Weekly Thailand News Digest

Know the latest news from Thailand in this week's digest...

THAI NEWS RECAP

Walk on the wild side: Bang Kapi Skywalk to open by the end of September

Photo courtesy of skyscrapercity

The Bang Kapi Skywalk in Bangkok is set to open by the end of September fully. This new infrastructure aims to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity, linking key locations like shopping centers and transit stations. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance urban mobility in Bangkok.

Foreign cyclist severely injured after being hit by Phuket Airport taxi

Photo courtesy of Thaiger News

A foreign cyclist was severely injured after being hit by a Phuket airport taxi. The accident occurred on Thepkrasattri Road, a busy area near the airport. Emergency services were quick to respond, and the cyclist was taken to the hospital for treatment. The incident highlights concerns about road safety in the region, particularly for cyclists.

Thai Smile Bus launches electric bus services across Bangkok

Picture courtesy of Electrive

Thai Smile Bus has introduced a fleet of electric buses in Bangkok as part of its commitment to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation. The new electric buses will operate on various routes throughout the city, offering passengers a cleaner alternative to conventional buses that rely on fossil fuels. This initiative is aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and contributing to Bangkok's efforts to modernize its public transport infrastructure. The move aligns with broader environmental goals in Thailand, supporting the transition to greener urban mobility.

Thai AirAsia X launches new Sydney-Bangkok route

Picture courtesy of Air Asia

Thai AirAsia X has launched a new direct route between Sydney and Bangkok, expanding its international network. The new service aims to boost tourism and business travel between Australia and Thailand. Flights on this route are expected to attract both leisure and corporate travelers, providing more options for those looking to explore or do business in Southeast Asia. The launch of this route reflects the growing demand for connectivity between these two major cities.

Thai Red Cross offers mpox vaccine for 8,500 baht per dose

Picture courtesy of The citizen

The Thai Red Cross is offering the Mpox (monkeypox) vaccine for 8,500 baht per dose. This initiative is aimed at providing access to the vaccine amid growing concerns about the spread of Mpox. The vaccine is available for those at risk or seeking protection, and appointments can be made at the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Center in Bangkok.

Flooding in Chiang Rai claims two lives, submerges 15,000 rai of farmland

Picture Courtesy of Khao Sod

Flooding in Chiang Rai has claimed two lives and submerged 15,000 rai of farmland, causing extensive damage. The heavy rainfall that led to the flooding has severely impacted the local communities, with homes and infrastructure also affected. Emergency services are on the ground, assisting those in need and working to mitigate further damage. The situation remains critical as the region deals with the ongoing effects of the floodwaters.

Thailand on track to invest 77 billion baht in new light rail systems

Picture courtesy of Thaiger News

Thailand's Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) plans to invest 77 billion baht in developing new light rail systems in four cities: Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phitsanulok. The projects are set to begin bidding in 2026, with construction expected to start in 2028. Additionally, the MRTA is progressing on the 22-kilometer Brown Line in Bangkok, with a 42-billion-baht budget. This project is currently under review, with bidding planned for 2025 and construction targeted for 2026.

A plane carrying 9 people crashes in the forest near Thailand’s capital

Photo courtesy of Reuters

A plane crash in Thailand on August 22, 2024, resulted in at least 12 fatalities. The aircraft, a de Havilland Canada DHC-8, crashed in a rubber plantation in Songkhla province shortly after takeoff. The flight was en route from Betong Airport to Hat Yai Airport. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with authorities looking into potential factors such as weather conditions and mechanical failure.

Death toll in Phuket landslide rises to 9, including 2 Russians

Photo courtesy of Thaiger News

The death toll from the Phuket landslide has risen to nine, including two Russian nationals. The incident occurred at the Emerald Villas construction site in Kamala, where heavy rainfall caused a landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing, as some individuals are still unaccounted for. Authorities are investigating the cause and assessing the area's safety to prevent further tragedies.

THAI EVENTS

VIJITR @ Phuket

  • 24 August – 1 September 2024, from 6 pm to midnight

  • Saphan Hin Park, Phuket

The "Vijitr Phuket: Pearls of Andaman, The Undiscovered Treasure" event runs from August 24 to September 1, 2024. It features stunning light displays, including drone shows and illuminated decorations, to highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Phuket and the Andaman region. The event aims to boost tourism by showcasing lesser-known treasures of the area, with activities and attractions centered around its maritime history and vibrant local culture.

THAILAND UNFILTERED

Choui Fong Tea Farm

Choui Fong Tea Farm, located in the highlands of Chiang Rai, Thailand, is a picturesque tea plantation known for its sprawling green terraces and breathtaking views. The farm is renowned for producing high-quality tea, including Oolong and Green tea varieties, cultivated using sustainable practices. Visitors can explore the tea fields, enjoy freshly brewed tea at the on-site café, and learn about the traditional tea-making process. The farm's scenic beauty and serene atmosphere make it a popular destination for both tourists and tea enthusiasts. Stay tuned for our next newsletter! We'll bring you to Choui Fong Tea Farm, where you can experience the beauty of lush tea terraces, taste fresh brews, and discover the art of tea-making in the serene highlands of Chiang Rai.

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