Click here to read our October 2013 News.

Look the Movie, read the Reports and Mike Baird's Warning. Tomorrow it can happen again...

During the evening hours (Thai time) on November 8th we lost the contact to our people in Switzerland. We couldn't reach our provider nor our designers or our websites. A lot of other sites in Switzerland and some other countries in Europe were down too for WEB users in Thailand. On November 10th surfers in Switzerland still could not reach most of Thailand's WEB sites. It's like a part of a continent disappeared for about 24 hours or more...

Media in Thailand - and around the world - report that about 20'000 anti-amnesty bill protesters are occupying Ratchadamnoen Avenue from Democracy Monument to Phanfa Bridge in Bangkok, and, if you look at the published pictures, it really looks impressive. But don't forget, Bangkok is a big city with over 8'000'000 (8 million) habitants. Therefore the Democrat Party, the main organizer of the event, just could motivate 2.5 Promille of the capital's citizens to join the rallies. The number is even less impressive when taking in account that the Democracts lured 'demonstrants' from neighboring districts to join the party. The organizer provided free transports, free foods, free drinks and some 'protesters' even reported from some 'pocket money' they got to join the protests. The sponsors of the protests pay up to 500 Baht/day to the participants. That's 200 Baht more than Thailand's heavy controversial minimum wage... The media present you a rat - but tell you it's an elephant. Compare: Pattaya's Music Festival attracts every year between 400'000 and 500'000 visitors and they all have to pay the transportation, foods, drinks and accommodation from their very own pocket.

On November 28th protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who calls his movemement Civil Movement for Democracy (CMD), accused Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, the ex-wife of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to plan a plot to assassinate him with the help of Thailand's Air Force. Spokesman Air Vice Marshal Monthon Satchukorn said the accusation was groundless. Suthep Thaugsubun also warned Korn Chatikavanij, a former finance minister and a Democrat list-MP not to criticise Suthep's CMD again otherwise he would experience trouble in his life.

Thay Army announced that they will move troops between December 1st and December 3rd. Don't panic, the troops will be travelling to an oath-taking ceremony for His Majesty the King's birthday in Hua Hin, the Army said. The ceremony will take place on His Majesty the King's birthday on Dec 5. After the ceremony he royal guards will return to their bases, the spokesperson promised.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and his 'Democrats' decided to join Suthep Thaugsuban's rallies in an attempt to wipe out the so called 'Thaksin regime'. Abhisit Vejjajiva dismissed speculation that Democrat MPs would resign to fight the government on the streets. Suthep Thaugsuban himself announced once again that the fight against the Thaksin Regime will be finalised within the next few days.

Suthep's 'Democratic Mob' cuts electricity at Thailand's national police headquarters and an adjacent police hospital in Bangkok.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has survived a no-confidence vote in parliament.

Bangkok Post's Opinion writer obviously changed (a part) his mind and claims that Suthep is the false prophet. The Bangkok Post itself seems still to support Bangkok's Elite and its protesters and is surprised that the ruling Pheu Thai Party still appears reluctant to use force... In an interview broadcasted by BBC World News a female member of the protesters justified her turn up by saying that only 1 promille of Thailand's citizens really know Thaksin Shinawatra (and his clan). The rest is stupid enough to follow him... Psychologists already have shown that the more inept you are the smarter you think you are.

Banthoon Lamsam, the chief executive officer of Kasikornbank, has urged Thai politicians to stop acting like children and put the interests of the nation first. Representatives from all political groups must respect the rule of law and stop behaving in a manner that could directly and indirectly destroy the country and harm its people, he said. Thailand's political situation has already damaged our economy, investors are offloading Thai stocks to reduce risk, and tourists are cancelling trips to Thailand, he added. 300'000 tourist already cancelled their bookings because of the on-going protests.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had to ask protesters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue to dispose their rubbish properly. Bangkok's street sweepers had to collect 155 tones of rubbish left by protesters during Sunday's demonstration.

Suthep Thaugsuban, Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democart Party and their sponsors from Bangkok's Elite are lying to the people. The only reason for their protests is to gain back their power in the Government to keep the people thumb and cheap. In no case they will hand down the Power to the People observers say. The executives of Thailand's TV station already told the journalists directly or indirectly to what extent they could report on the rallies and reminding them of the restraints of business and station ownership.

