Year: 2021

  • Pattaya NewsChon Buri orders beach, market closure; Navy closes 12 beaches

    Chon Buri orders beach, market closure; Navy closes 12 beaches

    As Chon Buri and Pattaya work to contain and reduce Covid-19 infections, beaches and a market area have been ordered to close indefinitely. Last night, the Chon Buri Public Relations Department released a new round of closure orders, affecting beaches and Market areas. The Royal Thai Navy also joined in on the closure orders, announcing a string of beaches in…

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  • World NewsCuba’s COVID vaccine rivals BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna

    Cuba’s COVID vaccine rivals BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna

    In a measure of its ambitious efforts to be vaccine self-reliant, Cuba has named one of its homegrown jabs Abdala, after a famous dramatic verse by independence hero and national icon Jose Marti. In the verse, the young hero, Abdala, heads to war to defend his fatherland, full of patriotic fervor no matter how strong and powerful the enemy. From…

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  • World NewsWhat’s that wind smell like to you? Myanmar authorities blaze drugs valued at 0 mil US dollars

    What’s that wind smell like to you? Myanmar authorities blaze drugs valued at $670 mil US dollars

    Yesterday, Myanmar authorities set an assortment of drugs on fire throughout the country. The drugs were valued, collectively, at $670 million US dollars, or about 20,100,000,000 baht. The Myanmar authorities blazed opium, heroin, and methamphetamine. Their narcotics suppression experts say drug syndicates have used ingenuity to get around Covid-19 travel restrictions and are still very much open for business. There…

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  • Tourism NewsPoll: Majority of Thai people against 120 day reopening plan

    Poll: Majority of Thai people against 120 day reopening plan

    Who isn’t excited about the 120 day reopening plan announced by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha last week? Turns out nearly 74% of people in Thailand, that’s who. In a new poll by the National Institute of Development Administration, the majority of people surveyed were against the reopening in less than 4 months (the PM made his 12 day call last Tuesday).…

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  • Thailand NewsFormer military conscript arrested for Child pornography in Tak

    Former military conscript arrested for Child pornography in Tak

    Police in the northern Thai province of Tak have arrested a child pornography distributor. They seized thousands of digital files that included both underage girls and “underage women”. Cyber crime police and local police raided a house. They arrested a 28 year old person identified as “Mr Olarn”. They seized a computer, a mobile phone and a bank passbook. The…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE: 3,995 new cases and 42 deaths, provincial totals

    Covid UPDATE: 3,995 new cases and 42 deaths, provincial totals

    The public health department has announced another 3,995 new infections and 42 Covid-related deaths for Sunday. Only 45 more cases were detected in Thai prisons, a sharp drop off from a few weeks ago when the daily cases from prisons were in the 100s each day (more Covid updates below). The main outbreaks around Thailand are occurring in the capital,…

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  • World NewsLaos gets in on high speed rail project

    Laos gets in on high speed rail project

    Laos is entering a monthly meeting that was previously just Thailand and China. They will go over progress updates on plans to join Thailand to China with a high speed rail system in Thailand with Vientiane. The agreement was decided at no later than the 29th meeting of the joint committee last Friday. A proposal was suggested by the Thai…

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  • Thailand NewsActivist group seeks to dissolve ruling Palang Pracharath Party, PM’s resignation

    Activist group seeks to dissolve ruling Palang Pracharath Party, PM’s resignation

    An activist group that goes by the name Prachachon Khonthai (People Of Thailand, or POT), say they are filing a petition to dissolve the ruling Palang Pracharath Party next week. The 30 members strong group had come together yesterday on Phitsanulok Road, Bangkok. They gathered surrounded by 300 nearby police officers. The leader, Nititorn Lamlua, who was previously a People’s…

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  • Covid-19 NewsAs Phuket opens, Bangkok, 9 provinces face new restrictions

    As Phuket opens, Bangkok, 9 provinces face new restrictions

    Things are changing next week in the level of severity of the rules and restrictions for Covid-19 safety and control. No, we’re not talking about loosening all the restrictions in the Phuket Sandbox reopening, we’re referring to partial lockdowns in Bangkok and 9 other provinces around Thailand to battle rising Covid-19 infections. The Royal Gazette published today the new restrictions…

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  • Covid-19 NewsMilitary, police deployed to seal off nearly 600 construction worker camps

