31st October 2006

Culture Minister Kaisri Sri-arun has quoted Her Majesty Queen Sirikit saying "Buddhists in general should always bear in mind what is good for the image of the country" after observing a group of dancers, called coyote dancers, in racy outfits at a Buddhist ceremony in Nong Khai province in northeastern Thailand. "Any shows or performances organized in association with any Buddhist festival should be held with respect for Lord Buddha and Buddhism." "The media needs to use very good judgment on which things should be relayed to the public, and which should not," she said. She suggested that new laws should be passed to control publication or broadcasting of inappropriate material.

30th October 2006

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 is racing against time to be completed for the opening on Wednesday. Some 10% or more is under threat of not completing before the opening after which work will not be allowed. Some countries had decided to join the expo almost at the last minute, with the latest nation joining the event just five days ago.
The expo's master planner Thanapon Jetwaranyu, has designed the concept of a grand canopy tree standing under the sun. This, he said, represents His Majesty's love and care for his people. The hill represents the canopy and a line drawn from the temple, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, to the base represents the trunk and is now the main walkway.
A total of 22 international gardens have been arranged outdoors, nine are indoors, and 15 are rotating exhibitions. Speaking about the exhibits in doubt of completion Mr Thanapon said "We may have to negotiate with their coordinator to get their gardens completed."

29th October 2006

The central Bank Of Thailand has intervened to slow the rise of the Baht. The banks governor, Tarisa Watanagase said "The Bank of Thailand has intervened in the market for fear that the quick and sharp gain of the baht might hurt our economy after massive capital inflows from the United States following the Fed decision to maintain interest rates."
The Thai Baht closed on Friday at 36.87-89 baht to the dollar, the highest level since January 2000. On Saturday, it was trading at 36.715 in New York.

A community rights group has called for stricter controls on the exotic foreign plants on show at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 horticultural show at Chiang Mai. On show amongst the 4.3 million local trees it is feared that these exotic plants may harm the local environment. Organizers from the Agriculture Department has been attempting for the past six months to ensure that imports of foreign plants for use in the expo will not harm the environment. The agriculture and customs departments have declared the 470 rai of land where the event is to be held as a secure warehouse and a quarantine zone.
Meanwhile a Dutch group are hastily removing their tulips to a cool house in order to stop them blooming prematurely.

28th October 2006

Thailand's international horticultural show opens on Wednesday 1st November 2006. It goes by the title Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, referring to the five-petaled ratchaphruek, or golden shower tree which is the national flower of Thailand.
Around three million people are expected to visit the show which runs until 31st January 2007. The event is to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Royal Thai government has released it's latest update to restricted occupations for foreigners:
1. Manual work
2. Work in agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry or fishery excluding specialized work in each particular branch or farm supervision
3. Bricklaying, carpentry or other construction works
4. Wood carving
5. Driving mechanically propelled carried or driving non-mechanically-propelled vehicle, excluding international aircraft piloting
6. Shop attendance
7. Auction
8. Supervising, auditing or giving service in accountancy excluding internal auditing on occasions
9. Cutting or polishing jewelry
10. Haircutting, hairdressing or beauty treatment
11. Cloth weaving by hand
12. Weaving of mate or making products from reeds, rattan, hemp, straw or bamboo pellicle
13. Making of Sa paper by hand
14. Lacquer ware making
15. Making of Thai musical instrument
16. Niello ware making
17. Making of products from gold, silver or gold-copper alloy
18. Bronze ware making
19. Making of Thai dolls
20. Making of mattress or quilt blanket
21. Alms bowls casting
22. Making of silk products by hand
23. Casting of Buddha images
24. Knife making
25. Making of paper of cloth umbrella
26. Shoemaking
27. Hat Making
28. Brokerage or agency excluding brokerage or agency in international trade business
29. Engineering work in civil engineering branch concerning designing and calculation, organization, research, planning, testing, construction supervision or advising excluding specialized work
30. Architectural work concerning designing, drawing of plan, estimating, construction directing or advising
31. Garments making
32. Pottery or ceramic ware making
33. Cigarette making by hand
34. Guide or conducting sightseeing tours
35. Street Vending
36. Type setting of Thai characters by hand
37. Drawing and twisting silk-thread by hand
38. Office or secretarial work
39. Legal or lawsuit services

27th October 2006

Army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin is reported to be unhappy with the progress of the anti graft investigations into the dealings of ousted prime minister Thaksin Chinawatra. "I want it to be done quickly. I am frustrated that it is not being done as I wished. I am not happy that it is moving very slowly. But we have to accept that," Sonthi was quoted as saying in the Kom Chad Luek tabloid. "I guess I feel the same way when I watch soccer. I am always frustrated when I am waiting for my team to score and feel like getting on the field and playing myself," the English-language Nation quoted him as saying.
When asked if Thaksin would be allowed back to Thailand soon he replied "If he's really concerned about the country, he shouldn't try to come back at present. He should use the phone if there's something urgent." His response to what would happen if Thaksin just got on a plane and came to thailand was "It wouldn't be allowed to land".

