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From Thai PBS World Seven boats sink in Gulf and Andaman Sea in four days, eight people still missing Six tour boats and a fishing vessel have sunk in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea in the past four days. Two passengers, a skipper and five crew are still missing. The “Sawan Tour” dive boat, carrying 16 tourists, mostly foreigners, on a diving trip near Mu Ko Surin National Park in the Andaman Sea, off Phang-nga province, sank on December 23rd. 16 tourists were rescued and two are missing. The third fleet of the Royal Thai Navy sent a plane to join the search, while vessels boats were dispatched to look for the two missing tourists. The searches continued yesterday, but without success. Yesterday, a speed boat, “Bandaya 19”, carrying over 73 tourists, capsized near Bubu Island, to the east of Adang Island off Satun province. All of the passengers and four crew members were rescued. According to the Royal Thai Navy, the speed boat’s hull was fractured by strong waves, as it was heading toward Lanta Island in Krabi province, allowing water to enter quickly. All passengers and crew were told to abandon the strickenvessel and were rescued by the navy. On the same day, a fishing boat, “Sirawit Namchoke”, capsized in rough seas off Chang Island in Trat province. The skipper and his five crew went missing. A sea search was mounted, but was eventually suspended due to strong winds and rough seas. Officials of the Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park are flying red flags on beaches in Ao Nang sub-district in Krabi and on several islands to warn tourists not to swim in the sea. Tour boat operators were also told to exercise extreme caution and to have adequate life vests on board if they are taking tourists on island trips. Two cruise ships, carrying more than 5,000 passengers, have reportedly cancelled plans to bring them ashore on Samui Island due to the rough seas, but ferry services between the mainland and the island continue to operate as usual, but were told reduce their loaded weight for safety reasons. In Pattaya, marine officials have banned small vessels and speed boats from taking passengers to and from Lan Island. Only large vessels with sufficient life vests are allowed to set sail for the tourist island.

In love and war, never say never.

Sounds like you found the perfect elf to celebrate naughty but age-appropriate yuletide activities. And a merry Festivus to all!

Received this greeting today from a shop that has many attractive offerings but they’re rarely discounted. Nevertheless I believe they may tweak your interest.🙂

We agree to disagree on this one.

It is 🐶 He gets my vote.

From Thai PBS World One construction worker was fatally injured when a steel sheet fell and struck him on the head at the construction site of the Purple Line’s Wongwian Yai station in Bangkok on Sunday morning. The victim, whose identity had not been released at press time, was rushed to Taksin hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. After the accident, which occurred at about 7.50am, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, the owner of the project, instructed Unique Engineering and Construction, the project’sbuilder, to suspend subcontractor operations for seven days, pending the outcome of an accident investigation. The MRT also ordered the project’s builder to remind all its subcontractors to comply strictly with safety procedures on construction sites, especially the mandatory wearing of safety helmets by everyone on the site and the display of warning signs. ================= From The Nation Safety concerns force suspension of MRT Pink service Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit ordered a temporary suspension of all services on the MRT Pink Line as of noon on Sunday. This decision was made after discussions with key stakeholders, namely the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and Northern Bangkok Monorail Company Limited (NBM). The aim of the suspension is to prioritise passenger safety after a conductor rail at the Samakkhi Station dislodged and fell on the road at about 4.45am.Though nobody was injured, the falling rail hit power lines in the vicinity of the market near the Royal Irrigation Department. Services should resume on Monday for 23 stations, starting from Chaeng Wattana to Minburi. However, the seven MRT stations from Nonthaburi Civic Centre to Pak Kret Bypass will be temporarily closed for seven days, so the DRT can conduct an inspection.

