News
Bangkok Tops The World’s 10 Most Visited Cities List
Bangkok has finally knocked London off the top spot as the World’s Most Visited City according to the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index shared by Forbes.
The Thai capital became the first Asian city to top the list having been sitting at number 2 behind the British capital for several years but it was a very close call looking at the figures.
Bangkok had 15.98 million international visitors who generated an estimated $14.4 billion in revenue with London not far behind on 15.96 million visitors. On the money front London was ahead by almost $2 billion with an estimated $16.3 billion generated by tourists.
Just exactly what part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Discover Thainess” campaign played in Bangkok reaching the top spot isn’t clear but I’m sure lots of back slapping and smiles at TAT HQ will be the order of the day.
News
Two Weeks Of New Covid Control Measures Effective From April 18
The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration announced a new round of control measures this afternoon to curb the latest outbreak of the virus but there will be NO curfew and NO lockdown.
18 provinces have been recategorised as Red – Highly Controlled Area – Bangkok, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Tak, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket, Rayong, Songkhla, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Sa Kaeo, Suphan Buri and Udon Thani.
All other provinces are now Orange – Controlled Area.
New measures for ALL provinces:
– closure of nightlife & entertainment venues
– closure of schools
– no events of more than 50 people without prior permission
– shopping malls and department stores to close at 9pm
– fitness centres, gyms, sports arenas to close 9pm and limit numbers
New measures in 18 Red provinces
– restaurants to close at 9pm, takeaway until 11pm
– no alcohol to be served
– supermarkets, convenience stores can open 4am – 11pm
New measures in 59 Orange provinces
– restaurants to close at 11pm
– no alcohol to be served
The CCSA also advised where possible for people to work from home, and refrain from unnecessary travel.
All new measures take effect from Sunday 18th April 2021 for at least two weeks.
If the situation improves, measures may be relaxed. However, if the situation worsens provincial governors may impose harsher measures.
News
The Curtain Comes Down On Hua Hin
The hammer has fallen on Hua Hin after the governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan signed an order on Tuesday night shutting down high-risk businesses and banning the sale of booze in restaurants following a rise in the number of Covid cases in the province.
Along with shutting down pubs and clubs, the order lists water parks, children’s playgrounds, gyms, cinemas, internet cafes, gaming shops for closure too.
The sudden jump in cases has been linked to a concert by Joey Boy at the Maya Exclusive Pub in Hua Hin on March 30.
Hua Hin deputy district chief Montri Manichpong and assistant public health officer Janewit Plisak on Tuesday filed a complaint with Hua Hin police, urging them to take action against the owner of Maya Exclusive Pub for violating the Communicable Disease Act, the Entertainment Venue Act and the emergency decree.
News
Biker Injured By Falling MRT Yellow Line Construction Equipment
An investigation has been launched by authorities after a motorbike rider was injured by falling equipment being used on the construction of the MRT Yellow Line on Tuesday.
The accident happened just after midday on Srinakarin Road in Samut Prakan and left the unidentified man needing hospital treatment when the steel structure collapsed causing him to crash.
Bystanders helped the man to safety off the road until medics arrived.
Officials have launched a probe into the cause of the collapse while city workers cleared the road of the debris.