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From The Thaiger Vietnam is gearing up for international flights and some trips are planned to start as early as this month. The country’s Civil Aviation Authority says they’re set to start international flights on September 15 after being put on pause for the past 5 months. The authority’s director says travellers will need to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Vietnam. Japan and South Korea are first on the list. Vietnam has 4 trips per week planned for each route. The plan is still being discussed with the transport ministry along with the ministries of foreign affairs, defence, health and labour. Vietnam is gearing up for international flights and some trips are planned to start as early as this month. The country’s Civil Aviation Authority says they’re set to start international flights on September 15 after being put on pause for the past 5 months. The authority’s director says travellers will need to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Vietnam.Japan and South Korea are first on the list. Vietnam has 4 trips per week planned for each route. The plan is still being discussed with the transport ministry along with the ministries of foreign affairs, defence, health and labour.

From Bangkok Post Finance Minister Predee Daochai has submitted his resignation after 26 days in the job, citing health reasons. The former president of Kasikornbank reportedly submitted the letter on Monday but Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has yet to approve it. Mr Predee was royally appointed on Aug 6 under the quota of the prime minister. According to earlier media reports, Mr Predee disagreed with his deputy, Santi Prompat from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), over the reshuffle of high-ranking officials, in particular who should head the Excise Department. Mr Predee reportedly wanted Lavaron Sangsnit, director of the Fiscal Policy Office, for the post, but Mr Santi preferred Prapas Kong-Ied, director of the State Enterprise Policy Office. The cabinet on Tuesday appointed Mr Lavaron as chief of the Excise Department, but Mr Predee resigned anyway. Sources at the PPRP said news about Mr Predee’s resignation came on Monday. “We’ve always thought he wouldn’t last long because he had no political experiences,” he said.

From Bangkok Post Bank of Thailand warns of tourism meltdown Thailand's tourism industry will face greater risks next year if the government continues to restrict foreign travellers from entering the country, says the Bank of Thailand. Foreign arrivals could be downgraded from a projection of 8 million this year and 16 million next year given the deflated tourism outlook, said Don Nakornthab, senior director of the economic and policy department. The Tourism and Sports Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council already cut their projections for this year's foreign tourist arrivals to 6.7 million and next year's to 12 million.

From TTRW Travel (via Richardbarrow,com) Emirates claims Bangkok flights are back BANGKOK, 31 August 2020: Emirates says it has all the permissions in place to operate flights to and from Thailand as of 1 September despite a contradictory post by the Royal Thai Consulate in Dubai. The Thai consulate in Dubai posted an announcement on its website at the weekend that cast doubt on the 1 September resumption of flights from Dubai to Bangkok. While not identifying the airline explicitly the statement quoted the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand saying no commercials flights were allowed to enter Thailand until further notice. Popular travel blogger Richard Barrow first posted the consulate’s statement on his Twitter account. Within hours the announcement was withdrawn from the consulate’s website without an explanation. However, in response to questions from TTR Weekly, Emirates head of communications said on Sunday: “We can confirm that Emirates has all the required government permissions to operate the flights that we have announced. “Passengers flying to and from Thailand have to meet the requirements of their destination – details on www.emirates.com/travelrestrictions.” The airline announced Friday it would resume daily flights to Bangkok from Dubai. Booking for the flights opened 27 August with the flight timetable the latest of the airline’s updates. Efforts to gain a response from the consulate in Dubai failed, but the consulate statement did refer to an Etihad repatriation flight EV406 that would depart Dubai for Bangkok 9 September. Organised by the embassy and consulate in the UAE, the flight is open for Thai national and foreigners eligible to enter Thailand bookable only via the embassy and consulate. Emirates’ flights between Dubai and Bangkok will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering seats in first, business and economy class. Starting from 1 September, flight EK384 will depart Dubai daily at 0150 and arrive in Bangkok at 1130, while the return flight, EK385, will depart Bangkok at 0325, and arrive in Dubai at 0635, from 2 September.

From South China Morning Post Looks to cut Malacca Strait shipping time by land link between Indian, Pacific Oceans Thailand is looking to construct a land passageway that would connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans, bypassing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The Strait of Malacca, a narrow sea lane along Peninsular Malaysia's southwest coast and extending east past Singapore, is currently the shortest sea route linking the Asia-Pacific region with India and the Middle East. About a quarter of the world’s traded goods pass through it each year. “The Strait has become quite congested,” Transport Minister Saksiam Chidchob said. “Using an alternative route through Thailand would cut shipping time by more than two days, which is very valuable for businesses.” Thailand plans to build two deep seaports on either side of the country’s southern coasts, and link them via highway and rail, according to Saksiam. The 100km “land bridge” would replace an existing proposal to dredge a canal through the isthmus. That would cause too much destruction to the environment, he said. The idea for a canal that would traverse the nation’s narrowest point and trim the travel distance by 1,200km (745 miles) has been put forward and dismissed several times over the past few decades. The government has approved a 75 million baht (US$2.4 million) budget for a study to examine the construction of two seaports, and another 90 million baht to examine highways and rails linking them, according to Saksiam.

