Year: 2021

  • Northern Thailand News

    Penis park in Khon Kaen is urging visitors to hug a member

    The Isan city of Khon Kaen is welcoming visitors to a unique tourist attraction: a park of giant penises. Traitep Dream Forest contains an area of the park called Thung Karjiew which translates roughly to Penis Paddock. The phallic park has been getting a lot of attention on social media and in Thai media, and some fear it may elicit…

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  • Food

    Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Bangkok | VIDEO

    Even a few years ago, a list of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Bangkok would have somewhat lacked. Now, more and more plant-based establishments are appearing in the city, with the vegan movement growing each year. Natty goes on a quick trip of some of her favourite vegan haunts. But there’s plenty of others around the city as…

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  • Tourism News

    Maya Bay on hold, but preparations for an eventual reopening continue | VIDEOS

    This week The Thaiger revealed that Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, may remain closed beyond its proposed January 1 reopening, following a groundswell of local support to keep the famous Bay closed. For a while anyway. This is partly spurred on by environmental concerns for the iconic bay which has been closed to visitors since July 2018, and…

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  • World NewsEuropean populist far-right parties meet in Warsaw

    European populist far-right parties meet in Warsaw

    Leading nationalist and far-right figures from several European Union countries met for a “summit” in Warsaw on Saturday in an attempt to show a veneer of cooperation amid deep disagreements. The meet was purportedly to build connections between the various far-right factions who are split among two groups in the EU parliament. They also spoke of changing the “character of…

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  • World NewsEU criticized for move to relax asylum rights at Belarus border

    EU criticized for move to relax asylum rights at Belarus border

    “We are a family. When one of us is under attack, the rest of us will be there for him,” said Margaritis Schinas, vice president of the European Commission, speaking to reporters earlier this week. Schinas, the former EU spokesman who now represents Greece in the Commission, described a proposal to “temporarily” reduce some asylum rights in EU member states…

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  • World NewsEU criticized for move to relax asylum rights at Belarus border

    EU criticized for move to restrict asylum rights at Belarus border

    “We are a family. When one of us is under attack, the rest of us will be there for him,” said Margaritis Schinas, vice president of the European Commission, speaking to reporters earlier this week. Schinas, the former EU spokesman who now represents Greece in the Commission, described a proposal to “temporarily” reduce some asylum rights in EU member states…

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  • World News

    Volcano eruption in Indonesia; 1 dead, thousands flee

    Mount Semeru in East Java, Indonesia erupted today, causing havoc and darkness in the surrounding community, with one death and 41 burn injuries from the eruption reported so far. Smoke and ash billowed into the air and blackened the sky and thousands of local residents were forced to flee their homes for safety. The eruption took place at around 3…

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  • World NewsDW exclusive: Belarus dissident Maria Kolesnikova speaks from jail

    DW exclusive: Belarus dissident Maria Kolesnikova speaks from jail

    Leading Belarus opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova has been held behind bars for over a year in a Minsk penitentiary. In 2020, Kolesnikova coordinated Viktor Babariko’s campaign in the run-up to Belarus’ presidential election. When Babariko, a prominent banker, was arrested on money-laundering charges, Kolesnikova became a key figure in the opposition’s Coordination Council. In August 2020, the group backed mass…

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  • Crime News

    Customs department seizes 897 kg of meth headed to Taiwan

    At Bangkok port today, customs department officials intercepted and seized nearly 900 kilogrammes of crystal meth bound for Taiwan. An informant tipped off customs officials that a gigantic stash of crystal methamphetamine was being moved today and customs responded and tracked down the illegal drug shipment. Customs officials found 24 cardboard boxes that were suspect and, when they were all…

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  • Northern Thailand News

    Tiger in Kamphaeng Phet on the loose for a fifth day

    Of all the lost things someone could possibly be searching for, a tiger may be amongst the most unnerving. But today officials report that the search for Vichit, a 4 year old Bengal tiger continues for the fifth day. The cat wandered out of its habitat in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary five days ago. The chief of the…

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  • Chiang Mai News

    Chiang Mai and Hua Hin can now serve alcohol in restaurants

    The booze news keeps flowing like alcohol now cam in several more tourist locations around Thailand this weekend. While nightlife and entertainment venues still officially remain shuttered, restaurants are now being allowed to serve alcohol in Cha-am, Hua Hin, and 5 key districts in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the latest to ease restrictions on serving and consuming alcohol in…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Koh Samui Airport scrutinising international arrivals for Omicron

    After the emergence of the Omicron variant, the first international flight arriving at Samui Airport on Koh Samui faced increased scrutiny. All passengers have been strictly screened as airport employees were instructed to thoroughly check incoming international passengers to curb the possible spread of the new Covid-19 variant. The first international flight to arrive at Koh Samui Airport was from…

