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Portraits of Dogs: London's Wallace Collection explores canine character and charm<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//11//04//diamonds-for-dogs-meet-the-jeweller-who-created-this-755000-dog-necklace/">Diamonds for dogs: Meet the jeweller who created this \u20ac755,000 dog necklace<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Others believe that their pets can actually enjoy the movie.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"The atmosphere inside the cinema is like the atmosphere inside the bedroom,\"\u00a0said Woraporn Isariyaopaa, a pet-loving movie-goer. \"It's dark and cold so I think he will fall asleep inside if the sound is not too loud. But if in some moments the sound gets loud then he might wake up and watch the movie a bit.\"\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch the video to see the dogs and cats enjoying the cinema.<\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1686573774,"publishedAt":1686634203,"updatedAt":1686634775,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2023\/06\/13\/paws-and-popcorn-thai-cinema-goes-pet-friendly","images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/67\/07\/46\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_462e32d6-f186-56d2-a384-bbcf6a02bcde-7670746.jpg","altText":"Pet dogs and their owners sit inside the pet-friendly i-Tail Pet Cinema in Samut Prakan on June 10, 2023.","caption":"Pet dogs and their owners sit inside the pet-friendly i-Tail Pet Cinema in Samut Prakan on June 10, 2023.","captionCredit":"AFP","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2880,"height":1620},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/67\/07\/46\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_6e40a234-d9d5-5bd1-ad89-557e275928e6-7670746.jpg","altText":"A pet cat explores the seats inside a movie theatre on the opening day of the pet-friendly i-Tail Pet Cinema in Thailand. ","caption":"A pet cat explores the seats inside a movie theatre on the opening day of the pet-friendly i-Tail Pet Cinema in Thailand. ","captionCredit":"AFP","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"katanich","title":"Doloresz Katanich","twitter":"@doloreskatanich"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":14092,"slug":"dog","urlSafeValue":"dog","title":"Dogs","titleRaw":"Dogs"},{"id":13836,"slug":"cats","urlSafeValue":"cats","title":"Cats","titleRaw":"Cats"},{"id":10233,"slug":"animals","urlSafeValue":"animals","title":"Animals","titleRaw":"Animals"},{"id":322,"slug":"cinema","urlSafeValue":"cinema","title":"Cinema","titleRaw":"Cinema"},{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2025726},{"id":2076774},{"id":2246202}],"technicalTags":[],"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":107840,"editor":null,"filesizeBytes":13526985,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/S5\/SU\/23\/06\/12\/en\/230612_S5SU_52020816_52020874_107840_163809_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":107840,"editor":null,"filesizeBytes":20796873,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/S5\/SU\/23\/06\/12\/en\/230612_S5SU_52020816_52020874_107840_163809_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8lq0l7","youtubeId":"W0QnbqzxR3k"},"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"isLiveCoverage":0,"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":"","freeField2":null,"type":"","program":{"id":"see","urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/see\/see"},"vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"see","urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/see"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":48,"urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_home','gs_home_pets','gs_entertain','gs_pets','gs_entertain_movies','gt_positive','neg_facebook_2021','neg_nespresso','gs_pets_dogs','gs_covid19','gs_health_misc','neg_mobkoi_feb2023','neg_audible_eng','neg_intel_en','gt_positive_pleasure','gt_positive_like'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"path":"\/culture\/2023\/06\/13\/paws-and-popcorn-thai-cinema-goes-pet-friendly","lastModified":1686634775},{"id":1710504,"cid":6176968,"versionId":15,"archive":0,"housenumber":"211026_TCSU_43252688","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Stunning beaches, history and world-class bars: The ultimate guide to Thailand's must-see sights","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Thailand's best beaches, bars and boat trips to experience in 2023","titleListing2":"","leadin":"We've narrowed it down to our favourite places to visit in Thailand. ","summary":"We've narrowed it down to our favourite places to visit in Thailand. ","url":"thailands-best-beaches-bars-and-boat-trips-to-experience-in-2023","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thailand has been a firm favourite with Europeans for decades now. It's no surprise - there's an endless list of beautiful cities, islands and towns to explore. As well as some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet - it's called the Land of Smiles for good reason. \n\n\nBut whether it's your first or your fifth trip, it can be difficult to narrow down an itinerary. It can be difficult not to feel you might miss out on somewhere, well, unmissable. But wherever you end up, you can be guaranteed three elements that make or break a trip - amazing food, unforgettable sights and gorgeous hotels. \n\nSo read on for some of Euronews Travel's favourite experiences in Thailand. \n\nBKK Social Club at Four Seasons Bangkok: Drink at one of the world's best bars \n\nMany travellers stop off in Bangkok on their way to islands or beach destinations in the south. So if you're short on time, we've got the perfect way to roll two into one: one of the city's best hotels and the best bar in Thailand. \n\nBKK Social Club is the Four Seasons' Buenos Aires-themed bar. The South American feel comes through in the sumptuous decor, the laidback atmosphere and the swinging playlist- available on Spotify . You really do feel like you've stepped back in time to an age of endless glamour, without feeling under-dressed - anything goes here. \n\nSouth America's drinking culture is reflected in the drinks list which features bespoke cocktails , dreamt up by Beverage Manager Philip Bischoff, as well as familiar favourites. The bar snacks served alongside are a lovely touch, or there is a food menu if you're after something more substantial. \n\nThe bar is part of the beautiful Four Seasons Bangkok, though outside guests are more than welcome. Location is always important if you want to make the most of a city and you can't beat where Four Seasons is- mostly because it's away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's downtown. \n\nInstead it's on the banks of Thailand's most important waterway, the Chao Phraya river. From all of the hotel's three restaurants, you can watch boats of every shape and size sail past, giving a sense that the river really is the lifeblood of the city. \n\nAs for where you'll sleep , you can choose from a room or a suite, some of which have majectic views over the river and beyond. Expect the attention to detail and service that Four Seasons is known for. \n\nExplore Thailand's history in Ayutthaya \n\nA UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, the ancient city of Ayutthaya is about 89 kilometres north of Bangkok. Founded in the 14th century, this historic site was once an important centre of power in the region, before being destroyed by the invading Burmese army in 1767. \n\nWhat remains of the city is now the Ayutthaya National Park, a collection of magnificent ruins and crumbling temples . Wat Phra Mahathat is thought to be the oldest temple in the park, dating back to the 14th century and its collection of ancient, headless Buddhist statues is captivating.\u00a0 \n\nThe temple is also home to a very famous tree, a Banyan, whose roots have grown and twisted around a stone Buddha head. \n\nThe park is also home to a number of museums which will give you more background on the intricate ruins surrounding you. The Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre will help you understand what the city was like in its heyday and help gain insight into the rich cultural history of Thailand as a whole. \n\nRelax on Krabi's beaches \n\nIf that\u2019s more than enough history for you, then it\u2019s time to relax on the beach .\u00a0 \n\nAnd there are no better beaches in Thailand than those you find in Krabi. With luminous turquoise waters, bright white sands and rugged green cliffs, these beaches won\u2019t disappoint even the most seasoned traveller. \n\nSurrounded by around 200 little islands and rocky outcrops, Krabi is packed full of beaches and there are more than enough to go around, though you\u2019ll need to hire a boat to get to some of the more remote ones. \n\nThe sheer beauty of Krabi makes it popular with tourists during the high season and the beachfronts are well developed with shops, bars and restaurants. If you want to escape the crowds though, there are some quieter options available. \n\nKoh Mai Phai, otherwise known as Bamboo Island, is a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, making it much less popular with the backpacker crowd. A tiny island - you can walk around it in just 30 minutes - there are no restaurants or bars to be found here, just soft white sand, crystal water and the bamboo trees that give the island its name. \n\nScuba dive off the Similan Islands \n\nLying off the coast of Phang Nga Province in the Andaman Sea, this archipelago of 11 islands offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in Thailand . The islands were declared a national park in 1982 and are teeming with natural life. Expect to see lush forests, golden beaches and coral reefs. \n\nThe islands have previously suffered from overcrowding because of their popularity, so visitor numbers are now capped at 3,325 people per day to limit environmental damage to this precious ecosystem. \n\nThe diving season in the Similans runs from mid-October until mid-May, and tourists can expect to see white tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, green sea turtles and great barracudas. \n\nFor dedicated divers, there are liveaboard dive boats available so you can spend a few days in the vicinity. Note that the diving season, the Similan Islands are closed to tourists to allow local ecosystems to recover. \n\nVisit the bustling city of Bangkok \n\nWhether you\u2019re visiting Bangkok for the neon nightlife or looking to embrace the city\u2019s rich Buddhist history, there\u2019s something for everyone. \n\nSpend the morning browsing the 8,000 stalls in Chatuchak Market or taking a walk through the city's newly opened urban oasis,\u00a0Benjakitti Park. Bursting with trees, ponds and wildlife it has brought a taste of nature to this busy capital city.\u00a0 \n\nAfter you are done there, visit some of Bangkok\u2019s many ancient temples. There are over 31,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand with Bangkok\u2019s Wat Arun - Temple of the Dawn - one of the oldest and most famous.\u00a0 \n\nIf you\u2019re looking for something slightly off the well-beaten tourist trail, then why not explore Bangkok\u2019s eclectic street art collection? Street art can be found all over the city thanks to the Bukruk Urban Arts Festival which Bangkok hosted in 2013 and 2016.\u00a0 \n\nThe festivals brought the world\u2019s best street artists to the city and local and international artists have been building on the collection ever since. \n\nMuch of the city\u2019s best street art can be found close to the Chao Phraya river, with Bangrak and Chalerm La Park where the festivals were held, being key sites. There\u2019s artwork to be spotted everywhere though, so keep your eyes peeled whether you\u2019re on the way to a temple or shopping for street food. \n\nParty on Koh Phangan \n\nSitting just off of Thailand\u2019s gulf coast, the island of Koh Phangan has become synonymous with partying over the past few years due to the success of its monthly Full Moon Parties - celebrated, you\u2019ve guessed it, during the full moon . These parties are mostly on Haad Rin beach. \n\nIf partying all night isn\u2019t your thing, there are plenty of other treats in store on Koh Phangan. There\u2019s great diving to be had among the coastal reefs of the island and for those who like to get their nature fix on dry land, the island is full of stunning hiking trails, taking visitors through waterfalls and tropical forests. It's also known for its yoga retreats and other wellness activities. \n\n\nAfter a long day\u2019s exploring, foodies can indulge themselves at the Thong Sala Night Market. The whole world is here to taste, whether you want to sample some traditional Thai food, seafood or even pizza . \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Thailand has been a firm favourite with Europeans for decades now. It's no surprise - there's an endless list of beautiful cities, islands and towns to explore. As well as some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet - it's called the Land of Smiles for good reason. <\/p>\n<p>But whether it's your first or your fifth trip, it can be difficult to narrow down an itinerary. It can be difficult not to feel you might miss out on somewhere, well, unmissable. But wherever you end up, you can be guaranteed three elements that make or break a trip - amazing food, unforgettable sights and gorgeous hotels.<\/p>\n<p>So read on for some of Euronews Travel's favourite experiences in Thailand.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7440658,7409486\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//07//thailand-from-tiny-islands-to-wellness-retreats-heres-why-you-should-visit-in-2023/">Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here\u2019s why you should visit in 2023<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//18//it-survived-a-tsunami-and-a-pandemic-now-this-thai-beach-resort-is-a-shining-light-in-the-/">/u2018We have a responsibility to give back\u2019: How a Thai beach resort became the centre of a community<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Bangkok: Drink at one of the world's best bars<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x454_cmsv2_38505fcf-8493-529b-9a30-e0178cf6d897-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"Four Seasons Bangkok At Chao Phraya River\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_38505fcf-8493-529b-9a30-e0178cf6d897-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_38505fcf-8493-529b-9a30-e0178cf6d897-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_38505fcf-8493-529b-9a30-e0178cf6d897-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_38505fcf-8493-529b-9a30-e0178cf6d897-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_38505fcf-8493-529b-9a30-e0178cf6d897-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_38505fcf-8493-529b-9a30-e0178cf6d897-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_38505fcf-8493-529b-9a30-e0178cf6d897-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Four Seasons Bangkok At Chao Phraya River<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Many travellers stop off in <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//11//01//these-five-places-in-thailand-will-soon-be-quarantine-free-for-vaccinated-travellers/">Bangkok on their way to islands or beach destinations in the south. So if you're short on time, we've got the perfect way to roll two into one: one of the city's best hotels and the best bar in Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>BKK Social Club is the Four Seasons' Buenos Aires-themed bar. The South American feel comes through in the sumptuous decor, the laidback atmosphere and the swinging playlist- <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////open.spotify.com//playlist//1EDaUtQBFPoJei7E7WwxkH/">available on Spotify<\/strong><\/a>. You really do feel like you've stepped back in time to an age of endless glamour, without feeling under-dressed - anything goes here.<\/p>\n<p>South America's drinking culture is reflected in the drinks list which features bespoke <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2020//10//28//you-won-t-be-leaf-it-these-cuban-bartenders-have-been-making-cocktails-from-native-plants/">cocktails, dreamt up by Beverage Manager Philip Bischoff, as well as familiar favourites. The bar snacks served alongside are a lovely touch, or there is a food menu if you're after something more substantial.<\/p>\n<p>The bar is part of the beautiful Four Seasons Bangkok, though outside guests are more than welcome. Location is always important if you want to make the most of a <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//10//chic-cafes-and-cheap-beer-this-eastern-european-capital-city-is-still-beautiful-on-a-budge/">city and you can't beat where Four Seasons is- mostly because it's away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's downtown.<\/p>\n<p>Instead it's on the banks of Thailand's most important waterway, the Chao Phraya river. From all of the hotel's three restaurants, you can watch <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//08//23//ditch-the-ferry-this-sailboat-service-offers-tourists-a-sustainable-way-across-the-english/">boats of every shape and size sail past, giving a sense that the river really is the lifeblood of the city.<\/p>\n<p>As for where you'll <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//04//13//paris-to-venice-by-train-take-the-slow-route-between-europes-two-most-romantic-cities/">sleep, you can choose from a room or a suite, some of which have majectic views over the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//22//crystal-clear-waters-here-are-6-of-europes-cleanest-river-swimming-spots/">river and beyond. Expect the attention to detail and service that Four Seasons is known for.<\/p>\n<h2>Explore Thailand's history in Ayutthaya<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x454_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Ayutthaya's Historical Park<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, the ancient city of Ayutthaya is about 89 kilometres north of Bangkok. Founded in the 14th century, this historic site was once an important centre of power in the region, before being destroyed by the invading Burmese army in 1767.<\/p>\n<p>What remains of the city is now the Ayutthaya National Park, a collection of magnificent ruins and crumbling <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//04//24//how-these-wine-temples-changed-argentina-s-wine-industry/">temples. Wat Phra Mahathat is thought to be the oldest temple in the park, dating back to the 14th century and its collection of ancient, headless <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//tag//buddhism/">Buddhist statues is captivating.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The temple is also home to a very famous tree, a Banyan, whose roots have grown and twisted around a stone Buddha head.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x454_cmsv2_36bc658a-058f-50fb-a77a-e6c642635efe-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_36bc658a-058f-50fb-a77a-e6c642635efe-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_36bc658a-058f-50fb-a77a-e6c642635efe-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_36bc658a-058f-50fb-a77a-e6c642635efe-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_36bc658a-058f-50fb-a77a-e6c642635efe-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_36bc658a-058f-50fb-a77a-e6c642635efe-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_36bc658a-058f-50fb-a77a-e6c642635efe-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_36bc658a-058f-50fb-a77a-e6c642635efe-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A headless Buddha in Ayutthaya<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The park is also home to a number of museums which will give you more background on the intricate ruins surrounding you. The Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre will help you understand what the city was like in its heyday and help gain insight into the rich cultural history of Thailand as a whole.<\/p>\n<h2>Relax on Krabi's beaches<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x454_cmsv2_463f6e05-00e2-5741-b48d-e2ed93c4baea-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_463f6e05-00e2-5741-b48d-e2ed93c4baea-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_463f6e05-00e2-5741-b48d-e2ed93c4baea-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_463f6e05-00e2-5741-b48d-e2ed93c4baea-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_463f6e05-00e2-5741-b48d-e2ed93c4baea-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_463f6e05-00e2-5741-b48d-e2ed93c4baea-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_463f6e05-00e2-5741-b48d-e2ed93c4baea-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_463f6e05-00e2-5741-b48d-e2ed93c4baea-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A white sand beach in Krabi<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If that\u2019s more than enough history for you, then it\u2019s time to relax on the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//04//07//albania-bulgaria-romania-europes-best-beaches-that-youve-probably-never-heard-of/">beach./u00a0/n
And there are no better beaches in Thailand than those you find in Krabi. With luminous turquoise waters, bright white sands and rugged green cliffs, these beaches won\u2019t disappoint even the most seasoned traveller.<\/p>\n<p>Surrounded by around 200 little islands and rocky outcrops, Krabi is packed full of beaches and there are more than enough to go around, though you\u2019ll need to hire a boat to get to some of the more remote ones.<\/p>\n<p>The sheer beauty of Krabi makes it popular with tourists during the high season and the beachfronts are well developed with shops, bars and restaurants. If you want to escape the crowds though, there are some quieter options available.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-quotation\n widget--size-fullwidth\n widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__content\">\n <blockquote class=\"widget__quote\">\n <span class=\"widget__quoteText\">Koh Mai Phai, otherwise known as Bamboo Island is a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, making it much less popular with the backpack crowd.<\/span>\n <\/blockquote>\n <cite class=\"widget__author\">\n <\/cite>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Koh Mai Phai, otherwise known as Bamboo Island, is a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, making it much less popular with the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//08//18//a-french-backpacker-who-went-missing-in-egypt-has-returned-to-paris-after-one-year-off-gri/">backpacker crowd. A tiny island - you can walk around it in just 30 minutes - there are no restaurants or bars to be found here, just soft white sand, crystal water and the bamboo trees that give the island its name.<\/p>\n<h2>Scuba dive off the Similan Islands<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x454_cmsv2_42fc911b-7ccf-5a43-a227-996f95a92f5a-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_42fc911b-7ccf-5a43-a227-996f95a92f5a-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_42fc911b-7ccf-5a43-a227-996f95a92f5a-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_42fc911b-7ccf-5a43-a227-996f95a92f5a-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_42fc911b-7ccf-5a43-a227-996f95a92f5a-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_42fc911b-7ccf-5a43-a227-996f95a92f5a-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_42fc911b-7ccf-5a43-a227-996f95a92f5a-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_42fc911b-7ccf-5a43-a227-996f95a92f5a-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The Similan Islands<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lying off the coast of Phang Nga Province in the Andaman Sea, this archipelago of 11 islands offers some of the best <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//13//accessible-tourism-scuba-diving-opens-for-disabled-travellers-in-thailand/">scuba diving and snorkelling in Thailand<\/strong><\/a>. The islands were declared a national park in 1982 and are teeming with natural life. Expect to see lush forests, golden beaches and coral reefs.<\/p>\n<p>The islands have previously <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//12//08//thailand-overtourism-paradise-destination-welcomes-you-back-but-only-if-you-re-high-end/">suffered from overcrowding<\/strong><\/a> because of their popularity, so visitor numbers are now capped at 3,325 people per day to limit environmental damage to this precious ecosystem.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x454_cmsv2_f18de19e-b2d8-5a9e-ba0e-2a3356236334-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_f18de19e-b2d8-5a9e-ba0e-2a3356236334-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_f18de19e-b2d8-5a9e-ba0e-2a3356236334-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_f18de19e-b2d8-5a9e-ba0e-2a3356236334-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_f18de19e-b2d8-5a9e-ba0e-2a3356236334-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_f18de19e-b2d8-5a9e-ba0e-2a3356236334-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_f18de19e-b2d8-5a9e-ba0e-2a3356236334-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_f18de19e-b2d8-5a9e-ba0e-2a3356236334-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A turtle in the Similan Islands<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The diving season in the Similans runs from mid-October until mid-May, and tourists can expect to see white tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, green sea turtles and great barracudas.<\/p>\n<p>For dedicated divers, there are liveaboard dive boats available so you can spend a few days in the vicinity. Note that the diving season, the Similan Islands are closed to tourists to allow local ecosystems to recover.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7534922,7567276\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//04//14//what-is-songkran-everything-you-need-to-know-about-thailands-wet-and-wild-new-year-celebra/">What is Songkran? Everything you need to know about Thailand\u2019s wet and wild New Year celebrations<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//04//29//want-to-travel-more-sustainably-try-eating-your-way-around-europes-seasonal-delights/">Want to travel more sustainably? Try eating your way around Europe\u2019s seasonal delights<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Visit the bustling city of Bangkok<\/h2><p>Whether you\u2019re visiting Bangkok for the neon <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//04//04//amsterdam-cracks-down-on-rowdy-clubbers-here-are-six-alternative-european-cities-for-a-nig/">nightlife or looking to embrace the city\u2019s rich Buddhist history, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-quotation\n widget--size-fullwidth\n widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__content\">\n <blockquote class=\"widget__quote\">\n <span class=\"widget__quoteText\">There are over 31,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand with Bangkok\u2019s Wat Arun - Temple of the Dawn - one of the oldest and most famous.<\/span>\n <\/blockquote>\n <cite class=\"widget__author\">\n <\/cite>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Spend the morning browsing the 8,000 stalls in Chatuchak Market or taking a walk through the city's newly opened urban oasis,\u00a0Benjakitti Park. Bursting with trees, ponds and wildlife it has brought a taste of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//05//01//europes-first-wild-river-park-is-a-nature-lovers-paradise-heres-how-to-experience-it-on-a-/">nature to this busy capital city.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665821179454661\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x539_cmsv2_be72a1a2-5011-5fc7-8df1-3b36b1c93e44-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x256_cmsv2_be72a1a2-5011-5fc7-8df1-3b36b1c93e44-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x427_cmsv2_be72a1a2-5011-5fc7-8df1-3b36b1c93e44-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x500_cmsv2_be72a1a2-5011-5fc7-8df1-3b36b1c93e44-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x552_cmsv2_be72a1a2-5011-5fc7-8df1-3b36b1c93e44-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x720_cmsv2_be72a1a2-5011-5fc7-8df1-3b36b1c93e44-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x800_cmsv2_be72a1a2-5011-5fc7-8df1-3b36b1c93e44-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1280_cmsv2_be72a1a2-5011-5fc7-8df1-3b36b1c93e44-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">People walk on a path running through Benjakitti Park in Bangkok.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After you are done there, visit some of Bangkok\u2019s many ancient temples. There are over 31,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand with Bangkok\u2019s Wat Arun - Temple of the Dawn - one of the oldest and most famous.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for something slightly off the well-beaten tourist trail, then why not explore Bangkok\u2019s eclectic street art collection? Street art can be found all over the city thanks to the Bukruk Urban Arts Festival which Bangkok hosted in 2013 and 2016.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The festivals brought the world\u2019s best street artists to the city and local and international artists have been building on the collection ever since.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x454_cmsv2_daf18965-7b73-5bcd-94cd-b412c3ed7b8c-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_daf18965-7b73-5bcd-94cd-b412c3ed7b8c-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_daf18965-7b73-5bcd-94cd-b412c3ed7b8c-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_daf18965-7b73-5bcd-94cd-b412c3ed7b8c-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_daf18965-7b73-5bcd-94cd-b412c3ed7b8c-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_daf18965-7b73-5bcd-94cd-b412c3ed7b8c-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_daf18965-7b73-5bcd-94cd-b412c3ed7b8c-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_daf18965-7b73-5bcd-94cd-b412c3ed7b8c-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Street art in Bangkok<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Much of the city\u2019s best street art can be found close to the Chao Phraya river, with Bangrak and Chalerm La Park where the festivals were held, being key sites. There\u2019s <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//tag//art/">artwork to be spotted everywhere though, so keep your eyes peeled whether you\u2019re on the way to a temple or shopping for street food.<\/p>\n<h2>Party on Koh Phangan<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//808x454_cmsv2_6c3acc31-cec3-5284-9cf8-13e12c6a8283-6176968.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_6c3acc31-cec3-5284-9cf8-13e12c6a8283-6176968.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_6c3acc31-cec3-5284-9cf8-13e12c6a8283-6176968.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_6c3acc31-cec3-5284-9cf8-13e12c6a8283-6176968.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_6c3acc31-cec3-5284-9cf8-13e12c6a8283-6176968.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_6c3acc31-cec3-5284-9cf8-13e12c6a8283-6176968.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_6c3acc31-cec3-5284-9cf8-13e12c6a8283-6176968.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_6c3acc31-cec3-5284-9cf8-13e12c6a8283-6176968.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Koh Phangan in Thailand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Sitting just off of Thailand\u2019s gulf coast, the island of Koh Phangan has become synonymous with partying over the past few years due to the success of its monthly Full Moon Parties - celebrated, you\u2019ve guessed it, during the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"-/">full moon<\/strong><\/a>. These parties are mostly on Haad Rin beach.<\/p>\n<p>If partying all night isn\u2019t your thing, there are plenty of other treats in store on Koh Phangan. There\u2019s great diving to be had among the coastal reefs of the island and for those who like to get their nature fix on dry land, the island is full of stunning hiking trails, taking visitors through waterfalls and <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2021//09//03//british-pensioner-found-after-three-days-lost-in-thai-jungle/">tropical forests.