#Thailand - Jet-skis, parasail rides banned until Thursday on Phuket’s west coast

The acting chief of the Phuket Marine Office has announced a ban on jet-ski and parasail ride operators using Phuket’s west-coast beaches, including today. 

 Wiwat Chitcherdwong said: “According to the Thai Meteorological Department Office, heavy rain and high waves of up to 3 metres are still affecting the Andaman Sea until Thursday, August 9.” 

“Jet-skis and parasails are now being banned until the order is changed.” he added.

 Source - TheNation

#Thailand - Thousands to be hit by Kaeng Krachan overspill

FLOODING INEVITABLE AS DISCHARGE SWEEPS ACROSS AREAS ALONG PHETCHABURI RIVER

COMMUNITIES IN Phetchaburi’s Muang district are expected to be flooded for about two weeks after run-off from the overwhelmed Kaeng Krachan Dam hit the area last night.

 The dam was discharging between 200 and 250 cubic metres of water per second, as of press time yesterday. The Phetchaburi River, which runs into the Muang district at the heart of Phetchaburi, can hold about 150 cubic metres of water per second. 

“Although we must discharge water from the dam, we are trying to reduce the volume that will go into the river by diverting some 55 cubic metres of runoff to a canal and irrigation systems,” Royal Irrigation Department’s director-general Thongplew Kongjun said. 

 Regardless of their efforts, it would be inevitable that thousands of people in communities in low-lying zones along the Phetchaburi River would face flooding, he said. 

He estimated the floodwater level would be about 50 centimetres. 

 Water volume in the Kaeng Krachan National Park, in the upper part of Phetchaburi province, has already exceeded its holding capacity. 

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is expected to inspect water discharge at the dam today. 

“Natural disasters are unavoidable but the government will try to minimise adverse impacts,” he said. 

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Grisada Boonrach yesterday said that good preparations had been made to minimise the impact on people living in Phetchaburi’s town. 

“We have even diverted some water into empty farmland along the way. By doing this, the runoff will be reduced. It will also be slower for the runoff to reach the town, giving residents there enough time to move their belongings,” he said. 

Prayut emphasised that people living downstream must move their belongings to higher ground and evacuate if floodwaters continued to rise. 

The weather bureau has forecast increased rainfall and heavier downpours in various parts of Thailand until tomorrow. 

Landslides and flood warnings were issued for 35 provinces. 

Apart from Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaew, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket are also at risk. 

Grisada said if it rained, the water volume going to the Phetchaburi River might be up to 300 cubic metres per second. 

“That means Phetchaburi town may succumb to floods. [However] with current preparations, flooding should not be as widespread as last year,” he said. 

The Royal Irrigation Department has been closely monitoring water levels at large and medium-size reservoirs across the country. 

As of yesterday, water volume at two large dams – Nam Oun in Sakhon Nakhon province and Kaeng Krachan in Phetchaburi – exceeded their capacity. 

About 21 medium-size dams were also overwhelmed, most of them in the Northeast. 

Kanchanaburi Governor Jirakiat Bhumisawasdi yesterday warned people downstream of three local dams – the Srinakharin, Vajiralongkorn and Mae Klong – to be aware of the overflowing river. 

The Srinakharin Dam has now discharged 20 million cubic metres of water, the Vajiralongkorn Dam 43 million cubic metres of water, and the Mae Klong Dam 60 million cubic metres of water. 

“We have noticed that water levels in downstream zones has risen by between 30 and 40 centimeters,” Jirakiat said. 

He said local authorities are preparing flood relief and rescue operations. 

A landslide already hit Mae Hong Son province yesterday morning, with a local road blocked by large rocks. 

Sop Moei district chief Pha-ob Binsa-ard said local officials were trying to clear the blockage with heavy machinery.

Source - TheNation

 

 

Thailand - #Phuket named second best beach in the world

Phuket is celebrating its most recent award after being named the ‘Second Best Beach in the World’ by business publication US News & World Report.

It continues to win accolades from major international media for its white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs that attract millions of travelers every year. This island was hailed as “a little piece of paradise” according to the magazine.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said everyone in Phuket, both public and private stakeholders should take pride in this achievement as it demonstrates the island’s appeal as one of the world’s most desirable beach destinations.

“Obviously we are delighted to win this important award. The fact the honour comes from the US News & World Report is even more gratifying given its target audience and readership.

 “In the past, Phuket has won several other prestigious awards for its beaches as well, so we are very grateful for the continued recognition.” Mr. Yuthasak added.

