The Beer Bar

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya continues to solidify its position as one of Thailand’s premier tourist destinations, with 2024 bringing unprecedented growth in both visitor numbers and revenue. At a recent meeting at Ruenthai Restaurant, key figures from the tourism and business sectors convened to discuss the remarkable performance of the region. Chaiwat Tamthai, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Pattaya Office, presented an overview of Chonburi’s tourism achievements. Between January and November 2024, the province welcomed 24.78 million tourists, a significant 17.92% increase compared to 2023. This surge contributed to a total revenue of 264.3 bi…

Due to elections, there will also be alcohol sales bans in affected provinces, which includes Phuket and Pattaya/Chonburi (But not Bangkok) from 6:00 PM on Friday, January the 31st, to 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 1st. This will shut down popular entertainment venues, clubs, bars, etc during that time window. Restaurants can stay open but not sell alcohol.

From Bangkok Post An automatic check-in system at Don Mueang airport developed a problem early Saturday morning, resulting in long queues and flight delays. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that the system started to resume at around 9.45am. Airport staff were assigned to assist passengers. Travellers scheduled to fly were advised to allow at least three hours for check-in or to check in online in advance if they did not have luggage. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) president Kirati Kijmanawat said that the SITA Passenger Service System (SITA PSS) for the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) experienced a technical issu…

I notice that most people seem to say "I've got" instead of "I have." For example, they'd say "I've got a cold" instead of "I have a cold," or "I've got to go," instead of "I have to go." It seems simpler for me to just say "I have." Do you have a preference for either way?

From Khaosod English A 26-year-old French student was arrested in Bangkok for posting explicit content and videos of intimate encounters with Thai women on social media platforms, police announced on January 20. The Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division, led by Police Colonel Jirapong Rujidarongchai, acted on intelligence reports about a foreign national who had been sharing explicit materials and using social media to solicit sexual encounters while boasting about his physical attributes. Following an investigation and gathering of evidence, authorities obtained a search warrant from the Northern Bangkok Criminal Court. Officers raided a luxury condo…

From Bangkok Post Police have warned users of the location-sharing Jagat app they could face trespassing charges and put personal safety at risk in hunting for Jagat coins for cash rewards. The warning was issued by Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwpan, commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Users could also be at risk because they shared their personal data and location, which might be accessed by criminals, the cyber police chief said. Pol Lt Col Wasuthep Jai-in, deputy chief of the Patrol and Special Operations Division (PSD), advised people to stop using the app to hunt for the coins. He said rewards from the app allegedly came from criminal …

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to invite tourists to the vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations taking place around Thailand. The streets will shine with dazzling light decorations on Yaowarat Road. CentralWorld will host the ‘Happy Chinese New Year 2025’ event, while Pak Nam Pho, Hat Yai, and Nakhon Lampang will all come alive with their unique celebrations. From cultural performances to stunning decorations and festive gatherings, this year’s celebrations offer a rich tapestry of joy and excitement to mark a truly wonderful start to 2025. Amazing Light Decorations on Yaowarat Road 19 January – 9 February 2025 On Yaowarat Road (Odean Circle to …

One always wonders why someone who seems to have everything going for himself would commit suicide. Yet gorgeous Spanish-American actor Francisco San Martin appears to have done just that. What I wouldn't do to be able to live in that body...

From CNBC The world has yet to fully recognize the extent of change artificial intelligence will bring to every aspect of human life, the CEO of Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala told CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “In terms of the risks ... this is a technology that no one today really appreciates, truly the level of disruption that it’s going to create, affecting everything from our lives, our businesses, human capital, employment, every sector is going to be disrupted,” Khaldoon Al Mubarak, managing director of the $330 billion fund, told CNBC’s Dan Murphy. “And I think that while there’s a lot of opportunity, it also presents signific…

Emergency numbers Police & emergencies – 191 This may be the most important number to remember. Thailand has reportedly made 191 the main call center for all emergencies. If the operator is unable to speak English, call 1155 (below). Tourist Police – 1155 or (+66) 2308-0333 This hotline is available 24 hours a day and they will all speak English. This is an important phone number to remember – They will help you out with any concerns or questions you have and can redirect you to the correct number you may need. Public Ambulance (Everywhere) – 1669 Dialing this number will connect you to a public ambulance service, which will dispatch a vehicle to y…

