Category Archives: bangkok

bangkok, covid, hua hin, phuket, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-Dec 30

  • Hua Hin Dustman Gravel races March 4-5/Hua Hin Bikini Run March 25/Best Western opens first resort in Hua Hin/What’s hot and what’s not in the year to come/Bank of Thailand updates Thai economic recovery momentum/Business associations succeed in lowering rise in power price/Massive investment planned for new Smart City in Eastern Economic Corridor/Mass New Year exodus from Bangkok to Isaan begins/Two male foreign bodies found floating near Racha Island, Phuket/More than 30 Thais feared dead in Poipet casino inferno/Forgetful husband accidently abandons wife on a road trip after taking a quick leak/Deadly clashes continue between Myanmar troops and Karen rebels near Thai border/
  • Tourism: The outlook for Tourism in Thailand in 2023/2022 marks revival of Thailand’s tourism after two years in the wilderness/No Special Measures for Chinese Visitors/Phuket eyes Bt100-billion New Year windfall/
  • Thailand Experience: Thai Basil To Lemongrass, Ingredients That Complete Thai Food/The best new restaurants in Bangkok/15 Best Places to Visit in Thailand/
  • Covid: What new Covid restrictions are Chinese travelers facing?/
  • International: Russia pummels Ukraine’s power and water sectors/Brazilian Soccer Legend Pelé Dead At 82/US winter storm death toll rises to 61/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Best Western opens first resort in Hua Hin

Best Western Hotels and Resorts has continued to expand its portfolio with the launch of its inaugural property in Hua Hin: Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin.

Set around a series of lagoon pools in Khao Tao, just 10 minutes south of Hua Hin and approximately 2.5 hours drive from Bangkok, the resort features a free-flowing organic design, a wide range of accommodations and facilities for leisure and business. Continued …

What’s hot and what’s not in the year to come

Trends change by the year, with some things in and others out, and 2023 will be no exception. Remember when the SMS was “in” some years ago? Here’s what we predict will be making a splash or quietly bowing out in the next 12 months.

In – cashless, out – coins and banknotes

Credit where it is due. The government’s “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme has made cashless payment widespread, accelerating it with sellers, including street vendors who are learning to accept payment via the scheme. Another reason, on the buyer’s side, is the pandemic, which made people afraid of contracting Covid through contaminated coins and banknotes.

A couple of years back, we’d never imagined leaving home without a wallet. Now those pockets can stay empty as long as you have a smartphone with you. Even better, a purchase – no matter how small the amount is – can be done via a number of cashless methods. Credit cards can’t do that 40 or 50 baht payment. Continued …

Bank of Thailand updates Thai economic recovery momentum

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) says the Thai economy is still in a recovery mode, and that the momentum was driven by the continuous recovery of the service sector following the increase in the number of foreign tourists and the improvement in private consumption indicators.

Chayawadee Chai-Anant, assistant governor at BoT, said the the Thai economy was still in a recovery direction. The momentum was driven by the continuously recovering service sector following the increasing number of foreign tourists.

She said that seasonally adjusted number of foreign tourists increased from the previous month from many nationalities, especially Europe and the United States. Continued …

Business associations succeed in lowering rise in power price

The cost of electricity for businesses will not rise as much in January as proposed earlier this month, following an intensive and coordinated effort by Thailand’s largest business associations to prevent what they described as a crippling rise in the fuel tariff (Ft) rate.

The Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a decision by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to reduce a rise in the Ft rate during the first quarter of next year, commission Secretary-general Komkrit Tantravanich said on Thursday.

The Ft rate is determined by the cost of fuel used for generating electricity and the cost of buying power from private generating plants. Continued …

Massive investment planned for new Smart City in Eastern Economic Corridor

The government will invest 1.35 trillion baht to transform the eastern seaboard’s Eastern Economic Corridor (ECC) into a regional financial hub and a world-class smart city by 2037, deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Thursday.

(What is a Smart City? A smart city is typically a kind of municipal Internet of Things – a network of cameras and sensors that can see, hear and even smell. These sensors, especially video cameras, generate massive amounts of data that can serve many civic purposes like helping traffic flow smoothly.)

In the first 10 years, the focus will be developing the business and financial area, regional business offices, government offices, medical facilities, and educational centers, she said.

This will be followed by creating a world-class smart city by 2037 to serve as a model for the development of smart cities across the country, Rachada added. Continued …

Mass New Year exodus from Bangkok to Isaan begins

The mass exodus for New Year from the Thai capital Bangkok to the northeastern Isaan region has begun in earnest. To accommodate the traffic, special lanes were introduced to ease the flow in the area of Wang Noi at KM 106.

Police in the city of Saraburi also opened a special lane under the turn-off bridge and from KM marker 17 to 43, Thap Kwang to Klang Dong.

Gas stations were opening past regular hours, as large numbers of people used their facilities for fuel and rest stops. Continued …

Two male foreign bodies found floating near Racha Island, Phuket

Two bodies of male foreigners were found floating in the sea near the Racha Island, south of Phuket.

The Royal Thai Navy said that at 12:35pm yesterday they were notified from a tour boat captain that two bodies were found floating near the Rang Gai Beach, east of the Racha Noi Island off the Chalong area.

At 4:50pm, the Royal Thai Navy and rescue divers arrived at the scene to find two bodies tied with ropes connected together with a floating life jacket and a buoy. Continued … 

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

More than 30 Thais feared dead in Poipet casino inferno

Thai rescuers estimated that more than 30 Thai nationals perished in the massive blaze that engulfed the 355-room Grand Diamond City Hotel and Casino in the Cambodian border town of Poipet late Wednesday night, while a Cambodian official warned that the death toll could rise to the hundreds.

Banteay Meanchey provincial spokesman Sek Sokhom said late Thursday afternoon that the death toll could rise to the hundreds. He said the casino complex had 400 staff and an unknown number of guests. Anyone trapped in a room during the fire can be presumed dead, he said.

Rescue officials from Thai foundations who crossed the border from Sa Kaew’s Aranyaprathet district to the impoverished casino town on the Cambodian side of the border, said they retrieved bodies believed to be Thai. Continued …

Forgetful husband accidently abandons wife on a road trip after taking a quick leak

For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us do part, and in an emergency toilet break situation, every marriage is tested to some degree. And, an absent-minded husband truly tested the strength of his marriage on a road trip last week.

He pulled over by the roadside to quickly take a leak before climbing back into the car and driving off – leaving his wife behind who had wandered into a nearby jungle for a pee.

Boontom Chaimoon and his wife, Amnuay Chaimoon, took a road trip on Sunday to spend the seasonal holidays in her hometown in the Maha Sarakham Province. Continued …

Deadly clashes continue between Myanmar troops and Karen rebels near Thai border

More than 1,000 resistance forces were involved in a fierce battle against Myanmar junta troops at a Karen town near the border with Thailand.

Reports said many people were killed and injured in the armed clashes that have continued for over two weeks in a battle for the control of Kawkareik, a town in Myanmar’s Karen State.

The exact number of casualties could not be independently confirmed. Continued …

The outlook for Tourism in Thailand in 2023

Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and delicious food. In 2023, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has announced a new plan to attract even more visitors to the country.

One of the main focuses of the 2023 tourism plan is sustainability. TAT has pledged to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the industry. This includes efforts to reduce plastic waste, protect natural habitats, and encourage sustainable transportation.

In addition to sustainability, TAT is also focusing on promoting diversity and inclusivity in its tourism efforts. This includes efforts to showcase the country’s diverse cultural heritage and promote equal access for all visitors, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Continued …

2022 marks revival of Thailand’s tourism after two years in the wilderness

After bolting the doors for two years following the outbreak of the pandemic, Thailand decided to fully reopen the country in 2022, removing the COVID-19 restrictions that had throttled tourism, a key engine of economic growth.

Before fully reopening, Thailand had begun a carefully planned, phased and controlled return of international tourists beginning July 1, 2021. The Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus, and 7+7 Extension programs were implemented with caution to ensure COVID cases would not soar. This was followed by a four-phase reopening time line from October 2021 to January 2022 in which destinations throughout the country were reopened to tourists.

On July 1 this year, the government removed the Thailand Pass registration requirement, allowing foreign nationals to arrive if they could show proof of vaccination or a negative antigen test taken not later than 72 hours before the flight. Continued …

No Special Measures for Chinese Visitors

The country will not need any strict disease control measure for Chinese visitors, the public health minister said.

Anutin Charnvirakul, public health minister and deputy prime minister, said officials from the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Transport discussed measures to be imposed in response to China’s planned country reopening on Jan. 8, and they agreed that existing measures would be enough.

The Chinese government required outbound Chinese travelers to undergo RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 and receive at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Most Chinese people had natural antibodies for COVID-19 also because 60% of the Chinese population already contracted the disease, Anutin said. Continued … 

Phuket eyes Bt100-billion New Year windfall

Phuket expects to earn more than 100 billion baht in revenue from tourism during the New Year period.

Bhumikitti Ruktaengam, advisory chairman of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said on Thursday the situation is rebounding quickly in the resort island during the New Year period, as hotel room reservation rates on Kata, Karon, Patong, and Nai Harn beaches are averaging 70%. Continued …

Thai Basil To Lemongrass, Ingredients That Complete Thai Food

Thai food is incredibly effective at drawing foodies under its spell of flavor. You’ll be compelled to indulge in their decadent sweets, flavorful appetizers, fragrant sauces, and rich and creamy curries again and time again.

It takes talent to master, but the secret to making any Thai cuisine is to balance the five essential flavors of sour, bitter, salty, sweet, and spicy. As a result, no Thai food is ever monotonous and always gives your taste the much-needed punch.

Almost all Thai dishes start with a paste. Although you can buy pre-made Thai pastes (such red, yellow, and green curry), they won’t have the same flavor and scent, much alone the nutrition, of a paste produced from scratch. Continued … 

The best new restaurants in Bangkok

What a year to eat out. Slowly yet stylishly reclaiming the steps we had fallen during the dark period of 2020-2021, the year 2022 saw Bangkok’s food and beverage scene gently rock up on its feet again. Here are all the new restaurants we loved this year.

New bar and restaurant openings were aplenty, new menus were flung left and right, and some of the world’s most renowned chefs visited our city, beautifully continuing to mark it as one of the greatest culinary hubs in the region.

We hosted the Asia’s 50 Best Bar Awards in Bangkok for the first time at the beginning of the year, as well as the Top 50 Pizza Asia Pacific ceremony. On the former, we saw five entries, and on the latter we were proud of five entries. Continued …

15 Best Places to Visit in Thailand

A list of must-dos holiday destinations for countless individuals, Thailand genuinely has everything: the turbulent appeal of Bangkok, the legendary tropical wildernesses, probably the best road food on the planet, and palm-lined sea shores that appear to continue for eternity.

