reader

From The Thaiger The Thai Immigration’s online system for 90 day checks for foreigners living in Thailand is back up and running. So we’re told anyway. Expats should now be able to report their address every 3 months online rather than in person or by mail. The announcement was made on the immigration bureau’s Facebook page and was written in Thai. Just yesterday, a spokesperson from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said they recommend that foreigners mail in their 90 day reports while the system is down. Some of our readers say the website has been down for months. “The recommendation is that foreign nationals who have to report their residence every 3 months to immigration should do this by post… by writing a letter to confirm and report their residence every 3 months.” Foreigners who have received a temporary stay permit must notify the immigration bureau of their residence every 90 days. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/visa/thai-immigration-says-online-system-for-90-day-reports-is-back-up-and-running

From Bangkok Post A 29-year-old man who picked up gay foreigners on dating apps and slept with them in hotel rooms has been charged with stealing from his "lovers". Immigration Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang on Friday announced the arrest of Sirawit on a warrant issued by the Bangkok South Criminal Court. He did not give a surname for the suspect. He said police had received complaints from several foreigners that a Thai man using a pseudonym had approached them via dating chat apps for gays, such as Grindr, Blued, Romeo, Aloha and Homet. The man slept with them in hotel rooms, then stole from them. Investigators learned that the suspect stayed at a condominium room in Chong Nonsi area. He was arrested, and about 10 bank account books and cash cards were seized from his room. During questioning, Sirawit admitted preying on wealthy foreign men. He approached them using a pseudonym. After persuading them to sleep with him in hotel rooms, he tricked them into revealing the passwords for the internet banking apps they used. He then used them to transfer money into his own bank accounts. He also drugged some of his victims and stole their cash and other valuables. He admitted to police he had been doing it for more than a year. Pol Lt Gen Sompong said the man had stolen from at least 10 foreign men, making off with more than one million baht. The suspect was held in police custody for legal action. Continues with photos https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2104487/man-used-gay-dating-app-to-steal-from-foreigners

DISCLAIMER -- The following should be considered the requirements that are current as of this moment only and always subject to change at any succeeding moment. From The Nation The Immigration Bureau has urged people to make an online queue for visa extension due to the virus and apply before January 29. Applicants who require visa service, such as foreigners who have stayed in the Kingdom for over 90 days and tourists who needs short-term visa extension service for Tourist visa (TR 60) and Special Tourist Visa (STV) are urged to join the online queue before the service date. The move is aimed at conforming with the government's policy on precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, by reducing overcrowding, maintaining social distancing and facilitating customer service. An applicant can make an online queue reservation for a pre-service appointment at www.bangkokimmigration.com and follow these steps: ▪︎Fill in all required information. ▪︎Wait for an email reply. ▪︎Print out a confirmation document from email. ▪︎Submit the documents for visa extension on the appointment date and time. However, services for a walk-in queue are still available at Muang Thong Thani Temporary Service Centre on the official working date and time. ▪︎Fill in all required information ▪︎Wait for an email reply ▪︎Print out a confirmation document from email and ▪︎Prepare all required documents ▪︎Submit an application for visa extension 1-2 weeks before the visa expiry date. In the case of visa extension due to Covid-19, the application must be submitted before January 29. Short-term visa extension service at counter K will provide service only to online queue applicants. In order to reduce overcrowding amid the pandemic, an applicant can make an online queue reservation for pre-service appointment and follow the steps below:

Perot's campaign as an independent steadily gained traction because of his no nonsense approach to the issues of the day. He was actually ahead in several polls when he temporarily withdrew from the race, leaving some supporters disenchanted. But he rejoined the fray and the chase was on again. He drew many voters away from the the incumbent Bush (who pushed his foreign policy credentials), while Clinton (whose campaign mantra was "it's the economy, stupid") swept to victory, winning 32 states and 370 electoral votes. Although he didn't win any states, Perot managed to garner 18.9% of voters. Clinton's victory marked the first time in US electoral history that a candidate won without taking Florida until 2020.