Phuket continues to expand its appeal as it tries to shift upmarket. It is also quickly established itself as one of the super-yacht hubs of Southeast Asia, a tropical playground for various groups of tourists who enjoy the island’s charms.

Along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons travellers wanting to experience its world-famous cuisine. Phuket was listed by UNESCO as a Gastronomic City in 2015 and will be included in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga 2019.

#Thailand - Weather warnings issued as heavy rains threaten Phetchaburi dams

Heavy rains have battered Thailand’s West, North and Northeast over the past few weeks, causing dams to fill up early in the annual wet season, threatening to flood downstream areas.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said that from today until Thursday, “a monsoonal trough will lie across the upper North and upper Northeast while the southwest monsoon will strengthen across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Outbreaks of more rain, as well as isolated heavy downpours will be expected.”

Meanwhile heavy rains are causing problems a lot further South, with residents in low-lying parts of Phetchaburi province being warned to brace for flash floods with the local Kaeng Krachan dam expected to reach maximum capacity on Sunday.

Heavy rainfall has hit Phetchaburi and nearby provinces over recent days causing huge amounts of water to flow into the dam. The dam was reported to be at 97 per cent capacity as of Saturday evening with water starting to flow into the spillways, threatening downstream villages.

Further south, the TMD is warning of strong winds and two to four-metre high waves in the Andaman Sea and two to three-metre high waves in the upper Gulf of Thailand.

“Ships should proceed with caution, and small boats should stay ashore. People along the coast of the western South and the East should beware of strong winds,” the TMD warned.

The forecast says that scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy rain will persist until Friday. From Phuket northwards, there will be southwesterly winds of between 20 to 45 kilometres per hour, waves two to four metres high and above four metres high in areas getting thundershowers. 

 People in western provinces urged to move to higher ground as more water to be released from reservoirs.

MANY dams in the western region are rapidly filling up due to heavy downpours, with the situation at Kaeng Krachan Dam being of the greatest concern.

The reservoir was expected to reach maximum capacity last night.

Source - TheNation

 

#Thailand - The peaceful side of #Pattani

Long beset by insurgency, this southern province bordered by Narathiwat, Yala, and Songkhla has plenty to offer the visitor

THE FORMER capital of the ancient Langkasuka Kingdom, Pattani province in Thailand’s far south has traditionally been feted for its multiculturalism, though sadly the ongoing violence has kept it well off the tourist path for more than a decade. 

But not all the residents have given up on drawing visitors to their home. On a recent visit that saw a group of journalists wrap up a tour of all three southernmost provinces, we were taken around China Town by Melayu Living, a club of innovative artists who are hoping to bring tourists back to this thriving trading hub on the bank of the Pattani River and the border of Thailand and Malaysia.

 The group has also collaborated with the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage to create maps and guidebooks to illustrate the city layout and indicate the locations of tourist attractions. 

Along the 1.4-kilometre walking route, visitors can learn about history, enjoy some local delicacies and get a feel for the simple way of Southern life. Contrary to the negative pictures painted by the media, it’s normal to see Muslims sitting alongside Chinese-Buddhists eating roti and drinking coffee or tea and sharing space in an art gallery. 

Sulaiman “Lee” Chemae is our tour guide for the walk and one of my travel companions greets him not with “hello” but a question – “It is safe to roam on foot?”

Lee doesn’t appear put out. “This area is like the yolk of an egg, protected by checkpoints controlled by armed soldiers. So, yes, tourists can feel safe. I admit we can’t guarantee 100-per-cent safety but we can recommend places to which visitors can go as well as those best avoided,” he says. 

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China Town is populated by Hokkian Chinese, whose ancestors migrated from Fujian and set up shop on Anoru Road. Lined with old Chinese-style buildings mostly constructed during the reign of King Rama III, it’s home to the Lim Ko Nieo Shrine, worshipped by local residents and seafarers alike to ask for fortune, success, good health and protection. Built in 1634, it was originally called Leng Chu Kiang Shrine. 

Legend has it that Lim Ko Niao crossed the South China Sea from China to Pattani to bring her brother back home to be with their dying mother. The young man, Lim To Kiam, declined her request, preferring to stay in Pattani because he had married a daughter of Phraya Tani and converted to Islam. Lim Ko Niao was frustrated by her brother’s refusal and ended up hanging herself from a cashew nut tree. The villagers later carved a wooden statue to her memory. 

A short distance from the shrine is the former residence of taxman Luang Wichit Sulkakorn. Made from wood and cement, the main structure has been maintained to celebrate its long history. 

