Month: July 2021

  • Thailand Protest News

    Pro-democracy, Covid-19 protesters merge at Government House

    A confluence of protesters merged in Bangkok today as multiple causes overlapped and demonstrated at Government House. Several groups protesting the government and calling for the dissolution of the Senate and the resignation of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha crossed paths with those that were rallying against the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lack of assistance for many sectors desperately…

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  • World NewsCOVID-19: Africa plans a vaccine revolution

    COVID-19: Africa plans a vaccine revolution

    The third wave of coronavirus is rolling through much of Africa — and it could be the most severe of the pandemic yet, experts fear. The conditions on the continent could not be worse: The more contagious and arguably more dangerous delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has already wreaked havoc in India, is now spreading in Africa, where…

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  • Covid-19 News

    3 markets and 2 companies closed in Pattaya for Covid-19

    After new clusters of Covid-19 were discovered in Pattaya, Chon Buri provincial officials have ordered 3 markets in the city temporarily closed as well as 2 companies in the area. The markets that have been ordered closed in Pattaya City are New Market Nakla, Amorn Nakhon and Lan Poe Naklua. The 2 closing companies are Yian Hai Electronics Company Limited…

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  • Tourism News

    Sandbox: 6000 registered, no positive Covid-19 tests, new land restrictions

    Now that the Phuket Sandbox is up and running, international travellers are trickling back in to enjoy the Thai tropical island. More than 6,000 people have reportedly registered for the Phuket Sandbox so far, no arrivals have tested positive for Covid-19 yet, and officials are tightening up the land entry borders to the island. The Director-General of the Department of…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Saturday Covid Update: 6,230 new cases; provincial totals

    6,230 new Covid-19 infections and 41 Covid-deaths were reported today by the Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration. The number of deaths is a decrease after the counts hit record highs over the past few days. The average number of deaths each day, over the past 5 days, has been 50 people. The number of daily new local transmissions continues to…

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  • Thailand News

    Local officials under investigation for multimillion baht purchase of street lamps

    Following allegations of corruption over a local government’s exorbitant purchases on decorative street lamps, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission has been investigating and say procurements of the street lamps in a province just outside Bangkok were not in line with regulations. More than 20 people and local government officials, including the former Samut Prakan governor, are now being investigated by the commission.…

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  • Transport News

    Bangkok Red Line launches August 2 free rides for 3 months

    If you’ve ever spent time in Bangkok, you know it’s easy to be taken for a ride. But for once, this is a good thing, as the Thailand Transport Ministry announced today they are giving free rides to many commuters to launch their new service line. Bangkok’s Red Line rail route is ready for its soft launch next month and…

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  • Crime News

    British man arrested in Pattaya after firing shotgun in home

    Pattaya police arrested a British man last night after he was alleged to have fired off several shotgun rounds and then barricaded himself in his home. The events took place around 7 pm last night at a luxury home at Palm Oasis Village in Pattaya, and resulted in a swarm of police and a standoff lasting several hours. The incident…

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  • Tourism News

    Despite struggles, Phuket tourists are happy to be here

    One thing many forget when they’re considering the condition of Phuket for the returning international tourists is that, while we are comparing it to the pre-Covid-19 glory days of Phuket, those travelling in the first days of the Sandbox are comparing it to their life at home now. While Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on the Thai economy and tourists are…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Covid UPDATE Saturday: 6,230 new infections, news briefs

    (Provincial totals will be published after lunchtime) This morning the public health department reported 6,230 few infections and 41 Covid-deaths. 294 of today’s total were from the Thai prison system. The average number of deaths each day, over the past 5 days, has been 50 people. Yesterday, there were 6,087 new cases reported as the week displayed a steady growth…

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  • World NewsCaregivers face difficult labor conditions in Germany

    Caregivers face difficult labor conditions in Germany

    “Polish nurses are desperate to leave Germany for Switzerland,” the caregiver Izabela Marcinek told DW. She herself spent years working as a caregiver after arriving in Germany and has since found work in Switzerland. “The differences are immense,” said Marcinek, who is 58, “especially when it comes to regulated working hours.” In the German domestic-nursing sector, she added, overextended caregivers…

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  • World NewsAs Lebanon nears collapse, EU debates sanctions

    As Lebanon nears collapse, EU debates sanctions

    Lebanon continues to unravel as its economic and political crisis worsens. The country has not had a government for almost a year now and its economy is in the process of collapsing after decades of mismanagement and corruption. Over the past month, there have been stories both absurd and horrifying coming out of the small Mediterranean nation. For instance, at…

