Month: September 2019
- Environment News
Bangkok sewage water home to all sorts
PHOTO: Sanook You never know what you’ll find in the sewage system of Bangkok… Thai Residents reports that Sunsern Ruengrit, a municipal worker in the capital, says the system is supposed to only store water, before the water treatment process begins. Instead, it’s home to a variety of garbage, including plastic and glass bottles, cigarette butts, food, oil and fat,…
Read More » - Tourism News
Thomas Cook demise will affect British tourism to Thailand for the rest of 2019
“British tourists have contribute between 900,000 – 1,000,000 tourists to Thailand annually for the past seven years.” The failure of the British Thomas Cook travel business will cut the numbers of arrivals from Britain to Thailand for the remainder of this year. Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand says they are also assessing a drop in northern-European…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok municipality workers told to smarten up their act
PHOTO: www.wikiwand.com The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has received several complaints about its employees acting inappropriately, the Bangkok Post reports. The complaints have led the BMA to tell workers to get their act together. An anonymous BMA source says City Hall has sent letters to all relevant offices, asking municipality officers to refrain from behaviour that might jeopardise the organisation’s…
Read More » - Opinion
OPINION: Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into – Brexit
OPINION: David Skelcey, Thailand (The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the owners, staff or management of The Thaiger) Whether you are British or not, it will be hard to escape yesterday’s news that British Prime Minister Johnson has been dealt a massive blow by the UK’s highest court over his decision to suspend parliament. The…
Read More » - World News
British PM accepts ruling from Supreme Court but what does it mean?
PHOTO: Mr. Johnson just before speaking about today’s Supreme Court ruling, from New York – Getty “In constitutional terms, it means that the court’s powers to allow parliament to have its say are stronger than an order issued by Queen Elizabeth II.” by Dario Thurburn The British PM Boris Johnson says he disagrees with, but will respect the Supreme Court…
Read More » - Phuket News
Patong Mayor hands out useless, cheap face-masks
In a shameless PR stunt, the Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kepsup yesterday wandered along the Patong Beach foreshore handing out ineffective cheap paper face masks to bemused locals and tourists. The beach-walk was in response to the current onset of poor air quality caused by by the intentionally-lit plantation fires on northern Indonesian islands. Whilst the local media took up the…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
MP for Pheu Thai convicted of murder and sentenced to death
PHOTO: Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen, Nawat Tohcharoensuk, sentenced to death today The Khon Kaen provincial court has convicted a Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen, Nawat Tohcharoensuk, of masterminding the murder of a local official and sentenced him to death today. Six years ago, Suchart Khotethum, an assistant chief of the Khon Kaen provincial administrative organisation, was killed…
Read More » - Thailand News
Rain-making training plane crashes in western Thailand
PHOTO: Channel 7 News The Thai Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation have reported that a “Caravan” aircraft crashed in Kanchanaburi at 10.10am this morning during training exercises, killing the two occupants. Both the instructor, Captain Tarun Amanan, and trainee pilot, Suksan Chongsatientham, were found dead. The aircraft was crumpled and unrecognisable when found by villagers. The plane was…
Read More » - World News
Boris and Donald meet in New York to discuss Brexit
“The Prime Minister emphasised that in order to secure a deal we will now need to see movement and flexibility from the EU.” British PM Boris Johnson has reiterated his call for “flexibility” from the EU in Brexit talks during a face-to-face meeting with Council President Donald Tusk in New York that failed to yield a breakthrough. Johnson and Tusk…
Read More » - Thai Life
Top 10 things to do in Phuket when it rains (2020)
Phuket really only has two seasons – wet and dry. The wet season usually runs from April to November each year. And when it rains, it pours! But there’s still plenty to do on the island, rain or sunshine. Best of all it’s always going to be around 30 degrees so it’s not cold or unpleasant. A 20 baht plastic poncho…
Read More » - Food
Afternoon tea goes vegan at Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental
PHOTO: www.mandarinoriental.com The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has a newly-appointed executive pastry chef and he’s planning some afternoon tea delights with a difference. Chef Pablo Gicquel is introducing vegan and gluten-free options as part of the traditional afternoon tea offering, available from October 7 in The Author’s Lounge at the renowned Bangkok hotel. Highlights on the vegan menu will include vegan…
Read More » - Environment News
Thai PM addresses UN Climate Action Summit, pledges ASEAN support
PHOTO: www.mfa.go.th Thai PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha says the ASEAN region is committed to working with the international community to tackle the issue of climate change. Addressing the UN’s Climate Action Summit in New York, the PM was speaking in his capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Expressing his admiration for the UN secretary general’s efforts…
Read More » - Expats
Wanted American found hiding in Thailand