When Wichit and his family moved out, the house was turned into a Thai dessert shop by Xuan Lui Kowittaya and became the first grocery on Anoru Road. Today, it’s under the care of the Kamolwittaya family.

“In the past, the Chinese residents traded with sea merchants from Singapore, Malacca and the Malay Peninsula, while the Muslims made their living from fishing. King Rama III recognised the potential for border trade, so he sent a tax collector to Pattani, making our community stronger,” Lee explains.

Next door is the White Building, which was constructed in 1883 by Luang Cheen Kananurak. Anan, the third generation of the Kananurak family, recently had it completely refurbished and gave it a more modern look. 

The building is divided into three zones linked by walkways from the front building to an old wooden house in the middle. There is a kitchen and a lush courtyard at the back, where the air-raid shelter hastily constructed during World War II, has been turned into a fish and lotus pond. 

Commonly known as Baan Kongsee, the bright blue, 150-year-old house was constructed by another tax collector, Luang Samret Kitjakorn Jangwang – an ancestor of the Kanaurak family, during the reign of King Rama III. 

The roof has a perforated design that resembles ancient currency, symbolic of fortune, while the front of house features two windows to protect against inauspicious happenings in line with feng shui beliefs.

The structure is built with glazed bricks coated with white honey-mixed lime and oversize earthenware tiles cover the floor. The living room has a huge stand to accommodate the many statues of Chinese deities.

“Before the violence, this area was really colourful. It was lined with restaurants and always packed with foreign labourers and local fishermen. Because of its proximity to the huge fish market and pier, some Bt100 million changed hands every night,” Lee says. 

“We want to promote other tourist routes that take in artisan villages and encourage people to take a cruise to a swamp forest in Yaring district so that visitors can experience our culture.” 

Just a 15-minute drive away from downtown Pattani next to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Garden is the recently opened Pattani Adventure Park, which is billing itself as the best vantage point for admiring Tachee Cape and azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand. 

The 400-metre skywalk stands as high as a three-storey building and can hold up to 400 kilogram per square metre, thus ensuring safety for all visitors. It’s also connected to a long nature trail on the ground, home to a lush massive swamp forest. 

A mere 35 kilometres from town is 

 Sai Khao, which won the Most Outstanding Community-based Tourism Award back in 2007 for its eco-cultural tours and homestay services. Local residents have modified their vintage Jeep trucks to transport visitors to the Namtok Sai Khao National Park, where a golden statue of the Buddha looks down at visitors from the top of the mountain. 

 

“The province invested Bt32 million to construct the Buddha statue and it took 41 years to complete. It is a great viewpoint to look out over the verdant landscapes of Sai Khao district,” says Uncle Chanin Siannin, the head of Baan Sai Khao community.

The mountain is also home to a sacred pond, which the monk Luang Pu Tuad discovered during a pilgrimage in the jungle, a huge snake-like rock attached to the steep cliff and the Sai Khao waterfall, which is a popular picnic spot for local families. 

Our day out ends with a visit to the massive rubber plantations and orchards, where we’re allowed to pick durian, bananas and rambutan straight from the tree and stock up on such snacks as preserved garcinia and miang kham made from banana to remind us of our visit.

Source - TheNation

 

 

#Thailand and Big Joke roll out the red carpet for VIP tourists: they mean the Chinese

A special lane at Suvarnabhumi airport has been inaugurated - it is for the ease and convenience of Chinese visitors. 

 Thailand's poster boy top cop Maj Gen "Big Joke" Surachet Hakpal - deputy commissioner of the tourist police - and Pol Maj Gen Pritthipong Prayoonsiri at Region 2 immigration have shaken hands on the deal that provided the new lane.

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 Both major generals were at Suvarnabhumi yesterday evening for a PR exercise assuring Chinese media that everything was all well and good in Thailand for their nationals.

The TPB website said that Thailand did not want to be seen as taking advantage of the Chinese.

They said VIP measures were already in place to give them every assistance from the plane to their waiting transport outside the airport.

They said they were looking at short term and long term answers to problems faced by Chinese tourists.

 Though they did not mention if this was in response to bad press after the boat accident in Phuket recently that saw many Chinese cancel their holidays.

Thaivisa notes that the accident claimed many lives and has had the Thai authorities scurrying to repair the damage. Many will see the latest gesture as part of that and ask the question:

"What about other nationalities?"

