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From Pattaya Mail Foreigners living in Pattaya and surrounding areas can apply for vaccines via BHP online form 40 years old and over foreign residents can now fill in the survey form and select your preferred vaccination program as per link below. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya invites foreign residents to ascertain their appropriate vaccine within the following criteria: -Foreign residents aged 40 years and over. OR -Pregnant Female foreign residents with gestational age at least 12 weeks or over OR -Foreign residents who have had at least one of these the following 7 underlying medical conditions: Severe chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) Coronary artery diseases (CAD) Chronic kidney disease (CKD, 5th stage) Cerebrovascular diseases Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy Diabetes Obesity (weight > 100 kg. or BMI > 35 kg/m²) To ensure your eligibility, you need to present your Medical Certificate from the Authorized Hospitals showing your medical condition which meets the above inclusion criteria. -AND have never received any other COVID-19 vaccine This survey is only to ascertain the number of vaccines needed. The hospital cannot specify the number and vaccine type including the date and time of vaccination. The hospital will contact you via the provided mobile number once the vaccine is available, locations of your vaccinations and will allocate vaccines in accordance with the conditions in numerical order. In this survey, you can select your preferred vaccination program as per link below from 20 – 27 August 2021 only. Survey link: https://forms.gle/wc8BfpbGNx7fpp8h6 Or visit www.bangkokpattayahospital.com https://www.pattayamail.com/news/foreigners-living-in-pattaya-and-surrounding-areas-can-apply-for-vaccines-via-bhp-online-form-369171

From CNN OnlyFans suspends proposed ban on sexually explicit content (CNN)OnlyFans said Wednesday that it will suspend its upcoming policy change to restrict sexually explicit material, citing "assurances" it received that would allow it to be "a home for all creators." "We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy change," the company said in a tweet. "OnlyFans stands for inclusion and we will continue to provide a home for all creators." Asked by CNN Business whether the announcement means the policy change might take effect at a later date, and whether the company agreed to make any changes to appease banks and allow for this reversal, OnlyFans said: "The proposed October 1, 2021 changes are no longer required due to banking partners' assurances that OnlyFans can support all genres of creators." The reversal comes just days after OnlyFans announced it would bar creators from posting "content that contains sexually explicit conduct," sparking an outcry among sex workers who had helped create the company's success and popularity. OnlyFans said the changes followed requests by "banking partners and payout providers." https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/25/tech/onlyfans-suspends-ban/index.html

From Khmer Times The Ministry of Culture will send a team to Thailand to check on an Angkor Wat-like temple being built in Buriram province. This comes after Cambodia requested Thailand to provide blueprints and information related to the construction of the temple. The ministry’s Culture Technique Departmen director Hab Touch told Khmer Times yesterday that representatives from each country have spoken to each other to ensure that the second Angkor Wat is not an exact copy. He said: “The Ministry will send archaeologists and temple architects to look over the construction.” “We are unsure of when we can go because of the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine situations, which make things difficult,” Touch said. Because of the construction in Thailand looking similar to the world famous Angkor Wat, it has become a hot topic for social media users, with some claiming that the Ministry of Culture is not doing enough. Continues with photos https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50922507/moc-to-investigate-second-angkor-wat-in-thailand/

From Bangkok Post A court has approved arrest warrants for a senior police officer and six subordinates in Nakhon Sawan for alleged torture after a video clip on social media showed a drug suspect being suffocated to death with a plastic bag. The seven policemen are: Pol Col Thitisan Utthanaphon, who was superintendent of Muang police station in Nakhon Sawan, Pol Maj Raveeroj Ditthong, Pol Capt Songyot Khlainak, Pol Lt Thoranin Makwanna, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wisut Bunkhiew, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Supakorn Nimchuen and Pol L/C Paweekorn Khammarieo. They face charges of malfeasance causing damage to another person, colluding with five people or more in the coercion of another person and collusion in killing another person by torture. National police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk has already sacked the most senior officer, Pol Col Thitisan, 39, from the police force for his alleged role in the torture. The officer is known as "Jo Ferrari" because he owns so many sports cars, including a Lamborghini limited-edition Aventador LP 720-4 50 Anniversary special. He was reportedly the first Thai to own this moldel car. His sacking came after a video clip showing a man being suffocated with a plastic bag was posted on Facebook and went viral online on Tuesday. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2170951/arrest-warrants-for-seven-cops-in-torture-death-case

