24 Provinces underwater in Thailand with more rain on the way!

Thailands rainy season is getting into full swing. Although the Pattaya - Chonburi area has not yet been hit hard, Thailands Northeast "Issan" and Central Plains are feeling the effects!

This article for this mornings "The Nation" tells which provinces are flooded along with how Bangkok and the Chao Praya River are coping.

 

 Northeast, East brace for tropical depression approaching from Vietnam

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Irrigation Department is keeping a close eye on the impact of the upcoming tropical depression from Vietnam, which might affect several provinces in Thailand's Northeast and Eastern regions.

Ubon Ratchatani, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Prachin Buri would likely be affected by the upcoming depression. These areas are already severely hit by floods, the department's deputy director-general Suthep Noipairoj said yesterday.

He expressed concerns about the flood situation in Prachin Buri as the Pasak Chonlasit Dam is now nearly full and needed to discharge some volume of water before the new tropical depression arrived.

To date, the volume of water in Pasak Chonlasit Dam was 785 million cubic metres while the full capacity of the dam was 960 million cubic metres.

"We have to discharge about 8.9 million cubic metres per day from the dam to prepare for the upcoming depression," he said.

Meanwhile, Chao Phraya River should drain water at 2,300 cubic metres per second, which exceeds its capacity of 2,195 cubic metres per second.

Suthep explained that the department would drain the excess amount of water into the fields on the western and eastern banks of Chao Phraya River.

However, he explained that most of the flood-affected areas were located along the river and waterway and that is why they were at risk from the adverse impact of the flooding.

Floods have already affected more than 2.1 million people this month and ravaged more than 1.14 million rai of farmland.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department director-general Chatchai Phromlert said yesterday that floodwater had also damaged 2,310 roads, 6,900 houses and 145 bridges. "Of the 29 flood-hit provinces, the situation in just five has returned to normal as of today," he said.

Still under water are Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Amnat Charoen, Chaiyaphum, Yasothon, Mukdahan, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Chainat, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaew, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Ayutthaya, Angthong and Suphan Buri.

Many of these provinces are heavily flooded. The worst-hit spots in Chaiyaphum are about 2.8 metres under water.

In Buri Ram, floodwater levels have soared above three metres in Krasang district, marooning more than 200 families. Officials are making desperate efforts to get relief items to these victims.

Working alongside local administrative bodies, the department has mobilised thousands of volunteers to deliver assistance. More than 1,500 boats have been dispatched to reach the victims. Not all, however, are happy with the authorities' response.

Anong Thongsri, a 46-year-old resident in Prachin Buri's flooded Kabin Buri district, lamented that assistance efforts had failed to reach all those affected. "The floodwater level is also rising," she said.

Department of Religious Affairs chief Preecha Gunteeya said, meanwhile, that 295 temples in 12 provinces were flooded, affecting 2,014 monks.

The Government Housing Bank has offered a debt moratorium for flood-hit customers, whose loan repayments will be suspended for up to nine months depending on the severity of their situation. During that period, no interest will be charged on the loans.

Should flooding damage the whole house of a loan recipient, the bank will write off all outstanding debt on the house, leaving just the debt from the land purchase to pay.

Flood-hit loan recipients can contact the bank for help at (02) 645 9000.


-- The Nation 2013-09-27

First Tourist Court to Open in Pattaya Tomorrow

Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

PATTAYA: -- Thailand's first tourist court will open tomorrow in the popular beach resort city of Pattaya as part of the government's move to reassure travellers of their safety while visiting the country.

From 4.30pm to 8.30pm, foreign tourists can come and lodge complaints, especially over unfair services and personal security. Consideration of cases will be cut to one day for uncomplicated disputes from the usual six months, Wirat Chinwinigkul, secretary-general of the Judiciary, said yesterday.

The specialised court will encourage negotiations between parties. Most of the cases are about consumer protection, so it is easier to reach a compromise. If it's a serious issue, the case will be transferred to the regular court. There will be capable officials speaking foreign languages to help.

