#Thailand eases up on social distancing requirements for domestic travel

The requirement for Thailand’s airlines to leave every second seat empty, as part of the conditions under which domestic services could resume, is being done away with. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand says carriers can now sell every seat on a flight (whether or not airlines manage to do so is another matter).

However, the CAAT says airlines must upgrade their in-flight ventilation, replacing high efficiency particulate air filters regularly. In addition, the wearing of face masks for all passengers and crew for the duration of the flight remains mandatory, with the CAAT saying passengers must be advised they may face prosecution if they fail to do so.

In a further easing of the conditions governing domestic travel during this Covid-19 era, Thailand’s Transport Minister says from July 31, members of the same family may sit together on Bangkok’s electric train network, as journeys take less than 50 minutes. A report in Thai PBS World says Minister Saksayam Chidchob says this relaxation of the rules is being implemented to reduce costs for the capital’s MRT service and to reflect Thailand’s ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.

The minister was busy handing out free face masks on the MRT network yesterday and it’s anticipated that a million masks will be distributed between now and August as part of the operator’s “Healthy Journey with BEM” program.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World

Flights from Cambodia to Thailand not expected until July

Thailand’s move to extend its ban on passenger flights for another month to June 30, citing the need to contain the spread of the corona-virus disease, puts another  dent in Cambodia’s efforts to kick-start its economy and tourism.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, no passenger flights originating outside the country may land at Thai airports until June 30.

The extended flight ban has led to speculation that the state of emergency decree may also be prolonged beyond May 31, although the number of new Covid-19 cases has remained steady for two weeks, even falling to zero on two days this week.

Currently, several international airlines have resumed flights, albeit on a lesser frequency such as Korean Air and Aseana Air which fly two times a week between Seoul and Cambodia.

China Air and Eva Air all reinstated flight routes into Phnom Penh International Airport at the start of this month.

Other major airlines such as, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways and Emirates are also scheduling for flights to resume to Cambodia in June and July this year, coinciding with their main departure points also planning to reinstate international flight paths.

However, airlines that have decided to restart routes have also implemented strict biosecurity conditions during the flights to follow with reports of passengers having to undergo “on the spot” blood tests, as well as, wearing personal protection wear with staff seen dressed in full bio suits. 

Source - Khmer Times/Bangkok Post

Thailand - Views from the top

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Upgraded from district to a province in 2011, Bueng Kan in Thailand’s northeast is a popular tourism destination thanks to its historical and archaeological sites as well as its celebration of Songkran, the Thai New year, the Rocket Festival and long-boat racing. It’s not short on natural attractions either, among them Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, the Chet Si, Tad Kinari and Tad Wimanthip waterfalls, Bueng Khong Long and Phu Tok.

 

Visitors can also enjoy a taste of Laos in the area where the Mekong River meets our northeastern neighbour’s Borikhamsai District and where another Friendship Bridge will soon be built.

A must-see is Three Rocks Whale or Hin Sam Wan in Thai. Located in a conservation area in the national reserve covering the Kala rainforest, Phu Sing forest and Pink Dong forest, it is made up of three rocks perched on the mountain that are thought to date back some 75 million years. The rocks bear a remarkable resemblance to a family of whales – father, mother and baby – and offer one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Phu Sing. 

Nearby is the equally impressive Phu Sing rock, the result of a geological change in the earth’s crust and a place of immense natural beauty. Phu Sing has important natural features including the Phu Sing Tham Field, the Lan Tham Viewpoint, Ruesi Cave, Hin Chang, Hin Railway, Lan Hin Lai and Phu Sing Rock Wall.

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 The high and isolated Phu Thok in Na Sabaeng subdistrict is where you’ll find Wat Chetiya Kiri Wihan or Wat Phu Thok as it is known locally and from here, it’s possible to see the mountains in Nakhon Phanom. Years of manual labour went into the building of a 7-storey spiral staircase which leads to the cloisters and cave. From the top, tourists can see the beauty of the landscape below. The highlight of Phu Thok is the Buddhist temple, which contains the Buddha's relics. It is considered a magical place because when a stone separated from a larger stone, it did not tumble down the hillside and is often likened to Golden Rock Pagoda in Myanmar. Phu Thok doesn’t normally allow visitors but is open to all comers between April 10 to 16 every year. Another must-see is Phu Lanka National Park, a massive area that stretches from Phai Lom Subdistrict in Nakhon Phanom to Bueng Kan’s Seka District.

