Month: July 2021
- World News
The wondrous Lake Wonchi
Have you ever heard of Lake Wonchi? The lake fills a volcanic crater that lies 100 km southwest of the capital Addis Ababa. It is surrounded by tree-covered mountains, lush valleys and natural hot springs. 2,800 m above sea level, the crater is also Ethiopia’s highest volcano. The 14th century monastery of Tana Kirkos is also located here. Tourists are…
Read More » - World News
How Russian money keeps Belarus afloat
Russia has supported its western neighbor Belarus for decades — long before the European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on Minsk and President Alexander Lukashenko. Earlier this summer, Moscow loaned its ally $500 million (€423 million) — six months prior, it had issued Lukashenko’s regime a similar sum. Looking on from the outside, such figures appear to be…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Survey shows Singaporeans making travel plans as country eyes re-opening
The findings of the latest Finder’s Travel Index show that 44% of adults in Singapore are planning to travel within the next 3 months. The Finder’s Travel Index is a series of surveys, conducted across 12 countries, to gauge travel sentiment. The latest findings show an increase of 20% in the number of Singaporeans planning to travel imminently, compared to…
Read More » - Thailand News
Media banned from spreading fake/distorted news, violators could have internet cut
Starting today, the Thai government has banned media from spreading fake or distorted news that might cause fear pertaining to the Covid outbreak. The threat of censorship now hangs over the heads of violators. Thailand’s PM Prayut Chan-o-cha signed the restriction order, which was previously published in the Royal Gazette. The order says that the media is barred from publishing/broadcasting…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
21 of yesterday’s Covid-related deaths died at home
The number of new infections in the most severe wave to hit Thailand since the start of the pandemic continues to rise. And of 165 Covid-related deaths reported yesterday, 21 of them died at home. The Bangkok Post reports that the highest number of infections is in the capital, with 3,963 new cases reported yesterday, followed by the neighbouring provinces…
Read More » - Things To Do
Top 5 shopping malls Phuket
Shopping malls in Phuket are as great as the ones in Bangkok. The malls feature both international and local brand names, top-quality supermarkets, restaurants serving delicious cuisines from all around the world, and entertainment venues. You can watch a movie, escape the heat of the day, sample great food, or simply go on a shopping spree at the best shopping…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
11 charged for allegedly selling fake Bang Sue vaccination appointments
Police in Bangkok have charged 11 people with selling fake vaccination appointments through unauthorised use of the Bang Sue vaccination booking system. According to a Bangkok Post report, Dr Mingkwan Wichaidit, who runs the vaccination centre at Bang Sue Grand station, says the unexpectedly large number of appointments aroused suspicion. It’s understood up to 2,000 suspicious appointments appeared in the…
Read More » - Koh Samui News
Samui re-opening plans under threat as island infections rise
Koh Samui’s re-opening plan, Samui Plus, may be cancelled if the Covid-19 situation worsens in the next 2 weeks. Yuthasak Supasorn from the Tourism Authority of Thailand says for now, the re-opening is still on, although a recently approved plan to allow participants in the Phuket sandbox to visit Samui and other islands after 7 days on Phuket has been…
Read More » - Thailand News
Field hospital set up in Phuket Rajabhat University for Covid-19 patients
A second field hospital was set up at the Phuket Rajabhat University campus north of Phuket Town to accommodate and monitor the Covid-19 patients in the “green group,” which refers to Covid-19 patients that have mild symptoms to no symptoms. The patients’ symptoms will constantly be will be monitored and observed under the care system of Vachira Phuket hospital as…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Vaccine hesitancy testing the patience of fully inoculated Americans
As the Delta variant prompts a new wave of infections in the US, fully vaccinated Americans are running out of patience with fellow citizens who refuse to be inoculated. The issue of vaccine hesitancy, driven by factors such as conspiracy theories and mistrust of the government, could lead to restrictions being re-imposed, rather than the return to normality people are…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Friday Covid Update: 17,345 new cases and 117 deaths
17,345 new Covid-19 cases and 117 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus in Thailand, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has reported 549,512 confirmed Covid-19 infections. Out of the new cases reported today, 681 were found in correctional facilities. The latest wave of…
Read More » - Phuket News
Domestic travel to Phuket all but banned starting August 2
The Phuket government has found itself in a precarious predicament, caught between domestic and international tourism. While walking a tightrope between local and international, authorities have just announced what essentially amounts to a domestic lockout with new travel restrictions into Phuket going into effect on August 3. The Sandbox scheme is a critical step for international tourism to finally return…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Despite Covid-19 Phuket Sandbox continues at least 2 weeks