PHOTO: The Nation An American wanted for serious crimes in his home country has been tracked down to Hua Hin, in a joint operation involving Thai Immigration Police and Homeland Security Investigations, the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security in the U.S. Thai Residents reports that the man, known only as Derrick, is wanted in the states of…
Read More » - World News
“Philippines: Deadliest country in the world for land defenders” – Global Witness
“In July, the group said 30 killings in the Philippines last year made it the deadliest country in the world for land defenders – a first since the group began reporting such deaths in 2012. “ by Cecil Morella Murders of environmental activists and land defenders in The Philippines continue to rise sharply under President Rodrigo Duterte. The accusations from…
Read More » - Environment News
Haze from Indonesia’s forest fires affecting Thailand’s south
The ongoing forest fires in Indonesia are affecting Thailand’s south, bringing smog and a lingering haze to many provinces. Thai PBS World reports that school children at two municipal schools in Trang have received 3,000 face masks from Provincial Governor Luechai Charoensap and city mayor Apichit Wenothai. Distribution of the masks comes as local authorities warn residents to wear masks…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Thai actor condemns abuse of donations as “deplorable”
PHOTO: Chiang Rai Times Bin Bunluerit, the Thai actor and volunteer rescue worker who raised funds for Ubon Ratchathani’s flood victims has condemned the community leaders guilty of abusing the relief system he put in place. His statement comes amid complaints on social media that some of those administering the funds are taking a percentage, before passing the money on…
Read More » - Technology News
Tech giants ramp up systems to detect and remove extremist content
PHOTO: Police officers near the Masjid Al Noor mosque, site of one of the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in March – Associated Press by Shaun Tandon The world’s largest social media empires led by Facebook say they are ramping up an industry body that will weed out extremist content, looking to put procedures in place…
Read More » - Economy News
Chim-Shop-Chai – more than a million already register for the latest Thai stimulus package
Interest in the government’s latest stimulus package has been massive with online portals being battered by people wanting to know more about how they can get their hands on the 1000 baht give-away from the Thai government. More than a million people have already registered to join the government’s Chim-Shop-Chai (Taste-Shop-Spend) program, where they will receive a 1000 baht to…
Read More » - Politics News
Thai pro-democracy body calls on UN to investigate ‘military government in disguise’
PHOTOS: Facebook: Jaran Ditapichai/Kritsada Akkhapracha Jaran Ditapichai, the president of the Association of Thai Democrats without Borders’ has written to the UN yesterday asking the international body to investigate the government of Thai PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha. The Nation reports that Jaran personally dropped the submission at a letterbox near the UN headquarters in New York and recorded the action with…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok land prices plateau, new tax on the way
Land prices in the Thai capital are forecast to plateau, or even drop this year. This would be the first time in more than ten years that Bangkok’s land prices have levelled off. So what is causing the sudden surge in land becoming available? Property and real estate consultants say the changes can be blamed on the general economic slowdown…
Read More » - Road deaths
SUV driver flees crash scene after killing two on Bangkok ring road
PHOTO: Sanook.com Police in Bangkok are looking for the driver of a Ford Everest who jumped over a wall and fled the scene after colliding with a Mitsubishi Mirage, killing two people. Witnesses told police that the collision happened when the driver of the black SUV was trying to pass on the left-hand shoulder of the road. According to Sanook.com,…
Read More » - Pattaya News
No Standing Zones are driving away tourists – Jomtien Beach
PHOTO: Pattaya Mail New ‘no parking zones’ along a section of Jomtien Beach in Pattaya are turning off drivers stopping for a quick treat from roadside vendors and local traders, according to the Pattaya Mail. City Hall has recently erected new no parking signs and painted the curbs red and white (no standing) between Jomtien sois 17 – 19 in…
Read More » - Events
Clean the Beach Boot Camp takes on Nai Harn Beach on World Clean Up Day
A very special Clean The Beach Boot Camp (CBBC) took place on last Saturday in support World Clean Up Day. In total, 170 people, including 120 students from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism at the Prince of Songkla University in Kathu headed to Nai Harn Beach, one of the island’s favourites in the island’s south. Involving some 18 different…
Read More » - Transport News
Shake-up at the top in Thai state enterprises – Transport Minister
PHOTO: BTS station – YouTube In a major management shakeup in Thai state enterprises, the transport minister has now appointed a new chairmen to the boards of the Port Authority of Thailand, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMA). The list of new chairmen has been…
Read More » - Travel
UPDATE: Thomas Cook financial collapse
“These insolvency proceedings do not involve the continental and Nordic businesses.” The UK Thomas Cook businesses are now under the control of the official receiver who has appointed AlixPartners and KPMG as special managers to oversee the liquidation, and in the case of AlixPartners, to work with the business to assist the UK Civil Aviation Authority on repatriation of existing…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Russian boxer dies after falling from hotel balcony in Pattaya