Most of the guys I dated more than once were good or better the second time and beyond but three exceptions stand out. All were in their early to mid 20's and all came from Twilight or Patpong 2. Took all to eat before and/or after. If they stayed overnight, gave them cab fare. 1. First time great, second and subsequent times OK but not quite as good. He is gay. I might see him again if I ran into him 2. First time good, second time great but subsequent times progressively less satisfying despite increasing bonus. I believe he was bi. Would not see him again. 3. First two times very good but subsequent four times not quite as satisfying. But I got along with him better than either of the two above. He is married. Because the chemistry between us is good I'd see him again. +1

It's a regrettable situation for sure. However, when you view the numbers of how two other industrialized western nations are currently faring on the standardized per capita basis, you see things from another view. Death per million United Kingdom 1,422 Italy 1,393 United States 1,285 Does this mean the citizens of any of these countries are better or worse than those of the others. Of course not. What it does mean is that this virus doesn't care where you're from, or whether you're gay or straight. It kills indiscriminately. Dividing one against the other was the tactic Trump used. We're all citizens of the same world. We're far better off reminding each other of what we share in common: our humanity, not our differences. If any group of individuals has learned that over the past half century, it's our LGBT community.

From Bangkok Post Tour firm exits peak last month The pandemic continues to ravage tourism operators as the number of tour companies withdrawing their licences reached its peak in December, while 65-70% of outbound agents closed indefinitely amid the tight border restrictions. Around 10% of outbound operators gave up their licences with the Tourism Department, particularly after the resurgent virus hit local communities on Dec 15, said Suthiphong Pheunphiphop, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA). According to the Tourism Department, 2,598 tour operators quit the market permanently last year by returning their licences in order to get their guarantee deposits back. According to the TTAA, there were around 1 million outbound Thai tourists who spent around 50 billion baht abroad in 2020, a nosedive compared to 11 million tourists with a total spending of 430 billion baht in 2019. ============================================== Money changers explore related services Money changer companies are exploring new foreign exchange-related businesses to seek new income sources after their businesses have been drastically affected by the pandemic. SuperRich Currency Exchange (1965), a leading local money changer, has submitted an application for a money transfer and e-money licence with the Bank of Thailand and is awaiting regulatory approval. The company is also in talks with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about the possibility of operating foreign exchange services for digital asset exchanges in Thailand, said Piya Tantivachayanon, SuperRich's president. The company's foreign exchange volume has plunged to around 800 million baht per month compared with 9 billion baht registered before the crisis emerged. In 2018, Mr Piya commented on the company's business opportunity in the digital asset realm, saying the company would "offer digital asset exchange [services] for travellers" and had plans to offer an e-wallet service, with a potential business partner helping to develop the technology.

I can't see the basis for testing tourists before extending their visa. In this case, the tourist has already been in the country for nearly two months and was tested multiple times before being release from quarantine. He has remained in Thailand and not traveled abroad. If they are going to test tourists at the 60-day mark, then why not test all citizens every two months if the goal is to register more "positives'? It must be clear by now that all available assets should be directed at inoculating the maximum number of people. Do that and the rationale for testing greatly diminishes. Officials advocating for ideas like 60-day testing all have one thing in common: they all have good jobs. They haven't been made redundant by the decimation of the hospitality industry.

From Bangkok Post Private hospitals reserve Covid-19 vaccines ahead of approval wo private hospitals have ordered millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines ahead of regulatory approval, adding to government orders of vaccines as Thailand tackles a second wave of the virus. "We ordered one million doses of the Sinovac vaccine with an option to buy nine million more," Boon Vanasin, the chairman of Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc, told Reuters. From the initial one million doses, he plans to use about half to inoculate staff in its network of 40 hospitals and workers in his other businesses, once receiving approval from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The government has separately ordered two million doses from China's Sinovac Biotech and expects delivery of 200,000 doses with plans to inoculate frontline workers and medical professionals in high-risk areas next month. The government has also ordered 61 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which will be produced by local firm Siam Bioscience for domestic use and export. "We can’t just wait for the government," Boon said, adding that it was not clear how many doses from the government’s vaccine stockpile would reach private hospital workers. For patients, Thonburi's medical centres plan to offer two vaccine injections for 3,200 baht. Another private hospital, Vibhavadi Medical Centre Plc, has ordered 10,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, managing director Chaisit Kupwiwat, told Reuters. So far, the FDA has received registration requests for the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines. Thailand is expected to approve one of the vaccines this week for emergency use, Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, told a briefing without elaborating.

