Brit tourist covered in poo falls through ceiling in Thailand red light district

An incredibly unfortunate British tourist had to be rescued after falling through a ceiling whilst covered in poo in a red light district in Thailand. Paul Hadfield, 51, from Blackburn, Lancashire, was allegedly ‘extremely drunk’ when he returned to his room in the early hours of Monday morning, November 4.Staff said they heard groans and banging in the room but thought nothing of it – until Paul’s legs came crashing through the ceiling of an adjacent internet cafe packed with gamers. Shocked locals called police as the naked holidaymaker cried for help with his legs dangling through the floorboards.The balcony from which he fell was directly above the roof of the cafe.However the drama wasn’t over there. Officers were horrified when they checked the Brit’s room at The Freelancer Hotel in Pattya, Thailand, and found excrement smeared across the floor.Police reported that there were ‘suspicions’ about what Paul was doing, but they had found ‘nothing illegal’.Police Lieutenant Thanawee Yarangsee of the city’s police station, who was working the night shift when the incident happened, said today that Paul had arrived in the country on September 23 before heading to the notorious coastal destination – what has been called a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah.Lieutenant Yarangsee said that Paul had ‘minor injuries’ but will be discharged from hospital ‘to have time to rest and become sober’. Adding: “We have some ideas about what he was doing in the room to make it so dirty but there was nothing illegal.”It is his private life, so he will have to speak with the hotel to negotiate the bill.”Paramedics said they found Paul in a dazed state while half-lodged in the wooden ceiling boards. Meanwhile, the terrified gamers below said they had to leave the room because the smell was so bad.Officers rescued Paul and covered him up with a blanket while walking him to an ambulance to go to the hospital for first aid.Staff who checked Paul’s room said there was a stomach-turning stench upon opening the door. They said they found human excrement staining the bed sheets, blankets, and the floor.Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, staff also said that there were no witnesses who saw the moment Paul fell. However, they have begun to investigate how he managed to fal from the balcony to the roof below in such a state.Startled cafe customer, Somrak Senso, 28, said: “At that time, the shop was full of people, more than 20 people. I was sitting playing games downstairs.”After a while, I heard the first thump. I didn’t think much of it. After a while, there was another thump.”He continued: “The ceiling started to break more. There were legs coming down, right on my head. So I called the staff to come and look.”After a while, it seemed like the ceiling started to sink. I was very shocked. So I ran up to look. I smelled it, but I thought it was a broken water pipe or something.”When I went up to look, I saw poop all over the room. It was all over the bed. He couldn’t speak coherently. He must have been very drunk. But I didn’t see any liquor bottles in the room.”He was alone. No one was there. No girls, no boys. I don’t know if my relatives or friends contacted him later. Because after the police took him away, I continued playing games.”Former fishing village Pattaya became popular with American troops on ‘rest and relaxation’ breaks in the 1960s when Thailand provided military bases to the U.S. for their onslaught in Vietnam.But in the ensuing years, locals flocked to the area to cash in on the demand for sex from foreigners and the coastal resort into the world’s biggest sex destination – with the entire city now a giant red light district.Embarrassed officials have made some progress in gentrifying the region – it has multinational hotel chains and music festivals – but a ravenous nightlife industry fueled by drink continues to blight its reputation and safety.

Industry And Business At GBE Reform Table

Tasmanian GovernmentThe Tasmanian Government is embarking on landmark reforms to ensure Government-owned businesses act in the best interests of Tasmanians.Key industry and business stakeholders came together today to meet with Government and discuss the reforms designed to improve the performance, accountability and coordination of our GBEs.Treasurer, Guy Barnett, said the Government’s reforms would ensure the Tasmanian people are at the top of government business organisational charts.“We have been clear – we will sort the Spirits, fix the GBEs and back in our tourism industry, and that’s what we’re delivering,” the Treasurer said.“Our proposal will deliver sweeping legislative reform to address the shortcomings that we have identified over recent months and to chart our course for the next 30 years.“These reforms support economic development, improve the customer experience, improve efficiency across administration and operations and ensure our GBEs are sustainable for the long term.“We are better together and by ensuring a Team Tasmania approach to doing business we can deliver better outcomes for all Tasmanians.“We can only deliver on this vision by utilising the expertise and support of our broader industry and business community.“We are working closely with our community as we progress these reforms and today, I welcomed key stakeholders, holding a productive meeting as we begin to chart our way forward.“Our Government is stepping up in order to ensure the success of these landmark reforms.“We want Tasmania to thrive under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and we are taking every opportunity possible to continue this important work.” Source & references /Public Release. View in full here.

