patrols by the Thai Border Police. These measures are to ensure that illegal migrants carrying the virus will not trespass through natural barriers. Tak’s border crossing is now closed to halt possible transmissions while active testing continues in Mae Sot.&nbsp;Whether the second wave of transmissions will occur from the border, the real question is whether Thailand’s measures will appropriately tackle such matters. As the pre-emptive measures of the Disease and Control Department have already successfully contained the first set of potential new cases, it is evident that Thailand is ready to face such challenges.

Are we ready for a second wave? Thailand’s healthcare vs COVID-19 

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/lGCfkcXTy_%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%20PrincessGrandma.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; When a young lady named Sangwan Talapat arrived in the United States of America in the summer of 1917, she would not have imagined that her life would change forever, and that she was about to embark upon a journey of a life time. Born a commoner, she eventually married a prince and became the mother of two kings and a princess. She would touch the lives of countless people, and become an inspiration to them all.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Officially, she is Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. The title was bestowed in 1970 but most Thais still prefer to call her Somdet Ya or “Princess Grand&nbsp;ma,” an address that rightfully reflects the deep affection and respect she has earned from the Thai people.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Princess was an exemplary model of a dutiful mother, a lifelong learner and a dedicated working woman who never once let time pass idly by. She was a shining case in point of a woman empowered by education, which was a rare case in the first decades of the 20th century when only a few Siamese girls attended school. Yet, despite her status of a princess, she led a simple, humble and down-to-earth life until her very last day. That is why the people’s sentiment towards her is a warm and caring bond, as if she were their own beloved grandmother.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1 style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 21px; font-family: "Cordia New", sans-serif; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;'>A competent single mother</h1><h1 style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 21px; font-family: "Cordia New", sans-serif; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;'>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Due to the untimely death of her husband, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, in 1929, she abruptly became a single mother of three at the tender age of 29. The Princess moved to Lausanne, Switzerland to raise her three young children. During her stay there, she lived in an unassuming apartment, did the grocery shopping herself and was known by her neighbours as Madame Mahidol rather than as a princess.&nbsp;</h1> <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/VQ52Xseic_%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2-2.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-shadow"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A Thai proverb that underlines the influence of mothers on their children states that ‘a good elephant is detectable from its tail and a good lady is identifiable from her mother.’ In the case of the Princess, her thoughtful ways of raising her daughter and two sons have shaped all of them into capable, responsible and caring adults who have followed in the footsteps of their parents, finding immense joy in helping people in need.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Her daughter, the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, recalled that the Princess Mother always taught and retained her children to be punctual, frugal and polite. This had not changed even after her eldest son became King Ananda Mahidol at the age of nine in 1935.&nbsp;An avid student and an active initiator for change&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Princess was an enthusiastic lifelong learner and a working woman in every sense of the word. She received a scholarship to study nursing in the United States of America where she met her future husband. She took courses at Simmons College in Boston while Prince Mahidol of Songkhla attended public health courses at Harvard University. The interest of the Mahidol couple in these fields would later prove that it was a boon for the development of modern medicine and public health in Thailand.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In 1974, the Princess established the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation (PMMVF) to dispatch volunteer medical teams to offer treatment to people in remote areas. Thailand back then was a second-tier developing country faced with security challenges in various forms, such as internal unrest, poverty and public health. Therefore, the efforts of the Princess not only elevated community spirit but also complemented the government’s work in uplifting public welfare. <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/FNXw-5HeC_%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2-3.png" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Princess would frequently travel with the medical team to every remote corner of the country, often accompanied by her daughter. Hill tribe people were familiar with the sound of her helicopter and referred to her as Mae Fah Luang or Princess from the Sky. The PMMVF has matured over the years with a wide range of projects, including mobile dentistry, eye surgery, and assistance to disabled persons.&nbsp; <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/2IyZTwXQJ_%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2-4.png" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Lausanne had been the Princess’s second home for over 50 years. She decided to reside in Thailand permanently when she was almost 90 years old. Doi Tung in northern Chiang Rai was chosen as the location for her ‘first home’ in her motherland not because of its breathtaking scenery but for the crisis it was suffering. The Princess had visited Doi Tung before and experienced first-hand that the mountains were severely deforested. She vowed to turn this place into lush greenery once again.&nbsp;“I will reforest Doi Tung,” so she said. <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/fRRQZ6naB_Doi%20tung-2.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; That was how the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, which started in 1972&nbsp;as the Thai Hill Crafts Foundation, became involved in the development of Doi Tung. It was well known internationally for its mission to elevate the quality of life for locals and to help them achieve sustainable livelihoods. The Foundation is recognised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its successful and unique modalities that have helped rural communities eradicate poppy cultivation, empowering them with a community-centred participatory approach. The Foundation has since shared its experiences with other countries and expanded its development collaboration projects with Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Indonesia.&nbsp; <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/w2swIjbPm_33.jpg" style="width: 800px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Three decades after, Doi Tung has been restored to its pristine natural condition with villagers enjoying a sustainable income from alternative crops supported by the Foundation, such as coffee and macadamia nuts. The Foundation also helps villagers to market their handicraft products by supplying them to international brands such as Ikea. <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/hTgKlRVwf_Doi%20tung%20products-1.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp; <div class="fr-img-space-wrap">The legacy continues </div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Princess passed away in 1995 just three months before she would turn 95. The Princess from the Sky has returned to where she belongs. But her commitment to community service still lives on in the spirit of every medical volunteer of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation. Her love for nature and compassion for the marginalised also remain a magical source of inspiration in Doi Tung and beyond.&nbsp; <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/lomfKA98u_line_159039057710015.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span style='color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;'>The Princess Srinagarindra Award <div class="fr-img-space-wrap" style="line-height: 1.5;"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/LxgB2UfGq_%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2-award.png" style="width: 597px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></div><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><span style='color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;'>The Princess Srinagarindra Award</div><div class="fr-img-space-wrap" style="line-height: 1.5;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In 2000, on the centenary of her birth year, UNESCO honoured the Princess as a “great personality in public service in the fields of education, applied science, and human, social, and environmental development.”&nbsp;On the same occasion, the Princess Srinagarindra Award was established and conferred on persons with outstanding achievements in nursing and social services.</div> <h1 class="fr-text-spaced fr-text-bordered" style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 21px; font-family: "Cordia New", sans-serif; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt; line-height: 1.5;'>The Princess led a simple life but achieved great accomplishments that captured the hearts of millions. She found true happiness from her selfless deeds for humanity and the less advantaged as reflected in one of her remarks with the Border Patrol Police. “I&nbsp;always realise your difficulties in undertaking your duties and I am pleased to provide assistance to all of you for the benefits of the nation.”</h1><h1 style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-family:"Cordia New","sans-serif";text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt;'>&nbsp;</h1>

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; When a young lady named Sangwan Talapat arrived in the United States of America in the summer of 1917, she would not have imagined that her life would change forever, and that she was about to embark upon a journey of a life time. Born a commoner, she eventually married a prince and became the mother of two kings and a princess. She would touch the lives of countless people, and become an inspiration to them all.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Officially, she is Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. The title was bestowed in 1970 but most Thais still prefer to call her Somdet Ya or “Princess Grand&nbsp;ma,” an address that rightfully reflects the deep affection and respect she has earned from the Thai people.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Princess was an exemplary model of a dutiful mother, a lifelong learner and a dedicated working woman who never once let time pass idly by. She was a shining case in point of a woman empowered by education, which was a rare case in the first decades of the 20th century when only a few Siamese girls attended school. Yet, despite her status of a princess, she led a simple, humble and down-to-earth life until her very last day. That is why the people’s sentiment towards her is a warm and caring bond, as if she were their own beloved grandmother.&nbsp;&nbsp;A competent single mother&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Due to the untimely death of her husband, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, in 1929, she abruptly became a single mother of three at the tender age of 29. The Princess moved to Lausanne, Switzerland to raise her three young children. During her stay there, she lived in an unassuming apartment, did the grocery shopping herself and was known by her neighbours as Madame Mahidol rather than as a princess.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A Thai proverb that underlines the influence of mothers on their children states that ‘a good elephant is detectable from its tail and a good lady is identifiable from her mother.’ In the case of the Princess, her thoughtful ways of raising her daughter and two sons have shaped all of them into capable, responsible and caring adults who have followed in the footsteps of their parents, finding immense joy in helping people in need.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Her daughter, the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, recalled that the Princess Mother always taught and retained her children to be punctual, frugal and polite. This had not changed even after her eldest son became King Ananda Mahidol at the age of nine in 1935.&nbsp;An avid student and an active initiator for change&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Princess was an enthusiastic lifelong learner and a working woman in every sense of the word. She received a scholarship to study nursing in the United States of America where she met her future husband. She took courses at Simmons College in Boston while Prince Mahidol of Songkhla attended public health courses at Harvard University. The interest of the Mahidol couple in these fields would later prove that it was a boon for the development of modern medicine and public health in Thailand.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In 1974, the Princess established the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation (PMMVF) to dispatch volunteer medical teams to offer treatment to people in remote areas. Thailand back then was a second-tier developing country faced with security challenges in various forms, such as internal unrest, poverty and public health. Therefore, the efforts of the Princess not only elevated community spirit but also complemented the government’s work in uplifting public welfare.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Princess would frequently travel with the medical team to every remote corner of the country, often accompanied by her daughter. Hill tribe people were familiar with the sound of her helicopter and referred to her as Mae Fah Luang or Princess from the Sky. The PMMVF has matured over the years with a wide range of projects, including mobile dentistry, eye surgery, and assistance to disabled persons.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Lausanne had been the Princess’s second home for over 50 years. She decided to reside in Thailand permanently when she was almost 90 years old. Doi Tung in northern Chiang Rai was chosen as the location for her ‘first home’ in her motherland not because of its breathtaking scenery but for the crisis it was suffering. The Princess had visited Doi Tung before and experienced first-hand that the mountains were severely deforested. She vowed to turn this place into lush greenery once again.&nbsp;“I will reforest Doi Tung,” so she said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; That was how the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, which started in 1972&nbsp;as the Thai Hill Crafts Foundation, became involved in the development of Doi Tung. It was well known internationally for its mission to elevate the quality of life for locals and to help them achieve sustainable livelihoods. The Foundation is recognised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its successful and unique modalities that have helped rural communities eradicate poppy cultivation, empowering them with a community-centred participatory approach. The Foundation has since shared its experiences with other countries and expanded its development collaboration projects with Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Indonesia.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Three decades after, Doi Tung has been restored to its pristine natural condition with villagers enjoying a sustainable income from alternative crops supported by the Foundation, such as coffee and macadamia nuts. The Foundation also helps villagers to market their handicraft products by supplying them to international brands such as Ikea.&nbsp;The legacy continues&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Princess passed away in 1995 just three months before she would turn 95. The Princess from the Sky has returned to where she belongs. But her commitment to community service still lives on in the spirit of every medical volunteer of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation. Her love for nature and compassion for the marginalised also remain a magical source of inspiration in Doi Tung and beyond.&nbsp;The Princess Srinagarindra AwardThe Princess Srinagarindra Award&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In 2000, on the centenary of her birth year, UNESCO honoured the Princess as a “great personality in public service in the fields of education, applied science, and human, social, and environmental development.”&nbsp;On the same occasion, the Princess Srinagarindra Award was established and conferred on persons with outstanding achievements in nursing and social services.The Princess led a simple life but achieved great accomplishments that captured the hearts of millions. She found true happiness from her selfless deeds for humanity and the less advantaged as reflected in one of her remarks with the Border Patrol Police. “I&nbsp;always realise your difficulties in undertaking your duties and I am pleased to provide assistance to all of you for the benefits of the nation.”&nbsp;