From Channel News Asia Thailand delays US$724m China submarine deal after public anger BANGKOK: Thailand delayed on Monday (Aug 31) its US$724 million purchase of two submarines from China, following public outrage over the controversial deal as the kingdom's economy flatlines due to the coronavirus pandemic. Under a 2015 deal, Thailand was one of the first countries to buy Chinese naval hardware and finalised its purchase of three submarines in 2017, with the first one expected to be delivered in 2023. An order for two more for 22.5 billion baht (US$724 million) was approved earlier this month by a parliamentary sub-committee - a move which drew public outcry as Thailand struggles with a freefalling economy. Angry Thais took to social media to criticise the deal, and the hashtag "People don't want submarines" trended on Twitter. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri announced Monday Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha - also defence minister - had "requested the navy to consider a delay" in the purchase of the two additional submarines. "The navy will negotiate with China to delay for another year," Anucha told reporters.

You're giving away our best secrets. Next you'll be telling him our number one ploy: hiding in the trunk of a tuk-tuk.

...from the the seemingly endless on-again, off-again travel news, Richard Barrow might be just the ticket. I was introduced to his blogging by DivineMadman and remain grateful for the tip. He writes widely about travel throughout Thailand, giving his readers authentic reports because he gets actively involved and punctuates his posts with great photography. Whether it's sites he visited in Samut Prakan this weekend or an upcoming buffalo race in Chonburi, he forces us to share his appreciation of what Thailand has to offer. When I'm lucky enough to return, hopefully I'll heed his advice and get more adventurous. Richardbarrow.com

The PM appears to be the strongest advocate in his administration for opening the nation to foreigners. But other long-simmering political issues have come into play and subordinate ministers now seem less inhibited in challenging his decisions. In a statement made Wednesday, he acknowledged just how fragile the situation is becoming. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said political polarization due to the growing protests could destroy the nation. “If each side insists on defeating the other politically, our country will collapse,” he told reporters. “If that happens, just wait and see, everyone will live on a fiery land, consumed by flames. If that happens I am at a loss for what to do.” Covid has been a catalyst that helped bring the dilemma to a head, but it's far from the root cause. Inequality in wealth, education and opportunity have always been there, as they have been in nations across the globe. Thailand alone isn't unique in this regard. A small minority seeks to hold on to power while the majority is no longer content to remain silent. Eventually Covid will be cease to be a public health menace and tourism will be restored everywhere. But what of the gap between the haves and have-nots.

File under TIT. From Thai Examiner Phuket breakthrough on foreign tourism walked back on Friday by government spokeswoman This is despite what appeared to be support for the proposal from Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha when asked about it by reporters in Rayong during a visit there by the Thai cabinet. However, it has emerged this week that there is opposition to the move from top medical experts. We also know that the PM advised the Minister of Tourism to focus his efforts for now on domestic tourism which is, in fact, floundering. A breakthrough scheme to galvanise the recovery of Thailand’s critical foreign tourism industry, once the jewel in the country’s economic crown, has hit conflict and confusion at the end of the week with a government spokeswoman pouring cold water on its immediate launch underlining that it has not yet been fully approved and is being looked at critically. A week after what appeared to be a breakthrough when a new package for foreign tourism was announced by the Chairman of the Tourism Authority, Yuthasak Supasorn, last Friday, comes news that the proposed reopening of Phuket to foreign tourists from October 1st, which was reportedly agreed in principle last Friday and which was defended vehemently by the Prime Minister, during the week, may still be only on the drawing board. Doubts were raised about the proposal on Friday when Deputy Government Spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul asserted that the reentry of foreign tourists to Thailand as outlined for Phuket would not be happening in the short term and that the government was only still in the process of examining the proposal closely. It is not clear what is driving the new reticence about the proposal that appeared to be gaining in momentum during the week. It could be linked to reported opposition from medical experts to the scheme who warn of a possible second wave of the virus if doors are further opened to foreigners. In Rayong, the prime minister appeared to vociferously support the proposal when he claimed that local people in Phuket will suffer if no effort is made to reopen the island to foreign tourism. ‘If nothing is done, things will get worse. Premises will be shut down. Employees will be laid off. How can the government afford to help them all?’ he said. His position was echoed by the Deputy Chief of the Thai Army and a key member of the Centre for Covid 19 Situation Administration, General Nattapol Nakpanich. General Nattapol warned that severe hardship is being felt in former Thai tourist hotspots because of the current ban on foreign tourists.

