Year: 2021

  • Crime NewsOfficers surprise drug suspect with birthday cake in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Officers surprise drug suspect with birthday cake in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Officers in Nakhon Si Thammarat surprised a man who was detained on drug charges with a birthday cake. Police who arrested the man looked at his ID card and noticed it was his birthday. The 33 year old man claims says he had never blown candles on a birthday cake before. The man was driving his motorcycle when he noticed…

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  • Covid-19 NewsWHO calls for booster shots to be suspended while poor countries face vaccine shortages

    WHO calls for booster shots to be suspended while poor countries face vaccine shortages

    The World Health Organisation has called for the administration of third, or booster doses, of Covid-19 vaccines to be suspended to deal with the huge inequality in global distribution. The organisation says booster shots should be halted until at least the end of September until the inequity in distribution between rich and poor countries is addressed. WHO boss Tedros Adhanom…

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  • World NewsRumours of meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi as Burmese military accept ASEAN envoy

    Rumours of meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi as Burmese military accept ASEAN envoy

    The ruling military junta in Myanmar has issued a statement accepting the appointment of Erywan Yusof as ASEAN Special Envoy. Yusof will also oversee the association’s humanitarian programmes in the country, although it’s understood the military regime has refused to allow aid workers to deliver assistance to the worst-affected areas. Thai PBS World reports that Singapore has confirmed a contribution…

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  • World NewsOpinion: Iranian regime will stop at nothing to ensure survival

    Opinion: Iranian regime will stop at nothing to ensure survival

    The recent protests that erupted under the pretext of socioeconomic deprivations, but are rooted in political grievances stemming from decades of lack of accountability and repression, have become a trend in the country. Regrettably, the brutal crackdown of these protests by the regime is also the disconcerting order of the day. This is all while the authorities continue to make…

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  • World NewsGerman-Iranian ties face scrutiny as hard-liner Raisi takes office

    German-Iranian ties face scrutiny as hard-liner Raisi takes office

    Iran has a new head of government: Ebrahim Raisi. The 60-year-old cleric with the rimless glasses and what comes across as a shy smile was inaugurated as president on Tuesday, and takes the oath of office Thursday. The ultraconservative lawyer is taking over the presidency at a crucial time. Indirect negotiations with the United States in Vienna on the future…

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  • Covid-19 NewsWaste disposal firm calls for rubbish collectors to be vaccinated

    Waste disposal firm calls for rubbish collectors to be vaccinated

    The head of Prabkaya, one of Thailand’s largest waste disposal companies, says rubbish collectors must be vaccinated as a matter of priority. Theerawong Sanpipat says the workers regularly come into contact with potentially infected discarded items, such as face masks. According to a Bangkok Post report, he is demanding the workers be vaccinated and the public educated on how to…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThursday Covid Update: High of 20,920 new cases and 160 deaths

    Thursday Covid Update: High of 20,920 new cases and 160 deaths

    A record high of 20,920 new Covid-19 cases and 160 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. In the latest and most severe wave of Covid-19, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has recorded 664,442 Covid-19 cases. Over the last 24 hours since the last count, the CCSA recorded 17,926 recoveries. Thailand now has 213,910…

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  • Covid-19 NewsRollout of Pfizer doses gets underway

    Rollout of Pfizer doses gets underway

    The first rollout of the eagerly awaited Pfizer vaccine has kicked off, with doses being distributed first to Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, followed by other high-risk provinces around the country. According to a Bangkok Post report, Opas Karnkawinpong from the Department of Disease Control has confirmed the doses will be given as booster shots to frontline healthcare workers who…

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  • Covid-19 News20 year old arrested for online alternative vaccine scam

    20 year old arrested for online alternative vaccine scam

    A 20 year old man was arrested in Prachin Buri province after allegedly swindling at least around 50 people online in a fake vaccine scam. The man was arrested by the Technology Crime Suppression Division on Tuesday after using Facebook to collect orders for Covid-19 alternative vaccines that didn’t exist. This is the second vaccine scam in the province in…

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  • World NewsCuban government asks for humanitarian aid