The Princess of Humanity

<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMoL3U6F6QrZx-fLVOPUO3rGZLxW0z6R/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/LfKAxhbS2_Visa%20procedure%20during%20COVID-19%20%28091120%29%201L.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMoL3U6F6QrZx-fLVOPUO3rGZLxW0z6R/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/GbTrRQ-yf_Visa%20procedure%20during%20COVID-19%20%28031120%29%202%20L.jpg" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMoL3U6F6QrZx-fLVOPUO3rGZLxW0z6R/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/CNsoeKo6F_Visa%20procedure%20during%20COVID-19%20%28031120%29%203%20L.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/H8JusXsms_Visa%20procedure%20during%20COVID-19%20%28091120%29%205L.jpg" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMoL3U6F6QrZx-fLVOPUO3rGZLxW0z6R/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/Uos92YYPe_Visa%20procedure%20during%20COVID-19%20%28031120%29%206L.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMoL3U6F6QrZx-fLVOPUO3rGZLxW0z6R/view?usp=sharing">DOWNLOAD</a>

Visa procedures during COVID-19 (FAQ)

<h2 style="text-align: center;"> </h2><h2 class="fr-text-bordered" style="text-align: center;">Thailand is today known the world over as a potential testing ground for start-ups, thanks to an abundance of affordable resources and a supportive government. Thai start-ups are also attracting both local and overseas venture capitalists with some showing so much promise that they will reach Unicorn status soon.</h2><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/bdFkqukYR_shutterstock_1364085116%20S.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Tech start-ups in Thailand have seen tremendous growth in recent years and the current number of entrepreneurs funded by venture capital and investors now totals more than 100. Funding for start-ups has increased at a rapid rate over the past decade, soaring by 4547.6% from USD$2.1 million in 2012 to USD$97.6 million in 2019 according to Techsauce. So far this year, more than USD$130 million has been committed.&nbsp;Access to funding is one of the most important factors if start-ups are to continue to innovate and upgrade their products and services while also expanding their business overseas. This became easier in 2016-2017 when Thailand’s leading commercial banks launched venture capital subsidiaries to promote innovations and redefine banking in the digital era. They are Bualuang Ventures, Krungsri Innovate, Beacon VC, and Digital Ventures. Krungthai Bank followed, establishing KT Ventures in April this year.Other Thai venture capital firms based in Silicon Valley, namely 500 Tuk Tuks and SeaX Ventures, are funding start-ups all over Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the leading venture capital firms in Asia, Openspace Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, Insignia Ventures Partners, Vertex Ventures, Gobi Partners and Monk’s Hill Ventures, are adding Thai start-ups to their portfolios. KK Fund, a Singapore-based venture capital fund, launched its first Meet your Match Thailand session in March, aiming to match 20 investors to Thailand-based start-ups.In addition, three state enterprises – PTT, the Electricity Generating Authority, and the Industrial Authority of Thailand – have provided funding to start-ups through InnoSpace Thailand Co., Ltd., a joint venture between the public and private sectors.&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;Looking to achieve unicorn status&nbsp;</h2>Reaching the unicorn stage with a company value of over USD$1 billion is the dream of every start-up. FinTech is regarded as having the most potential to achieve unicorn status with HealthTech coming in second.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WLrI_Fhnpg46EsaQHwM0UAGXq7b4PSpY/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/YGzpNjSAC_startup-01.jpg" style="width: 3000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Source: startupthailand.org</a>SYNQA (formerly Omise Holdings), the leading online payment gateway, is expected to be the first unicorn in Thailand. Founded in 2013, Omise is leading the charge in the next wave of financial innovations, offering a wide range of processing solutions for online businesses.</div>After raising undisclosed funding from Nomura Holdings last year, its parent company SYNQA secured USD$80 million in a series C funding round in June 2020 led by SCB 10X and SPARX Group. This funding will reinforce SYNQA’s capacity to develop services and a technology stack for merchants and businesses across Asia.Finnomena,&nbsp;a leading Thai FinTech start-up in wealth management and one of the strongest startups in Thailand, is planning to expand its business into Asean member countries and has set a goal of increasing assets under management (AUM) from over USD$270 million to USD$3 billion (90 billion baht) by 2023. It raised capital of $13.5 million through a Series B funding round in January this year.Other successful start-ups include FlowAccount, Claim Di, aCommerce, Ookbee, Pomelo, Eatigo, Hubba, Flash Express (Thailand), Freshket, and QueQ. <h3 class="fr-text-bordered" style="text-align: center;">Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), says that in fiscal 2021, it will place major emphasis on strengthening Thai start-ups from seed stage to reach the “Series A” level and has also set the ambitious goal of creating the first Thai unicorn within the next 12 months.</h3> <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/MldOtYhgd_%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span style='color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: "Bai Jamjuree"; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;'>Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa)&nbsp;In addition to Fintech, Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Travel and Tourism Technology (Travel Tech), Health Technology (Health Tech), Educational Technology (EdTech) and Food Tech are targetted to achieve exponential growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;A home to start-up ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>Thailand’s vibrant start-up ecosystem with state-of-the art infrastructure is creating more communities to connect international start-ups, entrepreneurs, tech companies, accelerators, incubators, academia and government agencies.The depa is developing&nbsp;the Thailand Digital Valley on a 30-rai plot in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Digital (EECd) or Digital Park Thailand.Dr Nuttapon said that the first building, the Digital One Stop Service Centre, is complete and its leasable areas are already fully occupied by startup companies. Another three buildings, the Digital Start-up Knowledge Exchange Centre, the Digital Co-creation &amp; Innovation Centre, and the Digital Edutainment Complex and Digital Go Global Centre are under construction.The Thailand Digital Valley also provides business-matching opportunities for start-ups to partner with global companies.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/zhwjyaAoI_1605822439530.png" style="width: 3000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Thailand Digital Valley in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Digital (EECd) In late September, WHA Industrial Development Plc, Thailand's leading developer of industrial estates, and TusHoldings, a top Chinese Science and Technology service group, announced the establishment of a joint venture company, WHA Tus Co., Ltd., as an innovation and incubation centre for start-ups.</div>Located in Chulalongkorn University, TusPark WHA Incubation Centre will create an innovation ecosystem in partnership with Chinese government authorities, universities and research institutes to enhance the development of Thai start-ups and provide a bridge for Thai entrepreneurs to access China's technology, talent, investors and markets.True Digital Park, Thailand's first start-up ecosystem with an “Open Innovation” concept, created the Groundbreakers Club in October last year, the first exclusive community of successful start-up founders who will come together to further elevate the start-up scene in Thailand.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/ZXqm8HC02_true%20digital%20park%20S.png" style="width: 3000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">True Digital Park&nbsp;In addition, SPACE-F, the first global FoodTech start-up incubator and accelerator in Thailand, is launching Batch-II of its world class Accelerator and Incubator programme, connecting leading corporates and startups in foodtech.</div>Founded through the cooperation of Thai Union Group, the National Innovation Agency and Mahidol University, SPACE-F serves as a central platform gathering resources from corporates, VCs, CVCs, universities and government to develop and promote deep-tech and innovative FoodTech start-ups with speed and efficiency.&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;Grooming start-ups&nbsp;</h2>Every start-up has to deal with many issues when setting up - legal, financing, sales and marketing, human resources and more - but gradually that burden is being eased as interest in entrepreneurship is at an all-time high.&nbsp;And it’s not just local start-ups that are leading the way. With a growing number of incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces as well as investors at every level, among them Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists (VC) to Corporate Venture Capital (CVC), Thailand is an appealing destination for young talent from abroad.&nbsp;startupthailand.com&nbsp;has been developed as a national platform to support and encourage the growth and ecosystem of the start-up in Thailand. It provides incubator and accelerator programmes plus funding from the National Innovation Agency (NIA).<div class="fr-img-space-wrap">&nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ClYQdeSnk5l_QAdVFOEEWzN_bwxJqjje/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/7FIh4TVO4_1605823180773.png" style="width: 3000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Ecosystem of the start-up in Thailand : startupthailand.com</a>&nbsp;The NIA has also collaborated with private companies to develop a global hub that serves as &nbsp;a “One-Stop Service” and provides assistance to start-ups from their inception until such time as they are up and running. There are two hubs: District C at True Digital Park in Bangkok and Chiang Mai &amp; Co in Chiang Mai province. &nbsp;</div>Depa’s Digital Start-up Institute is another key government accelerator that focuses on the development of an appropriate ecosystem for the digital start-ups to thrive and capture business opportunities in both the domestic and global markets. &nbsp;</div>Private firms are playing an important role too in nurturing start-ups in various fields. They include True Incube, AIS the Start-up, Krungsri Rise, Kasikorn Katalyst, KT Ventures, Digital Ventures Accelerator, Siri Ventures and Space-F.

