Police officers discover various weapons, including BB guns, knives, and short swords, on May 22 in the hotel room of a French man on Koh Phangan, following complaints that he often waved them around while intoxicated.
KOH PHANGAN — Tourist police on Koh Phangan Island responded to a report through the 1155 hotline about a foreign national working without a permit who was intoxicated and showing weapons including guns and knives to tourists at a hotel.
Officers investigated the reported location in Moo 4, Ban Tai Sub-district, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. At the time, Mr. Pascal, 56, was operating a motorcycle rental service.
When questioned by officers, he gave evasive answers, paced back and forth, and appeared restless in a manner resembling someone under the influence of narcotics. Police requested to search the reception area and discovered 3 BB guns, knives, sickles, knuckle dusters, short swords, and numerous throwing knives on shelves inside the room. They also found Category 1 narcotics (MDMA), Category 5 drugs (magic mushrooms) in plastic bags, and one electric cannabis vaporizer.
Koh Phangan Tourist Police photograph the French man alongside the assortment of weapons seized as evidence for legal proceedings on May 22, 2025.
The French man claimed he had received the drugs from friends at a Full Moon Party long ago and had kept them in a drawer. He said he was staying in the reception area to provide motorcycle rental services and assist hotel customers on behalf of his wife, who owns the hotel but resides in Chiang Mai Province. He claimed the BB guns were part of his personal collection due to his hobby interests.
Police confiscated the BB guns and knives and transferred the case to Koh Phangan investigators. He faces charges including: illegal possession of Category 1 and Category 5 narcotics, working as a foreigner without a work permit, and concealing, selling, disposing of, buying, pawning, or possessing goods knowing they have not passed customs procedures and without authorization from customs officials.
Authorities are also asking any tourists who may have been threatened by Pascal to come forward and report to officials.
Tourists photograph themselves at the iconic "Once in a lifetime - We conquered Phu Kradueng" sign at Pha Nok Aen viewpoint, 1,250 meters above sea level.
BANGKOK — Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced this week the progress of the Phu Kradueng cable car project in Loei Province, northeastern Thailand, which is overseen by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA).
The organization is preparing to begin construction of a cable car to the summit of Phu Kradueng. The estimated budget is 1 billion baht ($30.6 million). The project will include 32 cabins with a capacity of eight passengers each. Interior work is scheduled to begin in May 2025. Construction is expected to take 30 months (2 years 6 months) from the start of planning. Service is expected to begin in November 2027, in time for the winter season.
DASTA has carefully planned every step of the project in compliance with the relevant laws and review mechanisms. In the past 3–4 years, Phu Kradueng has received about 65,000 visitors annually, most of whom are young and physically fit due to the challenging trail.
The new cable car with its 32 cabins is expected to accommodate visitors of all ages and double the number of tourists. This is expected to boost tourist traffic, reduce the number of overnight stays, reduce the amount of waste and minimize the environmental impact. The system will also facilitate the transportation of injured or sick people and animals.
Cable Cars to Open in Winter 2027
“The cable car is scheduled to open in winter 2027 so that the Thai people will have the opportunity to use the service,” Sorawong said on May 22.
He explained that the budget is being finalized while the design and terms of reference (TOR) are being prepared for procurement. The exact cost has yet to be confirmed, but the preliminary estimate is around 1 billion baht. Thanks to today’s technology, building a cable car is no longer difficult.
Phu Kradueng National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand among local tourists, known for its challenging long hike.
According to Sorawong, local residents have already given their approval for the construction. From now on, the government will listen carefully to the voices of the community throughout the process. Porters will still play a role, but instead of carrying loads on steep paths, they will help transport objects on flat terrain.
“During our site visits, we met porters who were bedridden or suffering from bone deformities, and many of their children do not want to inherit this job. As for ticket pricing, it is currently under review with reference to various existing models, but we guarantee it will be affordable for everyone,” he added.
EIA Underway After Budget Approval
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, director of DASTA, said the agency has received a budget of 25.4 million baht from the cabinet to conduct a rigorous environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Phu Kradueng National Park is popular for its long trails, the cold winter months, number of waterfalls and viewpoints.
The assessment will fully comply with legal procedures and include studies on the impact on the environment, the physical and social environment and public health, as well as community participation.
Public hearings will be held to ensure transparency and stakeholder participation. The cable car route and stations have been designed according to the principle of “minimal intervention” in order to minimize the impact on the environment.
Once the cable car is in operation, the number of overnight stays on the mountain peak is expected to decrease, which will contribute to the long-term recovery of the ecosystem.