26th October 2006

It is resorted that the wife of deposed prime minister Thaksin Chinawatra, Khunying Potjaman Chinawatra, has asked for an audience with Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda in order to secure the safe passage of her husband on his return to Thailand.

Another parking bay at Suvarnabhumi airport is needing repair after damage caused by water getting in through cracks in the tarmac. This brings the total parking bays under repair to four.

25th October 2006

Three aircraft parking bays at Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi airport are closed for repair to cracked tarmac. The airport has been plagued by teething troubles since it's opening less than a month ago.

Meechai Ruchupan has been elected as National Legislative Assembly president.

23rd October 2006

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has become the first recipient of the Borlaug Medallion - an award given by the World Food Prize to honour humanitarian efforts.
WFP officials were honouring the thousands of projects which the king has started to improve agriculture, child health care and education.

People living in the flooded areas of are being warned to be on the lookout for escaped crocodiles. Fisheries Department director-general Charanthada Kannasut warns the public that the crocodiles have escaped in the floods from illegal crocodile farms.

22nd October 2006

The ancient ruins of Wiang Kum Kam are under threat from flooding according to Sahawat Naenna, director of the provincial fine arts office. The foundations of the ancient Wat Ku Pa Dom are reportedly turning to mud.

Founded by King Meng Rai around 1286,Wiang Kum Kam was the capital of the Lanna kingdom, which preceded Chiang Mai by 10 years. Situated on the banks of the Ping river, it was frequently flooded during the rainy season. Because of this King Meng Rai moved his capital to Chiang Mai.

The site was excavated in 1984 and was opened as a tourist attraction in February 2004.

21st October 2006

Visitors to Malaysia should all be aware that the consulates are all closed for Deepavali and end of Ramadan festivals. They won't open again until 26th October.

It appears that the flood situation in Bangkok will be under control for the high tides due 24-26th October. It is reported that Mitigation director-general Anucha Mokhaves has stated that the situation has eased upriver in the central provinces and the prevention measures in the city are working well.

20th October 2006

The new Prime minister , Surayud Chulanont, is supporting the National Human Rights Commission proposing that charges be dropped against the 58 suspects from the Tak Bai riot which happened two years ago. This is to help to promote national reconciliation.

19th October 2006

The government has postponed indefinitely the introduction of a ban on 95 grade gasoline planned for January 1st. Motor manufacturers have been unable to guarantee the compatibility of the alternative fuels.
Also there are concerns about the availability of sufficient ethanol.

The wife of ousted Prime minister Thaksin Chinawatra, Potjaman Chinawatra, returned to Bangkok yesterday.

18th October 2006

The government has eased the restrictions imposed by martial law by permitting political gatherings of 5 people or more but insists martial law will stay in place to avert political unrest.

The cabinet has sent the Alcoholic Beverages Control Bill back for further discussion. The Bill, which aims to stop sales of alcoholic drinks to persons under 25 years old, will be looked at again to clarify how it can be implemented.
Meanwhile the ban on all advertising of Alcoholic beverages will be implemented in December.

17th October 2006

On the eve of a cabinet meeting to discus lifting martial law in Thailand it is reported that the ousted prime minister Thaksin Chinawatra wants to return to Thailand. It is unlikely that he will return while martial law is still in place.

16th October 2006

Authorities are continuing to take measures to restrict the damage done by flood waters amid the expectation of more flooding to come in the next few days. At Phothong district hospital all 12 patients were evacuated as major water inundation is expected in the next few days.

Her Majesty the Queen has donated money for a flood relief center in Wat Chantharangsri in Ang Thong district.

15th October 2006

Many world heritage sites in Ayutthaya province are under threat from the flooding that continues to affect the province. At least 25 important archaeological sites are under water and 13 more at risk. Ayutthaya was the capitol of Siam from 1350 until 1767. The whole province is designated as a World Heritage historical site by UNESCO and contains more than 500 sites.

Flooding in Thailand began in late August as a result of heavy rains from Typhoon Xangsane and has claimed 48 people with 2 reported missing. Neighbors Myanmar have also been affected with 16 deaths reported.

14th October 2006

The government announced today that the age limit for purchasing alcohol will be raised to 25 years. Some concerns have been voiced amongst those that think this will affect the number of younger tourists visiting Thailand, particularly the "Backpackers".

