Month: February 2019
- Thailand News
No more smoking in airports, and no more cheap Thai cigarettes
Thai smokers are under fire. As of Sunday, February 3, all airports operated by Airports of Thailand (AoT) have been declared no-smoking zones with fines up to 5,000 baht for any violators. AoT has now abolished all smoking rooms in both the offices and passenger buildings in all six airports which they manage. This comes in accordance with the 2017…
Read More » - Thai Life
Ice ice baby! Social Egg Freezing arrives in Thailand
Could 2019 be the year of the egg? It may very well be thanks to a recent growing trend into “social egg freezing.” For less than $3 a day a major healthcare provider could see many infertile patients reaping the rewards. According to recent reports, Borderless Healthcare Group are set to launch their unique fertility services in the Thai capital.…
Read More » - Hua Hin News
Jetski operators in Hua Hin told to ‘stick to guidelines’
PHOTOS: Talk News Online Jetski operators on Hua Hin beaches have been warned to stick to pricing guidelines and beach locations in the Gulf holiday resort. Talk News Online reports that officials visited Hua Don beach in Hua Hin to rein in the jetski operators. Jetski operators in all seaside resorts around Thailand have a reputation for not following the…
Read More » - Thai Life
A third of expats may have to leave – Survey on new ‘retirement’ visa extension
Thailand’s farang forum, Thaivisa, has conducted two unofficial polls that indicate that many expats will be calling it quits and leaving the Kingdom. The polls are a response from the affected ThaiVisa audience, not indicative of the total expat population living in Thailand. The polls have been undertaken in the wake of new regulations issued by Thai immigration requiring retirees to lodge…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Air pollution in Bangkok improved over the weekend, marathon goes ahead
PHOTO: Thai PBS Air quality around Bangkok had sufficiently improved for the running of a charity marathon in the capital yesterday morning. 16,000 runners took part in the marathon yesterday from the Ratchamangala stadium in Hua Mark, through central Bangkok and to the finish line at the Democracy monument on Rajdamnoen road. The race organisers say they were closely monitoring updates…
Read More » - Krabi News
Krabi officials in Ao Nang gear up for Chinese New Year
More than 100 officers from Krabi Immigration and other local officialdom have put on a show of force to assure locals, tourists and expats that authorities are well prepared for Chinese New Year public safety this year. Krabi Immigration Chief Col Supparueak Pankosol says, “There are many tourists visiting Krabi during this Chinese New Year.” “We are making sure that…
Read More » - Bangkok News
At least another 60 days in Thai jail for Hakeem al-Araibi
SCREENSHOT from The Guardian video Australian refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi now has 60 days to prepare a defence against the Bahraini government’s attempt to extradite him from Thailand. Bahrain’s extradition request was formally accepted for consideration last Friday. The 25 year old will have to remain in Thai prison for the two months, on top of the two months he’s already…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Chacheongsao rubber plantation fire under control after 15 hours
A huge fire, which had already destroyed more than half of a 400 rai rubber plantation in Chacheongsao province, was finally brought under control at 1.30pm yesterday. The deputy provincial governor Prasong Khongkhaoroptham said the fire had raised worries of adding to Bangkok’s air-pollution woes. Chacheongsao province is directly to the east of the Thai capital. Investigation into the cause of…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Limit use of joss sticks and incense – Chinese New Year ‘pollution’
PHOTOS: The Nation by Pratch Rukivanarom Doctors are urging people not to burn joss paper as offerings over Chinese New Year. They’re also recommending to limit incense-burning and fireworks during this year’s celebrations this week to prevent hazardous emissions. (Apparently the ‘hazardous emissions’ have been ok in the past – Ed) The response from Doctors is in reaction to the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Air quality for Thailand – February 4
Central 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. Northern Thailand Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Southern Thailand Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution…
Read More » - Phuket News
Fire destroys Moken Village in Phang Nga – VIDEO
A fire has destroyed a Moken Village (sea gypsies village) on Mu Koh Surin in Phang Nga last night. Around 8pm last night a fire started which engulfed the Moken Village on Mu Koh Surain National Park in Phang Nga. Mu Koh Surin National Park officials, Navy officers and locals helped to bring the fire under control. About 67 houses…
Read More » - Thailand News
Weather for February 4
Bangkok Sunshine and a few clouds. High 34C. Winds S at 10 to 15 km/h. Phuket Sunny skies this morning. Scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High 88F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Chiang Mai Plenty of sunshine. High near 35C. Winds light and variable. Pattaya Scattered thunderstorms during the morning. Partly…
Read More » - Thailand News
Facebook bars overseas electoral ads for the March 23 election
The Thai government and Election Commission are imposing their own bans and restrictions for political advertising leading up to next month’s poll. Now Thailand’s favorite social media platform says it is banning ads posted from overseas for the poll as well. Facebook says it will bar foreign-based election advertisements in Thailand as the country heads towards the March 24 election.…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Fears that plantation fire could add to Bangkok pollution woes