    Cuban government asks for humanitarian aid

    Though Cuba has been undergoing an economic crisis for years, the situation has worsened considerably in the past few months. A monetary reform to put an end to the country’s dual currency system at the beginning of the year — plus the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent fall of tourism — have combined to create conditions that are increasingly untenable,…

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  • Covid-19 NewsDelta variant now the predominant strain, 78% of Thai infections

    Delta variant now the predominant strain, 78% of Thai infections

    Weeks ago experts predicted that the Delta variant would become the predominant strain of Covid-19 in Thailand by early August. Now, as foreseen, a new study shows that 78.2% of all new Covid-19 infections throughout the country are of the Delta variant. The Medical Sciences Department’s Director-General revealed the results of a test the department had been running in their…

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  • World NewsKashmir: A conflict between wild animals and humans

    Kashmir: A conflict between wild animals and humans

    On June 3, 4-year-old Adda Mudasir was playing with her toys a few feet away from her brother and grandfather on the lawn of her home in Ompora village in India-administered Kashmir. By the time her family heard the screams it was too late. A leopard had attacked the girl and dragged her away, leaving only her toys and shoes…

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  • Covid-19 NewsControversial food delivery only rule faces criticism

    Controversial food delivery only rule faces criticism

    Most people understand the need for Covid-19 restrictions and safety protections, but many people are complaining about one questionable restriction that affects anyone who owns a food establishment or indeed eats. Restaurants and their patrons are both miffed about the revision to the dark red zone Covid-19 restrictions that changed from food establishments being open for takeaway only to being…

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  • World NewsIran’s new President Ebrahim Raisi: What to expect

    Iran’s new President Ebrahim Raisi: What to expect

    On Thursday, 60-year-old Ebrahim Raisi will be sworn in before parliament as the Islamic Republic’s sixth president after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei inaugurated him on Tuesday in a ceremony broadcast live on state television. However, the handover of power to a new administration is being greeted by many Iranians with a sense of hopelessness and resignation. “Raisi and his…

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  • World NewsIran’s new President Ebrahim Raisi: What to expect

    Ebrahim Raisi: What to expect from Iran’s new president

    On Thursday, 60-year-old Ebrahim Raisi will be sworn in before parliament as the Islamic Republic’s sixth president after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei inaugurated him on Tuesday in a ceremony broadcast live on state television. However, the handover of power to a new administration is being greeted by many Iranians with a sense of hopelessness and resignation. “Raisi and his…

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  • World NewsOn Tunisian streets, economic worries and political fury

    On Tunisian streets, economic worries and political fury

    Wadi bin Soleiman taps at his mobile phone. He’s sitting on his chair, inside his ceramics store in the historic old city of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. The market is usually a focal point for tourists. But it’s shortly before midday and bin Soleiman has yet to get a single customer. Like so many other Tunisians involved in the…

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  • World NewsMeet an Afghan who returned from space with a message of peace

    Meet an Afghan who returned from space with a message of peace

    As a child, Abdul Ahad Mohmand says he dreamed of flying, but he never imagined he would one day visit outer space. He was born in 1959 in Sardeh, a remote village south of Kabul. In 1988, he would become the first and only Afghan cosmonaut on Russia’s Mir space station. Now a German citizen, 62-year-old Mohmand spoke with DW…

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  • Crime NewsExpat arrested on drug charges allegedly claims to be a local “Robin Hood”

    Expat arrested on drug charges allegedly claims to be a local “Robin Hood”

    A British national arrested in Chiang Mai for allegedly selling drugs apparently claims to be a local “Robin Hood,” using money he obtained from the rich through illegal acts to give to those in need. Reports in Thai media say the man claims to have spent 1 million baht to buy things for children and villagers who have been affected…

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  • Thailand NewsThai Airways selling 10 properties to raise capital

    Thai Airways selling 10 properties to raise capital

    With deepening debt and the Covid-19 pandemic dragging on and flattening the tourism and travel industry, Thai Airways International is looking to sell off some large assets like buildings and properties to stabilise the struggling airline. The airline has been in the throes of bankruptcy and debt rehabilitation for months now after failing to secure a bailout from the government.…

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  • Best ofThe 5 Best Cafes in Koh Samui

