Month: September 2020

  • Tourism NewsThailand is the fourth most searched-for destination for your next holiday

    Thailand is the fourth most searched-for destination for your next holiday

    Since early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has stopped us from taking our holidays, or doing much travelling at all. But as travel restrictions ease, which destinations are coming out on top for our post-lockdown holidays? Official-esta.com has dusted off the calculator and checked the Google Search Volume data for the search terms “Flights to X” and “Holidays in X” to…

    Read More »
  • Visa InformationPlan for long-term visitors set for October

    Plan for long-term visitors set for October

    After months of discussing plan after plan, Thailand will have a solid plan for long-term foreign visitors by the end of October. At least that’s what a senior officer says. (We realise you’re sick of hearing about ‘plans’ but whilst the officials keep rolling them out, we’ll keep reporting them) Long-term travellers would need to do a 14 day quarantine,…

    Read More »
  • Covid-19 NewsOne new Covid-19 case for Thailand today, a returnee from Japan

    One new Covid-19 case for Thailand today, a returnee from Japan

    According to the CCSA, there is one new Covid-19 case in Thailand today. The man, currently in state quarantine, is a 38 year old Japanese film producer who travelled to Thailand from Japan on September 4. He has been serving his quarantine in an alternative state quarantine hotel in Bangkok. He tested positive for the novel coronavirus on September 7, but…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsNot so fast! Phuket’s plans to reopen slow down

    Not so fast! Phuket’s plans to reopen slow down

    “We have to rely on domestic tourism demand for now because we can’t reopen our borders yet. Some people in the area still haven’t accepted the idea… It doesn’t mean that we’re pulling the plug on the plan though.” Phuket is not going to be back up and running as soon as expected. Plans to let international tourists back in…

    Read More »
  • Covid-19 NewsTrials of Oxford Covid-19 vaccine paused after participant falls ill

    Trials of Oxford Covid-19 vaccine paused after participant falls ill

    Late-stage trials of a promising-sounding Covid-19 vaccine have been put on hold while researchers check out the exact cause of illness in one participant. The vaccine, being developed by Oxford University in the UK, in partnership with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, was in phase 3 trials, involving 30,000 participants. Volunteers were drawn primarily from countries with high numbers of virus cases,…

    Read More »
  • Tourism NewsA new flaw detected on Boeing’s 787 as company’s problems mount

    A new flaw detected on Boeing’s 787 as company’s problems mount

    The problems at Boeing are starting to stack up, at a time when few airlines are ordering new planes and going through their current orders to see which order they can cancel. Boeing has now disclosed another problem with the construction of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft that could cause further delays on aircraft deliveries, and provide another headache for the…

    Read More »
  • Crime NewsLeaked transcript allegedly shows attempt to get Red Bull heir off the hook

    Leaked transcript allegedly shows attempt to get Red Bull heir off the hook

    A report published by Thai-language outlet, Isra News, allegedly contains a leaked transcript of 2 police officers and a public prosecutor discussing how to change the recorded driving speed of Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. The Red Bull heir was accused of killing Bangkok police officer, 47 year old Wichian Klanprasert, in 2012, by crashing his Ferrari into the officer’s motorbike, dragging…

    Read More »
  • Politics NewsRumours of another coup are false, PM says

    Rumours of another coup are false, PM says

    Coup? What coup? Rumours have been floating around about an impending coup d’etat by the army. When asked about a possible coup, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha dismissed it, calling the rumour nonsense and groundless. He then abruptly called the press meeting to an end. Some have been saying the army is preparing for the coup by moving its forces and equipment.…

    Read More »
  • Central Thailand NewsSnake bites teenager using the toilet

    Snake bites teenager using the toilet

    An 18 year old university student in Nonthaburi, just west of Bangkok, was bitten by a python while using the toilet. The 1 metre long python was in the toilet bowl when it bit the student’s penis, splattering blood all over the wall and toilet seat. Luckily the student is okay and only needed 3 stitches (which begs the question,…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsPhuket airport sees increase in domestic arrivals over long weekend