A huge plantation fire has destroyed a 400 rai rubber farm in Chacheongsao province with concerns that it could also add to Bangkok’s air pollution and smog woes. Chachongseo is the province immediately east of the city limits. The prevailing winds come from the north-east. The fire in Sanam Chai Khet district began at around 10pm last night (Saturday) and…
Read More » - Thai Life
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra celebrate Shamita’s birthday in Phuket
Actress Shamita Shetty travelled to Phuket as her birthday destination. Shamita turned 40 on February 2. Shamita Shetty is one of Bollywood’s most popular actresses and an interior designer, along with her famous sister Shipla. Her sister Shilpa Shetty, brother-in-law Raj Kundra and friends Sarita Madhavan, Rohini Iyer and Akanksha Malhotra also accompanied her to Phuket. Glimpses from Shamita’s pre-birthday…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Elephant Boat Race comes to Bangkok March 29
Anantara Hotels Director of Operational Excellence & Events Tim Boda has announced Thailand’s first “Elephant Boat Race & River Festival” to be held between March 29 – 31, 2019. “The new three-day festival offers a wide range of activities, races and concerts aiming to raise funds to support domestic and wild elephants throughout Thailand.” Located next to Anantara Riverside Bangkok, the…
Read More » - Phuket News
Chinese tourists flock back to Phuket for Chinese New Year 2019
Chinese tourists are flocking back to Phuket for Chinese New Year 2019 after a six month hiatus following last year’s Phoenix boat tragedy. 47 Chinese tourists drowned in the incident, including many children, after the boat capsized on July 5 in a late afternoon storm as the tour boat was returning to Phuket. In the following months hotels received thousands…
Read More » - Phuket News
Ridley sea turtles return to Phang Nga for breeding
PHOTO: World Wildlife Fund Ridley’s sea turtles, a protected species in Thailand, have returned to Phang Nga beaches to breed, following a 23 year absence from the beach in Thai Muang district. The turtle eggs have been collected and taken to the nursery at a turtle watch centre on Tha Sai beach for incubation. The nest on the beach has been…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand #1 for Chinese travellers heading overseas for Chinese New Year
Thailand, Japan and Singapore are topping the lists for Chinese travellers this Chinese New Year. The data comes from Hotelbeds.com, a leading accommodation booking platform. The website identified the top 10 international destinations for Chinese travellers for this year’s seven-day Chinese New Year holiday that starts tomorrow (Monday). Thailand was named the most popular destination followed by Japan and Singapore. The…
Read More » - Krabi News
Krabi officials declare a rabies outbreak zone
A district livestock office in Krabi province has announced a Rabies outbreak zone in the Mueang Krabi district area. Somphon Jantara, chief livestock officer of Mueang Krabi District, announced that the Sai Thai village, Moo 1 is a designated outbreak zone after a male dog tested positive for Rabies on Wednesday. A rabies temporary control zone will now run from January…
Read More » - Travel
Passengers can’t get enough of LA! Flight returns to airport three times.
PHOTO: CNN Travel 207 Hawaiian Airlines passengers just couldn’t get enough of LA yesterday. They tried to fly out of LAX three times but kept coming back. The returns to the airports were all safety related precautions and were unrelated. The Los Angeles International to Maui’s Airport flight turned back three times. The aircraft had already taken off twice, according to…
Read More » - World News
Leopard cub smuggled on a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to India
A one month old leopard has been found in a passenger’s hand luggage after landing in Chennai, India after a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok. The young leopard was weak and dehydrated when it was discovered. The leopard kitten was hidden in a grocery basket hidden put inside his carry on luggage. At this stage officials haven’t reported the nationality…
Read More » - Cannabis News
Seven drug busts net 10 million meth pills, 4 kg of heroin
The more drugs police intercept, the more that pours across the borders. The Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau have reported on seven drug busts that netted 10 suspects and the confiscation of 10 million methamphetamine pills and nearly four kilograms of heroin. The NSB also seized other illicit drugs including crystal meth or “ice”, ecstasy pills and cocaine. Separate searches in…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Nan blossoms in pink splendour
Tourists are flocking to the far northern province of Nan, on the Laos border, this weekend to witness the beauty of wild Himalayan cherry tree blossoms, widely known as “Thai sakura”, at a research station in Nanoi district. Kanyarat Natebutr, chief of Tonnam Kunsatan research station said that the areas around the station, where cherry trees, green maple and macadamia…
Read More » - Koh Samui News
Alleged ‘sex cult’ yoga retreat on Koh Phangan operating again
PHOTO: Narcis Tarcau, aka. Swami Vivekananda Saraswati – South China Morning Post The world’s “biggest tantric yoga school” has reopened on Koh Phangan with the accused leader back in charge amid accusations that management suppressed an investigation into the alleged abuse. The centre closed last September after 14 women alleged rape and sexual assault and made official complaints. At the…