According to Thailand's Foreign Ministry 23 countries are warning their citizens because of the ongoing protests in Bangkok. Our very own list shows the following 23 countries: The United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands as well as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan issued special travel advice on Thailand. Nevertheless, with the on-going protests it's very likely that we have to update this list very soon...

On Sunday, November 24th, Suthep Thaugsuban announced that he met his goal and cerebrated his "one million people" rally. The crux: Thailand's police estimated about 98'000, authorities estimated about 59'000 people, a military intelligence unit said there are not more than 150'000 people at the rallies on Sunday. Thailand's National Security Council put the number at 180'000 and Bangkok Post calculated that between 387'050 and 446'250 people attended the protests on Sunday. The newspaper's opinion writer even saw up to one million people... Nevertheless Thailand's Führer told the crowd: We won't stop even if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resigns or the House is dissolved. Our demonstration will continue until we can get rid of the Thaksin regime. However, he added: This battle will end in three days... Perhaps one of his sponsors can spend him new glasses. Pink ones...

Anti-Thaksin leader Suthep Thaugsuban said on Sunday that his movements will travel to the Supreme Command headquarters on Chaeng Wattana Road; the air force headquarters in Don Muang; the army headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue; the navy headquarters in Bangkok Noi; the Royal Thai Police to oust, what he calls, the Thaksin regime. The Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand will block Banggkok's Phitsanulok Road from Chamai Maruchet Bridge to Yommarat intersection. The rallies will last 3 days the 'Führer' announced.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and his anti-government groups threatened to cut off electricity and water at state offices in the capital and at Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's residence. Bangkok's Elite tries to escalate the push to oust the Yingluck government. You may have to work without water and electricity, the 'Führer' told the government. On Monday, November 25th, the demonstrators will scatter into 12 groups and march along 12 roads in the capital, the disputatious Suthep Thaugsuban announced - but he declined to specify which roads would be affected.

Pattaya-at-Night reported that the Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) introduced new regulations for taxis at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. AoT has put turnstiles in place to block inbound air passengers from catching taxis on the departures floor. AoT claims that those taxi drivers posed a safety risk to passengers, they overcharged customers and/or refused to use meters. Some of these taxi drivers also commited various crimes against passengers.

After the last accident on November 15th the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) submitted a letter to its Moscow office to boycott Thailand if the standards here are not improved. Thailand's Tourism Minister Somsak Pureesrisak said that his ministry promises to take the best care of all tourists, no matter where they come from. We need to find out what is the reason for the increasing accidents to Russian tourists, he added.

After the 2006 military coup Thailand's Military and its puppet from the 'Democartic Party' introduced a new constitution in 2007 that made around half the Senate seats appointed positions, rather than directly elected roles. Based on this undemocratic constitution Thailand's Constitutional Court today rejected proposals to bring the power back to the people. Please click here to read the report.

Yesterday we celebrated the Loy Kratong Festival in Pattaya.

On November 1st, 2013, City Hall's biggest Babbler announced a 90-day long Traffic Crackdown mainly targeting illegal parking in Pattaya. We made the above picture on Saturday night, November 16th, on Pattaya's Beach Road. The road's new 3rd lane has a no parking marking. Nevertheless, between Mike Shopping Mall and Royal Garden Plaza over a dozen car drivers ignored the signs, parked their cars and hindered the traffic. During the time we took the photos about 10 security officials in khaki uniforms passed through the new Beach Promenade, obviously with closed eyes. Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome seems to be nothing else than a comedy actor.

146 Democrat MPs submitted a petition to the Senate seeking the removal of Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, her deputy Plodprasop Suraswadi and Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan. According to Thailand's Democrat Party the three had failed in administering the country, looking for self-interest rather than the benefit of the kingdom, had violated the law, committed corruption and caused social division - but the party didn't publish details of the accusations. On Friday night protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban announced to uproot the Thaksin regime with the impeachment of all 310 MPs supporting Thaksin, boycotting all officials serving the regime, boycotting products and services linked to Thaksin and calling for a nationwide strike by officials. The party us the same scenario as in 2006 when it prepared the coup d'état of the Military. It's the proof that nobody can trust Bangkok's Elite.

