Thai Air Asia cuts prices

AirAsia discounts fares for passengers travelling from Bangkok on selected routes, 23 June to 31 October this year.
The one-way promotional fares, inclusive of airport taxes and surcharges, departing Bangkok start at Bt590 to Khon Kaen and Bt690 to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Trang.

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Nok Air to add 8th daily flight between Bangkok and Udon

The new flight commences on Aug 15th.
Departs Bangkok 0705, arrives Udon 0810

Return Departs Udon at 0905 and arrives Bangkok at 1005

NCPO lifts curfew in 20 more provinces, excluding Bangkok

The provinces included Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Chantaburi, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Roi Et, Loei, Surin, Tak, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Phrae, Nan, Trang and Satun.
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Nok adds Khon Kaen

Nok Air is penetrating the fast-growing northeastern air travel market with the launch of twice-daily services from its Bangkok hub at Don Mueang airport to Khon Kaen on July 1. 

Curfew Hours Relaxed

New curfew: Midnight-4am 

Coup in Thailand

Read more at Bangkok Post

Curfew between 10pm and 5am

Low Season Fares with Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways sells a “Mid-Year Break”promotion for travel on selected domestic and international routes during June to September this year.
The one-way promotional fares, inclusive of airport taxes and surcharges, ex-Bangkok, start at Bt1,090 to Udon Thani.

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Marshall Law Imposed

The Royal Thai Army on Tuesday declared martial law across the crisis-gripped kingdom to restore order following months of anti-government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

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Thai immigration clamps down on visa runs

Immigration police have announced they are clamping down on tourists who remain illegally in Thailand by exploiting permission given to many foreigners to enter Thailand without a visa.

Charter court: Yingluck out

The Constitutional Court has ruled Yingluck Shinawatra's prime ministerial status at an end because the transfer of Thawil Pliensri was illegal. 

It ruled that she was no longer qualified under Sections 266-268 of the Constitution.

It ruled on the second of the three points at 1.34pm on Wednesday.

Read More at Bangkok Post

So what will be the next move......

Find The Treasure Within

A collection of frequent questions and answers from the Dharma talks of Seon master Daehaeng. These cover basic issues such as why life feels empty, how to become a more spiritual person, why life seems unfair, and is there such a thing as previous lives. Her answers are very down to earth, and filled with a deep sense of non-duality.

Seon Master Daehaeng(1927-2012) was a highly respected Korean Buddhist nun and seon master. She taught monks as well as nuns, and made laypeople a particular focus of her efforts. She taught people how to take all the stuff of our daily life and use it for spritual practice, and she emphasized relying upon the eternally bright Buddha-nature that is within all of us.

FREE DOWNLOAD

An Extraordinary Life

A betting man visiting Cardiff in Wales and meeting a baby Brian Twinney in 1936 would have given very long odds on him making it into his teens, let alone being 78 years old and living with his family in the north of Thailand. For this is a survival story, just as much as tales of shipwrecks or walks across Antarctica.

Everything was against the young Brian making it through any sort of life. He came from a family that made dysfunctional much too feeble a word to describe it. His baby sister, Eral, was dead at seventeen months from pneumonia. As a child during the war he learned how to steal out of the docks in order to feed his siblings. As a young man he spent time in prison.

Yet Brian Twinney even with his lack of education had a natural aptitude to work with both his hands and his brain. Born into different circumstances he could well have been a noted entrepreneur or leader of a giant corporation. In many ways this isn't only a survival story, but also a success story. I think you will find his story fascinating.

Price: $3.95 USD

How Does One Dress to Buy Dragonfruit? True Stories of Expat Women in Asia

In this collection, twenty-six women reveal the truth about expatriate life in modern East Asia through original works of memoir and creative non-fiction. Their experiences are varied and unique, demonstrating that expat women's lives go far beyond the stereotypical. The writers hail from a dozen different countries and walks of life. Some are well-known; others are fresh voices adding nuance to the expat conversation. Through deeply personal accounts, they explore what they have learned about themselves and the world through their lives abroad. Together, they create a portrait of the modern expatriate experience that will both resonate and inspire.