From Pattaya Mail The Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center is running short of food and supplies even as it has taken in 60 percent more abused and homeless children during the latest coronavirus outbreak. ATCC Director Palisorn Noja said the foster home has been unable to organize fundraisers or food drives under the current lockdown regulations, leaving it desperately low on basic foodstuffs like rice and basic supplies like soap and toothpaste. Normally, he said, the shelter cares for about 30 children, usually victims of physical or mental abuse or those found rescued from the streets. But amid Thailand’s new Covid-19 outbreak and the continuing economic downturn, the number of children under the ATTC’s care has swelled to 50. Palisorn urged people to bring rice, dried food, fresh vegetables and fruit, consumer products, shoes and clothing – new or second-hand – to the center kitty-corner from Saen Suk Town Village in the Mabyailia area of Nongprue Subdistrict. Or people can donate cash to the ATCC’s account at Kasikorn Bank, account number 006-1-23489-6.

From Bangkok Post The National Tourism Policy Committee has approved the proposed guidelines for the collection of a 300-baht tourism fee from each international visitor for the management of local tourist destinations. The money will also be used to provide insurance benefits to international tourists visiting the country. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said each foreign visitor will be charged US$10 (300 baht) per visit. The details of the fee collection will be announced in the Royal Gazette once the policy has taken effect. According to Mr Phiphat, Thailand expects to receive some 10 million visitors this year. He said the merit of the 300-baht tourism fee is that foreign tourists who fall sick or are injured will be taken care of and given adequate medical care. The ministry will have to discuss the details with the Finance Ministry and the Office of Insurance Commission. Of the 300-baht fee, 34 baht is expected to be used for the insurance coverage, Mr Phiphat said. The fee collection is in line with the revised National Tourism Policy Act, which authorises the ministry to impose a tourism fee for use in developing local destinations and providing insurance coverage to foreign tourists. Tourism permanent secretary Chote Trachu on Thursday said the fee collection was initially due to begin last year, but it was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the National Tourism Policy Committee has assessed the situation and agreed the tourism fee collection should go ahead this year. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country had been forecast to close last year with merely 6.7 million international tourists -- not much more than the number prior to last year's outbreak of Covid-19 -- despite government attempts to activate entry schemes for foreigners via Special Tourist Visas (STVs). With a second wave of outbreaks gripping many countries around the world, particularly during the winter months, triggering new rounds of lockdowns, Thailand is expected to wait longer -- until the second half of this year -- to see more visitors file back into the kingdom and revive the ailing industry.