Thailand earns recognition as a regional hub for start-ups 

Thailand is today known the world over as a potential testing ground for start-ups, thanks to an abundance of affordable resources and a supportive government. Thai start-ups are also attracting both local and overseas venture capitalists with some showing so much promise that they will reach Unicorn status soon.Tech start-ups in Thailand have seen tremendous growth in recent years and the current number of entrepreneurs funded by venture capital and investors now totals more than 100. Funding for start-ups has increased at a rapid rate over the past decade, soaring by 4547.6% from USD$2.1 million in 2012 to USD$97.6 million in 2019 according to Techsauce. So far this year, more than USD$130 million has been committed.&nbsp;Access to funding is one of the most important factors if start-ups are to continue to innovate and upgrade their products and services while also expanding their business overseas. This became easier in 2016-2017 when Thailand’s leading commercial banks launched venture capital subsidiaries to promote innovations and redefine banking in the digital era. They are Bualuang Ventures, Krungsri Innovate, Beacon VC, and Digital Ventures. Krungthai Bank followed, establishing KT Ventures in April this year.Other Thai venture capital firms based in Silicon Valley, namely 500 Tuk Tuks and SeaX Ventures, are funding start-ups all over Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the leading venture capital firms in Asia, Openspace Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, Insignia Ventures Partners, Vertex Ventures, Gobi Partners and Monk’s Hill Ventures, are adding Thai start-ups to their portfolios. KK Fund, a Singapore-based venture capital fund, launched its first Meet your Match Thailand session in March, aiming to match 20 investors to Thailand-based start-ups.In addition, three state enterprises – PTT, the Electricity Generating Authority, and the Industrial Authority of Thailand – have provided funding to start-ups through InnoSpace Thailand Co., Ltd., a joint venture between the public and private sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking to achieve unicorn status&nbsp;Reaching the unicorn stage with a company value of over USD$1 billion is the dream of every start-up. FinTech is regarded as having the most potential to achieve unicorn status with HealthTech coming in second.Source: startupthailand.orgSYNQA (formerly Omise Holdings), the leading online payment gateway, is expected to be the first unicorn in Thailand. Founded in 2013, Omise is leading the charge in the next wave of financial innovations, offering a wide range of processing solutions for online businesses.After raising undisclosed funding from Nomura Holdings last year, its parent company SYNQA secured USD$80 million in a series C funding round in June 2020 led by SCB 10X and SPARX Group. This funding will reinforce SYNQA’s capacity to develop services and a technology stack for merchants and businesses across Asia.Finnomena,&nbsp;a leading Thai FinTech start-up in wealth management and one of the strongest startups in Thailand, is planning to expand its business into Asean member countries and has set a goal of increasing assets under management (AUM) from over USD$270 million to USD$3 billion (90 billion baht) by 2023. It raised capital of $13.5 million through a Series B funding round in January this year.Other successful start-ups include FlowAccount, Claim Di, aCommerce, Ookbee, Pomelo, Eatigo, Hubba, Flash Express (Thailand), Freshket, and QueQ.Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), says that in fiscal 2021, it will place major emphasis on strengthening Thai start-ups from seed stage to reach the “Series A” level and has also set the ambitious goal of creating the first Thai unicorn within the next 12 months.Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa)&nbsp;In addition to Fintech, Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Travel and Tourism Technology (Travel Tech), Health Technology (Health Tech), Educational Technology (EdTech) and Food Tech are targetted to achieve exponential growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A home to start-up ecosystems&nbsp;Thailand’s vibrant start-up ecosystem with state-of-the art infrastructure is creating more communities to connect international start-ups, entrepreneurs, tech companies, accelerators, incubators, academia and government agencies.The depa is developing&nbsp;the Thailand Digital Valley on a 30-rai plot in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Digital (EECd) or Digital Park Thailand.Dr Nuttapon said that the first building, the Digital One Stop Service Centre, is complete and its leasable areas are already fully occupied by startup companies. Another three buildings, the Digital Start-up Knowledge Exchange Centre, the Digital Co-creation &amp; Innovation Centre, and the Digital Edutainment Complex and Digital Go Global Centre are under construction.The Thailand Digital Valley also provides business-matching opportunities for start-ups to partner with global companies.Thailand Digital Valley in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Digital (EECd)In late September, WHA Industrial Development Plc, Thailand's leading developer of industrial estates, and TusHoldings, a top Chinese Science and Technology service group, announced the establishment of a joint venture company, WHA Tus Co., Ltd., as an innovation and incubation centre for start-ups.Located in Chulalongkorn University, TusPark WHA Incubation Centre will create an innovation ecosystem in partnership with Chinese government authorities, universities and research institutes to enhance the development of Thai start-ups and provide a bridge for Thai entrepreneurs to access China's technology, talent, investors and markets.True Digital Park, Thailand's first start-up ecosystem with an “Open Innovation” concept, created the Groundbreakers Club in October last year, the first exclusive community of successful start-up founders who will come together to further elevate the start-up scene in Thailand.True Digital Park&nbsp;In addition, SPACE-F, the first global FoodTech start-up incubator and accelerator in Thailand, is launching Batch-II of its world class Accelerator and Incubator programme, connecting leading corporates and startups in foodtech.Founded through the cooperation of Thai Union Group, the National Innovation Agency and Mahidol University, SPACE-F serves as a central platform gathering resources from corporates, VCs, CVCs, universities and government to develop and promote deep-tech and innovative FoodTech start-ups with speed and efficiency.&nbsp;&nbsp;Grooming start-ups&nbsp;Every start-up has to deal with many issues when setting up - legal, financing, sales and marketing, human resources and more - but gradually that burden is being eased as interest in entrepreneurship is at an all-time high.&nbsp;And it’s not just local start-ups that are leading the way. With a growing number of incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces as well as investors at every level, among them Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists (VC) to Corporate Venture Capital (CVC), Thailand is an appealing destination for young talent from abroad.&nbsp;startupthailand.com&nbsp;has been developed as a national platform to support and encourage the growth and ecosystem of the start-up in Thailand. It provides incubator and accelerator programmes plus funding from the National Innovation Agency (NIA).&nbsp;Ecosystem of the start-up in Thailand : startupthailand.com&nbsp;The NIA has also collaborated with private companies to develop a global hub that serves as &nbsp;a “One-Stop Service” and provides assistance to start-ups from their inception until such time as they are up and running. There are two hubs: District C at True Digital Park in Bangkok and Chiang Mai &amp; Co in Chiang Mai province. &nbsp;Depa’s Digital Start-up Institute is another key government accelerator that focuses on the development of an appropriate ecosystem for the digital start-ups to thrive and capture business opportunities in both the domestic and global markets. &nbsp;Private firms are playing an important role too in nurturing start-ups in various fields. They include True Incube, AIS the Start-up, Krungsri Rise, Kasikorn Katalyst, KT Ventures, Digital Ventures Accelerator, Siri Ventures and Space-F.

The Magic Touch of the Unicorns

<h4 class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/nMv7aBxez_1606105221429.png" alt="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/SghmSykgu_UN%201.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 3000px;">United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific in Bangkok. &nbsp;Photo by UNESCAP&nbsp;How did Thailand join the United Nations and what have we achieved in the past 75 years with the UN?</h4>At the end of 1945, a group of nations assembled to revive multilateral cooperation in the aftermath of World War II. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had just become a watershed moment proving modern warfare was a feat unaffordable to mankind in the age of nuclear weapons. The Palace of Nations, a grand testimony to the League of Nations, had been left abandoned since the outbreak of the war in 1939. The first supranational organization that was forged under the will of Woodrow Wilson had failed to provide collective security and unite governments in the face of fascist aggression. What the new United Nations organization must now achieve is to maintain peace between the great powers, safeguard the sovereignty of small nations, and rebuild the fractured trust in the international system.&nbsp;The Kingdom of Thailand had just emerged from the spoils of World War II after sustaining imperialist threats from Europe and the Far East by sacrificing its neutrality. It had declared war upon the Allied Powers under the threat of Japanese expansionism and must now prove its goodwill and fidelity to world peace.Direk Jayanama, who was the Thai Foreign Minister at the time, documented his memories of Thailand’s entry into the UN in his autobiography “Thailand and World War II.” By joining the UN, Thailand would remain safe under collective security and furthermore be respected by other nations. Direk then sent his trusted colleague Prince Wan Waithayakorn to seek support for Thailand’s application to the United Nations at an FAO meeting in Washington D.C. in May of 1946.Thailand’s application to the UN was far from a hop skip down the road. While the UN Charter welcomed all peace-loving countries willing to abide by its principles, they also must be recommended by all the permanent five members of the UN Security Council. At the time, the United States was a vehement supporter of Thailand’s application. However, France and Great Britain viewed Thailand’s declaration of war an aggressive betrayal of the Allies to fulfil its revanchist aspirations in Indochina.Direk and Prince Wan Waithayakorn would spend several arduous months negotiating the terms of Thailand’s entry into the UN. By December of 1946, a settlement was finally reached among the opposing members of the P5. Tensions with France which remained from the Franco-Thai War of 1941 were resolved after 3 provinces were returned to the French Protectorate of Cambodia. Thailand then took responsibility for damages caused to domestic British property throughout World War II. Hence on December 15th 1946 according to UN records, Thailand was admitted as the 55th member of the United Nations. This marked the end of Thailand’s struggles in fending off imperialism that had kept the country on its feet for over half a century. <div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/vM1Kt7GK1_1606105261644.png" alt="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/TZcmLj80b_1605671013188.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 3000px;">Prince Wan Waithayakorn broadcasts over UN Radio 1952. &nbsp;UN Photo/Albert Fox&nbsp;</div>Prince Wan Waithayakorn who successfully orchestrated Thailand’s application to the UN then became Thailand’s first ambassador to the United States. He would later be selected as President of the UN General Assembly’s 11th Session in 1956. Direk resigned after Thailand’s entry into the UN and went on to serve as Deputy-Prime Minister of Thailand.One of the first endeavors of Thailand’s membership was to host a number of UN agencies in Bangkok due to its early entry into the United Nations. This initiative was greatly endorsed by the United States who had become a firm ally during Dean Acheson’s declaration of the Defensive Perimeter.The Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (or ECAFE) had just started operating in Shanghai in 1947 and was the first forum which allowed many countries in Asia to participate in the work of the United Nations. However in the final year of the Chinese Civil War, the PLA army under Mao Zedong had overrun Shanghai in 1949 and ousted Chiang Kai Shek’s ROC Armed Forces to Taiwan. The P5 seat of the People’s Republic of China would remain unrecognized by the UN until 1971. ECAFE was then moved to Bangkok that same year where its first headquarters were located at Sala Santitham. It was later renamed UNESCAP in 1976 and moved to the iconic green-roof building on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.&nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/aD0dqeUzb_1606105262492.png" alt="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/ccC3W-nMq_UN%203.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 3000px;">ECAFE Headquarters Bangkok 1966. &nbsp;UN Photo/HR&nbsp;In the wake of the Korean War of 1950, Thailand was the first Asian nation to offer ground troops to the UN Force. Prime Minister Plaek Pibulsonggram had contributed over 11,700 ground troops and 40,000 tons of rice by 1955.&nbsp;</div> Thailand would continue to pledge its support to peacebuilding with over 27,000 Thai peacekeepers having been deployed to a number of United Nations missions as of 2020. The most notable of these contributions would be the ongoing provision of technical support to the UN Mission in South Sudan. Early in September 2020, 273 military engineers were sent on another mission with a deployment ceremony and a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Their work involves constructing infrastructure such as houses, roads, and bridges for civilians. As a country with an abiding faith in multilateralism and pacific settlement of disputes, Thailand is proud to have served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 1985 and looks forward to serving again in the future.Today Thailand’s operations with the United Nations is coordinated by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of International Organizations. In an interview with some leading diplomatic personnel of this department, Ms. Napat Dumkhun briefly summarized the current outlook and achievements of Thailand in the last four decades. “The work of the United Nations is now not only applicable to diplomatic personnel, but it has gradually shifted towards a variety of different sectors of Thai society to bring about a society-wide inclusion of United Nations principles” says Ms. Dumkhun. “We possess an extremely high level of gender equality where women are not obstructed by laws or pay gaps in their professional career, it is more accurate to say that us women have never been held back by such barriers in Thailand.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/_Fyd1xoJu_1606105223676.png" alt="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/tHFNWkrCk_UN%204.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 3000px;">Thai peacekeepers building infrastructure in South Sudan. &nbsp;THAI HMEC UNMISS&nbsp;Thailand was recently selected as the chairman of the Group of 77 in 2016 which focused on the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was promoted as the Thai alternative to achieving the SDGs that was highly regarded as a universally applicable philosophy. The Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations comprising 134 members.</div>Mrs. Maratee Nalita Andamo the current Director of the Social Division has worked with the United Nations as part of the permanent mission for the past eight years. She states that “Thailand is an enthusiastic propagator of social development in the United Nations- our defining trait is our ability to build bridges with any government as an approachable cosmopolitan nation.”&nbsp;An area of development which Thailand excels is the establishment of the Universal Health Coverage Scheme in Thailand. This scheme which lies at the heart of Thailand’s public health system has been promoted at the UN General Assembly as the right to access the highest attainable standard of mental and health care. Mrs. Andamo’s time in New York also involved Thailand’s active espousal in establishing the World Soil Day (WSD) with a view to raising awareness on soil erosion. The initiative first came to light upon the recommendation of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. With Thailand’s leadership in such initiative, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) rendered its support to WSD as an international awareness raising platform on the importance of healthy soil with the FAO Conference unanimously endorsing World Soil Day in June 2013. Subsequently, the UN General Assembly at its 68th Session, upon the FAO’s request, designated 5 December 2014 as the first official WSD.&nbsp;For future goals Mrs. Andamo says she would like to see Thailand play a larger role in building peace and security. “It is an area outside our comfort zone which I would love to see us move towards in the future.” &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific in Bangkok. &nbsp;Photo by UNESCAP&nbsp;How did Thailand join the United Nations and what have we achieved in the past 75 years with the UN?At the end of 1945, a group of nations assembled to revive multilateral cooperation in the aftermath of World War II. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had just become a watershed moment proving modern warfare was a feat unaffordable to mankind in the age of nuclear weapons. The Palace of Nations, a grand testimony to the League of Nations, had been left abandoned since the outbreak of the war in 1939. The first supranational organization that was forged under the will of Woodrow Wilson had failed to provide collective security and unite governments in the face of fascist aggression. What the new United Nations organization must now achieve is to maintain peace between the great powers, safeguard the sovereignty of small nations, and rebuild the fractured trust in the international system.&nbsp;The Kingdom of Thailand had just emerged from the spoils of World War II after sustaining imperialist threats from Europe and the Far East by sacrificing its neutrality. It had declared war upon the Allied Powers under the threat of Japanese expansionism and must now prove its goodwill and fidelity to world peace.Direk Jayanama, who was the Thai Foreign Minister at the time, documented his memories of Thailand’s entry into the UN in his autobiography “Thailand and World War II.” By joining the UN, Thailand would remain safe under collective security and furthermore be respected by other nations. Direk then sent his trusted colleague Prince Wan Waithayakorn to seek support for Thailand’s application to the United Nations at an FAO meeting in Washington D.C. in May of 1946.Thailand’s application to the UN was far from a hop skip down the road. While the UN Charter welcomed all peace-loving countries willing to abide by its principles, they also must be recommended by all the permanent five members of the UN Security Council. At the time, the United States was a vehement supporter of Thailand’s application. However, France and Great Britain viewed Thailand’s declaration of war an aggressive betrayal of the Allies to fulfil its revanchist aspirations in Indochina.Direk and Prince Wan Waithayakorn would spend several arduous months negotiating the terms of Thailand’s entry into the UN. By December of 1946, a settlement was finally reached among the opposing members of the P5. Tensions with France which remained from the Franco-Thai War of 1941 were resolved after 3 provinces were returned to the French Protectorate of Cambodia. Thailand then took responsibility for damages caused to domestic British property throughout World War II. Hence on December 15th 1946 according to UN records, Thailand was admitted as the 55th member of the United Nations. This marked the end of Thailand’s struggles in fending off imperialism that had kept the country on its feet for over half a century.Prince Wan Waithayakorn broadcasts over UN Radio 1952. &nbsp;UN Photo/Albert Fox&nbsp;Prince Wan Waithayakorn who successfully orchestrated Thailand’s application to the UN then became Thailand’s first ambassador to the United States. He would later be selected as President of the UN General Assembly’s 11th Session in 1956. Direk resigned after Thailand’s entry into the UN and went on to serve as Deputy-Prime Minister of Thailand.One of the first endeavors of Thailand’s membership was to host a number of UN agencies in Bangkok due to its early entry into the United Nations. This initiative was greatly endorsed by the United States who had become a firm ally during Dean Acheson’s declaration of the Defensive Perimeter.The Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (or ECAFE) had just started operating in Shanghai in 1947 and was the first forum which allowed many countries in Asia to participate in the work of the United Nations. However in the final year of the Chinese Civil War, the PLA army under Mao Zedong had overrun Shanghai in 1949 and ousted Chiang Kai Shek’s ROC Armed Forces to Taiwan. The P5 seat of the People’s Republic of China would remain unrecognized by the UN until 1971. ECAFE was then moved to Bangkok that same year where its first headquarters were located at Sala Santitham. It was later renamed UNESCAP in 1976 and moved to the iconic green-roof building on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.&nbsp;ECAFE Headquarters Bangkok 1966. &nbsp;UN Photo/HR&nbsp;In the wake of the Korean War of 1950, Thailand was the first Asian nation to offer ground troops to the UN Force. Prime Minister Plaek Pibulsonggram had contributed over 11,700 ground troops and 40,000 tons of rice by 1955.&nbsp;Thailand would continue to pledge its support to peacebuilding with over 27,000 Thai peacekeepers having been deployed to a number of United Nations missions as of 2020. The most notable of these contributions would be the ongoing provision of technical support to the UN Mission in South Sudan. Early in September 2020, 273 military engineers were sent on another mission with a deployment ceremony and a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Their work involves constructing infrastructure such as houses, roads, and bridges for civilians. As a country with an abiding faith in multilateralism and pacific settlement of disputes, Thailand is proud to have served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 1985 and looks forward to serving again in the future.Today Thailand’s operations with the United Nations is coordinated by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of International Organizations. In an interview with some leading diplomatic personnel of this department, Ms. Napat Dumkhun briefly summarized the current outlook and achievements of Thailand in the last four decades. “The work of the United Nations is now not only applicable to diplomatic personnel, but it has gradually shifted towards a variety of different sectors of Thai society to bring about a society-wide inclusion of United Nations principles” says Ms. Dumkhun. “We possess an extremely high level of gender equality where women are not obstructed by laws or pay gaps in their professional career, it is more accurate to say that us women have never been held back by such barriers in Thailand.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Thai peacekeepers building infrastructure in South Sudan. &nbsp;THAI HMEC UNMISS&nbsp;Thailand was recently selected as the chairman of the Group of 77 in 2016 which focused on the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was promoted as the Thai alternative to achieving the SDGs that was highly regarded as a universally applicable philosophy. The Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations comprising 134 members.Mrs. Maratee Nalita Andamo the current Director of the Social Division has worked with the United Nations as part of the permanent mission for the past eight years. She states that “Thailand is an enthusiastic propagator of social development in the United Nations- our defining trait is our ability to build bridges with any government as an approachable cosmopolitan nation.”&nbsp;An area of development which Thailand excels is the establishment of the Universal Health Coverage Scheme in Thailand. This scheme which lies at the heart of Thailand’s public health system has been promoted at the UN General Assembly as the right to access the highest attainable standard of mental and health care. Mrs. Andamo’s time in New York also involved Thailand’s active espousal in establishing the World Soil Day (WSD) with a view to raising awareness on soil erosion. The initiative first came to light upon the recommendation of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. With Thailand’s leadership in such initiative, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) rendered its support to WSD as an international awareness raising platform on the importance of healthy soil with the FAO Conference unanimously endorsing World Soil Day in June 2013. Subsequently, the UN General Assembly at its 68th Session, upon the FAO’s request, designated 5 December 2014 as the first official WSD.&nbsp;For future goals Mrs. Andamo says she would like to see Thailand play a larger role in building peace and security. “It is an area outside our comfort zone which I would love to see us move towards in the future.” &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Thailand and the UN, 75 years and counting

