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Barnama
14-07-2025
- General
- Barnama
Thailand's Wat Arun Phra Prang Added To Tentative World Heritage List
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock BANGKOK, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam, one of Bangkok's most iconic Buddhist landmarks, has been added to UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, Thai Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced. In a statement, Paetongtarn said the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held from July 6 to 16 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, had officially acknowledged the listing of Wat Arun's central pagoda on the Tentative List. bootstrap slideshow 'The listing initiates the formal process that could lead to the temple's full recognition as a World Heritage Site,' she said in a statement published by the Public Relations Department on Monday. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun Ratchawararam, better known as Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, is an ancient temple that has been in use since the Ayutthaya period (in the 18th century). Published on its website, UNESCO stated that the Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam is the most developed chedi in the prang shape. (Phra Prang or Prang refers to a Chedi in the Thai art in a tall tower shape used to enshrine the Buddha's relics). It is regarded as one of Thailand's most distinctive architectural masterpieces, reflecting deep historical and cultural significance from the Rattanakosin period. Paetongtarn said the Ministry of Culture has tasked the Fine Arts Department with preparing the Nomination Dossier and overseeing conservation and site management efforts in accordance with international heritage standards. 'These preparations are essential for progressing to the next stage of the nomination process. Work will include comprehensive documentation, conservation planning, and long-term preservation strategies to ensure the site's readiness for evaluation by UNESCO,' she added.
Barnama
01-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MM2H Gains Popularity Among Thais For Education, Lifestyle Appeal
WORLD Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing launching the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign in Bangkok here on Tuesday. By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock BANGKOK, July 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme continues to gain traction among Thais, driven by cultural familiarity, proximity, and a competitive cost of living, said Tourism Malaysia's Bangkok office. Director of Tourism Malaysia in Bangkok, Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus, noted that an increasing number of individuals and families from the region are looking beyond short-term travel, opting instead for longer-term stays in countries that offer quality of life, stability, and opportunity. "Thailand has emerged as a promising market for the MM2H segment. 'A key appeal for Thai MM2H applicants is our education sector. Malaysia is fast becoming an education hub in Asia, with globally ranked universities, international schools, and a multilingual learning environment," she told Bernama after a business matching session held in Bangkok on Monday. Nurul Ain added that thousands of international students, including those from Thailand, are choosing Malaysia for its proximity, affordability, and academic quality. She said that Malaysia offers all these and more - a safe, affordable, and multicultural living environment with access to world-class healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a strong sense of community. On Monday, Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing made a working visit to Bangkok to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation and lay the foundation for stronger ties ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Tiong paid a courtesy call to his Thai counterpart, the Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong, before meeting with tourism industry players in Thailand.
Barnama
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Thai PM Orders Heightened Vigilance After Bomb Scare In Southern Provinces
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock BANGKOK, June 27 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has placed all government agencies on high alert and urged heightened vigilance following recent bomb threats in the southern tourist provinces of Phuket and Phang Nga. She said reports from relevant agencies suggest that the incidents were attempts to create unrest in the region. bootstrap slideshow The Prime Minister convened a meeting with the National Police Chief, the Commander of the Tourist Police, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to assess the situation and ensure close monitoring. "I have consistently urged all sectors to investigate and closely monitor the situation. Every precautionary measure has been implemented to ensure public safety and prevent harm. However, the government remains vigilant. The National Security Council will continue to oversee and intensify operations," she posted on X on Friday. Earlier this week, Thai media reported that a car travelling from Songkhla to Phuket was stopped in Phang Nga, where police found a homemade time bomb and arrested two suspects. Suspicious devices were later found and neutralised in Phuket and Krabi, including near the airport. Though the devices caused no injuries and lacked destructive capability, they raised security concerns in the region. Police bomb squads confirmed that the objects were designed to resemble explosive devices, likely intended to instil fear and disrupt normal activities. Paetongtarn also assured the public that all agencies are committed to resolving the matter with the highest level of diligence.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Thailad Closes Border Crossings With Cambodia Amid Disputes
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock BANGKOK, June 24 (Bernama) -- Thailand has closed all border crossings in seven provinces and suspended cross-border movement of people, vehicles, and trade along the Thai–Cambodian border to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure public safety, amid an ongoing border dispute. In a statement, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) spokesperson, Major General Winthai Suvaree said the tightened border control measures are in line with government policy and directives from the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation, aimed at combating transnational crimes, including call centre and hybrid scam operations. bootstrap slideshow 'Effective since June 23, 2025 (Monday), the measures include the suspension of all cross-border travel, trade, and vehicle movement, except for essential humanitarian cases such as urgent medical care and educational needs. These cases will be considered by local military units. 'These actions aim to address ongoing security tensions and have proven effective in disrupting call centre and hybrid scam operations that pose a threat to Thai citizens,' he said in a statement. According to Thai government data, Thailand operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817-kilometre frontier. The measures were initiated on June 7 and further tightened on June 23, covering key provinces including Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, and Sa Kaeo. The Royal Thai Army reiterated its commitment to balancing national security priorities with humanitarian considerations to ensure the safety and welfare of all affected communities. On Sunday, Cambodia declared that it would cease importing fuel and gas from Thailand and issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand.
Barnama
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Thailand: Bhumjaithai Quits Coalition Government, Cites Damaging Conduct By Paetongtarn
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock BANGKOK, June 18 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Bhumjaithai Party announced its withdrawal from the coalition government on Wednesday, citing dissatisfaction with government actions affecting Thai sovereignty. Bhumjaithai, the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, stated that all its eight ministers have submitted their resignations, effective June 19. bootstrap slideshow The party accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of "damaging conduct" following a leaked phone conversation (June 15 phone call) with Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen. It said the call, reportedly addressing an ongoing border dispute, included remarks in which the Prime Minister allegedly blamed her own military for "miscommunication". Bhumjaithai described this as an affront to Thailand's dignity, national pride, its people, and the armed forces. "The Bhumjaithai Party wishes to inform that the Party's Executive Committee convened to deliberate on this matter and has resolved for the Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw from the coalition government. "Consequently, all ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party have submitted their resignation letters to the Prime Minister, effective from June 19, 2025, onward," the party said in an official statement on Wednesday. The party also called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn to take responsibility for actions it claims have harmed Thailand's national interests.
