The Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand has told city police to work on eliminating vices, such as drugs, in the entertainment venues of Bangkok. Chalern Yoobamrung has initiated several policies which are working to eliminate drugs from various district in the city.

Figures released by the politician showed that of 1500 venues in Bangkok only 600 have . . . → Read More: Authorities clamp down on Bangkok vice]]> Tweet

The Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand has told city police to work on eliminating vices, such as drugs, in the entertainment venues of Bangkok. Chalern Yoobamrung has initiated several policies which are working to eliminate drugs from various district in the city.

Figures released by the politician showed that of 1500 venues in Bangkok only 600 have a license. He also stated that in some districts of Bangkok the purchase of methamphetamine and amphetamines are possible and in several venues the sale of these drugs is quite open.

He is also said that he wants to crack down on companies that are operating illegal gambling such as illegal lottery tickets and horse racing machines. The Deputy Prime Minister has said that police should work with local businesses and asked them to inform the police about illegal operations going on at competitors.

He has also commented on proposals that drug smugglers and other offenders be kept in separate prisons from other criminals so that their networks are smaller. He said that he wants to see kingpins kept in solitary confinement so they are unable to run things from the inside. He suggested that a model remand centre be established to see whether the project would work.

The Don Mueang Airport, which was severely damaged during the flooding in Thailand earlier in the year, is set to resume operations earlier than was previously expected. Previously the reopening date of the airport was set as 1st April but the efforts of people working on the repairs have meant the airport could be ready to . . . → Read More: Don Mueang Airport to reopen]]> Tweet

The Don Mueang Airport, which was severely damaged during the flooding in Thailand earlier in the year, is set to resume operations earlier than was previously expected. Previously the reopening date of the airport was set as 1st April but the efforts of people working on the repairs have meant the airport could be ready to open several weeks before the initial date.

Airports of Thailand president, Anirut Thanomkulbutra, has stated, “It is expected that the airport will open several weeks ahead of when we had initially planned, as soon as I know the exact revised opening date I will make it public”. Airports of Thailand is a government-owned body which has announced that the damage to the airport has cost the country around 1 billion baht.

The Chief Executive of Nok Air is Patee Sarasin who has commented, “The damage to the airport is not as severe as we initially thought and many of the facilities have not been affected. However, the electrical system was seriously flooded and it is having to undergo significant repairs. Fortunately, the lesser amount of damage means that the airport will be able to open much sooner than expected.”

Other people involved in the airline industry are less hopeful and are sceptical about the revised opening times. Founder of the airline Orient Thai is Udom Tantiprasongchai who is commented, “We don’t want to have to move our operating airport from one to another so we want Airports of Thailand to be absolutely sure that the airport is ready for use before they start telling people to move back to it.” With Bangkok having to rely on one airport it is becoming overcrowded.

On the west coast of the enamouring island of Phuket, Karon is located on an enormous stretch of sand. The wonderful Karen Noi beach is very close and is a great spot to lay in the sunshine.

Several travellers to Phuket usually choose Karon and Karon Noi as their main destination due to the fact of great . . . → Read More: Karon Phuket is located on an enormous stretch of sand]]> Tweet

On the west coast of the enamouring island of Phuket, Karon is located on an enormous stretch of sand. The wonderful Karen Noi beach is very close and is a great spot to lay in the sunshine.

Several travellers to Phuket usually choose Karon and Karon Noi as their main destination due to the fact of great lodging rates and the wide variety of things to do. You can get a place to stay for around 300 baht, if you want a little more amenities and comfort you will have many resort s on the beach to choose from as well.

These beachside locations offer the best choices of restaurants, spas and swimming pools for you to enjoy. The amazing and beautiful white sand that stretches for nearly three kilometres is home to Karon beach, as well as offering Kata to the south and Patong beach to the north.

The abundance of resorts and restaurants located on the powdery white sand, dotted with palm trees make this an absolutely beautiful destination. The amount of activities available for you to enjoy are nearly limitless.

Snorkelling and diving on the southern point of Karon beach are a favourite pastime for many travellers, and you’ll find many local companies willing to accommodate any almost any adventure you might think of in several destinations around Phuket.

