Full Moon Party draws over 10,000 revellers in Phangan
Full Moon Party draws over 10,000 revellers in PhanganParty-goers flock to the first full-scale Full Moon Party since the Covid-19 epidemic began, on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani on Saturday night. (Photo: Supapong Chaolan)SURAT THANI: Haad Rin beach on Koh Phangan island off this southern coastal province was packed with revellers for the first full-scale Full Moon Party since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic on Saturday night. After the party was over, most of the tourists returned to the mainland by ferry to Don Sak or to Koh Samui. Manop Sae Tiew, a Koh Phangan resident, said the return of a large number of foreign tourists indicated the Full Moon Party was still in their minds after a long suspension. The last full-scale Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan was on Feb 8, 2020 during the onset of the first outbreak of Covid-19 in the kingdom.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 17, 2022 17:28 UTC
'Inhuman' situation in Ukraine's Mariupol as Russia claims almost full control
'Inhuman' situation in Ukraine's Mariupol as Russia claims almost full controlMoscow officials now say they are in full control in Mariupol, though Ukrainian fighters remain holed up in the city's fortress-like steelworksKYIV: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the situation in Mariupol is "inhuman" and called on the West to immediately provide heavy weapons, as Russia claimed it was in control of almost all of the strategic port city and urged its last defenders to surrender. But in the south, the devastated city of Mariupol has become a symbol of Ukraine's unexpectedly fierce resistance since Russian troops invaded the former Soviet state on February 24. Moscow officials now say they are in full control there, though Ukrainian fighters remain holed up in the city's fortress-like steelworks. "The elimination of our troops, of our men (in Mariupol) will put an end to any negotiations," Zelensky told the Ukrainska Pravda news website. Russia warned the United States this week of "unpredictable consequences" if it sends its "most sensitive" weapons systems to Ukraine.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 17, 2022 13:45 UTC
Praise be to Trump
People bow their heads in prayer at a rally held by former president Donald Trump in Commerce, Georgia, on March 26. JENNA SCHOENEFELD/nytThe Christian right has been intertwined with American conservatism for decades, culminating in the Donald Trump era. At a Trump rally in Michigan recently, a local evangelist offered a prayer that stated, "Father in heaven, we firmly believe that Donald Trump is the current and true president of the United States". Even before the pandemic, he and other worship leaders were courted by Mr Trump, who identified celebrities within the charismatic movement as natural allies. Compared with 2016, Trump rallies are taking on the feel of worship events, from the stage to the audience.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 17, 2022 13:06 UTC
Students to get Pfizer Covid-19 boosters in time for new school year
Opas said DDC has chosen the Pfizer vaccine because it boosts immunity and causes very few side effects. He added that the vaccines are ready for direct use without being mixed with saline water and can be stored for another 10 weeks or so under 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. He said each student will only be administered 15 micrograms to minimise side effects. The DDC chief said students will be given their jabs through the school system, though those who have chronic diseases and are being schooled at home must get their booster at a hospital.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 17, 2022 05:42 UTC
Mice industry eyes 2022 comeback
The atmosphere at 'Thailand International Health Expo 2022' held during March 2022. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The Mice industry (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) has experienced a shift to mostly virtual events over the past two years. - Preparing for a rebound -As the industry starts to see positive signs, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is rolling out a plan to attract Mice events and travellers to Thailand. It also offers subsidies and privileges to facilitate Mice travellers, such as a Mice Lane, which has already expanded its services to Don Mueang Airport and Phuket Airport. - Seeking partnership -"Long-haul Mice travellers might take a longer time to rebound.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 16, 2022 17:03 UTC
Russia hits Kyiv missile factory after flagship sunk
Russia hits Kyiv missile factory after flagship sunkThe Vizar missile factory targeted by overnight strikes after Ukraine claimed to have used cruise missiles to hit and sink a Russia warshipKYIV (UKRAINE) - Russia pounded a Ukrainian rocket factory following the sinking of its Black Sea flagship, as President Volodymyr Zelensky said his allies could shorten the war by delivering the weapons he had requested. The Vizar factory, near Kyiv's international airport, was seriously damaged in the overnight strikes, an AFP journalist saw on Friday. US media reported that Russia had sent a formal complaint to Washington about its support of Kyiv this week. Zelensky warned Friday that Russia might use nuclear weapons out of desperation as its invasion falters, echoing recent comments by CIA director William Burns. Unlike Sweden, Finland neighbours Russia, from which it declared independence in 1917 after 150 years of Russian rule.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 16, 2022 16:43 UTC
TAT targets young Indian tourists to compensate missing China income
China was Thailand’s biggest market for foreign tourists pre-Covid, but the country has issued a travel ban for its citizens amid fresh lockdowns. TAT expects at least 12 Thai and Indian airlines to join the travel bubble scheme. “This group consists of about 600 million people or 42 per cent of India’s total population of 1.4 billion. It is also bigger than the population of Chinese under 25 years old, at around 400 million people,” he said. The targeted new-gen Indians would also high-spending tourists planning weddings in Thailand, he added.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 16, 2022 06:58 UTC
Chinese astronauts return after six months in space
(Photo: AFP)Three Chinese astronauts landed in northern China on Saturday after 183 days in space, ending the country's longest crewed space mission to date. Wang became the first Chinese woman to spacewalk last November, as she and her colleague Zhai installed space station equipment during a six-hour stint. Six months will become the normal astronaut residence period aboard the Chinese space station, according to the state broadcaster. - Space race -The world's second-largest economy has put billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a permanently crewed space station by 2022 and eventually sending humans to the Moon. China has been excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) since 2011, when the US banned the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) from engaging with it.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 16, 2022 06:39 UTC
Who can get free Covid treatment at any hospital now?
