Thailand
Thai navy searching for 31 sailors in water after ship sank
Thai navy ships and helicopters were searching on Monday for more than two dozen sailors still missing more than 12 hours after a warship sank in rough seas overnight in the Gulf of Thailand.
As of noon, 75 sailors from the HTMS Sukhothai corvette had been rescued and 31 were still in the water, the navy said. The high waves that caused the accident had lessened since Sunday night's sinking, but were still high enough to endanger small boats, the navy announced.
Read more: History buff finds ships that sank in 1878 in Lake Michigan
A rescued crew member interviewed by Thai PBS television said he had to float in the sea for three hours before he was rescued. He said that the ship was buffeted by waves 3 meters (10 feet) high as it was sinking Sunday night, complicating rescue efforts.
“The waves are still high and we cannot search for them from the horizontal line. We have to fly the helicopters and search for them from a bird’s eye view instead,” navy spokesman Adm. Pokkrong Monthatphalin told Thai PBS.
Strong winds blew seawater onto the HTMS Sukhothai and knocked out its electrical system Sunday evening, making control of the ship difficult. The navy dispatched three frigates and two helicopters with mobile pumping machines to try to assist the disabled ship by removing the seawater but it couldn't do so because of the strong winds.
Read more: Death toll from sinking of Lebanon migrant boat climbs to 89
The loss of power allowed more seawater to flow into the vessel, causing it to list and sink.
The warship had been on patrol at sea 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the pier at Bangsaphan district in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Pokkrong said the ship had been on its regular patrol to assist any fishing boats needing help.
“Our top priority now is to rescue all the sailors. We will plan to have the ship salvaged later," he said. The search was being conducted in an area of 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles) around the site of the sinking.
While northern and central Thailand are seeing their coldest temperatures of the year, far southern Thailand has been experiencing storms and flooding in recent days. Ships were warned to stay ashore.
50 years of ties with Thailand: Dhaka calls for regional cohesion
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has appreciated Thailand’s continuous support to the development journey of Bangladesh in the last fifty years.
He hoped for the continuation of the same for transforming Bangladesh into a knowledge-based, developed country by 2041 under the visionary and able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Masud also stressed greater regional cohesion for reaping the benefits of the Asian momentum.
Read more: Jaishankar greets Bangladesh on Victory Day
On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a seminar on Thursday titled “50 Years of Bangladesh-Thailand Friendship: Prospects and Way Forward”.
Foreign Secretary Masud graced the seminar as the chief guest.
Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor spoke as guest of honour while Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams chaired the session.
The speakers of the seminar were Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, Chairman, BIISS, Prof. Dr. Delwar Hossain, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka and Jibon Krishna Saha Roy, Director, BIDA.
The foreign secretary recalled with gratitude the early recognition of Bangladesh by Thailand in 1972, immediately following the independence of Bangladesh.
Study in Thailand: Admission process, cost for International Students
If you were to name some of the most happening places worldwide, Thailand would easily top the list. From its luscious nature, white elephants, delectable cuisines, and possibly the best nightlife experience in the globe, Thailand has more to offer than meets the eye. But many don’t know about the thriving higher education opportunity in Thailand. Let's find out whether this Asian peninsula can be your next higher study destination.
Why Study in Thailand?
As of 2022, Thailand is home to about 15,000 international students. It's easy to see why students choose Thailand. It's cheap, offers world-class education, and is a multicultural hub with a robust tourism sector.
This year 8 universities from Thailand made it to the QS Ranking of best universities across the globe. Additionally, almost all Thai universities consistently feature within the top 500 range in the Asian ranking.
Read More: Higher Study Opportunities in Turkey for International Students: Process, Cost
A prospective student can choose from 12 public and 39 private universities in Thailand. A regulatory body known as the Thai Qualifications Framework oversees and monitors higher education in Thailand.
The robust curriculum, industry-driven education, and practical implementation of knowledge easily make Thailand one of the best countries to pursue higher studies.
Admission Process in Thailand Universities
Just like western countries, Thailand primarily offers higher education in bachelor, masters, and Ph.D. The intakes are in spring and autumn, with expected classes to begin in the second week of January and September, respectively.
