Bangkok - Hong Kong’s women’s rugby sevens stars eye Olympics after Asian Games bronze

[brief (六度編譯)]

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is one of the most popular, vibrant and lively cities in Southeast Asia. Located in the central region of Thailand, Bangkok has a population of over 10 million people. Bangkok is a city that has changed multiple times over the centuries, evolving from a small trading center into a bustling metropolis that features both modern and historical landmarks. With its beautiful temples, delicious street food, bustling markets, and lively nightlife, Bangkok is a must-visit destination for tourists from all over the world.

History

The history of Bangkok dates back to the 15th century when it was a small trading center called Bang Makok. In the early 17th century, the city became the capital of Thailand (then called Siam) under the rule of King Narai. During this time, the city’s name was changed to Krung Thep, which translates to “City of Angels” in Thai. Eventually, the name became “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon,” which means, “Great City of Angels.”

Throughout its history, Bangkok has faced several challenges, including attacks from neighboring countries and colonization by European powers. However, the city has always managed to overcome these obstacles and continue to grow and evolve.

Tourist Attractions

Bangkok is known for its many beautiful temples, also known as “wats.” The most famous of these is Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This temple is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace and is home to the highly revered 60cm-high Emerald Buddha, a statue made of green jade. Other popular temples include Wat Pho, which houses the famous reclining Buddha statue, and Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.

In addition to the temples, Bangkok is also famous for its vibrant street markets and shopping districts. The most famous of these is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which offers everything from clothing and accessories to antiques and traditional handicrafts. Other popular shopping destinations include the MBK Center, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld.

Food and Nightlife

Food is an integral part of Bangkok’s culture and is known for its unique blend of spices, herbs, and flavors. The city is famous for its street food, which can be found at almost every corner. Some of the most popular dishes are Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), and Som Tam (spicy papaya salad).

Bangkok is also known for its lively nightlife, with bars and clubs catering to every taste and style. The most famous nightlife destination is the Khao San Road, which is known for its street parties, live music, and cheap drinks. Other popular nightlife spots include the Thonglor and Ekkamai districts, which are known for their trendy bars and clubs.

Transportation

Bangkok’s transportation system is well-developed and offers several options for getting around the city. The BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway are the most popular modes of transportation and are both affordable and efficient. Taxis and tuk-tuks (three-wheeled motorbike taxis) are also widely available, although negotiating the fare is often necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bangkok is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, shopping, food, or nightlife, Bangkok has it all. Its countless attractions and unique culture make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you haven’t already, be sure to add Bangkok to your bucket list!

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[brief (六度編譯)]

7 Buddhist monks accused of embezzling more than $5.3 million donated to temple in Thailand

The Toronto Star

23-05-11 15:50

Seven Buddhist monks and two others have been detained in Thailand over the alleged embezzlement of THB300m ($8.9m) from a temple in the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima (also known as Korat). According to police, the suspects spent some of the money on properties, luxury cars and jewelry. The early morning raid also found stacks of banknotes amounting to THB86m ($2.5m), according to Bangkok Post. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases said the alleged offenders had "gravely undermined Buddhism".

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/2023/05/11/7-buddhist-monks-accused-of-embezzling-more-than-53-million-donated-to-temple-in-thailand.html

[brief (六度編譯)]

Don’t Sleep on Chinese Tech Investment in Southeast Asia

Diplomat

23-05-11 12:28

Chinese technology companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei have outpaced Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in Southeast Asia with more data centers, including for cloud computing, ICT infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The region’s leaders are limiting taking sides between Beijing and Washington, and Chinese technology provides a broad range of high-quality products, even in AI, attracting a growing number of consumers. Southeast Asia has the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, with every nation in the region focusing on adopting AI in critical sectors like finance and e-commerce. Chinese AI-related investment in the area is limited, despite major Chinese tech companies pursuing broad ranges of other AI-related projects. Singapore is the most significant recipient of AI investment, with investors in the US, Europe, and Japan competing with those from China. However, Chinese tech firms' influence is growing via the establishment of research labs, opening offices and headquarters, and subsidiaries. This trend is expected to speed up to meet regional consumer demand, the Chinese economy’s slowing, and US-imposed technology and investment constraints.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/dont-sleep-on-chinese-tech-investment-in-southeast-asia/

[brief (六度編譯)]

Thai, Chinese police join forces in crackdown on crime

South China Morning Post

23-05-11 12:00

Chinese and Thai police are working together to prevent short-term visas being issued to mainland Chinese criminals, who are subsequently involved in kidnappings for ransom of other nationals from China. The initiative is aimed not only at uprooting existing illegal activity in Thailand, but discouraging future criminal activity from entering the country. With the key driver of Thailand's economy being the tourism industry, which plays on the country's perception as a peaceful and safe destination, there are concerns that criminal activity involving Chinese nationals could threaten the tourism sector and foreign investment.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/article/3220224/thai-chinese-police-join-forces-crackdown-crime-protect-tourism-industry

[brief (六度編譯)]

Will Thai election outcome sway Asean’s stance on engaging Myanmar junta?