Tourist Police detain a 51-year-old Australian national at his residence in Soi Na Jomtien 8, Na Jomtien Sub-district, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province on May 22, 2025.
PATTAYA — Police have apprehended a foreign man captured on CCTV footage breaking into a volunteer rescue station’s equipment box in Pattaya. He claimed he was drunk when he broke it open. During prosecution for property damage, authorities discovered he had been overstaying his visa for nearly a year.
The man, identified as 51-year-old Australian national Webber, was located by tourist police at his residence in Soi Na Jomtien 8, Na Jomtien Sub-district, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The suspect admitted to being the person shown in the CCTV footage.
The incident occurred on May 19, 2025, at approximately 9:00 PM when volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya rescue foundation filed a complaint with Pattaya City Police investigators. They reported that a large foreign man had broken into and damaged their rescue station equipment box before fleeing the scene.
The volunteers stated they would have to compensate for damages themselves if police failed to locate the perpetrator. Damaged items included an electrical converter (defibrillator) and a broken glass sliding entrance door.
Webber testified that on the day of the incident, he was heavily intoxicated while riding his motorcycle, which broke down near the rescue station. He attempted to seek help and heard what sounded like voices inside the station, prompting him to call out. When no one opened the door, his intoxicated state led him to push the door open, only to discover the sounds were from a radio communication device, not actual people.
Tourist Police question a 51-year-old Australian national about breaking into a volunteer rescue station’s equipment box on May 22, 2025.
After failing to communicate with rescue volunteers, he abandoned his motorcycle and phone and walked back to his accommodation.
During documentation processing, police discovered that Webber had been residing in the Kingdom with an expired permit for 343 days, nearly one year. He now faces additional overstay charges, while property damage charges related to the rescue station will be processed separately.
Police raid and arrest Laotian man selling sexual services at Secret Club in Pimanachon Village 2, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang Khon Kaen District on May 21, 2025.
KHON KAEN — Police continue their relentless crackdown on foreign workers from neighboring countries and elsewhere, discovering that beyond typical manual labor jobs, some are illegally operating businesses, including male sex work services.
Laotian Man Caught in Sex Work Sting Operation
In the first case, a 22-year-old Laotian man was arrested while providing sexual services during a police undercover operation at Secret Club in Pimanachon House Estate 2, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang Khon Kaen District on May 21. Undercover officers contacted the Laotian man through the Line application and used ten 100-baht notes and two 500-baht notes as evidence in the operation. Condoms and lubricant were also found as evidence.
Anousit, the Laotian national, testified that he entered Thailand through the Nakhon Phanom immigration checkpoint on April 24, 2025, with permission to stay in the kingdom until June 22, 2025. He had been working at Secret Club for approximately one month without any work permit documentation.
Police raid and arrest Laotian man selling sexual services at Secret Club in Pimanachon Village 2, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang Khon Kaen District on May 21, 2025.
He stated he received 1,600 baht per session, with 600 baht deducted for accommodation and various service fees paid to the shop owner. Police discovered 4 additional Laotian men aged 22-25 and 1 Myanmar man aged 23 also working at the establishment, with Thai national Wachara, aged 36, serving as the supervisor.
Investigation revealed that the spa advertised photos of good-looking young men from neighboring countries. Rather than operating as a legitimate massage parlor, it functioned as an illegal sideline business employing 5 foreign nationals. Officers filed preliminary charges against the workers for being foreign nationals working without work permits and engaging in prostitution.
Additional charges were filed: one Myanmar national was charged with overstaying, and one Laotian was charged with illegal border crossing. Mr. Wachara was prosecuted for assisting and harboring foreign nationals.
he Secret Club in Pimanachon House Estate 2, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang Khon Kaen District is promoted as a spa with sex services
Three Myanmar Nationals Operating Unlicensed Phone Shop
In another case, Phuket City Police received complaints from locals about foreign nationals operating a mobile phone shop in Downtown Market without work permits. Following investigation on May 21, they found three Myanmar nationals – one 22-year-old man and two women aged 23 and 32 – at “Phone Nan Tho Mobile” shop on Ranong Road, Talad Nuea Sub-district, Mueang District, Phuket Province.
Document verification revealed all three were working outside the job categories they had registered for with the Department of Labor. They were charged with being foreign nationals working without work permits or working beyond their authorized job scope.
Police raid the Phone Nan Tho Mobile shop on Ranong Road, Talad Nuea Sub-district, Mueang District, Phuket Province on May 21, 2025.
