Eighteen people, including seven children, were slightly injured, and another three were “observed with apparent wounds,” according to the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association. The top of the bus, carrying 28 passengers, hit the top of a tunnel at about 10:04 a.m. as the driver took the wrong way.
Category: Asia Travel
UPDATE 1-Japan says it hopes Mattis visit strengthens regional security
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis shakes hands with Japan’s Defense Minister Tomomi Inada during their meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Japan, February 4, 2017. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis speaks to Japan’s Defense Minister Tomomi Inada during their meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Japan, February 4, 2017.
US ban forces Iranians home after days at Vienna airport
Three Iranians have been forced to return home after being stuck in transit at Vienna airport for three days due to the United States travel ban on people from seven mainly-Muslim countries, an Austrian Airlines official said Monday. An elderly couple and an unrelated middle-aged woman arrived from Isfahan, south of Tehran, on Saturday morning, expecting to catch connecting flights to the US to visit family members, AUA spokesman Peter Thier said.
Longtime US residents, aspiring citizens caught up in ban
Nour Ulayyet foreground, looks on after her sister Sahar Algonaimi was not permitted to enter the United States while comforting her mother Isaaf Jamal Eddin at Munster Community Hospital Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, in Munster, Ind.
Sabah boat mishap: China satisfied with rescue efforts
Chen with Pang speak to the media after a press conference on Sunday over the boat mishap. – Bernama pic KOTA KINABALU: China’s Consul-General in Sabah Chen Peijie has expressed satisfaction with search and rescue efforts following the capsize of a boat carrying Chinese tourists off Sabah on Saturday.
22 rescued, Malaysia searches for 6 others from boat sinking
A survivor of a sank boat is attended the Malaysia Marine Operation Force post in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. More than 20 people, mostly Chinese tourists, were rescued Sunday after their boat sank in strong wave.
6 Chinese tourists missing after boat sinks off Malaysia
Three people died, six are missing and nearly two dozen were rescued after a catamaran carrying Chinese tourists sank in Malaysian waters, officials said Sunday. The boat carried 31 people, including 28 tourists from China, and was sailing Saturday from Kota Kinabalu to Pulau Mengalum, a popular tourist island, some 37 miles west to Kota Kinabalu, according to the Chinese consulate in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital.
Marry a foreigner: One way to avoid Spring Festival dilemma
BEIJING: The annual argument over whose family to spend the Lunar New Year with has become a modern tradition for married couples in China. But it’s one that Qiu Feilan will be spared because her husband is a foreigner whose family does not celebrate the most important holiday for Chinese people around the world.
Recent Clemson Ph.D banned from returning to US amid President Trump’s executive order
President Donald Trump’s executive order banning citizens of seven countries to travel to the U.S. for 90 days is affecting a recent Clemson University grad, who has been barred from traveling back to the U.S. Nazanin Zinouri, a recent Clemson grad with a Ph.D. in industrial engineering, was shocked to find out that she cannot return after her vacation to see her family in Tehran, Iran. The data scientist, who works for an Upstate technology firm called Modjoul, has all the paper work and documents necessary to work and live in the United States.
Australia pushes for TPP without US after Trump exits deal
Australia is leading a push to salvage a Pacific trade deal after President Donald Trump formally withdrew as a signatory to the 12-nation accord. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he discussed the deal on Monday night with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, and held talks with the leaders of New Zealand and Singapore.
China, Philippines to roll out $3.7B in cooperation projects
State media cite a senior Chinese official as saying China and the Philippines have agreed on $3.7 billion worth of projects to boost cooperation. The official Xinhua News Agency cited Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng as saying after a Monday meeting with a Cabinet delegation from the Philippines that the projects are aimed at “improving people’s living standards.”
Wa State Suffers as Fewer Chinese Come to Party
In a remote casino in northeastern Burma, China’s pervasive campaign against graft has taken its toll. Hundreds of local traders and farmers place petty bets as low as 10 cents, outnumbering a few Chinese who were once the VIPs of a gambling hall decorated with chandeliers and Renaissance-style paintings.
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Burma is expected to see economic growth of 6.9 percent in 2017, down 1.5 points from a previous estimate, according to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report released earlier this month. The report said that real-term growth in 2016 was estimated to be 6.5 percent, down 1.3 percentage points from an earlier estimate in June last year, the Nikkei Asia Review reported.
A Hyperloop-esque plan is taking shape in South Korea
As the likes of Hyperloop One move toward implementing their technology, competitors around the world are showing an interest in similar high-speed transportation systems. Having apparently taken note of Elon Musk’s plan for a super-fast ” Hyperloop ” transportation system, engineers in South Korea are now working on their own remarkably similar technology.