With Covid-19 infections surging in Phuket, many have questioned if the Phuket Sandbox scheme would continue or be shut down as the original provisions of the Sandbox said that thresholds like over 90 infections a week could trigger revisions or cancellation of the programme. Now the Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Control has confirmed that, despite the rise…
Read More » - World News
Tanzania starts vaccine campaign in COVID-19 U-turn
The launching of Tanzania’s belated vaccination campaign is the most decisive signal yet of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s break from the coronavirus policies of her late predecessor, John Magufuli. Magufuli, who died in March, was a devout Christian and a coronavirus skeptic. Saying God would protect his people, he championed prayers over face masks and home remedies such as steam…
Read More » - World News
COVID: Why India’s economy cannot afford another lockdown
As a delayed monsoon finally reaches New Delhi, shopkeepers at a local market duck under covers and frantically attempt to keep their merchandise from getting wet. They say they cannot afford any further blow to their small business following more than a year of erratic income due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now there is fear of another crippling COVID-induced lockdown.…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Chulalongkorn University progressing on domestic mRNA vaccine
With Covid-19 battering Thailand and the third wave bringing the Sinovac-resistant Delta variant to the forefront of the pandemic, Thailand’s slow vaccine rollout is further burdened by the ineffectiveness of the Chinese made traditional vaccine that a majority of inoculations are using. AstraZeneca provides more protection, and talk of booster shots have come after mixing vaccine doses has begun. But…
Read More » - World News
India seeks to reform its military amid new security threats
The top brass of the Indian military met last week to discuss massive reforms, which are aimed at integrating the capabilities of the army, the navy and the air force. In a plan backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, the current 17 single-service units will come under five “theater commands” in a bid to establish a unified approach to…
Read More » - Koh Samui News
Black Club Covid-19 outbreak on Koh Samui widens
After announcing a Covid-19 cluster outbreak at Black Bamboo Club in Koh Samui with 16 infections, many more people were found to have the virus. Over 600 people were tested yesterday in connection with the outbreak now sourced most likely to a fitness instructor in Lamai and reports of up to 90 additional cases are circulating with 38 infections currently…
Read More » - Thailand News
Possible earthquake in Nonthaburi this morning
Early this morning, there was an unconfirmed earthquake near Nonthaburi, the province just north of Bangkok. The magnitude is unknown. The event’s status as an earthquake is pending until “at least one national or international seismological agency” confirms it was an earthquake, according to Volcano Discovery. Last week, there were 4 small earthquakes reported in Kanchanaburi. There were no reported…
Read More » - World News
Kashmir lockdowns put houseboats’ survival at risk
Traditional houseboats on Dal Lake in Srinagar draw tourists from around the world. But environmental degradation and the pandemic are keeping this heritage from staying afloat. SOURCE: DW News
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Bangkok Bang Sue scam under investigation, 7 volunteers and counting to be questioned
7 Bangkok Bang Sue Grand Station volunteers are currently under investigation for a suspected scam. However, Amnat Traipot, the commander of the railway police said today that even more people are suspected of being involved with the scam. The Bang Sue scam was reported to the police yesterday by officials from the Department of Medical Services. Reportedly, the volunteers would…
Read More » - World News
Empowerment through livestock breeding
Breeding livestock is an ancestral practice for women in the Zinder region of southeast Niger. It’s an important source of income for the women. Livestock breeding is the second most important economic activity in Niger after agriculture. The women either inherit their cows from their parents or buy them through anti-poverty programs. They check on their animals daily, feeding and…
Read More » - Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | ‘Crowding’ due to camera angles, train hospitals | July 29
Thai Health minister Anutin wants to reassure the public that images of crowds of people packing into Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station might be deceptive. Sleeper trains in Bangkok are being converted into isolation facilities for Covid-19 patients who are waiting for a hospital bed to become available. Thai media organisations have issued a joint statement calling on the government…
Read More » - Thailand News
Spray guns ineffective and dangerous, says TFDA
Thailand’s FDA is cautioning the public against using alcohol spray guns, stating the tiny droplets the gun emits are ineffective against disinfecting surfaces, also, the spraying might cause pathogens to spread faster. Instead, the TFDA is saying to use alcohol gel to wipe down surfaces, rather than spray guns. The Deputy Secretary General of the TFDA, Dr Supatra Boonserm says…
Read More » - Crime News
Methamphetamine pills hidden in instant noodle packets delivered for Covid patient
Methamphetamine pills were found in packages of instant noodles that were dropped off yesterday morning for a Covid-19 patient being treated at Sanam Hospital in Nan, a province in northern Thailand bordering Laos. A young man, believed to be around 20 to 25 years old, came by the hospital to deliver the instant noodles to his 25 year old friend…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Anonymous “Dr Sandy” says pray the Covid situation gets better