FILE - Former Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrives at the Supreme Court for last day of the hearing in Bangkok, Thailand, July 21, 2017. (MATICHON Photo)
BANGKOK — A Thai court’s decision to impose a massive $305 million fine on exiled former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is being viewed as evidence that her brother Thaksin continues to face fierce political opposition.
Yingluck declared she had “no intention to cause damages” and was being held responsible “for a debt I did not cause” after a Thai court on Thursday ordered her to pay more than 10.028 billion baht ($305 million) to compensate for losses from a money-losing rice farming subsidy program her administration implemented more than a decade ago.
In a Facebook post following the ruling, Yingluck expressed her dismay at being held liable for what she characterized as damages beyond her control. She stated that the huge sum “cannot be repaid in a lifetime, no matter how much I work.”
Yingluck affirmed that her work in the rice pledging scheme was dedicated to supporting rice prices to be high and stable, aiming to improve the lives of farmers, even while enduring political and various other forms of pressure. She added that the outcome was a “most painful conclusion for me.”
Former PM Yingluck Shinawatra cries on June 21, 2017, as she prays at the Golden Mount Temple on her 50th birthday. Photo: Charan Ampornklinkeaw
“If a Prime Minister elected by the people cannot even access true justice, then there is no guarantee for the people who are the owners of sovereignty either,” she wrote.
Her lawyer Norrawit Larlaeng announced plans to request a retrial, arguing that the government had already sold leftover rice from the subsidy program for around 140 billion baht ($4.26 billion), which covers all damages estimated by the Finance Ministry.
The Supreme Administrative Court partially reversed a 2021 court ruling that had cleared her. It found her guilty of severe negligence in relation to rice sales to other countries and said she failed to act on many government agencies’ warnings of possible corruption.
She was ordered to pay half of the damages estimated at more than 20 billion baht ($608 million). The court annulled a 2016 order by the Finance Ministry for her to pay 35.7 billion baht ($1.1 billion) in compensation, saying Yingluck was not proven directly responsible for the alleged corruption.
Yingluck Shinawatra canvassing for votes from farmers in a suburb of Bangkok on 5 June 2011. A 300 baht minimum wage was one of the chief promises of her election campaign.
The rice subsidy program was a flagship policy that helped Yingluck’s Pheu Thai Party win the 2011 general election. Under the program, the government paid farmers about 50% more than they would have received on the global market, with the intention of driving up prices by warehousing the grain.
But other rice-producing countries captured the international rice market by selling at competitive prices. Thailand as a result lost its position as the world’s leading rice exporter and large amounts of rice sat unsold in government warehouses.
Yingluck, the first female prime minister of Thailand, came to power in 2011, five years after her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was toppled in a coup and fled abroad. Yingluck also was forced out by a military coup in 2014, and fled the country in 2017, ahead of a court verdict. She’s been living in exile since then.
Last year, Yingluck was cleared by a court on unrelated charges of mishandling funds for a government project in 2013. In December 2023, the court also cleared her of abuse of power in connection with a personnel transfer she had overseen.
Yingluck Shinawatra, the exiled former Prime Minister, embraces her brother Thaksin before Thaksin’s return to Thailand for the first time in 17 years in August 2023.
Political analysts view the court’s decision to impose this massive fine on Yingluck as significant amid continuing political divisions. They suggest that Thaksin continues to face fierce opposition from longtime adversaries, even though he was able to return to Thailand in August 2023 before being granted clemency in a corruption trial because of his age and health.
His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra has since become the current Prime Minister with support from previously opposing political groups that had backed earlier coups.
However, to this day, Thaksin remains under criticism and faces complaints calling for investigations by individuals and groups who oppose him, including opposition parties, particularly regarding his medical treatment on the 14th floor of the Police Hospital rather than serving time in prison.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions has scheduled a hearing for him on June 13.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at a media briefing in the government capital of Putrajaya, Malaysia, ahead of a series of summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next week, Wednesday, May 21, 2025.(AP Photo/Eileen Ng)
The meeting in Malaysia, the current chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, on Monday will be followed by a summit on Tuesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The GCC already has strong links with the U.S. and “wants to be close to China too,” Anwar said. “We want to have that synergy to enhance trade investments, more effective collaboration,” Anwar said in a media briefing late Wednesday.
ASEAN countries, many which rely on exports to the U.S., have been hit by U.S. tariffs ranging from 10% to 49%. U.S. President Donald Trump last month announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs, prompting countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam to swiftly begin trade negotiations with Washington.
