reader

From The Thaiger In a video circulating online, a senior naval officer is seen forcing trainee marines to drink what he says is semen mixed with fish sauce. Today, a naval base in Chon Buri province confirmed that the clip is real and happened at Sattahip Naval Base in October last year. The Royal Thai Navy has launched an investigation into the incident and said they will take disciplinary action against anyone involved. The naval base named the alleged perpetrator as Sergeant Thaksin, who works under the Department of Security at the Royal Thai Navy. At the time of the incident, Thaksin was training a new rotation of trainee marines. Admirals from Sattahip Naval Base said that the trainee marines seen in the video, who were subject to drinking human semen, were taking part in 6 months of marine training as part of their Bachelor’s degree program and have all already left the navy. A spokesperson says the navy would like to apologise to the marines involved in the incident, which he said was a violation of their human rights… “Captain Somprason Nilsamai, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, has ordered the unit responsible for training these marines to take this matter seriously. They should implement strong measures to adjust the attitudes of senior supervisors so that they see the newest and youngest marines as their brothers. They should care for each other and use punishments and penalties sparingly.” Hazing rituals are still rife in Thailand’s armed forces and even universities where some of the activities lead to death or injury. Commenting in the past about such rituals and initiation ceremonies, the deputy PM, and then defense minister Parfait Wongsuwan, was dismissal when saying… “it didn’t kill him”. The Royal Thai Navy has launched an investigation into the incident and said they will subject Sergeant Thaksin and anyone else found to have committed an offence to disciplinary action in accordance with the law.

From The Thaiger Anutin says Thailand Pass may be scrapped, if Covid-19 continues to improve The Covid-19 situation in Thailand is beginning to stabilise and if cases continue to decrease, the Ministry of Health will consider completely cancelling the Thailand Pass, according to Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. In an interview today, Anutin said the Covid-19 situation in the kingdom is improving. He said the total number of infections, hospitalisations and deaths are all decreasing, as well as the daily use of antiviral drugs. If Thailand continues on this trajectory, Anutin said he will propose for the Thailand Pass to be completely cancelled and would also scrap the suggestion for incoming travellers to take an ATK test. Anutin said the Ministry of Health expected a much higher surge in cases following the Songkran holidays, which ended 10 days ago. He said the Ministry of Health would continue to monitor cases over the next 1 – 2 weeks, and if they remain low, then they will consider scrapping the Thailand Pass for good.

From Bangkok Post Malaysia has relaxed restrictions, including mask mandates and testing at airports, as the Southeast Asian nation adjusts to living with Covid-19. The country is scrapping mandatory virus tests on all incoming vaccinated travellers beginning May 1, an exemption it had initially bestowed to Singapore alone. Wearing masks outdoors will also be optional and physical distancing is no longer required, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in a televised briefing Wednesday. The announcement marks another significant milestone for Malaysia since it reopened its borders this month and waived quarantine requirements for vaccinated visitors. The easing is in line with the nation’s transition to the endemic phase of the outbreak, as high vaccination rates have kept hospital admissions low. Malaysia’s decision comes a day after Singapore ended most of its virus curbs, and just as the country is about to celebrate one of the biggest Muslim festivals of the year. Malaysia last Thursday dropped mandatory quarantine for Covid-19 close contacts, and earlier this month began allowing the unvaccinated to travel across states.

From The Associated Press PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia is lifting its mask mandate for open public places, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Tuesday. He cited a large decline in coronavirus cases and a high level of vaccinations in dropping the requirement nationwide. He said in an audio message on his Facebook page that it is still mandatory to wear masks in indoor public areas, especially air-conditioned buildings and crowded places such as theaters. He said it was up to individuals to decide whether they want to wear masks outdoors. Hun Sen strongly encouraged Cambodians to get booster doses, saying about 6.4 million people still have not received a third, or booster, vaccination. For their first two doses, many Cambodians received Chinese-made Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines, which are generally seen as less effective against the omicron variant. More than 93% of Cambodia’s population has received at least one vaccination and more than 88% has received two, according to government statistics. The Health Ministry on Tuesday reported two new confirmed COVID-19 cases and no new fatalities, bringing the nation’s total to 136,230 confirmed cases, including 3,056 deaths, since the pandemic began.

