Thailand
- Property
Bangkok sees strong, luxury condo demand in first half of 2021
Despite 2021 being considered worse than last year in terms of Covid-19’s economic toll, a leading international property consultant says Bangkok is still drawing investors. And, at a year on year increase of 26.8% for bookings, the interest in Bangkok’s new housing projects is showing no signs of waning. The first half of this year, alone, has seen new, super-luxury…
- Thailand News
Police in Central Thailand raid party, arrest 220 teenagers
Police raided a large party in the central province Saraburi and arrested 220 teenagers yesterday for violating Covid-19 prevention measures. Officers say they raided a popular entertainment venue that has been shutdown for years, but the space has been used illegally for underground parties. After an anonymous tip, the Nong Khae Police suppression team searched the venue, and found a…
- Transport News
Important rules and behaviours for driving in Thailand
Many expats who stay in Thailand, or even tourists, may wonder what rules and behaviours are needed in order to traverse the roads safely. As Thailand’s road rules are similar to other countries in Southeast Asia, one thing that sets Thailand apart, is that their roads are quite good. Driving down a road in Thailand can actually make one forget…
- Covid-19 News
Monday Covid Update: 10,035 new cases; provincial totals
60 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the CCSA, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 17,751 with 17,657 of those fatalities during the latest wave of the virus, which was first recorded on April 1. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 10,035 new Covid-19 cases and 10,590 recoveries. There are now 110,265…
- Crime News
Netflix’s “Squid Game” draws concern from Thai police about impact on youth
Thai police are warning youth to not imitate the violent games from the popular Korean series on Netflix “Squid Game.” With people spending more time at home due to tight restrictions, such as curfews and business closures, people are watching more TV shows and movies. The deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police say they are concerned that the violence…
- Covid-19 News
Nearly 40,000 new Covid infections reported across Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian countries collectively reported nearly 40,000 new Covid-19 infections yesterday, with the total now reported in the region topping 12.5 million. Nation Thailand reports that 39,996 new cases were reported yesterday, with 492 deaths. There have now been 268,655 Covid-related deaths across ASEAN nations. Meanwhile, Cambodia is considering a full reboot of its economy, subject to the situation remaining…
- Covid-19 News
Covid-19 cases are rising, not falling – CCSA infection numbers called into doubt
The Covid-19 infection numbers being reported by the CCSA are being called into question by the Rural Doctors Society. According to a Thai PBS World report, the RDS argues that the number of daily new cases is going up, not down. According to the report, the society says that yesterday, the CCSA reported 2 figures for new cases – 10,817…
- Economy News
Government considers tax cut for highly-skilled foreign workers
The Thai government is considering cutting the rate of personal income tax for highly-skilled foreign workers, in order to attract more talent to the kingdom. Ekniti Nitithanprapas from the Revenue Department says officials are mulling the possibility of reducing the rate to 17%. The Bangkok Post reports that the rate of personal income tax in Thailand is based on salary…
- Education
The pros and cons of using a teaching agency in Thailand
Teaching in Thailand can be quite a rewarding experience. From learning all about Thai culture to helping children learn, making your career as an educator here is a noble act. The road to securing a job in Thailand can be travelled in 2 major ways. Some expats use an agency in which to get hired at a school, while others…
- Tourism News
FTI warns Thailand must reopen to international tourists
With such a long time since tourists were welcomed into Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries fears that potential tourists may be wandering away from Thailand. The FTI chairman warned that the window may be closing to still attract these travellers. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but as Thailand’s closure to most international travellers stretches to more…
- Ask an Agent
Why investing in Thailand property is a great idea
Besides being a tropical paradise, there are many other reasons to invest in Thailand property. As the country has shown strong and consistent growth in recent years, housing and land prices continue to rise. And, as many expats continue to choose Thailand, finding a dream home here at a fraction of the price is often very possible. Additionally, average property…
- Covid-19 News
Saturday Covid-19 Update: Death back under 100, cases down
Today, the CCSA reported 10,630 new Covid-19 infections, a change of -510 since yesterday, and 73 Coronavirus-related deaths, a change of -43 from yesterday. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, a total of 1,671,204 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been reported. In the 24 hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 10,542…
- Crime News
Customers at Isaan restaurant face 2 months in jail for drinking alcohol
Customers drinking alcohol at a restaurant in the Isaan province Nakhon Ratchasima reportedly face two-month prison sentences and a 12,500 baht fine. The Bangkok Post reported that Thai police raided the restaurant on Wednesday night and arrested 39 people including customers and staff. Police say the bar was open past the hours set by emergency orders and was serving alcohol.…
- Covid-19 News
Friday Covid Update: 11,140 new cases; provincial totals
116 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the CCSA, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 17,534 with 17,440 of those fatalities during the latest wave, which was first recorded on April 1. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA has recorded 11,140 new Covid-19 cases and 9,933 recoveries. There are now 110,113 people being treated…
- Covid-19 News
If vaccinations continue as planned, Health Ministry says Covid could be “under control” by January
The Public Health Ministry has announced that if vaccinations continue at the expected rate, the Covid-19 crisis in Thailand could be essentially “under control” by January 1. As the number of vaccines available steadily increases, the hope is that higher rates of vaccination in the country will allow Thailand’s vital tourism industry to reopen further. The ministry’s permanent secretary, Kiattiphum…
- Tourism News
Thailand hotels hopeful on reopening, short-term focus on domestic travellers