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  • Thailand News

    PM says government move to digital technology will grow economy

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has called on organisations in Thailand to stay focused on the development of digital technology to grow the economy. The prime minister hosted a ceremony for the Digital Government Awards 2021 this week, bestowing honours on those public agencies that have already adopted digital technology. At the event, PM Prayut offered praise for the government agencies making…

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  • World NewsOmicron: Mideast countries prepare for the new coronavirus variant

    Omicron: Mideast countries prepare for the new coronavirus variant

    This week most Middle Eastern countries reacted in one way or the other to the new omicron coronavirus variant. So far only Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have recorded omicron infections. But amid omicron-related concerns, Lebanese health authorities have just announced a night curfew for people who have not been vaccinated or are without a recent negative…

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  • Covid-19 News

    COVID-19 SATURDAY: 5,896 infections, 37 deaths, provincial data

    Today, the CCSA reported 5,896 new Covid-19 infections, up 984 since yesterday, and 37 Coronavirus-related deaths, up 4 from yesterday. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, a total of 2,107,664 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been reported. In the 24 hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 5,666 recoveries, up 178 from…

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  • Pattaya News

    Chon Buri and Pattaya bar scene get good news, but at what cost?

    The reality is that many ‘bars’ will rush to achieve certification as an SHA+ approved ‘restaurant’. The signwriters in Pattaya will be busy making new ‘restaurant’ signs as hundreds of bars vie to open up, serving food, so they can serve alcohol and get their businesses going again. It’s all smoke and mirrors but an advancement for the seaside party…

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  • Covid-19 News

    Red Cross leader says Omicron variant result of vaccine inequality

    The head of the Red Cross pointed to the Omicron variant as the ultimate evidence that vaccine inequality around the world is a danger to every country globally. The president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said that much more work is needed to balance the inequality in the global approach to vaccination against the…

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  • Covid-19 News

    PM reports no Omicron variant in Thailand yet, New Year’s a go

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha spoke out to reassure the people of Thailand that no cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the country as of now. The prime minister said that preventative measures were being strictly followed to keep Thailand safe and to allow New Years festivities to take place as planned. The government has been taking proactive steps to…

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  • Pattaya News

    Alcohol sales and consumption allowed in Chon Buri again

    After what seems like an eternity of fighting, protesting, and petitioning, the party is back in Pattaya! Sort of. Last night, the Public Relations Facebook page of the Chon Buri Governor posted the order easing restrictions on alcohol sales and consumption in the Chon Buri Blue Zone. The Blue Zone includes Pattaya and Bang Lamung, as well as Koh Larn,…

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  • World NewsAfricaLink on Air - 03 December 2021

    AfricaLink on Air – 03 December 2021

    Gambia set for presidential elections +++ Gambia: Vox Pops +++ Gambia: The women who wanted to run for president, and why they didn’t +++ Nigeria: Taking up weapons in self-defense +++ Decline of grasshopper population worries Ugandan grasshopper eaters +++ Sports SOURCE: DW News

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  • World NewsSouth Africa: Omicron causes concern

    South Africa: Omicron causes concern

    Kirst Dalton had her gym slot already booked. But then she discovered her COVID test from the previous day had returned a positve result. “I could drastically feel that I was not okay. And my other half was having a raging fever of nearly 39 degrees,” the 32-year-old woman told DW. “It’s been a rough six days but I’m hoping…

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  • World NewsIndonesia: Groundwater exploitation threatens livelihoods

    Indonesia: Groundwater exploitation threatens livelihoods

    The overexploitation of groundwater on Java’s northern coast has left impoverished local residents fighting for survival. Many have already been forced to flee their homes. SOURCE: DW News

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  • World NewsHong Kong: How is China's crackdown changing the city's identity?

    Hong Kong: How is China’s crackdown changing the city’s identity?

    Hong Kong authorities are pursuing new laws to tighten the city-state’s grip on public discourse critical of its Beijing-aligned government. Residents are resorting to self-censorship and many feel that their city’s liberal identity may have been permanently lost. Speaking at the 2021 China Internet Media Forum in Guangzhou in late November, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, stated that her…

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  • Thailand video news

    Thailand News Today | Legalized gambling in Thailand? PM reveals his Omicron policy stance | Dec 3

    In today’s program, the Thai Prime Minister reveals his policy stance on the Omicron variant, the CEO of AirAsia Group says the current reaction to the variant is – quote “a huge overreaction” , and…legalized gambling? In Thailand? We’ll find out in today’s program

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  • South Thailand News

    All 23 districts declared as disaster zones in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Following downpours and runoff that began inundating the municipality last night, all 23 districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat province have been declared disaster zones. The statement by the provincial governor Kraisorn Wisitwong would assist rescuers and authorities to expedite rescue operations while also allowing the province administration to promptly distribute the emergency budget to affected households. Heavy rain, along with…

