webfact

By Editor Announcements have been made that Thai Vietjet Air has resumed direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. The flight operates three times a week. Additionally Phuket has welcomed the inaugural flight by Vietnam Airlines from Ho Chi Minh City to the island’s international airport on September 1st. More than 400,000 foreign tourists have landed in Phuket since May 1st according to Phuket Immigration. On August 30th, Phuket International Airport Immigration reported arrival statistics showing that from 1st May to 30th August, 104,350 Indian nationals had arrived in Phuket. Other top countries of origin were Australia – 44,313, Singapore – 39,257, Britain – 27,683, Malaysia – 22,920, Germany – 16,100, USA – 14,150 and Russia – 13,016. Meanwhile progress towards the arrival of Hua Hin Airport as a real international destination appears to have taken a step forward with an inspection by Member of Parliament Pornthep Visutvattanasak, together with Airport Director Aphisit Ubonkomut and a commissioning team. This has been a safety inspection required before the approval of international flights. It seems that this administrative approval has been the missing piece required before the intent of the many international carriers to fly directly to Hua Hin can be realised. Higher safety and security standards have been required by the Office of Civil Aviation of Thailand (CAAT) for international airports in a post-covid world. Hopes remain high that opening the airport to international travel will coincide with the beginning of this year’s high tourism season, although officials remain tight-lipped on making any announcements. Mr. John Laroche, CEO of Phoenix Aviation and initiator of the Phoenix-plan for the airport’s future, stays that the Memorandums of Understand (MOU), signed by many international airlines, remain intact. This refers to flights from regional flight centres such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and southern China to add to this impetus for the airport’s international status. Announcements for the approval and commencement of these flights is now eagerly awaited. The importance of the airport to the future of regional tourism cannot be overstated, particularly with an increased competition forecast from tourism centres both in Thailand and internationally, especially in south east Asia. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/09/rising-international-arrivals-to-thai-regional-hua-hin-waits/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Pattaya to Samui ferry launched By Editor The first ‘Blue Dolphin’ ferry for a Pattaya – Samui route has been officially launched on Saturday, September 10th, with a test run. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271564-pattaya-to-samui-ferry-launched/

By Editor The first ‘Blue Dolphin’ ferry for a Pattaya – Samui route has been officially launched on Saturday, September 10th, with a test run. ‘The Blue Dolphin’ ferry, operated by the Seahorse Ferry, can accommodate up to 200 private cars and 586 passengers with a total of 15 rooms, with five room types. A one-way trip takes approximately about 13 hours. The ferry is described as being more like a cruise ship than a ferry boat, boasting seating options ranging from an entry level reclining seat, to a capsule bed, all the way to first class private quarters that look practically like a hotel room. Prices for the different seats, beds, and room types but it is believed that rooms will be somewhere around the 3,000 THB mark for the overnight journey. The ferry boat also does not skimp on facilities, with a restaurant, spa and massage services, and a variety of nightlife entertainment options. Like a cruise liner, the boat is fully fitted with a bar, karaoke bar, and a disco. Transporting a car or motorbike is easy as well, as the ship boasts two levels of car parking. The test run departed Pattaya on Friday late afternoon and arrived to fanfare in Koh Samui yesterday, A collection of travel industry professionals were invited to an opening night gala aboard the ferry boat featuring an open bar, impressive food spread and live music to celebrate the launch of the new route. When the regular service is launched, the ferry will run between Chon Buri province from Chuksamed Pier in Sattahip and Nathon Pier, the largest pier in Koh Samui where cruise ships have traditionally landed. Regularly scheduled trips are not yet available as the recent trip was a test run, but are expected by the end of September. Booking details will be via SPcruise.com, but the website is not yet live. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/09/pattaya-to-samui-ferry-launched/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai Netizens Blast Post On Selling Kidney To Get Mobile Phone TNR Staff THAI social media lambasted a Facebook post that emerging from Laos showing three persons with wounds on the their abdomen holding up a mobile phone with the caption saying “Agreed for iPhone14” which they interpreted as meaning selling their kidney to get this newly-released cell phone, TV Channel 7 and Matichon newspaper said today (Sept. 11). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271563-thai-netizens-blast-post-on-selling-kidney-to-get-mobile-phone/