Whatever your justification behind getting away to the place that is known for grins, Thailand will not frustrate. Assuming that you’re exploring locations and what should be done on your next tropical getaway, look at our rundown of the most ideal getaway spots in Thailand.

11. Hua Hin

While simply a calm town most popular for being the lord’s mid-year retreat, Hua Hin has turned into a well-known ocean-side hotel destination. Try not to expect wonderful turquoise waters or vivacious ocean-side life here; however, this is to a greater extent an objective for those meeting with family, or singles who need to sunbathe in harmony, away from the groups. Continued …

What new Covid restrictions are Chinese travelers facing?

Countries are imposing or considering imposing curbs on travelers from China amid a Covid-19 surge there after authorities relaxed “zero-Covid” rules.

They cite a lack of information from China on variants and are concerned about a wave of infections. China has rejected criticism of its Covid data and said it expects future mutations to be potentially more transmissible but less severe.

Below is a list of new regulations for travelers from China. Continued …

Russia pummels Ukraine’s power and water sectors

Doubling down on its efforts to use winter as a weapon, Russia launched its fiercest attack in weeks Thursday, battering Ukrainian power and water infrastructure amid freezing temperatures. Continued … 

Brazilian Soccer Legend Pelé Dead At 82

Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82. Continued … 

US winter storm death toll rises to 61

The death toll from a fierce winter storm that gripped much of the United States over Christmas rose to at least 61 on Thursday, officials said. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, real estate, solar, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Dec 29

1 Comment

  • Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin/PKK sea embankment project back on track/Which Thai provinces drink the most alcohol/Top 5 foreign nationalities buying condos in Thailand in 2022/Grab predicts 2023 consumer trends/6 still missing from HTMS Sukhothai after grim discoveries in Chumphon/Reopening propels fuel consumption/Rapidly spreading yellow-band disease killing Thailand’s coral reefs/Bridgestone Installs Solar Rooftop Panels At Its Thailand Plant/Thai police arrest gang of Chinese visa over-stayers in Bangkok/5 beauty fanatics share skin-care tips and thoughts on CBD oil/
  • Tourism: Thailand anticipates windfall from China’s easing of travel restrictions/Tourism Authority shifts goal to 25 million tourists in 2023 after China reopens borders/Pattaya packing 3-day firework show into single countdown explosion/Air rage incident on Thai Smile Airways flight from Bangkok to Kolkata/
  • Thailand Experience: Eight ‘must-see’ flower gardens in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district/Unique coffee brew is drawing tourists to a mountain top in Tak province/
  • Covid: Call for tourist booster shots as Chinese return/US, others will require COVID-19 testing for travelers from China/
  • International: At least 10 feared dead in Thai-owned, Cambodia casino inferno/Record 6,036 American kids killed or injured by gunfire in 2022/Travel misery grinds on as US digs out from superstorm/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin

Continued …

PKK sea embankment project back on track

Conservationists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Prachuap Khiri Khan have withdrawn their protests against the construction of a controversial sea embankment at Mae Ram Phueng beach in Bang Saphan district.

The decision means authorities can now resume the project’s construction after a year-long hiatus, which was prompted by the protests.

Those who had been opposed to the embankment’s construction said they would allow the authorities to continue work but required the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT) to adapt the design to support biodiversity on the beach. Continued …

Which Thai provinces drink the most alcohol

Earlier this week, a doctor gave a lecture about provincial alcohol consumption in Thailand at a conference held by the Center of Addiction Studies in Bangkok.

Dr. Athip Tan-Aree, MD, from Srithanya Hospital in Nonthaburi province, revealed the results of a nationwide survey that asked 84,000 Thai respondents questions about their alcohol drinking habits.

The survey found that 28% of respondents over 15 years old or more drank alcohol in the past 12 months. Results showed that 9% of 15-to-19-year-olds drank alcohol, despite the law forbidding the sale of alcohol to anyone under 20 years old. Continued … 

Top 5 foreign nationalities buying condos in Thailand in 2022

Chinese nationals bought the most condos out of any foreign nationality in Thailand this year despite the difficulties posed by Beijing’s strict Covid-19 restrictions, which are finally easing up after three years.

In Thailand, foreigners are permitted to own 49% of the units in any condominium building. The remaining 51% must have Thai ownership.

Although fewer Chinese bought condos in Thailand this year than in previous years, Chinese owners are still dominating the foreign condo market, accounting for almost half of all condos bought by foreigners in the first 9 months of 2022. Continued … 

Grab predicts 2023 consumer trends

Super-app Grab has underscored healthy menus, afternoon snacks and delivery subscriptions as consumer trends that merchants should pay attention to next year.

The trends are shown in a survey of users of food delivery GrabFood and grocery delivery GrabMart, as part of the “Food & Grocery Trends 2022” report.

The report gauged the opinions of more than 30,000 users in six ASEAN countries, including Thailand. Continued …

6 still missing from HTMS Sukhothai after grim discoveries in Chumphon

The bodies of two more crewmen from the ill-fated HTMS Sukhothai were retrieved on Wednesday morning, leaving six still missing, the Royal Thai Navy said.

Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, commander of the First Naval Area, said a Chumphon fishing patrol boat was alerted at 8.30am that a body had washed onto a beach on the holiday island of Koh Samet, 3 kilometers from the mainland.

Pichai said the patrol boat alerted the Rak Sal Dhama Paknam Chumphon Rescue Foundation to retrieve the body. Continued …

Reopening propels fuel consumption

The full reopening of the country from July drove fuel consumption, which grew by 14% year-on-year over the first 11 months of 2022, says the Department of Energy Business.

From January to November, consumption of fuels, covering diesel, gasoline and gasohol, jet fuel, fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), kerosene and compressed natural gas, stood at 150 million liters per day (MLD).

Jet fuel consumption saw the highest growth of 90% to 8.7 MLD, up from 4.7 MLD in the same period last year, said department chief Nanthika Thangsupanich. Continued …

Rapidly spreading yellow-band disease killing Thailand’s coral reefs

Underneath the calm turquoise waters off eastern Thailand, a rapidly spreading disease is killing corals over vast stretches of the sea floor, and scientists fear it may be getting worse because of climate change.

Yellow-band disease – named for the color it turns corals before destroying them – was first spotted decades ago and has caused widespread damage to reef in the Caribbean. There is no known cure.

But it was detected for the first-time off Thailand’s eastern coast just last year, near the popular tourist city of Pattaya, and has already spread over roughly 600 acres (240 hectares) of the sea. Continued … 

Bridgestone Installs Solar Rooftop Panels At Its Thailand Plant

Thai Bridgestone Co. has installed solar rooftop panels to directly power the tire production process in its Nong Khae plant, in Saraburi province.

The largest solar rooftop panel among the Bridgestone Group with a total capacity of 9.95 MWp, is expected to generate a 97,500 tons reduction in total CO2 emissions over the next 15 years.

The solar rooftop panels installation will inspire carbon neutrality across the business and is an inspirational step in it reaching Bridgestone’s vision as a sustainable solutions company by 2050 and reinforces the importance of a tire production base in Thailand, the company said. Continued …

Thai police arrest gang of Chinese visa over-stayers in Bangkok

Thailand’s Immigration Police arrested a gang of Chinese visa over-stayers in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok yesterday.

On Monday, North Bangkok District Court issued a search warrant for a property in Soi Sermsuk to investigate a group of “suspicious aliens.”

Officers from the Immigration Bureau searched the property yesterday and found that seven Chinese nationals were staying there. All seven had visas, but five were out of date. Police didn’t say how long the five had overstayed in the kingdom. Continued … 

5 beauty fanatics share skin-care tips and thoughts on CBD oil

From snails to seaweed, anti-aging and skin care trends aren’t new in Thailand. And with cannabis being the hot topic in 2022, can high-quality hemp and CBD oil be the next biggest thing?

CBD experts from Bloom asked five different beauty fanatics their opinions about adding CBD oil to their routines. Who knows, you might be inspired to add CBD Oil to your own skin care routine. Continued …

Thailand anticipates windfall from China’s easing of travel restrictions

Thailand is expected to benefit from China’s recent easing of travel restrictions, and Thai tourism and tourism-related businesses are preparing to cope with a surge in Chinese tourists after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has predicted that the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand next year is expected to double, from this year’s 11 million, excluding Chinese tourists who are expected to visit Thailand in droves after the relaxation of travel restrictions imposed upon them by the Chinese government under its “zero infection” policy.

An executive of a hotel in the Vibhavadi Rangsit area of Bangkok said that many hotels are revising their plans to cope with the return of Chinese tourists. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Tourism Authority shifts goal to 25 million tourists in 2023 after China reopens borders

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised its target for international tourists in 2023, aiming to attract 25 million instead of the previously planned 20 million, after China announced an end to Covid-induced border closures.

The Chinese government also canceled all quarantine measures and restrictions on flights that will go into effect on Jan. 8.

As for the TAT, Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said he would propose to the government to extend the period of stay for three groups of foreign travelers arriving in Thailand until Dec. 31, 2023, to attract foreign visitors, especially Chinese, to stay and spend more in Thailand. Continued …

Pattaya packing 3-day firework show into single countdown explosion

Pattaya has relit the fuse for New Year’s Eve celebrations by announcing the city’s countdown fireworks display will be held after all on Dec. 31.

On Wednesday, the resort city reversed its earlier decision to call off the New Year fireworks display – one of the country’s largest – amid nationwide prayers for the recovery of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.

Firework displays were originally scheduled for Dec. 29-31, along with countdown concerts and fairs throughout the three days at Bali Hai Pier in Bang Lamung district. Continued …

Air rage incident on Thai Smile Airways flight from Bangkok to Kolkata

Footage of an air rage incident emerged yesterday of two Indian passengers swapping punches on a flight from Bangkok to Kolkata in India.

A passenger recorded footage of the fracas and uploaded it to social media where it quickly went viral. It captures two men swapping insults, then punches after boarding a Thai Smile Airways flight that was set to take off from Bangkok and arrive in Kolkata on Tuesday afternoon.

Co-passengers and cabin crew can be heard yelling at the men to stop fighting. Continued … 

Eight ‘must-see’ flower gardens in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district

For those seeking to enjoy and pose for photos in beautiful fields with a rich range of flowers in bright shades of colors during the New Year holidays, a trip to Mae Rim district in the northern province of Chiang Mai is a must.

There are eight flower gardens in Mae Rim that people could consider visiting to enjoy the natural splendor and take colorful photos. Continued …

Unique coffee brew is drawing tourists to a mountain top in Tak province

The Tak provincial office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand is encouraging more tourists to visit Doi Muser mountaintop to sample the unique Arabica coffee grown there.

The coffee beans harvested on the mountain have a unique taste and aroma, and they have transformed the area into a tourism destination, said Thamolwan Charoenwongpisit, director of the tourism agency’s office in the province.

