The Beer Bar

From Reuters As U.S. President Donald Trump's new trade tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada kick off, sparking another trade war, countries in Asia's complex and integrated global supply chain are in the crosshairs. The following graphics illustrate Asia's exposure to U.S. tariffs on China and the escalating trade war, which is set to impact exports and growth in the region. Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand are the most exposed to increased U.S. tariffs due to their high export-to-GDP ratios with the United States. With Trump proposing tariffs targeting sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, steel, and aluminium,…

From The Thaiger AirAsia is making domestic travel more affordable than ever, joining forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to encourage travellers to explore hidden gems across the country. The budget airline is rolling out one-way fares starting at just 880 baht, giving tourists the chance to visit 16 destinations spanning all four regions of Thailand. The limited-time promotion is available for bookings until March 9, with travel dates set between March 10 and September 30. AirAsia aims to connect lesser-known cities with tourists eager to explore Thailand beyond its mainstream hotspots. The northern region boasts flights to Chia…

From Bangkok Post Bangkok’s metro system is known for its efficiency, but one station stands out as an architectural masterpiece: Sanam Chai MRT Station. Designed to resemble a Rattanakosin-era throne hall, this underground station is a must-visit for travellers and history enthusiasts alike. More than just a transportation hub, it is a gateway to some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, including Wat Pho, Museum Siam and the bustling Pak Khlong Talad flower market. Step inside Sanam Chai MRT, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a grand palace rather than a subway station. Designed by renowned architect Dr Pinyo Suwannakiri, the st…

From The Thaiger A high-speed tuk tuk race on a Bangkok road ended in a devastating crash, leaving three people seriously injured, including one driver with a severe head injury. The incident, which occurred late last night, March 3, sparked a policeinvestigation, with officers awaiting blood alcohol test results. The collision happened around 10pm on Ratchadaphisek Road in Chong Nonsi, Yannawa district, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Thiradej Sonklin of Bang Phong Phang Police Station. Eyewitnesses reported that two tuk tuks were speeding side by side, attempting to overtake each other in what appeared to be a dangerous street rac…

From Pattaya News Thailand, March 4th, 2025 — Digital Economy Minister Prasert Chantraruangthong, chair of the National Alcohol Policy Committee, announced proposed amendments to Thailand’s alcohol laws, aligning them with the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign. While the ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holidays remains—Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, Buddhist Lent, and End of Buddhist Lent—exceptions will apply to international airport terminals, licensed entertainment venues, hotels, and designated tourist areas approved by the Public Health Ministry. The committee is also studying electronic …

From The Thaiger Chaos erupted for Pakistani travellers after they found themselves marooned in Bangkok for two long days after technical issue with a Thai Airways flight. In a maddening turn of events, passengers were left in suspense for six gruelling hours at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, clinging to the hope of an alternative flight. Those hopes were dashed, however, when Thai Airways abruptly pulled the plug and cancelled the flight, leaving passengers in a state of disarray and despair. ARY News reported that the airline sought to patch things up by whisking passengers away to a hotel, albeit a tedious hour-and-a-half jaunt from …

From Channel News Asia KUALA LUMPUR: After a dormant decade, calls for a new naval base in a sleepy town in Sarawak have gathered steam in recent weeks, with Malaysia potentially eyeing a more assertive stance against Chinese pressure in resource-rich areas near the Borneo state. But in building Malaysia’s latest naval base in Bintulu, closer to the disputed waters in the South China Sea, analysts believe Putrajaya will still steer clear of stirring up the hornet’s nest. Malaysia is unlikely to adopt more aggressive responses to Chinese vessel incursions, they told CNA, given its overarching aim to maintain its low-key approach to the maritime territ…

From Pattaya News The Thai Cabinet has approved 153 million baht to host the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, aiming to draw 800,000 tourists and boost the economy by 3.2 billion baht. On March 3rd, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the Cabinet had approved a mid-year emergency budget of 153.03 million baht, as proposed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The funds will be allocated for organizing the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, set to take place at Sanam Luang from April 11th to 25th. The budget is divided into …

