Month: July 2021

  • World NewsAfghanistan: Can Pakistan ‘manage’ the Taliban?

    Afghanistan: Can Pakistan ‘manage’ the Taliban?

    The security situation in Afghanistan is rapidly deteriorating amid the withdrawal of NATO troops from the country. The Afghan Taliban have intensified their attacks on government forces and have captured vast swathes of territories in the past few months. A political settlement in Afghanistan seems unlikely at this point, with both the Taliban and President Ashraf Ghani’s government blaming each…

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  • Thailand NewsDSI asked to step in and investigate multimillion baht street lamp project

    DSI asked to step in and investigate multimillion baht street lamp project

    Following the ongoing controversy of hundreds of millions of baht spent by local officials on expensive street lamps, the Department of Special Investigation has been asked to step in and investigate the projects in the Racha Thewa subdistrict of Samut Prakan, just outside Bangkok. The National Anti-Corruption Commission is also establishing 5 panels to investigate the lamp project, a probe…

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  • Thailand NewsKaron criminal arrested for allegedly stealing 18,000 baht

    Karon criminal arrested for allegedly stealing 18,000 baht

    Yesterday, a man was arrested in Karon, Phuket for allegedly stealing 18,000 baht from an American. The 42 year old unnamed Thai man allegedly stole 18,000 baht out of 39 year old James Anthony Melwesti’s villa. James had contacted Karon police to report he was 18,000 baht lighter. Thai media says that police checked CCTV and saw a man had…

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  • World NewsCyprus vaccine drive: ‘SafePass’ mandatory, no more free COVID tests

    Cyprus vaccine drive: ‘SafePass’ mandatory, no more free COVID tests

    Cyprus’ coronavirus cases have exceeded 6,500 in the past two weeks, with over 850 infections reported on average every day. One hundred and twenty-five COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, among them 32 in critical condition. Although Cyprus has managed to vaccinate more than 65% of its population with a first dose, while 55% of its population is now fully vaccinated, vaccination…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand monitoring Myanmar situation, will work to end conflict

    Thailand monitoring Myanmar situation, will work to end conflict

    Since the February 1 military coup in Myanmar, the Thai government has been relatively quiet on the situation in the neighbouring country, with a few statements urging for peace and an end to the violence after more than 700 people were killed by Burmese security forces. Some clashes between the military and ethnic troops have been along the Thai border,…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFirst night of curfew: 299 arrested

    First night of curfew: 299 arrested

    From last night to this morning, police arrested 299 people across 10 provinces. The suspects were allegedly not adhering to the new curfew, says police spokesperson Yingyot Thepjamnong. The breakdown of arrested is as follows: 57 arrested in Bangkok 187 arrested throughout: Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani 7 arrested in Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon 48 arrested in Songkhla,…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Covid blame game, theatres close, Sandbox spin | July 13

    Thailand News Today | Covid blame game, theatres close, Sandbox spin | July 13

    The Thailand Development Research Institute has levelled the blame of the current vaccine shortage and policy shortfalls on the Thai government in a recently published report. Yesterday, cinema chain Major Cineplex announced it was closing 5 of its movie theatre locations in Bangkok. The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office Chief is putting a positive spin on the recent Covid-infected tourists…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsTour van drivers suffer from lack of passengers, Covid restrictions

    Tour van drivers suffer from lack of passengers, Covid restrictions

    Tour van drivers are currently suffering under the weight of vehicle payments against the lightness of tourists to drive around. In northeastern Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, 41 year old tour van driver Punnawit Jaenlue, says he used to do 20 trips a month, raking in about 50,000 baht. However, due to Covid restriction pertaining to interprovincial travel, he says making even…

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  • Thailand NewsPublic warned about immigration police impersonators asking for bribes

    Public warned about immigration police impersonators asking for bribes

    The Thai Immigration Bureau is warning foreign residents and the general public to be careful of people who are impersonating as immigration police officers and asking for bribes or other payments. Apparently, the people posing as immigration officers are approaching individual foreigners and are inspecting establishments like factories, which tend to employ migrant workers. If approached by someone claiming to…

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  • Bangkok NewsMore than 1,000 people file damage complaints related to Samut Prakan chemical fire

    More than 1,000 people file damage complaints related to Samut Prakan chemical fire

