Year: 2021

  • 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 News

    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 News

    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 News

    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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  • Covid-19 News

    Health Ministry calls for a halt to criticism of doctors not involved in vaccine decisions

    Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has issued a statement in defence of 4 top doctors it says are being unfairly criticised for vaccine decisions they were not involved in. Kiattiphum Wongrajit from the Health Ministry says the doctors are dedicated in their fight against Covid-19, but have never had any involvement in vaccine procurement. “These medical advisers only gave advice to…

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  • Phuket News

    Phuket lays on Suvarnabhumi bus service for stranded sandbox tourists

    The governor of Phuket has announced that a special bus service will transport stranded sandbox tourists from the southern island to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. As a result of the cancellation of domestic flights, sandbox visitors who had plans to visit elsewhere in Thailand after their 14 days on Phuket now find themselves stuck. Governor Narong Wunsiew says a dedicated bus…

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  • World NewsWhat is the India-France Rafale fighter jet deal all about?

    What is the India-France Rafale fighter jet deal all about?

    As India continues to embark on modernizing its aging military amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, one of Delhi’s biggest defense deals continues to draw controversy years after it was concluded. In 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the landmark defense deal with French aviation company Dassault to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets to refurbish India’s rusting air force. In late…

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  • World NewsWhy are there so few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa?

    Why are there so few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa?

    This year, eight mosques in northern Ivory Coast and Ivindo National Park in Gabon have landed one of the coveted places on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In addition to the two sites in Africa, the responsible committee at its 44th session in the Chinese port city of Fuzhou named 16 candidates from Europe and another 16 from other world regions…

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  • Things To Do

    5 most family-friendly resorts in Phuket

    If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that caters to every age group, Phuket is the perfect getaway spot. From beaches and water sports to amusement parks and cultural excursions, there is no shortage of activities for families to enjoy. And, to make your stay even more enjoyable, Phuket offers a range of family-friendly resorts that are sure to provide…

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  • World NewsEthiopia: A catastrophe in the making

    Ethiopia: A catastrophe in the making

    In Ethiopia’s Tigray province, a lack of medical supplies, frequent power cuts and a severe fuel scarcity — not to mention a cash shortage due to closed banks, and growing unemployment after factories were shut down or looted — is making life increasingly difficult for the population, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). “The humanitarian situation…

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  • Transport News

    Transport Company announces bus services are suspended until August 31

    The state-run Transport Company announced that all interprovincial bus services will be suspended until the end of the month. Under the recent order imposed by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, interprovincial public transportation out of the 29 “dark red” zones, including Bangkok, is not allowed. The CCSA’s order is in effect until August 16, but a spokesperson says the…

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  • Thailand video news

    Thailand News Today | 29 provinces now on curfew, booze ban in Phuket

    Please donate to our ‘I am Strong’ campaign if you are able to…. https://gogetfunding.com/the-thaigers-i-am-strong-campaign/ More than a third of the country is now under curfew tonight as restrictions are now in force in 29 of Thailand’s 77 provinces. Yesterday, the Ministry of Public Health assured the public that all medical staff, and undertakers, will get the Pfizer vaccine. The executive…

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  • South Thailand News

    Volunteer ranger killed in grenade attack by suspected insurgents

    A volunteer ranger was killed in a grenade attack by suspected insurgents at a Thai army camp in Narathiwat, a province in Thailand’s Deep South near the Malaysian border with ongoing violence related to the religious separatist insurgency. Four soldiers at the makeshift base were injured in the attack. The army set up a small camp along the Sungai Kolok…

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  • Things To Do

    Top 5 Spas in Koh Samui

    An indulgent spa day can be just what you need to rest and recharge. Fortunately, Koh Samui has many pockets of calm, with wellness retreats on every corner. Whether you’re seeking a Thai or aromatherapy massage or just a simple day of pampering, we’ve selected the very best spas on the island. From smaller shops to luxury and exclusive resorts, these spas…

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  • Cannabis

    Hemp ice cream hits the Thai market

    The ice cream maker “Hemp” has launched a CBD infused ice cream. Their products are produced using Golden Triangle Group’s assistance. The group represent a big business mover and shaker in Thailand’s legal cannabis industry. Previously they opened a cafe on Soi Sukhumvit 36 in Bangkok. The flavours include: Northern Lights: chamomile mint chip tea Pineapple Express: apple and mango…