President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Anwar said the U.S. has promised to review Malaysia’s case “sympathetically.” He said ASEAN is also working together to see how it can negotiate with the U.S. as a bloc. At the same time, he said that ASEAN must build its economic resilience by deepening links with other partners such as China, India and the European Union.
Anwar said the U.S.-China rivalry would not split the bloc as the region continues to engage both superpowers. He also downplayed territorial disputes between ASEAN members and China in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety, and Myanmar’s conflict since the 2021 military takeover.
Anwar met last month with Myanmar military chief Gen. Ming Aung Hlaing in Bangkok and held virtual talks with the opposition National Unity Government. Even though the talks were focused on humanitarian aid following a devastating earthquake in March that killed more than 3,700 people, Anwar said he hopes they could eventually push a peace process forward.
Min Aung Hlaing has been barred from attending ASEAN meetings after the military refused to comply with ASEAN’s peace plan, which includes delivery of humanitarian aid and negotiations. Opponents and critics of the military government say aid is not freely allowed into areas not under the army’s control, and accuse the army of violating its self-declared ceasefire with dozens of airstrikes.
In this photo released by Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, Myanmar’s military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, attends the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (6 th BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, April 4, 2025. (Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry via AP)
Alt Tag: The view from a beachfront hotel on Karon Beach
Many people enjoy the comfort of holidays in a beautiful spot they’ve visited before. They’re familiar with the location and know what the surroundings offer in the way of attractions, activities, and unique experiences. People who enjoy repeat holidays to Phuket often choose it for the beaches, the nightlife, or even the variety of shopping it offers.
Now, there’s a beachfront hotel on Karon Beach that’s perfectly located for seasoned Phuket visitors to indulge in all three of these preferred activities while enjoying life in a five-star luxury resort on a beautiful beach.
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is a luxurious resort on Karon Beach. It allows you to divide your day between the beach, shopping, and enjoying the nightlife of Patong Beach, all within easy reach of your luxurious accommodations on the sweeping sands of Karon Beach.
Luxurious Family Resort
This beachfront hotel on Karon Beach is the ideal place to book for a family holiday with the kids. The resort is centred around the pool area, which features a private waterpark, making it a great spot for a family holiday. There’s also no busy road along this stretch of the beach, meaning kids can run back and forth between the pool and beach area safely.
Adventurous family members can try their hand at the various water sports offered along Karon Beach. There’s also an excellent snorkelling area on the north end of Karon Beach, right next to the resort, where you can experience the tropical underwater world. Guests are also invited to walk down the beach and experience the quiet, but colourful, village life of Karon Beach.
Quick and Easy Trip to Patong Beach
For those who enjoy shopping for souvenirs of their vacation or like to browse name-brand stores in search of the best bargains, Patong Beach, with its wide variety of locally made and imported goods, is just a short ride over the hill from Karon Beach.
Patong Beach is also the place to head for the best nightlife on the island. Bangla Road is ground zero for lively entertainment, with numerous clubs featuring international DJs, rooftop bars offering a view of the parade of people on Bangla Road, and wall-to-wall colorful and eclectic bars all along the road.
Comfort and Luxury on the Beach
For those who appreciate a quieter holiday along a beautiful beach, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket offers a choice of seven unique restaurants, our Spa Cenvaree Phuket, and the comfort and amenities offered by membership in The Centara Club Lounge.
<h2>Book a Stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket</h2>
This year, why not discover a beautiful area of the world you’ll happily visit again and again? Book a holiday with your family or loved one at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and develop a comfortable habit you’ll look forward to enjoying for years to come.
Jem Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi showcased a strong performance by overtaking 9 positions in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine 2025, Race 2, held in Belgium.
This achievement came despite facing unfavorable weather conditions during the qualifying session, which forced him to start from the back of the grid.
The Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine 2025, Round 2, took place at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. This track, with a lap length of 7.004 kilometers, is the longest on the racing calendar. Race 2 was held on Sunday, May 18th.
Following a 17th-place finish in Race 1, Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi, driving car number 7 for the Trident team, participated in the Race 2 qualifying session for Group A. However, the weather turned against him with intermittent rain, causing the Thai driver to struggle with the slippery track conditions. This resulted in his car sliding off the track, leaving him with no qualifying time, a situation also faced by fellow drivers Pedro Clerot and Evan Giltaire.
