Stories tagged with chiangmai
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Travellers chuffed as train strike ends
Many residents of Chiang Mai and those passing through the capital will have breathed a sigh of relief as it was announced on Tuesday that the trains would start running again.
The State Railway of Thailand labour union announced the end of their two day nationwide strike, during which trains throughout Thailand had been at a complete standstill. The decision to return to work was announced after members of the State Railway of Thailand labour union met with a number of cabinet ministers in a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart.
As a result of the talks, which lasted for about one hour, it was agreed that the SRT labour union will be permitted to take part in a review of the entire restructuring plan along with the SRT board. It had been feared that the government were planning to privatise the state railway, but these rumours have been strongly denied.
''Don't worry. There will be no privatisation,'' Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post. ''The rehabilitation plan is aimed at reducing debt."
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Jun 2009, 08:55 -
Reappearance of stolen goods sends two Australian tourists to jail
Two young men visiting Chiang Mai from Australia, Paul Johnson and Jacob McGrath, were staying at a guest house in the city, and returned to their room reportedly to find a number of expensive items missing – including a digital camera, an iPod, a laptop computer and a pair of sunglasses.
After allegedly searching through the guest house property, the pair called Chiang Mai police. All of the missing items were found shortly after the police arrived.
The two men were arrested, and charged with supplying false information to the police.
Although the men were scheduled to fly home to Australia the following day, they were required to remain in custody, pending a court appearance. Just four days after they were arrested, Johnson and McGrath were convicted of the charges and sentences to four months in jail.
The sentence was reduced quickly reduced to two months, due to the two pleading guilty to the charges.
Since their incarceration the two men have been living in a cell with 25 other prisoners, sleeping on thin mattresses and allowed two exercise periods per day of one hour each. It seems that Australian consular authorities were not able to visit the men until after their convictions. Their parents were not aware of the situation until a New Zealand missionary, who visited the jail, subsequently informed them.
Posted by: Andrew on 29 Apr 2009, 14:51 -
Online bookings return to normal levels
Thailand remains one of the top three destinations in Asia for international visitors in spite of recent anti-government demonstrations and violence in the streets of the country’s capital, according to a leading online accommodation booking site.
On Wotif.com, both daily traffic and sales are back to near-normal levels, according to the company’s CEO and managing director, Robbie Cooke, who added that many cancellations have been rebooked.
“The company follows the best deals and our customers have proven to be resilient following times of crisis. We expect some travellers will choose other destinations, but Thailand will recover its popularity in time,” he said in a report in the Bangkok Post.
Cooke added: “There is no other destination like it in terms of variety, value for money and quality tourism products.” At the current time, guesthouses and hotels in Thailand are offering discounts ranging from 30-50 per cent.
The travel executive noted that online customers are always looking for good deals to destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket and other Thai resorts and that he is confident they will continue to check for special offers on Wotif.com.
Online hotel sales in Asia only for only 15 per cent of all accommodation bookings made by Asian travellers, meaning that significant growth in the sector is possible. Wotif.com reported nearly A$500 million in bookings across its world-wide network in the last half of last year.
Thanks to www.bangkokpost.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.
Posted by: Andrew on 25 Apr 2009, 15:17 -
Chiang Mai puts aside protest concerns and celebrates Songkran
During the three-day Songkran celebrations in Chiang Mai a ban on vehicles travelling on the moat road didn’t seem to stop loads of motorbikes, cars and pick-up trucks filled with people and containers of water from enjoying their annual New Year’s fun - soaking everyone walking along the way.
A merit-making ceremony at Thapae Gate signalled the beginning of the festivities. The ceremony was led by Amornphan Nimanant, the governor of Chiang Mai province, and was followed by a traditional parade, during which the Phra Buddha Sihing image was carried through the streets of the inner city, while residents sprinkled water on the image as a sign of respect.
Later, a traditional Lanna market was set up Thapae Gate, where residents and visitors could shop for local products and enjoy a Lanna Khantoke meal. Throughout the three days of celebrations, fire-crackers, fireworks and music added to the festive sounds and sights.
