Delightful flower festival at Bangkok's Rama IX Park

Delightful flower festival at Bangkok's Rama IX Park

Head for Rama IX Park in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok for one of the most delightful events of the year

One of the most delightful flower festivals in Thailand – the Suanluang Rama IX Flower Festival is taking place again this year from 1-10 December, 2017. As usual, there are many different flowers and blooms on display in all areas of Suanluang Rama IX Public Park.

Highlights also include an exhibition in remembrance of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his royally initiated projects in all parts of the country. There are also booths selling flowers and plants as well as gardening tools.

In addition, there are cultural performances from four regions of Thailand, an ornamental plant contest, and a floating market selling food, arts and crafts, and souvenirs.Suanluang Rama IX Public Park was built in 1987 to commemorate the 60th birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

Covering an area of 500 rai, the park is divided into six sections: ‘Garden of the Great King’ which is home to the Ratchamangkhala Pavilion; ‘Botanic Garden’, the ‘Reservoir’; ‘Romanee Garden’; ‘Water Garden’; and ‘Sanam Rasdara and Sport Center’.

In addition, there is an international garden featuring arrangements from different regions of the world. For more information, please visit: www.tourismthailand.org (in English) or suanluangrama9.or.th (in Thai)The Suanluang Rama IX Public Park is located deep inside Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Soi 103 (Udomsuk) Road. It opens daily from 08.00 – 19.00 Hrs. Admission is 10 Baht.

~News courtesy of The Nation~

Trang-Bangkok train service cancelled Thursday

Trang-Bangkok train service cancelled Thursday

Thursday evening’s Trang-Bangkok passenger train had to abandon its service and return to the station because the track was flooded in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Officials said the train, which left the Trang railway station in Mueang district at 5.20pm, returned to the station at 9.15 pm after it found it could not continue after reaching the Huay Yod station in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Huay Yod district.

Officials said that a section of the railway ahead was underwater and so it was decided to abort the service and return to the Trang station. The train was full with passengers, including foreign tourists.

The Trang station allowed those passengers, who could not return home or stay in hotels, to remain on the train for the night. The Trang-Bangkok train service is suspended indefinitely pending further notice.

~News courtesy of The Nation~

Central World Bangkok lights up for the holiday season

Central World Bangkok lights up for the holiday season

Festive season is (already) here once again, with decorations and lights going up in the areas around CentralWorld and Rajprasong

CentralWorld Shopping Complex in the heart of Bangkok is putting on its much-anticipated annual light displays for the holiday season, from now until 7 January, 2018.

Highlights for this year are more than 400 Christmas decorations, cartoon characters and art pieces, including the five-metre-tall sculptures of Santa Claus and friends, created by the famous Argentinian illustrator, Javier González Burgos, under the theme of “The Dazzling Celebration.”From 21 to 26 November, there’re daily light-and-sound shows at 19.00, 20.00 and 21.00 Hrs.

~News courtesy of The Nation~

Corn slides 切片玉米

ข้าวโพดสไลด์

ข้าวโพด khao pod 玉米 Corn

สไลด์ slide 切片

芭堤雅往返广东梅州 直飞航线开通

芭堤雅往返广东梅州 直飞航线开通



一架飞鸟航空公司涂装形似小鸟的飞机13日中午平稳降落在广东省梅州市梅县机场，标志着泰国芭堤雅往返广东梅州直飞新航线正式通航。

该国际航班由飞鸟航空公司采用B737-800机型执飞，每周2班，逢周一、三飞行，均于北京时间早上9时从芭堤雅起飞，中午12时到达梅州；返程则于下午1时从梅州起飞，下午4时到达芭提雅。

这也是广东梅州梅县机场继开通雅加达航线后开通的第2条东南亚航线。该新航线的开通，不仅对梅州连接东南亚地区侨胞具有重要意义，也将更好地服务国家「一带一路」倡议，进一步促进梅州乃至广东与世界的互通互联。目前，11月梅州飞往芭堤雅的机票已经售罄。

广东梅州被誉为「世界客都」，也是著名侨乡，泰国、印尼、新加坡等东南亚地区分布着众多祖籍梅州的侨胞。

《泰国世界日报》

Smoking ban on 20 popular tourist beaches

Thailand bans smoking on 20 popular tourist beaches



Tourists sunbathe at Phuket's Patong beach on Nov 30, 2014.

Thailand is to ban smoking on some of the country's most popular tourist beaches, with the prospect of up to a year in prison for those caught lighting up, according to reports by local media.

The move follows a recent survey of litter on Patong beach, Phuket - visited by millions of foreign tourists each year - which found an average of 0.76 cigarette butts per square metre in a sample area, which would amount to 101,058 butts on the 2.5km-long stretch of sand.

The survey was undertaken by the country's department of marine and coastal resources, which described it as a "serious problem". Discarded cigarette butts accounted for a third of rubbish collected by the department.

"Cigarettes have a direct effect on the natural environment," director-general Jatuporn Buruspat told the Phuket Gazette .

"The butts clog the drains contributing to floods. When the cigarettes stay under the beach sand for a long time, it also negatively affects the ecosystem. And then when the chemicals from the cigarette butts reach the water, it also releases cadmium, lead, arsenic and some acid from insecticide which are poison to the natural food chain."

The ban, which will come into play in November, will affect 20 beaches including Patong, Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nai (Phuket); Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Khao Takiab (western province of Prachuap Khiri Khan); Pattaya, Jomtien, Bangsaen (eastern province of Chonburi) and Samila (Songkhla city).

After a trial period, the ban is expected to be enforced on all Thai beaches, as well as on passenger and tourist boats, to tackle the problem of butts damaging the underwater environment.

Anyone found to be breaking the law will face one year in jail or a maximum 100,000 baht (S$4,080) fine, or both.