The water sports you’ll be able to take advantage of here are a lot of fun. The recent trend of popular water sports are kite surfing and kayaking as well as just basking in the surf. If you like to mini golf, you’ll find a great course at Dino Park Mini Golf Facility, located at the southern end of Karon beach. A great spot for family fun, there are erupting volcanoes and dinosaurs that will be sure to entertain the kids.

When talking about retiring abroad, most people immediately think of Spain or perhaps far-flung but still very western destinations such as Australia and New Zealand. More and more western retirees, however, are showing an interest in more exotic locations, and one of best options for a fascinating yet safe retirement in Thailand.

Thanks to the film industry, . . . → Read More: Bangkok retirement]]> Tweet

When talking about retiring abroad, most people immediately think of Spain or perhaps far-flung but still very western destinations such as Australia and New Zealand. More and more western retirees, however, are showing an interest in more exotic locations, and one of best options for a fascinating yet safe retirement in Thailand.

Thanks to the film industry, Thailand, and Bangkok in particular, does not have the kind of reputation you would expect a retirement destination to enjoy. Yet the city is extremely safe, well-run by the local authorities and very cheap for those who have just arrived from the West.

One of the highlights of living in Bangkok is undoubtedly the excellent public transport system, including the “skytrain”, an elevated train system that covers the whole city. No need to worry about not being able to get around as you get older when an apartment near a skytrain station gives you easy access to the whole of Bangkok.

Healthcare is always a concern for those who choose to retire a broad, but Thailand is one of the top health tourism destinations in the world with world-class hospitals offering all the treatments and medication that western hospitals have access to.

The cost of living is more than reasonable, and retirees who might have struggled to maintain their quality of life in the UK can live quite well in Bangkok. The city recently ranked 105^th in an annual survey of the cost of living in the world’s major cities making it one of the most affordable, while in a global poll to find the best cities in the world for leisure activities Bangkok has been in the top five for the last few years and even took the number one position in 2008.

Countries all over the world are having to deal with an ageing population and the problems and challenges that brings – and Thailand is no exception. Assisted living is a common concept in the UK, but it is a method of supporting the elderly that is only just being introduced in the South-east Asian country.

Already, the . . . → Read More: Thailand assisted living]]> Tweet

Countries all over the world are having to deal with an ageing population and the problems and challenges that brings – and Thailand is no exception. Assisted living is a common concept in the UK, but it is a method of supporting the elderly that is only just being introduced in the South-east Asian country.

Already, the early schemes that have been established are proving popular with older people and their families and efforts are being made to meet the growing demand for care workers to support people in their own homes for as long as possible. Alongside new assisted living schemes, new schools are springing up all over Thailand to train younger people in the skills required to care for the elderly. As usual, the standards here are very high.

Expats who have retired to Thailand from western countries find that they can easily afford to pay for one of these trained care workers to help them in their own home, whereas in the UK or the US the costs would have been prohibitive.

One American woman bed-ridden with MS is able to afford 24-hour care on her Social Security payments alone while an English lady who had a fall and broke her hip has been able pay for private therapy from one of these newly-trained care workers as well as the day-to-day support she needs while recovering.

Thailand’s next step would be to introduce assisted living communities, what is often referred to as sheltered housing in the UK, where elderly people live together, with shared services and staff on hand to provide not only medical care but assistance with housework and preparing meals.

The first centre of this kind in the country opened recently in the city Chian Mai, and for less than £700 a month residents get medical staff on site, accommodation and all their meals along with a sense of community and the company of other people their own age.

The Royal Resort, as advertised in the travel industry, actually has a legitimate claim to the name, as it appealed so much to the King of Thailand back in the 1920′s that he had a palace built there and named it Klai Kangwon  (“Far From Worries”).  The current King and his family are often in residence . . . → Read More: Hua Hin Beaches]]> Tweet

The Royal Resort, as advertised in the travel industry, actually has a legitimate claim to the name, as it appealed so much to the King of Thailand back in the 1920′s that he had a palace built there and named it Klai Kangwon  (“Far From Worries”).  The current King and his family are often in residence these days too, and the beach is still one of Thailand’s most beautiful and alluring.

About four kilometres of soft white sand stretches in a wide band from one headland to another; there is plenty of space for sunning with lounge chairs and umbrellas to hire if you like, or just bring your own and set up camp.  The sea here is clear, clean and calm, with ideal swimming conditions.  Kite-surfing/sailing has become an extremely popular sport; in fact there are competitions going on year round, and you can always find someone to teach you the basics.

