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  • Tourism NewsPoll: Majority of Thai people against 120 day reopening plan

    Poll: Majority of Thai people against 120 day reopening plan

    Who isn’t excited about the 120 day reopening plan announced by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha last week? Turns out nearly 74% of people in Thailand, that’s who. In a new poll by the National Institute of Development Administration, the majority of people surveyed were against the reopening in less than 4 months (the PM made his 12 day call last Tuesday).…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE: 3,995 new cases and 42 deaths, provincial totals

    Covid UPDATE: 3,995 new cases and 42 deaths, provincial totals

    The public health department has announced another 3,995 new infections and 42 Covid-related deaths for Sunday. Only 45 more cases were detected in Thai prisons, a sharp drop off from a few weeks ago when the daily cases from prisons were in the 100s each day (more Covid updates below). The main outbreaks around Thailand are occurring in the capital,…

  • Tourism NewsWelcome back home: Phuket’s message to the world, echoes its X-Factor, its people

    Welcome back home: Phuket’s message to the world, echoes its X-Factor, its people

    “As the countdown to the Sandbox hits seven days, resort island pays tribute to its real-life tourism attraction.” OPINION by Bill Barnett, c9hotelworks.com Tourism eyes around the world are focused on a resort island in Thailand this week for the reopening of international, vaccinated travel to the Phuket Sandbox. A key emerging storyline from the island’s frenzied runaway to July…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE Sunday: 3,995 new cases and 42 deaths

    Covid UPDATE Sunday: 3,995 new cases and 42 deaths

    For Sunday the public health department have announced another 3,995 new infections and 42 Covid-related deaths. Only 45 more cases were detected in Thai prisons, a sharp drop off from a few weeks ago when the daily cases from prisons were in the 100s. The main outbreaks around Thailand are occurring in the capital, adjoining provinces, and provinces directly to…

  • World NewsTanzania: President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 100 days in office

    Tanzania: President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 100 days in office

    On the streets of Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, the hustle of life goes on. Many, it appears, are oblivious that it has been 100 days since Samia Suluhu Hassan made history when she was sworn in as the first female president of Tanzania. Those who spoke to DW had differing opinions on Suluhu Hassan’s performance so far. “We…

  • Visa InformationLatest info for arriving in Phuket from July 1 – Sandbox update

    Latest info for arriving in Phuket from July 1 – Sandbox update

    The latest official traveller advice for the Phuket Sandbox has been announced. The infographic points out that the information is valid for Thais and Foreigners. There are no surprises although there are some prickly issues still unanswered by with the Phuket Governor’s information announced late yesterday, including clarification on exactly who can stay with an international arrival at their SHA+…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE: 4,161 new infections, 51 deaths, provincial totals

    Covid UPDATE: 4,161 new infections, 51 deaths, provincial totals

    Today the public health department announced 51 deaths and 4,161 new infections of Covid-19. Only 72 were related to detections in Thai prisons, a further drop in prisoners testing positive for the coronavirus. Here is Saturday’s announcement of Provincial cases announced in the past 24 hours. Notably Chon Buri added a whopping 320 new infections to today’s total. Phuket, ready…

  • World NewsTech-savvy Egypt targets TikTokers and digital dissidents

    Tech-savvy Egypt targets TikTokers and digital dissidents

    In recent years, Egypt has become a thriving place for digital technology — as well as the Middle East’s No. 1 internet censor. “Communications and technology are the fastest-growing sectors of the Egyptian economy, with recent growth averaging about 16%,” David Butter, analyst at the London-based think tank Chatham House, told DW. However, he said, there is an obvious contradiction…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE Saturday: 4,161 new infections, 51 deaths

    Covid UPDATE Saturday: 4,161 new infections, 51 deaths

    For Saturday, the trend of new infections, and deaths, from Covid-related disease, remains on the rise. Today the public health department announced 51 deaths and 4,161 new infections of Covid-19. Only 72 were related to detections in Thai prisons, a further drop in prisoners testing positive for the coronavirus. As the Thai government is faced with its worst week of…

  • Visa InformationThai embassies offering COEs for Sandbox travellers from Monday, June 28

    Thai embassies offering COEs for Sandbox travellers from Monday, June 28

    The final stumbling block – the issue of Certificates of Entry for people keen to take advantage of the Phuket ‘Sandbox’ – appears to be sorted out. The way is now clear for fully vaccinated travellers to re-enter Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox plan. The plan is also being rolled out for the trio of Gulf Islands – Koh Samui,…

  • Tourism NewsMust you be married to share a room in the Phuket Sandbox?

