Showing posts with label Bangkok. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bangkok. Show all posts

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Thai Alcohol Control Committee opposes selling booze till 4 AM

The Thai Alcohol Control Committee opposed a proposal to extend the legal hours for selling alcoholic beverages to 4 AM, citing a potential rise in traffic accidents.
Dr. Opas Karnkawinongpop, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, revealed to Thai reporters today, November 25th, after completing a meeting with the Alcohol Control Committee that the committee initially opposed the idea of allowing the sale of alcohol from 5 PM to 4 AM.

The committee said it was too long because it meant alcohol could be sold for 11 hours per day, which could increase alcohol-related health problems, injuries, and casualties.

Dr. Opas stated the chance of drunk-driving-related accidents could also rise by more than 27% or 10-20 casualties per day if alcohol was allowed to be sold from 5 PM to 4 AM despite all-night police checkpoints.

The Thai Alcohol Control Committee had already considered the economic benefits of the proposal, but still had agreed that the extension should not be mandated, Dr. Opas added.

Nonetheless, the committee’s objection was only a suggestion, which would be forwarded to the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee for consideration on December 22nd.

Dr. Opas said the objection against extending alcohol sale hours had nothing to do with another proposal to extend the legal closing hours for entertainment venues.

Technically, the two rules are seperate notes TPN media, and even if the Thai Cabinet agrees to extend nightlife closing hours in theory alcohol sales hours would also need to be legally extended.

The Thai Cabinet is set to meet Tuesday, November 29th, to discuss extended nightlife hours in tourism zones.


Source - Pattaya News

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Saturday, November 19, 2022

China’s Xi takes APEC by storm after stealing the show with hardline statements

China’s President Xi Jinping is taking APEC by storm after making hardline statements about the region. His recent statements have set off tidal waves as worldwide leaders became sidelined in the chaos after Xi reportedly told off Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau and noted what APEC’s goals should encompass.

According to the Thai Enquirer, Xi called on the APEC region to focus on economic development first and save the power struggle between nations as an afterthought.

“The Asia Pacific is no one’s backyard and should not become an arena for big power contests. No attempt to wage a Cold War will ever be allowed by the people or by our times.”

He furthered that the 21st century has been taken by the region as it accounts for 1/3 of the world’s population and more than 60% of the world’s economy. Then, he went on to say that the region accounts for almost 50% of global trade and has the most dynamic growth potential in the world.

“Currently, the Asia Pacific enjoys overall stability. Cooperation in our region has been steadily advanced, and peace, development and win-win cooperation remain the underlying trend in this region.”

He then laid a heavy hand towards what he calls a “Cold War” mentality, unilateralism, hegemonism, and instability, saying such acts are hampering economic ties. Xi says that such a mentality distorts international norms, impedes development cooperation, and ignites conflicts in the region. Then, he blamed such issues as burdening the region’s peace and development.

Xi’s statements were outlined in a six-page document, in which he promoted the Chinese way of modernisation over the current Westernised route. He called out the US influence that is currently seen in the region and proposed a counter alternative that would help “create conditions for ensuring economic development and durable peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.”

The Chinese president’s statements have grabbed headlines worldwide, leaving Thailand’s PM in the dust. His statements were largely unprecedented with other global leaders in awe of his bold speech. Traditionally, such statements have been reserved for the host country of such global meetings so as to not steal the limelight from the host.

Some observers say Prayut will forever be indebted to China with Xi’s recent turf grabbing just another example of how Prayut’s administration serves as only another puppet to China.


Source - The Thaiger

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Friday, November 18, 2022

APEC 2022: Protestors clash with riot police in Bangkok, Thailand

Riot police clashed with protestors at Asoke Intersection in Bangkok this afternoon as world leaders gather in the Thai capital for the APEC Summit 2022.

Due to road closures, the intersection is the closest the public can get to the summit which is being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from November 16-19.

Police ramped up security in the city in preparation for the meeting and riot police were deployed in anticipation of protests.