The coffee beans are in the process of being registered as a geographical indication product of Doi Muse, Thamolwan added. Continued …

Call for tourist booster shots as Chinese return

The Tourism and Sports Ministry hopes to offer Covid-19 booster shots to tourists and Thai tourism workers in preparation for the return of Chinese travelers.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said this would be a worthwhile investment, as vaccine prices are now lower, at around a few hundred baht per shot.

Phiphat said if the average tourist spent 40,000 baht, with 7% value-added tax collected from that expenditure, the value would exceed the vaccine prices. Continued …

US, others will require COVID-19 testing for travelers from China

The U.S. announced new COVID-19 testing requirements Wednesday for all travelers from China, joining other nations imposing restrictions because of a surge of infections.

The increase in cases across China follows the rollback of the nation’s strict anti-virus controls. China’s “zero COVID” policies had kept China’s infection rate low but fueled public frustration and crushed economic growth.

Beginning Jan. 5, all travelers to the U.S. from China will be required to take a COVID-19 test no more than two days before travel and provide a negative test before boarding their flight. The testing applies to anyone 2 years and older. Continued …

At least 10 feared dead in Thai-owned Cambodia casino inferno

Firefighters struggled to control a huge blaze that broke out at the Grand Diamond City Hotel and Casino in Poipet on the Thai-Cambodian border at 11pm on Wednesday. Unconfirmed reports say 10 people have died at the scene so far after victims were seen jumping from the fifth floor of the blazing building. Continued … 

Record 6,036 American kids killed or injured by gunfire in 2022

With just a few days left until the new year, 2022 has already set a grim record: so far, at least 6,036 children across the United States have been killed or injured by gunfire, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Continued …

Travel misery grinds on as US digs out from superstorm

Thousands more flights were canceled across the United States on Wednesday, with no end in sight to days of travel misery as the country digs out from a deadly superstorm. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-Dec 28

  • Interior Ministry issues urgent order for New Year celebrations/Price hikes to affect over 7,000 food, drink products/Thailand readies for turbulent economic ride/Environment was uppermost in the minds of many in 2022/Thai navy intensifies hunt for 8 missing HTMS Sukhothai crew/DDC allays brain-eating amoeba fears/The 5 S’s of Wine Tasting/Thailand’s Plastic Waste Conundrum/Manufacturing falls in November amid global economic slowdown/Thai exports exceed 2022 target despite end-of-year slump/Export sector outlook looks bleak as global economy heads into tailspin /Seven key trends expected to influence financial services in 2023/National Parks chief charged with massive corruption/Meet the food waste fighters/Indian man arrested in Patong for 1,322 days of overstay/Pakistani Man Arrested in Patong for 3,270 Days of Overstay/
  • Tourism: Thai tourism industry waits expectantly as China scraps travel restrictions/Chinese tourism influx raises fears/No immediate surge of Chinese tourists expected after re-opening/Bangkok airport girds for New Year travelers/Phuket’s Russian Revolution/New Zealand Tourist Dies In Fall From Kanchanaburi Train/
  • Thailand Experience: Chiang Mai is the trendy new travel spot: 7 things you must do when you go/Eastern Thailand: Why Travel to this Underrated Region/
  • Covid: Current vaccines ‘will do’ for coming year: ministry/
  • International: Massive flight cancellations leave thousands of suitcases stranded at US airports/Putin bans Russian oil exports to countries that impose price cap/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Interior Ministry issues urgent order for New Year celebrations

The Interior Ministry has issued five rules for New Year celebrations in an urgent order sent to all provincial governors.

Issued on Monday, the ministry order explains that government agencies and the private sector can still organize celebrations, but organizers must strictly stick to the following five rules:

  1. Entertainment venues must close at specified hours and keep underage people, weapons, drugs and other illegal items out of their premises. Continued … 

Price hikes to affect over 7,000 food, drink products

The price of many food and beverage products will rise early next year by an average of 18% between January and Apri, according to a survey of 105 major companies compiled by credit research firm Teikoku Databank, as of today.

Price hikes will affect 7,152 items, more than 1.5 times the number from the same period this year, with some products such as frozen and wheat-based foods seeing a further increase.

Original figures compiled as of the end of November showed that 4,425 items would be affected by price hikes. However, the last 20 days have seen the number of products rise by 1.6 times. Manufacturers are believed to have pushed forward with further price increases in the face of higher costs in areas such as materials, transportation and labor. Continued …

Thailand readies for turbulent economic ride

As global interest rates continued to rise in 2022 to tame persistently high inflation, the Bank of Thailand and its governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput are being scrutinized as the business sector watches the direction of Thai interest rates.

Aggressive monetary policy this year to curb inflation was led by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The Fed began to increase its policy benchmark rate from March and deployed a hawkish monetary policy throughout the year.

Despite the tight monetary policy of the Fed, the Bank of Thailand has maintained its normalization of policy rates on a gradual basis, in accordance with the slow recovery of the Thai economy compared with other countries. Continued …

Environment was uppermost in the minds of many in 2022

From floods and extreme weather, to climate change and the adoption of the bio-circular-green economy, the environment was uppermost in the minds of many in 2022.

For Thais, especially those who reside in low-lying areas and flood plains, 2022 was another year of floods and extreme weather.

Throughout the year, Thailand experienced a series of unseasonal weather events and unusually intense rainfall, which led to major floods in many parts of the country. Continued … 

Thai navy intensifies hunt for 8 missing HTMS Sukhothai crew

The Royal Thai Navy announced that eight sailors of the doomed HTMS Sukhothai are still missing after two bodies were retrieved on Tuesday morning.

The navy said that 76 of the 105 crew members of the warship were rescued, 21 were confirmed dead and eight still missing.

Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, commander of the First Naval Area, said the navy’s drone had spotted a body near Koh Sak close to the coast of Chumphon’s Muang district at 8.36am. Continued …

DDC allays brain-eating amoeba fears

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said a brain disease caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as “brain-eating amoeba”, is not contagious between people.

The announcement came after The Korea Herald reported on Monday that a Korean national in his 50s died last Wednesday of the brain disease after returning from a four-month stay in Thailand.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), his genetic tests for three types of pathogens causing Naegleria fowleri were 99.6% similar to those found in a meningitis patient reported abroad. Continued …

The 5 S’s of Wine Tasting

Thailand’s rapidly emerging wine culture is now centering on Hua Hin, with a growing number of sophisticated wine bars offering a huge range of wines from important wine growing regions across the world, but importantly an internationally awarded vineyard at the city’s doorsteps.

The Monsoon Valley Vineyard now also features a wine sampling cellar and on the 2022 Harvest Festival (Feb. 18-23), offers the ideal opportunity to discover what’s so special about Thailand’s best wines.

You may believe that a wine-tasting procedure is unnecessarily tedious; after all, why not just drink and enjoy it? In truth, there’s something mystical about wine tasting when you learn to use all of your senses, so let’s explore the 5 S’s in wine tasting. Continued …

Thailand’s Plastic Waste Conundrum

Despite the Thai government’s ban on four more types of single-use plastics in 2022, up to 250,000 tons of imported plastic waste from other nations continues to flow into the country annually through the international plastic waste trade.

Thailand is trying to stay the course with further efforts to mitigate plastic pollution, but there are still challenges in waste sorting and collection on the ground.

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In 2019, the Thai Cabinet also approved the “Road Map on Plastic Waste Management” for the period 2020 to 2030 as the policy framework for related agencies to work on in pursuit of the targets. This includes a ban on seven types of single-use plastics and to completely recycle domestic plastic waste within the designated time frames in the road map. Continued …

Manufacturing falls in November amid global economic slowdown

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) fell in November by 5.6% year-on-year to 95.11 points, the lowest in 15 months, as oil refineries were shut down for maintenance while a global economic slowdown began to affect exporters, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

Officials expect the MPI for the whole year to grow by 1%, down from an earlier prediction of 1.9%.

“A global economic slowdown could lead to a recession, which will affect the Thai export sector,” said Warawan Chitaroon, acting director-general of the OIE. Continued …

Thai exports exceed 2022 target despite end-of-year slump

Exports rose 7.6% in the first 11 months of 2022 to US$265.34 billion, or 9.16 trillion baht, exceeding the target of 9 trillion baht for the whole year, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Tuesday.

Cross-border trade in the same period was worth 944 billion baht, down 0.51% from the previous year.

However, exports in November were down 6% on last year to $22.3 billion, while imports rose 5.6% to $23.65 billion. December’s export figures are also expected to drop from last year amid the ongoing global economic slowdown. Continued …

Export sector outlook looks bleak as global economy heads into tailspin

Thailand’s exports contracted by 6% in November due to a decline in external demand, but rising economic activities from tourism recovery allowed manufacturing outputs to expand 1.41% last month, government agencies said.

Export value contracted by 6% to US$ 22.31 billion in November due to the slowdown of the global economy, the Ministry of Commerce said.

This was the second consecutive month of decline in exports after a 4.4% dip seen during October. Continued …

Seven key trends expected to influence financial services in 2023

Cloud, real-time payments, and embedded finance are among seven key financial trends predicted for 2023, Mambu, a cloud banking platform, has revealed.

The prediction by the world’s leading financial services firms is included in Mambu’s annual “Partner Predictions” report, which highlights the top financial trends expected to influence the industry in 2023, as businesses try to survive and thrive in a volatile macroeconomic environment.

The report features insightful commentary from industry leaders from the fintech and financial services sectors, including executives from AWS, Backbase, Deloitte, Google Cloud, and others. Continued … 

National Parks chief charged with massive corruption

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has launched an internal investigation of National Parks chief Rutchada Suriyakul na Ayutthaya after he was arrested and charged with malfeasance and bribery on Tuesday.

Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) police detained Rutchada during a bribery sting operation at his Chatuchak office in Bangkok on Tuesday morning.

After the shock arrest, ministry Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat issued an order to form a panel for a seven-day investigation. Continued …

Meet the food waste fighters

Thailand ranked 9th on the 2021 Global Climate Risk Index of countries most affected by “extreme weather events” between 2010 and 2019.

One of the factors contributing to climate change is food waste. When organic material decomposes in landfills, it emits the greenhouse gas methane, which is far more potent than CO2. Hence, the quickest way to save the planet is to reduce the amount of food waste.

