Stories tagged with pattaya
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New vaccine set to save the day
Thailand’s residents and tourists will soon be able to breathe easily. It has just been announced that a vaccine designed to protect against the type-A (H1N1) virus will soon be fit for human trials. Next month, the Government Pharmaceuti-cal Organisation will start carrying out human trials the live-attenuated vaccine produced by laboratories in the Netherlands and Russia.
It shouldn’t be long before the vaccine is available in Thailand and will be available for people concerned about contracting the type-A (H1N1) virus. If things go according to plan, the vaccine will be available at major hospitals in all of Thailand’s tourism hotspots, including Bangkok and Pattaya.
In a press statement reported by The Nation GPO's board chairperson Dr Wichai Chotewiwat confirmed that the virus-seed vaccine has already proven to be safe on animals: "The e-mails say that the virus-seed vaccine proved to be safe on animals and that there were no toxins or mutation," he said, adding that: "More samples need to be tested before we can confirm the virus is resistant.”
Dr Wichai revealed that this week the GPO would be receiving the first few doses of FluMist, which is a nasal spray live-attenuated vaccine.
Posted by: Andrew on 12 Aug 2009, 08:55 -
Pattaya welcomes scheduled flights
Those who like to visit the seaside city of Pattaya will now find getting there even easier. Last week Pattaya’s U-Tapao airport received the first passengers, who flew in from Korea to receive a warm welcome.
According to a report in the Pattaya Daily News a large party was waiting at the airport to greet the passengers of flight KE 9645 from Korea. Among those present were Pattaya’s deputy mayor, Mr. Weerawat Kakai who was waiting along with a team of officials to greet the arrivals personally. There was even a special Thai classical dance show arranged for passengers by Nongnooch Tropical Garden owner Mr. Kumpol Tunsatja.
Mr. Niti Kongkrut from the Pattaya office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said in a press statement that the new airport should give the Pattaya’s tourist industry the boost it needs to allow it to regain its position as one of Thailand’s most prominent locations.
Pattaya’s modern airport is located conveniently close to the airport. Many of the city’s leading hotels offer free airport transfers, meaning that within minutes visitors can get on with the serious business of soaking up the sun on the beach and exploring some of the area’s exciting tourist attractions.
Posted by: Andrew on 10 Aug 2009, 09:15 -
Experience traditional Thailand in Pattaya
Visitors to beachside city Pattaya will be familiar with the area’s vibrant bars, shopping malls and other modern attractions. However, this week a new attraction opened that will give visitors an insight into a more traditional side of Thailand.
Located on Sukhumvit Road just to the south of Pattaya, the Pattaya Floating Market offers tourists and travelers a glimpse into the way in which produce was bought and sold in the days before roads covered the land and air conditioned shopping malls dominated every town and city.
Building on the success of the Pattaya Floating Market, an OTOP market village has just been added, which will promote Thai living and culture.
According to a report in the Pattaya Daily News, Mr. Mind Chainit the Nongprue city mayor presided over the opening ceremony of the OTOP village last weekend in a celebration which was also attended Pattaya’s deputy mayor, Mr. Weerawat Kahkai, along with other prominent officials.
Taking a tour of the Pattaya Floating market and OTOP village is a relaxing and enlightening experience. Tours can be booked through Pattaya’s tour agencies and major hotels.
Posted by: Andrew on 06 Aug 2009, 08:48 -
Royal Thai Navy provide care in the community
Residents of Pattaya received free medical and dental services recently as members of the U.S Navy teamed up with the Royal Thai Navy. The campaign was part of the medical civic action program (MEDCAP) at Kiriparawanawan School, which provided care for 268 people from Pattaya. The event was part of the 15th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series.
Most of the patients were children from Kiriparawanawan School and the surrounding area, who arrived at the school to receive eye exams, vaccinations, badly needed dental work and treatment for a range of illnesses.
One of the compassionate parties involved in the campaign was Lieutenant Brandt Cullen, dental officer for the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry. In an interview with the Pattaya Mail he stated that: “My first patient today had excessive tooth decay. We gave him anesthetic and extracted both teeth for him.”