Partially because of the fairly frequent presence of Royalty, the town and the beach enjoy a quieter and safer environment than many of the country’s more tourist-oriented resorts.  This is not the place to go topless on the beach or stroll through town in a bikini; though you will not be arrested for indecent exposure, it’s considered an insult and won’t endear you to the residents.

Hua Hin is one of the few spots in Thailand where you can ride a horse (or a pony, for little people) on the beach.  Fishing and eco-cruising boats, banana boat rides, water skiing, para-sailing and snorkeling are all on the activity menu; scuba diving is not, as there are no large reefs or underwater rocks in the near vicinity.  Plenty of refreshment is available from beach-side vendors, and the best of it is the scrumptious variety of fresh seafood – don’t miss it.

The southern end of Hua Hin beach is marked by Khao Takiab, a hill that separates it from another long, lovely swimming beach that is owned by the Thai military but open to the public.  The views from Khao Takiab are also lovely and a great spot to watch the sunset over dinner and/or cocktails and admire the tan you’ve acquired on the beach.

For golfers, it’s worthy of note that there are several world-class courses within a 30-minute drive of Hua Hin town.  Much of the surrounding area is National Park, with some great hikes to scenic spots such as the 11-tier waterfall at Pa La-U in the midst of a lush forest abounding in birds and butterflies.

Another don’t-miss is back in town at the nightly street market, frequented by the locals and a good  opportunity to absorb a bit of real Thai beach life.

Overall, Hua Hin has escaped the over-development so common in areas like Pattaya and Patong, and the city officials are committed to keeping it that way, or so it seems.  Only about three hours from Bangkok, it’s an ideal destination for just relaxing in the sun.

For lovers of fresh seafood, Hua Hin is a very fine town indeed.  It’s deservedly famous for the abundance of inexpensive restaurants where your dinner was nabbed from the ocean just a couple of hours before it is whisked (cooked) to your table.  However, don’t think for a minute that you’re limited to fish fare; there . . . → Read More: Dining in Hua Hin]]> Tweet

For lovers of fresh seafood, Hua Hin is a very fine town indeed.  It’s deservedly famous for the abundance of inexpensive restaurants where your dinner was nabbed from the ocean just a couple of hours before it is whisked (cooked) to your table.  However, don’t think for a minute that you’re limited to fish fare; there are examples of outstanding cuisine from almost everywhere, including Merrie Olde England.

To mention just a handful of the choices, start with the best sushi and sashimi to be found outside of Japan, at the Hagi operated by the Sofitel Hotel.  Italian dishes prepared by an Italian chef and accompanied by a gigantic wine list make La Grappa on Poolsuk Road a good bet, and for French charm and style in a perfectly romantic setting, Brasserie de Paris lives up to expectations, and then some.

An interesting combination of Swiss and Thai cuisine in a décor filled with greenery and fairy lights is on offer at Heidi’s Garden Restaurant.  They serve excellent Thai curries but Swiss cheese fondue or diced pork Zurich style are examples of a menu that has a devoted following amongst local Thai diners.

The Monsoon Restaurant and Bar has changed its name to Tapas Cafe and serves a delicious variety of Spanish tapas selections along with every sort of cocktail, beer and wine to go with them.

There is still an authentic Fisherman’s Wharf in Hua Hin, and possibly the best (and priciest) of the Wharf restaurants is Chao Lay, with two levels of seating on the pier and a fish market out front.  You can choose your entree before you’re seated and enjoy a drink and a fabulous view while you wait for the final product.

If you go to Hua Hin for the seafood (as well as the beach, of course), Baan Itsara sits right on the ocean and has been rated one of the best seafood restaurants in Thailand by several reviewers.  Prices are reasonable and the tiger prawns in sweet basil sauce are unforgettable.  And for Brits:  if you want a taste of home, drop in on the Buffalo Tavern, just opposite the fishing pier.  It’s a great pub where you can get an English breakfast all day, and incidentally some of the best Thai food in town.