At least a few times a year, somebody publishes a list of the average penis size in countries--ranked in ascending or descending order--that have only one thing in common: it's nothing we didn't already know. I feel compelled to point out that veteran Thai visitors know from experience that there are numerous exceptions to the norm. Nevertheless, I post the results below if for no other reason to reassure that readers who find themselves in Southeast Asia or South America that you're in the right place to meet your getaway preferences. My overall reaction is that many of the numbers seem to fall a bit short of my personal recollections. But I can honestly say that I've never been disappointed in this particular measure. I tend to believe that readers (well, most of us, anyway) evaluate our encounters on many factors and size rarely comes in first. From The Thaiger https://thethaiger.com/news/national/country-with-biggest-penis-size-revealed-its-not-thailand

If I was in town it might rope me in. Learned a lot of knotty things in the scouts 60 years ago. Many great memories of those camping trips.

I visited the museum (entrance directly opposite Foodland) shortly after it opened and enjoyed it. It's not just about the go-go's and clubs. There a lot of historical exhibits about the two Patpong sois, including a bit of history of the Madrid as I recall. https://www.patpongmuseum.com/

For those who like that sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they like... From Coconuts Bangkok If nothing’s tying you down next month, head to a Patpong cultural venue to learn esoteric art of Japanese rope bondage. Become a rigger or rope bunny at the Patpong Museum, which will host two-hour sessions starting at 7pm on May 7 or 3pm on May 8. Either session is THB900 per person; couples looking to bind can join together for THB1,600. Also known as kinbaku, or tight binding, shibari is a Japanese form of bondage which involves a person, known as the rigger, tying elaborate rope patterns around the model (or rope bunny). While mainly used as a form of pleasure, the time and attention taken to tying knots can be meditative and foster feelings of empowerment and sexual confidence. Attendees must be 18 and up. FIND IT Shibari 7pm, May 7; 3pm, May 8 Patpong Museum 3 Soi Patpong 2, Soi Surawong

From Bangkok Post Police motorcyclist gets 1 year, 15 days jail for killing 'Mor Kratai' The Criminal Court on Monday sentenced motorcyclist Pol L/Cpl Norawich Buadok, 21, to one year and 15 days in jail without suspension for running over and killing ophthalmologist Waraluck Supawatjariyakul on a zebra crossing in Bangkok three months ago. He was later released on 200,000 baht bail pending an appeal. His father, a police sub-lieutenant and his immediate commander, used his position as guarantor to secure his release. The court was told that Pol L/Cpl Norawich, of the Metropolitan Police Bureau's Protection and Crowd Control Division, was driving the Ducati Monster big bike that hit Dr Waraluck, of the faculty of medicine at Chulalongkorn University, on a pedestrian crossing on Phaya Thai Road in Ratchathewi district, on Jan 21. She died of her injuries. Pol L/Cpl Norawich was found to be driving at 108-128 kilometres per hour, well above the 80kph speed limit. He was charged with nine counts: driving a vehicle with no licence plate, using a vehicle without paying the registration fee, having no third-party insurance, driving a vehicle with no side mirrors, failing to keep to the left lane, speeding, driving without due regard for safety, failure to comply with traffic signs, and reckless driving causing death. The court found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to a total of one year and 15 days imprisonment without suspension. The court initially sentenced him to two years and 30 days in prison and fines of 8,000 baht. He was fined 2,000 baht on each of four minor charges - driving a vehicle with no licence plate, using a vehicle without paying the registration fee, having no third-party insurance, and driving a vehicle with no side mirrors. Waraluck's family, prominent opththalmologists, have filed a 72 million baht civil lawsuit against the Royal Thai Police Office, as the first defendant, and against Pol L/Cpl Norawich over their daughter's death. They charge that Pol L/Cpl Norawich was on duty at the time and the Royal Thai Police Office is therefore responsible. Thailand has the second-highest traffic fatality rate in the world, according to a 2018 World Health Organisation report.