    Phuket airport sees increase in domestic arrivals over long weekend

    The general manager of Phuket airport, Thanee Chuangchoo, says domestic arrivals were on the up over the course of the recent 4 day holiday. The long weekend, from September 4 to 7, was brought in to replace the annual Songkran holiday in April, cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The jump in domestic arrivals will have provided some…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsNo more beer and wine delivery, Thailand to ban online alcohol sales

    No more beer and wine delivery, Thailand to ban online alcohol sales

    There’s going to be a new ban on alcohol sales, but apparently just on so-called “electronic channels.” (We think this means purchasing through social media outlets and websites) For those who order craft beer that can’t be found at local stores, you might be out of luck. An announcement on the Royal Gazette says no more online alcohol sales. The…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya NewsInvestigation ongoing following armed robbery of Chinese tourists in Pattaya

    Investigation ongoing following armed robbery of Chinese tourists in Pattaya

    Police are continuing their investigation after a gang broke into a luxury property in Pattaya and robbed the Chinese residents at gunpoint. The original report said the thieves stole around 10 million baht worth of cash and valuables. This amount has now been revised by officials, who estimate it at around 3 million baht. The incident took place in the…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsPhuket Airport prepares for eventual launch of tourist pilot project

    Phuket Airport prepares for eventual launch of tourist pilot project

    Phuket Airport carried out a trial run yesterday, going over all the steps necessary to admit tourists under the much-discussed, not-yet-happening, off-and-on “Phuket Model”. The plan to use Phuket as a pilot, to test a limited return of international tourists, was set to launch in October but has now been postponed. The brakes were applied when Thailand recorded its first…

    Read More »
  • Crime NewsUPDATE: Motorbike taxi drivers have an alleged turf-war shootout

    UPDATE: Motorbike taxi drivers have an alleged turf-war shootout

    Motorbike taxi drivers allegedly had a turf-war shootout in front of a shopping centre in Samut Prakan, just southeast of Bangkok. The motorbike taxi drivers, known as “win” drivers, were allegedly fighting over a location for a win base outside the mall. No one was injured and the drivers took off shortly after shots were fired. The Big C shopping…

    Read More »
  • Politics NewsBangkok police prepare for mass university protest on September 19

    Bangkok police prepare for mass university protest on September 19

    Police in Bangkok say they’re gearing up for a large-scale student protest, set to take place at the Tha Prachan campus of Thammasat University on September 19. Pakkapong Pongpetra, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, says officials are not sure how many days the rally will go on for, or if those taking part plan to move from the campus to other parts…

    Read More »
  • Politics NewsDeputy Finance Minister dismisses doubts over his educational qualifications

    Deputy Finance Minister dismisses doubts over his educational qualifications

    The President of the Engineering Association of Thailand has called on Kim Chaisaensook, Associate Professor of Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng University, to respond to allegations that Deputy Finance Minister Santi Prompat was dismissed from the faculty for cheating. Tortrakul Bunnag made the call in a Facebook post, after a suggestion from Santi that he is qualified to replace former Finance Minister Pridi…

    Read More »
  • World NewsA Land Bridge or the Kra Canal for Thailand?

    A Land Bridge or the Kra Canal for Thailand?

    OPINION by guest writer Tony P Restall Why the land bridge idea will never work Much has been written about the long-proposed Thai or Kra Canal and the on and off decision to proceed, or not. Over the recent years several high-level committees have examined the economic benefits to establish a water connection by means of a canal linking the East…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok NewsHundreds of taxi drivers gather at Government House to present demands

    Hundreds of taxi drivers gather at Government House to present demands

    Hundreds of taxi drivers have held a rally outside Government House in Bangkok, calling for 6 key demands to be met. Around 500 drivers attended the rally yesterday, submitting a petition addressed to the Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha. It’s not the first time the strong taxi ‘union’ has banded together to push demands to improve their pay and conditions. The…