    Military, police deployed to seal off nearly 600 construction worker camps

    As Thailand polishes up the immigration desks to welcome back international travellers from this Thursday, the military and police are being deployed to seal off nearly 600 construction worker camps in the Bangkok and inner provincial area to ensure the inhabitants don’t leave before their camps are sealed off as a prevention measure against the latest Covid outbreaks. The Thai…

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  • Thailand NewsBritain’s health minister resigns after affair breaks Covid guidance

    Britain’s health minister resigns after affair breaks Covid guidance

    The last thing I would want is for my private life to distract attention from the single-minded focus that is leading us out of this crisis Yesterday, Britain health minister, Matt Hancock resigned after admitting he broke Covid-19 guidance after kissing and “embracing” his non-wife/aide in his office. The move did not sit well with colleagues amidst the lockdown. Matt…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsChiang Rai police looking for robbers who grabbed gold valued over 3 million baht | VIDEO

    Chiang Rai police looking for robbers who grabbed gold valued over 3 million baht | VIDEO

    Police in the northern Thai province of Chiang Rai are searching for 2 suspects who allegedly robbed gold chains valued over 3 million baht from a gold shop. The suspects reportedly fled the scene on a motorbike. The robbery happened yesterday afternoon. Around 2:30, the robbers fired multiple shots from a handgun to intimidate the Yaowarat Sinthawee gold shop staff.…

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  • Tourism NewsWelcome back home: Phuket’s message to the world, echoes its X-Factor, its people

    Welcome back home: Phuket’s message to the world, echoes its X-Factor, its people

    “As the countdown to the Sandbox hits seven days, resort island pays tribute to its real-life tourism attraction.” OPINION by Bill Barnett, c9hotelworks.com Tourism eyes around the world are focused on a resort island in Thailand this week for the reopening of international, vaccinated travel to the Phuket Sandbox. A key emerging storyline from the island’s frenzied runaway to July…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE Sunday: 3,995 new cases and 42 deaths

    Covid UPDATE Sunday: 3,995 new cases and 42 deaths

    For Sunday the public health department have announced another 3,995 new infections and 42 Covid-related deaths. Only 45 more cases were detected in Thai prisons, a sharp drop off from a few weeks ago when the daily cases from prisons were in the 100s. The main outbreaks around Thailand are occurring in the capital, adjoining provinces, and provinces directly to…

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  • Covid-19 NewsMultiple business associations oppose lack of Bangkok lockdown

    Multiple business associations oppose lack of Bangkok lockdown

    After the government announced yesterday a one-month closure of construction camps, the Federation of Thai Industries and many other business associations complained that the action was too weak. The FTI and other business groups believe that a full lockdown is necessary to control Covid-19 outbreaks in Bangkok and half-measures like this are ineffective at best. The federation is one of…

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  • World NewsTanzania: President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 100 days in office

    Tanzania: President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 100 days in office

    On the streets of Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, the hustle of life goes on. Many, it appears, are oblivious that it has been 100 days since Samia Suluhu Hassan made history when she was sworn in as the first female president of Tanzania. Those who spoke to DW had differing opinions on Suluhu Hassan’s performance so far. “We…

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  • World News14 Burmese arrested in Kanchanaburi after illegal border crossing

    14 Burmese arrested in Kanchanaburi after illegal border crossing

    Last night, 14 Burmese people where are arrested in Kanchanaburi after an illegal crossing at the Thai-Burmese border. Border patrol security forces near Huai Nam Khao village in Muang district discovered a suspicious pickup truck driving yesterday evening around 8 pm. Local police officers and soldiers patrolling the border region pulled over the truck and discovered 14 Burmese Nationals inside.…

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  • Central Thailand NewsMalaysian businessman found dead in his parked car

    Malaysian businessman found dead in his parked car

    The body of a missing Malaysian businessman was found dead in his car parked near a fish pond in Samut Prakan an apparent suicide. The 43 year old man was found dead in the car with the engine still running, and with a still-warm charcoal stove in the passenger seat beside him. Wong Chen Hoe, a Malaysian national, was discovered…

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  • Pattaya News121 arrested in raid of “restaurant” clubs violating Covid-19 rules