TNR Staff THAI social media lambasted a Facebook post that emerging from Laos showing three persons with wounds on the their abdomen holding up a mobile phone with the caption saying “Agreed for iPhone14” which they interpreted as meaning selling their kidney to get this newly-released cell phone, TV Channel 7 and Matichon newspaper said today (Sept. 11). Mr. Pakphum Dejhassadin, a medical technologist who runs the popular Panda Lab Doctor webpage, too commented on this post saying he did not quite understand whether it was about selling a kidney to buy a mobile phone or not but some people who do not know better could misunderstand. This photo was traced to a beauty clinic in Laos with the writer saying in the caption that iPhone 14 had arrived and workers are selling their kidney to the doctor (just joking). Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/11/thai-netizens-blast-post-on-selling-kidney-to-get-mobile-phone/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Bangkok sets up temporary shelters for flood evacuees The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up temporary shelters in the Bang Khen, Lak Si, Don Mueang, Sai Mai and Lat Krabang areas, in case residents there need to be evacuated if their houses are flooded, said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday (Sunday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271562-bangkok-sets-up-temporary-shelters-for-flood-evacuees/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up temporary shelters in the Bang Khen, Lak Si, Don Mueang, Sai Mai and Lat Krabang areas, in case residents there need to be evacuated if their houses are flooded, said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday (Sunday). He expressed concern over the high water levels in the Prem Prachakon, Lat Phrao, Luang Paeng and Prawet canals, making it difficult for flood water in communities and on roads drain into them, adding that the efforts to drain water into canals will be made even harder if there is more heavy rain, which has exceeded 100mm on each of the past two days. He said that the BMA will have to buy more water pumps and, in the future, shift the emphasis from building huge water tunnels to dredging canals instead, to facilitate the flow of water. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-sets-up-temporary-shelters-for-flood-evacuees/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Bangkok’s seasonal floods reveal the problem of short-term thinking With more heavy downpours forecast through the remaining rainy season, there is both good news and bad news for Thailand residents worried about floods. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271561-bangkok’s-seasonal-floods-reveal-the-problem-of-short-term-thinking/

With more heavy downpours forecast through the remaining rainy season, there is both good news and bad news for Thailand residents worried about floods. On the bright side, authorities and experts have promised that the flooding will not be as bad as the 2011 disaster. However, many say that serious floods have returned because no real solutions have been applied since the calamity a decade ago. “Since the big floods of 2011, we have got the National Water Resources Act, the Office of the National Water Resources, the National River Basin Committee and many more such bodies,” Kasetsart University lecturer Sitang Pilailar told Thai PBS World. “There are more than 30 agencies [for water management]. Yet, we have barely made any progress, especially in the face of crises,” the lecturer at the university’s Water Resources Engineering Department said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-seasonal-floods-reveal-the-problem-of-short-term-thinking/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Nipon Boonyamanee among rare breed of Thai politicians who quits to face music It is rare for Thai politicians to voluntarily vacate their seats, not to mention a coveted ministerial post. But that was exactly what Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Boonyamanee did last Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271560-nipon-boonyamanee-among-rare-breed-of-thai-politicians-who-quits-to-face-music/

It is rare for Thai politicians to voluntarily vacate their seats, not to mention a coveted ministerial post. But that was exactly what Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Boonyamanee did last Monday. A senior figure from the coalition Democrat Party, Nipon resigned to face trial in the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on a charge of malfeasance. The case stems from his role as chief executive of Songkhla’s provincial administrative organization. Back in 2013, he refused to pay 52 million baht for the PAO’s purchase of two road-maintenance trucks, arguing that bidding on the contract during his predecessor’s tenure was flawed by collusion. Nipon, 64, said he decided to step down to avoid criticism and to concentrate on the trial. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/nipon-boonyamanee-among-rare-breed-of-thai-politicians-who-quits-to-face-music/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

New leader of Thailand’s “For the National” party emphasises equality as top priority Members of the For the National Party (Pheu Chart) elected a new 15-member executive committee yesterday (Saturday) with Pawitsarat Tiyapairat as the new party leader. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271558-new-leader-of-thailand’s-“for-the-national”-party-emphasises-equality-as-top-priority/

Members of the For the National Party (Pheu Chart) elected a new 15-member executive committee yesterday (Saturday) with Pawitsarat Tiyapairat as the new party leader. Daughter of former House Speaker and member of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai party Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Pawitsarat told party members at an extraordinary meeting, in the conference room of Chiang Rai stadium, that the party willgive priority to equality in all aspects, without sexual, educational, economic or social discrimination and to the recognition of the right for public participation. She said that the party’s executive committee will meet soon to draft its strategies and policies and unveil its management team and working groups. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-leader-of-thailands-for-the-national-party-emphasises-equality-as-top-priority/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Teacher held by police for allegedly hosting drinks party with students at resort A Thai male school teacher has been held and charged by police for after he allegedly took nine male and female students to a resort in Na Chueak district of Maha Sarakham province for a drinks party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271555-teacher-held-by-police-for-allegedly-hosting-drinks-party-with-students-at-resort/

Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand have sent a message of condolence to Britain’s King Charles III, expressing their profound sorrow for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In the message, HM the King said that he, the Queen and all members of the Royal Family are profoundly saddened by the death of the Queen. The King said that the Thai people join the people of Britain in mourning the great loss of their beloved Monarch and remember her enduring legacies of long service and dedication to the British people. The King also said that he and the Thai people still remember the visits to Thailand by the Queen in 1972 and 1996, as an official guest of Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, with pride and warmth. Her Majesty the Queen Mother sent a separate letter of condolence to Britain’s King Charles III, expressing her deep sorrow on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In the letter, the Queen Mother said that she had the opportunity to observe Queen Elizabeth II performing her duties on many occasions, from the first state visit to Britain in 1960, in the company of HM King Bhumibol, to the Queen’s formal visits to Thailand in 1972 and 1996. The Queen Mother said that she was impressed by the statecraft and graciousness of the Queen and was moved by her genuine care and concern for the plight of the under-privileged and the needy. She also said that every meeting with Queen Elizabeth II was an enriching experience and she is deeply saddened by her passing. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-royal-family-send-letters-of-condolence-for-the-passing-of-britains-queen-elizabeth-ii/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 12 September 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1271556-thailand-live-monday-12-september-2022/

