Year: 2018
- Thailand News
Government set to ban trans fats
The Public Health Ministry is poised to ban the production, import and distribution of food containing trans fat. Trans fat, also called trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, are a type of unsaturated fat that occur in small amounts in nature but became widely produced industrially from vegetable fats starting in the 1950s for use in margarine, snack food,…
Read More » - Pattaya News
“Tourists will come flooding back to the world class resort”
PHOTOS: ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews An enthusiastic Pattaya News is reporting that, in relation to the restoration of the beach in Pattaya, it was only a matter of time before the tourists came flooding back to the sands. The report is from a meeting where it was declared that 400 metres of the restoration work was done meaning that 100 metres was…
Read More » - Thailand News
Four cavers are stateless – “won’t get any special treatment”
“I understand that society hopes the rescued boys get citizenship. But we have to comply with the law,” Mae Sai district chief Somsak Khanakham said. The chief says that Thai citizenship shall be granted based on the law and there will be no exemptions, even for four of the footballers rescued from the cave. He spoke after news reports said…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Trang shipping container retrieval will resume tomorrow
The Trang Harbour Office says the operation to retrieve 16 containers that fell off a cargo ship in the sea off Trang province would resume again tomorrow (Monday). Commander Chatkul Wanitchanat, director of the Trang Harbour Office, says the operator of the MV.NP Love Gistic 2 ship could not find a crane on the barge to pull the containers out…
Read More » - Phuket News
Thrills and spills – Day Two of Multihull Solutions Regatta
Nineteen knots of wind in Ao Chalong greeted competitors as they sailed out to compete in day two of the Multihull Solutions Regatta. Armchair pundits were hedging their bets as to which boats would be damaged by heavy winds. Some thought the Corsair Pulses, who have been a touch fragile in heavy weather, might be in trouble, but the Pulses…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket marine chief removed, Phoenix ‘owner’ questioned by police
Thai PBS is reporting that the Marine Department is ordering an immediate transfer of the chief officer of Phuket Marine Office. They’ve also set up a panel to consider disciplinary action against him for alleged dereliction of duty that led to the sinking of the ‘Phoenix’ dive boat south-west of Phuket on July 5, resulting in the deaths of 47…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Chiang Rai: Mu Pa team sends messages from hospital
The Mu Pa team have each sent a message from hospital. Here’s the video and the translation underneath. Enjoy. https://www.facebook.com/PhuriNews/videos/294712554406895/ Prachak Sutham (Note), 14, said he was now in good health and he would like to thank all the rescuers. Duangphet Promthep (Dom), 13, said he would like to eat rice with stew pork leg and he would like to…
Read More » - Thailand News
Chiang Mai: Governor visits 74 year old rape victim
PHOTO: Chiang Mai City Life Chiang Mai’s Governor, Supachai Iamsuwan, visited the elderly sexual assault victim from earlier this week. Read the story HERE. The new governor, along with officials from the Office in Social Development and Human Security, visited 74 year old Sudjai Sukhamton at her home. Social Development and Human Security say they will be following the Governor’s…
Read More » - Thailand News
Wild Boars to head home this Thursday
The Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn visited the young footballers at the Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital this morning (Saturday) after their rescue from the flooded Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province as the world watched. The 12 Mu Pa Academy footballers and their coach are to be discharged from hospital next Thursday, Dr Piyasakol announced. Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol…
Read More » - World News
Vaping pilot causes 737 to plunge 6,000 metres
A vaping co-pilot in the cockpit of an Air China flight has caused the plane to plunge 6,000 meters (19,600 feet) after mistakenly flicking the wrong switch. A senior official from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) told reporters Friday that, without notifying the pilot, the unnamed co-pilot was trying to turn off air recycling fans to prevent the…
Read More » - World News
Busan, South Korea – Best Destination in Asia, according to Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet have announced their Top Ten Asian destinations for 2018. Only one entry for Thailand – Chiang Mai. The South Korean portside city of Busan has won the top gong as the best destination in Asia 2018 by the influential travel blog. Busan is described as a “confluence of scenery, culture and cuisine.” It’s long been domestically lauded as…
Read More » - Phuket News
Injured Phuket monkey captured after swimming around Ao Po marina
A monkey which was found injured in Ao Po, on the north-east coast of Phuket, is now recovering and getting veterinary attention. It was found at the Ao Po Grand Marina. The Wildlife Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand was notified last week about the monkey which some of the staff at the Ao Po marina believed had swam back from Koh…
Read More » - Thailand News
Fresh winds and high seas – TMD issues weather warning
