Tourists Among 19 Killed by Bomb at #Bangkok's Erawan Shrine

Erawan Shrine

BANGKOK — A bomb attack killed 18 people including tourists in the commercial heart of the Thai capital Monday evening.
 
At least 123 more were injured by the powerful blast which hit a popular landmark heavily frequented by Thais and tourists alike at 6:55 pm.

One Filipino victim and two Chinese nationals were among those killed, outgoing police chief Somyot Pumphanmuang said. Twelve died at the scene and another seven have since died in hospital, according to the latest information from authorities.

"We have not discarded any possible motive," Somyot said at a news conference at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, located meters away from the scene of the attack. Despite media reports indicating one bomb was attached to a utility pole while a second detonated from a motorcycle, Somyot denied a car bomb was involved, saying the bomb was planted on the scene.

While no one has taken credit for the attack and authorities said it's too early to speculate, Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told Reuters it was meant to harm Thailand's economy.

"The perpetrators intended to destroy the economy and tourism because the incident occurred in the heart of the tourism district," Prawit said.
 
Anusith Kunakorn of Thailand's National Security Council said "details about the explosion are still confusing, so we cannot conclude whether it is about an accident or a political incident. Related authorities are urgently working to clarify this matter. Once we have conclusive information, we will inform the people." 

The bomb left a gruesome scene. Photos showed blood, bodies and human remains around the shrine as rescue workers rushed to provide aid near the shrine, which is a popular tourist destination.

Soon after the blast, police spokesman Prawuth announced bomb units were dispatched to the scene on suspicion there more bombs. Despite reports two more bombs were found and disarmed, Prawuth said they turned out to not be bombs.
 
In images tweeted by JS 100 radio just after the blast, fires were burning in Sukhumvit Road, which runs through the capital's cosmopolitan center.
Photos from the scene appeared to show an injured Caucasian woman being taken away on a stretcher.

There is no indication yet of what caused the explosion during rush hour. Roads around the area have been closed, and authorities said the area would remain closed Tuesday while the scene is investigated.

Surrounded by luxury malls and hotels, Rajaprasong intersection is in the heart of Bangkok's commercial shopping district. The Erawan Shrine is an important, sacred symbol in the Thai capital. In 2006, a mentally ill young man damaged the shrine with a hammer and was immediately killed by an angry crowd.

An area popular with the Bangkok elite, it was also the epicenter of protracted anti-government street protests in 2010.

Earlier this year a small bomb detonated not far from the scene of tonight's blast outside one of the capital's most popular shopping malls.
No one was injured in the 1 Feb. attack which occurred during the evening between the Siam Paragon shopping mall and BTS Skytrain station. 

Authorities attributed that attack to political groups opposed to the military regime. Thailand has been under military rule since it seized power in May 2014.

In April a car bomb exploded in the basement of shopping mall on Koh Samui in southern Thailand, injuring seven people. The car used in the attack was reported stolen from a province the deep south, where security forces have been engaged in a long and bloody conflict with a homegrown insurgency movement seeking independence.

Despite widespread rumors online, the military government has not ordered businesses and schools closed tomorrow, according to junta spokesman Winthai Suwaree. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems are expected to be operating as normal.

However late Monday night, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced 438 schools in greater Bangkok will be closed.
The Thai International Red Cross Society announced it has adequate supplies of blood at this time.

Source: Khaosod

Multiple-entry visas for all travellers could soon be a reality, #Thailand

 

Good news travellers, multiple-entry visas for all visitors to the kingdom could soon be a reality after Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha gave the go-ahead to a proposal for six-month visas.

Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the new visa will allow holders to come into the country more than once and it will cost THB5,000.

Currently, citizens of 30-40 countries can enter without a visa, but some other nationals are required to pay about THB1,000 for a single-entry, 30-day visa, reported the Nation.

The proposal was made as part of a plan to try and boost tourism and help the country’s ailing economy.

Thailand hopes to attract 28 million visitors this year.

The proposal will go into effect within 60 days of receiving cabinet approval.

