[Pattaya tourism and business sector tell government “Let us open the city fully, give us the Covid-19 vaccines. Enough is Enough.”]

All for places re-opening, but the problem is that people just DO NOT FOLLOW set procedures for social distancing etc.  After the last lockdown, when my local pub re-opened it was only a few days before all the "no-sitting" seats were being used, people were not checking temperature when going in (and no one checking this either) and not a lot of hand sanitiser being used.

[Reopening of Phuket and Surat Thani to foreign tourists confirmed for July]

If and when places do re-open, it would be great if the businesses just accept what has gone and do the right thing. Unfortunately, it is likely that many will be adding a few extra baht to prices to try and make up for losses.  I am sure those who keep the prices right will do better for themselves (no one enjoys getting ripped off - regardless of the situation which brought the inflated prices about). 

[Three shopping malls deny having clusters of COVID-19 infections in their premises]

The surprising thing is that the clusters are not bigger. Have seen workers going into shopping malls, and many bypass the screening and temp. check on the way in.  As do many customers (especially at Emporium) they seem to think it is below them to follow the rules.  

[People in Thailand reduce alcohol consumption to prevent COVID-19 contraction]

They must have surveyed the few that have cut down.

True - all our pubs are closed, but I still see the regulars around town...all still drinking - either at home or with a mate or two.  I do miss the icy cold draft beer though.

[American ex-pat in Pattaya suffers only minor injuries after reportedly crashing into parked car and flipping his own vehicle]

Was on Thai TV news - stating the car was being driven a high speed.

[TAT proposes attracting a MILLION foreigners - work with no work permit, right to buy land - TEN Year stay]

Hmm...as mentioned by one or two above - another ridiculous list of dreams...and there is never anything for the many thousands of expats who have been here for years, and spent many, many millions of baht, pay tax each year (many Thais don't), and generally help the economy big time.  Seems like we just don't count for anything - so why would more want to come here?

[Pattaya beaches to reopen, without alcohol]

Once again, everyone is being tarred with the same brush...because of the small minority who have a beer or two then act like complete dorks - us resposible chaps are not permitted to do something we have been doing since way back when.

[Pattaya: Thai media and public continue to shame people not following Covid rules]

Was actually quite shocked - when I saw the headline I expected to see loads of photos of foreigners...but no.  

[Authorities Ask Private Hospitals Not to Charge COVID-19 Patients]

When does anyone here listen to the authorities when there is a buck to be made??

[Inmates nationwide expected to be inoculated in June]

Really...putting criminals before other members of the community?

[Ubon: Drunk foreigner, 66, spits at passersby outside his ex-wife's house - makes national news]

Put him on a plane and send him to his native country...we do not need idiots like this here.

[Worrying precedent for landlords? Renter leaves 30K electric bill]

Haa..do agree with Pilotman - some landlords are just (cannot print) but how can an electric bill go unpaid for so long???

[Manager of two Thonglor pubs sentenced to two months in prison]

This is a start, I suppose, but it would be more appropriate if all managers / owners who did not follow the proper procedures were also locked-up.  That would send out a message.

It would be a bit unfortunate though if they followed all the set procedures...temperature check, social distancing, hand washing, disinfecting tables and chairs when customers left - but I doubt very much that that was done.

[Thailand set to close all bars, pubs, massage parlours in 41 provinces for 14 days]

Might be signed as early as tomorrow...well guess who is going out tonight???

[Thailand braced for infections spike after detecting UK COVID-19 variant]

Love the way it is said that we are doing everything we can...these people want to get out and about to see what pubs, restaurants and depaertment stores are NOT DOING.

[Real estate: Foreigners told that 2021 is a Golden Year for investment in condos]

Well, okay I guess - if you are a condo person.  Not all of us choose to live in these concrete towers - with hoards of others from who knows where.

[Thailand to target wealthy foreign retirees, make it easier to purchase property]

Don't you just love the numbers they come up with...

I know it is April 1 - but most Thai don't get that.

I live a fairly extravagant life, but would struggle to spend 200,000 a month - without giving loads away.

[Thailand Road Carnage: Deaths on the roads continue unabated - 71 dead yesterday]

Well, I've done my bit to help.  The wife use to ask for driving lessons years ago, and she always got the same reply, "driving lessons...you crash when you walk" - so they never happened, and we are both still here.

[Bangkok’s Hard Rock Cafe closes after 30 years]

Had some great times in there, especially when work colleagues were in town from abroad.  Yes, a bit pricey compared to other places...but the quality was always good.

[Phuket tour bus operators seek government help after a year of unemployment]

They should ban all these 'eyesore' buses from the island...it was a nice place before they arrived.

[Hefty fines and jail time for anyone who breaches COVID-19 rules this Songkran, BMA warns]

It's a bit like all the other "rules" in this country...very few take note of them because very little happens if they break them. 

If the authorities were 'on the ball' and punished all violaters...we might see a difference - but I won't hold my breath.

[Swedish travel bookings to Thailand increased by 150 percent]

150% of '0' is still '0'.  Weird report.

[VIDEO: Bangkok International Motor Show 2021 kicks off on Wednesday]

Let's see if there are any significant "discounts" - the last couple of times I have been there, I found better deals around town in regular car showrooms.

[Warning to expats: Surgery of any kind in Thailand can come with a hefty price tag]

Still amazes me how many expats here do not have insurance...but their choice.  On the Thai side, my wife gets all her health bits free (treatment & medication) at a hospital here in Bangkok.

[Thailand Car Sales Plunge 21.3% in January]

Keep going to the motor shows, and I am sure they would sell more cars if they took all the useless tarts out of the equation.  They sure get upset when asked to move, or asked about details of the cars.