<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_W9ojz7G9FitwqU-A34O42fh90ptwVf/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/hyOM2vWmZ_ASQ%2014.11.63%20V1%201S.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_W9ojz7G9FitwqU-A34O42fh90ptwVf/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/5qrB_Fc-c_ASQ%2014.11.63%20V1%202S.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_W9ojz7G9FitwqU-A34O42fh90ptwVf/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/h6hvpnI4__ASQ%2014.11.63%20V1%203S.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_W9ojz7G9FitwqU-A34O42fh90ptwVf/view?usp=sharing"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/1fUU0GXff_ASQ%2014.11.63%20V1%204S.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_W9ojz7G9FitwqU-A34O42fh90ptwVf/view?usp=sharing">DOWNLOAD</a>

List of Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) and Alternative Local Quarantine (ALQ) in Thailand

<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/W4hoafIvm_line_30803901592143.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"> <hr>The final session of the Children and Youth Assembly in Thailand was nearing its end and discussions on whether a clause should be added to the National Child and Youth Development Act BE 2560 (2017) that would allow for government officials to be punished should they fail to take action had reached an impasse. Not wanting to devote any more time to this subject, the host of the workshop announced that the proposals would be summarised then sent to each member to study and cast their vote.&nbsp;Frustrated at not receiving voluntary cooperation from some government officials in the field, the Children and Youth Council of Thailand (CYCT) had raised the idea of punishment as a way to encourage such officials to fully cooperate with them when they sought help. But while some participants felt that a punishment clause would be appropriate, others disagreed, pointing out that it could discourage the officials from taking any action and that in fact the law already allowed for sanctions if officials failed to do their duty.This final session, held on September 13, brought to a conclusion a three-day workshop that had gathered together and presented all the problems and challenges faced by the council in the past year. The proposals and demands for change that would improve the lives of children and young people were then put to the representatives of government agencies and non-profit organisations attending the meeting.&nbsp; <h2 class="fr-text-bordered" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 1.15; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;">“I’m satisfied with the result today,” said the CYCT’s president Suphaphit Chaiyadit after the assembly. Despite a temporary impasse, the meeting symbolised the Thai authorities’ readiness to work directly with stakeholders to improve its capacity and address any shortcomings.</h2> Suphaphit started to voluntarily work for the council in 2011. She was elected as the council’s vice president in 2018 and became the first female president in 2019.&nbsp; <img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/vGbaR-UB0_line_30773884591987.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"> Suphahit led the council members from around the country in pointing out the problems to the workshop’s participants and proposed solutions and suggestions to improve the work. Everything at the assembly was meticulously arranged. The round table at which all participants sat ensured everyone was on the same level, implying equality, regardless of their age, gender or position.One of the priorities in which the council members had agreed was education reform, as they found the current school curriculum irrelevant and too impractical to be adopted or adapted to daily life.Suphaphit recalled her own experience at school. She went from an opportunity-expansion school at the primary level in a small district of Ranong where just one teacher taught all the classes, to a secondary school for gifted students in the province where all the subjects were taught in English. She then enrolled at a university in Bangkok but had no idea how to manage her life or finances without her family.&nbsp;“Despite my supportive family, I’d never been taught anything practical for daily life in school,” said Suphaphit. Like countless children whose parents didn’t receive much education, her hard-working parents were always supportive but couldn’t understand the education system or the modern job market.But times change as do people and the role of a teacher needs to evolve too, moving away from the perception of being a second parent to adopting the idea of becoming a mentor. Children don’t want to discuss certain issues like relationships or friendships or even, in her case, further studies, with their parents.&nbsp; <h2 class="fr-text-bordered" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;">“[Teachers] should act as a facilitator or a mentor, rather than a commander,” said Suphaphit. Students shouldn’t be taught just right or wrong because there are more than two directions in life. Trial and error should be the approach to teach students these days.</h2> Supatcha Suttipol, director-general of Department of Children and Youth of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, who was also at the assembly said the department would take all the demands into consideration.She recalled a situation in 2005 when the ministry tried to solve the street racing problem by providing a proper track for the young racers to do away with the nuisance factor and prevent road accidents.Supatcha felt the solution revealed that the ministry was trying to understand the teenagers but admits she was stunned when the adolescent street racers hit back, saying: “Why didn’t you ask us if we could join the races if they were held during the day when we have to be at school?”The director-general realised that the conventional top-down policy would no longer work. Officials and the older generation had to listen to the children and find out how they wanted problems to be solved.&nbsp;Suphaphit likened the demands for change to the different preferences of generations, noting that while parents may like a traditional-style house, the children may prefer a more modern abode that fits their lifestyle.The strategies calling for a change from the younger generation can be made both on the street and through the system, she added.To have a house in which people of different generations can live in harmony, Suphaphit compared the council to an architect who re-designs an old house that could fit both the parents and children while the protesters are the family members who are demanding that the house be immediately renovated.<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/Jk4NS71IR_line_30836427728606.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded">The young woman, who completed her term as a president at the end of September has now established the Association for Social Development and Sustainability with friends who used to work for the council. A goal of the recently established association is to support the council both strategically and financially. The Social Administration graduate from Thammasat University is waiting to apply for a master’s degree course at the same faculty next academic year. &nbsp;