Go There

Little has been heard from the protests leaders since mid-December. The Covid-19 restrictions on large gatherings, together with some internal disputes, have kept them out of the headlines for the past month. From Khaosod English Arnon: Street Protests Deferred To Mid Year Due to COVID-19 BANGKOK — Large protests seeking the government’s ousting and monarchy reforms will likely be put on hold until the middle of 2021 due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, pro-democracy movement leader Arnon Nampa said Tuesday. Arnon’s statement drew mixed responses from his supporters after he posted it on his Facebook, though the activist maintained that it was his personal view. He suggested that certain political activities will continue without having to mobilize people onto the streets. “We are caught by COVID-19,” Arnon, a lawyer by trade, said in an interview. “So we will carry out other activities without rally first.” Asked if he is concerned that the movement may lose its relevance, Arnon said no. “It’s not going to peter out. It has become an issue already,” he said of the movement, which demands PM Prayut Chan-o-cha’s resignation, a more democratic charter, and reforms of the monarchy. Arnon is one of the activists behind street protests that rocked Bangkok in the latter half of 2020. Many rallies drew at least 10,000 participants, many of them students and young people. His fellow activist Ekachai Hongkanwan said he was surprised by the announcement, and expressed his worries that suspending the protests could risk losing the momentum. “It’s strange. He probably thought it’s due to COVID-19 but I kind of disagree,” said Ekachai, who believes protests should be called whenever there are serious issues. Ekachai also said many large protests held last year did not lead to any known infections. “I will continue to carry out a one-man protest when an issue arises. I don’t care whether there’s COVID-19 or not,” he said. Somyot Prueksakasemsum, another protest leader, said Arnon was merely giving an estimate of when a large protest can take place again, and the timing is not set in stone. “I think once COVID-19 subsides, we should be able to protest right away,” Somyot said on the phone Tuesday. Citing the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak, the government on Thursday banned all public assemblies that may “lead to congestion that pose a risk of spreading the disease.” Violators face up to two years in prison and a fine of 40,000 baht.

Members of the National Guard are given weapons before Democrats begin debating one article of impeachment against President Trump, outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, January 13. Joshua Roberts/Reuters

This appears to open the door for expats and others to obtain a vaccine if they are able to pony up the price private hospitals decide to charge. From The Nation Private hospitals can import Covid vaccine: Thai FDA The government will not block private hospitals from importing Covid-19 vaccines, said the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday. However, the vaccines must be approved and registered with the FDA, said its secretary-general Dr Paisan Dankhum. The FDA chief confirmed that AstraZeneca (Thailand) and Sinovac Biotech have submitted approval applications with the FDA for their vaccines, which are being purchased by the government. Manufacturers or importers of other vaccines that have already been registered by foreign food and drug agencies could also apply for approval, said Paisan. The state does not have a monopoly on Covid-19 vaccines and would not block their import, he added. Private hospitals could purchase a vaccine that is registered with the FDA or, as licensees, register the vaccine themselves.

The sprawling Capitol Hill campus that will need to be defended in the days leading up to the inauguration.

Those following the Capitol Hill riot have become familiar with the positions of the Chief of Capitol Police and the sergeants-at-arms of the Senate and the House of Representatives, all of whom have since resigned their posts. But you’ve probably heard little about their boss, the “Architect of the Capitol”. For someone who flies so low below the radar, his authority is so broad that he is the most powerful non-elected official on the Hill. A CEO of sorts. How could an architect hold sway over the those whose titles suggest overt responsibility for security and law enforcement? Well, to begin with, he doesn’t necessarily have to be an actual architect. Second, he doesn’t have to pass an exam. And third, and most important, he does have to have political connections. Unlike the sergeants-at-arms who are appointed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, the Architect serves at the pleasure of the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The current Architect is J. Brett Blanton, nominated by Trump and confirmed by voice vote of the senate to a 10-year-term in 2019. To learn more about him: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Blanton Blanton hasn’t totally escaped attention. Some have also been calling for his resignation: https://www.archpaper.com/2021/01/after-capitol-is-breached-calls-for-the-architect-of-the-capitol-removal/ It was 28 years ago that the Architect’s role was popularized in Murder in the Senate, a novel co-authored by then Senator William S. Cohen, who later served as Secretary of Defense under Bill Clinton. I pulled the book off the shelf last week and find it even more timely now than when I first read it. I recommend it highly if you want to learn more about the all the places the rioters did—and did not—manage to invade and the role of politics in every phase of events on Capitol Hill. Btw, it’s about the murder of a senator. Although now out of print, used copies can be found on Amazon, EBay and other sites.

