VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (31 July 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya
– Court orders demolition of illegal Bangkok development
Thailand’s supreme court Friday has ruled that the Ananda development on Asoke Rama 9 in the capital is an illegal build and must be demolished. The highest court in the land heard the case from both developer and city in the final hearing that began in civil courts and has culminated this month with Ananda development given 14 days to provide an acceptable alternative to the total removal of the building. The case, similar to the frozen Pattaya Bali Hai development and Saha Farm’s Sukhawadee complex but differs in that the transit authority in the capital has stated that they fully intended to use part of the land there for a railway line, that same parcel of land upon which the development now sits. The land? Described as reclaimed cannot by law be used for construction and the twist.. the complex must have had construction permits but issuance of the same, in this case, according to the court, was illegal.
– Anutin pilots plane transporting body organs
Not always the most popular of politiciens, K Anutin, current caretaker deputy PM and Health minister has been revealed as a part time pilot flying in support of medical needs, tarred with the Dirty Farang comment from the Covid era, Anutin was contacted by a Roi Et hospital needing urgent transport of organs from the capital where a donor had passed away having given HIS body to save others. Anutin, obviously spotless, flew into action, and delivered in time to save the Isaan resident. Seems he has been quietly flying for the cause for 9 years.
– Koh Chang tailbacks see up to four hours wait for vehicles
With the long holiday here, and ending only on Wednesday, many visiting Koh Chang will either leave early or stay on longer to avoid a repeat of Friday’s fiasco which saw 5 KM tailbacks for ferries and the promise of up to 4 hours wait for vehicles. Only way to bi pass was to sail as passengers and park up on the mainland. Businesses there report full accommodation and busy businesses island wide. As indeed do those on Koh Larn where all accommodation was booked out a month in advance seeing NO ROOMS free for those changing it.
– Long weekend sees over 4,000 road accidents so far
By now the fatality count for the holiday so far is likely 50 on Thai roads with police reporting over 4000 road accidents. Speeding, driver fatigue and dangerous or speedy driving has been blamed for most of those. On the first day, Friday some 157 REPORTED DUI arrests were listed as tens of thousands took the opportunity to either visit resorts or take the long journey to family homesteads in the north as factories were too closed for the break.
– 12 fatalities, 300 buildings damaged in fatal firework factory explosion
In Narathiwat province, police investigating an explosion in a building used to make illegal fireworks discovered a neighbouring building ALSO had a massive stash of explosives, also being used to make fireworks. Locals are fearful that others too exist after 12 died in the main explosion that rocked their neighbourhood. Video clips from CCTV show the quiet suburb, quiet until the building exploded, causing instant damage to buildings close by. Reports yesterday tell the media that those who ran the business had no insurance to cover damage to 300 local buildings, the deaths or the costs of medical care for 12 people who need hospitalisation.
– Man knifes neighbour for turning off WiFi connection
Sunday saw one Bangkokian NOT leave his home for the long break, but wishing he HAD now.. Instead, he went off to work. As he did so he turned off the power to his rented accommodation, as was his want. But THAT displeasured his neighbour who has often piggy backed the other man’s WIFI service. Drinking with pals, and now without entertainment, the neighbour waited on his erstwhile friend and upon his return.. planted a fruit knife in his neck. He survived, the neighbour was duly removed by police and there is no word as to whether he is allowed to access the internet from his police cell where, we are told, wifi IS in use but for staff only.
– Koh Larn sea turns GREEN
Meanwhile at home and in Pattaya, as reported, Koh Larn island accommodation is, if anything, overbooked, but that hasn’t put off day tourists taking ferries and speedboats there to enjoy the sands. Authorities have been quick to carry out spot checks on numerous vessels to see that all have and wear lifejackets and travellers are reminded that refusing to wear one can result in you being put back on the shoreline, minus your fare and waving instead to your pals who comply. Koh Larn beachgoers though, have been in for a surprise, as the waters around the island have turned… GREEN. Nature can certainly pick its moments and this weekend is no exception. Annually we see the plankton in the water BLOOM and look far worse than it is. The geeny color will quickly dissipate and disappear but for those not knowing, it looks like foul water.. which of course.. it isn’t.
– Storms hit most of Thailand
This morning weather maps showed storms covering over 2 thirds of the nation, and here in Pattaya we saw rainfall from 6 am onwards. Storm warnings ARE in place for most of the country through to Thursday and as and when storms hit, small boats ARE advised to remain on the shoreline. Perhaps, then, it’s better today to stay on the mainland and enjoy the features here until it all passes over.
– Tourist bares all on Pattaya beach
And as always, there has to be one. The weekend saw police release photos of a Western man, possibly German, who decided to sit out by the beach just before sun up. Nothing wrong with that of course, unless, like him, you do so naked. Hwerr Wrinkly, estimated to be around 60 yrs of age, belittled local cops who asked him to dress. Duly removed by two officers he refused to give his name or personal details and instead seemed to talk.. to himself. He was duly removed to the police station with medics on standby as all kept an eye on him. Well, the male officers anyway. No word on what he had imbibed.. but it must have been taken in volume.
– Local man fined for attacking Korean Youtuber
And finally, a local Thai man has been fined 1K bht for punching a South Korean youtuber who filmed him and his pals as they sat drinking along the beachfront. Seems the Thai man asked the Korean to stop filming them, instead of agreeing he gave them the finger. That did it for Somchai who clocked him as he filmed. Whilst the evidence is beyond dispute, it’s hoped that the Korean learns a lesson too, not everyone wants their face plastered all over social media by an annoying phone snapper.
– Booze ban in Thailand
With the reminder that from midnight, a two day alcohol ban is in place across the nation out of respect to two Buddhist holy days.
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