Read More: Study in Czech Republic: Application process, cost, scholarships
The process of admission starts around three months before class commencement. Most Thai universities follow a rolling admission process, so students should prepare at least a year before the intended admission semester.
Required Document
There is no central application system in Thailand. So a prospective student will have to apply to each university individually. Depending on the universities, the required document also differs. But some universal documents apply to almost every university.
Application form
-Certificate of graduation (Last passed examination for bachelors, masters, and Ph.D.) -Academic transcripts (Last passed ones for bachelors, masters, and Ph.D.) -GRE (Only for Bachelors) -LOR -Statement of Purpose -Language proficiency certification (IELTS/ TOEFL-iBT) -Application fee payment receipt
Additionally, the transcripts need to be notarized or translated if they are not in English.
Read More: Self-Funded Study Opportunity in France for International Students
Application Process
Almost every university in Thailand follows a central admission system as outlined by the specific university. The process applies to bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. as well.
However, for thesis-based masters, candidates may contact professors beforehand. While the applicant will still have to go through the central admission and screening process, managing a supervisor will expedite the process.
The admission process for Ph.D. exclusively requires a supervisor owing to the nature of the degree.
Read More: Study in Japan: Scholarships, Tuitions, Application Process for Bangladeshi Students
For each session, the admission occurs on a rolling basis. So it's recommended to apply early.
Scholarship Opportunities in Thailand
Scholarship opportunities in Thailand can be divided into several streams. There are government-funded ones as well as organizational scholarships available for prospective students.
There are also specialized scholarships dedicated to a specific stream. For example, the SIIT scholarship (https://www.siit.tu.ac.th/admission.php?sid=21). It is one of the prestigious scholarships provided to masters and Ph.D. students who holds an exceptional academic track record and industry insight.
Read More: Study in Belgium: Bachelor's, Masters and PhD options for Bangladeshi students
The scholarship is provided to students of life sciences and engineering. The scholarship covers everything from tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for the awarded students.
Other scholarship opportunities include –
Petchra Pra Jom Klao Scholarships (https://iadmission.kmutt.ac.th/afford/scholarship)
Chulalongkorn University Scholarships for International Students (https://www.grad.chula.ac.th/en/scholarship.php?type=1)
PSU-Med ISG Scholarships (https://grad.psu.ac.th/en/news/scholarship/953-142.html)
TIPP Scholarship (https://tica-thaigov.mfa.go.th/en/page/cate-7115-what-is-tipp?menu=605b1272233f4b075654ba92)
Mahidol Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students (https://graduate.mahidol.ac.th/inter/?p=scholarship)
Read More: Study in Denmark: Costs, opportunities for international students
While most of these scholarships are available for the postgraduate level, some are available for the graduate level as well. Almost all of these scholarships are based on merit so expect tough competition to secure one.
Associated Costs of Higher Studies in Thailand
Cost of Education in Thailand
One of the key reasons behind the popularity of Thailand as a study-abroad destination is the affordable tuition structure. But the affordability is mostly limited to public universities as private universities can run an eye-watering sum each year.
The cost of education in public universities at the undergraduate level is around 1700 euros or 1,88,063 BDT per semester. For masters, the cost is around 2000 euros or 2,21,250 BDT per semester (1 EUR = 110 BDT).
Read More: Overcoming Study Gap: How to Start Studying after a Long Break
But for a private university, the cost can be as high as 20,000 euros or 22,12,505 BDT per year for bachelors. For masters, it can cost up to 14,000 euros 15,48,754 BDT per year. The Ph.D. cost is relatively cheap at around 700 euros or 77,437 BDT per year.
Living Costs in Thailand
The cost of living in Thailand greatly depends on the location you’re staying. Downtown Bangkok would cost much more compared to Chiang Mai or Lampang.
On average, a student can expect to spend around $600 or 64,079 BDT to $1200 or 1,28,158 BDT on living expenses in Thailand every month (1 USD = 106 BDT). The sum isn’t fixed, and it will greatly depend on the lifestyle and spending habits of the student.
Read More: Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies
Work Opportunity in Thailand
An international student will need to obtain a permit from the immigration office to be eligible for part-time jobs alongside studies. A student can work up to 20 hours per week as per the stipulated regulation.