    More than 1,000 residents in Samut Prakan’s Bang Phili district have filed damage complaints relating to the Ming Dih Chemical Company explosion and massive fire last week which took more than 24 hours to control. Helicopters were deployed to spray fire retardant foam. Residents within a 5 kilometre radius were told to evacuate. Toxic black smoke billowing from the chemical…

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  • Thailand NewsBangkok Government Complex provides free Covid testing, registering online first imperative

    Bangkok Government Complex provides free Covid testing, registering online first imperative

    For people who wish to get a free Covid test at the Government Complex, they must register online first, says the National Health Security Office, today. The test will be the rapid antigen test. The testing location is on Chaeng Wattana Road and will be open until July 30. The hours are 8 am and 4 pm, but not on…

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  • Travel GuidesTop budget Airbnbs to rent in Bangkok

    Top budget Airbnbs to rent in Bangkok

    For Bangkok visitors, finding a place to rest is certainly at the top of the list, especially when there are so many accommodations in which to choose. From hotels to apartments, Thailand’s capital has it all available at your fingertips. Moreover, some of the coolest places to stay the night are, surprisingly, quite affordable. Instead of booking a hotel where…

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  • Thailand NewsThai authorities crackdown on Covid-19 “fake news,” posters could face jail time

    Thai authorities crackdown on Covid-19 “fake news,” posters could face jail time

    Thai authorities are cracking down on fake news, particularly false claims about the Covid-19 situation in Thailand. The Digital Economy and Society Ministry’s Anti-Fake News Centre reported more than 50 cases of fake news posted since last month, most involving Covid-19 or vaccines. Police are now investigating the cases. Those who posted or shared misleading information found to threaten national…

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  • Covid-19 NewsTuesday Covid Update: 8,685 new cases; provincial totals

    Tuesday Covid Update: 8,685 new cases; provincial totals

    Continuing on a sharp upward trend in the latest wave of Covid-19 infections, Thailand now has 95,410 active coronavirus cases. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration recorded 8,685 new Covid-19 cases today, raising the total case count since the start of the pandemic last year to 353,712. The latest and most severe wave of the virus, first recorded on April…

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  • Pattaya NewsSi Racha snake stuck in road goes viral

    Si Racha snake stuck in road goes viral

    Yesterday, a 3 metre python went viral in Si Racha, a district on the Gulf of Thailand, for being stuck in a drain cover and requiring rescue. About 3 pm Monday, rescue workers and animal control were alerted to the snake’s plight. They got to the scene and found the snake popping out of different pipes on a drain cover…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThai government accused of mismanagement during the pandemic

    Thai government accused of mismanagement during the pandemic

    The Thai government is being accused of mismanagement related to the Covid-19 pandemic and procurement of vaccines. The Thailand Development Research Institute released a report outlining the government’s role in combating the spread of the virus, saying there were poor preparations leading up to the recent and most severe wave. The institute is now calling for an independent committee to…

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  • Thailand NewsRapid antigen tests should be available next week for testing at home

    Rapid antigen tests should be available next week for testing at home

    Yesterday, the Public Health Ministry announced that rapid antigen tests will now be sold for home use. The tests will be sold at hospitals, health clinics, pharmacies, and other locations that have been approved by the FDA. The announcement states that government institutions that get the kits must send them to hospitals. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also said yesterday…

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  • Thailand NewsInfections in the sandbox not surprising, says Phuket health office Chief

    Infections in the sandbox not surprising, says Phuket health office Chief

    “The infected cases among Phuket Sandbox tourists were expected under the plan made before opening the island.” Phuket Provincial Public Health Office Chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon announced at a press conference yesterday that Covid infected tourists popping up in the sandbox were “expected”. Dr Kusak assured the public, and tourists mulling where to go on vacation, that zero of the…

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  • Bangkok News5 movie theatres in Bangkok temporarily close

    5 movie theatres in Bangkok temporarily close

    Yesterday, Major Cineplex stated it was closing 5 of its movie theatre locations in Bangkok. They will stay closed until July 25. The move is a precautionary measure against Covid. The movie Major Cineplex theatres closing are: Ratchayothin Rangsit Pin Klao Sukhumvit Esplanade Certain establishments are still open inside the shopping centre, however. They will still be closed at 8…

