Month: July 2018

  • TravelTrang airport terminal expansion on track for 2019 completion

    Trang airport terminal expansion on track for 2019 completion

    The Trang International Airport passenger terminal expansion will be completed mid next year. The announcement comes from the director general of the Airports Department. Darun Saengchai says 116 million baht had been allocated to add another 3,000 square metres to the 6,000sqm facility, which was proving inadequate in high tourist season. The expansion would enable the terminal to accommodate 600…

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  • World NewsMalaysian polygamist, who married 11 year old Thai girl, must face trial

    Malaysian polygamist, who married 11 year old Thai girl, must face trial

    A former UN committee member on the Rights of the Child, Sanphasit Koompraphant, is urging the police of both Malaysia and Thailand to take legal action against the 41 year old Malaysian man immediately who has ‘married’ an 11 year old Thai girl in Narathiwat province. He says the marriage has clearly violated the laws. He was responding to a report…

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  • PropertyHabitat Group launches three projects valued at 3 billion baht

    Habitat Group launches three projects valued at 3 billion baht

    Habitat Group is poised to launch three new projects with a total value of 3 billion baht in the second half of 2018. Recognising the growing trend of buying properties for investment, the company reveals this sector is growing 10-20% per year and foreigners looking to invest in property assets are making up a increasing part of that growth each…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket Brand trade fair to be held at Jungceylon

    Phuket Brand trade fair to be held at Jungceylon

    A Phuket Brand fair will be held on July 6 -10 at Jungceylon Phuket with more than 50 stalls. Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung and Chief of Phuket Trading Office, Decha Petchwong, announced the details at a media conference yesterday. Khun Decha says, “We are paying attention to both unique as well as standard brands to build confidence in tourists…

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  • Phuket NewsMan arrested for stealing Hindu statue

    Man arrested for stealing Hindu statue

    A Thai man has been arrested after stealing a Hindu god statue in Thalang yesterday (July 4). A team at the Thalang Police have arrested 47 year old Montri Sawettadun from Trang. He was arrested at 7pm at a worker’s camp in Panason housing estate. Police seized the ‘Brahma’ (four faces Hindu god statue). The arrest happened after police were…

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  • Thailand NewsWoman’s ex steals car in Pattaya

    Woman’s ex steals car in Pattaya

    Sophon Cable reports that the Pattaya police station chief has announced the arrest of a man who stole his ex girlfriend’s car from outside her apartment. Pol Col Apichai Krobpetch says the white Yaris went missing in April and 26 year old Jinda Cheuyphonklang suspected her ex who she had just split up with. It was taken from an apartment…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai: Wife follows husband to short time hotel. It didn’t end well.

    Chiang Mai: Wife follows husband to short time hotel. It didn’t end well.

    PHOTO: Sanook Sank is reporting that a Chiang Mai woman has caught her husband in bed with his mistress in a San Sai ‘short time’ hotel. The 27 year old woman, Chaweewan, created a racket outside the hotel room. Her 19 year old rival, Thitiya, eventually opened the door. Chaweewan was brandishing an automatic .380 and an argument and struggle…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsCan’t swim, can’t dive. But it’s the only option.

    Can’t swim, can’t dive. But it’s the only option.

    PHOTO: Army doctor Colonel Pak Loharachun on Wednesday prepares inside the cave to treat minor wounds sustained by the football team members – Thai Navy SEALS “The fittest of the survivors will be the first to come out, others will follow,” Narongsak Osotanakorn, Chiang Rai governor and head of the rescue operations, said yesterday. Rescuers do not want to delay…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket hosts Miss Grand Thailand Carnival

    Phuket hosts Miss Grand Thailand Carnival

    A ‘carnival-themed’ fashion show, featuring 77 contestants of the Miss Grand Thailand 2018 beauty contest, in beautiful and exotic costumes, was held at Phuket’s Patong Beach this evening. The fashion show was held to promote the Phuket’s tourism and was a part of the contest’s ‘beauty camp’ activities being held in Phuket until July 8. The contest for provincial traditional…