Six more night courts are planned - Pathum Wan district for the Silom area and Dusit district for khao san in Bangkok, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Those tourist destinations have faced various problems, especially cheating by operators.

The Pattaya court would be a pilot project. It is expected to take up speedboat services, which is one of the serious issues corroding the country's tourism image. It's also related to criminal cases.

Yesterday, four parties - police, prosecutors, the courts of justice and the Tourism Ministry - signed an agreement to set up the court and work together to help take care of foreign holidaymakers.

The court will also be responsible for looking after Thai tourists and scrutinising the role of tourism operators in providing fair services to tourists.

The ministry should set up a department to handle cases because some tourists have to go home before a ruling is handed down, he said.

In the future, Thailand should enact legislation to regulate the industry, like in France, because tourism is an important industry strengthening the national economy. It has grown rapidly, but existing laws cannot keep up, he added.

Tourism Minister Somsak Pureesrisak said it's a good sign for the country's tourism industry. The night court would help secure the industry's role in the long term, especially in achieving the target of Bt2 trillion in tourism revenue in 2015.

The ministry has made a big effort to standardise the industry, launching measures and regulations to crack down on scams. Especially Phuket needs a clean-up. The resort island is overrun by illegal services and gangsters.


-- The Nation 2013-09-04

2 Day Buddah Lent has begun in Thailand

Thailand celebrates Asalaha Bucha Day.

All government buildings and institutions will be closed Monday 22 July and Tuesday 23 July for the buddhist holiday known by locals as ASALAHA BUCHA DAY. 


In addition all bars will be closed. Convenience stores such as 7/11 and Family Marts will be not be allowed to sell alcohol until midnight 23 July. For more information on this much respected Thai Buddah Holiday check out the article below i found on Thai Visa.



The Full Moon Day of The Asalaha (the eighth lunar month)

After The Lord Buddha enlighten on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month (Visakha), he spent seven weeks near by the Bodhi Tree. Afterward, he decided to teach the Dhamma to the others, even though there were difficulties for ordinary people to understand. His former teachers were dead, the next group of people he thought of were five ascetics called "Pancavaggi", group of five, who, at that time, lived in a forest named "Isippatanamarukatayawan", the deer park near Baranasi.

On the day before the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, Asalaha, there he was. The next day, the full moon day, The Lord Buddha gave them his FIRST SERMON called "Dhamma-cakkappavattana Sutta" or the Discourse on Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion. Not long after that, the head of the Five Ascetics, named "Kondanna" got "The Eye of Dhamma" and asked for ordination from The Lord Buddha. He became the FIRST MONK in Buddhism. The full moon day of the eighth lunar month became the day that honored the Sangha, or the community of the monks.

ACTIVITIES TO BE OBSERVED ON ASALAHA BUCHA DAY

'TUM BOON': Making merit by going to temples for special observances, making merit, listening to Dhamma preaching, giving some donations and join in the other Buddhist activities.

'RUB SIL': Keeping the Five Precepts, including abstinence from alcoholic drinks and all kinds of immoral acts.

'TUK BARD': Offering food to the monks and novices (in the alm bowl).

Practice of renuciation: Observe the Eight Precepts, practice of meditation and mental discipline, stay in the temple, wearing white robes, for a number of days.

VIEN TIEN': Attending the Candle Light Procession around the Uposatha Hall, in the evening of the Vesak full moon day.

July 23rd
Buddhist Lent Day (Wan Khao Phansa)

The Buddhist rainy season. The rain retreat or Buddhist Lent is marked by two major religious events : one for the entering of the rainy season called "WAN KHAO PHANSA" and for the exit of the rainy season called "WAN OK PHANSA" .

