Thailand
Thailand Travel Guide: Top places to visit, amazing things to do
From the glorious white elephants, marveled temples to nifty Tuk Tuks, Thailand is almost synonymous with nature’s own paradise on earth. Thailand abounds with natural beauty, scenic locations, and a robust tourism sector. Not to mention Thailand offers world-renowned street food as well. As the summer season picks up for the first year without major Covid 19 restrictions, tourism is flourishing again in Thailand right now. Are you ready to make and check off a bucket list in the land of Buddha? Here’s a perfect itinerary to enjoy the best of what Thailand has to offer.
Best places to visit and crazy things to do in Thailand
Bangkok
There’s no better place to start off the trip than the downtown capital itself. The main airport of the country, Suvarnabhumi is also situated here. Head over to the Khao San road to experience the Thai style of nightlife and partying. Moving on, there are multiple sightseeing options ranging from modern to historic.
Start at Wat Arun and Wat Pho, two of the largest and most sacred temples in the country. The Emerald Buddha is also something to marvel at right on the outskirt of the main business district. The Chatuchak market held on the weekends is the perfect place to get the Thai shopping fix.
Read E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents
And as for the food, head over to any of the over 300,000 stalls and restaurants across the city. Here’s a pro tip. Pack some modest clothes alongside the vacay ones. The sacred temples are very strict about what can be worn or not inside the premises.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai arguably holds the top spot for tourism in the entire peninsula. The laid-back city on the bank of the Thai sea offers a mix of nature, mountains, and old escape like no other. The centuries-old temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are definitely something to marvel at.
Thai envoy for promoting deeper people-to-people ties with Bangladesh
Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor has said Bangladesh and Thailand should promote deeper mutual understanding at the people-to-people level to cultivate closer contact in all dimensions.
“People-to-people exchange is the foundation of bilateral relations. After a 50-year-long journey our peoples still have some unclear picture about each other,” she told UNB in an interview.
Also read: Thai envoy visits Aarong, takes a liking to Nakshikantha
Ambassador Sumitmor said cultural interactivity could enable Thais and Bangladeshis to feel more acquainted with each other.
This kind of interaction takes time to develop but it will be a long-lasting foundation of our friendship, she said.
The Ambassador said Bangladesh and Thailand share ancient linkages. For example, she said, it is a surprising knowledge for her to learn that Thai and Bangla languages have many similarities through Sanskrit and Pali.
Some Bengali words have the same meaning in Thai, such as ‘sikkha’ which means ‘education’ and ‘banijya’ which means ‘commerce.’
In this respect, Ambassador Sumitmor said, it could be said that Thailand and Bangladesh are not just ‘friends’ but are ‘relatives’ with shared cultural root and diverse common interests.
Another cultural link is the traditional New Year celebration, said Ambassador Sumitmor. While 14 April marks the date for Bengali traditional New Year or ‘Pahela Boishakh’ Thai people also celebrate Songkran festival, their traditional new year in the same period.
A series of events will be organized throughout the year with focus on enhancing understanding between the peoples marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries that falls on October 5.
The commemorative logo for this occasion was launched on 1 March 2022 at the 2nd Bangladesh-Thailand bilateral consultations in Bangkok.
It features number 50 in Thai and Bengali with gold borderline, signifying the golden jubilee of relations.
Also read:50 Years of Diplomatic Ties: Thai Embassy to host photography, video contests
Number five in Thai and Bengali script has some similar line and curve so it is designed in a way that it could be looked either way.
“Our national flags are also part of the logo. It is jointly designed by the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh,” said the Thai Ambassador.
50 Years of Diplomatic Ties: Thai Embassy to host photography, video contests
The Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka is organizing a photography contest, titled "More Alike than We Might Think: Unpacking Linkages and Similarities between Thailand and Bangladesh", as part of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Thailand.
The contest activity aims to promote deeper understanding between Thai and Bangladeshi peoples through photographs illustrating the two nations' similarities in diverse aspects, said the Thai Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.
Also read: Thai ambassador lauds progress in Dhaka Metro Rail construction
The Embassy welcomed photograph entries from Thai or Bangladeshi nationals, both as an individual or as duo, regardless of age and residence.