    Must you be married to share a room in the Phuket Sandbox?

    In an attempt to clarify without actually clarifying the issue, the Phuket Tourist Association was compelled to release a follow-up statement in response to an off-the-cuff remark by an official that implied that only legally married couples could share a room in the Phuket Sandbox rollout. Apparently, the grapevine went like this… During a Zoom meeting with the Association of…

  • Covid-19 News1 month closure of Bangkok, southern work camps ordered

    1 month closure of Bangkok, southern work camps ordered

    While Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claimed the situation in Bangkok hospitals was not critical, senior doctors at many hospitals are proposing a 1-week full lockdown of the capital city. Perhaps meeting in the middle, late this afternoon PM Prayut Chan-o-cha announced the 1-month closure of all construction work camps in Bangkok as well as 4…

  • World NewsIndia: Do calls for reforms to respect LGBTQ rights go far enough?

    India: Do calls for reforms to respect LGBTQ rights go far enough?

    Manoj (name changed) from the southern Indian state of Karnataka was forced to undergo the “gay conversion therapy” as a teenager. Now an adult, he lives and works in Delhi, and hasn’t spoken to his family in years. “I was made to believe there was something wrong with me. I was given shock treatment among other methods. I escaped home…

  • Thailand Protest NewsPolice to prosecute yesterday’s protesters for Covid-19 violation

    Police to prosecute yesterday’s protesters for Covid-19 violation

    Yesterday saw many protesters commemorating the 89th anniversary of the bloodless revolution that turned Thailand into a constitutional monarchy. Today police declared they plan on prosecuting demonstrators for violating the Covid-19 emergency decree banning groups of more than 50 people and are currently gathering evidence against rally leaders and protesters. Police officials say that the protesters exceeded the emergency decree…

  • World NewsEthiopia: Deadly Tigray airstrike further alienates western allies

    Ethiopia: Deadly Tigray airstrike further alienates western allies

    Eyewitnesses are adding more details to what started as a rumor about one or more explosions with dozens of civilian casualties in the village of Togoga in Ethiopia’s restive Tigray region. “When the military jets bombed our area, many of us fell to the ground,” Negasi Berha, a Tigray resident who was being treated at Ayder Hospital, told DW. “We…

  • Thailand NewsIllegal cigarette shipment busted, valued at 30 million baht

    Illegal cigarette shipment busted, valued at 30 million baht

    Naval officials and other police agencies have seized illegal cigarettes valued at 30 million baht. The officials seized a boat that had been used to transport the goods. 1,900 boxes with 475,000 packs of cigarettes were discovered. Allegedly, the smugglers were trying to move their shipment without paying tax. Thai media reports that government agencies had received information from a…

  • Best ofTop 5 Indian Restaurants in Bangkok

    Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Bangkok

    From low-key to luxe, Bangkok has some true gems in terms of Indian restaurants. Offering rich flavours, aromatic dishes and vibrant textures, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 most popular Indian restaurants in Bangkok, whatever your budget. This selection includes some long-time favourites, as well as popular new ventures. One thing is certain – after sampling the cuisine…

  • Things To DoTop 10 provinces to visit in Thailand

    Top 10 provinces to visit in Thailand

    Amazing Thailand is on most travellers’ bucket lists. With beautiful temples and epic, tropical islands, this Southeast Asian country is iconic for those wanting to experience life in a totally different way. Here, you can travel throughout the Kingdom, experiencing different regions and their unique cultures. Chiang Mai features ethical elephant sanctuaries while Chiang Rai features ethnic hill tribes. In…

  • World News1 dead 99 unaccounted for in Florida building collapse

    1 dead 99 unaccounted for in Florida building collapse

    What that tells you is…. nothing like this was foreseeable Last night, a building collapsed in Miami, Florida. 1 person is reported dead, dozens are missing, and 99 people are unaccounted for. 102 people have been located, so far. It is unknown how many people were in the building when it went down. A search and rescue effort is currently…

  • World NewsAirlines participate in trials of IATA Travel Pass app

    Airlines participate in trials of IATA Travel Pass app

    A number of airlines worldwide are participating in trials of a Travel Pass app from the International Air Transport Association. TTR Weekly reports that at Montréal-Trudeau airport in Canada, Air France is trialling the app for outbound flights until July 15, just one of a number of airlines testing it globally. The app is designed to ease passengers’ concerns about…