The Bangkok Post also reported the news, adding that Thailand has the sixth most rubbish-strewn areas of sea in the world.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Chiang Mai improves its connectivity in readiness for Asean Tourism Forum 2018

Chiang Mai improves its connectivity in readiness for Asean Tourism Forum 2018



The Wat Rajamontean Temple in Chiang Mai, which is home to more than 300 temples.

Chiang Mai continues to expand international direct flights to Thailand’s northern gateway city as it prepares to meet demand leading up to the Asean Tourism Forum 2018 (ATF 2018) in January next year.

Mr Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said: “The increase in international direct flights will support the ATF 2018 theme of 'Asean - Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity.’

“Chiang Mai is a gateway to the north of Thailand. Delegates or tourists can enjoy their time in this northern city and then continue their journey to other parts of Thailand or within Asean via the many intra-regional and international connecting flights available.

“While flights are currently keeping up with demand, there is also available capacity to handle future growth as we expect hosting ATF 2018 will also result in more travellers wanting to visit Chiang Mai.”

He also noted that TAT has recently hosted several multi-country Asean familiarisation trips, linking Thailand with key commercial capitals around Asean to support intra-regional tourism growth.

In 2017, Chiang Mai is on track to welcome a total of 7,614 direct international flights and 567 indirect flights (via major destinations), with almost half coming from China (3,436 flights).

The top four cities of origin in China include Beijing and Shanghai (1,022 flights each), Guangzhou (664 flights), Kunming (450 flights) and Hangzhou (365 flights), with the remainder coming from Wuhan, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Haikou, Nanjing, Nanning, Qingdao, Xi’an and Chengdu.

Other international flights include from Hong Kong – 1,088 flights; Myanmar – 880 flights; Kuala Lumpur – 837 flights; Singapore – 489 flights; Macau – 365 flights; and Seoul with 242 flights (flight data from OAG).

The Bangkok to Chiang Mai domestic trunk route also continues to expand to meet the growing demand from Thai and international tourists.

Daily flight services from both airports are served by Thai Airways, Thai Smile Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and other Thailand-based carriers, in addition to international direct flights.

Chiang Mai is also linked domestically with other major Thai cities, including Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Surat Thani, Hat Yai and Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin).

Domestic flight services are also available between Chiang Mai and other secondary Thai cities, including Phitsanulok, Tak (Mae Sot), Ubon Ratchathani, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

油价贵 苏梅岛计程车拟上调车资

油价贵 苏梅岛计程车拟上调车资



素叻他尼府苏梅岛计程车协会向当地相关部门承诺，在搭载乘客时司机愿意使用计程表，但希望将计费标准调整为前2公里100铢，之后每公里收20铢，堵车情况每分钟收5铢，因为苏梅岛上的油价比其他地方贵。

苏梅岛旅游警署署长比亚攀昨天（7日）透露，苏梅岛旅游警察指挥官命令苏梅岛旅游警署赶紧解决计程车司机载客不打表问题，因为曾多次接到游客投诉，称计程车司机收费过高，旅游警署展开调查后发现该情况属实，如果长期放任不管，会严重影响苏梅岛的旅游形象。旅游警署为解决该问题，与素叻他尼府运输办事处、苏梅岛警署以及计程车业者代表开会讨论解决办法。

苏梅岛计程车协会在会议上总结，苏梅岛地区比较特殊，投资成本比其他地区高，特别是油价每升高出2-3铢，如果用计程表计价一定会亏本。因此提议将计程车收费标准调整为前2公里收100铢，之后每公里收20铢，如果堵车计程车无法移动，则每分钟收5铢。

如果当地相关部门接受以上提议，苏梅岛计程车协会将组织计程车司机调整收费标准，尽快在本月23日完成并展开试行工作。如果各相关部门通过上述提议，则提交给政府部门审核。如果公布采用新收费标准后还有计程车司机不打表，则按照法律处理，避免影响当地旅游形象。

版权声明：本文版权属于《泰国世界日报》

A Scrumptious blend of street food and tourism

A Scrumptious blend of street food and tourism



Food stalls and menus are undergoing a makeover in Chinatown and on Khao San Road, as city hall and TAT come together to attract more foreign and thai visitors alike

Bangkok is one of the best cities in the world for mouth-watering street food – as one US news network proclaimed recently.

This goes a long way in helping tourism, and authorities here are spicing up the appeal of Thai food by incorporating gastronomy into the Kingdom’s national tourism policy starting this October.

Indeed, plans are brewing to lead countrywide tourism promotion activities with food. Chinatown and Khao San Road are the most popular foodie destinations among foreign visitors.

On the surface, street fare may look affordable and innocuous, just like somtam and pad thai. In reality, it’s a gritty world of questionable food hygiene and overpriced seafood that’s populated by not just sidewalk vendors but slick money-laundering mafia bosses as well. Of course, vendors do know how to cook clean street food, yet many just don’t.

But that is changing. Authorities reckon it’s time such food is given a complete image makeover. This comes amid a set of stricter regulations being introduced by the Bangkok Metropo-litan Administration (BMA) that will change the face of street fare. That means ensuring the presence of street food in Bangkok’s tourism drive but in a better, regulated way.

“I have mentioned to several media outlets that it’s virtually impossible to do away with street food in Bangkok,” Vallop Suwandee told The Nation during an exclusive interview.

Vallop, chairman of the advisers to the governor of Bangkok, sees such food as not only a source of livelihood for the poor but also a tourist attraction. “We care about the poor quite a lot. But by caring, please do not equate this with the inconvenience caused to pedestrians. They have to be concerned about the convenience to pedestrians too,” he says.

Enjoying the flavour

In terms of tourism, Vallop says it’s the BMA’s duty to untiringly promote street food among Thais and foreign visitors to Bangkok “so they can enjoy the flavour and charm of street food in Thailand. The prime minister and the Bangkok governor appreciate the fact that CNN recognises our street food. The PM himself has instructed the BMA to make the charm of street food in Bangkok sustainable. We will not limit street food just to Chinatown and Khao San Road,” he states.