Consequently, Jem Nandhavud had to start Race 2 from the very back of the grid, in 26th position out of 28 cars. Nevertheless, throughout the 30-minute plus one lap race, the determined Thai driver demonstrated his fighting spirit once again. He gained 5 positions in the first lap alone, and despite two safety car periods, he maintained excellent lap times.
After the second restart in the final 10 minutes, Nandhavud consistently improved his lap times and managed to overtake several competitors towards the end of the race. He ultimately finished in 17th place, crossing the finish line 11.641 seconds behind the race winner, Enzo Deligny. This result marked a significant improvement of 9 positions from his starting position.
Following the race in Belgium, Nandhavud is scheduled to compete in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine 2025, Round 3, at the Zandvoort circuit in the Netherlands on June 7th-8th. Fans can continue to support Thailand’s sole representative in this series through the Singha Motorsport Team Thailand.
AIS, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has launched the ‘Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere’ campaign to spark a new wave of domestic tourism in 2025. The campaign highlights the unique charm of Thai destinations—both major cities and emerging travel hotspots—inviting tourists to discover them through a seamless, digitally connected experience powered by AIS’s intelligent network. Aligned with the government’s tourism development policy, the initiative aims to position Thailand as a premier regional tourism hub while ensuring sustainable income distribution to local communities. The campaign kicks off with the first event on Banthat Thong Road: “Aunjai Check-in, Enjoy and Earn Points“, offering tourists a variety of delicious rewards and exclusive privileges.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated, “TAT is committed to leveraging the power of tourism as a key mechanism for stimulating the national economy. The organization is focused on designing tourism experiences that meet the needs of modern digital-era travelers. Emphasis is being placed on integrating technology into Thai tourism to support both domestic and international travelers, enhancing convenience and safety through advanced technological solutions. A robust communications and internet network is therefore a critical component.
The ‘Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere’ project is a collaboration between TAT and AIS, aimed at promoting Thailand’s tourism industry. Recognizing AIS’s capabilities in supporting tourism through digital privileges and the expansion of internet and 5G networks across popular destinations, the initiative seeks to ensure that travelers feel happy and secure. This project helps deliver safe and seamless travel experiences, reinforcing Thailand as a beloved destination for global travelers and fully energizing the tourism sector during the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025”.
Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS, stated “Under AIS’s vision of ‘AI for a Sustainable Nation’, we are committed to harnessing the power of intelligent networks and AI to drive sustainable growth across all sectors of Thailand. The tourism industry is a key focus, as we believe that high-quality connectivity forms the foundation for an exceptional travel experience.
We are honored to collaborate with TAT on the ‘Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere’ initiative to digitally enhance the Thai tourism industry. This project aims to position Thailand as a leading global travel destination through our ‘3 Must-Haves’ approach:
Aunjai Travel – AIS ensures seamless connectivity for all communications through its advanced digital services that offer convenience, safety, and continuous accessibility along every travel route. The launch of “Nong Sukjai x Aunjai”—check-in mascots at over 100 unique, UNSEEN landmarks
Strong Network Coverage – Our intelligent 5G network now covers the entire country, ensuring continuous connectivity across all key destinations and major festivals nationwide.
Exclusive Experiences – Travelers will enjoy exclusive privileges through our extensive partner network via AIS Points, redeemable with over 1,000 partner brands and 30,000 stores across Thailand, tailored to diverse lifestyles — whether local or international. AIS also enhances culinary journeys in popular districts and collaborates with more than 30 leading global telecom partners, promoting Thailand to over 1.2 billion foreign mobile users, who can enjoy seamless connectivity and ongoing privileges while visiting.
Prapat Siangjan Chief Retail Management Officer AIS, stated “To reinforce our position as the destination that seamlessly connects every aspect of the Thai digital lifestyle, AIS is proud to deliver comprehensive services and exclusive privileges. This collaboration highlights our commitment to advancing a sustainable tourism ecosystem in Thailand, beginning with the first activation on Banthat Thong Road—a popular area among food lovers and younger generations. Partnering with the Banthat Thong BusinessEntrepreneurs Association, we are introducing three year-round campaigns offering exclusive benefits:
Aunjai Check-in, Enjoy Earn & Burn Points @ Banthat Thong: Featuring 10 Aunjai check-in points along Banthat Thong Road. Visitors can scan a QR code via myAIS app to earn up to 50 AIS Points. Completing all 10 check-ins unlocks a free signature dish from participating restaurants for the whole month of June 2025. In addition, customers can redeem just 40 AIS Points for a THB 40 discount at over 100 popular restaurants in the area—valid through the end of the year.