I can’t quite envision what the revamped site will look like but I’m confident that Michael’s experience will yield a satisfying outcome. Whatever it's called (guide, advisor, directory), the one feature that attracts the most activity on any gay website is trip and venue reports. Everything else is a distant second. I don’t think there’s any disagreement on that count. Just looking over the past 10 months since the onset of Covid19, Michael’s “walk around” series that encompass news about clubs, bars, massage shops and his personal experiences have been the true lifeblood of the forum. We’ve also been fortunate to have z909’s recent trip reports and the periodic venue reports from members on the ground in Bangkok (Anddy’s posts come to mind). I don’t closely follow what’s happening in Pattaya but expats there have been providing news on the comings and—sadly—mostly goings there. I would hope that the new site will feature these types of postings in a prominent way. Although I agree that it’s difficult for any one site to be always current on openings and closings, I believe that that type of information on individual venues, both in the Silom area and beyond, will always be well sought after. (Just think how well received were the posts about the new massage shops Michael brought to our attention). I'm an occasional reader of Boy Toy's South America threads to learn about the same issues even if I have no plans to visit in the near future. The gay scene in Thailand is and has been constantly evolving. That was to be expected, even before Covid. But that doesn’t’ necessarily mean that it’s changing for the worse. We saw the closing of Soi Twlight only to be heartened by the success of Patpong 2. I remain upbeat that the venues on that popular soi will regain their prominence once Thailand opens up again (without quarantine) to other SE Asian nationals and—of course—tourists from elsewhere in Asia and the west. It’s not going to happen overnight but it is going to happen.

This article is a month old now (Dec. 11) but it sheds more light on this case. From Bangkok Post 'Boss' outrage fires up again The "pass the buck" attitude of the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) in handling the hit-and-run case involving Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya comes as no surprise at all to anyone. On Dec 9, OAG deputy spokesman Prayuth Petch-khun insisted public prosecutors cannot proceed with the indictment of Mr Vorayuth on drug charges until police actually arrest him and bring him to trial. The prosecutors are "duty-bound" to wait, he said. Technically, the deputy spokesman is not entirely wrong as arrests are the duty of the police. Yet such a passive statement is a disappointment. There are no signs that police can get hold of the runaway brat, who vanished from Bangkok in 2012 but keeps appearing in many places around the world, any time soon. The OAG's lacklustre response is a reminder of how the pursuit of justice -- as instructed earlier this year by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha -- in this crime which claimed the life of police officer Wichian Klanprasert still has a long way to go. The OAG is under criticism for allowing Mr Vora-yuth to exploit a technicality to drag out the probe by submitting a petition seeking fair treatment more than six times. In fact, both the prosecutors and police face "a crisis of faith" over their handling of the case. The last straw came when Nate Naksuk, then deputy attorney-general, decided to drop the reckless driving charge against Mr Vorayuth. The outrageous decision triggered public fury. Gen Prayut finally appointed former member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Vicha Mahakun to lead an independent panel to look into the irregularities. Gen Prayut vowed that justice would be done in this case. In early September, the panel's report recommended the government revive the case, as it found evidence of intervention by government officials, law enforcement agencies, public prosecutors, lawyers and witnesses. It's a pity the Vicha report has not been made public. Due to the government's intervention, the OAG made a U-turn, deciding to indict Mr Vorayuth on two charges -- reckless driving causing death, and cocaine use -- citing fresh evidence and new witnesses. Only Mr Nate, who has been appointed senior prosecutor at the OAG's Phra Khanong office, faces a disciplinary probe for his shameful decision to allow the wealthy man off the hook. But the investigation is continuing at a snail's pace. Apart from that, it's just business as usual, both at the OAG and the Royal Thai Police as seasonal promotions have been made in the past month and there are no signs that any wrongdoers will be held to account. It seems the two agencies are aware that public attention has faded in the wake of the political strife, so they have gone into inactive mode again.

