Year: 2021
- World News
Twitter’s India troubles show tough path ahead for digital platforms
Twitter holds a relatively low share of India’s social media market. But, since 2017, the huge nation has emerged as Twitter’s fastest-growing market, becoming critical to its global expansion plans. In February, the Indian government introduced new guidelines to regulate digital content on rapidly growing social media platforms. The so-called Intermediary Guidelines are aimed at regulating content on internet platforms…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines to be donated to Thailand from Japan
As Thailand’s vaccine supply runs short due to production delays, the Japanese government has offered to donate doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, according to Thailand’s health minister Anutin Charnvirakul. An agreement is set to be signed this week and vaccine doses would be delivered next month. Anutin only gave a brief statement and did not say how many doses…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok police warn that protests planned for Thursday break the Emergency Decree
Bangkok police are warning pro-democracy activists that they may face legal again if they hold a rally. Several Bangkok-based groups backing the movement pushing for monarchy and government reform are planning to hold a rally on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the 1932 Siam Revolution. On July 24, 1932, the Khana Ratsadon political party, which means “Peoples’ Party,” led…
Read More » - Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | Hotel occupancy, Phuket beaches hit with tar balls, doctor ‘warning’ | June 21
Thai Hotels Association revealed average occupancy for the county’s hotels in June is not expected to increase from the 6% seen in May, Small tar balls, clumps of congealed oil, have been washing up on the Phuket’s west coast beaches, Another Thai doctor is stressing the need for caution over hastily reopening Thailand, Chon Buri, has ordered a lockdown in…
Read More » - Thailand News
Pattaya residents complain of sinkholes in road, couple sustains injuries
I sustained a minor injury while my boyfriend suffered serious injuries. People in the Pattaya area are reporting that they have suffered injuries from sinkholes in the road. Others are complaining about the faulty infrastructure on social media. The sinkholes are due to recent heavy flooding in the area. Also, work done by a public works company, allege locals. 26…
Read More » - South Thailand News
2 suspected insurgents killed in gunfire exchange with police-military team
In a clash with Thai security forces at a seaside resort, 2 suspected insurgents were killed. As of this afternoon, a team of police and military were still surrounding the resort in Pattani’s Yaring district and another suspected insurgent was still inside. Pattani has been prone to violence due to the religious separatist insurgency in Thailand’s region near the Malaysian…
Read More » - Thailand News
Army raids a house, arrests 53 as part of alleged gambling operation
This morning, the Thai army raided a house in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. As part of the raid, they arrested 40 Chinese nationals, 12 Burmese, and 1 Filipino that were allegedly running an online gambling operation. The house was in a resort located in the Mok Cham Pae of the Muang district that borders Myanmar. Thai media…
Read More » - Best of
Top 5 Insurance Companies for Expats in Thailand
As an expat living in Thailand, finding the best insurance company can be difficult. This is because the insurance industry in Thailand is big. Besides local and offshore insurance companies, banks also offer insurance. Insurance is a business of trust. When you buy insurance, you need to make sure that the insurance company will actually pay your claims. Therefore, they…
Read More » - World News
Thailand abstains from vote on UN resolution condemning Myanmar violence
On the United Nations’ rare move, adopting a resolution urging the military in Myanmar to cease violence, Thailand abstained from voting on the non-binding motion. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat says there were several essential factors to why Thailand declined to vote. 119 member countries of the United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday in support of the resolution…
Read More » - Best of
Top 5 shabu-shabu restaurants in Bangkok
Shabu-shabu is a very popular choice among families and friends across Bangkok, especially on a cold and rainy day. This Japanese hot pot dish usually has thinly-sliced cuts of beef or pork stewing in a delicious broth with a mixture of vegetables; this combination packs a rich and flavourful punch with each bite. Not only does it warm up your…
Read More » - World News
Indonesia approaches 2 million Covid cases
If we let this continue, the situation can become urgent and critical The total number of Covid cases in Indonesia is quickly approaching 2 million. Hospitals continue to struggle with the growing number of infections. Yesterday, Indonesia’s government said they had 13,737 cases which brought the total to 1.99 million. More people are also dying as the hospitalisation rates have…
Read More » - Thailand News
Monday Covid Update: 3,175 new cases; infections rise in the Deep South
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration recorded 3,175 new Covid-19 cases today. Thailand now has 33,859 active cases, a slight increase since the count recorded yesterday after a downward trend over the past few weeks. 29 coronavirus-related fatalities were reported today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 1,658. Since the start of the pandemic last year, the CCSA…
Read More » - Environment News
Oil slick and ‘tar balls’ wash up on Phuket’s beaches – what caused it?
