Holiday season finds roads in Thailand deadly!

 Thailand's roads once again deadly during the Holiday Season!

My friends, fellow ex-pats and tourists, please be careful this holiday season. The roads here in Thailand like anywhere else can be very dangerous especially during the holiday season. Please don't drink and drive. Check out the early statistics from "The Nation"

Road accidents kill 86 in first 2 days of holidays
Pongphon Sarnsamak,
Prasit Tangprasert
The Nation


Rescue workers tend to people injured in a car accident in Phitsanulok yesterday. Six people were injured in the crash after a speeding pickup crossed a traffic island and hit this sedan head-on.

BANGKOK: -- Police say 474 road accidents killed 86 people and injured 885 between Friday and Saturday, the first two days of the so-called "seven dangerous days".

The road toll is expected to rise further over the coming days.

Yesterday, the Road Safety Centre released statistics from road accidents reported on Friday and Saturday only.

Drunk driving and speeding were the major causes of accidents during the opening days of the festive period, according to Department of Probation director-general Ruenvadee Suwanmong-kol, who chaired yesterday's press conference.

Reports say 37 per cent of road accidents resulted from drunk driving and 23 per cent from high-speed driving; while 81.5 per cent of road accidents involved motorcycles. Most of the motorcycle casualties were not wearing a helmet.

Main roads were the site of 61 per cent of the accidents and 34.6 per cent occurred on village roads. Highways saw 34.3 per cent of all accidents, most of which took place between 4pm and 8pm.

Some 611,600 cars and vehicles were inspected at police checkpoints and 100,587 cases resulted in arrests. Infractions included 31,020 drivers without a licence, and 28,092 motorcyclists without a helmet.

Nakhon Si Thammarat had the highest number of road accidents and number of injured people, with 23 and 25 respectively.

Ayutthaya had the highest number of deaths from road accidents, with five cases. Only four provinces recorded no road accidents during this period: Chaiyaphum, Bueng Kan, Rayong and Samut Songkhram.

Ruenvadee said the centre had ordered provincial authorities nationwide to help eliminate road accidents on main and secondary roads in the cities, especially near entertainment venues.

Police are urged to arrest those who drink and drive, drive at high speed, or ride motorcycles without a helmet.

The New Year holidays are associated with danger as millions of people hit the road on vacation or visits to home provinces.

Chutipong Sukarayotin, a player of the Thai national beach volleyball team, was driving to his home province of Udon Thani when he suddenly fell asleep behind the wheel in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday morning.

His car slammed into a telephone booth.

"The crash woke me up," the 21-year-old man said.

He said he left Bangkok at about 5pm on Saturday but with the traffic jammed, the trip took so long he became tired and fell asleep.

"Fortunately, I had my safety belt on and my car had an air bag. So, I've survived," Chutipong said. "But I've learnt a lesson now.

"I’ll never drive the whole night again."

Police have charged Chutipong with reckless driving and causing damage to the property of others.


-- The Nation 2013-12-30

South Pattaya Pool Villa for Sale!

2 Story Pool Home for Sale on South Pattaya/Jomtien Border!

10.95MB or 40k THB / Month

This 2 story 3 Bedroom 3 Bath house sits on 100 TW of land and affords 260 sqm of living space. High walls give a lot of privacy to swimming pool and tropical garden. Conveniently located just 5 minutes to Jomtien Beach, Pratumnak Hill and Walking Street.

Big living room with built in cabinets

Separate dining area

European kitchen with 4 burner hob and hood, western oven, refrigerator, and microwave

Master bedroom with built in wardrobe

Private poolside patio

For more information or to arrange a viewing email

Brian@bigmangoproperties.com

I.D.# 28780

Incredible 2 Bedroom Condo for Sale in Jomtien Beach Paradise

Wonderfully decorated, fully furnished corner unit, open floor plan 5 minutes to 

Jomtien Beach:

 This is not a new post but a repost. I have had a few inquiries on this condo in Jomtien Beach however the owner is not willing to reduce the price. Location, open floor plan, size, views and the quality of the teak wood built ins make this unit a bargain already. here is the post and information:

Newly renovated very special 2 bed 2 bath Jomtien Beach Paradise condo for sale 7.9MB!

Wonderfully decorated, fully furnished corner unit, open floor plan 5 minutes to Jomtien Beach:

The designer has thought of every detail imaginable including vented cabinet doors to avoid moisture, the best quality teakwood for both built ins and furniture, even raised floors to create separate living areas. There is lots of open space, use of mirrors, water effects, actual vented doors, natural light and natural breezes making this unit feel more like a house than a condo.