Price: $9.99 US

Walking Through Bangkok's European Heritage

Bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Famous for its food, shopping, and nightlife. It also has a rich European-influenced history, with some relics still remaining in the architecture of a variety of well-known tourist attractions, as well as a few that are off the beaten track.

This do-it-yourself step-by-step guide is aimed at those who have a few days to spend discovering the charms of Bangkok and enjoy the challenge of independent sightseeing, mainly on foot. The nice aspect to this guide is that almost wherever you go when following it, there will be a food outlet, a restaurant, or a café where you can stop, rest, revive, and watch the Thai world go by while you plan your next move.

By the time you’ve finished, you’ll probably know some parts of Bangkok better than the locals.

eBook Price: $3.95 USD

Nok undercuts competition

Nok Air offers a“Happy Holiday Promotion” for travel to selected domestic and regional routes during May until next March.
The one-way promotion, inclusive of airport taxes and surcharges, sells at Bt990 departing Bangkok to Phitsanulok, Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Surat Thani.

Bookings can be made until midnight 2 May for travel 23 May to 28 March next year.
READ MORE

Drought Forecast

The country's two major dams - Bhumibol and Sirikit - now have altogether 2,953 million cubic metres of water, or only 18% of their capacity, for distribution because of the rain interval, Royal Irrigation Department director-general Lertviroj Kowattana said on Sunday.

Thunderstorms Forecast

Advisory "Thunderstorm (During 26-30 April)" No. 9 Time Issued : April 26, 2014

The rather strong high pressure from has extended to upper Vietnam. It is expected the ridge of high pressure will extend to the Northeast and the North of Thailand by today and then will cover to the Central and the East. It will cover continued until April 30. Summer thunderstorm, as well as thundershowers, gust and hail.       People in the North especially of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, and the Northeast especially of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham and Roi Et should beware of the severe weather that leads to the loss of lives and properties.        The advisory will be effect on 26 April 2014 at 11.00 a.m.

Violent storms forecast for weekend

The Meteorological Department on Friday morning issued a warning of violent rain, wind and hail storms for all regions of the country except the South, from Saturday until Tuesday. 

From Condoms to Cabbages

In Thailand, a condom is called a "Mechai". Mechai Viravaidya, Thailand's Condom King, has used this most anatomically suggestive contraceptive device to turn the conventional family planning establishment on its head. First came condom blowing contests, then T-shirts with condom shrouded anthropomorphic penises. Then condom key rings followed by a Cabbages and Condoms restaurant. When it comes to condoms, no one has been more creative than the Condom King.

To equate Mechai with condoms and family planning alone underestimates the man and fails to capture his essence. Mechai Viravaidya is engaged in a relentless pursuit to improve the well-being of the poor by giving them the tools to lead a fruitful and productive life. His achievements in family planning, AIDS prevention, and rural development are a means to an end — the alleviation of poverty in Thailand.

Mechai's journey From Condoms to Cabbages — from his roots in family planning to his goal of poverty alleviation — has spanned 47 years. Along the way, he has been labeled a visionary iconoclast and cheerful revolutionary. He is also an ordinary man from modest origins. This book will shed some light on both Mechais.

Fully illustrated with many photographs

Price: $6.95 USD

from Smashwords

The British Embassy Bangkok will be closed on 14, 15, 18 and 21 April 2014

British nationals who need emergency assistance outside normal office hours should call +66 2305 8333.

Yindee Steak House

Malindo Air to introduce flights between Don Muang and KL

Malindo Air are to start flights April 24th with a daily connection between Don Muang and Kuala Lumpur using Boeing 737 Aircraft offering business and economy class.

New Nong Han Restaurant - YINDEE STEAK HOUSE

Located on the road to Kumphawapi, just after the traffic lights on the 22, and opposite the school.

Breakfast from 49B

Open from 10am to 8pm daily

Chakri Day

The country celebrates Chakri Memorial Day, 6 April, to honour the nine kings who have ruled over Thailand under the present Chakri Dynasty.
The first king in the Chaki Dynasty, Rama I, founded the capital in Bangkok. The current ruler, His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world’s longest reigning monarch. He has reigned since 9 June 1946.
Monday 7th is also a holiday as Chakri Day falls on a weekend

UK visa customers will get a better service by using new international enquiry service to find information on the visa application process.