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  • Pattaya News

    Chon Buri sets local order, restaurants in malls to only offer food for delivery

    In response to the uptick in Covid-19 cases in Chon Buri, with many clusters found in shopping centres, the provincial government imposed local orders focused on stores and restaurants in malls. Restaurants, cafes and eateries in shopping centres and department stores can open for delivery service, according to both the order by the provincial government and the Centre for Covid-19…

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  • Thailand News

    Samut Prakan man dies in fire, possibly self-inflicted

    An Indian national, Thiruvadi Mari Prakash who lived in Samut Prakan, a central Thai province, has died after succumbing to burns from a petrol induced fire. Early reports suggest the man started the fire to commit suicide. Duty officer Adithep Phocharoen, says the fire was reported around 10:30 pm on the second floor of a 6 story apartment. Once alerted,…

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  • Thailand News

    Royal Thai Police say bitterleaf can’t cure Covid

    The Royal Thai Police want the public to know that bitterleaf trees can’t cure cancer is not true and is fake news. Kissana Pattanacharoen, the deputy spokesperson for the RTT says the Anti Fake News Centre Thailand discovered the fraudulent claim about bitterleaf’s medicinal properties today and verified this with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. However, the…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Tuesday Covid Update: 18,901 new cases, provincial totals

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration reported 18,901 new Covid-19 cases and 147 coronavirus-related deaths today, raising the total case count since the start of the pandemic to 652,185 and the Covid death toll to 5,315. The latest and most severe wave of Covid-19 in Thailand, which was first recorded on April 1, has accounted for 623,322 infections and 5,221…

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  • Thailand News

    Air Asia technician arrested for allegedly stealing electronics

    Bangkok Police have arrested a technical who worked for Air Asia for allegedly stealing multiple pieces of electrical equipment. The thefts had been discovered after Air Asia had noticed the equipment was missing. Officials then checked CCTV and saw 27 year old Preecha Inthachai allegedly putting items in a bag. Don Muang police then arrested Preecha and searched his home…

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  • Pattaya News

    “Pattaya Move On” reopening likely to be postponed as Covid cases surge

    With Chon Buri ranking as one of the top provinces with the highest number of daily Covid-19 infections, the “Pattaya Move On” reopening plan will likely be delayed due to the rise in cases and slow rollout of vaccines. September was the eyed start date for the reopening plan for specified areas in Chon Buri. The project is similar to…

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  • Thailand News

    3 metre long python caught near family’s house in Phuket

    Recently, a group of civil defence volunteers were called to a family’s house in Srisoonthorn, Phuket to help catch a 3 metre long python. Nopparit Rungrueng, who is the headman of the Srisoonthorn Subdistrict led the team of snake finders/catchers. The volunteers got to the house just before noon and started to look for the snake, which was spotted by…

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  • Thailand News

    Government says not to buy Favipiravir/Avigan online, says it might be fake

    Yesterday, Traisuree Taisaranaku, the deputy government spokesperson said that people should refrain from buying the antiviral medication Favipiravir online because it’s possibly fake. The drug also goes by the brand name Avigan, as well as other names. The spokesperson says the medication should only be taken if it is prescribed by a doctor. Traisuree says people were tricked through social…

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  • Phuket News

    Phuket bans alcohol sales at restaurants, issues order amid rise of Covid cases

    The ban on alcohol sales and consumption at restaurants has been reimposed in Phuket and will be in place until at least August 16. Certain “social activities,” like parties at public places, are also now prohibited for the next two weeks. The order, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew yesterday, could be extended longer if the Covid-19 situation does not improve. Phuket…

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  • Thailand video news

    Good Morning Thailand | New restrictions, new Red Line train in Bangkok, Covid latest

    Today Tim and Jay talk about the new restrictions imposed in Phuket, the new red line train in Bangkok and the latest covid 19 updates. The local and regional headlines around Thailand and South East Asia, weather report around Thailand as well as answering your comments and questions.  