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The best time to visit is from May to October when the wildflowers, wild orchids and paphiopedilum are in full bloom at the top of Phu Lanka. Tourists can also explore the nature trail, waterfalls and the Pha Sanga Buddha Cave. Those wishing to climb to the top of Phu Lanka to admire either sunrise or sunset should contact the park’s staff at least 7 days in advance. 

And if you are planning to visit, be prepared for lots of long walks and steep climbs. They are worth every minute of the views you’ll experience.

Source - The Nation

Klong Prao Resort, Koh Chang

Klong Prao Resort is located along the white sandy beach on Koh Chang Island. It features 2 restaurants, an outdoor pool and rooms with balconies. Free WiFi and parking are provided.

 The spacious rooms at Resort Klong Prao come with modern décor and hardwood flooring. Rooms feature views of the sea or garden, and are equipped with satellite TV. A minibar and tea/coffee maker are also provided.

To relax, guests can laze in the sauna or arrange for diving trips. The hotel provides car rental and airport shuttle services. Dry cleaning services are available upon request.

 Thai specialities and Western dishes are served at Rim Had and Fueng Fa Restaurant.

 Klong Prao Resort is a 20-minute drive from Ao Tammachart Pier and a 1-hour drive from Chantaburi Town.

Klong Prao Beach is a great choice for travellers interested in Tranquility, Seafood and Beach. 

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Banyan The Resort Hua Hin

Just 4.8 km from the center of Hua Hin, and less than a 5-minute drive to Khao Takaib Beach, Banyan Resort & Golf Hua Hin features villas with private spa bathtubs.

 Surrounded by landscaped grounds, the villas at Banyan Resort feature modern Thai-style decor. Each has a living room and satellite TV. Some include private swimming pools.

 Lemongrass Restaurant & Bar features a mix of Thai and international cuisine. Light meals are available at the Splash Pool Bar. Private dinners can also be organized for in-room dining.

  Banyan Golf Course is connected to The Banyan Resort by a private road, allowing guests easy access to a 18-hole golf course.

 As well as free on site parking and a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.

*****

For the Best ‪#‎Hotels and ‪#‎Resorts
We help you with your ‪#‎Bookings 
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Culture - ‘Thainess’ in the 21st century

Considering all the prevailing negative stereotypes about Thailand and Thai people, it is understandable why the Thai government would want to promote a greater understanding about Thainess. But Thainess is nothing new.

Classical Thai dancers, golden-spired temples, floating markets – such Utopian images of Thailand have been greatly exploited in tourism promo campaigns since the 1970s and 1980s, widely portrayed in “Visit Thailand” posters pinned up at tour offices and Thai restaurants around the world.

Those initial impressions we drew from such imagery may still have a place in many of our hearts; at first sight, we were immediately drawn in, awed and intrigued by such cultural color ...

While these iconic elements are indeed uniquely Thai and have been so for centuries, they don’t accurately reflect or portray the identity of modern Thailand and the majority of its people.

Much is the disappointment for many to learn that such images are far from the reality, that the Thai people of the present day, for better or worse, have long-evolved, and made numerous self-preserving identity-sacrifices over the decades and centuries in keeping up with reform and modernization.

Most Thai people today have never even been on an elephant, let alone sat on a wooden canal boat – certainly not for commuting.

Indeed, floating markets and elephant camps are little more than fading tourist attractions to meet the expectations of those still seeking to fulfil expectations of that glorious, idealistic image of century-old Siam.

Many luxury hotels will continue to market and exploit this expectation. And it is at/through such properties where you still may be able to see a classical Thai dance/music performance, or book a trip to the nearest floating market, or to the jungle for an elephant ride.

But beyond the hotel lobby’s tour desk, you’ll eventually have to emerge from that proverbial cave of allegory, coming to the realisation that the majority of the khlongs have long been abandoned or filled in with concrete.