The ministerial regulation under the Immigration Act of 1979, approved by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday (August 4), will allow tourists to get a visa enabling them to make multiple entries into Thailand during a six-month period.
The multiple-entry visa costs B5,000, while a visa for a single entry is B1,000.
Multiple entry will become available 60 days after the regulation is published in the Royal Gazette.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the multiple visa was a new measure to boost tourism, as more tourists will visit the country.
Charoen Wangananont, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, agreed with Ms Kobkarn, saying it would benefit those who often visit Thailand.
"It's a good start, although even the six-month period may still be short for some visitors," he said.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry earlier proposed the cabinet approve the multiple visa for a 12-month period.
"We hope this multiple visa measure will promote Thailand as a destination for weekend vacations and that business people will visit Thailand more often," Ms Kobkarn said.
Meanwhile, Areepong Bhoocha-oom, newly appointed tourism permanent secretary, said his ministry would propose a strategic tourism development plan to the National Tourism Policy Committee next Monday (August 10).
Under the plan, the country will focus on generating tourism revenue, particularly for local communities, and try to attract more quality tourists. The plan comprises three strategies – tourism product and service development, tourism management, and marketing.
"We want to upgrade the quality of life of people in tourism destinations nationwide and make them stronger for sustainable tourism development. Self-sufficiency is key to our goal," Mr Areepong said.
Read original story here.
- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/multiple-visa-a-trade-boon-say-operators-53529.php#sthash.xVMs7caM.dpuf

The ministerial regulation under the Immigration Act of 1979, approved by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday (August 4), will allow tourists to get a visa enabling them to make multiple entries into Thailand during a six-month period.
The multiple-entry visa costs B5,000, while a visa for a single entry is B1,000.
Multiple entry will become available 60 days after the regulation is published in the Royal Gazette.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the multiple visa was a new measure to boost tourism, as more tourists will visit the country.
Charoen Wangananont, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, agreed with Ms Kobkarn, saying it would benefit those who often visit Thailand.
"It's a good start, although even the six-month period may still be short for some visitors," he said.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry earlier proposed the cabinet approve the multiple visa for a 12-month period.
"We hope this multiple visa measure will promote Thailand as a destination for weekend vacations and that business people will visit Thailand more often," Ms Kobkarn said.
Meanwhile, Areepong Bhoocha-oom, newly appointed tourism permanent secretary, said his ministry would propose a strategic tourism development plan to the National Tourism Policy Committee next Monday (August 10).
Under the plan, the country will focus on generating tourism revenue, particularly for local communities, and try to attract more quality tourists. The plan comprises three strategies – tourism product and service development, tourism management, and marketing.
"We want to upgrade the quality of life of people in tourism destinations nationwide and make them stronger for sustainable tourism development. Self-sufficiency is key to our goal," Mr Areepong said.
Read original story here.
- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/multiple-visa-a-trade-boon-say-operators-53529.php#sthash.xVMs7caM.dpuf

The ministerial regulation under the Immigration Act of 1979, approved by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday (August 4), will allow tourists to get a visa enabling them to make multiple entries into Thailand during a six-month period.
The multiple-entry visa costs B5,000, while a visa for a single entry is B1,000.
Multiple entry will become available 60 days after the regulation is published in the Royal Gazette.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the multiple visa was a new measure to boost tourism, as more tourists will visit the country.
Charoen Wangananont, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, agreed with Ms Kobkarn, saying it would benefit those who often visit Thailand.
"It's a good start, although even the six-month period may still be short for some visitors," he said.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry earlier proposed the cabinet approve the multiple visa for a 12-month period.
"We hope this multiple visa measure will promote Thailand as a destination for weekend vacations and that business people will visit Thailand more often," Ms Kobkarn said.
Meanwhile, Areepong Bhoocha-oom, newly appointed tourism permanent secretary, said his ministry would propose a strategic tourism development plan to the National Tourism Policy Committee next Monday (August 10).
Under the plan, the country will focus on generating tourism revenue, particularly for local communities, and try to attract more quality tourists. The plan comprises three strategies – tourism product and service development, tourism management, and marketing.
"We want to upgrade the quality of life of people in tourism destinations nationwide and make them stronger for sustainable tourism development. Self-sufficiency is key to our goal," Mr Areepong said.
Read original story here.
- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/multiple-visa-a-trade-boon-say-operators-53529.php#sthash.xVMs7caM.dpuf