From Pattaya Mail A passenger boat carrying 29 people, mostly Russian tourists, capsized off the coast of Pattaya on the evening of December 23, sparking a massive rescue operation by authorities and marine teams. The boat, a catamaran named “Sea Breeze”, was on its way back from Koh Larn Island when it tilted dangerously in the rough sea. The passengers, 26 Russians and two Thais, along with the boat’s captain, were thrown into the water. Six of them suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital on the island. The incident occurred around 6 p.m., after the boat’s driver, Captain Somphot Pomthong, 56, alerted the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya City Rescue Radio about the emergency. Within minutes, several rescue boats, police, and medical personnel arrived at the scene. According to the survivors, the boat started to lean to one side shortly after leaving the island. They said they felt strong waves and water rushing into the boat. The crew members quickly handed out life jackets and instructed the passengers to stay calm. Some nearby boats also came to their aid and helped them board. Captain Somphot said he suspected that the boat’s tilt was caused by a detached catamaran, which is a type of boat with two parallel hulls. He said one of the hulls broke off, causing the boat to lose balance. He said he tried to steer the boat to the shore, but it was too late. He praised the rescue teams for their swift and professional response. The authorities said they were investigating the cause of the incident and the condition of the boat, which had a maximum capacity of 45 passengers. They said they would also check the boat’s registration and safety standards. They said they were relieved that there were no serious injuries or deaths, thanks to the efforts of the rescue teams and the cooperation of the passengers. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/29-souls-survive-catamaran-near-disaster-off-pattaya-448509

No, cogent arguments and the rules of logic. But I well appreciate why that challenges your reasoning.

From Thai PBS World Former Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat is the most favoured politician, among respondents to NIDA poll, to become prime minister, while the Move Forward party was the most popular. Pita received 39.40% of the respondents’ votes, followed by 22.35% for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, 5.75% for Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 2.40% for Pirapan Salirathavibhagaof the United Thai Nation party, 1.70% for Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai and 1.65% for Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan of Thai Sang Thai party. Pita favoured because respondents believe he has leadership qualities, vision, a good personality, is accessible and represents the new generation, according to NIDA Poll. The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) gauged the opinions of 2,000 people aged 18 over and with various educational levels, occupations and incomes, by means of telephone interviews between December 13th and 18th. Paetongtarn is liked by the respondents because she also represents the new generation and because they like the Pheu Thai party, while Pirapan is liked because he is seen as being capable, honest and respectable. Anutin is seen by respondents as being straightforward, for reaching out to the people and for the previous achievements of the Bhumjaithai party. Regarding the respondents’ favourite parties, Move Forward came first with 44.05% of the votes, followed by 24.05% for Pheu Thai, 3.60% for the Democrats, 3.20% for United Thai Nation, 1.75% for Bhumjaithai, 1.45% for Palang Pracharath and 1.85% for the remaining parties. 16.10% say they don’t currently have a favourite party.

Please don't overthink "Merry Christmas" wishes. I often do the same out of spirit of the season with no intent whatsoever to offend. If we think "Merry Christmas" has mean intentions we'll soon start to question if "have a nice day" is indeed a snarky comment. I take this opportunity to wish that everyone experiences the joys of the season.

An alternative way of saying the same thing is that the studies you cite are unable to demonstrate that it does provide protection. But hands washing may be effective in reducing the incidence of infection. Neither conclusion can be "proven" because you can't prove a negative. The same rules of logic apply. Masks then do provide some level of protection but it may or may not be significant--and significant of course is a very subjective number.. For example, if we assume that masks only provided 22% protection than I'll take my chances and wear the mask. This is why people go to Vegas: they don't always win but some do. Also the rationale many late-stage cancer patients take the newest drug knowing that not all will have successful outcomes. I agree with both conclusions. Newer aircraft, and older aircraft retrofitted with high-efficiency HEPA air filtration systems do exchange air at fairly rapid intervals and do a good job of cleansing it but only IF those systems are rigorously maintained and filters changed on schedule. The same principle applies to ventilation systems on cruise ships. But other studies have demonstrated that the vast majority of school rooms have inadequate HVAC systems relative to air filtration. Given these realities, it's only prudent to wear masks even if they don't provide full protection. The incidence of norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships was well established long before Covid came on the scene. It's spread mainly through surface contact as Floridrob states above (and he's probably spent more time on such vessels than anyone here). When Covid arrived, it likewise spread very efficiently on cruise ships via multiple vectors of transmission. I believe that many posters here have provided evidence that boils down to this: we can prevent the spread of the virus if both human behavior and both active and passive systems perform at peak efficiency. But vaccination offers the single best form of protection IF humans are in compliance.

