Month: October 2021

  • Thailand NewsKoh Chang on track for November 11 reopening with sandbox scheme

    Koh Chang on track for November 11 reopening with sandbox scheme

    Koh Chang is poised to welcome back foreign visitors amid plans to get a sandbox scheme underway from November 11. The island, in the eastern province of Trat, is gearing up for reopening under the “Koh Chang Sandbox” scheme, with Trat governor Chamnanwit Taerat ordering preparations be made in seeking to breathe life back into the local tourism sector. As…

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  • Thailand NewsLeading Thai shopping centre developer exploring cryptocurrency rollout

    Leading Thai shopping centre developer exploring cryptocurrency rollout

    Thai retailer Central Retail Corp is piloting a digital currency based on blockchain technology, which it is currently rolling out to employees around the world. Bloomberg reports the cryptocurrency, dubbed “C-Coin”, is being distributed to Central’s 80,000 global employees on merit, in addition to their usual compensation, with it able to be used in place of cash at restaurants or…

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  • Thailand NewsDDC forecasts potential Covid-19 scenarios amid tourism restart

    DDC forecasts potential Covid-19 scenarios amid tourism restart

    Ahead of next week’s reopening of Thailand’s international borders and the relaxing of quarantine requirements, the Department of Disease Control has provided a rundown of 3 potential Covid-19 scenarios facing the nation. The scenarios – categorised as “green”, “orange” and “grey” – respectively outline the risk of the virus spreading locally against the backdrop of the tourism restart, according to…

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  • Thailand NewsTourism Minister: “Maybe we should’ve confirmed Lisa first”

    Tourism Minister: “Maybe we should’ve confirmed Lisa first”

    In a rare apology from the government, Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakan says they announced that Blackpink megastar Lisa would play a New Year’s event without considering any details (like if she was available or interested). After the bold announcement of a massive countdown party to call global attention to Thailand reopening to tourism, multiple government agencies and…

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  • Things To DoWhat is Moo Kata and how does it work?

    What is Moo Kata and how does it work?

    Moo kata is now one of the most popular styles of Thai eating in the Land of Smiles – and probably the rest of the world. But what is it? How does it work? And why is it so popular? If you’re new to moo kata, we’ve answered some of your questions below, including how to enjoy moo kata like…

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  • Things To DoUseful Thai phrases for an amazing trip in Thailand

    Useful Thai phrases for an amazing trip in Thailand

    Whether you’re travelling to Thailand for business or leisure, it’s always great to know a little bit of the local language. Learning basic Thai phrases means showing effort and respect to the local culture. It will help ease interactions between you and the locals, making your trip a lot easier and enjoyable. Since Thai is a tonal language, it can…

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  • Thailand NewsCCSA revises colour-coded zoning, 7 provinces classified as “dark red”

    CCSA revises colour-coded zoning, 7 provinces classified as “dark red”

    The CCSA announced revisions to its colour-coded zoning classifications, which are based on Covid-19 infection rates in each province. There are now seven provinces classified as “dark red” zones under maximum and strict control with a stay at home order from 11pm to 3am. The CCSA also classified Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Phuket as the new “blue zones” which…

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  • Crime NewsChiang Rai police seize 1 million methamphetamine pills

    Chiang Rai police seize 1 million methamphetamine pills

    Police in Chiang Rai have arrested 2 men and seized 1 million methamphetamine pills after a car pursuit in the province’s Muang district last night. As reported by the Bangkok Post, narcotics suppression police and soldiers at first attempted to flag down the men’s vehicle, with police then giving chase after the driver accelerated away. A subsequent search of the…

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  • Tourism NewsBangkok officials consider allowing alcohol sales at restaurants

    Bangkok officials consider allowing alcohol sales at restaurants

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is considering allowing alcohol sales at restaurants starting Monday as the capital reopens to international arrivals. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced during a CCSA press briefing this afternoon that the BMA was meeting with relevant authorities to decide whether to lift the alcohol ban. Bangkok is also being reclassified on the Thai…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand 7-11 threat, Lisa Fill in, Twinkies, More lumbar jacks | Thaiger Bites | Ep. 49

    Thailand 7-11 threat, Lisa Fill in, Twinkies, More lumbar jacks | Thaiger Bites | Ep. 49

    Jay and Tim go through viewer comments from our Youtube shows and the Thaiger talk forum as they continue their usual shenanigans.