CARAT has provided the U.S. and a number of Asian nations including Thailand with the chance to exchange knowledge and enhance maritime security through shared training, equipment and manpower since 1995.
Posted by: Andrew on 27 Jul 2009, 08:44 -
Deep down in Pattaya
Pattaya’s Royal Navy is often praised for their skill, but there’s always room for improvement. Recently, divers from the U.S Navy visited Pattaya to join in some training and learn new techniques.
Members of the U.S Navy visited the Sattahip Naval Base in Pattaya to share updated equipment and procedures.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Troy Roat was the MDSU 1 diving officer in charge of the operation. In an interview with the Pattaya Mail he revealed that: “This is a partnership. We are always working to develop the most effective diving plan, and that’s an evolutionary process. Divers are very intuitive people. Their training and practices are parallel to ours.”
The exercise was part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2009. Divers from the Royal Thai Navy got their first chance to use the new Kirby Morgan KM 37 helmets that were recently obtained by MDSU 1. The KM 37 is a modernized version of the KM 21 helmet that is currently used by the Thai navy, and allows divers to reach even deeper depths for extended periods of time.
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Jul 2009, 08:56 -
Thailand tourist board receives government boost
Visitors to the Land of Smiles this summer may have noticed that there has been a decline in the number of tourists. While this may mean that tourists have more room to soak up the sun on the beach, travel agencies are working hard to tempt people back to Thailand.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is targeting a number of destinations such as Pattaya and focusing on encouraging both Thai and foreign tourists back to key areas. This is being done in a number of ways such as with special festivals and concerts.
Tosaporn Thepbutr is the deputy-chairman of the Committee on Tourism and Sports. He voiced his concerns this week over the low tourist figures. However, he did admit that these figures are reflected elsewhere in Asia and the world over.
The Pattaya Daily News quoted Mr Tosaporn as saying: "The causes of the sharp drop in tourist arrivals are attributed to the closure of Suvarnabhumi Airport by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in November and December, and recent domestic political turmoil, combined with the current outbreak of the H1N1 flu.”
This is a great time to visit Thailand as there are plenty of deals on hotels, flights and transport to take advantage of.
Posted by: Andrew on 16 Jul 2009, 09:05 -
Walking street gets new show
The seaside city of Pattaya has long been known for its sleazy nightlife. However, a new show on Walking Street is lending a family feel to the area.
The Jo Louis puppet show has recently opened its new 50 million baht theater. Located next to the Royal Garden Plaza, shows are held nightly from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The theatre is well known in Thailand and has moved from its previous location at Bangkok’s Suan Lum Night Bazaar.
In a recent interview with the Pattaya Mail Pattaya City Walk executive Keerati Tanasriwanitchai said that the puppet show might be just what the city needs to help clean up its image.
“People ask why Pattaya doesn’t have much art and the answer has always been that Pattaya survives on entertainment, but I don’t agree,” Keerati commented. “I think it’s simply because no artistic attractions have been built. Suppose foreigners stay three days in Pattaya. I don’t believe they will want to visit only entertainment establishments. I just believe they have no choice. They will most likely have no choice. This is being done to bring culture into this area and it will be art that the next generation can enjoy.”
Posted by: Andrew on 13 Jul 2009, 09:17 -
Monkeys make mischief in Sriracha
The central Thailand town of Sriracha has been experiencing more than its share of monkey business recently, forcing residents to run for cover.
Located near Pattaya, The Sriracha District is famous for its sweet chili sauce and also the nearby Sri Racha Tiger Zoo.
According to news site Pattaya One, a group of monkeys have invaded the town, forcing roads to close and traffic to come to a standstill as the cheeky monkeys cavort across the roads and along paths. Despite the precautions, a number of monkeys have already been injured as their small size makes them difficult for drivers to see, especially at night.
Earlier this week they were spotted all over Sriracha playing on live electricity cables. The monkeys usually live in the mountains surrounding the town. However, they have decided to venture into Sriracha for some reason and are reluctant to leave. Many residents have started to feed the monkeys with bananas and other treats, prolonging their stay in the area.
Although local authorities have been asked to remove the monkeys, catching them might be easier said than done.
