Been some time since I revieWed the Pattaya Press to see what was going on....

Early on Wednesday Morning and prompted by the recent drugging and robbery of two Turkish nationals in their Hotel rooms in North Pattaya, Police Colonel Suwan, the Pattaya Police Chief sent his officers to Pattaya Beach to round-up as many suspected prostitutes as possible.

Known as the “Coconut Ghosts”, as they often hide in the shadows waiting to be picked-up by foreign customers, more than 50 woman and transsexuals were detained and taken to Pattaya Police Station to be profiled and then fined in accordance with local ordinance which permits them to be fined the sum of 100 Baht should they be suspected of loitering with intent to cause a nuisance.

Police made it very clear that they will find those responsible for the drugging and robbery case but on this occasion the two suspects were not thought to be contained within the group of detainees.

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Police Colonel Suwan, the Pattaya Police Chief led a group of 20 Police Officers and Police Volunteers on an early morning mission to the main entertainment areas of South Pattaya with the task of rounding up as many transsexuals as possible who, the Colonel says, are the main group responsible for tourist-related crimes in the Pattaya area.

The group of officers visited Walking Street and the Bali Hai Port and were made to work for their arrests as many of the transsexuals attempted to escape down alleyways to avoid the inevitable fine of 100 Baht.

Some were able to escape but 40 of the transsexuals were arrested and taken to Pattaya Police Station just before 5am at the conclusion of the operation, where they were relieved of 100 Baht each and then sent on their way with a warning. As usual they all returned to where they were collected from to presumably continue with their nightly task of seeking out foreign tourists who require their services.

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A 21-year-old Thai man was accidentally shot in his shoulder during a fracas between two groups of men leaving a Soi Bongkot pub. The victim was taken to Banglamung hospital by rescue officers. The Pattaya police did not show up to investigate the incident, the victim said.

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SEEMS NOT A LOT CHANGES

Tourism

So they are to have another attempt to get hotels to report foreigners details to Immigration within 24 hours.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/337808/tougher-action-on-hotel-operators



Meanwhile three beaches in Thailand, two in Krabi province and one on Phuket island, were on Asia’s top 10 beach chart, according to TripAdvisor’s 2013 Travellers’ Choice Beaches Awards.



http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2013/02/three-thai-beaches-in-top-ten/



And Phuket is to get direct flights to Mumbai, New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur by Thai Smile

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/337803/phuket-upbeat-about-new-air-links-to-india-malaysia

Ten Days in the Land of Smile: A Thailand Travelogue - eBook

Join the author as she takes a vacation from being a 'gaijin' in Japan to enjoy a visit as a 'falang' in rural Thailand. Diane and her Japanese friend, Naomi, have adventures in Thailand that are not the usual fare. Laugh as Naomi sends an entire train car full of people into an uproar with one small action. Follow along as Diane tells a monk just what he can do with his unwanted advances. Meet Joe and Mr. Asparagus at the Youth Hostel from Hell. Watch as Diane and Naomi get ripped off, not once, but twice – first by a scam in Bangkok and later a tourist trap in Chiang Mai. Be amazed as they are nearly taken in by the ruse of a couple of teenage sharks looking for sponsors for their 'scholarships.' Discover the 'Buddha Way' of treating guests. Visit the "We Don't Know Travel Agency!" Catch their carefree spirit as they travel by train, bus and plane, on a serendipitous trip with no advanced room reservations or set itinerary. 


BUY HERE US$2.99

Nonfiction » Travel » By region » Asia » Thailand
By Diane Sontag
Rating: Not yet rated. 
Published: May 23, 2011 
Words: 15,949 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781458142399

Mahka Bucha

Makha Bucha, an important religious festival in the Buddhist calendar, falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month.
This year the religious holiday will be celebrated Monday 25 February. It is a public holiday in most Mekong Region countries namely Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

The day venerates Lord Buddha and his teachings mainly through attendance at temples to perform merit-making activities in the morning, while in the evening candlelight processions are made three times clockwise around the Phra Ubosot (ordination chapel) in temple compounds throughout the country.

