tourist

The northern city of [Chiang Mai] [1] is often praised by visitors for its diverse art and culture. The city is simply teeming with art galleries, temples and museums. So it isn’t surprising that the newly opened gallery named Look At This, which is located opposite the Amari Rincome Hotel on Nimmanhemin Road, should have proven to be a big success. This month, the gallery is contributing to Chiang Mai’s cultural profile by hosting Singaporean painter Li Li Tan. Li Li Tan is known for her bright, happy images and the paintings have been a big hit. "I dream a lot in both colour and black and white" Li Li told [Good Morning Chiang Mai] [2] recently. "One of my favourite paintings here is Ave Maria. I dreamt it in black and white, then painted it in colour". Li Li Tan managed to sell several paintings on her first night in Chiang Mai, with the painting of Ave Maria painted in acrylic on canvas being sold for 40,000 baht. Another, larger painting also sold for 80,000 baht. Back in Singapore Lil Li Tan works as a TV commercial producer and photographer. However, she is so taken with Chiang Mai that she has announced plans to settle in the city in the near future. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://gmorning.info/news 2009-07-03T09:15:00+07:00 1353 2009-07-03T09:48:18+07:00 5 true 1353-chiang-mai-gallery-welcomes-new-artist Andrew

A British couple who were falsely accused of stealing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in [Bangkok] [1] have announced plans to sue the airport for wrongful arrest. The [Phuket Gazette] [2] reported that Stephen Ingram, 49, and Xi Lin, 45, were accused of stealing a Givenchy wallet worth around 7,000 from a King Power duty-free shop on April 25 as they went to board Qantas flight QF1 to London. The pair were handed over to the police and forced to pay bribes of around 450,000 baht for their release, even though there was no evidence against them. Apparently, the couple were detained for five days, during which time they were threatened and held hostage in a cheap hotel until they agreed to pay the bribe. Stephen Ingram and Xi Lin were so outraged by their experience that as soon as they managed to get out of their situation they decided to sue for unlawful treatment. "Our main motivation [in suing] is to protect other innocent British tourists from being caught up in this nightmare," Stephen Ingram said in an interview last week. "We intend to take every legal means to recover our money and obtain justice." Investigations are underway to ascertain whether or not this is an ongoing scam. However, there seem to be no other reports of tourists being treated in this way and it appears to be an isolated incident. [1]: http://1stopbangkok.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net/news/ 2009-06-29T09:15:00+07:00 1345 2009-06-29T11:05:39+07:00 5 true 1345-british-tourists-fight-for-their-rights Andrew

If you plan on swimming in the sea off one of [Phuket] [1]’s beautiful beaches, make sure you look out for the red flags and other signs, which have been put in place to warn swimmers about strong currents in certain parts of the water. The currents can be so strong that several people have already drowned this summer, many of them simply because they ignored the natural and man-made warning signs. Karon Beach is one area where swimmers are particularly at risk, but only in certain parts. To try and draw attention to this fact, new signs have recently been erected. According to a recent report by the [Phuket Gazette] [2] these signs include a message in English and have been signed by Karon Mayor Thavee Thongcham. “The monsoon season has started and on certain days the sea can be very dangerous. Whenever the red flag is placed, we urge you not to swim in the sea as there are invisible undercurrents which are almost impossible to detect from the shore. Too many accidents occur every year on the Andaman Sea beaches and we cannot assume responsibility for every one.” Life guards have also been appointed in notorious danger spots, so swimmers should have no problem staying safe this summer. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-06-23T09:11:00+07:00 1337 2009-06-22T15:04:40+07:00 5 true 1337-phuket-s-answer-to-baywatch Andrew

