Year: 2021

  • Koh Samui News48 arrested at Covid-19 violating luxury Koh Samui birthday party

    48 arrested at Covid-19 violating luxury Koh Samui birthday party

    Yet another illegal gathering, a party on Koh Samui, was busted by police for breaking the Covid-19 emergency restrictions. Early this morning, police raided Maithy Pool Lounge & Restaurant at a luxury resort in the hills behind Bangrak on the northeast corner of the island and arrested 48 people having a birthday party in defiance of Covid-19 rules. 27 foreigners…

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  • World NewsSuper Typhoon Chanthu and Tropical Storm Conson hit SE Asia

    Super Typhoon Chanthu and Tropical Storm Conson hit SE Asia

    Thailand is not alone in the massive storms and flooding it has experienced over the past week or two. Southeast Asia is looking down the barrel of two major storm systems, Super Typhoon Chanthu lumbering towards Taiwan and Tropical Storm Conson advancing on Vietnam, both expected to make landfall this weekend.   Super Typhoon Chanthu The super typhoon will batter…

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  • Bangkok NewsStudy shows 99.7% of Bangkok wearing masks properly

    Study shows 99.7% of Bangkok wearing masks properly

    While anti-mask sentiment can seem widespread and popular on social media, a new survey shows that, in Bangkok at least, almost 100% of people are wearing their masks. The surprising “AI Mask” project by the Ministry of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation found that 99.7% of Bangkok residents were not only wearing their masks but wearing them correctly. The…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 AFTERNOON UPDATE Saturday: provincial totals

    Covid-19 AFTERNOON UPDATE Saturday: provincial totals

    Covid-19 infections and deaths have been fairly consistent over the past week but today’s 253 deaths reported over the last 24 hours is a disappointing jump from the 189 deaths reported yesterday. The number of daily Covid-19 infections remained steadily around the 15,000 mark for more than a week, with the past 24 hours seeing 15,191 infections. 726 of those…

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  • Bangkok NewsPolice launch mobile Covid-19 testing for officers and families

    Police launch mobile Covid-19 testing for officers and families

    Considered high-risk for contracting Covid-19 due to their frequent close interaction with the public, the Royal Thai Police launched a proactive screening campaign for officers and their family members to be tested for Covid-19. Mobile testing units have been dispatched from police headquarters to provide antigen tests to stations, starting with Bangkok. The national police force has created 10 mobile…

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  • Crime NewsKidnapped baby Nong Gina was not sexually assaulted

    Kidnapped baby Nong Gina was not sexually assaulted

    After the bizarre excuse given for Nong Gina’s kidnapping, that the 2 year old was left at a cave as a sacrifice to the nature spirits, police and missing persons groups suspected more sinister motivations. Police are looking into the possibility that a human trafficking network had targeted Nong Gina, and questioned 3 additional suspects. Now after a physical examination,…

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  • Hua Hin NewsHua Hin reopening could hurt bigger domestic tourism market

    Hua Hin reopening could hurt bigger domestic tourism market

    With Covid-19 restrictions being eased a bit and allowing for some domestic movement, Hua Hin has seen an influx of Thai domestic travellers coming for a much-needed holiday. The seaside town in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is seeing a boom but the Vice President of the Thai Hotels Association is advising that the planned reopening for foreigners may do more…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket: Record 4 Covid-19 deaths in 1 day, hospitals nearly full

    Phuket: Record 4 Covid-19 deaths in 1 day, hospitals nearly full

    A record number of Covid-19 fatalities in Phuket today as last night’s Phuket Provincial Public Health Office report confirmed 4 deaths in 1 day. That marks 17 deaths in one week in Phuket, nearly doubling the total of deaths since the third wave of Covid-19 took hold at the beginning of April. In the 5 months since the start of…

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  • Thailand NewsCovid-19 UPDATE Saturday: 253 deaths, rate of infections steady

    Covid-19 UPDATE Saturday: 253 deaths, rate of infections steady

    Covid-19 infections and deaths have been fairly consistent over the past week but today’s 253 deaths reported over the last 24 hours is a disappointing jump from the 189 deaths reported yesterday. The number of daily Covid-19 infections remained steadily around the 15,000 mark for more than a week, with the past 24 hours seeing 15,191 infections. 726 of those…

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  • World NewsIs Africa ready to produce a malaria vaccine?