What caused it? We visit Nai Yang beach as volunteers are part of a huge beach clean up involving oil slick ‘tar balls’ that have washed ashore Phuket beaches creating a huge mess. Here’s Michelles’ Facebook page… https://www.facebook.com/Sustainable-Mai-Khao-102076665030960/
Read More » - Thailand News
Bangkok police are “ready” for Thursday’s protests
Police in Bangkok are readying themselves for rallies that are planned for Thursday, which makes the 89th anniversary of the June 24, 1932 revolution by the Khana Ratsadon. The revolution made Thailand go from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s commissioner, Piya Tawichai said today that he anticipates 4 groups to demonstrate in 3 days.…
Read More » - Thailand News
Parachutist dies after being smashed into cliff face, falling into forest
A 53 year old sublieutenant went base jumping over the weekend and died when a gust of wind propelled the chute toward a mountain’s cliff. The man smashed into the cliff but appeared conscious. Then he plummeted into the thick forest below. The incident took place in central Thailand’s Lopburi Province. The unidentified parachutist had gone base jumping with 5…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Covid cluster spreads from Yala to other southern provinces
A Covid cluster in Thailand’s southern province Yala has widened to 190 infections in multiple provinces, says the Disease Control Department. The cluster started at a madrasa, an Islamic boarding school. The majority of the infections (69) were discovered in Yala. Some of the infections by province are as follows: Satun: 37 Songkhla: 17 Pattani: 14 Krabi:14 Narathiwat: 13 Surat…
Read More » - Thailand News
Proposed start date now July 15 for “Samui Plus” reopening
The proposed reopening date for the “Samui Plus” travel scheme is now July 15. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, islands in the Gulf of Thailand off the Surat Thani coast, are planned to reopen to travellers from overseas who are vaccinated against Covid-19. Initially called the “Samui Sealed Route,” the proposed travel scheme will allow those who are…
Read More » - Thailand News
Ministry of Interior backtracks on decision to prioritise ThaiBev for vaccine allocation
Last Thursday, an urgent message was sent to all provincial governors telling them to allocate “spare vaccines” to ThaiBev employees and family. Now, the Ministry of Interior is backtracking on said orders after the decision proved controversial. ThaiBev is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest “beverage” companies and one of its most popular products is Chang beer. The company had asked…
Read More » - Tourism News
Hotel association survey shows average occupancy at around 6%
A survey carried out by the Thai Hotels Association shows that average occupancy for June is not expected to increase from the 6% seen in May. In a further blow to the hotel industry, TTR Weekly reports that occupancy in alternative state quarantine facilities is predicted to fall to 10%, down from 13% last month. THA president, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi,…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Another doctor urges caution over hasty reopening plans
Another doctor has stressed the need for caution over hastily reopening Thailand. However, where the last doctor cautioned against removing the 14 day quarantine, this doctor is emphasising that vaccinating 50 million Thais should not be the only priority. Dr Nithipat Jiankul, chief of the respiratory disease and tuberculosis department, says that the mass vaccination campaign to achieve here immunity…
Read More » - Hua Hin News
Wild elephant breaks into home and raids kitchen in Hua Hin – VIDEO
A wild elephant busted into a home in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district yesterday, breaking through the wall and poking its head into the home’s kitchen. The elephant’s trunk reached into a shelf, knocking over kitchen supplies and grabbing what appeared to be a bag, then stuffing it into its mouth. The homeowner posted photos and a video on…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket reports sixth Covid-19 death in current outbreak
The southern island of Phuket, just days away from launching its pilot re-opening scheme, has recorded a sixth death from Covid-19. The death has been reported in the Phuket News this morning, following an announcement from the island’s Provincial Public Health Office. The patient is the fourth Phuket person to die of Covid-19 in the last 3 weeks. Officials have…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Monday Covid Update: 3,175 new cases and 29 deaths
3,175 new Covid-19 cases and 29 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Since April 1, the recent and most severe wave of infections, the CCSA has recorded a total of 192,443 Covid-19 cases including more than 30,000 at Thailand’s overcrowded prisons. Out of the new cases reported by the CCSA today, 140 infections were…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Lockdown in 3 Chon Buri locations to control Covid-19 spread
The governor of the eastern province of Chon Buri has ordered a lockdown in 3 locations in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19. According to a Pattaya News report, Phakkhrathon Thianchai issued the closure order last night. The province reported 175 new infections yesterday, the highest since the start of the current outbreak in April. The Pattaya News…
Read More » - Things To Do
Top 5 River Cruises to take in Bangkok
Some restaurants are nestled away down alleyways while others are on rooftops. However, the restaurants in this article float! Boarding a river cruise down the Chao Phraya is one of the best ways to experience Bangkok. Stretching 372 miles from source to sea, the Chao Phraya meanders past picturesque temples, historic buildings and modern high-rises. As a result, customers can…