When I beat the horse I feel better about myself

From Coconuts Bangkok Fire erupted at the top floor of S-Oasis building last night, at left, and a file photo of S-Oasis anticipated to complete early 2022. A massive fire erupted at a high-rise building that was under construction in Bangkok last night. The fire broke out at around 11pm at the top story of S-Oasis, a 35-story premium retail complex located in Soi Vibhavadi-Rangsit 9, that was expected to be completed in the coming months. According to Lt. Col. Pairat Tongdonnoi of Bang Sue Police, it took two hours for the roughly 40 firefighters to control the blaze. No construction workers were at the site when the incident happened and there were no reports of injuries. Continues with video https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/fire-erupts-at-singha-estates-upcoming-office-cum-retail-complex-in-bangkok/

From The Thai Enquirer Chinese-made vaccines not effective against Delta variant after one dose A single dose of the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines is only 13.8 per cent effective against the new Delta variant, a recent study conducted in Guangzhou, China shows. The research shows that while two shots of the Chinese vaccines are effective at, 59 per cent in preventing the Delta strain and 70.2 to 100 per cent effective at preventing severe symptoms caused by the variant, a single shot of the vaccines was only 13.8 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections. The research shows that two doses are the minimum necessary to fight the new Delta variant and prevent severe symptoms, said Zhong Nanshan, China’s leading epidemiologist and co-author of the study. The report was based on real-world data collected in Guangzhou between May 18 and June 20. The report has ramifications for Thailand which has chosen to continue to buy Sinovac vaccines despite their lower efficacy and higher cost. https://www.thaienquirer.com/31677/chinese-made-vaccines-not-effective-against-delta-variant-after-one-dose/

From The Diplomat Myanmar’s Anti-Junta Resistance Inflicting Rising Casualties Nearly seven months since the coup, the armed resistance to the military junta continues to grow and expand. A civilian militia group in Myanmar claims that it killed around 50 soldiers and injured a number more in a series of landmine attacks in Magwe Region last week, the latest sign of rising resistance to the military junta that seized power in February. According to a report in The Irrawaddy, which cited a representative from the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Gangaw township, the casualties stemmed from two incidents. The first took place on August 19, when a vehicle carrying junta soldiers, one of a convoy of six, triggered a landmine planted by the civilian resistance on the Gangaw-Kale Highway. At least 20 soldiers were killed in the explosion and many others were injured, according to The Irrawaddy. The publication reported that another 30 junta troops were killed and two military vehicles damaged in a similar landmine attack on a troop convoy the day before. Continues at https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/myanmars-anti-junta-resistance-inflicting-rising-casualties-report/

Following excerpt confirms what most of us have believed all along about why people return to Thailand: "The favourite destinations were Bangkok, Surat Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chiang Mai and Chon Buri." From Bangkok Post Thousands of tourists leaving Phuket for other provinces Thousands of tourists have departed Phuket by land since the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension programme took effect on Aug 17, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, spokesman for Centre for Economic Situation Administration, said on Monday. Under the programme, the mandatory stay in Phuket for fully vaccinated international travellers is reduced from 14 to seven days. They can spend the other seven days in any of the extension areas in Krabi (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Ngai or Railay), Phang-Nga (Khao Lak or Koh Yao), or Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan or Koh Tao). Mr Thanakorn said so far 3,578 tourists had left Phuket by land for the extension areas. After seven days there, they could proceed to other provinces. The favourite destinations were Bangkok, Surat Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chiang Mai and Chon Buri. These destinations had complied with the pandemic controls required by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, he said. Mr Thanakorn said a total of 22,810 tourists had arrived under the Phuket Sandbox scheme. Room bookings had been made for 409,390 nights at SHA (safety and health administration) Plus hotels throughout July-September. Daily flights continued to bring in tourists. The five primary countries of origin were the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, France and Germany. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2169835/thousands-of-tourists-leaving-phuket-for-other-provinces