Japanese body’s ID confirmed
The parents and girlfriend arrive at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok on Monday to confirm the identity of the body of Sonam Tsuboi, found in the Chao Phraya River on Dec 30. Relatives have confirmed the body found in the Chao Phraya River in late December was the missing Japanese tourist Sonam Tsuboi, 22, and said he would be cremated in Thailand. The parents, aged 57 and 47, as well as the 24-year-old girlfriend of the Japanese man, arrived at the riverside Siriraj hospital in Bangkok to identify the body found at the nearby Wang Lang pier on Dec 30. Accompanying them was Pisit Maiprasert, a consular assistant at the Japanese embassy, who said they were confident that the body was of Tsuboi.
Crossing red lines: What’s annoying Asian nations most?
In this Nov. 10, 2016, file photo, a TV screen shows images of then U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea takes offense first, and most regularly, with Japan, largely over disputes stemming from Tokyo’s 35-year colonization of the Korean Peninsula in the early 20th century.
China Southern Airlines Is A Buy
Shares of China Southern Airlines, the largest Chinese Air Carrier are attractively priced and are trading at a discount from the highs. In a conservative scenario, the shares have about 30% upside if they trade at 5-year average historical forward EV/EBITDA.
UPDATE 1-Allianz, Standard Chartered form bancassurance pact in Asia
FRANKFURT, Jan 19 German insurer Allianz and Standard Chartered Bank on Thursday announced a 15-year agreement to distribute Allianz’s general insurance products in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. The deal to distribute travel, personal accident, fire and motor insurance products to Standard Chartered’s retail banking clients will start in 2017, the companies said in a joint statement.
Trump partner eyes Indonesia power, sees faults in democracy
President-elect Donald Trump’s billionaire business partner and possible political proxy in Indonesia nurses big leadership ambitions in the vast but perennially lagging Southeast Asian nation, which he says isn’t developed enough to have a successful democracy and needs strong leadership.
PHOTOS: ‘Forgotten victims of war’ to be highlighted in Hampshire photography exhibition
Internally displaced Afghans are living in “stone age conditions,” uprooted from their homes and villages after years of civil war and escape from Taliban fighting. The ex-Stroud School pupil who grew up on Northlands Road, Southampton, will be showing a selection of his work from the last eight years at city centre coffee shop Mettricks Guildhall.
OYO to expand Asia footprint; introduces concierge service29 min ago
Mumbai, Jan 15 : Online budget network of hotels OYO is planning to expand its footprints in South Asia and South East Asia, besides strengthening its service by introducing a concierge service called OYO Captains. “Our focus is expanding in the domestic market as we still feel there is a huge opportunity here in the country.
Things to do in Mumbai this weekend: Here’s everything you can do for …
The weekend is here and it’s time to kick-off your work shoes, forget all about stress and the boring humdrum of your work life and indulge in more agreeable pursuits. Freak out at a song and dance fest, soak in visual or performing arts, discover some brilliant music acts, pour your heart out through poetry, feast on some delectable treats, or leave all worldly woes behind and get lost in a wilderness.
Aviation StoushWar of words grounds Tigerair flightsTigerair’s…
Tigerair’s flights to Bali have been grounded for seven days as a war of words erupts between the airline and Indonesian aviation authorities. The airline is able to fly passengers out of Bali for the next four days – but the row has disrupted the travel plans of thousands of people.
Uruguay Highlights Importance Of China For Latin America
The President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay, Gerardo Amarilla, visiting here today, has highlighted the importance China has for his country, which is the main trade partner, and for Latin America in general. In a meeting with Ibero-American diplomatic representatives, journalists and intellectuals, he stated that Uruguay and China have much to grow together, ‘they complement each other and have unlimited potentiality, which can and will be exploited in favour of the development of both peoples.’
VietJet Forecasts 30% Profit Rise Ahead of February Listing
VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Co. , the Vietnam carrier known for its bikini-clad flight attendants, expects profit to surge 30 percent this year on rising passengers as it prepares for its Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange listing debut in February.
Ahmedabad: PM Modi to meet Nobel Laureates at maiden Nobel Prize Series
Ahmedabad , Jan. 9 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday meet several Nobel laureates and have discussions with them on how the country can achieve innovations via Science and Technology. [NK India] This meeting is to be held at the Science City in Ahmedabad where the Nobel Media is holding the first Nobel Prize Series in the country in conjunction with the biennial summit of Vibrant Gujarat.
Heavy snowfall in Shimla paralyses normal life
The first heavy and significant snowfall of this winter in Shimla, starting on Friday night, threw normal life completely out of gear as traffic, telecommunication links, water supply were disrupted while a large number of tourists were stranded. A panoramic view of Shimla ‘s historic Ridge thronged by tourists on Sunday after snowfall A huge influx of tourists during the day further added to the chaos with traffic jams due to haphazard driving and skidding of vehicles.
