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Bangkok hospital wins IT award
Bangkok’s famous Bumrungrad International Hospital was awarded the prestigious 2008 AMDIS Award at this year’s annual Physician Computer Connection Symposium in California, USA. The award, which was presented by the Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems (AMDIS), is given to hospitals or individuals for outstanding and innovative achievements in applied medical informatics, a form of Information Technology (IT).
The non-profit AMDIS organisation represents more than 1,800 doctors who lead their fields of specialty in the realm of information technology. The annual award is given to an institute or individual that improves medical practice through the use of innovative information technology.
In 2007, Bumrungrad Hospital joined forces with Microsoft and installed an integrated information computer system within the hospital that gives doctors from every different department instant access to patient information. The state-of-the-art Amalga HIS system, as it is known, was developed in Thailand but is now being used in hospitals around the world. The system greatly improves the flow of information and the safety of patients.
Last year Bumrungrad Hospital treated over a million patients, 40 per cent of them foreigners who travelled to Thailand for medical care at this renowned hospital. Bumrungrad is the region’s most advanced private hospital, staffing 940 medical specialists and 800 nurses within its 30 specialty wings.
Posted by: Andrew on 28 Aug 2008, 12:15 -
Big cleanup planned for Pattaya’s sea
The Coca-Cola International Cleanup Project, whose goal is promote healthy marine ecosystems, will come to Pattaya and Jomtien on 20 September 2008 in a bid to raise public awareness and interest in protecting its most valuable resource. More than 1,000 residents are expected to participate in this honorable event, which will hopefully be the beginning of other local environmental initiatives.
The global project, which was created by the Texas-based Ocean Conservancy in 1986, promotes a comprehensive approach to solving the pervasive dilemma of global water pollution. The Ocean Conservancy’s main goals are the promotion of healthy and diverse marine ecosystems, and opposing practices that threaten life in the world’s oceans. The project also aims to remove all garbage from beaches and oceans worldwide.
Thai Namthip has been leading the coordination efforts within Thailand for the Coca-Cola project since 2005. It brings schools, companies, communities and tourists together in an effort to clean up the kingdom’s beaches. Events have already been organised this year in Hua Hin and Rayong province by Thai Namthip, who have received the support of Pattaya’s City Hall to allow the project to take place in Pattaya and Jomtien in September.
Posted by: Andrew on 27 Aug 2008, 14:01 -
Thailand insists king not richest monarch
Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej was named the world’s wealthiest reigning monarch by Forbes magazine, topping the list with a fortune of US$35 billion. Thailand’s government was quick to dismiss the ranking, however, because it included property belonging to the crown that is not part of the king’s net worth.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Forbes report was “inaccurate and inconsistent” since it included the vast land holdings and other assets “belonging to the Crown Property Bureau that are not part of the king’s net worth.”
The Nation newspaper reported that the foreign affairs ministry said the Crown Property Bureau is an institution “which essentially belongs to all Thais.” It owns and manages the assets of the monarchy, but the assets are not the personal wealth of the king. The ministry did not, however, offer its own estimate of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s personal net wealth.
The Crown Property Bureau owns vast amounts of land across Thailand, and is one of the largest landholders in Bangkok. It also has big stakes in Siam Commercial Bank and Siam Cement two of the kingdom’s largest companies. Coming in second place on the Forbes list was the Sultan of Brunei.
Posted by: Andrew on 27 Aug 2008, 13:37 -
Phuket’s Monkey Island in the works
A new tourist attraction planned on two small islands off Phuket’s southeast coast hopes to offer a sanctuary for local monkeys, but it still has a lot of government red tape hurdles to clear before becoming a reality. The two South Africans behind the primate conservation project hope to have it opened by the end of 2008, and appealed to Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit for his support.
This community-based wildlife project on Koh Aew and Koh Tanan already has the support of Chalong locals, who see revenue potential for longtail boat operators and vendors. The project founders have plenty of experience with existing primate conservation centres in South Africa and insist their sanctuary would have little impact on the pristine islands.
The project’s aim is to conserve local monkeys, increase environmental awareness, and provide more tourism support for Phuket. Chalong Bay’s tiny Koh Tanan would be developed for tourists to view the wildlife, serving as the business end of the sanctuary. Koh Aew would be reserved for primate researchers only, with the goal of turning Phuket into one of the world’s foremost primate research facilities.