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  • Phuket NewsTwo arrested with drugs and ammunition in Kathu

    Two arrested with drugs and ammunition in Kathu

    Yesterday (July 3) two Thai man were arrested with methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine and bullets at Soi Bang Thong in Kathu. A team from the Kathu Police arrested Nipon Chuduang. Police seized 1,427 methamphetamine pills and 102 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Police also seized two bullets. Nopparut has been charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to…

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  • South Thailand NewsFourth Buddhist Yala rubber tapper injured in a week

    Fourth Buddhist Yala rubber tapper injured in a week

    PHOTOS: The Nation Police in Yala are reporting that another Yala rubber tapper has been killed by suspected Muslim militants in the southern border province. The incident happened this morning (Wednesday). The victim becomes the fourth Buddhist rubber tapper in a week to be attacked by suspected Malay-Muslim insurgents. Police said 46 year old Sukho Khamkaew was injured when a…

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  • Thailand NewsAssistant coach sacrificed his own health for the good of the team

    Assistant coach sacrificed his own health for the good of the team

    PHOTO: Sanook The 25 year old assistant coach had sacrificed his own health for the sake of the twelve boys under his charge. Sanook is reporting that Navy Seals, who have been with the team, made the claims when they spoke to reporters. Of the entire group only two have any health problems of any level. One of these was…

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  • Thailand NewsHis Majesty sends a special message to cave rescue teams

    His Majesty sends a special message to cave rescue teams

    “When the mission is over, they should receive good hospitality as the Royal guests until they depart from Thailand.” – His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn His Majesty has sent a message, passed on to PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, to those working to ring the footballers out of the cave. “Initial praises are good but please remain focused on the operation, which will…

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  • Phuket NewsThe ‘Sano-Tik’ collection – Phuket’s unique batik

    The ‘Sano-Tik’ collection – Phuket’s unique batik

    Phuket has introduced a new, unique style of ‘Batik’ cloth called ‘Sano-Tik’ collection, inspired by the mineral, tin, an important resource in Phuket’s early days. The project’s opening ceremony was hosted by the Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong and Chief of Community Development Office Kittipon Wetchakun. The ceremony was held at Merlin Hotel. Governor Norrapahat says, “We have introduced a unique…

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  • Thailand NewsThai Tourism Ministry pays 66,000 baht to Norwegian shark attack victim

    Thai Tourism Ministry pays 66,000 baht to Norwegian shark attack victim

    PHOTO: ThaiVisa The Thai Tourism Ministry has paid out over 66,000 baht to the Norwegian shark attack victim who was attacked by a mysterious sea creature back on April 1. NewTV is reporting that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports paid the man bitten on the leg near Hua Hin in April 66,966 baht. 54 year old Werner Danielson received…

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  • Thailand NewsBritish paedophile bragged about abuse of Thai girls, is jailed

    British paedophile bragged about abuse of Thai girls, is jailed

    “The offences are very serious. It is hard to argue against the serious psychological harm.” British paedophile Stuart Bull has been sentenced to jail for more than 16 years at the Bristol Crown Court in the UK after admitting to sexually abusing children. The offences took place in the UK. He also bragged about getting young Thai girls “to do anything”.…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsNavy SEALS now taking care of the team inside the cave

    Navy SEALS now taking care of the team inside the cave

    PHOTO: Thai Navy SEALS Whilst the 13 footballers have now been found, weak but in relatively good condition and spirits, they are no closer to enjoying a hug from their parents, family or friends at the moment. Whilst they remain ‘close, yet so far’, every photo, video or voice heard is savoured. Parents of the boys trapped in the Chiang…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Rai: We meet the 13 trapped footballers

    Chiang Rai: We meet the 13 trapped footballers

    Video from inside the Tham Luang caves, courtesy of the Thai Navy SEAL. https://www.facebook.com/ThaiSEAL/videos/1634041306719262/

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  • TravelNational: July event round-up

    National: July event round-up

    By Paul Poole The running season is picking up pace (pun intended) in July with several races taking place around the country. The Sahaviriya-Bangkok Triathlon 2018 is back on July 7-8 after two years hiatus. The ultimate Bangkok race, it takes participants through a gruelling swim in the Chao Phraya river, a bike ride through the city’s back alleys and…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Rai: “I looked up and there they were.”