An alternative way of saying the same thing is that the studies you cite are unable to demonstrate that it does provide protection. But hands washing may be effective in reducing the incidence of infection. Neither conclusion can be "proven" because you can't prove a negative. The same rules of logic apply. Masks then do provide some level of protection but it may or may not be significant--and significant of course is a very subjective number.. For example, if we assume that masks only provided 22% protection than I'll take my chances and wear the mask. This is why people go to Vegas: they don't always win but some do. Also the rationale many late-stage cancer patients take the newest drug knowing that not all will have successful outcomes. I agree with both conclusions. Newer aircraft, and older aircraft retrofitted with high-efficiency HEPA air filtration systems do exchange air at fairly rapid intervals and do a good job of cleansing it but only IF those systems are rigorously maintained and filters changed on schedule. The same principle applies to ventilation systems on cruise ships. But other studies have demonstrated that the vast majority of school rooms have inadequate HVAC systems relative to air filtration. Given these realities, it's only prudent to wear masks even if they don't provide full protection. The incidence of norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships was well established long before Covid came on the scene. It's spread mainly through surface contact as Floridrob states above (and he's probably spent more time on such vessels than anyone here). When Covid arrived, it likewise spread very efficiently on cruise ships I believe that many posters here have provided evidence that boils down to this: we can prevent the spread of the virus if both human behavior and both active and passive systems perform at peak efficiency. But vaccination offers the single best form of protection IF humans are in compliance.

No, Moses, not at all about your personality. It's about your total lack of expertise on medical matters.

I couldn't know because I'm not a DMN--Doctor of Medical Nonsense-- like you. 😅

From The Nation Several Myanmar tourists joined hundreds of Thais in experiencing the thrill of Chiang Rai’s newest attraction – a glass skywalk at Phra That Doi Wao Temple in Mae Sai district. The visitors did not just enjoy the bracing chilly weather on Saturday but were also greeted with a panoramic view of hills in Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar. The skywalk, which was officially inaugurated on November 9, is open daily from 7am to 8pm and draws some 4,000 visitors on weekdays. The weekends and public holidays see as many as 10,000 visitors. Myanmar tourists, who say the skywalk offers them a unique view of the border between the two countries, reach the site by crossing the Mae Sai River bridge. The skywalk, perched atop a hill, can be accessed by a 207-step stairway. Admission fees are 50 baht for adults and 25 baht for students. Monks, people aged 70 and above, the disabled, and children no taller than 120 centimetres can get in for free. A shuttle bus service to and from the site is available daily from 7am to 8pm at 40 baht for both ways. The local Tai Yai minority group has also set up food stalls in the temple’s compound for travellers who wish to try local delicacies. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40034064

From Thai PBS World Saturday December 23rd is the coldest day the year for Thailand so far, as temperatures across the country plunge to record lows, with the mercury dropping to 10oC in the north-eastern province of Nakhon Phanom and to 18oC -19oC in Bangkok. Somkuan Tonjan, director of the Central Weather Forecast sub-division of the Meteorological Department, said that temperatures across the country dropped quickly by an average of 3oC, due to another cold front from China. The cold weather will last until December 26th, after which it will become warmer until December 30th, when temperatures are forecast to fall again, said Somkuan. He attributed the cold weather in Thailand to the successive cold fronts from China, which is experiencing extremely cold weather, especially in Shanghai, which is recording the coldest winter in 40 years. The north of Thailand is cold, but not as cold as the north-east, thanks to the westerly wind, which is bringing humidity to the region, said Somkuan, adding that cold weather in the northern provinces will last until December 27th. Minimum temperatures over the next 24 hours are forecast as follows: • 14oC -18oC in north and 3oC -11oC in the mountainous areas • 8oC -15oC in the north-east and 5oC -12oC in the high lands • 15oC -18oC in the central region • 16oC -21oC in the east • 18oC -24oC on the south-east coast • 24oC -26oC on the west coast • 18oC -20oC in and around Bangkok

I guess all those doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians were all misinformed. Thank God the proprietor of Siam Roads Guides has stepped forward to set them all straight. 🙄