    Read More »
  • Road deathsHoliday weekend road death toll: 59

    Holiday weekend road death toll: 59

    Road deaths surged during the holiday weekend. 59 people were killed in road incidents and 365 people were injured, according to the Transport Ministry. From last Thursday to Monday, a total of 405 road incidents were reported across Thailand. 116 of the incidents involved motorcycles and 31 out of the 59 deaths involved motorcycles. Many of the crashes and collisions were…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsBoy dies after 100 squat punishment, school apologises to the family

    Boy dies after 100 squat punishment, school apologises to the family

    A student died sometime after being forced to do jump squats as punishment for not doing his homework. The school has ‘apologised’ to the family and said they take responsibility for the death. The 13 year old boy was sick for about a week and was even checked in to the hospital before going back to school last Thursday, according…

    Read More »
  • Crime NewsBangkok taxi driver stabbed, crashes into other cars

    Bangkok taxi driver stabbed, crashes into other cars

    A Bangkok man has allegedly jumped into the backseat of a taxi and , once the taxi got going, started stabbing the driver early this morning, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a motorbike and other cars. A man in the Thonburi district ran into heavy traffic on Charunsanitwong road. He tried opening the…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya NewsThailand’s oldest hippo turns 55 – VIDEO

    Thailand’s oldest hippo turns 55 – VIDEO

    Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday Mae Mali, Happy Birthday to you. Thailand’s oldest hippopotamus turned 55 today and celebrated with a party at a Chon Buri zoo. She even munched on a special “birthday cake.” Watermelons, carrots, bananas, pumpkin, dragon fruit and berries were placed in a design over a mound of grass. In the middle,…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsA new CEO for Phuket’s Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort

    A new CEO for Phuket’s Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort

    Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort in Thalang, Phuket, has named Edgar Toral Hernandez as its new CEO, effective from last week. He joined the company back in 2017 as an executive vice president. Before joining Thanyapura he worked in various senior operational roles in the hospitality and healthcare industries across Latin America, Europe and Asia. The appointment was announced by Thanyapura’s…

    Read More »
  • Visa InformationThai Airways offers special international flights this month

    Thai Airways offers special international flights this month

    Need to leave the country? Just as that visa amnesty is coming to an end (September 26 if you forgot), Thai Airways is offering 1-way flights to 7 international destinations this month. The flights leave from Bangkok and are destined for Munich, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Copenhagen, Taipei and Hong Kong. The special flights are for foreigners needing to go back home…

    Read More »
  • World NewsMyanmar Covid-19 outbreak could reach Thai border in 2 weeks, health offical says

    Myanmar Covid-19 outbreak could reach Thai border in 2 weeks, health offical says

    A health official predicts the coronavirus will reach the Thai-Myanmar border in the next 2 weeks. Border security has already tightened up after Myanmar reported a surge of Covid-19 cases. While the Thai government is making sure the virus isn’t coming in from other countries, the Ministry of Public Health is also investigating potential local transmissions. The coronavirus situation in the…

    Read More »
  • Tourism NewsHoliday weekend boosts tourism, brings in 8.8 billion baht

    Holiday weekend boosts tourism, brings in 8.8 billion baht

    The extended 4 day holiday weekend circulated 8.8 billion baht in revenue after months of limited travel due to the coronavirus pandemic… the upbeat report from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The drop in international tourism has crippled local economies dependent on the industry. The holiday weekend was a major boost. The Friday and Monday public holidays were announced as…

    Read More »
  • Northern Thailand NewsFamily say car crash monk is battling mental health issues

    Family say car crash monk is battling mental health issues

    Relatives of the monk behind a car crash that killed 1 person in the north-eastern province of Roi Et say he has been suffering with mental health problems. The monk crashed his car into a power pole at the weekend, killing his male passenger, 82 year old Noi Chuenchom, and causing serious injury to a 36 year old female passenger,…

    Read More »
  • Crime NewsArmed robbers in Pattaya target Chinese tourists in 10 million baht break-in

    Armed robbers in Pattaya target Chinese tourists in 10 million baht break-in

    An armed gang of 5 men have broken into a luxury property in Pattaya, making off with around 10 million baht worth of cash and valuables. A group of Chinese tourists were staying in the property at the time, which is part of the Siam Royal View development, in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya. A report in the Bangkok…

