{"posts":[{"id":22150,"title":"Vietnam Opens Honorary Consulate in Phuket","slug":"vietnam-opens-honorary-consulate-in-phuket","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>The Honorary Consulate of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has officially opened in Phuket, expanding Vietnam's diplomatic presence in Southern Thailand and supporting closer cooperation between the two countries. The opening ceremony was presided over by Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung and Thanes Tantipiriyakij, honorary consul of Vietnam in Phuket, with Phuket Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawae representing the provincial governor.<\/p>\r\n<p>The honorary consulate will serve eight southern provinces\u2014Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Ranong, Songkhla, and Surat Thani\u2014and provide consular services while promoting cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges.<\/p>\r\n<p>The opening comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam. Ambassador Pham said Phuket and Southern Thailand serve as key gateways for tourism, trade, and transportation within ASEAN. He also welcomed the launch of Vietnam Airlines' direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket on July 2, saying the new route is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment between the two countries.<\/p>\r\n<p>Officials said the honorary consulate will help expand cooperation in economic affairs, trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges, while providing efficient consular services to Vietnamese nationals within the consular district.<\/p>\r\n<p>Source: NBT World<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1783676800707\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1783676826.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":84,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22150,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-07-10T09:47:06.473000Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T09:47:06.473000Z"},{"id":22149,"title":"PRD Highlights Thailand's Cultural Capital Through Khon and Ayutthaya Tour to International Media","slug":"prd-highlights-thailands-cultural-capital-through-khon-and-ayutthaya-tour-to-international-media","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>Thailand's Government Public Relations Department (PRD) led a group of international journalists on a 2-day visit to cultural learning sites in Ayutthaya province. On 10 July 2026, the second day of the tour, participants learned how Thailand's cultural capital is driving creative tourism and community-based economic development.<\/p>\r\n<p>The visit began at the All About Khon Learning Center, established to document the role of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, in preserving and reviving Khon, Thailand's classical masked dance drama. Under her royal initiative, Khon has developed into a royally sponsored performance recognized internationally. Journalists also observed craft demonstrations, including gold-thread embroidery and mask-making \u2014 both essential elements of the art form.<\/p>\r\n<p>The group then traveled to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a significant historical site within Ayutthaya Historical Park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic City of Ayutthaya. The temple reflects the artistic achievements of the Ayutthaya era and remains a popular cultural tourism destination today. Visitors frequently dress in traditional Thai attire to tour the site and take photographs, a trend that has helped boost tourism and generate income for local businesses, including traditional costume rental shops and related services.<\/p>\r\n<p>The visit illustrates how Thailand's cultural capital can build on historical heritage to create contemporary experiences, driving sustainable growth in local economies and creative tourism.<\/p>\r\n<p>Source: PR Thai Government<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1783675879214\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1783675906.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":65,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22149,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-07-10T09:31:46.200000Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T09:31:46.200000Z"},{"id":22148,"title":"Thailand and Malaysia Jointly Launch New Sadao Border Checkpoint","slug":"thailand-and-malaysia-jointly-launch-new-sadao-border-checkpoint","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have jointly officiated the opening of the new road linking the Sadao Border Checkpoint in Songkhla province with the Bukit Kayu Hitam Border Checkpoint in Malaysia. During the ceremony today (July 10), the two leaders met at the midpoint between the border gates, embraced, and shook hands before Anwar welcomed Anutin into Malaysia for a luncheon.<\/p>\r\n<p>The new Sadao Border Checkpoint, located in the Sadao Special Economic Development Zone, is Thailand's busiest land crossing by trade value, handling more than 471.5 billion baht in annual imports and exports and serving more than 6 million cross-border travelers each year. Thailand invested about 1.53 billion baht in the new facility to ease congestion and accommodate growing trade and travel.<\/p>\r\n<p>The complex includes an administrative building, cargo inspection facilities, a passenger terminal, and staff housing. It also features 11 vehicle inspection lanes in each direction, 14 immigration counters on each side, cargo facilities capable of processing 8 inbound and 8 outbound freight trucks simultaneously, Fast Scan X-ray systems, and high-capacity truck-weighing equipment.<\/p>\r\n<p>The project includes an 850-meter road connecting the checkpoint to Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam crossing and to Highway No. 4, part of the Asian Highway AH2. Officials expect the new route to speed up cargo movement, lower transportation costs, increase cross-border trade, and support tourism and economic activity in Songkhla and Thailand's lower South.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Source: NBT World<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/p\/1BELHGHbca\/?mibextid=wwXIfr\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/p\/1BELHGHbca\/?mibextid=wwXIfr<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1783661855099\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1783661880.