    121 arrested in raid of “restaurant” clubs violating Covid-19 rules

    A raid around Pattaya at the earliest hours of this morning brought over a hundred arrests for violating Covid-19 measures, drinking, gathering, and smoking shisha. The raid of 2 venues that attempted to skirt the national bar and club closure laws by operating as an alleged restaurant took place between midnight and 2 am. The so-called restaurants had been operating…

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  • Visa InformationLatest info for arriving in Phuket from July 1 – Sandbox update

    Latest info for arriving in Phuket from July 1 – Sandbox update

    The latest official traveller advice for the Phuket Sandbox has been announced. The infographic points out that the information is valid for Thais and Foreigners. There are no surprises although there are some prickly issues still unanswered by with the Phuket Governor’s information announced late yesterday, including clarification on exactly who can stay with an international arrival at their SHA+…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE: 4,161 new infections, 51 deaths, provincial totals

    Covid UPDATE: 4,161 new infections, 51 deaths, provincial totals

    Today the public health department announced 51 deaths and 4,161 new infections of Covid-19. Only 72 were related to detections in Thai prisons, a further drop in prisoners testing positive for the coronavirus. Here is Saturday’s announcement of Provincial cases announced in the past 24 hours. Notably Chon Buri added a whopping 320 new infections to today’s total. Phuket, ready…

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  • World NewsTech-savvy Egypt targets TikTokers and digital dissidents

    Tech-savvy Egypt targets TikTokers and digital dissidents

    In recent years, Egypt has become a thriving place for digital technology — as well as the Middle East’s No. 1 internet censor. “Communications and technology are the fastest-growing sectors of the Egyptian economy, with recent growth averaging about 16%,” David Butter, analyst at the London-based think tank Chatham House, told DW. However, he said, there is an obvious contradiction…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 patient dies after waiting 1 week for ICU bed

    Covid-19 patient dies after waiting 1 week for ICU bed

    As Bangkok faces a health crisis of bed shortages for Covid-19 patients, one woman died after waiting a week to be assigned an ICU bed. The woman was 38 years old from Laos and lived in Ban Krua Nuea in Bangkok. She suspected that she caught Covid-19 at her work selling clothes around Pratunam Market. After developing a cough she…

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  • Covid-19 NewsSenator tests positive for Covid-19 after Parliament sessions

    Senator tests positive for Covid-19 after Parliament sessions

    After a week of important meetings with most of Parliament in attendance, Senator Lieutenant General Lertrit Wechsawan has tested positive for Covid-19. The 74 year old member of parliament was in attendance for the parliamentary proceedings regarding government referendum voting and later confirmed the diagnosis. It is hoped that exposure and close proximity was limited with the senator, and it…

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  • Tourism NewsFull text of Phuket Sandbox order released in English

    Full text of Phuket Sandbox order released in English

    Today, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew signed Phuket Province Order No. 3491/2564 officially detailing the rules of the Sandbox reopening. While most provisions have been widely discussed – fully vaccinated travellers coming from at least 3 weeks in a low- to medium-risk country, negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours, US $100,000 Covid-19 insurance, 14 days in an SHA+ hotel, tests on…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE Saturday: 4,161 new infections, 51 deaths

    Covid UPDATE Saturday: 4,161 new infections, 51 deaths

    For Saturday, the trend of new infections, and deaths, from Covid-related disease, remains on the rise. Today the public health department announced 51 deaths and 4,161 new infections of Covid-19. Only 72 were related to detections in Thai prisons, a further drop in prisoners testing positive for the coronavirus. As the Thai government is faced with its worst week of…

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  • Visa InformationThai embassies offering COEs for Sandbox travellers from Monday, June 28

    Thai embassies offering COEs for Sandbox travellers from Monday, June 28

    The final stumbling block – the issue of Certificates of Entry for people keen to take advantage of the Phuket ‘Sandbox’ – appears to be sorted out. The way is now clear for fully vaccinated travellers to re-enter Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox plan. The plan is also being rolled out for the trio of Gulf Islands – Koh Samui,…

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  • Tourism NewsMust you be married to share a room in the Phuket Sandbox?

    Must you be married to share a room in the Phuket Sandbox?

