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PM Modi at Wat Pho: What Makes This Bangkok Temple Special?

April 4, 2025, 6:39 pm

PM Narendra Modi went to Wat Pho Bangkok on April 4 with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The Indian PM paid respects to the Reclining Buddha, a gold-plated statue measuring 46 meters in length, and presented ‘Sanghadana’ to elder Buddhist monks. He also gifted a replica of the Ashokan Lion Capital, further cementing cultural relations between India and Thailand.

Situated close to the Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho Bangkok is among the oldest and largest temples in the city, drawing visitors with its profound history and spiritual importance.

The Legacy of Wat Pho

Originally constructed in the 16th century by King Rama I, Wat Pho in Bangkok was previously referred to as Wat Photaram. It was a place of learning and traditional Thai medicine. King Rama III later extended the temple with additional structures, sculptures, and inscriptions that retain ancient wisdom.

Today, I had the honour of visiting the historic Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahawihan Or Wat Pho in Bangkok. I thank Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the special gesture of coming to the Temple with me. One of Thailand’s most revered spiritual… pic.twitter.com/5xIDGPmcrX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025

The Reclining Buddha is still the temple’s most breathtaking feature. It stands 46 meters long and 15 meters tall, symbolizing Buddha’s death moments before reaching Nirvana. This statue is gilded with gold leaf, exuding divine glory and serenity. Bronze bowls numbering 108 surround it, which symbolize Buddha’s blessings. People insert coins into the bowls, a practice said to usher in prosperity and fortune.

Why Wat Pho, Bangkok Is a Must-Visit?

Wat Pho is not only a religious complex, it is also a center of traditional Thai healing arts. The temple is considered the cradle of Thai massage, and courses are provided for those who want to learn this ancient art. Tourists flock here to receive genuine Thai massage, which is said to enhance blood circulation and alleviate stress.

Wat Pho, Bangkok complex also features more than 1,000 images of the Buddha, qualifying as one of the largest in Thailand. The audience appreciates the detailed architecture, tranquil courtyards, and tranquil gardens spanning 20 acres. It is 300 baht (about $9.50) to enter Wat Pho, Bangkok, and patrons should dress modestly. Sarongs can be rented at the door if necessary.

Feel the Spirituality of Wat Pho Bangkok

From its ancient origins to its healing practices, Wat Pho, Bangkok remains an important landmark for tourists and Buddhists alike. The temple is open to visitors every day from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, providing an unforgettable insight into Thailand’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Whether you are looking for peace, learning, or a Thai massage experience, Wat Pho Bangkok is an unavoidable destination.

Earthquake Jolts Bangkok: Residents Flee to Streets as Water Spills from Pools | WATCH

March 28, 2025, 1:43 pm

A strong 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit Bangkok on Friday, causing buildings to sway and triggering massive evacuations. The quake, which took its origin in central Myanmar, caused panic throughout the Thai capital, although no initial damage or fatalities were reported.

The epicenter was 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometers, the GFZ Center for Geosciences in Germany said. The quake was so powerful it sloshed water from rooftop pools on high-rise buildings. Alarms blared and hundreds of people flooded the streets after evacuations from condominiums and hotels in downtown Bangkok.

Take a look:

Earthquake pic.twitter.com/WCT7eNXPHA

— Bangkok Louie. (@LJP987) March 28, 2025

The earthquake hit at approximately 1:30 p.m., with panicked residents milling about outside, getting shade from the sun as they waited for information. Several high-rise buildings in the city were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Building Collapse and Potential Fatalities

In the midst of the turmoil, Bangkok police confirmed that an under-construction high-rise collapsed after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which was separately reported in the Thai capital. A heart-stopping video making the rounds on social media captured the multi-story building disintegrating into a huge cloud of dust, as onlookers screamed and fled. Police, who had rushed to the scene close to Chatuchak Market, reported that they did not have immediate details on how many workers were on site.

Myanmar’s Response and Uncertainty

Even though the epicenter of the quake was in Myanmar, there were no initial reports of its effects there. The nation is still embroiled in a civil war, which could slow damage surveys.

