Special tourist visa scheme confirmed | Bangkok Post: learning
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that the welcoming of foreign tourists back to Thailand under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme will proceed. TAT governor Yutthasak Supasorn said that the first group of tourists from China will arrive in Phuket under the STV scheme within this month. Previously, Phuket had prepared to receive its first group of tourists from China who were expected to arrive next week under the STV scheme aimed at supporting Thailand's economic recovery. The CCSA said on Wednesday that the STV scheme will first be introduced on the resort islands of Phuket and Samui. It said the first group of foreign arrivals is considered a low-risk group because there have been no new Covid-19 cases in Guangzhou for an extended period.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 02, 2020 02:26 UTC
A nod to Philly classics
South Philly takes over Casa Sapparod. South Philly from chef Chandler Schultz was born during the lockdown and pays homage to chef Schultz's favourite things to eat in Philadelphia. "South Philly is mostly my favourite things I would eat, like the hoagie [that's a submarine sandwich for us non-Americans]. South Philly is still doing their Mini key lime pie (B110), but another Italian-American addition is the housemade Almond cannoli (B120 a piece). South Philly pop-up @ Casa Sapparod, Charoen Krung 44, Bang Rak / Call 083-469-4029, visit http://southphillybkk.com.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 02, 2020 01:41 UTC
All about scones
(Photos: Baker Bricks)If you've ever had a scone and thought "this dry, tasteless puck needs some work", then you might want to give Baker Bricks' scones a try. Nestled in a cranny under Baan Prompong Condominium, Baker Bricks is dedicated to perfecting scones. When looking into the shop, you'll find a sizeable oven, the centre of the operation that churns out 48 fresh scones at a time. For something more indulgent, get the sandwich scones, with options of Creamy matcha white chocolate (B80), Milky earl grey (B70) and Lemon curd (B80). Same flavours of scones are on offer there, along with many healthy, feel-good drinks.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 02, 2020 01:41 UTC
New beginnings
Each has floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor living spaces that give guests a front-row seat to the iconic Chao Phraya River. In addition, guests will receive hotel credit from B8,800 to B132,800 per night, based on the room booked. Ozo North Pattaya is offering guests introductory rates that start at B999 a night, beginning Oct 1. A few minutes from the hotel are Pattaya Walking Street, Terminal 21 Pattaya Shopping Mall and Central Festival. The resort is offering special rates, starting at B3,200 a night for the Deluxe Room (breakfast included).
Source:Bangkok Post
October 02, 2020 01:41 UTC
Ultra productive
The new Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra is one of the sleekest phones the Korean manufacturer has ever produced, but don't be fooled. THE AESTHETICSThe Note20 Ultra is big, that's for sure, but its size is just right so that it doesn't feel clunky in your hands. The Note20 Ultra is no different but in this day and age, that many cameras on the back is a normal thing. Despite that, the Note20 Ultra is still a powerful piece of machinery. VERDICTThe Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra is a powerhouse of a phone that's great for the working professional, who's always on the go.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 02, 2020 01:26 UTC
Thailand edges up to 39th in digital competitiveness
Thailand edges up to 39th in digital competitivenessThailand climbed one spot to 39th out of 63 countries in the digital competitiveness ranking for 2020 released by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, supported by better technology investment. The better the ranking, the more competitive the country's use of digital technologies. In terms of technology, Thailand rose five positions to 22nd, partly due to improvements in telecom investment and a corresponding increase in internet speed. Based on knowledge factors, Thailand retained 43rd place. "If Thailand needs to climb the ranks faster, education is another key component to future competitiveness," Mr Cabolis said.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 23:37 UTC
Hotel seeks retraction from guest
Hotel seeks retraction from guestA hotel on Koh Chang and an American being sued over his negative reviews of it have agreed to meet and try to resolve the dispute next week. Pholkrit Ratanawong, managing director of Sea View Koh Chang, told the Bangkok Post yesterday the meeting would take place at the hotel on Oct 8. The content of Mr Barnes' reviews allegedly contained accusations of slavery at the hotel and a racist comment about a hotel restaurant staff member, who is Czech. Following the contentious review, the hotel was criticised about "how badly hotel staff were treated" and several bookings were cancelled, said Mr Pholkrit. Mr Barnes checked in to the hotel on June 27 and spent one night there.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 23:26 UTC
The politics of decree
The politics of decreeFor the sixth time, the Prayut Chan-o-cha government has extended the controversial emergency decree, claiming that the special law is still a necessary tool for coronavirus control. Although it has vehemently insisted that the use of decree in handling critics and opponents is apolitical, the opposite is the truth. Prime Minister Prayut has downplayed allegations of power abuse, saying critics are "only misunderstanding" that the authorities have used the decree against pro-democracy activists demonstrating against the state. Another reason claimed by the government is without the decree, the state would have to abolish the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). And even though the Prayut government still wants to keep the decree, there is no justification in using it against pro-democracy activists.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 23:15 UTC
Belarus, Iran, US, Nicaragua activists win 'alternate' Nobel
Ales Bialiatski of Belarus and his NGO Viasna, Nasrin Sotoudeh of Iran, Bryan Stevenson of the United States and indigenous rights and environmental activist Lottie Cunningham Wren of Nicaragua share the Right Livelihood Award. Ole von Uexkull, Executive Director of the Right Livelihood Foundation, said this year's laureates were united in their "fight for equality, democracy, justice and freedom." "Defying unjust legal systems and dictatorial political regimes, they successfully strengthen human rights, empower civil societies and denounce institutional abuses," von Uexkull said in a statement. Bialiatski and Viasna were awarded "for their resolute struggle for the realisation of democracy and human rights in Belarus." - US 'historic trauma' -Human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh was in turn selected "for her fearless activism, at great personal risk, to promote political freedoms and human rights in Iran."
