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

Pattaya ferry captain confesses to drug use!!

The ferry that runs from Pattaya to Koh Larn capsizes as a result of the captain being on drugs!

This article from Phuket News states that the captain has turned himself in and confessed to being under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. here is that article below:

            PATTAYA: -- The captain of a ferry that capsized about 1,500 metres offshore from Pattaya on Sunday evening has turned himself in, telling police he was high on drugs while on his duty.

Saman Kwanmuang, 42, turned himself into police on Sunday night, hours after his ferry capsized while returning about 200 Thai and foreign tourists from a day trip to Koh Larn.

Pol Maj Gen Katcha Tatusatra, Chon Buri police chief, said the captain confessed to officers that he took some drugs before going to work, and that he and the crew lost control of the vessel as a result. He allegedly confessed the ferry wandered off course, and hit the rocks, breaching the vessel, punching holes and letting water pour in.

According to a report in Daily News, Mr Saman realised the problem, so he turned off all power so he could try to fix the water pump. He issued no warning to his passengers, supposedly so they would not panic.

However, after 10 minutes, so much water had flowed into the bottom deck of the two-deck boat that passengers had indeed begun to panic. Squabbles broke out, apparently because there were not enough life jackets to go around, the captain allegedly told police.\

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation confirmed on Monday that six people died - three foreigners and three Thais. Another 18 were treated for injuries.

The known victims were identified as Chuchart Chompoonak, 53, Aree Attayoko, 67, Nanthawadee Sopithapong, 44, and To Kin Man, 48. Authorities were still trying to verify the identities of a Russian woman and another foreigner.

Earlier reports of three Russian deaths proved wrong. The Russian embassy in Bangkok said only one Russian, a woman, was confirmed dead.

The injured were taken to Pattaya Memorial Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and Banglamung Hospital.

A team of 10 scuba divers sent out by Chon Buri governor Komsan Aekchai on Monday to investigate the sunken ferry reported seeing a crack on the boat's bow. They found no other bodies.
 

Mr Komsan said the vessel will be salvaged next month.

The Marine Department will investigate the cause of the ferry’s capsizing, but an initial investigation suggested the deaths and injuries stemmed from overloading and insufficient safety equipment, the department’s director-general Sornsak Saensombat said.

The Marine Department has already revoked the captain's licence.

The double-decker ferry sank about 5.30pm on Sunday, shortly after leaving Koh Larn with a full load of passengers heading for Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. The boat’s water pumps broke down, the vessel was flooded and the engine stopped functioning, he said.

The passengers panicked and moved up to the top deck of the vessel, which then over-balanced, capsized and swiftly sank.


-- Phuket News 2013-11-05

1 Bedroom condo in The Urban Pattaya for rent!

58 Sqm 1 Bedroom now available in 

"The Urban Pattaya"

This 1 bedroom condo is available for 26,000/ month

This unit is on the 7th floor and comes fully furnished. Full security with key card entry, four swimming pools, fitness center and free wifi.

Very convenient location right behind The Avenue Mall on Pattaya 2nd Rd. 5 minutes to the beach, shopping, restaurants and nightlife

Living room with 42" flatscreen TV

Separate office area with free WiFi

Bedroom with air con and 32" flatscreen TV

Kitchen complete with refrigerator, microwave, hob and hood

For more information or to arrange a viewing email:

Brian@bigmangoproperties.com

I.D. # 28913

Pattaya ferry sinks of coast of Koh Larn---latest update

Pattaya Ferry capsizes off of Koh Larn yesterday!

It seems like almost every other month you hear about a ferry sinking and it always has the one common denominator...overcrowding! Most commonly happening in Southern Phillipines and Indonesia Thailand ferry operators have gotten away with it for years...until now. Here is the latest from Pattaya One News

UPDATED: 6 dead, over 100 injured in Pattaya Larn Island Ferry Disaster
Posted on November 3, 2013 at 10:52 pm

Current reports suggest 6 people have been killed and up to 200 people have been injured in, what is being described as, Pattaya’s worst marine accident in living history.

Just after 4pm on Sunday reports began to come in of a Passenger Ferry which had sunk off the coast of Larn Island. It was quickly confirmed that the boat was carrying far more people than it is licensed to.

As of time of publication the names or nationalities of those who have died have not been officially confirmed and the figure is set to rise, as up to 20 of the injured are currently in critical condition in Hospital. One Police source suggested 3 Thai Nationals, 2 Russians and 1 Chinese Tourists were those that died and others are feared missing presumed drowned.

The boat which sunk was named as the “Koh Larn Travel 1” Ferry which is a 2-storey ferry with a licensed capacity of 150 passengers. It has now been confirmed that 209 passengers were on-board when it sunk approximately 500 meters off the coast of Nuan Beach on Larn island, approximately 7kms off the coast of Pattaya. Unconfirmed reports suggest a water pump was not working on the vessel which caused it to sink in under 1 minute after passengers quickly moved to the upper-deck making the boat highly unstable.

Emergency vessels and private vessels were quickly on-scene to help those in the water. Some were administered CPR at the scene which continued at the Bali Hai Port. The list of those who lost their lives is expected to be released within the next 24 hours.

Later on Sunday Royal Thai navy Divers were brought in from their base in Sattahip District to begin the task of searching for those missing presumed drowned which is thought to number more than 15.