S. Korean critical after self-immolating over sex slave deal
A South Korean Buddhist monk is in critical condition after setting himself on fire to protest the country’s settlement with Japan on compensation for wartime sex slaves, officials said Sunday. The 64-year-old monk suffered third-degree burns across his body and serious damage to vital organs.
Frigate assigned to escort Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry
The Royal Passenger Liner ferry leaves Pattaya for Hua Hin on Thursday on its delayed inaugural service, escorted by the frigate HTMS Kraburi. (Photo by Chaiyot Pupattanapong The navy has assigned the frigate HTMS Kraburi to protect the Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry, which made its first trip on Thursday after rough seas delayed the unofficial launch from Jan 1. The frigate was already deployed in the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand, the navy statement said.
Destination Lankaran, subtropical region of Azerbaijan [VIDEO]
Lankaran is the land of mountains, forests, citrus fruits and tea plantations. A wonderful climate and breathtaking natural landscapes are the hallmarks of this subtropical region of Azerbaijan.
Heaven in the Himalayas: Nepal’s top 5 responsible boutique hotels
It’s been nearly two years since one of Nepal’s major fault lines sparked the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that claimed at least 8,000 lives and many of the Himalayan nation’s historic monuments. Online hotel reviews in Nepal are plagued by complaints of disruption by rebuilding work.
North Korea first ladiy Ri Sol Ju not as powerful as Kim Jong Un’s sister
North Korea ‘s first lady is known for her lavish lifestyle and her appearances alongside her husband Kim Jong Un . But according to Thae Yong Ho, the senior North Korean diplomat who fled Pyongyang’s embassy in London, Ri Sol Ju’s status as a “commoner” in North Korea’s classification system means she is not quite in a position to hold influence over Kim’s important decisions, South Korean news network MBN reported Tuesday.
Hessle firm Agencia hopeful of first Chinese contract after trade mission
An East Yorkshire-based company is looking to build on two years of developing links with the world’s second largest economy. Change management business Agencia is confident of securing its first contract in China after attending a major healthcare trade mission, headed by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Why tailor Suitsupply isn’t afraid of Hong Kong’s retail decline
Despite the continuing fall in retail sales – the city’s luxury sector suffered a 10.5 per cent drop in the first half of 2016 – Suitsupply has opened its first Hong Kong store in Central, and a big one at that Retailers in Hong Kong’s Central business district have endured more bad news than good over the past year, but the area still has cachet with international brands looking to enter the Hong Kong market. In early December, Dutch tailor Suitsupply opened its first boutique in the city, taking a large space on Ice House Street.
Enjoyable but hazardous
A few thoughts about my visit: I know that people with disabilities are pleased with the ramps installed on Bangkok sidewalks. Unfortunately, they are now being used as motorcycle taxi ramps and the sidewalk has become a motorway.
Rail progress: Bangkok commuters set to benefit from more route options in 2017
Next year could turn out to be a breakthrough one for commuters travelling between Bangkok and surrounding areas by rail, as many more options look set to become available. At the very least, the one-kilometre so-called “missing tooth”, which will link the end of the recently opened MRT Purple Line at Tao Poon station with the far end of the underground MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue station, should be in service byAugust.
Rail progress: Bangkok commuters set to benefit from more route options in 2017
Next year could turn out to be a breakthrough one for commuters travelling between Bangkok and surrounding areas by rail, as many more options look set to become available. At the very least, the one-kilometre so-called “missing tooth”, which will link the end of the recently opened MRT Purple Line at Tao Poon station with the far end of the underground MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue station, should be in service byAugust.
Taiwan president to transit Houston, San Francisco next month
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will transit through Houston and San Francisco during her January visit to allies in Latin American countries, her office said on Friday, a move certain to anger mainland China which a day earlier urged the United States to block a stopover. Tsai is transiting in the US on her way to and from visiting Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Money for nothing in Siem Reap
In the tourist game, tuk-tuk drivers play an outsized role in their customers’ food and entertainment choices – and they expect to be paid. The practice of paying tuk-tuk drivers and concierges to push diners to your door is ubiquitous in Cambodia’s tourist capital, say frustrated restaurant owners, and doing no one any favours.
Taitung commissioner promotes county’s diverse cultures, coastal scenery in Hunan
Taitung County Commissioner Justin Huang recently led a delegation to Hunan Province, China to promote tourism in the Eastern Taiwan county. Speaking at a travel fair in Hunan on Dec. 23, Huang said Taitung is on Lonely Planet’s 2016 list of the top 10 spots in Asia, alongside Shanghai, Hong Kong, Hokkaido and others.