Posted by: Andrew on 10 Jul 2009, 09:00 -
Schools bid for foreign students
While foreign exchange students often travel to nearby countries such as India, Japan and Korea, Thailand is often overlooked. However, that may soon change as the Education Ministry has recently allocated a three billion baht budget promote Thailand as Southeast Asia’s education hub.
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) are supporting the bid by adding 500 million baht of their own money to the project, which will be targeting foreigners working in neighbouring countries as well as is residents of neighbouring countries such as Laos who are on a high income.
Somkiat Chobphol is the deputy secretary general of the Obec. In a recent interview by The Nation he stated that:
"We hope to encourage foreign parents working in Thailand and neighbouring countries to let their children study in 14 pilot schools with international curriculum of Obec as well as Thai parents. We focus on educational quality as our key strategy to draw the target groups' attention to further their studying in Thailand. We're planning to improve the international curriculum of these schools to reach the international standard so that students having completed their secondary education here in Thailand will be able to further higher education aboard.”
These 14 schools are located all around Thailand including near Pattaya, which is currently working hard to promote itself as a family orientated destination.
Posted by: Andrew on 09 Jul 2009, 09:20 -
Pattaya traffic comes to a standstill
If you’re travelling through Pattaya over the next few months you should allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
Long traffic queues on the roads linked to the newly upgraded roadways spanning Pattaya’s railroad tracks have been causing road rage. Pattaya City Hall and local Internet forums have been inundated with complaints from disgruntled drivers, many of whom are experiencing delays of up to fifteen minutes at intersections.
However, some people are able to take the delays in their stride. “All of these complaints are most likely from people just getting used to the new lights,” a local taxi driver told the Pattaya Mai recently. “People haven’t gotten used to it yet.” He believes that although the queues should be shorter they are necessary safety measures.
The main traffic hot spots are along the newly named Local Road, Soi Nernplabwan, Soi Siam Country Club and Soi Khao Noi.
It is predicted that the new computerized traffic-control system will take up to four months to complete, so motorists are advised to plan their routes carefully to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
Posted by: Andrew on 02 Jul 2009, 09:24 -
Thailand’s tourist figures expected to rise
A recent report by the Tourism Authority of Thailand shows that tourist figures are due to rise dramatically in 2010. Although figures have been declining recently, they predict that next year 14 million tourists will visit the Land of Smiles, generating around 960 billion baht in revenue.
"In 2010, the TAT hopes to attract 823,000 tourists from South Asia, up 13 per cent, generating revenue of Bt25 billion, up 15.4 per cent. As well, 450,000 tourists from the Middle East are expected to visit Thailand, spending about Bt19 billion," Pensuda Priaram acting TAT governor announced in an interview by The Nation.
The figures represent a 5.6% increase over this year's expected 13.2 million visitors, which will be achieved largely through mass promotion of Thailand’s key attractions and resorts and also the lightening of the political situation.
Another aspect is that following a visit by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, China’s officials have withdrawn their official warning against travel to Thailand. As a result, more than 100,000 Chinese tourists are expected to visit Thailand in the next few months.
One of the areas expected to benefit from this increase in tourism is the seaside resort town of Pattaya. Other popular tourist destinations include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket.
Posted by: Andrew on 30 Jun 2009, 09:05 -
Thai magazine announces its allegiance to the red shirts
This week, a new political magazine known as DMagazine will go on sale at the Royal Plaza in Pattaya. Although the magazine openly supports the party known as the “red shirts” the editor of DMagazine insists that the main message of the magazine is democracy.
"We only want to have freedom in criticising those who weaken the democratic institutions," DMagazine editor Wat Wallayangkur commented in an interview in the Bangkok Post. "As long as the monarchy and Sangha are constitutional, they are respected. Those who love Thaksin have their reasons, so do the ones who hate him, but we should not be blinded that a coup d'etat will lead to good things. Any government must not make people feel grateful for their populist schemes. The people are entitled to receive these basic rights."
Mr Wat explained that the D in DMagazine stands for democracy, which he feels to be the essential ingredient for the success of Thailand. The magazine costs 50 baht and is being launched this week to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the 1932 Revolution which brought Thailand's absolute monarchy to an end.