<\/strong><\/a> It's also known for its <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//07//16//imagine-your-body-is-like-butter-on-a-sunny-day-yoga-and-co-working-as-a-solo-female-in-si/">yoga retreats<\/strong><\/a> and other wellness activities. <\/p>\n<p>After a long day\u2019s exploring, foodies can indulge themselves at the Thong Sala Night Market. The whole world is here to taste, whether you want to sample some traditional Thai food, seafood or even <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//05//21//looking-for-the-perfect-crunch-on-your-pizza-this-chef-s-lava-fired-pizza-has-got-you-cove/">pizza./n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1635249098,"publishedAt":1683028654,"updatedAt":1683047473,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//05//02//thailands-best-beaches-bars-and-boat-trips-to-experience-in-2023","images":[{"url":"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//17//69//68//{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_483c1b6c-9ab6-5393-a3a1-fe957ee673cc-6176968.jpg","altText":"A stunning river view of Bangkok, Thailand.","caption":"A stunning river view of Bangkok, Thailand.","captionCredit":"Four Seasons Bangkok At Chao Phraya 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Ayutthaya","captionCredit":"Canva","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e3cc206a-3c8b-51c2-9b3e-83aad1878072-6176968.jpg","altText":"Ayutthaya's Historical Park ","caption":"Ayutthaya's Historical Park ","captionCredit":"Canva","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/17\/69\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_27d7edbf-1ebe-551a-bb63-a8c758db25b1-6176968.jpg","altText":"Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn in Bangkok ","caption":"Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn in Bangkok 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Wright","freeField1":"","freeField2":null,"type":"","program":{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations\/destinations"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":28,"urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gs_travel','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','gt_positive','gs_travel_holidays','neg_facebook_2021','eap-gs-homerfaber-fs-30july19','gs_science','gs_science_environ','gs_entertain','gs_entertain_arts','gs_health_misc','gs_food_misc','gv_safe'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"path":"\/travel\/2023\/05\/02\/thailands-best-beaches-bars-and-boat-trips-to-experience-in-2023","lastModified":1683047473},{"id":2249232,"cid":7534922,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"230414_E1SU_51238978","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_travel','gs_seasevnt','gs_travel_type','gt_positive','neg_facebook_2021','gs_travel_type_beach','gs_fineart','gs_event_music_festival','gs_seasevnt_musicfest','gs_travel_holidays','neg_bucherer','gt_positive_like','gs_attractions_museums','neg_facebook_q4','neg_nespresso','gs_event_newyear','eap-gs-homerfaber-fs-30july19'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"What is Songkran? Everything you need to know about Thailand\u2019s wet and wild New Year celebrations","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Thai New Year returns this month with water fights and parties","titleListing2":"What is Songkran? Everything you need to know about Thailand\u2019s wet and wild New Year celebrations","leadin":"Here's where to celebrate Songkran this April.","summary":"Here's where to celebrate Songkran this April.","keySentence":null,"url":"what-is-songkran-everything-you-need-to-know-about-thailands-wet-and-wild-new-year-celebra","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Songkran kicked off in Thailand yesterday bringing raucous water fights to the streets of Bangkok and beyond. \n\nThe three-day festival marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year and is a major draw for tourists. \n\nCelebrations have been muted for the past three years due to pandemic-related restrictions, but 2023 sees its full-scale return. \n\nHere\u2019s everything you need to know about Songkran, including its origins and where to celebrate. \n\nWhy is Thai New Year celebrated in April? \n\nSongkran, or Thai New Year, is Thailand \u2019s biggest and most important annual festival. \n\nIt is traditionally celebrated for three days starting from the first full moon in April. This is because the country runs on the lunisolar Theravada Buddhist calendar. \n\nThe name Songkran comes from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning to \u2018enter\u2019 or \u2018pass into\u2019 and refers to the movement of the zodiac. \n\nThese days, the festival has a set start date of 13 April. \n\nWhy are there water fights during Songkran? \n\nThe water fights that have become synonymous with Songkran are an escalation of tradition. \n\nThe first day of the festival is traditionally marked with spring cleaning and a water pouring ceremony. During this, scented water is poured onto sacred Buddha images in temples. This symbolically represents purification - or the washing away of the previous year to welcome the New Year. \n\nOn the second day, young people pay respect to their elders by pouring scented water over their hands and feet in return for blessings and floral garlands, and offerings are made to monks and temples. \n\nThe festival also marks the start of the rainy season - and one of the hottest times of the year. \n\nOutside of the temples, these elements have metamorphosed into giant water fights involving super soakers, buckets of ice water, loud music and street parties. \n\nRevellers also \u2018bless\u2019 one another by putting \u2018din sor pong\u2019, a limestone-derived cooling talcum powder paste, on each other\u2019s faces. This has been banned in recent years as some people smear it in other\u2019s eyes and mouths, or occasionally even use it as an excuse for inappropriate touching, but it\u2019s still a regular feature of the festival and is generally used respectfully. \n\nWhere\u2019s the best place to celebrate Songkran? \n\nIf you\u2019re ready and willing to get soaked for three days straight, Bangkok is the place to be for Songkran. \n\nKhaosan Road, the epicentre of the backpacker universe, is guaranteed to have thumping parties and crowded water fights. Siam, in central Bangkok, is also primed for Songkran, with various pop-up stages showcasing traditional dancing and live music. \n\nSilom Road is another hub, with LGBTQ-friendly parties along Soi 4 and a major annual pool party at W Bangkok hotel. Fresh-faced revellers head to RCA, the heart of the city\u2019s clubbing scene. \n\nIf you want to level up, S2O music festival is back this year after a three-year hiatus, bringing water cannons, laser beams and world-class DJs. \n\nTo see the more traditional side of the festival , head to riverside temples such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun, catch cultural performances in Lumphini Park, or head north to the city of Chiang Mai. \n\nWant sun, sea and sand while getting soaked? The notorious beachside town of Pattaya extends its Songkran celebrations for a full week. Other popular beach destinations like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phangan also join in the celebrations. \n\nTop tips for celebrating Songkran \n\nIf you\u2019re in Thailand during Songkran, be prepared to get wet. \n\nStreet vendors sell waterproof pouches in the lead up to the event, which are ideal for keeping your phone safe and dry. You\u2019ll also see goggles for sale - and you\u2019ll understand why when you get squirted in the eyes. \n\nAvoid getting the water in your mouth as it\u2019s likely to make you ill - but don\u2019t forget to stay hydrated with bottles of filtered water. \n\nJoin in the celebrations but be respectful: don\u2019t splash monks, elderly people or babies. And keep your water fights to designated areas. \n\nSongkran is a notoriously dangerous time on Thailand\u2019s roads due to drunk driving and water splashing. It\u2019s best to avoid travelling during the festival. Use public transport while in the city.","htmlText":"<p>Songkran kicked off in Thailand yesterday bringing raucous water fights to the streets of Bangkok and beyond.<\/p>\n<p>The three-day festival marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year and is a major draw for tourists.<\/p>\n<p>Celebrations have been muted for the past three years due to pandemic-related restrictions, but 2023 sees its full-scale return.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s everything you need to know about Songkran, including its origins and where to celebrate.<\/p>\n<h2>Why is Thai New Year celebrated in April?<\/h2><p>Songkran, or Thai New Year, is <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//10//17//argentina-japan-turkey-heres-where-your-pound-will-go-the-furthest-this-winter/">Thailand/u2019s biggest and most important annual festival.<\/p>\n<p>It is traditionally celebrated for three days starting from the first full moon in April. This is because the country runs on the lunisolar Theravada Buddhist calendar.<\/p>\n<p>The name Songkran comes from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning to \u2018enter\u2019 or \u2018pass into\u2019 and refers to the movement of the zodiac.<\/p>\n<p>These days, the festival has a set start date of 13 April.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//53//49//22//808x454_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg/" alt=\"AP Photo/Wichai Taprieu\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/384x216_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/640x360_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/750x422_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/828x466_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1080x608_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1920x1080_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Songkran water fights are rooted in tradition.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo/Wichai Taprieu<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Why are there water fights during Songkran?<\/h2><p>The water fights that have become synonymous with Songkran are an escalation of tradition.<\/p>\n<p>The first day of the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//09//these-athletes-in-canada-are-braving-20c-and-heavy-snow-to-race-canoes-across-the-ice/">festival is traditionally marked with spring cleaning and a water pouring ceremony. During this, scented water is poured onto sacred Buddha images in temples. This symbolically represents purification - or the washing away of the previous year to welcome the New Year.<\/p>\n<p>On the second day, young people pay respect to their elders by pouring scented water over their hands and feet in return for blessings and floral garlands, and offerings are made to monks and temples.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7440658,7409486\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//07//thailand-from-tiny-islands-to-wellness-retreats-heres-why-you-should-visit-in-2023/">Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here\u2019s why you should visit in 2023<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//18//it-survived-a-tsunami-and-a-pandemic-now-this-thai-beach-resort-is-a-shining-light-in-the-/">/u2018We have a responsibility to give back\u2019: How a Thai beach resort became the centre of a community<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The festival also marks the start of the rainy season - and one of the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//01//11//uk-records-warmest-year-ever-which-other-european-countries-broke-temperature-records-in-2/">hottest times of the year.<\/p>\n<p>Outside of the temples, these elements have metamorphosed into giant water fights involving super soakers, buckets of ice water, loud music and street parties.<\/p>\n<p>Revellers also \u2018bless\u2019 one another by putting \u2018din sor pong\u2019, a limestone-derived cooling talcum powder paste, on each other\u2019s faces. This has been banned in recent years as some people smear it in other\u2019s eyes and mouths, or occasionally even use it as an excuse for inappropriate touching, but it\u2019s still a regular feature of the festival and is generally used respectfully.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//53//49//22//808x454_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg/" alt=\"AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/384x216_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/640x360_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/750x422_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/828x466_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1080x608_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1920x1080_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Songkran celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand, April 2015.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Where\u2019s the best place to celebrate Songkran?<\/h2><p>If you\u2019re ready and willing to get soaked for three days straight, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//08//09//high-season-bangkoks-new-cannabis-shops-could-jumpstart-tourism-this-summer/">Bangkok is the place to be for Songkran.<\/p>\n<p>Khaosan Road, the epicentre of the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//02//16//travelling-alone-here-are-seven-of-the-best-cities-for-solo-backpackers/">backpacker universe, is guaranteed to have thumping parties and crowded water fights. Siam, in central Bangkok, is also primed for Songkran, with various pop-up stages showcasing traditional dancing and live music.<\/p>\n<p>Silom Road is another hub, with <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//06//23//lgbt-holidaymakers-can-relax-on-vacation-with-this-list-of-top-european-holiday-destinatio/">LGBTQ-friendly parties along Soi 4 and a major annual pool party at W Bangkok hotel. Fresh-faced revellers head to RCA, the heart of the city\u2019s clubbing scene.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7440936\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//15//from-the-worlds-biggest-cave-to-tiny-islands-heres-why-you-should-visit-vietnam/">From the world\u2019s biggest cave to tiny islands, here\u2019s why you should visit Vietnam<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you want to level up, S2O music <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//07//confetti-and-deep-fried-doughnuts-how-to-experience-venice-carnival-like-a-local/">festival is back this year after a three-year hiatus, bringing water cannons, laser beams and world-class DJs.<\/p>\n<p>To see the more traditional side of the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//11//17//kerala-has-some-of-the-worlds-most-magical-festivals-here-are-6-of-the-best/">festival, head to riverside temples such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun, catch cultural performances in Lumphini Park, or head north to the city of Chiang Mai.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//53//49//22//808x454_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg/" alt=\"AP Photo/Wichai Taprieu\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/384x216_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/640x360_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/750x422_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/828x466_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1080x608_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1920x1080_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Thai dancers perform a group classical dance during Songkran festival at Phra Singha temple in Chiang Mai province, 2014.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo/Wichai Taprieu<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Want sun, sea and sand while getting soaked? The notorious beachside town of Pattaya extends its Songkran celebrations for a full week. Other popular <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//25//fancy-a-desert-island-getaway-these-are-the-best-indian-islands-to-get-away-from-it-all/">beach destinations<\/strong><\/a> like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phangan also join in the celebrations.<\/p>\n<h2>Top tips for celebrating Songkran<\/h2><p>If you\u2019re in <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//06//21//the-land-of-smiles-is-reopening-here-are-our-top-5-places-to-visit-in-thailand/">Thailand during Songkran, be prepared to get wet.<\/p>\n<p>Street vendors sell waterproof pouches in the lead up to the event, which are ideal for keeping your <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//09//13//i-swapped-my-iphone-for-a-fairphone-here-s-why-you-should-too/">phone safe and dry. You\u2019ll also see goggles for sale - and you\u2019ll understand why when you get squirted in the eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid getting the water in your mouth as it\u2019s likely to <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//07//28//popular-uk-wild-swimming-spot-leaves-group-ill-with-one-ending-up-in-hospital/">make you ill<\/strong><\/a> - but don\u2019t forget to stay hydrated with bottles of filtered water.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//53//49//22//808x454_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg/" alt=\"AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/384x216_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/640x360_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/750x422_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/828x466_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1080x608_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/1920x1080_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Road accidents are common during Songkran.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Join in the celebrations but be respectful: don\u2019t splash monks, elderly people or babies. And keep your water fights to designated areas.<\/p>\n<p>Songkran is a notoriously dangerous time on Thailand\u2019s roads due to drunk <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//01//02//planning-an-eu-road-trip-9-surprising-driving-laws-to-be-aware-of-on-your-next-holiday/">driving and water splashing. It\u2019s best to avoid travelling during the festival. Use <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//03//22//richest-country-in-europe-marks-third-year-of-free-public-transport/">public transport<\/strong><\/a> while in the city.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1681474815,"publishedAt":1681476989,"updatedAt":1681476993,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2023\/04\/14\/what-is-songkran-everything-you-need-to-know-about-thailands-wet-and-wild-new-year-celebra","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_997cc1df-ef40-56f8-aaf2-5fab25677bad-7534922.jpg","altText":"Songkran celebrations in downtown Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, April 2014.","caption":"Songkran celebrations in downtown Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, April 2014.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Wichai Taprieu","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1344,"height":756},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d2f0c5a5-3891-557d-a441-b9dba8c8ee6d-7534922.jpg","altText":"Road accidents are common during Songkran.","caption":"Road accidents are common during Songkran.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Sakchai Lalit","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9cea90e1-9f60-5a65-af1d-7b16ed8e3d98-7534922.jpg","altText":"Thai dancers perform a group classical dance during Songkran festival at Phra Singha temple in Chiang Mai province, 2014.","caption":"Thai dancers perform a group classical dance during Songkran festival at Phra Singha temple in Chiang Mai province, 2014.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Wichai Taprieu","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1344,"height":756},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_08cc8e10-d1ef-5588-8d39-cfcd97d5a877-7534922.jpg","altText":"Songkran celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand, April 2015.","caption":"Songkran celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand, April 2015.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Sakchai Lalit","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1344,"height":756},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/53\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_925026ad-43cd-5ed9-80c4-792f9de82b1a-7534922.jpg","altText":"Songkran water fights are rooted in tradition.","caption":"Songkran water fights are rooted in tradition.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Wichai Taprieu","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1344,"height":756}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"symons","title":"Angela Symons","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":503,"slug":"bangkok","urlSafeValue":"bangkok","title":"Bangkok","titleRaw":"Bangkok"},{"id":4164,"slug":"festival","urlSafeValue":"festival","title":"Festival","titleRaw":"Festival"},{"id":13088,"slug":"buddhism","urlSafeValue":"buddhism","title":"Buddhism","titleRaw":"Buddhism"},{"id":13156,"slug":"celebration","urlSafeValue":"celebration","title":"Celebration","titleRaw":"Celebration"},{"id":378,"slug":"religion","urlSafeValue":"religion","title":"Religion","titleRaw":"Religion"},{"id":13086,"slug":"new-year","urlSafeValue":"new-year","title":"New Year","titleRaw":"New Year"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":4},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"experiences","urlSafeValue":"experiences","title":"Experiences","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/experiences\/experiences"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"experiences","urlSafeValue":"experiences","title":"Experiences","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/experiences"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":29,"urlSafeValue":"experiences","title":"Experiences"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/travel\/2023\/04\/14\/what-is-songkran-everything-you-need-to-know-about-thailands-wet-and-wild-new-year-celebra","lastModified":1681476993},{"id":2221738,"cid":7454640,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"230309_GNSU_50750516","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gt_mixed','gb_safe','gs_science','gs_science_environ','gs_science_environment','gs_health','gs_health_misc','gs_busfin','gs_busfin_business','gs_busfin_indus'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"\u2018It's very hard for me to breathe lately\u2019: Thick smog covers Bangkok and hospitalises thousands","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Bangkok smog blankets city hospitalising 200,000","titleListing2":"\u2018It's very hard for me to breathe lately\u2019: Thick smog covers Bangkok and hospitalises thousands","leadin":"The popular holiday destination is currently recommending that anyone who goes outside wears a high-quality N95 anti-pollution mask.","summary":"The popular holiday destination is currently recommending that anyone who goes outside wears a high-quality N95 anti-pollution mask.","keySentence":null,"url":"its-very-hard-for-me-to-breathe-lately-thick-smog-covers-bangkok-and-hospitalises-thousand","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Nearly 200,000 people in Thailand have been admitted to hospital because of air pollution this week, officials have said. \n\nThe country\u2019s capital, Bangkok - home to an estimated 11 million people and one of the world's most popular tourist destinations - is currently shrouded in a thick haze. \n\nThe toxic air is an unpleasant yellow-grey mix of vehicle fumes, industrial emissions and smoke from agricultural burning. \n\nWhat is the most polluted part of Thailand? \n\nThe public health ministry said 50 districts in Bangkok on Wednesday 8 March recorded unsafe levels of the most dangerous PM2.5 particles , which are so tiny they can enter the bloodstream. \n\nLevels dropped on Thursday, but remained well above World Health Organization guidelines. \n\nThe situation was worse in the northern city of Chiang Mai, in an agricultural region where farmers burn crop stubble at this time of year. \n\nAround midday local time, the popular tourist destination was ranked the third-most polluted city in the world by monitoring firm IQAir. \n\nWhat are the health effects of Thailand\u2019s polluted air? \n\nMore than 1.3 million people have fallen sick in the kingdom since the start of the year as a result of air pollution, with nearly 200,000 admitted to hospital this week alone, according to the public health ministry. \n\nChildren and pregnant women should stay indoors, urged ministry doctor Kriangkrai Namthaisong on Wednesday. \n\nReports also suggest that nurseries run by the city have set up special \"no dust rooms\" with air purifiers to protect young children, as well as checkpoints to monitor vehicle emissions. \n\nAnyone going outside should wear a high-quality N95 anti-pollution mask, he added. \n\n\"I used to wear just one layer of mask but nowadays I have to put two layers on otherwise I wouldn't be able to stand the pollution,\u201d says local bike taxi driver, Amnaj Saosingha. \n\nDuring another pollution peak in late January and early February, city authorities urged people to work from home. \n\nA spokesman for Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt - elected last year with promises to improve the city's environment - said they would not hesitate to issue another similar order if the situation got worse. \n\nWatch the video above to witness Bangkok\u2019s thick blanket of air pollution.","htmlText":"<p>Nearly 200,000 people in Thailand have been admitted to hospital because of air pollution this week, officials have said.<\/p>\n<p>The country\u2019s capital, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//08//09//high-season-bangkoks-new-cannabis-shops-could-jumpstart-tourism-this-summer/">Bangkok - home to an estimated 11 million people and one of the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//07//thailand-from-tiny-islands-to-wellness-retreats-heres-why-you-should-visit-in-2023/">world's most popular tourist destinations<\/strong><\/a> - is currently shrouded in a thick haze.<\/p>\n<p>The toxic air is an unpleasant yellow-grey mix of vehicle fumes, industrial emissions and smoke from agricultural burning.<\/p>\n<h2>What is the most polluted part of Thailand?<\/h2><p>The public health ministry said 50 districts in <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//27//meet-the-canadian-family-taking-a-world-tour-before-the-children-lose-their-sight/">Bangkok on Wednesday 8 March recorded unsafe levels of the most <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//03//09//just-0001-of-earths-population-enjoy-safe-levels-of-air-pollution-study-shows/">dangerous PM2.5 particles<\/strong><\/a>, which are so tiny they can enter the bloodstream.<\/p>\n<p>Levels dropped on Thursday, but remained well above World Health Organization guidelines.<\/p>\n<p>The situation was worse in the northern city of Chiang Mai, in an agricultural region where farmers burn crop stubble at this time of year.<\/p>\n<p>Around midday local time, the popular tourist destination was ranked the third-most polluted city in the world by monitoring firm IQAir.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7447608,7371962\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//02//04//metro-systems-are-among-our-cities-most-polluted-places-we-asked-an-expert-if-we-should-be/">Metro systems are among our cities\u2019 most polluted places: We asked an expert if we should be worried<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//03//07//gas-industry-knew-about-indoor-pollution-from-stoves-50-years-ago-investigation-reveals/">Gas industry knew about indoor pollution from stoves 50 years ago, investigation\u00a0reveals<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>What are the health effects of Thailand\u2019s polluted air?<\/h2><p>More than 1.3 million people have <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//12//15//suicide-may-be-more-common-in-areas-worst-hit-by-air-pollution-new-study-reveals/">fallen sick<\/strong><\/a> in the kingdom since the start of the year as a result of air pollution, with nearly 200,000 admitted to hospital this week alone, according to the public health ministry.<\/p>\n<p>Children and pregnant women should stay indoors, urged ministry doctor Kriangkrai Namthaisong on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Reports also suggest that nurseries run by the city have set up special \"no dust rooms\" with air purifiers to protect young children, as well as checkpoints to monitor vehicle emissions.<\/p>\n<p>Anyone going outside should wear a high-quality N95 anti-pollution mask, he added.<\/p>\n<p>\"I used to wear just one layer of mask but nowadays I have to put two layers on otherwise I wouldn't be able to stand the pollution,\u201d says local bike taxi driver, Amnaj Saosingha.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7361250\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//01//31//car-fumes-can-impair-brain-function-in-just-two-hours-heres-how-to-protect-yourself/">Car fumes can \u2018impair\u2019 brain function in just two hours. Here\u2019s how to protect yourself<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>During another pollution peak in late January and early February, city authorities urged people to work from home.<\/p>\n<p>A spokesman for Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt - elected last year with promises to improve the city's environment - said they would not hesitate to issue another similar order if the situation got worse.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch the video above to witness Bangkok\u2019s thick blanket of air pollution.<\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1678379785,"publishedAt":1678431639,"updatedAt":1678445080,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2023\/03\/10\/its-very-hard-for-me-to-breathe-lately-thick-smog-covers-bangkok-and-hospitalises-thousand","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/45\/46\/40\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_392eb093-a0d5-5701-b7c6-98667e1b46dd-7454640.jpg","altText":"PM2.5 levels have been above safe limits for most of Bangkok for the past three days","caption":"PM2.5 levels have been above safe limits for most of Bangkok for the past three days","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"brown-h","title":"Hannah Brown","twitter":"@hannahdingbrown"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"brown-h","title":"Hannah Brown","twitter":"@hannahdingbrown"}]},"keywords":[{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":503,"slug":"bangkok","urlSafeValue":"bangkok","title":"Bangkok","titleRaw":"Bangkok"},{"id":12227,"slug":"air-pollution","urlSafeValue":"air-pollution","title":"Air pollution","titleRaw":"Air pollution"},{"id":15712,"slug":"public-health","urlSafeValue":"public-health","title":"Public health","titleRaw":"Public health"},{"id":7930,"slug":"pollution","urlSafeValue":"pollution","title":"Pollution","titleRaw":"Pollution"},{"id":139,"slug":"health","urlSafeValue":"health","title":"Health","titleRaw":"Health"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":2}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/GN\/SU\/23\/03\/09\/en\/230309_GNSU_50750516_50750546_55880_114116_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"55880","filesizeBytes":6948011,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/GN\/SU\/23\/03\/09\/en\/230309_GNSU_50750516_50750546_55880_114116_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"55880","filesizeBytes":10359979,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8izd42","youtubeId":"LosFZuXRGYA"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/green-news\/green-news"},"vertical":"green","verticals":[{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"},"themes":[{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/green-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":35,"urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green-news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":{"id":503,"urlSafeValue":"bangkok-thailand","title":"Bangkok, Thailand"},"versions":[],"path":"\/green\/2023\/03\/10\/its-very-hard-for-me-to-breathe-lately-thick-smog-covers-bangkok-and-hospitalises-thousand","lastModified":1678445080},{"id":2216928,"cid":7440658,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"230303_TCSU_50668594","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_travel','gs_travel_type','gs_travel_holidays','gs_science','gs_travel_locations','gs_travel_locations_asia','gt_positive','progressivemedia','gs_health','gs_travel_type_beach','neg_facebook_2021','neg_mobkoi_castrol','castrol_negative_uk'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here\u2019s why you should visit in 2023","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":" Thailand: Avoid the crowds on these off the beaten track islands","titleListing2":"Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here\u2019s why you should visit in 2023","leadin":"If you\u2019re looking for a quiet getaway, Thailand\u2019s secluded islands are a sustainable haven.","summary":"If you\u2019re looking for a quiet getaway, Thailand\u2019s secluded islands are a sustainable haven.","keySentence":null,"url":"thailand-from-tiny-islands-to-wellness-retreats-heres-why-you-should-visit-in-2023","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A firm favourite with tourists, Thailand is well-known for its glorious white sand beaches, diverse landscapes and exciting nightlife. \n\nBut while the beaches of Phuket or the urban sprawl of Bangkok may be the first places that spring to mind when you think of the southeast Asian country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand wants you to look a little further. \n\n\u201cWe are encouraging tourists to visit emerging destinations and travel during the weekdays to decongest those destinations, while also reducing environmental and cultural wear and tear. \n\n\u201cWe hope to create travel experiences that will not only be meaningful for travellers, but also for the local communities and the environment.\u201d \n\nSo if you\u2019re planning to visit this magnificent country in 2023, where should you go? Whether you\u2019re interested in community-based tourism or looking for a secluded wellness retreat, here are some of the top spots in Thailand for the conscious traveller. \n\nWhere can I go for community-based tourism in Thailand? \n\n\u201cWe are promoting low carbon destinations throughout the country,\u201d says Tourism Authority Thailand. These include: \u201cKoh Mak in Trat, which has been recognised as Thailand\u2019s first low-carbon destination .\u201d \n\n\nSitting off the coast of the southeastern province of Trat, Ko Mak island looks like a four-pointed star when viewed from above. Surrounded by colourful coral reefs and golden sand beaches, tourists can catch a boat to the island from Krom Luang pier in Laem Ngop. \n\n\nGreen tourism in Ko Mak \n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a quiet island getaway, then Ko Mak is the place for you. Not only is it easy to cycle around the island, as it\u2019s much smaller than its neighbours Koh Chang and Koh Kood, there are also several initiatives in place to help tourists reduce their carbon footprint . These include water-saving schemes and a carbon footprint calculator. \n\nThese schemes saw Ko Mak named as one of the top 100 destinations in the world 2022 by Green Destinations, who recognise good practice in the travel and sustainability sector. \n\nWhile much of the island is covered by sprawling coconut plantations, the glorious beaches are relatively undeveloped. Set yourself down on the soft white sands of Ao Suan Yai beach and you\u2019ll be able to see the neighbouring islands in the distance. \n\nFor a beach destination with a bit more going on, head to Ao Kao Beach, where you\u2019ll find resorts, restaurants and cafes alongside the glittering sand. \n\nTo experience the wild, sprawling mangroves , catch a boat to the neighbouring island of Koh Chang, where there are a number of walkways that will take you through the verdant swamps. \n\n\nWhere can I find health and wellness tourism in Thailand? \n\nWhile Thailand may be best known for its natural beauty, health and wellness tourism is growing in the country, explains Tourism Authority Thailand. \n\n\u201cIn Thailand, there are a wide range of destinations that deliver a unique wellness experience, namely Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan.\u201d \n\nKo Samui, Thailand\u2019s second largest island (after Phuket) is home to a huge array of wellness resorts to help you escape the frantic pace of 21st century living. Whether you\u2019re looking to detox, learn more about yoga and pilates, or simply relax by the pool, there\u2019s a huge range of options on the island. \n\nIf all that relaxing gets too much though, there are plenty of adventure activities on offer in Ko Samui too. From sunset sailing tours to diving day trips, the gulf of Thailand is teeming with coral reefs and rich marine life, making it a major draw for scuba divers. \n\nKo Samui isn\u2019t the only island worth exploring for wellness tourists though, explains TAT. \n\n\u201cPhuket is home to world class medical facilities and services, and countless wellness spas and resorts which can be found at major tourist destinations.\u201d \n\nWhile it might be Thailand\u2019s largest and most famous island, if you\u2019re looking for a holiday that has it all, no matter the season, Phuket is still the place to be. \n\n\u201cThailand is an \u201cAll-year round Destination\u201d. No matter when you visit, you can always enjoy Thailand and our many unique season-related activities.\u201d","htmlText":"<p>A firm favourite with tourists, Thailand is well-known for its glorious white sand beaches, diverse landscapes and exciting nightlife.<\/p>\n<p>But while the beaches of Phuket or the urban sprawl of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//08//09//high-season-bangkoks-new-cannabis-shops-could-jumpstart-tourism-this-summer/">Bangkok may be the first places that spring to mind when you think of the southeast Asian country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand wants you to look a little further.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are encouraging tourists to visit emerging destinations and travel during the weekdays to decongest those destinations, while also reducing environmental and cultural wear and tear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe hope to create travel experiences that will not only be meaningful for travellers, but also for the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//11//07//travelling-sustainably-isnt-enough-heres-why-its-time-to-give-back-to-the-places-we-visit/">local communities<\/strong><\/a> and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>So if you\u2019re planning to visit this magnificent country in 2023, where should you go? Whether you\u2019re interested in <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//18//it-survived-a-tsunami-and-a-pandemic-now-this-thai-beach-resort-is-a-shining-light-in-the-/">community-based tourism<\/strong><\/a> or looking for a secluded wellness retreat, here are some of the top spots in Thailand for the conscious traveller.<\/p>\n<h2>Where can I go for community-based tourism in Thailand?<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//44//06//58//808x454_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/384x216_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/640x360_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/750x422_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/828x466_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1080x608_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1200x675_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1920x1080_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">View of Ko Mak, Thailand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe are promoting low carbon destinations throughout the country,\u201d says Tourism Authority Thailand. These include: \u201cKoh Mak in Trat, which has been recognised as Thailand\u2019s first <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//06//will-fewer-flights-be-available-in-future-stark-new-report-lays-out-reality-of-decarbonisi/">low-carbon destination<\/strong><\/a>.