“Food waste actually starts from the harvesting of the raw material up to consumption, to the food on the plate. All the way up from the harvest to consumption we consider the waste so, all in all, globally we have about 30% of the food produced and processed being wasted. This is remarkable and is a lot. Continued …

Indian man arrested in Patong for 1,322 days of overstay

A 44-year-old Indian man was arrested in Patong for 1,322 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions. The Phuket Immigration Office said they have arrested Anil Dutt, an Indian national, on Phra Baramee Road in Patong. Continued …

Pakistani Man Arrested in Patong for 3,270 Days of Overstay

A 35-year-old Pakistani man was arrested in Patong for 3,270 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions the Phuket Immigration Office reported Monday. They arrested Anjum Raza, a Pakistani national, on Phra Baramee Road in Patong. Continued … 

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Thai tourism industry waits expectantly as China scraps travel restrictions

Thailand’s tourism industry can expect a boost from China’s move to scrap measures on overseas travel of its citizens from Jan. 8, the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai said on Tuesday.

China’s National Health Commission announced the move on Monday after nearly three years of strict pandemic border restrictions effectively prevented tourists from leaving the country.

Visitors from China were Thailand’s largest tourism market before the pandemic struck in 2020. Continued …

Chinese tourism influx raises fears

An overload of tourists and an overwhelmed Thai healthcare system are issues to monitor next year after China fully reopens, with up to 500,000 tourists projected to start traveling during Chinese New Year.

Even though the tourism sector applauded the announcement from Beijing that it is lifting most entry requirements from Jan. 8, except for a pre-arrival Covid-19 test, tourism operators were concerned about an imbalance between supply and demand.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said China’s reopening would lead TAT to revise its target for foreign arrivals from 20 million to more than 25 million in 2023. Continued …

No immediate surge of Chinese tourists expected after re-opening

China’s relaxation of Covid-19 rules for international arrivals has raised hopes that its multi-billion dollar travel business will soon flourish again but countries longing for the return of Chinese tourists will likely face more of a wait.

China’s National Health Commission announced on Monday that inbound travelers would no longer have to go into quarantine from Jan. 8. There are no official restrictions on Chinese people going abroad but the new rule will make it much easier for them to return home.

China was the world’s largest outbound tourism market before Covid shut down global travel, with its overseas visitors spending US$27.5 billion on travel in 2019. Continued … 

Bangkok airport girds for New Year travelers

The number of outbound and inbound travelers passing through Suvarnabhumi airport is expected to surge to an average of 145,000 per day during the New Year period.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, director of Suvarnabhumi airport, on Tuesday said the daily number would bring the total number of travelers coming through the airport to 1.01 million during Dec. 29–Jan. 4. Continued …

Phuket’s Russian Revolution

Phuket is busy again, for the first time since April 2020 when the government closed off the airports and passenger arrivals into Thailand, because of the Covid pandemic.

While the surge of tourists, principally from a couple of countries, is a very welcome return to business for many hotels, tour companies, restaurants and tourist-related businesses, the current arrival numbers could provide some stark warnings for the island’s sustainability as a tourism destination.

Without getting into the specific geo-politics, we should at least be completely transparent about how the current rush to repopulate Phuket with tourism customers may have some unforeseen consequences. Continued …

New Zealand Tourist Dies In Fall From Kanchanaburi Train

A tourist from New Zealand slipped and fell from the train that had slowed down for passengers to take photos at Kanchanaburi’s Krasae Cave, which was the camp of POWs in World War II.

At 12.10 p.m. Police Lt. Col. Kiattisak Kerdchok, an investigator at Sai Yok police station, was notified of a foreigner having died after falling off a train at Krasae Cave in Lum Sum subdistrict and quickly went there together with Pitakarn Kanchanaburi Foundation rescuers.

At the scene they found Patrick Ward, 45, lying on the ground after plunging seven to eight meters from the train. His body was taken to Sai Yok Hospital for an autopsy, with the New Zealand embassy also contacted. Continued …

Chiang Mai is the trendy new travel spot: 7 things you must do when you go

With its stunning array of temples, delicious food scene, hopping nightlife, gorgeous natural opportunities, and all-around laid-back atmosphere, there’s a lot to love about Chiang Mai. Beyond its abundance of awesome experiences, this moderate-size city also offers a high standard of living at a relatively low cost, along with a well-developed visitor infrastructure.

It’s no wonder that it’s become so popular with travelers over the past two years, particularly among the remote-working “digital nomad” crowd.

The best time to go is between October and April when temperatures cool off a bit (though it never really gets cold), but keep in mind that February tends to bring a few months of smoky air — sometimes uncomfortably so — as the country burns its dead crops. Continued …

Eastern Thailand: Why Travel to this Underrated Region

Eastern Thailand is a stunning region in The Land of Smiles that is often less explored than the rest of the country. It’s a shame, though, because this is one of the best regions of Thailand!

This area has everything from gorgeous, white sand beaches to lush, forested national parks!

If you are looking for ways to enhance your Thailand itinerary, check out our suggestions for having the best time in the region. Continued …

Current vaccines ‘will do’ for coming year: ministry

The second generation of Covid-19 vaccines is unlikely to be included in the Department of Medical Services’ procurement pipeline next year while current vaccines remain effective in reducing severe symptoms, says its deputy director-general.

Dr. Weerawut Iamsamran said on Tuesday that no evidence has emerged to back claims that bivalent vaccines offer better results than the monovalent platforms widely being used to prevent advanced infection and severe symptoms.

“Therefore, the current Covid-19 vaccines can still achieve the goal, especially in reducing severe symptoms of Covid-19,” he said. Continued … 

Massive flight cancellations leave thousands of suitcases stranded at US airports

After a weekend of canceled flights and travel delays, storm-weary travelers in the U.S. found themselves facing yet another challenge – tracking down their lost luggage. In airports around the country, thousands of bags have piled up, waiting for their rightful owners to claim them. Continued … 

Putin bans Russian oil exports to countries that impose price cap

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday delivered Russia’s long-awaited response to a Western price cap, signing a decree that bans the supply of crude oil and oil products from Feb. 1 for five months to nations that impose the cap. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, real estate, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Dec 27

  • Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin/Hua Hin: A magnet for retirees, second home buyers/3 trends shaping Thailand’s new condos and housing projects/2,684 companies close in November; construction sector worst hit/10 Thai stories that trended the most on social media in 2022/Navy chief expresses sorrow at funerals as search resumes for missing crew/Korat’s century-old train station to be demolished to make way for new, modern version/The rise of Chinese electric vehicles in Thailand/What Are Makrut Lime Leaves And How Do You Cook With Them?/20 more Kana Pure cannabis outlets to be opened in Thailand next year/
  • Tourism: Thailand’s tourism story in 2022/7 Airlines To Slash Airfares By Up To 20% From January/From Tokyo to Thailand, Cheap Flights to Asia Are Back/AOT expects 2 million passengers to use its 6 airports from Dec 29-Jan 4/Bangkok a global top 10 NYE party spot/Pattaya reverses course, to hold New Year’s countdown fireworks/
  • Covid: Thai tourism stocks soar as China scraps quarantine measure from Jan 8/China’s COVID-19 Surge Raises Odds Of New Mutant Coronavirus Variant/
  • International: More than 50 perish, so far, in US frigid weather/17 Dead, Nearly 100 Injured After Heavy Snows In Japan/Hong Kongers to pay HK$1 (4.5 baht) per plastic bag at supermarkets/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, as we prepare to say goodbye to 2022.

Despite being a highlight of the social calendar, the previous two years were disrupted by the pandemic, which put a stop to the usual festivities.

However, this year’s festivities promise to be bigger than ever, and if you haven’t yet decided on where you’ll be celebrating, you might want to take a look at this list of parties, events and celebrations taking place across Hua Hin and the surrounding area. Continued … 

Hua Hin: A magnet for retirees, second home buyers

The once quiet little sleepy fishing village favored by the Thai Royal family over this last century is not so quiet and sleepy now. Over the years, many Thais have been buying property in Hua Hin, using it as a weekend getaway or placing it on the rental market.

Additionally, in the last 30 years or so, retirees looking for an easy-going and affordable lifestyle in a more authentic Thai setting started investing and making a home here, some just for the winter months, others for permanent retirement. This resulted in an increase in villas, housing developments and condos, as well as infrastructure and amenities to make living in Hua Hin more comfortable for Thais and foreigners.

The last couple of years have seen further change, primarily brought about by the pandemic and other environmental changes. The mix of buyers in the Hua Hin residential market, particularly condos, has changed significantly, with many buyers coming from Bangkok – including moneyed Thais and expats. Continued …

3 trends shaping Thailand’s new condos and housing projects

New real estate projects must address people’s rising concern over energy prices, the environment, and health issues, a leading property advisory firm cautioned on Monday.

Lumpini Wisdom and Solution Co., the research arm of SET-listed property developer LPN, said developers need to incorporate energy-saving, eco and health standards in their new housing and condo projects if they want to attract the new generation of buyers.

Praphansak Rakchaiwan, CEO of Lumpini Wisdom, said prospective buyers are increasingly focused on these three standards amid the pandemic and energy price crisis. Continued …

2,684 companies close in November; construction sector worst hit

The construction sector suffered the highest casualties among 2,684 companies that went out of business in Thailand in November, according to the Department of Business Development.

The shuttered companies had total registered capital of 9.417 billion baht.

Construction firms accounted for 236 closures or 9% of the total. Second-worst hit was real estate with 108 closures (4%), followed by restaurants with 64 (2%). Continued … 

10 Thai stories that trended the most on social media in 2022

The death of TV actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong topped trending topics during 2022, according to a study by analytics company Wisesight published on Monday.

The company used its Zocial Eye tools to collect data from social media users in Thailand between Jan. 1 and Dec. 20.

The top 10 trending topics were: Continued …

Navy chief expresses sorrow at funerals as search resumes for missing crew

Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, expressed sorrow at not being able to save the lives of HTMS Sukhothai crewmen as he presided over funeral rites on Monday.

Choengchai was speaking at rites for four victims of the ship’s sinking held at Sattahip Navy Crematorium in Chonburi.

The four were identified as Petty Officer Third Class Sarawut Nadi, Seaman Suthipong Hongthong, Seaman Jirawat Thuphom and Seaman Worapong Boonlakhon. Continued …

Korat’s century-old train station to be demolished to make way for new version

Nakhon Ratchasima’s 122-year-old train station will be torn down next year to make way for one that supports the dual-track system of Thailand’s new high-speed railway network.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced on Monday that the demolition will kick off in February before a more modern one is built. The new station will be fully compatible with the dual-track, high-speed railway system that is currently in Phase 1 of construction.

The 179-billion-baht Phase 1 covers the 253-kilometer distance between Bangkok and Korat, as the northeast province is also known. Continued … 

The rise of Chinese electric vehicles in Thailand

While sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have been good this year, manufacturers – most notably Chinese automakers – have also marked a new chapter for Thailand’s auto industry through significant investment projects.

Great Wall Motor (GWM), MG, BYD and Neta are all building their brands in Thailand, together with plans to secure market share, develop production facilities and use the country as their export base, according to Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman and spokesman for the Federation of Thai Industries’ Automotive Industry Club.

