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- We Are Lucky To get 28 Days Of Holidays This Year In ThailandSongran festival celebrated across some Asian countries (file photo) Many of us expats know roughly when the national holidays are se back home. However, when I first came to live in SE Asia, I remember being unprepared for empty streets in Bangkok when everyone went home or on holiday to the resorts. By then...
Songran festival celebrated across some Asian countries (file photo)
Many of us expats know roughly when the national holidays are se back home.
However, when I first came to live in SE Asia, I remember being unprepared for empty streets in Bangkok when everyone went home or on holiday to the resorts.
By then it was just too late to even book a decent hotel!
Now I am prepared well in advance, and exit Thailand to avoid getting soaked during Songkran, which can last up to four days.
It is interesting to note that whereas Vietnam lists only eight official national holidays, the Philippines have fourteen holidays, and Cambodia has 24 days, here in Thailand we have a mouthwatering 28 days off work this year.
Compare this to the UK, which has one of the lowest number listings just eight national holidays.
The USA with nine, while Russia with fourteen if you include their six days off for the Russian New Year.
Therefore, Cambodia and Thailand must be the places to hang out.
Here is a list of current Thailand Public Holidays 2022
This page contains a national calendar of all 2022 public holidays for Thailand. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates.
Visit bot.or.th for the original release.
Note:
— Chinese New Year, Christmas Day and End of Ramadan are observed in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only.— Labour Day is observed by all sectors except the Government sector.
— Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Khao Phansa Day are observed by the Government sector only.
(Source: – Asean Now)
25 January 25 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7186 - COVID-19: Thailand Reports 6,718 New Coronavirus Cases, 12 Deaths, 7,659 RecoveriesFile photo Thailand on Tuesday (January 25) reported 6,718 new COVID-19 cases, 7,659 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 6,566. Prisons: 152 ▶︎ Recoveries: 7,659 Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,391,357 with 22,057 deaths. The news comes as the Digital Economy...
File photo
Thailand on Tuesday (January 25) reported 6,718 new COVID-19 cases, 7,659 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours.
︎ Infections outside prisons: 6,566. Prisons: 152︎ Recoveries: 7,659Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,391,357 with 22,057 deaths.
The news comes as the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn revealed that he is infected with COVID-19 and is now in hospital for treatment, but his condition is not serious.
He said that he might have contracted the disease while visiting the northern province of Chiang Mai last Thursday, adding that he now has a fever and mild headache, but his lungs are normal.
(Source: – Asean Now)
25 January 25 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7184 - Thailand Reports 7,139 New COVID-19 Cases, 13 Deaths, 8,100 RecoveriesFile photo Thailand on Monday (January 24) reported 7,139 new COVID-19 cases, 8,100 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 6,944. Prisons: 195 ▶︎ Recoveries: 8,100 Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,384,639 with 22,045 deaths. The news comes as the Omicron variant...
File photo
Thailand on Monday (January 24) reported 7,139 new COVID-19 cases, 8,100 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours.
︎ Infections outside prisons: 6,944. Prisons: 195︎ Recoveries: 8,100Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,384,639 with 22,045 deaths.
The news comes as the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is now being detected in all provinces of Thailand, with health authorities expecting almost every new coronavirus infection to stem from the new strain by the end of this month.
Dr Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, said 86.8% of 3,711 samples analyzed from January 11 to 17 are of the Omicron variant, while only 13.2% are the Delta variant.
If specimens are limited to the 1,437 samples collected from international travelers during the period, 96.9% were Omicron and just 3.1% were Delta. Of the 2,274 samples collected from domestic transmission cases, Omicron made up 80.4% of samples while Delta was 19.6%.
(Source: – Asean Now)
24 January 24 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7182 - Public Health Ministry Approves Removal Of Cannabis From Drug ListThe Ministry of Public Health’s narcotics control committee has approved the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics list. The panel meeting, chaired by Public Health Ministry deputy permanent secretary Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakon, agreed to remove marijuana from the Category 5 narcotics list. The draft will be submitted to the Narcotics...
The Ministry of Public Health’s narcotics control committee has approved the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics list.
The panel meeting, chaired by Public Health Ministry deputy permanent secretary Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakon, agreed to remove marijuana from the Category 5 narcotics list.