The Meteorological Department (TMD) is warning that people across the country should brace for intense rains, with heavy rains in some parts of the northern, northeastern, central, eastern and southern regions which may result in flash floods, from today until July 19. Until Jul 19, waves in the Andaman Sea are expected to be 2-3 metres high due to strong…
Read More » - Phuket News
Tenth Multihull Solutions Regatta gets underway
Day one in the 10th Multihull Solutions Regatta saw fifteen boats divided into four classes compete off the shores of host organizer Phuket Yacht Club in Chalong Bay in the ‘Boat Lagoon’ Race Day. Before the regatta started, Multihull Solutions’ Andrew de Bruin said, “We are back for the 5th year as title sponsors to the Phuket Yacht…
Read More » - Phuket News
Authorities battle to contain the fallout of ‘Phoenix’ disaster
“…hotel bookings in Phuket by Chinese tourists in the next two months had shrunk by up to 70 percent.” Chinese tourists are cancelling Phuket hotel bookings, unnerving Thai authorities and tourism-related business who are scrambling to raise the image of the island’s battered safety reputation. The cancellations are coming mostly from the tour company businesses based in China whilst the FIT…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Chiang Rai: Mu Pa team speak of their ordeal
As the team continues to recover in the Chiang Rai Prachanukro Hospital, the parents and guardians are now being given time with they kids. Here are some of the first details to emerge from some of the team members, as reported by Marisa Chimprabha… Chanin ‘Titan’ Wibulrungrueng Chanin Wibulrungrueng, one of the 13 Mu Pa Academy football club members who were…
Read More » - Thailand News
Chiang Rai: Mission Possible explained
by Pradit Phulsarikij – Nation Graphics As details emerge about the 17 day mission to find and extract the 13 members of the Mu Pa Football Academy from the Tham Luang caves in Chiang Rai, The Nation has put together an excellent infographic explaining many of the challenges that confronted some of the world’s diving experts. Click on the infographic for…
Read More » - Phuket News
Comment: Will the Blame Game result in a Chinese Phuket tourism boycott?
by Bill Barnett As the death toll climbs past a reported 40 from the recent sinking of a tourist boat in Phang Nga Bay, social media in Mainland China is creating a hailstorm of negative criticism about Phuket. While there is a general perception in Thailand that the tourism market dodged a bullet, with the Chiang Rai cave story dominating…
Read More » - Travel
Cathay Pacific brings the first A350-1000 to Suvarnabhumi
Cathay Pacific is the first airline to land an Airbus A350-1000 in Thailand and was congratulated by Airports of Thailand (AoT) deputy vice president Kanogwan Kasetsin and customer relations director Anussara Mongsup. Cathay Pacific’s A350-1000, the largest variant in the A350 family, carries 334 passengers in first, business and economy classes. Staff of Cathay Pacific, led by Kendrick Ko, country manager…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
“Massive, massive relief” – Diver Richard Stanton speaks
“The mission was an order of difficulty much higher than anything that’s been accomplished anywhere around the world by any other cave diving team.” The British diver who found 12 Thai boys and their coach trapped alive in a flooded cave has described his “massive relief” as he counted them one by one, in what he called an unprecedented rescue…
Read More » - Phuket News
Arrest warrant to be issued for the owner of ‘Phoenix’
Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Gen Sriwara Rangsiphramnakul, is urging police investigators to push on in the possible case against the owner of ‘Phoenix’ in order to request an arrest warrant as soon as possible. In the latest revelation, 27 passengers on the boat were found not to wearing life jackets at the time of the sinking. Gen Sriwara flew down from…
Read More » - Bangkok News
German overstayed visa for nine years – another 56 arrested in crackdown
A nine year overstayer, 41 unlawful entrantss and 56 arrested – just another week for the regular crackdown by ‘Big Joke’ and his team. ‘Big Joke’ is the nickname for the police crime-killer, Pol Maj Gen Surachet Hakpal – deputy tourist police chief, who has been leading the way with the country’s main crackdowns and criminal investigations, including the boat…
Read More » - Phuket News
Firearms, ammunition and incendiary devices seized in Phuket
A team of soldiers and police yesterday (July 12) arrested two suspects and seized a cache of firearms, ammunition and incendiary devices. Officers first raided a house in Rassada around 6pm. Officers arrested 52 year old Phuket man, Sanakorn. Police seized various kinds of firearms, ammunition and incendiary devices in his home. The arrest, and subsequent information from Sanakorn, led officers…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Up close and personal – team continues to recover
The 13 footballers rescued from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai province continue to recover under the supervision of staff at the Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital. Relatives have even been up to visit them and be with them. The Public Health Ministry inspector-general Dr Thongchai Lertwilairattapong gave the latest report card on the group’s recovery this morning (Friday). He reports that the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pattaya: Crackdown on street racers nets 203 arrests
