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Thailand Forum Lounge-Thread: Thai News & Open Discussion
#826
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Heaviest rain in 30 years: PM
ing voices concern as southerners brace for more downpours and death toll hits 21
Eleven provinces were warned to expect more heavy downpours yesterday and today, as many areas of the South remained inundated following the heaviest rains in 30 years.
[Earlier developments]
The severe flooding came after “the worst rainfall in more than 30 years”, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha told reporters yesterday, as the death toll reached 21.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, meanwhile, has voiced concern for people affected by the southern floods, Deputy Premier Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30303801
ing voices concern as southerners brace for more downpours and death toll hits 21
Eleven provinces were warned to expect more heavy downpours yesterday and today, as many areas of the South remained inundated following the heaviest rains in 30 years.
[Earlier developments]
The severe flooding came after “the worst rainfall in more than 30 years”, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha told reporters yesterday, as the death toll reached 21.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, meanwhile, has voiced concern for people affected by the southern floods, Deputy Premier Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30303801
#828
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
All this flooding is in the south of Thailand; from Prachuap Khiri Khan southwards. Many of the reservoirs in the north are still well below capacity.
Here in Bangkok it rained (medium) all night (9/10 January) and lightly rained for much of today; don't recall this much rain ever before in January.
Here in Bangkok it rained (medium) all night (9/10 January) and lightly rained for much of today; don't recall this much rain ever before in January.
#829
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
A temporary bridge has been put in place in Bang Saphan in Prachuap Khiri Khan, allowing the main north-south highway to sort of re-open.
Death toll reaches 25 as temporary bridges reopen traffic (Wed. Update)
PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN – Temporary bridges have been placed over the ends of two bridges on Phetkasem Highway, which had been cut off by strong currents, enabling traffic on the highway to resume from early Wednesday, the Highways Department announced.
The first Bailey bridge was built over the opening at one end of Nong Ya Plong bridge at kilometre marker 365 in tambon Chai Kasem of Bang Saphan district. The work was completed at 3.10am.
The second bridge was done 20 minutes later over the opening at one end of Wang Yao bridge on Highway 4 at kilometre marker 386 in tambon Thong Mongkol in Bang Saphan district.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/...loods-limited-
I think the railroad only goes as far as Hua Hin? Based on this photo it may be a while before that re-opens, unless used as a roller-coaster? (This is in Phattalung; scheduled for repair by Jan. 16 barring no more rain.)
Death toll reaches 25 as temporary bridges reopen traffic (Wed. Update)
PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN – Temporary bridges have been placed over the ends of two bridges on Phetkasem Highway, which had been cut off by strong currents, enabling traffic on the highway to resume from early Wednesday, the Highways Department announced.
The first Bailey bridge was built over the opening at one end of Nong Ya Plong bridge at kilometre marker 365 in tambon Chai Kasem of Bang Saphan district. The work was completed at 3.10am.
The second bridge was done 20 minutes later over the opening at one end of Wang Yao bridge on Highway 4 at kilometre marker 386 in tambon Thong Mongkol in Bang Saphan district.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/...loods-limited-
I think the railroad only goes as far as Hua Hin? Based on this photo it may be a while before that re-opens, unless used as a roller-coaster? (This is in Phattalung; scheduled for repair by Jan. 16 barring no more rain.)
Last edited by transpac; Jan 12, 2017 at 7:17 pm
#830
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Three Thai airports may not meet international safety inspection standards
BANGKOK: -- Three large provincial Thai airports face problems after it was revealed that they may not meet international standards for security.
If the airports fail a mid year inspection by international aviation authorities they could be closed to international travel both incoming and outgoing.
The airports concerned are Krabi, Udon Thani and Surat Thani.
The Universal Security Audit Program is due to inspect 11 Thai airports in June and July of this year. USAP monitors member state's security performance, reports Thairath.
Without their rubber stamp international flights cannot land or depart from an airport.
