khunpeer

19 hours ago, connda said:

I've been told by numerous ophthalmologists over the years that I have very misshapen eyes (high myopia -11) and very thin retinas which make cataract surgery relatively difficult and a high risk procedure.  I don't particularly want to end up blinded in order to get the necessary surgery that I'm going to need in the next couple of years in order to be able to adequately see.
As such I really am looking for the best ophthalmologist (and probably a full professor at Chiang Mai University Medical Department) in Chiang Mai to do the operation.  Who would that person be?  @Sheryl If you have an recommendation I'd appreciate your input. Thanks.

of course every case is different, therefor cannot compare, but if you go to Sripat you get at least value for yr money.

i have also certain eye-condition but dr. Janejit operated me successfully and i can see far, bright and sharp as i have not seen for years!

first she operated me on a retina detachment, let it heal for 2 months, after that the catarac operation seemed so simple! i can fully vouch for dr. Janejit eye department in separate building of Sripat!

good luck!

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reads the policy statement at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Paetongtarn appeared Parliament for the first time to lay out how her government envisions to improve the country. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in a precarious position, with her political career hanging in the balance due to legal issues surrounding her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. The complication arises from allegations that Thaksin, the influential figure behind the Pheu Thai party, faked a critical illness to avoid jail time by staying at  Police Hospital, Bangkok.

 

On September 18, a petition was submitted, urging Paetongtarn to reveal the truth regarding her father's hospital stay. The petition demands a full and transparent disclosure of the evidence, including CCTV footage, that purportedly documents Thaksin's activities in the hospital's private ward. Thaksin was granted an unusual six-month stay in a ward generally off-limits to other convicts.

 

If Paetongtarn complies, she risks incriminating her father, potentially leading to his arrest and imprisonment for perjury. Thaksin was already sentenced in absentia to eight years for power abuse and misconduct, but received a royal pardon reducing his sentence to one year. Yet, he had not spent any time behind bars, owing to his claimed critical illness.

 

Conversely, if Paetongtarn refuses to act, she could face charges of neglecting her official duties. This dereliction of duty might lead to her impeachment and removal from office, a partisan source indicated.

 

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) seeks evidence allegedly being withheld by the Police Hospital and the Corrections Department. They believe this evidence will reveal the truth behind Thaksin's "critical illness" and verify whether he genuinely required detention outside a prison.

 

This episode is eerily reminiscent of the plight faced by Paetongtarn's aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, over a decade ago. Yingluck was sentenced to five years in jail for failing to curb corruption in a rice subsidy scheme during her term.

 

With her father's fate hanging in the balance and her own political future at risk, Paetongtarn must navigate this legal and ethical minefield carefully. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for her premiership and the future of the Shinawatra family's political legacy.

 

-- 2024-09-19

 

 

GUILTY AS CHARGED!

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

BANGKOK, Sept 18 (TNA) – Thailand’s Attorney General has ordered the prosecution of eight suspects, including vehicle controllers and drivers, in the 2004 Tak Bai incident that resulted in 78 deaths. The suspects face charges of joint murder.

 

 

 

 

 

The case stems from an October 25, 2004 protest in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province, where authorities arrested protesters and transported them in military trucks to a nearby army camp.

 

Photo: TNA

 

Full story: Thai News Agency

-- 2024-09-18
 

 

the main responsible one is in his Bangkok house whispering sweet nothings in Paetongtarns ears...

21 hours ago, proton said:

 Na, Tops, Foodland and Villa are better as are the staff. Big C have pulled Carabao beers off the shelf, no prizes for guessing why. 

because their drummer died?

1 hour ago, Dazinoz said:

Once drove a Thai lady from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. We crossed a bridge over one of the larger rivers and she said that that river flowed UP to CR. I said dont you mean down to CR. She replied no, this is the only river in Thailand that flows uphill. Sadly she believed it and no amount of explaining could convince her.

stubborn on top of ignorence: ayayay that's a wrong combi 😎🎈

30 minutes ago, SpanishExpat said:

Malaysia doesn’t require that in detail! Yeah you have to fill it out, but no need to upload any documents, so you can fill out any random accommodation and just the date when you leave again. Takes 2-3min.

I also can use the Egates there with my passport and without pysical contact to immigration officers.