With Thailand’s traditional high season approaching, along with plans to reopen more key tourist destinations, hotels and hospitality groups are hoping that the arrival of more tourists this year will provide a much needed boost to the economy. This is especially the case in Bangkok, which is traditionally so reliant on tourism. But with reopening plans having been delayed repeatedly,…
- Tourism News
Thai Lion Air adds more aircraft to fleet as Thailand plans further re-opening
Thai Lion Air is expanding its fleet as Thailand plans to re-open more parts of the country to international travel. The carrier’s chief executive, Aswin Yangkirativorn, says the expanded fleet, which includes 2 Airbus aircraft and 2 Boeing 737s, will serve international destinations. The airline has already taken delivery of the Airbus aircraft, with the Boeing delivery expected before the…
- Covid-19 News
Thai Red Cross rejects accusation that it profited by reselling Moderna doses
The Thai Red Cross Society has rejected a claim on social media that it profited from the resale of Moderna vaccine doses. According to a Bangkok Post report, the organisation was responding to a claim on Facebook that it had purchased Moderna doses through the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation and was attempting to resell them to various organisations at an inflated…
- World News
Thailand to be removed from UK red list from Monday
Thailand is being removed from Britain’s red list, meaning no more hotel quarantine for arrivals from the kingdom. Earlier this week, the UK ditched its advice against non-essential travel for 32 countries, but left Thailand and others on the red list. Now, that list will be cut to just 7 countries from Monday, with Thailand and 46 others coming off.…
- Thailand News
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Thailand
Many travellers who wish to teach in Thailand definitely have questions about the whole process. From visas to degrees, to being a native English speaker, we have the most pertinent information for you below on working as an educator in Thailand. The most frequently asked questions are listed, along with answers to help guide you in your job search. 1.…
- Ask an Agent
A guide to finding the best real estate agent for your property
Finding a real estate agent to help you sell your property is an important decision. And, it is apparent after a quick search on the internet, that there are many who offer world-class services. But, how do you know which agent follows through on their services offered? Or which agent makes the process the least stressful? Such things as a…
- South Thailand News
Infections rise in “Deep South,” top health official to assess the situation
As Covid-19 infection rates rise in Thailand’s four southern provinces near the Malaysian border, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered Public Health Permanent Secretary to visit and assess the situation, a government spokesperson said yesterday. The prime minister has asked that the situation be brought under control within the next two months. According to the CCSA, the four border provinces, known…
- Bangkok News
Quarantine hotel near Suvarnabhumi airport evacuated after fire
A fire erupted at an alternative quarantine hotel in Samut Prakan, just southeast of Bangkok. Yesterday night, around 80 people evacuated the building when they noticed black smoke. The hotel provides accommodation for the mandatory 14-day quarantine for those entering Thailand from overseas. No injures were reported. The fire took place at the Siam Mandarina Hotel Suvarnabhumi on King Kaew…
- Bangkok News
Lawyer-activist plans International Criminal Court filing over 1976 massacre
Yesterday, on the 45th anniversary of the 1976 massacre at Bangkok’s Thammasat University, a lawyer-activist now says he plans to bring the perpetrators to the International Criminal Court. The Thammasat University graduate and Ratsadon group lawyer, Kritsadang Nutcharas, made a speech, calling for justice over the bloody crackdown on anti-government protests where police and military forces blocked the exits to…
- Covid-19 News
Thursday Covid Update: 11,200 new cases and 113 deaths
Today, the CCSA reported 11,200 new cases and 113 coronavirus-related deaths. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, the CCSA has reported a total of 1,649,434 confirmed Covid-19 cases. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 10,087 recoveries. There are now 109,022 people in Thailand currently receiving treatment for Covid-19.…
- Covid-19 News
Covid-19 drug likely to arrive December as procurement agreement in final stages
The world’s first oral treatment for Covid-19 could be available in Thailand from December, as a draft agreement nears completion. According to a Bangkok Post report, the Department of Medical Services chief says the draft procurement deal is awaiting legal approval from the government. Somsak Akksilp says his department is in talks with the Thai subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Merck,…
- Phuket News
Phuket sandbox has welcomed 42,000 international arrivals since July 1
Since the launch of the Phuket sandbox scheme on July 1, the southern island has welcomed over 42,000 foreign visitors to its shores. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has got the calculator out again and according to TAT Phuket director, Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, over 2 billion baht has been generated for the economy. “We set the target at 100,000 visitors because…
- World News
UK ditches “non-essential travel” alert for 32 countries, Thailand remains on red list
The British government has amended its advice to avoid non-essential travel to 32 countries. The Bangkok Post reports that the move comes as countries around the world continue to make progress in fighting the pandemic. However, according to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Thailand remains on the red list, along with South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico. “The Foreign,…
- Phuket News
Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off, poles raised to call spirits down from the heavens
The famous Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicked off yesterday, with its traditional ceremony to welcome spirits to descend from the heavens, but under Covid-19 restrictions. Go Teng poles were raised at participating shrines as a call for the Jade Emperor and Nine Emperor Gods to come down to earth. During the festival, some will practice self-mutilation, such as tongue slicing or…
- Hot News
Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival schedule 2021
Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, has arrived. Spanning 10 days from October 5 to the 15, the festival is iconic for those who like exotic and very, very unique cultural events. It’s a commemoration that invites ancient Chinese spirts to come down from the heavens to witness almost 8 days of fire walking, noisy…
