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Welcome to Pattaya
 Enjoy our new beach promenade which, despite many promises, is still not finished!
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Bangkok Post reports on November 28th, 2023: The cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft interior ministerial regulation to extend the operating hours of entertainment venues in key tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Koh Samui and Phuket, allowing them to operate until 4am.
Stop the Press
 
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Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 3rd, 2023:
All types of entertainment venues and restaurants in certain zones of Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai will be allowed to stay open until 4 a.m., starting on December 15, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
This measure will be temporary, and the Ministry of the Interior will later announce the specific zones eligible to stay open until 4 a.m.
The goal of this measure is to support tourism in these provinces, as the government believes that allowing entertainment venues and restaurants in certain zones to operate later will encourage greater spending.
Srettha said some foreign tourists don't dine out until 9 or 10 p.m., and extending the opening hours of certain entertainment venues and restaurants would encourage them to spend more.
For additinal information:
Thai PBS World: PM gives greenlight for extending pub opening hours until 4am
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 4th, 2023:
In another bizarre turnaround by the government, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said allowing pubs, bars, and clubs to remain open until 4 a.m. does not necessarily mean an extension of drinking hours.
He explained that extending the opening hours without extending the drinking hours would enable people to sit and socialize for a longer duration.
Anutin also said non-alcoholic beverages can still be served, and other services will remain operational for extended periods, potentially leading to the creation of more job opportunities.
Update (November 7th): Bangkok Post: Anutin clarifies alcohol sales hours for 4am closing
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued a clarification on Tuesday, saying that nightspots in the four areas where opening hours will be extended will be able to serve alcohol until 4am under their existing licences.
Update: Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 10th:
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said Fri he'll propose pubs & bars measure alcohol level of patrons before they leave the place aft new closing time of 4am is introduced next month. He added public transport may be needed for those who do not pass the test.
Amazing Thailand
Click into the picture for its original size No education for stateless or poor students
Apparently Thailand's elite still needs people without education.
Pratchatai: Parliament rejects ad hoc committee for non-Thai students’ access to education
The Nation: Educational opportunities for Thai children from poor families are falling, a recent study has found, with extremely low-income families with school-aged children earning just 1,039 baht per month on average, or 34 baht per day in 2023.
Click into the picture for its original size Thailand's amazing justice system
The historic Nong Chompoo ruling
Thai PBS World: Countdown begins for historic Nong Chompoo ruling
Click into the picture for its original size The Golden Years of Thai Senators
Junta-appointed senators who complete their full 6-year term will receive 12,000 baht per month for an additional 12 years.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X account (formerly know as Twitter):
After receiving 113,000 baht per month while in power, if senators serve their full term of 6 years, they will continue to receive 12,000 baht per month for another 12 years, according to the Legislative Institutional Repository of Thailand.
Click into the picture for its original size Thailand's digital wallet scheme
The majority of the public wants the implementation of the 10'000-baht digital wallet system, but fears consequences ...
The Nation Majority of public concerned about govt's digital wallet scheme, Nida poll shows
Bangkok Post: Most want B10,000 digital wallet scheme implemented but fear consequences: poll
Thai Enquirer: The 10,000 digital wallet will do more harm to the country than benefit it (Opinion)
The Nation: Julaphan dismisses Move Forward’s claim digital wallet scheme copied from Japan
Bangkok Post: Srettha brushes off digital wallet critics
The Nation: 'Rich people' dumped from 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme after criticism
Thai PBS World: Little need for "digital wallet" scheme : Bank of Thailand
The Nation: Legality of proposed GSB loan for digital wallet scheme questioned
Bangkok Post: Digital money handout to be delayed
The Nation: Launch of government's digital money handout to be delayed
The Nation: Finance Ministry unable to clarify source of funding for digital wallet scheme, says House panel
Bangkok Post: Govt shrugs off wallet criticism
Thai PBS World: Digital wallet scheme may be delayed until next September : PM's advisor
Thai Enquirer reports on his X (formerly Twitter) account on November 4th:
After the government failed to explain the source of funding and the distribution system for the 10,000 baht handout policy within October as promised, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is now saying that everything about the policy will be explained on November 10.
The government first said the policy would be implemented in February, with a new application backed up by blockchain being used to distribute the handout. Now, the policy might not be implemented until April, May, or even September, and there is a chance that the existing Poa Tang app will be used instead.
Additionally, the handout was originally intended for 56 million people aged 16 and above, but now it might be distributed to only 15-40 million people. The spending area, initially limited to within 4 kilometers of a person's house address, might also be expanded to an entire district.
Srettha said today that the previous comments about the policy from Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat and his adviser were merely possible options, and everything will be clarified on November 10. He insisted that the policy will proceed, and the government is not backing away from it.
