Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (2 March 2022)

Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (2 March 2022)

Good news yesterday as Bangkok’s main airport made history, seeing the first commercial flight from Saudi Arabia arrive from Riyadh. After a 32 year break, the flight highlights the success of recent negotiations between the Thai and Saudi governments to resume trade and relations.

Thailand’s government has discussed and accepted that the current conflict involving Russia and Ukraine WILL result in some fallout here, including issues with trade AND of course the rising cost of fuel which is expected to affect costs here. From foodstuff to commercial equipment, prices will no doubt rise as fuel for vehicles, planes and shipping rises, and, we are told, General Prayut has instructed a team to prepare measures to cushion any potential impact from the crisis.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said today (Tuesday) that Thailand may need to fine-tune its policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but it will not rush to condemn Russia, like many other countries have done, because it will not help to improve the situation.

For tourists, Russian and Ukrainian, the issues become more serious daily, as credit cards linked to Russian banks are seen not to be working and there is a ban within Russia on the transfer of funds outside their borders, leaving those here on vacation in some cases without any funds for their hotels. For businesses exporting TO Russia, the issues will only become apparent in the future as most insist on funds being kept in escrow HERE by their Russian customers and released on proof of bills of lading. For new contracts, the issues will become far more serious. The expat situation for Russians and Ukrainians here, is neatly covered in an interview yesterday which is available from our website, www.alwayspattaya.com, and our Youtube page. The first batch of Thai’s , who left Ukraine for Poland, are expected to arrive here today and will be quarantined for Covid before being released.

Forensic reports on the actress who fell from the rear of a boat late at night on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, and was subsequently found dead, have confirmed that the cause of death was drowning. Whilst blood tests have not been revealed, it’s also been clarified that a large gouge to her leg was likely caused by a propeller and would have resulted in her being unable to swim. In the same statement the local police commissioner is quoted as saying that authorities are not fully convinced by statements given by the two other women and three men aboard the boat. As we reported earlier, both the boat owner and the unlicensed captain have been arrested.

National park staff did a good job yesterday, recovering a troupe of German tourists who got lost in the jungle. The five, all in their 20s, lost their way on a hike. They were smart enough to call the emergency number. Officials were notified and all were quickly recovered. Heavy rain was blamed for their losing their way on a marked trail.

The body of a man has been discovered at a local beach. With autopsy reports awaited, the man was found wearing just a t-shirt and is assumed to be Caucasian. With guesses as to his nationality varying, police are fully investigating. His clothing was found on the beachside but no wallet or form of ID. Injuries, which were noted, may or may not have been caused by a fall or otherwise inflicted.

Social media is awash with knocker stories again from our province, this time as a 31 year old reported a man stealing 12 of her best from a washing line in Bangsaen. Seems he does this habitually and CCTV shows the man nicking the draws. Police are determined to catch him.

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