Free toll roads during Songkran
The gates of many toll roads in Thailand will remain unmanned from April 10. No toll has to be paid until April 16. For example, the Thai are urged to move away from the big cities to visit family and friends in the countryside.
News from Thailand – April 8, 2012
To remain competitive when the Asian Economic Community comes into force in 2015, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will need to invest abroad and explore new opportunities in the region.
News from Thailand – April 7, 2012
Thai hospitals would do well to replace the Dilation and Curettage method in an abortion with the Manual Vacuum Aspiration method, in accordance with a recommendation from the World Health Organization WHO. That method is much safer and more efficient.
Every now and then I am not over amazed at what I see in Thailand. So here's another post to get the reader's opinion.
News from Thailand – April 6, 2012
During Songkran, the Thai New Year, 100 billion baht will be spent this year, 7 percent more than last year and the highest amount in the past six years, according to a study by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce of 1.184 respondents.
Stress test for Suvarnabhumi with Songkran
It's about tightening up with the Songkran holiday at Suvarnabhumi. Between 9 and 18 April, the airport has to handle 170.000 passengers a day, compared to the normal 160.000. There are 9.437 extra flights during that period with a total of 1,73 million passengers.
Thai chicken is allowed again after 8 years
The European Union has lifted the import ban that had applied to uncooked chicken meat since the outbreak of bird flu in 2004. Japan and South Korea follow the EU's decision. The Minister of Agriculture expects Thailand to be able to export 50.000 tons to Europe this year.
Around Pattaya
It was time again for my annual trip to Laem Chabang to hand in my paper proof for the SVB, which I am still alive, at the regional SSO office in order to be assured of my monthly AOW pension. It is a nice quiet drive of about 20 kilometers on Sukhumvit Road to the north.
News from Thailand – April 5, 2012
It may have been yesterday, today it is final: Thailand and Cambodia will not withdraw their troops from the demilitarized zone around Hindu temple Preah Vihear established by the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
News from Thailand – April 4, 2012
A bounty of 500.000 baht has been placed on the heads of the two insurgents responsible for Saturday's bomb explosions at the Lee Gardens Plaza hotel in Hat Yai (Songkhla). Images of the perpetrators were captured by a surveillance camera. Presumably they have already left the country.
Troops may stay with Preah Vihear
Troops at Preah Vihear Hindu temple may not be withdrawn if bilateral talks between Thailand and Cambodia progress well, Foreign Minister Surapong Towijakchaikul said.
Shakespeare film should not be censored
The film Shakespeare Tong Tai (Shakespeare must die) by Thai filmmakers Ing K and Manit Sriwanichpoom has been banned by censorship.
News from Thailand – April 3, 2012
More than half of Songkran hotel bookings have been canceled due to Saturday's bomb explosions. In monetary terms, the damage to tourism and local businesses is 200 million baht. A turnover of 500 million baht was expected.
From now on we will come up with a statement about Thailand every week. We also provide a brief explanation and motivation for the ruling.
The purpose of the statement is to give our readers the opportunity to comment on it. You can let us know whether or not you agree with the statement, and also provide an explanation and your argumentation.
Thaksin's visit to Laos and Cambodia is a litmus test
Former Prime Minister Thaksin will be in Laos on April 11 and 12. When he stands on the bank of the Mekong, he can see Thailand. But he will not set foot in his native land. Not yet. The question is therefore not whether he will return, but when, writes Saridet Marukatat in the Bangkok Post of April 2.
What moves couple leader Sonthi?
Remarkable man is General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin. In 2006, he led the military coup that ended more than five years of uninterrupted rule by Thaksin. He now chairs a parliamentary committee that has embraced a report that could form the basis for an amnesty for Thaksin, allowing the ever-popular former prime minister to return with his head held high and reclaim his confiscated assets.
News from Thailand – April 2, 2012
Good news for tourists who prefer not to use their credit card in Thailand. Krung Thai Bank, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, has launched a chip card that can be loaded with up to 30.000 baht.