NOTE -- This insightful report uses graphics, photos and video to describe how the country's staple crop is under treat from a changing climate and others factors. From Channel News Asia In recent years, drought has weakened Thailand's agricultural belt, compromising the nation's most important crop - rice. In a country that ranks ninth on the Global Climate Risk Index, the rice industry is a critically important one that is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rice plantations can be severely damaged by the frequent occurrence of extreme weather, both wet and dry. This has been happening increasingly in Thailand. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/interactives/rice-and-climate-crisis-thailand-special-report-2636776

From Vietnam Life The administration of Hue City, in central Vietnam, launched a night street zone around the Hue Imperial Citadel City, a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage, on Thursday evening, after a long delay due to COVID-19. The pedestrian night street zone, opens from 7:00 to 11:00 pm every Friday and Saturday, is designed to span four streets, namely August 23, Le Huan, Dang Thai Than, and Doan Thi Diem. The zone connects with other areas in the Hue Imperial Citadel, including Tinh Tam Lake - Hoc Hai Lake, the Tang Tho Lau (Library), the Tran Binh Dai - Mang Ca garrison area, the Ngu Ha River, and the Thuong Thanh - Eo Bau section. As one of the new tourism products, it is expected to help revive the local tourism industry that has suffered serious damage by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years. It was previously slated to be launched on January 1 this year but was postponed as the city had to focus its efforts on the coronavirus fight. Besides the pedestrian space, the night street zone offers visitors unique royal art programs, folk games, along with charming traditional craft products and special Hue cuisine. Such programs and games will take place on three main stages and four community performance areas, while handicrafts will be displayed and sold at 27 stalls. Continues with photos https://vietnamlife.tuoitrenews.vn/news/vietnam-life/20220423/night-street-zone-launched-in-vietnams-hue-imperial-citadel/66768.html

Richard Barrow has posted this video of interest to skytrain buffs.

From the Tourism Authority of Thailand Bangkok, 22 April, 2022 – Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the lifting of the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals beginning 1 May, 2022, and introduced two new entry schemes specifically customised for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. TAT Newsroom will be providing updates in detail via www.tatnews.org once the official directives have been announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette. New entry rules for vaccinated travellers: International travellers who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test. They are still required to register for a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/) with a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000). Once arriving in Thailand, they will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom. While in Thailand, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are advised to strictly follow health and safety standards. Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive, they must get the appropriate medical treatment. Kindly note the information is to serve as reference only. It is especially important to check in regularly on www.tatnews.org to stay current on what remains a very fluid and fast changing situation. https://www.tatnews.org/2022/04/thailand-lifts-rt-pcr-testing-requirement-for-international-arrivals-from-1-may-2022/ =============== From The Thai Pass website Registration on Thailand Pass for travelers entering Thailand from 1 May 2022 under new entry measures will be opened from 29 April 2022 onwards (00.01 hrs Thailand time). From 1 May 2022, travelers entering Thailand by air will be subject to new entry measures, as follows; 1. Fully Vaccinated Persons must : - Register on Thailand Pass - Attach required documents including passport, certificate of vaccination - Attach proof of insurance with at least 10,000 USD coverage for medical treatments in Thailand (for non-Thais only) (COVID-19 test, both prior to and after arriving in Thailand, is no longer required)

