Khao Soi, a beloved gem of Thai cuisine, entices with its tantalizing aromas and bold flavors. This Northern Thai specialty boasts tender cuts of chicken, beef, or pork simmered to perfection in a creamy coconut milk-based broth infused with fragrant Thai spices. Served over a bed of egg noodles and garnished with pickled greens, fried noodles, and shallots, Khao Soi offers a delightful interplay of textures and tastes. Accompanied by a side of chili paste for those craving a touch of heat, this dish reflects the diverse and vibrant culinary tapestry of Thailand. Whether enjoyed in a bustling street-side eatery or a renowned restaurant, Khao Soi's unforgettable flavors will leave a lasting impression, making it a true masterpiece of Thai gastronomy.

The government is contemplating the idea of allowing entertainment venues in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) provinces to operate throughout the night, with the aim of giving a boost to tourism in the region.
On Tuesday, the cabinet approved the proposal to permit entertainment venues in Chonburi, Chachoengsao, and Rayong to remain open 24 hours. Damrongkiat Phinitkan, the secretary of the Entertainment and Tourism Association of Pattaya City, expressed optimism about the potential benefits this plan could bring to local businesses and the overall rejuvenation of the region's tourism economy.
Damrongkiat revealed that entrepreneurs in Pattaya have already indicated their willingness to comply with the regulations if the plan gets the green light. He explained that bars and restaurants could operate until late at night, while walking streets might remain open until the early hours of the morning. He also assured that if the new guidelines are adhered to properly, the operation of these all-night entertainment establishments will not adversely affect the local communities.
Furthermore, the secretary firmly believes that if the plan is approved, Pattaya will be in a position to compete with other world-class tourism destinations in Europe, South Korea, and Japan.

The Thai Constitutional Court's recent decision to suspend the frontrunner for prime minister, based on politically motivated charges, is a significant blow to democracy in Thailand, according to a statement from Human Rights Watch today. The reformist Move Forward Party, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, had secured the highest number of parliamentary seats (151) in the May 14, 2023 election, giving them the mandate to lead efforts in forming a new government.
On July 19, the Constitutional Court accepted the Election Commission of Thailand's allegations against Pita, claiming that he violated electoral rules and was ineligible to run for office due to his shares in the iTV media company. However, it should be noted that the company had not been broadcasting for 15 years and was delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2014.
Human Rights Watch's Asia director, Elaine Pearson, criticized the military-backed conservative elites for manipulating the constitutional and legal frameworks established after the 2014 coup to prevent a popularly elected political leader from taking power. Pearson expressed concern about the direction Thailand is heading, fearing that it could severely harm democratic principles.
The suspension of Pita from parliament is just one of the attacks against him and the Move Forward Party. Military junta-appointed senators, along with the United Thai Nation Party and its allies, blocked Pita's nomination as prime minister, arguing that his party's proposal to reform the draconian lese majeste law amounts to an attempt to overthrow the monarchy.
Despite needing 375 votes to secure the position of prime minister, Pita only received 324 votes in his favor, and his nomination was defeated on July 14. In a subsequent joint sitting on July 19, 394 out of 715 MPs and senators present voted against renominating Pita for the position, further complicating his chances.

Phuket Police officers have conducted an investigation into complaints regarding foreigners working as barbers in Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket Province. This occupation is one of the 27 jobs that are strictly prohibited for foreigners.
The business in question is located at 200 Pee Road, Rat Uthit, and it is managed by a Thai woman. Among the employees, there was a male barber named Osamh, who was found giving haircuts to tourists when the police arrived for their investigation on July 19.
In response to the situation, the police requested to examine Osamh's documents related to his entry into Thailand and his work permit. However, it was discovered that Osamh did not possess a work permit. He held Jordanian citizenship and admitted to working as a barber at the shop.
As a consequence, the officers arrested Osamh and took him to the Patong police station to formalize the arrest, inform him of the charges against him, and explain his rights.
Another establishment that came under investigation was a beauty salon in Choeng Thale Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket. It was discovered that three Russian women, aged 34, 32, and 26, were either working or being employed as beauticians without the required work permits.
The Ministry of Labour has recently issued a stern warning to employers and foreign workers to strictly abide by the law. Employers found hiring foreign workers without valid work permits or employing them for unauthorized work could face fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht per foreign worker.
In cases of repeated violations, the penalties may include imprisonment for up to 1 year, fines of 50,000 to 200,000 baht, or both, as well as a three-year ban on hiring foreign workers. Foreign workers who engage in unauthorized work or work without proper permits could be fined between 5,000 and 50,000 baht and may also face deportation.