    Chiang Rai: “I looked up and there they were.”

    By Richard C. Paddock and Muktita Suhartono “John Volanthen, a British diver. He had been working underwater to place guide lines for divers when he emerged in the cave and saw the 12 missing boys and their soccer coach peering at him.” The British diver John Volanthen was placing guide lines to try to get closer to 12 missing boys…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsOptions and opportunities – getting the football team out of the caves

    Options and opportunities – getting the football team out of the caves

    PHOTOS: The Nation/Thai Navy Seals Facebook Page “…all of them are in the good hands of seven Navy SEALs, who will be with them and take care of them all the time.” Authorities are mulling whether they should wait for water levels to subside, which could take a long time, or use divers to bring the footballers out in a…

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  • TravelAlpine tourism ignites billion dollar resort property market

    Alpine tourism ignites billion dollar resort property market

    by Bill Barnett of c9hotelworks.com Niseko visitor numbers continue to climb on the back of a sharp increase in airlift. Tourism arrivals to Asia’s leading alpine destination, Niseko, rose 17% year-on-year in 2017 and bumped up a 5-year growth spree with an impressive 16% compound annual growth rate. One clear sign of market maturation is a push to a year-round…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai: Convenience store robber arrested

    Chiang Mai: Convenience store robber arrested

    Chiang Mai City Life is reporting that a man has been arrested after being tracked down following a robbery in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim area. The man was dressed in grey with his face hidden with a motorcycle helmet. He was later arrested following the robbery of a convenience store on July 2nd. A 7-Eleven store at a petrol station…

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  • Phuket NewsFour arrested with 200,000 methamphetamine pills in Phang Nga

    Four arrested with 200,000 methamphetamine pills in Phang Nga

    Four people have been arrested with more than 200,000 methamphetamine tablets. Two suspects are 46 year old Praiwan Jantarod and a man name only as ‘Dam’, aged 18 year old. Both are from Phang Nga. Police seized 39 methamphetamine pills. The Phang Nga Provincial Police Commander Col Eakkawut Sanaepohn says, “after we arrested those two suspects we continued the investigation.…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsChiang Rai: A long and winding rescue ahead

    Chiang Rai: A long and winding rescue ahead

    “…experts are saying it could take weeks or even months.” Rescuers are bracing for a long and difficult evacuation for the 13 Thai kids found alive in the Tham Luang cave after they went missing on June 23. All this chatter outside the cave whilst food and medicine was being shuttled to the young football players through muddy waters today.…

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  • Phuket NewsMiss Grand Thailand contestants walk the red carpet in Phuket Town

    Miss Grand Thailand contestants walk the red carpet in Phuket Town

    77 of the Miss Grand Thailand beauty contestants were walking red carpet on Thalang Road in ‘Baba’ costumes yesterday (July 2). President of the Phuket Red Cross, Sudarat Plodthong, welcomed the 77 beauty contestants from around Thailand. The contestants, resplendent in ‘Baba’ costumes, were walking on a specially laid red carpet along a section of Phuket Town’s Thalang Road. They introduced…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsChiang Rai: Alternatives being checked out for the evacuation of the 13 member team

    Chiang Rai: Alternatives being checked out for the evacuation of the 13 member team

    Finding the 13 footballers 300 metres away from the ‘Pattaya Beach’ inside the caves is just the first step in the recovery operation. But the prospect of getting 13 weak individuals out through the inundated and tricky cave systems, a lot of it still underwater, is proving an enormous challenge for rescuers. So, rescue teams are continuing to search for…

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  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai: Songtaew drivers bully a Grab car driver

