Latest news with #SuratThani
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Daily Mail
I booked the overnight ferry in Thailand - but was shocked when I saw my 'bed'
A traveller has shared a video of her 'treacherous' journey on an overnight ferry in Thailand – and many are too scared to try it. Gabbi, a solo traveller who posts her adventures on Instagram (@vidacongabbi), caught the ferry from Koh Tao to Surat Thani. In the video caption, she explains: 'I boarded expecting an assigned bunkbed like I'd seen online and my friends had told me.' Instead of a bunk bed, Gabbi's 'bed' for the night was a mattress on the top deck of the ferry next to an open railing. 'They put me on the top deck - no walls, no real barriers, just a thin mattress next to an open railing that led straight to the gulf,' says Gabbi. In the video, Gabbi and other travellers are shown perched on the top deck next to the railing. The solo traveller shows the fast-flowing water below the open railing as well as the thin mattress travellers are given to sleep on. Her sleeping area is very narrow with just enough room to lie flat. Gabbi says: 'The eight hour ride itself wasn't exactly the smoothest, but honestly? It was one of those moments that you can't help but find hilarious even in the chaos. The most treacherous of journeys make for the best stories.' In the comments, Gabbi explains that she actually managed to sleep for 80 per cent of her hair-raising journey. Commenter 'taigfeats' says: 'The amount of panic attacks I would have would be insane.' Meanwhile ' adds: 'Took a boat about 15 years ago on the same route and was only mattresses on the floor and one exposed outdoor toilet.' And one user asks: 'So how do you go to the bathroom?' Gabbi replies: 'I didn't even try leaving once I sat. You don't wanna see the bathroom sitch (situation).' 'Txnasty07' has no sympathy for Gabbi, writing: 'Who gives a d***. You probably spent $3/£2.19 and will be to your destination shortly.' While 'sunriserclub' jokes: 'These are the stories we wait to tell our moms till we are back home.' There are several ferry options between Koh Tao and Surat Thani with shorter routes than Gabbi's, including one that takes just four hours.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
I survived a plane disaster by sitting in seat 11A - just like Air India crash survivor: Singer reveals how he cheated death in 1998 tragedy that claimed 101 lives thanks to incredible coincidence
A Thai singer has told how he survived a plane crash in 1998 that killed 101 passengers by sitting in the same seat as the sole survivor's of yesterday's Air India disaster. Ruangsak Loychusak, 47, was onboard Thai Airways flight TG261 travelling from Bangkok to Surat Thani when it stalled and plunged into a swamp as it attempted to land. The horrific tragedy left 101 of the 132 passengers and 14 crew members dead, while 45 more were injured. Speaking yesterday, Ruangsak said he had 'goosebumps' when seeing that the only survivor from the Air India crash in Ahmedabad was British passenger Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was in seat 11A when his jet plunged into a building. Ruangsak said: 'The lone survivor of the plane crash in India was sitting in the same seat number as me, 11A', Mr Loychusak said. 'I want to offer my condolences to all those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.' Although the singer no longer has his ticket from the doomed flight, he said newspapers reports from the time had recorded his seat number. Mr Ruangsak also described how he has lived his 'second life' since he survived the devastating crash. Speaking yesterday, Ruangsak said he had 'goosebumps' when seeing that the only survivor from the Air India crash in Ahmedabad was British passenger Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was in seat 11A when his jet plunged into a building 'I had difficulty flying for 10 years after the crash. I would struggled breathing, even though the air circulation was normal', he said. 'I avoided speaking to anyone and always stared outside the window, blocking anyone from closing it to maintain my sense of safety. 'If I saw dark clouds or a rainstorm outside, I would feel terrible, like I was in hell. 'I can still remember the sounds, smells, and even the taste of the water in the swamp the plane crashed into. For a long time, I would keep the feelings to myself.' The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into buildings moments after takeoff on Thursday. The aircraft, which was bound for London Gatwick, exploded in a fireball. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, from Leicester, England, was the only person from the 244 onboard to survive. Sharing his shocking account of the disaster today, he described how he was 'ejected' from the jet before it hit the ground and exploded. Mr Ramesh, who lives in London with his wife and child, is being treated at a hospital in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad, where he told doctors that immediately after the plane took off, it began descending and suddenly split in two, ejecting him before there was a loud explosion. Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who examined Mr Ramesh, told the Associated Press that he was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body' but that he 'seems to be out of danger.' Speaking to Indian broadcaster Doordarshan, Mr Ramesh said: 'I don't know how I came out of it alive. 'For a while, I thought I was about to die. But when I opened my eyes, I saw I was alive. And I opened my seatbelt and got out of there,' adding how two cabin crew members 'died before my eyes.' His seat was placed right next to the emergency door, which he says came off when the plane hit the ground. Mr Ramesh also described how just moments after take off, it 'felt like the plane had got stuck.' He recalled how the pilots tried to raise the jet, but it 'went full speed and crashed into the building'. Mr Ramesh explained how the plane quickly caught fire following the crash, and said he burned his arm. Astonishing footage taken near the crash site yesterday showed Mr Ramesh with visible injuries hobbling away from the jet before he was rushed to hospital for treatment. Mr Ramesh, whose brother was also on the flight and is presumed dead, described yesterday how he heard a 'a loud noise' before the plane crashed. 'When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. 'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.' India's prime minister met the plane crash survivor on Friday, as well as those who were injured on the ground. He recalled how the pilots tried to raise the jet, but it 'went full speed and crashed into the building'. Mr Ramesh explained how the plane quickly caught fire following the crash, and said he burned his arm. Astonishing footage taken near the crash site yesterday showed Mr Ramesh with visible injuries hobbling away from the jet before he was rushed to hospital for treatment. Mr Ramesh, whose brother was also on the flight and is presumed dead, described yesterday how he heard a 'a loud noise' before the plane crashed. 'When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. 'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.' India's prime minister met the plane crash survivor on Friday, as well as those who were injured on the ground.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Dumped boyfriend accidentally kills himself throwing bomb at ex-girlfriend's house after it bounces back and explodes in his face
A dumped boyfriend was accidentally killed himself when a bomb he threw at his ex-girlfriend's house bounced back and exploded in his face. Surapong Thongnak, 36, was furious when his former partner Kanonraphat Saowakhon, 28, refused to reconcile with him in Surat Thani, southern Thailand. The seething ex allegedly hatched a plan to kill Kanonraphat in a bid to prevent her from dating anyone else. The eyeliner-wearing boyfriend was understood to have barged into the house before waking up his sleeping girlfriend, begging for her to take him back. When she turned him down, he allegedly lost his cool and tried to stab her with a pair of scissors. Her screams alerted her family, who intervened and managed to stop the attack. Crazed Surapong then reportedly stormed off to his sedan to grab a grenade. He was seen standing outside the family's wooden home before pulling the pin on a grenade. However, the military device hit a concrete pillar on the property and rebounded. The jealous man picked up the grenade as it exploded in his hands, instantly killing him and injuring four others on May 25. Police arrived at the scene after being notified of the explosion at 8am. They found lifeless Surapong lying face down in a pool of blood while debris and shrapnel were scattered across the yard. Four people, including the ex-girlfriend, were wounded and rushed to a hospital where they were treated for minor injuries before being released. Police Major Chinnakrit Sawatdiwong of the Tha Chana Police Station said: 'The injured individuals were taken to the Tha Chana Hospital. 'All of them have been discharged except for Samart Janyang, 68, who suffered more serious injuries. 'He has been transferred to the Surat Thani Hospital for further treatment.' Residents said they were drinking coffee on the patio when Surapong arrived in a white car. Sayan Rodkird, the son of the homeowner, said: 'We ran away when he threw it toward the house, but it struck a pillar and bounced back toward him without exploding. Four people, including the ex-girlfriend, were wounded and rushed to a hospital where they were treated for minor injuries before being released 'He tried to pick it up, and that's when it detonated right in his face.' Surapong's mother, Ranjuan Timdee, 58, said the couple had only been dating for two months before breaking up. She said: 'Last night, he called to tell me he would try to patch things up with her. 'I was shocked to receive the news this morning that he had died. I couldn't believe he could be so violent.' Police said they seized half-a-kilogramme of meth from Surapong's car. They added they were investigating where he had obtained the grenade.