During the rainy season, i.e. three months, approximately July, August, September (depending on lunar months), monks aren't allowed to sleep outside their temple and cannot defrock. This tradition is coming from old times when Buddha stayed in temples during rainy season to avoid killing insects or growing seeds. It is a period for study, meditation and to teach new monks. They are allowed to go out during the day but they must sleep in the same temple every night during three months.

Ordination

Still many Thai men become monks before the rain retreat as it offers a three months time to study the Dharma .

A few days before "WAN KHAO PHANSA", Thai people buy big candles. These candles should by pair. One for the buyer and one to get a mate for next life. When buying the wax candles, the candle is decorated with dragon, flowers and so on...

Donations

One day before the beginning of the Buddhist lent, there is Asalabucha day .This day commemorates the first sermon of Buddha to his five first disciples. One of them asked for being a monk. So this day is sacred because it deals with Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Thai people gather in the temple in order to listen to the Dharma. Temples are really crowded for "WAN KHAO PHANSA".

Buddhist sermon

During the Buddhist sermon, some laymen and laywomen prepare the trays dedicated to the monks.

Giving alms

When the Buddhist sermon is finished, Thai people are queuing to fill monks bowl with food.

Giving alms

Thai people are queuing in order to give their donations to the abbot. They offer wax candles but also monk robe, food, lotus flowers, buckets full of useful goods and so on... A Thai greeting towards the monk ( "WAI" ) shall be done before and after the donation.

Candle donation

The Candle Wax procession ("PHITI HAE PRASAT PEUNG" ) in Ubon Ratchatani is the most famous Candle Wax procession in Thailand. There is a night and day parad of huge wax candles. Those wax candles are big enough to last three months during a rain retreat season.

Soon, the abbot is submerged with donations. As usual, some laymen gather the donations in order that new donators can offer their wax candle.

Candle donation

After receiving the donations, the abbot blesses the crowd by sprinkling lustral water (NAM MON) on people. Lustral water is water that has been infused with magical powers or has received a blessing from monks. Thais believe that those who drink lustral water or have it sprinkled on their head, the most sacred part of the body, will be blessed.

Benediction

A thin bamboo stripes is used in Buddhist temples when abbots dip a bunch of it in holy water and sprinkle it on the faithful congregation. it carry the holy water well so giving the blessing of the dharma far and wide.

"VIEN TIEN" happens in the evening. During this ceremony, people turn around the temple three times with a candle in the hand.

Pattaya 7/11 and Family Mart now adhering to alcohol sales laws

No more 24 hour beer and booze buying at 7/11 and Family Mart!

 

Looks like the days of Pattaya's reputation as the Wild West may be starting to fade:

Over the last few days wandering in and out of various 7/11 and Family Marts here in Pattaya i have noticed signs on the chillers now warning customers that alcohol will not be sold from 14:00 - 17:00 and after midnight. In family mart the sign read they will not sell after 01:00. These signs also stated that they would not sell until after 11:00 A.M.

If you think this is just another one of Pattaya's attempts to appease the local Boys in Brown you may be surprised! I just went to a local 7/11 to buy some stuff for a late afternoon party and as the girl was ringing up the order she suddenly stopped with a very scared look on her face. She then checked her watch to make sure it was after 11:00. 

I am not sure how long this will last, if it is for good, or just another low season crackdown. One thing i am sure of is that it is for real right now, and that this is the first time i have seen this at local convenience stores here in Pattaya. So unless you have a local mom and pop mini mart close by, you may want to stock up ahead.

Thailand Public Health Ministry orders nationwide surveillance measures against Coronavirus

Readers please take note. This virus can be potentially very dangerous. There have been recent deaths in Saudi Arabia due to this virus. Last year we almost lost our dog to this virus as well, it can effect both people and animals.  Article below explains:

BANGKOK, June 24 - Thailand's Public Health Minister Pradit Sintavanarong ordered health officials nationwide to be on alert of Coronavirus particularly in tourist destination provinces.

 

 Mr Pradit said Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phuket, and Khon Kaen were especially ordered to be on high alert. He added that local hospitals are already prepared to receive suspected cases.

