Jan 3, 2015, 10:09 pm
Last edit by: aBroadAbroad
This thread is for Thailand news/events and general discussion. It is meant to reduce clutter in the main forum. If you notice a topic here that deserves its own thread, please alert a moderator.
READ FIRST: Thailand Lounge-Thread Guidelines
Special thanks to FlyerTalker Kalboz for launching the original Thai News & Open Discussion lounge back in 2009!
READ FIRST: Thailand Lounge-Thread Guidelines
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Special thanks to FlyerTalker Kalboz for launching the original Thai News & Open Discussion lounge back in 2009!
Thailand Forum Lounge-Thread: Thai News & Open Discussion
Jan 29, 2018, 2:38 am
#1021
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Yes. 3/4 the space, for more information. Have been in use for quite a few months. I would include the address of the first place you are "planning on staying", don't leave it blank. If your plans change, so be it.
New immigration form goes into effect in October
Jan 29, 2018, 2:40 am
#1022
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Last time I put down a guesthouse / semi dive I use because they didn't require a passport, only Ca$h at checkin, but now that that option to keep my privacy is gone ..... most of the time I do not have a reservation, just show up which seems to be OK in other countries, but now has me a bit concerened 
Jan 31, 2018, 7:07 pm
#1023
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
THAILANDS AMAZING TOURISM AN AMAZING MESS: NEW MINISTER
BANGKOK Thailands tourism boom is causing serious problems and the bureaucracy is ill-equipped to fix them.
That no-punches spared assessment comes from none other than its new tourism minister, Weerasak Kowsurat.
The problems have been swept under the rug for 30 years now. At this time, its being lifted up a little, the 52-year-old Harvard law school graduate said in an interview. I dont have enough time to change the rug. What I will do is pull the corners. You can show whats under the rug if you grab the right corner.
Thailand?s Amazing Tourism an Amazing Mess: New Minister
BANGKOK Thailands tourism boom is causing serious problems and the bureaucracy is ill-equipped to fix them.
That no-punches spared assessment comes from none other than its new tourism minister, Weerasak Kowsurat.
The problems have been swept under the rug for 30 years now. At this time, its being lifted up a little, the 52-year-old Harvard law school graduate said in an interview. I dont have enough time to change the rug. What I will do is pull the corners. You can show whats under the rug if you grab the right corner.
Thailand?s Amazing Tourism an Amazing Mess: New Minister
Jan 31, 2018, 9:01 pm
#1024
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
New look for old
Stepping into four of all the 14 galleries in the National Museum Bangkok, visitors will now be enjoyably surprised and greeted by the modern-style lighting and display of exquisite Thai musical instruments,...
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/i...w-look-for-old
Stepping into four of all the 14 galleries in the National Museum Bangkok, visitors will now be enjoyably surprised and greeted by the modern-style lighting and display of exquisite Thai musical instruments,...
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/i...w-look-for-old
Feb 3, 2018, 12:02 am
#1025
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,836
"non-thai" gangs
Saw a few signs while walking around Pratanum last night - to the effect to watch out for pickpockets of "non-thai gangs". Large and easy to read in English (but no other languages that I saw). I've seen warning signs about pickpockets in various places, but never with that "specific" information 
Feb 4, 2018, 8:02 pm
#1028
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: Hertz PC, Hilton DMD, IHG Spire Amb, Bonvoy Titanium Elite & WoH Globalist
Posts: 8,079
24 Thai Beaches has become Smoke Free!
https://loyaltylobby.com/2018/01/31/...y/?omhide=true
Gotta see it to believe it as the smoking culture is prevailing among ...
https://loyaltylobby.com/2018/01/31/...y/?omhide=true
Gotta see it to believe it as the smoking culture is prevailing among ...
Feb 5, 2018, 7:21 pm
#1029
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
And we've yet to enter the annual "burning season".
High pollution levels across nation forecast for rest of this month
AIR QUALITY in many parts of the country, including Bangkok, deteriorated to harmful levels over the weekend and pollution was predicted to be at a critical level for the rest of the month, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) revealed.
PCD urged people to visit its website, Pollution Control Department, Bangkok, Thailand9, and Facebook page to regularly check the air pollution, as the air particles level of 2.5 microns (PM2.5) or smaller have risen significantly in many provinces due to the recent cold snap, while those most vulnerable, such as those with heart and respiratory diseases, were warned to avoid outdoor activities during this period.
High pollution levels across nation forecast for rest of this month
High pollution levels across nation forecast for rest of this month
AIR QUALITY in many parts of the country, including Bangkok, deteriorated to harmful levels over the weekend and pollution was predicted to be at a critical level for the rest of the month, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) revealed.
PCD urged people to visit its website, Pollution Control Department, Bangkok, Thailand9, and Facebook page to regularly check the air pollution, as the air particles level of 2.5 microns (PM2.5) or smaller have risen significantly in many provinces due to the recent cold snap, while those most vulnerable, such as those with heart and respiratory diseases, were warned to avoid outdoor activities during this period.
High pollution levels across nation forecast for rest of this month
Feb 6, 2018, 11:41 pm
#1030
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Suvarnabhumi airport increases baggage handling security to curb baggage theft
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is now cooperating with the police, airlines and baggage handling operators to improve the baggage handling operations following increasing cases of baggage theft.
The cooperation includes increasing hidden cameras, speeding up police process in case of theft, certification of baggage handlers, and increasing checks on baggage claim area.