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  • Bangkok News

    Police face criticism over plans to buy millions of baht worth of tear gas and riot gear

    Apparently, the Royal Thai Police looking to spend tens of millions of baht on riot gear and tears, a move that’s sparked criticism as many have opposed the police’s tactics to crack down on pro-democracy protesters. During many of youth-led protests this year, where activists call for government and monarchy reform, riot police have deployed high pressure water cannons, tear…

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  • Thailand News

    Tourism minister tells the public “not to worry” about Omicron

    Don’t worry… Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister says everything is under control (as the government always says) and Omicron has not been detected in the country. Minister Phiphat Ratchakit Prakarn says the Public Health Ministry is keeping track of all tourists from high-risk countries, including the 330 tourists from eight African countries with a high risk of Omicron variant. The…

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  • World News

    Malaysia reports first case of Omicron variant

    Every nation’s fear finally arrives in Malaysia, as its health minister today announced that a foreign student in her quarantine after arriving from South Africa two weeks ago had tested positive for the Omicron coronavirus. Following the World Health Organisation’s announcement on November 24 that Omicron was causing a variety of concerns, authorities re-tested earlier positive samples, according to minister…

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  • Thailand News

    Thai Immigration launches online 90 day report system

    A new online system for 90-day checks with immigration has been launched by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau. Online 90-day reporting has been glitchy in the past… So let us know how it worked for you. A confirmation could come through hours after applying. And be sure to check the spam folder. You can register at https://tm47.immigration.go.th/tm47/#/register/add Foreigners who are permitted to…

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  • Visa Information

    10-year long term visa scheme takes a step forward, measures approved by PM

    Plans to roll out a 10-year long term visa scheme have made a step forward. Measures to attract wealthy foreigners and investors through the long term residency scheme were approved in principle by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha at today’s Economic Situation Management Committee Meeting, according to Thai media. Four groups of foreigners are targeted for the scheme including wealthy international travellers,…

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  • Thailand News

    Pilot seriously injured in F-5 fighter jet crash in Lop Buri

    Warning: Some may find the photos below disturbing. An F-5 fighter jet crashed during training in the Chai Badan area of Central Thailand’s Lop Buri province today morning, critically injuring the pilot. The fighter jet, from Wing 21, crashed onto a training field in Chai Badan district at 11am, according to Air Force spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee. The pilot ejected…

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  • World News

    Taiwan sets up nighttime vaccination spots with gifting plans

    In an effort to enhance the Covid-19 vaccine coverage, a number of hospitals in Taiwan have started giving evening appointments yesterday, and the Central Epidemic Command Centre, or CECC, is considering setting up vaccine booths at PX Mart supermarkets. At a news conference held yesterday, CECC spokesperson Chuang Jen-hsiang said that hospitals established by Taiwan’s Armed Forces, Ministry of Health…

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  • Tourism News

    Maya Bay reopening likely to be postponed | VIDEO

    Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, in between Krabi and Phuket, was slated for a reopening on January 1. But now there’s a building swell of local support to keep the famous Bay closed, for a while anyway. A Line group used by the Marine National Park, along with tour operators and other stakeholders, has revealed a groundswell of…

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  • Thailand News

    Thai AirAsia X seeks for new investors as flights to resume next year

    Thai AirAsia X under the AirAsia group, is seeking new investors for a major restructuring in order to resume international flights next year, after a two-year halt of its low-cost carriers. According to Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV), and a shareholder of Thai AirAsia X, the 11-aircraft fleet was reduced to seven earlier this year, and…

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  • Thailand News

    Government to set up committee to consider opening casinos in Thailand

    Thailand could be legalising casinos in the near future. The House of Representatives recently voted in favour of setting up a 60-seat extraordinary committee to consider the opening of casinos, which are still illegal in Thailand. Opening the venues for gambling is expected to draw in more income from foreign tourists. 310 MPs voted in favour while 9 were against…

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  • World News

    Detained Cambodian monk with refugee status says he could jailed if deported from Thailand

    Possible deportation and jail time is looming for a Cambodian refugee monk who was recently detained by Thai authorities, despite the recent condemnation from the United Nations. Last month, three Cambodians under UN refugee protection were deported from Thailand and arrested in their home country. On Wednesday, Thai authorities arrested a Cambodian monk and an environmental activist Bor Bet, who…

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  • Thailand News

    Wildlife officials search for Bengal tiger roaming across three provinces

    A Bengal tiger has reportedly been roaming across three provinces and wildlife officials have been searching for the wildcat, which was last seen leaving a forest in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani. The tiger, named “Vijit,” is wearing a tracking collar and the signal emitted from the collar showed the big cat in a eucalyptus plantation…

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