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":154,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22148,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-07-10T05:38:00.127000Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T05:38:00.127000Z"},{"id":22147,"title":"Kalasin Province Discovers 15th Dinosaur Species","slug":"kalasin-province-discovers-15th-dinosaur-species","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>Thailand has officially identified its 15th dinosaur species, Uragasaurus kalasinensis, a newly discovered long-necked sauropod unearthed at the Phu Noi fossil site in Kalasin province. Researchers from Mahasarakham University said the dinosaur lived about 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic Period. The discovery, published in the journal Scientific Reports, is also the first officially named member of the Mamenchisauridae family found in Thailand and Southeast Asia.<\/p>\r\n<p>The new species was identified from fossil remains recovered from the Phu Kradueng Formation, including a dorsal vertebra and other skeletal elements. Researchers used CT scanning to examine the fossil's internal structure, revealing distinctive anatomical features, including a honeycomb-like network of air chambers within the vertebrae, confirming it as a previously unknown species.<\/p>\r\n<p>The name Uragasaurus combines the Sanskrit word \u201curaga,\u201d meaning \u201csnake,\u201d with the Greek word \u201csaurus,\u201d meaning \u201clizard,\u201d referring to the dinosaur's exceptionally long neck. The species name, kalasinensis, honors Kalasin province, where the fossil was discovered. Members of the Mamenchisauridae family are known for necks that can account for nearly half their body length.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Phu Noi fossil site is one of Thailand's and Southeast Asia's richest vertebrate fossil localities, with more than 6,000 fossils recovered to date. Previous discoveries include Thailand's 13th named dinosaur species, Minimocursor phunoiensis, along with fossils of carnivorous dinosaurs, turtles, crocodiles, freshwater sharks, lungfish, bony fish, amphibians, and pterosaurs, offering valuable insight into the region's prehistoric ecosystems.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Source: NBT World<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/1Sso8HUeH4\/?mibextid=wwXIfr\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/1Sso8HUeH4\/?mibextid=wwXIfr<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Info and Image: <a href=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/sirindhorn.museum\">https:\/\/facebook.com\/sirindhorn.museum<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1783650703765\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1783650728.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":110,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22147,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-07-10T02:32:08.903000Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T02:32:08.903000Z"},{"id":22146,"title":"PRD Showcases Royal Arts and Crafts Projects to International Media","slug":"prd-showcases-royal-arts-and-crafts-projects-to-international-media","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>Thailand's Government Public Relations Department (PRD) hosted a 2-day study visit for international media on 9 \u2013 10 July 2026, showcasing how the country's Royal Arts and Crafts Projects are transforming traditional craftsmanship into economic opportunity and global recognition.<\/p>\r\n<p>Held under the theme \"Royal Inspirations: Elevating Thai Identity on the Global Stage,\" the program brought media from Russia, Japan, Vietnam, China, and Germany to Ayutthaya province to see firsthand how royal-initiated projects support local livelihoods, generate income, and preserve Thai cultural heritage.<\/p>\r\n<p>The first day began with visits to the Ko Koet Arts and Crafts Centre and the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT), where journalists observed demonstrations of weaving, embroidery, basketry, and ceramics. The visits illustrated how traditional Thai craftsmanship \u2014 passed down through generations \u2014 is being adapted into contemporary products for domestic and international markets.<\/p>\r\n<p>In the afternoon, PRD hosted a panel discussion at The Cavalli Casa Resort on \"Thai Cultural Capital: Unlocking Global Opportunities,\" bringing together representatives from both government agencies and the private sector.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Kittiporn Jaiboon, an expert in cultural heritage and acting Director of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Division, outlined Thailand's approach to preserving intangible cultural heritage while promoting it on the international stage.<\/p>\r\n<p>Asa Piwkhum, Director of the Creative Industries and Services Bureau at the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) (CEA), shared insights into leveraging Thailand's cultural capital and local wisdom to drive the creative economy.<\/p>\r\n<p>Assistant Professor Dr. Anucha Thirakanont, Director of the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT), highlighted the organization's mission to enhance the capabilities of Thai artisans, strengthen collaborative networks, and promote Thai handicrafts in international markets and on the global stage.<\/p>\r\n<p>Thai fashion designers Bhubawit Kritpholnara, founder of ISSUE Thailand, and Janesuda Parnto Sirisant, founder of JANESUDA, shared how they have incorporated Thai textiles and traditional craftsmanship into contemporary fashion, helping expand market reach and international visibility for Thai design.<\/p>\r\n<p>At the venue, it also featured an exhibition of contemporary Thai handicrafts, along with cultural performances including the \"Pre-eminent Protector of Arts and Crafts Dance\" and a textile showcase under the concept \"Kanok Ayutthaya Phusa Silp,\" presented by students from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University.<\/p>\r\n<p>The event on the first day concluded with remarks by PRD Director-General Sudruetai Lertkasem.<\/p>\r\n<p>The initiative underscores the role of Thailand's Royal Arts and Crafts Projects in linking cultural heritage with economic development, supporting sustainable growth in local communities while raising the profile of Thai craftsmanship abroad.<\/p>\r\n<p>Source: PR Thai Government&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/p\/17VB5o1RAL\/?mibextid=wwXIfr\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/p\/17VB5o1RAL\/?mibextid=wwXIfr<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1783608721427\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1783608747.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":103,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22146,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-07-09T14:52:27.487000Z","updated_at":"2026-07-09T14:52:27.487000Z"}]}