Posted by: Andrew on 27 Aug 2008, 13:06 -
Flash floods hit northern Thai border
In the latest effect of steady heavy rains that have lingered over southern China, northern Vietnam, Laos and northern Thailand, flash floods caused the Moei River on the border between Thailand and Burma to burst it banks. The Burmese border town of Tachilek, a popular crossing spot for foreigners making a Thai visa run, was particularly hard hit and suffered major flooding.
On the Thai side of the border, the Moei River created plenty of problems for residents of Mae Sai and other Thai towns lying the river. The three northern Thai villages of Mai Lungkhon, Koh Sai and Sailom Joy were inundated by the waters, which rose to 1.3 metres and submerged the markets and many shops.
In Burma’s Tachilek town, the low-lying market area was flooded under more than 1 metre of muddy dirty water. Damage to vendors is estimated at over 20 million baht. Bottled water has been distributed to residents on both sides of this busy border in northern Thailand. Foreign visitors to Thailand who plan to make a visa run to Mae Sai should check on the current status before travelling, as immigration offices may have been affected by the flooding.
Posted by: Andrew on 25 Aug 2008, 19:58 -
Bangkok to host world food festival
The 2008 World Gourmet Festival is gearing up for its 9th year in Bangkok. This popular annual foodie-fest will happen at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok between 22-28 September and will feature some of the world’s top chefs from famous restaurants.
An extraordinary roster of internationally renowned chefs from across the globe has committed to this year’s event, including Jeffrey Jake from Napa Valley’s Carneros Inn and Maurizio Quaranta from Locanda del Pilone in Alba, Italy. Although the concept of an international food festival is nothing new, this charity event in Bangkok is one of the few that can bring together such a celebrity lineup of master chefs.
For one week, the chefs will share their tips on cooking and provide insightful information on their award-winning cuisine. There will also be plenty of emphasis on enjoying the array of outstanding food and wine from around the world. Nicolas Schneller, the executive chef of the Four Seasons is overseeing the event.
Each chef will give one cooking demonstration, and host two evenings in one of the Four Seasons’ restaurants. On Friday the 26th, guests can join the event’s highlight, a seven-course Gala dinner featuring all the chefs together. All proceeds from the World Gourmet Gala Dinner will go to HRH Princess Soamsawali’s ‘Save a Child’s Like from AIDS’ project.
Posted by: Andrew on 25 Aug 2008, 17:44 -
Thailand and Cambodia pull back troops
Tensions over the disputed Preah Vihear temple on the border of Thailand and Cambodia in the northeastern region of Thailand received some welcome development as both sides decided to pull back the majority of their troops. Ten soldiers from each country will remain at the temple site as discussions between the two nations continue.
Thai Army Chief Anupong Paochinda confirmed that Thai troops have pulled out after the Thai government reached an understanding with its Cambodian counterpart. The foreign ministers from both nations will meet again to continue to search for a solution over the ancient Khmer temple dispute.
Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith confirmed to the Associated Press that only 20 soldiers remained at the temple site: 10 Thai and 10 Cambodian. Protests by citizens continued with the latest in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh. Cambodian anti-riot police broke up an anti-Thai protest of about 50 people, three of whom were slightly injured. The demonstrators were demanding a complete Thai withdrawal from Preah Vihear.
The troop withdrawal was a result of the first meeting between Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong in the Cambodian town Siem Reap on July 28.
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Aug 2008, 13:21 -
Adventure race comes to Thailand
One of the world’s newer sports, adventure racing, is quickly gaining popularity in Thailand and is set to expand its realm in the kingdom this fall with a series of races around Bangkok. The Outdoor Unlimited Adventure Dash Series is a schedule of six races that will happen between September 2008 and June 2009. The project is being sponsored by Outdoor Unlimited Adventure Zone, located in Bangkok’s new Amarin Plaza.
This latest adventure race program is a series of individual sprints that will take place on Sunday mornings at various locations within 100kms of Bangkok. Each location will be selected for sufficiently challenging terrain and scenic beauty. Even organiser Serge Henkens says “these sprint races will give the opportunity to athletes who never competed in an Adventure Race to have a taste of adventure. It will also help everyone to prepare for longer competitions [and] definitely help in the development of this fantastic new sport in the kingdom.”
Henkens chose shorter sprint races for this inaugural event because more people are physically capable of participating. The first ‘Dash’ will happen on Sunday September 21st at Khao Mai Keo near Pattaya. Henkens predicts it will take the slowest racers less than 3 hours to finish. “What we want is that the participants can be back home for lunch and spend the Sunday afternoon with their families,” he said.
