The Beer Bar

From Reuters Thailand's central bank cut its key interest rate by a quarter point for a second consecutive meeting on Wednesday, as expected, seeking to support the underperforming economy which is facing fresh pressure from steep U.S. tariffs. The Bank of Thailand's monetary policy committee voted 5-2 to reduce the one-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 1.75%, the lowest level in two years. That followed a similar reduction at the previous meeting in February. The central bank cut its growth forecast for 2025 to 2.0%, based on prolonged trade negotiations and U.S. tariffs remaining close to current rates, from just above 2.5% seen in Fe…

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — The son of a Thai politician is under fire after he drove a BMW recklessly and rammed into another vehicle. This sparked public outrage and drew comparisons to the infamous 2012 hit-and-run case involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, who fled the country to avoid prosecution. However, the national police chief insists that this case will not go the same way. On April 17, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police, responded to a viral clip showing a red-painted BMW swerving in front of a pickup truck on the highway near the Rangsit–Nakhon Nayok exit late on April 16. The p…

Security Forces Hunt Suspects After Twin Attacks in Yala Kill Three Law Enforcement Officers I know this was in the South, but it can't help people's perception of Thailand.

NOTE -- I have no interest in visiting Michelin starred restaurants but this place is so offbeat that it proved worth the time. From CBS Anglo Thai is London's only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant. Chef John Chantarasak has drawn on his family history to create an award-winning culintary experience and put a unique spin on Thai food. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/london-chef-puts-unique-twist-on-thai-classics/#x

TBH, I'm getting annoyed with the Tourism Authority's objective of chasing after "high-value" tourists. I acknowledge that all nations prefer the wealthy but the facts don't support Thailand's quest. Thailand rocketed into the leading tourist destination in SE Asia over the last few decades by offering relatively low-cost vacations to tourists from across the globe. Hotels and eateries in all prices ranges sprung up to accommodate them. If the Tourism Authority was to realize its goal, however, who'd be left to book those low and mid-priced hotels or eat and drink at the vendors or beer gardens that cater to the average international tourist. White Lotus was a great promo…

For years we have got used to, and in many cases loved, the skinny leg fashion. Tight figure-hugging jeans from buttocks to ankle allow us to wallow in the lovely shape of the lower half of young men's bodies, sometimes even silhouetting the butt itself. Having observed this now in three countries, that fashion is sadly on the way out. Wide-leg trousers and jeans are on the way in, the new fasion trend offering a chic, comfortable alternative to the skinny style - at least that's what the fashion magazines tell us. Relaxed tailoring seems to be the new buzz word. This Tanuki jean is now quite popular in Japan - a sort of in-between shape that is still narrower t…

News East Thailand Traffic and Transportation Eight People Dead, Including Children, in SUV Crash on Motorway to Chonburi By Kittisak Phalaharn - Saturday, 26 April 2025, 8:14 Facebook Twitter ReddIt Thailand, at 11:00 PM April 25th, 2025 — Rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation responded to a fatal crash on Motorway Route 7, outbound towards Chonburi. Eight people were found dead at the scene and two…

From The Nation Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has launched a major initiative to redefine Bangkok's future, urging a shift from a city known for its "buzz" to one celebrated for its "liveability." Speaking at a key planning seminar, he highlighted the need for a strategic overhaul to address the city's persistent inefficiencies and improve the quality of life for all residents. The Governor emphasised that while Bangkok attracts tourists with its vibrant atmosphere, it lags behind regional rivals like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in terms of liveability. He criticised the city's notorious traffic congestion and the impact…

From The Nation The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is moving forward with plans to promote the drone industry by integrating public and private sectors to initiate delivery drone trials within 2025. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director of CAAT, emphasized CAAT's role in regulating and promoting the proper and efficient use of drones. He highlighted the implementation of UAS Portal system, which streamlines drone operator and drone registrations through a fast online platform. The portal also provides comprehensive guidance for those interested in drone operations and will be equipped to manage drone airspac…

Earlier today my husband and I watched the new blockbuster Sinners today, and he remarked that the movie plot was essentially the same as the drag queen version we'd seen just over a year earlier, Slay. The main difference was that the major theme behind this year's movie was racism, and last year's movie's was homophobia. I enjoyed both movies. Today's actually had better eye candy in Michael B. Jordan and Jack O'Connell. However, no denying that Slay had a more original plot. I don't know whether they'd have a case for copyright violations, but it certainly did seem like a stolen plot. Have any of you also watched both movies? Did you feel similarly? Michael B. Jor…

I recently heard in the news that a judge in Chicago was sentencing a mass murderer to seven consecutive life sentences. I'm happy that this murder will never see the light of day (he pleaded guilty), but I don't understand the logic of sentencing someone to seven consecutive life sentences. I've only heard of one, probably apocryphal, story of someone coming back to life after death. Only cats, as far as I know, are reputed to have 9 lives. Maybe we have someone more knowledgeable in legal matters who can explain this type of sentence... https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/highland-park-shooter-to-serve-7-consecutive-life-sentences/3730113/ "A judge handed se…

From Khaosod English HUA HIN — A Royal Thai Police aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff in Hua Hin on Friday morning, killing six officers, one of whom died in the afternoon at a hospital, officials said. The Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter went down approximately 100 meters offshore while conducting a test flight in preparation for parachute training exercises in the popular beach resort town. “The plane was performing a test flight to prepare for parachute training exercises in Hua Hin district before it crashed around 8 a.m.,” Royal Thai Police spokesperson Archayon Kraithong confirmed. Continues with video https://www.khaosodengli…

From Bangkok Post The Department of Special Investigation has arrested a Chinese executive of the construction company that was building the State Audit Office tower in Bangkok, where dozens of people died when it collapsed during the March 28 earthquake. Zhang Chuanling was taken into custody at a hotel in the Ratchadaphisek area of the capital on Saturday, the DSI announced. He is one of four people sought on arrest warrants for being nominees of China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co (CREC). The three others are Thai nationals: Manas Sri-anan, Prachuap Sirikhet and Sophon Meechai, according to the DSI. The four were listed as executives of the Thai …

I trust you are all celebrating Pueri Lenonii day, which falls on April 25th!