The metropolitan area of Bangkok, with more than 17 million residents, felt one of its few major earthquakes, prompting worries about the city’s readiness for future seismic events.

Get Live Updates Here:

Woman Skydives From 13,000 Feet To Unfurl Maha Kumbh Flag | WATCH

January 15, 2025, 10:33 am

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, drawing millions of pilgrims to the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. As over 35 crore devotees are expected to take part in the event, a viral video featuring a daring act by a woman from Uttar Pradesh has taken the internet by storm.

Anamika’s Skydiving Feat with Maha Kumbh Flag

The video, shared on Instagram, showcases Anamika, a woman from Prayagraj, holding the Maha Kumbh flag before boarding an aircraft in Bangkok, Thailand. Moments later, she jumps out of the plane, unfolding the flag mid-air, symbolizing a unique tribute to the Kumbh Mela. The accompanying caption reads, “Inviting people all over the globe for the world’s largest human gathering—Maha Kumbh 2025.”

The video quickly went viral, amassing more than eight million views on Instagram. Social media users have praised her for her bravery, with one comment reading, “Congratulations for such a brave act,” while another called it a “Proud feat.” Many others have expressed their admiration, with one remarking that it was an “Emotional moment.”

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anamika || Adventure & Travel | Skydiver || Lifestyle (@anamika.skydives)

The Kumbh Mela: A Sacred Gathering

The Maha Kumbh, which is held once every twelve years at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, is a celebration of the meeting of three sacred rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The event attracts millions of devotees who come to take part in sacred baths, including the royal Amrit Snan, to purify their souls and atone for their sins.

On Makar Sankranti, around 3.5 crore devotees participated in the Amrit Snan, marking one of the key rituals of the event. The Maha Kumbh Mela is known for its six auspicious baths, which are a central part of the religious experience.

The Spiritual Significance of the Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated in four cities: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik, with Prayagraj being the permanent host for the Maha Kumbh. Pilgrims come from across the globe to take part in the religious festivities, believed to cleanse one of sins and offer a chance for spiritual awakening.

As the Maha Kumbh continues to unfold, the event stands as a testament to India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, drawing attention from around the world with such awe-inspiring moments as Anamika’s skydiving stunt.

Thailand Monsoon Chaos: Floods and Mudslides Claim 22 Lives

August 26, 2024, 4:31 pm

Flash floods and mudslides caused by intense monsoon rains have claimed the lives of 22 people and injured 19 across Thailand, authorities reported on Monday. The disaster has impacted approximately 30,000 households, with officials warning that some provinces remain at high risk for further flooding.

Among the victims were a Russian couple and nine migrant workers from Myanmar, who were killed in a mudslide on the southern island of Phuket. The heavy rains struck a dozen provinces last week, wreaking havoc across the region.

In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the northern Nan area over the weekend, distributing food supplies to affected residents. Meanwhile, rescuers are working to free three workers trapped in debris following the collapse of a tunnel at a Thai-China railway construction site in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, according to the transport ministry.

Severe flooding continues to plague five northern provinces, including Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, and Prae. Officials also cautioned that water levels could rise in areas near the Chao Phraya River, including Bangkok, although the situation in the capital remains manageable for now.

Watch: Man Racing Through Bangkok Airport For Dessert Goes Viral

August 21, 2024, 6:25 pm

A recent video of a man’s frantic airport dash has captured the internet’s imagination, amassing millions of views and widespread attention.

Viral Video:

The video, shared by Instagram user @martinbravobkk, shows a man arriving at Thailand’s airport, sprinting through the terminal while clutching his suitcase with an almost comical urgency. The footage highlights his hurried attempt to reach a food market, where he eagerly seeks out his favorite dessert: mango rice.

His speed and determination, combined with the dramatic footage of him almost slipping on the airport floor, have led to an outpouring of amusement and fascination online. The video, posted with the caption, “I just got to Bangkok! And I couldn’t wait to have my favourite dessert,” has garnered an impressive 2.4 million views and 18.6 thousand likes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Martin Bravo (@martinbravobkk)

Reactions And Comments

The post has sparked a flurry of reactions, with 12.6 thousand shares and around 632 comments. Some viewers praised the man’s dedication to his culinary cravings, while others debated the merits of Thai mango rice compared to Taiwanese varieties. In response to one comment suggesting that Taiwanese mangoes are superior, the man replied with a playful, “Are you sure?”