PHOTOS: รักสยาม นิวส์ A 35 year old Russian was found dead around 6.30am yesterday in a pool of blood with serious head, arm and leg injuries after falling from a condo balcony in Pattaya. Ruk Siam News reports that Pattaya police and emergency responders headed to Building B of the Sea Breeze Jomtien Resort after receiving reports that the man…
Read More » - Politics News
Prayut meets up with Thai expats in New York ahead of UN meetings today
PHOTOS: ศ.ดร.นฤมล ภิญโญสินวัฒน์ Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has been meeting Thai expats in New York before his attending the UN Climate Summit and other meetings this week. Prayut and his entourage, including Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, arrived at the Plaza Athenee Hotel on the 64th street yesterday around midday on a sunny New York day. Prayut was welcomed by Nipon…
Read More » - Tourism News
UK travel icon Thomas Cook bankrupt, stranding tourists
PHOTO: Axios.com “This marks a deeply sad day for the company which pioneered package holidays and made travel possible for millions of people around the world.” British travel giant Thomas Cook declared bankruptcy today after failing to reach a last-ditch rescue deal. The collapse triggers the UK’s biggest repatriation since World War II to bring back stranded passengers. The 178 year…
Read More » - Tourism News
UK travel giant Thomas Cook collapses leaving 150,000 holiday-makers stranded
PHOTO: Bye bye Thomas Cook – The Independent Thomas Cook, the iconic British travel and airline company, has collapsed after last-minute negotiations failed to find a solution for the debt-ridden company. The tour operator’s failure affects 22,000 jobs worldwide, including 9,000 in the UK alone. Thomas Cook had been operating for 178 years. The company is now bankrupt. The collapse…
Read More » - Environment News
Smoke-laced smog envelops Phuket
MAIN PHOTO: Phuket International Airport – Phuket People’s Voice Phuket awakes today enveloped by an eerie sea of smoke-laced mist and smog – a combination of light winds, smoke blowing up the Malacca Strait from the Indonesian plantation fires and low seasonal cloud. The conditions have reduced visibility generally around the island to less than a kilometre. Planes have still been…
Read More » - World News
Last five years “Hottest on record” – UN Climate Summit
PHOTO: Greenpeace USA “Average global temperature between 2015-2019 is on track to be the hottest of any five-year period on record, according to the report compiled by the World Meteorological Organisation.” A damning new UN report published yesterday says the world is falling badly behind in the race to avert “climate disaster” because of runaway warming, with the five-year period…
Read More » - Entertainment
BTS will have to break up, whether they like it or not, and fans are not happy
Even though they’ve been making music since their debut back in 2013, it’s the last two years BTS, aka Bangtan Boys (or Bangtan Sonyeondan for Korean pronunciation), have gone from zero to hero in the pop music world. Now they’re riding their success on the crest of a wave that has defied conventional pop marketing and ‘western’ white-washed music standards.…
Read More » - World News
Yangon’s boom falls short across river – waiting to bridge the gap
by Su Myat Mon and Dene-Hern Chen “An enormous industrial zone spanning the area south and west of the river, largely funded by money from Korea and China, is under consideration.” On her scruffy, downtrodden bank of the river, teashop-owner Khin works just a few hundred metres over the muddy water from Myanmar’s capital Yangon, and dreams of the riches…
Read More » - Koh Samui News
Russian man and his dog found dead on Koh Samui
A 51 year old Russian man, identified as Vyacheslav Kolbunov, has been found dead at his home on Koh Samui. A dead pit bull was also found in the room, with two other pit bulls discovered in an enclosure outside the home. Koh Samui police and forensic officers discovered drug paraphernalia, along with a coffee cup and a glass containing…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand’s Department for Disease Control issues Chikungunya warning
PHOTO: www.wikipedia.com Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai from the Department of Disease Control says over 10 people in central Thailand have contracted chikungunya since July, and urges people to take precautions, saying those with high fever and joint pain should seek medical advice without delay. In total, since the beginning of the year, 7,481 people have been treated for chikungunya, with all…
Read More » - Transport News
Salaries of more than 100k proposed for Thailand’s high-speed train drivers
PHOTO: www.scmp.com The drivers of Thailand’s high-speed trains will need to be highly skilled, a ministerial level committee says, suggesting they be paid similar salaries to those of airline pilots. Thai Rath reports that drivers of high-speed trains will face the same amount of stress and responsibility as airline pilots do and in order to attract the most skilled drivers,…
Read More » - Thailand Weather Updates
36 Thai provinces to be hit by heavy rain, sharp drop in temperatures
PHOTO: www.kohsamuisunset.com The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) says that between now and Thursday, 36 Thai provinces can expect to be hit by heavy rains, strong winds, and thundershowers, with a sharp drop in temperatures predicted in some regions. The rough weather is due to a monsoon trough currently sitting over the Central, the East and the lower Northeast, a low…
Read More »