 

 

Just hoping Thailand doesn’t <deleted> this up like they usually do by over-complicating it.

they're specialists in that! 😉

5 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Koh Larn, Thailand — A tourist boat crew member has become the centre of a viral storm after a video surfaced showing him defecating in the sea off Koh Larn.

 

The clip has sparked outrage and has raised pressing concerns about the behaviour of individuals in the tourism industry and its potential impact on the island’s renowned family-friendly reputation, reported Adam Judd for The Pattaya News.

 

The video, initially uploaded by an unidentified Facebook user, captures the boatman nonchalantly relieving himself at the back of the speedboat in broad daylight. The incident unfolded in front of stunned tourists and involved the boatman joking with his colleagues throughout.

 

Despite the original Facebook page being later removed, a vocal group within the Pattaya Facebook community managed to save the clip and share it widely, spreading further dismay.

 

The crew member, referred to only as Mr. Ohm, admitted to the act during an interview. He confessed that as a boatman responsible for ferrying tourists, he sometimes experienced sudden stomach discomfort.

 

To alleviate this, he would venture out into open waters and relieve himself discreetly behind the boat. However, he acknowledged that this time he acted without due consideration for the consequences.

 

Mr. Ohm expressed his regret over the incident, promising that he would not repeat such behaviour in the future. The situation has ignited debates on social media about the general standards required of personnel in the tourism industry and the need for strict hygiene practices to protect the environment and impressionable tourists.

 

It remains uncertain whether Mr. Ohm will face any legal repercussions for his actions. This incident follows growing concerns over environmental preservation and public decency in tourist hotspots, urging authorities to likely reconsider regulations surrounding such behaviours.

 

Although the incident may alarm sensitive viewers, stock photos of Pattaya Bay have been used to maintain sensitivity while conveying the story.

 

Source: THE PATTAYA NEWS

 

-- 2024-08-29

 

 

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outrage? about what? get a life!

4 hours ago, DjSilver08 said:

There is only one solution. All stray dogs/ soi dogs needs to be killed. And done 50 years ago.

 

Stray dogs have no place too be with people.

 

If a dog bits a person in a civilized country (western country), the government will make sure to kill the dogs. Even homeless dogs are killed, and this is something Thailand should have made a law too do many years ago. But on the other hand, Thailand is not civilized yet.

there is certainly civilization here, it's called Buddhism.

cannot kill other creatures, period!

always comparing with how things are done back home.

why don't you appreciate what is here instead of moaning what is not?

waste of time...

12 hours ago, neverere said:

Where do you suggest the dogs are 'removed' to? Also Thailand does, as a rule, not destroy dogs. 

it's a Buddhist practice, one cannot end other animals life! that's why many temples have lots of dogs/cats!

can be annoying at times, but who are we to decide about life of other creatures?

5 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

It is better to do something about the poverty in Thailand. With daily wages of 400 THB a day and rising costs for living it is impossible for many to make ends meet and when low educated and from poor family it is difficult to find a decent job too... I know there is much money that is spend  for nothing in Thailand and by the superrich they can pay more taxes or start paying tax. 

it's even worse:

daily wages should be baht 400 and more, but here& there others nibble off more baht for 'services' so many workers make only 300 - 350 a day...

sad but true!

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Thailand is gearing up to become a worldwide tech powerhouse, thanks to its strategic location, wealth of resources, and intelligent policies designed to attract young professionals, top industry figures say. On August 9 at the Techsauce Global Summit 2024, Karndee Leopairote, head of foresight and digital assets at MQDC’s FutureTales Lab, discussed how Thailand’s plan aims to enhance knowledge sharing and nurture tech talent for export.

 

Thailand's reputation as a business-friendly country coupled with its natural assets, tasty food, and affordable lifestyle could attract global tech talent. Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Pha Ngan are becoming popular among digital nomads. The country also boasts a strong digital infrastructure, with high-speed internet accessible to over 80% of citizens and nearly all young adults owning smartphones.

 

To make Thailand more attractive, it offers easy visa programs and fewer regulations for individual talents, startups, investors, and expats. However, Karndee points out that further regulatory improvements are needed to encourage innovation. The importance of considering the interests and challenges faced by younger generations when designing policies is also emphasized.