Sports tourism could be a boon to Winchester, Frederick County

WINCHESTER — A new initiative from the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is marketing the Northern Shenandoah Valley as an ideal location for a wide variety of sporting events.The website winchesterareasports.com launched in late summer to provide an inventory of 82 athletic facilities in Winchester and Frederick County that could be utilized for regional or state competitions, or even national tournaments for non-traditional sports like horseshoes, flag football, e-sports, volleyball or disc golf. Among them are Shenandoah University‘s James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics and Event Center, James Wood Middle School’s inline hockey rink, Winchester Country Club‘s golf course and Jim Barnett Park’s baseball fields, swimming pools and pickleball courts.“Nobody had ever put them all together in one place,” said CVB Executive Director Justin Kerns.While no one anticipates a Super Bowl or World Series coming to the Winchester area, Kerns said there are many smaller sporting events that would be well suited for the region.“Maybe we are a good destination for a larger regional tournament, or maybe even a state tournament, if we package some of these assets together,” Kerns said. “Our strength is really in these regional tournaments, not big national tournaments, because we simply don’t have those mega-facilities that you will find in more urban areas that have these huge complexes of 20 or 30 fields.”Talks of marketing the Winchester area’s sports venues began in 2018, Kerns said, after the Virginia Tourism Corporation released data showing how lucrative athletic competitions can be for host facilities and locations. For 2022, for example, VTC reported that 12.1 million people came to the commonwealth for sporting events, generating $2.7 billion in direct tourism spending.“Stakeholders in the community said, ‘Hey, this is something we want you to focus on,’” Kerns said. “We formed an ad hoc committee … and brought in a consultant to do a feasibility study to see if there was potential here.”The result of that research showed that the Northern Shenandoah Valley could benefit from sports tourism, though it is unlikely that athletics would be the top generator for visits to the area, Kerns said.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CVB received federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and funding from the Virginia Tourism Corporation that made it possible to initiate sports tourism marketing.“We came up with the branding and the website a few months ago and we’ve been slowly rolling it out,” Kerns said.As things currently stand, he said the CVB has the resources to field requests from groups that oversee athletic competitions but not enough staff to actively “go out and sell the destination.”“Our role at the get-go here is to be more reactive than proactive,” Kerns said. “We’re trying to get on the map first. To do that, we developed the website, the brand, the list of assets in the city and county. … There are nine pages of facilities on our website.”Just because a venue is listed on the website, though, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be available at any time for any event. Kerns said the bureau will act as a go-between for event organizers and managers of the local facilities, and decisions regarding the use of those venues will be solely left to their owners and operators.“We’re just basically putting them on the map,” Kerns said. “We’re not committing anybody to anything at all.”The ultimate goal is to bolster the amount of direct tourism spending in Winchester and Frederick County. In 2023, Kerns said visitors to the city and county spent a total of $288.1 million, which equated to average daily revenues of $789,315.The more tax money the region collects from tourists as they shop, dine and stay overnight, the less taxes local governments have to impose on residents and businesses in order to maintain infrastructure and provide services.“If you take away all the tourists,” Kerns said, “each household [in Winchester and Frederick County] would have to spend $464 more in taxes to make up for all the tourism spending.”

