Exciting News Update from Thailand (Oct 17, 2023)

Exciting News Update from Thailand (Oct 17, 2023)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Damage to FM Station from Storms
3. Thailand's Recovery Program for Nationals Leaving Israel
4. Extended Visa Free Stays for Russian Tourists
5. Flat Fee for Red and Purple Public Train Lines
6. Flooding in Iua Province
7. Monopoly Game Launch in Thailand
8. British Tourist Stranded After Fight with Wife
9. Patia Police Update Records on Beach Road Body Sellers
10. Fire at Garbage Dump in Nong Pru Area
11. Internet Scammers Selling Fake Hotel Reservations
12. Weather Forecast

Introduction

In this article, we will cover a range of local and national news stories from Thailand. We'll explore topics such as the recent damage to an FM station caused by storms, Thailand's recovery program for Nationals leaving Israel, extended visa-free stays for Russian tourists, new developments in public train fares, flooding in Iua Province, the launch of the Monopoly game in Thailand, a British tourist stranded after a fight with his wife, updates on beach road body sellers, a fire at a garbage dump in the Nong Pru area, internet scammers selling fake hotel reservations, and the weather forecast for the day.

Damage to FM Station from Storms

Recently, our own FM station faced damage due to severe storms. However, we were fortunate enough to receive help from BBC teams to repair our satellite receivers and system. It's important to note that although We Are a BBC World Service news partner, our news content is independently written by our team. We take pride in providing original news content every day. Unfortunately, due to the misconception, some on YouTube mistook our local news for a BBC product. We would like to clarify that our news is unique and not copied or rehashed.

Thailand's Recovery Program for Nationals Leaving Israel

Thailand's recovery program for Nationals wanting to leave Israel due to the conflict is working effectively. The program involves flights landing at UTA, with the expectation of over 6,000 people returning to Thailand. The Air Force is actively participating in the program, but they face challenges due to the conditions in Israel. Collaborations with Israeli authorities are underway to Create safe zones for expats waiting to flee.

Extended Visa Free Stays for Russian Tourists

Russian tourists can now enjoy longer stays in Thailand as the government has announced an extension of the visa-free period. Starting next month, Russians visiting Thailand can stay for a full three months without applying for an elongated extension of stay. This privilege brings Russian tourists on par with Kazakhstani and Chinese visitors. However, there is currently no information available regarding plans for other nations.

Flat Fee for Red and Purple Public Train Lines

The cabinet has approved a flat fee for both red and purple public train lines in Bangkok. Regardless of the distance traveled, passengers will now pay a fixed fee of 20 B. However, if passengers need to switch lines, they will incur an additional fee. This change offers significant savings compared to the previous ticket prices, which ranged from 12 to 42 B. The new fare system is expected to encourage more people to use public transportation.

Flooding in Iua Province

Recent storms have led to rising river levels, resulting in widespread flooding in Iua Province. Approximately 12,000 homes have been affected by the floods, and the Chao Prior Dam has been forced to release millions of liters of Water per hour to manage the rising water levels. Nine districts in Iua Province are experiencing severe flooding, which has also extended to areas such as Bang Payen.

Monopoly Game Launch in Thailand

The Tourist Authority of Thailand hopes to add a new game, Monopoly, to entice tourists and showcase the nation's Charm. The game is a licensed addition Based on the popular board game, Changai. While playing, tourists can immerse themselves in the Thai culture and experience different aspects of the country. It could be a fun activity for tourists, especially on rainy nights.

British Tourist Stranded After Fight with Wife

In a cautionary tale for couples visiting Thailand, a British tourist found himself stranded after a dispute with his wife. Following an argument, his wife left him and took both his passport and return ticket. The stranded tourist appealed to authorities to help locate his wife so that he could return home. While the whereabouts of his wife are unknown, it is essential for couples to carry their passports to avoid such situations.

Patia Police Update Records on Beach Road Body Sellers

Patia police are actively updating their records regarding beach road body sellers. This practice has been in force for over a decade and involves checking the identities of individuals involved in selling goods along the beach road. During a recent operation, 14 members of the third gender were taken to the police station. Their photographs were taken, and they were tested for common drugs. These records assist in resolving petty crimes and have resulted in numerous arrests in the past.

Fire at Garbage Dump in Nong Pru Area

A fire broke out in the Nong Pru area, specifically at a garbage dump. Reports suggest that lightning struck the dump during an early morning storm, igniting the rubbish. Firefighters attempted to extinguish the flames but were unsuccessful with traditional methods. They ultimately employed tractors to create a firebreak and manage the main affected area. It's worth noting that the dump is no longer licensed but is still used by locals. Scavengers who were sorting through trash for sellable items had to quickly flee when the storm hit.

Internet Scammers Selling Fake Hotel Reservations

Travelers to Thailand need to be cautious when making hotel reservations online. There has been an increase in internet scammers selling fake reservations through platforms like Facebook and LINE. These scammers create fake accounts and offer special deals to unsuspecting tourists. To ensure a secure booking, it is recommended to make reservations directly from a hotel's official Website or well-known booking platforms like Agoda. Many tourists have discovered they had no actual reservations upon arrival after purchasing from these fraudulent sellers.

Weather Forecast

Today's weather forecast predicts highs around 30°C, with temperatures dropping to 25°C at night. Expect mostly cloudy skies throughout the day, with the likelihood of thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and early evening.

Highlights

• Thailand's recovery program ensures the safe return of Nationals leaving Israel due to the conflict.
• Russian tourists now have the privilege of a three-month visa-free stay in Thailand.
• A flat fee for red and purple public train lines in Bangkok offers cost savings for commuters.
• Flooding in Iua Province affects thousands of homes, prompting the release of water from the Chao Prior Dam.
• Monopoly, a licensed addition based on the popular board game Changai, is now available in Thailand.
• A British tourist was left stranded after a fight with his wife, who took his passport and return ticket.
• Patia police Continue to update their records on beach road body sellers, aiding in the prevention of petty crimes.
• A fire at a garbage dump in the Nong Pru area required tractors to contain and control the flames.
• Internet scammers are deceiving tourists with fake hotel reservations, emphasizing the need to book directly from official websites or recognized platforms.
• The weather forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorms throughout the day.

FAQ Q: Can Russian tourists stay in Thailand without a visa? A: Yes, Russian tourists can now enjoy a three-month visa-free stay in Thailand.

Q: How much is the flat fee for public train lines in Bangkok? A: The flat fee for both red and purple public train lines in Bangkok is 20 B, regardless of the distance traveled.

Q: Which areas in Thailand are currently experiencing severe flooding? A: Iua Province and nine districts within it are facing severe flooding.

Q: Where did the fire break out in the Nong Pru area? A: The fire occurred at a garbage dump in the Nong Pru area.

Q: How can tourists avoid falling victim to internet scammers selling fake hotel reservations? A: To ensure secure reservations, it is recommended to book directly from the hotel's official website or reputable platforms such as Agoda.