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  • Thailand News

    Ministry of Public Health says Pfizer vaccine will be allocated correctly, others disagree

    Yesterday, the Ministry of Public Health assured the public that all medical staff, including “rescuers” and undertakers, will assuredly get the Pfizer vaccine. Provided, that is, they fall within the ministry’s guidelines for the vaccination. The ministry says the subcommittee on disease immunity enhancement made the decision on Sunday to establish guidelines for the 1,503,450 Pfizer vaccines from the US…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Rollout of Covid-19 vaccination for teenagers gets underway in Cambodia

    Cambodia is extending its Covid-19 vaccination programme to teenagers, starting in the capital Phnom Penh and another 3 hard-hit provinces. According to an AFP report, the grandchildren of the country’s leader, Hun Sen, were among the first to be vaccinated. The vaccination of teenagers kicked off on Sunday, with doses administered to people between the ages of 12 and 17…

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  • Phuket News

    Man goes missing off Freedom Beach, Phuket

    Yesterday, a man went for a swim off of Freedom Beach in Phuket and was carried away by a strong current. He was last seen early in the afternoon. Boonyarit Inthakarn from the Patong Police arrived at the beach just after 2 pm. 21 year old Thanakit Srisuwanwichian, told police he, and his then non-missing friend, Akkarapol Pattranonwere, were swimming…

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  • Phuket News

    Phuket tourism sector calls for island to be “green-listed” for foreign tourists – VIDEO

    The executive chairman of the Banyan Tree Group is calling for Phuket to be given “green” status, promoting the island as a safe haven for foreign tourists. Singaporean KP Ho was addressing the Phuket Sandbox Summit via video-conference when he called on European airlines, business leaders, and officials to differentiate the southern island from the rest of Thailand. According to…

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  • Things To Do

    Phuket’s best day trips and tours

    By far one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, Phuket offers lots to explore, both in and around the island. From excellent cultural experiences and delicious traditional cuisines to beautiful beaches and bizarre islands, Phuket has something for everyone. Since the island is so diverse, a great way to experience the many facets and spice up your vacation is…

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  • Business News

    What is so important about the Sandbox?

    OPINION by Bill Barnett from c9hotelworks.com Being on the ground in Phuket over the past sixteen months of the pandemic I have experienced the up’s and downs of pandemic tourism firsthand. Over the past month with the Sandbox program coming into place, we have seen over 13,000 travellers arrive at the Phuket International Airport. “What is so important about the…

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  • Tourism News

    Thailand’s foreign tourist numbers expected to plummet during 2021

    Tourism officials have repeated a bleak prediction that international arrivals in Thailand are likely to drop to an all-time low this year. According to a Bangkok Post report, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says foreign visitors to the Kingdom may only number 500,000 this year. “If the ongoing outbreak continues past September, the total number of foreign tourists this year might…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Nurse dies of Covid-19 a week after receiving first dose of Sinovac

    A nurse has died of Covid-19 a week after getting her first dose of the Sinovac vaccine, with a doctor saying she wouldn’t have built up enough immunity in that time. 45 year old Uraiwan Chantharaplin died at Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok, with the death confirmed by Samutsakhon Hospital where she worked. The Bangkok Post reports that on July 25,…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Tuesday Covid Update: 18,901 new cases and 147 deaths

    18,901 new Covid-19 cases and 147 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, raising the total case count in the latest wave, first recorded on April 1, to 623,322 confirmed Covid-19 infections. There are now 209,039 active Covid-19 cases in Thailand. Dozens of isolation centres are being set up in Bangkok, the epicentre of the…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Government says ongoing vaccination and obeying the rules will drive infections down

    If everyone obeys Covid-19 restrictions while the vaccination of high-risk groups continues, the Health Ministry predicts a big drop in new case numbers in the coming weeks. According to a Bangkok Post report, Kiattiphum Wongrajit says just a 5% increase in the public’s observance of disease prevention measures would be enough to make a significant difference. He adds that greater…

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  • South Thailand News

    Suspected insurgent wanted for murder killed by forces in Pattani

    A suspected insurgent wanted on murder and numerous other charges was killed in a clash by security forces in the Deep South province Pattani near the Malaysian border, an area prone to violence due to the ongoing religious separatist insurgency. A Thai government unit had surrounded a home on a rubber plantation in Nong Chik district suspected of being used by…

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  • World NewsCOVID-19: France makes life difficult for unvaccinated

    COVID-19: France makes life difficult for unvaccinated

    Business has been difficult for restaurateur Sylvain Belaud ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with turnover plummeting by 60% last year. And now, the director of the Cafe Francoeur in the Montmartre area in northern Paris will have to face what feels like yet another obstacle on the way back to business as usual. A “health pass” will…

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