Thai government officials are concerned that the installation of new X-ray machines to detect weapons at the three airports will not be fully operational. They said the machines will only be fully functional by October.
Somsak Hommuang of the communications ministry has ordered the creation of a committee to oversee the airports' efforts to comply with international regulations.
Thai Rath reported that the Thai Airport Authority that oversees all 11 airports due to be inspected were "ready but concerned".
The airports concerned may have to prove their systems will be in place without them actually being ready at the time of the mid year inspection.
BANGKOK: -- Three large provincial Thai airports face problems after it was revealed that they may not meet international standards for security.
If the airports fail a mid year inspection by international aviation authorities they could be closed to international travel both incoming and outgoing.
The airports concerned are Krabi, Udon Thani and Surat Thani.
The Universal Security Audit Program is due to inspect 11 Thai airports in June and July of this year. USAP monitors member state's security performance, reports Thairath.
Without their rubber stamp international flights cannot land or depart from an airport.
Thai government officials are concerned that the installation of new X-ray machines to detect weapons at the three airports will not be fully operational. They said the machines will only be fully functional by October.
Somsak Hommuang of the communications ministry has ordered the creation of a committee to oversee the airports' efforts to comply with international regulations.
Thai Rath reported that the Thai Airport Authority that oversees all 11 airports due to be inspected were "ready but concerned".
The airports concerned may have to prove their systems will be in place without them actually being ready at the time of the mid year inspection.
#831
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Train service to South partly resumes today
The State Railways of Thailand today partly resumed train services to the flood-stricken southern provinces after the damaged rail section in Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan was completely repaired.
However all south-bound trains from Bangkok could only run to Thung Song railway station in Nakhon Si Thammarat after all were stranded at Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan stations following the damage of the track by flashflood in Bang Saphan district early this week.
The SRT said the damaged section of the rail line between Bang Saphan Yai and Chamuang was restored back to normal last night, and south-bound train service has resumed partly.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/tra...resumes-today/
The State Railways of Thailand today partly resumed train services to the flood-stricken southern provinces after the damaged rail section in Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan was completely repaired.
However all south-bound trains from Bangkok could only run to Thung Song railway station in Nakhon Si Thammarat after all were stranded at Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan stations following the damage of the track by flashflood in Bang Saphan district early this week.
The SRT said the damaged section of the rail line between Bang Saphan Yai and Chamuang was restored back to normal last night, and south-bound train service has resumed partly.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/tra...resumes-today/
#832
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
There is a rail system that you can ride from Singapore/Malaysia boarder up to Bangkok (The Eastern & Oriental Train). Is it safe to assume that their weekly journey is now on hold due to rail failures, or are they using a different route? Just curious.
Train service to South partly resumes today
The State Railways of Thailand today partly resumed train services to the flood-stricken southern provinces after the damaged rail section in Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan was completely repaired.
However all south-bound trains from Bangkok could only run to Thung Song railway station in Nakhon Si Thammarat after all were stranded at Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan stations following the damage of the track by flashflood in Bang Saphan district early this week.
The SRT said the damaged section of the rail line between Bang Saphan Yai and Chamuang was restored back to normal last night, and south-bound train service has resumed partly.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/tra...resumes-today/
The State Railways of Thailand today partly resumed train services to the flood-stricken southern provinces after the damaged rail section in Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan was completely repaired.
However all south-bound trains from Bangkok could only run to Thung Song railway station in Nakhon Si Thammarat after all were stranded at Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan stations following the damage of the track by flashflood in Bang Saphan district early this week.
The SRT said the damaged section of the rail line between Bang Saphan Yai and Chamuang was restored back to normal last night, and south-bound train service has resumed partly.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/tra...resumes-today/
#833
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Is it safe to assume that their weekly journey is now on hold due to rail failures
Yes. E&O carriages get pulled by SRT trains, with a few local exciting moments.
