Year: 2021

  • Thailand News“Bubble and seal” method to contain outbreaks at factories, keep business afloat

    “Bubble and seal” method to contain outbreaks at factories, keep business afloat

    With a number of Covid-19 clusters at large factories, the Thai government has been working to contain the virus quickly and rollout of vaccinations to the workers to prevent a downfall in the industrial sector. One of the controversial methods of containing the virus is the so-called “bubble and seal” policy at factories where a cluster of infections has been…

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  • Thailand video newsGood Morning Thailand | Samui quiet/flights/reopening, Thailand’s botched vaccine roll out

    Good Morning Thailand | Samui quiet/flights/reopening, Thailand’s botched vaccine roll out

    GMT heads off to Samui today to get the latest ‘on the ground’ reports on the suffering of businesses and possible reopening for the island. We also discuss the botched vaccine roll-out in Thailand… that’s not our words but the words of a number of Thai officials in leading rolls in the Thai health system. As usual we discuss your…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThai government says vaccine rollout is going “according to plan”

    Thai government says vaccine rollout is going “according to plan”

    A spokesperson for the Thai government says the vaccination rollout is going “according to plan”. The spokesperson, Anucha Burapachaisri, made the statement today. Anucha says the rollout has reached the government’s target. He says the total amount of people that were vaccinated in the first week of mass vaccinations, from June 7 to June 17 was 1,865,190. The spokesperson also…

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  • Thailand NewsTaxi driver attacks woman at bus stop, has a history of violence

    Taxi driver attacks woman at bus stop, has a history of violence

    A taxi driver that attacked a woman standing at a bus stop has been arrested on assault charges. He was arrested yesterday and brought to the Phra Khanong police station, a district in Bangkok. Allegedly, the taxi driver approached the woman at the bus stop, pulled off her face mask, and threatened her with a stick. 46 year old Nana…

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  • Covid-19 NewsVaccine registration website for expats back up after data leak

    Vaccine registration website for expats back up after data leak

    The Covid-19 vaccination website for foreign residents is back up after an apparent data leak yesterday where others could see personal information, including passport numbers, of those who had registered for a vaccine. The faulty site is live again, but for us at The Thaiger, the button to set an appointment isn’t working. Posts of the ThailandIntervac.com data leak were…

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  • Politics NewsThai PM ignores demands to step down, insists he’s going nowhere

    Thai PM ignores demands to step down, insists he’s going nowhere

    The Thai PM is fending off near-daily calls for his resignation, insisting he’s going nowhere before the end of his term in office. Prayut Chan-o-cha was speaking during a parliamentary session yesterday, when he declared his intention to see out his 4-year term. Thai PBS World reports that the speech was part of an address to senators, to justify an…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFirst Thai Covid-19 vaccine proceeds to human trials

    First Thai Covid-19 vaccine proceeds to human trials

    Thailand’s first Covid-19 vaccine has begun human trials, after trials on monkeys and rats showed a high success rate in preventing transmission of the virus. Thai PBS World reports that researchers began human trials yesterday. The vaccine has been developed by the Chula Vaccine Research Centre at Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. If successful, the “ChulaCov19”…

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  • Crime NewsUPDATE: Police officers, prosecutors may be investigated over acquittal of Red Bull heir

    UPDATE: Police officers, prosecutors may be investigated over acquittal of Red Bull heir

    UPDATE Following yesterday’s report that at least 10 senior officials may be investigated for their role in helping Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya escape justice, Thai media outlet Naew Na is reporting that 2 police generals are among the 10. ORIGINAL STORY After the Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, aka, “Boss”, was allowed to evade justice for a 2012…

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  • Covid-19 NewsTuesday Covid Update: 3,000 new cases and 19 deaths

    Tuesday Covid Update: 3,000 new cases and 19 deaths

    3,000 new Covid-19 cases and 19 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration today. In the latest and most severe wave of infections in Thailand, the CCSA has recorded 173,401 Covid-19 cases since April 1. Out of the new cases confirmed today, 640 were detected in correctional facilities. In the recent wave of infections, more than…

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  • Pattaya NewsPattaya tourism operators not getting their hopes up over foreign arrivals

