Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (10 May 2022)

Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (10 May 2022)

FINALLY, a law that will save lives and is well overdue for all Asian countries. From 5th September it will be a legal requirement for infants in cars to be sat in car seats, avoiding the common practice here of them roaming around a vehicle cab and often sitting unprotected on a passengers lap.  For older children, under 6 years of age, booster seats will also be compulsory to ensure that seat belts are effective. The new law, which will be compulsory, has been added to Thailand’s Land traffic Act which covers all regulations regarding highway usage. The use of car seats or less-expensive car seat cushions for young children will be made mandatory from Sept 5 as announced in the Royal Gazette. Sadly, due to the retail prices of some, cheaper car seats will be acceptable, however, from September,  high penalties can be expected for all caught without their children properly safe and secure.  One slight benefit is that the state MAY consider reducing or completely cutting the taxes, both import and VAT on the seats to make them even more affordable to all.

Following the use of a promotion which clearly replicated certain members of the Thai Royal family, the subsequent removal of the commercial by both platforms carrying it AND legal action expected by thai authorities, Army chiefs have been son ncensed by the disrespect that army personal have been requested to desist from ordering FROM Laazda and, according to Thai media, vehicles delivering FROM lazada will be banned from all military installations and housing areas. With many switching to the alternative Shopee online seller, members of the public too have rallied in defense of those offensively portrayed, and the media agency which created the commercial is expected to be investigated.

A ramshackle so called temple in Chaiyaphum, used by a cult based on superstition and bizarre treatment for ailments, has been raided by authorities who discovered the remains of some 11 corpses in coffins. With all sent for forensic analysis to establish the cause of death,  locals told media that it was run by a wizened old man, complete with white beard and long hair who, according to many, arranged funerals, but did not dispose of the corpses, and could only provide genuine death certificates for less than half of those found.  Moreover, his prescriptions for those who asked for cures for their ailments included the drinking of HIS own urine, spit, fecal matter and even flakes of his own dead skin. He was removed to the local police station for questioning.

Not spotted here in Thailand yet, but, just as you thought it was safe to go out in public, the WHO has reported on three sub variants of Omicron which do affect lungs and are more infectious than before. Described as virtually as debilitating as the delta variant, all three are immune to vaccines currently on offer.  So far discovered in Africa and America, the scare is that they haven’t been spotted in many countries simply because they dont test for it.

The MET office yesterday predicted severe storms across much of the country thru to wednesday at the earliest, with the gulf expected to see high waves and strong undercurrents

Fully vaccinated travelers WITH covid insurance covering them for a minimum of 10K US dollars CAN as of yesterday, travel to and from Laos via the land crossings, which will, personal travel apart, allow easier trade between the two countries.  This as the Laos government also announced the reopening of entertainment venues and karaoke lounges nationwide with  strict  measures to avoid the spread of covid.

Storms of yesterday followed by lighter rain early morning have left many roads, especially on the east side, slick and with debris across highways.  Road works, in so many places, have added to the dangers, especially for motorbikes, and the area around Lake Huai Chak Nok.
Monday saw drains put to the test and fail in many areas, such as Soi Lengkee where despite the speed that a storm passed, water was in places deep enough to see petrol cars stall.

As business slowly recovers here, so many listeners are emailing us with mentions of price rises in many popular eateries. For most though, they have been running at a loss to date and with the cost of raw ingredients rising, so they HAVE to increase their prices. Traditionally, only hotels and high-end restaurants have added the so-called ‘++’, VAT and service charge and it’s hoped that that won’t spread to local eateries where, for the most part, customers prefer final pricing on the menus. So, if you do spot your favourite GO TO place to eat jacking prices up, as long as the hikes are minimal and affordable, it’s fair to try and understand, as NO eatery right now is raking in the cash, and most, even with price rises, will simply be working to keep the doors open, as rent too goes back to original pricing and power bills will rise this month.

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