Big C opens at BluPort/Danish Embassy in Hua Hin Tuesday/Thai Woman Finds 12 Million Baht/Thailand Ready for Military Action/Cambodia Masses 12,000 Soldiers/What’s behind the row?/Hun Sen’s nationalist card/Double-Decker Bus Ban reversed/Heavy rain and flash flood risk/374,000 Covid cases, 84 deaths/Law backs local booze makers/Increased seismic activity reported/ECONOMY: Thailand inflation remains negative/’Ready to begin tariff talks’/IMF warns global trade war shock/Manufacturers expected to face slowdown/Housing buyer’s market/TOURISM: 14 million foreign tourists in 2025/Tiger Walking Activities canceled/CLIMATE THAILAND: Phuket tackles plastic pollution/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/Vacation behavior can get you arrested/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Big C Hua Hin Marché officially opens at BluPort
Big C Supercenter has officially opened Big C Hua Hin Marché, a new premium supermarket concept at Bluport Hua Hin.
Located on the G floor of Bluport Hua Hin, Big C Hua Hin Marché has been designed to offer an upgraded shopping experience, combining convenience, high-quality products, and accessible prices in a modern setting. Continued …
Danish Embassy brings outreach event to Hua Hin Tuesday
Danish citizens in Thailand will have an opportunity to meet Ambassador Danny Annan in person during a series of community outreach events hosted by the Embassy of Denmark in June.
The events will take place in Khon Kaen, Hua Hin, and Pattaya, offering attendees the chance to learn more about the embassy’s work in politics, trade, consular assistance, visas, and residence in Denmark. Continued …
Thai Woman Finds Abandoned Box with 12 Million Baht, Lawyer Claims Money Was Forgotten Due to Flood
The owner of 12 million baht (£270,000) in cash has surfaced to clarify its baffling discovery. The money was recently found in a gray plastic box alongside a condominium lift in Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret, by a Thai woman.
The box, which also contained wet clothing and wine bottles, was reportedly forgotten after the owner’s room was flooded. Police began an investigation to determine the legality and the rightful owner of the cash. Continued …
Thailand Ready for Military Action Amid Cambodia Border Tensions
In an escalating border dispute with Cambodia, Thailand’s military has declared readiness for a “high-level operation” to counter any breach of its sovereignty. This strong stance follows a deadly confrontation last week and highlights growing tensions between the neighboring countries.
Yesterday, the Thai military issued a statement expressing concerns over Cambodia’s increased military preparedness at the border, despite ongoing diplomatic dialogues. This assertion contrasts sharply with an earlier government statement calling for peaceful engagement through existing diplomatic channels. Continued …
Cambodia Masses 12,000 Soldiers at Thai Border Amid Tensions
Cambodia has deployed 12,000 troops to the Thai-Cambodian border area of Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani, according to local security sources. The escalation comes after increased tensions near the Ta Moan Thom Temple in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district. The military build-up intensified following a Cambodian soldier’s death in recent clashes.
Since February, Cambodia has strategically positioned its forces, expanding troop numbers and military hardware. The arsenal includes four-barrel rocket launchers on six-wheel trucks, RM-70 multiple rocket launchers, SH-1A howitzers, and T-55 tanks, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities. Continued …
What’s behind the row between Thailand and Cambodia?
Tension has been rising between Thailand and Cambodia following the killing of a Cambodian soldier on May 28 during a brief exchange of gunfire at a disputed border area between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817-kilometers land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. That map, which Thailand later contested, was based on an agreement that the border would be demarcated along the natural watershed line between the two countries. Continued …
Hun Sen’s nationalist card: Border tensions as a shield for dynastic power
Despite long-standing ties with former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, former Cambodian leader Hun Sen has reignited border disputes with Thailand, asserting his independence while shielding his son’s government from domestic unrest.
For more than 40 years, Hun Sen’s political survival has relied on a potent mix of fearmongering and nationalism, often fanned through the rhetoric of war and hostility toward Cambodia’s neighbors. Continued …
Ministry of Transport Backs Down Over Double-Decker Bus Ban
The Ministry of Transport has agreed to reconsider its controversial ban on double-decker buses traveling along several steep mountain routes, most notably the Khao Phap Pha section of Highway 4 connecting Trang and Phatthalung. The decision follows a large-scale protest by operators and a growing backlash from local businesses and the tourism sector.
Over 100 double-decker buses assembled Wednesday at the Andaman Gateway on the Trang-Phatthalung border in protest. Led by the Thai Association of Double-Decker Bus Operators (TADBO), the demonstrators submitted a formal petition to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, urging him to revoke a recent Department of Land Transport (DLT) directive banning such vehicles from operating on seven so-called “high-risk” routes across the country. Continued …
Heavy rain and flash flood risk as monsoon strengthens across Thailand
More rains and isolated heavy showers are expected in the lower central region, including Bangkok metropolitan area, the east, and the south.
The moderate monsoon trough will move south, crossing the north, northeast, and upper central regions into the low-pressure cell over the middle South China Sea. Meanwhile, the moderate southwest monsoon will strengthen over the Andaman Sea, lower central, south, east, and Gulf regions of Thailand, bringing increased rainfall, the Thai Meteorological Department said today. Continued …
DDC reports over 374,000 Covid cases, 84 deaths
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has reported nearly 375,000 Covid-19 cases nationwide so far this year, with 84 confirmed fatalities.