Each circle around the chapel,  represents the Three Jewels –- the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

In Thailand, the sale of alcohol is banned and bars close for the entire holiday.

Companies and government offices will close. It falls on a Monday and that offers Thais and residents in Thailand an opportunity to take a long weekend  holiday to explore the country and at the same time witness the beauty and serenity of the candlelight processions at temples nationwide Monday evening.

From TTR Weekly

Campaign to cut accidents

BANGKOK, 22 February 2013: Department of Land Transport is promising free car inspections in an attempt to curb traffic accidents that pile up during the annual Songkran festival, mid-April.
The department deputy general director, Wattana Pattarachon, said  the move was in collaboration with private dealers and auto shops. More than 2,000 locations will be set up to inspect cars and provide check-ups 4 March to 10 April.
“Motorists can look for the programme’s sign at participating garages in order to have their vehicles examined free of charge,” he said.

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By Bus to Cambodia

The Transport Company said, Wednesday, it has launched a daily bus services between Bangkok and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap after delays that prevented the launch late last year.


The bus to Siem Reap will depart Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal at Chatuchak (Morchit) 0600 and 1600. The service will depart from Siem Reap 0600 and 1500. Travel time is roughly seven hours.
To Phnom Penh the bus will depart at 0700 both ways with a travel time of around 11 hours.
The fares are Bt750 (US$25) to Siem Reap and Bt900 (US$30) to Phnom Penh


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Taxation Inflation

Just had the local authority round to do the tax assessment on the resort.  Last year we paid 2,000Baht.  This year it's doubled to 4,000Baht.

Bait yourself to a Serene Thai experience at Sangkhla-buri

Author: Joguru Team

Sangkhla-buri , this Thai town is not much of a buzzing tourist spot. So, if you are interested in some basic sight-seeing and a vacation that is devoted more towards relaxation and family time then Sangkhla-buri is the place for you. Attractions in Sangkhla-buri can be counted on fingers and you won't take much time in paying a visit to all these places. The town has not been developed as a commercial tourist location. This makes staying here for a few nights all the more interesting! It is actually the location of choice for the local Thai people, who come here to spend their weekends away from the hum-drums of daily life along with their families. Listed below are the essentials that you would need to know while planning a visit to this peaceful little place.
Attractions in Sangkhla-buri
The prime attraction here is the Wooden Mon Bridge. It is longest hand-made bridge in Thailand. Reviews say that this part of the town is worth a visit because of it stunning sunrise and sunset views. Vehicles are not permitted here; the whole length is to be trekked on foot. Cross the bridge and you will be lowered down to a relaxing café. Sipping a hot beverage with a serene lake and the sun peeping out in front of you is something no money in the world can buy! Other attractions in Sangkhla-buri are Khao Laem Lake and the Wat Wang Wiwekaram. The Three Pagodas Pass, a place on the Thai border, is another worth visiting point here. The Wat Sam Prasob or the Sunken Temple is another point of tourist attraction in Sangkhla-buri. Sangkhlaburi has a lot of natural attractions such as waterfalls, rough jungle and the Khao Lam Dam which flooded a valley of Sangkhlaburi and also parts of the old city. The old half sunken temple is a beautiful scenic area especially at sunset and sunrise. Local hill tribes (Mon) build most of their houses on the water as raft-houses. The people there impress with their charm and their natural kindness.
Accommodation in Sangkhla-buri
Being a small place and not crafted as a tourist destination, you won't find much of commercial and business kind of attitude here. There are quite a few good hotels in Sangkhla-buri. In fact, guesthouses would be more common here rather than hotels. Some of the best accommodations in Sangkhla-buri are provided at Coffee Berry, P. Guest House, Haiku Guest house and the Phu Than Resort. These hotels in Sangkhla-buri are not very hard to pockets. You can easily manage a stay for 2-3 days at any of these accommodations; three days would be enough to go through the entire Sangkhla-buri. So plan a trip to this place and have a wonderful vacation with your friends and family.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/bait-yourself-to-a-serene-thai-experience-at-sangkhla-buri-6452538.html
About the Author

Praveen is a prominent and amateur writer, primarily focusing on providing Sangkhla Buri Travel Guide for those planning to travel to Sangkhla Buri. Here you can get relevant facts about top Attractions in Sangkhla, weather, things to do, nightlife, Accommodation in Sangkhla Buri and lots more.