According to the minister, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has not been detected in Thailand but the Public Health Ministry is ready to deal with the disease. All provinces are to monitor patients with serious respiratory symptoms, particularly those having pneumonia. Disease control is to be done for both MERS-CoV and Influenza A virus subtype H7N9.

Related laboratory systems are to be set up in the Medical Sciences Department's 14 centres nationwide for fast and accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Meanwhile, permanent-secretary for Public Health Narong Sahametapat said at risk groups vulnerable to Coronavirus are Thai-Muslim pilgrims who are going to Saudi Arabia for Hajj in Sep-Oct, Thai workers returning home from the Middle East, and Thais and foreigners travelling through Middle Eastern countries.

The Public Health Minister issued health advisories in Thai, English, and Arabic languages for those entering the country, providing preliminary information about the symptoms.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on June 17 reported that 64 patients had been confirmed infected with MERS-CoV with the death toll so far at 38 in nine countries, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy.

The number of patients is anticipated to rise worldwide, while all countries are to closely monitor the situation. The source of the disease still remains unclear. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-06-24

Police raid three more Pattaya Pharmacies in search of unlicensed sex drugs

Pattaya Police continue to crack down on pharmacies selling sex enhancing drugs with out the proper license. Check out this article from Pattaya One.

 

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.

The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.

The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.

A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.

We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.

 

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

 

 

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

Can Thailand change from driving on the left side of the road to the right??

This should be interesting. Found this article on Thai Visa and wanted to share.

 
Right hand countries in red, left hand countries in blue



BANGKOK: -- The Thai government is proposing a change from driving on the left side of the road to driving on the right side of the road, the department of public roads has announced. The proposal will be send to parliament in June and the law will take affect on 1 January 2014, with the turning of the year.

According to Tongchai Matchamonton, spokesman for the department, the change is being proposed to better prepare for ASEAN community and meant to strengthen the economy. “Most of the ASEAN member states already drive on the left hand side and with more
open trade between the countries this will make transports and logistics more easy, especially with the neighboring countries Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Also important is that China drives on the right and the change will make transport to and from the greater Mekong region  easier. This is an important step forwards for our economy. Already Thailand is planning its rail transport to have the same rail gauge as neighboring countries. Driving on the same side of the road is only the next logical step in order for Thailand to become a transport hub for Asia.”

The spokesman expects that the change would be without major problems or accidents.
“We will inform the people beforehand with a campaign. “Our successes with reducing the number of accidents during holidays like Songkran proofs we can do the transition safely. The change will take place during the new year as at that time there are already a lot of check-points all over the country. They will see to it that the change will be made without incident”.

It is also hoped that the change will increase the safety of tourist, as most tourist are used to drive on the left. The department confirmed that many accidents with tourists happen because they go out and drink too much. When they get on their motorcycle they cause accidents because they drive on the wrong side of the road out of habit. This is being confirmed by Phuket police.

The government will demand that car manufacturers only sell new cars with the steering wheel on the left and is busy with consulting the major car manufacturers. It already agreed with the Chinese car manufactures' that their new to open plant in Thailand
will only produce cars for driving on the left.

As of 1 January 2014 all cars sold in Thailand will need to have the steering wheel on the left side. Old normal cars can keep their steering wheel on the right, but owners cannot sell these cars. For that the car must first be refitted with the steering wheel on the left.
Per 1 January 2020 all cars in Thailand, including old cars, must be refitted. However buses, trucks and taxis will be exempted as they are driven by professional drivers who can handle their vehicle safely.

The spokesmen further announced that the government is negotiating with car manufacturers in Thailand to set a fair price for refitting cars, so consumers will not pay too much to adjust their car. Under the plan owners of a car not older than 5 year will get half of the price for refitting back from the government through their personal income tax, so they don’t have to spend too much money.

 

Thailand dry for Songkran??

Found this on Thai Visa and thought i would share!
 