The increased security in baggage handling system at the airport and on planes was agreed upon at a meeting of relevant government agencies and airlines on Monday (Feb 6) following increasing complaints over baggage theft by baggage workers employed by the baggage handling contractor at the airport.
Suvarnabhumi airport increases baggage handling security to curb baggage theft - Thai PBS English News
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is now cooperating with the police, airlines and baggage handling operators to improve the baggage handling operations following increasing cases of baggage theft.
The cooperation includes increasing hidden cameras, speeding up police process in case of theft, certification of baggage handlers, and increasing checks on baggage claim area.
The increased security in baggage handling system at the airport and on planes was agreed upon at a meeting of relevant government agencies and airlines on Monday (Feb 6) following increasing complaints over baggage theft by baggage workers employed by the baggage handling contractor at the airport.
Suvarnabhumi airport increases baggage handling security to curb baggage theft - Thai PBS English News
Feb 7, 2018, 3:16 pm
#1031
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SAN/ BKK
Programs: aa lifetime platinum, ba club, delta sky club, delta sky miles, delta sky club life,kal skypass
Posts: 106
Suvarnabhumi airport increases baggage handling security to curb baggage theft
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is now cooperating with the police, airlines and baggage handling operators to improve the baggage handling operations following increasing cases of baggage theft.
The cooperation includes increasing hidden cameras, speeding up police process in case of theft, certification of baggage handlers, and increasing checks on baggage claim area.
The increased security in baggage handling system at the airport and on planes was agreed upon at a meeting of relevant government agencies and airlines on Monday (Feb 6) following increasing complaints over baggage theft by baggage workers employed by the baggage handling contractor at the airport.
Suvarnabhumi airport increases baggage handling security to curb baggage theft - Thai PBS English News
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is now cooperating with the police, airlines and baggage handling operators to improve the baggage handling operations following increasing cases of baggage theft.
The cooperation includes increasing hidden cameras, speeding up police process in case of theft, certification of baggage handlers, and increasing checks on baggage claim area.
The increased security in baggage handling system at the airport and on planes was agreed upon at a meeting of relevant government agencies and airlines on Monday (Feb 6) following increasing complaints over baggage theft by baggage workers employed by the baggage handling contractor at the airport.
Suvarnabhumi airport increases baggage handling security to curb baggage theft - Thai PBS English News
or more people in the system = more theft
Feb 8, 2018, 3:10 am
#1032
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Bangkok by the sea
If tourists have only a day to spend in the Thai capital and want to relax by the sea, Bang Khun Thian is a nice choice. Bang Khun Thian is a Bangkok district of which a certain part of its shoreline forms...
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/i...kok-by-the-sea
If tourists have only a day to spend in the Thai capital and want to relax by the sea, Bang Khun Thian is a nice choice. Bang Khun Thian is a Bangkok district of which a certain part of its shoreline forms...
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/i...kok-by-the-sea
Feb 8, 2018, 4:44 pm
#1033
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
The air quality in Bangkok seems quite bad these days. Visibility is limited. I am not normally impacted - during the normal burning season smoke and smog - but beginning yesterday my throat and eyes are irritated. Authorities are recommending limiting exposure for both younger and older people.
SMOG AIRPOCALYPSE WORSENS OVER BANGKOK
BANGKOK Wake up, step outside and start coughing? Youre not the only one.
Thursday morning dawned with the capital city blanketed with a thick layer of smog and and air quality pegged at very unhealthy.
As of 7am, the air pollution index of Bangkok rose to 203, a level at the high end of very unhealthy according to an international air monitor. Thats well above two weeks ago, when the pollution reached 174 or unhealthy, prompting a face mask warning.
Smog Airpocalypse Worsens Over Bangkok
Children asked to stay indoors after Bangkok issues air pollution warning
BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Residents in Bangkok, one of the world's top tourist destinations, were warned on Thursday that (Feb 8) the city's air quality had hit dangerous levels just days after the country's pollution control agency appealed to residents to wear face masks.
Air pollution in the Thai capital has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks with residents complaining of smog and respiratory problems. Some schools were closed on Thursday or kept children indoors.
Air Quality Index (AQI) formulas usually include up to six main pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground level ozone.
Children asked to stay indoors after Bangkok issues air pollution warning, SE Asia News & Top Stories - The Straits Times
Bangkok Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
Bangkok Air Pollution: Real-time PM2.5 Air Quality Index (AQI)
Feb 9, 2018, 1:19 pm
#1034
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: Hertz PC, Hilton DMD, IHG Spire Amb, Bonvoy Titanium Elite & WoH Globalist
Posts: 8,079
Coal-fired power plants ‘partly to blame for Bangkok pollution’
Coal-fired power plants ?partly to blame for Bangkok pollution?
Eastern industrial estate linked to air quality as PM2.5 levels exceed safe levels.
Coal-fired power plants ?partly to blame for Bangkok pollution?
Eastern industrial estate linked to air quality as PM2.5 levels exceed safe levels.
Feb 17, 2018, 6:48 pm
#1035
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,196
Uber is reportedly preparing to sell its Southeast Asian business to Grab
"Uber is preparing to sell its Southeast Asian business to Grab in exchange for a stake in the Singaporean ridesharing company that has a big presence in that region, according to a new report from CNBC."
https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/16/ub...iness-to-grab/
"Uber is preparing to sell its Southeast Asian business to Grab in exchange for a stake in the Singaporean ridesharing company that has a big presence in that region, according to a new report from CNBC."
https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/16/ub...iness-to-grab/