From The Thaiger Thailand has introduced new rules governing how liquids, gels, and aerosols (LGAs) can be carried in hand luggage, tightening security measures at airports nationwide. The new regulations, which came into effect on Tuesday, April 22, were published in the Royal Gazette and supersede those introduced in 2019. “These updated rules, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), aim to enhance airport security protocols,” said Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, CAAT’s Director. The directive mandates that all LGAs, whether carried by passengers, crew, or airport staff, must undergo thorough screening before being allowed …

Saw this today and he immediately came to mind..... what else is missing? @Olddaddy I expect you to chip in, you know them better than anyone....maybe 😝

I read an article recently that Pete Davidson is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to get his tattoos removed. I was struck by the reason he gave for getting them in the first place: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pete-davidson-tattoo-removal-price_n_680a42d0e4b0ca3d07709f30 “I used to be a drug addict and I was a sad person, and I felt ugly and that I needed to be covered up,” he told Variety. “So I’m just removing them and starting fresh, because that’s what I think works best for me and for my brain.” I've also noticed that most trans men also seem to get a lot of tattoos. I wonder how common it is for people to turn to tattoos as a response to s…

From Pattaya news A major accident occurred in the early hours of April 21st, 2025, around 2:00 AM, when a passenger bus traveling from Nong Khai to Rayong collided with the rear of a trailer truck, causing the bus’s wheels to catch fire. The incident took place on the road descending from Pu Khao Salathon Court, heading toward Kabin Buri in Na Di District, Prachinburi Province. The bus, identified as vehicle number 590-28 and bound for Pattaya-Rayong, carried 60 passengers. The crash resulted in 7 fatalities and dozens of injuries, with emergency services rushing the injured to nearby hospitals. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/20…

From Bangkok Post The 20-baht flat fare for all electric train lines will become effective from Sept 30, with Thai passengers required to register for the programme via the Tang Rat application, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The policy will allow Thai citizens to travel across all train lines with a maximum fare of 20 baht per trip, regardless of how many lines are used. The flat fare scheme will be available only to Thai citizens, excluding foreign tourists and welfare cardholders, who must continue paying standard fares. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3000822/flat-train-fare-set-to-start-from-sept-30

According to Variety magazine, "In a major shift for Oscar voting protocol, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that members will now be required to confirm they’ve watched all nominated films in a category before being allowed to vote in that race." WTF? Does that mean that up until now, members could vote in categories where they hadn't even watched all of the films being nominated? Doesn't that make the whole process a farce? Well, I guess the process will have some integrity moving forward... 🙄 https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/oscars-2026-key-dates-casting-rules-ai-1236374012/

From CNBC Twenty years ago today when Jawed Karim uploaded a grainy 19-second clip titled “Me at the Zoo” to his new platform, YouTube, he ushered in a new era in online video. The video of Karim visiting the San Diego Zoo was the first to appear on YouTube, the video platform founded by him, Steve Chen and Chad Hurley. The trio sold the service to Google in 2006 for $1.65 billion, and in the nearly two decades since, YouTube has evolved from a simple video-sharing site into a global media juggernaut. If it was a stand-alone business, YouTube would be worth between $475 billion and $550 billion, according to analysts at MoffettNathanson. YouTube is the…

From Pattaya News Foodpanda, a leading food delivery platform in Thailand, will cease operations on May 23, 2025, after 13 years, as announced by its parent company, German based Delivery Hero SE. The decision follows intense competition, financial losses, and failed sale talks with buyers like Grab and Meituan. Despite early success since launching in 2012, Foodpanda struggled with a 23% market share against Grab’s 50% and reported losses of 522 million baht in 2023. Past controversies and rider pay disputes further strained its reputation. The closure will impact customers, riders, and vendors, with Delivery Hero promising support for payments and transit…

From The Thaiger A former deputy attorney general has been sentenced to three years in prison, while a former senior public prosecutor received two years, following their involvement in the controversial case surrounding the 2012 fatal hit-and-run involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. The incident, which saw Vorayuth drive a luxury Porsche sports car into police officer Wichian Klanprasert, leading to his death, has been at the centre of a years-long legal battle. Today, a group of high-profile defendants, including former national police chief Police General Somyot Pumpanmuang and Net Naksuk, arrived at the Central Criminal Court for Corruptio…

From Pattaya News The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially restored Thailand’s aviation safety rating to Category 1, stating that the country now complies with international civil aviation safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The announcement, made today by Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, reversed a downgrade to Category 2 in 2015 that stemmed from 36 safety oversight deficiencies.The upgrade clears the way for Thai airlines, including Thai Airways, to resume direct flights to the United States for the first time in nearly a decade. It also enables expanded services to other countries, such as South K…

It's no secret that the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has been boosting the potential of Muay Thai's soft power. But the photos The Nation chose to illustrate a recent article gives credence to "a photo is worth a thousand words." https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/pr-news/40049062