From Reuters BANGKOK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Thailand plans to turn about half its prisons into tourist attractions to boost visitor numbers as the Southeast Asian nation struggles to recover from an economic slump caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Sporting events, art exhibitions, cooking contests and souvenirs made by inmates will be rolled out in 72 of the country’s 143 prisons, Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said this week. A pilot scheme is being tested in five prisons, including those in the cities of Trat, Rayong and Ratchaburi, he said. This would not only bring much-needed visitors, but also prepare inmates for a “normal life in society” and change the image of prisons from being “a twilight world to a world of opportunities”, he added. The concept of prison tourism is not new. From tours of Alcatraz in San Francisco to the notorious Hoa Lo prison in Hanoi that is now a museum, prisons are major attractions worldwide. Some defunct prisons have even been converted into luxury hotels, while a women’s jail in Colombia has a restaurant run by inmates, and a Singapore prison hosts an annual charitable run. Thailand has the largest prison population in Southeast Asia, and inmates have limited access to medical facilities, food, water and sanitation, according to a 2017 report by the International Federation for Human Rights. A 2017 law was aimed at improving prison conditions, and Thailand’s Justice Ministry has vowed to ease overcrowding, as well as provide vocational training for prisoners. The tourism project is a part of this plan, Somsak said.

Competing views of the same topic that appeared in competing news outlets today. From Bangkok Post Long-stay visits possible this winter Authorities are finalising a plan that would make it possible for retired, sun-seeking foreigners to spend the coming winter months in Thailand in an effort to save the ailing tourism industry, says a prominent hospital executive. Although the country’s borders have been closed to most foreigners since late March to fight the pandemic, the government is proposing to grant visas to foreigners who want to stay in Thailand for up to nine months, said Boon Vanasin, chairman of Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc, the country’s third largest private hospital firm, which runs hospitals and retirement homes. These long-term visitors would begin their stay with a mandatory 14-day quarantine and frequent virus tests in of Phuket. After three weeks on the island and negative test results, they would be free to travel to other Thai regions, according to Dr Boon, who said he has direct knowledge of the government’s plan and expects the arrivals to begin before winter. ========================================================================= From The Nation Thailand not opening to foreign tourists any time soon Thailand will not be fully reopened to foreign tourists along the lines of the so-called “Phuket Model” any time soon because the government has to consider too many details, deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul said on Friday (August 28). She added that the government needs to consider many factors, including guidelines, screening processes and measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to ensure there is no second wave of infections.

From Reuters LONDON: A 40-year-old Irish haulier pleaded guilty on Friday (Aug 28) to the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese men, women and boys found dead in the back of a refrigerated truck near London last year. Ronan Hughes became the second man to plead guilty over a case that shocked Britain and Vietnam and shone a light on the illicit human smuggling trade. The other is Maurice Robinson, from the British province of Northern Ireland, who was driving the truck when the bodies were found. Appearing at a full Old Bailey courtroom in London, Hughes stood in the dock facing the judge as the names of the 31 men and boys and eight women were read out. He admitted each charge in a process that took more than 10 minutes. Hughes also admitted conspiring to assist unlawful immigration. Most of those who died, aged between 44 and 15, were from Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces in north-central Vietnam, where poor job prospects, environmental disasters and the promise of financial reward abroad fuel migration.

From Channel News Asia SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has set up a Safe Travel Office (STO) to ensure an easier and smoother traveller experience with the gradual reopening of borders, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said on Thursday (Aug 27) in his ministry’s addendum to the President’s address. This comes as Singapore sees stable local community transmission of COVID-19 and embarks on various travel schemes with other countries, he said. President Halimah Yacob told Parliament on Monday that Singapore will safely resume air travel to maintain its role as a global and regional hub. Singapore has reciprocal travel arrangements with Malaysia and China, with plans for similar schemes with Japan and Thailand. The Government also announced last Friday that it will ease restrictions for travellers from several countries including Brunei and New Zealand.