Although by all reports the Songkran celebrations were quieter this year and saw fewer foreign visitors, there was a notable lack of unpleasant behaviour and violence reported – which in the past have been blamed on excess alcohol consumption.
Posted by: Andrew on 22 Apr 2009, 15:58 -
Chiang Mai hotel occupancy drops to 40 percent over Songkran
Major tourism associations in Thailand are reporting that the rate of hotel occupancy by foreign visitors at Chiang Mai hotels and resorts over the recent Songkran festival fell from the 2008 level of 90-95 per cent to 40-45 per cent this year.
The main reasons cited for the disastrous drop in advance bookings were political chaos and the looming threat of violent protests over the Songkran holiday period.
Chiang Mai has long been regarded as the main destination during Songkran for both domestic and foreign tourists. Visitors who were already in the city before the holiday began booking travel to other areas because of concerns over violence.
Bangkok travel agents handling Chiang Mai bookings for foreign tourists were reported to be requiring a 40 per cent non-refundable deposit, anticipating cancellations in the event of riots in Chiang Mai.
The city has already felt the impact of the global economic downturn, the siege of Suvarnabhumi Airport late last year and recent violent protests in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Recently, the group Rak Chiang Mai 51 forced the cancellation of the city’s Gay Pride Parade.
These events, combined with exceptionally high pollution levels that have gained international attention, have led to a 25 per cent drop in visitors in recent months.
Posted by: Andrew on 18 Apr 2009, 14:08 -
Songkran extended on Khao San Road
In spite of the political turmoil that brought Bangkok to a dangerous standstill on Monday and Tuesday, revellers determinedly got on with the annual Songkran water festival on Khao San Road. And because initial festivities were cancelled during the festival days, the holiday was extended by a further two days, ending Friday evening.
The Khao San Road is one of the most popular places in Thailand to celebrate Songkran as a tourist, as this pedestrianised street becomes one massive water fight, safe from traffic. However it's proximity to some of the flashpoints of the prostest action of the United Front for Democracy against Dictactorship (UDD) made it a risky part of the city to be in.
Travellers who had to delay plans to visit the city now have a chance to join the fun, with two extra days added to the Khao San Road festivities. Furthermore, public holidays were declared across the country while the country recovers from the crisis that gripped the Kingdom over the previous weekend.
Bangkok's streets had mostly returned to normal by Wednesday evening as the army successfully dispersed the crowd and brought an end to the violent standoff. Only two deaths were reported at the end of it all and the leaders of the so-called 'Red Shirts' - supporters of ousted and fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who were calling for the government to step down - called it off.
Although the State of Emergency remains in the capital, normality had returned by Thursday and it was safe to travel freely about the capital. Rumours of a coup were unfounded and the government appears to have the situation under control.
Guide to the Khao San Road
Posted by: Andrew on 16 Apr 2009, 18:59 -
Bangkok streets return to normal
All was calm on the streets of Bangkok by Wednesday evening after the army brought the situation under control and dispersed rampaging protestors who had brought anarchy to the capital.
Bangkok is now considered safe to travel to, although several countries have yet to lift their travel advisory warnings for Thailand. The situation remains tense but the prostests have been called off, the streets have been cleared and the risk of violence has been greatly minimised.
The State of Emergency remains, declared on Sunday evening after red shirted supporters of exiled pariah Thaksin Shinawatra forced the cancellation of the ASEAN+3 summit in Pattaya. After storming the venue, they turned their attention to Bangkok, where 10,000 of them blockaded key intersections and violently brought the city to a standstill demanding the resignation of the government.
A peaceful quiet descended on the city Wednesday evening after a tense standoff between soldiers and the protestors throughout Tuesday, as 50 companies of soldiers gradually dispersed the crowds. Finally the leaders of the protest turned themselves in Wednesday morning and called off the protest, urging their ranks to return home.
A small group of die-hard supporters mustered at Sanam Luang, near Khao San Road, refusing to go home, but were under close guard from the military. Armoured personnel continue to preside of key parts of the city to prevent further trouble.
Meanwhile the airport remained busy and the annual Songkran festivities continued on Khao San Road and Silom avenue without hindrance or fear. Sporadic protests continue upcountry but are considered of no risk to tourists.
