Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital, is a shopper’s paradise that offers high-end malls as well as traditional markets. Whether you are looking for luxury goods or affordable trinkets, Bangkok has something for every taste and budget.  Most Popular Shopping Malls in Bangkok Siam Paragon Siam Paragon, located at 991/1 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, is Bangkok’s premier luxury shopping destination. Its European-inspired design houses luxury brands like Hermes, Prada, and Versace. Visitors can enjoy attractions like Siam Ocean World, an I-MAX Cinema, and even Madame Tussauds Museum, offering a complete shopping and entertainment experience.  Read more: Shopping in Hong Kong: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Central World Central World, located at 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, is one of Bangkok’s largest malls, featuring over 600 stores across seven floors. From international brands like Uniqlo and H&M to local gems like Naraya, this mall offers a combination of versatile brands. Highlights include the SF World Cinema, The Rink, and the trendy GROOVE dining zone. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka on Wednesday (April 24, 2024) for Bangkok on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the premier and her entourage, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:13am on Wednesday, said PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam. The PM is scheduled to land at Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok at 1:30pm local time. "It's both a bilateral and multilateral visit," said Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said at a media briefing on Monday. The bilateral visit of the prime minister will be the first-ever visit at the level of head of government from Bangladesh to Thailand since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972. PM Hasina begins her six-day official visit to Thailand on Wednesday  During her visit from April 24 to 29, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin and also attend the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Bangladesh and Thailand will sign a number of cooperation documents including a letter of intent on negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries, said the Foreign Minister. Bangladesh and Thailand are likely to sign an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation while two more MoUs on tourism sector cooperation and duty related mutual cooperation to expand the relations, he said. Bangladesh will seek support from Thailand regarding Rohingya repatriation as well as increased investment from Thailand, said Hasan Mahmud adding that the issue of shipping connectivity will also be discussed. On April 26, PM Hasina will be formally received by her Thai host Srettha Thavisin while a ceremonial guard of honor will be accorded to her. On the same day, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin at the Government House (Prime Minister’s Office) following a tete-a-tete between the two leaders, witness the signing of the documents, participate in a joint press conference and then attend a state lunch to be hosted by her Thai counterpart in her honour there. PM Hasina likely to travel to India and China in first bilateral visits since forming new govt During the visit, the prime minister will have a Royal audience of Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, King and Queen of the Kingdom of Thailand at the Palace. In her multilateral engagement, PM Hasina is scheduled to attend the 80th Session of ESCAP and deliver a speech there on April 25. On the same day, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjabana will call on the prime minister. Guided by the theme “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific”, the eightieth session will be an opportunity to strengthen region-wide cooperative action on leveraging digital innovation for the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The session will bring together government leaders and ministers from across Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders to discuss how digital innovation can more inclusively contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals across multiple disciplines. Read more: Bangladesh, Qatar sign 10 cooperation documents to take ties to new height

In a stunning display of skill and power, Bangladesh's boxing pride, Sura Krishna Chakma, known for his lightning-fast hands, secured a phenomenal victory in an international match today (January 25, 2024) in Bangkok. The much-anticipated event, "Way of the Champions: Roar of Dragons," hosted by Thailand's premier promoter, Highland Promotions, at the Spaceplus venue, saw Sura Krishna, popularly known as “Jummo Rock”, taking on Thai contender Sornram Sopakul in the Lightweight division. The bout, initially slated for six rounds, was dramatically cut short when Sura Krishna delivered a knockout just 1 minute and 50 seconds into the second round, according to a media release. His formidable combination of powerful punches and sharp jabs enthralled the audience, demonstrating his boxing mastery. Shoaib Malik's BPL 2024 Campaign Abruptly Ends This victory follows Sura Krishna's previous triumph in the Super Lightweight Intercontinental Championship under the Asian Boxing Federation, further cementing his status as a global boxing icon. The event was graced by the presence of prominent figures from the Bangladesh Boxing Foundation, including Chairman Adnan Haroon and Vice Chairman Arman Haque, who celebrated Sura Krishna's remarkable achievement. BPL 2024: Babar, Omarzai Propel Riders to Victory in Low-Scoring Affair vs Strikers In his statement, Haroon expressed immense pride: "Witnessing our nation's finest lightweight boxer triumph in the biggest promotion in Thailand is both a joyous and proud moment for us." The tournament featured 10 bouts, highlighting the talents of boxers from various countries such as Singapore, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh, offering a spectacle of international boxing prowess. Int'l Rating Chess: IM Minhaz Uddin of Navy emerges unbeaten champion With sanctioning from both the WBA (World Boxing Association) Asia and the Asian Boxing Federation, the event upheld high standards of competitive sportsmanship. Supporting Bangladesh's participation, bKash collaborated with Xcel Sports Management and Promotions, ensuring a seamless and impactful presence in the international boxing arena.