UK visa customers will get a better service by using our new international enquiry service to find information about the visa application process. If you need a UK visa and have any inquiry on how to apply, please visit our website. The new service will be provided by Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS) from 1 April 2014.

READ MORE

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MG on track in Thailand

The first model to hit Thai showrooms in a few months time is the MG6 model, which is being displayed at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show in Muang Thong Thani.

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Summer Storms on the way - Thai Meteorological Department

During 3-6 April, the rather strong high pressure will cover upper Thailand while hot to very hot weather occurs. In addition, during 4-7 April, the westerly trough will move to the upper country with summer thunderstorm, as well as thunderstorm, gust and isolated hail. The affected areas are shown periodically:

       1. During 3-4 April, the provinces include Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Khon Kaen, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram and Nakhon Ratchasima. 

       2. During 4-5 April, the provinces include Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan,

       Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri and Bangkok and its vicinity. 

       3. During 5-6 April, the provinces include Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phetchabun. 

       4. During 6-7 April, the provinces include Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Bueng Kan.

       People in above areas should beware of the summer thunderstorms that lead to the loss of lives and properties.

Thai Beetles???

Germany's biggest automaker, Volkswagen, is to produce Beetle in Thailand with a plan to deliver the vehicles in 2015 at the starting price of Bt388,888, according to a research firm.

READ MORE

In The Thai News

National Anti-Corruption Commission Tuesday resolved to indict former Parliament President Somsak Kiatsuranont related to his role in constitutional amendment on the composition of the Senate, commissioner Prasart Pongsivapai said.

READ MORE

A security guard for the Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform was shot dead and three STR-led protesters were injured in an ambush on Tuesday afternoon.

READ MORE

New UK visa application centre in Phnom Penh officially opens

The new centre is operated by UK Visas and Immigration’s commercial partner in Asia Pacific, VFS Global, and is open to customers on Mondays and Thursdays by appointment.

Thai Air Domestic Summer promotion

THAI Airways International introduces its “Summer Holidays 2014” promotion for travel on selected domestic routes, April to July.

Fares to the northeast on weekdays and weekends are: Bt1,500 and Bt1,700 Ubon Ratchathani; Bt1,550 and Bt1,750 Udon Thani; Bt1,600 and Bt1,800 Khon Kaen. The return fares: Bt1,350 and Bt1,550 from Ubon Ratchathani; Bt1,400 and Bt1,600 from Udon Thani; Bt1,450 and Bt1,650 from Khon Kaen on weekdays and weekends respectively.

READ MORE

Songkran Specials at Crystal Hill Garden Resort

THAI Airways International launches its“54th Anniversary” promotion

THAI Airways International launches its“54th Anniversary” promotion on specific international routes in economy class starting mid-April and remaining valid until September this year.
THAI quotes roundtrip promotinal fares, inclusive of airport taxes and surcharges in the promotion that is linked to the airline’s anniversary celebrations, 1 May. An additional surcharge of Bt500 will be added for departures at the weekend –Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Fares save around 45%.

READ MORE

Half Double Deck Buses Unsafe!

Land transport authorities have revealed nearly half of double-decker buses have failed basic safety tests, as major transport operators are torn over a plan to ban the vehicles.
Mr Chadchart also pointed to seven highways which he said are unsafe for double-decker buses to operate on. They are the Tak-Mae Sot, the Phitsanulok-Phetchabun, the Kabin Buri-Pak Thong Chai, the Ang Thong-Sing Buri-Chai Nat section of the Asian Highway, the Rangsit-Saraburi, the Krabi-Phangnga and the Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son routes.
READ MORE

CHANGES TO BRITISH PASSPORT SERVICES IN THAILAND - AGAIN

Her Majestys Passport Office is making important changes to the way it delivers British passports overseas. The goal is to ensure that all British nationals living overseas receive a consistent, trusted, secure and efficient service whilst keeping the costs as low as possible. In order to do that, on 10 December 2013, responsibility for handling passport applications in Thailand passed from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to Her Majestys Passport Office.