 

By 2030, it's expected that Gen Alpha will make up 11% of the world labor market. As this generation is tech-savvy and prioritizes passion over conventional jobs, they are the target of Thailand's attraction strategy. Reports show that 71% of young professionals prefer working remotely or with a flexible schedule over promotions tied to office attendance.

 

Santitarn Sathirathai, an advisor to the Parliamentary Committee on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, highlighted the economic advantage of making Thailand a talent hub. Due to an ageing society, the country needs more skilled foreign workers. He suggested that providing a high standard of living for expat families could help attract tech professionals to Thailand.

 

Santitarn also stressed the benefits of keeping the cost of living affordable and offering tax incentives, compared to living in higher-cost cities like Singapore and Hong Kong. He believes that Thai citizens who have worked overseas will return home with a global mindset, vastly contributing to the nation’s development.

 

Patama Chantaruck, Managing Director of Accenture Thailand, emphasized the need for future IT workers to keep up with fast-changing technology. Accenture has recently partnered with Prince of Songkla University to develop a cybersecurity course, nurturing the next generation of tech talent in Thailand.

 

A study by Accenture suggested a "net better off" approach for organizations, which involves investing in training and continuous learning, along with providing inclusive physical and mental health support, alongside financial benefits. Patama noted Accenture’s commitment to designing inclusive welfare schemes for employees and supporting flexible work schedules. With a diverse workforce comprising 17 nationalities, Accenture Thailand places high importance on fostering international collaborations.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-08-13

 

- Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

 

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wait a moment: "intelligent policies"??? what are they?

and somehow I find it a awkward combi: thai & intelligence...

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy: Facebook/Phi Phi World

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has proposed a unified visa system, similar to Europe's Schengen Area, to boost tourism in Southeast Asia. Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist. The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation.

 

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has recently proposed a novel approach to reinvigorate tourism in Southeast Asia — a Schengen-style visa scheme. Modelled after Europe’s Schengen Area, this unified visa system would allow travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos.

 

This initiative is a key component of Thailand’s efforts to boost tourism, aiming to attract 80 million tourists annually by 2027.

 

The Schengen-style visa proposal has potential to significantly enhance Thailand’s economy. Tourism is a vital sector for Thailand, contributing approximately 12 per cent to the country’s GDP annual and providing around 20 per cent of its jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted this sector and its recovery has been slow, which has left Thailand unable to buffer a concurrent decline in manufacturing and exports.

 

In this proposed visa scheme, tourists must first pass through Thailand as a central hub, enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a travel destination. It promises to attract more tourists, especially high-spending visitors who stay for extended periods.

 

Increased tourist arrivals are expected to boost tourist spending, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, retail and transportation. A surge in tourism could also create further job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in regions heavily reliant on tourism.

 

Thailand’s well-developed tourism infrastructure positions it to benefit greatly from the consequential influx of tourists. Its burgeoning wellness industry, including traditional Thai massages, spa treatments and holistic healing practices, are particularly appealing to tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

The visa initiative could enhance accessibility for tourists interested in wellness experiences and help Thailand capitalise on the thriving global wellness tourism industry.

 

This Schengen-style proposal could also diversify Thailand’s tourism markets. Thailand is traditionally dependent on tourists from the Southeast and East Asia regions, such as Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, India and Singapore.

 

But Thailand now seeks to attract tourists from markets farther afield like Europe, the Americas and Africa. This strategy could enhance the Thai tourism sector’s resilience against global economic fluctuations.

 

Despite the initiative’s potential economic benefits, there are widespread concerns about its feasibility, the risks associated with overtourism and inflation.

 

Southeast Asia’s political landscape is remarkably diverse and intricate. Achieving consensus among the member states of ASEAN on visa policies is no small feat. Each country maintains its own immigration laws, security concerns and economic interests. Harmonising these disparate elements into a cohesive visa policy requires extensive negotiation and compromise.

 

Efforts to create a unified visa system in Southeast Asia are not new. In the 2000s, a joint visa proposal under Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy — an organisation of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar — only saw Cambodia coordinating with Thailand, reported East Asia Forum.

 

In 2019, an ‘ASEAN Visa’ plan also failed to materialise. Other attempts at regional integration, such as the ASEAN Economic Community, have shown that while progress is possible, it is often slow and fraught with challenges.