A new 3 year Business visa has been announced. This will not allow you to work for a Thai company however, but is designed for those business travelers that visit Thailand frequently. You will not be able to get a work permit with this visa.

13th October 2006

Floods are very bad in Bangkok and Ayutthaya. The train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is now unable to complete the journey.

Today is National Police day in Thailand.

12th October 2006

Floods continue to cause havoc around the kingdom, especially in Bangkok. Fang, in the north, has been affected by landslides and a massive clean up operation is under way.

The military Council has announced that martial law will continue for at least another two weeks.

Thailand continues to be at the forefront of developing Bio fuels. Thai Oil Plc is launching a second ethanol plant near Mae Sot. The plant will aim to produce 100,000 liters of ethanol per day from sugar cane. Commercial production should start in 2009. The first plant, which produces ethanol from tapioca, is expected to start production in 2008 and have a volume of 500,000 liters per day.
It has been announced that Chumporn Palm Oil Industry Plc are poised to enter the alternative energy field by producing biodiesel from palm oil. They plan to increase their annual production of palm oil from 350 to 650 tonnes this year and their existing customers have expressed interest in ordering biodiesel.

11th October 2006

Bangkok traffic struggles to keep going after torrential rain hits the capitol. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has given permission to divert flood waters from the Chao Phraya River basin onto his vast estates north of the city. The problem is made worse by the seasonal high tides.

10th October 2006

It appears that Fang can be added to the list of areas affected by flooding, with some casualties being reported.

Fuel prices dropped today by 40 Satang due to a drop in the world price.

2 policemen reported killed by a bomb in Pattani in the south of Thailand.

9th October 2006

Over 30 deaths are reported due to flooding throughout the Kingdom. More than 138,000 victims are reported in flood-hit areas which included Nonthaburi, Phisanulok, Sukhothai, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Angthong and Ayutthaya. Many people are falling ill from leeches and waterborn diseases.

His Majesty the King has approved the cabinet members appointed by the new prime minister Surayud Chulanon :-

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister: MR Pridiyathorn Devakula
Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister: Kosit Panpiemras
PM's Office Minister: Khunying Tipawadee Meksawan
PM's Office Minister: Thirapat Serirangsan
Defense Minister: Gen Boonrawd Somtat
Foreign Minister: Nitya Pibulsonggram
Deputy Foreign Minister: Chaowanit Kongsiri
Tourism and Sports Minister: Suwit Yodmanee
Social Development and Human Security Minister Paibool Watanasiritham
Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives Minister Theera Sutabu
Deputy Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives Minister Rungruang Issararangkura
Transport Minister: Adm Thira Haocharoen
Deputy Transport Minister: Sansern Wongcha-um
Natural Resource and Environment Minister: Kasem Sanitwong na Ayutthaya
Information and Communication Technology Minister: Sitthichai Pokai-udom
Commerce Minister: Krirkkrai Jirapaet
Energy Minister: Piyasvasti Amranand
Interior Minister: Aree Wong-araya
Deputy Interior Minister: Banyat Chansena
Justice Minister: Charnchai Likitjitta
Labour Minister: Apai Chanthanajulaka
Culture Minister: Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon
Science and Technology Minister: Prof Dr Yongyuth Yuthawongse
Education Minister: Wijit Srisa-arn
Public Health Minister: Doctor Mongkol Na Songkhla
Deputy Industry Minister: Piyabutr Cholwicharn

8th October 2006

Suvarnabhumi airport is struggling to clear a backlog of over 6000 bags today as the computers controlling the baggage carousel became problematic.

Somchai Sawasdeepon, general manager of the airport said that the backlog would be cleared manually. The fabulous new airport has suffered a number of teething problems since opening.

7th October 2006

Chiang Mai City News was launched today with the aim of providing a wealth of information about Chiang Mai and Thailand.

We aim to have a large directory of accommodation, cafe's, restaurants and bars and owners of these businesses will be invited to register with our directory for free.

Hair dressers and salons as well as massage, spa, health and dental clinics will be able to register for free.

We will publish important contact information for emergency services and local government offices.

We will show you where the banks can be found.

There will be a comprehensive section on travel information with bus, train and flight timetables.

We will have useful information about language, customs and traditions in Thailand to help with all aspects of living here.

We will do our best to keep up with the current visa and work permit regulations.

Part of our site will be a comprehensive, interactive map which will feature information for getting around the city and finding places of interest.

We will have a section for Chiang mai singles to help people meet up and make friends.

There will be a section for people to upload their CV's so that potential employers will have a useful place to go to fill their vacant positions.

In short this website aims to be the best source of information in Chiang Mai. On top of this we wish to format a printable magazine at regular intervals filled with interesting editorial features to supplement the day to day news that we will be publishing on our front page. As far as possible we intend to publish in at least two languages.

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