I think E&O has expressed "concern" re:SRT's safety record, but these trains go so slowly they just sort of fall over and I can't remember anyone ever dying in the hundreds of derailments. All of the people killed are usually in vehicles, at level crossings trying to "cheat death".
Yes. E&O carriages get pulled by SRT trains, with a few local exciting moments.
I think E&O has expressed "concern" re:SRT's safety record, but these trains go so slowly they just sort of fall over and I can't remember anyone ever dying in the hundreds of derailments. All of the people killed are usually in vehicles, at level crossings trying to "cheat death".
#834
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Peach Aviation goes for cute appeal
Thai's love for anything Japanese has ensured initial robust bookings for Peach Aviation's first foray from Japan into Southeast Asia, and more specifically Bangkok.
That affinity is underscored by the introduction of flights to lesser-known destinations such as Okinawa, which the Japanese low-cost carrier will begin to serve from Feb 20.
At the official launch of the Bangkok-Okinawa daily flight in Bangkok yesterday, Peach chief executive Shinichi Inoue made a surprise announcement: 50% of all reservations made for the flights have been made by Thais.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...or-cute-appeal
Thai's love for anything Japanese has ensured initial robust bookings for Peach Aviation's first foray from Japan into Southeast Asia, and more specifically Bangkok.
That affinity is underscored by the introduction of flights to lesser-known destinations such as Okinawa, which the Japanese low-cost carrier will begin to serve from Feb 20.
At the official launch of the Bangkok-Okinawa daily flight in Bangkok yesterday, Peach chief executive Shinichi Inoue made a surprise announcement: 50% of all reservations made for the flights have been made by Thais.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...or-cute-appeal
#835
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Anupong warns of heavy rain in capital
Residents of Bangkok and neighbouring provinces should brace for more heavy rain expected to hit the country between Sunday and Monday, says Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda.
He said his ministry has told every province to brace for rain and step up efforts to ensure swift water drainage and ease traffic problems in the event rain batters the capital.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...ain-in-capital
Residents of Bangkok and neighbouring provinces should brace for more heavy rain expected to hit the country between Sunday and Monday, says Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda.
He said his ministry has told every province to brace for rain and step up efforts to ensure swift water drainage and ease traffic problems in the event rain batters the capital.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...ain-in-capital
#836
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Runway work to cut capacity
Aircraft operators at Suvarnabhumi, Thailand's gateway airport, are braced for impact with the scheduled closure of part of a runway for repairs.
A 1,250-metre section of the northern runway, 4,000 metres in overall length, will undergo scheduled maintenance involving resurfacing from March 3 to May 5.
The 60-day job will reduce the airport's overall capacity to handle aircraft movements to 60 an hour from the current 68.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...o-cut-capacity
Thai AirAsia adds Mandalay flight
Thai AirAsia (TAA) is to introduce a second daily flight from Bangkok to Mandalay to meet stronger demand.
The additional service will commence on March 17, expanding the low-cost carrier's (LCC) footprint in the emerging travel market.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, commercial director for TAA, said the airline's services to Myanmar have grown in popularity as Thais like to travel to the republic to pay homage at its holy sites.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...andalay-flight
THAI Smile aiming for premium status
THAI Smile appears to be ushering in a new era with its market positioning and growth strategy better defined and executed.
The wholly owned subsidiary of flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) has now ascertained it will become a premium full-service carrier, boosting its regional footprint in a bid to become one of Asia's leading airlines over the next five years.
The low-profile THAI Smile is ending its confusing past status, once as a budget airline and then as a "light premium" carrier to be a fully-fledged legacy airline in the same league as Singapore's SilkAir and Cathay Dragon, previously Dragonair, of Hong Kong.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/...premium-status
Aircraft operators at Suvarnabhumi, Thailand's gateway airport, are braced for impact with the scheduled closure of part of a runway for repairs.
A 1,250-metre section of the northern runway, 4,000 metres in overall length, will undergo scheduled maintenance involving resurfacing from March 3 to May 5.