Vallop believes street food needs to be more sanitary, tasty, affordable – and not obstructive to pedestrians or road traffic. He is consulting Bangkok’s administrative laws and colleagues at the Public Health Department to make the two strips – BMA’s pilot scheme – fair to sidewalk vendors, pedestrians, diners and motorists. But that comes with meticulous regulations.

The move to regulate street food is being taken as a direct result of the BMA’s existing administrative law and complaints (through postcards and BMA’s hotline 1555) about food sanitation, pricing and pavement “congestion”.



Sanitation

A lack of sanitation is a major worry.

Vendors who cook food with their bare hands, wearing no gloves, aprons, or hats, grab the money from customers, then get back to cooking again. Many wash the dishes on the pavement, throw the day’s food waste into open sewers, or dump waste on the street without second thoughts. Regarding cooking, cheap palm oil is commonly used for dishes from fish cakes to gaprao gai.

The health-conscious would be easily put off by the levels of saturated fats in cheap cooking oils. Inky, for example, often goes to Yaowarat and Phetchaburi Soi 5 for street food and is alarmed by the lack of sanitation. “I think I like street food in Bangkok because it’s cheap and tasty.

But sometimes it’s hard to find parking, and I would like street food more if they improved on sanitation,” she says. Vallop admits food hygiene is not so good among sidewalk food stalls.

“We have to admit that the BMA has limited personnel, what with Bangkok’s total area of 1,574 square kilometres. It’s so vast. Still, we cannot deny this responsibility though there’s not enough personnel to supervise the sanitation of street food. In my opinion, maybe in the future, the city needs to outsource supervising powers to compensate for the shortages.

We have received complaints from the public that vendors just disregard or throw food leftovers into the drainage system of Yaowarat,” he says. Vallop explains that the sanitation strategy – devised a long time ago – involves personnel from the Public Health Department supervising all types of vendors, from fresh-produce markets to sidewalk food stalls.

“For example, the ingredients have to meet our sanitation standards. Moreover, the food on sale must not be contaminated and needs to follow our standards of freshness and no contamination,” he asserts.



Overcharging

Overcharging is also among the BMA’s concerns. “We have to admit that some of the street food vendors – especially those running seafood stalls – particularly in Chinatown overcharge their customers. Yes, we have received complaints from foreign and Thai visitors alike. Overcharging exists in general, but Chinatown is a place many would like to visit. So we are also going to bring order there and make it fair to the customer,” he says.

Vallop adds that the BMA is working with the Commerce Ministry to regulate food prices by taking Or Tor Kor Market’s pricing system as a benchmark. Vendors have to come up with a menu and a price list that can be seen clearly, Vallop says.

The cost of pad thai, for example, varies in Chinatown. “It depends on whether pad thai comes with seafood, or without meat. Normally pad thai without any meat should cost around Bt50. That’s the best price for street food. If you have shrimp, seafood or squid, it could cost more.

“Seafood is sold by weight. This is a matter for the Commerce Ministry that will compare food prices at Chinatown with those of Or Tor Kor. They have references. Some vendors charge exorbitant prices for other dishes too.

That’s why the ministry will step in,” he promises.Mafia Another major issue to be tackled is the local mafia pulling the strings behind street food stalls and shophouses in Bangkok. Vallop admits that if the BMA doesn’t step in to regulate street food, influential people – in other words, the local mafia – will.

“They [the mafia] have already stepped in,” he says, adding, “we have the names of all vendors, and according to our intelligence, we know who they [the influential people] are.

Some are vendors, but most of them are not. I am not saying that it’s Yaowarat alone, it’s all over Bangkok. In the past, we had this at Siam Square, Klong Thom, Silom and even on Sukhumvit Road.

What they do is rent out their spaces to vendors for storage. Right now, our governor is trying to clean up the house. All those who stray from the rules will be punished. A lot of city police have been transferred, moved, or dismissed from their positions.

In Chinatown, all those influential people should sacrifice themselves for what they have already earned. “They occupy maybe 10 slots of the pavement. And you have three factories, that means you have 30 slots occupied by individual vendors who act like nominees of these factories.

These factories just use the slots of the vendors as outlets for their products without paying tax or rent, and also cause inconvenience to the public. The public should be kept informed about all this,” he says.

All said, is Vallop afraid of the mafia? “I think everyone at city hall is working in good faith, serving the public. We have requested all those behind the scenes to be aware that we are serving the public. Everyone should respect the law. They should sacrifice themselves for the sake and benefit of the public. I think they know this.

Some people in certain areas, especially in the centre of Bangkok, are being closely watched by the anti-money laundering commission right now.

They are looking into their accounts and some figures are unexplainable,” he reveals.



Training vendors

The strict regulations are already being implemented. Vallop says the BMA is organising an orientation course in cooking – from food preparation to food safety and hygiene targeting sidewalk vendors.

“The BMA calls upon all food vendors [in Chinatown] to take the two-day orientation course no matter how many years they have been in the food business. The orientation course being held in conjunction with the Public Health Ministry will provide instructions on food preparation and the proper condition of ingredients, among other things. What fish sauce can they use, for example.

They just can’t use any ingredients or condiments. We will also train them on how to clean their hands appropriately, clean dishes, or operate in case they get the flu. The training is necessary because we won’t allow dish washing on the pavement anymore,” he pledges.

The two-day orientation course consists of a pre-test and a final test. If they don’t pass the final test, they won’t be allowed to go back to their business. Those who have passed the test will be issued an ID card with their photo and a barcode.

Things are indeed changing on the ground. Vallop says the vendors are moving their stalls to the outer edge of the pavement in Yaowarat so that pedestrians can walk along the space near the shophouses.

