Month: June 2021

  • Thailand NewsAngry ex allegedly sets motorcycle on fire in school parking garage

    Angry ex allegedly sets motorcycle on fire in school parking garage

    Yesterday afternoon, Thong Lor police and firefighters were called to a school’s parking garage after a woman allegedly set her ex-husband’s motorcycle on fire. Firefighters went to the 3rd floor of Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Demonstration School’s parking lot to find a copious amount of smoke and a fire blazing. It took the firefighters an estimated 10 minutes to put the…

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  • World News6 arrested in Cambodia for allegedly trafficking people into Thailand

    6 arrested in Cambodia for allegedly trafficking people into Thailand

    6 young men and teenagers were arrested for allegedly trafficking people from Cambodia across the border into Thailand for work. The men and teenagers are facing human trafficking charges in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court. The suspects allegedly acted helped smuggle 12 people into Thailand to work, a police inspector told Khmer Times. 3 of the suspects were identified as labour…

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  • Covid-19 NewsTuesday Covid Update: 4,059 new cases; provincial totals

    Tuesday Covid Update: 4,059 new cases; provincial totals

    Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration logged 4,059 new cases today in 59 of the country’s 77 provinces. The active case count is now at 35,836, a slight increase as new cases reported are twice as many as the number of new recoveries. Over the past few weeks, the number of active cases has been on a downward trend after…

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  • Thailand NewsPower outages coming to Kathu

    Power outages coming to Kathu

    Electricity will be temporarily cut in parts of Kathu, Phuket tomorrow, announced the Provincial Electricity Authority. Further work is being done to install high voltage cables. The power will only be shut off from 9 am to 4:30 pm in the Kathua area on the Wichit Songkram Road, and between the Kathu Wittaya School to the intersection with the Kathu-Koh…

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  • Covid-19 NewsSamut Sakhon governor calls for more vaccine doses after order was cut

    Samut Sakhon governor calls for more vaccine doses after order was cut

    The pandemic has been rough on the governor of Samut Sakhon, a coastal province just southwest of Bangkok. Along with high numbers of Covid-19 cases and cluster outbreaks during the second and third waves of the virus, Governor Veerasak Vichitsangsri contracted Covid-19 in December and developed a severe lung infection. He spent 42 days on a ventilator. Now, as the…

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  • Thailand NewsFruit buyer arrested for allegedly using counterfeit certificates to export durian

    Fruit buyer arrested for allegedly using counterfeit certificates to export durian

    The proprietor of a fruit company in Chanthaburi, an eastern Thai province, has been arrested for allegedly using counterfeit Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices certificates to export Vietnamese Durians to China, passing them off as Thai Durians. Alongkorn Polabutr adviser to the agriculture and cooperatives minister, says they investigated the fruit-buying company named ‘lung Tu Odd, which is…

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  • Tourism NewsAirports of Thailand president says tourism won’t pick back up until October

    Airports of Thailand president says tourism won’t pick back up until October

    While Phuket’s “Sandbox” travel scheme is poised to reopen the island to foreign tourists on July 1, Airports of Thailand doesn’t expect arrivals to really pick up until October, which is the start of Thailand’s “high season” for tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects 600,000 tourists to arrive between July and September, but AoT president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn says the…

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  • Thailand NewsMobile sterilisation/vaccination truck helps Pattaya’s cats and dogs

    Mobile sterilisation/vaccination truck helps Pattaya’s cats and dogs

    Yesterday, a mobile sterilisation/vaccination truck was used in Pattaya to treat cats and dogs. The program was held at the Krating Lai Temple and was led by Pattaya City Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai. Manot says the project started 2 years ago with the goal of cutting down the number of stray cats and dog in Pattaya. “This service is free…

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  • Covid-19 News4 marijuana strains to be become National Heritages, possibly help effects of Covid

    4 marijuana strains to be become National Heritages, possibly help effects of Covid

    It will generate economic benefits for the country Thailand’s Health Minister, and noted non-fan of “unwashed farangs“, Anutin Charnvirakul, declared yesterday that 4 cannabis strains in Thailand will be registered as National Heritages. The move is done to promote research related to medical marijuana and combatting the effects of Covid-19. Anutin says the Medical Plant Research Institute through the Department…

