VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (20 November 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya
– 260 Thais evacuated from Myanmar
Sunday saw the repatriation of close to 260 Thai nationals from civil war-torn Myanmar, following a joint operation involving Thai, Burmese, and Chinese officials. As the internal battles there became even more intense, concern was raised for the hundreds who were reported as abandoned and in some cases tricked into working there. Thailand sent out two chartered planes to recover the nationals, along with some from other Asian nations, and 41 others were returned on Saturday.
– Thai government considers 90-day visas for some Westerners
Good news for Europeans visiting Thailand as the government is debating the idea of offering 90-day visas to nationals from certain WESTERN countries, giving them parity with those from Russia, India and China. The plan is intended to encourage elongated tourism and by virtue of that, an increase in tourist spend. Reality is that despite air flights costing more and more, the chances are that the number of western travelers could indeed increase and for part time expats, such as offshore workers, the news is certainly a plus.
– Thai woman WANTED for murder of tourist
Police have applied for a warrant for the arrest of a Thai woman, now implicated in the tortuous attack on a Taiwanese, found beyond recovery in a BKK apartment last week. Evidence that he had been involved in nefarious activity has been gleaned by police who have already arrested 2 men, a Burmese and a Cameroonian, said to have been the attackers. They, then, have given statements that implicate the Thai woman who is said to have known the victim and ordered his attack in an attempt to extort cash and valuables. Few clues exist, however, as to the identity of further two, including a Westerner, are wanted for questioning.
– Weed shops in Thailand may be able to stay open
Representatives of the health ministry have indicated that a draft for the much awaited cannabis hemp act will leave the weed as a controlled substance but NOT an illegal narcotic AND could see outlets with genuine existing retail license allowed to continue sales, but only of products KNOWN and proven to contain less than 0.2 THC.and with the EXCLUSION of cannabis buds, paraphernalia or pre prepared joints. The act is intended to ensure that marijuana is ONLY supplied for medical purposes and NOT recreational use. Growers too will need to register their plot for growing PRIOR to planting.
– Number of Thais held hostage in Israel rises
The number of Thais held hostage by Hamas following their attack on Israel has risen by ONE as reports reached the media that a 35 year old lady has given birth whilst being held against her will. 26 Thais are among the 240 hostages being held in the battle torn region amid promises that all COULD be released if an agreement can be brokered.
– Early morning earthquake rocks Thai province
Checks in border regions close to Kanchanaburi have revealed little other than superficial damage to property following a 4.0 magnitude earthquake Sunday. First for inspection, as always, were the reservoirs and dams, including the Vajiralongkorn dam and there NO damage was discovered, the quake was felt across much of the region.
– Gold shop robber escapes in taxi with 23 necklaces
A young man attracted little interest as he stood outside a gold shop in a BKK mall at the weekend. That was until the shop cleared for customers and he ran in, brandishing what appears to have been a pistol, stole trays of gold necklaces and fled IN A TAXI. 23 baht weight of god was missing even after store staff collected necklaces he dropped during his escape. No word on his identity but CCTV will aid police in tracking his rented ride.
– Wanted man arrested at Rayong market
IN RAYONG, a local market vendor has finally been arrested after fleeing from an arrest warrant in Loei Province 6 years ago. Back then he was accused of child molestation involving family members. The 63 year old is now in custody after police received reports on his whereabouts. He was due yesterday to be transported back to the scene of his crime for prosecution.
- – Pattaya residents complain of vehicles parking on footpaths
Locals are complaining that following road widening and a lack of parking for vehicles, residents and business operators are, in some cases, parking their vehicles on footpaths, making it harder for pedestrians to walk safely. In many cases there is zero parking in some vicinities AND for those looking to do business with local stores, so it has become a major search operation to find a space. Construction and road alterations have been blamed by all concerned. But police are reportedly planning to picket and even tow them away.
– Warning of snakes in Pattaya
With the advent of colder weather of late, the advisory is to watch out.. for insects and more in your homes AND CARS. Several reports this weekend from listeners of an increase in creepy crawlies seeking warmth but also of snakes too, looking to escape the cold weather. With most local snakes said to not be dangerous unless messed with, many have taken to local snake groups to ask ‘is this one gonna bite me’. However, using a net is the best way to eject them, and there is a free snake removal service for all here, just takes a call to the emergency services and they come round, remove Sid and take him to a rural area to be set free.
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