Latest news with #Chanthaburi
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- South China Morning Post
Love-seeking Thai women visit breast-shaped island, offering bras as thanks if wishes granted
People are flocking to an island in Thailand that is shaped like a woman's chest to pray for romantic luck. The unusual ritual takes place on Koh Nom Sao, or Breast Milk Island, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province in the west of the country. The island is just a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland and so-called worshippers often arrive bearing bras as symbolic offerings of gratitude. Devotees queue up at the island shrine, bras in hand, to offer thanks for their romantic wishes being granted. Photo: handout The origins of the ritual stem from a tragic legend involving a beautiful young woman called Yomdoy. Her father wanted to secure Yomdoy's marriage to a Chinese ruler, while her mother preferred she marry a prince from Phetchaburi province in central Thailand. In a violent outburst, the father killed Yomdoy and cast her body into the sea. According to the tale, one of her breasts became the sacred Koh Nom Sao, while the other formed a twin island in Chanthaburi province in eastern Thailand.
Japan Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Thailand tightens border security amid tensions with Cambodia
Thailand's top army official designated commanders of two task forces to oversee border crossings with Cambodia as tensions simmer following a skirmish in late May. Effective from Saturday, the Burapha and Suranaree task forces have been authorized to determine necessary measures at border checkpoints, according to a statement signed by Army Chief Pana Claewplodtook. The nations are looking to defuse tensions following an exchange of gunfire between troops on May 28 in the disputed Chong Bok border region, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The countries are set to hold talks at a Joint Boundary Commission meeting on June 14 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. While the task forces must consider the needs of trade and daily lives of the local populations of both countries, "they may order the closing or opening of any or all border checkpoints under any conditions or time frame deemed appropriate' to protect Thailand's sovereignty, the army said in its statement. The move follows comments from Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai that border tensions have been exacerbated by Cambodia's reinforcement of its military presence. As a result, Thailand has "deemed it necessary to implement additional measures and to reinforce our military posture accordingly,' he said. Meanwhile, two border checkpoints in Thailand's eastern Chanthaburi province have been ordered to close temporarily for tourists by a commander of the provincial marine corps task force, The Nation, an English-language news website, reported on Saturday. The order cites an announcement of martial law in some parts of the province due to the security threat from Cambodia. Still, Cambodian migrant workers employed in Thailand are exempt, and cross-border trade will continue as usual, according to The Nation. Cross-border trade and custom activity remains operational as usual in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said in a post on X upon his visit to the northeastern region. The finance ministry has prepared fiscal measures for all circumstances, he said.
Malay Mail
18-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Thai farmers pitch Buriram-born K-pop star Lisa to power fruit exports beyond China
BANGKOK, May 18 — Thai farmers are turning to superstar Lalisa 'Lisa' Manobal to help sweeten the global image of the country's fruit industry. The member of Blackpink and Buriram native was named by growers as their top pick to front a campaign promoting Thai fruits overseas, The Bangkok Post reported today. The suggestion was made during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to Chanthaburi, where farmers pitched Lisa's star power as the key to cracking new markets. They believe Lisa's international influence could raise Thailand's fruit exports to 500 billion baht a year, up from the current 200–300 billion. Lisa, who made history as the first Thai K-pop idol to go global, is known for breaking records with her solo music and securing luxury endorsements with brands like Bulgari and Celine. Growers say her image could make Thai fruits more desirable worldwide, especially beyond China, the country's current top buyer. The prime minister was also briefed on issues like long customs delays, premature durian harvesting, and a shrinking farm labour force. Farmers proposed solutions such as relaxing rules for migrant workers and offering compensation for damage caused by wild elephants. Paetongtarn pledged faster export processing, more government fruit purchases, and research funding to keep Thai produce competitive. She later joined a durian-cutting event and livestreamed with young farmers — but for many, Lisa's star remains the biggest hope for Thailand's fruit fame.