\u201d <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-quotation\n widget--size-fullwidth\n widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__content\">\n <blockquote class=\"widget__quote\">\n <span class=\"widget__quoteText\">We are promoting low carbon destinations throughout the country,\u201d says Tourism Authority Thailand. These include: \u201cKoh Mak in Trat, which has been recognised as Thailand\u2019s first low-carbon destination.<\/span>\n <\/blockquote>\n <cite class=\"widget__author\">\n <div class=\"widget__authorText\">\n Tourism Authority Thailand\n <\/div>\n <\/cite>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Sitting off the coast of the southeastern province of Trat, Ko Mak island looks like a four-pointed star when viewed from above. Surrounded by <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//10//25//from-diving-to-kitesurfing-a-guide-for-discovering-the-red-sea/">colourful coral reefs<\/strong><\/a> and golden sand beaches, tourists can catch a boat to the island from Krom Luang pier in Laem Ngop. <\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7433922,6614210\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//28//turkey-thailand-uae-where-are-rich-russian-holidaymakers-going-to-avoid-travel-sanctions/">Turkey, Thailand, UAE: Where are rich Russian holidaymakers going to avoid travel sanctions?\u00a0<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//13//accessible-tourism-scuba-diving-opens-for-disabled-travellers-in-thailand/">Accessible tourism: Scuba diving opens for disabled travellers in Thailand<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Green tourism in Ko Mak<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//44//06//58//808x454_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/384x216_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/640x360_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/750x422_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/828x466_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1080x608_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1200x675_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1920x1080_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Mangroves, Koh Chang<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a quiet island getaway, then Ko Mak is the place for you. Not only is it <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//05//19//slovenia-s-green-capitals-route-and-five-other-epic-european-bike-rides-to-try-this-summer/">easy to cycle<\/strong><\/a> around the island, as it\u2019s much smaller than its neighbours Koh Chang and Koh Kood, there are also several initiatives in place to help tourists reduce their <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//03//06//will-fewer-flights-be-available-in-future-stark-new-report-lays-out-reality-of-decarbonisi/">carbon footprint<\/strong><\/a>. These include water-saving schemes and a carbon footprint calculator.<\/p>\n<p>These schemes saw Ko Mak named as one of the top 100 destinations in the world 2022 by Green Destinations, who recognise good practice in the travel and sustainability sector.<\/p>\n<p>While much of the island is covered by sprawling coconut plantations, the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//07//03//these-are-the-20-most-beautiful-beaches-in-the-world-and-half-are-in-europe/">glorious beaches<\/strong><\/a> are relatively undeveloped. Set yourself down on the soft white sands of Ao Suan Yai beach and you\u2019ll be able to see the neighbouring islands in the distance.<\/p>\n<p>For a <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//01//06//thailand-leo-s-beach-paradise-has-reopened-after-4-years-but-tourists-can-t-swim/">beach destination<\/strong><\/a> with a bit more going on, head to Ao Kao Beach, where you\u2019ll find resorts, restaurants and cafes alongside the glittering sand.<\/p>\n<p>To experience the wild, sprawling <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//04//17//what-are-mangroves-and-why-are-they-the-key-to-saving-the-planet/">mangroves, catch a boat to the neighbouring island of Koh Chang, where there are a number of walkways that will take you through the verdant swamps. <\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6352974\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//01//06//thailand-leo-s-beach-paradise-has-reopened-after-4-years-but-tourists-can-t-swim/">Thailand: Leo's beach paradise has reopened after 4 years, but tourists can't swim<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Where can I find health and wellness tourism in Thailand?<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//44//06//58//808x454_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg/" alt=\"Canva\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/384x216_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/640x360_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/750x422_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/828x466_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1080x608_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1200x675_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/1920x1080_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Phuket, Thailand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Canva<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>While Thailand may be best known for its natural beauty, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2018//09//28//the-art-of-doing-nothing-in-bodrum/">health and wellness tourism<\/strong><\/a> is growing in the country, explains Tourism Authority Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn Thailand, there are a wide range of destinations that deliver a unique wellness experience, namely Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ko Samui, Thailand\u2019s second largest island (after Phuket) is home to a huge array of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//05//14//never-been-on-a-retreat-it-might-be-more-down-to-earth-than-you-think/">wellness resorts<\/strong><\/a> to help you escape the frantic pace of 21st century living. Whether you\u2019re looking to detox, learn more about yoga and pilates, or simply relax by the pool, there\u2019s a huge range of options on the island.<\/p>\n<p>If all that relaxing gets too much though, there are plenty of adventure activities on offer in Ko Samui too. From sunset sailing tours to diving day trips, the gulf of Thailand is teeming with coral reefs and rich marine life, making it a major draw for <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//13//accessible-tourism-scuba-diving-opens-for-disabled-travellers-in-thailand/">scuba divers.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ko Samui isn\u2019t the only island worth exploring for wellness tourists though, explains TAT.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPhuket is home to world class medical facilities and services, and countless <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//11//27//bulgaria-is-a-top-destination-for-2022-wellness-breaks-here-s-why/">wellness spas<\/strong><\/a> and resorts which can be found at major tourist destinations.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While it might be Thailand\u2019s largest and most famous island, if you\u2019re looking for a holiday that has it all, no matter the season, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2023//01//24//lunar-newyear-china-thailand-businesses/">Phuket is still the place to be.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThailand is an \u201cAll-year round Destination\u201d. No matter when you visit, you can always enjoy Thailand and our many unique season-related activities.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1677848961,"publishedAt":1678209941,"updatedAt":1678642944,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2023\/03\/07\/thailand-from-tiny-islands-to-wellness-retreats-heres-why-you-should-visit-in-2023","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_dc5af1de-d872-5efe-921e-679f12068076-7440658.jpg","altText":"Koh Chang, Thailand","caption":"Koh Chang, Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Canva","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_eef4a341-0e4e-5c35-9f29-df9da6a444da-7440658.jpg","altText":"Mangroves, Koh Chang","caption":"Mangroves, Koh Chang","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Canva","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_91d47391-6e9c-565a-990c-cd7356cd4f48-7440658.jpg","altText":"View of Ko Mak, Thailand","caption":"View of Ko Mak, Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Canva","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_485e5d3c-24ed-5834-b1bd-5e8023d5f3eb-7440658.jpg","altText":"Phuket, Thailand","caption":"Phuket, Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Canva","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":720},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/44\/06\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_032a83ef-6c9e-579e-b726-5485410899e0-7440658.jpg","altText":"Phuket, Thailand","caption":"Phuket, Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Canva","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"daunton","title":"Nichola Daunton","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":24192,"slug":"travel-destinations","urlSafeValue":"travel-destinations","title":"Travel destinations","titleRaw":"Travel destinations"},{"id":26218,"slug":"ilhas-selvagens","urlSafeValue":"ilhas-selvagens","title":"Wild 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have a responsibility to give back\u2019: How a Thai beach resort became the centre of a community","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Can big hotels benefit small communities? This resort is a ray of hope","titleListing2":"It survived a tsunami and a pandemic. Now this Thai beach resort is a shining light in the community","leadin":"The Sarojin is a shining example of community-based tourism.","summary":"The Sarojin is a shining example of community-based tourism.","url":"it-survived-a-tsunami-and-a-pandemic-now-this-thai-beach-resort-is-a-shining-light-in-the-","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The Sarojin almost didn\u2019t exist. After six years in the making, the boutique beach resort in Thailand was two weeks away from opening when disaster struck: the massive tsunami and earthquake that hit south-east Asia on Boxing Day 2004. The hotel\u2019s structure remained intact but the 10m wave that swept through the beachfront resort took everything else. \n\nIn the space of a few hours on that fateful morning, The Sarojin went from brand new hotel to integral part of a devastated community. Over the following days it transpired that Khao Lak, the coastal town where the hotel is located, was the worst hit place in Thailand . 4,000 people from the town died, including one of the hotel\u2019s staff. \n\nNecessity is the mother of all invention \n\nAfter realising what it would take to rebuild the resort, The Sarojin\u2019s owners had a tough decision to make: they could only afford to pay the staff or the construction crew. So the staff made it easy for them: they would do it all. \n\nFront of house staff became project managers, housekeeping shopped for furniture and eventually the hotel was restored. In honour of the staff\u2019s ingenuity, each of the Sarojin\u2019s \u2018residences\u2019 is named after one of the team members who helped with the rebuild. \n\nFast forward 16 years and this spirit of multitasking led to the hotel being able to reopen after Thailand\u2019s prolonged COVID lockdowns. Resident Manager-Operations Khun Kade tells me they do a lot of \u201ccross training\u201d between departments. So when they had lost staff due to the pandemic, drivers became waiters and the accounts team helped out on the bar. \n\nHow to learn Thai over breakfast \n\nSmall touches like individually named rooms are what I\u2019ll remember from my stay at The Sarojin. Every morning at breakfast there\u2019s a paper on your table telling you the \u201causpicious colour of the day\u201d, a few Thai phrases to try out and titbits about wildlife and trees you might spot around the resort. Among the more than 100 species of trees and plants, I loved knowing what to look out for. \n\nThese small touches encourage you to interact with the environment , to really get familiar with it. This extends to the warm reception. \u201cThe staff welcome our guests like they welcome guests into their own home\u201d says Khun Kade, who joined the hotel as a front office manager and worked his way up. \n\nEvery single staff member smiled and said hello as I walked past them in the resort\u2019s large grounds. The front desk cheerily greet you with \u201cWelcome back!\u201d when you return from a day out. Ultimately, it felt like the staff enjoy working here. It just goes to show that treating employees well pays off in spades in the guest experience. \n\nProviding skills and training is the way to help communities level up long term \n\nWith the hospitality staffing crisis which began last year showing few signs of abating in 2023, hotel owners could learn a thing or two from The Sarojin. For starters, they employ locally. 70 per cent of the staff were born in Khao Lak and 100 per cent are Thai. \n\nThis means no foreign general manager or head chef as is often the case at foreign-owned hotels. This has been the norm for decades but it\u2019s high time it changed. \n\nIf hotel owners find that locals don\u2019t have the necessary skills, they can train them - this is true and lasting investment in a community. It can be done at the local level like at The Sarojin. Or on a wider scale like Minor Hotels setting up a hotel school in Thailand . \n\nThe Asian Institute of Hospitality Management ( AIHM ) is designed to give students the same quality of hotel training as they would get in Europe or the US without the need to travel abroad. This is achieved through their partnership with Switzerland\u2019s Les Roches, widely thought to be the best hospitality school in the world. At AIHM, students can train to work in every hotel department from marketing and accounting right through to food and beverage. \n\nThis democratisation of hospitality education is a win-win: Thailand\u2019s workforce levels up and the industry has access to high quality staff locally. The AIHM courses also include internships at Minor hotels, meaning students get hands-on experience at 5* hotels and Minor grows its talent pool. \n\nSupporting local projects in a practical way \n\nEmploying locally also has practical advantages like employees not having long commutes. On a deeper level, it means they are proud to work somewhere that contributes to their hometown. \n\nMany hotels offer excursions into the local community but The Sarojin takes it one step further by directly contributing to the places you\u2019re taken to. We visited a local orphanage which the hotel supports by giving internships to some of the teenagers and inviting guests to donate. \n\nThey also run monthly \u2018Sarojin Cares\u2019 days when the team, and guests if they wish, participate in a local environmental or community activity like cleanups or maintenance in the nearby national park. \n\nPlanting our own mangrove trees was the best way to round off the holiday \n\nOn our last day at the hotel, we took a mangrove tour with Khun Jack. He is Activity and Discoveries Manager having joined the business as a kitchen hand, proof of how the hotel trains and promotes internally. \n\nAs with all Sarojin excursions and transfers, we were driven in one of the hotel\u2019s slick 4x4 cars, complete with Wifi, cold drinks and a refreshing towel. A lovely sanctuary given the beating hot sun. \n\nI wasn\u2019t sure what to expect from the tour but it turned out to be a gorgeous way to start the day. We were taken out on a canoe on a narrow river . It had been an early start but it was worth it to be the first boat out on the water . \n\nKhun Jack had his binoculars out and turned out to be an expert at spotting wildlife amongst the canopy of trees that enveloped the river . I loved watching a family of monkeys using the trees as ropes to jump from one side to the other, squawking as they went. A lizard was another great spot that we wouldn\u2019t have seen without Khun Jack\u2019s trained eye. \n\nHalfway down the river, we pulled over to a muddy river bank and hopped out. Our guides had a surprise for us: we would be planting our very own mangrove trees. \n\nMangroves are the wonder kids of the natural world. They have incredible carbon-absorbing abilities and their complex root systems mean they can survive extreme weather like hurricanes , thereby protecting coastal communities. \n\nAfter Khun Jack had dug a shallow hole, I carefully placed my spindly tree into the earth . As I patted down the soil around it, I wished it a long life. \n\nAlong with these canoe tours, The Sarojin supports the growth of a local mangrove forest by planting one tree for every booking. One booking one tree is thankfully becoming more common in the hotel industry but there\u2019s often little transparency about where or when the trees will actually be planted. Whereas The Sarojin\u2019s mangrove trees are in a local fishing village, thereby helping to protect the coastline and all the livelihoods that depend on it. \n\nAll in all, The Sarojin is a shining example of community-based tourism. Do hotels have an obligation to contribute to the community they\u2019re part of? Sadly not. But The Sarojin\u2019s owners say they\u2019re driven by the concept that \u201cwe use this land for the business so we have a responsibility to give back, too.\u201d \n\nAs I fondly look back at my holiday snaps of The Sarojin\u2019s white sand beach , I hope this piece of paradise will stay in the care of these respectful guardians. \n\nRuth Wright was part-gifted her stay and experiences at The Sarojin. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The Sarojin almost didn\u2019t exist. After six years in the making, the boutique beach resort in Thailand was two weeks away from opening when disaster struck: the massive tsunami and earthquake that hit south-east Asia on Boxing Day 2004. The hotel\u2019s structure remained intact but the 10m wave that swept through the beachfront resort took everything else.<\/p>\n<p>In the space of a few hours on that fateful morning, The Sarojin went from brand new hotel to integral part of a devastated community. Over the following days it transpired that Khao Lak, the coastal town where the hotel is located, was the worst hit place in <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//01//10//do-i-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-visit-thailand-entry-rules-clarified-after-u-turn-on-covid-j/">Thailand. 4,000 people from the town died, including one of the hotel\u2019s staff.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"5110150,6148960\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//12//16//sicily-s-best-boutique-hotels-sleep-in-style-at-these-high-end-hideaways/">Sicily: Skip the big resort in The White Lotus and book one of these charming small hotels<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//16//self-sufficient-hideaways-from-private-islands-to-italian-farms/">Self-sufficient hideaways: From private islands to Italian farms<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Necessity is the mother of all invention<\/h2><p>After realising what it would take to rebuild the resort, The Sarojin\u2019s owners had a tough decision to make: they could only afford to pay the <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//10//13//trips-to-italy-6-course-dinners-and-endless-booze-do-fancy-work-trips-really-stop-staff-le/">staff or the construction crew. So the staff made it easy for them: they would do it all.<\/p>\n<p>Front of house <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//09//29//virgin-atlantic-now-allows-its-staff-to-choose-their-uniform-based-on-their-gender-identit/">staff became project managers, housekeeping shopped for furniture and eventually the hotel was restored. In honour of the staff\u2019s ingenuity, each of the Sarojin\u2019s \u2018residences\u2019 is named after one of the team members who helped with the rebuild.<\/p>\n<p>Fast forward 16 years and this spirit of multitasking led to the hotel being able to reopen after Thailand\u2019s prolonged <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//10//21//what-s-the-latest-on-european-travel-restrictions/">COVID lockdowns. Resident Manager-Operations Khun Kade tells me they do a lot of \u201ccross training\u201d between departments. So when they had lost <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//07//04//hired-in-24-hours-top-hotels-in-europe-snap-up-unqualified-staff-to-plug-gap-left-by-short/">staff due to the pandemic, drivers became <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//12//dinner-in-the-sky-waiters-wear-harnesses-to-serve-you-food-at-this-new-floating-restaurant/">waiters and the accounts team helped out on the bar.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//40//94//86//808x454_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg/" alt=\"The Sarojin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/384x216_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/640x360_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/750x422_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/828x466_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1080x608_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1200x675_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1920x1080_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The Sarojin was completely rebuilt after a devastating tsunami destroyed it in 2004.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">The Sarojin<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>How to learn Thai over breakfast<\/h2><p>Small touches like individually named rooms are what I\u2019ll remember from my stay at The Sarojin. Every morning at <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//01//16//the-surprising-locations-of-the-world-s-favourite-hotel-breakfasts/">breakfast there\u2019s a paper on your table telling you the \u201causpicious colour of the day\u201d, a few Thai phrases to try out and titbits about <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//02//09//wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-dream-shot-of-elusive-snow-leopard-wins-peoples-choice-a/">wildlife and trees you might spot around the resort. Among the more than 100 species of <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//12//02//indias-original-eco-warriors-meet-the-bishnoi-community-who-wont-cut-down-living-trees/">trees and plants, I loved knowing what to look out for.<\/p>\n<p>These small touches encourage you to interact with the <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//02//06//here-are-all-the-positive-environmental-stories-from-2023-so-far/">environment, to really get familiar with it. This extends to the warm reception. \u201cThe <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//10//10//ghost-town-japan-reopens-borders-but-visitors-face-shuttered-shops-and-short-staffed-hotel/">staff welcome our guests like they welcome guests into their own home\u201d says Khun Kade, who joined the hotel as a front office manager and worked his way up.<\/p>\n<p>Every single staff member smiled and said hello as I walked past them in the resort\u2019s large grounds. The front desk cheerily greet you with \u201cWelcome back!\u201d when you return from a day out. Ultimately, it felt like the staff enjoy working here. It just goes to show that treating <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//10//18//would-you-quit-your-job-over-climate-inaction-a-third-of-uk-employees-say-they-would/">employees well pays off in spades in the guest experience.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6614210,7406700\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//02//16//france-demolishes-beach-apartments-and-relocates-residents-due-to-rising-sea-levels/">In pictures: France demolishes beach apartments and relocates residents due to rising sea levels<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//13//accessible-tourism-scuba-diving-opens-for-disabled-travellers-in-thailand/">Accessible tourism: Scuba diving opens for disabled travellers in Thailand<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Providing skills and training is the way to help communities level up long term<\/h2><p>With the <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//07//14//brexit-working-conditions-and-low-pay-an-inside-look-at-europes-hotel-staffing-crisis/">hospitality staffing crisis<\/a><\/strong> which began last year showing few signs of abating in 2023, hotel <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//10//15//this-restored-italian-palace-will-be-shared-by-more-than-100-owners/">owners could learn a thing or two from The Sarojin. For starters, they employ locally. 70 per cent of the staff were born in Khao Lak and 100 per cent are Thai.<\/p>\n<p>This means no foreign general manager or head chef as is often the case at foreign-owned hotels. This has been the norm for decades but it\u2019s high time it changed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//40//94//86//808x454_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg/" alt=\"AIHM\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/384x216_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/640x360_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/750x422_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/828x466_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1080x608_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1200x675_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1920x1080_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Students on a mixology course at the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management (AIHM)<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AIHM<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If hotel owners find that locals don\u2019t have the necessary skills, they can train them - this is true and lasting investment in a community. It can be done at the local level like at The Sarojin. Or on a wider scale like Minor Hotels setting up a hotel school in <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//12//08//thailand-overtourism-paradise-destination-welcomes-you-back-but-only-if-you-re-high-end/">Thailand./n
The Asian Institute of Hospitality Management (<strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.aihm.education///">AIHM) is designed to give students the same quality of hotel <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//07//24//im-a-post-brexit-brit-who-took-a-training-course-to-learn-how-to-be-french-heres-how-i-got/">training as they would get in <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//14//fall-in-love-with-slow-travel-on-these-romantic-train-adventures-across-europe/">Europe or the US without the need to travel abroad. This is achieved through their partnership with Switzerland\u2019s Les Roches, widely thought to be the best hospitality school in the world. At AIHM, students can train to work in every hotel department from marketing and accounting right through to <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//15//pasta-classes-tapas-crawls-and-wine-tastings-7-of-europes-best-food-adventures/">food and beverage.<\/p>\n<p>This democratisation of hospitality education is a win-win: Thailand\u2019s workforce levels up and the industry has access to high quality staff locally. The AIHM courses also include internships at Minor hotels, meaning students get hands-on experience at <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//06//14//you-can-get-5-luxury-for-3-prices-in-these-10-european-cities/">5* hotels<\/a><\/strong> and Minor grows its talent pool.<\/p>\n<h2>Supporting local projects in a practical way<\/h2><p>Employing locally also has practical advantages like employees not having long commutes. On a deeper level, it means they are proud to work somewhere that contributes to their hometown.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//40//94//86//808x454_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg/" alt=\"The Sarojin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/384x216_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/640x360_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/750x422_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/828x466_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1080x608_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1200x675_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1920x1080_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Every Christmas The Sarojin gives gifts to the children at a local orphanage.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">The Sarojin<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Many hotels offer excursions into the local <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//01//05//always-wanted-to-live-in-italy-we-set-up-a-remote-work-community-in-the-tuscan-mountains/">community but The Sarojin takes it one step further by directly contributing to the places you\u2019re taken to. We visited a local orphanage which the hotel supports by giving internships to some of the teenagers and inviting guests to donate.<\/p>\n<p>They also run monthly \u2018Sarojin Cares\u2019 days when the team, and guests if they wish, participate in a local <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//12//25//from-droughts-to-soup-splashed-paintings-here-are-the-most-striking-environmental-photos-o/">environmental or community activity like <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//09//22//in-pictures-50-million-people-across-the-globe-join-world-cleanup-day/">cleanups or maintenance in the nearby national park.<\/p>\n<h2>Planting our own mangrove trees was the best way to round off the holiday<\/h2><p>On our last day at the hotel, we took a mangrove tour with Khun Jack. He is Activity and Discoveries Manager having joined the business as a <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//11//03//from-air-fryers-to-batch-cooking-these-energy-saving-kitchen-tips-could-save-you-700-a-yea/">kitchen hand, proof of how the hotel trains and promotes internally.<\/p>\n<p>As with all Sarojin excursions and transfers, we were driven in one of the hotel\u2019s slick 4x4 cars, complete with Wifi, cold drinks and a refreshing towel. A lovely <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//09//06//three-dolphins-swim-free-in-indonesia-after-years-confined-to-a-tiny-resort-hotel-pool/">sanctuary given the beating hot sun.<\/p>\n<p>I wasn\u2019t sure what to expect from the tour but it turned out to be a gorgeous way to start the day. We were taken out on a <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//02//09//these-athletes-in-canada-are-braving-20c-and-heavy-snow-to-race-canoes-across-the-ice/">canoe on a narrow <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//01//26//a-tale-of-two-rivers-what-the-oder-could-learn-from-the-once-smelly-emscher/">river. It had been an early start but it was worth it to be the first <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//11//12//meet-the-adventurer-and-filmmaker-who-swapped-a-flat-in-london-to-live-off-grid-on-a-canal/">boat out on the <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//01//19//running-out-of-water-is-one-of-the-biggest-risks-facing-the-world-what-can-we-do-about-it/">water./n