NOTE - There are some ambiguities in the following reports. The Thai Enquirer reports that the Thai Pass will continue to be required. Also, the status of the ATK is reported differently in the Thai Enquirer version. Until this is published in the Royal Gazette, we probably won't know for sure. From The Thaiger Thailand ENDS Test & Go and Sandbox Thailand plans to scrap its unpopular Test & Go entry scheme, opting instead to adopt the simplified categories of “vaccinated” and “unvaccinated” for international travellers arriving in the kingdom. The actual Thailand Pass – the online pre-registration system – will remain, although the paperwork has been vastly simplified by these changes. The CCSA announced those major changes, among others, about the county’s Thailand Pass program during its meeting today. International travellers, who have been fully vaccinated for Covid-19, will no longer need to take a PCR test on arrival. The removal of the PCR testing for vaccinated travellers effectively abolishes the unpopular Test & Go entry scheme, which had required travellers to book an SHA+ hotel for one night of quarantine while waiting for their test results. No more Covid test, no more 1 day quarantine hotel for the vaccinated. However, the CCSA still recommends vaccinated travellers take an ATK test on Day 5, with the expectation that they’ll self-monitor their health while in the kingdom. But this recommendation will not be enforced, according to the announcements today. Meanwhile, insurance coverage requirements will also be reduced from US$20,000 dollar to US$10,000. Unvaccinated travellers, who have submitted a negative PCR test within 72 hours before departure via the Thailand Pass system, will be treated the SAME as vaccinated travellers, with no PCR test on arrival OR quarantine. However, those who do not submit a negative PCR test prior to departure will still be required to quarantine for 5 days upon arrival, with a PCR test between days 4-5. Quarantine rules for unvaccinated travellers is the same at land borders as it is for those entering via international flights. Businesses also have plenty to celebrate. Restaurants that are SHA+ registered will be able to remain open until midnight, including businesses operating as ‘pseudo bars’. The ‘official’ requirement to stop alcohol sales by 11pm has been broadly flouted by tourists and locals alike in recent months, as nightlife owners have pushed to return to ‘normal’ operating hours and reboot their businesses. The CCSA also discussed the re-opening of all land border checkpoints, and has reviewed the colour-coding of provinces based on their infection rates. All this is expected to be enacted from May 1, next week. But a confirmed date has not been announced at this time. All the changes will need to be signed off and published in the Royal Gazette, expected to happen early next week. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/breaking-thailand-ends-test-go-and-sandbox-changes-for-unvaccinated-travellers ====== From Thai Enquirer Thailand’s Test and Go procedure will be discontinued starting on May 1, 2022. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced on Friday that RT-PCR tests for vaccinated travellers will be lifted. However, a five-day quarantine period is still in place for unvaccinated travellers that do not present a negative Covid-19 test result 72 hours prior to departure. “The Test and Go procedure has been cancelled, only ATK is left to provide convenience and make things faster for travellers in order to stimulate the tourism sector,” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, who chairs the CCSA’s meeting, told reporters at government house. “Many countries have eased their entry regulations and we are a country that fairly depends on income from the tourist sector so for the economy to carry on moving forward there is this relaxation today,” he said. Starting May 1, vaccinated travellers will still be required to register with the Thailand Pass system to show that they are vaccinated. Officials will suggest that travellers undergo a self-administered antigen test during their stay in Thailand. In all 77 provinces, restaurants will be able to serve alcoholic drinks until midnight. However, entertainment venues, like pubs, bars and karaoke, will continue to be closed in all provinces. CCSA Spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said 646,812 travellers have entered Thailand between January and April 19 and most of them are not infected. Only 0.46 per cent between April 1 and April 20, or 1,195 people out of 261,215 travellers who entered Thailand via the Test and Go procedure tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival. https://www.thaienquirer.com/39601/thailands-test-and-go-to-be-scrapped-in-may/ ================= From Bangkok Post The Test & Go process for foreign arrivals will be terminated at the end of the month and vaccinated travellers will require only self-antigen tests for Covid-19 from May 1, to stimulate tourism and the economy, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday. "Tourism is recovering and antigen tests will be more convenient and faster for visitors," Gen Prayut said after chairing a meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at Government House. CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin later said that from May 1 there would be no Test & Go entry scheme. The government would have different measures for vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign arrivals by air. Vaccinated visitors would not be tested for Covid-19 upon arrival anymore. It would be recommended they self-test using antigen kits during their stay. If they tested positive, they could enter their Covid-19 insurance process or take care of their own treatment, he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2298846/no-covid-19-tests-on-arrival-for-vaccinated-travellers-from-may-1

We've seen and admired the extraordinary courage of Ukrainians who are fighting for their country. This BBC video reveals the equally brave young people who are battling to rescue their country from the thugs who run Myanmar.

