- Thailand’s Siripaporn wins World Women’s Snooker Championship/
- Coral reefs off Ko Chan in PKK reported in excellent condition/
- Doctor issues dire warning over PM2.5 crisis/
- Four big banks announce service suspensions for maintenance/
- Hearing into death of Wild Boar’s Dom scheduled for July 6/
- Wild elephant uses trunk to flip passing truck east of Bangkok – video/
- Prehistoric cave paintings found in Nakhon Ratchasima/
- US soldiers receive Muay Thai lessons from Thai champion/
- Friends fire 22 shots at each other at point blank range – both in comas/
- Despite bad review, Kaeng som ‘still popular’/
- Tourism: Travel demand fuels a boom in Asia Pacific — in hotel rates/Suvarnabhumi Passengers Urged to Arrive Early Amid Potential Delays/Khao San Road Opposing BMA’s Order To Remove Shop Signs/ Brit produces ‘Amazing Thailand Dance With Me ‘ video/Tourist attack: Former English teacher settles case for 50,000 baht/Irishman suffers life-threatening injuries in motorcycle accident/
- International: New dam threatens Laos’ Luang Prabang’s Unesco status/Who is Li Qiang, successor of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang/China hikes military spending 7.2% in face of ‘escalating’ threats/Suspect shot dead, three arrested in Philippines’ governor assassination/France faces massive strikes over pension reform/
- Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand’s Siripaporn wins World Women’s Snooker Championship
Thailand’s 23-year-old Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan won the World Women’s Snooker Championship, held at the Hi-end Snooker Club on Saturday night, by defeating her Chinese rival Bai Yulu 6 frames to 3.
Competing under best-of-11 frames rule, the Chinese player won 3-2 in the first session, but lost in the second session,when Siripaporn displayed superb form by winning four frames in a row to clinch the crown.
Siripaporn became the second Thai woman to win the Women’s Snooker Championship, after Mink Saraburi who was the champion last year. She defeated Mink in the semifinals to win the ticket to meet Bai Yulu in the final. Continued …
Coral reefs off Ko Chan in PKK reported in excellent condition
The coral reefs located off Ko Chan and Ko Thai See in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been found to be in excellent condition.
A survey conducted by the Royal Thai Navy Survey Department revealed that the coral reefs were in good health, showcasing an array of beautiful coral species and marine life.
The survey was carried out as part of the reopening of the Hat Wanakorn National Park to tourists. Continued …
Doctor issues dire warning over PM2.5 crisis
The number of people getting sick from fine dust in the air rose in February, even though PM2.5 is already killing up to 40,000 Thais a year, Dr. Chaichan Phothirat, a respiratory expert at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine, said on Sunday.
He made the comments just hours before Chiang Mai was ranked the 6th most polluted city in the world – as of 1pm on Sunday, according to the website IQAir.
Levels of PM2.5 – particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter – have exceeded safe levels in Chiang Mai since February. Continued …
Four big banks announce service suspensions for maintenance
Siam Commercial Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Tisco Bank and Bangkok Bank have announced that some online or mobile banking services will be suspended for maintenance for an hour or more on a few days of this month.
Siam Commercial Bank said its Mae Manee application will be suspended during certain hours on March 10, 11, 24 and 25 for maintenance. Users will not be able to open the app or use it to receive payment. Continued …
Hearing into death of Wild Boar’s Dom scheduled for July 6
The sudden death of the young teenager pursuing his dream of learning to play football in the United Kingdom came as a huge shock after Feb. 14 following an incident two days earlier at his exclusive boarding school where he was a student since late last year in Leicestershire.
An inquest process began before the Coroner Court days later, which should, in the months ahead, provide a fuller explanation of the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of Duangphet Phromthep.
Even after the ashes of Wild Boar football player Dom were returned on Saturday to Thailand, inquiries are ongoing in the United Kingdom into his demise, although a provisional cause of death has been furnished to the Leicester City and South Leicester Coroners court, which, at the end of February, set a pre-inquest review hearing in the case for July 6 without revealing the provisional findings. Continued …
Wild elephant uses trunk to flip passing truck east of Bangkok – video
A wild elephant in Chachoengsao’s Tha Takiap district wandered across the road, stopped a passing truck, and gently tipped it over on Saturday evening.
The incident took place in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, east of Bangkok, and was captured on video from a nearby car.
It is thought that the elephant was hungry and had decided there might be food inside the truck. Continued …
Prehistoric cave paintings found in Nakhon Ratchasima
Ancient paintings of prehistoric people have been found on the walls of the Hin Perng cave in Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Chaiyaporn Taptimthong, head of the Khao Phu Luang no-hunting zone, said that forest rangers found the paintings during their patrol to check animal shelters in caves in the So mountain range.
The paintings, depicting humans, animals and geometric drawings, were found scattered over the walls of Perng cave, he said, adding that he has informed officials at the 10th regional fine arts office.
Ancient cave paintings have previously been discovered in two caves in Si Khieu district and one in Soong Nern district. – thaipbsworld.com
US soldiers receive Muay Thai lessons from Thai champion
American soldiers received Muay Thai lessons from a champion fighter in Thailand during the annual multilateral “Cobra Gold” military drills hosted by the Asian nation.
Soldiers took instruction and punched and kicked alongside Thai champion Sombat Banchamek, or Buakaw (White Lotus) as he is widely known in the country.