Thai Royal family send letters of condolence for the passing of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand have sent a message of condolence to Britain’s King Charles III, expressing their profound sorrow for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271557-thai-royal-family-send-letters-of-condolence-for-the-passing-of-britain’s-queen-elizabeth-ii/

A Thai male school teacher has been held and charged by police for after he allegedly took nine male and female students to a resort in Na Chueak district of Maha Sarakham province for a drinks party. Police and local administration officials went to the resort on Saturday, after they were alerted by a school teacher about the party, allegedly organised by a male teacher. A member of staff at the resort told the police that the teacher had rented two rooms. When they opened one of those rooms, they found nine students, aged between 13 and 17, still in their uniforms, with the teacher. They also found liquor and soft drinks in the room. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/teacher-held-by-police-for-allegedly-hosting-drinks-party-with-students-at-resort/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Tropical fish farms ordered to turn over their GMO fish to Thai Fisheries Department The Thai Fisheries Department has ordered all commercial tropical fish breeders to turn over their genetically-modified (GMO) fish, such as GloFish, to the department for destruction by November 30th, to prevent them from being released into natural water sources, which could threaten local species. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271462-tropical-fish-farms-ordered-to-turn-over-their-gmo-fish-to-thai-fisheries-department/

The Thai Fisheries Department has ordered all commercial tropical fish breeders to turn over their genetically-modified (GMO) fish, such as GloFish, to the department for destruction by November 30th, to prevent them from being released into natural water sources, which could threaten local species. A tropical fish expert at the Fisheries Department, Arunee Rodloy, told Thai PBS that GMO fish have been banned in several countries because they are viewed as a serious threat to local species. She said that such countries may boycott tropical fish from Thailand, such as Siamese fighting fish, which are popular in numerous countries, if they become aware that Thai fish breeders are breeding GMO fish. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tropical-fish-farms-ordered-to-turn-over-their-gmo-fish-to-thai-fisheries-department/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Untouched rural destinations more popular with tourists in Thailand: Airbnb By Kanchan Nath TD Editor Airbnb claims that some of the ‘lesser-known’ destinations that travellers are exploring include Koh Lanta, Trat, Pai and Cha-Am. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271457-untouched-rural-destinations-more-popular-with-tourists-in-thailand-airbnb/

By Kanchan Nath TD Editor Airbnb claims that some of the ‘lesser-known’ destinations that travellers are exploring include Koh Lanta, Trat, Pai and Cha-Am. Though many would argue those areas are already very well-known tourist destinations, they just receive less visitors than the major hubs of places like Samui, Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai – all of which have their own international airport. Airbnb shares that more than 70% of Thais who participated in a poll plan to travel more frequently to rural destinations that are not currently popular with tourists, with over two thirds saying it is important that they are not contributing to issues such as ‘over tourism’. “More than two years since the start of the pandemic, we continue to see fundamental shifts in travel that are creating new opportunities for lesser known, off-the-beaten-track communities. It’s incredibly exciting to see travellers so enthusiastic about exploring new destinations, as well as the positive economic impact cascading to locals,” said Mich Goh, Airbnb’s head of public policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan. “This ongoing dispersal of travel is empowering locals to diversify their income through hosting and build financial resilience in the face of rising costs of living. We are committed to continuing to work together with governments and stakeholders to keep inspiring travellers to step off the beaten path and help ensure more communities can share in the benefits of tourism.” Full story: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/untouched-rural-destinations-more-popular-with-tourists-in-thailand-airbnb/ -- © Copyright Travel Daily 2022-09-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

56 provinces warned of waterway overflows following heavy rain Thailand’s National Water Command Centre issued advice to people in 56 provinces today (Saturday), including Bangkok and its suburbs, to brace for possible river overflows and flooding due to heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271455-56-provinces-warned-of-waterway-overflows-following-heavy-rain/

Thailand’s National Water Command Centre issued advice to people in 56 provinces today (Saturday), including Bangkok and its suburbs, to brace for possible river overflows and flooding due to heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the Royal Irrigation Department has stepped up efforts to ease flooding in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Pathum Thani, by draining water from the swollen Rangsit Prayoonsak canal into the Chao Phraya River and through a network of canals into the Bang Pakong River in the eastern province of Chachoengsao and, finally, into the Gulf of Thailand. The department has offered an assurance that the discharge of water through the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province, at a rate of 1,448m3/sec, and through the Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri province, at a rate of 300m3/sec since yesterday, will not affect downstream areas. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/56-provinces-warned-of-waterway-overflows-following-heavy-rain/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

PT Prachuap Grand Prix 2022 cancelled By Online Reporter The PT Prachuap Grand Prix 2022 which had been due to take place in Meuang Prachuap in October has been cancelled, the event’s organisers have announced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271453-pt-prachuap-grand-prix-2022-cancelled/