The draft will be submitted to the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) for consideration during their next meeting on January 25, which will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. If approved, the draft will be signed into law by the minister of public health and published in the Royal Gazette for promulgation.
The announcement is expected to remove cannabis from the list of drugs, except for extracts containing more than 0.2 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The legal exception will only apply to cannabis grown in the country.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) secretary-general Dr. Paisal Dankhum stated that the FDA will establish regulations to manage cannabis plants. Additional measures, similar to those used to regulate the use of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, are expected to be authorized to restrict the use of cannabis and its extracts in the future.
(Source: – NNT)
22 January 22 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7180 - Thailand Road Carnage: Nation’s Latest “At-The-Scene” FatalitiesPicture: Daily News Daily News published the latest fatalities on the Thai roads, some of the most dangerous in the world. And it was continuing grim reading. They cautioned that their figures were just those that died at the scene of accidents. When those who die on the way to and later...
Picture: Daily News
Daily News published the latest fatalities on the Thai roads, some of the most dangerous in the world.
And it was continuing grim reading.
They cautioned that their figures were just those that died at the scene of accidents. When those who die on the way to and later at hospitals are added the carnage is much worse.
Since January 1st the figure is 743.
In the same period last year it was 685 – and increase of 58 in 19 days.
Around 14,000 at the scene deaths have been recorded in recent years. But the real total is thought to be 25,000 – 80% of them motorcyclists.
Picture: Daily News
Lack of helmet wearing and drunk driving are cited as two major causes.
Lack of proper police enforcement, poor driver and rider training and political lip service to the issue are cited as contributing factors.
Picture: Daily News
Daily News list the figures every day. Yesterday they reported on the death of a Myanmar woman who was crushed after riding in the back of a pick-up carrying cement, a story ASEAN NOW carried already.
The media, in their daily sound bite, warned that not slowing down for bends is particularly dangerous.
(Source: – Asean Now)
22 January 22 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7178 - COVID-19: Thailand Reports 8,122 New Coronavirus Cases, 19 Deaths, 7,582 RecoveriesFile photo Thailand on Saturday (January 22) reported 8,122 new COVID-19 cases, 7,582 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 7,935. Prisons: 177 ▶︎ Recoveries: 7,582 Saturday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,369,814 with 22,019 deaths. The news comes as subsequent jabs of...
File photo
Thailand on Saturday (January 22) reported 8,122 new COVID-19 cases, 7,582 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours.
︎ Infections outside prisons: 7,935. Prisons: 177︎ Recoveries: 7,582Saturday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,369,814 with 22,019 deaths.
The news comes as subsequent jabs of COVID-19 vaccines may cause undesirable effects if they are administered too early, a viral expert has warned.
Prof Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, wrote on Facebook that many people asked about proper doses of COVID-19 vaccination and some people even said they had already received five shots comprising the first two jabs of. the Sinovac vaccine, followed by a jab of AstraZeneca and then two shots of Moderna. Some people said they did not count their initial Sinovac jabs.
(Source: – Asean Now)
22 January 22 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7176 - Thailand Reports 8,640 New COVID-19 Cases, 8,641 Recoveries, 13 DeathsFile photo Thailand on Friday (January 21) reported 8,640 new COVID-19 cases, 8,641 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 8,445. Prisons: 195 ▶︎ Recoveries: 8,641 Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,361,702 with 22,000 deaths. The news comes as the Centre for...
File photo
Thailand on Friday (January 21) reported 8,640 new COVID-19 cases, 8,641 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours.
︎ Infections outside prisons: 8,445. Prisons: 195︎ Recoveries: 8,641Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,361,702 with 22,000 deaths.
The news comes as the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has agreed to resume registration for the currently suspended quarantine-free entry program, known as “Test and Go”, from February 1st. It will also allow eateries in “sandbox” provinces and COVID-19 “high surveillance” provinces to serve alcohol up to 11pm, instead of 9 pm, from January 24th onwards according to CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin.
However, to open, the eateries must meet the SHA Plus or the Stop COVID 2 Plus standard and comply with the COVID Free Setting measure. Pubs, bars and other entertainment venues are to remain closed, but they are allowed to open as eateries and when they meet such requirements.