Srettha also confirmed that the Poa Tang app will be utilized for the policy, and there will be no option for withdrawing the handout as cash.
Bangkok Post: Warning over Thailand's finances
Bangkok Post: Bureau sounds alarm on bad loans
The Nation: Srettha slams Sirikanya for airing 'personal thoughts' on 10,000 baht scheme
Thai PBS World: PM hits back at Move Forward deputy leader over digital wallet
Opinion: Thai Enquirer: Government's Bold 10,000 Digital Wallet Policy Sparks Debate and Uncertainty: A High-Stakes Gamble for Economic Recovery Current Affairs
Bangkok Post: Labour group favours B492 minimum wage over handout
The Nation: Critics slam Srettha for relying on loans to fund 10,000-baht giveaway promise
Bangkok Post: Activist seeks court ruling on govt's B500bn digital handout
Bangkok Post: New digital wallet complaint targets PM, Pheu Thai
Thai PBS World: PM has backup plan should digital wallet loan bill be rejected by Council of State
Bangkok Post: Digital wallet loan bill yet to reach Council of State
Click into the picture for its original size Aftermath
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on October 27th:
Pita Limjaroenrat, Chairperson of the advisory board for the Move Forward Party, explained during his speech at the Harvard University Asia Center that the reason he did not become the Prime Minister of Thailand, despite winning the election, was because the game was rigged, and the establishment did not want to see profound changes in the country.
"I am a rookie leader," he said. "I was running a political campaign for the first time for a three-year-old party in a game that was decided that we would lose."
Pita, a Harvard graduate, said the establishment had utilized practices such as "gerrymandering" and "constitutional hardball." However, the MFP still managed to win the previous election, which demonstrated that "textbooks can be turned into reality."
He also said his studies at Harvard played an integral part in his success during the previous political campaign. Due to these studies, he promised changes through the demilitarization of Thailand to prevent military intervention in politics via military coups, demonopolization in businesses to provide a level playing field, and decentralization of the government to distribute prosperity throughout the country instead of concentrating it in Bangkok. He attributed these policies as the reasons for his victory.
"Demilitarization, demonopolization, and decentralization – those are my platform in a nutshell, and that is what gave me the victory, as well as preventing me from assuming governance. That is my explanation," he said.
Click into the picture for its original size Nepotism
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 6th:
The younger brother of Veerachat Rasami, the former Mayor of Taluk Du Subdistrict, who was arrested for allegedly soliciting 600,000 baht in exchange for two underground water supply system projects, will run as a candidate for the next mayor of the subdistrict.
Veerachat, who is the son-in-law of Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth, resigned on October 24 after he was arrested for alleged bribery. His subordinates were arrested in a sting operation that eventually led to Veerachat's arrest.
The election for the mayor is scheduled for November 10, and there are currently two candidates, including Veerachat's younger brother, Veerachon, and Ratipat Tangworachai, a former member of the Provincial Council and a former wife of another former mayor who was in office before Veerachat.
Click into the picture for its original size Nepotism in the ruling party
Opinion: Thai Enquirer Nepotism and Dynastic Ties Run Deep in Pheu Thai Party’s New Leadership
Click into the picture for its original size The Berry Pickers' Nightmare
Since 2006, Finland and Sweden have turned to Thai labour agencies for 18 years to recruit Thai workers to pick berries for them. Thousands of Thai farmers, mainly from the north-eastern provinces, left their homeland to become berry pickers in the Nordic countries. They hoped to improve their quality of life when they returned home. It remained a dream. Many came home empty-handed or in debt. Some even had to file for bankruptcy.
For additinal information: Prachatai: Thai berry pickers' long fight for justice
Click into the picture for its original size PM's ISOC problem
Opinion: Thai Enquirer Srettha shows true colors as military-backed stooge
Srettha Thavisin reports on his X (formerly Twitter) account on November 2nd:
This is misleading, and I would like to set the record straight.
Dissolving ISOC was never a part of the Phue Thai Party (PTP)'s policy, neither before, during, nor after the election. This fact is reinforced by the policy declaration I made to the parliament.
However, the PTP and the PTP-led government intend to modernize the army and integrate it into the democratic process. We acknowledge that ISOC's historical national security mission, dating back to the Cold War era, is no longer as relevant today. Under my administration, it is my duty to ensure that ISOC's roles align with democratic values, upholding the rights and preserving the freedom of our citizens.
We believe in incremental changes, particularly amidst two decades of political ideological conflicts that Thailand has experienced. We do not choose a path of confrontation and destruction but rather a path of harmonizing ideas and working for the benefit of the people. The continuity of governance through democratic elections is the essence of a lasting and peaceful democracy.
