Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (8 November 2022)
Today is Loy Kratong and will see water festivals across the nation as Thais Relive 800 year old tradition of paying respect to the goddess of water, thanking her for the plentiful supply during the past year, apologising for the pollution and waste and at the same time paying respect to Buddha. ALWAYS held on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar year, you will receive a warm welcome wherever you visit and of course float Kratong on the waters. In the Pattaya region, whilst some watch their floats wash off over the ocean, many more will be visiting the numerous festivals around our lakes and rivers, spotting locals dressed to impress, a party atmosphere and, one of the most distinctive festivals in the Thai calendar.

This year is expected to be extra special as we can enjoy a total LUNAR eclipse tonight as the moon will pass through the earth’s shadow tonight.. giving the impression of a BLOOD RED MOON.
Users of herbal medicines here may have got a surprise in the nether regions, this as the FDA ordered a recall of a branded herbal remedy, only to find that far from just natural content, the maker had slipped in the very compound that makes viagra and cialis do what they do. Tadalafil . In addition to recalls, the FDA intends to take legal action, warning that the SIDE EFFECT is likely to last for several hours.
It seems 25,000 uniformed and non-uniformed police have been drafted for extra duty in the capital, ahead of the Apec Summit next week, which will see global leaders meet here for a 2 day economic debate. Rehearsals are in some cases underway as authorities work to dot the I and cross the T for all eventualities over a period that will see an extra holiday in the capital area, which is hoped to see many leave for a break, reducing the strain on the capital’s infrastructure and resources.

National park bosses would like very much to see the cave site, where 12 children and their soccer coach passed danger signs to enter, only to result in the biggest cave rescue in Thai history. Registered as a world heritage site with UNESCO. It’s yet to be clarified as to whether the site should be better known for the smiling scared childrens faces discovered by brave rescue teams OR out of respect for the thai and non thai teams who worked tirelessly, and in one case to the ultimate cost, to rescue the school team. Word is that the cave area, already reopened as rainy season levels subside, is seeing up to 1K visitors daily. Cash flow for safety and security in the already dangerous cave network should be easily affordable as the region is likely to have benefited from the numerous film and tv series each trying to find an edge in what was a very lucky outcome.

With several rogue officials revealed in the news recently, reports of another one might not be headline material unless, well, the rogue is an Army Colonel, fleeing here across the border from Cambodia. Thai authorities had to look twice before reacting to a military jeep flying across the demarcation line without halting. It’s driver, caught on camera, armed and refusing for 12 hours to hand himself over. As the situation became more tense, his family came across to calm him down, giving the Thai’s an opportunity to grab him, word is that he was suffering from… stress.
On Phuket a 63 yr old New Zealander has been taken into custody after a raid on his home saw cops find 26 guns, a stash of ammo and even 11 grenades. The disabled man was widowed some 4 years ago and has lived here, without any problem, for some 24 years. Just what he was doing with his arsenal is not yet clear as enquiries continue.

If you go up to the woods today, you could have a big surprise. Well jungle and mountains anyway, this is Chiang mai reported the first frost of the season yesterday, seeing ground temps dropping to 1 degree and possibly 0. A spectacle that is revered by many Thai’s, hundreds of thousands will travel to high ground as they do annually to experience the very cold many of us were happy to leave behind in our own countries. Park rangers warn that all should bring warm thick clothing and from us, a reminder that your car or SUV probably DOESN’T have a heater in it. Chances are you would know already but many makers save money by NOT installing heater matrixes in vehicles sold here. End result – plan to freeze as you drive and of course, leave the AC ON to dehumidify the windows. All good fun, perhaps for one time only.

Meanwhile at home, and yesterday saw three Egyptians nabbed after CCTV caught them stealing 2 smartphones from a local guest house. Cops had been called after the gang took the attention of a receptionist, while another stole the less than expensive phones from a desk area. The hapless three, all in their 40s, are likely to have netted all of 3-4K baht for the two, but despite initially denying the charges, will likely roll over, apologise and write home for a loan, to replace them, and pay suitable fines.

An event this Friday will raise funds for the continued battle against the abuse of youngsters and women, this as the Rotary club hosts a FASHION show evening at the Hilton hotel. FASHION ROCKS is an evening of glamour, music and excellent dining, with all profit from the evening going toward rehabilitation programs. For details, visit our website: www.alwayspattaya.com, where you’ll find the poster and contact details to book in advance.

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Frosty reception for Chiangmai tourists