tide

Lots of Asian tourists/long-term residents in Thailand. And rising. Most of them, for obvious reasons, don't use English-only forums.

Coupled with dropping non-Asian tourist numbers, perhaps why post traffic will only decline in English-only forums such as this and ThaiVisa

transpac

The Zip-line rides might be best avoided? It might be safer to take a mini-van, or a ferry? Love the initial cause of death .

Another Chinese Tourist Dies on Chiang Mai Zipline

CHIANG MAI — A Chinese tourist died at a zipline attraction in Chiang Mai on Sunday, the second this year to die in the northern province under similar circumstances.

Criminal negligence charges may be filed against the owners and operators of the Flying Squirrels zipline operation after news of the fatal incident emerged yesterday from a local police commander, who told reporters his unit were notified Sunday evening about an unconscious 32-year-old tourist, who was later pronounced dead.

Police Col. Adul Somnuek said the deceased tourist’s friends complained to the Chinese consulate in Chiang Mai because Flying Squirrel initially told police the victim may have died of heart failure. At that point the consulate urged Thai police to investigate the matter, he said. The consulate has not responded to requests for comment.

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1444734610

whackyjacky

I'd feel a lot safer on the zip line than the train to Chiang Mai.

transpac

Industry call to ban new flights at Suvarnabhumi


The aviation industry is calling for a ban on new flights operating through Suvarnabhumi airport to prevent further congestion. The Airline Operators Committee (AOC), a coalition of 86 international airlines...

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...t-suvarnabhumi

transpac

Yes, SRT trains do derail quite often, like daily, but they go so slowly that no one ever dies. The trains just sort of flop over on their sides.

Most people die at the railroad crossings where there is a mad-dash/roulette to beat the speeding trains at the thousands of informal "crossings".

On a shoddy zip-line you might not have a chance, assuming you experience a cardiac event?

Capsizing ferries are fine, if you can swim, as the water is warm and there are no sharks. But a lot of tourists can't swim, just like those slaves on the Thai fishing vessels who get tossed overboard for slacking on the job.

transpac

Clueless.


Five Dolphins, Two Seals on Phuket Ready for Dolphinarium Opening

PHUKET: Five dolphins and two seals have already been flown in and are on Phuket being trained in readiness for the opening of the much-criticised Dolphinarium, officials confirmed today.

''The dolphins and seals were flown to Phuket and arrived on October 7,'' said Pisanu Na Aran, of the Phuket Fisheries Department.

http://phuketwan.com/tourism/five-do...opening-23406/

transpac

Smart lad...can't tell if he's praying, or wai-ing?

transpac

Interesting follow-up/detail on the above incident.

Again, smart lad...

Why Are Elephants Attacking Motorists In Thailand?

Thai elephants are amiable, curious creatures with long memories. They learn quickly, enjoy playing and hanging around their tight-knit families, and understand the importance of relationships and teamwork. These gentle giants are just like people, too.

So when a herd of elephants round up on an unexpected motorist puttering along a road in Khao Yai National Park, what caused their irate behavior?

This incident, which occurred on a road to Prachin Buri near Km 32, was actually more a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

http://socialnewsdaily.com/58649/why...s-in-thailand/

Diplomatico

ATM fees at many, if not most, Thai banks have risen to 200 thb per transaction for withdrawals using foreign bank cards. Shameless rip-off.

Tchiowa

I noticed that yesterday. Probably has to do with the baht dropping the past few months. Or at least that's the excuse.

transpac

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/...es-rise-again/

It seems like the Thai Bankers Assoc. decided to implement this increase in unison, and it has been implemented over the recent period Nov. 6 - 9.

I used an AEON ATM today and the stated fee (my bank reimburses for ATM fees) was still showing as 150 THB, but expect that might change.

I doubt the "government" cares much as this mainly affects foreigners, but quite a few Thais have on-line businesses, with links to int'l payment systems so they are affected (they eventually have to use a local ATM to get baht, but they are getting a lot more these days). Quite a few complaints on Thai social media about this increase.

I can see this rising annually now, maybe 50 baht each year until it gets to 350 baht then maybe no further increases?

transpac

From urinal to the sea

(6 Photos)

CHON BURI - Photos of outdoor urinals with pipes leading out to sea have circulated on social media, generating a wave of critical comment.

The photos were reportedly taken at Bang Saen beach during 11th Bangsaen Bike Week last weekend.

Net users slammed organisers as being irresponsible and causing pollution, and questioned the local authorities' handling of the issue.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/photo/pho...nal-to-the-sea

TravelinSperry

That's really sad. My bank reimburses ATM fees but since the conversion with fee it doesn't show as a ATM fee - so no reimbursement. Ah well, take out as much as you can I guess.

braslvr

Funny, with all the things the Thais do, peeing into the ocean is an absolute non-event.

Tchiowa

I suspect that some of the controversy has to do with the physical construction of the urinals. A woman with her legs apart and you pee between her legs? Yeah, that might get one or two people worked up.