Modern Thai people spend thousands of hours a year in traffic jams, if not on the back of a recklessly speeding motorbike, or squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder in overcrowded public transport ... But such “modernisation” challenges are not unique to Thailand, and ubiquitous across the developing world.

As for embracing “Thainess” in a modern context, we must look below the surface, where there lies a certain prevailing charm and lure; it is just as much about the outlook and hospital nature of the Thai people – that smile that says “I’m curious about you...” – that friendly, optimistic spirit which can be found in abundance across the kingdom. full of millions who will happily welcome complete strangers into their family homes, and feed them into a coma.

An empathetic and intuitive people who you can depend on to lend a hand if it is within their means, and they’ll likely not ask for anything in return.

Sure, there are plenty of exceptions to the Thai people's good-willed nature, but let us not forget that deceit and greed are universal wherever there is ignorance and economic disparity.

So let us try hard not to feed such negative pessimism, and instead embrace the longevity-enabling optimistic outlook for which Thainess is foremost and firmly rooted. Mai Pen Rai na, Yaa Kit Maak ไม่เป็นไรนะ อย่าคิดมาก – It’s alright na, don’t stress it!

Adapted with permission from original article on www.siamerican.com

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Considering all the prevailing negative stereotypes about Thailand and Thai people, it is understandable why the Thai government would want to promote a greater understanding about Thainess. But Thainess is nothing new.
Classical Thai dancers, golden-spired temples, floating markets – such Utopian images of Thailand have been greatly exploited in tourism promo campaigns since the 1970s and 1980s, widely portrayed in “Visit Thailand” posters pinned up at tour offices and Thai restaurants around the world.
Those initial impressions we drew from such imagery may still have a place in many of our hearts; at first sight, we were immediately drawn in, awed and intrigued by such cultural colour ...
While these iconic elements are indeed uniquely Thai and have been so for centuries, they don’t accurately reflect or portray the identity of modern Thailand and the majority of its people.
Much is the disappointment for many to learn that such images are far from the reality, that the Thai people of the present day, for better or worse, have long-evolved, and made numerous self-preserving identity-sacrifices over the decades and centuries in keeping up with reform and modernisation.
Most Thai people today have never even been on an elephant, let alone sat on a wooden canal boat – certainly not for commuting.
Indeed, floating markets and elephant camps are little more than fading tourist attractions to meet the expectations of those still seeking to fulfil expectations of that glorious, idealistic image of century-old Siam.
Many luxury hotels will continue to market and exploit this expectation. And it is at/through such properties where you still may be able to see a classical Thai dance/music performance, or book a trip to the nearest floating market, or to the jungle for an elephant ride.
But beyond the hotel lobby’s tour desk, you’ll eventually have to emerge from that proverbial cave of allegory, coming to the realisation that the majority of the khlongs have long been abandoned or filled in with concrete.
Modern Thai people spend thousands of hours a year in traffic jams, if not on the back of a recklessly speeding motorbike, or squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder in overcrowded public transport ... But such “modernisation” challenges are not unique to Thailand, and ubiquitous across the developing world.
As for embracing “Thainess” in a modern context, we must look below the surface, where there lies a certain prevailing charm and lure; it is just as much about the outlook and hospital nature of the Thai people – that smile that says “I’m curious about you...” – that friendly, optimistic spirit which can be found in abundance across the kingdom. full of millions who will happily welcome complete strangers into their family homes, and feed them into a coma.
An empathetic and intuitive people who you can depend on to lend a hand if it is within their means, and they’ll likely not ask for anything in return.
Sure, there are plenty of exceptions to the Thai people's good-willed nature, but let us not forget that deceit and greed are universal wherever there is ignorance and economic disparity.
So let us try hard not to feed such negative pessimism, and instead embrace the longevity-enabling optimistic outlook for which Thainess is foremost and firmly rooted. Mai Pen Rai na, Yaa Kit Maak ไม่เป็นไรนะ อย่าคิดมาก – It’s alright na, don’t stress it!
Adapted with permission from original article on www.siamerican.com
- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/culture-thainess-in-the-21st-century-53852.php#sthash.fzq3Gsto.dpuf

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