According to the DDC’s Bureau of Epidemiology, 23,352 new patients were recorded as of Thursday. Of these, 22,399 were treated as outpatients and 953 were hospitalized. Bangkok still leads in new infections, recording 9,193 cases, followed by Rayong (1,088), Nonthaburi (729), Sa Kaeo (665), and Chon Buri (611). Continued …
New law backs local booze makers
The Community Liquor Law is now in force, allowing small producers to legally make all types of alcohol while preventing unfair monopolies.
The Ministry of Finance will subsequently update its ministerial regulations and criteria in accordance with the new law, a move that will provide better access to legal alcohol production licenses for all farmers and entrepreneurs. Continued …
Increased seismic activity reported near Thailand-Myanmar border
Thailand’s Earthquake Monitoring Division, under the Meteorological Department, has reported early warning signs of increased seismic activity along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Recent minor earthquakes detected in Mae Hong Son and nearby regions in Myanmar point to a rising frequency of tremors. While the magnitudes remain low and non-destructive, officials stress that the pattern warrants close and continuous monitoring. Continued …
Thailand inflation remains negative in May; government cuts 2025 forecast
Thailand’s annual inflation rate was negative for a second straight month in May, the commerce ministry said yesterday, as it cut its full-year forecast to close to zero, just weeks ahead of the central bank’s next monetary policy review.
The consumer price index dropped 0.57% in May from a year earlier, not quite as steep as the 0.80% fall forecast in a Reuters poll, following a 0.22% fall in April. It was the third month in a row that the inflation rate has been below the central bank’s target range of 1.0% to 3.0%. Continued …
US is ‘ready to begin tariff talks’ with Thailand
The United States is ready for trade talks with Thailand, with Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira to lead negotiations aimed at boosting economic ties, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said.
Maris stated Thailand’s ambassador to Washington, Suriya Chindawongse, had informed him on Thursday night that the U.S. government was ready to support the Thai embassy in coordinating with relevant American agencies to arrange the negotiating schedule. Continued …
IMF warns global trade war shock ‘harsher than Covid’ for emerging markets – like Thailand
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning: the current global trade war could pose a more severe crisis than the Covid-19 pandemic — especially for central banks in emerging markets, where the challenges are more complex and the policy responses less uniform. This is tightening global financial conditions in ways not seen since the pandemic.
Gita Gopinath, first deputy managing director of the IMF, told the Financial Times that the shock from escalating trade tensions is affecting emerging-market central banks in more complicated ways than the pandemic did. During Covid-19, most central banks had the option to swiftly cut interest rates or roll out stimulus packages. That’s no longer the case. Continued …
Manufacturers expected to face slowdown in second half
The manufacturing sector may slow in the second half as exports are likely to fall if Thailand fails to reach an agreement with the U.S. that lowers the proposed reciprocal tariff, warns the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The 36% import duty on Thai products is slated to take effect on July 8 after a 90-day pause ends, if the two countries cannot reach an agreement to ease Thailand’s trade surplus with the U.S. Continued …
Buyer’s market emerges in Thailand as developers struggle
For homebuyers ouse or condominium. Conversely, the outlook for residential developers appears challenging, with a declining trend expected to persist into next year.
Homebuyers will find a market brimming with options as supply significantly outpaces demand. This abundance of inventory creates a stark contrast for developers, who are postponing new condominium project launches to avoid intensifying market competition. Continued …
Thailand welcomes 14 million foreign tourists in 2025, down 2.7%
As of the first five months of 2025 (January to May), Thailand has welcomed a total of 14,362,694 foreign tourists, a 2.7% decrease compared to the same period last year. The largest group of foreign tourists continues to come from China, with 1,958,939 visitors, followed by Malaysia (1,901,464), India (978,600), Russia (961,143), and South Korea (673,563).
When broken down regionally, Asia accounted for nearly 63% of total foreign visitors to Thailand. However, there has been a significant decline in the number of tourists, especially from northeast Asia (China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan), which dropped by as much as 23%. Specifically, China saw a decrease of 32.7%, Hong Kong by 23.1%, and South Korea by 16.2% compared to the same period last year. Continued …
Thai Authorities Order Sri Racha Park to Cancel Tiger Walking Activities
Following viral videos showing a shocking incident where a tiger pounced on an Indian tourist during a photo session at a Tiger Park in Thailand, which was widely reported by Indian media, Thailand’s Department of National Parks has now ordered the tiger park to ban its tiger walking activities.
The viral clip that circulated online was initially reported to have occurred in Phuket Province, prompting Tiger Park and Tiger Kingdom Phuket to issue statements clarifying that the incident did not occur at their facilities. They have outlined their comprehensive safety protocols and animal welfare policies in response to the confusion. Continued …
Phuket tackles plastic pollution for World Environment Day
Over 350 participants gathered at Dragon Square in Phuket Town Thursday as the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) launched its World Environment Day campaign.
The event, held at Queen Sirikit Park, focused on the urgent need to eliminate single-use plastics, aligning with the United Nations’ 2025 global theme, Beat Plastic Pollution. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the destructive impact of plastic waste on ecosystems, public health, and the climate. Continued …
Yes, your vacation behavior can get you arrested: What travelers regret most
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done on vacation? Austin Rulfs said he’s still embarrassed about his recent visit to a Balinese temple. He was wearing a T-shirt and tattered shorts. The locals stared at him with disapproval.
“I underestimated how strict they are about respecting sacred areas,” said Rulfs, a financial consultant from Adelaide, Australia. With summer vacation season just ahead, how about you? Continued …
US, China set for trade talks in London on Monday
aides will face their Chinese counterparts in London on Monday for talks to resolve a trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies that has kept global markets on edge. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer four round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
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- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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