[Phuket] [1]’s tourist figures have just been released and as many would have predicted they show a dramatic reduce in figures compared to last year and other previous years. The figures were released by the Office of Tourism Development last week and show that tourist figures have dropped right across Thailand, from 5.5 million in 2008 to 4.7 million in 2009, which is about 14.8% less than last year. However, those involved with Phuket’s tourism don’t seem to be concerned over the falling figures. “The tourism industry in Phuket is still good, a lot better than many other tourist destinations in Thailand,” Promchote Traivate, director of Phuket Tourism and Sports Office told the [Phuket Gazette] [2]. Phuket has long been one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations and many visitors have been visiting year after year for decades. However, many of the island’s hotels and businesses are launching campaigns and offering deals to entice visitors back to the island. With plenty of travel bargains and deals to be found, it would seem that now is a great time to visit Phuket. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-06-23T08:58:00+07:00 1336 2009-06-22T15:03:55+07:00 5 true 1336-phuket-still-a-popular-tourist-destination Andrew

Plans are underway in [Chiang Mai][1] for the longest canopied walkway in Southeast Asia. The walkway, which will hopefully be completed in 2010, will be an ecotourism and research project located at the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. The project will cost an estimated 50 million baht. The covered walkway will be 20 meters wide and 350 meters long when completed. The Natural Resources and Environmental Ministry’s Botanical Garden Organization will conduct the project. Currently, a study is being conducted to assess the potential environmental impact to the botanical garden. The Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is located in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district and hosts thousands of plants from around the world. The garden sits on 6,500 rai, which has views of the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai valley. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and is one of the favorite tourist destinations for travelers from around the world. The mountains around the city are a playground for adventure travelers. The Chiang Mai International Airport has recently added several direct international flights so travelers can bypass the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. [1]: http://www.1stopthailand.com/chiangmai/ 2008-12-11T14:20:00+07:00 1023 2008-12-11T14:14:48+07:00 5 true 1023-longest-canopied-walkway-in-se-asia-planned Andrew

There are more than 20 foreigners helping the Thai police keep the peace in Pattaya. The “farang” police are helping Thai police bridge the language gap while they are on duty on one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. But recently, there have been some complaints that farang police are abusing their power by charging money for protection and being a menace to tourists and locals. The [Pattaya][1] Tourist Police have created two groups of farang and Thai volunteers to carry out police daily duties. The farang volunteers are part of the “volunteer foreign friendship” project that was set up by the commander of the Tourist Police. The foreigners are from various locations around the world and some have previous law enforcement experience. To get a positions with the Tourist Police, the volunteer must first go through a personal background check. The volunteer farang must also participate in a basic law enforcement course that includes an education in theory and basic application in the field. After completing the application and requirements, the volunteers will be considered for positions [1]: http://www.1stopthailand.com/pattaya/ 2008-12-06T17:17:00+07:00 1011 2008-11-30T17:19:24+07:00 5 true 1011-tourist-police-in-pattaya Andrew

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is about to get tough on environmental abuses, especially on businesses that are located in Thailand’s tourist destinations. This week, a private company is under allegations for dumping toxic waste illegally into a key water source in Chon Buri. The department held a seminar that addressed environmental law and discussed the abuses around Thailand. The organization has been receiving many complaints in the recent months about tourist businesses destroying the environment, a key component in Thailand’s tourist industry. The DSI is currently looking into two cases. The first involves releasing toxic waste in ditches on the side of roads near key water sources, and the second involves the destruction of coral and marine habitat in the waters around Phuket. Both of these cases are currently under full investigation with results pending from the DSI. The Department of Special Investigation is not only worried about the effects on the environment, but the effects these crimes can have on humans. The department pointed out that the health of the environment, and the health of humans, are directly linked together. 2008-12-05T17:11:00+07:00 1010 2008-11-30T17:16:47+07:00 5 true 1010-thailand-enforces-eco-laws Andrew

Phuket’s aids problems are getting worse and public health officials are scrambling for a solution. Phuket province ranks second among the 76 provinces in Thailand in terms of HIV/AIDS infections. The large number of sex workers and nightlife entertainment venues makes Phuket a perfect storm in the aids epidemic. Other sexually transmitted diseases are also on the rise among adults and teenagers, especially in the high tourist traffic areas. The [Phuket][1] Public Health Office attributes 90 percent of the new cases are a result of unsafe sexual practices. From 1984 to 2008 there have been 91,839 deaths caused by sexually transmitted diseases, the most being cause by HIV. Men outnumber women by a ratio of 2:1 in the new cases of sexually transmitted diseases. It is not just people who work in the sex industry who are at risk. The most likely people to contract the diseases are sex workers, domestic workers, retail vendors, unemployed, and manual laborers. Company workers are also showing an increase in cases. This large spectrum of people has local authorities very concerned about a continued rise in sexually transmitted diseases. [1]: http://www.1stopthailand.com/phuket/ 2008-12-04T17:09:00+07:00 1009 2008-11-30T17:10:50+07:00 5 true 1009-phuket-ranks-second-in-hiv-aids Andrew