Others found humor in the man’s pursuit, with one commenter joking, “Legend has it he’s still running.” Another enthusiastic user invited themselves along for the next adventure, commenting, “Take me with you next time. I want to live there in my next life if this isn’t it.” The man responded with a friendly, “Hehe, come.”

A Taste Of Passion

This quirky video not only highlights the man’s passion for his favorite dessert but also underscores the playful and spontaneous side of social media culture. His energetic quest for mango rice has turned into a viral sensation, showcasing the fun and unexpected moments that captivate online audiences.

Bangkok: Cyanide Detected On Teacups Used By Hotel Victims

July 17, 2024, 4:02 pm

Police have reported that six individuals who died in a luxury hotel suite in Thailand were poisoned by drinks contaminated with cyanide.

Police suspect that one of the deceased was responsible for the poisoning, driven by overwhelming debt. The six individuals were discovered dead by housekeepers at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok late on Tuesday.

Investigators estimate that the six individuals had been dead for about 24 hours by the time they were found. Authorities reported that two of the deceased had lent “ten millions of Thai baht” to another victim for investment purposes, with ten million baht equivalent to nearly $280,000.

Confusion and mystery initially surrounded the discovery of the bodies, with local reports suggesting a possible shooting, which police later dismissed. On Tuesday, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the hotel and called for an urgent investigation, emphasizing that the incident was a “private matter” unrelated to national security.

The victims include four Vietnamese nationals: Thi Nguyen Phuong, 46, her husband Hong Pham Thanh, 49, Thi Nguyen Phuong Lan, 47, and Dinh Tran Phu, 37. The other two victims are American citizens Sherine Chong, 56, and Dang Hung Van, 55. The U.S. State Department has expressed its condolences and stated that it is “closely monitoring” the situation.

According to Mr. Srettha, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting Thai authorities with the investigation.

Wikileaks’s Owner Julian Assange Lands In Bangkok, Ahead of His Deal With US Government

June 25, 2024, 5:28 pm

The owner of Wikileaks Julian Assange reaches Bangkok for refueling on Tuesday. Julian Assange is on his way to ink a plea deal with the US government, which will free him from the legal troubles, that he attracted over the publication of classified documents.

The Chartered Flight VJT199 landed at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport at afternoon from London’s Stansted Airport.

As per Assange’s spouse Stella, the founder of WikiLeaks Julian Assange was sitting inside the flight.

According to airport officials, the plane will leave for US commonwealth North Marians Islands’ capital Saipan on Tuesday evening.

And he will reach the court on Wednesday morning at local time. He is most likely to declare himself guilty under the charge of unlawfully acquiring and spreading classified or secret national defense information.

Later, he will go back to Australia after the plea and his sentencing.

Moreover, the trial will take place on North Mariana Island’s capital Saipan, as it is close to Australia and Assange did not want to go to continental US.

What Will Happen If Assange Pleads Guilty?

If Assange Pleads guilty and the judge approves the plea, it will finish criminal case, filed against Julian and will conclude US’s search of a man, who became famous for his secret-sharing website.

As per his wife, he will be free man after judge signs the guilty plea. ‘He will be a free man once it is signed off by a judge’ said Assange’s wife Stella.

Meanwhile, this plea agreement comes around the time, when US president Joe Biden declared, that he considering Australia’s request to leave US push for the prosecution of Julian Assange just months ago.

The owner of Wikileaks, Julian Assange, he is also expected to spend 5-year sentence, as he had already fulfilled his punishment in British prison while resisting extradition to US, to deal with the charges.

Singapore Airlines: One Dead, Several Injured in Bangkok Emergency Landing

May 21, 2024, 6:18 pm

A tragic incident unfolded when a Singapore Airlines flight en route from London’s Heathrow Airport to Singapore was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok. This sudden diversion was prompted by intense turbulence, leading to the loss of one passenger’s life and leaving multiple individuals with varying degrees of injuries.