    The 5 Best Cafes in Koh Samui

    Tropical beaches on Koh Samui are what is the island is most famous for, but it’s also packed with modern cafes serving up heavenly coffee and food. From Thai to wholesome cuisine and coffees of all kinds, we’ve listed the best cafes in Samui. cafe Top 5 Cafes in Koh Samui 1. Vikasa Life Samui Cafe Founded by 2 European raw…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | record Covid deaths, ban on ‘mass gatherings’ | August 4

    Thailand News Today | record Covid deaths, ban on ‘mass gatherings’ | August 4

    To donate to our ‘I Am Strong Fundraiser’ and check out the video, please click here… https://gogetfunding.com/the-thaigers-i-am-strong-campaign/ The Public Health Ministry has confirmed that 10 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines will be distributed across Thailand this month. The Central Criminal Court has granted 31 anti-government protesters conditional release on the basis that they are not considered flight risks. And today…

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  • Covid-19 NewsVaccine updates for expats; hospital extends hours to accelerate vaccinations

    Vaccine updates for expats; hospital extends hours to accelerate vaccinations

    In an effort to accelerate the rollout of vaccines and prevent overcrowding at inculcation centres, MedPark Hospital in Bangkok is opening up vaccination appointments after business hours until August 9 as part of its “Going the Extra Mile, Extra Hours” campaign. The extended hours are from 6pm to 10pm. MedPark Hospital is participating in the ThailandIntervac project by the Ministry…

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  • Thailand Travel5 most absolutely luxurious hotels in Thailand

    5 most absolutely luxurious hotels in Thailand

    Want to stay in luxury hotels in Thailand? Then you’ve come to the right place. One of the best things about Thailand is that it’s a land of contrasts. Whether you’re interested in bustling city life, tranquil countryside, or lazy days spent on a pristine beach, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Each region has its own unique…

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  • World NewsMyanmar envoy updated to Brunei’s 2nd Foreign Affairs Minister

    Myanmar envoy updated to Brunei’s 2nd Foreign Affairs Minister

    In a reversal of previous discussion and decisions that would have seen former Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul appointed as the ASEAN envoy to Myanmar, multiple sources are now reporting that it will be Brunei’s Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Erywan Yusof that will be taking up the envoy role. The agreement to send an envoy to Myanmar to…

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  • Environment NewsThailand’s national parks ban the use of some sunscreens containing particular chemicals

    Thailand’s national parks ban the use of some sunscreens containing particular chemicals

    Fair-skinned travellers beware – visiting Thailand’s beautiful natural parks just got a bit harder and may leave you literally seeing red. Get ready for sunburn, as a new law announced last night in the Royal Gazette has banned the use of some sunscreens that contain certain chemicals (below) within the grounds of Thailand’s national parks. The rule was enacted in…

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  • Covid-19 NewsWednesday Covid Update: 20,200 new cases, provincial totals

    Wednesday Covid Update: 20,200 new cases, provincial totals

    Thailand’s daily counts for Covid-19 cases and deaths hit record highs today with 20,200 new Covid-19 cases and 188 coronavirus-related fatalities recorded today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. A total of 672,395 confirmed Covid-19 infections and 5,503 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in Thailand since the start of the pandemic last year. Thailand’s latest and most severe wave…

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  • GuidesVisa Exemption Rule – 56 countries to enter Thailand without a visa

    Visa Exemption Rule – 56 countries to enter Thailand without a visa

    Thailand has suspended all Tourist Visa Exemption Schemes with all countries as a measure to control the number of COVID-19 imported cases since the onset of COVID-19. To increase the number of tourists, the government lifted the suspension in early December 2020. Passport holders from 56 countries/territories can visit Thailand for up to 45 days under the Tourist Visa Exemption…

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  • World NewsThird phase testing successful for Vietnam Covid-19 vaccine

    Third phase testing successful for Vietnam Covid-19 vaccine

    The storyline of Covid-19 in Vietnam has run very similar to Thailand with early successes and recent widespread outbreaks. Now, just as Thailand is working on a domestic mRNA vaccine, Vietnam is developing its own locally created and manufactured Covid-19 vaccine, and the progress is promising. Vietnam, like Thailand, started strong throughout 2020, being among the first countries to detect…