Now tourists visiting the beautiful beaches in [Pattaya][1] can now have a drink, get a tan, and surf-the-net at the same time. The project, expected to be completed by early next spring, will provide free wireless Internet service that will cover the entire Pattaya Beach area. This will be the first wireless beach Internet project of its kind in Thailand. There are other tourist destinations around Thailand who serve tourists hot-spots with wireless internet, but these come at a cost. Pattaya Beach will be the first large-scale free WI-FI zone in Thailand. There will be communication posts at over 50 locations throughout the beach area. This will require a communication post every 150 meters. The broadcasting speed will be at least 128/Kb per second, but the speed will be able to be increased in the future. The project is part of Pattaya City’s attempt to make the tourist destination a leading player in the high-tech world. The city hopes it can attract people who are on vacation, but still need to be in touch with their employers or businesses. This is the latest trend to satisfy the needs of travelers who can work via the internet from anywhere around the world. [1]: http://www.1stopthailand.com/pattaya/ 2008-12-01T16:58:00+07:00 1005 2008-11-30T17:01:05+07:00 5 true 1005-pattaya-beach-is-going-wi-fi Andrew

A woman froze to death in Uttaradit as cold temperatures gripped the North and Northeast of Thailand. The 76-year-old woman was found dead in her bed. She shared the bed with her 83-year-old husband, who survived the frigid temperatures that took his wife. Doctors said the woman was suffering from health problems that added to the complications due to the cold weather. The cold season has come early to Northern Thailand. Hospitals have been inundated with cases of pneumonia and respiratory infections. Already this year doctors have attributed 15 deaths due to the unseasonably cold weather. So far, over 1000 cases of pneumonia have been recorded in the north. Doi Inthanon National Park, in [Chiang Mai province][1], reported frost as the temperature fell below 6 degrees celcius. Low temperatures in the winter are not uncommon around Thailand’s highest peak, but this year the cold has come very early. The peak of tourist season begins around mid-December at Doi Inthanon. Tourists flock to the peak to experience the cool winter air and view Thailand from its highest point. Doi Inthanon remains one of the most visited sites in Northern Thailand. [1]: http://www.1stopthailand.com/chiangmai/ 2008-11-20T11:01:00+07:00 984 2008-11-16T11:04:51+07:00 5 true 984-cold-temperatures-prove-deadly Andrew

National parks and other tourist destinations around Thailand are warning tourists of possible landslides and flash flooding. Heavy rains, mostly in East and Central Thailand, are causing extensive damage endangering the lives of many. Residents of Surat Thani have been warned of possible landslides and flash flooding. Favorite tourist destinations, such as Koh Phangan, Khao Sok, Koh Tao, and [Koh Samui][1], have been put on high alert. The late monsoon season created small boat advisories due to rough seas. Many speedboat operators have been forced to cancel their charters, but larger ferries have been remained in operation. The Chao Phraya river has swollen to record levels flooding many locations along its banks. In central Ang Thong province, the water from the river has burst its banks and is penetrating main business centers. Water up to a meter deep has caused damage to homes and businesses throughout this region. Authorities are carefully monitoring dams and reservoirs that have been pushed to their limits during the late monsoon season. Major dams have been releasing water to alleviate pressure, causing more flooding downstream. Farmers and villagers along the affected rivers are receiving aid and crop seeds for replanting after the waters subside. [1]: http://www.1stopsamui.com/ 2008-11-12T12:53:00+07:00 973 2008-11-09T12:56:19+07:00 5 true 973-tourists-warned-of-floods-and-landslides Andrew