The Neta brand has the ability to make its competitors stand in awe in terms of the business direction of its manufacturer, Hozon New Energy Automobile, said Surapong. Continued … 

What Are Makrut Lime Leaves And How Do You Cook With Them?

Pad thai and papaya salad are infamous examples of Thai food, yet they’re only a tiny snippet of a complex, varied cuisine. From the spicy, bold curries of southern Thailand to the herbal, vegetable-driven dishes of the north (via Culture Trip), it’s hard to encapsulate Thai food into a single entity.

However, some pantry staples unite all the styles — fish sauce, coriander seeds, garlic, ginger, and aromatics like lemongrass and makrut lime leavess. Especially the latter — the deep green makrut lime leaves contribute an unmistakably citrusy, earthy flavor. Balancing other components with a strong zest, their brightness is an essential component of Thai cuisine.

Also making frequent appearances in Laotian, Vietnamese, and Indonesian food, it’s safe to say the food punches far above its weight. So let’s dive into this herbal ingredient and how to cook with it — its flavor is unlike anything else. Continued …

20 more Kana Pure cannabis outlets to be opened in Thailand next year

Bespoke, a subsidiary of Boutique Corp., is opening 20 more fully licensed Kana Pure cannabis outlets in Thailand next year.

Prab Thakral, president and Group CEO of Boutique, stated at the opening of the third outlet on Monday that the plan was developed after positive feedback from the two licensed cannabis outlets, giving the company confidence to expand nationwide.

However, the exact location has yet to be determined, but it is likely to be on Boutique’s own property, the parent company of Kana Pure. Continued …

Thailand’s tourism story in 2022

Thai tourism in the first half of the year was like riding a roller coaster, as the “Test & Go” program – the country’s reopening initiative – was suspended in January in the wake of the Omicron variant, which spread rapidly since the end of last year.

The tourism industry was able to take a deep breath again once the scheme was allowed to resume in February. However, since the high season was set to come to an end and many of the requirements of the program remained in place, the response was not as impressive as anticipated, with only 152,954 visitors recorded during that month.

The Test & Go program initially required travelers to register in the Thailand Pass system and pre-book a room for Covid-19 testing upon arrival. Each visitor was required to have insurance coverage of US$50,000 and a vaccination record. Continued …

7 Airlines To Slash Airfares By Up To 20% From January

The Thai Airline Assn. said yesterday that seven airlines are going to cut airfares by up to 20% from January after the government reduced the excise tax on jet fuel to only 20 satang per liter to stimulate tourism.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of the association, said excise tax on jet fuel was cut to 20 satang per liter from 4.726 baht for six months starting January.

All seven airlines will be jointly organizing a special promotion with all air fares to be gradually reduced by up to 20% depending on how each airline arranges it. Continued … 

From Tokyo to Thailand, Cheap Flights to Asia Are Back

After two-plus years off limits, trips to Japan are suddenly a reality again. Same goes for Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, and almost everywhere in between.

It took a bit longer than the rest of the world, but nearly all of Asia has reopened to travelers … and the timing couldn’t be better. Whether you want to score a flight for under $700 round-trip (or much less) or score a lie-flat business class seat using your points, cheap flights to Asia for a trip in 2023 are back on the menu, too!

From Phuket to Tokyo, our Thrifty Traveler Premium team keeps finding tons of great fares to visit some of the best destinations on the continent. Continued …

AOT expects 2 million passengers to use its 6 airports from Dec 29-Jan 4

Thailand’s key economic stimulus is likely to see a boost during this holiday season as the Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) says that the number of tourists could see a rise of nearly 170% year-on-year as Thailand’s tourism sector has seen a resurgence.

AOT said during this New Year break it expects to see as many as 2 million passengers using its services at its six airports, which would be a 170% rise year-on-year, as Thailand only started to open its borders to foreign tourists on July 1, 2022.

The 2 million passengers (domestic and international), AOT said, would be a 171.3% increase from the same last year, and AOT will see 12,190 flights, or an increase of 87%, as people start to travel more amid lesser fear of Covid-19. Continued …

Bangkok a global top 10 NYE party spot

Bangkok has been named among the top 10 destinations in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year, as it booms back to life after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a CNN report.

The report said Bangkok often tops roundups of Asia’s best nightlife cities. So, of course, it’s a natural place to ring in the New Year if people like crowds, bright lights, noise and revelry. Continued … 

Pattaya reverses course, to hold New Year’s countdown fireworks

It seems that Pattaya authorities have changed their mind and will go ahead with the firework display at the New Year countdown celebration on Dec. 31.

According to the Pattaya mayor, the New Year celebration will include national-level fireworks displays but only on Dec. 31 in Pattaya and Koh Larn. The fireworks will be prohibited only from Dec. 29-30 as per the previous announcement.

Apart from this, the authorities said the countdown event in Pattaya will feature concerts and other activities such as shopping and eating, as usual. Continued …

Thai tourism stocks soar as China scraps quarantine measure from Jan 8

China will scrap quarantine measures for overseas arrivals starting Jan. 8, in what is seen as a game changer for Thailand’s tourism industry.

Chinese health authorities announced the move on Monday after nearly three years of strict pandemic border restrictions effectively prevented tourists from leaving the country. China was Thai tourism’s largest overseas market before the pandemic struck in 2020.

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) added that travelers would only need a PCR test taken 48 hours pre-flight to enter China. Continued …

China’s COVID-19 Surge Raises Odds Of New Mutant Coronavirus Variant

Could the COVID-19 surge in China unleash a new coronavirus mutant on the world?

Scientists don’t know but worry that might happen. It could be similar to omicron variants circulating there now. It could be a combination of strains. Or something entirely different, they say.

“China has a population that is very large and there’s limited immunity. And that seems to be the setting in which we may see an explosion of a new variant,” said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University. Continued …

More than 50 perish, so far, in US frigid weather

Buffalo residents hovered around space heaters, hunted for cars buried in snow drifts and looked for more victims Monday, after 28 people died in one of the worst weather-related disasters ever to hit western New York. Continued … 

17 Dead, Nearly 100 Injured After Heavy Snows In Japan

Heavy snow in large swaths of Japan has killed 17 and injured more than 90 people, and left hundreds of homes without power, disaster management officials said Monday. Continued … 

Hong Kongers to pay HK$1 (4.5 baht) per plastic bag at supermarkets

Hongkongers will pay HK$1 (4.5 baht) for each plastic bag they take at supermarkets and wet markets from next week. The charge is aimed at cutting down waste, and it is doubling in its first increase in 13 years. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-Dec 26

  • Hua Hin’s Banyan earns real estate award/Swedish group to play free concert at Black Mountain Jan 14/Foreign Tourist Finds Missing Sailor’s Backpack Off Koh Tao Beach/Royal Thai Navy confirms bodies of 3 more crew members recovered/Seawalls: A boon or bane for Thailand’s beautiful beaches?/The fitness and wellness trends to keep everyone fit in 2023/Why This Housing Downturn Isn’t Like the Last One/One of Thailand’s buzzwords of 2022 has been “‘BCG’/Foreign Investment Soars 74% During First 11 Months of 2022/Businesses upbeat about early 2023/Police to stop revealing nationality information of foreigners arrested/Foodies left fuming after world’s best cuisines ranked, Thailand 30th/Man Rescued off Phuket Claims to Have Been Floating in the Sea for 13 Days/Green Thoughts: Consider the Casuarina/
  • Tourism: New Year activities not canceled nationwide, but canceled hotel bookings rise/Queue-fixers help tourists stomach long lines at Bangkok’s Michelin-rated eateries/3 spas offering cannabis-infused treatments in Thailand to soothe your aching body/Trat, trade and tourism/Floating solar farm — green tourist attraction in Thailand/Another tourist falls from Thai waterfall/Awards Presented to 10 Model Tourism Communities/
  • Covid: 2022 was a battle to stay healthy/Thais in China face uphill battle to survive as Covid-19 rages/RT-PCR To Be Mandatory For Passengers to India From Thailand/Chinese city seeing half a million Covid cases a day/
  • International: Top UN, NGO officials to meet over Taliban ban on women staff/Putin says West aiming to ‘tear apart’ Russia/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Hua Hin’s Banyan earns real estate award

Banyan Residences Villas Hua Hin has been named as the “Best Housing Development – Hua Hin” at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards at a ceremony at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.

The award is based upon the contemporary design of the villas, their livebility and encompassing facilities, including the 18-hole Banyan Golf Club and onsite Be Well Medical Center.

Swedish group to play free concert at Black Mountain Jan 14

Popular Swedish band Duo Jag will perform in a free concert at Black Mountain Golf Club on Saturday. Jan. 14.

The group will perform favorite hit songs from all genres of music from recent years.

Foreign Tourist Finds Missing Sailor’s Backpack Off Koh Tao Beach

A tourist from Norway found the backpack of one of the sailors missing after the HTMS 442 Sukhothai sank in the Gulf of Thailand last Sunday off Koh Tao beach.

The unidentified tourist handed over the backpack to Police Lt. Thanawat Sukkhata, deputy head for investigation at Koh Tao police station, and Koh Phangan Deputy District Chief Noppruek Chamnanrit.

Found within the backpack were Private Thaweesak Sae Siew’s ID card, Navy ID card number 21/64, plus Queen Sirikit Hospital and ATM cards. Also found were 46 baht in cash, a bronze-gold iPhone, clothes and toiletries. Continued …

Royal Thai Navy confirms bodies of 3 more crew members recovered

The Thai Navy has found the bodies of three more crew members who drowned when the HTMS Sukhothai sank in bad weather on Dec. 18. The bodies were recovered from near the wreckage of the ship yesterday afternoon.

The number of crewmen still missing is now 11, according to Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, who confirmed the bodies found yesterday are definitely from the ship, as they were wearing their sailors’ uniform.

The first body was spotted by the crew of the HTMS Naresuan and a fisherman found the second near Koh Phai, in the district of Pathiew, in Chumphon. HTMS Sukhothai sank off the coast of Bang Saphan district, in the western town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued … 

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

A seawall in Hua Hin, with distractions

Seawalls: A boon or bane for Thailand’s beautiful beaches?

Seawalls have sprouted at many of Thailand’s beautiful beaches, much to the dismay of locals and tourists alike. That feeling is shared by many experts, who say these coastal defenses are nothing short of a death sentence for sandy shores and their shoreline habitat.

“Academics across the world believe that seawalls spell the death of a beach. No matter where they are built, the beach will eventually be wiped away,” said Apisak Tassanee, founder and coordinator of the environmental activist group Beach for Life.

People are voicing concern about the construction of seawalls in several seaside provinces in Thailand, complaining that the structures do more harm than good. Continued …

The fitness and wellness trends to keep everyone fit in 2023

Despite significantly lower caseloads and high rates of vaccination, Covid-19 will continue to shape how we exercise and live our lives, pushing us to increase our focus on self-care and inspire a healthier lifestyle in order to make positive changes for the benefits of our health. And when it comes to working out, 2023 will bring a more personal and functional approach, says one health and fitness expert.