From The Thaiger A Thai activist is facing one year behind bars for writing about his sexual experiences in prison on his Facebook account. Ekachai Hongkangwan was sentenced to one year in prison without parole yesterday. The activist’s relatives have applied to get him out on bail and are awaiting the Supreme Court’s final decision, which is expected to take two to three days. Ekachai is currently awaiting the verdict inside Bangkok Remand Prison, where he previously spent two years and eight months of his life. Ekachai was charged with violating the Computer Crime Act by “disseminating obscene material online.” But it wasn’t explicit photos or videos which got him in trouble with the law, it was words. The court’s decision yesterday relates to comments Ekachai made on Facebook back in 2017. In a series of posts called “My First Prison Life”, Ekachai went into explicit details about his sexual experiences during the two years and eight months he spent in the all-male Bangkok Remand Prison. Ekachai said the reason he wrote the posts on Facebook was to expose the conditions inside Bangkok’s prisons. He wanted the posts to create the opportunity for prison conditions to improve. He said the prison society is closed off and most people don’t know what it’s really like there, for example people don’t know what people’s sex lives are like behind bars. He said his intention was not to spread any kind of pornography online, which is against the law, but just to share his experience. He said the posts got a lot of attention, but there was not one comment suggesting the posts were a type of pornography. The court said that Ekachai could have written about problems in the prison system without the use of obscene language. The defendant’s actions were considered an offense by the court, who sentenced him to one year in prison without parole.

From Vietnam News HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam recorded seven COVID-related fatalities on Wednesday, the first time the daily death toll fell to single-digits since July last year. There were also 13,271 new infections recorded nationwide. The country’s COVID caseload since the start of the pandemic now stands at 10,502,590. More than 210.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the country to date, of which 88,820 first doses have been given to children aged 5 to 11

Reading the tea leaves going into the meeting on Friday that will determine what--if any--changes are made to test-and-go, one influential member of the committee that decides its fate seemed to throw a bit of cold water on expectations that it will be scrapped altogether. In a piece in today's Bangkok Post, Supoj Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) and head of the CCSA's operations centre, said it should be understood that those entry systems, particularly Thailand Plus tracing application, were not bad. Supoj went on to say that If not for those entry systems over the past year, he could not think what Thailand would be like now. Nevertheless it seems that some adjustments are in the offing, given the push from the Tourism Authority and hospitality sector leaders over recent weeks.

Don't let that keep you from improvising!

From Pattaya News Minor International Chairman William Heinecke submitted an open letter to the Prime Minister yesterday, April 18th, urging the Thai government to cancel the ‘Thailand Pass’ entry scheme and ‘Test & Go’ program as soon as possible to help recover the country’s tourism industry. The letter read: “Despite the cancellation of pre-arrival Covid-19 testing, the visitors to Thailand are still required to complete an unnecessary series of steps, including pre-booking RT-PCR tests, prepaid one-night hotel accommodations, mandatory health insurance, and more in order to secure a visa and/or Thailand Pass. Visitors must go through too many requirements before arriving in Thailand compared to many other countries that are now completely open, including nearby Cambodia.” The Chairman mentioned that many countries which relied on international tourism, such as Singapore, had already revoked complicated entry measures to boost the recovery of domestic tourism and their economies. He advised the Prime Minister to scrap the country’s entry measures, including the ‘Thailand Pass’ and the ‘Test & Go’ program, stating that only a vaccination certificate and/or medical documents to prove the vaccination should be enough.