From The Thaiger The Public Health Ministry says that from next year, Thailand will begin offering booster doses to fully vaccinated people, as well as vaccinating children. According to a Nation Thailand report, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong from the Department of Disease Control says research shows that the immunity granted by 2 doses of vaccine, regardless of the type, will decline over time. For this reason, a third, or booster shot, will be necessary. Opas says AstraZeneca has already agreed to increase the number of doses supplied to Thailand from next month. The kingdom currently receives between 5 and 6 million doses a month during the period June – August. From September, that will increase to 7.2 million doses. Meanwhile, the National Vaccine Board says that by next year, there should be at least 120 million doses of various Covid-19 vaccines available. This will include mRNA, inactivated, protein, and viral vector vaccines, a decision already approved by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. The NVA plans to import 50 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, along with 50 million AstraZeneca doses. Opas says that if a second-generation vaccine is found to be safe and effective, it could arrive as a second batch. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/cv19-vaccines/thailand-to-start-offering-booster-doses-vaccinating-children-from-next-year ============================================ From Chanel News Asia Taiwan's president leads way in first domestic COVID-19 vaccine TAIPEI: President Tsai Ing-wen got vaccinated with Taiwan's first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine on Monday (Aug 23), giving her personal stamp of approval as the island begins rolling out the contested shot whose approval critics say has been rushed. The health ministry last month approved the emergency use of Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp's COVID-19 vaccine, part of a broader plan for inoculation self-sufficiency as delays in vaccine deliveries from global drug companies have affected Taiwan and many other countries. Tsai, who had held off using vaccines from Moderna or AstraZeneca, the current mainstay of Taiwan's vaccination programme, received her Medigen shot at a hospital in central Taipei, demonstrating her confidence in the safety of the vaccine. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/taiwan-president-domestic-covid-19-vaccine-medigen-shot-2129706

"Shooting the old horse will make people forget about all my mistakes" Tony Blair

From Pattaya News Five officials injured, protesters arrested during hours-long confrontation Five police officers were reportedly injured during an hours-long intense confrontation between crowd control police and hardline young protesters in Bangkok yesterday evening, August 22nd, the Deputy Commissioner of Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) reported. Police Major General Piya Tawichai of the MPB gave a summary of the recent gathering in the capital in which the Thalu Fah pro-democracy demonstrators had staged a gathering in front of the United Nations on Ratchadamnoen Road at 2:00 PM. The gathering peacefully went for about two hours before calling off at around 4:10 PM. Later, a group of teenagers riding motorcycles arrived at Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near the Sam Liam Din Daeng junction at around 4:50 P.M. Though the police had warned the protesters to disperse as they were violating the Emergency Decree, the group reportedly threw giant firecrackers, ping-pong bombs, and pipe bombs at the police. Some objects were also being thrown into the Royal Thai Army Band Department and Veterans General Hospital, according to the Deputy Commissioner. The riot police then had to approach the group of protesters to maintain peace and order. The protesters’ resistance led to the use of rubber bullets and water cannons during the confrontation that lasted for more than four hours. However, they continued to fight back by throwing more handmade explosions, injuring 5 police officers. A number of protesters were arrested from yesterday’s gathering and were taken to Din Daeng police station for legal proceedings, Piya added. Additionally, another Thalu Fah gathering for the eighth consecutive day is scheduled from 3:00 PM. onwards under the Sports Day theme. According to the organizers, they will be marching from the Kok Woa intersection and will hold the activities at the Democracy Monument. https://thepattayanews.com/2021/08/22/five-officials-injured-protesters-arrested-during-hours-long-confrontation-at-din-daeng-junction-yesterday-evening/

From Bangkok Post The Ministry of Labour is preparing to allow the return of labourers from three neighbouring countries under a memorandum of understanding (MoU), after a survey showed 424,703 migrant workers are needed to bolster the nation's workforce. Research by the Department of Employment (DoE) in May found that business operators need 256,029 Myanmar, 130,138 Cambodian and 38,536 Lao nationals in their workplaces. Most of the jobs are in the agriculture, livestock, construction, hospitality services and garment production sectors. The move is in line with government policy, overseen by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, to solve labour shortage issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and its containment. "Migrant workers can help to steer the business sector in the right direction, now and when the pandemic ends," DoE director-general Pairoj Chotikasathien said yesterday. Last year, Mr Pairoj said the department must lower labour imports while attempting to help skilled workers return to the workforce to solve labour shortages. In addition, the DoE is consulting with the Public Health Ministry and other state agencies to provide guidance to resume its intake of unskilled labourers under the MoU, Mr Pairoj said. Cambodian migrants have traditionally been crucial to the Thai economy, especially the agricultural sector, along the border, Mr Suchart said. Mr Suchart told the meeting that in light of Covid-19 outbreak, the ministry has revised labour regulations on documenting illegal labourers to ease employment issues. This will lead to quicker issuing of work permits as well as covering their social security and health checks. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2169067/migrants-to-be-allowed-back-to-work