From The Thaiger Wear a mask or pay a hefty fine… and possibly even go to jail. Phuket governor Narong Woonciew issued an immediate order requiring people in the island province to wear a face mask while in public to control the spread of Covid-19. Those who violate the order could face a 20,000 baht fine. Those who breach the order can also face punishment under the Communicable Disease Act which carries a fine of up to 100,000 baht and up to a year in prison. People can also face penalties under the Emergency Decree. The order says not wearing a mask “could create unsanitary conditions that could cause dangerous communicable diseases or epidemics to spread.” People in the province are ordered to wear a mask while at public places, but don’t need to wear a mask while eating, drinking or exercising. “Any person who leaves their home, residence in a house, house, building, place or vehicle, or is in a public place must always wear a face mask or cloth mask.” ================================== From The Phuket News Phuket hotels start closing again PHUKET: Hotels across Phuket that had re-opened in the hope of attracting enough guests to at least pay operating costs are now closing again, Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, President of the Thailand Hotels Association Southern chapter, has confirmed. The lack of even domestic tourists due to the current COVID-19 outbreak has taken its toll, he said. “As a result of the new outbreak of COVID-19, some hotel operators are considering temporarily closing their hotels again because a lot of bookings have been cancelled, and they cannot handle the costs,” Mr Kongsak said.

From The Thiager The executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder in Thai Air Asia, says the Covid-19 resurgence has “destroyed the low-cost carrier”. Tassapon Bijleveld says that, even without a national lockdown, bookings have plummeted. “Travel sentiment has plunged lower than last year. This is different this time because people are voluntarily skipping their travel plans even without a nationwide lockdown order from the government.” According to a Bangkok Post report, Tassapon does not expect things to improve next month. Despite the Thai government introducing extra holidays over the Chinese New Year period, Tassapon predicts that the new wave of Covid-19 will prevent most domestic tourists from travelling. “This could be the quietest Chinese New Year we’ve ever had.” ========================================= From The Nation Bangkok Airways suspends flights, closes ticketing office due to new Covid wave In response to the new wave of Covid-19 infections and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s announcement urging people to avoid inter-provincial travel, Bangkok Airways on Friday suspended a few flights, including Samui-Phuket and Phuket-Hat Yai from January 10-31.

From Bangkok Post Position-tracking app required in 5 provinces People in the Covid-19-hit provinces of Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Trat, Rayong and Samut Sakhon must use the MorChana position-tracking app, according to the spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said on Friday that use of the app would allow quick control of Covid-19 in the five provinces, which have the highest levels of infection. Its use is stipulated under regulation number 17 newly issued under the executive decree for public administration in emergency situations, imposed to control Covid-19. Records from the MorChana app would protect infected people against charges of concealing information in the event they cannot remember every place they have visited, Dr Taweesilp said. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday urged people to download and use the app, but said there would no penalty for not doing so -- so long as people inform officials of their travel plans when crossing provincial borders. ================================= High season lost, operators ask for 50% salary subsidies he ongoing outbreak is ruining any hopes for high-season tourism, with operators urging the government to subsidise 50% of monthly salaries to help employees in the industry. "The latest surge halted tourism demand during the high season in Chiang Mai, following good numbers in November," said La-Iad Bungsrithong, president of the Thai Hotels Association's northern chapter. There are growing cancellations and no new hotel bookings, she said. Bangkok, a key domestic market for Chiang Mai, has been declared a red zone and people are encouraged to refrain from travelling. Overall hotel occupancy in Chiang Mai fell to 10% and some hotels decided to temporarily close.

From The Straits Times VIENTIANE (XINHUA) - Work on a fifth bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River has begun after a construction agreement was signed in December. The bridge, which will take 36 months to build, will connect Bolikhamxay province in Laos to Thailand's north-eastern province of Bueng Kan. Local daily Vientiane Times on Wednesday (Jan 6) quoted project director Laythong Phommavong as saying that work is currently centred on the site where the bridge and immigration facilities will be built. "We are clearing land on a 50ha area prior to starting construction and this work is now 80 per cent complete," he said. The total cost of construction is estimated to be US$130.3 million (S$171.6 million), of which Laos will be responsible for some US$46.13 million. Laos' construction costs will be financed by Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency through the provision of loans. When the bridge is completed in 2023, it will enable Bolikhamxay to become another regional trade hub and transit route for Laos, Thailand and Vietnam over a distance of just 150km. It will be the shortest connecting route among the three countries, said the report.

