Latest news with #SuvarnabhumiInternationalAirport
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
11 Indian students injured in Bangkok bus crash on Monday
Image: The Nation Thailand/ANN BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): Eleven Indian students and a Thai tour guide were injured when a chartered bus transporting them on an educational trip crashed into a power pole in Bangkok's Don Muang district on Monday, police said. The accident occurred at around 11am on the outbound Phahonyothin Road, just before the Kor Por Or Intersection. Brake Failure Blamed for Crash The driver of the air-conditioned bus, Nikom (surname withheld), 48, told police he intentionally swerved into the power pole after the bus's braking system malfunctioned. Unable to slow down or stop, he said he chose to veer off the road to avoid crashing into vehicles ahead. Nikom added that he had been hired to transport 47 students from India from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the Asian Institute of Technology. As he approached the intersection, he realised the air brake system had failed, making it impossible to stop the bus. The eleven students were said to have sustained minor injuries and were taken to Bhumibhol General Hospital for treatment. - The Nation Thailand/ANN
Al Bawaba
05-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Arab Tourists in Thailand: A Story of Culture, Commerce, and Curiosity
Dr. Gil Feiler In recent years, Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination for Arab tourists seeking a mix of tropical luxury, rich culture, and world-class hospitality. As the Airbus A380 from Dubai touched down at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, a new wave of Middle Eastern visitors began their Thai adventure. Most arrived from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), nearly 550,000 tourists from the Middle East visited Thailand in 2023, a remarkable recovery following the COVID-19 downturn. Among them, Saudi tourists made up the fastest-growing segment, driven by the 2022 restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Patterns and Preferences Arab travelers in Thailand are often high spenders. On average, they spend about 5,000–7,000 THB (around $140–200) per day, not including shopping splurges. Luxury malls such as Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM see brisk business from these visitors, who shop for international brands, Thai silk, perfumes, and even herbal supplements. Family travel is a dominant theme. Unlike the stereotypical backpacker, Arab tourists—especially those from the GCC—prefer comfort and privacy. They book five-star hotels or private villas, often with their own pools and halal-certified kitchens. Popular chains such as Anantara, Mandarin Oriental, and Banyan Tree have tailored experiences, including prayer rooms and Arabic-speaking staff, to serve this clientele. Food is another strong consideration. While many enjoy Thai cuisine, halal options are essential. Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket offer a growing number of halal-certified restaurants. Arab tourists also seek out Middle Eastern cuisine in areas like Nana (Bangkok), which has come to be known as the 'Arab Street' due to its vibrant concentration of Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian eateries. The journey for many Arab tourists often begins in Bangkok, the capital. From the opulent Grand Palace to the bustling Chatuchak Market, it offers a rich mix of tradition and modernity. But increasingly, travelers venture beyond. Phuket and Krabi are favorites for beach getaways, where hijab-friendly beach resorts offer women-only pools or private access to the sea. Chiang Mai, known for its cool weather and mountain retreats, appeals to travelers interested in nature, culture, and relaxation. Desert-bound tourists are often enchanted by Thailand's lush greenery and waterfalls. One notable trend is the rise in medical tourism. Arab nationals frequently visit Thailand for advanced healthcare—ranging from cosmetic procedures to fertility treatments and health check-ups—at international hospitals such as Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital. Many hospitals employ Arabic translators and even offer prayer spaces for Muslim patients. Behaviorally, Arab tourists tend to be respectful of local customs but expect reciprocal respect for their own values—especially around modesty, religious observances, and dietary requirements. It's not uncommon to see tourists praying in quiet corners of airports, malls, or beaches. Economic and Cultural Impact The impact of Arab tourism in Thailand is both economic and cultural. In 2023, Middle Eastern tourists contributed more than 20 billion THB (approximately $560 million USD) to the Thai economy. Their spending supports hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors, with indirect boosts to local agriculture and crafts. Thailand's tourism operators are increasingly adapting. TAT has launched campaigns in Arabic-speaking countries and increased its presence at Gulf tourism expos. In turn, Thai culture—known for its tolerance and warmth—continues to welcome Arab guests with genuine hospitality. Yet, the relationship is not without its nuances. As Thailand becomes more inclusive of Muslim tourists, it also navigates the balance between preserving its Buddhist identity and embracing cultural diversity. Efforts like building halal tourism infrastructure, promoting mutual cultural understanding, and training hospitality staff in cultural sensitivity reflect Thailand's commitment to making Arab visitors feel at home. In many ways, Arab tourists are not just visitors—they are bridges between two rich, ancient cultures. Whether enjoying the sun-kissed beaches of the Andaman Sea or bargaining in the heart of Bangkok, they are writing a new chapter in Thailand's global tourism story—one of curiosity, connection, and shared respect.