The final session of the Children and Youth Assembly in Thailand was nearing its end and discussions on whether a clause should be added to the National Child and Youth Development Act BE 2560 (2017) that would allow for government officials to be punished should they fail to take action had reached an impasse. Not wanting to devote any more time to this subject, the host of the workshop announced that the proposals would be summarised then sent to each member to study and cast their vote.&nbsp;Frustrated at not receiving voluntary cooperation from some government officials in the field, the Children and Youth Council of Thailand (CYCT) had raised the idea of punishment as a way to encourage such officials to fully cooperate with them when they sought help. But while some participants felt that a punishment clause would be appropriate, others disagreed, pointing out that it could discourage the officials from taking any action and that in fact the law already allowed for sanctions if officials failed to do their duty.This final session, held on September 13, brought to a conclusion a three-day workshop that had gathered together and presented all the problems and challenges faced by the council in the past year. The proposals and demands for change that would improve the lives of children and young people were then put to the representatives of government agencies and non-profit organisations attending the meeting.&nbsp;“I’m satisfied with the result today,” said the CYCT’s president Suphaphit Chaiyadit after the assembly. Despite a temporary impasse, the meeting symbolised the Thai authorities’ readiness to work directly with stakeholders to improve its capacity and address any shortcomings.Suphaphit started to voluntarily work for the council in 2011. She was elected as the council’s vice president in 2018 and became the first female president in 2019.&nbsp;Suphahit led the council members from around the country in pointing out the problems to the workshop’s participants and proposed solutions and suggestions to improve the work. Everything at the assembly was meticulously arranged. The round table at which all participants sat ensured everyone was on the same level, implying equality, regardless of their age, gender or position.One of the priorities in which the council members had agreed was education reform, as they found the current school curriculum irrelevant and too impractical to be adopted or adapted to daily life.Suphaphit recalled her own experience at school. She went from an opportunity-expansion school at the primary level in a small district of Ranong where just one teacher taught all the classes, to a secondary school for gifted students in the province where all the subjects were taught in English. She then enrolled at a university in Bangkok but had no idea how to manage her life or finances without her family.&nbsp;“Despite my supportive family, I’d never been taught anything practical for daily life in school,” said Suphaphit. Like countless children whose parents didn’t receive much education, her hard-working parents were always supportive but couldn’t understand the education system or the modern job market.But times change as do people and the role of a teacher needs to evolve too, moving away from the perception of being a second parent to adopting the idea of becoming a mentor. Children don’t want to discuss certain issues like relationships or friendships or even, in her case, further studies, with their parents.&nbsp;“[Teachers] should act as a facilitator or a mentor, rather than a commander,” said Suphaphit. Students shouldn’t be taught just right or wrong because there are more than two directions in life. Trial and error should be the approach to teach students these days.Supatcha Suttipol, director-general of Department of Children and Youth of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, who was also at the assembly said the department would take all the demands into consideration.She recalled a situation in 2005 when the ministry tried to solve the street racing problem by providing a proper track for the young racers to do away with the nuisance factor and prevent road accidents.Supatcha felt the solution revealed that the ministry was trying to understand the teenagers but admits she was stunned when the adolescent street racers hit back, saying: “Why didn’t you ask us if we could join the races if they were held during the day when we have to be at school?”The director-general realised that the conventional top-down policy would no longer work. Officials and the older generation had to listen to the children and find out how they wanted problems to be solved.&nbsp;Suphaphit likened the demands for change to the different preferences of generations, noting that while parents may like a traditional-style house, the children may prefer a more modern abode that fits their lifestyle.The strategies calling for a change from the younger generation can be made both on the street and through the system, she added.To have a house in which people of different generations can live in harmony, Suphaphit compared the council to an architect who re-designs an old house that could fit both the parents and children while the protesters are the family members who are demanding that the house be immediately renovated.The young woman, who completed her term as a president at the end of September has now established the Association for Social Development and Sustainability with friends who used to work for the council. A goal of the recently established association is to support the council both strategically and financially. The Social Administration graduate from Thammasat University is waiting to apply for a master’s degree course at the same faculty next academic year. &nbsp;

Adapting To Social Changes With The Young

Yala sets out to draw tourists by blending its old-fashioned charm with trendy new cafés and modern accommodation.Sitting on Thailand’s southern border, Yala is a charming cultural and culinary melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Thai influences. Yet despite its obvious attractions, it has long been a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.&nbsp;- Betong Airport -Betong Airport, set to open later this year,&nbsp;will no doubt make trips easier but even without it, people are beginning to visit this city.&nbsp;“I’m surprised to see more visitors,” says Kumpee Phongphanit, a 41-year-old businessman and Yala native who returned home about 10 years ago to take over the family business and start one of his own, over breakfast at a local halal shop in front of the main fresh market. The table is groaning under heavyweight signature dishes from beef satay to roti and nasi dagang.&nbsp;Adjacent to this unpretentious Muslim food shop is a newly established café, decorated in a fashionable loft style with lots of metal and glass.&nbsp;In metropolitan cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket, it’s common to see a uniformed barista making cappuccino in a chic café next to an ordinary chicken rice shop. Not so in Yala, a town that has long been stuck in a time capsule.&nbsp;That is all changing. Today stylish cafes, chic restaurants, and boutique hotels rub shoulders with traditional shophouses, many painted in bright hues, on the main roads and in small alleys. Indeed, the city is more colourful and its residents more relaxed that just a few years ago, though eyebrows are still occasionally raised when strangers walk into neighbourhoods off the beaten track.&nbsp;For almost two decades, Yala remained static with little in the way of property development. It wasn’t until 2016, that it started to re-emerge as a town rich in culture and nature and home to a bird contest that saw it branded Yala Bird City.- Yala Bird City Street Art on Nuansakul Road -In 2018, a group of young and emerging businesspeople who wanted to continue these positive changes and draw more tourists to their hometown launched “Yala Bird City Street Art”. Renowned street artists including Alex Face, October 29, and BigDel were invited to turn the walls in an old community on Nuansakul Road into their canvas. The graffiti was meant not just to add more colour to this old neighbourhood, but also give outsiders a new perspective of Yala.&nbsp;Yala has long been known for its unique city planning and is laid out in three layers centred on a circular park. Covering just 19 square kilometres, the city’s 400 streets criss-cross each other just like a spider’s web. Zoning has been meticulously designed, separating educational institutions, government offices, commercial districts, residential areas, and green spaces from each other, making it easy to maintain and develop the city.- Unique City Planning of Yala -“We’ve always been relaxed. We’ve heard and seen all the ‘situations’ since we were young. People just lived with it and took care not to be in a risk area,” said Kumpee, referring to the violence that has dogged Thailand’s three southernmost provinces for decades. The Southern region has been plagued by a distorted image of violence, ironically making it a much more peaceful region as fewer tourists choose to spend time in this hidden gem. This is a prime example of how important it is not to prejudge by reputation but rather by direct experience.- The colourful buildings of Yala City -&nbsp;Certainly, the people are more relaxed, and the city is much more colourful and modern than in the past. It’s common to see a café serving Italian-style coffee next to a traditional breakfast shop where an elderly man in a sarong is preparing roti and a woman wearing a hijab is mixing khao yam (steamed rice with mix sliced vegetables topped with budu sauce) for their customers who come from all walks of life.&nbsp;- Bala Hala Wildlife Sanctuary -While visitors to this part of the country should take time out to spend some time in peaceful Betong district and the untouched Bala-Hala Wildlife Sanctuary, they will also be delighted by the choice of food.&nbsp;In Yala, you can dine on authentic khao yam, roti and Ceylon tea, biriyani mutton rice and coconut ice cream at a simple, non-air-conditioned eatery,&nbsp;or go upmarket with snacks and cappuccino or café latte at the cosy The House Café &amp; Life. The all-white Anna’s Breakfast offers authentic Muslim food in a relaxed ambience while Kirikhet Café &amp; Resort has a huge variety of coffees to go with its a la carte menu. Other great options include Salam Coffee and Feel Design, and the less adventurous can even find comfort in coffee chains like Café Amazon. And like the range of cuisine, the mix of architecture between traditional shophouses from half a century ago and modern structures makes Yala an interesting city of contrasts.One of these modern structures is a serviced apartment-cum-hotel owned by Kumpee tucked away in a Muslim community. The hotel is fully booked most of the time and recently welcomed a group of his friends who made a road trip to Yala.&nbsp;Kumpee is delighted at Yala’s rebirth, pointing out that more modern accommodation and trendy cafés will attract tourists.&nbsp;Wanwarang Ninkasorn, who opened Oxy Café in January, agrees, pointing out that Yala is a university town and young people want to hang out in chic cafés and restaurants.&nbsp;Tucked away in a residential area, her café-cum-restaurant is a loft-style steel structure with a small garden, and since reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown has been serving up some 300 coffees a day. Students come to work at Oxy during the day, while families and local workers dine here in the evenings. The Lampang native who moved to Yala in 1999 is no stranger to the South and ran a successful bubble tea shop and pork BBQ buffet restaurant before opening her chic café.Wanwarang, too, is hoping that her adopted town will attract the tourists, but in the meantime, she’s confident the local businesses will be enjoyed by local residents and those from neighbouring provinces.