From The Thaiger / Bangkok Post Bangkok residents will see construction of a number of rail projects finally completed this year, with hopes this will do something to alleviate traffic problems in the capital, as well as improving air quality. The Bangkok Post reports on 4 electric rail routes it’s hoped will be up and running later this year. The Pink Line This 34.5 kilometre track between Nonthaburi and Min Buri is expected to begin with a trial run in July. The route will cover a total of 30 stations between the central Thai city of Nonthaburi and the Min Buri district in the east of the capital. The opening of the Pink Line is eagerly anticipated by Bangkok residents fed up with doing battle with traffic on the Ram Inthra thoroughfare. The monorail line will operate driverless carriages, travelling at a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Each train will have capacity for 1,000 passengers and the line is expected to be fully functional by October 2022. The Yellow Line Also in July, the 30.4 kilometre Yellow Line is expected to begin test runs. The monorail route will connect 23 stations between the Bangkok district of Lat Phrao and the central province of Samut Prakan. Trials are expected to run between Wat Sri Iam and Samrong stations. There has been some debate about the 2.6 kilometre stretch between the Ratchada-Lat Phrao and Ratchayothin intersections, with some saying it will take passengers away from the MRT Blue Line by allowing them to transfer to the Green Line without having to use the Blue Line. A spokesperson for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority says it’s a matter of wait and see. The “Light Red” and “Dark Red” Lines Finally, these 2 lines are expected to be up and running by November. The Light Red Line is a 15 kilometre stretch, linking the Bangkok districts of Bang Sue and Taling Chan, while the Dark Red Line is a 26.3 kilometre route connecting Bang Sue and Rangsit, in the province of Pathum Thani, just north of Bangkok. Both lines will begin trial runs in July, when the public will be invited to travel for free. The lines, collectively known as the State Railway of Thailand’s Red Line, were approved in 2007, but construction did not begin until 2013. The commuter train system has been hampered by ongoing delays and questions about the cost. It was originally projected to cost 75.5 billion baht, but that has risen to 93.5 billion baht. The 4 new lines will come as a welcome addition to the 3 lines completed last year, including the new Gold Line connecting Krung Thon Buri station with Khlong San district office, and extensions to both the MRT Blue Line and BTS Skytrain Green Line. Click on image to enlarge map

From Bangkok Post Thai inoculation schedule The government has set three phases of Covid-19 vaccination for citizens, with the first phase to cover 1 million people in vulnerable groups from February to April, the chief of the Disease Control Department said on Thursday. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the director-general, said the first phase would involve 2 million doses, and be used to reduce the rate of severe illness and death from Covid-19 and to maintain the national health system. The 2-million-dose vaccination was set from February to April. It would be for 80,000 medical personnel and health volunteers, 20,000 disease control workers, 900,000 people aged 60 and over, and people with chronic diseases. The first recipients would be in Samut Sakhon province, greater Bangkok and the eastern provinces of Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat, which had high levels of infection and had been declared maximum control zones, he said. People with chronic disease who may otherwise die after Covid-19 infection included those with severe respiratory illnesses such chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, cardiovascular disease, renal failure of stage 5 and over, stroke, diabetes and all kinds of cancer. Medical personnel to be vaccinated were those likely to be in contact with Covid-19 patients. Disease control workers included officials at border checkpoints, disease control areas along the border and field hospitals. The second phase would involve 26 million doses to be given to people in vulnerable groups nationwide in May and June, to protect the national economy, society and security. The third phase, set for later this year to early next year, would involve vaccinating enough of the general population to develop herd immunity and stop the spread of Covid-19 at community level. Each person would need two doses, four weeks apart. It would take 1-2 months for the vaccine to have full effect, Dr Opas said.