News

Officials investigating alleged encroachment in a Layan mangrove

Published

11 months ago

June 12, 2018

Officials investigating alleged encroachment in a Layan mangrove | The Thaiger

Local fishermen in Baan Layan have filed complaints to the Damrongdhama Centre at the Phuket City Hall yesterday (June 11) calling for an investigation over alleged mangrove encroachment in Cherng Talay.

More than 20 of Layan’s local fishermen, led by Somsak Prokaew, have handed a letter of complaint to the Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung and the Phuket Fisheries Office Chief Kowit Khaoeian.

Mr Somsak says, “The area covers 6 rai of land near Layan Beach. A canal inside the mangrove forest has been used to park more than 30 fishing boats. Now, this same area is being claimed in a land claim. The area in dispute includes the mangrove forest where we park our boats.”

“Three weeks ago, we were informed to remove our fishing boats and other structures from the area. Fences will be constructed to block the entrance. We will be in trouble as we won’t be able to transport our fishing catch or other products.”

Vice Governor Prakob says, “Relevant offices are investigating this issue to find a solution as soon as possible. We promise that fairness will be provided to all sides.”

Officials investigating alleged encroachment in a Layan mangrove | News by The Thaiger

Phuket

Man found dead in pickup with charcoal burner in Rassada, Phuket

Published

46 mins ago

April 26, 2019

Kritsada Mueanhawong

Man found dead in pickup with charcoal burner in Rassada, Phuket | The Thaiger

A man has been found dead inside a pickup truck with a coal burner also inside the vehicle in Rassada this morning. Police were notified of the situation in Soi Muen Sri in Rassada.

Police and emergency responders arrived to find the man’s body in the parked pickup truck. The man was identified as 28 year old Weerawat Pakdeewirot from Phuket.

A coal burner was also found inside the vehicle. A suicide note addressed to his girlfriend was also found. The letter stated that he was facing financial problems. His body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Police says that Mr Weerawat is a CCTV camera and internet contractor. His home was only 50 metres from the scene. Yesterday locals noticed his pickup parked at the scene. Today they saw the pickup in the same location and went to check out the situation.

Police are continuing their investigation.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai).

Man found dead in pickup with charcoal burner in Rassada, Phuket | News by The Thaiger

Phuket

Injured Brahminy Kite (bird) rescued in Karon

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2019

Kritsada Mueanhawong

Injured Brahminy Kite (bird) rescued in Karon | The Thaiger

An injured Brahminy Kite has been rescued by locals in Karon, Phuket.

The mature Brahminy Kite was found in Karon this week. Locals who found the bird contacted the head of Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area, Pongchart Chueahom.

The Brahminy Kite had a wound similar to a bite wound under its wing. It was unable tp fly. It is now being treated at a pet hospital in Thalang until it is ready to be set free.

The Brahminy Kite is a protected species in Thailand.

The brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), also known as the red-backed sea-eagle in Australia, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. They are found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. They are found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands, where they feed on dead fish and other prey. Adults have a reddish-brown body plumage contrasting with their white head and breast which make them easy to distinguish from other birds of prey – Wikipedia

Injured Brahminy Kite (bird) rescued in Karon | News by The Thaiger

Thailand

Thai Cabinet extends waiver of Visa On Arrival fees

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2019

The Thaiger & The Nation

Thai Cabinet extends waiver of Visa On Arrival fees | The Thaiger

Thailand’s Cabinet has extended the waiver of the fees for ‘visa on arrival’ for some foreign tourists to Thailand. The waiver of the 2,000 baht VOA fee will be extended to at least October 31.

The fee had previously been waived until January 14 this year in a bid to boost tourism. It was then extended until April 30 and has now been extended again. According to the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, waiving the VOA fee had helped support the increase of foreign visitor numbers.

Between November 15, 2018 to March 31, 2019, 3.58 million foreigners visited Thailand, an increase of 83% compared to the 1.6 million visitors during the same period in the previous year.

Meanwhile, waiving the VOA fee resulted in the government losing 2.95 billion baht in revenue but the extra tourists generated an estimated 105 billion baht in tourism revenue.

The Visa On Arrival waiver is available to tourists from 21 countries and regions, including China and India.