200kg of 'ice' seized from abandoned warehouse
Drugs found in Chon Buri have street value of about B150mCHON BURI: About 200 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine were found around in an abandoned warehouse in tambon Nong Pla Lai of Bang Lamung district on Saturday, Siamrath online reported. Officers on a routine crime prevention patrol reported that a number of black plastic bags were found at several spots in the undergrowth around the warehouse at Moo 4 village around 3.30pm, said Pol Col Patanachai Pamonpiboon, the Bang Lamung police chief. A team of forensic and local police officers later arrived at the warehouse and collected a number of black plastic bags from six different spots. The bags contained about 200kg of crystal meth in total with a street value of about 150 million baht. An investigation is under way to find the source of the drugs.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 20, 2020 03:22 UTC
Educate, not shame, litterbugs
Educate, not shame, litterbugsMore than 20 million tourists visited the nation's 154 national parks in 2019, generating some 2.2 billion baht in revenue, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Last October, a young male deer died a gruesome death in a national park in Nan. Even today, eateries within national parks supply food to willing customers in the normal way; by over-using plastic packaging. Why not encourage or financially incentivise restaurants in national parks to offer such a service? What is clear is that the nation's tourism industry is still reeling from the effects of Covid-19, which means national parks are operating at less than full capacity.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 19, 2020 21:11 UTC
The everlasting appeal of Mrs Peel
The feisty Mrs Peel often appeared in a cat-suit which she later admitted she hated. Admittedly the only dialogue I can remember is early in each episode when Steed would get onto the phone and announce: "Mrs Peel … we're needed". Then I could settle down to an entertaining hour of brollies, bowler hats and Mrs Peel in all her glory. Introducing EmmaRigg went on to enjoy a hugely successful career especially in the theatre and even appeared in the Game of Thrones, but I will always remember her as Mrs Peel. Her Avengers name evolved after scriptwriters said they wanted a woman with "man appeal" which in their notes quickly became "M appeal" … and naturally, Emma Peel.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 19, 2020 21:11 UTC
Police gear up for protest
Protest leaders said they expected 50,000 demonstrators to take part. Police officers will be sent in groups of 300 to each of the locations where the protesters gather, Pol Maj Gen Jirasan said. The demonstrators are then expected to proceed to Government House on Sunday, and thus some sections of the roads may be closed temporarily, Pol Maj Gen Jirasan said. He said members of the public are advised to avoid roads and bridges around Thammasat University and Sanam Luang where the rally takes place. He also said police would not stop supporters from the provinces joining the protest, as the right to assembly is guaranteed under the constitution.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 19, 2020 03:45 UTC
Bangkok inches up Smart City rankings
Bangkok inches up Smart City rankingsBangkok climbed four spots to 71st out of 109 cities in the Smart City Index for 2020, supported by some elements in the technology pillar, especially with regard to work and school. The index ranks cities based on economic and technological data, as well as by citizens' perceptions of how "smart" their cities are. "For Bangkok, 71st is actually a respectable position," Arturo Bris, an IMD finance professor, told the Bangkok Post in an email interview. Smart cities are not the solution, but technology helps." "Smart cities closer to the top of the rankings seem to deal with unexpected challenges of the devastating pandemic with a better outcome," said Chan Heng Chee, chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at SUTD.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 21:33 UTC
Like it or not, wind of change is coming
Like it or not, wind of change is comingParit Chiwarak, second right, and student activists flash the three-finger anti-dictatorship sign during a press conference in which they vowed to go ahead with their rally today. Bangkok Post photoAll eyes are on the big event this afternoon at Thammasat University. Since issuing the edict to ban the rally, Thammasat administrators have kept mum even though the rally organisers have insisted that they have fulfilled all the requirements of the university. "Whether this group [student protesters] exists or not, change will come. If we can, it is then the duty of the powers-that-be to ensure that change occurs peacefully and smoothly."