Contestants can submit photographs from now until 31 August 2022 (17.00 hours Bangladesh time). For further queries, contestants can contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka via Facebook or email at [email protected]
The Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka will only consider photographs received within the deadline and will select 30 shortlisted photographs (15 pairs) for display on the Embassy's Facebook and website from 11 September 2022.
Thailand favours increased connectivity and trade with burgeoning Bangladesh, says its envoy
Thailand has said Bangladesh’s economy would be more resilient provided it diversifies its sources of income rather than relying heavily on readymade industry.
The Southeast Asian nation is also keen on promoting economic cooperation with Bangladesh through increased connectivity and bilateral trade, said the country’s ambassador in Dhaka.
“Bangladesh should also consider adding more value to its RMG products by building capacity on design, and research and development to enable local brands to compete in the global market,” Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor told UNB in an interview this week.
She noted that both countries have set the goal to increase the bilateral trade volume to US$ 2 billion.
During the past five decades Bangladesh has progressively built the nation with growing per capita income, said the ambassador.
Bangladesh, she said, will graduate from LDC status in a few years enjoying continued GDP growth even during the pandemic.
Also read:Thai Embassy organises Songkran Festival 2022
“The success of Bangladesh in the RMG sector is impressive and the country could rightfully be called “Wardrobe of the World.” This is a remarkable job that you have proven to the world,” she said.
Responding to a question, Ambassador Sumitmor said the relevant authority of Bangladesh is conducting a feasibility study on the free trade agreement with Thailand.
If the agreement could be signed, it would reduce tariff barriers and increase trade flows, she said, adding that Thailand has approved Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) scheme to LDCs, which means Bangladesh can export 7,187 agricultural and industrial products to Thailand without tariff and quota.
The Thai envoy said one way to boost bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Thailand is to establish a direct sea transport route.
“We signed a MoU between Chittagong Port and Ranong Port last December to establish direct coastal shipping service,” she said.
Previously, shipments have to transit through Singapore or Sri Lanka, which would take 12-15 days.
However, the two countries are trying to set up a direct coastal shipping route between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port to reduce time and cost in accordance with the MoU between the two ports.
The relevant authorities are discussing details to realize this shipping service that will shorten the transport time to three days.
The ambassador said Thailand has a project to connect Ranong Port on the Andaman coast to Chumphon Port in the Gulf of Thailand through a land bridge.
In the long term, she said, Bangladesh will have an alternative route to export its products to countries in the Pacific Ocean that is cost-effective in addition to the Malacca Strait.
Thailand’s Policy towards Bangladesh:
From the beginning, the envoy said, Thailand’s policy towards Bangladesh has always been to promote friendship and cooperation.
In the past five decades, she said, the two countries have fostered cooperation in many areas such as trade, investment and connectivity.
Bangladesh is a next door neighbour of ASEAN and can serve as the gateway between Southeast Asia and South Asia, said Ambassador Sumitmor.
At the same time, she said, Thailand will intensify cooperation with Bangladesh in regional and multilateral frameworks like BIMSTEC, IORA and ACD to create growth and development.
BIMSTEC will be particularly important because Thailand is the new Chair of BIMSTEC from April 2022 until the next summit.
Priorities amid Covid Recovery:
The ambassador described the relations with Bangladesh as warm and cordial with close interactions on many sectors but she thought there is still ample room to strengthen the ties further.
She said the Covid-19 has affected nearly every aspect in their life including the pace of cooperation.
Fortunately, the envoy said, normal life and business as usual are gradually resuming.
This started with the 2nd Thailand-Bangladesh Bilateral Consultations in Bangkok that was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh.
“At the same time, I intend to strengthen people-to-people contact since it is the foundation of our relations. That is why the celebration of the golden jubilee of our relations is focused on events to enable Thais and Bangladeshis to know each other better,” she said.
Green Partnership:
Ambassador Sumitmor said Bangladesh and Thailand share the same challenge on the effects from climate change.
Bangkok is only 2 metres above sea level, similar to many areas in Bangladesh. “I appreciate the endeavour of Bangladesh to address this problem such as by cancelling many coal-fired electricity plants in consideration of the effects on global warming,” she said.