The Covid situation in Thailand? It’s in god/gods hands now, is the message a doctor posted to Facebook recently. “Dr Sandy“, is a nom de plume for a doctor who posts to a Facebook page with over 5,500 followers. The doctor states they work at central Thailand’s Samut Skahon’s Ban Paew district hospital. “Dr sandy” posted an image of the…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Thursday Covid Update: Record high of 17,669 new cases; provincial totals
Record highs of both new Covid-19 infections and coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. 17,669 new Covid-19 cases were recorded today, including 3,963 in Bangkok, the epicentre of the latest and most severe wave of infections. Since the start of the pandemic last year, the CCSA has recorded a total of 561,030 confirmed Covid-19…
Read More » - Tourism News
Experience Phuket’s Islands with 5 Star Marine
Phuket and Krabi’s seascapes are famous for a reason. Boasting serene white beaches and untouched limestone karats, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. With 5 Star Marine, its surrounding islands are easier to explore than ever. In the comfort of your own VIP speedboat, take in hidden bays, caves and lagoons, or visit deserted beaches off the beaten track. Luxury and…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket governor eyes construction camps for stricter Covid measures
Yesterday, Phuket’s governor Narong Woonciew inspected workers’ construction camps throughout the island. His inspections concerned the disease control measures that were put in effect after 13 workers at a Patong camped tested positive for Covid, which led to officials claiming the camp down in a month of “Bubble and Seal” quarantine. Kathu District Chief, Trithip Sakulpradit, and officers from the…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Health Minister says Bang Sue not crowded, blames “camera angles”
Health minister, and TikTok star hopeful, Anutin Charnvirakul wants to reassure the public that images of crowds of people packing into Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station might be deceptive. Anutin says that viewers might be deceived by “camera angles or whatever” that give the viewer the false impression that there are large crowds at the station. Yesterday, Anutin said he…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Cambodia plans lockdown with 8 provinces that border Thailand
Cambodia is planning an 8 province lockdown with provinces that border Thailand. The lockdown starts at midnight, tonight. The measure is in order to curb the spread of the Delta variant in their country. Yesterday, PM Hun Sen signed the lockdown. It will ban people from leaving their houses, gathering in groups, and “conducting business”, with the exception of people…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Sleeper trains in Bangkok to become isolation facilities for Covid-19 patients
Sleeper trains in Bangkok are being converted into isolation facilities for Covid-19 patients who are waiting for a hospital bed to become available. With the surge of Covid-19 cases, today hitting a record high of 17,669 new cases, hospitals in Bangkok, the epicentre of infections, have run low on beds to treat patients infected with the coronavirus. At Bang Sue…
Read More » - Thailand video news
GMT | New record infections, Pattaya ‘Move On’, drones or fireworks? | July 29
Tim and Jay talk about new clusters around the country, idiots opening bars, the latest Samui cluster, vaccination centre crushes, the new ‘fireworks’ being used at big events, a lot of fuss about a Thai Air Asia Zoom call. And your comments from Thaiger Talk and YouTube. Thanks to our sponsors Shambhala from Boat Pattana.
Read More » - Covid-19 News
US government to donate 2.5 million vaccine doses to Thailand
According to a Thai PBS World report, the US has confirmed it will donate 2.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Thailand. Thai-American senator Tammy Duckworth made the announcement during a webinar on Thai-US relations. It’s understood the donation is part of a pledge by the administration of US President, Joe Biden, to provide vaccines for developing countries. The US…
Read More » - Hot News
Media outlets call on Thai government to lift restrictions on freedom of expression
Thai media organisations have issued a joint statement calling on the government to lift restrictions on freedom of expression imposed under the Emergency Decree. Thai PBS World reports that the statement was issued yesterday by the National Press Council of Thailand, the News Broadcast Council of Thailand, the Thai Journalists Association, the Online News Providers Association, the Thai Broadcast Journalists…
Read More » - Koh Samui News
Surge in new Covid infections on Koh Samui
Koh Samui has recorded its highest 1-day jump in Covid-19 infections since the southern island re-opened to international tourism. According to a Bangkok Post report, officials have confirmed 20 new cases but insist the development will not affect the island’s Samui Plus re-opening programme. 16 of the new infections are a cluster linked to a cashier at a local gym.…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Private clinics in Bangkok enlisted to help with home isolation Covid patients
Privately-run clinics in Bangkok are being enlisted to help treat and monitor patients in the Covid-19 “green” group – those who are home isolating with mild or no symptoms. According to a Bangkok Post report, the National Health Security Office is inviting the clinics to sign up to the programme to increase the number of facilities helping home isolation patients.…
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