Step into the idyllic setting of ‘Mother of the Bride’ filmed at the lavish Anantara resorts in Phuket, Thailand. Explore celebrity villas, indulge in treatments at the Anantara Spa, and relive romantic scenes in picturesque locations. Escape to Phuket’s captivating beaches, venture to secluded coves, and immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
Talks are underway between Thailand and the European Union (EU) for a free trade agreement that could reshape bilateral trade and boost economic cooperation. This potential agreement would cover areas such as business, services, and supply chains, with bilateral trade reportedly reaching nearly one billion euros on a weekly basis. The proposed agreement could also include comprehensive measures covering intellectual property, government procurement, and e-commerce.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showcased its new ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End’ initiative at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 in Dubai. The Thai pavilion featured 64 exhibitors from major tourism destinations across Thailand, including Phuket, Bangkok, Krabi, Pattaya, and Ko Samui. This year’s participation marked the first time TAT partnered with the Phuket Tourist Association to highlight Phuket as a key destination for Middle Eastern travelers. TAT aims to attract over 1.11 million visitors from the Middle East in 2024, contributing over 106 billion Baht in revenue.
Thailand’s newly appointed health minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, has announced plans to review the country’s cannabis policy, raising concerns about a potential reversal of the legalization measures implemented in 2022. The ministry is seeking public input to determine the extent of cannabis liberalization in the country. Somsak’s comments follow those of his predecessor, Cholnan Srikaew, who sought to ban recreational cannabis use. However, a bill to this effect has been delayed amid bureaucratic processes and industry opposition. The use of cannabis has become a highly politicized issue in Thailand, with the Prime Minister also vowing to restrict its usage to medicinal purposes only.
Thailand’s stunning landscapes have captivated the attention of Hollywood and international movie producers, making it a prime filming destination. The Thai government’s strategic incentives, including tax exemptions and cash rebates, have further enhanced its appeal. The recent filming of the American romantic comedy “Mother of the Bride” at Minor Hotels’ Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is a testament to Thailand’s growing prominence in the filmmaking industry. This influx of film productions is expected to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy.
Thailand’s captivating landscapes have captivated Hollywood and filmmakers, with recent productions such as ‘Mother of the Bride’ showcasing its picturesque beauty. Nestled under the esteemed management of Minor Hotels, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas offer a glimpse into these enchanting destinations. Thailand’s government has implemented attractive film incentives, including tax exemptions and cash rebates, which have made it a top choice for international film shoots. The success of productions like ‘Mother of the Bride’, which features a star-studded cast and is set to debut on Netflix before Mother’s Day, is expected to drive tourism and boost the local economy. As Thailand embraces the ‘set-jetting’ phenomenon, it aims to establish itself as a vibrant cinematic hub that benefits both production teams and the local community.
In response to rising demand from business and leisure travelers, India’s leading airline IndiGo has announced an increase in flight frequencies on the Delhi-Phuket route starting June 1, 2024. The expansion, facilitated by Thailand’s visa-free policy, will enhance travel, trade, and tourism, and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. With this expansion, IndiGo’s frequency on the route will increase from 7 to 14 flights per week, providing travelers with more options and convenience.
A 42-year-old man in Chiang Mai, Thailand, has been arrested for killing and eating his pet dog after it bit his 7-year-old nephew. The incident was captured on CCTV camera and led to the man’s arrest after a complaint from the Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT).
The man, identified as Songwut Chuathong, admitted to killing his dog, Mon, and initially refused to disclose what he had done with its body. However, upon further interrogation, he revealed that he had eaten the dog and shared some of its meat with a friend named Roj. Police found leftover dog meat in Songwut’s refrigerator during a search of his home.
Songwut claimed he killed the dog in anger after it bit his nephew, who he described as an exceptional child. He also believed that he would not be charged for killing his own dog. Songwut and his friend Roj have been charged with theft, abandoning an animal carcass in a public place, and animal cruelty under Thailand’s Criminal Law and the Act on Animal Cruelty Prevention and Animal Welfare.
Prapaporn Choeiwadkoh, a 45-year-old female politician from Thailand, has been caught in an affair with Phra Maha, a 24-year-old adopted son who is also a monk. The news has sparked outrage on social media, with users expressing shock and disbelief at the bizarre situation. The affair was uncovered by Choeiwadkoh’s 64-year-old husband, who became suspicious and devised a plan to catch them in the act. The monk has reportedly fled, while Choeiwadkoh has been suspended from her political party pending an investigation into the scandal.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold its 2024 Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF 2024) in Cha-Am, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand, from November 12-14, 2024. Organized in collaboration with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the city of Phetchaburi, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event will focus on promoting responsible and sustainable tourism growth in secondary and tertiary destinations. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the region’s natural landscapes and cultural treasures during a one-day destination experience, followed by a one-day forum with networking opportunities.