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Aug 2008, 12:22 -
Phuket’s 2008 triathlon already sold out
This year’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon, one of the premier sporting events in Southeast Asia, filled its quota of competitors within three months of opening the registration process. The prestigious endurance race, now in its 15th year, will happen on Sunday December 7 on the Thai island of Phuket.
This year’s race will feature a field of 900 racers composed of 750 individuals and about 45 teams. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways are the main supporters behind the event, which will also see Timex join the crew. Laguna Phuket Triathlon consists of a 1.8km swim, 55km cycling leg, and a 12km run. This year, the event will introduce a new children’s race, and the traditional 6k Fun Run will remain a popular fixture.
One of the unique features of Phuket’s triathlon is its swimming leg, which takes place in two different bodies of water: the sea and a lagoon. The 55km cycling course runs from Laguna Phuket resort through rubber plantations, local villages, dense jungle and along the beach, while the 12km foot race course is around the Laguna Phuket resort area. The beautiful scenery and supportive local crowds make this race one of the most popular in Asia.
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Aug 2008, 12:05 -
Chiang Mai suffering increased crime
In a sad new trend for Chiang Mai, Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North’, street crime is on the rise. Recent crimes include a rash of muggings, something rarely heard of in this normally placid and laid-back travel destination.
Chiang Mai is undeniably a large city with most of the expected problems such as pollution and traffic congestion. But thanks to the kind nature of northern Thai residents, crime has rarely been considered one of the city’s main problems. But as economic woes continue to hit locals where it hurts, it appears that petty crime is about to rare its ugly head.
Three recent muggings are the latest in a string of crime that has put the city on alert. Two muggings occurred on the popular Sunday Walking Street, and the other in busy Wararot Market. The incidents at the Walking Street are the most shocking, as this special weekly pedestrian market is thronged with locals and tourists but has always been a peaceful environment.
A Malaysian tourist was attacked right in the market and had her bag stolen. Later the same day, a Canadian visitor had his pockets picked on the crowded street, a rare crime in Thailand. Police have arrested two men in relation to the muggings of the tourists. But locals are also becoming victims, as a Chiang Mai resident had her bag snatched in the popular Warorat Market. Thankfully, local police caught this thief as well.
Posted by: Andrew on 23 Aug 2008, 11:27 -
Canadian pedophile sentenced to jail
Canadian teacher Christopher Paul Neil was sentenced to three years and three months for sexually abusing a 13 year-old Thai boy in Bangkok. The 32 year-old Neil, who has been a teacher in several Asian countries, will serve out his term in Thai prison.
Neil was arrested on October 19, 2007 after an international manhunt finally tracked him down in Bangkok. Hundreds of pictures of him engaging in sexual acts with young boys were posted on the Internet. Neil pleaded guilty to the current charges on May 12, but he will next face similar charges involving the molestation of the 13 year-old victim’s younger brother on October 7 when the trial resumes. Neil has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
The second victim, who was nine years old at the time of the incident, claims Neil paid him a few dollars to perform oral sex on him. Neil videotaped the alleged act, and if proven guilty he could face an additional 20 years in prison. After Interpol posted an appeal for help tracking down Neil, the crime agency received hundreds of tips, and was able to arrest the Canadian within 11 days of opening its campaign.
Posted by: Andrew on 23 Aug 2008, 11:09 -
Samui turning boutique
According to real estate firm CB Richard Ellis, Koh Samui is ideally positioned to become one of Asia’s hottest boutique destinations. New properties that are being developed on the island in the Gulf of Thailand have different characteristics from those found on other Thai resort destinations like Phuket and Pattaya.
The manager of CBRE’s Samui offices, Prakaipeth Meechoosarn, comments that the developments on Samui remain low-key and more exclusive, enticing tourists looking for something quieter and more stylish. Proof of the island’s low but steady growth comes from statistics showing that 70 per cent of the 500-odd units that exist on Samui are still under construction.
Choeng Mon Beach on the northeast corner of the island contains 38 per cent of the upcoming units, followed by the rest of the northern shore at 28 per cent and the eastern shore with 25 per cent. Villa developments are particularly en vogue right now on the island, and in the long term it is believed that the high end of Samui’s property market will become the norm rather than the exception. Coastal land is disappearing fast, and prime building plots are virtually impossible to find anymore.