Southern comforts 

Enjoy a mixture of fun and convenient ways to get around the city.They say Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, powered by a world-class public transport infrastructure that whisks residents to virtually any part of the city or even the country at almost any time of the day or night.&nbsp;Like many of the world's leading cities, Thailand’s capital once faced traffic congestion problems. But that changed on December 5, 1999, when the launch of Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain system lifted commuters above the daily battle with gridlocked traffic and air pollution. These days, passengers can glide through the cityscape in airconditioned comfort from 5 am until the last train draws into the end-of-line station at 1am.&nbsp;<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/GQYJlfWpD_1603732525409.png" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Skytrain also offers easy access to the capital’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, via the Airport Rail Link from BTS Phaya Thai station. However, the Link runs from 5.30 am to midnight so might not be useful if you’re catching an early-morning flight or are overloaded with luggage.&nbsp;In mid-2004, Bangkok opened its subway system, better known as the MRT, which has two lines and runs from 6am to midnight every day. The MRT is great for exploring the city, whisking passengers to some of Bangkok’s best-known destinations such as Chatuchak weekend market, Chinatown and Rattanakosin Island. Moreover, commuters can also get a taste of unique Thai-style artworks on the extended Blue Line or “Heritage Line”. &nbsp;The subway stations including Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot, Sanam Chai and Itsaraphap have been designed as art spaces with artworks that reflect the areas above them.<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/EgCreUtBZ_1603732550966.png" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- Decoration of concourse level at Sanam Chai MRT Station -<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/aSxQta-zM_1603732561213.png" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- Wat Mangkon Station -The MRT also links up with the BTS at several points, creating a light rail network that covers most of the city. A new monorail feeder service known as the Gold Line linking the Krung Thonburi BTS station to Klong San and high-end mall Iconsiam is scheduled to open in October 2020.</div>However, tickets for each system have to be bought separately, though there is talk of them being linked up by single payment soon.&nbsp;Credit cards cannot be used to purchase individual tickets in either system, so it’s advisable to always have cash handy. Users have the option of buying single-journey tickets or a card they can top up with credit for multiple trips.&nbsp;As well as being linked with the MRT, the BTS is also connected to the BRT or Bus Rapid Transport service from Chong Nonsi station in central Bangkok to Talat Phlu across the river.&nbsp; Venice of the East&nbsp;In addition to Bangkok’s broad and still-expanding train network, travellers can also catch a boat to the capital’s historical sights and even new destinations like Asiatique and Iconsiam. Chao Phraya Express boats run below Saphan Taksin BTS from 6 am to 7 pm and fares start from 9 to 32 baht. Alternatively, river-trippers can opt for an all-day pass for 150 baht.&nbsp;<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/9HWmwPhsn_1603732575335.png" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Commuter ferries also criss-cross the river, and some will even let you take your bicycle or motorbike across, including the service from Wat Khlong Toey Nok to Bang Krachao – Bangkok’s “green lung”.&nbsp;Another easy way to avoid inner Bangkok’s traffic jams is by hopping aboard one of the water taxis that ply the 18-kilometre-long Saen Saep canal in the city’s heart. They share the canal with commuter boats, which run west to the Golden Mount and east to Wat Si Bunruang in Bang Kapi district. &nbsp;The interchange stop is right in the centre of the city, in Pratunam.&nbsp;<h1 data-automation="ImageDetailsPage_Details" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; margin: 0px; color: rgba(12, 18, 28, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, Shutterstock-NotoSans, Shutterstock-NotoSansThai, Shutterstock-NotoSansJa, Shutterstock-NotoSansKo, Shutterstock-NotoSansSc, Shutterstock-NotoSansTc, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.1; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/6GPDUMHpL_shutterstock_1419252317%20low.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- Transportation by boat at chidlom pierm San Sab canal in Bangkok -&nbsp;</div></h1>The canal boats run from dawn until about 8 pm on weekdays and until 7 pm on the weekends, with fares ranging from 8 baht to 18 baht.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you’re travelling in a group and want to try something different, you can rent a long-tail boat.&nbsp; Zooming around&nbsp;Bangkok also has an extensive public bus network, which comes in all shapes, colours and sizes, ranging from smart airconditioned single-deckers to songthaews (converted trucks) and private vans. If these are your transport choice, downloading the “Via Bus” app will give you live information on bus routes and times. This is probably the cheapest way form of public transport in the city as fares start from as little as 8 baht.&nbsp;The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is now introducing so-called smart bus stops. By the end of this year, BMA plans to install 200 of them and the first has already been set up in front of Central Rama 9 on Rama IX Road. The smart bus stop has a screen displaying the arriving buses and even offers WIFI and a battery charger station.However, if the crowds get too much, you can always flag down one of Bangkok’s ubiquitous airconditioned metered taxis. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a motorbike taxi or a tuk-tuk – though be prepared to haggle for several minutes to get a good price for the latter. &nbsp;These modes of transport are not advisable for long distances, however.&nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/JNMwwPHME_shutterstock_786785059%20low%20.jpg" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- Tuk Tuk &amp; Metered Taxi are a common forms of urban transport in Bangkok, Thailand. - Most areas also have “win motorcy”, or motorbike taxis that service specific locations such as sois or housing estates.&nbsp;</div><h1 data-automation="ImageDetailsPage_Details" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; margin: 0px; color: rgba(12, 18, 28, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, Shutterstock-NotoSans, Shutterstock-NotoSansThai, Shutterstock-NotoSansJa, Shutterstock-NotoSansKo, Shutterstock-NotoSansSc, Shutterstock-NotoSansTc, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.1; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/quyZ__i1E_shutterstock_1553265260%20%281%29%20low.jpg" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- a line of motorcycle taxi drivers, waiting for customers -&nbsp;&nbsp;</div></h1>However, if you’re looking for safety, comfort and convenience – and if you still haven’t mastered the language – an app like GrabTaxi may be the best bet. This service runs 24 hours and offers a choice of metred taxi, which costs 20 baht above the fare, or a private car at a predetermined fare.&nbsp;This service is a godsend if you have a flight to catch at an ungodly hour or need to get to your hotel safely from a night venue. The GPS usually shows the driver where you’re waiting and where you want to go, though it is not fool proof – the maps are not always accurate and you may have to give the driver directions.&nbsp;Grab Taxi also has a self-drive option, allowing you to rent a car at an affordable price.&nbsp;Apart from driving you around the city, some cabbies are also happy to take you to nearby provinces. Private hire options are also plentiful on the net. A car from your Bangkok hotel to the seaside in Hua Hin can cost as little as 1,800 baht and much less if you’re going somewhere closer.&nbsp;For a cheaper alternative, you can take a local long-distance bus from one of the three main bus terminals in the city. Though these services make plenty of stops, they are airconditioned or at the very least usually have windows you can open.&nbsp;Another easy, cheap and comfortable way to get around Thailand – or even to Malaysia and Singapore – is to take a train from Hua Lamphong Station. Bangkok’s historic railway hub is housed in an impressive neo-Renaissance façade and offers everything from overnight chuggers to luxury trains like the Eastern and Oriental Express.&nbsp;However, Hua Lamphong will close its doors next year when the State Railway of Thailand moves to the giant and futuristic Bang Sue Grand Station across town.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/_cENucTYq_shutterstock_252748048%20low.jpg" style="width: 3000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- Trains at Hualamphong railway station in Bangkok -Thanks to its geographical location, Bangkok is a regional transport hub boasting two international airports – Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang – with flights linking nearly every major and not so major city in the world.&nbsp;</div>The sprawling Suvarnabhumi Airport, which opened in 2006, serves most international commercial airlines, while the older Don Mueang Airport services budget and domestic airlines. A railway linking Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to U-Tapao airport in Rayong on the eastern seaboard will be up and running in the next few years, providing even greater convenience for travellers in Thailand. &nbsp;

Enjoy a mixture of fun and convenient ways to get around the city.They say Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, powered by a world-class public transport infrastructure that whisks residents to virtually any part of the city or even the country at almost any time of the day or night.&nbsp;Like many of the world's leading cities, Thailand’s capital once faced traffic congestion problems. But that changed on December 5, 1999, when the launch of Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain system lifted commuters above the daily battle with gridlocked traffic and air pollution. These days, passengers can glide through the cityscape in airconditioned comfort from 5 am until the last train draws into the end-of-line station at 1am.&nbsp;The Skytrain also offers easy access to the capital’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, via the Airport Rail Link from BTS Phaya Thai station. However, the Link runs from 5.30 am to midnight so might not be useful if you’re catching an early-morning flight or are overloaded with luggage.&nbsp;In mid-2004, Bangkok opened its subway system, better known as the MRT, which has two lines and runs from 6am to midnight every day. The MRT is great for exploring the city, whisking passengers to some of Bangkok’s best-known destinations such as Chatuchak weekend market, Chinatown and Rattanakosin Island. Moreover, commuters can also get a taste of unique Thai-style artworks on the extended Blue Line or “Heritage Line”. &nbsp;The subway stations including Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot, Sanam Chai and Itsaraphap have been designed as art spaces with artworks that reflect the areas above them.- Decoration of concourse level at Sanam Chai MRT Station -- Wat Mangkon Station -The MRT also links up with the BTS at several points, creating a light rail network that covers most of the city. A new monorail feeder service known as the Gold Line linking the Krung Thonburi BTS station to Klong San and high-end mall Iconsiam is scheduled to open in October 2020.However, tickets for each system have to be bought separately, though there is talk of them being linked up by single payment soon.&nbsp;Credit cards cannot be used to purchase individual tickets in either system, so it’s advisable to always have cash handy. Users have the option of buying single-journey tickets or a card they can top up with credit for multiple trips.&nbsp;As well as being linked with the MRT, the BTS is also connected to the BRT or Bus Rapid Transport service from Chong Nonsi station in central Bangkok to Talat Phlu across the river.&nbsp;Venice of the East&nbsp;In addition to Bangkok’s broad and still-expanding train network, travellers can also catch a boat to the capital’s historical sights and even new destinations like Asiatique and Iconsiam. Chao Phraya Express boats run below Saphan Taksin BTS from 6 am to 7 pm and fares start from 9 to 32 baht. Alternatively, river-trippers can opt for an all-day pass for 150 baht.&nbsp;Commuter ferries also criss-cross the river, and some will even let you take your bicycle or motorbike across, including the service from Wat Khlong Toey Nok to Bang Krachao – Bangkok’s “green lung”.&nbsp;Another easy way to avoid inner Bangkok’s traffic jams is by hopping aboard one of the water taxis that ply the 18-kilometre-long Saen Saep canal in the city’s heart. They share the canal with commuter boats, which run west to the Golden Mount and east to Wat Si Bunruang in Bang Kapi district. &nbsp;The interchange stop is right in the centre of the city, in Pratunam.&nbsp;- Transportation by boat at chidlom pierm San Sab canal in Bangkok -&nbsp;The canal boats run from dawn until about 8 pm on weekdays and until 7 pm on the weekends, with fares ranging from 8 baht to 18 baht.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you’re travelling in a group and want to try something different, you can rent a long-tail boat.&nbsp;Zooming around&nbsp;Bangkok also has an extensive public bus network, which comes in all shapes, colours and sizes, ranging from smart airconditioned single-deckers to songthaews (converted trucks) and private vans. If these are your transport choice, downloading the “Via Bus” app will give you live information on bus routes and times. This is probably the cheapest way form of public transport in the city as fares start from as little as 8 baht.&nbsp;The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is now introducing so-called smart bus stops. By the end of this year, BMA plans to install 200 of them and the first has already been set up in front of Central Rama 9 on Rama IX Road. The smart bus stop has a screen displaying the arriving buses and even offers WIFI and a battery charger station.However, if the crowds get too much, you can always flag down one of Bangkok’s ubiquitous airconditioned metered taxis. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a motorbike taxi or a tuk-tuk – though be prepared to haggle for several minutes to get a good price for the latter. &nbsp;These modes of transport are not advisable for long distances, however.&nbsp;- Tuk Tuk &amp; Metered Taxi are a common forms of urban transport in Bangkok, Thailand. -Most areas also have “win motorcy”, or motorbike taxis that service specific locations such as sois or housing estates.&nbsp;- a line of motorcycle taxi drivers, waiting for customers -&nbsp;&nbsp;However, if you’re looking for safety, comfort and convenience – and if you still haven’t mastered the language – an app like GrabTaxi may be the best bet. This service runs 24 hours and offers a choice of metred taxi, which costs 20 baht above the fare, or a private car at a predetermined fare.&nbsp;This service is a godsend if you have a flight to catch at an ungodly hour or need to get to your hotel safely from a night venue. The GPS usually shows the driver where you’re waiting and where you want to go, though it is not fool proof – the maps are not always accurate and you may have to give the driver directions.&nbsp;Grab Taxi also has a self-drive option, allowing you to rent a car at an affordable price.&nbsp;Apart from driving you around the city, some cabbies are also happy to take you to nearby provinces. Private hire options are also plentiful on the net. A car from your Bangkok hotel to the seaside in Hua Hin can cost as little as 1,800 baht and much less if you’re going somewhere closer.&nbsp;For a cheaper alternative, you can take a local long-distance bus from one of the three main bus terminals in the city. Though these services make plenty of stops, they are airconditioned or at the very least usually have windows you can open.&nbsp;Another easy, cheap and comfortable way to get around Thailand – or even to Malaysia and Singapore – is to take a train from Hua Lamphong Station. Bangkok’s historic railway hub is housed in an impressive neo-Renaissance façade and offers everything from overnight chuggers to luxury trains like the Eastern and Oriental Express.&nbsp;However, Hua Lamphong will close its doors next year when the State Railway of Thailand moves to the giant and futuristic Bang Sue Grand Station across town.- Trains at Hualamphong railway station in Bangkok -Thanks to its geographical location, Bangkok is a regional transport hub boasting two international airports – Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang – with flights linking nearly every major and not so major city in the world.&nbsp;The sprawling Suvarnabhumi Airport, which opened in 2006, serves most international commercial airlines, while the older Don Mueang Airport services budget and domestic airlines. A railway linking Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to U-Tapao airport in Rayong on the eastern seaboard will be up and running in the next few years, providing even greater convenience for travellers in Thailand. &nbsp;