    Pattaya tourism operators not getting their hopes up over foreign arrivals

    Tourism operators in Pattaya are not holding out much hope of a mass return of foreign arrivals in the first few months after re-opening. Pattaya has been chosen as the first non-island location to re-open to vaccinated foreign tourists, but operators fear the constant indecision and changes to regulations will have a negative impact. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi from the Chon Buri…

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  • Tourism NewsAirlines look to vaccine rollout to restore demand and boost economy

    Airlines look to vaccine rollout to restore demand and boost economy

    Airlines are pinning their hopes on Thailand’s vaccine rollout as the key to restoring traveller confidence and boosting the economy. All eyes are on Phuket in particular, to see how the much-discussed sandbox re-opening fares. Wutthiphum Jurangkool, chief executive of Nok Air, says June has already seen a slight increase in bookings. “After passenger traffic recorded a whopping 90% decrease…

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  • World News‘Clearview AI’ controversy highlights rise of high-tech surveillance

    ‘Clearview AI’ controversy highlights rise of high-tech surveillance

    You don’t want your face to appear in the database of Clearview AI? The company’s CEO doesn’t seem to care. “All the information we collect is collected legally and it is all publicly available information,” Hoan Ton-That said Monday during DW’s Global Media Forum (GMF), addressing criticism that the firm’s controversial technology infringes on the privacy of hundreds of millions.…

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  • World NewsGlobal Media Forum highlights innovations after COVID disruption

    Global Media Forum highlights innovations after COVID disruption

    The COVID-19 pandemic is shaping the start of this year’s Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum (GMF), which opened on Monday with a hybrid launch event held partly on site at DW’s broadcasting center in Bonn, and partly online with guests appearing via video link. German Chancellor Angela Merkel began proceedings by addressing participants in the two-day event, which included delegates…

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  • World NewsMyanmar: Time running out for NGOs to avoid humanitarian catastrophe

    Myanmar: Time running out for NGOs to avoid humanitarian catastrophe

    Myanmar has been in a downward spiral since the military overthrew the country’s democratically elected government in a coup on February 1. The economy has been battered and millions of people are falling into poverty. In Myanmar’s ethnic minority states, conflict between the military, known as the Tatmadaw, and armed rebel groups is quickly creating a refugee crisis. In Myanmar’s…

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  • World NewsKashmir: Why are militants targeting Modi’s BJP leaders?

    Kashmir: Why are militants targeting Modi’s BJP leaders?

    On June 2, anxiety and trepidation engulfed south Kashmir’s restive Tral town when militants shot dead a local leader of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rakesh Pandita, 55, was murdered hours after Indian security forces had killed the brother of a slain militant, Muhammad Amin Malik, 38, inside a police station in Tral. Markets were shut…

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  • World NewsBurmese military media outlets say ethnic army killed 25 workers

    Burmese military media outlets say ethnic army killed 25 workers

    Amid clashes with rebel fighters and ethnic troops backing the anti-coup movement in Myanmar, media outlets run by the Burmese junta says an ethnic army killed 25 construction workers after abducting 47 people last month. Photos of what appeared to be 25 dead bodies in a forest where published and broadcasted by the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, which is…

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  • Crime NewsPM Prayut Chan-o-cha says drug suppression should to be a national priority

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says drug suppression should to be a national priority

    Following the numerous busts involving drugs en route to overseas, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has declared that the suppression of illegal drugs should be an urgent national agenda item. The deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek made the announcement of the prime minister’s behalf, saying Prayut called for government workers to support the efforts to crack down on drugs. The spokesperson says…

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  • Thailand NewsPurchases of fancy street lamps being investigated for possible corruption

    Purchases of fancy street lamps being investigated for possible corruption

    The purchases of fancy street lamps in several provinces are now being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The investigations were called for after the exorbitant 642 million baht purchase in Samut Prakan for thousands of fancy solar-powered street lamps, topped with Buddhist mythical figures, caught the attention of residents in the province just southeast of Bangkok. The commission’s secretary-general…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | BKK parks re-open… nearly, tropical storm, airport security upgrade | June 14

    Thailand News Today | BKK parks re-open… nearly, tropical storm, airport security upgrade | June 14