We're from the government and we're here to help you on your road to poverty. From MSN Thailand is planning to launch its cryptocurrency sandbox before the end of this year. According to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the sandbox will likely be launched around October and will be located in Phuket. According to Shinawatra, the move will be a turning point for the country, noting how well they have thrived regarding the crypto industry. Shinawatra also thinks that Thailand is well equipped compared to other regions, as they continue to move ahead in the crypto industry. He noted that the crypto industry has been boosted by the decision of the…

From Pattaya Mail Will Robinson’s latest cinematic masterpiece, Thailand Amazing Thailand, premiered during a private screening luncheon attended by esteemed guests, including former Minister of Tourism and Sports, Weerasak Kowsurat. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel recently, the event also marked the 10th anniversary of The Isan Project, Robinson’s ground-breaking initiative that fuses traditional Thai music with contemporary Western sounds. Robinson’s new film is an artistic journey through Thailand’s stunning landscapes, vibrant festivals, and rich cultural heritage. With its enthralling adventures and original music, the film showcases the beauty and spirit…

From Bangkok Post Thai police were launching a fact-finding investigation into the disappearance of two more Chinese nationals – a male model and a woman -after their relatives sought help. Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general with the Royal Thai Police Office (RTPO), said foreign media had reported the disappearance of Chinese model Yang Zeqi, who went missing near the Thai-Myanmar border. The incident was similar to that of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who went missing last week in the same area and was trafficked to a scam centre in Myawaddy. Wang, 31, also known by his stage name Xing Xing, safely returned to Thailand. Pol Gen …

Yazuza gang scam nets 300 million baht From Pattaya News Thai police shut down an alleged Yakuza call center scam in Pattaya, arresting several suspects and uncovering over 300 million baht in damages to Japanese victims. At 11:00 AM on January 14th, at the Immigration Bureau office in Nonthaburi province, Pol. Lt. Col. Panthana Nuchnarat, Deputy Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 1, announced the arrest of Mr. Yu Hamaji, a 34-year-old Japanese national and alleged deputy leader of a Yakuza-linked call center gang. The gang was accused of operating a call center scam targeting Japanese citizens. Pol. Lt. Col. Panthana explained that the arrest ste…

Gee, I hope owner didn't forget to insure them to the hilt before he left. From Pattaya News A luxury home in Hui Yai owned by a Chinese businessman was broken into by thieves, who allegedly stole over 100 million baht worth of high-end watches. At 1:30 AM on January 16th, Huai Yai police received a report of a burglary at a house in a luxury housing estate in Huai Yai, Chonburi province. Police rushed to the scene with forensic investigators from Chonburi Forensic Division 2. The incident scene, a two-story detached house covering around 80 square wah, is worth more than 8 million baht. Inside a second-floor room, officers found a black safe measuring …

From Khaosod English Chinese father Mr. Y. Haitao (left) submits a letter to National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, requesting help in finding his son (right), a model who disappeared in Thailand, at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters on January 16, 2025. BANGKOK — Another Chinese father has sought help from Thai police to locate his son, a model who disappeared after traveling to Thailand. This follows the cases of Wang Xing, the Chinese actor, and another father searching for his 21-year-old daughter from Jiangsu province, whom Thai police later rescued from Myanmar. Mr. Y. Haitao came with Thai lawyer Rachaphon Sirisakhon to submit a le…

From MSN We are all vulnerable to the rapid spread of phone scams – including, it seems, world leaders. Thailand’s prime minister has revealed she got a call from an AI system, demanding money in the voice of another famous head of government. Paetongtarn Shinawatra did not reveal who the computer was mimicking, but said she received a message in a voice identical to a well-known leader. "The voice was very clear, and I recognized it immediately. They first sent a voice clip, saying something like, ‘How are you? I want to work together,’ and so on,” Paetongtarn said. She said she later missed a call from the same number, then received a voice message w…