Breaking news from The Nation Newspaper
Posted by: Andrew on 16 Apr 2009, 18:46 -
Political tensions lead to fewer tourists
The Songkran festival period could be a quieter one this year, as the number of holidaymakers visiting the country during the Thai New Year celebrations is expected to fall by 20-40 per cent as compared with last year, as concerns rise about new political tensions.
Concerns have arisen due to the increased anti-government protests staged by the “Red Shirts” faction, including a major rally scheduled in the period leading up to the holiday.
Tourism groups are expecting foreign visitor numbers to drop off by as much as 40 per cent from 2008, and domestic tourists by 20-30 per cent. What this would mean is that Songkran may only generate around Bt30 billion in revenues, which is considerably less than the Bt50 billion projected earlier.
The downturn during Songkran would put even greater pressure on Thailand as it attempts to reach its target of Bt500 billion in tourism revenue this year.
"Political chaos in Thailand is becoming the main factor in both inbound and domestic tourism. Even tourists familiar with Thailand, such as those from Singapore and Hong Kong, are now waiting for the situation to clear up," said Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, as reported in The Nation.
The association executive suggested that many tourists were delaying booking their holiday until the mass rally in Bangkok has ended. In Chiang Mai, tourists have been reported to be urgently consulting travel agents for tours outside the provincial capital, as they fear confrontations stemming from the political turbulence.
Posted by: Andrew on 15 Apr 2009, 09:54 -
State of Emergency in Bangkok - clashes expected
As Thailand's latest political crisis escalates a state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok and its surrounding six provinces in an attempt to restore order to the capital. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency on Sunday after red shirted protesters from the United front for democracy, against dictatorship (UDD) forced the cancellation of the ASEAN+3 summit in Pattaya Saturday.
Protests from the group, led by fugitive and exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have turned ugly after a mob of 10,000 stormed the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya amid inadequate police security, forcing the airlift evacuation of heads of state and a major embarrassment for the crisis wracked country.
Bangkok remains at risk of violent clashes as the army are now set to be deployed and bring the situation under control. The protests, crucially, have moved from key administrative sites in the Dusit area, into the city proper as they try to block key roads and incite anarchy. They are demanding the government step down, accusing them of being illegitimate, while Thaksin himself is urging a revolution.
Several countries have issue travel advisory warnings and tourists are advised to avoid Bangkok for the time being as violent clashes between the army and this group of some 100,000 are anticipated Monday. Until now the government has been reluctant to use the army or heavy handed discipline on the protestors, fearful of losing face and credibility among the general population.
Following the Pattaya siege, the current crisis has lurched to an unprecedented level, reminiscent of the airport seizure last year, with mob rule becoming a popular tool for groups to voice dissatisfaction at the current political landscape. With the standoff reaching critical levels uncertainty remains in the capital, and unfolding events there might spill out to Northern and Northeastern provinces, including Chiang Mai.
The Southern provinces of Thailand remain peaceful and without risk but transport might be severely disrupted as the crisis unfolds.
The present government came to power four months ago after the ruling party was dissolved for vote fraud. MPs from a key factions of the party crossed the floor to help the opposition form a minority led coalition, which the protestors are refusing to acknowledge. Thaksin Shinawatra has been fighting to reverse his corruption convictions, unblock frozen assets and return to power, and has the support of the UDD.
No solution seems in sight for the political crisis and it is likely to cost the country a loss of more than 200 billion baht in lost tourism revenue.
Posted by: Andrew on 13 Apr 2009, 11:14 -
Pattaya under siege as ASEAN summit cancelled
The summit of the ASEAN+3 heads of state has been cancelled after militant protestors stormed the the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, terrorising the delegates and forcing an evacuation by helicopter of the VIPs. A state of emergency had been temporarily declared as the government battles with red shirted members of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (DAAD) that is calling for their resignation.
Riot police failed to properly secure the area as a mob of approximately 10,000 massed at the site, threatening to stop the conference and accusing the government of being illegitimate. In a huge embarrassment to the country, the summit was abandoned when the protestors broke through the glass doors of the media centre, creating chaos.