Following on from this, from 26 March 2014, British nationals in Thailand will submit passport applications, in person by appointment only, to the UK Visa Application Centre. All the information needed to complete the passport application process, including address and contact details for the UK Visa Application Centre, will be available on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

Bangkok Air cuts prices to boost Songkran Traffic

Bangkok Airways cuts fares on selected domestic routes to lift bookings during the Songkran festival, mid-April.
Launched Monday, the Songkran promotion sells one-way fares, inclusive of airport taxes and surcharges, to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) at Bt1,240 from Udon Thani.

READ MORE

Buy your plane ticket at 7-Eleven

The ubiquitous 7-Eleven convenience stores have turned into physical sales outlets for Thai AirAsia (TAA) in a partnership that breaks new ground in air ticket distribution. 

READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

Udon wants to be a tourist hub.

The Udon Thani Tourism Business Association has set an ambitious goal of placing the northeastern province on the global tourism map.  Newly appointed president Tanakorn Weerachatyanukul said the plan includes improving infrastructure and better transport with more flights to Udon Thani.

Read more at Bangkok Post

The UK visa application centre in Bangkok will relocate to bigger and better premises.

From March 31, the UK visa application centre in Bangkok will relocate to bigger and better premises at:

Trendy Office Building,
28th Floor,
Sukhumvit Road Soi 13,
Klongtoey Nua, Wattana,
Bangkok, 10110,
Thailand 

To ensure the new visa application centre will be ready to accept customers from Monday 31 March, the current visa application centre will close a few days in advance to allow for transfer of IT and other equipment.

This means customers will not be able to book an appointment to submit a UK visa application on Friday 28 March and Saturday 29 March. Customers will also not be able to collect their documents on these days.

Court voids the February 2nd. Let's start all over again........

The Constitutional Court Friday voted 6:3 to nullify the February 2 election.

The court reasoned that the election violated Article 108 (2) of the Constitution because no candidates stood in 28 constituencies in eight southern provinces, and thus making it impossible to hold the election on the same day nationwide.

The article requires that a general election must be held on the same day throughout the country.

The court ordered the Election Commission to consult with the government on the new election date.

Read more

Well it rained

the threatened thunderstorm arrived last night about 5pm.  It lasted maybe an hour.  The resultant power outage lased until midnight

It was supposed to get cooler

and with thunderstorms..
It hasn't, but we did get a light sprinkling of rain last night... very light

Crystal Hill Garden Resort - April Special Offers

Constitutional Court to rule on Friday

The Constitutional Court will issue a ruling at 11am on Friday over the February 2nd Election, and whether it is to be annulled.

State of Emergency Lifted

The caretaker cabinet decided on Tuesday to end the state of emergency in Bangkok and vicinity and replace it with the Internal Security Act (ISA) from Wednesday.

READ MORE

Family Secrets at Amazon.com

Family Secrets Paperback at Amazon.com

Family Secrets eBook at Amazon.com

World Cup - Free or not

RS, Thailand's broadcasting right holders for this summer's Fifa World Cup, runs the risk of being fined up to Bt17.3million, should the company fail to allow all 64 matches from Brazil to be shown on free TV, the Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) warned yesterday.

READ MORE

Fly and ride thru to Pakse

Nok Air will launch a twice daily fly/ride service, Bangkok to Pakse, via Ubon Ratchathani, effective 17 March.
READ MORE

Stage for MTV EXIT concert collapses in Udon Thani

One worker was killed and ten others injured, one of them seriously, when a temporary stage intended for a major concert on Saturday collapsed late Wednesday night in Udon Thani.
Read More

Six die in three-vehicle-elephant collisions

Multiple vehicle pileup on forest road after elephant collision 

Six people, including a Singaporean, were killed and two others injured in a road accident involving three vehicles and three wild elephants in Rayong province on Wednesday morning. One of the elephants, a male, was gravely injured. 

Read More

Another ruling against the government....

The Constitution Court on Wednesday ruled the government-proposed bill to empower the Finance Ministry to seek 2 trillion baht loans for infrastructure development projects is unconstitutional, reports said.