The ministerial regulation under the Immigration Act of 1979, approved by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday (August 4), will allow tourists to get a visa enabling them to make multiple entries into Thailand during a six-month period.
The multiple-entry visa costs B5,000, while a visa for a single entry is B1,000.
Multiple entry will become available 60 days after the regulation is published in the Royal Gazette.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the multiple visa was a new measure to boost tourism, as more tourists will visit the country.
Charoen Wangananont, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, agreed with Ms Kobkarn, saying it would benefit those who often visit Thailand.
"It's a good start, although even the six-month period may still be short for some visitors," he said.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry earlier proposed the cabinet approve the multiple visa for a 12-month period.
"We hope this multiple visa measure will promote Thailand as a destination for weekend vacations and that business people will visit Thailand more often," Ms Kobkarn said.
Meanwhile, Areepong Bhoocha-oom, newly appointed tourism permanent secretary, said his ministry would propose a strategic tourism development plan to the National Tourism Policy Committee next Monday (August 10).
Under the plan, the country will focus on generating tourism revenue, particularly for local communities, and try to attract more quality tourists. The plan comprises three strategies – tourism product and service development, tourism management, and marketing.
"We want to upgrade the quality of life of people in tourism destinations nationwide and make them stronger for sustainable tourism development. Self-sufficiency is key to our goal," Mr Areepong said.
Read original story here.
- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/multiple-visa-a-trade-boon-say-operators-53529.php#sthash.xVMs7caM.dpuf

You looking for a good Hotel or Resort ?

You looking for a good #Hotel or #Resort ?

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You need personal assistance, be free to contact us.

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BANGKOK‬ - City of Angels

The name Bangkok is actually a Western nickname. 

 

The original village that was called Bangkok centuries ago no longer exists. Modern Bangkok's proper Thai name is Krung thep mahanakhon amorn ratanakosin mahintharayutthaya mahadilok popnoparat ratchathani burirom udomratchanivetmahasathan amornpiman avatarnsathit sakkathattiyavisnukarmprasit, which, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is the longest location name in the world. In English, this translates into "The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of Ayutthaya of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn."

Thais simply refer to their capital city as Krung Thep, or the "City of Angels."

The Value of Posting

* The Value of Posting on Facebook *

(Also your Thai staff have to listen)
There many options to reach more Future Viewers / Customers.
Use a Hashtag ### for your Post - Example ‪#‎Bangkok‬ - But 'NOT' to much.
Not post quickly, but post with your heart. (and you go see the results)
After the posting, you click on the picture and "AD LOCATION" . so you become in the Facebook (map) dictionary. (Great value)

Same your Profile Picture.
Facebook & Google has Face-Recognizing.

Use a recent photo of your self, not a picture from the past or your baby, that has not any value. 

 

* Another Value *

Give your Profile & Cover Picture a real good description.
Eventually with your business / website-link.
In a week Facebook & Google search pick this up, and you go see the results.

We go continue give free SEO tips.
Please #Follow 

*

Retirement

On everything comes an end.
So also on working time.
When I count all my working hours in my life, I must already be over 100 years.
But it is now time to stop. (slowly)
I was in 2014 already very busy with all the documents for my retirement.
To become all this papers and connections that all not match. (give a lot of stress)
Now I go do a big step back and go more relax and enjoy my life.
I want spend more time on traveling (hobby) and on advice.
I want give over my knowledge on people the it really appreciated.

I been used the last years through different wrong people.
We live in a dangerous time, we must think twice, for we go trust someone.
I fell in Phuket in a trap, of an Idiot. (2011-2012)
I lose there my company, belongings and my dignity.
This Dutch Idiot is/was broke and write poems to become more victims. (Brainwashing)
I want really warning you for this sort of very dangerous Idiots.