    Is Africa ready to produce a malaria vaccine?

    There’s a ray of hope in the fight against tropical diseases: German pharmaceutical company BioNTech said it wants to develop vaccines against malaria and tuberculosis. Clinical trials are expected to start by the end of 2022. The vaccines will use use BioNTech’s messenger RNA technology that’s already proven effective against COVID-19. BioNTech also said it wants to produce the vaccines…

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  • World NewsAngela Merkel in Poland: Bidding good-bye to a difficult partner

    Angela Merkel in Poland: Bidding good-bye to a difficult partner

    After Angela Merkel was elected chancellor of Germany in the fall of 2005, Warsaw was one of the first capitals she visited, along with Paris and Brussels. Poland had joined the European Union a year earlier. Germany was full of hope as it eyed its new partner on the right bank of the Oder River. Sixteen years later as Merkel…

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  • World News9/11, the ‘war on terror’ and the consequences for the world

    9/11, the ‘war on terror’ and the consequences for the world

    Twenty years have passed since the September 11 attacks. At Ground Zero in New York, the towers of a new World Trade Center rise above the skyline, and there is a memorial to the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks. The city has bounced back and now has more residents than in 2001. Until the pandemic, the economy was booming. …

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  • World NewsPM Prayut lays out 10-year plan at China-ASEAN Expo

    PM Prayut lays out 10-year plan at China-ASEAN Expo

    To kick off the 18th annual China-ASEAN Expo taking place in Nanning, China from September 10 to September 13, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha gave a speech by video conference discussing a post-pandemic Asia. In his remarks, PM Prayut praised the Chinese government and pledged to focus the ASEAN-China relationship on public health, economic recovery, and sustainability. The Thai prime minister gave…

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  • EntertainmentLisa of Blackpink set video records, 50 million views in 12 hours

    Lisa of Blackpink set video records, 50 million views in 12 hours

    Lisa, the Thai native member of the K-Pop mega-group Blackpink just released her debut solo music video to record-breaking numbers. The track was released on YouTube hours ago, racking up 10 million views in just 2 hours, while continuing to be viewed in record numbers. The singer hails from Buri Ram, and her debut single as a solo artist is…

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  • World News9/11 through African eyes

    9/11 through African eyes

    Kenya Zainab Aziz I knew about the attack immediately because I was a journalist, working for the national broadcaster in the capital, Nairobi. In my heart and mind I was thinking of the people inside those buildings. I was shocked, even before I knew the details. The attack gave me flashbacks to the US embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania…

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  • Covid-19 NewsOfficials expect 400,000+ Covid-19 infections from free ATK plan

    Officials expect 400,000+ Covid-19 infections from free ATK plan

    The Chinese-made Lepu Medical Technology antigen test kits at the centre of a controversial importing deal are now scheduled to be distributed free across Thailand from September 16. Health officials are anticipating a spike of several hundred thousand new Covid-19 cases as a result of ATK distribution. The National Health Security Office expects that as a result of the influx…

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  • World NewsIndian farmers vow to turn up the heat on Modi’s government

    Indian farmers vow to turn up the heat on Modi’s government

    Thousands of farmers gathered at a grain market outside the Indian capital New Delhi this week in protest against new market-friendly agriculture laws that they say threaten their livelihoods. It came after another rally on Sunday involving tens of thousands of farmers vowing to remain defiant against the government over the controversial measures. These rallies proved some of the biggest…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket meeting urges national government on Covid-19 changes

    Phuket meeting urges national government on Covid-19 changes

    A Phuket Provincial Hall meeting chaired by 3 advisors to Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow focused on 5 main issues of paramount importance to the people of Phuket and the tourism industry. The 3 advisors listened to the issues and are tasked with delivering details to key federal government officials back in Bangkok including the Deputy Prime Minister to report…

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  • World NewsJapan: Does Suga’s demise mean a return to revolving door politics?

    Japan: Does Suga’s demise mean a return to revolving door politics?