“In the post-Covid world, I believe more countries will give priority to sustainability and resilience from disruptions like pandemic and climate change,” said the ambassador.
Thailand has adopted the Bio-Circular-Green Economy or BCG Model as the underlying concept for national development.
“We plan to be more innovation-driven and go greener to make the Thai economy more value-based and sustainable,” she said.
This corresponds to Bangladesh’s policy to reduce the impacts from climate change. “So I think both sides can forge a “green partnership” to exchange best practices and organize capacity building activities.”
Also read: Bhasan Char needs more resources to fulfill Rohingyas’ expectations: Ambassador Naoki
Rohingya Repatriation:
Ambassador Sumitmor said Thailand will give continued support for ASEAN to play a visible and enhanced role in providing humanitarian assistance, facilitating the repatriation of displaced persons and promoting sustainable development in Rakhine State.
“We would like to see a sustainable solution to the problem and we are ready to continue our partnership with all parties concerned,” she said.
Thailand has been providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya displaced persons since 2017.
“We contributed financial assistance through several UN agencies such as UNHCR, WFP and WHO to provide basic needs,” she said, adding that this year, they are collaborating with UNICEF to renovate a resource centre in one of the camps in Cox’s Bazar.
Tourism Potential:
The ambassador said Thailand is a favourite destination for Bangladeshi travellers. In 2019, about 140,000 Bangladeshis visited Thailand for tourism including 4,300 going for medical treatment.
“They generated about 6.7 billion baht to the Thai economy,” said the envoy, mentioning that the Tourism Authority of Thailand is working “actively to re-engage” with travellers in Bangladesh. “They even have a newsletter and Instagram in Bangla.”
She said Bangladeshi people have a very friendly attitude about Thailand and Thai people, which makes the work of the Embassy much easier. “They are the second largest market in South Asia.”
In sharp contrast, the envoy said, only 4,800 Thais visited Bangladesh in 2019, mostly for work purposes.
“I think we should try to encourage more Thai tourists to think of Bangladesh as another holiday destination not far from home,” she said.
There is potential and interest, which will eventually help strengthen people-to-people contact, said Ambassador Sumitmor.
“We could begin with the promotion of Buddhist historical sites in Bangladesh as part of the Buddhist circuit that is connected with India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka to attract more pilgrims and travellers,” she said.
She suggested Bangladesh develops facilities for tourists such as rest areas along the highways and accommodations with reasonable prices to attract more tourists.
Bangladesh seeks Thailand’s support to get connected with Trilateral Highway project
Bangladesh has requested Thailand to include Bangladesh in the Trilateral Highway project being implemented among India, Myanmar and Thailand.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen had a bilateral meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai here on the sidelines of 18th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Tuesday and sought the Thai government's support for Bangladesh's inclusion in the project, noting that "connectivity is productivity."
The two Foreign Ministers enthusiastically agreed to hold a befitting program in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Thailand.
Foreign Minister Momen underscored the necessity to immediately hold the next meeting of Bangladesh-Thailand Joint Commission to discuss and review the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
READ: JS body for using Thailand’s experiences in Rohingya repatriation
Given Bangladesh's growing capacity in the agriculture sector, Foreign Minister of Thailand requested for export of fertilizers to Thailand, if surplus is available.
He also stressed on the importance of concluding bilateral FTA for benefits of the two countries.
The two foreign Ministers greeted each other.
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh congratulated his Thai counterpart on the assumption of chairmanship of BIMSTEC.
They also agreed to work together under the framework of BIMSTEC.
Foreign Minister Momen thanked the Thai FM for their decision to allow entry of tourists in Thailand from April 1 which would promote people to people contacts between the two countries.
Both the Foreign Ministers agreed to closely work for enhancement of trade and investment.
The two sides also committed to cooperate with each other in various regional and multilateral fora.
Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams, Rector of Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy Asad Alam Siam and High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Tareq Md Ariful Islam were also present.
Bangladesh Archery team to fly for Thailand on Sunday
Bangladesh Archery team will leave here for Thailand on Sunday afternoon to participate in the 2022 Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament, Stage-1, to be held in the Thai tourist city of Phuket from March 14-21.
Sixteen of the 17-member Bangladesh squad will leave here for Bangkok on Sunday at 1:40 pm by a flight of Thai International and will fly for Phuket on Monday at 10:55 am after staying a night in Bangkok .