Thailand in My Youth

Author : Chadchaidee, Thanapol (Lamduan) ISBN : 978616-2450389 Category : History Pages : 150 Price: $4.99 Description This book provides a fascinating glimpse into rural Thailand forty years ago. It reflects the social and cultural old days in rural Thailand from the 1960s. Thailand in My Youth ISBN : 978616-2450389 Category : History Pages : 150 Price from : 4.99 US$ (ebook)

eBooks on Thailand

Don't forget to visit Thai Diamond Books for information on the latest books on Thailand from Bangkok Books and others.

Daily updates on books just published by independent authors as well as background on the series of books based in Thailand by Robert Bell who recently published his fourth book, Final Closure.

All reviews have links so you can easily download the book.  And many of the books identified are available for FREE, not only from Bangkok Books, but also Amazon, iBookstore and Smashwords.

Thai Diamond Books searches the web for information on books set in South East Asia, particularly Thailand

Buddhism in Thailand - a guide for expats and visitors

Author : Whiting, Lawrence ISBN : 978616-2450075 Category : Buddhism, Meditation & Culture Pages : 200 Price: $4.99 Description Almost all visitors to Thailand will come into contact with Buddhism in some way. There are more than 200,000 monks in Thailand so you will see monks and novices out and about on the streets. There are more than 30,000 temples (wat in Thai) so you will see and may visit a temple, or several. Those lucky enough to spend some time with a Thai family will find themselves witnessing and even participating in many of the rituals and customs that are part of everyday Buddhism in Thailand. This is NOT a book for the serious student of Buddhism, but rather a description and explanation of what you might encounter in everyday life in Thailand.

Buddhism in Thailand - a guide for expats and visitors ISBN : 978616-2450075 Category : Buddhism, Meditation & Culture Pages : 200 Price from : 4.99 US$ (ebook)

In The News

Are we going to face Power Cuts in Thailand in April?

Coordinated Bombings in the South

Bad Loans at State Banks cause rethink in lending policies

Tourism News

Viet Air Fly To Bangkok

HO CHI MINH CITY, 13 February 2013: Low-cost VietJetAir opened its first international route linking Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, 10 February.
The new service was launched with very little fanfare other than press statements from the airline suggesting it was joining the ranks of international airlines by serving neighbouring Bangkok, where it hopes to pick-up connecting traffic from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
VietJetAir Business Development director, Desmond Lin, said the flight will depart from HCMC at 1145 and arrive in Bangkok at 1315.
The return flight will take off from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport 1430 and land in HCMC at 1600.

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Centara loyalty card


BANGKOK, 13 February 2013: St Valentine’s Day, 14 February, will see Centara Hotels & Resorts launch its new loyalty card under the theme, “Loyalty from the Heart”.
Centara – The 1 Card allows members to accrue points that can be redeemed for stays in a Centara hotel or resort, anywhere in Thailand, or overseas, with no blackout dates.
“St Valentine’s Day is…the perfect time for us to launch Centara – The 1 Card,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirathivat

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Tourist Buddy App!


BANGKOK, 13 February 2013: Thailand’s Tourist Police Division launched, Monday, what it calls a “Tourist Buddy Application” for smartphones in an effort to rebuild tourist safety.
Commander of the Tourist Police Division, Roy Inkapairoj, said the division has revised its safety and security strategy to harness technology through smartphones.
“The application will be one of the country’s main tool to increase travel confidence for both foreigners and Thais and is part of  initiatives to support the government revenue policy to earn Bt2 trillion from tourism by 2015.”

