Announcements
-
Topics
-
Latest posts...
-
0
High-Speed Rail Project Linking Airports Faces New Delay
Picture courtesy: MGR online The ambitious high-speed rail project connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports has hit another delay, stemming from disagreements within the coalition government. The proposed revisions to the contract need the coalition partners' approval, but according to sources from the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, internal disagreement has caused a stall in progress. Initially agreed upon in principle by the committee, the revisions were anticipated to receive cabinet approval at this week's meeting. However, the government is still negotiating, leaving the project's timeline in question. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit remains optimistic, indicating that he expects resolution soon, with hopes of cabinet submission in the coming weeks. Once the cabinet grants approval, the committee will negotiate with concession holder Asia Era One, a consortium spearheaded by the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group. The outcome will then need further approval from both the cabinet and the Office of the Attorney-General. The original contract, inked in 2019, included a concession agreement for operating the Airport Rail Link (ARL). The ARL witnessed a significant dip in ridership during the Covid-19 pandemic, prompting Asia Era One to seek compensation, leading to the 2021 cabinet-approved contract revisions. Mr Suriya has openly dismissed claims that the adjustments unduly benefit private partners. This rail project holds the status of a flagship undertaking under the EEC initiative, designed to seamlessly connect the nation’s three major airports. However, delays in revising the contract could have a domino effect, potentially stalling the crucial U-Tapao airport development as well. With efforts ongoing to resolve land issues related to the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project, commencement of rail construction isn’t expected for five years. This schedule pushes the anticipated operational date to 2029, reflecting a five-year setback, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-10-31 -
10
Ex-Mercenary Nabbed in Bangkok with Ammunition Cache
It was not his real name. This is what russians state about him. Russian "mercenary" arrested in Thailand. A 25-year-old Russian has been arrested in Bangkok for threats of violence and illegal possession of ammunition. The criminal was introduced by Immigration to the press as Milo Janovich with a note that this is not his real name. During a search of his apartment, police officers found more than 100 rounds of ammunition of various calibers (380 mm, 45 mm, 9 mm) and a pistol magazine. According to a press release from the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, a complaint was filed against the Russian by a person who allegedly received threats of physical violence from him. Screenshots of correspondence were presented at the conference, in which Milo Janovich makes threats against an Israeli citizen. "Get ready, dirty dogs. I will shoot you all to the last one, until I am killed, I will pour pig's blood on you all," is one of the threatening phrases of the man. In addition, in his messages he emphasizes the Jewish origin of those to whom his threats are addressed. During interrogation, the Russian told investigators that he worked as a "mercenary" in Russia. According to him, the ammunition found belonged to his friend. The police did not specify how long the Russian had been in Thailand or for what purpose he had arrived in the country. -
5
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport SAT-1 Terminal
If they have immigration/baggage claim in that building, aftere you've collected your bags how do you get to/from there without passing the existing terminal? you can't it's a satellite terminal, consider it a set of gates and lounge/waiting areas do you consider taking the escalator/moving walkway to the end of corridor to board a too tedious commute? Satellite terminals are hardly unique, there are plenty in Europe like Heathrow Terminal 5, Paris CDG -
0
Thailand’s Medical Insurance Rules Confuse Tourists
Picture courtesy: Freepik Recent events have highlighted a pressing issue that has left many tourists in Thailand perplexed: medical insurance coverage. Jonathon Cobb, a 28-year-old tourist from the UK, uncovered this muddle firsthand. While travelling in Pattaya, Cobb suffered a severe accident after falling from a motorcycle, resulting in a broken arm and facial injuries. Under the impression that the Thai government offered free medical treatment to foreigners holding tourist visas, he sought assistance, only to find out otherwise. Though the Thai government does provide coverage under the Health Insurance for Non-Thais (HINT) scheme, specifics seem to elude many. Cobb’s insurance was denied due to a clause excluding incidents involving "negligence, intent, illegal acts or risky behaviour," exacerbated by his lack of a crash helmet, reported Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail The scheme covers amounts up to one million baht, roughly £28,000, but his case didn’t qualify. Ultimately, Cobb’s family faced a hospital bill of approximately £7,000, besides another £700 for motorcycle damages. The scenario has drawn attention to the broader misunderstanding many tourists face regarding Thailand's medical insurance provisions. UK-based insurer Worldwide Travelling points out the current inconsistencies: coverage ideally includes major health outcomes like the loss of limbs or death, but the process remains fraught with complexities. An official Thai tourist ministry website offers a registration link that seems compromised, while actual claim data is managed by separate institutions, leaving many foreigners unaware of where to turn. Adding to the complexity, Thailand’s numerous visa types come with varied medical insurance requirements. The newly introduced Destination Visa Thailand, Elite Visa, and Long-Term Residence visa all bear distinct conditions, further clouding the picture for long-stay foreigners. Notably, foreign retirees with an OA visa mandatorily need insurance, whereas others don’t. As this issue garners attention, Thailand aims to streamline its processes. Immigration lawyer Jessataporn Bunnag notes that a governmental committee is reviewing existing visa conditions, but clarity remains awaited since its formation last July. For now, tourists and expats tread carefully amidst policy intricacies, hoping for a more straightforward system soon. -- 2024-10-31 -
407
Why do decent Americans support trump
Polymarket? Not only is it rigged - but US citizens are banned from using it. What value do you think there is in predicting an election by using the opinions of people who can't vote in that election? https://fortune.com/crypto/2024/10/30/polymarket-trump-election-crypto-wash-trading-researchers/ MAGA 🤷♂️ -
2
Michelin chef Jay Fai cooks up clarity: ‘I’m not closing my restaurant’ - video
A bangkokian have talked. Kid, if you're really hungry you'll eat wat is served, but I guess you have never experieced that feeling. -
1
Can I buy a one-way ticket?
Yes. If you have a visa to enter Thailand the airline at departure will not ask to see return/onward flight. That discussion is for those flying visa exempt. What type of eVisa are you applying for? Currently visa exempt entry provides 60 day stamp. SETV is not good alternative -
14
Historic Low in Fertility Rates for England and Wales Signals Demographic Shift
Apparently you ignore that AI robotics is shortly going to eliminate most working class jobs in western countries. We won't need people from Africa or the ME to do menial jobs anymore.
-
-
Popular in The Pub
Thailand to tax residents’ foreign income irrespective of remittance
-
Recently Browsing 0 members
- No registered users viewing this page.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now