    Yoshihide Suga’s failure to stay on as prime ministerof Japan much beyond a single year has triggered concern that the nation is edging back towards an era of political uncertainty and upheaval. Tokyo has been unsettled by the prospect of a revolving door of leaders, each with insufficient time to implement effective change. Suga took over from Shinzo Abe on…

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  • World NewsCOVID: How the delta variant has shattered Vietnam’s success

    COVID: How the delta variant has shattered Vietnam’s success

    Through the first four months of this year, Diep Nguyen was enjoying Vietnam’s impressive containment of COVID-19. Her cafe in an upscale area of Ho Chi Minh City was becoming more popular, and she had begun experimenting with serving cocktails. On May 31, she stopped in-person service as several of her employees lived in neighborhoods that were turning into infection…

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  • World NewsYoung Slovenian Obama scholar spearheads the fight for water and equal rights

    Young Slovenian Obama scholar spearheads the fight for water and equal rights

    Sunday, July 11, was a typical summer’s day in Slovenia, with temperatures hovering just below 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). In the evening, as a storm brewed over the capital, Ljubljana, Nika Kovac, the leader of the campaign against the Water Act, was listening to the first unofficial results of the referendum. “The most important thing we have done with…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Pattaya hotels in trouble, Koh Phi Phi sealed off | September 10

    Thailand News Today | Pattaya hotels in trouble, Koh Phi Phi sealed off | September 10

    Police in Chiang Mai have detained three people for their alleged connection to the disappearance of the toddler who is said to have been kidnapped by a man who claims he left her in a forest as a sacrifice to the spirits. Police in Bangkok say theyā€™ll get tougher on anti-government protest action, but without resorting to violence, according to…

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  • Thailand News“Dark red” zone curfew, other rules remain until the end of the month

    “Dark red” zone curfew, other rules remain until the end of the month

    The nightly curfew for the 29 provinces classified as “dark red” zones for high Covid-19 infection rates will remain in place, at least until the end of the month. Those in Bangkok and other “dark red” provinces must stay home from 9pm to 4am, unless travel is essential. In a Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration meeting today chaired by PM Prayut…

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  • World NewsEgypt: New ruling on hymen repair stirs up controversy

    Egypt: New ruling on hymen repair stirs up controversy

    During a recent live Facebook broadcast in Arabic, Dr Ahmed Mamdouh, director of the Sharia Research Department of Egypt’s highest religious authority, the Dar al-Ifta, said that “in some cases, patching is required and legitimate for a girl who has been raped or deceived and wants to repent and turn a new page.” This new fatwa ā€” the name given…

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  • Pattaya NewsForeign investors keep a close eye on struggling Pattaya hotels

    Foreign investors keep a close eye on struggling Pattaya hotels

    With Pattaya hotel operators in dire financial straits brought on by the lack of tourists during the pandemic, foreign investors are apparently keeping a close eye on the situation. The hotel operators in the tourist city are being warned that if they do not get assistance for their outstanding loans, then their businesses could be taken over by foreign investors.…

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  • Thailand NewsMinistry of Public Health rules AstraZeneca vaccine cause of blood clot death

    Ministry of Public Health rules AstraZeneca vaccine cause of blood clot death

    The Ministry of Public Health has determined a person whose death came from a blood clot and thrombocytopenia ultimately died as a result of one shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine. This instance was the only one out of 628 cases that have been studied by the committee on Adverse Events Following Immunisation that concluded that a vaccine from AstraZeneca was…

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  • Thailand video newsYour comments with Thaiger special guests | Thaiger Bites | September 10

    Your comments with Thaiger special guests | Thaiger Bites | September 10

    We respond to your comments and feedback from all our shows from Facebook, youtube and the Thaiger talk forum on our website. Today’s episode includes topics such as Expat life, invisible balloon hand , speaking Thai, Vietnam, Aussie accents and Tim’s secret comments.