Fans of John Burdett's Bangkok novels will recall that the jade trade was the major theme of Bangkok 8. From The Diplomat The KIA threat to Hpakant and Myitkyina could cut off the military from the lucrative jade trade With the February 1 coup, the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, sought to turn back the clock on the country’s nascent democratization. They opened Pandora’s box instead. Between the nationwide protest movement paralyzing the economy and the entrenched insurgencies, challenges mount against the military. Analyses so far have considered the likelihood of Tatmadaw defeat in the context of a united front of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). However, an underexamined element of the Myanmar crisis is how individual EAOs can exploit the chaos to inflict asymmetrical damage on the Tatmadaw. Nowhere is this more apparent than the military successes that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has achieved under the coup, and the KIA’s potential to threaten local military targets of national significance. The KIA is uniquely positioned to hurt the Tatmadaw both economically and politically by capturing the jade mining hub of Hpakant and Kachin State’s capital of Myitkyina, dealing potentially major blows to the military. Initially, the KIA offered little more than condemnations of violence inflicted on protesters, regarding the coup as a struggle over the 2008 Constitution, which it rejects. Before the coup, the KIA had engaged in ceasefire negotiations with the military, but recent Tatmadaw attacks on the KIA have reignited the conflict. Now, the KIA is committed to opposing the new military regime. Since March, the KIA has confronted the military throughout Kachin State. The group has reportedly captured about 10 military bases and defended these gains against a prolonged Tatmadaw siege. The KIA has also frequently clashed with the Tatmadaw at Hpakant and adjacent to Myitkyina. As the capital of Kachin state, Myitkyina’s capture would crack one of the military’s ideological pillars: non-disintegration of the union. The Tatmadaw upholds this tenet as one of its Three National Causes. As a symbolic step toward independence for the KIA, the loss of Myitkyina would at least sap morale within Tatmadaw ranks and, at most, increase factional enmity toward the coup leader, General Min Aung Hlaing. Complete control of Hpakant, meanwhile, would give the KIA the linchpin of the conflict economy in northern Myanmar. The jade trade is estimated to be worth $31 billion annually. The Tatmadaw and major EAOs rely on jade to bolster their war chests and to line their leaders’ pockets. The web of cronies, EAOs, and Chinese businesses woven by the military to mine jade at Hpakant illustrates how battlefield enemies become business bedfellows. The KIA and Tatmadaw uneasily coexisted at the center of the web in taxing all aspects of jade mining in Hpakant before the coup. Through business intermediaries, the Arakan Army (AA) and United Wa State Army (UWSA) participated in the Tatmadaw-KIA jade condominium. As the destination of the jade, China had business interests in every step of the journey, on every side of the conflict, from mine to market. The development of this shared extractive arrangement between the Tatmadaw and KIA, a period that coincides with the breaking of their ceasefire in 2011, shows the limits of conflict in Myanmar. Now, the question is if the coup has changed the rules. Continues at https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/the-kachin-insurgency-could-deal-a-heavy-blow-to-myanmars-military-junta/

That would seem to explain it. Any good news at this point is welcomed Thanks for clarification!

Good point. Could be that the reporter omitted a decimal point between the numbers (i.e., 4.1 and 5.9). Otherwise I have the same question. Here's a chart that's embedded in the story that's intended to illustrate the case for slowing infections.