Free Delicious Across Thailand: Expanding point redemption nationwide at top eateries across 87 local festivals in 59 provinces. Use 40 AIS Points to receive a THB 40 discount on meals all year long.
Exclusive Experiences for International Tourists: AIS LUCKY TOURIST SIM users receive special perks that reflect Thailand’s soft power—such as discounts on entry to Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium and Khao Kheow Zoo, King Power vouchers, complimentary Central lounge services, and free travel insurance.”
Sittichan Wutthipornkul Advisor to the Banthat Thong Road Entrepreneurs Association, stated “First of all, we sincerely thank AIS and TAT for choosing us to kick off the campaign ‘Aunjai Check-in, Enjoy Earn & Burn Points @ Banthat Thong’ not only offers valuable experiences for both Thai and international tourists, but also boosts sales and gives local businesses the opportunity to reach new customers from around the world. This initiative has brought renewed vibrancy to Banthat Thong and stimulated the local economy. We sincerely thank TAT and AIS for elevating this vicinity into a truly complete destination—perfect for both dining and travel.”
“We deeply appreciate TAT’s trust and the opportunity to contribute to advancing Thailand’s tourism industry. We are confident that this collaboration will yield tangible benefits for tourists, local entrepreneurs, and the overall Thai economy.” Somchai concluded
W Bangkok and W Koh Samui reveal plans for immersive LGBTQIA+ events this June, in the year that Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage
A series of “Take a Stance” events at W Bangkok and W Koh Samui throughout June.
Bangkok, Thailand: May 22, 2025 – W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is celebrating Pride Month in Thailand this June with a series of exciting, insightful and inspiring events that reaffirm its commitment to welcome all, while also embracing the joy and color of LGBTQIA+ rights.
Running from June 1-30, 2025, this year’s Pride Month comes at a momentous time for Thailand, which recently became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Now, LGBTQIA+ couples from around the world are flocking to Thailand’s shores, empowered by a renewed sense of freedom and equality. They will be welcomed with open arms by W Hotels, which is a long-standing supporter of Pride events all around the world.
“W Hotels has always been a space for self-expression and meaningful conversations. As the world celebrates Pride Month this June, we are proud to ‘Take a Stance’. Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand earlier this year, we look forward to welcoming many more LGBTQIA+ guests to the kingdom, safe in the knowledge they are free to be their true selves,” said Brad Edman, Market Vice President – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International.
Throughout the month, W Hotels will “Take a Stance” and mark this important occasion with a line-up of activities that embrace self-expression and provide a platform for everybody to be heard.
At W Bangkok, guests can discover a full-day of Pride programming on June 7th, as local connectors, tastemakers and LGBTQIA+ influencers come together for a series of creative, colourful and thought-provoking events. Following an exclusive four-hands Pride Dinner will be staged with Chef Ploy and Chef Joe, two epicurean innovators who blend traditional Thai flavors with boundary-pushing culinary techniques, a vibrant Pour for Pride with a queer mixologist takeover on 7 June. Hotel guests and local residents will also be invited to a series of exclusive, money-can’t-buy Marriott Bonvoy Moments, including a cooking class with Chef Ploy. To place a bid for the experience, click here.
Interactive sessions will include Art Class with Atom Prakorn, the artist, author, and digital content creator who uses art as a tool for emotional well-being and self-expression. The month concludes with the Pride Fun Run, a “vertical marathon” where participants race to the top of the hotel, with prizes awarded for the best fancy dress costume! Throughout Pride Month, the “Take a Stance” manifesto will be beamed to guests through art reflector mirror, and visitors will be invited to express their support for the LGBTQIA+ movement by taking a photo and sharing on social media.
At W Koh Samui, the festivities will kick off on June 7th with a Pride Party at WOOBAR, including live music from Exotica and DJ Groove, dazzling dance performances and an unforgettable fire show, and Colourful Pride editions of the popular Sunset Social beachfront BBQs will be staged on June 7th & 14th and Brunch on June 8th at The Kitchen Table. “Stance Sessions” on same-sex marriage will also be hosted at The Great Room on June 7th. Enjoy drinks and bites while engaging in inspiring conversations at the Stance Session – ‘I Stand For…’, featuring a same-sex couple and DJ Groove sharing their stories through an open Stance Sessions and casual chat.
Both W Hotels in Thailand will invite guests to raise a glass in celebration of belonging with their special “Pour for Pride” cocktails, which will be available throughout June!
To learn more about Marriott’s commitment to access to opportunity and welcoming all, please visit https://www.marriott.com/welcoming-all.mi
