Month: January 2019

  • Bangkok NewsThailand Tourism Forum 2019 – Reflections #1

    Thailand Tourism Forum 2019 – Reflections #1

    PHOTO: Thailand Tourism Forum 2019 One of the key points made at the recently concluded Thailand Tourism Forum 2019 in Bangkok, was the country’s over reliance on mass tourism. Jesper Palmqvist of STR presented full year hotel data for Phuket which showed signs of recovery, yet highlighting the full impact of the drop in Chinese business after the July boat…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsWeather for January 24

    Weather for January 24

    Bangkok Abundant sunshine. High 33C. Winds E at 10 to 15 km/h. Phuket A mix of clouds and sun. High 31C. Winds E at 15 to 25 km/h. Chiang Mai Abundant sunshine. High 32C. Winds light and variable. Pattaya Sunny. High 32C. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 km/h. Hua Hin Plenty of sunshine. High near 30C. Winds ENE at…

    Read More »
  • Thai LifeMoney can’t buy happiness in Bangkok – new study

    Money can’t buy happiness in Bangkok – new study

    by Chularat Saengpassa Findings, from the “Integrative Thai Family Study Based on Family Life Cycle”, have been released and underline the importance of a work-life balance for Thais. Families living in Bangkok are the least happy despite having the highest average income compared to people living in other parts of the country, a recent study found. Long, exhausting commuting hours,…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsAir quality for Thailand – January 24

    Air quality for Thailand – January 24

    Northern Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Central Thailand Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Southern Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News“March 24, most appropriate date for election” – Election Commission

    “March 24, most appropriate date for election” – Election Commission

    PHOTO: Election Commissioner Ittiporn Boonpracong The Election Commission finally announced a date for the long-awaited election. The poll will be held on March 24, but the EC did not indicate if the official results will be declared before May 9. The situation raises potential legal concerns with the timeframe set by the Constitution. Hours after the Royal Decree on the…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya NewsDrug plant, abuse and extortion. Oh, sorry, it’s all a misunderstanding – Dutch tourist

    Drug plant, abuse and extortion. Oh, sorry, it’s all a misunderstanding – Dutch tourist

    PHOTOS: ONB News A Dutch tourist has apologised to the Pattaya police after he claimed he had drugs planted on him, was abused and was extorted out of 40,000 baht. He also claimed a French volunteer tourist police officer was involved in the extortion. But he later told Pattaya Police that he had found his money in his wardrobe. He thought he…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsSeaweed on Patong Beach – just a seasonal phenomenon

    Seaweed on Patong Beach – just a seasonal phenomenon

    The seasonal mass of seaweed that was washed up onto Patong Beach over the last week is a natural phenomenon. A spokesperson for the Phuket Marine Biological Centre says that the seaweed isn’t harmful although it can smell bad as it starts to rot in the daytime sun. The seaweed first started coming ashore back on January 10. Read The Thaiger…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok NewsFour dead and at least five injured in Bangkok crane failure

    Four dead and at least five injured in Bangkok crane failure

    Four workers were killed and five others injured when the top part of a crane broke off and fell on them at a condominium construction site on Bangkok’s Rama 3 Road this afternoon. The fallen section of the crane hit the fifth floor of a building in the Lumpini Park Riverside project. Four male workers were killed on that floor…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsElection date announced as Sunday, March 24

    Election date announced as Sunday, March 24

    Thais get their opportunity to express their democratic vote and will go to the polls on Sunday, March 24. The Election Commission (EC) has announced the date after chairing an urgent meeting of EC members this afternoon. The royal decree was signed by HM The King and co-signed by Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha this morning. The decree orders a general…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok NewsCrane topples in Bangkok killing four, many others injured

    Crane topples in Bangkok killing four, many others injured

    PHOTOS: มาด เซอร์., Klong Prem ShinSuwan / FM91Trafficpro A crane has toppled at a construction site in Bangkok today. The incident has already been responsible for the death of four people while many others have been injured. FM91 Traffic pro is reporting that at 1.09pm a crane, inside a construction site in Yan Nawa, Bangkok has toppled and fallen down.…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsHere we go – Royal decree issued for Thai general election