Reports indicate that several passengers suffered injuries during this harrowing experience, underscoring the severity of the turbulence encountered mid-flight.

“Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024, encountered severe turbulence en route. The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time on 21 May 2024,” Singapore Airlines wrote in a post on X, announcing the tragic incident.

The airline conveyed in a statement its dedication to offering comprehensive support to both passengers and crew members. They underscored their commitment to collaborating with local authorities in Thailand to guarantee the provision of essential medical aid.

“The primary goal is to extend every possible form of assistance to all individuals onboard the aircraft. We are actively working together with authorities in Thailand to ensure the necessary medical assistance is promptly delivered,” the airline emphasized.

The plane involved in the incident was identified as a Boeing 777-300ER, with a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board. It was en route to Singapore when circumstances necessitated an emergency landing, as confirmed by the airline’s official statement.

World League Of Fighters Set To Kick Off With Spectacular Launch Event In Bangkok

May 20, 2024, 7:19 pm

The World League of Fighters (WLF), the pioneering franchise-based Muay Thai tournament, has announced the grand launch ceremony for its inaugural season on June 1st at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. Embracing the league’s ethos of combining sports with entertainment, the event will feature captivating live musical performances by renowned artists, alongside an exhilarating fight night featuring five intense bouts to captivate local Muay Thai enthusiasts.

The prestigious launch ceremony will take place at the iconic New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, owned and operated by the Royal Thai Army, known as a symbol of modern Muay Thai. Attended by distinguished figures including Colonel Thanapol Bhakdibhumi, President of WBC Muaythai, and key officials from WLF and Palms Sports, the event aims to kickstart the excitement of Muay Thai action.

Highlighting the electrifying matchups, the event will witness fighters from across the globe competing in various weight categories. Notable bouts include Matt Baker from the USA facing off against Rauf Gerayzade from Azerbaijan in the Cruiserweight category, and Thailand’s Satanfah Sitsongpeenong taking on Iran’s Mohammad Sirasani in the Middleweight division.

Adding to the spectacle, Thai pop sensation Kratae Rsiam and renowned hip hop artist Tong Twopee will perform live, promising an unforgettable experience for fans in attendance.

Chairman of WLF, Rajesh Banga, expressed excitement for the launch event, describing it as a glimpse of the extravaganza to come in the inaugural season. Partnering with the World Boxing Council Muaythai, WLF aims to revolutionize the sport and bring it to a global audience through its innovative format.

President of WBC Muaythai, Colonel Thanapol Bhakdibhumi, emphasized the significance of the event in elevating the popularity of Muay Thai and expressed anticipation for the unparalleled entertainment experience it will offer to fans worldwide.

RT-PCR tests 72 hrs before departure likely to be mandatory

December 28, 2022, 5:45 pm

The Union Health Ministry is likely to mandate RT-PCR test reports 72 hours before departure for all international passengers from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore. Meanwhile, India may see a surge in Covid cases in mid-January, and the next 40 days are very crucial. Reviewing the previous assessment the analyses have been made. Earlier in the day at the Chennai airport, two passengers from Dubai tested positive for Covid. However, from 24 and 26 December, 39 international fliers tested positive for Covid.

EAM S Jaishankar offers prayers at Bangkok’s Devasthana

August 18, 2022, 1:33 pm

External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar visited Bangkok’s Hindu temple Devasthana. Jaishankar is on a visit to Thailand to attend the 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission meeting.

The External Affairs Minister tweeted and wrote, “Offered prayers this morning at the Devasthana of Bangkok. Received the blessings of Phra Maharajguru Vidhi. Underlines our shared religious and cultural tradition.”

This year marks 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand.

Earlier on Tuesday Jaishankar arrived in Thailand. He also met Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and extended personal greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him.

The ninth meeting of the Thailand-India Joint Commission was co-chaired by Jaishankar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Don Pramudwinai. In Bangkok, they jointly inaugurated the Indian Embassy residential complex.

Moreover, both sides reviewed the progress made in all areas of defense, economic, security, cultural, tourism, and many more.

However, on 10 October 2019, the 8th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between India and Thailand was held in New Delhi. Which was led by S Jaishankar and by Thailand’s Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.