The demonstration held in Asoke outside the entrance of Sukhumvit MRT Station today was entitled, “What’s Happening In Thailand?”

Demonstrators made various demands, holding placards that read…
“Expel Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha”

“Stop APEC 2022”

“Release all political prisoners in Thailand”

“Abolish lese majeste laws”

“Free Hong Kong”

“Hang Xi Jinping”

The protest was largely peaceful until the police allegedly confiscated signs and other equipment from demonstrators, which is when some scuffles broke out between protestors and riot police.

A demonstrator told the Thaiger that, “earlier in the day, some protestors were arrested.”

Why are different protest groups coming together and raising all these issues at once?
Demonstrators see the APEC Summit 2022 as the perfect time to raise Thailand’s issues on the global stage.

Not only that, but demonstrators feel safe to come out and protest during the summit, knowing that police wouldn’t dare use brutality or water cannons against protestors – as they did during the pro-democracy protests of 2020 – with world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vice President of the US Kamala Harris just a stone’s throw away.

One demonstrator told the Thaiger she was protesting against foreign land ownership in Thailand…

“The government said they will allow foreigners to buy land in Thailand for 40 million baht… If land costs 40 million baht, how will Thai people buy it? How will farmers afford it?”


Source + Link & Video The Thaiger

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Tuesday, November 15, 2022

#Thailand - Soldiers and bomb squads to patrol #Bangkok during #APEC

Authorities are now finalizing security measures and protocols for next week’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
The police chief has indicated around 30,000 police officers backed by soldiers will be deployed around Bangkok on the meeting days.

Explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) police have carried out a major bomb response demonstration at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the venue for the leaders’ meeting.

A demonstration of searches for suspicious objects at the main venue for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting was carried out. Police canines and remote-controlled explosive ordinance response robots were used in the demonstration.

The robots are able to capture x-ray images of suspicious objects so the operator may determine whether an object is indeed an explosive ordinance.

Upon confirmation of an explosive ordinance, the robot can move the object into a collection vehicle that will then move the object to a safe area for disposal.

Anti-drone vehicles equipped with radar will secure the meeting venue against aerial drones. Radio jammers will activate when a drone threat is detected by radar.

Rapid response units will track down the drone controller and seize the drone in question. The controller will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Royal Thai Police Commissioner Damrongsak Kittipraphat indicated the police have full confidence over more than 80% of security measures for the APEC leaders’ meeting. He explained that confidence will reach 100% upon adjustments and additional drills and this will be accomplished before the meeting day.

The police will deploy almost 30,000 personnel in Bangkok who will be supported by some 2,000 soldiers. In addition to providing security, the police will be facilitating traffic around Bangkok during the APEC leaders’ week.

The police chief said vantage points around the meeting venue will be monitored by security officials, including those in plainclothes. Rigorous security will also be provided at the residences and travel routes that will be used by APEC leaders.

Pol. Gen. Damrongsak said the movements of various groups, including those which may perpetrate violence, are being closely monitored. However, no movements of concern have been detected.

Lessons learned from the unrest in 2019 have also been applied to security measures for next week’s meeting.

The police chief asked that the public avoid areas around the meeting venue if they can, as regular traffic may be impacted next week


Source - Bangkok Jack

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Sunday, October 24, 2021

Is mass tourism a thing of the past in Thailand?

Is mass tourism a thing of the past in Thailand as the streets of the most popular tourist destinations are unnervingly quiet.
Along Chaweng’s Beach Road, a usually raucous party area, shuttered shops stretch into the distance.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, it was buzzing with traffic. Now, taxi drivers sit on the roadside, with little hope of finding customers.

Where bikini-clad sunseekers once browsed souvenir shops and drank at neon-lit bars, a lone street dog stretches on the pavement.

Elsewhere, swathes of Samui’s idyllic, sandy white beaches are almost entirely free of people.

About 40 million tourists flocked to Thailand last year, drawn by its spectacular coastlines, ornate temples and famous cuisine.