wildlife amongst the canopy of <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//12//03//turning-desert-into-forest-olympic-committee-plants-70000-trees-in-africas-sahel-region/">trees that enveloped the <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//05//14//the-longest-river-in-italy-is-drying-up-what-does-this-mean-for-those-who-rely-on-it-for-f/">river. I loved watching a family of <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//11//16//thai-coconut-industry-fuelled-by-monkey-labour-according-to-peta-investigation/">monkeys using the trees as ropes to jump from one side to the other, squawking as they went. A <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//02//03//it-s-raining-reptiles-why-are-lizards-falling-from-the-skies-in-florida/">lizard was another great spot that we wouldn\u2019t have seen without Khun Jack\u2019s trained eye.<\/p>\n<p>Halfway down the river, we pulled over to a muddy <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//05//13//giant-stingray-discovered-in-the-mekong-shining-a-light-on-the-river-s-biodiversity/">river bank and hopped out. Our guides had a surprise for us: we would be planting our very own mangrove trees.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"5562258,6665490\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//05//02//a-mangrove-revolution-how-egypt-is-prioritising-climate-projects-in-the-run-up-to-cop27/">A mangrove revolution: How Egypt is prioritising climate projects in the run-up to COP27<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//04//17//what-are-mangroves-and-why-are-they-the-key-to-saving-the-planet/">Mangrove swamps: Why this vital ecosystem is key to saving the planet<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Mangroves are the wonder kids of the natural world. They have incredible <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//12//09//carbon-capture-uks-first-plant-could-remove-15-million-tonnes-of-co2-from-the-air-a-year/">carbon-absorbing abilities and their complex root systems mean they can survive <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//06//28//extreme-weather-clearly-linked-to-human-induced-climate-change-new-study-says/">extreme weather<\/a><\/strong> like <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//11//22//hawaiis-reefs-will-be-repaired-after-hurricanes-thanks-to-innovative-coral-insurance-polic/">hurricanes, thereby protecting coastal communities.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//40//94//86//808x454_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg/" alt=\"The Sarojin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/384x216_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/640x360_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/750x422_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/828x466_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1080x608_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1200x675_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/1920x1080_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">On a mangrove-planting canoe trip in Khao Lak, Thailand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">The Sarojin<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After Khun Jack had dug a shallow hole, I carefully placed my spindly tree into the <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//02//11//mining-europes-biggest-rare-earth-deposit-could-make-life-impossible-for-sami-communities/">earth. As I patted down the soil around it, I wished it a long life.<\/p>\n<p>Along with these canoe tours, The Sarojin supports the growth of a local mangrove forest by planting one tree for every booking. One booking one tree is thankfully becoming more common in the hotel industry but there\u2019s often <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//09//01//how-to-tell-the-difference-between-tree-planting-schemes-and-scams/">little transparency<\/a><\/strong> about where or when the trees will actually be planted. Whereas The Sarojin\u2019s mangrove trees are in a local <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//04//08//illegal-fishing-and-physical-violence-life-aboard-china-s-devil-vessels-revealed-in-new-re/">fishing village, thereby helping to protect the <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//06//01//volunteer-divers-clear-tons-of-dangerous-ghost-nets-from-the-greek-coastline/">coastline and all the livelihoods that depend on it.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"5256648,6215314\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//11//09//will-sharing-photos-of-your-pets-really-help-plant-trees-no-but-that-s-probably-a-good-thi/">Will sharing photos of your pets really help plant trees? No, but that\u2019s probably a good thing<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//09//01//how-to-tell-the-difference-between-tree-planting-schemes-and-scams/">What's the difference between legitimate tree-planting schemes and scams?<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>All in all, The Sarojin is a shining example of community-based tourism. Do <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//03//30//the-company-saving-lives-by-handing-out-soap-from-luxury-hotels/">hotels have an obligation to contribute to the <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//12//30//why-rebel-rural-community-north-east-spain-fighting-against-wind-farms/">community they\u2019re part of? Sadly not. But The Sarojin\u2019s owners say they\u2019re driven by the concept that \u201cwe use this <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//02//10//spains-rubbish-dumps-are-attracting-white-storks-but-danger-lurks-in-the-trash/">land for the business so we have a responsibility to give back, too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As I fondly look back at my <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//09//04//tired-of-instagram-turn-your-holiday-memories-into-photo-books-cakes-and-air-fresheners/">holiday snaps<\/a><\/strong> of The Sarojin\u2019s white sand <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//08//05//pasta-bake-on-the-beach-how-to-celebrate-italys-biggest-summer-festival/">beach, I hope this piece of paradise will stay in the care of these respectful guardians.<\/p>\n<p><em>Ruth Wright was part-gifted her stay and experiences at The Sarojin.<\/em><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1676629986,"publishedAt":1676703630,"updatedAt":1689083430,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2023\/02\/18\/it-survived-a-tsunami-and-a-pandemic-now-this-thai-beach-resort-is-a-shining-light-in-the-","images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9319b6e0-071b-5455-a596-da37e45f6f7e-7409486.jpg","altText":"Khun Kade and other staff from The Sarojin plant mangrove trees at a local fisherman's village \/ The pool at The Sarojin","caption":"Khun Kade and other staff from The Sarojin plant mangrove trees at a local fisherman's village \/ The pool at The Sarojin","captionCredit":"The Sarojin","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f4f6cd69-f4d6-5e0c-a198-f7d567108a5b-7409486.jpg","altText":"The Sarojin was completely rebuilt after a devastating tsunami destroyed it in 2004.","caption":"The Sarojin was completely rebuilt after a devastating tsunami destroyed it in 2004.","captionCredit":"The Sarojin","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c5417289-f4a8-5725-b403-b36330bbbaa4-7409486.jpg","altText":"Euronews Green and Travel editor Ruth Wright on a mangrove-planting canoe trip.","caption":"Euronews Green and Travel editor Ruth Wright on a mangrove-planting canoe trip.","captionCredit":"Ruth Wright","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e7552bf1-c16f-5f78-a216-d975c9bbb72d-7409486.jpg","altText":"The Sarojin was completely rebuilt after a devastating tsunami destroyed it in 2004.","caption":"The Sarojin was completely rebuilt after a devastating tsunami destroyed it in 2004.","captionCredit":"Sarojin","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_6eaaca3c-1162-5f54-be4a-68e0b35093fa-7409486.jpg","altText":"The Sarojin helps contribute supplies to the local orphanage.","caption":"The Sarojin helps contribute supplies to the local orphanage.","captionCredit":"Sarojin","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4a8abb26-079b-5d7e-9275-ec1b810711fa-7409486.jpg","altText":"The Sarojin supports a local mangrove forest project by planting one tree for every booking. They also offer canoe trips to guests who wish to plant their own mangroves.","caption":"The Sarojin supports a local mangrove forest project by planting one tree for every booking. They also offer canoe trips to guests who wish to plant their own mangroves.","captionCredit":"Sarojin","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/40\/94\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1144387a-f7ed-5bed-a90e-5a20ff5b8299-7409486.jpg","altText":"Students on a mixology course at the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management (AIHM)","caption":"Students on a mixology course at the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management (AIHM)","captionCredit":"AIHM","captionUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"wright-ru","title":"Ruth Wright","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":24280,"slug":"conscious-travel","urlSafeValue":"conscious-travel","title":"Conscious travel","titleRaw":"Conscious travel"},{"id":24462,"slug":"community-immersion","urlSafeValue":"community-immersion","title":"community immersion","titleRaw":"community immersion"},{"id":21082,"slug":"beach","urlSafeValue":"beach","title":"beach","titleRaw":"beach"},{"id":9303,"slug":"hotel-industry","urlSafeValue":"hotel-industry","title":"Hotel Industry","titleRaw":"Hotel Industry"},{"id":20478,"slug":"sustainable-hotel","urlSafeValue":"sustainable-hotel","title":"Sustainable hotel","titleRaw":"Sustainable hotel"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":5},{"slug":"related","count":4}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"isLiveCoverage":0,"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"freeField2":null,"type":"","program":{"id":"conscious-travel","urlSafeValue":"conscious-travel","title":"Conscious Travel","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-series\/conscious-travel"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"experiences","urlSafeValue":"experiences","title":"Experiences","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/experiences"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":29,"urlSafeValue":"experiences","title":"Experiences"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_travel','gs_careers_apprenticeships','gs_careers','gs_travel_type','gs_busfin_indus_hospitality','gs_science','progressivemedia','gs_travel_locations','gs_science_environ','gt_positive','neg_facebook_2021','neg_mobkoi_castrol','castrol_negative_uk','neg_pmi','neg_pmi_english'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/travel\/2023\/02\/18\/it-survived-a-tsunami-and-a-pandemic-now-this-thai-beach-resort-is-a-shining-light-in-the-","lastModified":1689083430},{"id":2201140,"cid":7394068,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"230213_S4WB_50386237","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gt_positive','gs_sport','gs_sport_soccer','neg_bucherer','gs_science','neg_pmi','neg_pmi_english','shadow9hu7_pos_pmi','gt_positive_happiness'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Meet the football team floating to success in Thailand","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Meet the football team floating to success in Thailand","leadin":"There is not enough space on the Island, so we had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea.","summary":"There is not enough space on the Island, so we had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea.","keySentence":null,"url":"meet-the-football-team-floating-to-success-in-thailand","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world that are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories. \n\nFootball is one of the most popular sports in the world. According to FIFA , the international football governing body 'The beautiful Game' is played in over 200 countries and has an estimated five billion fans worldwide. In Thailand, football is the lifeblood of many aspiring players, and hundreds of amateur teams exist nationwide. \n\nOne such team is Panyee F.C., a football club that is literally floating on water. \"Panyee F.C. plays on the island of Ko Panyee in southern Thailand,\" says Hadi, a youth player of Panyee F.C. tells SCENES. \"There is not enough space on the Island, so we had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea,\" he says. \n\n\u2018In the middle of the sea\u2019 \n\nA large vertical limestone cliff and hundreds of sprawling huts and shacks dominate Ko Panyee island. The landmass measures less than a kilometre in diameter, and most buildings are built on stilts on the water. \n\nMore than 1,600 people from 350 households live on the island. The inhabitants descend from a small number of Indonesian fishing families who settled there over 200 years ago. \n\n\"Our ancestors agreed to plant a flag on any suitable location,\" explains Prasit, a former player and coach of Panyee F.C. \"Panyee island was chosen to be settled on as it resembles a flag,\" he says. \n\nOver 200 years later, flags fly on the island for a very different reason. Panyee F.C. is the only football team in the area, and many young inhabitants play for or support the team. \n\n\u2018Fish cages and wooden planks\u2019 \n\nThe floating football pitch was first built ten years ago by fishermen who wanted to give their children an opportunity to play football all year round. Prior to having a pitch, islanders could only play football for a few days per month during low tide. \n\n\"The first pitch was made from fish cages covered with wooden planks. They made a raft and took leftover pieces of iron and made goalposts,\" says Hadi. \n\nThe floating pitch goes through general wear and tear. It has been repaired and rebuilt many times over the decade. Many players and former players who helped to construct it are also responsible for the maintenance. \u00a0 \n\n\"When you are using a pitch, whether it is grass or any type, there is always damage after it is used. Especially if it is a floating pitch. The nails and knots move, and they become loose.\" explains Prasit. \n\n\u2018It's like a spring\u2019 \n\nThe latest pitch is made out of floating pontoons, rubber and reinforced plastic. Prasit says that the football pitch is unique and unlike any other pitch in the world. He says what makes it different is its movements. \"It's like a spring; I think it makes us very flexible, and it's something that we like more than playing on a normal pitch,\" says Prasit. \n\nFishing boats often pass by and cause the pitch to wobble and shake. The players say that the moving pitch makes the game more fun and that they sometimes have to jump into the water to retrieve the ball. \"This football field is in a water environment. Therefore we often have to jump into the water. This makes our bodies stronger,\" says Prasit. \n\nThroughout the year, the club hosts football tournaments for children between the ages of 7 and 18. Panyee F.C. has also competed in national competitions and is considered to have one of the most successful youth football teams in Southern Thailand. \n\n\u2018Winning over the hearts\u2019 \n\nPanyee F.C. says that it is their unity that makes them strong. No matter what happens on the field, they are not concerned about winning or losing. What matters to them is being able to play the sport they love each day. \"Even though we sometimes lose, we are most proud of our victory beyond the football pitch. Winning over the hearts of everybody,\" says Prasit. \n\n\"The beauty of our football pitch is second to none in the world,\" says Prasit. \"We are very proud of the attention our pitch has received. It makes us see ourselves, Panyee F.C., as representatives of Koh Panyee,\" he says. \n\nAs a result of the team's success and its unique playing field, Panyee F.C. has become a key attraction in the area. Up to 3000 tourists visit the island daily, and most head straight to the floating football pitch. The extra money they generate helps keep Panyee F.C. afloat, making it a win-win situation for the community.","htmlText":"<p><strong>SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world that are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. According to <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.fifa.com///">FIFA, the international football governing body 'The beautiful Game' is played in over 200 countries and has an estimated five billion fans worldwide. In Thailand, football is the lifeblood of many aspiring players, and hundreds of amateur teams exist nationwide.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.535470310036784\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//39//40//68//808x432_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg/" alt=\"Chanaphan Phromvirat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/384x206_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/640x343_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/750x402_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/828x443_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1080x578_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1200x643_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1920x1028_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Panyee F.C. is the only football team in Ko Panyee, and many young inhabitants play for or support the team<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chanaphan Phromvirat<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>One such team is Panyee F.C., a football club that is literally floating on water. \"Panyee F.C. plays on the island of Ko Panyee in southern Thailand,\" says Hadi, a youth player of Panyee F.C. tells SCENES. \"There is not enough space on the Island, so we had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea,\" he says.<\/p>\n<h2>\u2018In the middle of the sea\u2019<\/h2><p>A large vertical limestone cliff and hundreds of sprawling huts and shacks dominate Ko Panyee island. The landmass measures less than a kilometre in diameter, and most buildings are built on stilts on the water.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//39//40//68//808x454_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg/" alt=\"Chanaphan Phromvirat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/384x216_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/640x360_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/750x422_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/828x466_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1080x608_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1920x1080_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chanaphan Phromvirat<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>More than 1,600 people from 350 households live on the island. The inhabitants descend from a small number of Indonesian fishing families who settled there over 200 years ago.<\/p>\n<p>\"Our ancestors agreed to plant a flag on any suitable location,\" explains Prasit, a former player and coach of Panyee F.C. \"Panyee island was chosen to be settled on as it resembles a flag,\" he says.<\/p>\n<p>Over 200 years later, flags fly on the island for a very different reason. Panyee F.C. is the only football team in the area, and many young inhabitants play for or support the team.<\/p>\n<h2>\u2018Fish cages and wooden planks\u2019<\/h2><p>The floating football pitch was first built ten years ago by fishermen who wanted to give their children an opportunity to play football all year round. Prior to having a pitch, islanders could only play football for a few days per month during low tide.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5571748878923767\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//39//40//68//808x451_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg/" alt=\"Chanaphan Phromvirat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/384x214_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/640x357_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/750x418_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/828x461_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1080x602_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1200x669_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1920x1070_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Prior to having a pitch, islanders could only play football for a few days per month during low<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chanaphan Phromvirat<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"The first pitch was made from fish cages covered with wooden planks. They made a raft and took leftover pieces of iron and made goalposts,\" says Hadi.<\/p>\n<p>The floating pitch goes through general wear and tear. It has been repaired and rebuilt many times over the decade. Many players and former players who helped to construct it are also responsible for the maintenance. \u00a0<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7243372,7191178,7216192\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//11//14//meet-the-fifa-volunteers-ready-to-welcome-all-football-fans-to-qatar/">Meet the FIFA volunteers ready to welcome all football fans to Qatar<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//12//12//meet-the-female-football-team-united-in-faith-and-football/">Meet the female football team united in faith and football<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//11//28//meet-the-female-football-team-representing-zimbabwe-at-the-street-child-world-cup-in-qatar/">Meet the female football team representing Zimbabwe at the Street Child World Cup in Qatar<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"When you are using a pitch, whether it is grass or any type, there is always damage after it is used. Especially if it is a floating pitch. The nails and knots move, and they become loose.\" explains Prasit.<\/p>\n<h2>\u2018It's like a spring\u2019<\/h2><p>The latest pitch is made out of floating pontoons, rubber and reinforced plastic. Prasit says that the football pitch is unique and unlike any other pitch in the world. He says what makes it different is its movements. \"It's like a spring; I think it makes us very flexible, and it's something that we like more than playing on a normal pitch,\" says Prasit.<\/p>\n<p>Fishing boats often pass by and cause the pitch to wobble and shake. The players say that the moving pitch makes the game more fun and that they sometimes have to jump into the water to retrieve the ball. \"This football field is in a water environment. Therefore we often have to jump into the water. This makes our bodies stronger,\" says Prasit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5284510010537408\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//39//40//68//808x428_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg/" alt=\"Chanaphan Phromvirat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/384x203_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/640x338_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/750x396_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/828x438_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1080x571_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1200x634_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1920x1015_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The players say that the moving pitch makes the game more fun and that they sometimes have to jump into the water to retrieve the ball<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chanaphan Phromvirat<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Throughout the year, the club hosts football tournaments for children between the ages of 7 and 18. Panyee F.C. has also competed in national competitions and is considered to have one of the most successful youth football teams in Southern Thailand.<\/p>\n<h2>\u2018Winning over the hearts\u2019<\/h2><p>Panyee F.C. says that it is their unity that makes them strong. No matter what happens on the field, they are not concerned about winning or losing. What matters to them is being able to play the sport they love each day. \"Even though we sometimes lose, we are most proud of our victory beyond the football pitch. Winning over the hearts of everybody,\" says Prasit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5605806811836963\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//39//40//68//808x454_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg/" alt=\"Chanaphan Phromvirat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/384x215_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/640x359_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/750x420_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/828x464_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1080x605_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1200x673_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/1920x1076_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Up to 3000 tourists visit the island daily, and most head straight to the floating football pitch<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chanaphan Phromvirat<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"The beauty of our football pitch is second to none in the world,\" says Prasit. \"We are very proud of the attention our pitch has received. It makes us see ourselves, Panyee F.C., as representatives of Koh Panyee,\" he says.<\/p>\n<p>As a result of the team's success and its unique playing field, Panyee F.C. has become a key attraction in the area. Up to 3000 tourists visit the island daily, and most head straight to the floating football pitch. The extra money they generate helps keep Panyee F.C. afloat, making it a win-win situation for the community.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1676188406,"publishedAt":1676305841,"updatedAt":1676314808,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2023\/02\/13\/meet-the-football-team-floating-to-success-in-thailand","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-web","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b86d09c9-bf19-5748-971a-a11f9ccf4745-7394068.jpg","altText":"Panyee F.C. is a football club that is literally floating on water","caption":"Panyee F.C. is a football club that is literally floating on water","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1774,"height":992},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2da2429d-ddb3-5c26-abea-b542deea9267-7394068.jpg","altText":"Panyee F.C. is the only football team in Ko Panyee, and many young inhabitants play for or support the team","caption":"Panyee F.C. is the only football team in Ko Panyee, and many young inhabitants play for or support the team","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1903,"height":1019},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3c39ca03-a6b2-5283-b311-a1a9cf2372e3-7394068.jpg","altText":"There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea","caption":"There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_40af56b3-605a-5505-a3ed-0bebd4e29e8d-7394068.jpg","altText":"Panyee F.C. is the only football team in Ko Panyee, and many young inhabitants play for or support the team","caption":"Panyee F.C. is the only football team in Ko Panyee, and many young inhabitants play for or support the team","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1903,"height":1019},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_73f15643-7d69-5f3d-b114-27e434a6e7ec-7394068.jpg","altText":"xx","caption":"xx","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"xx","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5fbe7da1-8397-5420-a374-a4922316c516-7394068.jpg","altText":"There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea","caption":"There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_02b8bb08-f9bb-5281-81e7-55bf5d7de569-7394068.jpg","altText":"Prior to having a pitch, islanders could only play football for a few days per month during low","caption":"Prior to having a pitch, islanders could only play football for a few days per month during low","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1784,"height":994},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_74514fe2-26e0-58b2-ae2e-a400351b3516-7394068.jpg","altText":"There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea","caption":"There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1895,"height":1062},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_ae2f3ce2-4caf-56eb-a762-c623e689a88d-7394068.jpg","altText":"The players say that the moving pitch makes the game more fun and that they sometimes have to jump into the water to retrieve the ball","caption":"The players say that the moving pitch makes the game more fun and that they sometimes have to jump into the water to retrieve the ball","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1898,"height":1003},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_07134b38-5fa3-5021-adb8-63d0ad1acebd-7394068.jpg","altText":"Panyee F.C. is a football club that is literally floating on water","caption":"Panyee F.C. is a football club that is literally floating on water","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1724,"height":974},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c84918f6-8881-5faf-8606-a647f4a30c41-7394068.jpg","altText":"There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea","caption":"There is not enough space on the Island, so the residents of Ko Panyee had to build a football pitch in the middle of the sea","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1775,"height":986},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_52e06a7e-9584-5e03-89ce-085c4b134d8d-7394068.jpg","altText":"Up to 3000 tourists visit the island daily, and most head straight to the floating football pitch","caption":"Up to 3000 tourists visit the island daily, and most head straight to the floating football pitch","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1791,"height":1004},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_94137d8e-84f4-5ac1-a2c2-f3683f0796fd-7394068.jpg","altText":"Panyee F.C. is a football club that is literally floating on water","caption":"Panyee F.C. is a football club that is literally floating on water","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chanaphan Phromvirat","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1785,"height":1005},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/39\/40\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fad253f5-ecd1-54d6-9654-cb315530307f-7394068.jpg","altText":"XXX","caption":"XXX","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Manik Sethisuwan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"ward","title":"Gregory 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Sethisuwan","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"scenes","urlSafeValue":"scenes","title":"Scenes","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series\/scenes"},"vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-series","urlSafeValue":"culture-series","title":"Culture Series","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":55,"urlSafeValue":"culture-series","title":"Culture-series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1630511520,"endDate":2114355123,"type":"sponsored","isDfp":0,"slug":"Scenes","title":"Media City - Qatar","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Media 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Thailand"},"versions":[],"path":"\/culture\/2023\/02\/13\/meet-the-football-team-floating-to-success-in-thailand","lastModified":1676314808},{"id":2174446,"cid":7306930,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"230116_S4WB_49952488","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gt_positive','neg_facebook_2021','neg_mobkoi_castrol','castrol_negative_uk','gs_family_children','neg_bucherer','gb_safe','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gt_positive_happiness','gs_sport','gs_entertain','neg_saudiaramco'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Meet the young drone pilots from Thailand who are aiming high","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Meet the young drone pilots from Thailand who are aiming high","leadin":"I like to do extreme sports and drone flying because it makes me happy. I can float like a bird every time I fly","summary":"I like to do extreme sports and drone flying because it makes me happy. I can float like a bird every time I fly","keySentence":null,"url":"meet-the-young-drone-pilots-from-thailand-who-are-aiming-high","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world who are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze, as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories. \n\nFlying a remote-control plane is generally a thrilling experience. However, flying a first-person-view drone (FPV) offers an entirely different level of excitement. \n\nSeven-year-old Worwawit Supsea, also known as Pepper, is the world's youngest FPV drone pilot. Pepper has been fascinated by flying drones for as long as he can remember. As a world-class competitor, he has won many titles. \"It's like I'm going into the cinema. It's like seeing images everywhere, but the images move,\" says Pepper. \n\nA riveting experience \n\nPepper is part of a growing community of young FPV drone enthusiasts from Thailand, pushing the sport to new heights. He joined an FPV drone racing team called the XBlades . Together, they participate in international competitions. \n\nFPV drones have become popular in recent years due to their speed, manoeuvrability and the immersive experience pilots feel whilst flying. FPV operators typically don goggles that give them a live view of what the drone camera is capturing. \"I can fly in many directions, your sight range - you can see everything. Sometimes the image is very clear,\" Pepper tells Scenes. \n\n'Float like a bird' \n\nSeven-year-old Pranita Saianuchat, known as Nutcha, is also part of the XBlades Racing squad. Four months ago, she competed in her first race. \"I like to do extreme sports and drone flying because it makes me happy. I can float like a bird every time I fly,\" she says. \n\nThe FPV pilot can watch events from the drone's viewpoint via a live video stream, which is why it is known as a 'first-person view.' \"When I wear the VR glasses, it feels like I'm on a roller coaster. I was a bit scared the first time I tried it. I was afraid of heights, and in the beginning, I didn't like the speed, but now I love it,\" Nutcha says. \n\nPepper's dad Worasorn Subsri stresses the value of hard work to his son. \"It requires training, just like being a pilot. If you want to become a pilot, you need to complete your required hours. If you don't practise, you won't be able to compete with others,\" he says. \n\nA growing popularity \n\nFPV racing is a popular hobby among a predominantly younger demographic around the globe. Thanks to growing global interest, statistics show that demand for Drone Racing Leagues (DRL) is rising. According to Forbes , DRL has doubled its television broadcast reach from the previous season. \n\nWorasorn says, \"Right now, the sport is popular in Thailand. It's been going on for about 5-6 years. Locally, there aren't that many competitions compared to other countries. I usually bring my child to compete abroad.\" \n\nPepper was only 5 years old when he competed in a MultiGP event in Indonesia in 2020. \"My son was in the 'rookie category' and had only trained less than a year. He was able to win first place. He had great skills during that competition. It wasn't something easy to achieve as all of his competitors were adults, but he was able to do it,\" Worasorn says. \n\nAs for his son's transition to FPV drone flying, Worasorn says, \"Pepper was able to fly at the age of 4. Then I let him try the real thing, the FPV. It's not easy. You need a lot of coordination, but he could do it right away because he had experience using the simulator.\" \n\nCrash Landing \n\nMost FPV pilots will crash at some point in their careers. Reducing this likelihood is the goal. 19-year-old Kanpai Larnlua, nicknamed Kan, is another skilled Thai drone pilot. \"There are two things you must be aware of - how you steer and the way you see through the goggle,\" he says. \n\nWith muscle memory, nanosecond adjustments become instinctive. \"The first time, I just used my eyes while flying. When I tried with the goggles, I crashed because I wasn't used to them. I just continued trying until I got it. It's exciting. I felt a sense of accomplishment.\" \n\nPassion is imperative \n\nA successful FPV drone pilot requires plenty of stick time, expertise, endurance, and, according to Worasorn, devotion. \"If you want the kids to continue practising it, they need to like it and have fun doing it. Only then will the kid be able to do it for a long time. This sport requires tenacity and a lot of practice. You need to love it; if you don't, it will be hard. You must like it to succeed in it,\" Worasorn concludes. \n\nThe popularity of FPV drone racing is spreading across the globe. Racing competitions are being established, and advanced drone technology is becoming more accessible. Pepper's dream is for the sport to become as mainstream as NASCAR and Formula 1.","htmlText":"<p><strong>SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world who are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze, as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Flying a remote-control plane is generally a thrilling experience. However, flying a first-person-view drone (FPV) offers an entirely different level of excitement.<\/p>\n<p>Seven-year-old Worwawit Supsea, also known as Pepper, is the world's youngest FPV drone pilot. Pepper has been fascinated by flying drones for as long as he can remember. As a world-class competitor, he has won many titles. \"It's like I'm going into the cinema. It's like seeing images everywhere, but the images move,\" says Pepper.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//30//69//30//808x454_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg/" alt=\"Mary Hasavari\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/384x216_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/640x360_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/750x422_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/828x466_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1080x608_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1920x1080_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Pepper was only 4 years old when he first starting flying drones, making him the youngest FPV pilot in the world.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Mary Hasavari<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>A riveting experience<\/h2><p>Pepper is part of a growing community of young FPV drone enthusiasts from Thailand, pushing the sport to new heights. He joined an FPV drone racing team called the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.xbladesracing.com//pilots///">XBlades. Together, they participate in international competitions.<\/p>\n<p>FPV drones have become popular in recent years due to their speed, manoeuvrability and the immersive experience pilots feel whilst flying. FPV operators typically don goggles that give them a live view of what the drone camera is capturing. \"I can fly in many directions, your sight range - you can see everything. Sometimes the image is very clear,\" Pepper tells Scenes.<\/p>\n<h2>'Float like a bird'<\/h2><p>Seven-year-old Pranita Saianuchat, known as Nutcha, is also part of the XBlades Racing squad. Four months ago, she competed in her first race. \"I like to do extreme sports and drone flying because it makes me happy. I can float like a bird every time I fly,\" she says.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//30//69//30//808x454_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg/" alt=\"Mary Hasavari\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/384x216_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/640x360_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/750x422_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/828x466_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1080x608_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1920x1080_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Young drone pilot Nutcha participated in her first competition at seven years old<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Mary Hasavari<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The FPV pilot can watch events from the drone's viewpoint via a live video stream, which is why it is known as a 'first-person view.' \"When I wear the VR glasses, it feels like I'm on a roller coaster. I was a bit scared the first time I tried it. I was afraid of heights, and in the beginning, I didn't like the speed, but now I love it,\" Nutcha says.