Posted by: Andrew on 23 Aug 2008, 10:46 -
Pattaya’s Vegetarian Festival ready to roll
A meeting of the organisation committee at Pattaya City Hall recently made the final decisions on the schedule for this year’s Vegetarian Festival. This popular Buddhist tradition that focuses on a week of refraining from consuming meat will take place as planned in the fall.
The Vegetarian Festival, which is also celebrated in numerous towns around Thailand, is a major feature of Pattaya’s events calendar. It attracts both domestic and international tourists who come to enjoy some rare vegetarian dishes and interesting cultural performances.
Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that the TAT will also be heavily involved in this year’s festival, which will take place mainly around Naklua House, the offices of the Sawang Boriboon Thamasathan Foundation. Verawat said the schedule would be much the same as in past years, with a parade on the afternoon of the opening day that will run from Bali Hai Pier along Central Pattaya Road to Naklua House.
One of the highlights of Pattaya’s annual Vegetarian Festival is the cooking of a special vegetarian dish in an enormous pan which is then given out to all the participants. It was announced that this year’s special dish will be Emperor Noodles, so don’t miss out!
Posted by: Andrew on 21 Aug 2008, 09:13 -
Luxury yacht filled with guns found in Phuket
A Thai captaining a luxury yacht was arrested in Phuket’s marina after a number of guns and ammunition were found hidden onboard the boat. Phuket Marine Police officers are now questioning the owner of the Thai-registered yacht, French national Pascal Wu, over ownership of the weapons.
The incident came to light after volunteer police in Thalang district noticed several people disembarking the boat carrying guns. Marine Police moved in and boarded the yacht Meditatation at Ao Makham’s Customs Pier. During their search, police uncovered a shocking array of weapons including a high-powered telescopic rifle, a sub-machine gun, automatic pistol and other weapons. Hundreds of bullets were also recovered from the yacht.
Although police found evidence suggesting the guns and bullets were intended for target shooting only, they did not find any documents for legal ownership or registration of the weapons. The captain, 43 year-old Permsin Petsawas, denied any connection to the guns, informing police they were the property of the yacht owner’s friend.
Police charged Permsin with operating a boat with expired registration, and possession of restricted weapons and ammunition. Police also questioned the yacht’s owner, French national Pascal Wu, to determine what further action will be taken.
Posted by: Andrew on 20 Aug 2008, 09:08 -
Thailand opens first interactive museum
Museum Siam, Thailand’s first fully interactive museum, has opened in Bangkok to rave reviews. The modern, high-tech museum explores the many unique aspects of what constitutes “Thai culture.”
The 17 galleries present the history and evolution of Thai culture through interesting and engaging touch screens and toys. "You won't be guided round the museum; you are here to discover," says Admiral Thanit Kittiampon, director of the National Discovery Museum Institute. Staff are also on hand, however, to answer any questions.
The various rooms include essential periods like the Ayutthaya era, which features a full-scale model of the Royal Barge Procession hanging from the ceiling. Other exhibits focus on the daily existence of Thais during each of the nation’s main periods. "This is not a museum - it's a learning centre," says Thanit. A regular rotation of temporary exhibitions and special events are planned to keep visitors coming back for more.
Over the three months that Museum Siam has been open, visitor numbers have doubled month-on-month. Daily figures now average nearly 1,000 guests, most of them families and students. Museum Siam is the first venue in the “Thai Smithsonian” project that will eventually consist of a network of cultural museums in Bangkok.
Posted by: Andrew on 18 Aug 2008, 12:26 -
Herb gardens planned for Chiang Mai
At a recent monthly meeting between Chiang Mai’s mayor and local residents, an ambitious plan to use all the vacant land in the city for gardening was presented. Citing the need for self-sufficiency and environmental concerns, the mayor wants to see indigenous plants, flowers and herbs grown on all spare city land.
Other subjects brought up for discussion included the state of Chiang Mai’s infrastructure, the need to restore the city’s Lanna buildings, creating a one-way traffic system in the old part of town, and paving the Sunday Walking Street. The mayor responded by saying that there simply aren’t enough municipal workers to handle these urgent jobs. Others could argue that unemployment is major concern in Chiang Mai these days.
To keep things manageable for Chiang Mai’s city government, its first priority will be to create a program allowing low-income Thais to receive and plant flowers and herbs on municipal land such as schools and temples that currently lie vacant. It is hoped that by next year these garden plots can be developed commercially to provide an income for those lucky few who are allowed to rent the land. Chiang Mai’s infrastructure needs will apparently have to wait.