In 2022, the country will struggle to attract even a quarter of that number, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Tourism ground to a halt in April, when Thailand imposed a ban on all incoming passenger flights. The country – which has so far managed to contain Covid-19, recording 3,255 cases and 58 deaths – is discussing travel bubbles with low-risk neighbouring countries, but no one knows when these might be established. Borders remain shut to almost all foreign tourists.

The travel sector has survived devastating crises before, including the 2004 tsunami, bird flu and Sars outbreaks.

But the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is beyond comparison, says Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor for marketing communication at the TAT.

During previous crises, revenue dropped by around a fifth, he said. This year, the coronavirus pandemic is expected to cause a 80% fall in revenues. “It’s a huge impact,” he said.

To make matters worse, Thailand’s economy has become even more reliant on tourism, accounting for almost 20% of GDP, according to Tanes. About 4.4 million people are employed across the industry – in transport, travel agencies, restaurants and hotels.

In Samui, many have gone for months without work. Before coronavirus, Jarunee Kasorn, who works in a local massage parlour in Chaweng, says her colleagues would welcome up to 90 clients a day.

They’re one of the few businesses to reopen on Beach Road, but a whole day can go by without a single customer. “If there are no tourists, then there’s no business,” she said.

Most of the shop’s 20 staff have left the island altogether, and returned to their family homes elsewhere in Thailand.

Though modest social assistance payments were offered to workers during lockdown, this is no longer available.

“Many people say we won’t die from Covid, but we will die because we are not able to eat,” says Ta Sasiwinom, who has just reopened her stall at an outdoor market in Fishermen’s Village, known as the walking street. The past few months have been a struggle for her and her two daughters. “We cook more cheaply – eating egg and rice, rice and egg,” she says.

Parts of the market, and the nearby beach, have begun to return to life. There are groups of visitors and locals peering at the discounted stalls, but it is still nowhere near as busy as it would usually be.

Among those shopping are tourists stuck abroad, foreign residents living in Thailand, and Thais – who the government has encouraged to travel domestically through a stimulus package that offers subsidised hotel bookings.

The scheme, and a looming long weekend, has provided a welcome boost, says Lloyd Maraville, general manager of Nora Buri resort and spa.

Of the hotel’s 144 rooms, about 100 are empty, though this will fall to 85 over the holiday.

Government measures, he adds, “might sustain hotels for a while but it will not be a long-term [solution].” Rooms have been booked at far below the usual rates. “Profit is out of the question at this moment, we just want to maintain the resort,” he says.

Tanes believes that when tourism is able to begin again, the industry will be altered completely.

He hopes for positive change. “I think this is a good time for Thailand to upskill the human resources of the industry to move Thailand [away] from [being an] overcrowded tourist destination,” he says. Mass tourism, and the dependence on large tour groups, he argues, will be a thing of the past.

In Samui, businesses are focused on survival for now. Just last month it was announced that nearly 100 local hotel owners had been forced to sell. Many more remain shut indefinitely.

“I’ve lived here for 20 years and I’m shocked, I never thought it could be like this,” says Rattanaporn Chadakarn, who runs a stall at the walking street.

No one knows if the Great Panic will continue. For now, she adds, everyone is just waiting for the skies to reopen.


Source - BangkokJack

VISA AGENT

Monday, October 11, 2021

Thailand can earn THB1.5 trillion by opening on Nov 1

 

The government hopes to reopen Bangkok and some towns in four provinces to foreigners without a quarantine requirement from November 1, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana has said.
The towns waiting to reopen are Muang, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and Doi Tao in Chiang Mai, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Cha-am in Phetchaburi and Pattaya City, Bang Lamung and Sattahip in Chonburi.

“These places will be reopened provided there are no big or serious infection clusters between now and November 1,” he said. “The other conditions for visitors are that they must be fully jabbed and test negative for Covid-19 before arrival.”

Thanakorn added that the government expects revenue from tourism in 2022 to reach 1.5 trillion baht, of which 850 billion baht will come from Thai tourists who are expected to take 160 million trips in total and 650 billion baht from 15 million foreign tourists.