    Here we go – Royal decree issued for Thai general election

    The final hurdle to holding an election this year was cleared this morning by royal decree that sets in motion the countdown to the long-awaited poll. The royal decree, ordering a general election of members of Parliament was issued this morning. The constitutional process calls for the Election Commission to announce a date for the long-awaited election within five days…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya NewsGerman 78 year old drowns at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya

    German 78 year old drowns at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya

    PHOTO: YouTube Emergency responders have been called to Jomtien beach in Pattaya’s south yesterday after a German tourist was reported in difficulty whilst swimming. There were many tourists on the beach at the time. Members of the local rescue foundation, Sawang Boriboon attempted CPR on 78 year old Klaus Heinz Trappiel but were unable to revive him. The man died at…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya NewsChinese Embassy delegation requests better safety for their compatriots visiting Pattaya

    Chinese Embassy delegation requests better safety for their compatriots visiting Pattaya

    A delegation of Chinese Embassy officials and diplomats from Bangkok visited Pattaya yesterday to seek more information and request upgrades in safety for Chinese citizens when visiting the resort city. The visit follows a concerning rise in the number of deaths from Chinese people drowning whilst visiting Pattaya. Manager Online reports that senior Chinese embassy diplomat Zhou Guangxu spoke to…

    Read More »
  • World NewsCardiff striker Emiliano Sala said he was ‘concerned about plane’

    Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala said he was ‘concerned about plane’

    PHOTO: Facebook/Emiliano Sala “I’m on a plane that looks like it’s going to fall apart, and I’m leaving for Cardiff,” Emiliano Sala said in a WhatsApp message. Cardiff City’s new signing Sala said he was concerned about his plane shortly before the light aircraft disappeared over the English Channel. The message was sent to friends and relatives. The Argentine striker,…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsForeign tourist caught carrying protected sea star at Chalong Pier – VIDEO

    Foreign tourist caught carrying protected sea star at Chalong Pier – VIDEO

    PHOTOS/VIDEO: Khanchit Klingklip A foreign man has been caught on camera carrying sea star along Chalong pier yesterday. A Facebook user ‘Khanchit Klingklip’, a member of a nature resources volunteer network, yesterday posted photos and a video with a message reading, “6pm at Chalong Pier, a foreign man was carrying sea star inside a plastic bag. Why can’t he just watch…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsAir quality for Thailand – January 23

    Air quality for Thailand – January 23

    Northern Thailand Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Central Thailand Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Southern Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsTruck crash on Patong Hill causes three hour traffic delays – VIDEO

    Truck crash on Patong Hill causes three hour traffic delays – VIDEO

    PHOTOS: Kusoldharm Foundation The driver of a truck, blaming failed brakes, has collided with another truck along with cars, pickups and motorbikes on Patong Hill late yesterday afternoon. The incident caused about three hours of traffic mayhem, particularly for traffic heading out of Patong. The delay also caused bank ups right through Kalim as Kamala traffic was trying to get…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsWeather for January 23

    Weather for January 23

    Bangkok Abundant sunshine. High 33C. Winds NE at 15 to 25 km/h. Phuket Sunshine and clouds mixed. High near 30C. Winds E at 15 to 25 km/h. Chiang Mai Plenty of sunshine. High 31C. Winds light and variable. Pattaya Sunshine and a few clouds. High 32C. ENE winds shifting to WNW at 15 to 25 km/h. Hua Hin Sunny. High…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsAfrican Swine Fever detected in pork products at Phuket Airport

    African Swine Fever detected in pork products at Phuket Airport

    “ASF cannot be transmitted to humans although scientists are wary that the virus is capable of mutating into other strains in the future.” Processed sausage and salami pork products have been seized at Phuket International Airport from a Chinese tourist. They were confiscated when they were found to contain a viral strain of the African Swine Fever (ASF). The Department…