  • World NewsA bed in the sky: Shanghai opens world’s highest luxury hotel

    A bed in the sky: Shanghai opens world’s highest luxury hotel

    China’s largest city has just opened the world’s highest luxury hotel – and it doesn’t come cheap. The J Hotel in Shanghai has a restaurant 120 floors up and wealthy travellers (who don’t suffer from vertigo) can enjoy personal butler service 24 hours a day. The hotel is located on the top floors of the Shanghai Tower, in the financial…

  • Things To DoTop 5 floating markets near Bangkok

    Top 5 floating markets near Bangkok

    Bangkok’s floating markets are a great way to experience a slice of the city’s culture. As many travellers come to the capital to take in the scenery of ancient temples, missing out on a floating market experience will surely leave visitors feeling incomplete. Kids can also enjoy glimpse’s of Thailand’s old culture by taking a boat ride through the river,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket officials in last-minute scramble to fix sandbox hiccups

    Phuket officials in last-minute scramble to fix sandbox hiccups

    The president of the Phuket Tourist Association says clarity is needed around a number of issues if the island’s July 1 re-opening is to proceed smoothly. According to a report in the Bangkok Post, Bhummikitti Ruktaengam says confusion over tracking apps and vaccine certificates are just 2 of the issues that need to be sorted out. The sandbox scheme was…

  • Tourism NewsTAT claims 1,500 travellers arriving in Phuket July 1

    TAT claims 1,500 travellers arriving in Phuket July 1

    The much-maligned and restriction heavy Phuket Sandbox plan might open with a bang, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced that 1,500 people would arrive on July 1. The governor of TAT said that international flights scheduled to arrive in Phuket on the first day of reopening have 1,500 tickets booked so far. The island intends to welcome back the…

  • World NewsBiden-Ghani meeting: Afghan president makes last-ditch effort to stop Taliban gains

    Biden-Ghani meeting: Afghan president makes last-ditch effort to stop Taliban gains

    US President Joe Biden will host his Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, and other high-ranking Afghan officials, at the White House on Friday. The meeting is taking place at a crucial time for Afghanistan. NATO forces have already started pulling out from Afghanistan after their two-decade presence in the war-ravaged country. The withdrawal of all foreign troops is expected to be…

  • World NewsTokyo Olympics: A month to go, protesters intent on postponing games

    Tokyo Olympics: A month to go, protesters intent on postponing games

    Atsuko Nagayama is so angry that she is physically shaking. Standing with around 250 protesters in front of the headquarters of the Tokyo metropolitan government, she is holding a simple homemade placard with the words: “Cancel the Olympics.” “It is much too dangerous to go ahead with the gamesbecause we know that there are many variants of the coronavirus already…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 round-up for expats 3: Are countries helping Thailand?

    Covid-19 round-up for expats 3: Are countries helping Thailand?

    With so much information swirling around the reopening of Thailand and the international tourism and vaccine distribution for foreigners, we thought we’d round up some updates for our readers about what your home country says about if you should travel to Thailand and how they are helping with a vaccine and the Covid-19 situation inside the Kingdom. The information in…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 round-up for expats 2: Will your country give a vaccine?

    Covid-19 round-up for expats 2: Will your country give a vaccine?

    With so much information swirling around the reopening of Thailand and the international tourism and vaccine distribution for foreigners, we thought we’d round up some updates for our readers about what your home country says about if you should travel to Thailand and how they are helping with a vaccine and the Covid-19 situation inside the Kingdom. The information in…

  • Thailand NewsLegalised marijuana up next? Courts get closer to legalising kratom

    Legalised marijuana up next? Courts get closer to legalising kratom

    Even though kratom will soon be legal in Thailand, don’t rush to plant it at home yet It’s reported that kratom will be allowed to be used as traditional medicine by August of this year. The plant has been considered an illegal narcotic for decades. Previously, kratom was listed as a Class 5 Narcotic substance under the Narcotics Act. Taking,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket police raids nab suspects for allegedly having guns, drugs, kratom

    Phuket police raids nab suspects for allegedly having guns, drugs, kratom

    Yesterday, a raid in Phuket grabbed 5 alleged drug dealers. They confiscated over 1,000 Yaba pills (meth), crystal meth, guns and ammunition. One man was also arrested for allegedly having kratom leaves. According to the police report 33 year old Theerasat ‘Jack’ Onrat was arrested for allegedly possessing 940 yaba pills. Police confiscated his mobile phone and his pickup truck…