The left lane of four-laned Yaowarat Road is also reserved for pedestrians after 6pm. The owner of a noodle stall in Chinatown confirms new regulations are now being implemented. She has to move her stall from the middle of the subsoil to the outer edge. “Yes, new regulations have come into effect. We can’t put chairs in the middle of the soi anymore.

Stalls can be set up from 6pm only. I have to pay Bt500 to municipal police and another Bt500 to city police for the space,” she says. Another vendor who sells tube noodles stuffed with cabbage, bamboo shoots, pork and chicken says she has to wear both an apron and a hat as part of the regulations.

“Previously I wore only an apron, but not a hat. I pay rent of Bt1,000 a month and for operating on the pavement. You get fined Bt2,000 if you set up chairs on the street. You can sell food on the pavement only,” she says.

Vallop declares regulations for street food will be fully enforced towards the end of the year. With improvements to the street food scene, the goal is not to restrict promotion of street food to just the two foodie neighbourhoods but to highlight street food in Bangkok in its entirety as part of the national tourism plan.

The BMA is working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to maximise the impact of food on tourism. BMA and TAT officials are discussing ways to promote street food in Chinatown, Khao San and other areas. “We will go into details such as how to make Yaowarat food stalls remain free from uniformity of stall design.

TAT would like Yaowarat and Khao San to retain their own identity, not to make stalls look the same,” Vallop says. Vallop’s vision of Bangkok street food is influenced by his overseas travels.

To him, the countries in Asia that have the best street food management include Singapore and Japan. “I think people in Singapore are so disciplined and concerned about the public and not so ‘individualistic’. They don’t act according to their own whims. It all comes down to public awareness.

Everyone should be aware that it is their duty to respect the law.”



Gastronomy tourism

Eating is driving tourism these days, says Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for Marketing Communications at TAT. Food is part of TAT’s grand scheme of gastronomy tourism. Street food is a segment that won’t be promoted on its own but as part of Thailand’s gastronomy tourism.

“In Thailand you can dine at several places – from street food stalls to resorts and restaurants. Street food is an important dimension that helps tourists learn about Thainess,” Chattan points out.

Chattan insists Thailand is ready to tap into gastronomy tourism given the dramatic increase in food-related spending by foreign visitors.

“We have learned that over the past three years, the main reason for coming to Thailand has been food, then it’s shopping and Thai hospitality. Food has become the No 1 reason for three years in a row. It’s clear spending on food is on the increase every year. Thailand is ready to push gastronomy tourism.

We have lots of high-quality restaurants where our chefs’ skills are recognised widely,” says Chattan. “We will have marketing promotions using food as the main thrust. For example, in Phuket, they will have to try seafood.

If we are promoting Chiang Mai, food – for example khao soi – will be used to promote the destination. For Ayutthaya, you need to try grilled river prawns.

There are many ways that food can add up to tourism strategy,” he says.‘Wide choice’ As for the capital, Chattan says food is one of Bangkok’s enduring charms. It’s a city where one can eat around the clock with a wide choice of not just Thai food but Japanese, French, Italian, Indian cuisine and more.

“I agree with the BMA for starting with Chinatown and Khao San as a pilot project. Doing this across the board is difficult. Later, we can carry out the project in other places. Thai-land is well recognised by tourists. But there are ‘a million shades of Thailand’.

So, open up to the new shade!” Vallop reckons street food not only tastes good but should also be integrated with our renowned Thai hospitality and ‘Thai smile’. “Vendors need to keep in mind that they are not just presenting Thailand to visitors.

They need to be aware that visitors will go back to their countries and help us promote the charms and taste of street food and Thai food to their friends and families. “On behalf of my governor and city hall, we would like to express our appreciation to visitors for coming to taste street food in Bangkok.

I hope they will have lingering memories of their experiences here so they can convey these pleasant experiences to their friends. In this way, we can get more visitors coming to Bangkok. I would also like visitors to understand that city hall cares about cleanliness and food hygiene,” Vallop says.

~Courtesy of The Nation~

泰国湾风浪强 苏梅岛吁游客安全第一

泰国湾风浪强 苏梅岛吁游客安全第一



素叻他尼府(Surat Thani)素苏梅岛(Koh Samui)码头办事处提醒客船业者，出海时要做好各项保护游客安全的措施。气象台天气预报提醒，泰国湾风力强劲，海浪变凶猛，小型船只禁出海。指船只业者要及时关注气象台天气预报的消息，以及苏梅岛码头办事处发布的通知。

苏梅岛地区码头办事处负责人阁里叻，于昨天（31日）前往苏梅岛县码头检查码头客船的安全防范措施，这些船只包括有从其他地方抵达苏梅岛、帕岸岛和龟岛的船只。他说，据气象台天气预报通知，近期在泰国湾出海的客船要特别注意各项安全保护措施，因泰国湾的风力渐加强，离岸浪高大约2-3米，为此提醒各客船业者在行船中要特别注意保护乘客的生命安全。

阁里叻指出，苏梅岛码头办事处已以书面形式，通知苏梅岛县各个客船业者要做好各项载客安全防范措施，让客船业者检查船上的安全设备，例如救生衣和各种出行安全防范工具。此外，客船业者包括大型客船、小型客船、汽艇等也要及时关注气象台预报。出海时，船只业者要向苏梅岛码头办事处登记或报告。至于小渔船在这期间禁止出海。

另外，客船船长在将游客载送到泰国湾的各岛屿时，出行时要特别注意保护乘客的生命安全问题，及时提醒乘客穿好救生衣。此外，客船入港时也一样，等船只停稳后再让乘客下船。无论如何，不​​管是客船出行还是客船抵达码头，客船业者都要以保护乘客的生命安全为第一要务。