Nearly 200 motorbikes and as many people have been arrested in a crackdown on racing in areas around Pattaya. Regional police arrested more than 200 people for racing or selling parts for modified motorcycles in a province-wide sweep. Police announced that 186 motorcycles had been seized and 203 people arrested at a news conference at Bali Hai Pier. Police say the coordinated…
Read More » - Thailand News
Koh Phangan: Woman arrested as she gets off ferry with 320,000 baht of ‘ice’
Police in Koh Phangan have arrested a Thai woman after a tip off, as she was getting off the Don Sak ferry when it arrived at Koh Phangan. She was found with two condoms full of crystal methamphetamine stuffed into her vagina. The drugs weighed 104 grams and had an estimated street value around 320,000 baht. According to Sanook, she told…
Read More » - Thailand News
Chiang Mai: Don’t feed the pigeons
Chiang Mai City Life is reporting that the Public Health Office is warning travellers and locals not to feed the pigeons at Tha Pae Gate. This isn’t the first time tourists have been warned. As the number of pigeons at Tha Pae Gate increases officials are concerned about health and hygiene issues. A report has been released again in an…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok: Appeals Court upholds death sentence on Spaniard
The Appeals Court has upheld the death sentence handed down on a Spanish man for murdering a fellow Spaniard and dumping his dismembered body in the Chao Phraya River back in 2016. From El Pais, April 21, 2017 – A Spanish national was on Friday given the death sentence after being found guilty by a Thai court of murdering fellow…
Read More » - Phuket News
64 million baht approved for boat tragedy compensation
The Tourist Assistance Fund has approved about 64 million baht compensation for boats victims. One million baht is being paid as compensation for the deceased. Including the boat company’s insurance, 2.1 million baht will be paid out to the families or estates for each of the deaths following last week’s boat tragedy. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism…
Read More » - Thailand News
National: VIP treatment for foreign rescuers
Rescuers, who have the time to stay in Thailand, are being given free tours and extra privileges in thanks for their dedication and persistence over the past two weeks in the Tham Luang cave search and rescue mission. For the ones that must return home now, they’ve been offered free tickets and five-year visa free travel. The government is offering them a free-of-charge…
Read More » - Thailand News
Three of the Tham Luang cavers are stateless
By Pratch Rujivanarom When three of the Mu Pa footballers were rushed to the Chiang Rai hospital after their rescue, they couldn’t check in as Thai citizens, or as citizens of any country for that matter. They are stateless – no passports, no ‘home country’, no ID. The lack of Thai citizenship the three youth footballers highlights the hidden problems…
Read More » - Phuket News
15% of Phuket’s advanced bookings cancelled
About 15% of advance bookings have been cancelled in the past week in the wake of the boat capsize 8 days ago. Chinese tourists are voting with their bookings citing a loss of confidence in Phuket marine safety, and safety generally. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Pongpanu Svetarundra says, “Chinese tourists are Thailand’s most important…
Read More » - Thailand News
Chiang Rai: Weather reclaims the Tham Luang cave area
One day out and the weather has reclaimed the Tham Luang caves in northern Thailand. The Nang Non mountains have been shrouded in thick cloud and mist today after heavy rain started again last night. The media is still stationed in a muddy area at the Phongpha Sub-district Administration Offices in Mae Sai district. Although the soccer team and the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok: Police retrieve 300,000 baht left in taxi
Thai Rath have our ‘honest taxi driver’ story of the week. The quick actions of officers at the Sutthisan police station in Bangkok has enabled the return of ten million won (or 300,000 baht) that a university student left in the back of a cab. Theta driver has also been praised for his role. 23 year old Pinchaya “Am” Phromrat, a…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Comment: They’re out. Now what? The future for Mu Pa football team members.
by Tim Newton They’re out. Now what for the 13 young men from Mae Sai? They entered the Tham Luang caves on June 23 along with their 25 year old coach, Ekkapol on a benign post-practice trip to the nearby caves. The y’d been there before. Except for their families, guardians and school friends, they were basically unknown to anyone…
Read More » - Phuket News
Kamala man streams live video of his suicide
A man shot himself, killing him instantly, while on a Facebook live video stream inside a bedroom in Kamala earlier today (Thursday). Kamala Police were notified that the man had shot himself at a house in Soi Bang Wan in Kamala. Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the body of a man who was later identified…
Read More » - Thailand News
Chiang Mai: 30 year old admits to raping 74 year old
Sanook is reporting that a 30 year old Thai man has told police he raped and robbed a 74 year old Chiang Mai woman because his wife was pregnant and he couldn’t have sex with her. He also claimed that he was drunk. The rapist, who already has priors and previous jail time for assault and robbery, had been in charge…
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