Operators of Thailand’s bars and night spots breathed a collective sigh of relief this week when a government spokesperson named the day they can turn their lights back on. Spokesperson Taksada Sangchan told reporters that D-Day is the 14 November and after that nightlife activities can resume.
Heritage activists on Penang Island say a proposed submarine tunnel from mainland Malaysia could endanger the UNESCO World Heritage status of George Town. The deputy-head of the Malaysian Chinese Association, Tan Teik Cheng, explained that the state government did not have the backing of the islanders for the underwater tunnel.
Thailand and China are in tentative discussions about changing their visa entry policies for tourists. Media sources in Beijing say that if the proposed plan gets the green light it will allow citizens of one country visa free entry to the other.
Authorities in Myanmar are preparing to crack down on bus drivers in Yangon who do not obey road safety rules. The ministry with jurisdiction over transportation in the nation is considering a scheme to dish out harsh punishment to drivers who endanger the lives of passengers and other road users.
The national agency responsible for operating Bangkok’s Morchit Bus Station says the facility will not be relocated in the foreseeable future. Thailand Transport Company director Amnart Anart-ngarm told media sources that instead of moving, the current premises at Chatuchak would be expanded.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has released a bulletin stating that the Loy Krathong festival celebrations will be held later this month. Despite initially saying all this year’s celebrations for the festival had been cancelled, Thai authorities have given local councils the green light.
The city council in Hoi An is in the process of draughting a code of behaviour for visitors to follow. The main item on the list of rules will be the establishment of guidelines on what tourists can and cannot wear when visiting the iconic Vietnamese town.
Thailand’s official tourism bureau has issued a statement saying the Grand Palace in Bangkok will reopen for tourists tomorrow. The palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple have both been closed since King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away on the 13 October.
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has announced the reopening of a temporary floating market in central Bangkok. A ministry secretary, Chartchai Thipsunawee, stated that the Phadung Krung Kasem canal market will relaunch on Thursday and will be entitled OTOP Wisdom to the World.
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister has suggested the introduction of a five-year visa to encourage overseas visitors to stay longer. Khaosod reported that Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul believes offering a long-stay visa would also enable Thailand to compete with neighbouring nations for this genre of visitor.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has released the dates of when its new rolling stock will be making their debut appearances. Passengers travelling between Bangkok and Chiang Mai and Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani will be able to enjoy the comforts of the new carriages from 11 November onwards.
The Malaysian island of Penang has long been an essential stopover on any Southeast Asian travel odyssey. Beautiful beaches and attractions such as the War Museum, Kek Lok Si Temple, the Botanical Gardens and Snake Temple are compelling reasons to visit.
The deputy-mayor of Hanoi says Belarus has expressed interest in helping develop environmentally friendly public transport. Nguyen Van Suu told reporters this week that the council is looking for assistance in acquiring electric and gas buses.
The reconnection of Thailand and Cambodia’s rail systems was marked by an official ceremony recently. Although the tracks between the two countries have been joined at the border crossing of Aranyaprathet-Poipet, officials say it will be a little while before public passenger trains are launched.
Bangkok’s public passenger van hub at Victory Monument was moved yesterday. Travellers now have to board their vans at the official city bus stations which serve their particular destinations.
Projects that will improve Thailand’s railway infrastructure are gathering speed. Transport Ministry secretary Chartchai Tipsunaree told reporters that three route improvements with a total length of 403kms will go before the cabinet for final approval on the 1 November.
City officials in Hoi An say they have secured the funding needed to set up a solar lighting system for the Old Town precinct. The new lights will be powered by solar panels and erected around the central plaza close to the landmark Japanese Covered Bridge.
The organisers of Phuket Island’s annual triathlon say they have been given permission to stage it this year. The committee had originally said they would probably have to cancel the event as the whole of Thailand was in mourning following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Today is a public holiday in Thailand and is a substitution day for yesterday which was King Chulalongkorn Day. Government offices and banks are closed today although currency exchange booths and ATMs will be operating as normal.
The Yangon Heritage Trust has recommended transforming vacant land outside the city’s railway station into a public plaza. Commenting on a recently released study by the YHT, vice-chairperson Daw Moe Moe Lwin said it was a heaven sent chance to provide something practical for residents and tourists to enjoy.