The 60-day job will reduce the airport's overall capacity to handle aircraft movements to 60 an hour from the current 68.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...o-cut-capacity
Thai AirAsia adds Mandalay flight
Thai AirAsia (TAA) is to introduce a second daily flight from Bangkok to Mandalay to meet stronger demand.
The additional service will commence on March 17, expanding the low-cost carrier's (LCC) footprint in the emerging travel market.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, commercial director for TAA, said the airline's services to Myanmar have grown in popularity as Thais like to travel to the republic to pay homage at its holy sites.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...andalay-flight
THAI Smile aiming for premium status
THAI Smile appears to be ushering in a new era with its market positioning and growth strategy better defined and executed.
The wholly owned subsidiary of flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) has now ascertained it will become a premium full-service carrier, boosting its regional footprint in a bid to become one of Asia's leading airlines over the next five years.
The low-profile THAI Smile is ending its confusing past status, once as a budget airline and then as a "light premium" carrier to be a fully-fledged legacy airline in the same league as Singapore's SilkAir and Cathay Dragon, previously Dragonair, of Hong Kong.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/...premium-status
#837
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Thailand Wants Rich Chinese Tourists, Not Budget Groups
Thailand is nursing a slide in Chinese holidaymakers after cracking down on low-budget tours from the world’s most-populous country, muddying the Southeast Asian nation’s economic growth outlook.
Arrivals fell 16 percent in December from a year ago, extending a slide that began after Thailand in September clamped down on operators bringing in large groups from China on cut-price holidays. Some of the impact could linger in the early part of 2017, according to Kasikorn Research Center Co.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...growth-outlook
Thailand is nursing a slide in Chinese holidaymakers after cracking down on low-budget tours from the world’s most-populous country, muddying the Southeast Asian nation’s economic growth outlook.
Arrivals fell 16 percent in December from a year ago, extending a slide that began after Thailand in September clamped down on operators bringing in large groups from China on cut-price holidays. Some of the impact could linger in the early part of 2017, according to Kasikorn Research Center Co.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...growth-outlook
#838
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Tourist dive boat explodes, leaves 21 stranded in water
A dive boat malfunctioned and exploded off Satun’s shore, leaving the passengers floating in the southern sea for over an hour before a fishing boat rescued them.
Marine police received a report of a boat accident last night. They found a fishing boat that rescued 18 foreign tourists and three crew members from the sunken Jaran Tour 3 boat, and took them safely to Pak Bara Pier on Satun’s shore.
Captain Jamroen Noomee, 60, said that the boat was heading for Koh Rok island in Trang. Not long after they passed Ravi Island, a scuba tank blew up and set the boat on fire. Jaran Tour 3 burned down and sank.
http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2017/01/2...stranded-water
A dive boat malfunctioned and exploded off Satun’s shore, leaving the passengers floating in the southern sea for over an hour before a fishing boat rescued them.
Marine police received a report of a boat accident last night. They found a fishing boat that rescued 18 foreign tourists and three crew members from the sunken Jaran Tour 3 boat, and took them safely to Pak Bara Pier on Satun’s shore.
Captain Jamroen Noomee, 60, said that the boat was heading for Koh Rok island in Trang. Not long after they passed Ravi Island, a scuba tank blew up and set the boat on fire. Jaran Tour 3 burned down and sank.
http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2017/01/2...stranded-water
#839
Both runways are 19L/R 01L/R
Which runway are they closing? East runway or West runway?
#840
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
01R / 19L (this is 4,000 m long, while 01L / 19R is 3,700 m long)
so the "northern-most" 1,250 m section of 01R / 19L will be re-surfaced.
Again, just my guess.
No clue if they can or would use the "shortened" remaining section for narrow-body departures/arrivals. Shades of SQ 006/TPE, although they are avoiding the potential inclement weather issue.