Month: August 2021

  • World News

    Burmese military junta death toll surpasses 1,000

    Myanmar passed a grim milestone as the death toll at the hands of security forces after the February 1 military coup has officially surpassed 1,000 people. Since the military junta seized power, pro-democracy protesters have taken to the streets nearly non-stop to demonstrate and are often met with harsh and violent suppression from the Burmese military. The Assistance Association for…

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  • Thailand News

    Grenade found outside local politician’s home in Prachin Buri

    A grenade was found in front of a local politician’s home in the central province Prachin Buri, east of Bangkok. The chief of the Kham Tanot Administrative Organization, 53 year old Suchart Dejsupha, said he was in a meeting when he received a message from his daughter with a photo of what appeared to be a bomb outside his house. Police…

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  • Pattaya News

    Pattaya beach remodel project defended by mayor

    After an uproar paused a beach remodel project that began Sunday, the Pattaya City Mayor held a press conference to explain and justify the remodel plans. Community leaders and notable residents protested the plans to launch the refurbishment, with complaints mainly on two grounds. First, many objected to the removal of trees that would come along with revamping the beachfront.…

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  • Thailand News

    Woman advertises free antigen test kits with purchase of water, FDA investigates

    Thailand’s FDA is planning legal action against Pimradaporn Benjawattanapat, an online seller also known as “Pimrypie”. Pimradaporn allegedly tried to give a set of antigen test kits as a gift alongside purchases of mineral water. The FDA deputy secretary general, Dr Surachok Tangwiwat, says his office will ask the Consumer Protection Police Division to investigate Pimradaporn’s ads for mineral water…

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  • World News

    Taliban vows no revenge, fewer restrictions on women this time

    In the wake of seizing control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have pledged a kinder, gentler rule than that of 20 years ago before the United States 2001 invasion. They vow to not exact revenge on their opponents and to respect the rights of women, taking a more conciliatory tone. As the Taliban stormed the capital and assumed control, tens of…

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  • World NewsIn Kabul, terrified Afghans wait for the call to safety

    In Kabul, terrified Afghans wait for the call to safety

    In a crowded Kabul cellar earlier this week, seven men acted out a desperate, terrifying scenario: One of them pretended to be a Taliban militant, the others had to convince them that they were students — not men who had spent years working for the German army. “We practiced our role: We are studying this, we are studying here,” one…

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  • Northern Thailand News

    Undercover police allegedly bust into wrong house in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Undercover police from the Northern Thai province of Nakhon Ratchasima accidentally searched the wrong house, much to the surprise of the homeowner, reports Thai media. The mistake was posted on Facebook. The clip, which has not been made readily available, allegedly shows 4 police officers barging into a villager’s house. In the video, 4 police officers say they have a…

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  • Phuket News

    Phuket Town lockdown lifted except Downtown Market, Market 2

    After active Covid-19 testing revealed a reasonably low number of infections, the majority of last week’s lockdown in the centre of Phuket Town has now been lifted, aside from the market. The municipality fresh market at the heart of the lockdown will still remain closed for several more days. Several other market areas will remain shuttered for the duration of…

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  • World News

    Snake pops out of Australian grocery store shelf, local woman helps catch and release reptile

    A python emerged from a grocery store shelf in Sydney, a city on Australia’s east coast, and surprised a grocery store patron earlier this week. 25 year old Helaina Alati, was shopping at a Woolworths when the 3 metre long snake pushed itself out of a shelf full of spices. Reportedly, the Woolworths supermarket is situated on edge of a…

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  • World News

    Ban lifted on longan fruit to China over mealybugs

    After a ban implemented on August 13, China has now agreed to let longan fruit exports back into their country. The ban from last week was the result of mealybugs being found to have contaminated longan shipments from Thailand. The Commerce Ministry confirmed that the Chinese government has now allowed 56 specific sorting and packaging facilities to export to China…

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  • Thailand video news

    Thailand News Today | Millions of Vax on the way, BKK daughter jailed for 12 years | August 18

    Amid growing calls for more mRNA vaccines to help combat the spread of the Delta variant in Thailand, the Thai government has again defended the Sinovac vaccine. Thailand’s massage parlours and spas are suing the government, demanding compensation for the loss of income they’ve endured as a result of the partial lockdowns and restrictions. The family of Teerawat Thothip, the…

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  • Thailand News

    Police raid birthday party at Bangkok resort, arrest 28 people

    Police raided a birthday party at a resort in Bangkok and arrested 28 people for violating emergency orders which prohibit gatherings of more than five people. Sutthisan police officers raided the resort in the Ratchadapisek area at around 3:30am today and arrested them for violating the disease control measures. Bangkok is classified as a “dark red” zone under maximum control with…