The Captain of the vessel was named as Khun Saman aged 42 who is believed to have somehow escaped before rescue boats arrived and is now wanted by Police. An arrest warrant for him is expected to be issued on Monday. He is thought to have first collected passengers from Tawean Beach on the Island and then moved round to Nuan Beach. This is thought to have been the last ferry leaving the Island on Sunday which is why so many people were on-board. It was also reported that the ferry had returned from the boatyard 2 weeks ago after undergoing extensive repairs and renovations.

How the Pattaya authorities who are responsible for Marine safety respond to this tragedy is still unclear but recent promises to enforce regulations at sea to prevent major disasters such as this one appear to have been broken.

No emergency numbers or points of contact for those needing information about friends or family members have been published. Pattaya One will update this story as new information is received.

- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/107860/6-dead-100-injured-pattaya-larn-island-ferry-disaster/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.eTIPxQjf.dpuf

Current reports suggest 6 people have been killed and up to 200 people have been injured in, what is being described as, Pattaya’s worst marine accident in living history.
Just after 4pm on Sunday reports began to come in of a Passenger Ferry which had sunk off the coast of Larn Island. It was quickly confirmed that the boat was carrying far more people than it is licensed to.
As of time of publication the names or nationalities of those who have died have not been officially confirmed and the figure is set to rise, as up to 20 of the injured are currently in critical condition in Hospital. One Police source suggested 3 Thai Nationals, 2 Russians and 1 Chinese Tourists were those that died and others are feared missing presumed drowned.
The boat which sunk was named as the “Koh Larn Travel 1” Ferry which is a 2-storey ferry with a licensed capacity of 150 passengers. It has now been confirmed that 209 passengers were on-board when it sunk approximately 500 meters off the coast of Nuan Beach on Larn island, approximately 7kms off the coast of Pattaya. Unconfirmed reports suggest a water pump was not working on the vessel which caused it to sink in under 1 minute after passengers quickly moved to the upper-deck making the boat highly unstable.
Emergency vessels and private vessels were quickly on-scene to help those in the water. Some were administered CPR at the scene which continued at the Bali Hai Port. The list of those who lost their lives is expected to be released within the next 24 hours.
Later on Sunday Royal Thai navy Divers were brought in from their base in Sattahip District to begin the task of searching for those missing presumed drowned which is thought to number more than 15.
The Captain of the vessel was named as Khun Saman aged 42 who is believed to have somehow escaped before rescue boats arrived and is now wanted by Police. An arrest warrant for him is expected to be issued on Monday. He is thought to have first collected passengers from Tawean Beach on the Island and then moved round to Nuan Beach. This is thought to have been the last ferry leaving the Island on Sunday which is why so many people were on-board. It was also reported that the ferry had returned from the boatyard 2 weeks ago after undergoing extensive repairs and renovations.
How the Pattaya authorities who are responsible for Marine safety respond to this tragedy is still unclear but recent promises to enforce regulations at sea to prevent major disasters such as this one appear to have been broken.
No emergency numbers or points of contact for those needing information about friends or family members have been published. Pattaya One will update this story as new information is received.

- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/107860/6-dead-100-injured-pattaya-larn-island-ferry-disaster/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.eTIPxQjf.dpuf

UPDATED: 6 dead, over 100 injured in Pattaya Larn Island Ferry Disaster - See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/107860/6-dead-100-injured-pattaya-larn-island-ferry-disaster/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.eTIPxQjf.dpuf

UPDATED: 6 dead, over 100 injured in Pattaya Larn Island Ferry Disaster - See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/107860/6-dead-100-injured-pattaya-larn-island-ferry-disaster/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.eTIPxQjf.dpuf

Ladyboy Pool Volleyball Tournament for Charity???

Thai ladyboys in the pool for charity!

Had to share this from Thai Visa

 

Ladyboys making splash at Pattaya

 

Pictures of ladyboys making splash at Thailand volleyball tournament set up by ex-pat Brit

Complete with matching bikinis, eight sides competed for the chance to be crowned champions - and raised thousands for charity in the process


Source: Screenshot

PATTAYA: -- A ladyboy water volleyball tournament has caused a splash in Thailand - with teams from across the country competing for the crown.

Eight sides - all made up of workers from the country's bars - descended on the coastal resort of Pattaya for the second annual event aimed at raising money for charity.

Set up by British ex-pat Tony Sales last year, the event saw over 200 people packed the poolside for the 2013 event held at Areca Lodge hotel.

Clad in matching bikini's, the teams took to the water to battle it out in a round robin format - supported form the sidelines by their bar's patrons.

Many teams had been holding practice sessions in the run up to the tournament in a bid to steal the crown from last year's winners.

The 2013 event was eventually won by the local Sensations bar which narrowly edged out TJ's from Naklua.

The event raised a total of 1million baht - £20,000 - for four local charities.

Founder Tony Sales told the Pattaya Mail: "I wanted to do something to give back to my adopted home town and country, as well as help change the community’s perception of ladyboys.

"I’ve lived here for some years now, and made friends with people from all walks of life – rich and poor, foreigner and Thai, and that includes many ladyboys.

"But one thing I’ve noticed is that transgendered women – kathoeys, or ladyboys as most people call them – often face prejudice brought on by stereotypes.

"So when I began thinking about what I could do to give back to Pattaya [read more]

 

Land for sale in South Pattaya

Land for Sale in prime area of South Pattaya

68 TW of land for sale in South Pattaya. Minutes from both Walking Street and Jomtien Beaches. Land is on a small and upcoming soi, high end townhouses and house have already been built. Perfect for building a small house or apartment building, there is currently a 2 room Thai apartment which can be easily torn down. Soi is on a downhill slope so no problems with flooding. 4.9 mil 087 134 6605