The centre said it had verified the information with the Office of the Public Health Permanent Secretary, to clear up confusion on social media about the latest Covid-19 treatment scheme. Hence, the Public Health Ministry has instructed all emergency medical centres and hospitals to allow admission of Covid-19 patients who fit the following criteria:- Aged over 60. - Suffer any of the following seven health problems: chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer patients under chemotherapy, radiotherapy and autoimmune therapy, diabetes, and obesity. - Not been vaccinated, not yet fully vaccinated, not yet received booster shot. The ministry has urged people to follow the latest updates at its website https://ops.moph.go.th/public/ or by phoning (02) 590 1000.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 16, 2022 03:15 UTC
N Korea celebrates founder's birthday; US prepares for provocations
Jets and helicopters flew low over central Pyongyang on Thursday night indicating a possible military parade, specialist service NK News cited sources in the capital as saying. (Photo: AFP)In recent years, North Korea has held military parades at night and then edited footage for airing several hours later on state TV. But as of 7.30pm local time Friday, North Korea had not made any statement about a parade or shown any footage. North Korea had previously used the celebrations to show off its military might, parade new weapons through the streets of Pyongyang and hold rallies demonstrating support for its leader. The Joe Biden administration’s envoy for North Korea policy, Sung Kim, said earlier this month Pyongyang may be looking at a nuclear or missile test to coincide with the events.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 15, 2022 22:58 UTC
More than 100 hurt in Jerusalem clashes as religious festivals overlap
More than 100 hurt in Jerusalem clashes as religious festivals overlapPalestinian demonstrators clash with Israeli police at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound on April 15, 2022JERUSALEM: More than 100 people were wounded on Friday in clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli police at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound, in fresh violence as Jewish and Christian festivals overlap with Ramadan. A Palestinian Red Crescent official said 117 people were rushed to hospitals and "dozens of other injuries" were treated at the scene. Witnesses said Palestinian protesters threw stones at Israeli security forces, who fired rubber-coated bullets and sound grenades towards some of them. An AFP photographer said more than 100 Palestinians were seen hurling projectiles towards the Israeli security forces. Three Palestinians died Thursday as Israeli forces launched fresh raids into the West Bank flashpoint district of Jenin, a week after the Bnei Brak attack.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 15, 2022 19:38 UTC
JPMorgan CEO Says 'Powerful Forces' Threaten U.S. Economy
Those extra funds could cushion the bank if the economy tips into recession, sending loan defaults higher. "Those are very powerful forces, and those things are going to collide at one point," he said. The bank recorded a profit of $8.28 billion in the first quarter, down from $14.3 billion a year ago. The unit also took $524 million in losses related to the bank's commodities and Russia exposure, including $120 million in trading losses tied to nickel. Fixed-income trading was down 1%, and equities trading fell 7%.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 15, 2022 11:14 UTC
Schoolboy, 13, allegedly shot dead by classmate
The incident happened at around 8.30am when the victim was entering the classroom. The accused allegedly pulled out a gun and shot him in the head and fled the scene before the school’s security guard managed to capture him. The police found a 7.65mm pistol and black costume, including a mask which the boy was wearing, while he committed the crime before changing into a school uniform. The boy has reportedly confessed to the police that he had stolen the gun from his father because he was allegedly bullied by the victim.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 15, 2022 09:31 UTC
Thailand showcases its horticultural prowess at ‘Floriade 2022’
This was soon after the expo was officially opened by the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander. The expo, held in the Dutch city of Almere this year, has been held every 10 years in the Netherlands since 1960. This year, 26 countries are participating namely Bangladesh, Belgium, Chad, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Qatar, South Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, Thailand, Emirates, Turkey and Yemen. Also joining the event are three international horticultural organisations, namely India’s Spiritual Garden, Turkey’s Lisnia Nature and the Sino-Europe Horticultural Association (SEHA). The expo, which wraps up on October 9, is expected to attract more than 2 million visitors.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 15, 2022 06:50 UTC
Summer storms to sweep across Thailand this weekend
The severe weather will then spread down the country as far as the upper South. "Outbreaks of summer storms are forecast followed by thunderstorms, gusty wind and hail,” said the department. It warned people in affected areas to keep away from large open spaces, big trees and unsecured billboards. "All transport systems should proceed with caution during the storms, and farmers should make preparations to prevent crop damage," it added.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 15, 2022 06:21 UTC