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  • Crime NewsPhuket police arrest 2 men and seize more than 160,000 methamphetamine pills

    Phuket police arrest 2 men and seize more than 160,000 methamphetamine pills

    Police in Phuket arrested two men on drug charges and seized more than 160,000 methamphetamine pills. Officers from the Tha Chatchai station searched a two-storey home in Mai Khao and found thousands of methamphetamine tablets, known by the Thai street name “ya ba,” which translates to “crazy drug.” Officers say they found 60 orange pills which were branded with the…

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  • SponsoredTour Phuket’s Islands with 5 Star Marine

    Tour Phuket’s Islands with 5 Star Marine

    Sponsored article 5 Star Marine Searching for a private boat charter in Phuket? Look no further than 5 Star Marine. Operating in Phuket for over 13 years, 5 Star Marine has since evolved to become industry leaders. Today, they are one of the top boat companies in Phuket, due to their strength in customer focus and premium boats at affordable…

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  • Thailand video newsGood Morning Thailand | Hemp Ice cream, Thai English proficiency, Covid stats

    Good Morning Thailand | Hemp Ice cream, Thai English proficiency, Covid stats

    Today Tim and Jay talk about Hemp ice cream, Thai english proficiency and the main local and regional headlines around Thailand and South East Asia. With a weather report around Thailand as well as answering your comments and questions.

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  • Best of5 Best Seafood Restaurants in Koh Samui

    5 Best Seafood Restaurants in Koh Samui

    The waters surrounding Koh Samui are a rich source of fresh seafood. Thus, finding seafood on the island is easy with a variety of fish caught daily. From beachfront restaurants to local eateries, these are the best seafood restaurants to try. Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Koh Samui 1. Samui Seafood Grill & Restaurant For authentic Thai cuisine, head to Samui Seafood…

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  • Covid-19 NewsHealth Ministry to distribute 10 million vaccine doses across Thailand this month

    Health Ministry to distribute 10 million vaccine doses across Thailand this month

    The Public Health Ministry has confirmed that 10 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines will be distributed across the country in August. Thai PBS World reports that the vaccine doses will primarily be AstraZeneca and Sinovac, but also include the 1.5 million Pfizer doses donated by the US. Bangkok will receive 1.23 million vaccine doses, with priority being given to elderly…

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  • World NewsA year after Beirut explosion, parents seek justice for their daughter

    A year after Beirut explosion, parents seek justice for their daughter

    Paul Naggear and Tracy Awad-Naggear thought they and their 3-year-old daughter would at least be safe at home. It wasn’t like they expected much from the state in Lebanon anyway. The economy was in free fall and the COVID-19 pandemic was also impacting the country. Nobody really believed things could get much worse than they were. But anybody who thought…

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  • Thailand Protest News31 anti-government activists granted conditional release

    31 anti-government activists granted conditional release

    The Central Criminal Court has granted 31 anti-government protesters conditional release on the basis that they are not considered flight risks. The activists include Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, aka, “Pai Dao Din”, and have been in custody since their arrest in front of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau in Bangkok on Sunday and Monday. According to a Thai PBS World report, the protesters…

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  • Thailand Protest NewsBan on mass gatherings published in Royal Gazette ahead of anti-government protests this weekend

    Ban on mass gatherings published in Royal Gazette ahead of anti-government protests this weekend

    A new order has been published in the Royal Gazette banning all mass gatherings, including rallies, protests, and assemblies. The order was published last night, ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations in Bangkok this weekend. The order is being implemented under the Emergency Decree, which has now been extended 13 times since its introduction in March 2020. According to a Pattaya…

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  • Thailand NewsWednesday Covid Update: Record high of 20,200 new cases and 188 deaths

    Wednesday Covid Update: Record high of 20,200 new cases and 188 deaths

    A record high of 20,200 new Covid-19 cases and another high of 188 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Thailand now has 211,076 active Covid-19 cases. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has recorded 643,522 Covid-19 cases. In 24 hours, the CCSA says 17,975 Covid-19 patients were…

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