From The Thaiger Starting today, 20 locations around Bangkok will transform into cultural learning centres to celebrate the city’s 240th anniversary. Attendees are invited to learn more about Thailand’s unique history and culture through activities and performances held from April 20 – 24 around the city. The events are intended to demonstrate the kingdom’s “soft power,” promote cultural tourism and instil pride among both Thais and foreigners in the country. The Thai government said the celebrations will commemorate Bangkok’s founding on April 21 1782 as well as commemorate King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty, and all monarchs of the Rattanakosin Era. A free shuttle service between venues will be provided by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. Attendees can call 1348 hotline to confirm pickup and drop off locations. No exact times of activities have been released, so you are welcome to turn up to venues from April 20 – 24 and see what’s going on. The festivities are split into nine zones… Zone 1) National Museum Bangkok and National Theatre. Zone 1 will feature lights and sounds, exhibitions, a cultural products bazaar and cuisines. Zone 2) Santichaiprakarn Park. Zone 2 will feature cultural performances, a cultural products showcase and local cultural markets. Zone 3) Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. Zone 3 will feature a cultural exhibition. Zone 4) Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre. Zone 4 will feature art and cultural showcases by youth artists, photography exhibitions and an exhibition entitled “ASEAN Communities in Rattanakosin: From Past to Present.” Zone 5) Wat Prayurawongsawas Waraviharn. Zone 5 will feature a local food showcase and cultural performances. Zone 6) Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. Zone 6 will feature cultural performances. Zone 7) Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram Rajwaramahwaiharn. Zone 7 will feature merit-making ceremonies dedicated to previous Chakri kings. Zone 8 ) The Bangkok City Pillar Shrine. Zone 8 will feature a sacrificial offering ceremony. Zone 9) The Grand Palace. Zone 9 invites attendees to pay homage to the Buddha images and explore the Grand Palace. The venues holding activities are… National Museum Bangkok, Bangkok City Pillar Shrine, Siam Museum, Santichai Parakan Park, Police Museum Parutsakwan Palace, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Wat Chanasongkram Ratchawormahawiharn, The Grand Palace, Defence Hall Museum, Wat Prayurawongsawas Warawihan, Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, Wat Saket Ratchawormahawiharn (The Golden Mount), Wat Ratchanatdaram, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, Rachadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre, Wat Suthat Thep Waram, Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram, Coin Museum Thailand and Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmungklaram (Wat Pho).

From The Thaiger Sunshine and the sound of saxophones is expected to draw tourists to Hua Hin next month for the return of the city’s annual jazz festival. The International Jazz & Blues Festival 2022 will take place on May 9 at the True Arena, a two to three hour drive south of Bangkok. The festival will feature a 90-minute performance from Jazz musician Kenny G, marking his debut in Thailand. Grammy award-winning artist Kenny G will headline the festival. The lineup also includes jazz fusion artist DRAGONFLY, Thai jazz singer Varitda Bhirombhakdi, Melodic Corner, Mellow Motif and blues artist Yamin & The SOS. Tickets are on sale now and prices range from 2,000 – 5,000 depending on the package. Tickets can be bought here through the Thai Ticket Major website. The event has a lower capacity than usual year due to Covid-19 restrictions with a maximum of 3,500 people. Attendees must be fully vaccinated – at least two doses – or show proof of a negative antigen test result issued within 72 hours of the festival. Hua Hin Jazz Festival began in 2001 and has traditionally featured both established musicians and new local talents. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and event sponsor Singha Corporation are confident that the beachfront event, with its celebrated music and food, will draw holidaymakers to Hua Hin next month.

Making him eminently qualified for the new post he's seeking as governor.

From Bangkok Post The Judicial Commission on Monday decided to dismiss Sarawut Benjakul from his post as a special adviser to the Office of the Judiciary (OTJ) over serious misconduct relating to a 42.3-million-baht court renovation project. Mr Sarawut will not receive his pension as a result of his dismissal, a source said. Mr Sarawut was investigated after a contractor was found to have started work on the court's renovation when bidding for the project had yet to be called, the source said. Mr Sarawut, a former secretary-general of OTJ, recently entered Bangkok's gubernatorial race as an independent candidate.

From The Thaiger photo via Wingtips Facebook A thunderstorm hit Bangkok yesterday, causing the Service Hall at Don Mueang International airport to collapse. The hall was built just one year ago but hasn’t yet been used due to low levels of international travel throughout the pandemic. No injuries or deaths were reported. Luckily there was no one in there at the time. The walls of the Service Hall reportedly collapsed last night during a thunderstorm. The airport had built the hall to be used as a meeting place for group tours at Don Mueang Airport Terminal 1, the home of most budget international and some budget domestic flights. The management of Don Mueang Airport has ordered a team of engineers to inspect the damage and report the causes of the collapse in detail. Thailand’s Minister of Transport has ordered Airports of Thailand – or AOT – to also urgently investigate the cause of the incident. The Executive Director of AOT Nitinai Sirisatthakarn is currently awaiting a detailed report from the airport. The preliminary report stated there was a storm and heavy rainfall which overwhelmed some of the structure.