The protestors had moved to Pattaya on instructions from leaders, including fugitive ex PM Thaksin Shinawatra after a week of disruptive protests at Government House in Bangkok. it is part of a democratic crisis that follows on from the protest and airport seizure last year.
The state of emergency was lifted hours later, after the delegates were airlifted to safety and the prostestors withdrew, claiming 'victory'. By late Saturday evening most of the prostestors had returned to Bangkok and Pattaya had returned to normal. However the situation in Bangkok remains uncertain.
Tourists planning visits to the South are not considered at risk, and despite the damage to Pattaya's reputation it has now been left alone in the current crisis, and visitors are unlikely to experience any further inconvenience in the city but transportation might be disrupted to and from the capital if the situation develops further.
The crisis stems from the dissolution last year of the ruling party on vote fraud charges. They were seen as allied to ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, disposed in the 2006 coup. After the dissolution the opposition formed a government with a key faction of the previous government who crossed the floor to help form a minority led coalition. The DAAD are unwilling to accept this.
Posted by: Andrew on 11 Apr 2009, 10:47 -
Missionaries invade Changklan Road bars in Chiang Mai
On the evening of 24 March, four American missionaries invaded bars in the “red light” area on Changklan Road in Chiang Mai, shouting at patrons, bar owners, bar girls and passers-by that drinking and sex would land them in hell. They added that they had been sent by the Lord to spread the message so that sinners would repent.
The men pontificated for nearly an hour, while bar girls, bar owners and bar patrons shouted obscenities and used rude hand gestures in reply.
When the missionaries were interviewed by local reporters, the group’s leader, Tony House, said that the men were hoping to save sinners by making them aware of their misconduct and helping them avoid a descent into hell. House is a former Thai boxer, who trained at the Tony Siriprapa Gym.
House added that the group is committed to helping Chiang Mai residents by encouraging conversion to Christianity, and will continue to visit Changklan Road until all those who work there and patronize the bars reform their way of life.
The group leader emphasizes the importance of Chiang Mai’s culture and history and said that it should not be encouraging inappropriate acts such as drinking and prostitution.
Posted by: Andrew on 11 Apr 2009, 08:17 -
Bangkok shut down by protestors
Red shirted protestors have massed at strategic points in Bangkok's administrative and commercial districts, demanding the government step down. The protests have moved from the original assembly site to key installations and intersections in the city, turning militant and causing major disruptions to commuters. Visitors to the capital are at risk of inconvenience although no violence has been experienced.
The United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (DAAD), or 'Red Shirts' have been agitating for a dissolution of the Government that came to power just four months ago, unhappy with the minority coalition government which they claim is not the will of the majority. They are being led on by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is currently in exile to avoid a corruption conviction. For the second time in five months Thailand has lurched into a deep crisis, as neither side respects the current democratic process. It's having a debilitating effect on the economy and tourism.
The situation in Bangkok remains unstable, with several country's issuing travel advisory warnings. Protests have also been taking place without violence in cities of the North and Northeast, including Chiang Mai, but the south is peaceful. Tourists in Phuket, Krabi and Samui have not experienced any inconveniences, airport closures or protest action.
More than 100,000 red shirt supporters have assembled in Bangkok, mainly targeting Government House and some administrative buildings in the Dusit area, but have set some ambitious deadlines for their demands to be met, which might prompt action from riot police and military. They are also threatening to disrupt the ASEAN+3 summit in Pattaya over the weekend.
Many Bangkok resident have left the capital to go to their family homes for the long Songkran festival that runs until April 15th. The prime minister declared Friday 10th an additional holiday to side-step the prostestors, who are causing havoc to Bangkok's traffic congestion. The situation remains unclear.
Posted by: Andrew on 10 Apr 2009, 10:32 -
Chiang Mai site of mass rally opposing Thai government
On Sunday 22 March anti-governmental demonstrators returned to Chiang Mai, where they staged “red shirt” rally at the 700 Year Stadium in support of exiled ex-prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. The political event was organised by leaders of the United Front for Democracy (UDD), as an event in its ‘Roving Truth Today’ talk show series. A feature of the rally was a two-way satellite link with the ex-prime minister, who spoke from an undisclosed location.