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  • Covid-19 News

    AstraZeneca cuts monthly vaccine deliveries from 10 to 5 million

    A senior health official has announced today that the previously declared 10 million AstraZeneca vaccines per month expected to be distributed in Thailand will now be lowered, and perhaps cut in half. The drop of 40 – 50% delivery comes as Thailand’s domestic facilities at Siam Bioscience say they are unable to meet production needs for domestic distribution and promised…

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  • Phuket News

    Last-minute announcement: Colourful Phuket month-long festival

    Never one for last-minute planning, the Thai government has announced just this afternoon plans for a month-long Colourful Phuket Festival launching tomorrow to welcome tourists back in the Phuket Sandbox that has been planned for months. Perhaps they sensed that international tourists who return to Phuket may be disappointed with the lack of activities while all bar and nightlife venues…

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  • World NewsMyanmar trapped in a vicious cycle of violence

    Myanmar trapped in a vicious cycle of violence

    Since the military coup in Myanmar and the army’s violent suppression of pro-democracy protests, new armed resistance groups and conflict regions have been emerging in the Southeast Asian country. While a kind of urban guerilla has begun in major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, the ousted democratically elected government has been trying to form a federal army underground, the…

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  • World NewsPalestinians' rage grows — against their own governing authority

    Palestinians’ rage grows — against their own governing authority

    The Israeli-occupied West Bank is no stranger to political upheaval. But in the past week, Palestinian protesters have directed rising anger against their own government, the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in parts of the territory. Hundreds took to the streets in several towns over the past weekend to protest the violent death in Palestinian custody of Nizar Banat,…

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  • Crime News

    Eying upgrade, Thailand downgraded in human trafficking report

    Against Thailand’s expectations, the country has just been downgraded in the United States’ report on human trafficking. the US Trafficking in Persons Report has downgraded Thailand’s status from Tier 2 to Tier 2 Watchlist, contrary to the Thai government expected to be upgraded to Tier 1. Citing worries about forced labour in Thailand the decision was made to lower the…

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  • Thailand video news

    Thailand News Today | Record deaths & community infections, insurance scam, Phuket Sandbox | July 2

    Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has called on all sectors on Phuket to work together for the country to make the sandbox re-opening of Thai tourism a success. Police are warning people about a Covid-19 vaccine booking scam after 20 people in the Isaan province Udon Thani. One of the world’s smallest active volcanoes, the Taal Volcano in the Philippines, is…

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  • Thailand News

    Migrant workers ask Thai government for assistance during the pandemic

    With Covid-19 affecting many migrant communities in Thailand, Cambodian workers are now asking the Thai government for help. A petition calling for assistance during the pandemic to help with providing food, financial support and medical services was submitted this week to the Thai Ministry of Labour and Parliament. Thousands of Cambodian migrant workers signed the petition, which was submitted by…

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  • Thailand News

    Harmful chemicals used on protesters at last year’s rallies – Amnesty International

    Harmful chemicals were shot from high-pressure water cannons to break up crowds of protests at Bangkok’s pro-democracy rallies in late-2020, according to Amnesty International Thailand. The organisation’s recent report “My face burned as if on fire,” outlines what they call “excessive and unlawful use of force against largely peaceful protesters.” At the time police strenuously denied the use of any…

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  • Bangkok News

    Father commits suicide after daughter dies of Covid

    An octogenarian father jumped off his condominium in Bangkok not long after his daughter had died of Covid. He jumped either last night or early this morning. Early this morning, police discovered 84 year old Peng Ki’s body in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi district after he jumped to his death. His daughter’s body, 57 year old Pranee was found in a bed…

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  • Thailand News

    Taxi explodes after hitting truck, driver burns to death

    Early this morning, a taxi cab in Bangkok hit a freight truck. The taxi then exploded, trapping the driver inside who burned to death. The incident happened on “On Nut Road”, says Pornprasit Malamai, investigation chief at Prawet police station The fire ripped through the cab taking fire crews over 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze. The fire was so…

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  • Covid-19 News

    CCSA says no new restrictions are needed to fight Covid-19

    With Covid-19 infections surging and spreading throughout the country, and daily infection numbers rising along with an increasing death toll, officials have decided what additional measures need to be taken to cope with the situation: none. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has announced that the rules and restrictions in place now are adequate in the fight against the increasing…

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  • Thailand News

    Doctor documents people camping out for Covid treatment

    A doctor is documenting the struggle of people hoping for a hospital bed for Covid treatment. His pictures capture winding lines of people sitting on the ground, sleeping in the backs of cars. He provided the images last night of the scene outside the Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok Thiravat Hemachudha whos is a neurologist and director of the Health Science…

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  • Travel Guides

    Top 5 best hotels in Phuket

    Phuket is renowned for its stunning beaches and unbeatable hospitality, making it the perfect holiday destination. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the island has everything you need to make your stay unforgettable. And Phuket’s hotels are more than just a place to rest your head; they offer endless amenities to make your vacation extra special. From relaxing spas…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Vietjet urges testing after Phuket passenger gets Covid-19