Apologies for not finishing my trip report from last November but I've had a lot to get through, not much else happened on that trip except another visit to Senso where I selected another 2hr massage (but I asked him to forget the oil and not touch the neck) and the massage was quite reasonable and finished off remarkably well. I did have what I would call a proper massage at Urban Thai on soi Thaniya but that for me was more a remedial massage as there was no extras on offer and I may add was a very good massage. That and I was invited to go on a private cruise on the Chao Phraya river with some old friends and it was a very relaxing days outing. The flight home was dela…

NOTE — While walking the park with a few friends on a recent evening, we can across the first baby monitor lizard I recall seeing in the park. It found its way ashore, unfazed by a few admirers who were feeding turtles who gather in the same location nightly. It sniffed about before returning to the water. I always give the reptiles a wide berth but they have always been a source of entertainment, as are the weightlifters who push iron relentlessly not far off. From The Thaiger by Bob Scott Bangkok’s iconic Lumpini Park is grappling with a surge of reptilian residents, as the city considers crafty manoeuvres to manage the thriving water monitor lizard…

NOTE — What could these “appealing profiles” possibly be” 🙂 From The Thaiger Police in Chiang Rai have arrested nine Chinese nationals involved in a significant hybrid scam operation, impersonating individuals with appealing profiles to target victims in the United States and Canada, persuading them to invest in cryptocurrency. The operation was carried out yesterday, February 28, with oversight from Police Lieutenant General Kritthaphon Yeesakorn and several other senior officers from region 5 and Chiang Rai province. The suspects, aged between 20 and 32, include Cao TaiQing, Tu Xing, Yi Xiu, Duan Guang Shun, Li Jiawei, Yang Lianwei, Chen…

From Pattaya News Helena Lerch, TikTok’s Vice President for Emerging Markets and Public Policy, met with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her visit to Thailand. Paetongtarn welcomed the delegation, expressing excitement over TikTok’s plans for further investment in the country. Lerch revealed that the company intends to invest $8.8 billion in Thailand over the next five years, highlighting the platform’s strong presence, with over 50 million users globally and more than 3 million Thai accounts using TikTok Shop. She also noted the PM’s use of the platform and emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, with over 1,000 employees in T…

From The Nation Digital travel platform Agoda shares the top five travel habits of Asian Gen Z, revealing a generation that finds inspiration in the digital realm, embraces spontaneity, and values shared experiences. The survey highlights the unique ways travelers aged 18-27, more commonly known as Gen Z, are shaping the future of travel in Asia with a fresh perspective, not only by influencing travel trends but also by setting the stage for future generations to explore the world in innovative ways. 1. TikTok inspiration: social media is the new travel guide Gen Z is blazing a trail on social media, with TikTok …

From Pattaya New Three foreign tourists fell victim to theft in Pattaya, with incidents ranging from pickpocketing on a songthaew to a stolen motorcycle and a robbery by a transgender woman at a hotel. At 1:49 AM on February 27th, a 68-year-old Swiss tourist, Mr. Ulich, accompanied by his Thai girlfriend, filed a complaint with Pattaya police, after being pickpocketed on a songthaew (a popular form of public transport vehicle). According to his girlfriend, the couple had just arrived in Pattaya from Hua Hin. On their first day in the city, they took a songthaew from Walking Street in South Pattaya. As the vehicle reached Soi 6 on Pattaya Second Road, two uni…

NOTE — This was a topic of discussion when it was first introduced last year. It’s not the 300 baht that will deter many visitors; it’s the method on how it will be collected. If it becomes part of the the digital arrivals card, then it will be viewed essentially as a visa fee. From The Nation The tourism tax of 300 baht a person will come into force for foreign tourists by the end of this year, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said on Thursday. He expects the tourism tax scheme to come into effect during Thailand’s high season later in the year, provided the scheme is endorsed via publication in the Royal Gazette in March. …

From The Nation Authorities are probing claims that Chinese investors are buying up condominiums and illegally renting them short-term to foreigners, causing disturbance and security risks for other residents. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday that officials must ensure hotel and rental operators have licences and comply with ministry regulations. “If these renters have permits and follow the regulations, there is nothing that can be done to stop them,” said Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister. “However, legal action will be taken if operators or tenants – regardless of their nationa…