A double-decker bus carrying 51 passengers from Pattaya to Kanchanaburi crashed today in Sri Racha district. Twelve injured tourists were taken to Samitivej Hospital in Sri Racha, ten to Phyathai Hospital in Sri Racha and eight to Pattaya Memorial Hospital. According to the driver, he lost control of the bus after a car suddenly overtook him. The bus skidded off the road and hit an electricity pole.

Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announces that it has to suspend the Bangkok Temple bus tours around the historic Rattanakosin Island because of the ongoing anti-government protests. Bangkok is the stronghold of the Democrat Party and its Mayor Sukhumbhand Paribatra is a member of the Democrat Party. His party is the main organiser of the protests. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban claims the Government has no choice but to quit. He urged the business sector to delay paying taxes. He also called for civil disobedience through a nationwide three-day strike. The so called 'Democrats' announced to step up the protests: If the crowd is large enough and the conditions are right, we will upgrade our protest, a member of the party said.

PattayaSweethearts reports the temporarily closure of the Sapphire Club on Soi 15. The management says the renovation of the club will need about 2 weeks. Update: The club reopened during the last week of November 2013.

Bayern Munich, the football club, celebrates alleged tax evader with standing ovations.

Businesses in Pattaya ask where are the heavily announced Russian tourists? Do they hide themself or are the numbers published by Pattaya's Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) manipulated? Fact is that many hotels still have plenty of empty rooms and shops no customers.

NightWalker published new pictures from Pattaya's Beach Promenade. Joop presents the latest snapshots from Pattaya's disappearing Beach.

Suan Dusit's latest Poll says that 69.67% of the respondents want all political protests should be brought to an end to bring peace to the country. 85.82% of the pool's respondents said Thailand should follow the International Court of Justice's ruling on the disputed land near the ancient Preah Vihear temple. The Nationalists should end their protests and accept the court's judgement, and don't escalate the situation. Thailand's citizens seem to be a lot more intelligent than the members of the Democrat Party and the country's Nationalists.

A diesel express train running on the Bangkok-Nong Khai route derailed today at a railway crossing in Udon Thani. A number of passengers, the train driver and a member of the train staff were injured. The damage to the train is estimated at 70 million Baht.

In addition to Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Israel, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Singapore, Spain and the Netherlands issued travel warnings on November 11th for their citizens. For more information please read our report from November 6th.

Thailand's Director General of the Department of Medical Sciences warns of eating fried insects. It may cause fatalities, he says. Dr. Aphichat Mongkol claims that ingesting food that is dirty or contaminated with bacteria can cause high levels of Histamine to enter the body. If you - or your Girlfriend - like to eat insects please click here and read the full report.

Thailand's Ecology Alert and Recovery Thailand Foundation (Earth) claims that more than 75% of all paints sold in Thailand contain lead concentrations that exceed safety limits.

Ahead of the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Preah Vihear temple dispute a Thai helicopter and a small Thai spotter plane were seen flying low around disputed land near the Preah Vihear temple. Obviously a stupid and wasteful provocation from Thailand's unsound Army. Tension on the border is high ahead of a verdict due on Monday by the UN's highest court on where the border lies around the ancient temple.

At Thailand's Airports you get cheated and even drugged by Thailand's Taxi Drivers, you pay too much at Thailand's 'Duty Free' Shops and at the Airport's Exchange Boothes you get a lot less Baht for your money than anywhere else in Thailand.

A self-named Democrat-Party-linked 'Group of 40 Senators' today called on the prime minister to dissolve parliament and call a general election to return the power to the people...

Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Israel, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom issued travel warnings for their citizens because of the ongoing political protests in Thailand. Thailand's so called Democrat Party and its alliances, the splinter groups of the former Yellow Shirts movement are protesting against an amnesty bill of the current Government - and from November 11th probably against the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Preah Vihear temple dispute. Thailand's Army already deployed soldiers to the border area of Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district to 'conduct attack drills and evacuation training for residents'. The Thammayatra Group announced if the ICJ rules against Thailand and Thai troops have to withdraw from the area, we will move in to protect the country's territory. Thailand's Democrat Party as well as the Yellow Shirt movement have the support of Bangkok's Elite, a large part of Thailand's Army and many of Thailand's newspapers, at least the ones that are in the hands of Bangkok's Elite, including Bangkok Post and The Nation.