“The 1.5-trillion-baht target is about half of the total tourism revenue earned in 2019 before Covid-19 hit Thailand,” he added.

Thanakorn also said that as of September 27, the Phuket Sandbox scheme which kicked off on July 1, has generated 2.33 billion baht in revenue.

As of Thursday, there were 43,026 arrivals under this scheme and most of the tourists came from the United States, Israel, United Kingdom, Germany and France. – The Nation


Source - BangkokJack

Our VISA AGENT

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

6 groups of visitors allowed into Thailand

 

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration announced on 29 September 2020 the 6 groups of foreign visitors allowed into the Kingdom. The Centre also announced the extension of the Emergency Decree until 31 October 2020. The 6 groups of foreign visitors allowed into the country along with the regulations for each group is as follows, 

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1.  Foreigners planning to compete in the Royal professional bicycle race taking place from 6-16 October of this year. The route includes many provinces including Samut Songkhram, Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, and Surat Thani. Participants will be at the State Quarantine Center Royal Rattanakosin Hotel.

2.  Thai Airways Pilots and Crew on Pepatriation Flights bringing Thais back home and sport participants into the Nation. Those on the flight will be quarantined in a state quarantine center. At least 300 persons are estimated to be in this group.

3.  Non-Immigrant Visa Holders traveling into Thailand. The foreigners must show their 6-month statement with at least 500,000 THB of deposits.

4.  Special Tourist Visa Holders planning for Long Stay in the Nation. Foreigners will have to quarantine for 14 days at the state quarantine center in the province where they are traveling to. Foreigners can travel within a 1-kilometer radius. After they are confirmed to not be infected with Covid-19, the foreigners can leave the state quarantine center and remain in Thailand for 90 days. Visas can be extended 2 times, a total of 270 days. If they wish to travel into a different province they must quarantine again for 7 days.

  5.  APEC Card holders, these are businessmen approved by 18 Apec countries. This is to help boost Thailand’s economy. The businessmen allowed in are limited to low-risk countries including New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, China, Hongkong.

    6. Short term and Long term visitors can travel into the nation for 60 days. Another 30-day extension is allowed with an exception, provided that the foreigners must show their 6-month statement with at least 500,000 THB of deposits. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will determine whether the visitor can apply for the 30-day extension. 
 
FB Caption: The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration announced on 29 September 2020 the 6 groups of foreign visitors allowed into the Kingdom.

Source - Pattaya News


Friday, August 28, 2020

#Emirates to resume flights to Bangkok from 1 September

 

Emirates’ global network boosted to 78 destinations in September, including 15 cities in South

Dubai, 27 August 2020 – Emirates announces the resumption of passenger services to Bangkok with daily flights starting from 1 September.

The resumption of flights to Bangkok will expand Emirates’ current network to 78 cities in September, offering travelers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific convenient connections via Dubai to the popular Thai destination.

Flights between Dubai and Bangkok will be operated with an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering seats in First, Business and Economy class. Starting from 1 September, flight EK384 will depart Dubai daily at 01:50 and arrive in Bangkok at 11:30, while the return flight, EK385, will depart Bangkok at 03:25, and arrive in Dubai at 06:35, from 2 September.

Customers can book flights on emirates.com or via travel agents. Travellers arriving into Bangkok are subject to requirements set by the Thai authorities and certain restrictions are in place. Travellers are urged to check the latest information or visit www.emirates.com/travelrestrictions for details before booking.

In addition, First and Business Class customers can enjoy Emirates’ Chauffeur Drive service on departure from Bangkok, in Dubai, and relax in Emirates’ Lounge facility at Dubai International Airport, with health and safety measures in place.

Customers can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for international business and leisure visitors. Ensuring the safety of travellers, visitors, and the community, COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.

Destination Dubai: From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai is one of the most popular global destinations. In 2019, the city welcomed 16.7 million visitors and hosted over hundreds of global meetings and exhibitions, as well as sports and entertainment events. Dubai was one of the world’s first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.