(Source: – Asean Now)
21 January 21 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7173 - New 20-Baht Polymer Banknotes To Enter Circulation On March 24The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has issued new 20-baht banknotes, made of polymer rather than paper, for distribution from March 24th. BOT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, explained that they chose to issue the polymer notes for the 20-baht denomination first because they are the most frequently used and wear out faster than notes of...
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has issued new 20-baht banknotes, made of polymer rather than paper, for distribution from March 24th.
BOT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, explained that they chose to issue the polymer notes for the 20-baht denomination first because they are the most frequently used and wear out faster than notes of other denominations. The polymer notes are more durable and stay cleaner than paper ones.
The polymer notes are produced from a special kind of plastic which does not absorb humidity or dirt. They are environment friendly and will reduce the need to reprint replacements for worn-out notes, said the governor.
(Source: – Thai PBS)
21 January 21 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7171 - COVID-19: Thailand Reports 8,129 New Coronavirus Cases, 19 Deaths, 6,978 RecoveriesFile photo Thailand on Thursday (January 20) reported 8,129 new COVID-19 cases, 6,978 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 7,915. Prisons: 214 ▶︎ Recoveries: 6,978 Thursday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,353,062 with 21,987 deaths. The news comes as the resumption...
File photo
Thailand on Thursday (January 20) reported 8,129 new COVID-19 cases, 6,978 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours.
︎ Infections outside prisons: 7,915. Prisons: 214︎ Recoveries: 6,978Thursday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,353,062 with 21,987 deaths.
The news comes as the resumption of new “Test and Go” registrations, COVID-19 rezoning and yet another extension of Thailand’s nationwide State of Emergency, in place since March 2020, will be proposed to and decided by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today (Thursday).
New applications for “Test and Go” program, which requires only minimal quarantine of no more than one night while awaiting negative COVID-19 results, have been suspended since December 22nd, to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. Currently, people who have been granted a “Thailand Pass” QR code for the program can still enter the country. The program resumption may begin on February 1st but possibly with stricter measures.
Source: – Asean Now)
20 January 20 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7169 - Things To Do In Udon ThaniUdon Thani isn’t on many vacationers’ radars but it does have a large expat community, which means it’s a good place to visit for people who don’t speak much Thai. We’ve been there a handful of times (it’s a short flight from Bangkok), so we’ve put together a roundup that includes things to do in...
Udon Thani isn’t on many vacationers’ radars but it does have a large expat community, which means it’s a good place to visit for people who don’t speak much Thai. We’ve been there a handful of times (it’s a short flight from Bangkok), so we’ve put together a roundup that includes things to do in Udon Thani we’ve personally done plus other activities that we plan to do on future visits.Red Lotus Sea in Kumphawapi
Just about an hour’s drive from the Udon Thani International Airport is the Red Lotus Sea or Talay Bua Daeng (ทะเลบัวแดง). It’s one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Isaan (or arguably in all of Thailand, for that matter).
From the lake’s edge, it may not look like much. But hop on a pontoon boat (500 THB for a 1.5-hour trip) and watch as the murky, weedy water transforms into something magical. As you approach the lake’s center, you’ll find yourself in a seemingly unending sea of hot pink flowers. The flowers are quite large, too, and some are as big as an open hand.
These blooms are seasonal and are best observed between the beginning of December and the end of February each year. Be sure to go early, too. The flowers open in the cooler part of the day between 6 am and noon. They close in the afternoon when the sun is the hottest.
There’s a Thai restaurant right there too, serving several variations of som tam salads, creamy curries, and spicy stir-fries featuring lotus stems.
The Talay Bua Daeng is a great place for a day trip and certainly one of the more stunning things to do in Udon Thani. Check out more details in our dedicated post on the Red Lotus Sea.
Hours: 6 am to 4 pm
Prices: 300 THB for a 45-minute ride, 500 THB for a 90-minute rideRock Spa and Salt Fields in Ban Dung
Where does salt come from? When you’re not by the sea or ocean, one method is to find an underground source of salt water as Thais successfully did in Ban Dung.
At first glance, these rock salt fields look like barren rice fields with a dusting of snow. But in fact, they are fields of high-quality flower salt or dok glua (ดอกเกลือ) that glint and sparkle in the sun.