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A packed meeting of Pattaya City Expat Club heard updates about the controversial Thai Revenue Department policy as regards overseas income transmitted to Thailand. The two invited representatives of American International Tax Advisers Co. were director Thomas Carden and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda who was in regular touch with local revenue authorities. Patcha explained that some expats were not required to obtain a Thai tax identification number or fill in a tax return. These were foreigners present in Thailand for less than 180 days in the calendar year 2024, those who had not transmitted cash from abroad, those who …

From The Thaiger Hailing from the picturesque village of Quilty in County Clare, Robby had set his sights on the vibrant diving havens in Southeast Asia. “He just walked in one day and said, ‘I am going to Thailand. I have already booked the ticket.’ It was where all the diving was. He was doing very, very well over there and supported himself through his diving qualifications.” Grieving friends have set up a fundraiser to bring Robby’s body back to Ireland, amassing nearly 45,000 euros (1.6 million baht) by Wednesday morning. Paying tribute to the vivacious backpacker, a close friend said he was the kind of person who lit up every room with his kindn…

From Khaosod English Thailand’s population declined by 100,000 in 2024 to 65.95 million, marking a historic demographic shift as annual births fell below 500,000 for the first time since 1949, despite government efforts to promote childbearing through the “Having Children for the Nation” campaign. According to data released by the Department of Provincial Administration on January 8, 2025, Thailand’s total population stands at 65,951,210, with 64,953,661 Thai nationals and 997,549 non-Thai residents. Bangkok remains the most populous area with 5,455,020 residents. The country recorded 462,240 births against 571,646 deaths in 2024, continuing a four-year tre…

From The Nation The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to issue a directive requiring biometric authentication for SIM card registration as part of efforts to combat unauthorised SIM cards and online scammers. NBTC Commissioner for legal affairs and chairman of the Subcommittee on the Integration of Technology Law Enforcement Pol General Natthorn Prohsunthorn said a recent meeting had discussed and approved urgent measures and strategies to combat telecommunications technology crimes, call-centre scams and boost state security. “These measures are expected to provide a more concrete resolution to the problem of call-…

I posted a couple of weeks ago about the crazy scheme the Conservative government wanted to introduce, whereby ALL transit passengers coming through the UK, in effect, Heathrow and Manchester, had to apply for a visa. Labour has seen sense, and the requirement has been dropped, quietly. However, so as not to lose money, the price for a visa, or ETA, for visitors to the UK, has gone up from £10 to £16! This is causing more outrage!

Five men who used dating app Grindr to target and attack men in a series of robberies have been jailed. Demalji Hadza, 21, Abubaker Alezawy, 21, Ali Hassan, 20, Wasim Omar, 24, and Mohammed Sharif, 22, lured each man into a meeting before assaulting them and stealing their belongings. The gang were convicted last year of stealing £100,000 from men in Birmingham and Derby over a 10-month period. The group were given sentences ranging from 12 to 17 years at Birmingham Crown Court. Police said some victims were encouraged to come to a location under the pretence of meeting with a legitimate user on dating apps including Grind…

From Theworld.org Thailand has close to a million stray cats and dogs. That’s no surprise to anyone who’s walked a couple blocks in Bangkok. There’s often a four-legged creature underfoot, most of them friendly, some potentially dangerous. Loose cats and dogs are often well fed by locals — offering food is seen as “merit making” by many Buddhists — but city officials are enacting new laws to reduce the stray population. The World’s Patrick Winn reports. Listen to report from Bangkok https://theworld.org/segments/2025/01/16/bangkok-struggles-to-rein-in-stray-cats-and-dogs Link to PAWS Bangkok https://www.facebook.com/pawsbangkok/

From The Thaiger The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the dangers of Pot K, a vape liquid mixed with ketamine, which can be fatal. Selling this substance can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of 1.5 million baht. This illegal product has become prevalent among nightlife enthusiasts. Dr Witit Srisuriyachayakul, Deputy Secretary General of the FDA, revealed yesterday, January 15 that police in Makkasan had arrested individuals involved in selling Pot K, which contains ketamine, a Schedule 2 controlled substance. This substance is widely circulated through online platforms and distributed to nightclubs in Bang…