Duke football not included in USA TODAY Sports bowl projections after Week 10

USA TODAY Sports updated its college football bowl projections on Monday, and the new changes after Week 10 included a pretty stunning development for the Duke Blue Devils.One week after the Blue Devils were slotted for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl for a battle with the Iowa Hawkeyes, head coach Manny Diaz and his team completely disappeared from Erick Smith’s updated field.Duke built an 11-point lead over the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, but five late touchdowns from the most prolific offense in the country put the game out of reach. Between the second-half collapse, an overtime loss to the SMU Mustangs, and two late Georgia Tech touchdowns in Week 6, the Blue Devils have now lost three of their past four games, but Duke already reached the six-win threshold needed to qualify for a bowl game.A handful of other ACC teams who haven’t reached six wins yet, most notably the North Carolina Tar Heels and NC State Wolfpack, found their way into Smith’s projected matchups. Duke beat UNC to open conference play, overcoming a 20-0 lead in the second half, and the Blue Devils play the Wolfpack in Raleigh this coming Saturday.

Something for everyone: Updated and expanded library opens for business

After a $2.9 million renovation and a year of construction, the Waverly Public Library officially reopened for business Oct. 21.“That’s when we were able to get into this space for the first time again,” said Library Director Sarah Meyer two days after the doors opened again. She noted at the time that some odds and ends were still being finished up. “They’re installing all the signage today. We still have some art to hang.”The library boasts an enhanced children’s area with tiered seating in the story time area, along with what library personnel are calling the Story Tree, a towering metal sculpture that not only resembles a tree but houses metal animals among its branches.

Goa Tourism showcases regenerative initiatives at WTM London 2024

Goa Tourism debuts at WTM London 2024, presenting its cultural, sustainable, and regenerative tourism initiatives to global travel leaders.

MUMBAI, INDIA – The Department of Goa Tourism announced its participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) London, scheduled to take place from today to 7th November 2024 at ExCeL London. This event is set to bring together industry leaders from around the globe, offering Goa a prime opportunity to present its distinctive tourism experiences and innovative sustainable travel initiatives on an international platform.
At WTM London, Goa Tourism will spotlight the state’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and progressive tourism experiences, with a core emphasis on regenerative and eco-conscious tourism. The Goa Tourism Pavilion will offer a vivid showcase of the state’s vibrant festivals, adventure pursuits, heritage traditions, and tranquil beaches that together shape Goa’s unique identity as a travel destination.
A highlight of this year’s participation is the concept of Regenerative Tourism, a step beyond sustainability that focuses on actively revitalizing and enhancing Goa’s natural and cultural treasures. The display will feature initiatives like hinterland tourism, preservation of heritage sites, wellness tourism centered around Ayurveda, and Goa’s emerging prominence as a destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding events. These initiatives aim to benefit local communities and ensure that the environment is preserved for future generations.
The pavilion will also present the Ekadasha Teertha Circuit, a spiritual exploration of 11 historic temples. The forthcoming Exposition of St. Francis Xavier, will also be one of the highlights, the exposition is scheduled to be held from 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025 at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iconic Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. Additionally, the pavilion will highlight the International Film Festival of India, encouraging film lovers to delve into Goa’s vibrant cinematic culture. Through engaging displays, Goa Tourism will communicate its commitment to fostering responsible tourism that safeguards both the environment and the cultural heritage of the region. The pavilion is also an excellent opportunity for the Goan diaspora in London to reconnect with their roots and explore the latest tourism developments from their homeland.
Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC, remarked, “Our dedication to Regenerative Tourism represents our goal to go beyond preservation and to truly reinvigorate Goa’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. With the presence of Goan hoteliers, travel agencies, and tourism stakeholders at WTM London, we aim to offer visitors an authentic experience of Goa’s unmatched hospitality. We want to inspire global travellers to engage with Goa’s beauty while contributing positively to its sustainable development.”

Sarawak Tourism Board highlights ecotourism at WTM 2024

Sarawak Tourism Board showcases sustainable travel, cultural heritage, and digital innovation at WTM London, promoting eco-conscious tourism initiatives.