Travelling around Bangkok has never been better 

<h2> </h2><h2>&nbsp; From top to bottom, a whole-of-society effort has been the key to prevention. &nbsp;</h2> The fear was palpable. The predictions were dire. In early January, Thailand detected the first case outside China of a new, highly transmissible and deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) with no known cure. The Kingdom is a favorite destination for Chinese tourists: nearly 11 million visited in 2019, and in January 2020 alone, over 7,000 arrived from Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak. Public health professionals diagnosed Thailand as a country poised for disaster. That disaster never happened. Today, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations and global health experts are praising Thailand for preventing COVID-19 from becoming an epidemic. Since January, the Kingdom of over 69 million people has recorded fewer than 3,600 infections, 59 deaths, and just one locally transmitted case in over 100 days. Journalists, economists and analysts have been advancing theories about how Thailand succeeded in stopping the virus. Some credited lockdowns and border closures. Others point to widespread mask-wearing. More than one wondered if it could just be luck.Luck is always welcome, but Thailand’s effective response is built on a more solid foundation. &nbsp;The Kingdom “is reaping the benefits of 40 years of health system strengthening,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom said in a recent speech. Thailand’s public health system, cited by the U.N. as a model for developing countries, has been central to preventing the spread of COVID-19. But the Kingdom’s approach is even more holistic. It is a whole-of-society effort in which everyone from the upper echelons to village volunteers are playing important parts. “I call it the Bang Rajan spirit,” says Dr. Tanarak Plipat of the Department of Disease Control, referring to a celebrated chapter in Thai history. In 1765, villagers in the hamlet of Bang Rajan banded together and staved off an invading foreign army for months, rallying a divided Kingdom. In 2020, health volunteers in villages and towns across Thailand have been inspiring fellow Thais by selflessly working on the front lines of the response. <div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/dbXhUsYKD_St2EPrUKE_image%20no%20caption.png" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- The Village Health Volunteer in rural areas of Thailand / Picture: www.prachachat.net -&nbsp;In most societies, it is rare to see someone at the very top getting involved in the trenches. But Thailand’s public health system originated with one such individual. A century ago, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla abandoned life at the royal court, earned degrees in public health and medicine at Harvard, and treated poor patients as a doctor in Chiang Mai. He helped upgrade Siriraj, the first modern hospital in the Kingdom and is regarded as the Father of Thai Medicine. He instilled in his family a devotion to public health and service. Prince Mahidol was a visionary and knew that a strong, accessible Thai public health system would be a decisive factor for the country’s future.</div> <div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/j5N1i3jqE_shutterstock_670092124%20low.jpg" style="width: 3000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">-Siriraj hospital, Thailand -&nbsp;His son, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, carried on that commitment, as has his grandson King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. &nbsp;Many of His Majesty King Bhumibol’s royal projects focused on public health and he granted hundreds of scholarships to medical students to study overseas.</div>While still Crown Prince, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua funded the building of 21 hospitals across Thailand, mostly in remote and impoverished areas. These hospitals filled the gap in the network of public health services and complemented the endeavour of the government to provide the people with equal access to such crucial services. More recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, Their Majesties the King and the Queen donated ventilators, personal protective equipment, and ambulances, to assist communities in far-flung districts. In addition, His Majesty provided modular swab units and COVID-19 testing systems to hospitals nationwide.<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/hGdmT0f5w_Crown%20Prince%20Hospital%20Map%20low.jpg" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Successive Thai governments have consistently prioritized public health. Thanks to sustained and widespread building of hospitals, clinics, and medical schools and universities, the Kingdom scores highly on many health indicators, including extremely low levels of maternal and child mortality despite being a developing country. Life expectancy is long at 75+ years and still increasing. The system had become so robust in 2001 that the government introduced universal health care, allowing anyone to receive treatment at public hospitals for about a dollar. The program, which is periodically refined and improved, remains enormously popular.Thai governments have also consistently funded medical schools, universities and their research. Mahidol and Chulalongkorn universities have been at the forefront and scientists at Chulalongkorn are fast at work on a COVID-19 vaccine. Thailand also has successful attempts in conducting large clinical vaccine trials, including treatments for HIV.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/l5qvzi1P9_2Nqw8PaQU_CV3.png" style="width: 3000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">- The Chula-COVID-19, a prototype vaccine being developed through mRNA method -Experience with pandemics is another key to Thailand’s response to COVID -19. Since the 1990s, the Kingdom has a sterling record of protecting its people from SARS, MERS, Avian Influenza, and other viruses. Its public health professionals have learned from every outbreak or potential threat and sharpened their skills and protocols. But they didn’t do it completely alone.</div>Partnerships have also been essential. Most Americans don’t realize that the Center for Disease Control’s largest office outside the United States is in Bangkok. And for 60 years, the U.S. Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences in Thailand has worked with the Kingdom’s doctors and scientists to prevent, control and cure diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, dengue fever, and HIV/AIDS.But the most important partnership of all is between Thailand’s people, from top to bottom. In the 1970s, when the public health infrastructure was still limited, the government filled the gaps with a program of Village Health Volunteers. In every community, someone was trained in basic health care. That person would relay health information to their neighbors, check on the ill and the elderly, keep family health records, and act as an interface with clinics or hospitals in the province.Today, the WHO hails them as the “unsung heroes” of the COVID-19 response. The roughly one million Village Health Volunteers are serving as sentinels to spot, prevent, track and trace COVID-19 infections in their communities. Sometimes they are at risk of contracting the illness themselves. ‘I do it because I want to help my neighbors,” 60-year-old volunteer Arunrat Rukthin in Nong Khai province told Khaosod newspaper. “The Kingdom’s COVID-19 success was built on this record of cooperation between public health authorities and civil society that goes back 50 years,” wrote professor Walden Bello.As in many countries, politics can be divisive. But Thailand adopted a wise approach, acting early and decisively, and letting public health authorities take the lead. Those decisions engendered trust. As a result, when the government ordered a soft lockdown and a curfew, issued rules on wearing masks and appealed for unity and cooperation on other preventive measures, it got it. &nbsp;Thailand’s success in tackling COVID-19 can provide worthwhile lessons. The Kingdom doesn’t have the wealth or resources comparable to developed nations. &nbsp;But by adopting an honest, practical, and science-based approach, leadership won the trust and cooperation of the people who responded as a community. Doctors and scientists warn that a second wave of the virus could strike Thailand. If it does, Thailand and its people will be up to the challenge. <div id="_com_5" language="JavaScript"> </div>Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

&nbsp; From top to bottom, a whole-of-society effort has been the key to prevention. &nbsp;The fear was palpable. The predictions were dire. In early January, Thailand detected the first case outside China of a new, highly transmissible and deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) with no known cure. The Kingdom is a favorite destination for Chinese tourists: nearly 11 million visited in 2019, and in January 2020 alone, over 7,000 arrived from Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak. Public health professionals diagnosed Thailand as a country poised for disaster.That disaster never happened. Today, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations and global health experts are praising Thailand for preventing COVID-19 from becoming an epidemic. Since January, the Kingdom of over 69 million people has recorded fewer than 3,600 infections, 59 deaths, and just one locally transmitted case in over 100 days. Journalists, economists and analysts have been advancing theories about how Thailand succeeded in stopping the virus. Some credited lockdowns and border closures. Others point to widespread mask-wearing. More than one wondered if it could just be luck.Luck is always welcome, but Thailand’s effective response is built on a more solid foundation. &nbsp;The Kingdom “is reaping the benefits of 40 years of health system strengthening,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom said in a recent speech. Thailand’s public health system, cited by the U.N. as a model for developing countries, has been central to preventing the spread of COVID-19. But the Kingdom’s approach is even more holistic. It is a whole-of-society effort in which everyone from the upper echelons to village volunteers are playing important parts.“I call it the Bang Rajan spirit,” says Dr. Tanarak Plipat of the Department of Disease Control, referring to a celebrated chapter in Thai history. In 1765, villagers in the hamlet of Bang Rajan banded together and staved off an invading foreign army for months, rallying a divided Kingdom. In 2020, health volunteers in villages and towns across Thailand have been inspiring fellow Thais by selflessly working on the front lines of the response.- The Village Health Volunteer in rural areas of Thailand / Picture: www.prachachat.net -&nbsp;In most societies, it is rare to see someone at the very top getting involved in the trenches. But Thailand’s public health system originated with one such individual. A century ago, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla abandoned life at the royal court, earned degrees in public health and medicine at Harvard, and treated poor patients as a doctor in Chiang Mai. He helped upgrade Siriraj, the first modern hospital in the Kingdom and is regarded as the Father of Thai Medicine. He instilled in his family a devotion to public health and service. Prince Mahidol was a visionary and knew that a strong, accessible Thai public health system would be a decisive factor for the country’s future.-Siriraj hospital, Thailand -&nbsp;His son, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, carried on that commitment, as has his grandson King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. &nbsp;Many of His Majesty King Bhumibol’s royal projects focused on public health and he granted hundreds of scholarships to medical students to study overseas.While still Crown Prince, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua funded the building of 21 hospitals across Thailand, mostly in remote and impoverished areas. These hospitals filled the gap in the network of public health services and complemented the endeavour of the government to provide the people with equal access to such crucial services. More recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, Their Majesties the King and the Queen donated ventilators, personal protective equipment, and ambulances, to assist communities in far-flung districts. In addition, His Majesty provided modular swab units and COVID-19 testing systems to hospitals nationwide.Successive Thai governments have consistently prioritized public health. Thanks to sustained and widespread building of hospitals, clinics, and medical schools and universities, the Kingdom scores highly on many health indicators, including extremely low levels of maternal and child mortality despite being a developing country. Life expectancy is long at 75+ years and still increasing. The system had become so robust in 2001 that the government introduced universal health care, allowing anyone to receive treatment at public hospitals for about a dollar. The program, which is periodically refined and improved, remains enormously popular.Thai governments have also consistently funded medical schools, universities and their research. Mahidol and Chulalongkorn universities have been at the forefront and scientists at Chulalongkorn are fast at work on a COVID-19 vaccine. Thailand also has successful attempts in conducting large clinical vaccine trials, including treatments for HIV.- The Chula-COVID-19, a prototype vaccine being developed through mRNA method -Experience with pandemics is another key to Thailand’s response to COVID -19. Since the 1990s, the Kingdom has a sterling record of protecting its people from SARS, MERS, Avian Influenza, and other viruses. Its public health professionals have learned from every outbreak or potential threat and sharpened their skills and protocols. But they didn’t do it completely alone.Partnerships have also been essential. Most Americans don’t realize that the Center for Disease Control’s largest office outside the United States is in Bangkok. And for 60 years, the U.S. Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences in Thailand has worked with the Kingdom’s doctors and scientists to prevent, control and cure diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, dengue fever, and HIV/AIDS.But the most important partnership of all is between Thailand’s people, from top to bottom. In the 1970s, when the public health infrastructure was still limited, the government filled the gaps with a program of Village Health Volunteers. In every community, someone was trained in basic health care. That person would relay health information to their neighbors, check on the ill and the elderly, keep family health records, and act as an interface with clinics or hospitals in the province.Today, the WHO hails them as the “unsung heroes” of the COVID-19 response. The roughly one million Village Health Volunteers are serving as sentinels to spot, prevent, track and trace COVID-19 infections in their communities. Sometimes they are at risk of contracting the illness themselves. ‘I do it because I want to help my neighbors,” 60-year-old volunteer Arunrat Rukthin in Nong Khai province told Khaosod newspaper. “The Kingdom’s COVID-19 success was built on this record of cooperation between public health authorities and civil society that goes back 50 years,” wrote professor Walden Bello.As in many countries, politics can be divisive. But Thailand adopted a wise approach, acting early and decisively, and letting public health authorities take the lead. Those decisions engendered trust. As a result, when the government ordered a soft lockdown and a curfew, issued rules on wearing masks and appealed for unity and cooperation on other preventive measures, it got it. &nbsp;Thailand’s success in tackling COVID-19 can provide worthwhile lessons. The Kingdom doesn’t have the wealth or resources comparable to developed nations. &nbsp;But by adopting an honest, practical, and science-based approach, leadership won the trust and cooperation of the people who responded as a community. Doctors and scientists warn that a second wave of the virus could strike Thailand. If it does, Thailand and its people will be up to the challenge.Powered by Froala Editor

