Thailand & Pattaya LATEST NEWS from Fabulous 103fm (16 February 2023)
17 year old Thai cave survivor dies in UK
It’s been clarified, somewhat, by authorities in the UK that a 17 year old Thai survivor of the infamous cave rescue in Chiang mai province in 2018, was discovered unresponsive in his dormitory in Leicestershire UK, where he was studying. The former Thai kids’ team captain, DOM, was unconscious when rushed by medics, at the weekend to a hospital where despite all efforts, he passed away Tuesday. The actual cause of his passing is unclear with unconfirmed reports that at some point previously he had sustained a head injury, and post mortem is due to be carried out before he is returned here to his family in Thailand for cremation. He and 12 other teenagers, along with their coach, hit the headlines in 2018 when they wandered into a cave, only to be trapped by rising flood water which saw a multinational squad rescue them safely.
Thailand entry fee – how to pay?
The new so-called landing tax, intended to boost funds covering those tourists who have accidents here and don’t bother to buy travel insurance may have been given the go ahead by the cabinet this week, 300 baht for arriving here, but implementation is another matter. With arrival slips done away with last year to speed up immigration clearance and reduce wait times, the new tax CANNOT simply be added to ticket prices UNLESS those to whom it doesn’t apply, Thai nationals, diplomats and those working here legally with permits would subsequently have to queue for a refund, and that, well, it would be a nightmare. Collecting cash in baht and other currencies at the passport check booths would be impossible and travelers, along with airlines, await full details on just how the fee CAN be efficiently collected, with many stating that it would be far better to insist on all arrives having to show proof of travel insurance when they BUY their tickets. Better cover for them, and less hassle this end for sure.
Storm warnings for 50 provinces in Thailand
Thailand’s MET office has warned that seasonal storms can be expected between now and the weekend across 50 provinces from North to Central. Rainfall is common at this time of the year, despite the season being named the DRY season, and as always the storms are, when they hit, intense. Bangkok saw flooding yesterday, and our own region saw heavy rainfall. Temperatures will drop for a few days too, a welcome respite, but drivers are wanted to take extra care as many road surfaces haven’t seen rain for weeks, and so a build up of grime will create a muddy and slippery surface. And for the gulf, an urge of caution to all boat operators as 3 metre high waves are predicted
Thailand’s fight against plastic waste
The Pollution Control Department has this week praised its own campaigns for a downturn in plastic waste, such as single plastic use bags to the tune of an average 47000 tonnes a year over the past 3 yrs. That downturn, though, may well be due to outlets having initially insisted customers buy reusable shopping bags but, in the past year or so, many have returned to using the free ones or, worse, charging for them. Plastic bag use may be down but they are certainly still to be seen everywhere across the country, saldy reaching nature, riverbanks and beaches.
Warning for drug users
Normally most don’t worry too much about drug users, but a warning has been issued to meth addicts to watch out for orange pills hitting the market. WHY? Well, when 300K of them were seized on the riverbanks of the Mekong, subsequent testing showed they had been cut and manufactured with.. a pesticide which is listed as potentially fatal to humans.
Radio competition winners to be announced today
Response to our latest radio competition for listeners has been amazing this week, with a record number of replies from YOU, both in written and recorded form. Prize winners are named today in the morning show but to all who entered, many many thanks.
Pattaya railway damaged roads and broken street lighting
Pattaya railway road is seeing more and more surface damage appearing with shoddy repairs to a sink area at the bottom of the ramp down FROM the motorway road, and the left lane toward Sattahip avoided, even by motorbikes, when possible due to potholes and more. Making matters worse, street lighting FROM the motorway to Soi Siam Country Club hasn’t worked for weeks either making it even more dangerous and it’s best to take extra care until it is finally repaired.
Heavy storm hits Pattaya
Storms hit the region Wednesday seeing many drenched roads flooded, for just a short period and new drainage along the seafront put to the test.
St Patrick’s Day Parade 2023
And businesses who are looking for visibility or wish to support local organisations are reminded that NOW is the time to register for a float in the 2023 St Patrick’s day parade. Search facebook for details, but with your company name or logo amid an expected thronging crowd of onlookers, it’s a great way to get your name out there, AND help local fundraisers. Best search.. St Patricks Day Pattaya
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