If you don’t eat anywhere else in Hua Hin, do be sure to catch the night market in the centre of town on any evening of the week.  If you arrive after about 6:00 p.m. all the food stalls will be open, the smells and tastes are just indescribably delicious – and the price is right.  Seafood grilled, sauteed, boiled, fried, baked and steamed is everywhere, plus live entertainment, and don’t miss the roti Hua Hin, a local treat that’s a perfect topper for your dining experience.

Dok Kaew Gardens, named after the Orange Jessamine flower, opened towards the end of 2009, and is a peaceful retirement home in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Everyone is welcome, and their doors are open to both native Thais and to expatriates, including Brits, Europeans and Americans. While some people are lucky enough to have relatives both able and . . . → Read More: Dok Kaew Gardens retirement home Chiang Mai, Thailand]]> Tweet

Dok Kaew Gardens, named after the Orange Jessamine flower, opened towards the end of 2009, and is a peaceful retirement home in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Everyone is welcome, and their doors are open to both native Thais and to expatriates, including Brits, Europeans and Americans. While some people are lucky enough to have relatives both able and willing to look after their elders, there are others that are alone and in need. Expatriates in particular often do not have family in Thailand that could help them.

Rather than returning home, or getting expensive private care, there is another option. Staying at Dok Kaew Gardens allows those who want to stay in Thailand to stay and get the care and rest that they deserve. It is a beautiful location, complete with colourful flowers and serene trees.

Connected to the home is the McKean’s hospital, founded in the early 1900s, which was originally a leprosy colony that was converted into a home for people with handicaps and those in need of help. From the hospital, patients can attend physical therapy or rehabilitation, but it must be noted that this cost is not included in the cost of the retirement home.

There are two wings in the home; the Lotus wing and the Jasmine Wing. Patients with higher levels of independence stay in the Lotus wing, and enjoy the home much like you would enjoy a top hotel. Three meals are provided every day, but a kitchen is available for those that would rather cook for themselves.

Although it is a peaceful place, there is technology available for those that would want it; in the communal area there is a TV room as well as a computer room, plus there is wi-fi available in the individual rooms. Also communal are the dining room and the beauty parlour. The individual rooms all have air-conditioning available, as well as a TV and a fridge, and there are call buttons in the bathrooms as well as the bedrooms.

For patients who require more attention, including those with debilitating diseases, have a wing dedicated to them; the Jasmine Wing. This wing has supervision provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week according to resident’s own care plans. Security cameras, nurses and trained staff are all available, and the unit is secure to prevent residents from wandering.

While staying at the Dok Kaew Gardens, residents have a large variety of activities that they can take part in, including exercise; proven to help prevent or slow dementia and other debilitating diseases. Trips can be arranged if residents want to leave the McKean ground, with the city located just fifteen minutes away. There is also a regular shuttle service to the largest shopping malls in the area.

While staying in Dow Kaew Gardens, residents are allowed to do as they please, although smoking, drinking, pets and ‘overnight friends’ are not allowed. Residents are encouraged to help the staff create personalised care plans for them, so that your time in this idyllic centre is perfect for you.

Many parts of Thailand are known for having a wild nightlife, Phuket and the capital Bangkok are particularly known for this. Hua Hin is an area that is not so wild and only really has a nightlife during the tourist season which runs from November to March. This is also the place where the Thai royal . . . → Read More: Hua Hin nightlife is a little more subtle]]> Tweet

Many parts of Thailand are known for having a wild nightlife, Phuket and the capital Bangkok are particularly known for this. Hua Hin is an area that is not so wild and only really has a nightlife during the tourist season which runs from November to March. This is also the place where the Thai royal family live and this is why many people feel the nightlife here is subdued.

The area is quite family friendly and there is an atmosphere that does not seem sleazy such, as that you would find in the likes of Pattaya. There are no go-go bars but instead karaoke bars and live music venues. Unlike many other parts of Thailand, if you go to a bar here you are not going to be hassled to the same degree. There might well be women who are interested in more than just conversation but they are not going to be hassling you as much.

There are many bars in the tourist zone of the town which cater to Western customers and other foreigners. There are many expats in this part of Thailand and many of the bars are designed to cater towards them. The area is generally quite safe and if you are walking around after dark you do not have much to worry about.