此外，为了树立游客出行旅游苏梅岛、帕岸岛和龟岛的安全信心，昨天（31日）起至本月3日，客船业者都要为游客做好搭船出海的各项安全防范措施。

《泰国世界日报》

最具特色水灯评比 将亮相素可泰

最具特色水灯评比 将亮相素可泰



素可泰府(Sukothai)府尹披帕昨天（31日）表示，欢迎广大游客于11月1-5日到素可泰国家历史公园参加水灯节活动，届时将举办以诗琳通公主殿下名义开展的最具特色水灯评比。今年水灯节期间的流动资金估计可达到5-7亿铢。

披帕表示，今年素可泰府水灯节庆祝活动在11月1-5日期间在素可泰府国家历史公园举行，活动主题为「共同缅怀先王」，活动包括放水灯、各类水灯巡游、孔明灯巡游等，同时于1日举办祭拜素可泰历届国王活动，于3日举办以诗琳通公主殿下名义开展的水灯评比活动。

披帕还表示，水灯节活动期间还将举办「从第九世王到第十世王，泰国皇室传承展览活动」，素可泰府古集市黎明布施斋僧活动、各类历史古典局表演、夜间篝火演出活动，以及共同参加放水灯活动等。估计整个活动期间将吸引超过10万人参加，为素可泰府带来5-7亿铢的流动资金。

《泰国世界日报》

下月起开放至凌晨2时 马泰关卡增60官员

下月起开放至凌晨2时 马泰关卡增60官员



移民局全国总监拿督斯里慕斯达法（左4）带领北马各州移民厅官员誓言反贪，左2为吉打州局长祖海尔，右3为反贪会副局长苏威。

吉北黑木山马泰边境关卡将在11月1日起开放至凌晨2时，而首相纳吉将在当天亲临巡视。

移民局全国总监拿督斯里慕斯达法证实这项消息时说，黑木山关卡的开放时间将从原本的18小时增加至20小时。为了配合时间的延长需要更多人手轮班，黑木山关卡获批准增加60名移民厅官员。

2019年24小时开放

他是周二上午在米都出席一项北马区移民局尽忠职守集会及宣誓反贪仪式后向在场媒体透露，黑木山关卡也将在2019年1月1日全面开放24小时，而移民局已经作好准备接受新的挑战，尤其采用先进的生物辨识数码技术在制止非法入境方面全力以赴。



吉北黑木山边境关卡将在11月1日起开放至凌晨2时（档案照）。

~以上新闻转自光华日报~

马泰边境关税大厦升级 料2019年6月竣工

马泰边境关税大厦升级 料2019年6月竣工



许福光（中）与鲁斯里（右1）讨论提升工程的图测。左为丹尼尔。

马泰边境玻璃市州巴东勿刹移民、关税、检疫及安全（ICQS）大厦正在进行提升工程，预计于2019年6月全面竣工，解决出入境及通关阻塞问题。

玻州移民局代主任鲁斯里说，提升工程从今年6月开始阶段性地进行，第一阶段将在半年之后完成，全面工程则预计于2019年6月完成。

他说，巴东勿刹关卡开放出入境的时间是清晨6时至晚上10时。

他说，随着提升工程展开，各执法单位已做好准备，有秩序地检查民众出入境通关的工作。



一辆从大马离境返回泰国的摩托车骑士，在摩托车上安装挡雨和防晒的小帐蓬。

最早或2019年初完工

工程承包商Perniagaan Usahakita私人有限公司的场地技术人员丹尼尔说，工程预计于2019年6月完成，若一切顺利，可能提早至年初1月便完工。

他说，这项工程包括兴建一座两层楼新建筑物、提升现有的移民局大厦的设施、提升通关柜台、增加通关通道至5条、更换建筑物的新屋顶等。

他指出，汽车的通关通道将从原本2条，增至3条，其余两条分别是巴士及摩托。

他说，罗里的通关通道将移至附近的渔业发展局大厦。



巴东勿刹入境泰国的关卡通道（左边）经常阻塞，反观从泰国入境巴东勿刹的关卡通道（右边）则十分顺畅。

许福光提醒民众耐心等待

马华知知丁宜州议员许福光提醒使用巴东勿刹关卡入境泰国的民众，耐心等待工程完成，届时就不会再面对交通阻塞的问题。

他也呼吁民众遵守交通规则，顺序排队及避免超车，以免造成不必要的情况发生，而加剧阻塞。

针对此事，许福光希望当局能在摩托车通道安装屋顶，尤其是阻塞问题发生时，排在外面队伍的摩托车骑士被迫晒太阳或淋雨。

~以上新闻转自光华日报~

Asean to open skies further

Asean to open skies further

Asean countries signed the protocol to put into place a package of commitments to further liberalise air transport services in the region.

At the 23rd Asean Transport Ministers Meeting, the countries also agreed to improve connectivity among member states.

Transport ministers and senior officials from Asean member countries attended the two-day meeting. Also present were dialogue partners from China, Japan and South Korea.

Among the highlights of the meeting was the conclusion of the “tenth package of commitments on air transport services under the Asean Framework of Services”.

Liow said the ministers also signed the protocol of domestic code-share rights, allowing code­-sharing arrangements between the marketing airline and domestic airline in Asean member countries.

“This would increase connectivity between Malaysia and other Asean member states.

“At the same time, it would enable designated airlines of Malaysia to offer their passengers a wide range of travel options which can extend beyond the airlines’ own network and route structure,” he added.

Liow said the ministers signed the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Flight Crew Licensing, which would facilitate air services to complement liberalisation efforts in Asean, and ensure the highest degree of security in international air transport.

They also reached an agreement on the Facilitation of Cross Border Transport of Passengers by Road Vehicles.

“This is to promote seamless cross-border mobility of passengers between Asean member states,” said Liow.

He added that the ministers had concluded the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the authorities in charge of aircraft accident investigation under the Asean-China partnership.