    Southeast Asia has recorded its highest number of Covid infections in a single day, with 26,435 new cases reported yesterday. The only good news is that the death rate is continuing to drop overall. The weekend’s infection figures were the highest in 2 weeks. Authorities at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport are cracking down on a spike in drug trafficking, specifically packages…

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  • World NewsAfter Netanyahu era, Israel ready for change

    After Netanyahu era, Israel ready for change

    A special session of Israel’s parliament approved the country’s new coalition government with a razor-thin majority on Sunday evening, with 60 Knesset members voting in favor of the new government, 59 lawmakers opposing and one abstention. After four elections and years of uncertainty, Israel now has a new government made up of a potentially fragile coalition of eight parties. Naftali…

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  • Thailand NewsMissing fisherman’s body found in sea off Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Missing fisherman’s body found in sea off Nakhon Si Thammarat

    2 days ago a local fisherman went missing. Today, his body has been located floating in the ocean in the Khanom district, an area in the southern province Nakhon Si Thammarat. His family has positively identified the body as belonging to 57 year old Sang Tenphusa. They say he was an experienced angler. Reportedly, Sang had gone out fishing off…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCCSA: We’re out of vaccines

    CCSA: We’re out of vaccines

    Earlier today, the Thaiger reported that 25 vaccination sites have postponed scheduled vaccinations. And last week, the Thaiger reported that a Rural Doctor’s group alleged there weren’t enough vaccine doses to meet demand. The CCSA has now fessed up that there is a vaccine shortage. No vaccine deliveries are anticipated this week, either. Nattapon Nakpanich, who is in charge of…

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  • Covid-19 NewsAyutthaya hospital to test all staff for Covid after 18 test positive

    Ayutthaya hospital to test all staff for Covid after 18 test positive

    18 staff members at a hospital in Ayutthaya have tested positive for Covid-19. Over the next couple of days, all 1,700 hospital staff members will undergo testing while those who were in close contact with the infected staff will be screened. The infected staff members, which include ambulance drivers and nurses, have been sent to another facility for treatment, according…

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  • Thailand News13 teenagers arrested in Chon Buri for partying, gathering

    13 teenagers arrested in Chon Buri for partying, gathering

    13 teenagers were arrested last night in Nongprue, a town in the Chon Buri Province. Allegedly, they were partying in a luxury resort around midnight. A “concerned citizen” had reportedly alerted police, as they were concerned the gathering could lead to a Covid outbreak in the community. Police got to the Pool villa and arrested the 13 teenagers. The police…

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  • Crime NewsCrime Suppression Division seizes dozens of illegal firearms in a series of raids

    Crime Suppression Division seizes dozens of illegal firearms in a series of raids

    Thai law enforcement officers are cracking down on the illegal firearms trade, primarily on the online sales of guns. The Crime Suppression Division, or CSD, executed a series of raids this month, seizing dozens of illegal weapons and arresting several people on illegal weapons charges. The raids were initiated following the investigation into the online sales of firearms on the…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsMarijuana valued at 10 million baht seized in Nakhon Phanom, 2 arrested

    Marijuana valued at 10 million baht seized in Nakhon Phanom, 2 arrested

    Last night in Nakhon Phanom, a northeastern province close to the Laos border, a navy patrol arrested 2 men and seized 520 kilogrammes of compressed and dried marijuana. The men were travelling by pickup truck. The deputy commander of Nakhon Phanom Mekon Riverine Unit, Nathapat Suemongkol, says the truck was stopped by a patrol on the Phanom-Mukdahan road. He did…

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  • Covid-19 NewsMonday Covid Update: 3,355 new cases, provincial totals

    Monday Covid Update: 3,355 new cases, provincial totals

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration recorded 3,355 new Covid-19 cases today and 17 coronavirus-related fatalities, raising the total case count since the start of the pandemic last year to 199,264 confirmed infections and the virus-related death toll to 1,466. Thailand now has 39,854 active cases, a downward trend over the past week. The recent and most severe wave of Covid-19…

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  • Covid-19 NewsAlmost 100% of teachers and staff vaccinated in Bangkok