This spacious 2 bed room unit actually offers 156 M² of living space, as the unit combines the adjoining studio and the title deeds were never merged. 

This amazing unit was clearly decorated to entertain, as evidenced by the following:

• 2 exterior balconies with comfortable and ample seatiing. The stools are the perfect height and constructed of strong aluminium to avoid rusting
• A bar with separate fridge and bar stools in the main living area
• A raised platform floor to create a "separate" entertainment area within the main living area. A reclining leather sofa adds to the quality
• 6 seat solid teakwood dining table
• Gourmet kitchen with 4-burner hob, hood with exhaust, American standard frindge, and compartments to store everything in an organized fashion.
• Two generous sized bedrooms at opposite corners to maximize privacy.
• Hot water heater in both bedrooms as well as hot water in the kitchen sink.
• Front load washer/dryer in laundry area.
• Walk-in closet, hallway closet, and other hidden storage areas enable you to store all your items neatly
• The best quality furniture and decoration is on display throughout.

Large open floor plan with western kitchen, dining area with teak tables and chairs, separate bar and plenty of storage on teak shelves.

Separate home entertainment area with raised teak wood floor, flat screen tv, and leather sofa

Full Western kitchen with hot water that runs through out the unit

 

Master bedroom with en-suite bath, walk in closet and 

private balcony

2nd bedroom with bed on raised teak wood platform affords sea view from the bed, also complete with built in wardrobe.

Guest bedroom is separate from main living living room and master bedroom offering lots of privacy

Very large entertainers balcony with granite counter, chairs, area for bbq provides both wonderful sea and city views

Communal swimming pool next to fitness center and sauna

The building offers 24 hour security, key card entry, and covered parking. For more information or to arrange a viewing of this very special unit email:

Brian@bigmangoproperties.com

I.D.# 28674

 

Thailand sees drop in tourism as a result of Political Unrest

 The expected high season for tourism in Thailand has seen numbers drop as much as 20% due to the countries current political situation

 

Tourists drop over 20% now

 

in Business | December 13, 2013 (591 views)

 

The president of the Association of Domestic Travel says tourists have now dropped by over 20% as the result of the ongoing political unrest in the country.

Association president Yoothachai Sunthornratanavej said that the current political turmoil from street demonstrations and news photos showing the use of tear gas on demonstrators had scared away tourists.

He said that earlier tourists have just put off their travels, and adopting a wait-and-see of the development of the protest situation in Thailand.

But now as protests dragged on and violence broke out, they had cancelled the trips to Thailand.

He said more than 20% of tourists  have dropped or up to 400,000  have cancelled travels to Thailand.

Meanwhile domestic travelers also have no mood for travels and some of them instead participated in the demonstrations.

He said the drop of tourist travels this year was much higher than when the Suvarnabhumit airport was forced to close three days by protesters in 2008. He said the tourism industry recovered fast from the airport closure, but for this year’s prolonged protest, he said he did not know how long it could recover.

Tourists do not seem concerned about Bangkok protests

Thailands political problems and travel warnings issued by many western countries do not seem to be affecting tourism.

It is the end of 2013 and it has been a couple of years since Thailand's last last political dispute which means the country has been overdue for this.

 

Protesters on both sides took time out yesterday to honor the kings 86th birthday showing in spite of political strife, Thai culture and a strong common bond does still remain. Perhaps that common bond, ie: a Monarch, is the only real way forward for the Thai people. However with Thailand's peak tourism season upon us it seems that tourists are not concerned about red shirts, yellow shirts, or any other color, they just want their holiday. 

Here is an article from  the Wall Street Journal:

 

As Thailand Fears a Drop in Tourism, Visitors Say No Worries

By Nopparat Chaichalearmmongkol

BANGKOK—Political protests in Thailand have calmed slightly following an uneasy truce between demonstrators and the government on Tuesday. But fears remain that the ongoing political turmoil could reverberate throughout the economy.

Thailand’s tourism industry, a major contributor to the country’s gross domestic product, could be an obvious casualty, with news and scenes of continued street protests and the storming of government offices in Bangkok scarring away foreign travelers just when Thailand is entering peak tourism season.

As of Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry reported that 37 countries have issued travel advisories for Thailand – mostly at level 2 – “Exercise Caution.”