    Read More »
  • OpinionThe 35 billion baht white elephant – Phuket’s light rail

    The 35 billion baht white elephant – Phuket’s light rail

    “About the only thing feasible in this rendering is the blue sky.” Spending 35 billion baht on infrastructure that few will use, is planned on the least useful route and will cause mayhem for a 3-5 year build time is a waste of money. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is currently chatting to the private sector and…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok NewsFire damages house in Bangkok

    Fire damages house in Bangkok

    PHOTOS: FM91BKK A fire has damaged a residential home in Bangkok this afternoon. FM91Bkk reported that a fire was ablaze at the local houses around 2.20pm at Klong San in Bangkok. At the scene firefighters found a two storey building ablaze. They believe it started from the first floor and then the fire caught the roof and some other materials.…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsSoi Dog’s mobile clinic continues in Phuket, starting in Rawai

    Soi Dog’s mobile clinic continues in Phuket, starting in Rawai

    The mobile clinic of Soi Dog Foundation, which provides sterilisation and vaccination free of charge, has begun in the Rawai area. The mobile clinic forms part of the CNVR program – Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release – which is the core mission of Soi Dog Foundation and the most effective and humane way to control the street dog and cat population…

    Read More »
  • Chiang Mai NewsChiang Mai 71 year old kills 26 year old lover in murder-suicide

    Chiang Mai 71 year old kills 26 year old lover in murder-suicide

    A 71 year old man is believed to have killed his 26 year old lover, a married woman, before hanging himself in Chiang Mai. The bodies of 71 year old Sompong Chuenjai and 26 year old Sasithorn Ruantha were found in the man’s townhouse in Ban Praewa village in Tambon Tonpao, San Kamphaeng district, east of Chiang Mai city, last…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok NewsAuthorities play down air pollution problems in Bangkok

    Authorities play down air pollution problems in Bangkok

    The capital’s air pollution situation has worsened today as the quantity of the dangerous PM2.5 particles has risen for the first time to code-red status of above 90 micrograms per cubic metre of air at many locations. Nearly 10 Bangkok areas at 7.15am this morning were flagged “code red”, which is triggered when inhalable particles with diameters generally sized at…

    Read More »
  • Northern Thailand NewsDrug dealers involved with teenager’s killing in Khon Kaen

    Drug dealers involved with teenager’s killing in Khon Kaen

    PHOTOS: Immigration Bureau A Thai drug dealer has found to be involved with the death of a boy who was attacked and killed in a school football field in Khon Kaen last week. The Immigration Bureau is reporting that the 17 year old boy was attacked at a school football field in. Police have arrested some suspects they believe to…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya NewsTwo Burmese men and a woman questioned over murder in Pattaya

    Two Burmese men and a woman questioned over murder in Pattaya

    A Burmese worker has been killed and three friends were arrested after a fatal quarrel while drinking in Pattaya. Police were alerted about the incident at 9pm last night at a rented house on Soi Yen Sabai in Moo 10 village in Tambon Nong Plue in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district. When police arrived at the scene 45 year old…

    Read More »
  • South Thailand NewsBangkok-Yala Express Train crashes into pickup killing mother and child

    Bangkok-Yala Express Train crashes into pickup killing mother and child

    PHOTO: Coconuts A mother and son have died after a Bangkok-Yala express train hit their pick up this morning on a road between Ban Tham Khao Chawala and Ban Tham Namthip Villages in Surat Thani, southern Thailand. The victims were identified as 39 year old Weerawal Semrod and her 10 year old son Manoonsak. The incident occurred at a level…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsWild elephants drag elderly man from pineapple hut and trample him to death