However, another member, the German Head Coach Martin Frederick, will fly for Phuket by Qatar Airways Monday morning.
Also read: Youth National Ranking (Archery) begins in Tongi on Thursday
Members of Bangladesh team:
Recurve men's- Ruman Shana, Hakim Ahmed Rubel, Ram Krishna Saha and Sagar Islam;
Recurve women's-Diya Siddique, Nasrin Akter and Famida Sultana Nisha.
Compound men's-Newas Ahmed Rakib, Mithu Rahman, Sohel Rana and Himu Bashar
Compound women's-Roxana Akter and Shymoli Rai
Also read: Diya, Rubel win first-ever silver medal for Bangladesh in Asian Archery
Officials: Team Manager- M Anisur Rahman, Head Coach- Martin Frederick , Trainers-Ziaul Haque and Mohammad Hasan
Thirty five archers will compete in recurve men's, 24 in recurve women's, 33 in compound men's and 23 in compound women's events of the meet from 12 Asian countries.
Saudi restores full ties with Thailand after diamond dispute
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday ordered the restoration of full diplomatic ties with Thailand and said the countries agreed to trade ambassadors, closing the chapter on three decades of mistrust and hostility between the nations that stemmed from a sensational jewelry heist.
The rapprochement came during Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s official visit to the kingdom, which marked the highest-level meeting between the countries since relations soured over the 1989 political scandal. Saudi Arabia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Thailand over the theft that led to a string of mysterious killings and became known as the Blue Diamond affair.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s de facto leader, agreed to bury the hatchet with Prayuth and boost the nations’ economic, security and political ties, said a statement published on the official Saudi Press Agency, SPA, late Tuesday after talks at the royal palace.
Read: Bangladesh & Russia: Putin greets PM, President on 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties
The countries will explore joint investment in fields ranging from energy and petrochemicals to tourism and hospitality, the statement added. Tourism is a key element of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s economic reform plan meant to wean the kingdom off oil.
Saudi Arabian Airlines, meanwhile, said it would start direct flights from Riyadh to Bangkok in May, promoting Thailand in a Twitter post as “the land of culture.”
Prince Mohammed has ventured into diplomatic territory where previously the government refused to go. In 1989, priceless 50-carat blue diamond was among an estimated $20 million worth of gems and jewelry pilfered by a Thai janitor from a Saudi prince’s palace in the heist that wrecked relations between the countries.
The kingdom stopped issuing and renewing visas for hundreds of thousands of Thai workers, suspended permits for thousands of Thai Muslims hoping to make the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and warned its citizens not to travel to Thailand.
Three Saudi diplomats seeking the valuables’ return were shot dead in Bangkok. A Bangkok-based Saudi businessman believed to have been hunting for the missing jewels also disappeared, and was presumed killed. No one was convicted for the killings.
The Thai government on Tuesday expressed “regret over the tragic incidents that occurred to Saudi citizens in Thailand between 1989 and 1990” and stressed “its keenness to resolve issues related to these events,” the joint statement said.
The Thai police claimed to have solved the case, but many of the jewels they sent back to Riyadh were fake. Thai media crackled with reports that the wives of top officials had been spotted wearing diamond necklaces that bore an uncanny resemblance to the stolen jewels. The fabled blue diamond was never recovered.
Thailand promised that it would raise cases with competent authorities if any “new and relevant evidence” related to the killings emerged, SPA added.
Read: UAE bans flying of recreational drones after fatal attack
The saga exposed the graft and abuse of power that runs rampant in Thailand’s police forces as speculation mounted that senior officers and members of the elite had kept the stones and ordered a cover-up.
Thailand, deprived by the dispute of billions of dollars in badly needed tourism revenues and workers’ remittances, long has wanted to patch up relations with oil-rich Saudi Arabia.
The young, ambitious Prince Mohammed has increasingly focused on winning allies abroad and mending rifts with regional rivals, including Iran, Qatar, Turkey and Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia, in a push to modernize and diversify its oil-dependent economy, is trying to draw foreign tourists and investors and overhaul its reputation as one of the world’s most closed countries with a bleak human rights record.
