Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (22 March 2022)

Despite vaccination programs and the Omicron variant of covid being described as a flu like virus, the number of deaths in Thailand attributed to covid have been steadily rising; 88 Monday, 84 Sunday, with the ages of those who succumbed between 18 and 90. Figures listed by the CCSA daily do NOT include clinic procedures for ATK testing only PCR, so ignoring some 15K a day extra cases.

Isolated but extremely heavy storms are predicted for today and the rest of the week for most of the country as a tropical depression approaches from the bay of bengal. 3 metre high waves are expected in the Andaman sea and in the gulf all small boats have been told remain on the shoreline and swimming is not recommended.

Forensic technicians inspecting the wreckage of an F19 Thai Airforce jet which crashed this month in Chaiyaphum have initially determined that the pilot who survived was in good physical condition and had no substances in his blood, leaving system error the only logical cause. The pilot ejected just before the crash which had seen him simulating a dog fight prior.

As we all concentrate on covid, the forgotten child is without doubt Dengue fever. The Department of Disease Control is predicting more cases than is common for this year, reporting that to date we have already seen 50% of the combined total of cases in 2021. Only paracetamol is recommended for those who catch it and anyone suspecting that they have it should without doubt seek medical help. Spraying around the home aside, as always it's best to make sure that stagnant water isn't gathering in pots or gulleys during the rain as that is the breeding ground for lava. Any pots WITH water; put small fish in them. They eat the lava and reduce your mozzie count.

On our video news, available at our website and on facebook, we feature the moment when a snake catcher nearly came a cropper when catching a vicious king cobra in Chantaburi. The reptile, over 3m Long was in no mood to play when cornered in a garage. At one point the snake chased a catcher, flaring up and ready to bite but, in the end, it was finally captured and released into the wild. REMINDER! If you find a snake in your home, call emergency services. Snake removal is free of charge in Thailand.