I've been cautious of earlier predictions but there are signs that have foreshadowed slowing in other nations now beginning to show in Thailand. From Bangkok Post Signs have emerged that suggest Covid-19 infections are about to level off despite a doctor warning the country could see up to 400,000 new cases. Apisamai Srirangson, an assistant spokeswoman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said there are encouraging indicators about the outbreak situation, noting that the number of new infections is no longer on a steep upward curve. The rate of infections in Greater Bangkok is at 41% while it is at 59% in the provinces, and the trend is expected to continue, she said. However, she warned the public to keep their guard up because fully vaccinated people can still be infected. "There are signs that the number of infections and fatalities are about to level off," Dr Apisamai said. "We hope the situation is getting better, and we must not make a mistake in this critical period." She said the home and community isolation programme has also freed up hospital beds for Covid-19 patients with more severe symptoms and reduced wait times for critically-ill patients in the past week. According to her, there are 70 community isolation centres in Bangkok with 9,426 beds. Of these, 14 can provide standard RT-PCR tests and seven are equipped to treat some 1,000 patients showing mild symptoms, Dr Apisamai said. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2168639/covid-19-infections-may-have-peaked ============================== From Pattaya Mail Four types of made-in-Thailand COVID vaccines to begin human trials Thailand is developing multiple types of vaccine and most of them are entering into human trials this year. Today we’ll look into 4 types showing the most promising results. The first type is made-in-Thailand mRNA vaccine developed by the Vaccine Center of Chulalongkorn University. It was previously tested in volunteers in the first phase and shows 94% efficacy, as good as other global mRNA types. The result shows that it can successfully suppress 4 strains including Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta and induces T-cell responses as well. Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/four-types-of-made-in-thailand-covid-vaccines-to-begin-human-trials-368684 ============================================ From Pattaya News Opinion: Thailand should seriously consider just letting vaccinated foreign visitors in with much lesser rules It’s almost a perfect storm-daily protests, 29 areas/provinces under partial lockdown measures that have shuttered tens of thousands of businesses and put an estimated three million people out of work according to the Thai Chamber of Commerce (and likely much, much higher if you count the informal sector), a vaccination program not moving as fast as people would like, continued pressure on the government from multiple sectors and conflicting goals, and much more. That being said, contrary to some belief, one fairly successful metric cannot be ignored and that is in the Sandbox program in Phuket, the current program that allows vaccinated foreign visitors to enter the country without quarantine and roam the island but with a set of rules, paperwork, and tests. That metric I am referring to is the risk that foreign vaccinated tourists present in terms of having and spreading Covid-19. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2021/08/21/opinion-thailand-should-seriously-consider-just-letting-vaccinated-foreign-visitors-in-with-much-lesser-rules/

From AFP / BP The shadow government working to overthrow the Myanmar junta launched a daily radio programme on Friday as it seeks to battle military-backed media for supremacy over the airwaves. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the civilian administration of Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted in a February coup, sparking huge pro-democracy protests and a bloody military crackdown. Dissident lawmakers from her party dominate the National Unity Government (NUG), in hiding or in exile, rallying support for the resistance on international news broadcasts. On Friday the first of a twice-daily 30-minute Radio NUG programme went on-air, providing Covid-19 updates, details of alleged military atrocities and reading out letters from democracy supporters. Another section was dedicated to local “self-defence” forces that have sprung up across Myanmar to battle junta forces — often using hunting rifles or weapons manufactured at makeshift jungle factories. “We are sending all our best wishes to you and we are very proud of you,” read a letter one listener. While promoting the launch, the NUG also urged listeners to buy a radio and tune in — likely an attempt to dodge any junta-enforced internet blackouts. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2168583/myanmar-shadow-government-launches-radio-programme

Perhaps porn is losing a bit of its appeal. After nearly two years of pandemic-driven growth, consumers of remote sex may be coming to realize that it can only end in the time honored--yet ultimately disappointing--solo conclusion. As a friend recently observed, "If I can't touch it, I don't watch it."

From Pattaya Mail Thai Airways International (THAI) announced to resume international and domestic flight operations during the August – October period. In response to demand for air travel, the airline will operate flights to international and domestic destinations under the Covid-19 prevention measures, said Nond Kalinta, THAI’s chief commercial officer. The domestic route is: Bangkok – Phuket: two flights per week every Thursday and Friday, starting from September to October. The routes to support the Phuket Sandbox project are: Bangkok- Phuket- Frankfurt: one weekly flight on Thursdays. Bangkok- Phuket – London: one weekly flight on Fridays. Bangkok-Paris-Phuket-Bangkok: one weekly flight on Thursdays. Bangkok-Zurich-Phuket- Bangkok: one weekly flight every Friday. The routes to Europe and Australia Bangkok – London: two flights per week, Wednesdays and Sundays. Bangkok – Frankfurt: two flights per week, Saturdays and Sundays. Bangkok – Copenhagen: two flights per week, Tuesdays and Saturdays (only on Saturdays in September). Bangkok – Sydney: two flights per week, Wednesdays and Sundays. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thai-airways-to-resume-intl-and-domestic-flight-operations-for-august-october-368592