As predicted above Nationalist groups used yesterdays ICJ ruling as another reason to launch marching rallies to protect Thai territory, as they announce. But as their names display (Anti-Thaksin Coalition, People's Democratic Force to Overthrow Thaksinism and the Dharma Army, headed by former Generals), their main interest is to oust the current Government and to install a new one led by Thailand's Military and its puppets from the Democrat Party.

Pattaya City Hall started to install its new Street Lights along Pattaya's new Beach Road. The new design already got a nickname: Hitler's salute (Hitlergruss).

A rear tyre of Thai Airways International flight TG 130 bursted shortly after the plane touched down on the runway at Mae Fa Luang airport in Chiang Rai province today. According to reports from passengers, the tire bursted with a loud noise, but a THAI board chairman said the tyre did not burst. It only deflated after landing. The captain parked the aircraft without further incident. All passengers were safely disembarked.

Shortly after 17:20 we got the first information that a ferry connecting Koh Larn (island) with Pattaya got in problems approximately 1.5km offshore from Pattaya (according to Bangkok based media) or about a half-kilometer off Nuan Beach of Koh Larn (according to local media). Koh Larn itself is about 8km from Pattaya's Bali Hai Port. With all that controversial information it's a small miracle that rescuers and Thai Navy divers could find the wrack. According to eyewitnesses about 30 ambulances rushed immediately to Bali Hai. The boat known as Koh Larn Travel 1 Ferry was a 2-storey ferry with a licensed capacity of 150 passengers, but it was quickly confirmed that the boat was completely overloaded with 209 passengers. A report from Thai TV Channel 3 broadcasted shortly after the incident said that the ferry's water pump(s) broke down. Thereafter the engine stopped working. Police Col. Suwan Cheawnavinthavat from Pattaya Soi 9 Station says that about 200 Thai and foreign tourists were on the double-decker ferry that left (Koh) Larn island. Police confirmed that the ferry was operating over its rated capacity. Rescued passengers reported that there were not enough life-vests or life-belts on the ferry, people had to cling onto coolers or ice containers until rescuers arrived. Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation confirmed that 6 people have been killed. According to this source, 3 Thai Nationals, 1 Russians, 1 Chinese and a foreigner of unknown nationality lost their lifes. 18 people are injured and some of them are in critical condition in hospitals in Pattaya. On Monday ten scuba divers from Thailand's Navy inspected the the sunken ferry. They found no other bodies. According to Chonburi Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Katcha Tatusatra the captain of the ferry, the 42-year old Saman Kwanmuang, confessed to officers that he took some drugs (incl. narcotics eg. methamphetamine as an urine test confirmed) before going to work, and that he and the crew lost control of the vessel as a result. He allegedly confessed the ferry wandered off course, and hit the rocks, breaching the vessel, punching holes and letting water pour in. Passengers panicked as the boat began to sink and made their way to the upper-deck which caused the boat to become unstable. The ferry owner said that his insurance policy ensures a financial compensation per death up to 300'000 Baht (confirmed by AIG New Hampshire Insurance Company) and medical coverage per victim up to 115'000 Baht (100'000 Baht according to AIG New Hampshire Insurance Company). If seriously injured, 100'000 Baht are far below the invoice you will get from an internationaly acclaimed hospital here in Pattaya. Chonburi Governor Comson Ekachai demanded that the Marine Department and Pattaya City take measures to boost water-transport safety in and around Pattaya. Marine department officials claim that their focus on speedboat and Jet Ski issues distracted them to control Pattaya's ferries... The Marine Department said that authorities had already suspended Saman Kwanmuang's licence for six months and are considering if it should cancel the licence of the involved ferry operator too... Local Government Officials said they expect confidence in Pattaya and its marine activities will restore in the long term... Pattaya News Flash and some other media in Pattaya will watch the City closely over the coming months to see how strict our lazy Officials are enforcing the regulations. No additional information was available from Pattaya's authorities who are responsible for Marine safety. Only a few weeks ago they promised to enforce regulations at sea to prevent major disasters. The new tragedy shows that their promises were nothing else than blah-blah. It's time to replace all these babblers from Chonburi, Banglamung and Pattaya by capable officials - immediately. During April 2013 we already reported from overloaded boats and missing officials. We then concluded that it is just another proof that promises aren't worth anything if made by Pattaya City Hall!