    Wild elephants drag elderly man from pineapple hut and trample him to death

    FILE PHOTO A man’s body has been found crushed to death outside his pineapple storage hut near Khao Ang Ruenai Wildlife sanctuary, in central Thailand. Wild elephants – notorious for coming down the mountain to the village in search of food – are suspected of having dragged the man from his hut and stamping him to death to get access to his…

    Read More »
  • South Thailand NewsHM the King expresses concern for people affected by unrest in the Deep South

    HM the King expresses concern for people affected by unrest in the Deep South

    (Quoted directly from the Government’s Public Relations Department) His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun has been deeply concerned about the people and officials affected by unrest in the southern border provinces. His Majesty on January 21, 2019 assigned Privy Councilor General Paiboon Koomchaya to present baskets of various items given by His Majesty to relatives of the monks killed in…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok NewsAvengers theme park closes in Bangkok after only 7 months

    Avengers theme park closes in Bangkok after only 7 months

    Usually anything to do with the Avengers is a license to print money. But not in the case of Southeast Asia’s first Marvel Entertainment theme park. The park, constructed at the Mega Bangna Shopping Centre in south-east Bangkok, is going out of business after just seven months. Despite the fanfare when it opened in June 2018, the themed attraction didn’t…

    Read More »
  • South Thailand NewsMother and son killed after train collided with their pickup truck in Surat Thani

    Mother and son killed after train collided with their pickup truck in Surat Thani

    PHOTOS: fm91bkk A mother and a son have been killed after a train collided with a pickup truck in Surat Thani this morning. FM 91 Bangkok is reporting that the Tha Chana Police in Surat Thani were notified of the incident at a railway in Tha Chana. Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene where there were no barriers for…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsWeather for January 22

    Weather for January 22

    Bangkok Partly cloudy. High 33C. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 km/h. Phuket Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 31C. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 km/h. Chiang Mai Plenty of sunshine. High near 30C. Winds light and variable. Pattaya A good deal of sunshine. High 32C. Winds N at 15 to 25 km/h.…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsSome restrictions lifted for superyachts in the region

    Some restrictions lifted for superyachts in the region

    PHOTO: katarocks.com Thailand is poised to ease rules on bareboat charters as well as introducing new measures to attract more luxury and super yachts into the region. The new measures were laid out in a presentation called “Highlighting Strategies for Attracting Yachts and Improving Safety at Sea” held at the 2019 Thailand Yacht Show and Rendezvous in Phuket. Gordon Fernandes,…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsAir quality for Thailand – January 22

    Air quality for Thailand – January 22

    Northern Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Central Thailand Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Southern Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsIncentive travel the fastest growing segment in Asia Pacific events business

    Incentive travel the fastest growing segment in Asia Pacific events business

    PHOTOS: ttrweekly.com Responding to a study that says incentive travel is the fastest growing segment in Asia-Pacific’s events business, the Thailand Conventions & Exhibitions Bureau is adapting its game plan to tap into this lucrative market. Last week, TCEB hosted the premier event, SITE’s 2019 Global Conference in Bangkok, a worldwide association dedicated exclusively to growing incentive travel. SITE’s most…

    Read More »
  • World NewsScoot passengers jump in to help restrain man, pilot diverts flight

    Scoot passengers jump in to help restrain man, pilot diverts flight

    A Scoot Airlines flight from Australia’s Gold Coast to Singapore had to be diverted to Sydney Airport after an incident with an unruly passenger. Flight TR7 was scheduled to reach Singapore at 3.15pm yesterday but was diverted just 1h 20 min into the eight-hour flight. Scoot has issued a statement saying that an Australian man on board punched another passenger.…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsSuspect hands himself in to police, denies charges in Saphan Hin shooting

    Suspect hands himself in to police, denies charges in Saphan Hin shooting

    A suspect has handed himself in to police after an arrest warrant was issued over a Saphan Hin shooting last week. The suspect is denying the charges. A Thai man was shot dead near Saphan Hin in eastern Phuket last week. An arrest warrant was issued for the suspect shortly after as police went hunting for the suspect identified by…

    Read More »