“For every U.S. soldier who came to train in Cobra Gold, they also want to exchange and study our culture regarding Muay Thai, which is our national art,” Buakaw said. Continued …
Friends fire 22 shots at each other at point blank range – both in comas
Police in Klaeng, Rayong, on Thailand’s eastern seaboard, went to a house in Thang Kawian subdistrict after a shooting among friends at a drinks party at a house yesterday. They had been drinking since the previous evening.
Two men were lying with chest and abdomen injuries in pools of blood.
They were taken to Klaeng hospital where they are both in comas. Continued …
Despite bad review, Kaeng som ‘still popular’
Despite coming in 12th in TasteAtlas’ most recent Worst-Rated Dishes in the World, a distinction that sparked lively debate among Thailand’s netizens, vendors have reported no drop in sales of kaeng som.
The sour curry received an average rating of just 2.3 out of 5 from readers at the popular culinary website.
In the wake of the controversy, food vendors, nutritionists and kaeng som enthusiasts were asked if kaeng som really deserves such a measly ranking. Continued …
Travel demand fuels a boom in Asia Pacific — in hotel rates
Finding a great hotel deal may be harder than ever before. Hotel rates are at an “all-time high,” Alan Watts, Hilton’s Asia-Pacific president, said.
Rates are being fueled by travel demand that is like “a feast … to offset the famine,” he said, referencing the pandemic.
“The most significant increase was recorded in Bali, Bangkok, Phuket and Singapore, with Bangkok topping the charts at over 70% and Singapore coming in at over 40%,” he said. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi Passengers Urged to Arrive Early Amid Potential Delays
Suvarnabhumi International Airport has started rolling out upgrades to its security screening facility at its departure terminal. The airport also warned departing passengers of potential delays, as checkpoints are partially closed due to this renovation.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has advised departing passengers of potential delays caused by renovation work at its security checkpoints where new equipment is being installed.
The airport is in the process of adding an automated tray return system at security checkpoints, where departing passengers are required to have their carry-on bags scanned for prohibited items. Continued …
Khao San Road Opposing BMA’s Order To Remove Shop Signs
Khao San road businesses have appealed to the Interior Ministry to coordinate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in putting off removal of shop signs and arrange a meeting to work out a solution to this issue.
Sa-nga Ruangwatanakul, president of Khaosan Business Assn., said these shop signs have been around for a long time and is the uniqueness of this tourist area, with foreigners liking taking photos of them similar to the signs on Yaowarat road. He also made the following points:
- The signs do not cause a problem for the general public nor obstruct traffic. Conditions can be imposed on putting them up, such as having an engineer certify that they are sturdy; Continued …
Brit produces ‘Amazing Thailand Dance With Me ‘ video
A new song and video was launched today by Senator Weerasak Kowsurat the ex tourism minister of Thailand at the Hyatt Regency on Sukhumvit.
A magical piece of work by British Producer Will Robinson, known by many travelers who come to Thailand as “The Isan Project”, Will’s music and video creations continue to be popular among overseas visitors.
Following the success of his creations “Thailand Amazing Thailand, “This is the moment” and “Where the Eagles fly”. Will has penned this new gem with his co writer Daniel Ryan called “Amazing Thailand Dance With Me”. Continued …
Tourist attack: Former English teacher settles case for 50,000 baht
The case of a U.S. tourist who was handcuffed by a bouncer and slapped at a Khao San road pub has been settled with a basket of goodies and 50,000 baht.
On hearing that the tourist – Rodric Carkhuff, 34 – had gone to the central investigative branch of the RTP to make a complaint, the owner of “The Club Khaosan” turned up with local business leaders to settle the matter.
While the guard admitted using cuffs, it was stated that no knife was used. It was all a misunderstanding over a bottle of water. Continued …
Irishman suffers life-threatening injuries in motorcycle accident
A young Irishman is the latest in a long line of victims injured in a motorcycle accident in Thailand without having any cover or insurance. How many more need to suffer fatalities or life-threatening injuries before they learn to drive properly or get insured?
Michael John Miller, from Knock in Mayo, is the latest man to suffer life-threatening injuries following a crash while traveling in Thailand.
Details of the motorcycle accident reported are vague but it appears Miller was riding from Chiang Mai to Pai when he crashed and was rushed to hospital with serious spinal injuries. Continued …
New dam threatens Laos’ Luang Prabang’s Unesco status
Waves of tourists are expected to flood back this year to Laos’ ancient city of Luang Prabang as pandemic travel restrictions end, but the cheer of economic recovery has been clouded by plans for a major hydropower dam just 25km upstream from the UNESCO World Heritage site. Continued …
Who is Li Qiang, successor of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang
Li Qiang is poised to be confirmed as China’s premier during the National People’s Congress, which began on Sunday, replacing the retiring Li Keqiang, who is widely perceived as a pro-market reformer who was increasingly sidelined as Xi Jinping tightened his grip on the management of the economy. Continued …
China hikes military spending 7.2% in face of ‘escalating’ threats
China said Sunday its military spending would rise at the fastest pace in four years, warning of “escalating” threats from abroad at a meeting of its rubber-stamp parliament that is set to hand Xi Jinping a third term as president. Continued …
Suspect shot dead, three arrested in Philippines’ governor assassination
A suspect in the assassination of a Philippines governor was shot dead in a shoot-out with police yesterday, while three others were arrested. The attack, which occurred in the heartland of the Philippine sugarcane industry, left 17 people injured. Continued …
France faces massive strikes over pension reform
French trade unions are heading for what is expected to be a decisive showdown with President Emmanuel Macron over pension reform, with massive strikes from Tuesday aiming to bring the country “to a standstill”. Continued …
Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule
The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.
- Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
- Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm
Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day
Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.
Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules