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  • Technology NewsMeet Meta, the newly rebranded parent company of Facebook

    Meet Meta, the newly rebranded parent company of Facebook

    Don’t forget to like our posts and follow us on Facebook, er, Meta! Facebook, the social network recently under fire for knowingly ignoring the harm their algorithms were doing, has announced a parent company rebrand to their new name: Meta. Founder Mark Zuckerberg says the name change is to represent a move beyond the social network to a virtual reality…

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  • Tourism NewsTourism industry aims for improvement over Sandbox for reopening

    Tourism industry aims for improvement over Sandbox for reopening

    Thailand’s battered tourism industry is making final preparations for the big November 1 reopening with high hopes of welcoming back international travellers across Thailand. On November 1, the country will reopen with still somewhat convoluted 3 entry options and quarantine-free travel for arrivals from 46 low-risk countries. The Phuket Sandbox, with nearly 58,000 arrivals from July 1, has been viewed…

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  • Bangkok NewsTeenager shot at August protest in Bangkok dies after months in a coma

    Teenager shot at August protest in Bangkok dies after months in a coma

    The teenager who was shot in the neck at a protest outside Bangkok’s Din Daeng police station back in August died. According to the Bangkok Post, Amnesty International Thailand confirmed that the 15 year old died yesterday morning after being in a coma for several months. There have been several violent clashes at Din Daeng intersection involving young anti-government protesters…

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  • EducationUniversity students may see time limit to complete higher education removed

    University students may see time limit to complete higher education removed

    University students in Thailand may be catching a break from needing to follow a timeline for completing their higher education. The Commission on Higher Education Standards has recently announced it is resolving to remove a requirement that university students must complete their schooling within a given time period or risk being expelled. The issue was discussed at a meeting earlier…

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  • Technology NewsCentara Hotels suffer data breach by hackers Desorden Group

    Centara Hotels suffer data breach by hackers Desorden Group

    Centara Hotels and Resorts, the luxury chain in Thailand, confirmed a data breach this month at the hands of the infamous hacker Desorden Group. The CEO, Thirayuth Chirathivat, said the hack was detected October 14 and an investigation confirmed that guest details had been compromised. Names and ID photos, booking information, email addresses, phone numbers and home addresses have all…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand Top Stories | COVID tests and insurance required for quarantine-free visitors | October 29

    Thailand Top Stories | COVID tests and insurance required for quarantine-free visitors | October 29

    Natty gives us a quick update on the national Covid-19 situation as well as the top headlines in Thailand and around the region: COVID-19 tests, insurance required for quarantine-free visitors, Thailand’s Industry Ministry is backing hemp as a new cash crop, Army tightens land border protection prior to country reopening, Increased rainfall and heavy rains forecast in South, Record drug…

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  • Tourism NewsNovember 1 re-opening of Thailand – The Fine Print

    November 1 re-opening of Thailand – The Fine Print

    And now for some of the fine print, answering questions you may have had about re-entry to Thailand from next Monday, November 1. Who can travel to Thailand? Travellers will be categorised into 3 groups… • The first are fully vaccinated visitors from 46 countries (www.thaiembassy.com). They must stay one night in either a SHA+ certified hotel or an ASQ…

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  • Thailand video newsEntering Thailand, Chinese/Indian tourists, Ruling coalition rumbles | Good Morning Thailand | Ep.120

    Entering Thailand, Chinese/Indian tourists, Ruling coalition rumbles | Good Morning Thailand | Ep.120

    Jay and Tim go through the top stories in Thailand today that include: The fine print details about the nov 1 re-opening and information the tourists need to know. A chat about what Thailand’s new slogan should be, Talking about the Chinese and Indian tourists as well as the Thai ruling coalition having a few rumbles.

