Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (19 May 2022)

Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (19 May 2022)

A lobby to reconsider the ban on paraquat sales in Thailand has been nixed by the PM after it was referred to him directly by the minister of health.  The lobbying committee was also ordered to strike it from their agenda and not put it up for review at a later date. The toxic weedkiller, along with 2 others, has been effectively banned for use here now for in excess of a year. Those products are also banned for use in numerous western countries.

As we reported earlier in the week, the possibility of bar and club re-opening is to be discussed tomorrow at the weekly CCSA meeting with a good chance that openings will be allowed, certainly in the tourist popular so called green zones, of which Pattaya is one.

Heavy storms yesterday saw much of the capital flooded, along with numerous regions of the country. Those storms will continue through to the end of the week, with the heaviest set for the capital and central provinces, with our own region promised a dousing or two and warnings issued for small boats and swimmers NOT to use the gulf during this storm period.

Despite the fall of the baht to a 5 year record low against the dollar, the Bank of Thailand reports that its value has had a very limited effect on inflation here, with the economy most impacted by fuel prices. They also state that there is no immediate need to review interest rates and that the baht is actually handling itself well against other Asian nations.

On Phuket, a 22 year old Australian tourist, here with pals, FELL to his death from an 11th floor balcony this week. With no signs of anything untoward in the room, the Patong visitor is said to have enjoyed the city nightlife thoroughly and a half full bottle of spirits was found on his balcony, leading police to assume that he died by accident. With his embassy duly informed, an autopsy is being carried out in the capital.

Thai media is reporting that the number of life jackets on ferries to Koh Larn is out of proportion to the number of passengers AND that only a few were actually wearing them during the crossings. With speed boats marked as MEETING safety requirements in full, it’s expected that city hall will order a full investigation. Legally, ferries must carry sufficient life jackets and it has long been ordered that passengers actually wear them from departure to arrival.

If you go down to the beach today, you may be in for a big surprise. Actually the biggest of surprises, as off the Jomtien coastline is anchored one of the largest private sailing boats. Owned by Spurs owner & billionaire Joe Lewis. Amongst its many features is a full sized tennis court.  Lewis, a frequent visitor to Thailand, was previously spotted off the Southern islands but is now enjoying the Pattaya coastline. 85 year old Mr Lewis is in good hands, he has a crew of 30 to meet all his needs and those of guests.

Lucky for one man as his business partner appears to be the country’s worst shot.  duthis as she blasted him three times with a gun, and missed every time. Now on the run, she and he had been arguing over their so ratcha horticultural business.  Things got heated, she drew and fired but then ran away as he was left stunned but untouched. His car wasn’t so lucky, as one of the bullets shattered a window. Police are expecting to report an arrest today or tomorrow.

And the reminder that from 6PM Saturday there IS a 24 hour alcohol sales ban for all businesses IN PATTAYA CITY and several other subdistricts.  In fact any subdistrict, which includes Nongprue, where elections are being held. That then excludes areas such as PONG and Sattahip but does include Jomtien and Naklua along with the island of Koh Larn.  So, for those wanting it, Friday night… is party night.

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