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 07:18 UTC
Thursday: 5 new Covid-19 cases | Bangkok Post: learning
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said among the new cases was a 28-year-old couple who arrived from Brazil on Monday. The fourth was a Thai man, 48, who returned from Iran on Sept 24 and was quarantined in Chon Buri province. Of the total 3,569 cases, 3,379 (94.68%) have recovered, including five people discharged over the past 24 hours, and 131 are in hospital, the CCSA said. The latest coronavirus cases include a Brazilian volleyball player and his wife, and a trader from India. People don masks to visit a book fair in Nonthaburi province on Wednesday, when the country logged five new Covid-19 cases, all quarantined arrivals from abroad.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 06:33 UTC
Djokovic 'the snake' tackles Berankis 'the spearfisher' at Roland Garros
Djokovic 'the snake' tackles Berankis 'the spearfisher' at Roland GarrosEasy does it: Novak Djokovic celebrates after victory over Mikael Ymer in the first roundPARIS - Novak Djokovic, who was likened to a snake by his vanquished first round Roland Garros opponent, tackles spear-fishing fan Ricardas Berankis on Thursday for a place in the last 32. I felt suffocated," said Sweden's Mikael Ymer who took just six games off Djokovic in the opening round in Paris. Djokovic, chasing a second French Open and an 18th major, now has a 32-1 record for the year. He may have more time for that hobby after Thursday against Djokovic who is playing in the second round for the 16th time. Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open winner and runner-up at Roland Garros in 2018, plays Spain's Paula Badosa.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 03:56 UTC
EC stands firm on ex-MP's ban
EC stands firm on ex-MP's banThe Election Commission (EC) has refused to consider reinstating MP status for a Pheu Thai MP-elect who it disqualified for violating the election law. The Supreme Court's Election Division on Tuesday threw out a poll fraud case against Pheu Thai candidate Surapol Kietchaiyakorn, who demanded the EC take responsibility for the mistake. Mr Surapol's lawyer said he would also sue the EC for 70 million baht in damages for wrongfully disqualifying him. "The petition to the court was asking the court to consider banning him from running in an election [for 10 years]," EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma said. "The court saw him [violating the election law] without an intention, which is not in line with the EC's opinion.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 00:33 UTC
IBM: Covid-19 pushes robots, contactless payment options
IBM: Covid-19 pushes robots, contactless payment optionsDelivery robots, contactless payment, remote work, advanced supply chain operations and telehealth are among the top technology trends to watch in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, says IBM Thailand. She said several technologies are being adopted to address existing problems during and after the pandemic, including delivery robots and online shopping with less human touch. Digital or contactless payment is another trend gathering steam as it could help reduce costs, she said. So-called supply chain 4.0, which involves data analytics and insights for effective material sourcing, is expected to be adopted more, which should help ward off supply chain disruptions in the future, said Ms Patama. In the post-Covid-19 era, people may need to learn several essential skills for work, including digital coding, creativity, data literacy, critical thinking and adaptability, she said.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 00:22 UTC
Hotel on Koh Chang 'ready to settle' in libel saga with guest
Hotel on Koh Chang 'ready to settle' in libel saga with guestSea View Koh Chang, a hotel on Koh Chang in Trat that is pursuing a defamation suit against an American teacher based in Thailand over his allegedly unfair reviews of the hotel, said on Wednesday it is ready to negotiate a settlement. This is why the hotel had to file charges against Mr Barnes, Mr Pisut said. Mr Barnes checked in to the hotel on June 27 and spent one night there, Mr Pisut said. A quarrel erupted when Mr Barnes refused to pay a 500-baht corkage fee applied for gin he had brought to the hotel, Mr Pisut said. Mr Barnes posted reviews of the hotel on the internet including four reviews on TripAdvisor since June 29, Mr Pisut claimed.
Source:Bangkok Post
October 01, 2020 00:09 UTC
Education needs revamp
Education needs revampThe abuse of kindergarten children at Sarasas Witaed Ratchaphruek School should not be allowed to end with penalties only for the local administration. The Education Ministry made the right move in setting up a panel to investigate all 42 schools in the Sarasas group and tighten regulations governing privately run schools. The Office of Private Education Commission (Opec) also vowed to take legal action action against all personnel at Sarasas Witaed Ratchaphruek School, be they teachers or management, for child abuse. Sarasas Witaed Ratchaphruek School must be held accountable. But the truth is the violence at Sarasas Witaed Ratchaphruek School is not an isolated incident.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 30, 2020 23:15 UTC