“This agreement would further strengthen Malaysia’s cooperation with China in relation to aircraft accident and incident investigations, sharing experiences and expertise in various specialist fields, equipment and research,” he said.

~News courtesy of The Star~

泰马黑木山关卡开放20小时

泰国 - 马来西亚黑木山关卡开放20小时

掌管吉打州工业投资事务的拿督古阿都拉曼行政议员表示，州政府的最终目標是24小时开放黑木山关卡，但会先试验性开放20小时，主要是確保一切可达到预期的顺畅。

他今日在吉打州议会回答巫统黑木山区州议员阿末再尼的口头询问时指出，州政府提议在该处打造黑木山免税区计划，中央政府已批准1亿6800万令吉的拨款进行这项计划。

该计划佔地4736公顷，拥有高级和普通住宅、工业发展、教育、休閒发展于一身，由吉打大臣阿末峇沙倡议的黑木山免税区计划已由乡村及城市发展部门完成了整个发展蓝图计划书，並交由財政部作最后决定。

阿都拉曼说，州政府也在与中国外资商谈洽耗资20亿令吉的中国轮胎厂计划，这个计划一旦落实，可製造5000个就业机会，而且每年有能力生產1500万条轮胎，目前的马牌（Continental）厂每年只能生產400万条轮胎。

~以上新闻转自东方日报~

Hotel

โรงแรม

rong raem

Hotel

旅店，饭店

普吉岛芭东30家知名酒店 推优惠套餐

芭东30家知名酒店 推优惠套餐

普吉岛章西銮贸易中心与普吉芭东区30家知名酒店合作举办活动，为国内外游客提供优惠套餐，促进当地旅游业发展，增加游客购买力。

章西銮贸易中心主席巴威昨天（7日）表示，普吉芭东区30多家知名酒店合作举办活动，为国内外游客提供优惠的住宿套餐，游客可拿着酒店的房卡前往章西銮贸易中心，展示给Tourist Privilege展区的工作人员，便可换取纪念品以及5-50%的优惠券。这些优惠券可用于章西銮贸易中心内部，参与合作的商铺和其他服务等。

上述活动不仅能给游客带来更多的优惠套餐，还可以为芭东区的酒店创造良好的合作关系，共同促进当地旅游业发展，刺激游客消费。参与活动的酒店均安排有接送服务，负责接送游客前往章西銮贸易中心。对此，预计此次活动在旅游旅游淡季期间，可以帮助贸易中心提高不低于15%的交易量。目前平均每天有4万5000至5万名游客来到贸易中心消费，现场气氛非常热闹。

《泰国世界日报》

宋卡旅游节登场 优惠多多

宋卡旅游节登场 优惠多多



「2017年宋卡旅游节」于昨天（9日）在合艾国际会议中心开幕，现场有各种活动，包括住宿优惠活动，服务优惠活动等。

「2017年宋卡旅游节」举办时间为本月9-10日，举办方要求各个旅游业者参与活动，包括酒店业者、度假村业者、旅行社等，在合艾国际会议中心共设置了100多个展台，为参展的民众、游客提供优质服务，刺激民众出游。

活动期间，参展的旅游业者为民众、游客提供住宿、旅游项目等优惠。此外，还对各个旅游景点进行详细介绍，吸引民众、游客购买旅游服务。

旅游节开幕当天还有Travel Talk活动，让旅游达人讲述旅游趣事和交流经验。此外，还有各种精彩表演和4部域美食供大家观赏、品尝，而各个府治的特色手工艺品也会出现在旅游节上，大家可以参与某部分的制作过程。

感兴趣的民众、游客可前往合艾国际会议中心参加旅游节，今天是最后一天，时间为早上10时30分至晚上8时30分。

《泰国世界日报》

南韩客热衷泰国游 泰拳受追捧

南韩客热衷泰国游 泰拳受追捧

观光与体育部长果甘女士昨天（7日）表示，南韩游客热衷泰国游，今年前7个月赴泰旅游的南韩游客超过70万人，其中泰拳是南韩游客最喜爱的项目，在南韩已经开设300多家泰拳馆，并受邀参加在大城府举办的拜泰拳师父国际活动。

果甘女士表示，泰国和南韩2018年建交60周年，两国政府将举办一系列庆祝活动，其中泰国旅游年的目标之一包括吸引更多南韩游客来泰国旅游，2016年来泰国旅游的南韩游客达140万人次，今年前7个月已经超过70万人次，从人口比率来说，南韩是来泰国旅游人次较多的国家。目前两国之间的航班每天超过20架次，清迈和普吉也有直飞航班。

南韩有300多个泰拳馆，学习泰拳的人数超过3万人，所以观光与体育部邀请南韩代表参加在大城府举行的每年泰拳拜师国际活动。泰国是南韩民众最喜欢出行的目的地国家之一，泰国观光与体育部把南韩游客列为高品质游客行列，希望南韩游客喜欢泰国之行，并再次选择到泰国旅游。

《泰国世界日报》

Chicken Rice 鸡饭

ข้าวมันไก่

khao man gai

Chicken Rice

鸡饭

Phuket’s captured croc sets off debate about tourism and wildlife

Phuket’s captured croc sets off debate about tourism and wildlife

A three-metre-long saltwater crocodile found swimming off a beach on the resort island of Phuket last week, which is now in captivity after being caught last Friday, has become the unwitting talk of the town regarding maritime safety and its own immediate future.

Tourists have been warned to stay out of the water at Phuket’s northern beaches after the reptile was spotted in the sea on August 28.

The crocodile, which is believed to be male, was spotted at Mai Khao Beach and a tourist used a drone to take photos to prove its presence at the beach, which is heavily populated with hotels, resorts and tourists.

The photos of the crocodile at the busy beach subsequently hit the headlines in both the local and international media.

The attention led to the capture of the reptile last Friday and its transfer to a holding tank at a fishery centre in Thalang district last Friday, but the story did not end there.