Nearly 10,000 of his supporters attended the event, which also included members of the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group, controversial due to its predisposition to violent activity. Violent acts in the past have led to numerous members breaking away from the group to form other organizations.
In his remarks to the crowd, during which he spoke in the northern Lanna Thai dialect, the ex-prime minister attacked the economic policies of the current government, asserting that the policies were not only the incorrect approach to solving the current problems but in fact caused additional suffering for the majority of Thais.
Thaksin Shinawatra assured his supporters that if he were to be returned to the office of prime minister he would be able to provide a solution to the current financial crisis.
Posted by: Andrew on 08 Apr 2009, 12:10 -
German kills Thai woman and confesses in home country
Police in Germany alerted their counterparts in Chiang Mai, Thailand, of the possible murder of a Thai woman after a German citizen admitted to the crime when he returned to his home country.
On 20 March, the naked body of 23-year-old Praew Dangkaesi was found by local police at her Muang district home. The woman had been hit in the head with a beer bottle and then suffocated with a pillow.
Police went to her home after being alerted of a possible homicide confessed to by a German national who had recently arrived back in Germany. He told police that he killed a woman living in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
On further investigation it was learned that Thomas Peschel, 45 years old, had been the woman’s lover, and sent her 15,000 baht in monthly support, according to the woman’s sister. When the young woman tried to end the relationship, Peschel discovered that she was involved with a Swiss man, and flew to Thailand to attempt to reconcile. It was said that his jealousy led to many arguments.
On 16 March, according to his admission, he killed the woman and then left the country, returning to Germany before her body was discovered. On arrival in Germany, he surrendered to police, saying that he killed her out of jealousy.
Police in Thailand are cooperating with the relevant agencies seeking Peschel’s extradition to face a charge of murder in the Thai courts.
Posted by: Andrew on 04 Apr 2009, 14:29 -
Green areas to be created throughout Chiang Mai province
Amornpun Nimanun, the governor of Chiang Mai, has announced a new policy that calls on each provincial village to plant 3,000 trees, in an effort to create green areas totalling 60,000 rai.
During a meeting this week with officials from the province's environment and animal department, the governor noted that water supply was a concern currently. He asked all agencies cooperate to ensure the availability and quality water from all sources.
In addition to provincial departments, the governor also asked Royal Projects officials for information and guidance on water sources and management. He has asked authorities throughout the province to help prevent the illegal destruction of natural resources, including streams and trees.
It was in this framework that he introduced the plan to increase the province’s green areas, and proposed that each village plant 3,000 new trees. The governor added that as there are more than 2,000 villages in Chiang Mai province, if 100 trees were planted per rai, 60,000 rai of green space would result.
Posted by: Andrew on 28 Mar 2009, 08:49 -
Men charged with sexual abuse of hill tribe girls
Two men - and American and a Thai - were arrested recently and charged with sexually abusing several young hill tribe girls, aged 13-15. According to reports, the abuse of the girls that were in their charge may have been ongoing for a number of years.
American Robert Moss, the 55-year-old director of the Hor Fuang Fah foundation, which provided accommodation and educational access for hill tribe girls in Muang and Mae Taeng districts of Chiang Mai, and an employee, 49-year-old Chailong Siriwong, have denied the accusations. When questioned, the Thai man said that he loved the girls as his daughter and insisted that he did not abuse them sexually.
Before the two men were arrested, the principal of Mae Tang’s Sop Perng Wittaya School, Somboon Jai-ngarm, became concerned about several young girls from the foundation attending his school. He said that the girls acted as if they were ill, and were often tearful, depressed and nervous.
The principal suspected that the young girls may have been sexually abused and contacted the local police. He finally persuaded seven of the girls to speak with the police.
Posted by: Andrew on 25 Mar 2009, 13:52 -
Chiang Mai police take harder stance on illegal activity
During a press conference at their provincial headquarters, Chiang Mai Police announced the improved rate of clearing recently-committed crimes.