Flexibility and assurance: Emirates’ booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket by 30 September 2020 for travel on or before 30 November 2020, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they have to change their travel plans due to unexpected flight or travel restrictions relating to COVID-19, or when they book a Flex or Flex plus fare. More information here.

Free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs: Customers can now travel with confidence, as Emirates has committed to cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, free of cost, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel while they are away from home. This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 October 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before 31 October 2020), and is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination. For more details: www.emirates.com/COVID19assistance.

Health and safety: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety.

Tourist entry requirements: For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai visit: www.emirates.com/flytoDubai.

Dubai residents can check the latest travel requirements
at: www.emirates.com/returntoDubai
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Source - PattayaNews

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Thai cities getting pricier for expats


Bangkok and Chiang Mai remain among the 30 most expensive cities for expats in Asia, with Ashgabat in Turkmenistan still on top of the global and Asian tables.

The Thai capital ranked 28th, one place above Chiang Mai, according to the latest ECA International survey on the cost of living for expatriates. In the global rankings, Bangkok was 60th and Chiang Mai 142nd, it added.

But Bangkok dropped out of the top 50 global ranking from the last survey released in December last year.

Bangkok has lost a considerable amount of its appeal for budget-conscious expatriates, having risen 64 places over the past five years, according to the survey.

ECA International said the growing economy and increased foreign investment — at least, prior to the corona-virus pandemic — had made Thailand more expensive, fuelled by the stronger baht.

“The baht has strengthened considerably — making the country more expensive for expatriates and tourists,” said Lee Quane, regional director for Asia at ECA International. “However, this trend has slowed over the past year, partly in response to government attempts to weaken the baht in order to keep the country competitive.”

The survey has been carried out in March and September every year since 2005. It is calculated based on a basket of items such as accommodation rental and utility fees. Car prices and school fees are not included.

Hong Kong was the second most expensive city in Asia after Ashgabat but ahead of Tokyo and Singapore. Singapore was also the most expensive place for expats in Southeast Asia.

The Chinese territory also remained sixth in the global standings, one place ahead of the Japanese capital. Singapore was 14th in Asia despite dropping two notches from the previous survey.

Ashgabat’s meteoric rise to the top of the ranking is largely attributable to the economic problems of the Turkmenistan government, according to ECA. The energy-rich Central Asian nation has faced severe inflation and a black market for foreign currencies has caused the cost of imports to rise, said Mr Quane. Both of these factors have sparked a large increase in the costs visitors pay in Ashgabat.

Mr Quane said Chinese cities fell across the board in the latest rankings due to signs of a weakening economy and poorly performing currency, even before Covid-19 started to take its toll.


Source - Pattaya One News

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Saturday, May 16, 2020

Thailand - Second phase of lockdown relaxation to start from May 17


The government has approved the second phase of the easing of lockdown measures from May 17 to help lift the economy, Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Friday (May 15).

The Cabinet has approved the proposal by the National Security Council to ease the strict measures in the second phase for businesses in the green group (moderate risk of the virus spreading).

Businesses that could reopen are:

1 Stores in department stores or communities malls, such as consumption, computers, electrical appliances, bedding, building materials, furniture, office supplies, flowers, clothes, cosmetics and sport equipment.

▪︎ commodities, gold and jewellery

▪︎service provider; internet cafe, laundromat, repair workshop, car shops for changing tyres, repairing and cleaning

▪︎ credit business

▪︎insurance companies

▪︎drug stores

▪︎dentist clinics

▪︎nail salons

▪︎restaurants, food courts and food centres

2 Large retail shops

▪︎building materials stores

▪︎furniture houses

▪︎large wholesale markets such as Simummuang market and Talaad Thai

3 Beauty clinics for body and skin (no surgeries on face)

4 Gym and fitness centres

▪︎Only allow non-physical-contact sport with only three people in one team and no viewers, such as badminton, table tennis, yoga, fencing, squash, etc.