Posted by: Andrew on 25 Jun 2009, 09:05 -
Silk Road brings riches to Thailand
Stretching from China through Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and finally to Europe, plans for a new Silk Road have been announced this week. With 74,700 kilometers of working track and serving 29 countries, the Trans-Asian Railway is set to be a lifeline to South East Asia.
The rail link will enter Thailand in the east and run near Pattaya. Both the business sector and tourist industry have been flagging significantly in South East Asia over the last few years, but the new rail link is expected to change all that.
"You can now set out from Thailand, do business in Laos, and arrive in time for dinner at Danang in Vietnam - all in the space of a single day,” Arjun Thapan, Director General of ADB South-East Asia was quoted by the Pattaya Daily News this week.
The Trans-Asian Railway will make trade between countries quick and easy and also dramatically cut the cost of business travel. The original Silk Road route encompassed China, India, Egypt, Persia, Arabia, and Rome.
But don’t get to excited yet; the Trans-Asian Railway is expected to take at least another ten years to complete. However, there are speculated to be millions of people working on this project all around the globe, so the project may yet be finished ahead of the deadline.
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Jun 2009, 09:04 -
No water shortages for Pattaya
Visitors to Pattaya don’t have to worry about whether there will be enough water to shower this summer as the waterworks director has recently announced that there will be enough water until the middle of 2010.
According to a report in the Pattaya Mail, waterworks Director Thanee Thongprachum held a meeting in which he confirmed that there would be plenty of water for the next year. The Director was so confident that he even labeled a proposal to boost the city’s water supply with treated wastewater as unnecessary.
Thanee Thongprachum stated that the idea was developed out of “concern about a future drought. But the plan is an old one that has already been studied.”
The city of Pattaya is notorious for its water shortages, so the announcement will come as a relief to many residents and visitors, although there is no permanent solution in sight as yet.
However, there are further long-term measures underway to prevent draught in the future, such as an increase in the capacity at the Nong Klangdong and Banglamung filtration plants and a new pipeline from Bangpra Reservoir to Nong Klangdong.
Posted by: Andrew on 19 Jun 2009, 08:56 -
Nine injured in freak storm
Thailand is well known for its good weather, with plenty of sunshine and tropical temperatures. However, intense storms do sometimes happen, as anyone who was in the Sattahip outdoor market in Pattaya last week would have witnessed.
With almost no warning, a strong twister swept through the popular market, destroying as many as 500 stalls and tents, bringing power poles crashing to the ground and injuring nine people.
“I saw more than 1,000 people running and screaming, scared for their lives,” witness Boonchuay Boonchaiyo told the Pattaya Mail. “After the storm lifted, many people were hurt. We’re just lucky no one was stabbed by steel from the broken tents.”
The injured people were taken to Queen Sirikit and Apakornkiettivong Sattahip hospitals, where they received immediate attention. A heavy storm followed the twister, lasting for several hours and causing the roads and surrounding land to flood.
The damage that the twister caused to the outdoor market is believed to amount to nearly three million baht as it includes smashed cars, tents and a whole heap of property.
Posted by: Andrew on 16 Jun 2009, 09:17 -
Pattaya shoppers make vital contribution
Visitors to Pattaya at the moment have the perfect opportunity to combine shopping with helping the community. Simply head over to the Mike Shopping Mall and find the Red Cross stall to donate precious pints of life saving blood.
The Red Cross has set up in Pattaya’s Mike Shopping Mall as part of their annual project to raise stocks of blood, which will be used throughout the year whenever patients are rushed to the Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital.
“Donated blood will be stored at the Thai Red Cross blood bank ready to be used by hospitals for their patients. All services can contact the blood bank for such needs,” Surat Mekawarakul, chief executive of the mall told the Pattaya Mail recently.
This is the 17th year in a row that blood donations have been received at the mall, with last year’s contributions totally a staggering 44,100cc. However, the Red Cross is still far behind last year’s achievement and need plenty more donors if they have a chance of helping the thousands of accident victims that are regularly brought to the hospital in need of medical assistance.
