China bans import of durian from Thailand over banned chemicals
Thailand is tightening controls on fruit exports after a durian ban in China due to banned chemicals. With stricter inspections, new protocols and the “4-No” policy, the country aims to ensure the quality of its fruit. Minister Narumon will soon travel to China to restore confidence and boost trade opportunities.
China denies that its dams are responsible for Thailand’s floods, following concerns raised by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. China says water management in the Mekong River is normal and it is willing to work with other countries to address the challenges of flooding and climate change. However, tensions over water discharges remain.
Book review: Bencharong Chinese porcelain for Siam
Two years ago River Books in Bangkok published the chic looking book Bencharong – Chinese Porcelain for Siam. A luxuriously published book about an eminently luxurious and exclusive artisanal product. The American author Dawn Fairley Rooney, who lives in Bangkok, was not ready for her test piece. She has already published nine books, four of which are about Southeast Asian ceramics.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has given the green light to the second phase of the ambitious Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase extends from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai and covers 357,12 kilometers. With planned completion in 2031, this project promises to significantly improve regional mobility and stimulate economic growth.
Apple is increasingly shifting production from China to Thailand
In a strategic move, Apple is increasingly moving production of its famous products from China to Thailand. This decision, driven by a desire to reduce trade risks, marks a significant shift in the tech company's global manufacturing strategy. With talks of MacBook production in Thailand, Apple's plan reveals a new direction in the dynamic world of the international technology market.
Traveling from Thailand to China will soon be visa-free for travelers with a Dutch passport
From December 1, Dutch people can travel to China visa-free for a period of fifteen days. The temporary measure, which also applies to some other European countries and Malaysia, is part of China's efforts to revive post-pandemic tourism and improve its international image.
'Chinese tourists flood Thailand', you occasionally read in the press. But that's nothing new, it's been happening for two centuries. It is well known that the Chinese have played a major role in the development of Thailand in many areas. This community is inextricably linked to the modernization and development of Thailand, but that did not go without a struggle.
Recent research from the Mastercard Economics Institute shows that tourism spending in Thailand has increased by 40% compared to 2014. The report, called “Travel Industry Trends 2023”, provides an in-depth look at global travel trends, which are impacted by economic changes , consumer preferences and the opening of China.
Foreign influence on the architecture of Siam/Thailand has been, so to speak, timeless. In the Sukhothai period when Siam was first mentioned, the architecture was clearly determined by an eclectic mix of Indian, Ceylonese, Mon, Khmer and Burmese style elements.
Born from the mists of time
There are various theories about the origin of Thailand, which are by no means all valid or academically substantiated. It therefore remains extremely difficult and challenging to make statements about this that can be labeled as historically correct in one way or another. Much has probably disappeared in the mists of time.
The Bisu extinct soon?
In the past I have regularly paid attention on this blog to the patchwork that the Thai multi-ethnic state is from an ethnographic point of view. Today I would like to take a moment to reflect on what is perhaps the least known ethnic group in the country, the Bisu. According to the most recent counts – which are now 14 years old – there are still about 700 to 1.100 Bisu living in Thailand, which also makes them the most endangered ethnic group.
Thailand is in talks with Sinovac Biotech to purchase an additional five million doses of the CoronaVac vaccine. On Saturday, 800.000 doses were received from China. The last extra delivery is intended for more medical personnel and risk groups.
First Covid-19 vaccines arrived in Thailand today
The first 200.000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines from China arrived at Suvarnabhumi this morning. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and senior officials witnessed a THAI Airways International plane carrying the vaccine from Beijing land at the airport at 10.05:XNUMX am.
Thailand wants quarantine-free travel bubble with China
Bloomberg News recently reported that Thailand is in talks with China to make arrangements for a quarantine-free travel bubble in January next year.
Thailand has restarted exports to China
After a long period of standstill and slowdown in the export of agricultural products, a new way has been found to transport goods back to China and thus start exports. For this, Thailand has to circumvent various obstacles in order to get their products quickly and efficiently transported to China.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in China does not expect many Chinese tourists to come to Thailand again soon if the travel ban is lifted. The Chinese simply have less money to spend due to the corona crisis, which is also hitting China hard. Unemployment among the Chiese working population, for example, has risen sharply.
South Korea and China (including Hong Kong and Macao) are no longer seen by Thailand as risk areas. The countries have been removed from the list of 'Disease Infected Zones for Covid-19'.
The WHO, a politically corrupt organization? (video)
In one of the articles about the coronavirus, I once asked the question whether the WHO has not become a political organization instead of an organization that should be concerned with the health of the inhabitants of our earth as an independent party. I know the answer, but for those who don't know, this video of 'Zondag met Lubach' may be an eye opener.
History of Wuhan in China
Now that the Coronavirus has broken out in Wuhan in China, everyone knows this place by name. A large city with 7,5 million inhabitants that little was known about until now, but named after the Wuhan River.
Update Coronavirus in Thailand (3): First death outside of China
In the Philippines, the first fatality from the Coronavirus outside of China was reported on Saturday. It concerns a 44-year-old man from the Chinese city of Wuhan, he was one of two people in the Philippines who were infected with the virus. This has been announced by the Philippine Department of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Thailand travel advice update and additional information
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close cooperation with the embassy and its chain partners, has adjusted the travel advice for Thailand in connection with the outbreak of the corona virus.
Thailand says it is vigilant against the spread of coronavirus
The Thai government says they are vigilant to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Now that it is known that the virus, originating in China, can be transmitted from person to person, the chance of further spread is high.