    Read More »
  • Central Thailand NewsWoman held on suspicion of murdering disabled father

    Woman held on suspicion of murdering disabled father

    Police in the central province of Lopburi have apprehended a woman they suspect is responsible for murdering her disabled father. The arrest comes after the 63 year old man’s body was found by the side of the road, not far from his home. Officers believe his daughter had help from a friend and speculated that substance abuse may have led…

    Read More »
  • Northern Thailand NewsUbon Ratchathani teacher charged with sexual abuse

    Ubon Ratchathani teacher charged with sexual abuse

    An Isaan teacher is facing sexual harassment and abuse charges after he allegedly paid young students in exchange for sexual acts. The practice is being frequently reported in Thai media these days as the taboo of reporting these cases is slowly raised. The Ubon Ratchathani teacher allegedly sexually abused 5 boys, ages 11 to 12, on numerous occasions, paying them…

    Read More »
  • Northern Thailand News2 Burmese nationals arrested while crossing river into Thailand

    2 Burmese nationals arrested while crossing river into Thailand

    Border forces have arrested 2 Burmese nationals as they were crossing a river in the northern province of Chiang Rai in an attempt to enter Thailand. There has been an increase in security patrols along the border with Myanmar in recent weeks, as the country experiences a spike in Covid-19 cases. There have been reports of Burmese nationals attempting to…

    Read More »
  • Crime NewsAnti-corruption officials call on PM to reveal details of “Boss” inquiry

    Anti-corruption officials call on PM to reveal details of “Boss” inquiry

    The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand is calling on the Thai PM to disclose the findings of a recent inquiry into the handling of the “Boss” case. The hit-and-run case against Red Bull heir, Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, has been mired in controversy for years, and a decision in July to drop all charges was greeted with uproar around the country. The…

    Read More »
  • Eastern Thailand NewsFamily hospitalised after elephant attack in eastern Thailand

    Family hospitalised after elephant attack in eastern Thailand

    A Cambodian family was hospitalised after a wild elephant attacked them at a rubber tree plantation in eastern Thailand. The parents and their 1 month old baby were camped at a Rayong plantation when the elephant passed by. The baby started to cry, startling the elephant. It apparently went into a panic and started to trample, according to the family’s…

    Read More »
  • Covid-19 NewsTrials and tribulations of returning to Thailand in the Covid era – a personal view

    Trials and tribulations of returning to Thailand in the Covid era – a personal view

    A series of articles by David Jackson Sunday morning and I am sitting inside my viewless window in a Bangkok Hotel waiting in anticipation for a trip down to reception where, after five lonely days, I get to experience my first brief contact with a human – a nurse who will presumably force a swab up my nose. Welcome to…

    Read More »
  • Politics NewsActivist vows university rally will take place, with or without permission

    Activist vows university rally will take place, with or without permission

    The political activist Parit Chiwarak, aka. “Penguin”, says a rally planned for September 19 at Thammasat University will go ahead, even if permission is refused from the University’s management. The gathering is set to take place at the university’s Tha Phra Chan campus in Bangkok, with Parit saying he expects around 50,000 people to attend. Khaosod English reports that the…

    Read More »
  • South Thailand NewsMonkeys take over Songkhla home while family away for holiday

    Monkeys take over Songkhla home while family away for holiday

    Monkeys took over a Songkhla home in Southern Thailand while a family was away during the 4 day long weekend holiday. Monkeys were on the roof, in the trees and on the fence while trash was scattered across the yard and driveway. Luckily, the monkeys couldn’t get inside the home (although we bet they tried). Monkeys frequent the area near the…

    Read More »
  • Politics NewsProtest leaders Anon and Panupong freed from jail on court order

    Protest leaders Anon and Panupong freed from jail on court order

    Two prominent anti-government protest leaders have now been released from Bangkok Special Prison, where they were being held on charges of violating their bail conditions. The human rights lawyer, Anon Nampa, and political protester Panupong Jaadnok, have been in and out of prison in recent weeks and, while out on bail, addressed the crowd at an anti-government rally, thereby breaching…

    Read More »