A 50-member trade delegation from Bangladesh will be visiting Thailand to take part in the biggest business-to-business matchmaking seminar to be held in Bangkok on November 30. The delegation will be led by Abdur Rahim, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce; Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh; and Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) President Shams Mahmud. Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with the Commerce Ministry of Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka jointly organised this program. The delegation visit will be the first of a series of planned visits to Thailand by Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to make Thailand the gateway for Bangladesh to Southeast Asia and promote Bangladesh as the gateway to South Asia for Thailand, BTCCI said on Tuesday. Read: BGMEA chief for stepping up economic diplomacy to boost Bangladesh-US trade A seminar titled  “Bangladesh and Thailand: New Horizons for Trade and Investment” will also be held during this time where Dr Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange, will make the keynote presentation. Over 100 Thai companies will be participating in this event, comprising of agro, beauty and skincare, construction, light engineering, textile, aviation, hospitality, renewable energy, and fisheries sectors. During this visit, important discussions are expected to take place regarding free trade agreement between Bangladesh and Thailand along with ways to encourage FDI, joint ventures, transfer of technology, and new avenues of cooperation. Besides this, the delegation leaders will make courtesy calls on Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Thailand Trade Representative; Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. Read: BMCCI advocates for business-friendly environment in meeting with deputy governor of central bank Four factory visits have been arranged to showcase cutting edge technologies in garments and textile, environmental management, construction, light engineering, and agro sectors for the delegation members.

US-Bangla Airlines is going to operate daily flights from Dhaka to Bangkok from December 1 this year. Currently, US-Bangla operates flights five days a week on Dhaka-Bangkok route. No one will lag behind in Smart Bangladesh: Palak Due to the additional demand of passengers, it will leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:45 am on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday for Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport and land in Bangkok at 3:15 pm local time from December 1. On the same day, it will take off from Bangkok at 4:20 pm and reach Dhaka at 6:05 pm. 1 dead, 3 injured in steel mill fire at Dhaka's Kadamtoli area It will take off from Dhaka at 9:40 am on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and land in Bangkok at 1:10 pm local time. On the same day, it will take off from Bangkok at 1:55 pm and reach Dhaka at 3:40 pm. The minimum fare for one-way on Dhaka-Bangkok route has been fixed at Tk 27,507 and return fare at Tk 33,154. The rent includes all types of taxes and surcharges. Ban e-cigarettes to protect new generation: e-CAB Currently, US-Bangla operates flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Chennai, Male, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Sharjah, Dubai, Muscat and Kolkata. US-Bangla Airlines has a total of 20 aircraft including 8 Boeing 737-800, 9 ATR 72-600.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 79th session in Bangkok on Monday with global and regional leaders calling for urgent action to combat climate change and its dire impacts. They urged countries in the region to meet their nationally determined contributions, intensify development of climate-sensitive technology, nurture policy environments supporting both industrial diversification and low-emission transport, as well as increase investments in renewable energy infrastructure. “Asia and the Pacific can set the pace of climate action in the decades to come. Most countries in the region have already pledged carbon neutrality goals towards mid-century. But we need to accelerate action, with steep reductions in emissions within the next few years,” said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his opening message. Also Read: PM Hasina: Climate-induced disasters may disrupt Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation Climate change poses major challenges to all strands of sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. The region includes 13 of the 30 countries most vulnerable to climate impacts and without concerted action, it could see an additional 7.5 million people fall into poverty by 2030. “Each one of us and every aspect of our world is being affected. Those who are most exposed and have the fewest resources to respond to climate change, however, are the most vulnerable,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. She added that the integrated nature of climate change calls for holistic, multisectoral solutions as well as targeted support. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ʻUtoikamanu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism of Tonga who was elected Chair of the 79th session, underscored that inclusive intergovernmental platforms such as ESCAP are a lifeline for the Pacific. “While the Pacific small island developing states contribute less than 0.03 percent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, they are amongst the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In this regard, ESCAP is an important platform to advocate for regional and global action to achieve their climate goals.” “The IPCC clearly demonstrates that the lower the emissions in 2030, the lower the challenge in limiting global warming to 1.5°C after 2030. Integrated planning, coherent policies, and economic stimulus investments designed to meet both the Sustainable Development Goals and climate challenges can generate significant co-benefits and speed up progress,” said Lachezara Stoeva, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). “We used to say that the choices we make will define the future for the generations after us. Now we have to say that the choices we make will decide whether there will be a future for the generations after us,” shared Csaba Kőrösi, President of the United Nations General Assembly. He added, “We are not lacking in ideas and plans; it is high time we realized them.” Heads of states and governments from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Palau, the Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands also addressed the opening session. While voicing grave concerns about the complexities and growing threats of climate change on sustainable development, they expressed their optimism for shared solidarity and cooperation towards building a resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for all. More than 880 participants from 61 member States, associate members and permanent observers as well as representatives from academia, international organizations, youth, business and civil society are attending the session this week. It is expected to culminate on Friday with the adoption of ten resolutions covering, among others, recommendations for accelerated climate action, ocean protection, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, supporting countries in special situations, promoting digital cooperation and inclusion, the use of space applications for sustainable development, advancing sustainable urban development and launching a new decade of persons with disabilities.    