In a new project aimed at improving the safety of tourists and the accessibility of Thailand’s local police forces, all 7-11 convenience stores in [Pattaya and Koh Chang][1] are now acting as emergency Tourist Police contact locations. Although it’s only in the trial phase, any tourist can enter a 7-11 at these two popular Thai beach destinations and dial the Tourist Police number 24 hours a day. If things go well, the initiative will be expanded to create a tourist emergency network encompassing all 4,000 7-11s throughout Thailand. Participating stores in Pattaya and Koh Chang will display a sign in the window and the staff have been trained to deal with tourists in trouble. It’s an excellent way to help tourists find the help they need, as 7-11s are virtually a global household name. Noppakorn S. Tansakul, the project’s lead consultant, tried the scheme out on Bangkok’s Khaosan Road during last year’s Songkran festival. He said that it showed very positive results, and the Thai public even helped by reporting non-violent crimes like drug dealing and prostitution. The trial in Pattaya and Koh Chang will last 3 months, at which time its effectiveness will be evaluated. In Pattaya the Tourist Police emergency number is 1337, and on Koh Chang it is 1155. [1]: http://www.1stoppattaya.com/about_pattaya/safety/ 2008-09-21T11:00:00+07:00 891 2008-09-21T11:05:53+07:00 5 true 891-7-11-stores-to-help-tourists-in-trouble Andrew

A young woman from Scotland visit Thailand on holiday has been killed in a hit-and-run accident in Pattaya. Jennifer Burden, 26, died from injuries suffered after being struck down by a car in the popular Gulf of Thailand resort of Pattaya. Police continue to search for the driver of the car. The tourist’s grieving mother was too upset to speak with reporters at the family’s home, located in Airth, near Falkirk, in Scotland. A spokesperson from the Foreign Office indicated that an investigation was under way. She commented: "We can confirm a British national died on June 16 in a car accident while on holiday in Pattaya. "We are providing consular assistance and there is still an ongoing investigation to trace the driver." Details surrounding the accident remain unclear. Former co-workers paid tribute to Ms Burden, who has been employed in Nottingham as a procurement analyst for an IT firm. Karl Dukes, her former boss, said: "Jennifer was always very lively. She was the life and soul of the party. She was just a typical vibrant young woman who got on well with her clients and colleagues. "I know that she and her boyfriend had been together for a good few years. They had a very strong relationship. They were always on the phone together." In a recent email to friends back in the UK, Jennifer wrote that her favourite places in south-east Asia were Vang Vieng, in Laos, and Kanchananburi, in Thailand, which is known to most Westerners as the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai. [1]: http://dailyrecord.co.uk [2]: http://1stopthailand.com/pattaya/ 2008-07-08T17:00:00+07:00 766 2008-07-06T17:40:15+07:00 5 true 766-scottish-woman-killed-in-pattaya-hit-and-run-accident- Andrew

A French man reported became demented as he searched for his Thai girlfriend in the streets of the Thai resort of Pattaya. When he found a woman who looked like his girlfriend, and she eventually derailed his fantasy, he slit his wrist and ended up in a local hospital in the early morning hours of 27 June. An investigator with the Pattaya Police, Wittaya Yeunyong, was informed that a foreigner had slit his wrist in a room he had rented in central Pattaya. Police rushed to the hotel to find Mr Stephane Verraes, a 35-year-old French national, lying in bed with blood pouring out of numerous wounds on his right wrist. Mr Verraes was not coherent but police and rescue personnel transported him to Banglamung Hospital. Mrs Aom, the woman Verraes had mistaken to be his girlfriend, told the police that earlier in the evening she had met him on the beach. He told her that she looked like his missing girlfriend and asked her if he could go back to her room with her. She agreed. He began a manic search of her room, allegedly looking for his missing girlfriend. By this time, Mrs Aom had become impatient, she told the police. When she became angry and attempted to force him to leave her room, Mr Verraes reportedly went berserk. He grabbed her razor, slashed his wrist five times and fled the scene to his own room. Mrs Aom and her husband then called the authorities. [1]: http://pattayadailynews.com [2]: http://1stopthailand.com/pattaya/ 2008-07-03T16:16:00+07:00 762 2008-06-28T19:36:19+07:00 5 true 762-french-visitor-becomes-demented-over-missing-thai-girlfriend- Andrew