Lastly, I am the Prime Minister from PTP, elected by the people and endorsed by the parliament. Please do not undermine the voice of the people. If I am only a puppet, I am a puppet of the people.
Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 3rd:
Thai PM Srettha Thavisin spoke on Friday about his response to critics that he is a puppet PM because he did not dare to dissolve ISOC, saying that everything, as he tweeted on Thursday night, is already clear. He doesn't want to expand this issue and doesn't want any conflict.
Apisith reports on his X (formerly Twitter) account on November 2nd:
The problem is the PTP is already walking back policies that it campaigned on (immediately ending military conscription, removing the military from business). If the party favoured incremental changes then it should have campaigned on that, and let the people decide.
As a voter that wanted both pro-business policies and removing the military from politics, it seems this govt can only deliver the pro-business policies.
Gameover reports on his X (formerly Twitter) account on November 2nd:
Almost 2 months, Srettha and the government keep delivering everything opposite from what they have said and promise to the public. No doubt, serving elites in this country is his the first priority.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 3rd:
The Move Forward Party (MFP) insists that the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) should be dissolved, and they are calling on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to provide his endorsement for the bill. According to the charter, a money bill must be endorsed by the premier before it can be introduced in parliament.
MFP list-MP Rangsiman Rome said the outdated organization is no longer capable of addressing new threats, such as food security, healthcare crises, transnational crimes, and drug trafficking, which the government expects them to handle.
He pointed out that ISOC has failed to address the growing problems of drug and human trafficking at the borders. He also noted that other agencies, such as the Office of the National Security Council (NSC), are better equipped and updated to handle such issues, yet they receive less budget than ISOC.
Rangsiman said the outdated military-political arm's budget for the 2023 fiscal year is worth 7.7 billion baht, which is close to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society's budget and more than the Ministry of Industry's 4.4 billion baht budget and the NSC's budget of around 200 million baht per year.
He said ISOC has created divisions in society by portraying those who think differently as enemies of the state and has allocated a significant budget to propagate this view.
For example, ISOC was employed to suppress individuals who voiced opposition to the junta-drafted charter and to disseminate the previous junta's propaganda during the 2016 referendum. Another instance is ISOC's website, known as pulony.blogspot, which features content targeting pro-democracy activists across the country and human rights defenders in the Deep South conflict.
Rangsiman argued that ISOC is one of the main tools the military uses to interfere in politics and the functioning of state agencies in order to instill the military's mindset in civil servants. They are also allocating significant resources to surveillance and monitoring of their own citizens.
He further stated that if the government believes ISOC should continue to exist, then they should allow the matter to be debated in parliament.
Thai PBS World I’m not a military puppet in not dissolving ISOC : Srettha
"Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin comes out to 'clarify' that he is not a 'puppet' of anyone but the people of Thailand, who have elected him to be the Prime Minister." … except they didn't. The people voted for MFP and PTP to move Thailand forward, not to share power with the military junta clique.
Bangkok Post: Isoc brass return fire following criticism of unit
Thai PBS World Termination of ISOC seems like mission impossible
Bangkok Post: Isoc maintains a tight grip
Click into the picture for its original size Condom scam
Thailand's online vendors turning profit on products distributed free as part of a public health campaign
Bangkok Post Warning over sales of 'free' condoms
Authorities have warned businesses against selling condoms that are intended to be distributed to the public free of charge.
Typically, crucial questions are not asked in the Thai media, such as how the condoms actually end up in the hands of online retailers. Without the help of insiders, a lucrative online trade would hardly be possible. As in other countries, Thailand's National Health Security Office (NHSO) is hardly free of corruption.
Click into the picture for its original size Hub for festivals
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced his government's intention to promote Thailand as a global festival destination
With last-minute announcements, as Pattaya and Chonburi like to do?
Thai PBS World Thailand aims to become a world festival destination
Click into the picture for its original size The election winner must disappear!
The Bhumjaithai Party has petitioned the Election Commission (EC) for the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), pointing out that it leads the opposition in the House of Representatives while a former party member remains House deputy speaker.
Bangkok Post Another petition seeks to axe Move Forward
The Nation Court ruling could spell the extinction of Move Forward Party members
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 14th:
The Move Forward Party (MFP) does not anticipate receiving the Constitutional Court's verdict on Pita's iTV shares and MFP's dissolution cases tomorrow, said party leader Chaithawat Tulathon.
Pita Limjaroenrat, MFP's PM candidate and chairperson of its advisory board, faces allegations of applying for office despite knowing his ineligibility due to his ownership of 42,000 iTV shares valued at around 42,000 baht. He had declared these shares to the National Anti-Corruption Commission before assuming office as an MP in 2019.
Pita claimed to be holding the shares as an executor of his father's inheritance and asserted that iTV ceased operating as a media firm since its UHF TV spectrum license was revoked in March 2007. Furthermore, the company was delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2014.
Pita and MFP are also accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy system by advocating for the amendment of the lese-majeste law. Both Pita and MFP vehemently deny these accusations, contending that attempting to amend a law in the Criminal Code does not amount to seeking the overthrow of an entire governing system.
Chaithawat clarified that the court is only expected to hear the two cases tomorrow, and the party remains unconcerned as they firmly believe that the court will dismiss both accusations when the time for the verdicts comes.
Thai PBS World Charter court to meet again next Wednesday to consider Pita's shareholding case
The Nation Charter court to hear more witnesses in cases against Pita, Move Forward
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 22nd:
The Constitutional Court has scheduled the next court date for hearing Pita's media shareholding case on December 20. The dissolution case of the Move Forward Party (MFP) will be heard on December 25.
Witnesses will be summoned for both cases.
Pita Limjaroenrat, the PM candidate of MFP and the chairperson of its advisory board, faces allegations of applying for office despite being aware of his ineligibility due to his ownership of 42,000 iTV shares.
Pita and MFP are also accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy system by advocating for the amendment of the lese-majeste law.
Bangkok Post
Move Forward Party bribe probe widens
Click into the picture for its original size Thailand's sepak takraw athletes on the national team have been cheated out of their financial awards
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 8th:
Pol Lt Col Suebsak Phunsueb, a former sepak takraw athlete for the national team, said that sepak takraw athletes on the national team have been cheated out of their financial awards for the past decade.
Suebsak said members of committees responsible for preparing the national teams and coaches have been diverting the financial awards meant for athletes, even though they are already receiving financial awards of their own.
For example, the athletes won four gold medals at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, and they were supposed to receive 34 million baht collectively, but 10 million baht went missing.
The excuse given was that the money not allocated to the athletes would be used to support the development of the sport and aid other athletes who did not make the national teams. Suebsak urged the Takraw Association of Thailand and related authorities to investigate these findings and return the money that was taken from the athletes.
Click into the picture for its original size Superstition in Thailand #1
Superstition in Thailand obviously cannot be eradicated
The Nation Lopburi district chief summons higher power to prove there are no 'krasua ghosts'
In a final bid to prove "krasue ghosts" do not exist, a district chief in Lopburi province decided to seek help from people in authority, like the provincial governor.
The Nation Perception of the supernatural and what science says about it
Wikipedia: The Krasue is a nocturnal female spirit of Southeast Asian folklore. It manifests as the floating, disembodied head of a woman, usually young and beautiful, with her internal organs still attached and trailing down from the neck.
Click into the picture for its original size Superstition in Thailand #2
The superstition seems ineradicable and is even encouraged by the monks in Thailand's temples.
The Nation:
Coalition member warns PM of bad omen from residing at Government House
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's plan to live full time at Government House, also known as "Ban Norasingh", instead of at the official prime minister's residence, is a break with tradition and could bring bad luck to the country, a ruling coalition politician has warned.
The concerned coalition member claims he has heard many strange stories surrounding Ban Norasingh. According to one story, Field Marshal Plaek was working here late one night and fell asleep. Later he woke up and saw what looked like a ghost in a Thai costume ...
The Nation:
'Good health' tops wishes most Thais make when praying, poll finds
A recent poll, titled “Are you Sai MU [superstitious]”, shows that most Thais pray for good health when they worship in temples.
Click into a picture for its original size China criticizes Thailand's press freedom
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand issues a statement on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, criticizing an unnamed Thai press for abusing "press freedom" by interviewing a key Taiwan separatist and calling for the media to "seriously correct their mistakes and prevent actions that harm the Chinese people."
While the Chinese embassy did not name the Thai media organization, China's English-language outlet Global Times identified public broadcaster ThaiPBS as the culprit.
Thai Enquirer
reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 13th:
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked that China's statement to Thai media regarding press freedom was 'too funny to be true.'
The ministry's comments followed a statement from the Chinese embassy in Bangkok on Saturday. The embassy claimed that Thai PBS's interview with Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, had provided a platform for 'Taiwan independence separatists to propagate fallacies' that 'harmed China's interests and hurt the Chinese people's feelings.'
The statement went on to assert that the interview constituted 'an abuse' of press freedom. In response, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry told China to 'kiss my feet and get out of town.'
Subsequently, the state-run Thai PBS deleted the interview from its platforms without offering an explanation.
Click into the picture for its original size Contradictory statements
NNT (National News Bureau of Thailand) reported on November 13th:
In an innovative approach to boost Chinese tourist confidence, Thailand is set to welcome Chinese police officers to patrol key tourist cities. The decision, announced by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, follows a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, focusing on improving tourist safety and service quality.
This initiative, planned for discussion with the Chinese embassy on November 15, seeks to replicate a model previously successful in Italy. The specific Thai cities for implementation are yet to be announced. The move is part of Thailand's efforts to attract up to 4.4 million Chinese tourists in the year's final two months.
The need for Chinese police presence has been highlighted following a recent shooting incident in a Bangkok mall, which impacted Chinese tourist arrivals.
Thai Enquirer
reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 13th:
In an attempt to explain why the government is considering allowing Chinese police officers to operate in Thailand, government spokesperson Chai Watcharong stated that the move aims to boost the confidence of Chinese tourists in traveling to Thailand.
He said Chinese tourists are concerned about Chinese criminals operating in Thailand, and the presence of Chinese police officers would assist Thai police officers by providing information about these criminals, rather than participating in safety patrols. According to him, Chinese criminals are wary of Chinese police officers, and their assistance would contribute to making Chinese tourists feel safer.
Chai said Chinese police have been collaborating with Thai police in cracking down on Chinese gangs, presenting this move as another form of cooperation that will become more apparent. He said the decision has no connection to allowing Chinese police officers to patrol Thailand's streets and assured that it will not compromise Thailand's sovereignty.
However, his comments contradict those made by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, who said on Sunday that Chinese police officers would aid Thai police officers in safety patrols in some tourist destinations, similar to practices in Italy. She did not disclose specific locations or the number of Chinese officers involved.
Notably, Italy ceased permitting Chinese police to participate in joint patrols with its officers on its territory since December 2022. This decision followed a report from Safeguard Defenders, a rights group based in Spain, which identified 102 Chinese "service stations" used to pressure Chinese citizens in 53 countries. The group said China employs these centers to coerce Chinese expatriates to return to China to face criminal charges, with some targeting dissidents.
Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 13th:
Pheu Thai deputy sec-gen Lintiporn Warinwatchararoj said Mon the gov't merely seeks collaboration & info to deal with Chinese criminals in Thailand & has no plan to have Chinese police in a joint patrol as mistakenly stated by TAT governor Thapanee Kiatpaiboon.
She adds on X the matter had nothing to do with the sovereignty of Thailand.
Click into the picture for its original size 60 days full of promises ....
Thai Enquirer 60 Days In, Srettha Faces Challenges
The chosen slogan that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has adopted for his administration is Chance of Possibility. In English it is an awkward slogan, to say the least. In Thai it is slightly better: this is the opportunity for every possibility.
Click into the picture for its original size Thailand's press freedom under threat
Opinion: Thai Enquirer Thailand's Press Freedom Under Threat: Government Yielding to Chinese Influence on Media Narratives
It was disappointing to see that Thai PBS decided to take down its interview with Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, due to comments from the Chinese embassy in Bangkok. However, it is understandable given that they are government-run.
Click into the picture for its original size Fake news?
Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced that he has successfully attracted Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google and Microsoft to invest in Thailand with a total investment value of around 300 billion baht.
Thai Enquirer writes about this: Tech giant commitments a good first win for Srettha
To the best of our knowledge, AWS has almost completed construction of its data centers, which began three years ago when the company acquired three properties for its data centers. Google also announced last year that they would be investing in Thailand. So nothing but cold, warmed coffee?
Click into the picture for its original size Thai students without support
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on November 16th:
Following reports by http://SpaceTH.co and Dark-Sky Thailand that a Thai student's project has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to be showcased at the Asian Try Zero-G 2023 competition, it was revealed that the student could not attend in person due to a lack of funding for plane tickets. Thai state agencies decided not to provide financial support for the travel expenses, leading to the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) issuing a statement clarifying the situation.
The NSTDA explained that there was a misunderstanding, pointing out that JAXA had offered an online option for participants during the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, the NSTDA did not allocate any travel budget for the competition during that period. Even after the pandemic, JAXA continued to provide a hybrid option, and the NSTDA opted for the online format for Thai students.
However, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, Supamas Isarabhakdi, has directed the NSTDA to seek funding for Thai students selected for the competition to enable their travel and participation in Japan. The agency is currently actively working on securing the necessary funds.
The Asian Try Zero-G competition invites young scientists and engineers from Asia-Pacific to submit proposals for simple microgravity experiments. Selected proposals are performed by JAXA astronauts aboard the Japanese Experiment Module "KIBO" on the International Space Station. In the 2023 competition, a Thai student's proposal was chosen, and it is scheduled to be conducted on board the ISS in January 2024.
Must read
  Thailand's new Tax Directive
Thai Enquirer: Understanding Thailand's New Tax Directive on Foreign Income
Additional information:
Thai Enquirer: Thailand's new tax directive risks alienating investors and the digital workforce
Roedl & Partner: Tax overhaul looming? Taxation of foreign-sourced income
IMI Daily: Thailand's Tax Tightening on Foreign Income Raises Questions About Implementation
Moved Public Holiday
Click into the picture for its original size The Thai cabinet has decided to move the New Year holiday from January 2nd to December 29th.
This means there will be a 4-day holiday period between December 29th and January 1st. January 2nd, 2024, is now a regular working day.
Government offices and banks will remain closed on these days.
Reported criminal cases
 We have so many crimes to report this month that we had to create a special page called Criminal Cases November 2023.
For information on all major criminal cases since January 1st, 2023, please click on our Major Criminal Cases 2023 page.
To our surprise, you learn that in an incredible number of cases, officers are implicated in these suspected criminal activities.
Very interesting: The Nation A recent opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) learned that most Thais lack confidence in the police force's integrity and performance.
Flu & Dengue warnings
 Flu warning
The Ministry of Health warns that many respiratory diseases, especially influenza, spread during the rainy season and the rate of patients is higher than last year.
For additional information:
Bangkok Post: Flu spike prompts warning
The Nation: Flu jab essential for vulnerable groups: Public Health Ministry
Bangkok Post: 2023's influenza cases jump 5-fold
Bangkok Post: Flu spike prompts warning
 Dengue warning
Bangkok Post: What to know about dengue fever as cases spread
Thai PBS World: Dengue fever infections increase by about 300% this year
HIV & Monkeypox warnings
Bangkok Post: Rise in HIV among young prompts 'safe sex' drive
Bangkok Post: 535 monkeypox cases reported nationwide since May last year
Pattaya News Flash: Major infectious diseases in Thailand
Mike Baird's Cartoon
 Click into the picture to watch more of Mike Baird's great cartoons
Arrest warrant for former Mayor of Pattaya
 The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has accused former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem of issuing an illegal building permit for the construction of a high-rise condominium complex called Waterfront Suites & Residences in 2008 when he was mayor of Pattaya.
Itthiphol was summoned by the prosecutor on September 4th, 2023, to acknowledge his charges, but he did not appear. Like his late father, the notorious Godfather of Chonburi, Itthiphol fled the country. The NACC then applied to the court for an arrest warrant, which was issued on September 5th, 2023.
A new arrest warrant was issued on September 7th, 2023, providing that the statute of limitations on the case would be suspended if the suspect fled.
Update (October 9th, 2023):
Former Culture Minister and Mayor of Pattaya Ittipol Khunpluem has been arrested today at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
For additional Information please read Arrest warrant for Itthiphol Khunpluem and Criminal Cases October 2023 or Major Criminal Cases 2023
The Pattaya News on October 12th, 2023: Unfinished Pattaya Marina Project Caught in Legal Limbo
The building permit for the controversial Waterfront Condominium – which has now become, among other things, the stumbling block of Itthiphol Khunpluem – could only be granted with the “help” of the Pattaya Marina Project.
From Airports to Pattaya
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To and from Pattaya by bus
Click here for an overview of current bus connections
Event Calendar
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Pattaya Jazz Festival 2023
November 10th & 11th, 2023
Location: Pattaya Beach
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Lullah Street Food Festival 2023 Jomtien
November 17th to 19th, 2023
Location: Jomtien Beach in front of the NOW Hotel near Soi 12
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5km Lullah Run 2023 Jomtien
November 18th, 2023
Location: Jomtien Beach
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Pattaya Firework Festival 2023
November 24th & 25th, 2023
Location: Pattaya Beach
 November 28th, 2023
Loy Kratong Festival 2023 Pattaya
Location: Along the beaches of Pattaya, Jomtien and Naklua 
Click into a picture for its original size Loy Kratong
Garbage warning
Thai PBS World The environmental damage done by one of Thailand's most colorful festivals, Loy Krathong, has grown so high that many netizens want people to stop floating their krathong in natural waterways.
Do not release lanterns near airports
The Nation With the Loy Krathong festival coming up next week, the public is being warned they could face the death penalty if they release airborne lanterns in airport safety zones.
Loy Kratong listed as a cultural heritage?
The Nation The Loy Krathong festival, along with Muay Thai and Thai national costumes, are nearly ready to be proposed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to be included in the list of world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Click into the picture for its original size December 1st, 2023 - January 28th, 2024
Pattaya Countdown 2024
Location: Central Pattaya Shopping Mall (also known as CentralFestival) Pattaya Beach Road 
Click into the picture for its original size December 14th & 15th, 2023
Intensive Course on Snake Handling Practice for Foreigners
Location: Snake Farm, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (QSMI) Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok Link: The Nation
Click into the picture for its original size December 23th, 2023 - January 3rd, 2024
Pattaya Countdown 2024
Location: CentralMarina Shopping Mall Pattaya 2nd Road, North Pattaya 
Click into the picture for its original size December 29th - 31st, 2023
Pattaya Countdown 2024
Location: Bali Hai All information is subject to change without notice
Unknown term
Maintenance is still an unknown term in Thailand
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Mike Baird's Books
 Click into the picture to order Mike Baird's Cartoon Books at amazon!
 PattayaSweethearts reports on the A Go-Go and Disco scene in Pattaya!
Jomtien
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All-in-one
The beautifully designed Stay 7 Bar in Jomtien Soi 7 offers work for everyone, including freelancers.
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Medical Laboratory
Rada Medical Laboratory was opened in Soi 5 (known through Immigration). The clinic performs urine examinations as well as all kinds of blood tests and is open every day - except Sundays - from 08:00 to 17:30.
Naklua
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Coffee & Beer
Where Thailand Why Not was based on Naklua Road until before the pandemic and then was a trading company for a short time, thirsty contemporaries can now refresh themselves with a cold beer or a coffee or tea in a pretty restaurant called CAT 1234.
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Reopened
After a successful facelift, Barracuda Bar on Naklua Road reopened last month. In addition to giving the venue a new bar and stage for its musicians, the management also added a cannabis shop called Wizard Weed.
Pattaya
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Waiting for Santa Claus
If you believe the Terminal 21 Mall, Christmas is just around the corner.
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New in Soi 7
Catch Me A Go-Go - known from Soi LK Metro - opened the Catch Me sports bar and lounge in the former 69ers Bar opposite the Black Woods Hotel in Soi 7 on November 17th.
Soi 7 connects Pattaya 2nd Road with Beach Road.
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Click into a picture for its original size
Streetfood
Pattaya's most successful street food market is located on Pattaya's Second Road partly under the wings of a real but decommissioned Boeing Jumbo Jet, known as Runway Street Food.
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Beer Hubb #2
On Pattaya Beach Road, in front of the Nautical Inn Hotel, Beer Hubb, known from Soi Buakhao for its authentic Indian food, has opened a beautiful branch that is already enjoying great popularity.
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New at CentralFestival
Sunrise Tacos opened a branch on the ground floor of CentralFestival Mall, sometimes known as Central Pattaya.
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The end of Royal Choco
Royal Chocolate in front of the Red Planet Hotel on Pattaya Second Road has closed.
Its successor will be a massage parlour - what else?
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Click into the picture for its original size
Corner house for sale
The building that housed the Best Corner Hotel and Restaurant for many years is for sale. The property is located on the corner of 2nd Road / Soi 15 (off Walking Street) just opposite Pattaya School 8, in a location that is hard to beat.
We will keep you up-to-date.
Soi Buakhao
Invitation
If you've ever wanted to know what motocross really feels like, you should definitely cross Soi Chaiyapoon on your motorbike or bicycle!
The parkour is redesigned several times a year by City Hall's highly educated engineers.
Soi Chaiyapoon (also known as Soi Pothole) connects Soi Buakhao with Pattaya's 3rd Street
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New in Soi Chaiyaphum
The Nok Nok Bar replace the former PS Bar in Soi Chaiyaphum (sometimes also known as Soi Chaiyapoon or Soi Chalermphrakiat 25).
Soi Chaiyapoon connects Soi Buakhao with Pattaya 3rd Road.
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Crazy Fox in Soi Chaiyaphum
The Crazy Fox Bar, which opened last month to the right of Kubala Bar in the space of a former liquor distributor, is now in full swing.
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Successor
Dynamite Sports Lounge & Restaurant replaces Dynamite Nightclub, which was only open for a short time, at the intersection of Soi Buakhao / Soi 15.
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New
Crazy Hot Bar replaces The Britannia Lounge in the southern part of Soi Buakhao.
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BrewDog
JK's Sport Hub opened Brewdog, a Scottish-style brewery and pub opposite Pattaya City Hospital in Soi Buakhao.
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New in Soi Honey
After a lengthy renovation period, the formerly well-known Bay Breeze Hotel has opened its doors as The One Bay Breeze Hotel in Soi Honey (officially Soi 11).
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New too in Soi Honey
The Scenery City Hotel has reopened with newly renovated rooms in Soi Honey.