UNHCR seeks steps to improve wellbeing of Myanmar refugees in Thailand
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Thursday expressed its continued encouragement and support for the adoption of measures to improve the wellbeing and safety of Myanmar refugees who have been arriving in Thailand since mid-December.
According to official sources, over 9,500 civilians had been forced to flee their homes in Kayin and Kayah states in southeast Myanmar, seeking shelter and protection in Tak and Mae Hong Son Provinces in Thailand.
While the majority has returned to Myanmar, UNHCR understands from the Thai authorities that approximately 1,000 refugees remain in Mae Sot, the vast majority of whom are staying in a site in Mae Kone Kane.
Read: Ensure quick services to expats, FM Momen asks DCs
While recognizing the assistance provided thus far by the government with the support of local communities, this may not be sustainable nor sufficient for individuals with vulnerabilities and specific healthcare needs, said the UN agency.
“The situation remains extremely uncertain and volatile in Myanmar,” UNHCR said.
Given the pressing humanitarian needs of the refugees and the continued fighting on the Myanmar side of the border, UNHCR called on the Thai Government to transfer the group of refugees being sheltered in the ‘temporary safety area’ in Mae Sot, Tak Province, to another location where they can access safer and more dignified temporary accommodation, and receive improved humanitarian assistance.
UNHCR reiterated its readiness to assist the Thai authorities in responding to the humanitarian needs of the new arrivals.
Read: UN Peacekeeping: 12 global HR bodies seek ban on RAB
To that effect, UNHCR and humanitarian partners continue to request access to the refugee population.
UNHCR also reiterated its call that, in accordance with international law, all those seeking international protection and fleeing conflict, generalized violence or persecution be allowed to cross borders in search of safety, and that they are not forcibly sent back to a place where their lives and freedom could be in danger.
Maritime Connectivity: Ranong port, Chittagong Port authorities sign MoU
Port Authority of Thailand (Ranong Port) and Chittagong Port Authority of Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate trade by enhancing maritime connectivity between the two countries.
Md. Zafar Alam, Member (Admin and Planning), of the Chittagong Port authority and Lt. JG. Dr. Chamnan Chairith, from the Port authority of Thailand, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides on virtual platform on Monday, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
The MoU is part of the greater vision of Bangladesh to enhance connectivity with its neighbours including those in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region.
Read:Bangladesh, Korea sign deal to provide $100 mn of EDCF loan
The MoU would encourage the business communities from both sides to further explore trade and investment opportunities, MoFA said.
Additionally, both the port authorities would be benefited through the exchange of information and cooperation in port management, operations, information technology, communication, port connectivity, coastal shipping, port-related industry and investment promotion.
Dhaka calls for direct sea port connectivity between Chittagong and Ranong
Thai Embassy in Dhaka will organize a road show to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relation between Bangladesh and Thailand next year, said Thai ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor at a bilateral business meeting with DCCI on Tuesday.
Rizwan Rahman, president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) led the meeting with the Thai ambassador at Chamber building here.
Read: Vaccinated Bangladeshis can visit Thailand without quarantine from Nov 1
The ambassador said that Thai government is planning to open the country step by step and by next two months it will be possible to open fully easing Covid-19 restrictions.
Makawadee Sumitmor said that still there is a trade gap between these two friendly countries.
She also said that expansion of India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral route will boost trade in this region.
Rizwan Rahman underlined direct port connectivity between Chittagong and Ranong sea ports for boosting existing trade.
During the meeting, Rizwan said that the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Thailand reached $ 837.06 million in 2019-20. Bangladesh’s total export to Thailand was only $35.46 million whereas import from Thailand was $801.3 million in 2020.
Read: ADB appoints new country head for Bangladesh
Export from Bangladesh saw an upward trend in 2021 as it reached $39 million from $35.46 million of 2020.
In terms of FDI stock in Bangladesh, Thailand is the 15th largest investor in this country but there are huge untapped opportunities for Thai investors especially in the areas of infrastructure, automotive and light engineering, agro and food processing and tourism and health services, DCCI president mentioned.
He also requested the ambassador to relocate Thai labour intensive industries to Bangladesh.
He further said that bilateral FTA or PTA would facilitate increasing trade and investment.