From The Nation Drafts of a series of four bills that address issues of gender and propose marriage equality passed first reading in Parliament on Thursday, paving the way for Thailand to become the first country in ASEAN region to legalise same-sex marriage. The four drafts garnered overwhelming support at the Thursday meeting of the House of Representatives with a vote of 360 in favour, only 10 votes opposed, and one abstention from the 371 lawmakers present. The debate featured discussions on four bills related to same-sex marriage. These proposals were put forth by Cabinet, the opposition Move Forward and Democrat Parties, as well as civil society groups. Among the more than 50 MPs who showed up for the debate component, Move Forward MP Thanyawat Kamolwongwat said that amending the law would afford same-sex couples the rights they deserved based on human rights principles. With tears in his eyes, he said, “Today marks another historic day and is a triumph for the people.” Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin called on every parliamentarian to support the bills regardless of their political side. He said the one proposed by the cabinet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals have an equal right to form a family, irrespective of their gender. Somsak also cited a government survey conducted between October 31 and November 14 which showed 96.6% of the polled public supported the bills. With all four bills having passed an initial stamp of approval, they will undergo second and third readings, as well as being comprehensively examined by an already formed 39-member committee. The government’s bill will serve as the framework for this deeper dive. The committee members will also incorporate representatives from civil society, as one of the bills that passed first reading is from the nation’s public, according to House Meeting Regulation No. 122. The bills will then need to undergo a three-reading process by Senators, as well as attain royal assent before being enacted.

You mean they won't die if Russia keeps begging weapons from Iran and North Korea?

What a perfectly apt metaphor!

From The Nation High waves on Friday morning caused a night ferry heading to Koh Tao, a resort island in the Gulf of Thailand, to sink in the sea. All 70 passengers and crews were transported to the shore safely by speedboats. The 114.93-tonne ferry named ‘T. Sandee Maneethup 111’ had left the pier at Bandon Bay in Surat Thani province at 10pm on Thursday. It was scheduled to reach Koh Tao, located some 110 km offshore in Surat Thani’s Koh Pha Ngan district, at 6am on Friday. Local officials said the ferry was hit by waves of about 3 metres high, resulting in sea water entering its hull and damaging the water pumps. The vessel stalled in water at around 15 nautical miles (27.78 km) from Koh Tao and was slowly sinking. After the crew alerted officials, rescue speedboats were dispatched to transport the crew and the mainly foreign tourist passengers to the Koh Tao shore. No injuries or missing persons were reported as of press time on Friday.

From The Nation Bangkok-Singapore and Bangkok-Seoul ranked among the top 10 busiest international flight routes in 2023, according to travel data provider OAG. The two routes both offered over 3 million seats this year, landing them in ninth and 10th in the global popularity rankings. Flights from Bangkok to Singapore totalled 3,478,474 seats, up 47% from the previous year but still 9% lower than the pre-Covid level in 2019. The Bangkok-Seoul route was just behind with 3,362,968 seats, an increase of 111% from the previous year and 9% more than in 2019. Ranked No. 1 as the busiest flight route in the world was Kuala Lumpur-Singapore, with a whopping 4,891,952 seats available. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40034037

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon In an unexpected move, British home secretary James Cleverly has partially climbed down over his plan to raise the minimum annual salary level of UK-based sponsors from 18,600 pounds to 38,700 pounds. Most family visas are issued to the foreign wives of British nationals wishing to settle in Britain, but can also cover children or other close relatives. Mr Cleverly had earlier claimed that the huge increase was necessary both to cut immigration levels into the UK and because the income floor had not been raised for over a decade. In an unexpected move, British home secretary James Cleverly has partially climbed down over his plan to raise the minimum annual salary level of UK-based sponsors from 18,600 pounds to 38,700 pounds. Most family visas are issued to the foreign wives of British nationals wishing to settle in Britain, but can also cover children or other close relatives. Mr Cleverly had earlier claimed that the huge increase was necessary both to cut immigration levels into the UK and because the income floor had not been raised for over a decade. Thai nationals are not a major group in the applications for UK family visas and are thought to number only several dozen annually. The visa is expensive to process as there are application submission fees plus health and insurance charges as well as an English-language competency examination to pass. The majority of applications for the family visa are from the Indian sub-continent. In cases of refusal, there is an appeal process to the UK immigration tribunal which can take up to a year to process.