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Fear and Loathing in Pattaya

Fear and Loathing in Pattaya Author : Jones, Mark ISBN : 9786162221026 Category : Thrillers Pages : 246 Price: $4.99 Description Recent reports in a number of western newspapers – Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada - suggest that Thailand is one of the most dangerous countries in the world, for the aforementioned countries’ nationals, to either be living in or visiting. Based on recent statistics the newspapers reported that, in terms of serious injury or death, their citizens are more at risk in Thailand than almost anywhere else in the world apart from declared war zones. To add balance to the argument the reports also clearly stated that the majority of the injuries, and fatalities were the result of misadventure or road accidents. In instances where murder or serious assault was involved the Thai authorities were praised for their professionalism in apprehending the perpetrators. All too often though, it is found that the perpetrators were either a jealous business competitor trying to eliminate the competition, or a greedy wife or girlfriend hoping to cash in on the death of her husband or boyfriend. These deeper level facts are something that is often not made clear in the report of the death or serious assault. It may be touched upon but we are often left to draw our own conclusions regarding the machinations behind the event. For many expats living in Thailand, these types of occurrences are an all too familiar theme with greed, more often than not, being the primary motivator. Sadly it is also quietly acknowledged that many of the victims – foreign husbands, boyfriends, or business competitors – put themselves in a position to be a victim in the first instance. That they weren’t street smart or savvy enough and often, through their own actions or naivety, help create the circumstances leading to their injury or demise. Even though the local English language newspapers do a reasonable job reporting the eventual apprehension of the greedy wife, girlfriend, or jealous business competitor, nothing much is ever mentioned of the behind the scenes story. The rivalries, jealousies, motivations and emotions that are the fabric of a human tragedy go unreported.This book seeks to rectify that and it also seeks to show balance; that as much as the blame can be pointed at the motivations of a jealous business competitor, greedy wife, or girlfriend, it can also be apportioned to the poor life decisions made by the victim. For many of us who continue to live in Thailand, or those who are considering moving here, there is a lesson in that. That one must take responsibility for one’s own actions at all times and never put yourself in a position to be a victim. As a foreigner in Thailand you are, in most instances, on your own. You are, whether you like it or not, very much the director of your own destiny.

Fear and Loathing in Pattaya ISBN : 9786162221026 Category : Thrillers Pages : 246 Price from : 4.99 US$ (ebook)

Temple Caves & Grottoes in Thailand

This is a ‘picture-guide book’ because it combines pictures from 47 temple-caves with brief descriptions and directions incl. latitude and longitude of all together some 482 temple-caves in Thailand (of which 160 are classified as possible). The book covers all 76 (77 with Bangkok) provinces separated in to five regions. Temple-caves are spiritual sites of worship (prayer and/or meditation) in caves, grottoes or rock-shelters.Temple-caves [also termed cave temples] (large), Grottoes (Small) and rock shelters/overhangs are on the one hand amazing natural phenomena, as in beautifully decorated (sculptured and carved) rock chambers and passages inside hills and mountains and on the other hand they have spiritual and religious context as ornamented and decorated sites for prayer, meditation and as shrines – for worship. Temple-caves are important places of cultural, religious and historical value. Temple-caves tie the present and past together. Many temple-caves have extensive decorations, carvings/reliefs, painted images and statues and figures of Buddha and other Deities. Others are simpler temple-caves with much less ornamentation. Some temple-caves are Wats (Thai Buddhist temples) in themselves with residing monks and teaching for novices, others again are used as temporary resting places for wandering monks or during KhaoPansa, the three month rainy period from August to October when monks are required to stay in one place, and some are hermit caves with only one monk residing while others are simply places of worship. Caves with a Buddha or other religious or animistic/spiritual figure or a spirit house mainly to ward off ‘bad spirits’ or protect visitors to me are not temple-caves. A temple-cave is a cave with a clear spiritual or religious worship context - a place for prayer or meditation.

Temple Caves & Grottoes in Thailand ISBN : 9786162221606 Category : Maps & Guide Books Pages : 218 Price from : 19.99 US$ (ebook)