Chonlachai Arnamnart, deputy dean for Corporate Image and Communication at Mahidol University’s College of Sports Science and Technology, shared his predictions for the fitness and wellness trends that will take the center stage in the coming year to help us stay in shape and physically fit. He also offered some training tips to avoid injuries.

Even though gyms and fitness centers are now permitted to be fully operational now that the coronavirus crisis has started to subside, albeit with several safety measures in place, some fitness enthusiasts have been reluctant to return because the gym can be a hotspot in the spread of Covid-19. Continued …

Why This Housing Downturn Isn’t Like the Last One

The pandemic housing boom is over. The bust will look nothing like the last one.

Before the financial crisis of 2008, lenders barely bothered to verify mortgage applicants’ income. Today, they demand reams of evidence that borrowers can afford their loans.

Banks once held big pools of shoddy mortgages with little consequence. Now, such exotic debt securities hardly exist, and banks would find them too costly to hold anyway. Continued …

One of Thailand’s buzzwords of 2022 has been ‘BCG’

BCG has become one of the guiding principles of Thailand’s national development, with roots leading back to the Thailand 4.0 policy conceptualized by the governments of Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Continued …

Foreign Investment Soars 74% During First 11 Months of 2022

Foreign investment surged by 74% for the first 11 months of this year, reflecting confidence among international investors in the Thai economy.

According to acting government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha received an overview report on foreign direct investment in Thailand over the first 11 months of 2022. The report stated that foreign investments totaled 112,466 million baht, a 74% increase over the same period in 2021, with over 5,000 new jobs generated as a result.

From January to November 2022, the Ministry of Commerce approved 530 requests by foreign investors to conduct business under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542, with Japan, Singapore and the United States topping foreign investor nations, respectively. Businesses that have been approved by the Ministry of Commerce are largely related to the Government’s policies on national infrastructure development, public sector investment promotion and s-curve industries. Continued …

Businesses upbeat about early 2023

Festive sentiment during the last week before New Year celebrations is considered the best opportunity for the business sector to increase sales, as economic uncertainties may cast a shadow on consumer confidence in 2023.

With normal shopping sentiment returning as pandemic curbs were eliminated, plus a string of stimulus measures announced last week, business operators anticipate brighter prospects to continue until early 2023.

However, some operators say the government should put more effort into promoting key sectors like tourism amid the recovery. Continued … 

Police to stop revealing nationality information of foreigners arrested

According to Royal Thai Police spokesman Gen. Roi Ingkhapairoj, Thai police are being ordered to no longer give nationality information of foreigners arrested for alleged crimes in Thailand to the media.

The order was issued Dec. 24th to all provincial police bureaus in Thailand.

According to Roi, the order is after “requests” made by unidentified countries’ ambassadors who felt reports of their citizens allegedly committing crimes hurt what they called the positive image of their respective countries. Continued … 

Foodies left fuming after world’s best cuisines ranked, Thailand 30th

USA – land of hope, glory… and a better cuisine than France?

If you’re also baffled at that statement, then join the tons of social media users who’ve stumbled upon the Taste Atlas Awards 2022 list of “Best Cuisines in the World.”

Originally tweeted by NoContextBrits, the controversial list has racked up more than 1.8 millions views, 14,000 likes and many, many opinions.

The results left a bitter taste in many mouths, with the UK and the USA both beating Thailand, which came 30th on the list. Continued …

Man Rescued off Phuket Claims to Have Been Floating in the Sea for 13 Days

A foreign man has been rescued near Racha Island in Phuket. He claimed he was holding onto an oil tank and floating in the sea for 13 days.

Emergency responders were notified by a tour boat operator that an unidentified man had been found alive floating in the sea 300 meters from Racha Island.

The man was taken onto the tour boat before arriving at the Chalong Pier, south of Phuket. The man was exhausted and weak and was taken to a hospital. Continued … 

Green Thoughts: Consider the Casuarina

When it comes to tropical trees, the mangrove is top of the pops for environmentalists. Rightly so. It not only protects all our silt-laden and sandy coastlines from erosion, it is a nursery for an array of marine life. Continued …

New Year activities not canceled nationwide, but canceled hotel bookings rise

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed they have not canceled New Year activities. More than 3.14 million tourists are expected to join in events that will generate at least 11.2 billion baht.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said, “There is no cancellation order or any change on activities for the ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023’, which will be held by the TAT together with private operators. Any order would be issued by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

“We are expecting 3.14 million tourists on this New Year Festival, which will generate at least 11.2 billion baht.” Continued … 

Queue-fixers help tourists stomach long lines at Bangkok’s Michelin-rated eateries

Snagging a seat at Bangkok’s famous street food stalls is not for the faint of heart.

The long queues from pre-pandemic days have returned – and with a vengeance, with the arrival of millions of tourists since Thailand eased Covid-19 entry rules earlier this year.

Snaking queues and hours-long waits have become the norm at some of these joints. Continued …

3 spas offering cannabis-infused treatments in Thailand to soothe your aching body

Those who want to try, or revisit, CBD massages can indulge next time they are in Thailand, where cannabis is now legal for medical use.

Cannabis oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties.

Here are three Bangkok spas offering cannabis-infused treatments to help you relax or soothe aching muscles. Continued …

Trat, trade and tourism

After facing a slump for almost three years, economic activity in several border provinces is getting back on track, especially in Trat – which is a major tourist destination and a gateway to Cambodia.

The Koh Kong bridge connecting Trat with Cambodia

Travelers use the Ban Hat Lek border checkpoint in Trat’s Khlong Yai district to reach Cambodia’s Koh Kong province, which is also famous for natural and cultural attractions, as well as outdoor activities. Continued …

Sirindhorn Dam solar farm in Ubon Ratchatani

Floating solar farm — green tourist attraction in Thailand

The hydro-floating solar project, located in the Sirindhorn Dam in northeastern Thailand, has now become a popular tourist spot, with an exhibition center and a 400-meter-long “Nature Walkway”, where visitors can enjoy the dam scenery and view of the floating panels.

After a year of commercial operation, the project has shown its potential to serve not only as a pilot for energy transformation, but also as a platform to benefit sustainable livelihoods. Continued … 

Another tourist falls from Thai waterfall

A Thai rescue crew helped to pull a British tourist, who had fallen from the top of a steep waterfall on Samui Island, to safety.

The victim was among a group of eight foreign tourists who had trekked to the top of the Na Muang Waterfall, a steep cliff that was made slippery by recent rainfall.

Luckily, the man did not fall to the bottom of the cliff, only to a spot not far from the top. He did, however, sustain some injuries and was unable to move, promoting his teammates to call for help. Continued …

Awards Presented to 10 Model Tourism Communities

Thailand has made strides in leveraging its cultural soft power to promote its national image in support of tourism and generating income for communities.

The “Model Community” campaign was launched in 2016 for this purpose, with this year seeing 10 communities selected as models for others to reference.

Representatives from the 10 communities recently received commemorative plaques on the occasion of their communities being chosen as models for community tourism. Continued … 

2022 was a battle to stay healthy

Many health issues occurred in 2022, ranging from the easing of Covid-19 control measures, the discovery of the first monkeypox patient and liberalizing the cannabis law.

The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) downgraded Covid-19 from a “dangerous communicable disease” to a “communicable disease under surveillance” in October as part of the country’s plan to enter a normal endemic period. Continued …

Thais in China face uphill battle to survive as Covid-19 rages

“Freedom as one wanted, but at the cost of discarding hygiene” is a message posted by one Thai national on a WeChat group chat in China.

This single statement sums up the current situation of the Covid-19 outbreak in China, where some estimates put as many as 40 million citizens are being infected by the virus on a daily basis.

Although the official numbers are close to 4,000 daily infections per day in a country of 1.4 billion people, the extent of the outbreak and the deaths can be seen from the overrunning of hospitalizations and the nearly a week one must wait to get cremated because the crematoriums are running 24/7 but cannot cope with the number of people who are dying. Continued … 

RT-PCR To Be Mandatory For Passengers to India From Thailand

Inidan Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said RT-PCR test for the detection of Covid-19 would be made mandatory for international passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Any passenger from these countries found symptomatic or testing positive for coronavirus would be quarantined, Mandaviya said.

He also said filling up of the “Air Suvidha” form to declare the health status will be made mandatory for passengers coming from these countries. Continued …

Chinese city seeing half a million Covid cases a day

Half a million people in a single Chinese city are being infected with Covid-19 every day, a senior health official has said, in a rare and quickly censored acknowledgment that the country’s wave of infections is not being reflected in official statistics.

China this month has rapidly dismantled key pillars of its zero-Covid strategy, doing away with snap lockdowns, lengthy quarantines and travel curbs in a jarring reversal of its hallmark containment strategy.

Cities across the country have struggled to cope as surging infections have emptied pharmacy shelves, filled hospital wards and appeared to cause backlogs at crematoriums and funeral homes. Continued …

Top UN, NGO officials to meet over Taliban ban on women staff

Top officials from the United Nations and dozens of NGOs operating in Afghanistan are meeting in Kabul Sunday to discuss the way ahead after the Taliban authorities ordered all NGOs to stop women employees from working, aid officials said. Continued … 

Putin says West aiming to ‘tear apart’ Russia

President Vladimir Putin blasted the West for trying to “tear apart” Russia and said his offensive in Ukraine aimed to “unite the Russian people”. Meanwhile, in Kyiv, a day after deadly shelling in southern Ukraine, residents held Christmas services on Sunday, defying Russian spiritual leaders who celebrate it on Jan. 7. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

 

bangkok, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-Dec 24

  • Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin celebrates 100th anniversary/Elephant Santas deliver presents at Thai school/Kindergarten students save up to buy blankets for the needy in northern Thailand/Foreigner in Thailand Cooks Christmas Feast for Street Dogs – video/January fuel tariff hike will raise product prices by 5%-12%, warns group/Why everyone is confused by khao soi being named the best soup in the world/Rescuers scouring Chumphon islands for missing HTMS Sukhothai sailors/Body found near spot where HTMS Sukhothai sank/Sunken Warship’s Life Jacket Found Near Koh Tao/Chula academics warn of challenges in shift to EVs/Thailand Legal Cannabis Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis/Weed’s next frontier is in Asia/
  • Tourism: Thailand welcomes nearly 11 million tourists this year/New Year celebrations not canceled yet, officials say/Khao San Road cancels Dec 31 ‘Countdown’ event/Bangkok 2023 countdown at Iconsiam still on/Foreigners donate blood after massive shortage due to foreigner mishaps/Outbound travelers surge to 3-year high/Could Thailand’s Southeast Coastal Gem Khanom Be the Next Koh Samui?/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin celebrates 100th anniversary

Centara Hotels & Resorts is getting ready to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of its historic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, home of the original Raliway Hotel Hua Hin, with a month of spectacular events, exhibitions and entertainment lined up at the seaside retreat.