The minimum wage in Thailand is around $9.27 per hour. So a student working 20 hours per week can expect to earn around $ 750 or 80,099 BDT per month.
Final Thoughts
Thailand has much to offer beyond its touristy cities and neon-flooded nights. The country of the white elephant is steadily becoming the perfect study-abroad destination for many prospective international students.
Read More: SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose?
The accredited certificates, practical skill-oriented education, and a great career opportunity are sure to be lucrative for many. The diverse stream of education is another plus point of Thai higher education. Even though the country is heavily focused on industrial development, arts and humanities studies are equally thriving.
Additionally, there are generous scholarships and work opportunities for students. So it won’t be very difficult to finance the education once you’re admitted to a university. On the whole, it can be said that international students including Bangladesh have scopes for higher studies in Thailand.
Monkeys in central Thailand city mark their day with feast
A meal fit for monkeys was served on Sunday at the annual Monkey Feast Festival in central Thailand.
Amid the morning traffic, rows of monkey statues holding trays were lined up outside the compound of the Ancient Three Pagodas, while volunteers prepared food across the road for real monkeys — the symbol of Lopburi province, around 150 kilometers (93 miles) north of Bangkok.
Throngs of macaque monkeys ran around, at times fighting with each other, while the crowds of visitors and locals grew.
As the carefully prepared feast was brought toward the temple, the ravenous creatures began to pounce and were soon devouring the largely vegetarian spread.
While the entertainment value of the festival is high, organizers are quick to point out that it is not just monkey business.
Read: Thailand pre-school shooting: Death toll rises to 36
“This monkey feast festival is a successful event that helps promote Lopburi’s tourism among international tourists every year,” said Yongyuth Kitwatanusont, the festival’s founder.
“Previously, there were around 300 monkeys in Lopburi before increasing to nearly 4,000 nowadays. But Lopburi is known as a monkey city, which means monkeys and people can live in harmony.”
Such harmony could be seen in the lack of shyness exhibited by the monkeys, which climbed on to visitors, vehicles and lampposts. At times the curious animals looked beyond the abundant feast and took an interest in other items.
“There was a monkey on my back as I was trying to take a selfie. He grabbed the sunglasses right off my face and ran off on to the top of a lamppost and was trying to eat them for a while,” said Ayisha Bhatt, an English teacher from California working in Thailand.
The delighted onlookers were largely undeterred by the risk of petty theft, although some were content to exercise caution.
Read: Thailand now offering 10-year visa: Who are eligible?
“We have to take care with them, better leave them to it. Not too near is better,” said Carlos Rodway, a tourist from Cadiz, Spain, having previously been unceremoniously treated as a climbing frame by one audacious monkey.
The festival is an annual tradition in Lopburi, the provincial capital, and held as a way to show gratitude to the monkeys for bringing in tourism. This year’s theme is “monkeys feeding monkeys,” an antidote to previous years where monkey participation had decreased due to high numbers of tourists, which intimidated the animals.
Raushon Ershad returns home, calls for JP unity
Jatiya Party leader Raushon Ershad on Sunday returned home after treatment in Thailand and called for keeping the party united removing misunderstandings through discussions.
A Thai Airways flight carrying Raushon, also the leader of the opposition in Parliament, landed at Hazrat Shahjal International Airport at 12:25pm.
Later talking to reporters at the airport’s VIP Lounge, she said “I always want the unity of the Jatiya Party…there is no question of splitting the party,” she said.
She said there could be some conspiracy to weaken the party like in the past. “InshAllah, we’ll foil those conspiracies and build a united and strong Jatiya Party,” she said.
Raushon, the 78-year-old widow of Jatiya Party founder and late president HM Ershad, also claimed that she has no conflict with the party chairman and her brother-in-law GM Quader.
“I have returned to Dhaka and I will sit with all MPs, presidium members, and others to remove confusion and misunderstanding. I am sure, we’ll be able to eliminate the misunderstanding and return to the political program unitedly soon,” Raushon said.