    Budget airline operator Vietjet Air put out a statement addressing an incident involving one of their passengers being diagnosed with Covid-19. The passenger travelled last week, and 2 days ago the airline put out a call for those seated near the infected passenger to come forward and seek testing and treatment. The flight in question was Vietjet Air flight VZ314…

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  • Thailand News

    Thailand still plans to fully reopen on October 15, despite Covid-19 uptick

    Despite the recent and most severe wave of Covid-19 infections still peaking, Thailand is on track to reopen on October 15 to those travelling from overseas who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. The “Phuket Sandbox” model, which launched yesterday, will serve as a pilot project for the nationwide reopening plan. The “Samui Plus” travel model next on the list,…

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  • Thailand News

    Crepe seller alleges he was abducted, threatened by Nonthaburi police officer

    A Myanmar crepe seller and his step-mother are seeking legal help after he alleges he was abducted and threatened by a man he claims was a policeman from Nonthaburi, a province to the north of Bangkok. The crepe seller, 32 year old “Mack”, and his step-mother, identified as 50 year old Jamlong, sought a lawyer named “Pong” for help. Jamlong…

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  • Tourism News

    Phuket Sandbox: European flights have 400 people arriving Saturday

    As flights roll into Phuket International Airport today, the Sandbox scheme is slowly coming alive. Tomorrow (July 3) should see the arrival of the first European flights into the Phuket Sandbox reopening as Thai Airways welcomes 3 arriving flights. Overnight flights from Copenhagen and Frankfurt departing now should arrive in the early hours of the morning followed an hour later…

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  • Phuket News

    Phuket Sandbox trickle: Friday’s arriving international flights

    The Phuket Sandbox scheme is off the ground and the desperately needed foreign travellers have begun to trickle back onto the Thai island. The earlier predictions of 1,500 people on the first day were met with just over 20% of that amount actually arriving on the first 4 flights to land internationally in Phuket. But slow and steady wins the…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Friday Covid Update: 6,087 new cases and 61 deaths; provincial totals

    An uptick of 6,087 new Covid-19 cases and a record high of 61 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Since the start of the pandemic last year, the CCSA has reported a total of 270,921 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 2,141 fatalities. The recent and most severe wave of infections has accounted for the majority…

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  • Thailand News

    NACC to establish 5 panels looking into pricey lamp controversy

    The saga of the pricey lamps continues with the news that Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission is establishing 5 panels to investigate the matter in Samut Prakan. The NACC Deputy Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongko realized the TAO’s budgetary spending for the fiscal years 2013 and 2014, then 2018-2021 for the lamp posts fell out of the scope of the Interior Ministry’s regulations…

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  • Covid-19 News

    More than 100 doctors sent to Bangkok as Covid-19 deaths hit a record high

    While PM Prayut Chan-o-cha attends the welcoming of foreign tourists under the “Phuket Sandbox” reopening scheme, more doctors have been sent to Bangkok following a spike in Covid-19 cases and a record high in coronavirus deaths. Hospitals in the capital, the epicentre in the latest and most severe wave, are experiencing a shortage of beds in intensive care units to…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Khon Kaen schools closed until July 16 as Covid continues to spread

    Khon Kaen, a northeastern province and part of the Isan region, is closing its schools closed until July 16 as Covid continues to spread throughout the province and nearby areas. Further, students that attend boarding schools have been closed off and parents are not allowed to visit until July 16. In the Khon Kaen province, there have been 667 reported…

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  • Thailand News

    Construction workers blamed for Covid outbreaks

    Health officials are pointing fingers at Thai workers who left their Bangkok/nearby dormitories for the Covid outbreaks throughout the nation. Thai media says “many” construction workers left their home provinces prior to Monday’s new lockdown. Health officials say many of the new Covid infections seen in over 30 provinces are connected to people coming from Bangkok (and close by provinces).…

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  • World News

    Emergency restrictions to be imposed in Indonesia as Covid infections surge

    The Indonesian government is introducing emergency measures aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 as infection rates rise steeply. President Joko Widodo says the restrictions are aimed at reducing new daily cases to below 10,000 and avoiding a collapse of the country’s healthcare system. “This situation has forced us to take stricter steps. I have decided to impose emergency restrictions.”…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Police warn of Covid-19 vaccine booking scam by fake insurance company

    Police are warning people about a Covid-19 vaccine booking scam after 20 people in the Isaan province Udon Thani were defrauded by a fake life insurance company promising Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines. A spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police says the fraudulent group claimed they could obtain the Chinese-made vaccines from the Federation of Thai Industries, which had ordered the doses…

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