<\/p>\n<p>Pepper's dad Worasorn Subsri stresses the value of hard work to his son. \"It requires training, just like being a pilot. If you want to become a pilot, you need to complete your required hours. If you don't practise, you won't be able to compete with others,\" he says.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7260216,6753114,6976200\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2023//01//02//meet-the-kitesurfing-instructor-teaching-people-to-glide-on-water-in-qatar/">Meet the kitesurfing instructor harnessing the wind and waves in Qatar<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//06//06//meet-the-first-female-air-sports-pilot-in-the-middle-east/">Meet the first female air sports pilot in the Middle East<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//08//29//meet-the-child-chef-cooking-up-a-storm-in-kenya/">Meet the child chef cooking up a storm in Kenya<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>A growing popularity<\/h2><p>FPV racing is a popular hobby among a predominantly younger demographic around the globe. Thanks to growing global interest, statistics show that demand for Drone Racing Leagues (DRL) is rising. According to <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.forbes.com//sites//michaellore//2022//02//21//drone-racing-league-doubles-broadcast-reach-thanks-to-growing-global-interest///">Forbes, DRL has doubled its television broadcast reach from the previous season.<\/p>\n<p>Worasorn says, \"Right now, the sport is popular in Thailand. It's been going on for about 5-6 years. Locally, there aren't that many competitions compared to other countries. I usually bring my child to compete abroad.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//30//69//30//808x454_cmsv2_c2023592-50f9-574b-bb3f-cee38f8a6940-7306930.jpg/" alt=\"Mary Hasavari\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/384x216_cmsv2_c2023592-50f9-574b-bb3f-cee38f8a6940-7306930.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/640x360_cmsv2_c2023592-50f9-574b-bb3f-cee38f8a6940-7306930.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/750x422_cmsv2_c2023592-50f9-574b-bb3f-cee38f8a6940-7306930.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/828x466_cmsv2_c2023592-50f9-574b-bb3f-cee38f8a6940-7306930.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1080x608_cmsv2_c2023592-50f9-574b-bb3f-cee38f8a6940-7306930.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_c2023592-50f9-574b-bb3f-cee38f8a6940-7306930.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1920x1080_cmsv2_c2023592-50f9-574b-bb3f-cee38f8a6940-7306930.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Pepper trained for less than a year with his dad before joining his first competition, where he won the \u2018Rookie Category\u2019<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Mary Hasavari<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Pepper was only 5 years old when he competed in a MultiGP event in Indonesia in 2020. \"My son was in the 'rookie category' and had only trained less than a year. He was able to win first place. He had great skills during that competition. It wasn't something easy to achieve as all of his competitors were adults, but he was able to do it,\" Worasorn says.<\/p>\n<p>As for his son's transition to FPV drone flying, Worasorn says, \"Pepper was able to fly at the age of 4. Then I let him try the real thing, the FPV. It's not easy. You need a lot of coordination, but he could do it right away because he had experience using the simulator.\"<\/p>\n<h2>Crash Landing<\/h2><p>Most FPV pilots will crash at some point in their careers. Reducing this likelihood is the goal. 19-year-old Kanpai Larnlua, nicknamed Kan, is another skilled Thai drone pilot. \"There are two things you must be aware of - how you steer and the way you see through the goggle,\" he says.<\/p>\n<p>With muscle memory, nanosecond adjustments become instinctive. \"The first time, I just used my eyes while flying. When I tried with the goggles, I crashed because I wasn't used to them. I just continued trying until I got it. It's exciting. I felt a sense of accomplishment.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//30//69//30//808x454_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg/" alt=\"Mary Hasavari\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/384x216_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/640x360_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/750x422_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/828x466_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1080x608_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/1920x1080_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Competitions are few in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in many pilots going abroad to compete<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Mary Hasavari<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Passion is imperative<\/h2><p>A successful FPV drone pilot requires plenty of stick time, expertise, endurance, and, according to Worasorn, devotion. \"If you want the kids to continue practising it, they need to like it and have fun doing it. Only then will the kid be able to do it for a long time. This sport requires tenacity and a lot of practice. You need to love it; if you don't, it will be hard. You must like it to succeed in it,\" Worasorn concludes.<\/p>\n<p>The popularity of FPV drone racing is spreading across the globe. Racing competitions are being established, and advanced drone technology is becoming more accessible. Pepper's dream is for the sport to become as mainstream as NASCAR and Formula 1.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1673767001,"publishedAt":1673886614,"updatedAt":1681525126,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2023\/01\/16\/meet-the-young-drone-pilots-from-thailand-who-are-aiming-high","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-web","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_626467c7-0ae3-5caf-8a72-122658223012-7306930.jpg","altText":"First-person-view (FPV) racing is a popular hobby among a predominantly younger demographic around the globe.","caption":"First-person-view (FPV) racing is a popular hobby among a predominantly younger demographic around the globe.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Mary Hasavari","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a15d9e37-6a15-51a0-8804-8b6d7d1cbc43-7306930.jpg","altText":"Pepper was only 4 years old when he first starting flying drones, making him the youngest FPV pilot in the world.","caption":"Pepper was only 4 years old when he first starting flying drones, making him the youngest FPV pilot in the world.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Mary Hasavari","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_afa06fd2-fb2b-5e88-b260-271e78cd76b7-7306930.jpg","altText":"Xxx","caption":"Xxx","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Mary 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Hasavari","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/30\/69\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b6025cb7-8a33-555a-a934-25c331b687c4-7306930.jpg","altText":"zzz","caption":"zzz","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Mary Hasavari","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"elashi","title":"Mohamed Elashi","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":17690,"slug":"drone","urlSafeValue":"drone","title":"drone","titleRaw":"drone"},{"id":12968,"slug":"extreme-sports","urlSafeValue":"extreme-sports","title":"Extreme Sports","titleRaw":"Extreme Sports"},{"id":14300,"slug":"race","urlSafeValue":"race","title":"Race","titleRaw":"Race"}],"related":[{"id":2146586},{"id":2075036}],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.media-city"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"editorial.qatar-scenes"},{"path":"editorial"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":4},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/S4\/WB\/23\/01\/16\/en\/230116_S4WB_49952488_49952489_360680_155454_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"360680","filesizeBytes":44402348,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/S4\/WB\/23\/01\/16\/en\/230116_S4WB_49952488_49952489_360680_155454_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"360680","filesizeBytes":65800364,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8hafp6","youtubeId":"0KnLCL2UK4U"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Mary Hasavari","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"scenes","urlSafeValue":"scenes","title":"Scenes","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series\/scenes"},"vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-series","urlSafeValue":"culture-series","title":"Culture Series","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series"},{"id":"sport","urlSafeValue":"sport","title":"Sport","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":55,"urlSafeValue":"culture-series","title":"Culture-series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1630511520,"endDate":2114355123,"type":"sponsored","isDfp":0,"slug":"Scenes","title":"Media City - Qatar","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Media City","sponsorName":"Scenes","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/410\/300x114_cmsv2_34d67838-9191-52a0-9a53-1c81081387b0-410.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":{"id":503,"urlSafeValue":"bangkok-thailand","title":"Bangkok, Thailand"},"versions":[],"path":"\/culture\/2023\/01\/16\/meet-the-young-drone-pilots-from-thailand-who-are-aiming-high","lastModified":1681525126},{"id":2170616,"cid":7298064,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"230110_TNSU_49881784","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gs_travel','gb_safe','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','neg_intel_en','gs_travel_locations','gs_health','gs_travel_locations_asia','gs_personalfin_insure','gs_health_misc','gs_travel_type','gs_personalfin','neg_mobkoi_feb2021','neg_nespresso','shadow9hu7_pos_ukrainecrisis','neg_coronavirus','neg_facebook'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Do I need to be vaccinated to visit Thailand? Entry rules clarified after u-turn on COVID jabs","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Thailand clarifies COVID entry rules after u-turn on vaccinations","titleListing2":"Do I need to be vaccinated to visit Thailand? Entry rules clarified after u-turn on COVID jabs","leadin":"The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a statement clearing up confusion over the country\u2019s COVID-19 entry rules.","summary":"The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a statement clearing up confusion over the country\u2019s COVID-19 entry rules.","keySentence":null,"url":"do-i-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-visit-thailand-entry-rules-clarified-after-u-turn-on-covid-j","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thailand has clarified its COVID-19 entry rules after confusion about whether vaccinations are needed to enter the country. \n\nOn Saturday, aviation authorities announced that proof of vaccination would be required for inbound passengers due to insufficient levels of immunisation in China and the rest of the world. \n\nIt came as China re-opened its borders and removed quarantine requirements for travellers. Thailand is one of Asia\u2019s most popular tourist destinations and expected a deluge of visitors from China. \n\nBut two days later, tourism officials decided to reverse the decision to require proof of vaccination after a panel of health experts agreed to withdraw the new rule. \n\nThe u-turn has caused widespread confusion among travellers about entry requirements . \n\nThe Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has just released a statement which clarifies the rules for vaccination, insurance and COVID-19 testing. \n\nDo you need to be vaccinated to enter Thailand? \n\nInternational travellers arriving in Thailand are not required to show proof of vaccination , according to the country\u2019s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul. \n\nCharnvirakul told reporters that \u201cshowing proof of vaccination would be cumbersome and inconvenient.\u201d \n\nForeign tourists are not required to show COVID test results either. Unvaccinated travellers are able to enter the country without restriction. \n\nDo I need to purchase COVID-19 medical insurance to travel to Thailand? \n\nYou likely won\u2019t need COVID-19 medical insurance if you are only travelling to Thailand. \n\nHowever, if you are arriving from or travelling on to a country that requires a negative PCR test to enter, you must have health insurance covering the treatment of COVID-19 in Thailand, the TAT says. \n\nThis is in case of infection that would prevent you from leaving the country and must cover at least $10,000 (\u20ac9,315) of treatment plus an additional seven days\u2019 stay. \n\n\u201cWhile Thailand is welcoming all visitors, a visitor\u2019s country of origin or next country of destination may require incoming visitors, including their own nationals returning home, to have a negative PCR test,\u201d the TAT said in a statement. \n\n\u201cThus, Thailand is aiming to correspond with the rules of these countries and does require COVID insurance for visitors from these countries or visitors to Thailand continuing on to these countries, in case they test positive.\u201d \n\nIt lists China and India as examples of such countries.\u00a0","htmlText":"<p>Thailand has clarified its COVID-19 entry rules after confusion about whether vaccinations are needed to enter the country.<\/p>\n<p>On Saturday, aviation authorities announced that proof of vaccination would be required for inbound passengers due to insufficient levels of immunisation in China and the rest of the world.<\/p>\n<p>It came <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//01//09//china-resumes-international-travel-which-countries-are-introducing-new-covid-restrictions/">as China re-opened its borders<\/strong><\/a> and removed quarantine requirements for travellers. Thailand is one of Asia\u2019s most popular tourist destinations and expected a deluge of visitors from China.<\/p>\n<p>But two days later, tourism officials decided to reverse the decision to require proof of vaccination after a panel of health experts agreed to withdraw the new rule.<\/p>\n<p>The u-turn has caused widespread confusion among travellers about <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//tag//travel-restrictions/">entry requirements<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has just released a statement which clarifies the rules for vaccination, insurance and COVID-19 testing.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6391866,7290414\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//01//06//airports-and-airlines-slam-knee-jerk-eu-push-for-pre-flight-covid-testing/">Airports and airlines slam \u2018knee-jerk\u2019 EU push for pre-flight COVID testing<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//05//24//tourist-taxes-all-of-the-countries-you-will-have-to-pay-to-enter-in-2022/">Tourist taxes: All of the countries you will have to pay to enter in 2023<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Do you need to be vaccinated to enter Thailand?<\/h2><p>International travellers arriving in Thailand are not required to show proof of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//tag//covid-vaccine/">vaccination, according to the country\u2019s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul.<\/p>\n<p>Charnvirakul told reporters that \u201cshowing proof of vaccination would be cumbersome and inconvenient.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.666612929227793\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//29//80//64//808x539_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg/" alt=\"AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/384x256_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/640x427_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/750x500_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/828x552_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/1080x720_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/1200x800_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/1920x1280_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Foreign tourists are not required to show <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//tag//test-for-covid-19/">COVID test results<\/strong><\/a> either. Unvaccinated travellers are able to enter the country without restriction.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7273478,7295534\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//01//12//china-resumes-international-travel-which-countries-are-introducing-new-covid-restrictions/">China resumes international travel: Which countries are introducing new COVID restrictions?<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//01//09//rail-fares-across-europe-the-countries-with-the-most-expensive-train-tickets/">Rail fares across Europe: The countries with the most expensive train tickets<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Do I need to purchase COVID-19 medical insurance to travel to Thailand?<\/h2><p>You likely won\u2019t need COVID-19 medical <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//tag//travel-insurance/">insurance if you are only travelling to Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you are arriving from or travelling on to a country that requires a negative PCR test to enter, you must have health insurance covering the treatment of COVID-19 in Thailand, the TAT says.<\/p>\n<p>This is in case of infection that would prevent you from leaving the country and must cover at least $10,000 (\u20ac9,315) of treatment plus an additional seven days\u2019 stay.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhile Thailand is welcoming all visitors, a visitor\u2019s country of origin or next country of destination may require incoming visitors, including their own nationals returning home, to have a negative PCR test,\u201d the TAT said in a statement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThus, Thailand is aiming to correspond with the rules of these countries and does require COVID insurance for visitors from these countries or visitors to Thailand continuing on to these countries, in case they test positive.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It lists <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//tag//china/">China and <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//tag//india/">India as examples of such countries.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1673350863,"publishedAt":1673351501,"updatedAt":1673351504,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2023\/01\/10\/do-i-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-visit-thailand-entry-rules-clarified-after-u-turn-on-covid-j","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5837ed19-c50b-549d-8d5b-6ffb060cd6de-7298064.jpg","altText":"Tourists enjoy at Kamala beach in Phuket, Thailand.","caption":"Tourists enjoy at Kamala beach in Phuket, Thailand.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":" REUTERS\/Jorge Silva","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/29\/80\/64\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_671a6804-2d0d-5141-a2b3-7e9659d3e665-7298064.jpg","altText":"Tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand.","caption":"Tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Sakchai Lalit","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":6203,"height":4135}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":26310,"slug":"covid-19-restrictions","urlSafeValue":"covid-19-restrictions","title":"COVID-19 restrictions","titleRaw":"COVID-19 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restrictions"},{"id":139,"slug":"health","urlSafeValue":"health","title":"Health","titleRaw":"Health"},{"id":4221,"slug":"tourism","urlSafeValue":"tourism","title":"Tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"travel-news","urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-news\/travel-news"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"travel-news","urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":21,"urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel-news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/travel\/2023\/01\/10\/do-i-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-visit-thailand-entry-rules-clarified-after-u-turn-on-covid-j","lastModified":1673351504},{"id":2154066,"cid":7260068,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"221220_NWSU_49616815","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gs_science','gs_science_environ','gs_science_environment','gb_death_injury_edu','gt_mixed'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Rescuers are still searching for 30 missing sailors after ship sinks off Thailand","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Search still underway for 30 sailors in Gulf of Thailand","titleListing2":"Rescue effort still underway for 30 sailors after a Royal Navy ship sank in Gulf of Thailand","leadin":"A rescue effort is still underway in the Gulf of Thailand after high waves caused a ship to sink with more than 100 people onboard.","summary":"A rescue effort is still underway in the Gulf of Thailand after high waves caused a ship to sink with more than 100 people onboard.","keySentence":null,"url":"rescuers-are-still-searching-for-30-missing-sailors-after-ship-sinks-off-thailand","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The Royal Thai Navy is desperately searching for at least 30 sailors after one of its ships sunk in the Gulf of Thailand. \n\nThe operation has been underway since Sunday, and they have so far rescued 75 people. \n\nOne man was found unconscious in the water, with only his life jacket keeping him afloat.\u00a0 He has since woken up and was taken to a hospital after he was reportedly able to walk on his own. \n\nThe HTMS Sukhothai was carrying 106 people before its crew lost control of the vessel after high waves caused water to get into its engine room. \n\nIt then sank some 37 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, southwest of Bangkok. \n\n\u201cThe waves are still high, and we cannot search for them from the horizontal line. We have to fly the helicopters and search for them from a bird\u2019s eye view instead,\u201d Pokkrong Monthatphalin, a\u00a0navy spokesperson said. \n\nThe exact details of the incident are still unclear. According to one sailor who spoke to a local television station, there were not enough life jackets onboard because more people were on the ship than usual. \n\n\u201c[For] this operation, they added staff from the Marine Corps and Air and Coastal Defence Command, about 30 people. This is why I think there were not enough life jackets,\u201d Navy Commander Adm. Choengchai Chomchoengpaet said in an interview with another station. \n\nThe rescue effort, which includes several navy vessels and aircraft, is focused on an area around 30 kilometres south of the boat\u2019s last location. \n\nWatch Euronews\u2019 report in the video player above to learn more.","htmlText":"<p>The Royal Thai Navy is desperately searching for at least 30 sailors after one of its ships sunk in the Gulf of Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>The operation has been underway since Sunday, and they have so far rescued 75 people.<\/p>\n<p>One man was found unconscious in the water, with only his life jacket keeping him afloat.\u00a0He has since woken up and was taken to a hospital after he was reportedly able to walk on his own.<\/p>\n<p>The HTMS Sukhothai was carrying 106 people before its crew lost control of the vessel after high waves caused water to get into its engine room.<\/p>\n<p>It then sank some 37 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, southwest of Bangkok.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe waves are still high, and we cannot search for them from the horizontal line. We have to fly the helicopters and search for them from a bird\u2019s eye view instead,\u201d Pokkrong Monthatphalin, a\u00a0navy spokesperson said.<\/p>\n<p>The exact details of the incident are still unclear. According to one sailor who spoke to a local television station, there were not enough life jackets onboard because more people were on the ship than usual.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[For] this operation, they added staff from the Marine Corps and Air and Coastal Defence Command, about 30 people. This is why I think there were not enough life jackets,\u201d Navy Commander Adm. Choengchai Chomchoengpaet said in an interview with another station.<\/p>\n<p>The rescue effort, which includes several navy vessels and aircraft, is focused on an area around 30 kilometres south of the boat\u2019s last location.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Watch Euronews\u2019 report in the video player above to learn more.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1671519407,"publishedAt":1671536799,"updatedAt":1671968857,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/12\/20\/rescuers-are-still-searching-for-30-missing-sailors-after-ship-sinks-off-thailand","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/26\/00\/82\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_dfb20946-bf50-53d0-a012-92caa68e48fa-7260082.jpg","altText":"The HTMS Sukhothai corvette warship off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Thailand. Photo courtesy of Royal Thai Navy.","caption":"The HTMS Sukhothai corvette warship off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Thailand. Photo courtesy of Royal Thai Navy.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP via Royal Thai Navy","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":800,"height":448}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":7357,"slug":"ocean","urlSafeValue":"ocean","title":"Ocean","titleRaw":"Ocean"},{"id":4861,"slug":"accident","urlSafeValue":"accident","title":"Accident","titleRaw":"Accident"}],"related":[{"id":2149222},{"id":2146790},{"id":2141762}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/12\/20\/rescuers-are-still-searching-for-30-missing-sailors-after-ship-sinks-off-thailand","lastModified":1671968857},{"id":2127708,"cid":7200064,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"221118_NWSU_49155509","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'shadow9hu7_pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_politics','neg_mobkoi_creed_eng','neg_mobkoi_new','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','neg_intel_mobkoi','neg_ukraine_russia_war','shadow9hu7_pos_ukraine-russia','gs_politics_issues_policy','sm_politics','gs_politics_misc','gs_war_conflict','gt_negative','gs_busfin_business','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gv_military','gs_economy_misc'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Ukraine war 'is your problem too', Macron tells Asia-Pacific countries","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Ukraine war 'is your problem too', Macron tells Asia-Pacific countries","titleListing2":"Ukraine war 'is your problem too', #EmmanuelMacron tells Asia-Pacific countries #APEC","leadin":"The French president called on nations at the APEC summit to put pressure on Russia to stop its war in Ukraine and respect the international order.","summary":"The French president called on nations at the APEC summit to put pressure on Russia to stop its war in Ukraine and respect the international order.","keySentence":null,"url":"ukraine-war-is-your-problem-too-macron-tells-asia-pacific-countries","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Asia-Pacific countries to join the \"growing consensus\" against the war in Ukraine, stressing that the war was also \"their problem\". \n\n\"France's number one priority is to contribute to peace in Ukraine and to try to have a global dynamic to put pressure on Russia,\" he told the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economic leaders' summit in Bangkok on Friday. \n\n\"France is not only focused on supporting Ukraine and we will continue to support it,\" the president said in a speech given in English. \n\nMacron added that France wants to \"work very closely with different countries like China, India, the whole region, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, to create a growing consensus and say: 'this war is also your problem because it is going to create a lot of destabilisation'\". \n\n\"Help us to send this message to Russia: 'stop the war, respect the international order, come back to the (negotiating) table',\" he said. \n\nMacron was invited to the APEC summit as a guest by the host country, Thailand. \n\nOn Thursday he called\u00a0for a restoration of the global order and an end to confrontation, both in Ukraine and also in Asia. Speaking to a\u00a0business conference\u00a0on the sidelines of APEC, he said friction between the biggest economies, the US and China, was forcing countries to take sides. \n\n\u201cThere is no stability or peace except one based on international order and respect,\" the French president said. \n\nThe APEC gathering is the third back-to-back meeting of world leaders this week after the summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations last week in Cambodia and the G20 leading economies, which wrapped up on Wednesday in Indonesia. \n\nUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that he saw signs of a \"convergence\" in views about how to move forward in solving the world's problems, after meetings of foreign and commerce ministers ahead of the summit. \n\nWhether that might enable Thailand to produce a final joint statement after the summit's closed-door sessions remained to be seen; consensus generally is required among the 21 APEC members, including Russia.\u00a0 \n\nNone of the earlier APEC preparatory meetings this year issued statements due to disagreements over whether to mention the conflict. \n\nBut G20 leaders did manage a show of unity when China and India, after months of refusing to condemn Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine, did not impede the release of a statement that harshly criticised Moscow. \n\nWith both President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin absent, Chinese President Xi Jinping is the star attendee in Bangkok. \n\nSpeaking on Thursday to the business conference, which was largely closed to media apart from outlets sponsoring the event, Xi warned against a \u201cnew Cold War\" and attempts to dismantle supply chains built over decades.","htmlText":"<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Asia-Pacific countries to join the \"growing consensus\" against the war in Ukraine, stressing that the war was also \"their problem\".<\/p>\n<p>\"France's number one priority is to contribute to peace in Ukraine and to try to have a global dynamic to put pressure on Russia,\" he told the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economic leaders' summit in Bangkok on Friday.<\/p>\n<p>\"France is not only focused on supporting Ukraine and we will continue to support it,\" the president said in a speech given in English.<\/p>\n<p>Macron added that France wants to \"work very closely with different countries like China, India, the whole region, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, to create a growing consensus and say: 'this war is also your problem because it is going to create a lot of destabilisation'\".<\/p>\n<p>\"Help us to send this message to Russia: 'stop the war, respect the international order, come back to the (negotiating) table',\" he said.<\/p>\n<p>Macron was invited to the APEC summit as a guest by the host country, Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>On Thursday he called\u00a0for a restoration of the global order and an end to confrontation, both in Ukraine and also in Asia. Speaking to a\u00a0business conference\u00a0on the sidelines of APEC, he said friction between the biggest economies, the US and China, was forcing countries to take sides.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is no stability or peace except one based on international order and respect,\" the French president said.<\/p>\n<p>The APEC gathering is the third back-to-back meeting of world leaders this week after the summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations last week in Cambodia and the G20 leading economies, which wrapped up on Wednesday in Indonesia.<\/p>\n<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that he saw signs of a \"convergence\" in views about how to move forward in solving the world's problems, after meetings of foreign and commerce ministers ahead of the summit.<\/p>\n<p>Whether that might enable Thailand to produce a final joint statement after the summit's closed-door sessions remained to be seen; consensus generally is required among the 21 APEC members, including Russia.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>None of the earlier APEC preparatory meetings this year issued statements due to disagreements over whether to mention the conflict.<\/p>\n<p>But G20 leaders did manage a show of unity when China and India, after months of refusing to condemn Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine, did not impede the release of a statement that harshly criticised Moscow.<\/p>\n<p>With both President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin absent, Chinese President Xi Jinping is the star attendee in Bangkok.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on Thursday to the business conference, which was largely closed to media apart from outlets sponsoring the event, Xi warned against a \u201cnew Cold War\" and attempts to dismantle supply chains built over decades.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1668755623,"publishedAt":1668787773,"updatedAt":1668787775,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/11\/18\/ukraine-war-is-your-problem-too-macron-tells-asia-pacific-countries","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/20\/00\/64\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1aee6651-e63b-5b02-a4cd-aa5a79df6786-7200064.jpg","altText":"France's President Emmanuel Macron addresses the APEC CEO Summit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok on November 18, 2022.","caption":"France's President Emmanuel Macron addresses the APEC CEO Summit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok on November 18, 2022.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"LUDOVIC MARIN \/ AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":854}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":12357,"slug":"emmanuel-macron","urlSafeValue":"emmanuel-macron","title":"Emmanuel Macron","titleRaw":"Emmanuel Macron"},{"id":10823,"slug":"apec","urlSafeValue":"apec","title":"APEC","titleRaw":"APEC"},{"id":26692,"slug":"war-in-ukraine","urlSafeValue":"war-in-ukraine","title":"Ukraine war","titleRaw":"Ukraine war"},{"id":26698,"slug":"russia-ukraine-invasion","urlSafeValue":"russia-ukraine-invasion","title":"Russia-Ukraine invasion","titleRaw":"Russia-Ukraine invasion"}],"related":[{"id":2128644}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP, AP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world 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Thailand"},"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/11\/18\/ukraine-war-is-your-problem-too-macron-tells-asia-pacific-countries","lastModified":1668787775},{"id":2127864,"cid":7200316,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"221118_NCSU_49157652","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_society_misc','gs_society','gs_politics_misc','gb_sensitive_edu','gb_sensitive_news-ent','gs_politics_issues_policy','gv_crime','gs_politics'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Rubber bullets and tear gas fired as Thai police clash with protesters during APEC summit","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Protesters at APEC summit clash with Bangkok police","titleListing2":"Protesters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation clash with Bangkok police","leadin":"Police and protesters clashed in Bangkok on Friday as leaders gathered for the opening session of the two-day APEC summit. Protest leaders claimed at least 10 people were arrested and four were sent to hospital with various injuries.","summary":"Police and protesters clashed in Bangkok on Friday as leaders gathered for the opening session of the two-day APEC summit. Protest leaders claimed at least 10 people were arrested and four were sent to hospital with various injuries.","keySentence":null,"url":"rubber-bullets-and-tear-gas-fired-as-thai-police-clash-with-protesters-during-apec-summit","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"At least one person was seen being hit by a rubber bullet as protesters clashed with police during the opening session of the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok. \n\nProtesters threw smoke bombs and projectiles at police, who returned fire with rubber bullets and tear gas near Bangkok\u2019s Democracy Monument. \n\nProtesters have accused Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of being an illegitimate leader who should not host the meeting with other world leaders. \n\nThey also accused the government of having a pro-business stance, ignoring the plight of the poor and wanting to deliver a letter explaining issues to those attending the APEC summit. \n\nLeaders from 21 economies on both sides of the Pacific Ocean are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine, great power rivalries, inflation, climate change and fending off the pandemic at the summit.","htmlText":"<p>At least one person was seen being hit by a rubber bullet as protesters clashed with police during the opening session of the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok.<\/p>\n<p>Protesters threw smoke bombs and projectiles at police, who returned fire with rubber bullets and tear gas near Bangkok\u2019s Democracy Monument.<\/p>\n<p>Protesters have accused Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of being an illegitimate leader who should not host the meeting with other world leaders.<\/p>\n<p>They also accused the government of having a pro-business stance, ignoring the plight of the poor and wanting to deliver a letter explaining issues to those attending the APEC summit.<\/p>\n<p>Leaders from 21 economies on both sides of the Pacific Ocean are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine, great power rivalries, inflation, climate change and fending off the pandemic at the summit.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1668765253,"publishedAt":1668777518,"updatedAt":1668778139,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/11\/18\/rubber-bullets-and-tear-gas-fired-as-thai-police-clash-with-protesters-during-apec-summit","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/20\/03\/16\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_159132ee-c3d7-592b-bf63-65663f6c428e-7200316.jpg","altText":"Protesters throw fermented fish sauce to riot police during a protest against the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, in Bangkok Thailand.","caption":"Protesters throw fermented fish sauce to riot police during a protest against the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, in Bangkok Thailand.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Sarot Meksophawannakul\/Copyright 2022 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4215,"height":2810}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":27110,"slug":"protestas","urlSafeValue":"protestas","title":"Protests","titleRaw":"Protests"},{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":10823,"slug":"apec","urlSafeValue":"apec","title":"APEC","titleRaw":"APEC"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/11\/18\/en\/221118_NCSU_49157652_49158699_120000_114817_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"120000","filesizeBytes":15307106,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/11\/18\/en\/221118_NCSU_49157652_49158699_120000_114817_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"120000","filesizeBytes":23222114,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"TNRVsoVxpQI"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"no 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Thailand"},"versions":[],"path":"\/video\/2022\/11\/18\/rubber-bullets-and-tear-gas-fired-as-thai-police-clash-with-protesters-during-apec-summit","lastModified":1668778139},{"id":2089546,"cid":7103188,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"221009_NWSU_48576786","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Prayers held for children killed in Thailand preschool massacre","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Prayers held for children killed in Thailand preschool massacre","leadin":"Grieving families gathered at Buddhist temples on Sunday for the start of a three-day ceremony for those killed during a savage knife and gun attack at a preschool in northern Thailand.","summary":"Grieving families gathered at Buddhist temples on Sunday for the start of a three-day ceremony for those killed during a savage knife and gun attack at a preschool in northern Thailand.","keySentence":null,"url":"prayers-held-for-children-killed-in-thailand-preschool-massacre","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Prayers for the 37 people killed, including 23 children, at a preschool in northern Thailand began on Saturday.. \n\nGrieving families gathered at Buddhist temples to make offerings to the spirits of the deceased toddlers and adults. \n\nThe ceremony will be held for three days ahead of cremations and burials on Tuesday. \n\nIt follows a rampage by a former police sergeant who shot and slashed his victims with knives on Thursday. \n\nThe 34-year-old officer was fired earlier in the year because of drug use, police said.\u00a0 \n\nWhen he left the daycare centre in the Nong Bua Lamphu province, the ex-policeman drove home and killed his wife and son, and then took his own life. \n\nThe mass killing was one of the deadliest in Thai history.\u00a0 \n\nMore than 90 children usually attend the preschool, but just over 20 were present on Thursday due to bad weather and problems with the school bus.\u00a0 \n\nWatch the video above to find out more.","htmlText":"<p>Prayers for the 37 people killed, including 23 children, at a preschool in northern Thailand began on Saturday..<\/p>\n<p>Grieving families gathered at Buddhist temples to make offerings to the spirits of the deceased toddlers and adults.<\/p>\n<p>The ceremony will be held for three days ahead of cremations and burials on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>It follows a rampage by a former police sergeant who shot and slashed his victims with knives on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>The 34-year-old officer was fired earlier in the year because of drug use, police said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>When he left the daycare centre in the Nong Bua Lamphu province, the ex-policeman drove home and killed his wife and son, and then took his own life.<\/p>\n<p>The mass killing was one of the deadliest in Thai history.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>More than 90 children usually attend the preschool, but just over 20 were present on Thursday due to bad weather and problems with the school bus.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>Watch the video above to find out more.<\/em><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1665303193,"publishedAt":1665314074,"updatedAt":1665325376,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/10\/09\/prayers-held-for-children-killed-in-thailand-preschool-massacre","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/10\/31\/84\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_443d389b-b496-5545-ad07-bc736f6e26a7-7103184.jpg","altText":"Grieving families gather in temples for three-day ceremony","caption":"Grieving families gather in temples for three-day ceremony","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Photo : Wason Wanichakorn (Copyright 2022 The AP. All rights reserved)","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"miner-l","title":"Louise Miner","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":14702,"slug":"killing","urlSafeValue":"killing","title":"Killing","titleRaw":"Killing"},{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":11642,"slug":"police","urlSafeValue":"police","title":"Police","titleRaw":"Police"},{"id":12073,"slug":"children","urlSafeValue":"children","title":"Children","titleRaw":"Children"},{"id":13878,"slug":"shooting","urlSafeValue":"shooting","title":"shooting","titleRaw":"shooting"},{"id":14192,"slug":"knife-attack","urlSafeValue":"knife-attack","title":"Knife attack","titleRaw":"Knife attack"}],"related":[{"id":2085448},{"id":2152822}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/10\/09\/en\/221009_NWSU_48576786_48576819_50000_091801_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"50000","filesizeBytes":6729048,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/10\/09\/en\/221009_NWSU_48576786_48576819_50000_091801_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"50000","filesizeBytes":10318168,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8ebg61","youtubeId":"DqI1vqBP2rQ"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP & AP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/10\/09\/prayers-held-for-children-killed-in-thailand-preschool-massacre","lastModified":1665325376},{"id":2087120,"cid":7093568,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"221007_C1SU_48554711","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Chitin-free crickets provide tasty boost for Thai burger joint","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Chitin-free crickets provide tasty boost for Thai burger joint","titleListing2":"Insects may soon be on the menu for millions around the world as the effects of climate change hit harder. Crickets are popular in Thailand and could be coming to burger bun near you...","leadin":"Crickets are extremely popular to eat in Thailand but some parts of the insects can be problematic as they get stuck in between teeth. An enterprising fast-food restaurant may have the answer.","summary":"Crickets are extremely popular to eat in Thailand but some parts of the insects can be problematic as they get stuck in between teeth. An enterprising fast-food restaurant may have the answer.","keySentence":null,"url":"chitin-free-crickets-provide-tasty-boost-for-thai-burger-joint","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Insects may soon be incorporated into the diet of millions of people all around the world as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent. \n\nCrickets are popular in Thailand but for non-natives this can be a challenge. \n\nBangkok's Bounce Burger is determined to change that. \n\n\"We use cricket powder in our burgers to show everybody that the powder, as well as the actual crickets, can be produced into other menus other than street food,\" says 24 year old Poopipat Thiapairat, Owner of Bounce Burger Restaurant in Bangkok.\u00a0 \n\n\"Crickets don't have to be on street vendor stalls that are served only with soy sauce. They can be turned into burgers, bakery articles, soft cookies or even eaten with paprika seasoning as used to flavour French fries - these are all possible.\" \n\nCrickets are a source of protein, as well as containing a host of beneficial vitamins, and are among the most commonly eaten insects by humans globally. \n\n\"The taste is good. The sauce blends over the smell of the crickets so I don\u2019t feel like there are crickets in my burger\", said Anut Sotthibandhu, a customer at Bounce Burger Restaurant. \n\nThailand already has thousands of insect farms. Many focus on animal feed needs, but some are now producing edible insects for humans. \n\nOn the outskirts of Bangkok, the Bricket R&D Cricket Farm supplies 160 kilograms of crickets every month direct to Bounce Burgers. \n\n\"In our R&D farm, we produce 40 kilograms (of crickets) a week so it\u2019s 160 kilograms a month - it\u2019s a R&D scale. And then all of them, we send to our restaurant, Bounce Burger, to be processed in many menus\", says Thanaphum Muang-ieam, Managing Director of the Bricket R&D Cricket Farm. \n\nAmong the biggest appeals of cricket farming is that its environmental impact is far less than rearing cows or pigs. \n\nOne 2017 study suggested chicken production in Thailand was responsible for 89 percent more carbon emissions than insect industries.","htmlText":"<p>Insects may soon be incorporated into the diet of millions of people all around the world as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent.<\/p>\n<p>Crickets are popular in Thailand but for non-natives this can be a challenge.<\/p>\n<p>Bangkok's Bounce Burger is determined to change that.<\/p>\n<p>\"We use cricket powder in our burgers to show everybody that the powder, as well as the actual crickets, can be produced into other menus other than street food,\" says 24 year old Poopipat Thiapairat, Owner of Bounce Burger Restaurant in Bangkok.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"Crickets don't have to be on street vendor stalls that are served only with soy sauce. They can be turned into burgers, bakery articles, soft cookies or even eaten with paprika seasoning as used to flavour French fries - these are all possible.\"<\/p>\n<p>Crickets are a source of protein, as well as containing a host of beneficial vitamins, and are among the most commonly eaten insects by humans globally.<\/p>\n<p>\"The taste is good. The sauce blends over the smell of the crickets so I don\u2019t feel like there are crickets in my burger\", said Anut Sotthibandhu, a customer at Bounce Burger Restaurant.<\/p>\n<p>Thailand already has thousands of insect farms. Many focus on animal feed needs, but some are now producing edible insects for humans.<\/p>\n<p>On the outskirts of Bangkok, the Bricket R&D Cricket Farm supplies 160 kilograms of crickets every month direct to Bounce Burgers.<\/p>\n<p>\"In our R&D farm, we produce 40 kilograms (of crickets) a week so it\u2019s 160 kilograms a month - it\u2019s a R&D scale. And then all of them, we send to our restaurant, Bounce Burger, to be processed in many menus\", says Thanaphum Muang-ieam, Managing Director of the Bricket R&D Cricket Farm.<\/p>\n<p>Among the biggest appeals of cricket farming is that its environmental impact is far less than rearing cows or pigs.<\/p>\n<p>One 2017 study suggested chicken production in Thailand was responsible for 89 percent more carbon emissions than insect industries.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1665135428,"publishedAt":1665302839,"updatedAt":1665302874,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2022\/10\/09\/chitin-free-crickets-provide-tasty-boost-for-thai-burger-joint","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/01\/93\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_6bfb9740-3816-5475-84ee-4ce3aab464cb-7019358.jpg","altText":"A plate of \"Cricket-burger\" and crickets at a restaurant in Bangkok","caption":"A plate of \"Cricket-burger\" and crickets at a restaurant in Bangkok","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"MANAN VATSYAYANA\/AFP or licensors","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4500,"height":3000}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":11396,"slug":"food","urlSafeValue":"food","title":"Food","titleRaw":"Food"},{"id":9411,"slug":"food-crisis","urlSafeValue":"food-crisis","title":"Food crisis","titleRaw":"Food crisis"},{"id":14398,"slug":"environment","urlSafeValue":"environment","title":"Environment","titleRaw":"Environment"},{"id":20464,"slug":"sustainable-lifestyle","urlSafeValue":"sustainable-lifestyle","title":"Sustainable lifestyle","titleRaw":"Sustainable lifestyle"},{"id":15386,"slug":"climate-change","urlSafeValue":"climate-change","title":"climate change","titleRaw":"climate change"},{"id":20218,"slug":"climate-crisis","urlSafeValue":"climate-crisis","title":"Climate crisis","titleRaw":"Climate crisis"}],"related":[{"id":2077014},{"id":2037816},{"id":2068086}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/C1\/SU\/22\/10\/07\/en\/221007_C1SU_48554711_48554715_110360_122359_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"110360","filesizeBytes":13291858,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/C1\/SU\/22\/10\/07\/en\/221007_C1SU_48554711_48554715_110360_122359_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"110360","filesizeBytes":20229458,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"gZBDMGARK0U"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"culture_taste","urlSafeValue":"culture-taste","title":"Culture Taste","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-taste\/culture-taste"},"vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-taste","urlSafeValue":"culture-taste","title":"Taste","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-taste"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":50,"urlSafeValue":"culture-taste","title":"Culture-taste"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/culture\/2022\/10\/09\/chitin-free-crickets-provide-tasty-boost-for-thai-burger-joint","lastModified":1665302874},{"id":2085448,"cid":7088170,"versionId":8,"archive":0,"housenumber":"221006_NWSU_48536427","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12}],"status":2,"title":"Thailand shooting: At least 37 dead, including children, at nursery attack as gunman kills himself","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Thailand nursery shooting leaves at least 37 dead, including children","titleListing2":"The attack is reported to have happened at around midday local time on Thursday.","leadin":"The attack is reported to have happened at around midday local time on Thursday.","summary":"The attack is reported to have happened at around midday local time on Thursday.","keySentence":null,"url":"thailand-shooting-at-least-31-dead-including-children-in-attack-at-pre-school-daycare-cent","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A mass shooting and knife attack has killed at least 37 people, including children, at a nursery in northeast Thailand. \n\nThe gunman, a 34-year-old former police officer,\u00a0killed his wife and child before shooting himself dead, police said.\u00a0 \n\nThe attack is reported to have happened\u00a0at around midday local time on Thursday\u00a0in Nong Bua Lamphu, a small town near the border with Laos. \n\nTwenty-two children and two adults were killed in the building before the assailant fled, according to a police statement.\u00a0 \n\nThe gunman then continued shooting from his car, killing another two children and ten adults, including his wife and child. \n\nTwelve people were also injured, three of them seriously, police colonel Jakkapat Vijitraithaya said. \n\nAround 30 children were at the daycare centre when the gunman entered at around lunchtime, district official Jidapa Boonsom told Reuters. \n\n\"At first, people thought it was fireworks,\" she added. \n\nThai police earlier named the gunman , who they said fled the pre-school daycare centre in a white pickup truck, as\u00a0Panya Kamrab. \n\nPolice said that Kamrab was sacked from the regional force last year for drug-related reasons, according to Reuters. \n\nThe town's hospital wrote on Facebook that it urgently needed blood donations after the incident. \n\nThe country's prime minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha\u00a0has ordered an investigation into the \"horrific\" massacre and is due to travel to Nong Bua Lamphu on Friday. \n\n\"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the lost and injured,\" he wrote on Facebook . \n\nGun ownership rates in Thailand are high compared to other countries in the region but official figures do not include huge numbers of illegal weapons.\u00a0 \n\nMass shootings are rare in Thailand but in February 2020, a soldier killed at least 29 people and wounded 57 in a rampage that spanned four locations . \n\nThe country's gun laws are strict and possession of an illegal firearm carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years, but\u00a0ownership is high compared with other countries in Southeast Asia.","htmlText":"<p>A mass shooting and knife attack has killed at least 37 people, including children, at a nursery in northeast Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>The gunman, a 34-year-old former police officer,\u00a0killed his wife and child before shooting himself dead, police said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The attack is reported to have happened\u00a0at around midday local time on Thursday\u00a0in Nong Bua Lamphu, a small town near the border with Laos.<\/p>\n<p>Twenty-two children and two adults were killed in the building before the assailant fled, according to a police statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The gunman then continued shooting from his car, killing another two children and ten adults, including his wife and child.<\/p>\n<p>Twelve people were also injured, three of them seriously, police colonel Jakkapat Vijitraithaya said.<\/p>\n<p>Around 30 children were at the daycare centre when the gunman entered at around lunchtime, district official Jidapa Boonsom told Reuters.<\/p>\n<p>\"At first, people thought it was fireworks,\" she added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//08//81//70//808x454_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg/" alt=\"Euronews\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/384x216_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/640x360_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/750x422_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/828x466_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/1080x608_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/1200x675_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/1920x1080_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Nong Bua Lam Phu is a town in Thailand, capital of Nong Bua Lamphu Province.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Thai police <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.facebook.com//CIBTHAILAND//posts//186708053862740/">earlier named the gunman<\/strong><\/a>, who they said fled the pre-school daycare centre in a white pickup truck, as\u00a0Panya Kamrab.<\/p>\n<p>Police said that Kamrab was sacked from the regional force last year for drug-related reasons, according to Reuters.<\/p>\n<p>The town's hospital wrote on Facebook that it <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.facebook.com//permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02Dqcwb6v8QuGwSuFcxuULBpp3cgNXWY3Pzxabov9xAeZvno5n9u4o8dgepMjJhbX5l&id=100057547153843&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZX7QYr8TJdw02Xlg5_LkRgz9WoC3GP31oBmTq4zqZYeUNXuVcBGPhgBNDjlYaSK8lpGX9WjISXrQnHayUGaQthef4vokBdVdzOdlr1JhHWb8m3_T055nT1YvyPlZJQLeB-QTPzDIQw7_IkjWVPgB5pn&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\%22>urgently needed blood donations<\/strong><\/a> after the incident.<\/p>\n<p>The country's prime minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha\u00a0has ordered an investigation into the \"horrific\" massacre and is due to travel to Nong Bua Lamphu on Friday.<\/p>\n<p>\"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the lost and injured,\" he <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.facebook.com//prayutofficial//posts//pfbid0H9WC5eXQqAUiAEoC793MrHyYiJMgJSvh9PBeNTLNnKb525n2nxTuxGP2hHaiZJTyl/">wrote on Facebook<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Gun ownership rates in Thailand are high compared to other countries in the region but official figures do not include huge numbers of illegal weapons.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mass shootings are rare in Thailand but in February 2020, a <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2020//02//08//thai-soldier-kills-at-least-17-in-gun-rampage-streamed-on-facebook/">soldier killed at least 29 people and wounded 57 in a rampage that spanned four locations<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The country's gun laws are strict and possession of an illegal firearm carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years, but\u00a0ownership is high compared with other countries in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1665043488,"publishedAt":1665044633,"updatedAt":1665501858,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/10\/06\/thailand-shooting-at-least-31-dead-including-children-in-attack-at-pre-school-daycare-cent","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3afd18e8-c67f-5b23-91a6-3483975829f1-7088170.jpg","altText":"Residents line up to donate blood a the local hospital for victims of the attack.","caption":"Residents line up to donate blood a the local hospital for victims of the attack.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Warnwarn Ch via AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1455,"height":915},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_26214c8a-d664-51ab-aebe-551bb5747bc3-7088170.jpg","altText":"Nong Bua Lam Phu is a town in Thailand, capital of Nong Bua Lamphu Province.","caption":"Nong Bua Lam Phu is a town in Thailand, capital of Nong Bua Lamphu Province.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1dc84a60-2bcc-58a6-b50b-910eed8a020c-7088170.jpg","altText":"Nong Bua Lam Phu is a town in Thailand, capital of Nong Bua Lamphu Province.","caption":"Nong Bua Lam Phu is a town in Thailand, capital of Nong Bua Lamphu Province.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Sakchai Lalit","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":960,"height":540},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/08\/81\/70\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d55b1e72-6d57-587b-b04d-b8d40fda02c6-7088170.jpg","altText":"File picture shows a police officer standing guard 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storm Noru weakens but causes flash floods","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Tropical storm Noru weakens but causes flash floods","leadin":"Tropical depression Noru has weakened to a low-pressure storm, with its center located in the Muang district of Thailand\u2019snorth-eastern province of Chaiyaphum, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.","summary":"Tropical depression Noru has weakened to a low-pressure storm, with its center located in the Muang district of Thailand\u2019snorth-eastern province of Chaiyaphum, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.","keySentence":null,"url":"tropical-storm-noru-weakens-but-causes-flash-floods","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Tropical depression Noru has weakened to a low-pressure storm, with its center located in the Muang district of Thailand\u2019snorth-eastern province of Chaiyaphum, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. \n\nAccording to local media reports on Thursday, the low-pressure cell, compounded by the intensifying south-westerly monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, will cause heavy rain in the 24 provinces on Friday, including Bangkok and its peripherals, which may result in flash floods at the feet of mountains and waterway overflows. \n\nRough seas and strong winds are forecast for the Andaman Sea and the Gulf, with waves between 2m and 3m and over 3m in stormy areas. Small vessels are advised to remain ashore until Sunday, said the department.","htmlText":"<p>Tropical depression Noru has weakened to a low-pressure storm, with its center located in the Muang district of Thailand\u2019snorth-eastern province of Chaiyaphum, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.<\/p>\n<p>According to local media reports on Thursday, the low-pressure cell, compounded by the intensifying south-westerly monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, will cause heavy rain in the 24 provinces on Friday, including Bangkok and its peripherals, which may result in flash floods at the feet of mountains and waterway overflows.<\/p>\n<p>Rough seas and strong winds are forecast for the Andaman Sea and the Gulf, with waves between 2m and 3m and over 3m in stormy areas. Small vessels are advised to remain ashore until Sunday, said the department.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1664633949,"publishedAt":1664645533,"updatedAt":1664645536,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/10\/01\/tropical-storm-noru-weakens-but-causes-flash-floods","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/07\/23\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_cef25fe3-ca1f-51bd-a3f8-91933fcadc3b-7072336.jpg","altText":"Thailand storm Noru floods","caption":"Thailand storm Noru floods","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Nava Sangthong\/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"marcaud","title":"Jean-Christophe Marcaud","twitter":""}]},"keywords":[{"id":10395,"slug":"typhoon","urlSafeValue":"typhoon","title":"Typhoon","titleRaw":"Typhoon"},{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":10159,"slug":"floods-in-thailand","urlSafeValue":"floods-in-thailand","title":"Floods in Thailand","titleRaw":"Floods in 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Taoist festival returns to Thailand.","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Traditional Taoist festival returns to Thailand.","leadin":"Thailand resumes its vegetarian body piercing festival after a hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic.","summary":"Thailand resumes its vegetarian body piercing festival after a hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic.","keySentence":null,"url":"traditional-taoist-festival-returns-to-thailand","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Worshippers at the Jor Soo Gong Naka shrine in Phuket have resumed the famous vegetarian body piercing festival after a two-year hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic. \n\nThis traditional nine-day Taoist festival worships the \"nine emperors\". \n\nDevotees offer their bodies to deities they believe will banish bad luck, while white-robed participants hope for blessings and good fortune.","htmlText":"<p>Worshippers at the Jor Soo Gong Naka shrine in Phuket have resumed the famous vegetarian body piercing festival after a two-year hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n<p>This traditional nine-day Taoist festival worships the \"nine emperors\".<\/p>\n<p>Devotees offer their bodies to deities they believe will banish bad luck, while white-robed participants hope for blessings and good fortune.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1664284692,"publishedAt":1664285709,"updatedAt":1664285800,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/09\/27\/traditional-taoist-festival-returns-to-thailand","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/05\/45\/50\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_27a511a0-ed21-5b0e-8405-62e10f8dfd13-7054550.jpg","altText":"Thailand","caption":"Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"benali","title":"Christele 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season: Bangkok's new cannabis shops could jumpstart tourism this summer","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Could Bangkok\u2019s cannabis shops take Thai tourism to an all-time high?","titleListing2":"High season: Bangkok's new cannabis shops could jumpstart tourism this summer","leadin":"Thailand\u2019s new cannabis smoking rooms could help tourism recover before laws are tightened.","summary":"Thailand\u2019s new cannabis smoking rooms could help tourism recover before laws are tightened.","keySentence":null,"url":"high-season-bangkoks-new-cannabis-shops-could-jumpstart-tourism-this-summer","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"In June 2022 Thailand decriminalised cannabis. This new policy was intended for medical purposes and not for people to get high, the country\u2019s tourism authority told Reuters. \n\nHowever, many business owners hope the move may help boost Thailand\u2019s tourism industry as it struggles to recover following the pandemic. \n\n\nIn 2019 the country welcomed 39.9 million visitors, generating 1.91 trillion baht (\u20ac51.52 billion) or about 12 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). \n\nIn the first six months of 2022 however, Thailand saw just 2 million tourist arrivals. \n\nCan you buy cannabis in Thailand? \n\nSince the new law was passed in June, cannabis shops have sprung up around Bangkok . \n\nOng-ard Panyachatiraksa and Netnapa Singsatit run a store named RG420 in the city\u2019s backpacker district, Khao San. It has been billed as the first shop to also feature a room for recreational smoking. \n\nAfter less than a week of business Ong-ard said RG420 was seeing hundreds of customers walk through the doors everyday. \n\nPre-pandemic Amsterdam with its coffee shops and red light district, attracted an estimated 1 million visitors per month. \n\nOng-ard hopes this will be the case for Thailand too as he says \u201ccannabis and tourism are a match.\u201d \n\nThough most of RG420\u2019s customers didn\u2019t book their holiday because of the cannabis laws, many of them agreed it had added an extra dimension of enjoyment to their holiday. \n\n\"It\u2019s been a pleasant surprise because I came to Thailand and I didn't expect it,\u201d says British tourist Malik Khan. \n\n\u201cEverybody travels to Amsterdam to smoke, so I think it will attract a lot of people. The country is beautiful, and there's so much here to do as well, so I think it will definitely add to things for sure.\u201d \n\nRG420 offers its clients drinks, air conditioning and a variety of smoking options. On the door there\u2019s also a sign which reads: A portion of the revenue will be donated to the ministry of health to care for those affected by cannabis in Thailand. \n\nIs cannabis legal in Thailand? \n\nWhen most of us think of drugs and Thailand we think of the horror stories we\u2019ve all read in the news of tourists being locked up in prison. \n\nDespite being a fairly conservative country, Thailand first started easing cannabis laws when they legalised medical marijuana in 2018. \n\nIt is important to note that cannabis strains containing more than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are still illegal. THC is the compound found in cannabis that gives users a \u2018high\u2019. \n\nHowever, despite being a favourite with tourists, Lawmakers are still deliberating a cannabis bill that would fully govern its use. \n\nIn the interim, authorities have resorted to new regulations that limit personal use, like barring smoking in public - which is why Ong-ard and Netnapa have opened up their smoking room. \n\nThe bill, which is expected to be finalised in September, could tighten regulation for cannabis shops. \n\nOng-ard said he would comply with the new law, but he hopes Thailand's newfound cannabis tourism economy can grow. \n\nWatch the video above to learn more about cannabis in Thailand.","htmlText":"<p>In June 2022 Thailand decriminalised cannabis. This new policy was intended for medical purposes and not for people to get high, the country\u2019s tourism authority told Reuters.<\/p>\n<p>However, many business owners hope the move may help boost <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//01//06//thailand-leo-s-beach-paradise-has-reopened-after-4-years-but-tourists-can-t-swim/">Thailand/u2019s tourism industry<\/strong><\/a> as it struggles to recover following the pandemic. <\/p>\n<p>In 2019 the country welcomed 39.9 million visitors, generating 1.91 trillion baht (\u20ac51.52 billion) or about 12 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).<\/p>\n<p>In the first six months of 2022 however, Thailand saw just 2 million tourist arrivals.<\/p>\n<h2>Can you buy cannabis in Thailand?<\/h2><p>Since the new law was passed in June, cannabis shops have sprung up around <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//02//16//travelling-alone-here-are-seven-of-the-best-cities-for-solo-backpackers/">Bangkok./n