From The Nation THAI ready to fly in tourists from 6 nations, even China Thai Airways International Plc is ready to arrange special direct charter flights from six countries to Phuket under the government’s plan to revive the subdued tourism sector, said acting president Chansin Treenuchagron. Thai Airways International Plc is ready to arrange special direct charter flights from six countries to Phuket under the government’s plan to revive the subdued tourism sector, said acting president Chansin Treenuchagron. The six countries are Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong. The airline can make two flights per month on each of these routes, Chansin said. THAI is expected to begin these special flights in late November. The airline will even increase the flights on these routes if it sees rising demand, he said. It is also expected to make special charter flights from China to Phuket.

I think you're giving the correct definition of yourself here. You get off on nitpicking despite the fact your frequently wrong. You are more in need a trip to LOS than anyone on the board. In any case, thanks for repeatedly bumping the post.

From The Thaiger International tourists ‘essential’ to Thai economy, PM says Thailand needs tourists to pick its economy back up, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says, adding that a system needs to be put in place that would both prevent the spread of the coronavirus and also allow international tourists to enter Thailand again. While there have been many concerns about allowing international tourists into the country, Thailand’s economy is dependent on tourism. Prayut says opening up the Thailand’s economy is dependent on tourism. “If nothing is done, things will get worse. Premises will be shut down. Employees will be laid off. How can the government afford to help them all?” Of course not everything will happen all at once, and visiting Thailand won’t necessarily be easy. Opening borders could bring on a potential second wave of the coronavirus. Prayut says only a limited number of tourists will be allowed to enter at first to test out the country’s coronavirus control measures, making sure there are no virus transmissions. He says the tourists will be monitored and if Covid-19 is detected, they will be able to contain it. “There will be forms to fill in. Flights must be traceable. When they reach their destinations their whereabouts will have to be confirmed and they will be isolated from others.” ============================================================================== From The Nation Holiday subsidies doubled after tourism scheme fails to lure travellers Ministers at today’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Rayong agreed to upgrade the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) tourism stimulus scheme after it received a disappointing response from travellers. Only 660,000 of the 5 million nights of subsidised accommodation offered by the scheme have been booked by travellers since it started operating in July. In response, the Cabinet agreed to extend the period of subsidised stays for each traveller from five nights to 10 nights and the air-fare subsidy from Bt1,000 support to Bt2,000.

From Wikipedia A monorail is a railway in which the track consists of a single rail or a beam. The term is also used to describe the beam of the system, or the trains traveling on such a beam or track. The term originates from joining "mono" (meaning one) and "rail" from 1897,[1] possibly from German engineer Eugen Langen, who called an elevated railway system with wagons suspended the Eugen Langen One-railed Suspension Tramway (Einschieniges Hängebahnsystem Eugen Langen). Colloquially, the term "monorail" is often used to describe any form of elevated rail or people mover. Monorails have found applications in airport transfer and medium capacity metros. To differentiate monorails from other transport modes, the Monorail Society defines a monorail as a "single rail serving as a track for passenger or freight vehicles. In most cases rail is elevated, but monorails can also run at grade, below grade or in subway tunnels. Vehicles either are suspended from or straddle a narrow guide way. Monorail vehicles are wider than the guide way that supports them. ========================================================= Clearly, monorails do not have to be suspended. Beyond that you fail to acknowledge that you grossly mischaracterized the speed of the the cars on the BTS Gold Line. Btw, that "separate line" you refer to is a "rail" (a monorail to be precise) and not only supplies power but guides the directions of the train. But the most crucial factor of this discussion is when readers will enjoy the opportunity be able to ride the new trains. At that point, I suspect that none of us will be debating definitions because we have our minds on other things.

Wrong, Z. If you look at the photo of the new BTS Gold Light service, you'll notice there is only one rail. Hence, a "mono" rail. And since the new trains are capable of speeds up to 80 kilometers (49.7 mph) per hour, they aren't exactly "painfully slow" now, are they? Third, I never referred to the Changi trains as a monorail. I said "Mitsubishi people mover" which is what they are. Try to get something right before you pop your wad.

From Bangkok Post Court approves new arrest warrant for Red Bull scion The Bangkok South Criminal Court on Tuesday approved an arrest warrant for three charges against Red Bull scion Vorayuth “Boss’’ Yoovidhya based on new evidence in a fatal hit-and-case in 2012. The three charges were reckless driving causing death, failing to help a victim after a crash and cocaine abuse. Pol Capt Pichapai Srikhamkhwan, deputy investigation chief at Thong Lor police station, on Tuesday asked the court to issue the warrant for the arrest of Mr Vorayuth based on new evidence — testimony given by experts and examination of cocaine use, Thai media reported.