 

Still, several tourists interviewed by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday said they found Bangkok to be safe, even when coming across demonstrations.

The British government “issued advice, saying we should avoid protest sites, which apparently we have not managed to,” said 30-year-old British national Mark Abbott, who was walking down Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the main anti-government rally site in Bangkok.

The avenue sits adjacent to the city’s famous backpacker hub, Khao San Road, which makes avoiding the rally sites somewhat difficult.

But since Mr. Abbott and his companion Kadi McLeod arrived in the Thai capital just days ago they say they’ve not found anything to worry about.

“This looks very organized and everyone seems to know where to go and what to do,” said Ms. McLeod.

Even though the protests have eased, however, airlines and travel operators say their main concern is that tourists who have not yet arrived will re-think their visits, particularly if the protests resume next week after the country has celebrated the birthday of highly-revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Dec. 5.

The latest data from flag-carrier Thai Airways International and leading budget carrier Thai AirAsia showed a slight a drop in passenger numbers for the month of November, when protests first started heating up.

“While we are not seeing mass cancellations, a prolonged situation may lead short-haul travelers to change their holiday destination to somewhere else,” said Chokchai Panyayong, senior vice president of Thai Airways International PCL.

Pattaya International Fireworks show 29, 30, November

This Friday and Saturday Pattaya will be hosting it's annual 

International Fireworks Show!

Pattaya is gearing up for this years event and the newly widened Beach Rd is getting ready to play host to many vendor stalls ranging from trinkets, souveniers, and the many kinds of different food Thailand has to offer. Each country is expected to be given 45 minutes to display its best, making for over 2 hours of entertainment both Friday 29, and Saturday 30 of November

Traffic will be heavy and parking will be limited, so plan ahead, put on some comfortable walking shoes, and experience this very festive event!

Thailand getting serious abour drunk driving!

New Thailand laws crack down on 

drunk drivers.

Thailand is seen as a very relaxed tourist destination, which it is. However it's showing almost zero tolerance against drinking and driving.

Many foreign tourists come to Thailand and think it is a great party atmosphere. Cheap drugs easily accessible, and in places like Pattaya it's the wild west. Just do what you like and there's no repercussions. Many times it has been witnessed foreigners drinking and riding motorbikes, drunks on the backs of motorbike taxies with big bottles of local brew in hand. Well that is all changing, just to what extent? Check out this article i saw today on Thai Visa.

Don't drink and drive -- New strict rulings!

HUA HIN: -- The Office of Alcoholic Beverages has announced that the occupants of vehicles of any kind who drink alcohol during travel are subject to six months imprisonment and/or a 60,000 THB fine.

The penalties will also be imposed on drinkers in vehicles parked on sidewalks or shoulders of public roads, including sois, regardless of whether the vehicles are moving, OAB director Samarn Footrakool said.

Passengers of railbased transport who drink are not subject to the penalties. Drinking occupants and drivers will be equally liable for such violations. "The only exceptions under this law are occupants of vehicles parked in front of their homes," he said.

Some Other Alcohol Rules In Thailand
Since January 1st 2006 Thailand has enforced a law that only allows shops to sell alcohol between 11.00 am.- 2.00 pm. and 5.00 pm.- 2.00 am.

Staff at some stores have difficulty in explaining to foreigners why they cannot be sold alcohol between 2 and 5 PM. Angry outbursts by customers who think they are being singled out are not uncommon. However remember it’s not up to them; it’s the law!

The Election Commission of Thailand bans the sale of alcohol at any retail outlet, and the serving of alcohol in all bars and restaurants during elections. This ban only applies to so-called Type 3 and Type 4 sellers, those who are licensed to sell liquor and spirits in quantities below 10 litres per occasion. Retail shops such as 7-Elevens and Big C supermarkets are put in the same position as wholesalers (being Type 1 and Type 2 sellers) and can only sell in quantities above 10 litres.

The reason given in the text of the relevant Ministerial Regulation is to enhance ''the government's policies towards controlling the consumption of liquor and tobacco for the benefit of society, in the case of liquor by decreasing the times for retail liquor sales''. Yet the choice of the hours of 2pm to 5pm must have had a more specific purpose than that. One popular school of thought is that it is designed to help prevent underage drinking. Classes typically finish for the day by 2pm, and the theory is that wayward students might then run to the nearest 7-Eleven and start drinking. Yet the ban is in place seven days a week.