Posted by: Andrew on 11 Jun 2009, 09:00 -
Pattaya home to world’s oldest drug dealer?
Visitors to Pattaya who saw Muan Bunman in the street might have thought that she looked innocent and sweet. However, this 80-year-old grandmother was actually the ringleader of a marijuana ring.
A report in the Pattaya Mail has revealed that Muan Bunman and her gang had been selling drugs from a grocery shop in the Nong Yai neighbourhood of Pattaya.
The Pattaya police raided the grocery shop last week, arresting Muan Bunman and eight others and seizing more than two kilos of dried marijuana, including 100 bags marked for sale. Although Muan Bunman has previously been in jail for selling drugs, she has been out for the last two years.
Police penetrated the drug ring after being notified by an informant. They used the informant to buy drugs from the gang using a marked 100 baht note and were quick to make the arrest, taking the gang and their drugs to Banglamung Police Station.
Muan Bunman quickly confessed to her and part in the drug ring, incriminating others along with her. She has been charged with possession and distribution of Class 5 narcotics.
Posted by: Andrew on 08 Jun 2009, 09:44 -
Problems with Pattaya’s CCTV
Visitors to Pattaya at the moment should take extra care when crossing the road. It seems that the vast major – 85% - of the local CCTV system is not working, despite efforts to rectify the problem.
At a recent meeting at Pattaya’s City Hall, Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh admitted the problem, saying that a large budget had been allocated to fix it.
“Pattaya City realizes this problem and has contacted Provincial Police in Region 2 to provide officers to monitor traffic and crime. A 15-million baht budget was set up to repair the CCTV system,” Ekasingh commented to the Pattaya Mail. “A budget of 60 million baht was added for 200 additional CCTV cameras to cover Jomtien Beach, the main roads, the road running parallel to the railway and other vulnerable locations such as gold shops and banks, to be completed by 2011.”
The council already received a sum of 56 million baht to install 237 CCTV cameras throughout Pattaya, focusing on the Pattaya Beach area and major roads. However, there are still bugs in the system.
Posted by: Andrew on 02 Jun 2009, 08:53 -
Bleak future for clairvoyant’s victims
A group of Pattaya bargirls found out this week what can happen when you invite strangers into your home.
Three girls worked together at the America Paradise Beer Bar, which is located on Soi 7 in Central Pattaya. After finishing work at 4 a.m. the girls were on their way home when they met a woman who claimed to be a fortune teller from Cambodia. The women told the girls that she could perform a magic ritual on the girls that would enable them to find rich foreign husbands if they allowed her to perform a magic ritual on them.
The girls agreed and took her back to their apartment, where the woman gave them each a potion to drink. Much to their surprise, the girls awoke several hours later to discover that the fortune teller had drugged and robbed them, taking over 30,000 baht in cash and some valuable possessions.
According to a report in the Pattaya Mail Lieutenant Colonel Sutham Chaosrithong from Pattaya Police Station arrived at the girl’s room at 9 p.m. that evening to find the three women unconscious. Two of the girls had been hit on the forehead.
Posted by: Andrew on 01 Jun 2009, 09:57 -
Swimmers should take care
People who are visiting Samaesarn Bay in Sattahip this month are being asked to take extra care when they swim in the sea. Small brown and white jellyfish known as Light Jellyfish were recently spotted in the water around Samaesarn Bay at Khao Ma Chor Pier just outside Bangkok and the Museum of Natural Science, according to a recent report by the Pattaya Mail.
Most people who are stung by these jellyfish will only have a minor reaction, simply feeling some slight itching or burning. For those who have an allergic reaction the effect can be much worse, and victims can experience vomiting, stiffness, severe numbness, muscular and colic pain.
However, for people who are unlucky enough to come into contact with the jellyfish there is a natural remedy available. Simply crush the leaves of a plant known as sea morning glory and rub the plant on the skin to remove the venom from the sting.
The good news is that Samaesarn Bay seems to be the only area the jellyfish currently inhabit. Those who want to swim and enjoy Thailand’s natural beauty can head to the nearby picturesque islands of Samet or Chang.
Posted by: Andrew on 01 Jun 2009, 09:36