Travel Daily News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Living as a digital nomad in Surat Thani: A hidden gem for remote workers
Surat Thani won't shout 'digital nomad hotspot' at first sight, but that's precisely why it's so great. It calls for slow living, deep work, and genuine cultural exchange. When digital nomads consider destinations in Thailand, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and the islands of Koh Phangan or Koh Samui are usually the first to come to mind. However, located in southern Thailand, away from the crowds and mayhem, is Surat Thani—a hidden gem for remote workers who desire a mix of productivity, affordability, and genuine local culture. While commonly regarded as a stopping point for tourists traveling to the Gulf islands, Surat Thani has far more to offer than meets the eye. Friendly locals, an affordable cost of living, dependable infrastructure, and close proximity to breathtaking natural wonders make Surat Thani increasingly a best-kept secret for digital nomads. For those who are starting out from the capital, the Bangkok to Surat Thani train journey not only serves convenience but also as a scenic route—offering a seamless transition from urban city life to a laid-back, nature-dense environment. Why Surat Thani Is a Draw for Remote Workers True Thai Lifestyle Unlike tourist-populated towns, Surat Thani offers a truer Thai experience. The city is not flooded with expats, so encounters with locals are more authentic, prices are not jacked up, and cultural immersion is much richer. Whether walking through the lively Talad Mai Market, sampling just-made roti on the street, or speaking Thai with your barista, the everyday moments here feel pleasantly authentic. Affordability Without Sacrificing Comfort Relative to Thailand's more established nomad hotspots, Surat Thani provides a much lower cost of living. Cozy apartments are available for rent for pennies compared to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Dining out from local eateries costs between 40-70 THB, and coworking centers or cafés with reliable Wi-Fi are readily available and inexpensive. With this affordable setup, remote workers are free to stay longer or spend more as they explore Thailand. Natural Escapes in Every Direction Despite being a working base, Surat Thani is surrounded by breathtaking nature. On weekends or work breaks, you're a short drive away from the Ratchaprapha Dam in Khao Sok National Park—a place often compared to Vietnam's Ha Long Bay. Nearby waterfalls, caves, and jungle hikes offer tranquil retreats from your screen. To mention but a few, the city is the prime mainland gateway to islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, all of which are accessible by ferry within hours. Digital Infrastructure & Work-Friendly Places Accommodation with Work Facilities There are a few monthly renting possibilities with good Wi-Fi, air con, and peaceful environments. Hostels and serviced apartments have long-stay deals, and increasingly, Airbnb listings are designed for digital nomads who want comfort and functionality. Coworking & Work Cafés While Surat Thani doesn't yet have a coworking scene as vibrant as Chiang Mai's, it makes up for it with cozy, laptop-friendly cafés that offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and ample plug sockets. Notable spots include: Chillin' Café – A modern café with comfortable seating and quality coffee. Gong Dee Café – A cozy, work-friendly environment close to the city center. Café de Balcony – Perfect for early risers, with a serene atmosphere ideal for concentrated work. Digital nomads also enjoy decent mobile internet speeds with AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove—meaning hot-spotting over mobile networks is a good backup option when necessary. Community and Connection Surat Thani does not have huge meet-up groups or expat communities, but that is its beauty. There are smaller, more intimate groups of travelers and remote workers—especially in Facebook groups, coworking cafés, and weekend island trips. If you're missing the socialization, a quick trip to Koh Phangan or Samui for a couple of days is simple and well worth it. You get both worlds: peaceful, concentrated time in Surat Thani, followed by contact and networking time on the nearby islands. Visa and Legal Issues for Digital Nomads As with other places in Thailand, most digital nomads in Surat Thani are on a tourist visa or visa exemption. For extended periods, however, you can consider the following: Thai Education Visa (ED visa) – Eligible if you study Thai. Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – This is for more affluent remote workers who qualify by income and work requirements. Digital Nomad Visa (forthcoming) – Thailand is exploring digital nomad-specific visas, so keep an eye out through the Thai embassy or immigration website. Always check that you're working lawfully and report your presence, if necessary, at immigration centers, particularly if you're changing residence quite often. Final Thoughts: Experience Surat Thani's Unobtrusive Magic Surat Thani won't shout 'digital nomad hotspot' at first sight, but that's precisely why it's so great. It calls for slow living, deep work, and genuine cultural exchange. For those frazzled by overstimulated cities or out-of-budget beach towns, Surat Thani provides a grounded alternative that sacrifices nothing in beauty or functionality. No matter whether you're staying for a month or settling in for longer, this southern Thai city might be just the new beginning your remote life requires—a place where you can wake to birdsong, sip coffee along the river, and log in to work with a smile.