Read More » - Entertainment
Event Round-Up – February 2019
You still have a few days left to enjoy the tail end of Bangkok Design Week which is running from 26 January to 3 February in select areas around Bangkok. Taking inspiration from the city’s rich history as a gathering point for creative minds from all over the world, Bangkok Design Week is held under the theme of “Fusing Forward”,…
Read More » - Things To Do
Top 10 world’s busiest flight routes
… and the rising stars So where is the world’s busiest airline route? Beijing to Shanghai? New York to Los Angeles? Eight of the Top 10 routes are based in Asia and nine out of ten of the world’s fastest-growing flight routes are also in Asia. You get the idea. Whilst the US has the world’s largest aviation market it’s…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Criminal Court agrees to consider extradition of Bahraini footballer
The Criminal Court says it has agreed to consider the public prosecutors’ request to extradite former Bahrain national footballer Hakeem al-Araibi to his home country. The footballer currently holds Australian residency. The request was made after Bahrain supplied prosecutors with evidence and documents accusing al-Araibi of arson and possession of weapons. Bahrain had issued an arrest warrant for the footballer…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Warning from Pattaya police about bogus charity collectors
Pattaya’s police chief is warning tourists against donating to street charity collectors. He claims many of the so-called charities are bogus and the money is lily going straight into their pockets. Speaking to Pattaya Mail, Pol. Col. Apichai Kroppech says that both Thais and foreigners are roaming the streets acting as charity collectors, hoping to take advantage of people’s good…
Read More » - Thai Life
Immigration officials push back against the new retirement visa guidelines
Days after new rules for the processing for foreign retiree visas were published, immigration officials are reportedly pushing back against them. The report was in Khaosod English citing inside sources. According to the Immigration department, starting March 1, foreign retirees must either show a monthly income of at least 65,000 baht or hold a minimum of 800,000 baht in Thai…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Government apologises for Bangkok air pollution and smog
The Government has conceded to Bangkok citizens about the air pollution that continues to disrupt lives and threaten their health. “The government apologises for the inconvenience caused by the poor air quality and would like to thank everybody for support and cooperation,” said the PM yesterday. The blue sky typical of this time of year is hidden beyond a grey-yellow…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Students sent to hospital after suffering food poisoning from school lunch
70 secondary students from the Jian Hua School in Nakhon Pathom’s Bang Len district suffered food poisoning after school lunch yesterday. Nakhon Pathom is the province to the west of Bangkok. 25 of the affected students were sent to Supan Buri’s 17th Somdet Phra Sangkharat Hospital suffering from severe diarrhoea, vomiting and seizures. 26 year old Teacher Manasawee Phutthapol says that…
Read More » - Bangkok News
400cc Nightclub raided in Bangkok. 92 test positive for drugs.
by Kittipong Maneerit Another Bangkok nightclub has been raided as police crackdown on some clubs on the city’s outer limits. The 400cc nightclub was raided revealing at least 40 patrons under the age of 20. Meanwhile, 92 patrons tested positive for substance abuse and 26 of them under the legal drinking age. Officers of Nong Khang Plu precinct, the Office…
Read More » - Phuket News
Rewards given to Thais who saved Lithuanian woman at Phuket Airport
Rewards from the management of the Phuket International Airport have been made to two quick thinking Thai citizens who saved the a young Lithuania woman from jumping from the international terminal’s upper road way ramp this week. Pilot Officer Thanee Chuangchoo, the General Manager of Phuket International Airport, today gave certificates and rewards to two the Thai people, Aphichart Intaraksa and Amornrat Ankhai.…
Read More » - Thai Life
Thai Immigration clamps down on requirements for Retirement visas
A story in ThaiVisa is providing a lot of concern for people making applications for ‘Retirement’ and ‘Marriage’ visas so they can remain in the Kingdom. The announcement follows several of the embassies last year explaining that they will no longer be issuing a ‘proof of income’ for the purpose of visa applications in Thailand. “Foreigners now need to keep…
Read More » - Phuket News
Man dies in Phuket road accident at Samkong underpass entrance
A car diver has died after losing control of his vehicle near the Samkong Underpass on Bypass Road. The Phuket City Police were notified of the accident on Chalerm Phrakiet Rama 9 (Bypass Road), southbound, near the entrance of the Samkong Underpass at 1.12am this morning. Police and rescue workers arrived to find a damaged black Honda sedan. The body of…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok air pollution reduction schemes – FAIL
OPINION Smog, air pollution, air quality, PM2.5 micron particulate. If you live in Bangkok it’s all the same thing. Four water-carrying drones took off from Bangkok City Hall this morning to join three fire engines in the latest assault on health-threatening haze. Bangkok is a city covering some 1,500 square kilometres with a population of over 8 million. The frequent…
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