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  • Thailand NewsMinistry of Defence orders another Airbus C295 for the Royal Thai Army

    Ministry of Defence orders another Airbus C295 for the Royal Thai Army

    The Royal Thai Army is adding another defence aircraft to its fleet. An order for an additional Airbus C295 airlifter for an undisclosed amount was recently made by Thailand’s Ministry of Defence. It will be be the country’s third C295 in its defence fleet. The tactical transport aircraft will be delivered to Thailand in 2023. The aircraft can be used…

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  • World NewsHong Kong may reduce quarantine for vaccinated residents returning from Singapore, UK

    Hong Kong may reduce quarantine for vaccinated residents returning from Singapore, UK

    Hong Kong residents returning home from Singapore or the UK may have quarantine requirements reduced if they are fully vaccinated. TTR Weekly reports that officials in Hong Kong are considering reducing quarantine for Singapore and UK arrivals who test positive for Covid-19 antibodies. Hong Kong currently has one of the longest mandatory quarantine requirements in the world, at 21 days.…

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  • Thailand NewsCrocodiles escape from farm in Trat

    Crocodiles escape from farm in Trat

    Yesterday, dozens of crocodiles managed to escape from their enclosures in a crocodile farm. Due to heavy rains, the crocodiles were able to swim through a flooded “ditch area” that was conveniently located near the farm. The flash flood and subsequent crocodile escape happened in the eastern province of Trat, which is next to the Cambodian border. The farm owner, Pirom Kannak…

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  • Thailand Protest NewsBangkok police prepare for pro-democracy rallies on Thursday

    Bangkok police prepare for pro-democracy rallies on Thursday

    The deputy commissioner of Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau says the force is ready to handle pro-democracy rallies planned for Thursday. Piya Tawichai says 4 groups are expected to stage rallies to commemorate a revolution carried out by Khana Ratsadon (The People’s Party) on June 24, 1932. The authorities are expecting rallies from 4 pro-democracy groups commemorating the 89th anniversary of…

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  • Phuket NewsRestrictions loosen in Phuket, alcohol allowed in restaurants

    Restrictions loosen in Phuket, alcohol allowed in restaurants

    Restrictions in Phuket have loosened, allowing restaurants to resume selling alcohol and certain venues to open under normal hours. The Phuket Governor signed the provincial order allowing restrictions to be lifted as preparation for reopening the island province under the “Phuket Sandbox” travel model, which will allow travellers from overseas, who are vaccinated against Covid-19, to enter without undergoing a…

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  • Tourism NewsTAT thinking up ways quarantine might be relaxed for tourists returning from Thailand

    TAT thinking up ways quarantine might be relaxed for tourists returning from Thailand

    The ever-inventive Tourism Authority of Thailand is looking at ways quarantine might be eased for tourists visiting Thailand, both on arrival here and on their return home. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn says “city bubbles” and activity-based travel arrangements in sandbox destinations could be the way forward. The arrangement would be between low-risk cities and would mean tourists could visit destinations…

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  • Covid-19 NewsTuesday Covid Update: 4,059 new cases and 35 deaths

    Tuesday Covid Update: 4,059 new cases and 35 deaths

    4,059 new Covid-19 cases and 35 coronavirus-related deaths were reported this morning by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. In the recent and most severe wave of the coronavirus in Thailand, the CCSA has recorded 196,502 infections since April 1, making up the vast majority of Thailand’s total count since the start of the pandemic last year. The new wave…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThird vaccine shot may be necessary to combat Delta variant

    Third vaccine shot may be necessary to combat Delta variant

    The head of the Department of Disease Control says a third vaccine dose may be needed to protect against more infectious Covid-19 variants. Opas Karnkawinpong says officials are studying if it is safe to vaccinate people with different brands following the first dose, but says it’s too soon to say. “Knowledge (about the virus and the vaccines is updated) constantly…

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  • South Thailand NewsSouth hit by 402 cases of Beta variant

    South hit by 402 cases of Beta variant

    The south of the country has been struck by a wave of Beta variant Covid-19 infections, after a cluster first discovered in a school spread to 402 people. The Beta variant, originally known as the South African variant, gives health officials greater cause for concern as studies show it may be more resistant to vaccines. According to the Bangkok Post,…