    Chiang Mai: Songtaew drivers bully a Grab car driver

    PHOTO: Chiang Mai City Life The ‘old guard’ continues to try and bully the newer forms of public transport that are gaining traction around the world. Tuk tuk, taxi and songtaew thugs should probably resort to co-operating and working with Grab/Uber, etc rather than threatening them. Officials need to amend the laws as well to suit the brave-new-world of public…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket Yacht Club getting kids started in sailing

    Phuket Yacht Club getting kids started in sailing

    Twenty three junior sailors aged between seven and fourteen descended on the Phuket Yacht Club last Saturday for a day of fun and excitement in the first O’pen BIC sailing challenge in Thailand. “We were certainly overwhelmed by the response” said the club’s Commodore, Scott Duncanson. “As this was the first time we have held a junior sailing regatta we…

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  • Thailand NewsArtwork inspired by the rescue effort in Chiang Rai

    Artwork inspired by the rescue effort in Chiang Rai

    Internat art has come up with some inspiring graphics to help spur on the rescuers and their skilled work at the Tham Luang caves. Lots of tweets under the hashtags #ThamLuang, #13LivesMadeIt and #TeamWildBoarAcademy. Here’s just some.

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  • Phuket NewsLions Club of Phuket Pearl raises money for Phuket Sunshine Village

    Lions Club of Phuket Pearl raises money for Phuket Sunshine Village

    The Lions Club of Phuket Pearl Association hosted their Gala Dinner at La Butcheries Restaurant. Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong was their special guest at the dinner. The dinner was under the theme ‘Open Your Heart Day’ to raise money to buy computer notebooks for children at the Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation. Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong says, “We are very glad…

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  • Phuket NewsPakistani and Indian bag snatchers arrested

    Pakistani and Indian bag snatchers arrested

    Police have arrested an Indian man and Pakistani woman who snatched two female Chinese tourists’ bags on the weekend at Kata Beach. Karon Police were notified of the incident that two suspects had snatched the Chinese ladies’ bags on Kata Beach at 9.50pm on Sunday night (July 1). Two female Chinese tourists were later identified as 16 year old Li…

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  • Chiang Mai NewsChiang Rai: PM offers congratulations and thanks rescuers

    Chiang Rai: PM offers congratulations and thanks rescuers

    PHOTO: Thai PBS Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has congratulated the officials, civilians, volunteers and foreign rescuers involved in the search and rescue operations. He applauded their success in finding the 12 boys and their football coach deep inside the Tham Luang cave on late Monday night. He also thanked specifically the Navy SEAL teams for their sacrifice, resolve and cooperation…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsChiang Rai: Complicated process of evacuation begins

    Chiang Rai: Complicated process of evacuation begins

    “Operation to rescue footballers a success but not over yet.” Chiang Rai Governor. “The operation to rescue the 13 missing Mu Pa Academy football club members was a success,” the head of the mission declared after all 13 members were found alive on Monday night on a ledge in the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province. The discovery follows…

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  • Krabi NewsWarning stickers placed on Krabi mud crab sculpture

    Warning stickers placed on Krabi mud crab sculpture

    Eight warning stickers have been placed on the Mud Crab Sculpture in Krabi to discourage tourists climbing on the sculpture in the future. Last week four more tourists were caught climbing all over the Krabi landmark – the Mud Crab Sculpture. Krabi Tourist Police are tracking down the tour company that was in control of the tourists that were filmed…

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  • Northern Thailand News“Alert and in good spirits.” Team alive. Rescuers now face evacuation challenges.

    “Alert and in good spirits.” Team alive. Rescuers now face evacuation challenges.

    The twelve boys and their coach have been discovered alive following nine days of frantic searching. They were trapped by floodwaters in a cave complex in the far north of Thailand. The governor of Chiang Rai Province said rescue workers were providing care and managing their extended stay whilst they await a supervised extraction. Divers reached the group after enlarging…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsFound!

    Found!

    The 12 missing teenage footballers and their coach have been found, alive. The Navy SEALS reached the area known as ‘Pattaya Beach’ but it was flooded. They proceeded a little further and found the group. Now the task is being worked out how to bring them back to the front of the cave. The Governor of Chiang Rai made the…

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