The first trial of a long-journey ferry from the East to the South has recently been launched.
The ferry is named Blue Dolphin and operated by the Bangkok-based Seahorse Ferries Company. The vessel departed Chuk Samet Pier in Chon Buri's Sattahip district in the East to Sawat Development Pier in Songkhla's Muang district in the South. The 600km journey took 21.5 hours.
The Blue Dolphin can accommodate up to 586 passengers, 30 staff, 80 lorries and 20 cars.
Seahorse Ferries is waiting for the green light from the Marine Department to approve its fares as well as wait for the time when people feel more comfortable travelling before officially launching the service.
It expects the ferry to help facilitate logistics and boost tourism between the two regions.
In the future, the company plans to extend the ferry service to a pier in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Bang Saphan district.
Visit facebook.com/fb.seahorseferriesofficial.
Expats rate Taiwan No.1
Taiwan has been voted the most friendly destination for expatriates, according to the Expat Insider 2021 survey.
The survey was conducted by InterNations among 12,420 respondents living in 186 countries or territories. The participants were asked to rate their satisfaction in 37 aspects related to the topics of Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, and Cost of Living.
Out of 59 destinations, expatriates feel at ease while working and living in Taiwan the most. They give the high score for their job security, the state of the local economy and their life in general.
Mexico ranked second, followed by Costa Rica, Malaysia, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Ecuador, Canada and Vietnam.
Thailand ranked 14th as expatriates were satisfied with the cost of living, personal finance and ease of settling, but they were still concerned about the quality of life and work.
Kuwait was rated last, preceded by Italy at 58th and South Africa.
Visit internations.org.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) now requires passengers from the four dark red zone provinces flying to Chiang Rai and Phuket to show a Covid-19 vaccine passport or pass a Covid-19 test before boarding.
The provinces include Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani. The requirement was announced according to the regulations of the two provinces.
Passengers who have not been vaccinated must pass a Rapid Antigen test (RT-PCR) within 72 hours before arriving in Chiang Rai and Phuket. The passengers need to present proof to airline staff before boarding.
Passengers who do not have one of the pieces of evidence must stay in a state quarantine facility for 14 days.
For international passengers, CAAT requires airlines to check the Certificate of Entry from passengers.
For more details, visit coethailand.mfa.go.th.
- Thai Vietjet has partnered with MSIG Insurance to introduce a "Trip Easy Plus" travel insurance package.
The offer is available for domestic passengers as well as visitors travelling by other modes of transportations. Promotion prices start from 199 baht and it will be available until June 30.
Passengers can select up to five options of coverages including a Covid-19 medical treatment expense.
Visit skyfun.vietjetair.com/insurance or call 02-491-2929.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATES
- Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel has launched "Work from Hotel" packages.
Prices start from 799 baht net for four-hour room usage and 999 baht net for nine-hour use including in-room lunch and beverage for one person. The room will be available between 8am to 8pm and valid until June 30.
The hotel is located on Sukhumvit Road with direct access from the On-Nut BTS Skytrain station (exit 3).
Visit avanihotels.com/sukhumvit-bangkok/offers or call 02-079-7555.
- Meliá Chiang Mai will be open in September.
Located on Charoenprathet Road, the hotel features 260 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a 360-degree rooftop bar, an executive lounge, spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, four meeting rooms and a 358m² ballroom which can accommodate up to 200 guests.
The hotel is about 7km from Chiang Mai Airport.
Visit melia.com.
- Cross Vibe Bangkok Udomsuk Station will be open in the fourth quarter of next year.
The property is a joint venture between Cross Hotels & Resorts and Italmar (Thailand), a supplier of scientific laboratory products. It will be located not far from Udom Suk BTS Skytrain station. The hotel will offer 102 rooms, a co-working space, cafe, fitness centre and rooftop pool.
Visit crosshotelsandresorts.com.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