Many members of the public have since taken to online media to make their opinions known after Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong took an interest in the animal, telling local media that the Fisheries Department would decide whether relevant authorities would provide care for it, possibly at an aquarium or zoo.

Although it is still unclear whether the animal had escaped from captivity or was raised in the wild, people have clamoured for its “return” to nature, including on the public advocacy website change.org, with 5,463 people signing a petition of support as of yesterday afternoon.

The public concern reached a crescendo after the media reported that the crocodile was refusing to eat, signalling that it was feeling stress in captivity, with animal lovers expressing their opinions on social networks, saying the site where it had been found was its habitat, which humans had encroached upon.

Sasin Chalermlarp, president of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation conservation group, proposed that the crocodile be moved to a new location before it is returned to nature.

Rangsarit Kanjanavanit, a member of the same foundation, said the crocodile should not have been captured in the first place, adding that it could live harmoniously with humans.

“It’s important to preserve this rare saltwater crocodile and let it live freely.

It should be released back to the sea as soon as possible.”

Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a noted marine biologist, said there should be a serious discussion about the reptile’s safety before it is released into nature. “It would not be good if the crocodile is killed after returning to the sea.”

~News courtesy of The Nation~

Phi Phi islands

Phi Phi islands

Phi Phi islands are considered to be one of the most enchanting islands of Southeast Asia.

These places are accessible through a 90 minute ferryboat ride either from Phuket or Krabi.

Offering both land-based and water-based activities, Phi Phi islands are renowned for their stunning tropical beaches.

Glowing and clear turquoise waters bustling with multi-colored oceanic life and massive yet staggering rock formations.

This archipelago of six islands magnetizes hundreds of tourists to behold its paradise perfect panoramas.

You can experience these things while being mesmerized with the beauty of these islands:

Take a visit to Phi Phi Leh hosting the world-famous Maya Bay.

Witness a tropical dream come true by holidaying in the Bamboo Island

Treat yourself to a once in a lifetime rock climbing experience

on the lofty limestone cliffs.

~Info courtesy of The Nation~

New complex at Thai-Malaysian checkpoint

New complex at checkpoint

A new complex for heavy vehicles passing through the Malaysia-Thailand border will be set up at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) facility here.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who announced this after chairing a high-level committee meeting on the ICQS security here, said the new Heavy Vehicles Complex makes up 60% of Phase 1 of ICQS.

The remaining 40% comprises a Light Vehicle Complex, Operational and Administrative Office as well as public amenities.

“Five departments and agencies will start operating at the ICQS on Nov 1.

“This committee will visit the ICQS again at a later date to check on its operations,” Dr Ahmad Zahid told reporters after chairing the meeting at the Malaysian Border Control Agency Complex.

Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharum.

The full handing over of the new RM425mil complex by the developer, Syarikat Northern Gateway Infrastructure Sdn Bhd, will be carried out at a later date.

The ICQS will open for 20 hours a day from Nov 1. From January onwards, it will operate around the clock.

Dr Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that all issues and problems could be overcome in order to realise the aspirations of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to turn Malaysia into a transportation and logistical hub for the Asean region.

“We are serious in tackling any issues in order to realise what had been directed by the Prime Minister,” he said.

Commenting on the 24-hour operations for the ICQS, Dr Ahmad Zahid said he had met with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan to discuss the matter.

~News courtesy of Bernama~

Singaporeans can use passport scanners at Thailand's Suvarnabhumi airport

Singaporeans can use passport scanners at Thailand's Suvarnabhumi airport

Singaporeans flying to Thailand can now use the Automated Gate (Auto Gate) at Suvarnabhumi Airport to enter the country, the Royal Thai Embassy announced on Sunday (Aug 20).

This comes after the country said it will "start using Auto Gate to perform immigration check for foreign visitors to enter the Kingdom of Thailand by air".

The announcement posted on the embassy's Facebook page added that Singapore will be the "first country" to be allowed to use the service.

"Singapore is the first country to be allowed to use this Auto Gate at Suvarnabhumi airport. The Immigration Bureau of Thailand will consider adding other countries to the list for the Auto Gate in the near future.

"Singapore Travellers who wish to use the Auto Gate do not need to do preliminary register with the Thai immigration office. At the Auto Gate, the system will record passenger information and fingerprints for identification on subsequent trips. It can also be linked to airlines' check-in systems to verify passengers' identities," the announcement added.

The Auto Gate passport scanners which was reserved for Thai nationals can only be used by visitors who are entering Thailand for tourism purposes. For other reasons, visitors need to apply for a visa and go through the regular immigration checking process, the embassy statement added.

According to the embassy, the decision to allow Singaporeans to use the Auto Gate was based on "an analysis of security and on a reciprocal agreement, as Singapore is now considering allowing Thai nationals to use its automatic gates."

The Immigration Bureau of Thailand is considering expanding the use of Auto Gate to other airports, including Don Mueang, U-tapao and Phuket, it added.

~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~

Malaysia to implement VEP fee at Thai border

JPJ: Malaysia to implement VEP fee at Thai border

Malaysia will implement road charges and the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system at the Thai border soon, said the Road Transport Department.

Its director-general Datuk Seri Nadzri Siron said the Transport Ministry was studying the matter and carrying out surveys on the number of vehicles crossing bordering states in Perlis, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan.

"JPJ as the executing agency has started its work at all the border states. It will be the same as how it is implemented at the Johor Baru–Singapore border.

"The charges would be the same, which is RM20 for every foreign registered vehicle entering Malaysia, and RM5 from that will be given to the state government," he told a press conference after the "One Community One JPJ" event here on Monday.

He added that the VEP, which will be carried out at the same time, would see a better record of vehicles entering the country.

~News courtesy of The Star~

水中竹筏景点吸睛 吹出来的！

水中竹筏景点吸睛 吹出来的！



那空那育府(Nakhon Nayok)空玛德瀑布-龙攀公园，日前在社交网站发布一组优美的河中竹床观景宣传图，从图片中清楚地看到清澈的河水、优美如画的风景，吸引很多网友想前去体验，一睹优美的观光美景。

话说网上的宣传照片实在优美，但现实与想象相差实在太大，有网友去了回来说，景色太差，水不清景不美，且周边还有很多苍蝇蚊子。

那空那育府直辖县龙攀公园的竹排河床在社交网站吸引很多网友浏览，点击浏览次数超过25万人次。

这组图片显示的是一幅风景优美、山清水秀、竹排河床上听水声的优美画面，吸引很多网友点击浏览，并说想去体验这优美的画面，且公园入场券才20铢，相当划算。

社交脸书网友Beach Still Pmb昨天（23日）说，因之前看到龙攀公园推出的竹排河床观光旅游景观很美，于是便在本月21日前往体验一番，但去到后看到的景观令人大失所望。

竹排河床安在凹凸不平的岩石边上，环境不干净、周围有很多的苍蝇。

此前，进出公园的道路也很难走，崎岖不平，有些还是泥土路。所以，建议没去过的朋友还是另选他处吧！

另外，本月18日，那空那育府镇管理组织主席本猜及军警等人前往龙攀公园调查，并控告该经营人侵占公共河流，没收其的所有物品，以及下令60天内拆除一栋建筑物。

《泰国世界日报》

免签证费措施将到期 观光部：不需再实施

免签证费措施将到期 观光部：不需再实施

观光与体育部常务次长蓬帕诺表示，准备向内阁报告对中国等21个国家实施免签证费及落地签证费减半措施评估结果，并提出不再继续实施该措施意见，因为该措施将于8月31日到期。

而且根据今年上半年的情况来看，之前因受整顿零团费行为影响的旅游业已经好转，达到一个平衡状态，所以不需要继续实施上述优惠措施。

今年上半年旅游收益1.37兆，中外籍游客市场收益8760亿铢，国内市场5000亿铢。

之前内阁通过对中国等21个国家实施免签证费及落地签证费减半措施，是因为泰国旅游业受整顿零团费以及一些不稳定事件影响，政府才通过该项措施来刺激旅游业发展。

《泰国世界日报》

考察考讪路美食街 强调安全卫生

考察考讪路美食街 强调安全卫生



观光与体育部常务次长蓬帕诺昨天（19日）表示，观光与体育部联合曼谷市政府大力推动美食旅游，并率工作团队到考讪路考察「考讪路美食街」情况，要求餐厅厨师、服务员必须戴帽子和系围裙，剩菜剩饭依照规定处理，以提升广大游客的满意度，同时加强游客生命及财产安全保障。指今年考讪路餐饮业收入将超过7.5亿铢。

蓬帕诺表示，观光与体育部正在把曼谷打造成为美食之都，与曼谷市政府合作规划数条「美食街」，因为泰国美食越来越受到世界各国游客的青睐。其中考讪路就是著名的美食街之一。

当天，蓬帕诺率工作人员到考讪路考察并品尝各类美食，同时向所有的餐厅和摊贩宣传食品卫生，要求餐厅厨师、服务员、食品摊经营者必须戴帽子、系围裙，剩菜剩饭要按照规定处理，餐具要保证干净卫生，让广大游客品尝到安全、卫生、可口的泰国美食。而旅游警察、当地警察要全面加强游客生命和财产安全保障工作。

蓬帕诺表示，目前考讪路有固定餐厅和临时摊贩170个，全年餐饮收入将超过7.5亿铢，平均每个月的收入达到6200万铢，其中60%是临时摊贩、流动摊贩、饮料摊位、甜品摊、冰淇淋摊和玩具摊的收入，40%是各类以泰菜、日本菜和西餐为主的餐厅收入。

他表示，推动美食旅游项目可以为泰国旅游业带来更大收益，因为泰国美食受到世界各国游客的青睐，喜欢品尝泰国美食游客主要来自于中国、俄罗斯、英国、马来西亚和美国。相信随着美食旅游的兴起将大大推动整个国家的经济收入。

《泰国世界日报》

在泰国的哪里看云海迎接冬天 ?

在泰国的哪里看云海迎接冬天 ?

一、首先，来看看清莱府清空县的一个好地方Rai Saeng Arun Resort，她就躲在深山里， 她会使你跟大自然几乎溶为一体，如果你想带爱人偷偷约会，建议你这就是最适合的 地方，电话096 565 9495。









二、如果你喜欢夜丰顺云南华裔村落的冬天景色，建议你到爱泰村走一趟，那里住着 一群旅泰云南乡亲，他们会准备真诚热情及美味热茶招待你。到了那里就如回到家， 直得介绍的住处就是Leewinerukthai Resort，电话 0895529650 , 0892621335，去 体验一下山上的美吧。







三、清迈府美林县有个奇特的渡假村，建筑怪怪但住得舒服，你应该也要知道一下她的美，Bann Wa Ya 渡假村就在山顶上，让你可以一览群山，体验无止禁的视野，一清早观云海后迎接太阳的升起，绝对 会是你一生难忘的地方。联系电话097 932 2282，快快打去，也许还有剩一间给你。







四、或你觉得不够剌激，想要进到更深山野林去，那建议你到清迈府清岛县的LeeSu Homestay， 这个绝对是挑战自己的好地方，民宿屋顶是用茅草盖的，其他结构都是竹子建成，住进去你就变成 他们的村民了，说不定还会有些青纯少女因为好奇一直围着你的小草屋不走。这里没有电视，也没 有手机讯号，只有大自然跟热情的村民，有兴趣吗? 有的话快打电话0917247536。







版权声明：本文版权属于《泰国世界日报》