▪︎partially open fitness centres for free weight training (no workouts in groups or use of exercise machines)

▪︎ public pools, allowing number of people in pool equal to lanes (at least 7-feet long) and only allowing one hour of use per person.

5 Hotel meeting rooms and convention halls for meetings of limited number of people

6 Library

7 Gallery and museum

8 Film crew to start production with 50 people from all sections in the filming studio and must have space for people to eat individually.

There are no changes in the measures on transportation -- no regular international transport, and strict screening of inter-provincial transport.

Curfew timings will be relaxed by one hour, from 11pm to 4am compared to 10pm to 4am at present.

Source - TheNation

Saturday, December 28, 2019

And they're off! Hundreds of thousands leave #Bangkok for New Year break


Hundreds of thousands of Bangkok residents have already started heading out of the capital, headed to various Thai provinces to welcome in 2020 in the company of friends and family. The long weekends starts from tonight with many Thais being granted a public holiday on Monday, in addition to the Tuesday and Wednesday public holidays. It seems many also took today off to make it a mega long weekend.

Thai PBS World reports that the police are monitoring the highways out of the city, to make sure traffic continues to move smoothly, with CCTV units along all major routes having been checked over to ensure they’re working properly, and road works suspended until after the holiday period.

It’s understood that the Ratchaprasong intersection, in the Pathum Wan district of Bangkok, will be closed to traffic from 2pm on December 31, in order to allow police to carry out security checks ahead of the New Year countdown being held in the busy shopping area later that night.

A number of extra buses are being laid on until December 28, taking the total of state-run buses from 5,419 a day to over 8,200 in an effort to cope with what is expected to be around 160,000 travellers a day over the year-end period.

Transport officials recommend passengers arrive at bus terminals at least an hour before departure, adding that tickets should only be purchased from official ticket booths, to avoid being scammed by con artists selling fraudulent tickets. Alternatively, passengers can book in advance by going to www.tansport.co.th or calling 1490.

Source - The Thaiger
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Tuesday, December 17, 2019

#Bangkok - “Walking Street @Silom” New destination in Town


Brand New city market “Walking Street @Silom” opens up (15 December 2019) welcoming visitors to the brand new destination in town every 3rd Sunday of the month from 12.00 to 22.00.

Right from lunchtime, big crowds of locals and tourists have joined in the grand opening by shopping for goods and tasting cool dishes along the famous Silom road.

The stalls line both sides of Silom road under the BTS Skytrain elevated rails to give some shade from the bright sun.

Over 300 businesses have joined the walking street with 70% being food stalls including classic Thai food and trendy options including drinks and desserts to end a perfect meal.

Visitors can also shop home products including handmade goods, OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) goods, clothes, and other goods. There are also street performers who will be a part of the experience of Walking Street @Silom.

There is a stage in the middle of the street with various shows such as a Thai Dance show. The Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha went on the stage to officially open Walking Street @Silom up for business.
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The main concept behind the event is to “Walk, Eat, Taste, and Explore”. The new walking street will promote tourism in the area along with boosting the economy in the area. The Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang joined in the grand opening celebration.

The Prime Minister stated in his ceremonial speech that tourists visit Thailand because of the beautiful nature, delicious food that is good and cheap, and Thai Smile.

The Thai people need to keep these good qualities by continuing to smile and to have peace along with efficiency and safety.

The government wants to increase tourism, but safety and stability must come first. The government can’t approve every project because there is a budget.

The Prime Minister touched on a few other topics before ending with a statement that the people must become one, the Thai’s must stand solo and to not let any person destroy
 
Source - Pattayaone News

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Thailand - Changes in domestic passenger screening at Suvarnabhumi Airport


In order to reduce congestion on the fourth floor, Suvarnabhumi Airport is moving its screening service for domestic passengers to concourse screening.
 
Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Airports of Thailand, said the change will come into effect from 5am on November 19.
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The airport will move the screening points to the other sides such as Concourse A and B, on the second and third floors.