The ruling was made following a request for the Constitution Court to decide if the bill contravened Sections 160 and 170 of the constitution.

Read More

A New Move to attract tourists to Thailand

Tourism officials are offering free cosmetic surgery in a bid to reinvigorate the country's medical tourism sector, despite claims the campaign breaches the health industry's code of ethics.

Read an eBook week ends tomorrow

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PG slashes Udon fare

Bangkok Airways cuts economy class fares for travel from Bangkok to Udon Thani, until the end of October this year.  Booking until March 31
The promotion sells a one-way fare, inclusive of airport taxes, departing Bangkok to Udon Thani at Bt1,490.

The return one-way fare Udon Thani-Bangkok sells at Bt1,440.

READ MORE

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Hundreds of books discounted by 25%, 50% or even 100%.

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Thai cuts domestic fares

Thai Airways International offers a “Domestic Hot Sales” promotion for travel on selected domestic routes, mid-May to June this year.
The promotion sells one-way fares ,inclusive of airport taxes and surcharges, at a starting price of Bt1,400 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and Bt1,700 on weekends (Friday to Sunday) ex-Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chaing Rai and Krabi.
READ MORE

Robert Bell in Paperback

Choose from all of his paperback editions here.

Paperbacks are available from Amazon, AmazonUK and Createspace

eBook versions at Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords, iBookstore and other online stores

Udon Thani to get first international school

WITH a Bt200 million investment, the first international school in Udon Thani will open in September as it prepares to take advantage of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) and to improve education in the area.

Udon Thani International School (UDIS) introduced itself officially to the people of its hometown and the media recently at Central Plaza Udon Thani.
READ MORE

Down to a trickle

The Mekong River is reducing so fast this year, you could almost walk across the 1 km wide river at some parts in central Laos and Northeast Thailand.

READ MORE

From The Pattaya Press

A Dutch man who owned 2 bars in Udon Thani province was found dead at his home. He had sustained stab wounds to his neck, hands, arms, and stomach. Police found him in his garden.

Read More

PATTAYA NEWS

A British man died after he fell off his chair banging his head on the floor. There were no traces property missing or foul play.  

Read More

A Finnish man walked across a street and the laid down in front of an incoming tour bus which run him over killing him instantly.

Read More

Three Rented Rooms Burglarized at South Pattaya Villa Complex

Read More

Three Rented Rooms Burglarized at South Pattaya Villa Complex - See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/119926/three-rented-rooms-burglarized-at-south-pattaya-villa-complex/#sthash.rpwQKpji.dpuf

Three Rented Rooms Burglarized at South Pattaya Villa Complex - See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/119926/three-rented-rooms-burglarized-at-south-pattaya-villa-complex/#sthash.rpwQKpji.dpuf

Three Rented Rooms Burglarized at South Pattaya Villa Complex - See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/119926/three-rented-rooms-burglarized-at-south-pattaya-villa-complex/#sthash.rpwQKpji.dpuf

Three Rented Rooms Burglarized at South Pattaya Villa Complex - See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/119926/three-rented-rooms-burglarized-at-south-pattaya-villa-complex/#sthash.rpwQKpji.dpuf

Read an eBook week at Smashwords

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In The Thai News

The Bangkok Shutdown will be shut down this weekend but the fight to oust the Yingluck Shinawatra government is far from over, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban announced on Friday night.

All of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) rally stages will be dismantled and blocked roads cleared, and all activities will then be moved to Lumpini Park, said the PDRC secretary-general.

Read More at Bangkok Post

Already hit by overdue payments from the caretaker government under its pledging scheme, rice farmers from today will suffer yet further by getting lower income from selling their produce at market prices after the end of the project.

According to the Thai Rice Mills Association, the market price for 100-per-cent white rice (15-per-cent humid) is quoted at Bt7,200-Bt8,500 a tonne, compared with the former pledging price of Bt15,000.

READ MORE AT THE NATION

British Citizens - Register to vote

Every British citizen who has been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years is eligible to vote in UK Parliamentary (general) elections and European Parliamentary elections.