Ong-ard Panyachatiraksa and Netnapa Singsatit run a store named RG420 in the city\u2019s <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//08//03//save-time-and-avoid-the-chaos-heres-how-i-packed-for-a-week-away-with-only-hand-luggage/">backpacker district, Khao San. It has been billed as the first shop to also feature a room for recreational smoking.<\/p>\n<p>After less than a week of business Ong-ard said RG420 was seeing hundreds of customers walk through the doors everyday.<\/p>\n<p>Pre-pandemic Amsterdam with its <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//03//24//exploring-vienna-s-cafes-a-look-at-coffee-culture-in-austria-s-capital/">coffee shops<\/strong><\/a> and red light district, attracted an estimated 1 million visitors per month.<\/p>\n<p>Ong-ard hopes this will be the case for Thailand too as he says \u201ccannabis and tourism are a match.\u201d<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"5577870,6563588\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//04//20//cannabis-capitals-of-europe-where-has-weed-been-decriminalised-on-the-continent/">Cannabis capitals of Europe: Where has weed been decriminalised on the continent?<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//03//24//netherlands-there-s-more-to-do-in-the-lowlands-than-getting-high/">Netherlands: There\u2019s more to do in the Lowlands than getting high<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Though most of RG420\u2019s customers didn\u2019t book their holiday because of the cannabis laws, many of them agreed it had added an extra dimension of enjoyment to their holiday.<\/p>\n<p>\"It\u2019s been a pleasant surprise because I came to Thailand and I didn't expect it,\u201d says British tourist Malik Khan.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEverybody travels to Amsterdam to smoke, so I think it will attract a lot of people. The country is beautiful, and <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//13//accessible-tourism-scuba-diving-opens-for-disabled-travellers-in-thailand/">there's so much here to do<\/strong><\/a> as well, so I think it will definitely add to things for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>RG420 offers its clients drinks, air conditioning and a variety of smoking options. On the door there\u2019s also a sign which reads: A portion of the revenue will be donated to the ministry of health to care for those affected by cannabis in Thailand.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"4216966,4985946\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//04//20//how-weed-farming-is-destroying-the-planet/">Is cannabis farming destroying the planet?<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2019//10//08//places-you-ll-be-able-to-find-cannabis-by-2030/">Cannabis in your cocktail? Places you'll be able to find weed by 2030<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Is cannabis legal in Thailand?<\/h2><p>When most of us think of drugs and Thailand we think of the horror stories we\u2019ve all read in the news of tourists being locked up in prison.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being a fairly conservative country, Thailand first started easing <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//11//11//the-uk-countryside-is-ablaze-with-hemp-farms-but-how-do-they-help-the-climate/">cannabis laws when they legalised medical marijuana in 2018.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to note that cannabis strains containing more than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are still illegal. THC is the compound found in cannabis that gives users a \u2018high\u2019.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6766142\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//06//10//meet-the-film-director-who-swapped-hollywood-for-homegrown-housing/">Meet the film director who swapped Hollywood for homegrown housing<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, despite being a favourite with tourists, Lawmakers are still deliberating a cannabis bill that would fully govern its use.<\/p>\n<p>In the interim, authorities have resorted to new regulations that limit personal use, like <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//28//barcelona-is-banning-smoking-on-all-its-beaches-and-the-rest-of-spain-could-soon-follow/">barring smoking in public<\/strong><\/a> - which is why Ong-ard and Netnapa have opened up their smoking room.<\/p>\n<p>The bill, which is expected to be finalised in September, could tighten regulation for cannabis shops.<\/p>\n<p>Ong-ard said he would comply with the new law, but he hopes Thailand's newfound cannabis tourism economy can grow.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch the video above to learn more about cannabis in Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1660035282,"publishedAt":1660043029,"updatedAt":1660043034,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2022\/08\/09\/high-season-bangkoks-new-cannabis-shops-could-jumpstart-tourism-this-summer","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/92\/28\/06\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_63087926-3579-5a11-9187-8799a1d5166c-6922806.jpg","altText":"A customer smokes a joint in a new Bangkok cannabis smoking room","caption":"A customer smokes a joint in a new Bangkok cannabis smoking room","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Reuters","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"brown-h","title":"Hannah Brown","twitter":"@hannahdingbrown"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":503,"slug":"bangkok","urlSafeValue":"bangkok","title":"Bangkok","titleRaw":"Bangkok"},{"id":13380,"slug":"cannabis","urlSafeValue":"cannabis","title":"Cannabis","titleRaw":"Cannabis"},{"id":4221,"slug":"tourism","urlSafeValue":"tourism","title":"Tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism"},{"id":1699,"slug":"amsterdam","urlSafeValue":"amsterdam","title":"Amsterdam","titleRaw":"Amsterdam"},{"id":13574,"slug":"drugs","urlSafeValue":"drugs","title":"Drugs","titleRaw":"Drugs"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":3}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/TC\/SU\/22\/08\/09\/en\/220809_TCSU_47734546_47734550_161960_115644_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"161960","filesizeBytes":20488512,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/TC\/SU\/22\/08\/09\/en\/220809_TCSU_47734546_47734550_161960_115644_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"161960","filesizeBytes":31073600,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"RNqcHzjhoEQ"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"Reuters","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Maxime Caron","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations\/destinations"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":28,"urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":{"id":503,"urlSafeValue":"bangkok-thailand","title":"Bangkok, Thailand"},"versions":[],"path":"\/travel\/2022\/08\/09\/high-season-bangkoks-new-cannabis-shops-could-jumpstart-tourism-this-summer","lastModified":1660043034},{"id":1980024,"cid":6804944,"versionId":5,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220627_S4SU_47128497","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"grapeshot":"'progressivemedia','gs_science_environ','gs_science','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gt_mixed','neg_bucherer','neg_facebook_2021','gs_business','environment','neg_pmi','shadow9hu7_pos_pmi','gs_food_misc','gs_food','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"The jungle environmentalist saving elephants in Thailand","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"The Jungle environmentalist saving elephants in Thailand","leadin":"\"We must find a way to coexist with nature as our populations rise. As wild spaces shrink, we will bump up against nature.\"","summary":"\"We must find a way to coexist with nature as our populations rise. As wild spaces shrink, we will bump up against nature.\"","keySentence":null,"url":"the-jungle-environmentalist-saving-elephants-in-thailand","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world that are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze, as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories. \n\nVijo Varghese was a year old when his family moved from south India to Thailand. Growing up on the outskirts of Bangkok, Vijo formed a strong connection with nature. He spent his childhood playing in the nearby jungle. Fishing in the streams, climbing trees and observing elephants. \n\nAs the years passed, Vijo moved away from green tranquillity to the hustle and bustle of city life. Stuck at a desk and working long hours at a corporate job, the Kerala native felt lost. \"In those years, I struggled to find good mental health and good meaning in life,\" he tells Scenes. \n\nIn an attempt to nurse his inner struggles, Vijo would escape to the wilderness on the weekends. He began to retreat into the wild by renting a 15-acre plot of land 150 km west of Bangkok. \"When you're stressed, when you're worried, when you feel like you are overwhelmed, we have a natural reaction to want to go into nature, to heal ourselves,\" says Vijo. \"That is the beginning of how OurLand started, just a need to be closer to nature and need to heal the trauma within.\" \n\nCreating OurLand \n\nVijo commuted from the jungle to the city for a year before quitting and living in the wild full-time. In 2015, alongside his childhood friend, Anshuman Tripathy, he established the social enterprise, OurLand. What started as an escape became one of Thailand's first privately managed wildlife reserves. \n\n\"Being in a place where I can wake up in the morning and experience the beauty of nature, to know there's birds, squirrels, sambar deers and elephants going by. I know I'm working really hard to protect them. It's just such a beautiful feeling,\" says Vijo. \n\nOurLand's mission is for people to live in harmony with nature. The organisation functions on three main pillars, conservation, sustainability and education, which they believe are interlinked and essential to survival. \n\n\"We must find a way to coexist with nature as our populations rise. As wild spaces shrink, we will bump up against nature. We need to find a way that we can be comfortable in their space and also safe at the same time,\" states Vijo. \n\nConservation and elephant protection \n\nOurLand is located at the southern tip of the Western Forest Complex, one of the largest contiguous forests in SouthEast Asia, a region heavily impacted by habitat loss, degradation and human-wildlife conflict. \n\nSalakpra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries in Thailand and is home to over 150 wild elephants. As the elephant population has grown, their habitats have diminished due to overexploitation and encroachment. The organisation have created a natural corridor that leads the wild elephants to the Khwae Yai River, where they can access a vital water source. \n\n\"The elephants are coming out of the sanctuary to forage for food and drink water from the river, and to do that, they're coming into contact with farmers, and they're having to cross the road, which means that both people and elephants are dying,\" explains MacKenzie King, Sustainability Manager at OurLand. \"The farmers are growing mainly sugarcane, corn and cassava, and just like us, elephants have a sweet tooth. So significantly, a new business model just needs to be more profitable than sugar cane,\" she adds. \n\nOurLand works on sustainable solutions to ensure the local community and the endangered species can live side-by-side. \"We start telling the local people, 'Hey, would you be interested in planting citronella, lemongrass or ginger?' All the things that elephants don't necessarily like to eat. This was the first step towards moving in the direction of how we can generate revenue by keeping nature intact,\" says Vijo. \n\nSustainability \n\nAlongside OurLand's conservation strategies, they also operate an ecovillage. For the ecovillage to be self-sufficient, food, water, shelter and energy are needed. The village runs on solar power and harvests water from rainwater. Houses are built from mud gathered from the jungle floor. \"The hardest part has always been food because we have wild elephants,\" states Vijo. \"In the past, as they came through, they would find some of the food we were growing. For this reason, we've moved food production outside the OurLand reserve.\" \n\nFor OurLand to conserve wild spaces, they believe living integrated with nature is key. \"Despite all the research, science, and education we do, I think it's really important sometimes to look within ourselves. And that's where the ecovillage is a part of the tranquillity we have to find within ourselves. For me, the ecovillage isn't just an ecovillage and a research station, it is a home within nature,\" says Vijo. \n\nEducation \n\nThe grassroots organisation believes that education is key to expanding its influence and ensuring the survival of endangered species. \"At OurLand, education is really the core of what we do. It's the method by which we achieve the mission of conservation of coexistence,\" states MacKenzie. \n\nThe ecovillage also functions as an education centre, where they monitor wildlife, test nature-integrated living strategies and bring conscious tourists and school children to learn about sustainability and the environment. \n\n\"The next generation is a little bit more distant from nature. They seem to have this kind of yukky, nature's icky (attitude). We always encourage children to create that actual connection with nature. So that they can look within themselves and find a sense of calm in any environment and use nature as a tool when helping themselves,\" says Vijo.","htmlText":"<p><strong>SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world that are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze, as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Vijo Varghese was a year old when his family moved from south India to Thailand. Growing up on the outskirts of Bangkok, Vijo formed a strong connection with nature. He spent his childhood playing in the nearby jungle. Fishing in the streams, climbing trees and observing elephants.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x454_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x216_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x360_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x422_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x466_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x608_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x675_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x1080_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">In 2015 Vijo Varghese established the social enterprise, OurLand in Thailand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As the years passed, Vijo moved away from green tranquillity to the hustle and bustle of city life. Stuck at a desk and working long hours at a corporate job, the Kerala native felt lost. \"In those years, I struggled to find good mental health and good meaning in life,\" he tells Scenes.<\/p>\n<p>In an attempt to nurse his inner struggles, Vijo would escape to the wilderness on the weekends. He began to retreat into the wild by renting a 15-acre plot of land 150 km west of Bangkok. \"When you're stressed, when you're worried, when you feel like you are overwhelmed, we have a natural reaction to want to go into nature, to heal ourselves,\" says Vijo. \"That is the beginning of how OurLand started, just a need to be closer to nature and need to heal the trauma within.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6163863266413456\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x499_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x237_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x394_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x462_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x510_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x666_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x740_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x1183_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">OurLand functions on three main pillars, conservation, sustainability and education<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Creating OurLand<\/h2><p>Vijo commuted from the jungle to the city for a year before quitting and living in the wild full-time. In 2015, alongside his childhood friend, Anshuman Tripathy, he established the social enterprise, OurLand. What started as an escape became one of Thailand's first privately managed wildlife reserves.<\/p>\n<p>\"Being in a place where I can wake up in the morning and experience the beauty of nature, to know there's birds, squirrels, sambar deers and elephants going by. I know I'm working really hard to protect them. It's just such a beautiful feeling,\" says Vijo.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.52734375\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x425_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x203_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x338_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x396_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x437_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x570_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x633_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x1013_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">OurLand is located at the southern tip of the Western Forest Complex, one of the largest contiguous forests in SouthEast Asia<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>OurLand's mission is for people to live in harmony with nature. The organisation functions on three main pillars, conservation, sustainability and education, which they believe are interlinked and essential to survival.<\/p>\n<p>\"We must find a way to coexist with nature as our populations rise. As wild spaces shrink, we will bump up against nature. We need to find a way that we can be comfortable in their space and also safe at the same time,\" states Vijo.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.52734375\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x425_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x203_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x338_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x396_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x437_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x570_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x633_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x1013_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">As the elephant population has grown, their habitats have diminished due to overexploitation and encroachment<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Conservation and elephant protection<\/h2><p>OurLand is located at the southern tip of the Western Forest Complex, one of the largest contiguous forests in SouthEast Asia, a region heavily impacted by habitat loss, degradation and human-wildlife conflict.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.52734375\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x425_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x203_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x338_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x396_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x437_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x570_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x633_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x1013_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">OurLand believes that education is key to ensuring the survival of endangered species<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries in Thailand and is home to over 150 wild elephants. As the elephant population has grown, their habitats have diminished due to overexploitation and encroachment. The organisation have created a natural corridor that leads the wild elephants to the Khwae Yai River, where they can access a vital water source.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x454_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x216_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x360_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x422_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x466_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x608_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x675_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x1080_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">OurLand created a natural corridor that leads the wild elephants to the Khwae Yai River<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"The elephants are coming out of the sanctuary to forage for food and drink water from the river, and to do that, they're coming into contact with farmers, and they're having to cross the road, which means that both people and elephants are dying,\" explains MacKenzie King, Sustainability Manager at OurLand. \"The farmers are growing mainly sugarcane, corn and cassava, and just like us, elephants have a sweet tooth. So significantly, a new business model just needs to be more profitable than sugar cane,\" she adds.<\/p>\n<p>OurLand works on sustainable solutions to ensure the local community and the endangered species can live side-by-side. \"We start telling the local people, 'Hey, would you be interested in planting citronella, lemongrass or ginger?' All the things that elephants don't necessarily like to eat. This was the first step towards moving in the direction of how we can generate revenue by keeping nature intact,\" says Vijo.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6343822,6206444,6124550\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2021//11//15//the-spanish-inventor-creating-electricity-from-plants/">The Spanish inventor creating electricity from nature<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//01//03//the-indonesian-conservationists-saving-endangered-gibbons/">The Indonesian conservationists saving endangered gibbons<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2021//10//04//meet-the-jordanian-architect-who-grew-an-100-year-old-forest-in-10-years/">Meet the Jordanian architect who grew an 100-year-old forest in 10 years<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Sustainability<\/h2><p>Alongside OurLand's conservation strategies, they also operate an ecovillage. For the ecovillage to be self-sufficient, food, water, shelter and energy are needed. The village runs on solar power and harvests water from rainwater. Houses are built from mud gathered from the jungle floor. \"The hardest part has always been food because we have wild elephants,\" states Vijo. \"In the past, as they came through, they would find some of the food we were growing. For this reason, we've moved food production outside the OurLand reserve.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x454_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x216_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x360_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x422_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x466_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x608_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x675_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x1080_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Alongside OurLand's conservation strategies, they also operate an ecovillage<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For OurLand to conserve wild spaces, they believe living integrated with nature is key. \"Despite all the research, science, and education we do, I think it's really important sometimes to look within ourselves. And that's where the ecovillage is a part of the tranquillity we have to find within ourselves. For me, the ecovillage isn't just an ecovillage and a research station, it is a home within nature,\" says Vijo.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x454_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x216_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x360_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x422_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x466_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x608_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x675_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x1080_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Vijo Varghese was a year old when his family moved from south India to Thailand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Education<\/h2><p>The grassroots organisation believes that education is key to expanding its influence and ensuring the survival of endangered species. \"At OurLand, education is really the core of what we do. It's the method by which we achieve the mission of conservation of coexistence,\" states MacKenzie.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.484375\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//80//49//44//808x392_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg/" alt=\"Chelle Gilham\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/384x186_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/640x310_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/750x363_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/828x401_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1080x523_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1200x581_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/1920x930_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">For OurLand to conserve wild spaces, they believe living integrated with nature is key<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Chelle Gilham<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The ecovillage also functions as an education centre, where they monitor wildlife, test nature-integrated living strategies and bring conscious tourists and school children to learn about sustainability and the environment.<\/p>\n<p>\"The next generation is a little bit more distant from nature. They seem to have this kind of yukky, nature's icky (attitude). We always encourage children to create that actual connection with nature. So that they can look within themselves and find a sense of calm in any environment and use nature as a tool when helping themselves,\" says Vijo.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1656322651,"publishedAt":1656347439,"updatedAt":1656402540,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2022\/06\/27\/the-jungle-environmentalist-saving-elephants-in-thailand","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_16ff9c20-482b-50d8-94dd-1ce8b5f4b181-6804944.jpg","altText":"OurLand's mission is for people to live in harmony with nature","caption":"OurLand's mission is for people to live in harmony with nature","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2856,"height":1595},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3fc1cf1c-e147-56af-875f-1761cd05b459-6804944.jpg","altText":"OurLand believes that education is key to ensuring the survival of endangered species","caption":"OurLand believes that education is key to ensuring the survival of endangered species","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2048,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b2d2d75f-0839-5efb-b0f0-2aaadf4acf23-6804944.jpg","altText":"Alongside OurLand's conservation strategies, they also operate an ecovillage","caption":"Alongside OurLand's conservation strategies, they also operate an ecovillage","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1536,"height":864},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_60e3e2fd-ee9e-5f4a-9b85-06810d5b96f9-6804944.jpg","altText":"For OurLand to conserve wild spaces, they believe living integrated with nature is key","caption":"For OurLand to conserve wild spaces, they believe living integrated with nature is key","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2048,"height":992},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e5fad26c-0c97-5717-b0f8-798c940988ac-6804944.jpg","altText":"Vijo Varghese was a year old when his family moved from south India to Thailand","caption":"Vijo Varghese was a year old when his family moved from south India to Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5d9217a7-fc98-54d0-b73c-34e914273911-6804944.jpg","altText":"OurLand created a natural corridor that leads the wild elephants to the Khwae Yai River","caption":"OurLand created a natural corridor that leads the wild elephants to the Khwae Yai River","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f3ee0efa-e216-5e3c-b57e-2d1b74fe61c5-6804944.jpg","altText":" As the elephant population has grown, their habitats have diminished due to overexploitation and encroachment","caption":" As the elephant population has grown, their habitats have diminished due to overexploitation and encroachment","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2048,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a3cf4b61-355d-5895-b3f2-3e0506327ba9-6804944.jpg","altText":"OurLand is located at the southern tip of the Western Forest Complex, one of the largest contiguous forests in SouthEast Asia","caption":"OurLand is located at the southern tip of the Western Forest Complex, one of the largest contiguous forests in SouthEast Asia","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2048,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_6abe9f78-a543-50ef-96e3-9aa8cad7a6d5-6804944.jpg","altText":"OurLand functions on three main pillars, conservation, sustainability and education","caption":"OurLand functions on three main pillars, conservation, sustainability and education","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1843,"height":1136},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/80\/49\/44\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_14b4dc21-73e6-5cfe-99bc-cd859575f410-6804944.jpg","altText":"In 2015 Vijo Varghese established the social enterprise, OurLand in Thailand","caption":"In 2015 Vijo Varghese established the social enterprise, OurLand in Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":" Chelle Gilham","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"zahan","title":"Nazneen Zahan","twitter":""}],"producers":[{"urlSafeValue":"thompson-r","title":"Rosie-Lyse 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Thailand"},"versions":[],"path":"\/culture\/2022\/06\/27\/the-jungle-environmentalist-saving-elephants-in-thailand","lastModified":1656402540},{"id":1934662,"cid":6703046,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220515_NCSU_46462965","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_society_religion','gs_society','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','neg_nespresso','gs_science_space','neg_mobkoi_feb2021','gs_science','gs_health','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":6},{"id":8},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"A thousand candles lit up in Bangkok to mark Buddha's birthday","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"A thousand candles lit up in Bangkok to mark Buddha's birthday","leadin":"Thailand commemorates Visakha Bucha Day, Buddhism's most sacred day of the year which marks Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, held on the full moon of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.","summary":"Thailand commemorates Visakha Bucha Day, Buddhism's most sacred day of the year which marks Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, held on the full moon of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.","keySentence":null,"url":"a-thousand-candles-lit-up-in-bangkok-to-mark-buddha-s-birthday","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thailand commemorates Visakha Bucha Day, Buddhism's most sacred day of the year which marks Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, held on the full moon of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar. \n\nBuddhist monks and devotees light up 1,000 candles at Bangkok\u2019s Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, also known as the marble temple. After a pause for two years, the ceremony comes back for the first time since the pandemic","htmlText":"<p>Thailand commemorates Visakha Bucha Day, Buddhism's most sacred day of the year which marks Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, held on the full moon of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.<\/p>\n<p>Buddhist monks and devotees light up 1,000 candles at Bangkok\u2019s Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, also known as the marble temple. After a pause for two years, the ceremony comes back for the first time since the pandemic<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1652634809,"publishedAt":1652639410,"updatedAt":1652639416,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/05\/15\/a-thousand-candles-lit-up-in-bangkok-to-mark-buddha-s-birthday","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/70\/30\/46\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_75c05f51-5aee-5db7-b56f-fce7b0f9ffd1-6703046.jpg","altText":"Buddha's birthday","caption":"Buddha's 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gang violence: Welcome to Bangkok's real-life fight club","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Blood and bruises: Welcome to Bangkok's real-life fight club","titleListing2":"The first rule of Fight Club does not apply here, as the group has become a local sensation, and has a Facebook page with up to 73,000 members.","leadin":"In the capital city of a country renowned for its highly technical martial arts scene, amateur fighters gather regularly at a poor port-side neighbourhood and promise to exchange only blood and bruises in the underground club","summary":"In the capital city of a country renowned for its highly technical martial arts scene, amateur fighters gather regularly at a poor port-side neighbourhood and promise to exchange only blood and bruises in the underground club","keySentence":null,"url":"combatting-gang-violence-welcome-to-bangkok-s-real-life-fight-club","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Harsh spotlights and street lamps illuminate a vicious brawl between two furious shirtless men as the screams of a crowd echo beneath a Bangkok underpass: Fight Club Thailand is on. \n\nIn the capital city of a country renowned for its highly technical martial arts scene, amateur fighters gather regularly promising to exchange only blood and bruises in the underground club. \n\nWhile the bout resembles a particularly frenzied boxing match, the setting - surrounded by shipping containers in a poor port-side neighbourhood - is a far cry from the glitzy charms of Muay Thai boxing stadiums. \n\n\"Here you don't have to know how to fight. You just need to have heart and that's it,\" club co-founder Chana Worasart told AFP. \n\nFighting to combat street violence \n\nWorasart founded the club in 2016, partly inspired by the cult Brad Pitt movie, to allow amateur fighters to test their skills - or just vent their aggression. \n\nThe organisers also believe the club is a way to keep young and aggressive men off the streets and combat gang violence in Thailand.\u00a0 \n\n\"I think the popularity is due to a variety of occupations and fighting styles that are different from the styles in the (professional) ring,\" he said. \n\nUnlike the movie's famous line banning fighters from talking about their club to outsiders, the Bangkok-based outfit calls itself \"the ring that will change violence into friendship\". \n\nThe group has become a local sensation, with a private Facebook group racking up 73,000 members as word spread of the underground matches. \n\nFighters are allowed to go all-out in a single three-minute round - with neither a winner or loser declared - but the bouts aren't quite no-holds-barred. \n\nElbowing, grappling, throwing opponents to the ground and punching to the back of the head are strictly prohibited. \n\nUnsurprisingly, the gatherings have not escaped the notice of the Thai police. \n\nAuthorities were alerted in 2016 to the underground matches - which allegedly violated the Boxing Act, punishable with a one-year jail sentence and fines of up to about $600 - but despite a small police presence on occasion, the fights have continued. \n\nMeanwhile, the club insists it is not governed by the Boxing Act, meaning organisers are not holding unsanctioned fights. \n\nThe rules of Fight Club \n\nIt is all a far cry from the scrappy club's beginnings, when there were no clear rules. \n\nNow there are fighting guidelines, screening procedures, a risk-acceptance pledge as well as protective equipment and on-scene medical care. \n\n\"We don't ask fighters to kill each other. If you're too tired or too injured to go on, then we'll stop the fight,\" said Chana as another bout began. \n\nAfter paying his respects with folded hands and touching gloves with his opponent, amateur fighter Ilya Ostroushchenko gets to work. \n\nLanding a kick to his opponent's torso, Ostroushchenko bashes out a combination of punches, and a left hook to the face finally sends his opponent stumbling to the rubber mat. \n\nThe crowd enthusiastically roars \"Somchai\" - a traditional, masculine Thai name given to the Russian - as the bout finishes. \n\nSeemingly cool and composed during the fight, the 22-year-old told AFP it is nerve-wracking right before stepping into the informal ring. \n\n\"My hands shake. My knees shake also, but when I go out to the centre, I feel good,\" he said.","htmlText":"<p>Harsh spotlights and street lamps illuminate a vicious brawl between two furious shirtless men as the screams of a crowd echo beneath a Bangkok underpass: Fight Club Thailand is on.