I have lose with this experience the confident in people. (Never has that before)

You can still contact me.
Same I write before, "I'm the most social guy of the planet".
I'm still your friend, and always be there when you need my help.

After when you want visit me, I give you my address in Cambodia.

  

*

Mandatory registration of SIM cards in Thailand (UPDATE)

All you need to know on the mandatory registration of SIM cards in Thailand (UPDATE)

Further to the recent news that mobile phone users in Thailand must register their SIM cards, according to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the methods and rules for registration are *slowly* becoming clearer, but thousands of people are still confused about what it means in practice.

Registering SIM cards in Thailand

Thai Tech and news outlets such as the Bangkok post recently reported that anyone who has purchased a prepaid mobile phone SIM card in Thailand must “register” their personal details with their mobile network before July 31st. Everyone seems confused and rightly so, as even though the dates are clear, nobody seems to know how to check if you are already registered (best to assume not), as well as complications if you are abroad during the registration period.
RELATED: Deadline looms for prepaid mobile users in Thailand to register
Here’s a little clarification on a few of the details, but we will update the information as we learn more.
The new rules come into effect on February the 1st, after which users will have 6 months to provide their personal details (name, ID, and of course the phone number in question) after which they will not be able to use their SIM. If you are a foreign citizen resident in Thailand, you will need to take your passport to register at any of the “subscriber information registration points” setup at Big C and Tesco Lotus, as well as 7-11 stores. It will also be possible in the near future to register at Krungthai registration point, but the date has not been officially confirmed yet.
Last year, the independent SIM card resellers were told to use a mobile app to register the user SIM cards. Using the app, the salesperson would take a picture off your SIM card and your subscriber ID and it would be sent to NBTC for “safekeeping”, both for new and existing users to register their numbers at any shop with the ‘2-snap’ logo. However, the app (which could be downloaded by anyone) was exposed to have lots of security issues. It’s not yet clear what method of actually sending the details to the operators will be used at the aforementioned outlets, but that’s their problem, not yours.
If you are abroad between now and 31st of July, it appears that you will not be able to register by phone or the Internet, as it would impossible to prove who you are without showing your ID in person. We will monitor this closely, as it would be convenient if an Internet/fax/telephone registration method was available for such scenarios. With tens of millions of people needing to register, we doubt that anything other than turning up at a registration point will be accepted.
Tourists who come to Thailand for a holiday and purchase a prepaid SIM card will simply need to show ID at the point of purchase in order to qualify as ‘registered’. This means a passport (valid for at least 6 months, which it should be anyway if you just travelled here) in order to register your SIM card.
Even if you have previously provided such information when you bought a SIM card in Thailand, it’s highly likely that you are not registered because the mobile operators seem to have completely ignored or failed to implement the proper registration procedures.

How to register your prepaid SIM in Thailand

We are still waiting for official word on the process of mandatory SIM registration in Thailand. As eluded to earlier, there has been talk of an app where users can register and perhaps the authorities will think of some other way of ensuring that mobile phone users can easily register their prepaid SIM cards between now and 31st July.
Regardless of what is planned for the registration process, as it stands currently, the easiest way to register your SIM card is to visit the local store of mobile network provider.
Jonathan, one of the writers for ThaiTech recently registered his prepaid SIM card at the Dtac store in Hua Hin.
Jonathan’s situation was that he needed to replace his old SIM card with a new nano SIM for his Google Nexus 6.
As part of this process, he also asked the staff member if he could register his prepaid SIM card. In order to register, Jonathan gave the Dtac staff member his passport who then proceeded to input his details into the computer. The whole process took no more than 5 minutes.
Even if you think you already registered your SIM card when a similar policy was rolled out by a previous government several years ago, we’d still advise that you go into the local store of your network provider to double check your phone is actually registered. Alternatively, you could always try calling the customer service numbers below, but good luck with that.
Seriously, if you are unsure about this whole process, visit your network provider at their local store to check the status or your prepaid SIM.

Contact details of mobile operators in Thailand

Here are the customer service contact details for the mobile operators in Thailand:
AIS: call 1175 from your mobile, or +66 2299 5000 from abroad.