Songkran alcohol ban mulled in a move to reduce deaths during holiday

BANGKOK: -- The Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will on Monday consider whether to issue a ban on the sale of alcohol during the Songkran holiday period, Songkran Pakchokdee, director of the Anti-Alcohol Organisations Network, told The Nation.

A ban, aimed at reducing deaths from road accidents over the period, will be proposed by Dr Saman Futrakul, director of the Disease Control Department's Office of Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Consumption Control Committee.



The committee, chaired by Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong, is expected to announce a decision on Monday. If the proposed ban is passed, it will be submitted for final approval to the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, on March 28, in time for next month's water festival.

Saman's earlier proposal for a year-round ban on the sale of alcohol on pavements, roadside areas and public walkways was shelved by Plodprasob's committee last December.

Thailand currently bans alcohol sales on four major religious holidays: Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asarnha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day.

In related news, the Thailand Accident Research Centre (TARC) recently conducted a study into accidents on Thai roads over the past 20 years.

Kunnawee Kanitpong, who headed the research, said that statistics for 1993-2011 road accidents and fatalities gathered by two agencies - the National Police Office and the Public Health Ministry - varied significantly (see graphic).

Prommin Kantiya, director of the Accident Prevention Network, said Thailand lacked a single systematic process to gather such information.

He said police statistics only covered cases in which victims had died on the same day as their accidents, while the Public Health Ministry collects follow-up information for another 30 days and therefore records a much higher number of road-accident fatalities.

However, the number of road deaths recorded by the Health Ministry is still lower than that gathered by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Last month the WHO reported that up to 26,000 people are killed in road accidents every year in Thailand, which places the country as sixth-highest in the world for road fatalities.

The TARC research indicates that integration of relevant agencies is necessary to gain a true reflection of trends in road use and the toll that road accidents take, said Kunnawee.

The research study, the fruit of almost a year's work, will be forwarded to the Road Safety Centre and published in a book this year.


-- The Nation 2013-03-23

Pattaya Mayor Implements Four Main Strategies to Improve the City

Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome has begun to work on the four strategies to improve Pattaya which he mentioned in his recent election campaign. I found this article in the Pattaya Times. I do like the "KISS" strategy but still seems there is more work to be done. You can check out the article here

Realestate Seminar coming to Pattaya 8 August

Saw this artice in the Pattaya Mail regarding the upcoming Real Estate Seminar and wanted to pass it along:

Real Estate Seminar - 8 August 2012 Eastern Grand Palace Hotel, Soi Khaotalo, Pattaya

REBA-ES and the Agency for Real Estate Affairs proudly present a Seminar on the recently surveyed Pattaya property market.

The survey was conducted by Dr. Sophon Pornchokchai, PhD, D.FIABCI, CRS, MRICS.
Gain a better understanding of the up-to-date market position as recently surveyed for investment purposes with:
An in-depth analysis of residential properties including single houses, duplexes, townhouses, shophouses, condominiums and land plots by eight price ranges.
A most comprehensive survey covering 650 projects; whereas, 250 projects are in Pattaya City, 330 projects are in another six urban centres in Chonburi and 70 projects are in another three urban centres in Rayong.
The most updated survey for Pattaya (July 2012) and other local urban areas (March 2012).
Reported by Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, PhD D.FIABCI CRS MRICS, president, Agency for Real Estate Affairs (www.area.co.th) which is the first and largest real estate information, valuation and research conducted in Thailand since 1994, together with a panel discussion by renowned major real estate professionals with expertise on the Pattaya market.

The Program

12:00 Registration
13:00 Opening speech and keynote address by Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome
Introduction by the president of the Real Estate Brokers Association Pattaya (REBA Eastern Seaboard)
13:45 Presentation: Major Findings, Pattaya Property Markets and Outlook, Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, PhD D.FIABCI CRS MRICS
15:00 Afternoon Refreshment
15:20 Panel Discussion: Pattaya Property Outlook, 2012-2013
(Panel participants yet to be confirmed - a developer, a broker and a government officer)
Introduction by: Mrs. May Watson, president, REBA Eastern Seaboard
17:00 End of the session.