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  • Thailand News

    Man arrested for allegedly stealing plants valued at 18,500 baht

    Police arrested a man who allegedly stole four expensive potted plants from outside a home in the eastern province Sa Kaeo. Officers say the plants are valued at 18,500 baht. The stolen plants include the Dieffenbachia valued at 7,000 baht, Variegated Arrowhead Vine valued at 3,500 baht, Syngonium Pink Spot valued at 3,000 baht, and the Monstera Thai Constellation valued…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Hospitals face alleged favouritism in distribution of vaccines

    A probe is being launched to investigate the director of Chaloem Phra Kiat Hospital who is accused of favouritism after his wife and an associate received Pfizer vaccines they were not qualified for. A committee was set up yesterday by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office to look into the improper vaccine allotment as the Pfizer vaccines have been…

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  • Thailand News

    Dengue fever on the rise in Bangkok, Department of Disease Control reports

    Dengue fever is reportedly on the rise in Bangkok and the Department of Disease Control says the number of dengue infections in the capital reported from January 3 to July 3 is “unprecedented,” according to Nation Thailand. During the six month period, a total of 1,043 people in Bangkok tested positive for the mosquito-borne illness, which is also known as…

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  • World NewsTaliban victory: A likely boost for Islamist extremists in the Middle East

    Taliban victory: A likely boost for Islamist extremists in the Middle East

    While the West is anxiously watching developments after the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, “Islamic State” (IS), al-Qaeda and other terror militias are also observing what is happening with keen interest — to say the least. “We have to expect that not only IS, but also al-Qaeda and other smaller groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan will become stronger,” Guido Steinberg, a…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Wednesday Covid Update: 20,515 new cases; provincial totals

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration reported 20,515 new Covid-19 cases and a record high of 312 coronavirus-related deaths. Since the start of the pandemic last year, the CCSA has reported a total of 968,967 confirmed Covid-19 infections and 8,285 coronavirus-related fatalities. There are now 207,553 people in Thailand receiving treatment for the coronavirus, a decline over the past few…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Buri Ram grandmother accidentally gets 2 Covid vaccine doses in 1 day

    A 70 year old Thai woman went to a vaccination centre in the Isaan province Buri Ram for her second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, but nurses accidentally administered two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Somwang Jukul told Thai media that sometime after she had received one injection, she had been called over by another nurse and received a second…

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  • World NewsRefugees in Istanbul: Is anti-migrant sentiment growing in Turkey?

    Refugees in Istanbul: Is anti-migrant sentiment growing in Turkey?

    For years now, the Istanbul district of Yusufpasa has attracted migrants and refugees fleeing from war. Its inhabitants come from all over the world — but Syrians most visibly shape everyday life here. On bustling Millet Street you cannot overlook the many Syrian-run stores —- restaurants, barbers’ shops and travel agents mainly target Syrian customers. The advertising in the windows…

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  • Phuket News

    Family of Phuket murder suspect does not plan to request bail

    The family of Teerawat Thothip, the man who allegedly killed 57 year old Swiss national Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, does not plan to request bail for him. Region 8 Police Commander Kitrat Panpetch confirmed the family does not plan to file for bail. Nicole’s half-naked body was found earlier this month in a creek near Ao Yon Waterfall. Her shorts and shoes…

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  • Thailand video news

    GMT | Mating macaques in Hua Hin, Phuket adds extra checks at border | August 18

    Welcome to Wednesday on Good Morning Thailand. To control the large macaque monkey population in the resort town Hua Hin, local officials plan to sterilise around 600 monkeys. Officers at Phuket’s main Tha Chatchai checkpoint at the north end of the island will be screening Thais entering to see if they have outstanding arrest warrants. Across Southeast Asia there was…

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  • Pattaya News

    18 arrested at Bang Lamung birthday party, ecstasy seized

    Police in Bang Lamung, a district in Chon Buri, have arrested 18 people yesterday at a birthday party. The raid, which made it a surprise birthday party in a way, happened at 11 pm at a home in the Nong Pla Yen sub-district. Police were alerted to the birthday party from a concerned citizen who was reportedly afraid the party…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Massage businesses file class action suit against government over Covid restrictions

    Thailand’s massage parlours and spas are suing the government, demanding compensation for the loss of income they’ve endured as a result of Covid-19 partial lockdowns. Thai PBS World reports that 172 massage parlours and spas filed a class action suit against the Finance Ministry and the government. They are demanding to be compensated for the financial losses they’ve suffered since…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Thammasat University seeks to import alternative Covid-19 vaccines

    The hospital director of Thammasat University says the institution is seeking a partner to help with importing alternative Covid-19 vaccines. Dr Pharuhat Tor-Udom says the process would be similar to how Chulabhorn Royal Academy procures vaccines through the Thai Red Cross. CRA sources the Sinopharm vaccine through the society, which is authorised to deal directly with vaccine manufacturers. According to…