From The Thaiger Flights from Phuket to Bangkok to resume Domestic flights from Phuket to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are set to resume next month, according to the Transport Ministry. The Bangkok Post reports that the flights are being given the green light to facilitate the travel needs of tourists in Phuket as part of the island’s sandbox re-opening scheme. On July 21, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand banned commercial domestic flights to the “dark red” provinces, amid a surge in Covid-19 cases. The ban caught tourists and residents on Phuket off-guard, leaving many with no choice but to make the arduous journey by road. The Bangkok Post reports that the CAAT is expected to ease the ban at Bangkok’s 2 airports, in order to help Phuket’s sandbox tourists. However, arrivals from Phuket who wish to travel to Bangkok or neighbouring provinces will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine first. Those who are flying home from Bangkok will not be permitted to leave the airport, but the maximum transit period has been increased from 12 to 24 hours. Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/flights-from-phuket-to-bangkok-to-resume-for-sandbox-tourists-next-month

From The Straits Times The palace issued a statement saying Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah has consented to appoint Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pictured) as prime minister and will swear him in at 2.30pm on Aug 21, 2021.PHOTO: BERNAMA KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's King confirmed on Friday (Aug 20) that Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be the country's ninth prime minister, after a brief meeting with the country's other state rulers. Minutes after the "special discussion" concluded at around 4.30pm at Istana Negara, the palace issued a statement saying that Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah "has consented to appoint Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri" and will swear him in at 2.30pm on Saturday. "His Majesty expressed hope that with the appointment of the new prime minister, the political crisis will end swiftly and all MPs can set aside narrow political agendas to unite and cooperate to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic for the sake of the public and nation," the statement said. "His Majesty reiterated that the public should not be burdened by a protracted political crisis at a time when the country is facing a health crisis and an economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-king-affirms-ismail-sabri-as-new-prime-minister

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya mayor confirms international consortium is funding city’s rejig By Barry Kenyon Faced with criticism that the funds to enhance Pattaya promenade could be better spent on feeding the city’s hungry, local mayor Sonthaya Kunplome explained that the money was not Pattaya’s to move around at will. a multi-million baht EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor) initiative, so the cash is reserved for a particular project. Cancelling the beach improvements would not result in one more meal for the hungry,” he said. In a rare public admission by a politician that many local projects are funded neither by the local authority nor by the Thai government alone, the mayor underpinned the mechanism which has been, and will be, responsible for all the city’s major infrastructure improvements. The 1.7 trillion baht EEC is an ambitious international consortium to transform the three-province, eastern region of Thailand into a hi-tech and logistics hub and gateway, linking China and India and the 9-nation Asean trading bloc. Although the Thai government and state owned industries are certainly involved, most of the EEC money comes from private-public partnerships of which China and Japan are the biggest investors. Foreign companies are encouraged to join by generous tax incentives and visa benefits. For example, the four-year hi-tech Smart visa requires neither a work permit nor the 90 days immigration sign-on. And what of Pattaya? There is, of course, no intention to turn Pattaya into a hi-tech factory and it will remain a vital tourist city, howbeit one far removed from its Sin City and horizontal leisure pursuits reputation. That is why the EEC is spending mega-cash to upgrade the infrastructure of the resort to international standards. Pattaya City Hall, for its part, is fully committed medium-term to the development of neo-Pattaya. Anyone in any doubt should view the billboard at the entrance to the shuttered Walking Street. EEC projects already completed include the new Route 7 motorway linking Chonburi with Bangkok and the massive improvements at Laem Chabang and Maptaphut ports. The hi-speed rail link between U-tapao and Bangkok airports is already under construction and plans to build a cruise harbor at Bali Hai and demolish Walking Street are currently under deliberation. Whatever neo-Pattaya turns out to look like, it’s going to be created with billions of foreign cash. In any currency. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattaya-mayor-confirms-international-consortium-is-funding-citys-rejig-368411

Agree. You could throw at dart at that crew and you wouldn't be disappointed.