South China Morning Post

23-05-11 11:00

Whoever wins Thailand's upcoming election will have to face the challenge of conflict in Myanmar, with calls for a tougher position on a neighbour whose military and economy are strongly linked to its own. As many as 2 million Myanmar migrants were living and working in Thailand before the pandemic while tens of thousands have fled there since the February coup. This has sometimes included attacks by Myanmar military planes on the Thai side of the land border. The pro-democracy factions projected to win the election could take a harder line against the Myanmar junta while potentially changing Thailand's relationship with China, though actual change may be limited. The Track 1.5 dialogue co-hosted by Bangkok in March to discuss the Myanmar crisis may continue under a new administration, though other regional countries will also play a significant role.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3220216/thailand-election-2023-will-outcome-sundays-vote-sway-bangkok-and-asean-stance-myanmar-engagement

[brief (六度編譯)]

Myanmar resistance calls for ASEAN aid plan as conflict intensifies

Nikkei Asia

23-05-11 10:55

Myanmar's resistance groups are urging ASEAN and the UN to assist in creating a new aid plan to resolve a bloc over delivering emergency relief to war-torn areas, including cross-border relief. The proposed plan would provide food, medicine and other emergency aid to internally displaced communities, estimated to comprise almost 2 million people.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Crisis/Myanmar-resistance-calls-for-ASEAN-aid-plan-as-conflict-intensifies

[brief (六度編譯)]

Thailand’s Harvard-educated election winner challenges military’s grip on power

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:21

The victory of Pita Limjaroenrat’s progressive Move Forward party in last weekend’s general election in Thailand represented a break with the political past of the country. The unexpected win has created a powerful political platform to challenge the government led by the military, however, despite the triumph many hurdles stand between Pita and the premiership. Nevertheless, Move Forward has persuaded more established opposition groups to join in a coalition despite its radical reform agenda, while also sidestepping any intervention by Thailand’s deeply conservative military-royalist establishment. Since the party took up the mantle of the 2020 pro-democracy protest movement, it has attracted support from young and urban voters disenchanted with the establishment. Move Forward’s charismatic standard-bearer, Pita, earlier worked with Singapore-based rides and delivery superapp, Grab. The pitfall for the party will be to convince other groups such as Bhumjaithai, a regional party that placed third, to come on board with their reformist agenda, which could be prohibitively complicated.

https://www.ft.com/content/16b1f836-3d66-43e9-a9f6-1c2fc4ea0ed2

[brief (六度編譯)]

Thailand election latest: Move Forward coalition begins bid for House, Senate votes

Nikkei Asia

23-05-16 03:09

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Thailand's pro-democracy opposition party, Move Forward, is expected to form a coalition with the Pheu Thai party, according to local sources. The announcement followed the country's first general election since 2014's military coup, with the ruling junta-backed Palang Pracharat party struggling to collect enough support to stay in government. The move was recommended by other smaller opposition parties that gained seats in the election. There now appears to be little chance of the coup-installed prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, retaining his position, however, with only two-thirds of the vote counted so far, the Move Forward-Pheu Thai coalition is short of the 376 lawmakers needed for a parliamentary majority. The remaining 250 members of the legislature are appointed by the military and can only vote with the largest coalition; the establishment has previously pledged to prevent the opposition from gaining control of the house.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Thai-election/Thailand-election-latest-Move-Forward-coalition-begins-bid-for-House-Senate-votes

[brief (六度編譯)]

Thailand’s opposition won a landslide in elections. But will the military elite let them rule?