Festivities begin on Dec. 31 with the “Centenary Celebration: 100 Years of Memories”. The evening will feature retro tunes from the 1950’s–1980’s, entertainment, and midnight fireworks.

Events continue into January, highlights of which include the Silpakorn University String Orchestra, the return of the resort’s French buffet with a live performance by French tenor Yves Baron, and an art exhibition featuring the Railway Hotel throughout its history. – traveldailynews.asia

Elephant Santas deliver presents at Thai school

A group of mahouts, each dressed as Santa Claus, led a herd of elephants into a school in central Thailand on Friday to distribute Christmas gifts to students. Video https://www.nationthailand.com/world/40023384

Kindergarten students save up to buy blankets for the needy in northern Thailand

Kindergarten students in Chiang Rai province in northernmost Thailand saved up one baht every day for a year to buy blankets for people suffering in the cold weather this winter, especially those living at high altitudes in the province’s mountainous regions.

Teachers at Chiang Rai Kindergarten invited students to join a charitable project entitled “Doing 89 Million Good Deeds for the King” to develop their social skills and teach them the importance of sharing.

Each child, aged five to six years old, was encouraged to save up one baht per day for one year to buy blankets. The children were told the blankets would be donated to underprivileged people suffering from cold weather this winter. Continued … 

Foreigner in Thailand Cooks Christmas Feast for Street Dogs – video

Over the next few days, people across the world will be tucking into their favorite food for Christmas – and why should our furry friends miss out on the fun?

A man in Thailand has gone viral online for celebrating Christmas with street dogs. Niall Harbison works to help stray dogs in the country, and posted videos online of him treating 100 to a real festive feast.

“Street dogs around the world have a hard life,” he began in the caption. “But this group of 100 here in Thailand today were made (to) feel very special. I was up at 4.30am to cook them the finest meal of their lives and people have been sending me toys from all over the world so I saved them up for today. Most of these dogs have never seen a toy in their lives. Continued … 

January fuel tariff hike will raise product prices by 5%-12%, warns group

The fuel tariff (FT) increase in January will force manufacturers to raise product prices by 5%-12%, industry chiefs warned on Thursday.

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) voiced concern after the government announced subsidies to soften the FT hike’s impact on household utility bills but prepared no such measures for business.

The January-April increase in FT will drive up the cost of electricity to 5.69 baht per unit, the JSCCIB said. Continued …

Why everyone is confused by khao soi being named the best soup in the world

TasteAtlas has named khao soi as the number one soup in the world, and the internet has so many questions. Us included. This is why many are confused by khao soi getting the #1 spot.

According to Cambridge Dictionary, a soup (n.) is a usually hot, liquid food made from vegetables, meat, or fish. What about Oxford? They describe it as “a liquid food made by boiling meat, vegetables, etc. in water, often eaten as the first course of a meal.”

That’s very understandable. When we think of soup, we think of liquid food. Most of the time it’s hot, but there are also cold soups, such as gazpacho and chilled soups. It can be sweet, sour, savory, salty, and made with vegetables, various kinds of meat, or sometimes even fruits. There are so many kinds of soups with different variations in every corner in the world, served in your homes or cafes, to fine dining. But one thing’s in common: they’re basically liquid food. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Rescuers scouring Chumphon islands for missing HTMS Sukhothai sailors

The search for 23 HTMS Sukhothai sailors missing in the Gulf of Thailand resumed on Friday, as the Royal Thai Navy issued an update on their mission to probe the ship on the seabed.

The search mission for the sailors launched for a fifth day on Friday in the seas off Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces. The Navy also released the names of the missing personnel.

Rescuers are now checking islands and outcrops off Chumphon for any signs of the 23 sailors, who went missing when the Sukhothai sank in heavy seas about 20 nautical miles off Prachuap Khiri Khan on Sunday night. The vessel was knocked over and suffered an engine malfunction as it took on water. Continued … 

Body found near spot where HTMS Sukhothai sank

Another body has been found floating near the spot where HTMS Sukhothai sank off Prachuap Khiri Khan, but the navy has yet to confirm whether it is one of its 23 missing sailors.

A search team on the HTMS Bang Rachan found the body around 4:15pm on Friday off the coast of Bang Saphan district, Royal Thai Navy spokesman Adm Pokkrong Monthatpalin said. Continued … 

Sunken Warship’s Life Jacket Found Near Koh Tao

A life jacket from HTMS 442 Sukhothai that sank off Prachuab Khiri Khan on Sunday night was found floating near Koh Tao, almost a hundred nautical miles away, but no sailor seen nearby.

At 10.15 a.m., Surat Thani Gov. Wichawut Jinto was alerted about a life jacket not worn by a sailor being seen floating in the sea about 25 nautical miles from Koh Tao island.

Wichawut then instructed the officials to alert the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center in Chumphon to instruct their officers based on this island to bring the item ashore and inspect it. Continued …

Chula academics warn of challenges in shift to EVs

The government and businesses must brace for new disruptions and challenges as Thailand shifts to the electric vehicle (EV) era, part of state efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, say Chulalongkorn University scholars.

At present, more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand come from the transport and power generation sectors, so businesses in these sectors need to adapt themselves as the government promotes more use of clean energy and zero-emission cars, according to the researchers.

Thailand’s consumption of fossil fuels is expected to peak in 2030, then decrease significantly as a result of the government’s renewable energy and EV development plans, said Weerin Wangjiraniran, a researcher at Chulalongkorn University’s Energy Research Institute (ERI) during a seminar on the impact of the carbon neutrality campaign yesterday. Continued …

Thailand Legal Cannabis Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis

The Thailand legal cannabis market size is expected to reach USD 9.6 billion by 2030 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 58.4% from 2022 to 2030

The growth is attributed to the rising usage of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. Cannabis legalization has opened new revenue-generating opportunities for various industries in the country. The adoption of CBD oil and tinctures for treating various ailments like nausea, anxiety, and cancer, along with the rising prevalence of cancer are some of the significant factors boosting the industry’s growth.

The growing burden of chronic pain has also augmented the rise in the usage of CBD for treatments related to pain management, and thus, positively impacting the market growth. Various studies have shown positive outcomes of marijuana and its derivatives to treat symptoms of several chronic conditions.

For instance, it has been effectively used to treat patients dealing with chronic pain, nausea induced by chemotherapy, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Hence, FDA and other government organizations are permitting marijuana derivatives for the prescription of several diseases. This is one of the key factors for the quick turnaround. Continued …

Weed’s next frontier is in Asia

Asia is beginning to warm up to the use of cannabis. Thailand legalized marijuana cultivation at home in 2022, while South Korea, Japan and Malaysia are paving the way for pharmaceutical applications. With the weed market estimated to be a $100 billion industry by 2026, according to research firm Prohibition Partners, regional businesses are preparing for demand from Asian consumers.

The Thai decision to remove cannabis from narcotics control lists is nominally to support its medical use, but this will naturally ease recreational consumption, which may boost international tourist inflows.

Renewable energy firm Gunkul Engineering committed 2 billion baht ($57.6 million) to building a new cannabis plantation and extraction facilities, local Thai media reported. Cannabis-leaf chicken leg snacks and cannabidiol-infused green teas made by Bangkok-listed Srinanaporn Marketingand Ichitan Group already line the shelves of local supermarkets. Continued …

Thailand welcomes nearly 11 million tourists this year

Tourist arrivals in Thailand could hit the 11 million mark before the year is through, according to the governor of the Tourism Author ity of Thailand (TAT), Yuthasak Supaporn.

Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 20, Thailand welcomed 10.9 million tourists from around the world, the governor said this morning.

With high season in full swing, Yuthasak said he expects tourist arrivals to reach 11.5 million before the year’s end. Continued … 

New Year celebrations not canceled yet, officials say

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) backs New Year countdowns and celebrations going ahead as planned as long as the government does not order any cancellations.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said, at the moment, the TAT has not yet received any warning that an order of this nature is forthcoming after a number of provinces decided to downgrade their countdown events this year.

Neither the tourism minister nor Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had given any indication that events supported by private sector partnerships across 12 provinces were in jeopardy, he said. Continued … 

Khao San Road cancels Dec 31 ‘Countdown’ event

Khao San Road in Bangkok became the latest high profile tourist venue to cancel their special “countdown” event on New Year’s Eve.

The street’s traders’ association chief Sagna Reuangwattanakun said he was responding to official requests to tone down celebrations. But he said businesses in the area would still be open on Dec. 31.

Instead of a big fuss, there would be a giant ball for tourists to take pictures with and live TV scenes from other places around the world celebrating New Year. – Sanook

Bangkok 2023 countdown at Iconsiam still on

Bangkok’s “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023” at Iconsiam on New Year’s Eve has not been canceled, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) insisted.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Friday that no cancellation orders have arrived from the government or the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

“The ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023’ focuses on happiness, hope and moving forward together to boost the country’s economy after it was hit by the pandemic for five years,” he said. – The Nation

Foreigners donate blood after massive shortage due to foreigner mishaps

Foreigners donated blood after a massive shortage of Rh Negative in Phuket due to increasing numbers of foreigners who have been involved in accidents.

The donations Thursday were held at the Central Floresta department store.

Dr. Weerasak Lorthongkam, the director of the Vachira Phuket Hospital, said, “In Thai people, there are only 0.3 percent who have special blood types. Continued … 

Outbound travelers surge to 3-year high

The New Year holiday is expected to see 33,400 Thais traveling overseas every day, increasing from an average of 28,000, mainly driven by pent-up demand from years of the pandemic, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the number of Thai travelers was surging as many popular destinations have reopened with no restrictions.

Meanwhile, weaker foreign currencies against the baht were also helping the growing outbound market, he said. Continued …

Could Thailand’s Southeast Coastal Gem Khanom Be the Next Koh Samui?

The search for the next big resort destination in Thailand is an absolutely big ask. Thailand is an expansive country with 77 provinces and an amazing array of diverse geographical locations, Instagram-worthy aspects, and distinctly different nuances.

Out of this brazen travel chaos, the endearing term “same same, but different” was born and remains highly relevant.

Yet, one of the simple truths of emerging destinations remains the adage “you can’t stay there if you can’t get there”. Potential is one thing but reality bites when getting to it is just too painful for words.