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  • Crime News

    Woman who stole over 250 million baht from sick mother sentenced to 12 years

    A Bangkok woman who stole 253 million baht from her elderly sick mother has been jailed for 12 years. The Bangkok Post reports that 55 year old Mawadi Siwirat stole the money from her 84 year old mother, named as Huay Siwirat, while she was receiving hospital treatment for a heart condition. Mawadi pled guilty and was found guilty on…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Government says Sinovac works, despite claims of lower efficacy against variants

    Amid growing calls for more mRNA doses to combat the spread of the Delta variant, the Thai government continues to defend the Sinovac vaccine. The Bangkok Post reports that the government plans to purchase another 12 million doses of the Chinese vaccine, citing good results from a study of people fully vaccinated with Sinovac. However, the public is calling on…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Wednesday Covid Update: 20,515 new cases and 312 deaths

    20,515 new Covid-19 cases and 312 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has reported a total of 940,094 Covid-19 cases. There are now 207,553 active cases, a decline over the past several days. Since yesterday’s count, there have been…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Cabinet approves 9.3 billion baht for procurement of Pfizer doses

    A government spokesman says funding of 9.3 billion baht has been approved for 20 million doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine. Anucha Burapachaisri confirmed the cabinet has approved the funds for the already signed order, while acknowledging a proposal to purchase a further 10 million Pfizer doses. According to a Bangkok Post report, Anucha says the Department of Disease Control plans…

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  • World NewsWhy the Afghan army folded to the Taliban

    Why the Afghan army folded to the Taliban

    US President Joe Biden on Monday addressed the nation to share his views on the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover of the war-ravaged country. As Biden justified his decision to pull all US troops out of Afghanistan, he blamed the Afghan leadership for not resisting Taliban advances in recent weeks. “The truth is: this did unfold more…

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  • World NewsThe conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia

    The conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia

    Who’s fighting who? Ethiopian government soldiers and Tigrayan fighters are battling for control of the country’s northern Tigray region. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) sees Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as a bitter enemy: in the 25 years before he became Ethiopia’s leader in 2018, the TPLF domintated national politics, and controlled ministerial, government and military appointments. Critics called…

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  • Thailand News

    Royal Thai Police issue warning on scams and online threats

    The Royal Thai Police issued a warning on various scams and online threats to raise public awareness, adding that people should be cautious about what is posted online as cyber bullying and spreading fake news can result in criminal charges. People are asked to cooperate and report any illegal acts to the Thai Royal Police Hotline by calling 1599, according…

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  • World NewsJapan, South Korea wary of China's post-US clout in Afghanistan

    Japan, South Korea wary of China’s post-US clout in Afghanistan

    Japan and South Korea shuttered their respective embassies in Kabul and evacuated the last of their diplomats and aid workers from the Afghan capital after the Taliban effectively seized control of Afghanistan on Monday. Neither Tokyo nor Seoul sent military forces to Afghanistan, but both have been significant providers of infrastructure development aid over the two decades of US and…

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  • Thailand News

    Macaque monkey sterilisation programme starts in Hua Hin

    To control the large macaque monkey population in the resort town Hua Hin, where the monkeys tend to break into homes and bother residents, local officials plan to sterilise around 600 monkeys. The 1.1 million baht programme takes place each year and started back in 2017 by way of a memorandum of cooperation between the municipality and the Conservation Administration Office…

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  • Thailand video news

    Thailand News Today | 7+7 approved for Phuket, new record Covid deaths | August 17

    Police deny claims that live ammunition was shot at protesters on Sunday night outside Bangkok’s Din Daeng police station. The government is seeking to press charges against red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar over protests in Bangkok on Sunday. Phuket is instituting new measures as ordered by the provincial communicable disease committee. 239 coronavirus-related deaths, a new record high, and 20,128 new…

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  • Things To Do

    Top 10 attractions to visit in Thailand according to locals

    Thailand, as we all know, has a variety of attractions, including mountains, oceans, and waterfalls. Furthermore, it offers a unique culture and arts that more people should discover. If you’re looking for inspiration for where to go and what to do on your next vacation, check out our list of the best places to visit in Thailand according to locals’…

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  • World News

    Saint-Tropez wildfire forces thousands to leave French resort hotspot

    A wildfire in the Saint-Tropez region of Southern France has forced thousands of people to evacuate, says the fire service today. AFP reports that round around 750 firefighters responded to the fire while Reuters estimates the number of firefighters is closer to 900. Aircraft also dropped water on the blaze. The high temperatures and strong winds made the situation even more…

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  • Things To Do

    Fun activities to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand

    Koh Lanta is located in Krabi Province and is considered an island district. It is famous for its coral-fringed beaches, limestone cliffs, and mangroves. Its national park spans several islands and is home to the semi-nomadic sea people known as the Chao Leh. Moreover, visiting Koh Lanta’s caves is delightfully bizarre. Once a backpacker’s haven, Koh Lanta’s largest island, Koh…

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