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New in Soi Diana
The successful management team of Las Vegas A Go-Go in Soi LK Metro is preparing the Las Vegas Beer Garden in Soi Diana, directly opposite the entrance to Soi LK Metro.
Soi Diana - also known as Pattayasaisong 13 - connects Soi Buakhao with Pattaya 2nd Road.
We will keep you up-to-date.
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New in Soi New Plaza
Charly's Beer Bar has opened on Soi New Plaza in the former Butterfly Bar.
Soi New Plaza connects Soi Buakhao with Pattaya Second Road and is known as Pattaya's Party Street.
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New bar project
Hall of Fame is a new bar project that was launched in Soi Made In (Thailand) directly at the (back) entrance of the new Myth Night Bar Complex.
Soi Made In (Thailand) connects Soi Buakhao with the new Myth Night Bar Complex on Pattaya 2nd Road.
We will keep you up-to-date.
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Short term fun
Minx Club A Go-Go, the successor to Pulse A Go-Go Bar in Soi LK Metro, opened in early September this year and closed its doors again in the last week of October.
We will keep you up-to-date.
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Another closure in Soi LK Metro
The Bachelor's A Go-Go Bar in Soi LK Metro has also been closed for a few days now.
We will keep you up-to-date.
Soi 6
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A busy street
With hundreds of lovely ladies all eager to make your stay as pleasant as possible, Soi 6 is certainly worth a visit even without daily news.
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Replacement
The Promises Bar replaces the disused Route 69 Bar, which also briefly served as a go-go spot.
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Make two out of one
Hot Shots Bar, which previously occupied two units, has moved one unit to the new Lady in Love Bar.
Walking Street
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Click into the picture for its original size
Opened
The new Indian Leela Club celebrated its soft opening on October 28th. The new building, which is not yet completely finished, is located on the site of the former garden restaurant of Nang Nual Seafood.
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Reopened
Russian Sugar Girls A Go-Go Club, located opposite the Soi 16 entrance on Walking Street, reopened its doors in the last week of October.
The bar closed its door without explanation in the second week of October.
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Reopened too
In October, The Nasha Club quietly reopened its doors to its Indian guests.
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Click into the picture for its original size
New on Walking Street
The new Jalwa Club building, which is being built to replace the never particularly successful Pier Disco, had its soft opening on November 22nd and is expected to delight our Indian guests with at least two venues, the Jalwa Club on the second floor and Talaiva, a South Indian club, on the first floor.
Check Jalwa's website for more information.
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Big tool
New Face's Legacy, Big Tool & Soju Clubs opened late last month on three floors and advertises (supposedly well-stocked!) men, international(?) girls and Korean food.
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Change of ownership
Phil Ross, the owner of LePub - also known as misteregg - has sold his Milk A Go-Go bar in Soi Diamond.
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Sports on BIG screens
For international sports broadcasts on really big screens, we recommend Phil Ross’ - aka misteregg - LePub on Soi Diamond. The Soi connects Pattaya Walking Street with Pattaya Second Road.
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From King to Folk
The former King Café is now called Folk, a grill, seafood and pasta restaurant.
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Closed for renovation
The only McDonald's branch on Walking Street is closed for renovations.
We will keep you up-to-date.
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Dismantled
The imposing dome of the never-successful and long-closed Bollywood Disco at the entrance to Soho Square has been dismantled.
We will keep you up-to-date.
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Click into the picture for its original size
Remember Marine Disco?
Marine Disco was once Pattaya's most popular disco.
The site is currently being remodelled. The entire building was hollowed out. Only the roof is a reminder of its former glory.
Although it might be difficult, we hope that the last impressive new openings such as Leela and Jalwa can be surpassed.
We will keep you up-to-date.
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Cavalli for rent
Cavalli by Nashaa, a disco near the entrance to Walking Street that has been unused since the pandemic and “enriches” the streetscape, is advertised for rent.
We will keep you up-to-date.
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Closed
Clair de Lune and the Windy Beach Pizza Restaurant near the southern end of Pattaya Walking Street have been closed permanently.
We will keep you up-to-date.
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Closed
The nightclubs at the Bali Hai Entertainment Complex are currently closed.
We will keep you up-to-date.
Mike Baird's Cartoon
 Click into the picture to watch more of Mike Baird's great cartoons
PattayaSweethearts reports on the A Go-Go and Disco scene in Pattaya!
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 Amazing Switzerland
We love the nature
 Mike Baird presents:
Pattaya Tourist Guides
These Tourist Guides were designed by Pattaya's #1 Cartoonist Mike Baird.Please click on an images above to see more and larger copies of his work.
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