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  • Covid-19 NewsChon Buri governor orders nightly closures and requests residents to stay at home

    Chon Buri governor orders nightly closures and requests residents to stay at home

    With Covid-19 still on the rise in Chon Buri, the governor imposed new disease control measures ordering nightly business closures and officially requesting residents to stay at home from 9pm to 4am, unless travel is essential. The order goes into effect today. The restrictions are in place until the Covid-19 situation in Chon Buri improves. Chon Buri, which includes Pattaya,…

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  • Covid-19 News2 Bangkok hospitals allowing foreigners to register for Covid-19 vaccination

    2 Bangkok hospitals allowing foreigners to register for Covid-19 vaccination

    UPDATE: The Thaiger has been informed that registration is open for 5 days only @ 100 people a day only. We would also urge people to understand that these vaccines are not in the country at this time and that people may be asked to pre-pay for the service. Following the decommissioning of the bug-ridden Thailandintervac.com website, expats in Thailand…

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  • Covid-19 NewsPrivate hospitals call on government to cover costs of caring for Covid patients

    Private hospitals call on government to cover costs of caring for Covid patients

    Thailand’s private hospitals say that if the government would help cover the medical costs of Covid-19 patients, private facilities could help ease the burden on the public health system. The Bangkok Post reports that Pongpat Patanavanich from TPP Healthcare International, which owns MedPark Hospital, says medical costs at private hospitals are too high for those with limited budgets. According to…

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  • Covid-19 NewsWorld Health Organisation warns against “dangerous trend” of mixing Covid vaccines

    World Health Organisation warns against “dangerous trend” of mixing Covid vaccines

    A chief scientist at the World Health Organisation has warned against an emerging practice of mixing Covid-19 vaccines. Speaking during an online briefing, Soumya Swaminathan described the practice of combining vaccines from different manufacturers as a, “dangerous trend”. She says a lack of safety data means countries should refrain from random decision-making on vaccine boosters and combinations. “It’s a little…

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  • Thailand video newsGood Morning Thailand | Stefanie the Sandboxer Update, Covid latest, Viewer questions

    Good Morning Thailand | Stefanie the Sandboxer Update, Covid latest, Viewer questions

    Today Jay and Tim talk with Stefanie about her situation in her ASQ hotel and if there have been any developments over the past few days or a possibility of getting out of quarantine. Covid latest and a chance for our viewers to ask Stefanie some questions. You can watch the full video about Stefanie’s story here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_91SYF456UU For more…

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  • 360 ReviewsThe 8 best washing machines of 2021

    The 8 best washing machines of 2021

    Investing in a good washing machine is probably one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. It will help you tackle your chores quickly and pamper your clothes so they can last for years to come. A great washing machine will not only fade stains but also effectively rinse out the detergent without damaging the fabric. They will also use…

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  • Covid-19 NewsTuesday Covid Update: 8,685 new cases and 56 deaths

    Tuesday Covid Update: 8,685 new cases and 56 deaths

    8,685 new Covid-19 cases and 56 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Since April 1, the latest and most severe wave of Covid-19, the CCSA has reported 324,849 infections. Out of the new cases reported today, 146 infections were reported in correctional facilities. The recent wave of infections spread to Thailand’s overcrowded prisons, infecting…

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  • Koh Samui NewsKoh Samui opens for bookings from vaccinated foreign tourists

    Koh Samui opens for bookings from vaccinated foreign tourists

    Koh Samui’s sealed route programme, Samui Plus, has opened for business, with vaccinated tourists now able to apply for a certificate of entry. Ratchaporn Poolsawadee from the Tourism Association of Koh Samui says some details need to be ironed out, including determing the cost of a 7-day stay at an alternative state quarantine facility, to include Covid-19 tests and medical…

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  • Covid-19 NewsStudy shows antibodies drop by 50% every 40 days after 2 doses of Sinovac

    Study shows antibodies drop by 50% every 40 days after 2 doses of Sinovac

    A study carried out by the faculty of medicine at Thammasat University and the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology has found that antibodies halve every 40 days after 2 doses of the Sinovac vaccine. Researcher Anan Jongkaewwattana says 500 people who received both doses of the Chinese vaccine took part in the study. The findings confirmed that their…

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  • World NewsEuro 2020: Racism rears its ugly head — again

    Euro 2020: Racism rears its ugly head — again

    One of the lasting and most compelling images of the Euro 2020 was that of England players taking the knee before their games to highlight racial inequality and discrimination. Those efforts were undone in the early hours of Monday morning. As if losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy wasn’t bad enough for most English fans, the country woke up…

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  • World NewsAfghanistan: Can Turkey tame the Taliban?