The Organizers

Real Estate Broker Association Eastern Seaboard: www.rebaes.com is an association of brokers and agents in the Eastern Seaboard region of Thailand. It was founded in 2006 with individual and corporate members. Within the association, there are also sub-committees to help uplift the professional practices of members to always have better professional services to consumers.
Agency for Real Estate Affairs www.area.co.th is a property consultant firm as well as real estate information, research and valuation centre in Thailand. It specializes in real estate consultancy services while refraining from real estate brokerage and self-interest property developments to avert a potential conflict of interest; thereby insures the integrity of our valuations and research works.

The Research Team Leader

Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai PhD D.FIABCI CRS MRICS, is a research team leader for Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard as well as the speaker to present the research findings. He earned a PhD in land and housing from the Asian Institute of Technology, a Certificate in Housing from Katholieke Universiet Leuven and a Certificate in Valuation from LRTI Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. He has been conducting market research in Pattaya and Nationwide for over 20 years.

Fee

Participation: 850 baht per person including handouts and refreshment.
Comprehensive research paper: 4,000 baht per copy.
Fees can be paid to any REBA-ES member or direct to the Agency for Real Estate Affairs http://www.trebs.ac.th/English/SUMMARY/seminar_pattaya.php

Good time to invest in Pattaya?!

Pattaya on course to see record numbers!!

• Pattaya is on track to accommodate a record 8 million hotel guests this year, the highest-ever for a Thai resort destination, as improvements in the domestic market and infrastructure boost demand, says a hotel industry report.
 
C9 Hotelworks, the hospitality consulting firm, recently released a report highlighting a 66% hotel occupancy rate for the Eastern Seaboard city last year.
The report stated in 2010 and 2011, occupancy rose by 17% and 9%, respectively. Visitors to the region doubled in 2010 despite fallout from the financial crisis and political turmoil.
Bill Barnett, managing director of the Phuket-based firm, attributed Pattaya's rise to solid infrastructure, a strengthening domestic market, international brands and changing perceptions of the city.

"If you visit Pattaya, you're sitting next to the country's capital with an established tourism market. It's the yin to Bangkok's yang," he said.

Infrastructure is the most important factor, said Mr Barnett. The proliferation of low-cost flights and improved toll roads to the area has made Pattaya an ideal weekend getaway for Thais, who account for a quarter of the market there.
 
Pattaya has clearly eclipsed Hua Hin as a weekend destination, he said while joking that the hour-and-a-half drive to the former sometimes matches the time it takes to cross Bangkok.

The report shows the international tourism market has flourished as well.

Russian and Chinese tourists flocked to Pattaya last year, and the Civil Aviation Department said total arrivals at the nearby U-tapao airport rose by 39% from 2010.
Chinese, Russians and Thais together accounted for nearly 60% of all Pattaya visitors in 2011.
But Pattaya is not all tourism. The second-best property market in Thailand is reaping the fruit of the nearby auto-manufacturing sector.

In terms of a second business district outside of Bangkok, the Eastern Seaboard is developing, and Pattaya is benefiting from that, said Mr Barnett, adding that 60% of the occupancy at the Holiday Inn Pattaya is from corporate functions.
He said the rise of brand-name hotels and megaprojects will help, while the Cartoon Network will open a 1-billion-baht theme water park early next year.

These big demand generators will make the market sustainable.
Mr Barnett, who has worked in the Asian tourism industry for 27 years, said investors are stuck in the past, as investor sentiment has not kept up with market realities.

The real estate market is hot, and there is no oversupply of hotel rooms in the pipeline, signifying well-balanced growth.
"As long as the Thai middle class is growing strong, Pattaya isn't going anywhere," said Mr Barnett.