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  • World NewsAfricalink 21.06.21 – 16 UTC – MP3-Stereo

    Africalink 21.06.21 – 16 UTC – MP3-Stereo

    Ethiopia goes to the polls +++ Malawians scrambles for COVID weeks after incinerating 19,000 doses +++ Interview- Has Buhari Failed Nigerians? +++South Africa maternal health care in crisis SOURCE: DW News

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  • World NewsPhilippines: Families of war on drugs victims welcome ICC probe

    Philippines: Families of war on drugs victims welcome ICC probe

    Katherine Bautista burst into tears when she received the news about the International Criminal Court (ICC) decision to seek a full investigation into Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs that killed thousands of mostly suspected drug dealers from poor urban communities. Her stepson, John Jezreel David, was killed during a drug operation conducted by the police in 2017. “We’ve…

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  • World NewsTwitter’s India troubles show tough path ahead for digital platforms

    Twitter’s India troubles show tough path ahead for digital platforms

    Twitter holds a relatively low share of India’s social media market. But, since 2017, the huge nation has emerged as Twitter’s fastest-growing market, becoming critical to its global expansion plans. In February, the Indian government introduced new guidelines to regulate digital content on rapidly growing social media platforms. The so-called Intermediary Guidelines are aimed at regulating content on internet platforms…

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  • Covid-19 NewsAstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines to be donated to Thailand from Japan

    AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines to be donated to Thailand from Japan

    As Thailand’s vaccine supply runs short due to production delays, the Japanese government has offered to donate doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, according to Thailand’s health minister Anutin Charnvirakul. An agreement is set to be signed this week and vaccine doses would be delivered next month. Anutin only gave a brief statement and did not say how many doses…

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  • Bangkok NewsBangkok police warn that protests planned for Thursday break the Emergency Decree

    Bangkok police warn that protests planned for Thursday break the Emergency Decree

    Bangkok police are warning pro-democracy activists that they may face legal again if they hold a rally. Several Bangkok-based groups backing the movement pushing for monarchy and government reform are planning to hold a rally on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the 1932 Siam Revolution. On July 24, 1932, the Khana Ratsadon political party, which means “Peoples’ Party,” led…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Hotel occupancy, Phuket beaches hit with tar balls, doctor ‘warning’ | June 21

    Thailand News Today | Hotel occupancy, Phuket beaches hit with tar balls, doctor ‘warning’ | June 21

    Thai Hotels Association revealed average occupancy for the county’s hotels in June is not expected to increase from the 6% seen in May, Small tar balls, clumps of congealed oil, have been washing up on the Phuket’s west coast beaches, Another Thai doctor is stressing the need for caution over hastily reopening Thailand, Chon Buri, has ordered a lockdown in…

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  • Thailand NewsPattaya residents complain of sinkholes in road, couple sustains injuries

    Pattaya residents complain of sinkholes in road, couple sustains injuries

    I sustained a minor injury while my boyfriend suffered serious injuries. People in the Pattaya area are reporting that they have suffered injuries from sinkholes in the road. Others are complaining about the faulty infrastructure on social media. The sinkholes are due to recent heavy flooding in the area. Also, work done by a public works company, allege locals. 26…

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  • South Thailand News2 suspected insurgents killed in gunfire exchange with police-military team

    2 suspected insurgents killed in gunfire exchange with police-military team

    In a clash with Thai security forces at a seaside resort, 2 suspected insurgents were killed. As of this afternoon, a team of police and military were still surrounding the resort in Pattani’s Yaring district and another suspected insurgent was still inside. Pattani has been prone to violence due to the religious separatist insurgency in Thailand’s region near the Malaysian…

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  • Thailand NewsArmy raids a house, arrests 53 as part of alleged gambling operation

    Army raids a house, arrests 53 as part of alleged gambling operation

    This morning, the Thai army raided a house in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. As part of the raid, they arrested 40 Chinese nationals, 12 Burmese, and 1 Filipino that were allegedly running an online gambling operation. The house was in a resort located in the Mok Cham Pae of the Muang district that borders Myanmar. Thai media…

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  • Best ofTop 5 Insurance Companies for Expats in Thailand

