Burma Bill

Well I never! Many School Directors suddenly becoming even richer??

Will this become another white elephant in the fleet???

Thanks, I have just read about the cancellations, so no problems at land border crossings into Thailand.

What is interesting for me, residing across the border in a neighboring country, is that I can read and watch international news and videos, uncensored and not subject to lese-majeste restrictions, revelations about the Thai Monarchy similar to those current revelations from Prince Harry about the UK Monarchy.

For reference, the new requirements issued by The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand are listed in today's Khmer media (09/01/2023): Non-Thai passengers who are 18 or older must present documentation confirming they have received two COVID-19 vaccine doses or a doctor’s certificate stating that they have recovered from a COVID-19 infection in the past 180 days..................................................Airlines are required the check the aforementioned documents of their passengers. If any passenger cannot produce the required documents, the airline should not allow them to board the plane. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501215843/passengers-flying-to-thailand-beware-new-rules-for-air-passengers-arriving-in-thailand-announced/ My question is "are these requirements also necessary for tourists crossing into Thailand at a LAND BORDER check point?? For example, a group of foreign back-packers who, having visited Vietnam and Cambodia overland, decide to take a VIP bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok (regular service) crossing into Thailand at Aranyaphratet. Will the Cambodian Bus Company have to check the passengers Covid-19 status?? (I bet they will not as no mention of this at all as reference is to AIR PASSENGERS)

Yes indeed and for reference (08/01/2023):- 15 Chinese airlines have submitted schedules for winter flights to Thailand. Air China will fly between Bangkok and Hangzhou. China Eastern has two routes – Bangkok and Kunming, and Bangkok and Shanghai. China Southern Airlines will connect Guangzhou and Wuhan to Bangkok. China’s 9 Air will fly between Guangzhou and Bangkok as well as Guiyang and Bangkok. Guangxi Beibu Gulf Airlines will open a route between Bangkok and Nanning Hebei Airlines will fly between Bangkok and Hangzhou. Juneyao Airlines connecting Shanghai with Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai, as well as Nanjing and Hat Yai. Kunming Airlines and Lucky Air will fly between Kunming and Bangkok. Ruili Airlines between Kunming and Chiang Mai. Shanghai Airlines between the largest Chinese city and Thailand’s capital Shenzhen Airlines will fly between the eastern border city and Bangkok. Spring Airlines linking Shanghai and Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai, Bangkok and Nanning, and Chiang Mai and Guangzhou. Sichuan Airlines between Chengdu and Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Xiamen Airlines connecting Bangkok with Tianjin and Xiamen. https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40023809 Oh dear - massed crowds of Chinese with all their shopping blocking the airport corridors outside the VAT return offices at BKK and DMK??

Yes, I suppose so. There is a very large Chinese ex-pat community already and with all their tourists now able to flock back to the hotel/casino complexes for gambling, there will be MANY Chinese, especially in Sihanoukville!

Yes indeed, and will remain so for many years until the joining with the Chinese High Speed Railway (standard gauge) at Vientiane. "First-phase construction of the project – a 250-kilometre high-speed railway from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima – is on schedule for completion in 2026" https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40019450 Then construction project for the HSR from Korat to Nong Khai and across the Mekong to Vientiane - how many more years?? Only SRT's narrow gauge trains currently use the new station.

I salute your bravery Sir, may you rest in peace. For me, it reminded of another brave Royal Thai Navy man, SEAL Petty Officer 1st Class Saman Kunan, who lost his life helping to rescue the trapped Wild Boars boys football team from the Tham Luang Caves.

With respect, based at Hampstead in North London (UK)???

Think I will stick to "crazy" golf - no caddies or cabs!!

IMO a great idea so that a joint energy project will enable the sharing of oil/gas products to boost each country's energy requirements. All I hope is that Thailand doesn't adopt "protectionism" scams.