Construction cost savings was likely a big factor. The BTS selected newer technology for this relatively short, connector route compared to the KL system that opened in 2003. Projected passenger volume was also a factor in selecting a smaller scaled version. Iconsiam was a major player in the public-private financing of the route. It's similar to the Mitsubishi people mover used at Changi Airport.

From The Nation Now that all three driverless trains for the BTS Gold Light Rail Line have been delivered, trials on the 1.8-kilometre route will begin immediately before the service is officially launched on October 29. The monorail will stop at three stations – Krung Thonburi, Charoen Nakhon and Klong San – before linking up with the BTS Green Line. Constructed on a public-private partnership basis, the aim of the monorail is to make it easier for residents in Bangkok’s Thonburi district to travel to downtown as well as to places like Iconsiam. Now that all three driverless trains for the BTS Gold Light Rail Line have been delivered, trials on the 1.8-kilometre route will begin immediately before the service is officially launched on October 29. The monorail will stop at three stations – Krung Thonburi, Charoen Nakhon and Klong San – before linking up with the BTS Green Line. Constructed on a public-private partnership basis, the aim of the monorail is to make it easier for residents in Bangkok’s Thonburi district to travel to downtown as well as to places like Iconsiam. The unmanned Bombardier Innovia APM 300 trains can reach a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Commuters can use the service for free until October 29, after which rides on the Gold Line will cost Bt16 per person.

From The Nation The Thai Hotel Association (THA) has demanded that the government reopen the country to foreigners, especially since occupancy in hotels is almost zero, with some small operators being forced to close up. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, THA chairman, said the government should consider specific countries or cities and come up with promotions to bring back tourists. She added that operators in the tourism sector were also finding it difficult to take loans, and called on the government to set up a fund to help them out. Separately, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the prime minister has spoken to Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration about allowing foreign tourists to visit specific areas in Phuket. He said if this scheme proves to be effective, it will be applied to other provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani or Chonburi.

But BOT says commercial banks remain strong From Thai Enquirer The share prices of Kasikorn Bank and Siam Commercial Bank drop slightly on Monday morning due to rumors of the possible collapse of commercial banks in Thailand. During the weekend, Rangsan Thanapornpan, a Thammasat academic, said in an interview with WAYMAGAZINE that there were three large Thai commercial banks about to face bankruptcy. However, Ronadol Numnonda, the deputy governor of Financial Institutions Stability, responded immediately by assuring that the financial situation and the capital fund of all commercial banks still remain strong and could handle the hardship during the COVID-19 economic crisis. From the beginning of 2020 till the end of June, the BIS ratio of the commercial banks stood at a high level of 19.2 per cent and the performance is still profitable. Ronadol also mentioned that liquidity in the financial system was also prominent. According to the BOT, the stress test has shown that the country’s financial sector was still resilient and could withstand more shocks if the situation does not improve. BOT stated that assistance measures have mitigated the COVID-19 impact on businesses and many people can still pay off their debt normally. Analysts in the banking sector said the commercial bank stock market hasn’t been that affected by the rumor that NPLs will cause the banks to break down. “The fluctuation in price still seemed normal as the number is not significantly suggesting a loss in confidence in the stock market.” Shares of Kasikorn Bank PCL (KBANK) were at 83.75 baht per share as the Monday morning session ended, decreasing by 1.75 baht or -2.05 per cent with the transaction value of 1,550 million baht. The lowest point reached was 82.75 baht. While the Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)’s shares stood at 70.00 baht per share, the price decreased 1.00 baht or -1.41 per cent with the transaction value of 459 million baht. The lowest price was 69.25 baht. SCB previously admitted that it was suspending all e-commerce transactions for all the debit cardholders of the bank claiming that the system was hacked.

From Bangkok Post Bali bans foreign tourists for rest of 2020 over virus Foreign tourists won't be allowed to visit Bali for the rest of 2020 due to coronavirus concerns, its governor said, scrapping a plan to open up the Indonesian island from next month. The holiday hotspot re-opened beaches, temples and other tourism spots for domestic visitors at the end of July and had said it would let foreign tourists return on Sept 11. But the plan has now been cancelled over concerns about Indonesia's mounting virus cases and with many foreign nationals subject to travel bans in their home countries. Jakarta is also yet to lift its ban on foreign tourists entering Indonesia. "The situation in Indonesia is not conducive to allow international tourists to visit Indonesia, including...Bali," the island's governor I Wayan Koster said in an official letter dated Saturday.