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 21:33 UTC
Stop vicious land grab cycle
Stop vicious land grab cycleFour years ago, Phu Thap Boek -- a popular mountainous attraction in Phetchabun province -- became synonymous with the success of the military regime in reclaiming forest land, or the Tuang Kuen Phuen Pa campaign when the state took back forest land from illegal occupants. Phu Thap Boek was indeed a watershed moment, symbolising a bold policy with action taken against influential people. Phetchabun has struggled to address the wrongful use of forest reserve land for several years. The move by the provincial authorities is a disservice to the state forest reserve and the country. Phu Thap Boek comprises a watershed area that helps generate natural water and rivers.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 21:33 UTC
FTI chairman says economy's worst is past
Mr Supant says the latest 3,000-baht handout may not be powerful enough. "The fourth quarter will not be as bad as the second quarter," he told the Bangkok Post. "At this point," Mr Supant said, "what I can't tell is whether the fourth quarter will be better than the third one." The FTI chairman agrees with the government's plan to grant special visas to foreign tourists who plan long-stay visits in Thailand. Mr Supant said the government needs to earn revenue from foreign tourists and the fourth quarter will be the right time.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 21:33 UTC
'Boss' to face fresh charges
'Boss' to face fresh chargesProsecutors have decided to indict Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya on two counts -- cocaine use and reckless driving causing death -- stemming from his fatal hit-and-run case in Bangkok in 2012. Although the charge of reckless driving causing death against Mr Vorayuth had earlier been dropped, Mr Ittiporn said fresh evidence and key new witnesses justified reviving it. The working group agreed unanimously to recommend indictment on two counts: reckless driving causing death and cocaine use, he said. The statute of limitations on the reckless driving causing death charge is 15 years and will expire on Sept 3, 2027. It was not until April 27, 2017, that prosecutors finally charged him with reckless driving causing death and failing to help a crash victim.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 21:33 UTC
Tourists must isolate in home countries | Bangkok Post: learning
Tourists take photos in Phuket (Photo by Dusida Worrachaddejchai)The Ministry of Public Health on Friday unveiled its latest plan to reopen to visitors from abroad with 2,270 foreign tourists already reportedly planning to visit Thailand. During their domestic quarantine, visitors must have been tested twice for Covid-19 at the beginning and end of the process. If both tests are negative for the virus, they will be allowed to travel to Thailand. The DDC said it planned to increase staff at international disease control checkpoints and allow people from low-risk countries to enter Thailand first. The Health Service Support Department said 735 medical tourists from China, Myanmar, Oman, Australia and Cambodia were receiving treatment in Thailand after they completed a 14-day quarantine.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 21:33 UTC
Prosecutors to indict 'Boss' on cocaine, reckless driving charges
(Bangkok Post file photo)Prosecutors have decided to indict Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya on charges of cocaine use and reckless driving causing death, stemming from his fatal hit-and-run case in Bangkok in 2012. Although the charge of reckless driving causing death against Vorayuth was earlier dropped, a new investigation of the case found that the suspect had taken cocaine. Mr Ittiporn said there was also fresh evidence and key witnesses who could prove the reckless driving charge to the court. The statute of limitations on the reckless driving causing death charge is 15 years and will expire on Sept 3, 2027. It was not until April 27, 2017, that prosecutors finally charged him with reckless driving causing death and failing to help a crash victim.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 12:11 UTC
TEST YOURSELF: A peaceful paradise | Bangkok Post: learning
Calm waves slowly reach Ao Khao beach on Koh Mak, a tiny island in Trat. For those who want to avoid crowded places like the neighbouring island of Koh Chang, the island of Koh Mak is a great option where you can do nothing but rest. ISLAND HISTORYThe history of Koh Mak goes back to the period of King Rama V. It was a coconut plantation. It was at this time that Jakrapad Taveteekul, the great-grandson of Luang Prompakdi, developed part of his land to be Koh Mak Resort and built ten simple huts to welcome tourists. It was the first resort on Koh Mak before becoming one of the prominent resorts on the island today.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 08:26 UTC
Friday: 7 new Covid-19 cases | Bangkok Post: learning
Thailand logged seven new Covid-19 cases on Friday. (File photo)The government reported seven new cases of coronavirus disease on Friday, quarantined arrivals from four countries and including one person who has had it before. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said the five Thais and two foreigners had arrived from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Qatar and Pakistan. The fourth was a 50-year-old male worker who arrived on Sept 5 on the same flight as eight previously confirmed cases. Total cases were now 3,497, of whom 3,328 (95%) had recovered and 111 others remained at hospitals.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 07:17 UTC
Seven new Covid-19 cases, all arrivals
Seven new Covid-19 cases, all arrivalsPassengers wearing masks arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province, and head for quarantine. Thailand logged seven new Covid-19 cases on Friday. (File photo)The government reported seven new cases of coronavirus disease on Friday, quarantined arrivals from four countries and including one person who has had it before. The fourth was a 50-year-old male worker who arrived on Sept 5 on the same flight as eight previously confirmed cases. Global Covid-19 cases rose by 316,058 over the past 24 hours to 30.35 million.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 06:33 UTC
Destination: Wellness
As for my daily wellness programmes, they were planned such that they incorporated fun and also enough downtime in between. I really enjoyed my time at the wellness sanctuary and would highly recommend trying an acupuncture session. The spa treatments were also top-notch (the 90-minute vital essence oil massage and the 60-minute Indian head massage are a must!). Going outThis wellness retreat is all-inclusive and has the intention of bringing you closer to equilibrium, in terms of both mind and body. Final thoughtsKamalaya is a place that really exemplifies the term "wellness retreat".
Source:Bangkok Post
September 18, 2020 04:07 UTC