All bars have to close at two o’clock in the morning but it is usually possible to find a place which is serving alcohol later than this. Recent efforts by the government have meant that there has been a crack down on the number of places remaining open and this has damaged the nightlife somewhat.

Drink prices are not as cheap as you might imagine because it is a very popular tourist location, but there are usually special promotions and happy hours available.

Thailand, the land of friendly smiles and fabulous beaches, is also blessed with plenty of relatively untrammeled spots that are just far enough from the bustle and clamor usually found in popular destinations.  All offer their own unique attractions for the adventurous and/or frazzled traveler, and one of the loveliest is the provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, . . . → Read More: Kanchanaburi a different side of Thailand]]> Tweet

Thailand, the land of friendly smiles and fabulous beaches, is also blessed with plenty of relatively untrammeled spots that are just far enough from the bustle and clamor usually found in popular destinations.  All offer their own unique attractions for the adventurous and/or frazzled traveler, and one of the loveliest is the provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, about 130 kilometres west of Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi is not a hotspot for lively nightlife or luxury hotels and restaurants.  However, if spending a night or two in a floating inn and dangling your feet in the river from your own veranda  appeals to you, then you’ll want to check it out.  It’s easy to get there from Bangkok by train, bus, hired car or even a taxi, but if you want to spend a little quality time in the area the best bet is a car and/or a rented bicycle or motorbike, since this is also not a compact area; it sprawls.

Actually, there is a lot to do and see in the quiet and mostly undeveloped province of Kanchanaburi.  The town is situated in a fertile valley where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers meet at the Mae Klong river.  The Khwae Noi, by the way, is also known as the River Kwai, as in ‘Bridge Over . . .’ , and most foreigners who come to Kanchanaburi come to see the famous bridge and the war memorabilia in two impressive museums and a large cemetery.

The bridge, built during WWII as part of the infamous Burma Railway (aka the Death Railway) stands as a monument to that monstrous undertaking, and anyone familiar with its history will find a visit to the site an intense experience, though certainly not a joyful one.  There are loads of tours available, or you can go on your own to ‘Hellfire Pass’ upriver, another famous/infamous section of the railway.

Kanchanaburi sits at the bottom of a mountain range literally veined with caves and tunnels that are fascinating in themselves with natural stalagmite and stalactite formations.  Note than none are in easy walking distance, and some are at least 20 or 30 minutes away by car, but well worth the trip.  Along the way you can detour to several really beautiful waterfalls; the scenery is marvelous – and  extremely photogenic – but most of the trails are daunting unless you’re reasonably fit.

One of the most memorable caves is more or less dedicated to the Buddhist monk (you ready?) , Phrabhavanaviriyakhun, who was born in Kanchanaburi.  Along with some high-hanging bats and some of Nature’s most artistic sculptures in limestone, there are statues of the Buddha in each stage of his life, seated on natural pedestals in a series of grotto shrines.

Fairly nearby is the notorious Tiger Temple, which is a temple only to man not-so-kind’s greed and will wrench your heart if you have a scrap of empathy with wild animals.  If you wish to be photographed with a tiger so heavily sedated he can barely open his mouth, much less bite, go right ahead, and don’t forget to tip the ‘keepers’ on top of the exorbitant entrance fees.

Fortunately, elephants are a different story; there are several well-run camps where you can meet and greet and catch a ride on one of these amenable giants.  Taweechai Elephant Camp is one of the largest, located about halfway between Kanchanaburi and the magnificent Erawan Falls.  Another is Elephants and Friends Conservation Camp, which can only be reached by motorbike, not by public transport; it provides some delightful and very educational interaction between visitor and elephant.

Kanchanaburi town has two main sections that include a ‘downtown’ area of shops and other businesses, and a stretch along the Mae Nam Kwae Road where most of the guest houses are located.  As mentioned, many are built on rafts that float in a most delightful way on the running river, both in the town and ranging much farther upriver.  No hot water for showers, but that’s not a hardship since even nighttime temperatures seldom fall below 80 degrees (F).

Of course there are more conventional lodgings available, but the lack of neon and noise pollution is a great relaxer.  Kanchanaburi is an excellent choice for getting off the beaten track and slowing the pace. There is an interesting contrast also, between the remembered horrors of the Great War in those parts and the peaceful, natural beauty that typifies the river valley and the entire province of Kanchanaburi today.