LONDON – Sarawak Tourism Board announced its participation in this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London, led by YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak. Marking a year of dynamic growth and collaboration, 2024 introduces Sarawak’s new brand marketing partnerships aimed at positioning Sarawak as a premier destination for eco-conscious and culturally immersive travel experiences.
Located on the island of Borneo, Sarawak invites visitors to explore its rich tapestry of ecotourism, vibrant cultural heritage, and adventure tourism against the backdrop of one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes.
To ensure the sustainability of tourism in Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board remains dedicated to promoting responsible tourism practices that safeguard both the region’s natural and cultural heritage. This commitment extends across key areas, including conservation efforts, eco-friendly practices, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
The latest initiatives, being launched at WTM, strongly reflect this focus, highlighting Sarawak’s drive to foster sustainable tourism development:
Showcasing Authentic Experiences, Gastronomy, and Responsible Travel
At WTM, Sarawak will spotlight its dedication to immersive travel experiences with a special focus on its rich culinary heritage. A key highlight is the release of the Sarawak Gastronomy Video by MasterChef Australia finalist Audra Morrice, showcasing the unique flavours and cultural significance of Sarawak’s cuisine. This initiative reinforces Sarawak’s emerging role as a premier destination for food tourism, seamlessly blending culinary exploration with eco-conscious travel.
Eco-Friendly and Responsible Tourism
Sustainability remains central to Sarawak’s tourism initiatives. Among the latest responsible travel packages, the Borneo Green Bike Tour by Smart Leisure Travels offers travellers a low-impact way to experience Sarawak’s natural beauty, promoting responsible exploration and environmental awareness.
Digital Innovation
In an era of evolving travel expectations, Sarawak Tourism Board is enhancing visitor engagement through cutting-edge digital innovation, setting a pioneering standard as the first DMO in the Asia-Pacific region to integrate AI-driven campaigns into its marketing strategy. This forward-thinking approach, achieved in partnership with Clicktripz – one of the world’s largest travel-focused ad networks – gives Sarawak exclusive access to a global audience of 100 million travel shoppers per month. By implementing advanced digital solutions, the Board aims to create seamless, enriched travel experiences that also promote sustainable practices. Leveraging AI technology, Sarawak not only reaches potential visitors more effectively but also provides real-time information that encourages responsible travel behaviours, supporting both the environment and local communities.
Adventure and Sporting Tourism
Sarawak’s dedication to adventure tourism takes centre stage in May 2025 with the debut of the XTERRA International Adventure Triathlon Series, held in Sarawak for the first time. This renowned triathlon series strengthens Sarawak’s position as a premier sports tourism destination, aligning with its commitment to sustainable, low-impact exploration. Hosting XTERRA allows athletes and adventure enthusiasts to experience Sarawak’s unique landscapes in ways that promote both environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Empowering Sustainable Tourism through Community Engagement
Sarawak is committed to enhancing its community-based tourism offerings by expanding the availability of homestays and eco-host accommodations. These initiatives enable travellers to fully immerse themselves in local cultures while actively contributing to sustainable tourism practices. By fostering meaningful connections between visitors and local communities, Sarawak not only promotes environmental stewardship but also supports the economic well-being of its residents.
“We are excited to showcase Sarawak’s unique blend of culture, sustainability, and innovation at WTM this year,” said YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak. “From immersive cultural experiences and eco-friendly travel initiatives to partnerships in digital innovation, Sarawak is committed to promoting responsible tourism that celebrates and preserves our rich heritage while supporting community development and conservation. We are also delighted to host the XTERRA International Adventure Triathlon Series for the first time in 2025, which further enhances our reputation as a top destination for sporting events. Our new initiatives, which seamlessly blend gastronomy, sport, nature, and cultural connection, reinforce Sarawak’s standing as a vibrant, eco-conscious destination for travellers, while ensuring the sustainability of our tourism industry for years to come.”
Press Conference, Tuesday 5th November from 9:45am
On Tuesday, 5th November, the Sarawak Tourism Board will hold a press conference at 9:45 a.m., and all attendees are encouraged to join. The event will begin with a traditional welcome dance, setting the stage for an opening address by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Performing Arts Sarawak. This will be followed by the unveiling of key initiatives launching at WTM, offering a first look at Sarawak’s latest tourism highlights.
Key Speaker at “Indigenous Tourism… A Legacy Reawakened in Heritage, Community, and Conservation.”
Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board, will also be in attendance at WTM. On Wednesday, 6th November, from 11:35 a.m. to 12:25 p.m., she will join an inspiring panel discussion in the Orange Theatre titled “Indigenous Tourism… A Legacy Reawakened in Heritage, Community, and Conservation.” This session will explore how Indigenous-focused and -led initiatives are not only preserving and celebrating cultural heritage but are also driving sustainable practices, fostering social change, and supporting economic and environmental growth.
In partnership with the WTTC, this discussion highlights the profound impact of Indigenous Tourism on the global travel landscape, demonstrating how it creates meaningful connections, honours cultural legacies, empowers local communities, and contributes to the conservation of sacred lands in a responsible and inclusive way.
Experience Sarawak’s rich culture at Stand N9-240
Throughout the show, attendees are warmly invited to visit the Sarawak stand (N9-420) to indulge in immersive cultural experiences. Highlights include the Sarawak Cultural Show, featuring traditional dances and music, a Tattoo Showcase, and a Pua Kumbu exhibition, each offering an authentic glimpse into Sarawak’s heritage and artistry. Pua Kumbu, a traditional woven textile, is highly symbolic in Sarawak’s Iban culture, embodying intricate patterns and spiritual meanings that are carefully crafted by skilled weavers. These displays not only showcase Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity but also celebrate the region’s unique craftsmanship and time-honoured traditions.
Sarawak Tourism Board’s participation in WTM underscores its commitment to promoting Sarawak as a leading ecotourism and cultural destination, combining authentic experiences with responsible tourism practices.

