A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media.

ELEVEN people were injured when an M79 grenade exploded outside the home of former PM Banhan Silapa-acha in Bangkok last night. Khun Banhan is viewed as an ally of the ruling Democrat Party. In Thailand's second-largest city, Chiang Mai, an administrative building was hit by a grenade, Thai media outlets reported. No injuries occurred in Chiang Mai. To confuse the army and other opponents, red protesters are now wearing other colors.


bangkokpost.com Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva vowed to clear Bangkok's commercial heart of red shirt protesters as he appeared on national television Sunday in a show of unity with his army chief. But Mr Abhisit did not say when security forces planned to regain control of the red shirts' vast protest site, which has been fortified with barricades made from truck tyres and sharpened bamboo poles.

4hoteliers.com The old joke that ''this is like a party'' is wearing thin with even the most optimistic Bangkokians now ready to accept that this deadlock, if not resolved soon, could strangle their city to death. Problem is, there doesn't seem to be an easy solution with no compromise in sight. It's a political crisis that has divided families, split colleagues and destroyed friendships, and not to mention taken lives.


Phuketwan Update Anantara Phuket Villas, on the beach at Mai Khao on Phuket, now offers an iPad, which is being made available to guests who want to try out the new high-tech device from Apple. Ananatara's iPad, which the resort management believes is the first to be made available as a complimentary service to resort guests in Thailand, is for use by patrons in the Tree House lounge bar.


wsj.com.au With a floating garden that overlooks Singapore's glitzy waterfront from about 200 meters in the air, the Marina Bay Sands is an architectural showstopper. It is also a massive US$5.7 billion bet on the future of Asian gambling. Developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. and its chairman, Sheldon Adelson, have created ambitious casino-resorts in the past, but none quite like Marina Bay, which industry observers are comparing with iconic regional landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers. Analysts say Marina Bay, which opens Tuesday, could become the world's most lucrative casino.


bbc.co.uk Indonesia is hosting what is being called the world's biggest Geothermal energy conference. Representatives from 80 countries are attending the talks. Geothermal energy is often dubbed volcano power but the correct scientific explanation is power extracted from the heat stored in the Earth's core.


pattayadailynews.com A Russian was the victim of a gold snatch in Pattaya, when a local Katoey stole the chain from around his neck. The offender's attempts to flee were stifled when hotel security along with the man's family successfully apprehended him. About 3am, Police Captain Santiphon Phuwadonkanok (Pattaya Police Investigator) received notification that a security guard at the Amari Orchid Pattaya Hotel, Loma Curve, Pattaya Beach, caught a Katoey who had snatched a tourist's necklace. The Officer arrived to find Mr. Wanlop Watthanachot [20] a security guard and his team had withheld Mr. Phanuwat Chachumwong [21] from Sakonnakorn wearing a ladies dress with the stolen cross and chain valued at 32,000 baht in his possession. Nearby, Mr. Anton Kharmov [22] a Russian National and his parents were waiting for the arrival of the police.



April 28 GreenLOVE festival to raise awareness about local and international environmental issues and solutions, British International School 8am-3pm.
April 29 Mom Tri's Boathouse on Kata Beach, 7pm, first of several popular Boathouse literary events of summer 2010. Bjorn Turmann, internationally recognised writer/speaker, will relate stories of his experiences with fiction, film and whatever else happens to be on his mind that day.
April 30 Lions Club Of Phuket Pearl is holding a jazz concert and dance night, performed by children from the Phuket Academy of Dance, at the Royal Phuket Marina. Details: 081 477 0342.
May 1 The Phuket Has Been Good To Us foundation, first fund-raising ball, Sheraton Grande Laguna Resort, 6.30pm-Midnight.
May 31-June 5 Eight-nation football tournament for players over 55 at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City. Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, Iran, Armenia competing.
May Annual Phuket seafood festival.
May Date to be finalised for Muay Thai kickboxing competition at Laguna Phuket.
May 21-23 Paragliding on Phuket.
June 4-13 Phuket International Film Festival, Coliseum Cineplex, Phuket City.
June 13 Laguna Phuket International Marathon. Fun runs, too.
December 4-11 Phuket King's Cup Regatta