Another reason for the ban may simply be that the government is trying to curb all-day ''benders'', or afternoon drinking by people who might be inclined to play hookie from work after lunch with their colleagues.

Legal Drinking Age and Alcohol-Free Zones
Thailand introduced the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act in 2008 , which amended some of Thailand’s previous alcohol laws and increased the drinking age from eighteen to twenty. The Act has specific language making it illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under twenty years old. The Act also set forth laws and penalties for designated areas where alcohol cannot legally be consumed. For example, drinking alcohol is illegal in the following locations: temples or places of worship; infirmaries and pharmacies; public offices; education institutions; petrol stations or petrol station shops and public parks. There are exceptions to many of these locations. For example, if you are attending an authorized banquet at an education institution or public office, or if you are within a temple at which consuming alcohol is part of the worship, then you may legally drink an alcoholic beverage. The penalty for drinking alcohol and one of the aforementioned locations without proper authorization is up to 6 months imprisonment and/or no more than a fine of ten thousand baht.

Selling alcohol to anyone who has previously lost consciousness from drinking is also against the law in Thailand. Additionally, if you are considered intoxicated and provoke an altercation with a law enforcement official, the penalty can be up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine up to twenty thousand THB.


-- Hua Hin Today 2013-11-27

Thailand to charge tourists extra to enter The Kingdom?

Thailand's government gearing up to charge tourists a 500 baht entrance fee for emergency medical costs??

Thailand's government is proposing this fee to build a fund to help pay medical expenses for tourists that find themselves needing medical attention but possibly can't pay the costs incurred for treatment. These conditions can range from food poisoning, dengue fever, heart attack, or physical injuries from such things like, car or motorbike accident, minibus or buses going off the road, jet ski accident, slip and fall, etc.

The Thai government is wondering if this would scare off tourists. Not too long ago tourists had to pay an exit fee to leave The Kingdom. It didn't really seem to affect tourism at all but when the proposed fee was to go up another 200 Baht the Thai's hid the fee and the increase incorporated into the price of a return ticket.

This may make for heated discussions on local chat forums and bar stools but i can't really see paying another 500 Baht to enter Thailand turning tourists away, especially when it it going to something that can be of benefit to them should something arise. My only question is "what about the all tourists must have travelers insurance to enter The Kingdom" proposal? Would these two work in conjunction or is this another government scam? Please read the article from "The Nation" below:

Would a Bt500 emergency-coverage fee scare off tourists?
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government's attempt to launch a new regulation to collect an entry fee from foreign tourists to cover their emergency medical services could prompt tourists to choose destinations in other countries.

The concern, raised by the Tourism Council of Thailand, comes after the Public Health Ministry proposed a plan to collect Bt500 as a fee for entering the country from foreign tourists staying in Thailand from three to 30 days; and Bt30 for less than three days. The fee would be used to support a ministry programme providing emergency medical services for foreign tourists.

According to Public Health Minister Pradit Sintavanarong, currently the ministry has to shoulder about Bt200 million to Bt300 million as the financial burden for providing emergency medical services for foreign tourists.

Each year, the ministry estimates that about 23 million foreign tourists from around the world visit Thailand. It expected that if the plan to collect a fee for entering the country were approved by the Cabinet, the ministry would be able to collect about Bt10 billion.

This money would be used to support the ministry's budget to provide emergency medical services for foreign tourists suffering serious illness or injury. Under this plan, each foreign patient would be covered by Bt200,000 to Bt300,000 in emergency care. This budget would also be used to develop healthcare units and procure medical devices.

"They [foreign patients] must pay to enter the country because they have to use our medical resources," Pradit said.

The ministry is now discussing with related agencies - the National Security Council, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Tourism and Sport Ministry, Labour Ministry and Immigration Bureau - to find appropriate ways to collect the fees.

If the agencies come up with a good plan, it will be deliberated by the Cabinet before the Office of the Prime Minister makes an announcement.

But Tourism Council of Thailand president Piyaman Tejapaibul does not believe this plan would benefit the tourism industry. Instead of attracting more and more tourists to visit our country, the plan would hurt tourist figures, Piyaman said.

"Each year Thailand gets a lot of revenue from the tourism industry - but the government has never used money from this industry to develop and support tourism," she said.

Currently, many tourists bring their own travel insurance from private insurance agencies in case of unexpected accident or illness, covering them for medical services in the destination country. Some countries require travellers to attach their health insurance when applying for a visa, so that they do not have to shoulder the burden of paying fees for medical services at their destination.