Scientists Discover Bacteria That Could Help Us Win the Fight Against Mosquitoes

Research shows that Asaia bacteria can speed up the development of mosquito larvae, aiding disease control programs. These findings may improve the efficiency of mass mosquito breeding.
Scientists have discovered that a type of bacteria, Asaia, accelerates the growth of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae by a day, potentially enhancing mosquito control programs.
These programs, crucial for battling diseases like dengue and Zika, release sterilized or genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce disease transmission.
Mosquito-Borne Illness and Control Programs
A new study has found that certain bacteria can accelerate mosquito larvae growth, a discovery that may support global health efforts.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika, is a target of anti-disease programs. These programs focus on breeding and releasing non-biting male mosquitoes, either sterile or modified to block disease transmission.
Compared to widespread insecticide spraying, mass release programs offer a more effective solution, especially since mosquitoes are increasingly resistant to common insecticides.
Impact of Asaia Bacteria on Larval Development Speed
In the study, researchers from the universities of Exeter and Wageningen investigated how Asaia bacteria influence mosquito larvae development. They found that exposure to Asaia bacteria sped up larvae growth by a day—an advantage that could aid large-scale mosquito breeding programs needing to produce millions of adults quickly.
“We know that every species, including humans, depends on a ‘microbiome’ – a complex mix of microorganisms living inside the body,” said Professor Ben Raymond, of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
“Asaia bacteria have been suggested as beneficial parts of mosquito microbiomes, but this has never been rigorously tested in Aedes aegypti.
“We know that Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae can’t develop at all without a microbiome, and our study shows two Asaia species can play a beneficial role.”
The larval period of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes usually lasts about 10 days, so accelerating by a day could be a valuable boost to mass production.
Experiment: Introducing Asaia Bacteria to Larvae
In the study, Asaia bacteria were added to the water where mosquito larvae developed.
Two particular species accelerated larval development.
The mechanism for this is unclear, but it does not appear that these bacteria provided direct nutritional benefits.
Instead, they changed the wider bacterial community, reducing abundance of certain bacteria – including some species that may be slightly parasitic.
Asaia bacteria also remove oxygen – creating conditions that produce hormones to promote development.
Reference: “Asaia spp. accelerate development of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, via interactions with the vertically transmitted larval microbiome.” 4 November 2024, Journal of Applied Microbiology.DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae261