We are based in Thailand and want to offer a neutral news blog that describes current events in the country. We will be careful not to focus on personal opinions but instead provide factual news directly from Thailand, together with comments. The goal is to be fast, simple and accurate.
February 28, 2012
Sondhi Sentenced to 20 Years for Fraud
The controversial politician Sondhi Limthongkul, founder of the "Yellow Shirts" (People's Alliance for Democracy) has been sentenced to twenty years in prison for business fraud.
He is accused of falsifying documents used as collateral for a loan of nearly 1.1 billion baht. Twenty years is the maximum penalty for this crime.
42 Years in Prison for Selling Daughter
A fifty-year-old Thai woman has been sentenced to 42 years in prison for having sold her underage daughter to men. A 45-year-old British citizen was sentenced to 21 years of buying sex from minors, or simply child rape.
Both the accused denied the charges, but the woman's daughter and other young girls has given credible testimony regarding the abuse.
February 27, 2012
Earns Billions from Medical Tourism
The Thai government aim to make Thailand a World-Class Healthcare Provider in 2014. Thailand is already a very popular destination for foreigners seeking private medical treatment outside their home country.
During the period 2010-2014 the revenues from medical tourism is estimated to be around fifteen billion US dollars.
February 24, 2012
Raging Fire in Thai Refugee Camps
A raging fire broke out yesterday in the refugee camp Umpiem Mai Province in northwestern Thailand. The fire spread very quickly, but at the moment there are no reports of casualties. However, there have been reports of people suffering from burns. It is also reported that more than 1000 houses, three mosques and two preschools have been destroyed in the fire. The camp Umpiem Mai are housing more than 17,000 Burmese and Karen-people.
Improved Hotel Booking and Layout
We are currently working intensively to improve our hotel booking system for all our websites, including Thai.nu. We put great focus on usability, ie to make the search of the desired accommodation as smooth as possible. The new hotel booking pages will be published within a few weeks.
We also freshen up the layout of Thai.nu and hope you will like the result. We focus on making it as user friendly as possible, Easy navigation and an airy design.
In the spring, we will focus on what matters most, ie the content (text and images).
NEW HOTEL BOOKING - Graphics: Yenit Company Limited
February 23, 2012
Bloomberg Believes in Thailand
The respected financial information company Bloomberg puts Thailand in second place (after China) among the countries whose markets are foreseen to grow the most during the next four years. This is for parameters such as transparency and growth prospects.
Our Hotel Tip: Really Cozy in Samui
Montra Samui is a small but cozy hotel outside Lamai on the island's east coast. When you stepped into the timber door you find yourself in a peaceful garden. The nine tastefully designed villas are located in a lush tropical garden dominated by a pool built throughout the area as a natural lake.
The size of the villas are 63 square meters each and bedrooms have high ceilings and comfortable beds. The bathroom has both shower and bath.
Montra Samui has great guest reviews of our reservation system and on comparison sites like Tripadvisor.
Thailand has ended up on the FATF (The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering) blacklist of countries that are not considered to reach international standards with respect to the prevention of money laundering.
The other countries which appear on this list include Bolivia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Sao Tome and Principe, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania and Turkey.
FATF's agenda and goal is to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Suspected Iranians Partied in Pattaya
The three Iranians who have been arrested, are thought to have prepared to attack Israeli diplomats, partied in Pattaya just days before they were arrested.
Police have confiscated a cell phone where they found the images in which the three Iranians are partying with Thai women.
February 16, 2012
Sek Loso Called in for Questioning
The popular Thai artist Sek Loso has been called in for questioning because of his drug abuse. He has admitted using the drug "ice" for a time.
Third Iranian Arrested Yesterday
The third Iranian terror suspect was arrested yesterday afternoon in Malaysia. He has been arrested on suspicion of preparing to commit terrorist crimes in neighboring Thailand.
The three arrested Iranians are suspected of plotting to attack Israeli targets in the capital of Thailand.
February 15, 2012
Explosives Found in House
Remote-controlled bombs were found in the house at Sukhumvit 71 where the first explosion occurred yesterday. The intended targets might have been Israeli diplomats in Bangkok.
Thai government sources say that there is no evidence that the three Iranians really deliberate acts of terrorism.
A Third Suspect Fled to Malaysia
Besides the two terror suspect who were arrested yesterday, one more Iranian citizen, named as Sedaghatzadeh Masud, has managed to flee to Malaysia, by a regular flight.
February 14, 2012
Israel: Iran and Hezbollah Responsible
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran and Hezbollah of being behind the bomb attack in Bangkok earlier today. Israeli targets have recently been attacked in India and Georgia and even in these cases, Israel has accused Iran of being behind these attacks. Also the Swedish-Lebanese terror suspect Hussein Atris, who was arrested in Bangkok a month ago, is accused of having ties to this group.
Man Threw Grenades in Bangkok
Today, a man threw a grenade against a taxi on Sukhumvit Soi 71, in central Bangkok. He also tried to throw a grenade towards a police officer, but it is said to have bounced back against a tree (!) which meant that the offender had his own legs shattered by the exploding grenade.
Minutes before this incident, another bomb exploded in the suspect's rented home, which is located in the vicinity. Three men fled from the scene.
Four injured Thais were transferred to Kluaynamthai Hospital, while the suspected terrorist was taken to Chulalongkorn Hospital to be treated for his severe injuries.
Rumors claim that the offender is of Iranian origin, as Iranian bank notes were scattered on the ground after the explosion. An ID card have been found which supports this theory. Another man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Our thoughts: Are the Iranians planning to hit Israeli targets in Thailand? Just a few days ago Israeli targets were attacked in a few other countries. Israel are also suspected of having carried out several attacks against Iranian nuclear scientists on Iranian soil.
February 13, 2012
Ten Soldiers Injured by Bomb
Ten soldiers were wounded today when a bomb detonated in the province of Yala in southern Thailand. Muslim separatists are thought to be behind the attacks.
SOURCE: MCOT
1000 Daily Arrests for Drug Offences
135.445 people were arrested for drug offenses in Thailand between 11 September 2011 and 31 January 2012. This corresponds to about 1000 people a day!
16 million methamphetamine pills, 600 kilograms of crystallized methamphetamine (commonly known as "ice"), 200 kg of heroin, 3 tons of marijuana and four million pseudoephedrine pills were seized. The street value of the drugs are about 600 million baht altogether.
SOURCE: MCOT
February 9, 2012
Our Hotel Tip: Stay Cheap in Chiang Mai
Buri Gallery House is a gem in Chiang Mai, built in traditional Lanna-style. The hotel is centrally located on "walking street" (one of the most famous streets in the city) and has facilities such as pool, a cozy restaurant, a bar, a small spa and a beautiful garden. Altogether there are 21 rooms. Also these are designed in traditional Lanna style with wooden details and beautiful decorations.
The hotel is popular among people using our hotel reservation system. It has very good reviews overall.
*) Lanna is a kingdom that existed in northern Thailand from the 1200s to 1775.
Here are seven tips on activities for those who are looking for enjoying life to the fullest, while staying on the island of Koh Samui:
1. A nice day at the beach club of Beach Republic in northern Lamai, with icy mojitos, spa treatment and a refreshing swim in one of the two pools. Or why not try their famous brunch on Sundays?!
2. An authentic Italian culinary experience at Prego in northern Chaweng, with a good wine. Their Antipasto misto alla Prego is highly recommended as a starter.
3. A complete spa treatment surrounded by a amazing palm tree cultivation at Tamarind Retreat in Lamai. And why not finish with a bath and herbal sauna.
4. Play tennis at the rooftop of IT Complex with superb views over Lamai. Book at the reception reception desk at the ground floor of the IT Complex 1.
5. An unbeatable round of golf at Santiburi in northern Samui. This golf course is considered to be one of the world's finest, by many golfers.
6. Book a "honeymoon seat" with someone you really like on the island's only movie theater. It's called Major Cineplex and it's located in the same building as Tesco Lotus, between Chaweng and Bo Phut.
7. A romantic dinner at W Retreat, in Maenam.
Have a great stay on the island of Samui!
February 6, 2012
Nine Illegal Casinos in Bangkok?!
A senior police officer has stated that there are at least nine illegal casinos in and around the capital. The controversial and outspoken politician Chuvit Kamolvisit (Rak Thailand Party) claims that he has proof that these casinos really do exist and that they are protected by powerful patrons.
CHUVIT KAMOLVISIT - Photo by: Jeremy
The Thai People are Less Happy
The Gross Domestic Happiness (GDH) among the Thai people has fallen from 7.55 in July last year to 6.66 at the beginning of this year. This according to a poll conducted by Assumption University of Thailand.
Reasons cited include various political factors, a deteriorating economy, and price increases.
January 31, 2012
Don Muang Expected to Open March 6
Don Muang, Bangkok's second airport is expected to reopen on March 6, this year. The repair of the runways is estimated at 150 million baht.
The budget airline Nok Air says they will return to Don Muang, while Orient Thai has not yet decided which airport they will use in future.
Russians Stranded after Bankruptcy
A Russian travel agency (The Lanta-Tour Company, which has operated since 1991) was declared bankrupt, which has led to more than one hundred Russian nationals stranded in Pattaya. This is because the hotel and return tickets haven't been paid.
The Russian Embassy in Thailand has helped the stranded people to arrange new accommodation and flights home to Russia.
SOURCE: PATTAYAONE.NET
January 26, 2012
860.000 PC Tablets to First Graders
Thailand's newly appointed Education Minister Suchart Thadathamrongvej promises to give out 860.000 PC tablets to first graders (called Prathom 1, corresponding to elementary school, grade 1).
The computers are scheduled to be bought from China at a favorable price, which is estimated at 2 billion Baht.
Our thoughts: To train and educate children about computers is a great initiative. But why PC tablets? Can really young children use these? What happens if a kid drops his or her tablet on the floor? How many of these will be broken in a year?
These questions will probably be answered if and when this becomes a reality. One can only hope for the best because children's education is extremely important, but it will also cost a significant amount of money.
Man Stole 10.000 Panties, in 30 Years
I admit, this is not the "most serious" story I have published on this news blog, but I couldn't help laughing when I heard it, even if it's probably to be regarded as "tragicomic," or something...
A Thai 48-year-old man was stopped yesterday by the police and they found more than a thousand pair of panties in his car trunk. During a search, the police found additional 10.000 panties!
The man has admitted that he had stolen the panties during the last thirty years! He also admitted that he used to smell them even when he drove in his car. The police can not prosecute the man, because there is no aggrieved party.
SOURCE: AFP
January 25, 2012
Beware of the Sand Flies (part 2)
Continued from yesterday ...
If you get bitten by a sand fly you should:
1. Make every effort not to scratch the bites, although the itching can be (to say the least) intense. Unfortunately, many scratch their bites even in their sleep. The itching can be relieved with tea tree oil and / or ibuprofen gel.
2. If the bites become infected or larger you should immediately visit a physician or visit a "medical center", so you can get bites cleaned and treated. It is not unusual that they become infected and then antibiotics might be necessary.
If the bites get infected, there is also a risk of more or less permanent scars, so be sure to at clean them every morning and evening. One tip is to wash them thoroughly with a saline solution and iodine (such as Betadine). You can buy these without a prescription in any pharmacy in Thailand. An antihistamine ointment called Systral could also help you. Consult your doctor or health care professional for more specific advice regarding self-care.
In some parts of the world the sand flies can transmit really nasty diseases such as leishmaniasis (sandfly fever). Fortunately, this is extremely rare in Thailand, so no need to panic.
January 24, 2012
Beware of the Sand Flies (part 1)
In particularly Koh Samet and Koh Maak beaches, sand flies means some trouble for both tourists and the locals.
The sand fly (from the Phlebotomidae family) is so small that it is sometimes called no-see-um in parts of the world. They are often found at the beaches and they are most active at dusk, just as "normal mosquitoes." Unfortunately, the sand fly a fast little buggers, which together with the modest size makes them "treacherous" for both humans and animals (such as dogs).
You avoid sand flies in exactly the same way as ordinary mosquitoes, ie with insecticide (containing the active ingredient of DEET) and clothing (sarong, etc.) covering the areas of the body that usually favored by mosquitoes (ankles, legs, etc.)
If you are getting bitten by these little blighters on the beach, the best method is to very quickly run into the water. Bites can result in more trouble than itching.
More on this tomorrow (Part 2).
A SAND FLY ON A HUMAN FINGER - Photo by: Unknown
January 23, 2012
Pakistani Man Killed his Daughter
A Pakistani man has been arrested by Thai police on suspicion of having killed his own 5-year-old daughter.
According to the police the tragedy started when the man had a quarrel with his Thai wife, making their daughter upset and crying. The man then directed his aggression towards his daughter instead and beat her so roughly that she died.
The arrested man was staying illegally in Thailand.
January 20, 2012
Thailand Recognizes Palestine
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has thanked Thailand for their opinion that Palestine should be recognized as a state.
Beware of Bogus Monks in Phuket
It has emerged that there are a few "fake monks" in Phuket, begging money from tourists. Chatpawit Jinapong from the National Office of Buddhism say that the real monks do not receive food after eight o'clock in the morning, while bogus monks are begging (mostly for money) at any time of the day or night.
This occurs in other places in the country too. Do not be fooled. A warning is issued.
IMPORTANT! The monks on the picture below are real.
REAL MONKS ON KOH SAMET - Photo by: Jens W, Yenit.com
January 19, 2012
Police Seized Drugs for 300 million
The Thai police have taking part in an operation against a drug gang that have smuggled 51 kg ice (crystallized methamphetamine) and 300,000 yaba pills (methamphetamine) into the country. The narcotics are estimated to be worth 300 million baht on the street. A number of gang members have been arrested.
SOURCE: MCOT
Our Hotel Tip: Next to Kata in Phuket
Sawasdee Village in Kata, Phuket is our hotel tip of the day. This is a magnificent resort designed in traditional Thai design, with wooden buildings, Asian gardens, waterfalls and beautiful sculptures and artwork. A total oriental experience with all the facilities you would expect from this kind of accommodation. WiFi is included in the price.
We hardly need to mention that this is a hotel truly appreciated by the majority of its guests. The place has a very high average ratings.
The alleged Lebanese-Swedish terrorist who was arrested a few days ago has made some confessions according to Thai police. It appeared that he has kept 4.2 tons of fertilizer and other "bomb ingredients" in a warehouse situated south of Bangkok. The police have seized 400 boxes of fertilizer from the warehouse and the investigation continues.
The man has also said that a number of other people, with Swedish passports, are involved in the alleged terror cell. These are still at large.
Our thoughts: There is not much to add except that I am happy about seizure, while I am a little shocked by the scale. We do all remember the horror scenes in Oslo a few months ago!
Our Hotel Tip: Affordable in Hua Hin
Prinz Garden Villa Serviced Apartments is a popular and Mediterranean-inspired resort in Hua Hin, which can be described as an apartment hotel. The hotel has a child-friendly pool and grass areas with tables and sun beds for the guests' comfort.
We recommend this place just for the simple reason that it is affordable and has exceptionally good reviews on almost all comparison and hotel reservation websites.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the assassination of journalist Wisut “Ae Inside” Tangwitthayaporn. As we wrote here before, he was shot in his car in Phuket last Thursday. A press conference, including the suspect, will be held later today.
The arrested men is suspected of being the person who fired the fatal shots, but the police have yet to find the murder weapon, a 9 millimeter pistol.
SOURCE: PHUKET GAZETTE
Thai Boxer Lecturing a Banana Tree
Muay Thai champion Buakaw Por. Pramuk versus a banana tree:
January 14, 2012
Terror Suspect Lived in Gothenburg
The 47-year-old terror suspect man who was arrested in Bangkok is very likely to be a Swedish citizen. According to Expressen.se and their sources, he has been living in the Gothenburg area, but that was almost ten years ago. He has since returned to Lebanon.
Terror Suspect has a Swedish Passport
A Lebanese man has been arrested in Bangkok suspected of plotting terrorist attacks to be carried out in the capital. The arrest was preceded by advice from the Israeli Security Agency. Another man is also suspected of involvement. That man is still at large.
It is suspected that the two men have planned to carry out their attacks against Israeli and American interests in the country. It is thought that they belong to the Iranian-backed organization Hezbollah.
The arrested man had both a Lebanese and Swedish passport on arrest. The Swedish passport was issued in 2005.
It has NOT been confirmed whether the man really is a Swedish citizen or not. Andre Mkandawire from the Swedish Foreign Ministry commented:
"It may be that he (the suspected terrorists) have dual citizenship, or he can be a Swedish citizen with a foreign background."
IMAGE FROM THE SUSPECT'S PASSPORT - Photo by: Passport photo
January 12, 2012
Thai Journalist Shot Dead in Phuket
A Thai journalist, Wisut "Ae Inside" Tangwitthayaporn, 40, was shot dead this morning, while sitting in his Honda Jazz.
Two people on a motorcycle forced Wisut to stop the car and one of them fired four shots through the car's windshield and struck Wisut in the chest. He was rushed to the hospital, but his life could not be saved.
The police have, at the time of writing, not comment on any possible motive for the murder, but they are investigating the matter with high priority. Wisut was the owner of the magazine Inside Phuket Newspaper and an active "red shirt" (ie sympathizer with a political movement, UDD, which has some links with the government party. Pheu Thai).
800 Dogs Rescued from Certain Death
The Thai navy has rescued 800 dogs from an animal smuggling ring in northeastern Thailand. The gang were in the process of transporting the dogs across the Mekong River to Laos, for further travel to Vietnam where dog meat is considered a delicacy among some of the population.
Only one person, a 37-year-old man, were arrested, while the other suspects managed to escape. The dogs were sent to Nakhon Phanom Animal Quarantine Station for care.
WHO SAID THAT DOGS DON'T SMILE?! - Photo by: Jens W, Yenit.com
January 10, 2012
Man from Surin Marries Dead Girlfriend
Deff Yingyuen from Surin in northeast Thailand has married his dead girlfriend. The somewhat spectacular and unusual ceremony took place almost a week ago, in a temple in his home province.
The couple had been together for ten years and had decided to marry, but the plans were ruined when the bride was killed in a tragic accident. However, Deff kept his promise and completed the plans.
The news of the unusual wedding gathered a lot of attention in social media, such as Facebook.
January 9, 2012
Our Hotel Tip: Four Stars in Bangkok
Viva Garden is a recently built four-star hotel in central Bangkok and if it's ok to stay a little further down on Sukhumvit Road (soi 60), you should really consider this hotel. This is a place with all the facilities that you can expect from a first-class accommodation (including large balconies). Moreover, it is situated really close to the nearest skytrain station, which is found only minutes away from the hotel.
Viva Garden has received outstanding reviews and customer ratings on many reservation and comparison websites.
The Thai opposition, The Democrat Party, believe that the government's plan to use the central bank's assets to pay off debts is extremely risky and can result in high inflation and even a currency crisis.
Former Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij also believes that the current government's promises of tax cuts for first-time car buyers and giving out free tablet computers to students are populism, which might damage the country's economy over time. Countries forcing central banks to print money are considered to be "banana republics", says Korn.
We will write more on this in coming weeks.
January 6, 2012
Renner in the Middle of a Bar Brawl
The US Hollywood star Jeremy Renner got in the middle of a violent bar fight yesterday morning, at the Carnala-Rachada Pub in Phuket Town. A person in his entourage, the General Manager of the Sri Panwa Resort, was attacked by six persons armed with knives and a home-made ax!
The trouble is reported to have begun when the 31-year-old hotel manager dropped a glass, but what happened next is not yet officially known. The manager was taken the the hospital as he was stabbed, but he is said to be "ok". Jeremy Renner avoided the situation without injuries, according to his spokesperson.
The trouble started around half past four in the morning, and this is considerably later than the time the bars should be closed, according to the law. The police is now considering to close the bar for at least a sixty-day period.
Renner has starred in movies such as: "The Hurt Locker," "Thor," "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" and "28 Weeks Later".
JEREMY RENNER, AMERICAN ACTOR - Photo by: Unknown
January 4, 2012
Police Found Ya Ice Worth 220 Million!
The Thai police have found (!) six abandoned bags containing 73 kilos of ya ice (crystallized methamphetamine) at a bus terminal in Bangkok. The drugs are worth 220 million baht on the street!
Akira Ogata, was the Japanese chemist who first crystallized methamphetamine in 1919. The drug is highly addictive and really dangerous for the body and psyche. A user who try to quit often suffer from withdrawal, depression, panic attacks, fatigue symptoms and other mental problems.
Our thoughts: Ice is beginning to be equally disastrous for Thailand as yaba was ten years ago. The drug is particularly popular among young people and many prostitutes and the awareness of the drug's adverse effects are frightening low.
452 Million Baht to Benefit Tourism
The Tourism Department in Thailand is seeking 452 million baht to promote and enhance tourism in the country. This will benefit 28 different projects in selected tourist destinations.
January 3, 2012
Our Hotel Tip: Four Stars on Koh Chang
Gajapuri Resort & Spa is located next to the beach Kai Bae Beach on the west coast of Koh Chang. They offer everything from bungalows to small "houses" with their own private pools. The resort also has facilities like a swimming pool, pool bar, massage room, ice cream bar and restaurant.
This is one of the absolutely most popular hotels on the island and is currently top ranked in the most internationally popular comparison site Tripadvisor. This is a resort we can really recommend to anyone who wants it real nice on the "Elephant Island".
It has been raining a lot in southeast Thailand over the past two days. Fortunately, it has not resulted in any serious flooding, but obviously it is very sad for all travelers (and even for many locals and business owners). I personally have celebrated Christmas and New Year about 15-16 times on Samui and it's not often that the weather is this bad in early January.
My name is Jens and I was born in the early seventies in Södertälje, Sweden. I traveled for the first time to Thailand in 1989-1990 and already then started to have strong (positive) feelings for the country and it's people. During subsequent trips, it was mainly beach-life and Muay Thai training on the agenda but as time has gone by a strong interest regarding Thailand's history, community and culture has emerged within me. In early 2004, I moved here permanently.
My wife Rawadee is indirectly involved in the writing and contributes with knowledge, facts and inspiration. We try to alternate daily news from the country with our own reflections. The news and blog are illustrated with some photos, both my own and others. I hope you'll find the reading somewhat useful and I am of course open to your comments, suggestions and criticisms.
We are full-time geeks. Jens is working with web development, search engine optimization, graphic design and photography. Rawadee had a computer shop before, but is now also working with web development.
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February 28, 2012