An academic seminar was jointly organized by Kasetsart University and Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok on Friday at Kasetsart University campus on the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2023. In the opening ceremony, The Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bangkok Mohammed Abdul Hye was present as a special guest where Dr. Ladawan Puangchit, Vice President (Academic Affairs) of Kasetsart University and Director of Kasetsart University International College and Dr. Buncha Chinnasri, Deputy Director of Kasetsart University International College were also present. Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Mohammed Abdul Hye mentioned in his remarks that the main source of the vocabulary of both Bangla and Thai languages is Sanskrit. The same source of written form-the Brahmi script is used in both the languages. Therefore, there is ample scope for further comparative research on Bangla and Thai languages, he added. The Ambassador emphasized on organizing such academic seminars on a regular basis and assured that the Bangladesh Embassy would come forward for such an endeavor with Kasetsart University in the future. At the outset, the Deputy Director of Kasetsart University International College Dr. Buncha explained the background of this joint venture of Kasetsart University and Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok. Moreover, Dr. Puangchit, in her welcome speech, mentioned the ongoing activities between Kasetsart University and the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok including specially earmarked scholarships for Bangladeshi graduates in Masters and Post-doctoral programmes. During the seminar, Dr. Kowit Pimpuang, Associate Professor of Thai Language Department of Kasetsart University, Dr. Sombat Mangmeesukhsiri, Managing Director of the Sanskrit Studies Centre of Silapakorn University and International Mother Language Institute Director General and Dhaka University Communication Disorders department professor Dr. Hakim Arif participated as panelists. At the end, Maleka Parveen, Minister (Political) and Deputy Head of Mission of the Bangladesh Embassy, expressed her sincere thanks to all the panelists for their enlightening discussions.  

Thai AirAsia, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based AirAsia Aviation Group, has launched the Dhaka-Bangkok flight. The inaugural flight from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport landed at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Friday at midnight. The airline will operate four weekly flights between Dhaka and Don Mueang. The incoming flight carried several eminent passengers, including Thai AirAsia officials. Read: 'Air Incheon-Korean Airlines’ introduces direct cargo flight from Bangladesh to South Korea Thai Air Asia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya, Regional Commercial Head Tansita Akrarittipirom and its senior executives of corporate communications were part of the delegation. Thai AirAsia's inaugural flight launching ceremony was held at a Dhaka hotel Saturday. Md Mahbub Ali, state minister for civil aviation and tourism, was the chief guest at the event. Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor, Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim, and Santisuk were also present. Read More: 'Air Incheon-Korean Airlines’ introduces direct cargo flight from Bangladesh to South Korea Thai Air Asia GSA, TAS Aviation Chairman KM Mozibul Hoque, Vice-Chairman and CEO Sheikh Mamunul Hoque, Managing Director Morsedul Alam Chaklader; directors Kazi Shah Muzakker Ahmadul Hoque, Md Atiqur Rahman Masud, Anwar Abedin Manik and other members of the company also joined the event. AirAsia, voted the world's best low-cost airline for 13 years in a row in Skytrax awards, has been operating 14 weekly flights between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur since 2015.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Raushon Ershad returned home from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, on Monday after nearly seven and a half months of stay there for medical treatment. She reached Hazrat Shahjajal International Airport around 12 noon, said her assistant private secretary Md Mamum Hasan. Read:Raushon doing well, set to return home Monday: GM Quader Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader along with the party’s senior leaders welcomed the opposition leader at the airport. Earlier on Sunday, GM Quader said Raushon, the chief patron of the Jatiya Party, was now doing well as her physical condition improved a lot. Rahgir Al Mahi Saad Ershad MP (Rangpur-3) who along with his wife Mahima Ershad accompanied Raushon in Bangkok throughout her stay there said his mother is now fine, but very weak. “She has problems in her legs and still can’t walk properly. It may take time for her to gain back her strength. She needs more physiotherapy,” he said. Read:Raushon Ershad taken to Bangkok for better treatment Saad said Raushon will also go to Bangkok for follow-up treatment on July 4 next. On November 5 last year, Raushon was flown to Thailand by an air ambulance as her health condition turned critical. She has been receiving treatment at Bumrungrad Hospital since then. Earlier, Raushon Ershad, 78, underwent treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) as she fell ill seriously due to old age complications.

The second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Thailand was held in Bangkok on Tuesday that discussed cooperation on matters of mutual interest in regional and international forums. Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Masud Bin Momen and his Thai counterpart Permanent Secretary Thani Thongphakdi led their respective delegations. Read:New US Ambassador Peter Haas arrives in Dhaka The meeting reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations including development of cooperation in the political, economic, security, connectivity, technical, consular, cultural and social spheres and expansion to newer areas based on shared interests. They emphasized on the need for exchanging high level visits and reactivating all bilateral mechanisms to further expand and consolidate cooperation in various fields, said a media release. After the official talks, the two Foreign Secretaries unveiled the logo for celebrating the 50 years of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Thailand later this year.