The Star
29-04-2025
- The Star
Transgender murder: Pattaya police beef up security as they bring Chinese suspect to reenact crime
Large crowds gathered to witness the crime re-enactment, prompting police to form human lines to shield the suspect. - The Nation/ANN BANGKOK: Pattaya police tightened security on Sunday (April 27) when they took a Chinese suspect to re-enact his alleged killing of a transgender man, whose body he reportedly cut open to play with the internal organs. Over 20 officers from Pattaya police station were deployed to protect the suspect, Tongyung Fu, 42, amid fears of attacks from angry crowds. The re-enactment took place at an apartment building in the seaside city where the murder allegedly occurred. ALSO READ: Chinese tourist confesses to murdering transgender woman in Thailand, removing her organs The body of the victim, identified as Woranan Pannakha, 25, from Nong Khai, a transgender man, was discovered in the restroom of an apartment on Soi Arunothai in Central Pattaya on Saturday morning. Police were alerted shortly after the discovery. Tongyung Fu was arrested on Saturday evening at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan, as he attempted to board a flight back to Kunming, China. Large crowds gathered to witness the crime re-enactment, prompting police to form human lines to shield the suspect. Chonburi police chief, Pol Maj Gen Thawatkiart Jindakuansanong, stated that the suspect admitted to paying 8,000 baht (US$240) to Woranan for sex. However, when Woranan allegedly refused and kicked him off the bed, Tongyung became enraged and killed him by pressing his left knee against the victim's neck. He then dragged the body into the bathroom, using scissors to cut the torso open from the stomach to the chest. Tongyung also removed Woranan's implanted breasts and placed the silicone implants beside the body. Police said the suspect's mobile phone, found in the restroom, was instrumental in tracing and apprehending him. Tongyung reportedly confessed that he was driven by a morbid curiosity to see inside the human body after watching certain TV series. Besides removing the implants, he also cut out the victim's heart and placed it next to the body. - The Nation/ANN
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Straits Times
Thailand security beefed up as Pattaya police take Chinese suspect to re-enact LGBTQ murder
The suspect used a pair of scissors to cut open Ms Woranun Pannacha's body. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY Thailand security beefed up as Pattaya police take Chinese suspect to re-enact LGBTQ murder BANGKOK - Pattaya police tightened security on April 27 when they took a Chinese suspect to re-enact his alleged killing of a transgender man, whose body he reportedly cut open to play with the internal organs. Over 20 officers from Pattaya police station were deployed to protect the suspect, Tongyung Fu, 42, amid fears of attacks from angry crowds. The re-enactment took place at an apartment building in the seaside city where the murder allegedly occurred. The body of the victim, identified as Ms Woranan Pannakha, 25, from Nong Khai, a transgender man, was discovered in the restroom of an apartment on Soi Arunothai in Central Pattaya on the morning of April 26. Police were alerted shortly after the discovery. Tongyung Fu was arrested on April 26 evening at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan, as he attempted to board a flight back to Kunming, China. Large crowds gathered to witness the crime re-enactment, prompting police to form human lines to shield the suspect. Chonburi police chief, Mr Pol Maj Gen Thawatkiart Jindakuansanong, stated that the suspect admitted to paying 8,000 baht to Ms Woranan for sex. However, when Ms Woranan allegedly refused and kicked him off the bed, Fu became enraged and killed him by pressing his left knee against the victim's neck. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