Twelve unlicensed entertainment venues were shut down, opening and closing times at other venues were more strictly enforced, more than a dozen illegal gaming machines were confiscated and numerous ‘big bikes’ that were imported illegally were seized.
Police said they believed that a large number of the big bikes were imported by “high-ranking persons” who knew how to evade customs duties payment. to avoid having to pay duty.
Pol Maj Gen Sommai Konwisaisook reported that many big bike owners have purchase invoices only, and no proof that import duty was paid. He added that local police will inspect documentation and bike chassis numbers, and that the machines will be seized if their owners cannot prove duty payment. The matter will then be referred on to Thai customs officials.
He did not comment if attempts were being made to trace the sellers who were responsible for illegally importing the bikes.
Posted by: Andrew on 21 Mar 2009, 07:24 -
Songkran in Chiang Mai dampened by economy
Tourism in the popular northern Thai province of Chiang Mai has been affected not only by the economic downturn, but it has recently been hit by poor air quality resulting from area forest fires. The combined effect has seen hotel occupancy rates plunge, according to figures released by Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association.
Association advisor to the association, Boonlert Buranupakorn, commented that the financial crisis has hurt incoming tourist arrival numbers, and the smog from fires that has enveloped the province has been driving away many tourists that have come to visit.
Based on forward bookings, the average hotel occupancy rate for Chiang Mai during the upcoming Songkran Festival in mid-April will fall by 40 per cent as compared with last year, he noted.
Chiang Mai has long been a favourite destination for tourists looking to experience Songkran – the traditional Thai New Year.
The Songkran Festival falls on 13-15 April, and in Chiang Mai celebrations are held from 11-16 April.
According to the association advisor, tourism business owners have boosted marketing efforts this year by e-mailing tourism agencies around the world, ensuring that the political situation in Thailand had returned to normal and encouraging them to recommend the country as a destination to their clients.
He added that although tourism prospects are not particularly good at the moment, there is no plan among hoteliers to lay off employees.
Posted by: Andrew on 18 Mar 2009, 16:15 -
Dutch investors to build retail complex in Chiang Mai
The ECC Group, a Netherlands-based fund manager, investor and property manager has announced that it will spend approximately US$90 million in the development of a shopping mall and entertainment complex in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Funding for the project will come from the group’s Retail Investment Fund, according to the president and CEO of ECC, Tjeert Kwant.
Kwant noted that the company acquired 8.96 hectares of land in the northern Thai province in 2008, but did not reveal an exact location. Construction is set to begin later this year on the 75,000 square metre space, with completion anticipated in 2011-12.
The Chiang Mai complex will be the ECC Group’s second large undertaking in Southeast Asia. Earlier, the company developed The Mall@Canary in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, having 82,000 square metres of space.
ECC Invest is a funding firm and invests in real estate – active internationally in the property market. The main focus of the group is office, retail and residential property development, according to its website.
Posted by: Andrew on 14 Mar 2009, 07:41 -
Hollywood to create movie town in Chiang Mai
A subsidiary of Los Angles-based entertainment company Creative Kingdom, CKA Chiang Mai is planning to invest eight million baht into the creation of a movie town in Chiang Mai.
Construction of the movie production site on a 30-rai site in San Kamphaeng district will take approximately seven years to complete.
By 2014, there would be six studios available to serve various styles and scales of movie production. By the following year, the company has forecast that the facilities will attract around 35 productions from around the world, said Eduardo Robles, the company’s CEO.
The development project will be announced officially on 19 June when movie producers and directors from countries around the globe will be invited to Chiang Mai to see the potential. on June 19 this year. According to the company, the new facilities at ''Lannawood'' will likely see Chiang Mai surpass Hong Kong as Asia’s movie industry hub.
Robles would not reveal the funding sources for the project, but did say that the company was in talks with a number of foreign investors. Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) has granted tax incentives to the venture.
Chiang Mai was chosen as the location for the movie town for several reasons, including its location, the amount of traffic it sees and the availability of skilled workers. It is also the geographical centre for Mekong region services.
Posted by: Andrew on 07 Mar 2009, 09:28