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  • Transport NewsThailand’s used car market expected to keep growing thanks to Covid-19 pandemic

    Thailand’s used car market expected to keep growing thanks to Covid-19 pandemic

    Thailand’s used car market is expected to keep growing thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year alone, it has grown by 20 to 30%, which is an increase from the pre-Covid years that saw an average growth of 10%. Pinyo Tanawatcharaporn, president of the Association of Used Cars, says normally the used car market sees about 1 to 2 million…

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  • Covid-19 NewsICUs in Chiang Mai nearly full amidst Covid-19 surge

    ICUs in Chiang Mai nearly full amidst Covid-19 surge

    In Chiang Mai, surging Covid-19 infections have filled ICUs and plunged the province into crisis, just days before international reopening. Doctors are warning that the province is near critical levels as it has just two hospitals that are capable of treating severe Covid-19 patients and they are reporting that their intensive care units are nearly at full capacity. Daily infections…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThai government in talks to vaccinate younger children

    Thai government in talks to vaccinate younger children

    Manufacturers are seeking approval from the Thai Food and Drug Administration to vaccinate younger children, the Bangkok Post reports. Similar studies are also taking place in the US. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong from the Department of Disease Control says thorough checks are required before proceeding, which means the approval process takes longer. However, the Chinese vaccine, Sinopharm, has already been tested…

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  • Thailand NewsPM orders clampdown on black market Favipiravir trade following arrests

    PM orders clampdown on black market Favipiravir trade following arrests

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered a crackdown on the illegal trade of the Favipiravir antiviral drug, used to treat Covid-19, following the seizure of hundreds of boxes destined for the online black market earlier this week. Police arrested nine suspects on Tuesday, carrying out coordinated raids across Bangkok, Saraburi, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi, with a hospital manager alleged to have…

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  • World NewsMalaysia and Singapore talk travel bubbles

    Malaysia and Singapore talk travel bubbles

    Talks are underway between the Malaysian and Singaporean governments, which could pave the way for vaccinated travel lanes between both countries. According to a TTR Weekly report, Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister has confirmed the talks are taking place. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri says once the deal is done, the Malaysian PM, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, will announce…

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  • Covid-19 NewsArmy conscript dies a day after receiving second Covid-19 vaccine shot

    Army conscript dies a day after receiving second Covid-19 vaccine shot

    A 23 year old army conscript died earlier this week after receiving a second Covid-19 vaccine shot, according to the Bangkok Post. According to the report, Khanti Anantasiri, who had no underlying health conditions, died at home in Ratchaburi province on Tuesday afternoon, a day after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. He had earlier received the Sinovac vaccine. Khanti had complained…

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  • Tourism NewsPhuket taxi drivers told to be fair, safe, friendly ahead of reopening

    Phuket taxi drivers told to be fair, safe, friendly ahead of reopening

    Authorities are urging the taxi drivers of Phuket, along with other transportation providers, to be more professional as Thailand’s full reopening launches in 3 days. Ahead of the November 1 reopening to international tourism, a meeting at Phuket city hall yesterday included plans to hold taxi drivers to certain standards in order to make Thailand more welcoming. The Permanent Secretary of…

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  • Thailand NewsMore Pfizer vaccines for children arrive in Thailand

    More Pfizer vaccines for children arrive in Thailand

    Another batch of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine doses has landed in Thailand, with Department of Disease Control director-general Dr Opas Karnkawinpong confirming the arrival of 1,538,550 doses on Wednesday. As reported by Nation Thailand, Dr Opas said the government has procured the mRNA vaccine for children aged over 12, along with other target groups, with a total of 8 million doses…

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  • World NewsEmirates confirms daily flights between Dubai and Sydney from November

    Emirates confirms daily flights between Dubai and Sydney from November

    As Australia prepares to re-open its borders, Dubai-based airline, Emirates, is increasing the frequency of Sydney flights to operate a daily service. According to a TTR Weekly report, the move is in response to travel demand to and from Australia. The vaccine rollout is gathering pace, with the state of New South Wales having already met its target and Victoria…

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  • Tourism NewsIndian community call for their country to be added to Thailand’s low-risk list