The move is expected to fix the inconsistency in the use of the mixed areas of searched outbound passengers with inbound arrivals who are yet to be searched. The change is expected to ensure that passengers flying out of Suvarnabhumi Airport get 100 per cent screening, which is in accordance with the requirements specified in the National Civil Aviation Security Plan
For more information, please contact AOT Contact Centre at 1722 24 hours.
 
Source - The Nation

Friday, September 6, 2019

Bangkok tops in 2018 for international visitors: Report


Bangkok ranked first in 2018 for the fourth straight year as the city with the most international visitors, according to an annual report by Mastercard released Wednesday.

With almost 23 million international visitors last year, the Thai capital outpaced both Paris and London, which were second and third with just over 19 million visitors. 

Other top cities in order were: Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New York, Istanbul, Tokyo and Antalya, Turkey.

The report pointed to broad increases in international travel, with the total number of international visits up 76 percent since 2009.

Nine of the top 10 cities saw increases in 2018 compared with the prior year. London was the exception, with a drop of four percent.

Dubai topped the list as far as consumption, with travelers spending an average of $553 per day and visitors spending a total of nearly $31 billion. Mecca, Saudi Arabia and Bangkok were second and third as far as spending.

Established in 2011, the Global Destination Cities ranks 200 cities based on visitor arrivals and cross-border spending.

Source - TheJakartaPost

 

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Caravan puts spotlight on new travel destinations


A caravan last week traveled from Thailand to Vietnam via Cambodia to promote the tourism potential of the southern economic corridor, which stretches from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City.

Organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the caravan rode on March 1-7, crossing the Thailand-Cambodia and the Cambodia-Vietnam borders, in an effort to generate awareness about up-and-coming tourism destinations in the area and sustainable tourism.

PATA chairman Thoun Sinan told Khmer Times the initiative seeks to boost awareness of new tourism destinations and promote land travel within the three neighboring nations.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, last year Vietnam and Thailand were second and fourth, respectively, for tourist arrivals to Cambodia by nationality. More than 800,000 Vietnamese and over 382,000 Thai nationals visited the Kingdom that year.

The caravan was supported by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and Thailand’s Trat Province Tourism Association.
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http://www.agoda.com?cid=1739471
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Source - Khmer Times

Thursday, February 28, 2019

THAI temporarily cancels flights to Europe after Pakistan closes airspace


Thai Airways International on Wednesday announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Pakistan and Europe after Pakistan closed its airspace amid rising tensions with India.

The flights cancelled on Wednesday night were TG341 and TG342 on the Bangkok-Karachi-Bangkok route, the TG345 and TG 346 Bangkok-Lahore-Bangkok flights and TG349 and TG350 Bangkok-Islamabad-Bangkok flights.

THAI also cancelled fights to Europe that fly over Pakistan airspace, namely Bangkok-London (TG916), Bangkok-Moscow (TG974) and Bangkok-Phuket-Frankfurt (TG926).
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http://www.agoda.com?cid=1739471
 Booking your Flight, Hotel or Resort now 

 Due to safety concerns, the airline has also cancelled all 11 flights from Bangkok to Europe for passengers checking in on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The cancelled flights are: Bangkok-Frankfurt, Bangkok –London, Bangkok –Munich, Bangkok- Paris, Bangkok – Brussels, Bangkok- Milan, Bangkok-Vienna, Bangkok-Stockholm, Bangkok-Zurich, Bangkok-Copenhagen and Bangkok-Oslo.

Inbound flights from the above European cities, including Rome, were also cancelled for Wednesday. 

THAI said it was closely monitoring the situation and plans to re-route its flights. 
Passengers can call THAI at +662 356 1111 24 hours or visit www.thaiairways.com for updates on the flight schedule.

THAI passengers who hold tickets on routes affected by flight cancellation may change their itinerary. Fees and charges will be exempted, and conditions apply.

THAI operates flights to three destinations in Pakistan:  one flight per day to Karachi and Lahore and four flights per week to Islamabad on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

 All flights have now returned to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Source - TheNation