"We want good tourists to visit Thailand - not the [type of tourist] who does not want to enter because he or she has to pay Bt500 as an entrance fee," Pradit said. He added that European countries and the US have supported the government in collecting entrance fees from their tourists, as they see that the plan would reduce risks for their citizens travelling abroad.


-- The Nation 2013-11-19

Incredible 2 Bedroom Condo for Sale in Jomtien Beach Paradise

Newly renovated very special 2 bed 2 bath Jomtien Beach Paradise condo for sale 7.9MB!

Wonderfully decorated, fully furnished corner unit, open floor plan 5 minutes to Jomtien Beach:

The designer has thought of every detail imaginable including vented cabinet doors to avoid moisture, the best quality teakwood for both built ins and furniture, even raised floors to create separate living areas. There is lots of open space, use of mirrors, water effects, actual vented doors, natural light and natural breezes making this unit feel more like a house than a condo.

This spacious 2 bed room unit actually offers 156 M² of living space, as the unit combines the adjoining studio and the title deeds were never merged. 

This amazing unit was clearly decorated to entertain, as evidenced by the following:

• 2 exterior balconies with comfortable and ample seatiing. The stools are the perfect height and constructed of strong aluminium to avoid rusting
• A bar with separate fridge and bar stools in the main living area
• A raised platform floor to create a "separate" entertainment area within the main living area. A reclining leather sofa adds to the quality
• 6 seat solid teakwood dining table
• Gourmet kitchen with 4-burner hob, hood with exhaust, American standard frindge, and compartments to store everything in an organized fashion.
• Two generous sized bedrooms at opposite corners to maximize privacy.
• Hot water heater in both bedrooms as well as hot water in the kitchen sink.
• Front load washer/dryer in laundry area.
• Walk-in closet, hallway closet, and other hidden storage areas enable you to store all your items neatly
• The best quality furniture and decoration is on display throughout.

Large open floor plan with western kitchen, dining area with teak tables and chairs, separate bar and plenty of storage on teak shelves.

Separate home entertainment area with raised teak wood floor, flat screen tv, and leather sofa

Full Western kitchen with hot water that runs through out the unit

Master bedroom with en-suite bath, walk in closet and 

private balcony

2nd bedroom with bed on raised teak wood platform affords sea view from the bed, also complete with built in wardrobe.

Guest bedroom is separate from main living living room and master bedroom offering lots of privacy

Very large entertainers balcony with granite counter, chairs, area for bbq provides both wonderful sea and city views

Communal swimming pool next to fitness center and sauna

The building offers 24 hour security, key card entry, and covered parking. For more information or to arrange a viewing of this very special unit email:

Brian@bigmangoproperties.com

I.D.# 28674

Amazing housing opportunity in Pattaya's Silverlake area!

Just south of Pattaya, Silverlake is gearing up for a new housing village which promises to be something special.

Silverlake, which is situated between the Pattaya Jomtien area and the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, will be home to the new Mountain View Village housing estate.

For those that do not know the area Silverlake is about 12 km south of Pattaya closer to Bang Sarae. Silverlake is on the 331 short cut to highway 332 which leads to Bang Chang, Sattahip, and Rayong. Proximity of this location affords incredible value being so close to Pattaya's Floating Market, Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, Bang Sarae and Sai Kaew Beaches, as well as the new Cartoon Network Water Park .

The estate itself will offer 4 different style of houses. Phase 1, of 3, will consist of only 17 houses making it a very quiet retreat as a promotion to phases 2 and 3. The developer is offering an incredible value with prices starting as low as 44,382 Baht per Talang Wah!


All the villas in the village of Mountain Village shall be turnkey, fully finished internal and the territory of the installed equipment. And each house has a swimming pool, reliable security system and well-maintained garden terrace. In each house there is its own well for water.
 
The Buyer will have the right to select an interior of the house, services of the designer to create a unique style.

Style A

Style B

Style C

Style D

Reservation fees are 50,000 baht. 30% down for first payment with continuing payments over the next 16 months as follows:

• A 16 * 130,000/ Month
• B 16 * 220,000/ Month
• C 16 * 270,000/ Month
• D 16 * 300,000/ Month

The final payments will be as follows:

• A 685,000 THB
• B 610,000 THB
• C 510,000 THB
• D 730,000 THB

These houses are offering an incredible value as phases 2 and 3 will be higher

For more information or to arrange a viewing email
Brian@bigmangoproperties.com