    Indian community call for their country to be added to Thailand’s low-risk list

    Indians are urging the Thai government to add India to the list of low-risk countries for Thailand’s November 1 re-opening. The Bangkok Post reports that the Indian community in Thailand have pointed out how much they can contribute to the economy. The plea comes as Thailand prepares to re-open with minimal quarantine for vaccinated visitors from 46 approved countries. While…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFriday Covid Update: 8,968 new cases and 64 deaths

    Friday Covid Update: 8,968 new cases and 64 deaths

    8,968 new Covid-19 cases and 64 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today. There are now 99,301 people in Thailand receiving medical treatment for Covid-19. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has reported 1,865,078 confirmed Covid-19 cases. Out of the new cases, 190 were found in correctional facilities.…

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  • Tourism NewsThailand Pass: all systems go for Monday

    Thailand Pass: all systems go for Monday

    The new Thailand Pass system launches on Monday when the country re-opens with minimal quarantine for vaccinated tourists from select countries. The Bangkok Post reports a government spokesman as saying the new system will replace the Certificate of Entry with a more streamlined process. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says the online system will allow tourists, Thais, and foreign residents of Thailand to…

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  • World NewsSomalia: Renewed clashes dim hopes for a credible election

    Somalia: Renewed clashes dim hopes for a credible election

    After weeks of heated disputes between the outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and his Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble over the disappearance of a female spy agent, the two men finally agreed to move on. According to a deal signed by Farmajo and Roble, “speeding up elections is a top priority.” As things stand, Somalia currently has no legitimate national…

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  • World NewsCOP26: What is India doing to combat climate change?

    COP26: What is India doing to combat climate change?

    When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the UN Climate Change Conference, or COP26, in Glasgow next week, he will represent the third biggest polluter in the world. His attendance, nevertheless, will be seen as critical, since the leader of the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, Chinese President Xi Jinping, is not expected to attend. Modi’s focus will likely be…

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  • World NewsRecord drug bust in Laos follows pandemic’s methamphetamine boom

    Record drug bust in Laos follows pandemic’s methamphetamine boom

    The large haul of methamphetamine was seized by Laos police in what the United Nations considers Asia’s largest single drug bust on record follows the methamphetamine boom in Southeast Asia – particularly in Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. Despite border closures and other restrictions during the pandemic, those in the illicit methamphetamine trade have not only survived, but have managed…

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  • World NewsAlec Baldwin could face criminal charges for shooting on set

    Alec Baldwin could face criminal charges for shooting on set

    In the tragic accident on the set of his new movie “Rust” where a prop gun fired killing the cinematographer and injuring the director, the local district attorney said criminal charges against Alec Baldwin are not out of the question. The Santa Fe district attorney said of the possibility of Baldwin facing charges, “all options are on the table; No…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | No more Lisa for new years, Abduction linked to Reused gloves | Oct. 28

    Thailand News Today | No more Lisa for new years, Abduction linked to Reused gloves | Oct. 28

    Jett goes through all the top stories across Thailand that include: The case of an abduction in broad daylight back in March has now been linked to the current re-used medical glove scandal. The TAT’s grand plans to attract 2 big international acts for a NY concert in Phuket, has come crashing down to earth today, with the revelation that…

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  • Transport NewsBangkok public transport back to normal capacity on Monday

    Bangkok public transport back to normal capacity on Monday

    Bangkok’s BTS, BRT and Gold Line public transport systems will resume normal operating hours from Monday alongside the government’s move to reopen Thailand’s international borders and lift the nightly curfew in the capital. According to Nation Thailand, Bangkok Mass Transit System director Surapong Laoha-Unya said the resumption of regular services comes with all employees having been fully vaccinated and required…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s Industry Ministry is backing hemp as a new cash crop

    Thailand’s Industry Ministry is backing hemp as a new cash crop

    The Thai government is getting behind the hemp industry amid long-term plans to grow the local market and drive flow-on benefits to associated sectors. The Bangkok Post reports the Industry Ministry is currently laying out a budget plan, with it targeting the development of new products in the medical sector and support for tourism. Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said, according…

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