Sunset at Phuket’s famous Windmill Viewpoint.(Photo: The Phuket News)
Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - Phuket and the northeastern provinces of Thailand(Isan) have been included on the TIME magazine’s list of “The World’s GreatestPlaces of 2023”.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the list, which showcases50 extraordinary destinations to explore, describes Phuket as one of Thailand’smost visited places and is known for its famed beaches. Phuket has increasedits family appeal with the grand opening of Carnival Magic, aculturally-focused theme park last September. The island province is alsodrawing more visitors to its uncrowded countryside with an impressive landscapeof modern luxury lodges.
The TIME list mentions Isan for the region’s diverse and delicious culinaryoptions. It also mentions that those who venture to this off-the-beaten-pathregion of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks,temple ruins, and Michelin-recommended restaurants. Last year marked the 60thanniversary of Thailand’s first national park, Khao Yai, which sits largely inNakhon Ratchasima province and is home to elephants, gibbons, and Asian blackbears.
TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn stated that having not just one, but twodestinations, in this prestigious compilation of worldwide destinations is anhonour and something that everyone in the country can be proud of. He went onto say that Thailand is ready to welcome travellers from all around the worldas part of the "Visit Thailand Year 2023: Incredible New Chapters"campaign."/.
The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) under the Thai Ministry of Public Health has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AEC Healthcare on the transfer of DMSc-TB FastAmp (TB-LAMP) kit production technology, aiming to support tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control.
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn on May 20 issued a royal decree on the dissolution of the country's parliament, paving the way for a general election to be held in May. The decree took effect on the same day.
Thai Government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul on March 22 said that the country recorded 5.57 million foreign tourist arrivals from the beginning of this year to March 18.
Automobile production in Thailand rose 6.39% in February from a year earlier to 165,612 units, as a shortage of microchips eased and export increased, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported.
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
Sunset at Phuket’s famous Windmill Viewpoint.(Photo: The Phuket News) 