<\/p>\n<p>In the capital city of a country renowned for its highly technical martial arts scene, amateur fighters gather regularly promising to exchange only blood and bruises in the underground club.<\/p>\n<p>While the bout resembles a particularly frenzied boxing match, the setting - surrounded by shipping containers in a poor port-side neighbourhood - is a far cry from the glitzy charms of Muay Thai boxing stadiums.<\/p>\n<p>\"Here you don't have to know how to fight. You just need to have heart and that's it,\" club co-founder Chana Worasart told AFP.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6264128,6632946\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//04//19//20-of-the-most-powerful-photographs-taken-in-the-first-weeks-of-the-russia-ukraine-war/">20 of the most powerful photographs taken in the first weeks of the Russia-Ukraine war<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2021//11//26//cannabis-pizza-on-the-menu-for-thailand-tourists/">Cannabis pizza on the menu for Thailand tourists, but you won't get pie high<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Fighting to combat street violence<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//66//49//22//808x454_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg/" alt=\"AFP\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/384x216_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/640x360_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/750x422_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/828x466_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1080x608_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1920x1080_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">An aerial photo shows combatants competing in at an event by Fight Club Thailand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AFP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Worasart founded the club in 2016, partly inspired by the cult <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//03//25//which-champagne-will-your-favourite-celebrities-be-drinking-at-the-oscars/">Brad Pitt<\/strong><\/a> movie, to allow amateur fighters to test their skills - or just vent their aggression.<\/p>\n<p>The organisers also believe the club is a way to keep young and aggressive men off the streets and combat gang violence in Thailand.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"I think the popularity is due to a variety of occupations and fighting styles that are different from the styles in the (professional) ring,\" he said.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike the movie's famous line banning fighters from talking about their club to outsiders, the Bangkok-based outfit calls itself \"the ring that will change violence into friendship\".<\/p>\n<p>The group has become a local sensation, with a private Facebook group racking up 73,000 members as word spread of the underground matches.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//66//49//22//808x454_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg/" alt=\"AFP\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/384x216_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/640x360_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/750x422_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/828x466_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1080x608_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1920x1080_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The unsanctioned fights takes place in a parking lot in the Klong Toey district of Bangkok<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AFP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Fighters are allowed to go all-out in a single three-minute round - with neither a winner or loser declared - but the bouts aren't quite no-holds-barred.<\/p>\n<p>Elbowing, grappling, throwing opponents to the ground and punching to the back of the head are strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n<p>Unsurprisingly, the gatherings have not escaped the notice of the Thai police.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities were alerted in 2016 to the underground matches - which allegedly violated the Boxing Act, punishable with a one-year jail sentence and fines of up to about $600 - but despite a small police presence on occasion, the fights have continued.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the club insists it is not governed by the Boxing Act, meaning organisers are not holding unsanctioned fights.<\/p>\n<h2>The rules of Fight Club<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//66//49//22//808x454_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg/" alt=\"AFP\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/384x216_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/640x360_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/750x422_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/828x466_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1080x608_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/1920x1080_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">This photo shows a man lighting a flare on top of a shipping container at an event by Fight Club Thailand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AFP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>It is all a far cry from the scrappy club's beginnings, when there were no clear rules.<\/p>\n<p>Now there are fighting guidelines, screening procedures, a risk-acceptance pledge as well as protective equipment and on-scene medical care.<\/p>\n<p>\"We don't ask fighters to kill each other. If you're too tired or too injured to go on, then we'll stop the fight,\" said Chana as another bout began.<\/p>\n<p>After paying his respects with folded hands and touching gloves with his opponent, amateur fighter Ilya Ostroushchenko gets to work.<\/p>\n<p>Landing a kick to his opponent's torso, Ostroushchenko bashes out a combination of punches, and a left hook to the face finally sends his opponent stumbling to the rubber mat.<\/p>\n<p>The crowd enthusiastically roars \"Somchai\" - a traditional, masculine Thai name given to the Russian - as the bout finishes.<\/p>\n<p>Seemingly cool and composed during the fight, the 22-year-old told AFP it is nerve-wracking right before stepping into the informal ring.<\/p>\n<p>\"My hands shake. My knees shake also, but when I go out to the centre, I feel good,\" he said.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1651143166,"publishedAt":1651219819,"updatedAt":1651219825,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2022\/04\/29\/combatting-gang-violence-welcome-to-bangkok-s-real-life-fight-club","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_23d2b8a6-a5bd-5b29-a56d-165712ec477c-6664922.jpg","altText":"The first rule of fight club? Do not talk about fight club.","caption":"The first rule of fight club? Do not talk about fight club.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_11ddf290-73c9-5062-aa33-bd335548fe7c-6664922.jpg","altText":"The unsanctioned fights takes place in a parking lot in the Klong Toey district of Bangkok","caption":"The unsanctioned fights takes place in a parking lot in the Klong Toey district of Bangkok","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b64e9647-d760-5228-9fab-8997b0b9d673-6664922.jpg","altText":"This photo shows a man lighting a flare on top of a shipping container at an event by Fight Club Thailand","caption":"This photo shows a man lighting a flare on top of a shipping container at an event by Fight Club Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/66\/49\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_cfb2e255-346f-512c-9bed-8b70147f6724-6664922.jpg","altText":"An aerial photo shows combatants competing in at an event by Fight Club Thailand","caption":"An aerial photo shows combatants competing in at an event by Fight Club Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"farrant","title":"Theo Farrant","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"farrant","title":"Theo Farrant","twitter":""}]},"keywords":[{"id":9813,"slug":"video","urlSafeValue":"video","title":"Video","titleRaw":"Video"},{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":503,"slug":"bangkok","urlSafeValue":"bangkok","title":"Bangkok","titleRaw":"Bangkok"},{"id":12398,"slug":"fighting","urlSafeValue":"fighting","title":"Fighting","titleRaw":"Fighting"},{"id":8511,"slug":"boxing","urlSafeValue":"boxing","title":"Boxing","titleRaw":"Boxing"},{"id":8513,"slug":"martial-arts","urlSafeValue":"martial-arts","title":"Martial arts","titleRaw":"Martial arts"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":3},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/S5\/SU\/22\/04\/28\/en\/220428_S5SU_46200285_46200288_105600_100059_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"105600","filesizeBytes":10172293,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/S5\/SU\/22\/04\/28\/en\/220428_S5SU_46200285_46200288_105600_100059_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"105600","filesizeBytes":17004375,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8afpm9","youtubeId":"9z_4oRzpsy0"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"AFP","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"see","urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/see\/see"},"vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"see","urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/see"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":48,"urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":{"id":503,"urlSafeValue":"bangkok-thailand","title":"Bangkok, Thailand"},"versions":[],"path":"\/culture\/2022\/04\/29\/combatting-gang-violence-welcome-to-bangkok-s-real-life-fight-club","lastModified":1651219825},{"id":1898810,"cid":6614210,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220412_E1SU_45951141","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_travel','gs_travel_holidays','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','gt_positive','neg_facebook_2021','progressivemedia','gs_health','neg_mobkoi_creed_eng','neg_mobkoi_new','neg_facebook_q4','shadow9hu7_pos_ukraine-russia','shadow9hu7_pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_sport','gt_positive_like','gs_health_disability','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Accessible tourism: Scuba diving opens for disabled travellers in Thailand","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"How is Thailand making scuba diving accessible for everyone?","titleListing2":"15% of the world's population live with a disability, yet holiday destinations still lack inclusive excursions \u267f\n\nThis Thai scuba diving trip is hoping to change that for good ???","leadin":"This scuba diving experience in Thailand is making the underwater world accessible to all.","summary":"This scuba diving experience in Thailand is making the underwater world accessible to all.","keySentence":null,"url":"accessible-tourism-scuba-diving-opens-for-disabled-travellers-in-thailand","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"With 15 per cent of the world\u2019s population living with a disability, accessibility is one of the biggest challenges facing the global tourism sector. \n\nTravel excursions invariably cater for the able-bodied, leaving disabled travellers with few options when it comes to getting out and about on their holidays. \n\nBut in Thailand, one tour operator is hoping to address this issue with a new scuba diving excursion accessible to all. \n\n\u201cIt was a new experience and I was impressed,\u201d says Araya Nantayu, a visually impaired woman who took part in the trip in southern Thailand. \n\n\u201cThe important thing is there was a guide who was friendly and was always there to help. I didn't feel scared at all.\u201d \n\nIs Thailand disability friendly? \n\nThe accessible diving experience was started off the coast of Trang province, following a push for inclusivity in the region. \n\nNitcharee Peneakchanasak helped organise the trips in the Andaman Sea. With the supervision of a tour guide, groups descend over 15 metres below the surface and explore the famous Koh Waen Emerald Cave. \n\n\u201cThis was my first time diving in the Trang Sea,\u201d says Nitcharee. \n\n\u201cIt was a beautiful environment and we saw an abundance of marine life underwater. We came with some friends who wanted to dive. Each of them has a disability but they wanted to experience diving for themselves.\u201d \n\nThe Tourism Authority of Thailand is now adapting facilities in the nearby Pak Meng Dock to make the site more accessible to people with disabilities. \n\nFor Araya, the move signifies a shift in attitude towards inclusive travel in the country. \n\n\u201cI would like to tell all persons with disabilities that the world is always open to us if we don't close off our hearts.\u201d \n\nWatch the video above to find out more about accessible tourism in Thailand.","htmlText":"<p>With 15 per cent of the world\u2019s population living with a disability, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//08//18//accessible-tourism-why-this-braille-railing-in-naples-has-gone-viral/">accessibility is one of the biggest challenges facing the global tourism sector.<\/p>\n<p>Travel excursions invariably cater for the able-bodied, leaving <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//02//08//what-i-ve-learned-about-accessibility-while-travelling/">disabled travellers<\/strong><\/a> with few options when it comes to getting out and about on their holidays.<\/p>\n<p>But in Thailand, one tour operator is hoping to address this issue with a new scuba diving excursion accessible to all.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-quotation\n widget--size-fullwidth\n widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__content\">\n <blockquote class=\"widget__quote\">\n <span class=\"widget__quoteText\">The important thing is there was a guide who was friendly and was always there to help.<\/span>\n <\/blockquote>\n <cite class=\"widget__author\">\n <\/cite>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt was a new experience and I was impressed,\u201d says Araya Nantayu, a visually impaired woman who took part in the trip in southern Thailand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe important thing is there was a guide who was friendly and was always there to help. I didn't feel scared at all.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Is Thailand disability friendly?<\/h2><p>The accessible diving experience was started off the coast of Trang province, following a push for <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//10//04//will-personal-wheelchairs-soon-be-allowed-as-seats-on-planes/">inclusivity in the region.<\/p>\n<p>Nitcharee Peneakchanasak helped organise the trips in the Andaman Sea. With the supervision of a tour guide, groups descend over 15 metres below the surface and explore the famous Koh Waen Emerald Cave.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis was my first time diving in the Trang Sea,\u201d says Nitcharee.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a beautiful environment and we saw an abundance of marine life underwater. We came with some friends who wanted to dive. Each of them has a disability but they wanted to experience diving for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6549518,6352974\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//01//06//thailand-leo-s-beach-paradise-has-reopened-after-4-years-but-tourists-can-t-swim/">Thailand: Leo's beach paradise has reopened after 4 years, but tourists can't swim<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//03//17//cyprus-turkey-and-thailand-top-holiday-spots-feeling-fallout-from-ukraine-russian-war/">Cyprus, Turkey and Thailand: Top holiday spots feeling fallout from Ukraine-Russian war<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Tourism Authority of Thailand is now adapting facilities in the nearby Pak Meng Dock to make the site <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//03//12//how-ancient-roman-ruins-can-teach-the-modern-world-about-accessible-travel/">more accessible<\/strong><\/a> to people with disabilities.<\/p>\n<p>For Araya, the move signifies a shift in attitude towards <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//02//18//birdhearing-the-colombian-wildlife-tour-for-the-visually-impaired/">inclusive travel<\/strong><\/a> in the country.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would like to tell all persons with disabilities that the world is always open to us if we don't close off our hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch the video above to find out more about accessible tourism in Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1649771607,"publishedAt":1649826033,"updatedAt":1649826065,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2022\/04\/13\/accessible-tourism-scuba-diving-opens-for-disabled-travellers-in-thailand","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/42\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1e784165-0d26-5518-a129-fb0c0f22ab44-6614210.jpg","altText":"Scuba diving for disabled travellers is becoming a popular excursion in southern Thailand","caption":"Scuba diving for disabled travellers is becoming a popular excursion in southern Thailand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Getty Images","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"horton","title":"Ben Anthony Horton","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"horton","title":"Ben Anthony Horton","twitter":""}]},"keywords":[{"id":276,"slug":"thailand","urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","titleRaw":"Thailand"},{"id":25754,"slug":"accessibility","urlSafeValue":"accessibility","title":"accessibility","titleRaw":"accessibility"},{"id":14322,"slug":"disabled","urlSafeValue":"disabled","title":"disabled","titleRaw":"disabled"},{"id":4221,"slug":"tourism","urlSafeValue":"tourism","title":"Tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism"},{"id":13560,"slug":"diving","urlSafeValue":"diving","title":"diving","titleRaw":"diving"},{"id":25472,"slug":"sport-holiday","urlSafeValue":"sport-holiday","title":"sport holiday","titleRaw":"sport holiday"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"quotation","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/E1\/SU\/22\/04\/12\/en\/220412_E1SU_45951141_45951145_60240_170908_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60240","filesizeBytes":5693471,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/E1\/SU\/22\/04\/12\/en\/220412_E1SU_45951141_45951145_60240_170908_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60240","filesizeBytes":9516548,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x89y5gw","youtubeId":"VhwHDNeKOOI"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"Reuters","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"experiences","urlSafeValue":"experiences","title":"Experiences","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/experiences\/experiences"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"experiences","urlSafeValue":"experiences","title":"Experiences","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/experiences"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":29,"urlSafeValue":"experiences","title":"Experiences"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/travel\/2022\/04\/13\/accessible-tourism-scuba-diving-opens-for-disabled-travellers-in-thailand","lastModified":1649826065},{"id":1865302,"cid":6534582,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220311_CMSU_45431174","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_business','gs_science','gs_science_environ','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_business_energy','progressivemedia','neg_audi_list1','neg_bucherer','neg_facebook_2021','gs_travel','gs_business_agri','mortgages_home_eng','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Huge floating solar farm puts Thailand on track towards carbon neutrality","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Floating solar farm puts Thailand on track towards carbon neutrality","titleListing2":"This stunning network of floating solar panels is helping Thailand reach carbon neutrality by the year 2050.\n\nHere's how it works ?","leadin":"Thailand creates world\u2019s biggest solar farm - but not everybody is happy about it.","summary":"Thailand creates world\u2019s biggest solar farm - but not everybody is happy about it.","keySentence":null,"url":"huge-floating-solar-farm-sets-thailand-on-track-towards-carbon-neutrality","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"In Thailand\u2019s northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, a reservoir has been transformed into a shimmering network of solar panels - capable of reducing the kingdom\u2019s carbon emissions by 47,000 tonnes every year. \n\nTouted as the \"world's largest floating hydro-solar farm\u201d, the Sirindhorn dam project is capable of creating solar power by day and hydropower by night. \n\nThe 720,000 square metre installation is the first of 15 farms Thailand plans to build as part of its ongoing commitment to reach carbon neutrality by the year 2050 . \n\n\"This is the first and biggest project like this in the world ,\" says Prasertsak Cherngchawano, Thailand\u2019s deputy governor of electricity. \n\n\u201cThere are 144,000 solar panels here. One panel is two square metres, and the whole farm is equivalent to 70 football fields.\" \n\nThe Southeast Asian country is stepping up efforts to wean itself off fossil fuels after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2065. \n\nAlongside other world leaders at COP26 in Glasgow, Chan-O-Cha stated his intention to \u201cramp up measures in tackling climate change in any way imaginable.\u201d \n\nA green shift \n\nHitting these ambitious targets will require a major revamp of Thailand\u2019s power industry. \n\nThe nation is still heavily reliant on fossil fuel, with 55 per cent of its energy derived from natural gas as of October 2021. This contrasts sharply with just 11 per cent stemming from renewables and hydropower, according to the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EGAT) . \n\nEGAT plans to produce 2,725 megawatts of power from floating hydro-solar farms by the year 2037 - over 30 per cent of the nation\u2019s annual power needs. \n\nBut as the kingdom\u2019s green revolution gets underway, many people are sceptical of the scheme. \n\nThe \u20ac32 million Sirindhorn project took nearly two years to build - with numerous delays resulting from solar panel delivery issues and technicians falling sick. \n\nLocals have also expressed concern, claiming the farm has forced them out of areas traditionally used for livelihood. \n\n\"The number of fish I can catch has reduced, so we have less income,\" says Thongphon Mobmai, a local fisherman from the region. \n\n\"We also have to travel longer routes when we're out fishing and we can only drive our boats in areas designated by the authorities. These are the problems we have with the solar farm.\u201d \n\nDespite this, the electricity generating authority insists the project will not affect agriculture, fishing or other community activities. \n\n\"We've used only 0.2 to 0.3 per cent of the dam's surface area. People can make use of lands for agriculture, residency and other purposes,\" says Cherngchawano. \n\nAs well as generating power, officials hope the giant farm will also prove a draw for tourists. A 415-metre long \u2018Nature Walkway\u2019 has now been installed beside the dam, providing panoramic views of the reservoir and its floating solar cells. \n\nWatch the video above to see the floating solar farm for yourself.","htmlText":"<p>In Thailand\u2019s northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, a reservoir has been transformed into a shimmering network of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//10//14//these-are-the-11-most-beautiful-solar-farms-in-the-world/">solar panels<\/strong><\/a> - capable of reducing the kingdom\u2019s carbon emissions by 47,000 tonnes every year.<\/p>\n<p>Touted as the \"world's largest floating hydro-solar farm\u201d, the Sirindhorn dam project is capable of creating solar power by day and hydropower by night.<\/p>\n<p>The 720,000 square metre installation is the first of 15 farms Thailand plans to build as part of its ongoing commitment to reach carbon neutrality <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//11//01//how-will-china-and-europe-reach-carbon-neutrality/">by the year 2050<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\"This is the first and biggest project like this <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//05//14//extraordinary-views-from-the-world-s-first-mountainous-solar-farm/">in the world<\/strong><\/a>,\" says Prasertsak Cherngchawano, Thailand\u2019s deputy governor of electricity.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are 144,000 solar panels here. One panel is two square metres, and the whole farm is equivalent to 70 football fields.\"<\/p>\n<p>The Southeast Asian country is stepping up efforts to wean itself off fossil fuels after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha committed to achieving <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//11//13//cop26-latest-new-draft-deal-released-as-climate-negotiations-drag-on/">net-zero greenhouse gas emissions<\/strong><\/a> by the year 2065.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside other world leaders at <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//11//14//uk-says-cop26-climate-pact-historic-but-tinged-with-disappointment/">COP26 in Glasgow, Chan-O-Cha stated his intention to \u201cramp up measures in tackling climate change in any way imaginable.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>A green shift<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//53//45//82//808x454_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg/" alt=\"AFP\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/384x216_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/640x360_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/750x422_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/828x466_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/1080x608_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/1200x675_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/1920x1080_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Currently, only 11 per cent of Thailand's power comes from renewables and hydropower<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AFP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Hitting these ambitious targets will require a major revamp of Thailand\u2019s power industry.<\/p>\n<p>The nation is still heavily reliant on fossil fuel, with 55 per cent of its energy derived from natural gas as of October 2021. This contrasts sharply with just 11 per cent stemming from renewables and hydropower, according to the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"http:////www.eppo.go.th//index.php//en///">Energy Policy and Planning Office (EGAT)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>EGAT plans to produce 2,725 megawatts of power from floating hydro-solar farms by the year 2037 - over 30 per cent of the nation\u2019s annual power needs.<\/p>\n<p>But as the kingdom\u2019s <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//09//28//bangkok-s-taxi-graveyard-brought-back-to-life-with-mini-gardens/">green revolution<\/strong><\/a> gets underway, many people are sceptical of the scheme.<\/p>\n<p>The \u20ac32 million Sirindhorn project took nearly two years to build - with numerous delays resulting from solar panel delivery issues and technicians falling sick.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6184008,6103372,5675716\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//12//10//the-new-mcdonald-s-mcplant-burger-a-vegan-victory-or-just-more-greenwashing/">McDonald/u2019s new solar powered restaurant branded \u2018McGreenwash\u2019 by Greenpeace<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//10//29//thinner-than-a-pencil-these-solar-panels-are-set-to-revolutionise-solar-power/">Thinner than a pencil, these solar panels are set to revolutionise solar power<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//05//21//are-solar-panelled-airports-the-future/">Airports could power 100,000 homes if we covered them in solar panels<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Locals have also expressed concern, claiming the farm has forced them out of areas traditionally used for livelihood.<\/p>\n<p>\"The number of fish I can catch has reduced, so we have less income,\" says Thongphon Mobmai, a <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2019//02//08//how-the-eu-stamped-down-on-decades-of-illegal-fishing-in-thailand/">local fisherman<\/strong><\/a> from the region.<\/p>\n<p>\"We also have to travel longer routes when we're out fishing and we can only drive our boats in areas designated by the authorities. These are the problems we have with the solar farm.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//53//45//82//808x454_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg/" alt=\"AFP\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/384x216_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/640x360_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/750x422_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/828x466_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/1080x608_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/1200x675_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/1920x1080_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A 415-metre long \u2018Nature Walkway\u2019 has been installed beside the dam to encourage tourism<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AFP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Despite this, the electricity generating authority insists the project will not affect agriculture, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2019//02//08//eu-gives-thailand-s-reformed-fishing-industry-a-green-card/">fishing or other community activities.<\/p>\n<p>\"We've used only 0.2 to 0.3 per cent of the dam's surface area. People can make use of lands for agriculture, residency and other purposes,\" says Cherngchawano.<\/p>\n<p>As well as generating power, officials hope the giant farm will also prove a draw for tourists. A 415-metre long \u2018Nature Walkway\u2019 has now been installed beside the dam, providing panoramic views of the reservoir and its floating solar cells.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch the video above to see the floating solar farm for yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1646990348,"publishedAt":1647001081,"updatedAt":1647001547,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2022\/03\/11\/huge-floating-solar-farm-sets-thailand-on-track-towards-carbon-neutrality","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d45c3c1d-2e7d-5503-87af-9ca44f40c088-6534582.jpg","altText":"The","caption":"The","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_ccb03230-3e51-56cb-ae13-f56cba32d181-6534582.jpg","altText":"A 415-metre long \u2018Nature Walkway\u2019 has been installed beside the dam to encourage tourism","caption":"A 415-metre long \u2018Nature Walkway\u2019 has been installed beside the dam to encourage tourism","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/53\/45\/82\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_ecd20282-c4da-57d1-8dee-5b286653d2ec-6534582.jpg","altText":"Currently, only 11 per cent of Thailand's power comes from renewables and hydropower","caption":"Currently, only 11 per cent of Thailand's power comes from renewables and hydropower","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"horton","title":"Ben Anthony Horton","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"horton","title":"Ben Anthony Horton","twitter":""}]},"keywords":[{"id":25988,"slug":"renewable-energy","urlSafeValue":"renewable-energy","title":"renewable energy","titleRaw":"renewable 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emissions"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/CM\/SU\/22\/03\/11\/en\/220311_CMSU_45431174_45431177_91720_114709_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"91720","filesizeBytes":8765277,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/CM\/SU\/22\/03\/11\/en\/220311_CMSU_45431174_45431177_91720_114709_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"91720","filesizeBytes":14658135,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x88xtn0","youtubeId":"mRtC61l-ikY"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"climate","urlSafeValue":"climate","title":"Climate","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/climate\/climate"},"vertical":"green","verticals":[{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"},"themes":[{"id":"climate","urlSafeValue":"climate","title":"Climate","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/climate"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":34,"urlSafeValue":"climate","title":"Climate"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":276,"urlSafeValue":"thailand","title":"Thailand","url":"\/news\/asia\/thailand"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/green\/2022\/03\/11\/huge-floating-solar-farm-sets-thailand-on-track-towards-carbon-neutrality","lastModified":1647001547},{"id":1829554,"cid":6450318,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220204_NCSU_44837797","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','gs_event_cny','neg_coronavirus','gs_event_christmas','gs_event_newyear','gs_covid19','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":6},{"id":8},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Lunar New Year parade in central Thailand","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Lunar New Year parade in central Thailand","leadin":"Thailand's largest Chinese community held its annual Lunar New Year parade on Thursday, a celebration awash with dragons, acrobats and red and gold apparel.","summary":"Thailand's largest Chinese community held its annual Lunar New Year parade on Thursday, a celebration awash with dragons, acrobats and red and gold apparel.","keySentence":null,"url":"lunar-new-year-parade-in-central-thailand","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thailand's largest Chinese community held its annual Lunar New Year parade on Thursday, a celebration awash with dragons, acrobats and red and gold apparel. \n\nMarching bands and pop-up shrines contributed to the festive atmosphere at the parade, which took place in the central Thai city of Nakhon Sawan, some 250 kilometers (160 miles) north of Bangkok. \n\nThe event was part of week-long festivities being observed under tight COVID-19 restrictions.","htmlText":"<p>Thailand's largest Chinese community held its annual Lunar New Year parade on Thursday, a celebration awash with dragons, acrobats and red and gold apparel.<\/p>\n<p>Marching bands and pop-up shrines contributed to the festive atmosphere at the parade, which took place in the central Thai city of Nakhon Sawan, some 250 kilometers (160 miles) north of Bangkok.<\/p>\n<p>The event was part of week-long festivities being observed under tight COVID-19 restrictions.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1643971108,"publishedAt":1643981477,"updatedAt":1643981489,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/02\/04\/lunar-new-year-parade-in-central-thailand","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/45\/03\/28\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_12834499-9d76-5f9b-a27e-0ddf6982259c-6450328.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"\u0623 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