If you were too young to register when you left the UK, you can still register as an overseas voter so long as your parent or guardian was registered to vote in the UK, providing you left the UK no more than 15 years ago.

How can I vote?

Once you’re registered, you’ll need to decide how you want to vote depending on your personal circumstances.

Ballot papers can be sent overseas, but you need to think about whether you have time to receive and return your ballot papers by polling day. If you don't think you can return them in time, you may want to consider voting by proxy. 

For more and to register go here

New in Nong Han

So today I stopped off at the new True shop for a coffee.  Well worth it, and it could be a regular event when I visit town.

The new Tesco Lotus express, down the street opens for business on March 1

It's warming up...

The forecast is for a hot weekend with a feel like temperature of 43C, a shade under 110F!!!!!

THAI Airways International and THAI Smile are pushing a “Fantastic Thailand” promotion for travel to selected domestic destinations until the end of March.

To the Northeast: fares sell at Bt1,500 and Bt1,700 to Khon Kaen; Bt1,350 and Bt1,550 Ubon Ratchathani; and Bt1,550 and Bt1,750 Udon Thani.

Passengers can book fares and travel until 31 March this year.

Read more at TTR

Grilled pork may damage your health

Fumes from grilling pork a health risk for cooks and buyers, PCD says

Baht down on political violence and more business news

The baht fell 0.3% to 32.615 per US dollar as of 8.37 am in Bangkok, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It has dropped 4.6% since the protests began on Oct 31.

Read More at Bangkok Post

The Finance Ministry’s new plan to borrow funds to pay rice farmers through an auction of promissory notes worth 100 billion baht this Thursday will likely fail, as open bidding is scheduled on the sameday that caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra must answer the charge of dereliction of duty in the rice pledging scheme 

Read More at Bangkok Post

Thailand Post parcel post at 7-Eleven.  up to 49 7-Eleven stores will offer what it calls the Easy Pack service across Greater Bangkok initially. Three delivery packages will be offered for services priced 109, 139 and 199 baht a box.

Read More at Bangkok Post

Domestic car sales hit a 25-month low in January, as the political impasse and late payments to farmers under the rice-pledging scheme weakened potential buyers’ spending.

Read more at Bangkok Post

New warning for Bangkok Residents

The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has urged Bangkokians to start stockpiling tap water now as higher levels of sea water are likely to affect production in the city's east this week.

More bomb blasts in Bangkok

16 injured in bomb blast near Ratchprasong rally site - Sunday

Updated to 24 including three children

PDRC stage in Trat attacked, one dead

Gunmen shot at the anti-government protest stage in Khao Saming district, Trat province, at 9.30pm on Saturday.

According to the latest unconfirmed report as of 11am on Sunday, one was dead, a five-year-old child, and dozens wounded.

RGD5 Grenades used in Trat attack

The mother said the girl was playing while the mother was helping the girl’s grandmother washing dishes at the grandmother’s noodle stall.

Thai News

Scores of people injured in bomb attack during anti-government rally in Trat

Read more at The Nation

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has not returned home for four days due to security concerns and is believed to be staying at a "safe house" at an unknown location in Bangkok.

Read more at The Nation

Weather bureau warns of 'very hot' summer

Temperatures will drop a few notches before steadily climbing to reach a high of 43 degrees Celsius this summer, the Meteorological Department has warned

Govt cannot disperse protests by PDRC, Civil Court rules

The Civil Court on Wednesday ruled that the government has the authority to impose the emergency decree during a critical situation, but not to the extent of using it to break up the People's Democratic Reform Committee's (PDRC) peaceful and unarmed demonstrations.