Sweden’s Phuket consulate and the embassy in Bangkok may post warnings on their official websites, advising Swedish women of the dangers while traveling in Thailand. The move follows the increasing number of attacks on women in recent years and warnings on other country’s embassy websites, such as the British Embassy. The latest incident - the murder of 26-year-old Swedish tourist Hanna Backlund at Mai Khao Beach in March – has prompted Swedish authorities to consider the idea. General Consul Christina Palm at the Swedish Consulate in Phuket said, 'we are considering posting a general warning on our website addressing the dangers one faces when traveling in Thailand.' The British Embassy currently warns of sexual offenses committed against foreign women and men. It focuses mainly on female travelers to 'maintain a high state of personal awareness' while in Thailand. Governor of Phuket, Niran Kalayanamit, recently said that the murder of Miss Backlund murder had hurt Phuket’s reputation. Other recent hi-profile attacks against Swedish female tourists in Thailand include the rape of a 12-year-old girl on Koh Samui in January 2006, and the attempted rape of a woman the same year. One plan put forward by a Phuket's Tourist Police Commander Maj Gen Choochart Suwannakom was to distribute whistles to foreign female tourists at prominent beach resorts; a suggestion which a Danish officer at the Nordic Police Liaison Office in Bangkok described as 'pathetic'. Tourism is very important for Thailand, bringing in around US$16 billion in 2007; the greatest earner of foreign currency for the country. [Safety tips in Thailand](http://www.1stopthailand.com/travel-tips/safety/t_to_z_of_safety/)<br> [Phuket Tourist Guide](http://www.1stopthailand.com/phuket/) 2008-04-07T08:37:00+07:00 620 2008-04-08T07:47:17+07:00 5 true 620-sweden-may-issuing-travel-warnings Andrew

A German resident in Pattaya’s northern resort of Naklua collapsed and died on Saturday, police sources said. Banglamung Police Station’s Lieutenant Colonel Samai was called to investigate a foreign fatality in Naklua on Friday Night at Numchai Place Apartments, Soi Noree, near Naklua Road. The body of the German national Peter Fabian was found lying on the floor next to the bathroom in room number 8 when Lieutenant Colonel Samai was called in. Mr Fabian was apparently with his girlfriend, Khun Somport, at the time of collapse. Miss Somport, aged 48, explained that Mr Fabian was walking out of the toilet when he suddenly collapsed and failed to regain consciousness, after which she called for help. Mr Fabian was known to be a Diabetes sufferer, which in all probability was the cause of death. The case will remain open, however, until the results have been collated from of a post mortem examination. Pattaya [Directory of Services](http://www.1stoppattaya.com/essential/) 2008-01-20T06:25:00+07:00 518 2008-01-20T06:31:05+07:00 5 true 518-german-resident-dies-in-naklua Andrew

This summer, visitors to Phuket had the chance to check out a piece of yachting history, with the legendary vessel, the Kalizma, taking a load off to rest in North Phuket’s Yacht Haven. One of the oldest yachts in the world, [the 165 foot ship has served in both world wars by the British Royal Navy before being dubbed The Kalizma](http://phuket-post.com), when it was acquired way back in 1967 by the Hollywood couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. It is so named for Burton’s three daughters, Kate, Liza and Maria. 11 years ago, the yacht was purchased by Indian booze tycoon Vijay Mallya for his own personal use and he used a spot in the port of Mumbai to extensively restore the boat to its current state of class and prestige. Major renovations such as removing and replacing the original engines were overseen by the ship’s captain Avnish Dhall, who says, “I almost killed myself restoring her. I almost killed a lot of people! There are people who won't talk to me anymore! I certainly turned myself into an alcolholic.� If you missed the boat in Thailand, you may be able to catch it in the Persian Gulf or Europe before it sails back to Goa for the New Year. 2007-10-04T07:50:00+07:00 363 2007-10-04T07:51:19+07:00 7 true 363-kalizma-ends-visit-to-phuket DaveB