VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (28 August 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya
– New government promises review of visa durations
Thailand’s new government is committed to reviewing the current visa regulations and, among other issues, will review the chance to extend visitor visas from the current 30 to 90 days, all in a move to promote tourism. This according to PM Srettha in a meeting at the weekend.
– Thai rice price hike to over 12k baht per ton
The price for Thai rice has risen to above 12K baht a ton this weekend, as demand increases following a ban on exports from India, unless approved by their state. Myanmar too has now imposed a similar ban, both in an effort to prop up their own internal economy and avoid high prices at home. Thailand though can’t gloat for too long as, as reported last week, with the predicted rough over the next 12 months, water will not be widely available for paddys here, and so supply within Thailand, too, is likely to lessen.
– New cabinet members to be selected this week
Members of Thailand’s new Cabinet are expected to be officially named by midweek, in order that all can get settled in and seamlessly take over from their predecessors. Coming as they will from all the numerous parties within the coalition, that was needed in order from the Pheu thai leader to garner enough votes to take the helm, it’s of great interest to all as it will, effectively, outline the agreements MADE by Pheu thai to get those votes last in the house. 11 parties are involved, so the spread should be a thin one but several old faces are expected to be on the list.
– Farewell, PM Gen Prayut
This as outgoing PM Gen Prayut patted himself on the back regarding HIS time in office. Describing it as a meaningful and memorable period he claims that the country grew in prosperity and is on target to become a leading nation globally. Many though noted that he omitted the effect of the dark years, following the coup, which had a dramatic effect on most businesses and much of the public, together with the almost zero support given TO the public during the covid era that saw hundreds of thousands rey of food handouts, much of which was sponsored by non thais.
– Hua Hin restaurants targeted in new scam
Restaurant Businesses in Hua Hin are the latest to admit to being scammed. In a similar fashion to others in BKK, they received bookings for large groups along with specific wine requests, wines only available from a certain supplier. The supplier agreed, on the proviso that the restaurants paid 60% with order and the balance on delivery. Only catch? Neither the wine nor the customers ever turned up. The scam, beginning in the capital, is expected to permeate out into many regions as, for the conmen, it’s been successful.
– Thai FDA calls for thorough checks of radioactive fish from Japan
All foodstuffs imported into Thailand will, according to the FDA, be checked for harmful content INCLUDING radioactivity. Following the Japanese release of nuclear waste water from its beleaguered Fukushima waste plant, concern has risen globally as to the unknown possible effect on fish caught in the region. Much from Japan is eaten without cooking, but others claim that the water.. is safe.
– Nigerian/Thai gang arrested in 800 million baht romance scam
Romance scams may seem a paltry business, in comparison with other scams, but that’s not the case, as police revealed at the weekend. 800 MILLION baht is the figure given by authorities after 1 Nigerian and 13 Thais were arrested at the end of last week, with one of the complainants showing police that they alone had seen their bank balance drop by a million baht as they sought HAPPINESS online with fictional beaus. Over a three year period 800 million was transferred to overseas accounts according to records found.
– Sterilization program reduces monkey business in Lopburi
Lopburi residents are twitching with hope as a sterilization program introduced to reduce the population is firmly underway. Monkey business for sure but the local primates have bred to a point where they have a massive population and have become more and more aggressive. Whilst many have smiled with relief as close to 150 have been neutered by a vet team, others point out that that, really is just the tip of the iceberg and the numbers are in the thousands. Each was also tattooed so that they are easily recognisable and added to the list of close to 340 sterilised this year so far.
– 24 hour bar opening for Pattaya decision clear
Meanwhile the dream or nightmare of 24 hour bar openings in the city has been firmly nixed this weekend. As we reported last week, it’s now been confirmed that 24 hour opening WILL NOT be entertained for the city, nor the region but ONLY for what’s called the Eastern airport city, and thus enables IT to offer similar services to those available at the other major airports in Thailand
– Speed boat tout punch up at Bali Hai Pier
Touts offering speed boat rides to tourists at Bali Hai pier, where hundreds queue for the less expensive ferries, fell out with each other and were caught on camera amidst a gang on gang fist fight. For the second time in a single day, tourists were scared as the loud touts wouldn’t stop, even when told to by port officials. Only the arrival of police put paids to their violence. And it’s expected that city hall will review the reports from all parties this week, with a view to either banning them from the area or policing them.
– ‘Naked’ Walking Street reopens
And the rather ‘naked’ walking street , now devoid of its neon illuminations which legally hung over the thoroughfare, has seen the removal of the final telegraph poles that previously filled the roadway with black cables and transformers. With all cabling now BURIED, as is the case in most major streets here now in the centre.. the city mayor oversaw a re-opening ceremony. Businesses have begged to be able to refit their illuminations, albeit at a much higher level, to date that request hasn’t received a response.
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