On November 7th, 2013, at 10:00 a 12-year-old Russian boy succumbed to his injuries from Koh Larn's ferry accident at Samitivej Sriracha Hospital. The incident raises the total death tolls to seven. We offer our sympathies to the affected families. Do not hesitate to read the best story published so far by Pattaya Mail On November 5th, 2013, TV-Station around the Kingdom showed its citizens how a bunch of highly educated Officials inspected Pattaya's Ferries at Bali Hai.

According to Pattaya Daily News Investigation officers concluded that a ferry struck a large rock which caused water to flood the ferry and that the cause was not that the skipper had been drinking or taking drugs... Obviously the rock is guilty. It obstructed the ferry without permission from Pattaya's authorities. TiT (This is Thailand).

Give us the money

During the Loy Kratong weekend Pattaya's embattled ferry operators met with Thailand's Minister of Culture Sontaya Khunpleum, the brother of Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, and Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh. The owner of the sunken boat, Khun Sitipong from the Koh Larn Travel Company, accused the media of fabricating false details of the incident which saw 7 people die and more than 100 injured. Khun Sitipong still claims that his company has an excellent safety record. The vessel met with the accident was carrying no more than 150 passengers, he said. Reports that the boat was overloaded were incorrect, he added. His boat sunk because it was hit by underwater coral reefs. In no way the ferry and the way it was operated can be blamed for the disaster, Khun Sitipong told the audience. myLady™ claims that's just the way Thais solve a problem: Meet with influential people (the Thai expression for what Westeners like to call mafia), blame the press and move the discussion to unimportant details, File the pockets of the negotiating people - or their organisation - and the problem will bog down...

Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, a well-known City Hall babbler, announced that Pattaya's new Hospital, known as Pattaya City Hospital and located on Soi Buokhaow, probably will open during January 2014. According to City Officials the Pattaya City Hospital will offer free primary health services for people with state insurance and low prices for tourists. The 24-hour center will have five medical departments with 86 beds. Parts of the Hospital already opened on May 2013 but for outpatient services only. The Mayor did not explain the more than two-year delay to put the facility in operation.

Spike from Pattaya Days published his view of Halloween in Pattaya.

Be careful: Don't trust Thailand's Taxi Drivers, Thailand's Food and Drug Administration says!

During a press conference District Chief Sakchai reported about a raid of Banglamung's Police in Pattaya's Bars and Restaurants. He told the audience that he and his troups were suprised that many of the venues underaged patrons were female prostitutes. They spend their money on drinking with friends... We are surprised that this fact is surprising our Police - you too?

On November 18th Provincial Police Region 3 Chief Theerasak Glingpongsa informed the press that Police had to arrest Pol Sen Sgt Maj Nonthapan Saengsuk, 37, a Thai Tourist Policeman, and his two 'friends' from Russia for allegedly using fake credit and debit cards to withdraw money from bank accounts. When Police arrested the trio they had 328 counterfeit ATM cards and more than 2.9 million Baht in cash in their possession. They used ATM machines in Nakhon Ratchasima's Muang district to withdraw the money.

Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, the well-known City Hall babbler, announced a 90-day traffic crackdown starting on November 1st, 2013. Let's hope Pattaya Police will provide qualified personnel. We experienced that many of Pattaya's Officials do not known (or don't want to know) that 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled battery operated vehicles not exceeding 50km/h do not need a licence number here in Thailand. The same is true for vehicles powered by an engine of 50cc or less not exceeding 50 km/h.

Parking in Front of Pattaya's City Hall Illegal Parking

We update NightWalker's News Page as soon as we get new information.