Thank you, I totally agree -"Amazing Thailand - the hub of U-turns" For general reference, across the border in Cambodia where ALL foreign tourists are welcome without any entry restrictions other than an e-visa or visa on entry. "The PM stated “Cambodia does not require Chinese people to do anything, just to come as normal tourists.” https://www.khmertimeskh.com/pm-welcomes-chinese-tourists-back-to-cambodia/

The latest today 6/01/2023 from Yahoo UK News:- (International coverage) Thailand is bringing back rules requiring proof of Covid vaccination for travellers entering the country...........Public Health Minister Anutin Charnviraku said: “New measures are necessary because Thailand is a major destination for travellers from many countries including China but the measures must be non-discriminatory.” https://uk.yahoo.com/news/thailand-brings-back-proof-covid-154057404.html Another U-turn by Anutin and his cronies?? I sympathize with all those tourists who have booked their dream holidays in LOS and are not fully vaccinated - many more cancellations??

For general reference to all those who may decide to do a border run, or visit Cambodia, e-cigarettes and vaping is illegal in the country. From today's Khmer media (2nd January 2023):- ......... in cooperation with the National Authority for Combating Drugs on Saturday burned 288 boxes of UOLO e-cigarettes, equivalent to 7,200 packs, at a landfill in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/category/national/

Yes indeed even when I lived in Issan pre-pandemic. Much was International business traffic heading for the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai to cross into Laos, Vientiane and beyond.

I hope this includes foreigners who drive home by car or motorcycle from a favorite bar stool after a session of pontificating!!

Thanks Sheryl and can I quote (from Cambodia) the following for general reference: The Cambodian casino and a hotel .............................reportedly belongs to fugitive Thai politician Vatana Asavahame. Over a year ago, Vatana offered to sell his two casinos in Cambodia – Grand Diamond City Hotel and Casino and Poipet Resort and Casino – for a combined price of 12 billion baht. The two venues are owned by Grand Exclusive Poipet Cambodia, and located in Poipet town.................it remains unclear whether they were sold. https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40023559 Please feel free to delete should this contravene any of Thailand's infamous laws.

Yes indeed, but not only poor countries - possibly around the World! Reference the Grenfell Tower inferno of 2017 in London (UK). In its construction, dangerously combustible composite cladding and external insulation was used. (ref: Wikipedia). 72 persons died, 70 injured and 223 escaped. It will be interesting to see if an investigation into the Cambodian Casino tragedy finds whether combustible or fire-proof materials were used. The speed, spread and ferocity of the fire engulfing the building complex leaves me with no doubts!

Yes, thank you. The latest from Khmer media (30/12/2022):- This morning, Cambodian and Thai police continued to search for the bodies of the victims of the Grand Diamond City fire in Poipet city, after a suspension of rescue mission over building collapse concerns......... According to the rescue team report as of 19:00 on December 29, the death toll in the casino fire in Poipet city, Banteay Meanchey has risen to 19 and nearly 100 people were injured. The report states that among the dead and injured were both Cambodians and foreigners (mainly Thai) .......................................survivors were rushed to Thailand and others to hospitals near the scene in Cambodia. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501211405/cambodian-thai-authorities-continue-to-search-for-victims-of-casino-fire/

BS again?? "Thai rescue workers responded to emergency calls from Cambodian authorities to help tackle the blaze on the third floor of the hotel" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/29/cambodia-casino-hotel-fire-deaths-dozens-trapped-poipet

BS - From today's Khmer media (29/12/22):- About 300 joint police forces and 11 fire trucks were operating at the scene, the commissioner said. However, due to the high and narrow location, the fire spread throughout the location, making the firefighting operation difficult. He has sent helicopters and commandos to the scene to evacuate staff from the roof. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501210876/poipet-casino-on-fire-for-more-than-five-hours/ Please bear in mind that the Fire Service in Cambodia is a unit within the Police Service unlike many other countries. See photo below:

Likewise, BUT I have heard of Sam Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster, Yorkshire (UK) which produces excellent cask conditioned ales!

For general reference - RIMPING supermarkets in Chiang Mai.

A Japanese muppet???