News from Thailand – Saturday, April 4, 2015
This page contains a selection from the Thai news. We list headlines from major news sources including: Bangkok Post, The Nation, ThaiPBS, MCOT, etc.
There is a web link behind the news items. When you click on it you can read the full article at the English source.
News from Thailand – Saturday, April 4, 2015
The Nation opens with a clear statement from Prime Minister Prayut: “There is no place in Thailand for the instigators of trouble”. He thus responded to the criticism of Article 44, which gave him absolute power in Thailand. He stressed that troublemakers who put pressure on the government under the banner of 'democracy' will encounter him. Thailand needs time to put its affairs in order, he said in his speech at a meeting at the 106th anniversary of the Command and General Staff College in Bangkok. Prayut denied recent allegations by CNN that he threatened to crack down on journalists under Article 44. He added that from now on, would give as few interviews as possible: http://goo.gl/yMbhwz
Bangkok Post opens on Saturday with Prayut's pledge to crack down on human trafficking in Thailand, including prostitution and children begging. Corrupt officials who turn a blind eye or are involved will be brought to justice, he said in a speech to 529 governors and civil servants, among others. Defense Minister Prawit wants governors in the province and police commanders to look for ways to end human trafficking: http://goo.gl/JNSNDH
– Europe has now also spoken out about the abolition of the state of emergency and the use of Article 44. “This change does not bring Thailand closer to a democratic and responsible government,” said Federica Mogherini on behalf of the EU. She also thought that Thailand should stop using military courts to try civilians: http://goo.gl/Q1Oe4T
– 25 passengers were injured in a bus accident in Plai Phraya (Krabi) today. The bus was on its way from Bangkok to Phuket and allegedly crashed because the driver fell asleep. The bus driver fled after the accident: http://goo.gl/n47hyA
– Six airlines may continue to fly to Japan for another two months. The condition is that the same aircraft are flown. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has signed an agreement for this with the Thai Civil Aviation Department (TCAD). Meanwhile, Thailand will have time to put its aviation affairs in order. This is much needed after the international civil aviation organization ICAO has expressed its concerns about the safety of Thai aviation. ICAO expects the Thai aviation industry to make demonstrable improvements within nine months: http://goo.gl/b1l9r
– You can read more current news on the Twitter feed of Thailandblog.nl: twitter.com/thailand_blog
Prostitution will be dealt with harshly, perhaps closing the go-go bars? Thai airlines (also Thai Air Asia), which may soon no longer be allowed to operate international flights. Entire beaches, some permanent and others on Wednesdays, without beach chairs. Fewer tourists from Russia (30%) and Europe due to the weak ruble and euro. Increased prices in Thailand compared to neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Burma. Half-finished or vacant construction projects, either because the buyers can no longer afford the repayments or because the project developer has left with the northern sun. Am I a pessimist if I assume that tourism to Thailand will take a major hit? Or will the Chinese travel to Thailand in even greater numbers?
Leo is it only on Wednesday that there are no beach chairs or the whole week and is this also e.g. on koh samui gr
Jan, this question is difficult to answer, the situation is likely to change. On some beaches no beach chairs are allowed at all (see, for example, Elly's story below) and on others, such as Pattaya and Jomtien, there is a ban on Wednesdays. For example, Bang Saen, about 40 km north of Pattaya, is not prohibited and as far as I know the beach chairs on Koh Samui were/are also available all week. But perhaps that is also outdated now. Thailand is considered a beach destination for many people (especially during the day) and the fact that you cannot use certain facilities does not do tourism any good in my opinion. And the uncertainty, such as you have, is of course completely disastrous. If, when booking a holiday, you are not sure whether or not you can sit/lie on a beach under a parasol and order a drink or snack, then I can easily imagine that you will choose a different destination.
I think, dear Leo, you are absolutely right about the general tourist policy in Thailand at the moment. It is ridiculous that the entire beach from HuaHin to Kao Tiab has to remain empty (no beach chairs, umbrellas, etc.) and that everyone is obliged to do so to move to another beach. The majority of people are 65+, so less flexible, why this measure? Nobody knows, even the people who manage the chairs and beach bars are puzzled. I've even seen photos of a beach in that region where the beach is fenced off with rolls of barbed wire and you can't walk any further.
Nice, come to Thailand, it's a pity but I think this measure will cost a lot of tourists, at least from Europe.
Ellie, totally agree.
I have also experienced it myself that I could not continue due to a barrier during a walk on the beach.
Yes, moving to another beach, what a crowd it will be there......., not really attractive.
Not at all for many elderly people, a van or tuktuk every day?
Indeed, landlords of the beds and eateries are of course the biggest losers.
Do we really have to conclude that we had the best time here?