    Almost 100% of teachers and staff vaccinated in Bangkok

    The Director of the Bureau of Education says that almost 100% of teachers and school staff have been vaccinated, in Bangkok. The Bureau says the remaining staff will be inoculated today. However, the 100% figure is only a reflection of public schools. Bangkok schools, however, will remain closed for a further 2 weeks. Students are set to continue learning online until then.…

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  • Thailand NewsAlmost 8 million register for stimulus scheme, app briefly goes down

    Almost 8 million register for stimulus scheme, app briefly goes down

    Almost 8 million Thai people have registered for the 50:50 copayment in the scheme in just an hour. The application opened at 6 am today. There was a short “disruption” in the “Pao Tang” app as a result However, the disruption was short-lived and the app was available soon after going down. Currently, around 23 million people qualify to get…

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  • Things To DoTop 5 temples in Bangkok

    Top 5 temples in Bangkok

    Touring the many temples in Bangkok can be an exciting experience for those who adore unique architecture. As Bangkok has so many things to do and see, its temples are at the top of the list. From huge golden Buddhas to temples that offer meditation, each attraction has something unique to offer. Thailand is primarily a Buddhist nation. Thus, the…

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  • Thailand video newsGood Morning Thailand | What’s happening in Pattaya, Phuket sandbox, reopening for tourism

    Good Morning Thailand | What’s happening in Pattaya, Phuket sandbox, reopening for tourism

    Today we take a look at what’s happening in Pattaya with Trev from Buzzin Pattaya, a ‘local’ of 10 years. Business, repairs and bar girls. We also have Sumi talking about a meeting in Phuket over the weekend about the progress of the Sandbox.

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  • Covid-19 News25 vaccination sites put on hold in Bangkok

    25 vaccination sites put on hold in Bangkok

    This morning, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, announced that people who registered through the Thai Ruam Jai website and scheduled vaccination for tomorrow or later will have to wait to get vaccinated. All 25 vaccination sites that were not part of a hospital will be delayed. However, the BMA wants the public to know that they can be vaccinated. Once the…

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  • Phuket NewsAmbulance crashes into a lightpole in Phuket

    Ambulance crashes into a lightpole in Phuket

    Early this morning, an ambulance crashed into a light pole and then a tree. The ambulance driver and two nurses sustained minor injuries. The vehicle was not carrying a patient at the time. The Phuket city police were called and they arrived at the scene around 1:30 am. Police and rescue workers (that weren’t in the ambulance) got to the…

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  • Crime NewsBangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport task force cracks down on drug trafficking

    Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport task force cracks down on drug trafficking

    Authorities at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport are cracking down on drug trafficking, specifically packages being mailed from Thailand to overseas, after major busts in Australia and South Korea last month involving drugs trafficked from Thailand. Over the weekend, the Narcotics Control Board announced that the airport’s task force found 580 grams of methamphetamine hidden in motorcycle parts in a package destined…

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  • World NewsSoutheast Asia sees highest tally of Covid-19 infections in a single day

    Southeast Asia sees highest tally of Covid-19 infections in a single day

    Southeast Asia has recorded its highest number of Covid-19 infections in a single day, with 26,435 new cases reported yesterday. However, the death rate has lowered overall. Yesterday’s infections were an increase on Saturday’s 25,656 and the highest in 2 weeks. According to a Nation Thailand report, 387 additional deaths were reported yesterday, down from 426 the day before. ASEAN…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsChiang Rai: man robs a bank that’s inside a Tesco Lotus

    Chiang Rai: man robs a bank that’s inside a Tesco Lotus

    A masked man has reportedly robbed a Bangkok Bank that is inside Tesco Lotus. The bank teller says the robber took home 80,000 baht. The robbery happened in the northern province of Chiang Rai. The bank employees and customers have told police that a thin man, approximately 165 centimeters tall, clad in a black jacket, grey pants, a black hat,…

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  • Crime NewsOver 1.5 kilos of heroin found hidden in notebooks at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    Over 1.5 kilos of heroin found hidden in notebooks at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    Over a kilo and a half of heroin has been found concealed in notebooks at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to a report by Thai Residents. It’s understood the shipment of 1.65 kilos of heroin was discovered after the Airport Interdiction Task Force received a tip-off about a suspicious consignment destined for Australia. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board made…

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