Saltwater is pumped from a source that’s less than 100 meters into shallow pools where it is allowed to dry and crystallize. Later, it’s harvested in big, woven baskets.
The rock salt field we visited is also home to the Kunnapat Spa. This spa shop offers oil and foot massages (500 THB and 200 THB, respectively), full body mud spa (1,000 THB), mud face masks (200 THB), and foot soaks (100 THB). They sell several homemade scrubs and masks that are made from their mineral-rich salt, too.
Contact: Kunnapat Spa
Phone: (081) 975-6494
Prices: 100 THB to 1,000 THBPhu Phrabat Historical Park in Ban Phue
What looks to be the making of giants, this historical park is famous for its bizarre rock formations that are precariously balanced on top of each other. In fact, the large boulders held up by smaller and narrower rocks due to erosion over millions of years.
These rocks also feature ancient cave paintings of animals, people, and geometric patterns. You can find Buddhas carved into the softer sandstone, too.
The park has a nature trail roughly 2 kilometers long that can take several hours to complete. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and come energized! The path takes visitors past more than twenty attractions throughout the park. Each has a plaque with information written in both Thai and English. There is the option to rent a golf cart buggy to ride around, too.
We later learned that there are more rock formations and animal sculptures at the Phu Phrabat Bua Bok Forest Park. It’s 4 kilometers southeast of the historical park, so it’s easy to combine both attractions in one day.
Fee: 100 THB per foreigner
Hours: 8 am to 5 pmKhiri Wongkot Village in Na Yung
The Khiri Wongkot Village (หมู่บ้านคีรีวงกต) is Thai community ecotourism at its finest and certainly one of the more unique things to do in Udon Thani. This village welcomes visitors to experience some local activities and stay at their home. A word of warning: you might want to bring along a Thai friend to help with translation.
The main activity is a tractor ride through the countryside, through fields, across rivers, and onward to a particular waterfall (น้ำตกห้วยช้างพลาย) that’s actually a stone’s throw into Nong Khai province. The tractors have powerful motors that took us anywhere – up steep hills and across streams. Afterward, we ate lunch in our host’s beautiful teak house.
An overnight homestay visit includes three meals, one of which is an Isaan picnic served with bamboo cutlery and banana leaves. There was also word of a traditional khantoke dinner and a wrist binding ceremony, but we did not have the chance to do those activities ourselves.
Contact: Khun Narin (083) 147-9004
Cost: 4,200 THB for up to 6 people (activities, three meals, and accommodation)Nong Prajak Park in Mueang Udon Thani
We got a laugh over the massive floating duck on the nearby lake at the Nong Prajak Park. This park also has walking and biking paths, food stalls and areas for picnicking, and massage shops.
Just outside this park is Chao Phu-Ya Chinese Temple. Of the many temples we’ve visited throughout Thailand, this Chinese-Buddhist temple is one that stands out in our minds. It’s all due to the details – the amply filled koi pond, the peaceful Chinese-style courtyard, the elaborate, colorful shrines, and the misty, mossy gardens.
We enjoyed tea outside at the temple’s Chinese-style tea shop. Nearby, there’s a Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre that’s worth a stroll through, too.
Ban Chiang National Museum and Wat Pho Sri Nai in Ban Chiang
Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Ban Chiang is one of Southeast Asia most significant archaeological sites. Here are burial remains of more than 300 skeletons, beautiful intact ceramics, and other important artifacts related to art and technology.
The Ban Chiang National Museum has beautiful displays of these historical remains and artifacts. There are three distinct time periods, which are distinguished by the swirls and color usage on the ceramics as well as the burial styles. They date back as early as 3,600 BC.
Just a short walk away is Wat Pho Sri Nai, an open-aired museum that has preserved a stretch of the archaeological excavation pits. There you’ll see skeletons and pottery as they once were buried thousands of years ago.
During our trip, we also painted our own tiny vases at a nearby pottery workshop. It’s at a homestay about 30 meters down the road from the museum. It takes a lot of skill to get those swirls symmetrical!
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm, Wednesday to Sunday
Phone: (042) 208-340 for museum / (081) 485-1864 for pottery shop at homestay
Fee: 150 THB per foreigner(Source: – Destinations Isaan Thailand)
19 January 19 2022Uncategorisedhttp://www.udonthanitimesgroup.com/?p=7167