Source - TheNation

Hotelier Awards honour best in hospitality

International Day of Friendship was celebrated around the world yesterday (July 30). But it’s clear that friendship isn’t only celebrated one day a year as recent research from Booking.com reveals that a third of travelers are planning to travel with a group of friends in 2018

 Booking.com thus recommends six beautiful destinations that are even better when traveling in a group. 

Krakow, Poland

As one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow is a city that has boldly withstood the tides of history and has come out on top. Medieval and modern architecture co-exist in organic harmony with the natural world; from its mountainous backdrop to the cosmopolitan bustle of Market Square, the city’s central square where friends gather and meander. And if you and your friends are craving some traditional street food, then visit one of the little stalls in the Plac Nowy neighbourhood which sells zapiekanka, an open-faced sandwich topped with sauteed mushrooms and cheese. An abundance of apartment style accommodations and one of the most affordable destinations in Europe are additional benefits for group travel in Krakow.

Where to stay: Feldmana 6 Apartments offers spacious accommodation ideal for a group of friends who want to spend their stay in Krakow together. The apartment’s modern living room or fully equipped kitchen are the perfect place to reconnect while relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing.

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 Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Smells assault the senses, traffic buzzes all around and vendors jostle for attention at every turn. On the other hand, it’s a city with a serene soul – full of imperial temples and beaming smiles from some of the world’s friendliest people. Wander with your friends and mingle with tourists and locals at the Chatuchak weekend market, which gathers more than 200,000 visitors a day, or spend some time at the Saphan Phut night market, a perfect spot for after-dark shopping, snacking or just catching up.

Where to stay: Renovated from a traditional shop house, Vera Nidhra is a boutique bed and breakfast located in Bangkok’s Old Town. Before discovering the city’s hidden gems, you can spend time with your friends in one of the property’s stylish common areas

 Barcelona, Spain

Home to a glorious climate, lively beach culture and countless Gaudi masterpieces, this beautiful destination is a kaleidoscope of taste and colour. The Gothic Quarter is a great place to spend the day with your friends, wandering in the ancient alleyways lined with shops and bars, while the colourful La Rambla area, with the charismatic street performers and pavement cafes, is perfect for watching the friendly locals pass by.

Where to stay: Centrally located in Barcelona, between the vibrant Rambla de Catalunya and Aribau streets, each of the modern BCN Rambla Catalunya Apartments features a cosy living room where you and your friends can relax after a day of sightseeing, bar hoping and tapas tasting.

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 New York City, USA

  Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – no other city quite captures the United States of America’s founding principles. Ripe with anticipation, every turn reveals something new and unexpected. Discover the city where some of the most popular television shows and movies of all times took place, and hang out with your friends inside one of the city’s world-class museums, at one of the many breathtaking theatre performances or just find your own cosy neighbourhood cafe to talk about your dreams and next adventures.

Where to stay: Located within walking distance from the iconic SoHo, Greenwich Village and Union Square neighbourhoods, the historic brownstone East Village Apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi to post stunning Instagram pictures with your friends from the City that Never Sleeps.

 Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is full of splendid cathedrals, parks and bridges and leaves a living, breathing and awe-inspiring legacy of Peter the Great, who built the city after feeling inspired by the charming streets and canals of Amsterdam. If you and your friends are interested in culture and appreciate the local flare, than this is the perfect place for you as the city is listed as Unesco World Heritage site with multiple historical architectural complex as well as thousands of stunning individual monuments. 

Where to stay: Staying in a hostel while travelling with friends can be a great opportunity to meet new people from around the world. The Hostel Chickadee is set on a historical building and is walking distance the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. The fully equipped kitchen is a great place to come together and cook a delicious meal with your friends.

Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the best places in the world for deep cultural immersion. From ancient ruins to modern art and architecture, no matter your interest, there is something to see and enjoy in Rome. In between sightseeing among the show-stopping Pantheon, Colosseum and Roman Forum, don’t forget to enjoy gelato from one of the cities many gelaterias. The popular Piazza di Spagna is a great place to people watch or take notes from the fashionistas exiting Via dei Condotti. Before you leave, be sure to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you and your friends will come back to this stunning city.

Where to stay: Just a short walk from the Colosseum, Amazing Colosseo offers modern self-catering accommodation for up to a group of eight. Featuring a cinema room and a pool table, this spacious apartment is perfect for a fun trip with friends in the heart of the Eternal City. Wake up to the spectacular views of one of Italy’s most visited monuments and enjoy a nice cup of coffee before walking in the shadows of hundreds of ancient monuments.

Source - TheNation