 

Infrastructure and technological readiness vary significantly across Southeast Asian countries. Implementing a unified visa system necessitates significant investments in border control infrastructure, data sharing mechanisms and security protocols. Countries with less-developed infrastructure may struggle to meet these requirements, potentially delaying the implementation of the scheme.

 

Additionally, this initiative raises broader questions about regional integration and mobility. One important consideration is whether this visa scheme could pave the way for ASEAN citizens to freely work, study or reside across national boundaries, including in Thailand. This potential development carries significant implications for logistics, infrastructure and immigration policies within the Southeast Asian region.

 

While this Schengen-style visa scheme will undoubtedly enhance travel convenience for international tourists, it stirs apprehension regarding overtourism. Thailand has already experienced the negative impacts of overtourism in popular destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

 

Implementing such a visa scheme without addressing existing overtourism challenges might exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to environmental degradation, strained infrastructure and diminished quality of life for permanent residents.

 

Overtourism may also dilute the tourist experience, making popular sites overcrowded, more expensive and less enjoyable. This could ultimately harm Thailand’s reputation as a travel destination and reduce the long-term sustainability of its tourism sector.

 

Another potentially detrimental consequence is the inflationary pressure emanating from a unsustainable influx of wealthy visitors. This would drive up demand for food, daily necessities and housing, which in turn raises prices and increases living costs for residents.

 

To mitigate these risks, Thailand needs to adopt sustainable tourism practices. This includes implementing measures to manage tourist flows, promoting lesser-known destinations and investing in infrastructure that can accommodate increased tourist numbers without compromising the environment or local communities. Regional cooperation is also crucial to ensure the benefits and burdens of increased tourism are equitably distributed among participating countries.

 

Srettha’s proposal for a Schengen-style visa scheme in Southeast Asia is an ambitious and innovative idea with the potential to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. But its successful implementation requires overcoming substantial political, logistical and infrastructural challenges. While Thailand stands to gain economically, there is also a significant risk of exacerbating the overtourism crisis.

 

To maximise the potential benefits and minimise the risks, a balanced approach is necessary. Addressing these challenges could make this Schengen-style visa scheme a transformative initiative for Southeast Asian tourism, benefiting both Thailand and the broader region.

 

-- 2024-08-09

 

- Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

 

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if you travel to any Schengen-country you could enter the other countries of EU!

here they want all tourists to fly to Tland to enter: no good, they could never handle this influx of mass tourism!

16 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

One of the safest of vehicles, or so it is said, is the standard type of school bus used in many states in the USA.

 

Is this true?

 

If so, why not use them in Thailand where traffic is not the safest in the world?

 

These busses are not especially expensive, and least relative to the value of one young life.

Difficult to think about a parent sending a child off to school, carried by anything other than the safest vehicle possible...

 

 

Busses like this allow children to sit up above traffic level.

Busses are very heavy, and are equipped with seat belts, and much more.

 

 

 

looks very nice schoolbus etc, but here it's about a van, much smaller and more fragile than the schoolbus

22 hours ago, webfact said:

Pattaya’s tourism operators have put forth a proposal to the tourism minister, aiming to transform the city’s image into a family-friendly destination, distancing it from associations with sex tourism and illegal gambling.

 

The Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF) recently convened with Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanit to discuss the initiative.

 

The meeting also included insights from a workshop that engaged foreign tour agencies from five key markets: Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Germany, South Korea, China, and India. The ACTF and the minister discussed plans to collaborate on boosting Pattaya tourism and rebranding the city.

 

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, President of the ACTF, highlighted that Pattaya has evolved from being a nightlife hotspot to a more family-friendly city with a diverse range of activities.

 

“Pattaya has the potential to become a city of various attractions and a hub for investment as well as world-class events.”

The city offers diverse attractions such as beaches, high-standard golf courses, cultural sites, meeting facilities, and shopping malls. Its proximity to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport and U-Tapao Airport in Chon Buri, along with nearby provinces like Rayong and Bang Saen, further enhances its appeal by helping to absorb the tourist inflow.

Last month, locals and operators in Pattaya protested against the Thai media’s portrayal of their city as a “Sin City.”