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  • World NewsDW correspondents able to leave Afghanistan

    DW correspondents able to leave Afghanistan

    Just over a week after international coalition forces pulled out of Afghanistan, DW’s correspondents and their families have managed to leave the country via Pakistan. DW had asked all employees in Afghanistan to go to Kabul as soon as possible when it became clear that the Taliban would take control over the country. The situation for journalists in Afghanistan had…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFriday Covid Update: 14,403 new cases; provincial totals

    Friday Covid Update: 14,403 new cases; provincial totals

    189 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, raising the pandemicā€™s death toll in Thailand to 13,920. Of that number, 13,826 fatalities were during the countryā€™s latest and most severe wave of the virus, which was first recorded on April 1. In the past 24-hours since the last count, the CCSA has recorded 14,403 new Covid-19…

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  • Environment NewsIsland of rubbish: Koh Samui’s pollution problem remains unsolved

    Island of rubbish: Koh Samui’s pollution problem remains unsolved

    No one can argue with the appeal of visiting Thailandā€™s exotic, tropical islands. With their glistening palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and powdery, white sands, a trip down south is what many yearn to cross off their bucket lists. One of Thailandā€™s most iconic islands is that of Koh Samui. As the largest and most developed island in the Gulf of…

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  • Tourism NewsPrediction for international travellers to Thailand lowered again

    Prediction for international travellers to Thailand lowered again

    Tourism researchers have once again downgraded their expectations for the total number of international travellers in 2021 after Thailand has yet to recover from the third wave of Covid-19 starting in April that brought the Delta various and huge infection numbers across the country. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, known for its rose-tinted predictions and press releases, had predicted in…

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  • Crime News3 arrested in Nong Gina abduction, trafficking suspected

    3 arrested in Nong Gina abduction, trafficking suspected

    New developments bring a twist in the strange case of Nong Gina, the 2 year old girl abducted by a Burmese man who claimed he left her in a cave as a sacrifice to nature spirits. As reported yesterday, the Mirror Foundation suspected more sinister trafficking reasons for the abduction, and police have now taken three people into custody for…

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  • Thailand video newsProvinces added to OCT 1 Re-opening, Driving in Thailand and Vaccine Cocktail | Good Morning Thailand | Episode 86

    Provinces added to OCT 1 Re-opening, Driving in Thailand and Vaccine Cocktail | Good Morning Thailand | Episode 86

    In todayā€™s episode Jay, Mike and Arina look at Provinces added to OCT 1 Re-opening, Driving in Thailand, Vaccine Cocktail and F1 motor racing. Aswell as news headlines in Thailand such as: Just days after defeating a vote of no-confidence, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ousted Deputy Minister of Agriculture as well as Deputy Minister of Labour. The Ministry of…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket: 2 deaths, 1 Sandbox infection, bed occupancy passes 80%

    Phuket: 2 deaths, 1 Sandbox infection, bed occupancy passes 80%

    In the last week, Phuket has seen 13 fatalities due to Covid-19 with 2 new deaths reported today, as well as one new Phuket Sandbox international traveller infected. The daily infection numbers have declined for the third day in a row to 211, and the rolling 7-day infection numbers also fell slightly despite the island marking its 11th day in…

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  • Krabi NewsKoh Phi Phi self-isolating for a week after new Covid-19 infections reported

    Koh Phi Phi self-isolating for a week after new Covid-19 infections reported

    The picturesque Phi Phi island, in Krabi province, usually hugely popular with tourists, is self-isolating for the next week, following the detection of 7 confirmed Covid-19 infections. Officials have introduced temporary restrictions to limit traffic on and off the island, in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus. The Bangkok Post reports that 2 police officers on Koh…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFriday Covid Update: 189 deaths and 14,403 new cases

    Friday Covid Update: 189 deaths and 14,403 new cases

    189 coronavirus-related deaths and 14,403 new Covid-19 cases were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. In the past 24-hours since the last count, the CCSA has recorded 15,610 recoveries. There are now 141,642 people in Thailand currently receiving treatment for the coronavirus. In the latest and most severe wave of Covid-19, first recorded on April 1, the…

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  • Hot NewsThai artist to launch legal action over National Artist title being revoked

    Thai artist to launch legal action over National Artist title being revoked

    Thai artist Suchart Sawadsri says heā€™s taking legal action after losing the title of National Artist, allegedly because of his support for anti-government activists. Suchart says itā€™s not the loss of the title that bothers him, but the belief that the National Culture Commission behaved inappropriately in revoking it. The Bangkok Post reports that the artist took to Facebook to…

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