When police finally broke into the tiny, dirty bedsit apartment in North London, even the most hardened were nauseated by what they witnessed. Blood was everywhere. Lying on the bed was the body of the younger of the two men, his head cratered as a result of nine fierce blows from the hammer that lay on his chest. The bloodied naked corpse of the older man lay prostrate on the floor, dead from a massive overdose of barbiturates. The plot that soon unraveled is the stuff of murder mysteries. One of the two deceased was indeed a writer and a highly successful one at that. But mystery novels were far from his genre. Outrageously gay and totally promiscuous at a time wh…

From The Thaiger Nok Air intends to reduce its flights to mainland China this year due to slow market growth and will instead focus on expanding its services to India, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. The airline’s Chief Executive, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, highlighted the shift in Chinese tourists’ preferences towards Japan over Thailand and noted the Chinese government’s lack of support for outbound travel. Safety concerns among Chinese travellers related to scams and human trafficking in Thailand have further impacted Thai airlines. Since January, Nok Air has decreased its weekly flights to China from 16 to 12, covering Nanning, Zhengzhou, and Nan…

From The Nation Plans to expand U-Tapao Airport are being revised, with the project scaled back significantly due to ongoing delays with the high-speed rail link. Keeree Kanjanapas, chairman of U-Tapao International Aviation (UTA), confirmed that the development of the airport and the adjacent Eastern Aviation City will go ahead, but without waiting for the delayed Bangkok-Rayong high-speed train. The 290-billion-baht project, located on a 6,500 rai site within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), will proceed despite the high-speed rail project’s uncertain future. Keeree explained that the high-speed rail delays, now approaching five years, are …

From Visaverge Thailand's Cabinet approved streamlined work permit rules, featuring digital applications, reduced bureaucracy, and extended validity periods. The changes aim to ease processes for foreign workers in various sectors and enhance Thailand's appeal to international talent. Key benefits include reduced administrative burdens, cost savings, and improved compliance. The revisions align with broader initiatives to attract skilled professionals and boost economic competitiveness. Thailand will digitize work permit applications, eliminating physical documentation and cutting processing time significantly, starting in early 2025. Work per…

From Aerotime All Nippon Airways (ANA) has placed substantial orders with the world’s three largest commercial aircraft makers, planning to introduce up to 77 new aircraft into its fleet – 68 firm orders and nine options. The Japanese airline group is gearing up to accommodate a growing number of passengers, particularly on routes to Japan. To enhance its long-haul operations, ANA has ordered 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, powered by General Electric’s GEnx engines. The airline group has identified its international network as a key driver of future growth, particularly on routes between Asia and North America. This expansion is further supported by the ongoing deve…

Is he perhaps the youngest of all gay icons? Even today we don't really know if the moody, rebellious actor with whom so many disaffected, misunderstood, sexually confused teenagers around the world of the 1950s identified so closely was really gay. He could have been bisexual, or even - horror of horrors! - straight. Yet James Dean is now regarded as one of the great gay icons of all time. In his first two films, "East of Eden" and "Rebel Without A Cause", the angst-ridden, complex, outcast misfits he played sprang out from the screen and gripped audiences in a way no other young actor had achieved. During his short career, Dean's name was linked to a number o…

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Thailand had its Elite Card, versions of which allow buyers to live in Thailand for extended periods up to 20 years for 7 million baht. And now Trump will see you a Gold Card with similar perks for $5 million. From CNN resident Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US would sell a “gold card” to wealthy foreigners, giving them the right to live and work in the US and offering a path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million fee. “We’re going to be selling a gold card,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “You have a green card. This is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that’s going to give you green card privileg…

Not since Nikon’s infamous Saturday Night Massacre have we seen anything on this scale. From CNN In an unprecedented purge of the military’s senior leadership Friday night, President Donald Trump fired the top US general just moments before his defense secretary fired the chief of the US Navy and the vice chief of the Air Force. Trump announced he was dismissing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown and replacing him with Air Force Lt. Gen. John Dan “Razin” Caine – an extraordinary move since Caine is retired, according to an Air Force official, and is not a four-star general. Trump called Brown a “fine gentleman” and an “outstan…