    Afghanistan: Can Turkey tame the Taliban?

    Now that almost all Western troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan, the central government in Kabul is largely on its own to fight the radical Islamist Taliban. But Afghanistan might now receive military help from Turkey. During talks on the sidelines of last month’s NATO summit in Brussels, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with his US counterpart Joe Biden about…

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  • World NewsDilip Kumar: Bollywood legend who narrowed India-Pakistan divide

    Dilip Kumar: Bollywood legend who narrowed India-Pakistan divide

    Indian movie stars, particularly from Bollywood, remain immensely popular in Pakistan despite the bitter political rivalry between the two nations. But Dilip Kumar wasn’t just any film star — his appeal transcended borders, generations — and the silver screen. Over the past week, the actor was remembered for the roles he played in movies, and the ones he played in…

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  • Covid-19 NewsBangkok construction workers infected with both Alpha and Delta strains

    Bangkok construction workers infected with both Alpha and Delta strains

    Some workers at a Bangkok constructions camp have tested positive for both the Alpha and Delta variants of Covid-19. The Bangkok Post calls it a “mixed infection” while both Nation Thailand and Thai PBS say the workers tested positive for a hybrid strain of the 2 variants. Thailand’s Medical Sciences Department director-general Dr. Supakit Sirilak announced the findings today saying…

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  • Thailand News18 arrested and 8 luxury cars seized in alleged online gambling operation bust

    18 arrested and 8 luxury cars seized in alleged online gambling operation bust

    18 people were arrested after Thailand’s Police Cyber Taskforce raided 2 homes in Pathum Thani suspected of being used for operating several online gambling websites. The suspects face charges of illegally running an online gambling operation and violating the Emergency Decree, which was put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19. Recently, the Thai government imposed tight restrictions in…

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  • Covid-19 NewsAstraZeneca approved as third “booster” shot and as second dose after Sinovac

    AstraZeneca approved as third “booster” shot and as second dose after Sinovac

    The AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine has been approved to be used as a third “booster” shot as well as a second dose for those who have been injected with a dose of the Sinovac vaccine. Thailand’s National Communicable Disease Committee officially approved the additional AstraZeneca doses. Following hundreds of cases involving vaccinated healthcare workers testing positive for Covid-19, as well as…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Upgraded Sandbox entry, over-the-counter Covid tests | July 12

    Thailand News Today | Upgraded Sandbox entry, over-the-counter Covid tests | July 12

    Tougher controls have now been introduced for domestic visitors to the Phuket Sandbox. Three more infections were found among tourists who arrived on the island yesterday, total six. The Public Health Ministry has approved in principle for rapid antigen tests to be made available for the public to purchase from Bangkok clinics and pharmacies. Surprise surprise, the Burmese military junta’s…

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  • Covid-19 NewsMonday Covid Update: 8,656 new cases; provincial totals

    Monday Covid Update: 8,656 new cases; provincial totals

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration recorded 8,656 new Covid-19 cases today, raising Thailand’s total case count since the start of the pandemic last year to 345,027 confirmed infections. The latest and most severe wave of infections, first recorded on April 1 in Bangkok nightlife districts, has accounted for 316,164 of the total confirmed cases. Thailand now has a record…

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  • Thailand News6 “Phuket Sandbox” travellers have tested positive for Covid-19 since July 1 reopening

    6 “Phuket Sandbox” travellers have tested positive for Covid-19 since July 1 reopening

    So far, 6 people who entered Phuket under the “Sandbox” reopening scheme have tested positive for Covid-19. Those in close contact need to quarantine for 14 days. The reopening scheme allows travellers who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, as well as their children, to enter the island province without undergoing quarantine. Nearly 4,000 tourists entered Phuket from July 1…

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