 

Sex tourism

 

Thanet noted that only those who have not visited Pattaya in over two decades still hold an outdated perception of nightlife and sex tourism. Frequent visitors and foreign travel agents recognize the city’s broader range of tourism offerings.

 

Morrakot Kuldilok, President of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association and an executive of the federation, acknowledged that prostitution still exists. She suggested that local government officials should regulate the industry and provide welfare measures to protect sex workers.

 

Given recent reports of illegal gambling near Pattaya Soi 6, Morrakot proposed establishing a legal casino operation to address the issue in Pattaya and other areas with similar activities.

 

The ACTF also suggested that Pattaya could become Thailand’s first casino city as part of their proposal. Other areas requiring improvement include safety, cleanliness, public infrastructure, sustainability, and city zoning regulations, which need government support.

Thanet pointed out that Pattaya’s zoning regulations have not been properly updated, leading to nightlife venues being mixed with hotels and residences. This mix can make some family tourists feel unsafe, reported Bangkok Post.

 

For the upcoming high season, Thanet estimated that tourism revenue in Pattaya should recover to over 80% of the 2019 level. However, challenges remain due to Thai tourists flocking to overseas destinations and rising competition from places like Vietnam and Hainan Island in China.

 

Picture of Pattaya Walking Street courtesy of p-thailand.co.il
 

by Bob Scott
Picture courtesy of tripadvisor

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-05

 

-  Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

 

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they tried this before, apparently it did not work!

now next try...

ridiculous!

I surely hope so!

with Obama the USA got the first black Potus, now they got a chance to let Harris be first female Potus!

if all women in US would vote for her she could definitely win!

all the old peefarts can retire now, let Kamala take over! 🙂

I had a 5 year drivers licence, last month renewed for another 5 years but still doctor's 'medical certificate' was needed. I had to go and see some doc in a clinic for that and returned quickly!

maybe it had to do with my age, I just turned 72!

I don't mind new threads of drivers licence stories, because every time some things change. 

the app needed to make an appointment is not needed when renewing, then you can just walk in.

had to watch a movie online with some easy questions.

movie didn't play on my phone so they asked me to watch the movie in the room.

halfway they called me for actual renewing, I smiled at everyone, had some witty remarks with the ladies that made them smile and I was out in no time!

amazing T'land 🙂

19 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

…and a river. With activities on the river ie tubing. Heavily promoted water activities. Hardly surprising people wander around in swimsuits.

clearly you were not in Pai when these 'water-activities' were held, because only on those days (Tue&Fri) the town gets pickups driving around w drunk halfdressed idiots, screaming and yelling, just behaving badly, what drunk peeps do and the rest of the town has to accomodate that?

no, of course not!

this is so invading that it had to be limited!

stupid entrepeneurs, they should have kept an eye on all these side-effects and they could have been going on for years... 

the usual story: it goes good until it goes bad, then police steps in and the party is over!

2 hours ago, chuang said:

Firstly ban the tubing..

why?

nothing wrong with rivertubing,

something wrong with boozing, or at least the combination of these two!

12 hours ago, it is what it is said:

 

tubing there used to be so cool, 25 years ago it would be a relaxing, peaceful appreciation of nature experience, now it's a pretty horrific to me, but probably a wonderfully social media boastable, noisy, drunken experience to the younger generation. sad we don't seem to be able to appreciate the small, beautiful experiences in life anymore.

I also 'rivertubed' in VangVieng before the turn of the century! 

it was the first year, 2 or 3 tubes and that was it! 

one with nature, for me that was the max!

now I don't even want to go back there, afraid of a big dissappointment...

Pai authorities took their time handling this tubing situation, it's going on for years already.

organizers don't give a hoot, just filling pockets 250 b pp!

14 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Why not fine the ones who sold the alcohol outside the alcohol sales hours??? Now in Pai you have to wear proper clothes.. Maybe an idea for Pattaya, Phuket in the bars too that the girls and boys do the same??? Back to the Victorian age?

 

Best thing to do is that tourists avoid Pai and this rafting.... Much better and easier  

Ptya & Phuket are beach towns, so you can expect some bathingsuits walking around, but Pai is a mountainvillage with a couple thousand inhabitants, hardly to be compared to those places...

4 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

The lad needs some anger management therapy !

I hear about some 'crash-course' in a jail...