Posted by: Andrew on 17 Aug 2008, 13:09 -
Pattaya cracks down on Bali Hai Pier riff-raff
At the request of mayor Itthipol Khunplome, Pattaya police have swooped in on gangs of Thai teens who have been causing trouble for everyone around the Bali Hai Pier. In the latest sweep, police arrested several of the youths for possession of guns and drugs.
After a large number of formal complaints by tourists, the city decided to take action at the Bali Hai Pier area, where up to 200 youths regularly congregate to drink and blast loud music from their motorcycles and cars. Over the past few weeks the Bali Hai Pier has emerged as the hang-out site of choice for troublesome teens. They were drinking, creating an annoying raucous and occasionally fighting. Tourists have been extremely put off by this intimidating behaviour, so the police decided to conduct a raid.
After hours of questioning and inspecting the documents of the teens, police discovered that nearly two dozen were under the influence of drugs, 30 had improper documentation for their motorbikes, and two were carrying guns. Two boys aged 17 and 24 were found with a .22 caliber gun, a .38 caliber gun and crystal meth. Now that the initial cleanup sweep has been completed, police and volunteers will be closely watching Bali Hai Pier in the future.
Posted by: Andrew on 17 Aug 2008, 09:10 -
Fake clothing ring busted in Phuket
Police in Phuket made an important bust when a bikini shop turned out to be a front for a major counterfeit clothing operation. The trail led officers to a secret warehouse in Phuket where they discovered more than 90,000 fake shirts.
The organised raid, which was led by Lt Col Witsanu Chamroonroj, was part of a crackdown by Phuket’s Police Region 8 Investigation Centre on counterfeit designer goods. The team had been working on arresting locals involved in the illegal sale of pirated movies, software and other fake items on the tourist island when they made a surprising discovery.
A routine warrant search of a shop in the centre of Phuket City selling bikinis uncovered that the store was just a front for a much larger operation. This led police to search five adjacent shophouses, where they found 90,503 counterfeit designer goods bearing the logos of international brands like Nike, Polo and Lacoste. The haul is estimated to be worth more than 10 million baht.
The female employee of the bikini shop claimed to know nothing about the illegal operation, which is owned by a wealthy Chinese-Thai man known only as Brother Moo. Police are now searching for the elusive Brother Woo, whose first name is Nattawut.
Posted by: Andrew on 17 Aug 2008, 09:06 -
Ex-PM Thaksin seeks asylum in the UK
After failing to return to Thailand from their trip to Bejing for the Olympics, the deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman have fled to the UK and will seek asylum. By failing to appear at the Thai Supreme Court as ordered, the government has issued warrants for their arrest.
Thkasin’s wife has already been sentenced to three years in prison for her role in tax evasion over dubious property purchases. Her husband is facing several counts of corruption and abuse of power during his term as prime minister, but apparently feels the outcome will not be favourable.
In a written statement faxed to the Thai media, Thaksin stated that he and his wife are in Britain and will not return to Thailand to fight the charges of corruption. He believes he will not receive a fair trial due to political interference within the court system. Thaksin claims that he is being defamed for political purposes, but the evidence suggests that simple corruption is more accurate.
The Supreme Court has issued warrants for Thaksin and his wife Potjaman for failing to attend their hearing dates. The court has also claimed their bail bonds worth 13 million baht.
Posted by: Andrew on 16 Aug 2008, 12:52 -
Thai Airways drops flight to New Zealand
In a move that has shocked New Zealand’s tourism industry, Thai Airways announced a move to terminate its direct flight between Bangkok and Auckland as of October 2008. Thai Airways stated the decision was based on high fuel prices that have made the long-haul route unprofitable.
Damien O’Conner, New Zealand’s Minister of Tourism, issued an official statement condemning the move as a huge blow to tourism between the two countries. ''The flights have been very popular with New Zealanders holidaying in Thailand with more than 37,000 New Zealand citizens using these flights last year, fuelling healthy growth for the tourism sector in Thailand,'' he said.
New Zealand is also concerned that the termination of the flight from Bangkok will reduce the number of international travellers who use Bangkok as a hub for connecting flights. ''Europeans passing through Bangkok on their way to New Zealand have increased by a phenomenal 110% since 2005. There is also a high potential for growth in traffic from India to New Zealand via Bangkok,'' O’Conner stated.
The airline is also stopping its daily direct Bangkok-Los Angeles flight as of October. THAI will continue, however, to operate other existing flights to both Auckland and Los Angeles using a stopover.
Posted by: Andrew on 15 Aug 2008, 12:14