CNN

23-05-16 02:56

The progressive Move Forward Party, which gained a huge following among young Thais for its reformist platform, won the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote in Thailand's latest election. Pheu Thai, the main opposition party that has been a populist force in Thailand for 20 years, came second. Over the last two decades, each time Thais have been allowed to vote, they have done so overwhelmingly in support of the military’s political opponents. Despite the victory, it is far from certain who will be the next leader. That’s because the military junta that last seized power in 2014 rewrote the constitution to ensure they maintain a huge say in who can lead, whether or not they win the popular vote. Neither opposition party won a majority of 375 seats needed to form a government outright. They will need to strike deals and wrangle support from other parties to form a coalition big enough to ensure victory. Under the junta-era constitution, Thailand’s unelected 250-seat senate is chosen entirely by the military and has previously voted for a pro-military candidate.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/15/asia/thailand-opposition-parties-military-election-analysis-intl-hnk/index.html

[brief (六度編譯)]

‘Bangkok Spring’ sets up showdown over role of Thai monarchy

Japan Times

23-05-16 02:09

Thai political party Move Forward has suggested changes for Article 112 which restricts criticism of Thailand's monarchy, breaking a taboo and prompting speculation that pro-democracy movement gains could result in a conservative backlash that sparks protests and stifles the economy. Pita Limjaroenrat, the party leader of Move Forward, has sworn to change Article 112. However, the Constitution Court could still challenge any moves to amend the law. The odds makers suggest Move Forward will have a difficult job of implementing meaningful change without a fight.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/16/asia-pacific/bangkok-spring-thai-monrarchy-showdown/

[brief (六度編譯)]

Hong Kong’s Ng heading to Q-school in bid to regain place on World Snooker Tour

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 07:58

Hong Kong’s Ng On-yee, the women’s world number 3 snooker player, will compete in two qualifying tournaments in Bangkok next month. Ng is vying to win one of just four spots on the World Snooker Tour, which will be awarded to two finalists in each of the 12-day Asia and Oceania Q School competitions. Two finalists from each event will be awarded a spot on the game’s top tier for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons with matches decided by best-of-seven frames and no seeding, with random selection to ensure fair play.

https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3220715/hong-kongs-ng-yee-not-giving-fight-win-back-world-snooker-tour-place-will-join-q-school-events

[brief (六度編譯)]

Thailand election latest: Prayuth breaks silence, calls for 'stability'

Nikkei Asia

23-05-16 07:22

Thailand has concluded its first election since the military coup of 2014, with the pro-junta Palang Pracharath emerging as the largest party. Talks will now begin on the formation of a coalition government. The Election Commission, the army and the junta have been accused of trying to manipulate the result to ensure the retention of military control. The results have revealed deep political divisions in Thailand, with young, urban voters tending to support pro-democracy parties, while older, rural voters backed conservative candidates. Almost 70% of Thais voted, the largest turnout since 1997.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Thai-election/Thailand-election-latest-Prayuth-breaks-silence-calls-for-stability

[brief (六度編譯)]

Thai opposition figure urges holdout parties to support election winner

Reuters

23-05-16 11:18

The Move Forward Party has urged other parties to join a coalition to block military-backed parties from forming a minority government. The progressive party won the most seats in the recent general election and narrowly missed out on a complete sweep of the capital, Bangkok. The party is expected to form a coalition with another opposition party, the populist Pheu Thai, having agreed to join forces. Together, they will have 310 seats in the lower House of Representatives. However, to ensure they can vote in a prime minister, they need more than half of the lower and upper house seats combined.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-opposition-figure-urges-holdout-parties-support-election-winner-2023-05-16/

[brief (六度編譯)]

Leader of Thailand's Move Forward party faces hurdles on path to power

Reuters

23-05-16 10:45

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Despite Move Forward winning the majority vote in Thailand's general election, analysts claim that there are still hurdles that could block Pita Limjaroenrat from becoming Prime Minister. Potential obstacles include Move Forward's alliance partners, a Senate dominated by conservatives, and accusations of wrongdoing against Pita. Additionally, Move Forward's approach towards the monarchy differs from its main coalition partner, Pheu Thai. Although the opposition is sticking together so far, critics cite the difference in policies and positions as making other parties uneasy about aligning with Pita, making it difficult for an agreement.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/leader-thailands-move-forward-party-faces-hurdles-path-power-2023-05-16/

[brief (六度編譯)]

Myanmar and Bangladesh begin cleaning up, counting casualties after devastating Cyclone Mocha

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 15:52

A cyclone has caused widespread destruction, at least 21 deaths and has left hundreds of others believed missing in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Cyclone Mocha made landfall with winds of up to 130 miles per hour on 5 May. Myanmar took the greatest impact from the storm, with 11,532 houses, as well as schools, hospitals and government buildings, damaged. Bagan, one of Myanmar’s major tourist attractions, was also damaged. The 21 reported dead, and many of the missing, came from ramshackle displacement camps in Myanmar, populated by members of the Muslim Rohingya minority, who lost their homes in a 2017 counterinsurgency campaign.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/2023/05/16/myanmar-and-bangladesh-begin-cleaning-up-counting-casualties-after-devastating-cyclone-mocha.html