A turbulent incident unfolded at Chiang Mai International Airport in northern Thailand, as a frustrated tourist and his two companions found themselves embroiled in a heated dispute with the airline crew over a lost bag. The passenger was distraught, claiming that his valuables had been carelessly left behind in the airport's departure lounge.
The situation quickly escalated as the agitated man engaged in a tense exchange with the airline crew, who were trying to coax him into his seat. In a bid to contain the situation, one crew member even attempted to guide him back to his place by gripping his arm firmly.
A video of the incident captured the unfolding drama, showing the crew member telling the passenger that if he couldn't calm down, they would have no choice but to remove him from the flight. The passenger defiantly responded, demanding to leave the plane immediately and insisting that the matter be brought to the attention of the captain.
The tense standoff took place while the Airbus A320 was already positioned next to the runway, just moments away from takeoff. Sensing the escalating situation, the pilot made the difficult decision to turn the aircraft back to the gate, announcing to the other passengers that the flight would be delayed.

An irritated fellow passenger recorded the unfolding scene, as airport security personnel marched onto the flight to address the situation. The disruptive trio was subsequently escorted off the aircraft, but it remains unclear if they faced any legal consequences within the terminal premises.
Speaking on the incident, an anonymous passenger on the flight shared their perspective, expressing their annoyance at the disruption caused by the irate passenger and his friends. The delay, which lasted around 45 minutes, inconvenienced many other travelers on board, and they voiced their discontent over the trio's apparent disregard for others' schedules.
Eventually, after resolving the situation and ensuring the safety of all passengers, flight THD103 operated by Thai Smile, took off for its intended destination – Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.
While air travel can already be fraught with stress, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of composure and understanding during unforeseen circumstances, both for passengers and airline crew. Hopefully, such incidents can be handled more smoothly in the future to ensure a safer and more enjoyable flying experience for everyone involved.

Embark on an unforgettable journey as we delve into the vibrant tapestry of Bangkok's cultural treasures and urban wonders. Join me on this two-week adventure, where we'll wander through ancient temples, savor mouthwatering street food, and immerse ourselves in the bustling city's captivating energy. Get ready for an enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the charms of Thailand's mesmerizing capital city.

The Constitutional Court suspended Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, from his position as a lawmaker this morning, just as the parliament reconvened for a second round of voting on his bid to become the prime minister.
After the court unanimously accepted an election Commission petition to investigate whether the 42-year-old politician violated election law by owning shares in a defunct media company, crowds started gathering outside the parliament. The petition argued that Pita should be disqualified from serving in parliament as he possessed 42,000 shares of ITV Public Co. Ltd.
Pita has 15 days to respond to these allegations.
It remains unclear how this suspension will immediately affect the ongoing session of parliament, which was meeting for a second vote today, a week after Pita's initial denial for the premiership, largely due to opposition from military-appointed senators.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, the debate continued inside the parliament in Bangkok's Dusit district. Outside, protesters assembled at the front gate, where orange smoke, associated with Pita's progressive Move Forward Party, filled the air as people voiced their disapproval, viewing it as the latest attempt to deny power to a duly elected leader.
On the other side of the gate, a large group of riot officers stood guard, instructing the crowd not to throw anything inside the building.
In the first round of voting last week, Pita received the support of 324 lawmakers in both houses, falling short of the simple majority required, which is 376. He was voted down by 181 nays and 198 abstentions, effectively rejecting his bid.
It appears unlikely that Pita would win in the second round, as the military-appointed senate remains steadfast in their opposition to his leadership.
The coalition of parties led by Move Forward reached an agreement earlier this week that if Pita does not succeed on Wednesday, a candidate from the second-place Pheu Thai Party will be nominated for the top political position.