The opposition leader called upon those who left Jatiya Party at different times with Anwar Hossain Manju, Naziur Rahman Manzur and Kazi Jafar Ahmed to return to the party.
“We must give due recognitions to those who were with us during the difficult and adverse times of the Jatiya Party from 1991 to 1996,” she said.
Read more: Raushon Ershad to return home on Nov 27
Raushon said their party will nominate a competent candidate to vie for the mayoral post in Rangpur City Corporation polls billed for December 27.
Replying to a question, the opposition leader said Jatiya Party has no reason to make any alliance with BNP ahead of the next general election.
“People want a change for progress and peace, which only the Jatiya Party can ensure, not BNP. “There is no question of forging any alliance with the BNP,” she said.
Asked whether the Jatiya Party will be in alliance with the Awami League in the 12th parliamentary election, Raushon parried the question saying, “Time will tell”.
About her physical condition, Raushon said she is now fine, but still have some problem with her leg for which she has been taking physiotherapy.
Raushon thanked the Prime Minister for supporting her and inquiring about her health condition during her treatment in Bangkok.
She said the current geopolitics, particularly the war in Ukraine created serious economic problems, which has also affected Bangladesh. “So, we all must remain more alert and cooperate with the government to face the challenges,” she added.
Read more: Raushon Ershad flies to Bangkok again for follow-up treatment
Rahgir Al Mahi Ershad (better known as Saad Ershad) and his wife Mahima Saad as well as spokesperson of Raushon Ershad Kazi Mamunur Rashid also returned home with the opposition leader.
JP leaders ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, Kazi Firoz Rashid MP, Syed Abu Hossain Babla MP, Opposition Chief Whip Mashiur Rahman Ranga, Prof Delwar Hossain, Sunil Shuvo Ray and Golam Moshi, among others, were present at the airport to welcome the Opposition Leader, said a press release.
On July 5, Raushon went to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, for follow-up treatment.
Earlier on November 5 last year, she was flown to Thailand by an air ambulance as her health condition turned critical. She returned home on June 27 and stayed eight days in the country before going to Thailand for further treatment.
As in the previous time, she went to Westin Hotel in the city’s Gulshan area from the airport instead of her residence to stay there, party sources said.
Raushon has returned home at a time when Jatiya Party is divided over her previous call for holding the party council while Mosiur Rahman Ranga was recently removed from the party’s all posts.
As a result of the party’s internal feud, JP MPs sent a letter to the Speaker of the Parliament to recognise GM Quader as the opposition leader, removing Raushon Ershad.
Meanwhile, a court issued an injunction barring GM Quader from taking any political decision regarding the party on October 31 following an application filed by former JP lawmaker advocate Ziaul Haque Mridha, who was expelled from the party on September 17.
Women’s Asia Cup: Thailand stun Pakistan by one wicket
Thailand sealed a stunning one-wicket win against Pakistan in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup on Thursday in Sylhet.
It was Thailand’s first-ever win against Pakistan in T20Is.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a moderate total of 116 runs for five wickets with opener Sidra Ameen hitting 56 runs off 64 balls with six fours.
Thailand bowlers were disciplined enough to restrict Pakistan to a moderate total.
For Thailand, Sornnarin Tippoch scalped two wickets while Thipatcha Putthawong took one wicket.
In reply, Natthakan Chantham guided Thailand to a historic victory. She scored 61 off 51 balls with five fours and two sixes.
Read: Women’s Asia Cup: Jemimah, Deepti guide India to stunning win
Pakistan pushed the match to the last over. But with only one wicket in hand, Thailand sealed the match with one ball to play.
Nida Dar and Tuba Hassan scalped two wickets each, but their efforts were not enough to avoid a loss.
It was Pakistan’s third match in the event. They have won the first two matches. The Indian women’s team is on top of the table, with three wins in three matches.
Sri Lanka have also played three matches and won two of them while Bangladesh played two matches and won one. Bangladesh is set to take on Malaysia on October 6.
50 years of Bangladesh-Thailand ties: Thai Embassy donate food, uniforms to Chattogram orphanage
The Thai Embassy in Dhaka has donated food and student uniforms to an orphanage run under the patronage of Binajuri Smashan Vihara in Raozan of Chattogram to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Thailand.
Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor and diplomatic officers from the Thai Embassy donated food and student uniforms to Dhammakatik Orphanage Thursday.
Read: 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties: Thai Embassy to host photography, video contests
The event was part of the Royal Thai Volunteer Project. The project was initiated by King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand as a tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit for their contributions and efforts to improve the livelihood of the people.
Sangharaja of Bangladesh and Buddhist monks at Binajuri Smashan Vihara welcomed the Thai delegation.
Thailand now offering 10-year visa: Who are eligible?
Starting September 1, 2022, Tourism Authority of Thailand is accepting applications for 10-year long-term resident (LTR) visa.
In addition to other advantages, the 10-year LTR visa holders will receive fast-track service at international airports in Thailand, are exempt from needing a re-entry permit when travelling to and from Thailand, and can secure digital work permits, according to TAT News.
Also read: Malaysia offering premium visa to draw wealthy investors
Who are eligible for the 10-year Long-Term Thai visa?
· Wealthy international residents with US$1 million or more in total assets, US$80,000 or more in personal income over the previous two years, and US$500,000 or more invested in Thailand.
· Foreign retirees who earn at least US$80,000 per year personally.
· Professionals who work from Thailand must have a personal income of at least US$80,000 per year over the previous two years, at least five years of work experience, and be employed by a legally registered firm with at least US$150 million in revenue over the previous three years.
· Professionals with a high level of skill who make at least US$80,000 per year personally, are knowledgeable in the target industry, and have at least five years of work experience.
Spouse and offspring (under 20 years) of an LTR visa holder are also eligible (up to four dependants per visa holder).
Also read: US embassy holds “Super Friday” to help meet huge demand for student visa interviews
The Thai LTR visa has several advantages
· 10-year visa with the option of an extension.
· Reporting to immigration once a year rather than every 90 days.
· Fast track service at Thailand’s international airports.
· Permit for multiple re-entries.
· Thailand work authorization (digital work permit).
· Decrease of the personal income tax rate to 17% for highly qualified individuals.
· Exemption from the ratio of four Thais to one international employee.
For more information on the Thai LTR visa: https://ltr.boi.go.th/index.html.
Read Indian gov't restores e-tourist visas
Seeds For The Future competition: Eight Bangladeshi students fly to Thailand
The winners of Huawei's Seeds For The Future 2022 Bangladesh recently left for Thailand to take part in the Asia Pacific regional round of the competition.
They will compete with 112 students from 10 other countries.
Seeds for the Future 2022 Bangladesh round ended in July with nine winners. The competition is now heading to its regional round.
Read: 'Seeds for the Future 2022 Bangladesh' inaugurated
In the upcoming round, the participants will be involved in several interactive activities, including cultural tours, workshops, and lectures focused on digital innovation, Metaverse, sustainability, and leadership.
Based on their performance in different activities and idea presentations in this regional round, 30 winners will be move forward to the "Tech4Good accelerator camp," which will start on August 29 in Singapore.
Monkeypox patient from Thailand found in Cambodian capital: deputy governor
A Nigerian man, who has contracted monkeypox and fled Thailand recently, was found here in the capital of Cambodia on Saturday evening, a deputy governor said.
The 27-year-old man, identified as Osmond Chihazirim Nzerem, was found at Phsar Deum Thkov area in the Chamkarmon district after a report from the Thai authority, said Koeut Chhe, deputy governor of the Phnom Penh Municipality.
"The Nigerian man was detained and sent to the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital," he told Xinhua via telephone. "We have also deployed our police force at the hospital to monitor the man as he does not cooperate with health staff."
The Nigerian man was confirmed to be infected with monkeypox by the Thai health authority on Thursday.
The patient, who entered Thailand's southern tourist island of Phuket in October 2021 with no departure record, had been sick for more than a week, developing symptoms including fever, sore throat, coughing and rashes, and sought treatment at a local hospital as an outpatient last week.
Read: UN health agency chief declares monkeypox a global emergency
According to the Phuket health authority, after the test result turned out to be positive, the patient refused to receive treatment, turned off his phone, did not contact the hospital and fled to Cambodia.