    Top 5 Insurance Companies for Expats in Thailand

    As an expat living in Thailand, finding the best insurance company can be difficult. This is because the insurance industry in Thailand is big. Besides local and offshore insurance companies, banks also offer insurance. Insurance is a business of trust. When you buy insurance, you need to make sure that the insurance company will actually pay your claims. Therefore, they…

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  • World NewsThailand abstains from vote on UN resolution condemning Myanmar violence

    Thailand abstains from vote on UN resolution condemning Myanmar violence

    On the United Nations’ rare move, adopting a resolution urging the military in Myanmar to cease violence, Thailand abstained from voting on the non-binding motion. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat says there were several essential factors to why Thailand declined to vote. 119 member countries of the United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday in support of the resolution…

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  • Best ofTop 5 shabu-shabu restaurants in Bangkok

    Top 5 shabu-shabu restaurants in Bangkok

    Shabu-shabu is a very popular choice among families and friends across Bangkok, especially on a cold and rainy day. This Japanese hot pot dish usually has thinly-sliced cuts of beef or pork stewing in a delicious broth with a mixture of vegetables; this combination packs a rich and flavourful punch with each bite. Not only does it warm up your…

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  • World NewsIndonesia approaches 2 million Covid cases

    Indonesia approaches 2 million Covid cases

    If we let this continue, the situation can become urgent and critical The total number of Covid cases in Indonesia is quickly approaching 2 million. Hospitals continue to struggle with the growing number of infections. Yesterday, Indonesia’s government said they had 13,737 cases which brought the total to 1.99 million. More people are also dying as the hospitalisation rates have…

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  • Thailand NewsMonday Covid Update: 3,175 new cases; infections rise in the Deep South

    Monday Covid Update: 3,175 new cases; infections rise in the Deep South

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration recorded 3,175 new Covid-19 cases today. Thailand now has 33,859 active cases, a slight increase since the count recorded yesterday after a downward trend over the past few weeks. 29 coronavirus-related fatalities were reported today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 1,658. Since the start of the pandemic last year, the CCSA…

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  • Environment NewsOil slick and ‘tar balls’ wash up on Phuket’s beaches – what caused it?

    Oil slick and ‘tar balls’ wash up on Phuket’s beaches – what caused it?

    What caused it? We visit Nai Yang beach as volunteers are part of a huge beach clean up involving oil slick ‘tar balls’ that have washed ashore Phuket beaches creating a huge mess. Here’s Michelles’ Facebook page… https://www.facebook.com/Sustainable-Mai-Khao-102076665030960/

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok police are “ready” for Thursday’s protests

    Bangkok police are “ready” for Thursday’s protests

    Police in Bangkok are readying themselves for rallies that are planned for Thursday, which makes the 89th anniversary of the June 24, 1932 revolution by the Khana Ratsadon. The revolution made Thailand go from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s commissioner, Piya Tawichai said today that he anticipates 4 groups to demonstrate in 3 days.…

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  • Thailand NewsParachutist dies after being smashed into cliff face, falling into forest

    Parachutist dies after being smashed into cliff face, falling into forest

    A 53 year old sublieutenant went base jumping over the weekend and died when a gust of wind propelled the chute toward a mountain’s cliff. The man smashed into the cliff but appeared conscious. Then he plummeted into the thick forest below. The incident took place in central Thailand’s Lopburi Province. The unidentified parachutist had gone base jumping with 5…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid cluster spreads from Yala to other southern provinces

    Covid cluster spreads from Yala to other southern provinces

    A Covid cluster in Thailand’s southern province Yala has widened to 190 infections in multiple provinces, says the Disease Control Department. The cluster started at a madrasa, an Islamic boarding school. The majority of the infections (69) were discovered in Yala. Some of the infections by province are as follows: Satun: 37 Songkhla: 17 Pattani: 14 Krabi:14 Narathiwat: 13 Surat…

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  • Thailand NewsProposed start date now July 15 for “Samui Plus” reopening

    Proposed start date now July 15 for “Samui Plus” reopening

    The proposed reopening date for the “Samui Plus” travel scheme is now July 15. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, islands in the Gulf of Thailand off the Surat Thani coast, are planned to reopen to travellers from overseas who are vaccinated against Covid-19. Initially called the “Samui Sealed Route,” the proposed travel scheme will allow those who are…

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