[brief (六度編譯)]

China, Japan defence ministers hold first talks over new military hotline

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 15:15

China and Japan have stressed the importance of communication and mutual trust in a phone call held on Tuesday to discuss a new military hotline. The call came amid rising tensions between the two countries over territorial disputes in the East China Sea. The hotline was established in March as part of a defence liaison mechanism to help manage and control maritime and air crises. The countries hope it will help maintain peace and stability in the region.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3220790/chinese-defence-minister-li-shangfu-and-japanese-counterpart-yasukazu-hamada-hold-first-talks-over

[brief (六度編譯)]

2023 Thai Election Results: An Opposition Win but Unclear Path Ahead

CSIS

23-05-16 20:30

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Thailand's opposition Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties have won by a significant margin over their conservative and military-backed counterparts, according to initial results from the first national elections since 2019. The Move Forward Party won 151 seats, marking the largest share of seats and outperforming expectations, with 32 of the 33 seats in Bangkok. Meanwhile, Pheu Thai won 141 seats and the Bhumjaithai Party came third with 71 seats. The party led in most preelection polls, but rumors of a Pheu Thai alliance with Palang Pracharat may have cost them much of the pro-democracy youth vote.

If the two opposition parties can manage to form a coalition government, Pheu Thai will now serve as junior partner. The easiest path to 376 would be to invite Bhumjaithai into a coalition, but it seems neither side is ready for that yet. Move Forward has positioned itself as a reformist party, promising to draft a new constitution. However, Bhumajaithai and most of the Senate seem unwilling to amend Article 112 of Thailand’s criminal code, which prohibits criticism of Thailand’s monarchy. The United States will find it much easier to work with a democratically elected Thai government, rather than a military dictatorship, as the two sides would be able to repair some of the lingering distrust of the last decade under Prayuth’s rule.

https://www.csis.org/analysis/2023-thai-election-results-opposition-win-unclear-path-ahead

[brief (六度編譯)]

Businessman arrested after girlfriend hacked to death in luxury Bangkok apartment

Telegraph

23-05-16 18:00

A man staying with his Ukrainian girlfriend in Bangkok’s luxury condominium complex is accused of hacking her apart with a handsaw and using Google’s translation service to communicate with a taxi driver he asked to help dismember her body for the equivalent of about £35 ($44). The taxi driver called the hotel where the couple was staying after becoming alarmed by the suspect’s behaviour, and police found his partner dead on the bed. It is suggested that Polish entrepreneur Jan Jerzy Lagoda-Filippow was going to try to flee to Cambodia.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/05/16/thailand-arrest-woman-hacked-to-death-bangkok-hotel/

[brief (六度編譯)]

Thailand’s youth reject the generals

Washington Post

23-05-17 04:00

Millennial and Gen Z voters have been instrumental in putting Thailand's opposition parties in the lead in their general elections, helping the progressive Move Forward Party gain 152 seats, with the main opposition party, Pheu Thai, gaining 141 seats. Both secured far greater vote shares than the 36 seats projected to be won by the party of Prime Minister and former military leader, Prayuth Chan-ocha. An alliance between the opposing parties and a number of smaller parties could command up to 60% of Thailand’s lower house, but this may not be enough to oust the ruling party. The country's upper and lower houses have different responsibilities in appointing a prime minister, and under rules established by the military-backed government, the prime minister must have 376 members backing him, combining both the lower and unelected upper house. Analysts suggest it may prove complex for the new factions to fulfil their ambitions for political reform with the establishment opposing them, and call on the upper house to respect the wishes of the voters.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/17/thailand-youth-election-military-protest-move-forward/

[brief (六度編譯)]

Local star and World Cup run draw Thai fans to Japanese soccer

Nikkei Asia

23-05-17 01:31

Japan's J.League is gaining a bigger fanbase in Thailand with interest among Thai viewers reaching 61% last year, triple the level seen in 2013, according to a survey by the league. The J.League has reportedly pushed deeper into the Thai market, while a grassroots surge has also helped the league gain in popularity. A poll conducted by a US firm showed interest in the league more than doubling over the past few years to 49%. Although behind England’s Premier League and Spain's La Liga, which garnered 84% and 62% of Thai interest respectively, analysts noted these were still positive numbers. Thai fans of the J.League are expected to account for a growing audience over the next few years, helped by the recent success of Thai player Chanathip Songkrasin at the Japanese club Consadole Sapporo and official J.League merchandise and events in Bangkok.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Sports/Local-star-and-World-Cup-run-draw-Thai-fans-to-Japanese-soccer