To commemorate Pride Month and Thailand’s historic achievement as the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, Siam Paragon, a renowned global destination cherished by both locals and international visitors, has partnered with Bangkok Pride to wholeheartedly endorse and uplift diversity, equality, and inclusion. Together, they are organizing a series of events under the theme “The Celebration: Right to Love,” scheduled from May 31st to June 4th, 2024.

Related: Thaksin in Korat homecoming

This collaborative effort extends across various public and private entities, including Drag Bangkok by Yellow Channel Co., Ltd., The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, The United Nations Development Programme Thailand (UNDP), Hyundai Mobility (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Miss Grand International Co., Ltd., Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Co., Ltd., TikTok Thailand, Dhipaya Insurance Co., Ltd., Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., Yanhee Hospital, and White Party Bangkok.

Sopida Kitikomolsuk, Global Event Management Executive of Siam Paragon, expressed, “Siam Paragon stands as a premier ‘global destination’ favored by both Thai nationals and global travelers. We are devoted to delivering extraordinary and unforgettable experiences to our guests. Parc Paragon, our hallmark venue, has become an iconic landmark hosting a spectrum of significant events, including festive celebrations, prominent festivals, and internationally acclaimed concerts.”

Famed American artist and entertainer, John Legend, along with his spouse, the 38-year-old model and author Chrissy Teigen, and their four children, were seen yesterday enjoying their time in Phuket, Thailand.

The family journeyed to Thailand for a spring break retreat, reconnecting with Teigen’s mother, Vilailuck Teigen, who recently resettled in her hometown of Korat from the United States.

Their holiday schedule was filled with exploration of Phuket’s attractions. Initially, they explored the historic On On Hotel, Phuket’s oldest lodging establishment. Later, they savored the renowned honey toast delicacy at Phuketique restaurant in the Old Town area.

Their adventure continued with a boat excursion to marvel at the natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay, culminating in serene moments at a secluded resort on Nai Thon Beach, located on the island’s northwest coast.

In other news, John Legend, known for his chart-topping track “All Of Me,” is a highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor. With an impressive collection of 12 Grammy Awards, Legend also achieved success as the winning coach on the reality singing competition series “The Voice” in 2019. Additionally, he was crowned People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in November of the same year.

Chrissy Teigen, who made her modeling debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2010, hails from Utah, USA, with a Norwegian father and Thai mother.

A notable figure in the modeling industry and television, Teigen crossed paths with Legend in 2007, leading to their marriage in September 2013.

Furthermore, Phuket authorities disclosed their plans for the upcoming Songkran festival celebrations, with two major events scheduled in Cherng Talay and Rawai. The Alive Beach On Cloud Songkran Music Festival will be hosted at the Blue Tree complex in Cherng Talay from April 13 to 15, while a merit-making ceremony and water festival will take place in Rawai on April 13.

In the competition for international tourists, Thailand and Cambodia employ contrasting strategies. While Thai PM Srettha Thavisin opts for traditional methods, Cambodia takes a darker approach, promoting visits to sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, synonymous with the Khmer Rouge era horrors.

Cambodia also plans a Khmer New Year festival, promoting the consumption of protein-rich fried insects.

Hotels and businesses in Cambodia are directed to display national flags and royal family images and ensure clear parking signage. Meanwhile, Thailand unveils a five-point marketing strategy focusing on positive experiences, Thai culture immersion, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and world-class events.

Thailand also aims for seamless travel within ASEAN with a proposed mini Schengen visa arrangement

Brian Williams, a UK-based travel expert, observes the differing approaches, noting Cambodia’s expansion beyond Angkor Wat and Thailand’s focus on user-friendly strategies. Thailand also considers extending government insurance coverage for foreign tourists involved in accidents.

In a diplomatic move, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang declares war on PM2.5 pollution, sparking tension with Cambodia. Negotiations are underway between Thailand and Cambodia regarding overlapping border regions in the Gulf of Thailand. Sutin addresses public concerns about a meeting between Hun Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra, asserting no conflict of interest.