Bangkok Pride Parade: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Tolerance and World Pride Ambitions

Bangkok is preparing for a Pride parade on June 4, with the theme “Door to Equal Asia,” as Thailand aims to host World Pride in 2028. The event, co-hosted by various organizations and sectors, will be larger than last year’s parade. It will feature marchers representing the colors of the pride flag and will emphasize the importance of health, wellbeing, and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community. The parade expects 20,000 marchers and 100,000 spectators, with support from government officials, UN agencies, and diplomatic representatives. Thailand aims to leverage its LGBTQ+ tolerance for tourism and become an LGBTQ+ friendly country.

Thailand and Cambodia: Contemplate Reopening Preah Vihear Temple

Thailand and Cambodia are considering reopening the Preah Vihear temple to boost tourism. After a 15-year suspension due to border disputes, anticipation is growing among Thais for the reopening of the temple ruins in Si Sa Ket. The move aims to promote tourism and peace dialogue with Cambodia. Despite military presence on both sides, no progress has been made since the 2011 ceasefire. Potential solutions to ease the border conflict include allowing tourists access to the temple from Thailand’s side and permitting Cambodian tourists to enter Khao Phra Viharn National Park.

Thailand - Pattaya: Return of the Pattaya Marathon in July

The 2023 Pattaya Marathon will take place on July 22nd and 23rd, with 15,000 runners from around the globe expected to participate. This major sporting event provides an opportunity to challenge oneself and revel in a weekend of athletic celebration and a lively atmosphere in the vibrant city of Pattaya, Thailand. Registration opens on June 1st, 2023. Visit www.pattayamarathon.go.th for additional information.

Thailand: Longtail boat capsizes near Panyi Island

Longtail boat capsizes near Panyi Island, Thailand, with 5 foreign tourists among the rescued. The tourists were safely brought to shore by a conservation tour boat. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident. In a separate incident, a speedboat crashed into a channel marker in Phuket, injuring 37 people. The boat driver tested positive for methamphetamine and has been charged with negligence. Phuket Immigration provided assistance to the injured tourists

Thailand - unbelievable: A Thai woman discovers a pearl in an oyster

A woman in Chon Buri discovered a priceless pearl in an oyster bought from a local market. While preparing dinner, Thevalee Sitonwong found the stunning orange pearl in one of the oysters. Initially mistaken for a stone, the unique pearl intrigued the couple. Thevalee plans to verify its authenticity in Bangkok but intends to keep it as a memento. This rare find highlights the potential for beauty and value in unexpected places. In a similar incident last year, a couple found a valuable pearl in a snail while dining at a BBQ restaurant.

Thailand - Snake: Rare venom-spitting golden cobra discovered in a Thai village

Measuring approximately 1.2 meters in length, the snake captured the attention of the locals. Trongphon Imjit, an assistant village headman, captured the snake after spotting it crossing a road. Villagers gathered to observe this fascinating creature. It is a venom-spitting golden cobra of the “Sumatran Spitting Cobra” species, known for its potentially dangerous venom. This species is primarily found in southern Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Thailand: The Extraordinary Tale of a Million-Dollar Water Buffalo in Thailand

A farmer in Thailand is selling a giant water buffalo named Petch Lamkhong for 50 million baht (approximately US$1.45 million). Weighing a massive 1.4 tonnes, Petch Lamkhong participated in the 6th Phitsanulok Giant Buffalo Contest. The owner, Sombat Thamelae, highlights the buffalo’s prime condition and its valuable genetically-favorable semen. While Sombat is in no hurry to sell, he sets the price at 50 million baht, making Petch Lamkhong the most expensive buffalo in Thailand. Breeding strong and award-winning buffaloes has become a lucrative business, with high prices paid for their valuable semen

Cambodia - Transport: New airport opens in Siem Reap

The current airport near Angkor Wat will close in October 2023 as a new airport opens in Siem Reap, 50 km east. The old airport’s closure is due to environmental damage to Siem Reap’s ancient ruins caused by aircraft. The new airport aims to boost international flights and tourism, with at least 300 weekly flights to/from Chinese cities. Phnom Penh will also have a new international airport in 2024, offering advanced technology. Limited direct flights from the US, Europe, Russia, and India hinder Cambodian tourism, but the new airports will alleviate this. Tourist numbers are currently at 40% of 2019’s record, and the new infrastructure is expected to stimulate future tourism.