Read More at the Bangkok Post

NACC to press charge against Yingluck over rice-pledging scheme

Latest from The Nation

The agency summoned Yingluck to acknowledge the charge on February 27 

15 Weeks - Free eBook

Witty, informative, often deliciously ‘tongue-in-cheek’ and full of typically British humour, 15 Weeks is recommended for travellers, would be ex-pats and those who enjoy light reading and a good laugh. Between Jun and Sep 2008 James King stayed for fifteen weeks on the tropical island of Phuket where he formed his first impressions of Thailand. He began to learn a little of what it would be like to live in Thailand permanently and he diarised his activities, observations and some unusual incidents which took place during his 15 week sojourn. At the time he had no intention of settling in Thailand permanently but did glean valuable information which he has developed in the years since. Although he writes from a male perspective the Author recognises that there are many female ex-pats grappling with the complexities of life in Thailand. So you will find many things that apply equally to women as they do to men. 
Further research, first-hand experience and some rather testing personal struggles have enabled James to write more extensively about Thailand in Volumes 2 and 3 which will be published during 2014.

DOWNLOAD FREE HERE

Customers concerned over rice loans

Customers are stampeding to yank their deposits out of banks perceived as having extended loans to fund the cash-strapped rice pledging scheme.  Read More at the Bangkok Post

Bangkok Crackdown sees several injured

At least two policemen were reportedly shot and injured and a protester was hurt in a clash on Rajdamnoen Road Tuesday morning.

The clash started at 11:20 when police opened fire at the protesters.

Gunfire has been heard sporadically since then with the police starting a tactical retreat at noon..

Read More

Somkiat freed from police's custody by protesters

Read More

GSB stunned by B30bn deposit run

GSB stunned by B30bn deposit run 

The Government Savings Bank (GSB) has decided to suspend further lending to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) after experiencing a 30-billion-baht deposit run amid concerns the loan is being used to pay for the loss-ridden rice-pledging scheme.

Police attempt to reclaim bangkok Rally sites ends in withdrawal

Police retreat from Chaeng Watthana

Riot police began pulling back from the road at 11.30am. They announced that their attempt to clear the site was a symbolic gesture that officials intend to reclaim Chaeng Watthana government complex...

Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order chief Chalerm Yoobamrung said at 10.45am that the CMPO would have launched crackdown on protesters had it not been prohibited from doing so by the prime minister.

Chalerm said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra asked it not to suppres the protesters for fear of bloodshed.

However, Chalerm said CMPO would be able to do something to deal with the People’s Democratic Reform Committee by the afternoon.

The Nation

Police on Friday attempt to reclaim anti-government rally sites, They choose the day when Buddhists celebrate Maka Bucha Day and people worldwide celebrate Valentine's Day.

12.12pm : STR protesters reclaim from police their rally site at Chamai Maruchet Bridge. 11.40am : Police retreat completely from Chaeng Wattana and Misakawan and Makkawan rally sites.

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New Loei-Luang Prabang bus route

The bus departs from Loei Bus Terminal daily at 8am and the return trip from Luang Prabang is at 7am every day

Stay Mindful Tomorrow

Teenagers are being encouraged to stay mindful when expressing their "love" for each other on Valentine’s Day tomorrow.
By being ‘’mindful’’, the monk said young boys and girls should remember that an appropriate expression of intimacy does not necessarily end in sex

Aeon introduce ATM Charge

Aeon have apparently joined the other Thai banks in charging 150Baht for ATM withdrawals using an overseas debit/credit cards... And I was about to go to Udon to make use of their facility

Bus Times - Nakon Phanom to Koummane (Thakhek) Laos

Buses depart from Nakon Phanom bus staion at the following times, the fare is 70Baht:
0800
0930
1030
130
1300
1430
1600
1700



Friendship Bridge III is relatively quiet and immigration on both the Thai and Lao sides quick.  Both times I've been the only person applying for a Visa on Arrival for Laos

Travel Deals with Gulf Based Airlines

Etihad Airways has cut fares in economy and business cabins for travel on selected routes until mid-July.
The promotion sells roundtrip fares, inclusive of taxes and fuel surcharges in economy and business class ex-Bangkok. Examples: to Manchester (Bt32,225 and Bt95,745); London (Bt33,030 and Bt84,840).

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Qatar Airways sells discount fares on selected routes in economy class valid to travel until mid-July and until June in business class.
The promotion sells roundtrip fares, inclusive of taxes, fees and surcharges in economy and business class, ex-Bangkok. Examples: to Manchester (Bt31,505 and 95,170) and London (Bt32,120 and Bt84,185).

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