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A tribute to the thousands of lives lost in World War II when allied prisoners-of-war were put to work constructing a transport route from Thailand into Burma (modern-day Myanmar) that became known as the Death Railway, the River Kwai Bridge Week Festival in Kanchanaburi Province is an annual event that no visitor should miss. Running from 28 November to 7 December, 2020, this event takes you back in time to the building of the bridge over the River Kwai through a spectacular sound-and-light show that commemorates those who died and offers a glimpse into the past through battle scenes with simulated effects.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/uCT8y1Ftd_shutterstock_216505153%20low.jpg"></figure>In addition to the multimedia show, visitors can enjoy historical displays and exhibitions, cultural performances, local products and food stalls, and a Red Cross Fair.Modern-day Kanchanaburi has much to offer the visitor including the JEATH War Museum, Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum, Art Gallery and War Museum, Sai Yok Elephant Village and national parks.Kanchanaburi is in Thailand’s west, approximately 135 kilometres from Bangkok. Travelling there by train is popular among both local and foreign tourists.

River Kwai Bridge Week Festival 

17 Nov ’20 – 10 Jan ’21. From 5pm to 10pmThe most magical time of the year will soon arrive. Be ready for Let’s Celebrate 2021: The Magical Land for All at Central Embassy.Skate for Christmas fun at The Enchanting Winter Skate Park with Polar Bear Snow Canon &amp; be merry with delightful treats from BRIX DessertBring in the season of cheer with our Santa’s Illuminated Candy Cane Village &amp; The First-Ever 14-metre Rotating Candy Xmas Tree.Many more magical promotions &amp; activities await at all levels.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); font-family: &quot;Varela Round&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 100; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); font-family: &quot;Varela Round&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 100; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">

The Magical Land for All at Central Embassy

Located about 150km north of the capital city of Bangkok, is the ancient Thailand city of Lopburi. The city is home to some incredible ruins of historical temples. Likewise, Lopburi also hosts thousands of monkeys that, more or less, coexist with the locals.The Lopburi Monkey Banquet festival, like the name implies, involves treating the many monkeys in the city to a lavish banquet. This monkey feasting festival is annually held on the last Sunday of November.<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/qLPK3YCmY_shutterstock_239325862%20low.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Many locals hold the belief that the monkeys in Lopburi are direct descendants of Hanuman, the Monkey God, who, with the aid of his monkey army, helped rescue Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, from the den of demons. Since then, the monkeys have been showered with respect and seen as a sign of goodwill.&nbsp;The macaques conspicuously live in the area around the ancient shrine of San Phra Kan and Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot but are given free rein to roam the city. These monkeys are a part of the town, so don’t be surprised at their camaraderie.The origin and celebration of the Lopburi Monkey Banquet festival can be traced back to 1989 when a hotelier in the area named Yongyuth Kitwattananusont concluded that the monkeys deserve the city’s appreciation for making Lopburi a tourist attraction.<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/HvPFKBtxB_shutterstock_239326504%20low.jpg" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The festival kicks off in the morning at the ruins with an opening ceremony, and the celebration entails several human monkey dances and musical performances. Eventually, the monkeys, usually first overwhelmed by the large spectators, are treated to a buffet of sticky rice, fruits, vegetables, salads, and drinks. These banquets can sometimes be spread out in separate times during the day. The monkeys don’t get to feast alone, as there are several food stalls with a wide range of Thai local delicacies on sale that visitors can enjoy.Once the monkeys have satiated their appetites and gotten used to the cheering crowd, they can get very boisterous and create quite a ruckus. Visitors are warned to watch out for these petulant macaques as they can cause quite a stir when they start mischievously latching on to your belongings.<img src="https://thailandnow-dev.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/STs0MNxEG_shutterstock_239329870%20low.jpg" style="width: 2000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">There is no denying the somewhat strange nature of this festival. Still, it’s one that celebrates the diversity of the Thai culture and the significance and history of monkeys in Lopburi. If incredible ancient temple ruins, a lavish display of feasting monkeys, and authentic Thai food, music, and culture interests you, then you should add the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival to your itinerary.&nbsp;

Lopburi Monkey Banquet

<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Magical Light Decorations for Season of Happiness at ICONSIAM</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">This Yearend Joyous Phenomenon. Presents Decorative Lights on the Bank of the Chao Phraya River</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">5 Nov – 30 Dec 2020 at G Floor. River Park</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;">Spectacular designs by the world’s leading graphic designer Mike Perry adorn sparkling Christmas trees that stretch in the longest row along the Chao Phraya River.&nbsp;</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;">Installed in Thailand for the first time, two huge humanoids “Peeping Corner” and “What’s That” by Australian artist Amanda Parer will shine at River Park. &nbsp;</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;">Infinity Forest, created by New York-based SOFTlab, features interactive vertical mirrors that glitter beautifully at night on Napalai Terrace, 7th floor.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Enjoy many famous singers line up to serve extra delight.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">At River Park G Floor.&nbsp;</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">5 NOV: Kimberley will lead The Magical Lighting Parade and Mini-concert of MewGulf</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">7 NOV: Mini-concert of TWOPEE SOUTHSIDE¬¬</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">8 NOV: Mini-concert of MEYOU</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">14 NOV: Mini-concert of Hunz Isariya and Chin Chinawut</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">15 Nov: Mini-concert of J Jetrin&nbsp;</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Entertaining performances by quality singers are set to brighten festive mood.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">At Charoennakorn Hall, M Floor&nbsp;</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">7 NOV: Mini-concert of New Jiew</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">8 NOV: Mini-concert of Preaw Kanitkul</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">14 NOV: Mini-concert of Bell Supol</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">15 NOV: Mini-concert of Ice Saranyu</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Furthermore, enjoy ICON of Happiness activity</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">5 – 15 NOV 2020 at Charoennakorn Hall on M Floor</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">ICONSIAM Transforms into Capital of Happiness through ICONHAPPINESS Game and its Impressive Pop-Art Colors</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(33, 37, 41); font-family: Gotham, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">When customers present a receipt of Bt500 up, they are eligible to play the game for a chance to win prizes.</div>

ICONSIAM Magic Comes Alive Celebrating With BANGKOK ILLUMINATION 2020

the 10 edition of thailand's largest palm oil technology expo!&nbsp;PALMEX Thailand 2020 is the only specialized Palm Oil event in Thailand that brings together an international congregation of both upstream and downstream palm oil companies and also its supporting industries gathered in South of Thailand, Thailand to showcase the latest developments in the palm oil industry.&nbsp;Thailand, currently ranked #3 in the world for CPO is a potential and viable market for palm oil technology companies as the industry is currently honing new palm oil technologies and equipment to help spur its production further!&nbsp;Fireworks Trade Media Group which have organized successful palm oil events such as PALMEX Indonesia and PALMEX Malaysia is the organizer of this event supported also by the Thai Oil Palm &amp; Palm Oil Associations&nbsp;Highlights Of PALMEX THAILAND 2020&nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type: disc;margin-left:undefined;"><li>Palm Oil Technology Seminars</li><li>Asia Palm Oil Conference&nbsp;(APOC)</li></ul> &nbsp;&nbsp;Contact Info&nbsp;Official Website&nbsp;:&nbsp;www.thaipalmoil.comFacebook&nbsp;:&nbsp;www.facebook.com/PalmexThailandE-mail&nbsp;:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Thai@Asiafireworks.Com">Thai@Asiafireworks.Com</a>Tel&nbsp;: (+66)&nbsp;2 513 1418Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

Palmex Thailand 2020

If you’re fascinated by Thailand and want to learn more, you’ve come to the right place.Thailand NOW brings information on all aspects of Thai life, culture, current events and facts you can’t find anywhere else - real Thai facts written by real Thai people. All carefully laid out in a format that always puts you within a click of what you need to know. Thailand Now means Thailand right now! So, start your journey now!Thailand Now... Insightfully Thai &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Thailand Now means Thailand right now! So, start your journey now!

If you’re fascinated by Thailand and want to learn more, you’ve come to the right place.Thailand NOW brings information on all aspects of Thai life, culture, current events and facts you can’t find anywhere else - real Thai facts written by real Thai people. All carefully laid out in a format that always puts you within a click of what you need to know. Thailand Now means Thailand right now! So, start your journey now!Thailand Now... Insightfully Thai &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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CONTENT

Thailand Now : Discover Thailand In A Click

Thailand Now : Discover Thailand In A Click

EVENTS NOW

River Kwai Bridge Week Festival

26

05

The Magical Land for All at Central Embassy

26

09

Lopburi Monkey Banquet

29

ICONSIAM Magic Comes Alive Celebrating With BANGKOK ILLUMINATION 2020

30

29

Palmex Thailand 2020

15

16

Upcoming Events

THAILAND NOW

Living in Thailand

Thailand Lifestyle

Business & Investment in Thailand

Thailand Facts

SOCIAL NETWORK

Useful links

About us

Contact us

Useful links

About us

Contact us

Useful Links

About Us

Contact us

See All CONTENT

Thailand Now : Discover Thailand In A Click

Thailand Now : Discover Thailand In A Click

EVENTS NOW

River Kwai Bridge Week Festival

26

05

The Magical Land for All at Central Embassy

26

09

Lopburi Monkey Banquet

29

THAILAND NOW

Living in Thailand

Thailand Lifestyle

Business & Investment in Thailand

Thailand Facts

SOCIAL NETWORK

Useful links

About us

Contact us

Useful links

About us

Contact us

Useful Links

About Us

Contact us

See All
CONTENT