Read More » - Tourism News
KLM to increase flights to Middle-East, Asia as border restrictions ease
The Dutch carrier KLM plans to increase its flights to Asian and Middle-Eastern destinations as countries plan for a re-opening of their borders. According to TTR Weekly, the airline’s summer network is almost the same as in 2019, but with a reduction in the number of flights on offer as a result of the pandemic. The airline plans to introduce…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Restaurant operators repeat calls for financial aid
Thailand’s restaurant owners are pleading for state relief as they struggle to stay afloat amid tight Covid-19 prevention measures. Taniwan Koonmongkon from the Thai Restaurant Association says the PM’s aim of re-opening the country fully by October provides some hope but for now, restaurants are struggling. “Restaurant operators feel hopeful after the premier on Wednesday set a goal of fully…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
PM Prayut asks everyone to work together towards reopening
Now that it’s been a half week since PM Prayut Chan-o-cha announced that Thailand will be reopening in 120 days, mid-October, multitudes of plans are underway to get the country ready. In a statement online tonight, the prime minister asked for unity, requesting people and government offices to work together to achieve this massive undertaking. PM Prayut reiterated his declaration…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Bangkok restrictions lifted on 8 categories, including swimming
Break out your footballs, reading glasses, and – yes, finally – swimsuit! The governor of Bangkok has just approved the reopening of 8 categories of businesses and locations, with previous Covid-19 safety restrictions being lifted. And you’ve only got to wait a few hours for the ban to be lifted as the order goes into effect Monday. This afternoon, Bangkok…
Read More » - Environment News
Tar balls spreading along Phuket’s west coast beaches
Just in time for Phuket’s grand reopening, an oil spill has been depositing tar balls on beaches running the entire length of the island’s west coast. Now Patong Beach, the 3 kilometre-long beach fronting the island’s most popular tourist town, has seen a slew of oil and marine debris washing up on its shores. The tar balls were first found…
Read More » - World News
In Egypt, online group Qawem saving hundreds of women from sextortion
Last summer, Mohammed Elyamani was hit by the news that a 17-year-old girl who had reached out to him for help after her ex-boyfriend threatened her with “sextortion” had committed suicide. When the girl messaged Elyamani about her case, the 35-year-old social activist — who uses Facebook to raise awareness about sexual harassment and sextortion, threats to distribute private and…
Read More » - Phuket News
Officials predict 600,000 tourists to Phuket following reopening
Despite recent predictions lowering expectations to between 9,000 and 10,000 international arrivals in July, and about 7,000 tickets booked in the latest available statistics, officials announced they expect more than 600,000 tourists to arrive between July and September after the reopening of Phuket. The ambitious prediction comes with an expectation of about 15 billion baht in revenue for the financially…
Read More » - Phuket News
Technician electrocuted to death while trying to fix jacuzzi
On Saturday, a man was electrocuted while repairing a jacuzzi. The shocking incident happened in the Cherng Talay area of Phuket. Police and rescue workers were called around 6:50 pm last night to find 45 year old Surapol Samthong’s body next to the jacuzzi. Rescue workers were able to safely remove Suapol’s body from the scene. His body was then…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Pattaya pushes for August 1 Sealed Route reopening plan
Pattaya is steadfastedly pushing forward with plans for reopening the tourist city on August 1, with 8 tourism associations submitting a proposal to the governor of Chon Buri. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, but has been later on the schedule due to difficulties in controlling its porous borders, as opposed to islands like…
Read More » - Thailand News
Mother alleges that Doctor mistakenly gave her 10 year old sleeping pills
Allegedly, a doctor mistakenly gave a 10 year old boy 8 sleeping pills that were meant for a different patient. The misadventure happened somewhere in the northern Thai province of Buriram. Supat, the boy’s 35 year old mother shared the story on Facebook. She says after he took the pills, her son slept for a “very long time”. The doctor…
Read More » - Bangkok News
1 million Sinopharm doses arrived Sunday
1 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine arrived in Bangkok on Sunday. This coming from a Facebook post by the CRA Secretary General Dr Nithi Mahanonda. The vaccines will travel to the Medical Sciences Department to be tested on it efficacy and safety. This should take 2 days to finish. “Then, the vaccine will be distributed to hospitals picked by…
Read More » - World News
Who is Iran’s new President-elect Ebrahim Raisi?
Ebrahim Raisi won the election by such a clear margin that a second round of voting won’t be necessary — and yet, his victory was tainted by historically low voter turnout. Many observers have said Friday’s election was tailor-made for the archconservative judiciary chief: the most promising opponents were prevented from running against him, and competitors with similar views withdrew…
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