    In an attempt to clarify without actually clarifying the issue, the Phuket Tourist Association was compelled to release a follow-up statement in response to an off-the-cuff remark by an official that implied that only legally married couples could share a room in the Phuket Sandbox rollout. Apparently, the grapevine went like this… During a Zoom meeting with the Association of…

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  • Covid-19 News1 month closure of Bangkok, southern work camps ordered

    1 month closure of Bangkok, southern work camps ordered

    While Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claimed the situation in Bangkok hospitals was not critical, senior doctors at many hospitals are proposing a 1-week full lockdown of the capital city. Perhaps meeting in the middle, late this afternoon PM Prayut Chan-o-cha announced the 1-month closure of all construction work camps in Bangkok as well as 4…

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  • Thailand Protest NewsProtest groups vow continued demonstrations this weekend

    Protest groups vow continued demonstrations this weekend

    Protest groups Prachachon Khon Thai and Thai Mai Thon, who led large protests against threats of legal action yesterday, have vowed to continue the protests tomorrow. A third prominent anti-establishment group, Ratsadon, were demonstrating yesterday at the Democracy Monument but have not committed to a protest event tomorrow. Despite police declaring they would prosecute leaders and protesters at yesterday’s events…

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  • World NewsIndia: Do calls for reforms to respect LGBTQ rights go far enough?

    India: Do calls for reforms to respect LGBTQ rights go far enough?

    Manoj (name changed) from the southern Indian state of Karnataka was forced to undergo the “gay conversion therapy” as a teenager. Now an adult, he lives and works in Delhi, and hasn’t spoken to his family in years. “I was made to believe there was something wrong with me. I was given shock treatment among other methods. I escaped home…

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  • Thailand Protest NewsPolice to prosecute yesterday’s protesters for Covid-19 violation

    Police to prosecute yesterday’s protesters for Covid-19 violation

    Yesterday saw many protesters commemorating the 89th anniversary of the bloodless revolution that turned Thailand into a constitutional monarchy. Today police declared they plan on prosecuting demonstrators for violating the Covid-19 emergency decree banning groups of more than 50 people and are currently gathering evidence against rally leaders and protesters. Police officials say that the protesters exceeded the emergency decree…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Pfizer vax approved, IATA testing vaccine travel pass, Covid Update | June 25

    Thailand News Today | Pfizer vax approved, IATA testing vaccine travel pass, Covid Update | June 25

    The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved in Thailand. The FDA has now approved 6 Covid vaccines for use in Thailand. A number of airlines worldwide are participating in trials of a Travel Pass app from the International Air Transport Association. Some minor hiccups have emerged in Phuket Sandbox just days before the reopening of Thailand for unvaccinated travellers. Meanwhile the…

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  • Thailand NewsMan wanted for attempted murder arrested on train

    Man wanted for attempted murder arrested on train

    A man who slashed a relative for not helping with car payments has been caught on a train in Nakhon Si Thammarat. An arrest warrant had been out for Kitiphong since November of last year for attempted murder. Kitiphon was arrested on a train in Nakhon Si Thammarat. He allegedly confessed to the slashing. According to the police, Kitiphon was…

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  • Thailand NewsUpdate list of high/medium/low risk countries for travelling to Thailand

    Update list of high/medium/low risk countries for travelling to Thailand

    Update: Under the “Phuket Sandbox” and “Samui Plus” travel models, travellers not only need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to be eligible to enter Thailand under the schemes, but they also need to be travelling from countries classified by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control as a low to medium risk for Covid-19. The DDC posts a new list on…

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  • World NewsRare, giant barking deer makes appearance in Cambodia

    Rare, giant barking deer makes appearance in Cambodia

    A rare deer, known as a “giant barking deer” was seen in Cambodia, says Cambodian officials today. The muntjac (AKA barking deer), an endangered species, was seen, and photographed via hidden Camera in Cambodia’s Virachey National Park in the Ratanakiri province, in northeast Cambodia says environmental spokesperson Neth Pheaktra. The barking deer mainly live in the hill ranges of Lao…

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  • Covid-19 NewsAnutin says health system won’t collapse despite shortages

    Anutin says health system won’t collapse despite shortages

    After senior doctors said the Covid-19 outbreak situation was critical and suggesting a one-week lockdown in Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reassured people that the health system will not collapse. With a rise in new Covid-19 infections, available hospital beds are getting scarce and there are shortages of medical staff, despite the reassurances of Anutin.…

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