Here in Thailand, one of my favorite places is Koh Samui. It marches to its own drum beat, and the vibe is undeniable. Still, access is never easy, the cost to get there is on the high side, and options for access are limited. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, real estate, solar, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Friday’s News-Dec 23

  • ‘Pineapple metropolis’ to be established in PKK in 2023/PKK said to have 50 residents over 100 years old/Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin/Limits announced on New Year’s alcohol sales/Pricey low-rise housing sector grows/Missing sailors, sunk ship draw fire/Another empty life raft from sunken ship washes ashore/Consumer spending expected to hit 17-year high during New Year period/Thailand ranked 4th least corrupt country in Asia/Foreign investors deterred by financial transaction tax/Surat Thani man arrested for peddling fake US dollars/Shipwrecked fisherman found alive, roped to dead crewmates/Flood-prone Thailand, Laos to partner on tackling climate-change issues/Global heating behind Bt12.6-trillion flood damage, 2,000 Thai deaths/Thailand creates new department to tackle climate change/Thailand aiming to build more green data centers/Second reading of marijuana bill delayed for ‘more urgent matters’/CBD oil review: best cannabis oils to buy in Thailand/
  • Tourism: The tale of Thailand tourism in 2022/TAT estimates 3.14M domestic trips during holidays/90% of hotels in Chiang Mai fully booked during New Year/Tourism is blossoming on Udon Thani’s pink lily lake/7 amazing places to visit in Thailand/What is it like smoking marijuana as a tourist in Thailand?/Bangkok ranks #1 trending global destination on Airbnb/New Year Countdown fireworks canceled in Pattaya/Why Thailand Is The Most Popular Destination For Americans In Southeast Asia/
  • Covid: 5,000 Covid deaths a day likely in China/Elderly Covid patients fill hospital wards in China’s major cities/
  • International: Ukraine’s Zelenskiy appeals for bipartisan support in speech to US Congress/Bad energy habits sweeping the world/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

‘Pineapple metropolis’ to be established in PKK in 2023

The Agriculture Ministry will establish a “pineapple metropolis” in Prachuap Khiri Khan next year to support growers of the spiky yellow fruit.

Alongkorn Ponlaboot, adviser to Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Srion, unveiled the plan at the 38th conference of the Sam Roi Yod pineapple farmers cooperative in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Sam Roi Yod district on Tuesday.

Alongkorn said the metropolis will also branch out to the pineapple-growing areas of Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi to bring farmers under the canopy of better government support. Continued … 

PKK said to have 50 residents over 100 years old

The Prachaup Khiri Khan provincial administration is rechecking a preliminary report that said about 50 residents of the province are over 100 years old.

Provincial Deputy Gov. Kittipong Sukphakphum said the preliminary report was filed by the provincial office of Poverty Eradication and Life Cycle Development.

“The provincial administration is checking the details about this. It’s quite exciting and heartening that they live so long,” the deputy governor said. Continued …

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, as we prepare to say goodbye to 2022.

Despite being a highlight of the social calendar, the previous two years were disrupted by the pandemic, which put a stop to the usual festivities.

However, this year’s festivities promise to be bigger than ever, and if you haven’t yet decided on where you’ll be celebrating, you might want to take a look at this list of parties, events and celebrations taking place across Hua Hin and the surrounding area. Continued … 

Limits announced on New Year’s alcohol sales

The National Alcohol Policy Committee has agreed with proposals to limit alcohol during the 2023 New Year celebrations to help with DUI considerations and protect youth.

This means that outside of special zones alcohol will not be available up to 2 am. The committee has also opposed the opening of bars from 11 am to 4 am, a move that has already been shelved after Tourism Ministry proposals were knocked back.

Dangers to the public and an increase in crime were cited. Continued …

Pricey low-rise housing sector grows

Demand for high-priced, low-rise houses continued to grow for two consecutive quarters, with market value in the third quarter soaring by 58% from the second, while developers launched new supply in this segment.

Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said low-rise houses priced 20 million baht and higher posted significant growth this year.

“High-end homebuyers preferred low-rise houses to condos after the pandemic. As demand continued to be robust throughout the economic slowdown, developers shifted to this segment,” he said. Continued … 

Missing sailors, sunk ship draw fire

The Navy has been taken to task for reported failure to ensure sailors aboard a sinking corvette, namely HTMS 442 Sukhothai, survived a stormy sea in the Gulf of Thailand on Sunday night.

Yesterday, Move Forward MP Natcha Boonchai-insawat blamed the navy for six fatalities reported so far among the sailors, plus 23 others who have been reported missing after HTMS 442 Sukhothai had capsized due to strong winds and high tides and finally sunk off Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The Move Forward MP doubted that the navy corvette had the number of life jackets and inflatable boats available for emergency use in proportion to that of its crewmembers and others, reportedly totaling 106. Continued …

Another empty life raft from sunken ship washes ashore

A second empty life raft, possibly from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai, was found washed ashore in Lang Suan district of Chumphon province on Thursday, as the search for the 23 missing crew continues.

The first empty life raft was found drifting at sea about 30km off the coast of Lamae district yesterday by the crew of a trawler.

After an extensive search of coastal areas, which continued late into the night, volunteers from the Reporters Association of Pathio district found a pair of dark blue tracksuit bottoms with red stripe and a black cap with a sun shade washed ashore on Thung Chang Beach in Pathio district. The two items were collected and sent to the provincial office. Continued …

Consumer spending expected to hit 17-year high during New Year period

Bolstered by the government’s stimulus measures, Thailand’s consumer spending is predicted to hit a 17-year high, reaching 103.04 billion baht, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

The president of the UTCC and adviser to the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, Thanavath Phonvichai, revealed during the conference on “Consumer behavior and spending during 2023 New Year festival” that the New Year period is expected to generate over 103.04 billion baht (US$2.9 billion) in consumer spending, leading to a 20.1% expansion of the economy.

“It would be the first time that consumer spending would be exceeding 100 billion baht since 2007,” Thanavath said, adding that it would benefit the economy in the post-Covid-19 era. Continued … 

Thailand ranked 4th least corrupt country in Asia

Thailand – a nation run by a semi-elected military government – was ranked 35th in the world and 4th in Asia in the U.S. News‘ “Least Corrupt Countries” list.

Yesterday, American media company U.S. News released its annual “Best Countries” ranking, featuring 73 countries all over the world. Data was collected from a worldwide survey with more than 17,000 participants.

Countries are ranked from best to worst based on 10 sub-rankings including, “adventure, agility, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, movers, open for business, power, quality of life and social purpose.” Continued …

Foreign investors deterred by financial transaction tax

Enforcement of the financial transaction tax could give foreign investors a reason to exit the Thai stock exchange and focus on other bourses, according to investment analysts.

The tax on securities trades, which comes into effect next year, could drive foreign traders away as the levy lowers the liquidity of the Thai market, they said. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Surat Thani man arrested for peddling fake US dollars

Region 2 police, under the command of Police Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Itthisanchai, and the Surat Thani provincial police arrested Nawat or “Et” Singhawak, 54, on a warrant for possessing and trading in foreign currency knowing it to be fake.

He was arrested outside a house in the Ek Mongkhon 4 housing estate in Pattaya.

A total of 759 fake U.S. bills worth 2.6 million baht were found in a Toyota Altis. Continued …

Shipwrecked fisherman found alive, roped to dead crewmates

A shipwrecked fisherman was found floating in the sea roped to three dead crewmates about 30 hours after their trawler sank during a storm in the Gulf of Thailand.

HTMS Tor 992 brought Sia Soy, a Cambodian national, and the three dead crewmen to the Songkhla naval base on Wednesday night. They had been transferred from another fishing boat that rescued them from the sea. Continued …

Flood-prone Thailand, Laos to partner on tackling climate-change issues

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa met with Laos Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh in Vientiane to discuss cooperation on climate issues on Wednesday.

Also accompanying Varawut on the trip to Lao People’s Democratic Republic was ministry permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat.

After the meeting, Varawut said he discussed experiences and strategies in tackling problems of natural resources and the environment, with a focus on climate-change issues that both countries are facing. Continued …

Global heating behind Bt12.6-trillion flood damage, 2,000 Thai deaths

Flooding driven by climate change has killed more than 2,000 people and cost 12.59 trillion baht over the past 30 years in Thailand, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

The finding confirms that Thailand is suffering serious social impacts from climate change, said the NESDC third-quarter report.

The country has suffered over 40,000 floods during the past 30 years, causing significant loss of life and severe economic damage, the report said. The devastation was worst during the national flood crisis of 2011, but last year’s inundation cost 53 billion baht in damages, it added. Continued …

Thailand creates new department to tackle climate change

Thailand has created a new department to tackle climate change. The new department, named the Department of Climate Change and Environment, aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.

The new department is responsible for proposing and developing strategies, plans, and programs on climate change and greenhouse gas reduction, as agreed at the COP26 meeting.

The ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is overseeing the new climate change department. Other departments involved include the Office of the Secretary, the Strategic and International Cooperation Division, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Division, and others. Continued …

Thailand aiming to build more green data centers

Large-scale data management is essential to advancing economies, while facilities require huge amounts of energy, posing challenges for the environment and the goal of net zero emissions. Hence, Thailand is aiming to have more green data centers.

As part of its drive to grow the country’s digital economy, Thailand has already emerged as a regional leader in data centers, management and processing, as well as cloud services. The energy powering most of the data centers is currently derived from fossil fuels.

Green data centers are powered by renewables such as solar, wind and other sources. Continued …

Second reading of marijuana bill delayed for ‘more urgent matters’

House Speaker and Parliament President Chuan Leekpai on Thursday informed coalition and opposition whips that the second reading of the cannabis-hemp regulation bill will be suspended next week for the House to consider more urgent matters.

The second reading of the bill was initially scheduled for next Wednesday when the House would continue deliberating Section 4.

But during the meeting of the whips, Chuan said the House needed to use next week’s meeting to consider whether to reaffirm five bills that have been passed in three readings by the Senate but were changed significantly. Continued …

CBD oil review: best cannabis oils to buy in Thailand

CBD oil, also referred to as cannabidiol and sometimes cannabis oil, is widely available in Thailand. You get to enjoy the health benefits of marijuana, minus the high part that some find unpleasant.

However, there are so many different cannabidiol oils to consider that it can be difficult to make the right pick that fulfills your requirements.

With that in mind, Weed Review has compiled a review of the top 5 CBD oils you can buy online in Thailand. So rest assured, if you seek cannabis tinctures for pain, sleep, or stress, you will find it on this list. Continued …

The tale of Thailand tourism in 2022

As the world has recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic’s three-year assault, the Tiger will hand the baton off to the Rabbit. The 2022 countdown celebration was ultimately toned down when Omicron infections quickly spread and the number of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand exceeded 20,000 in February.

The nightmare didn’t last long, since things seemed to be getting better a few months later. The virus infections dropped and the government relaxed restrictions so that people could enjoy the much-loved Songkran festival in public places.

Although water fights, powder smearing, foam parties and the sale of alcohol were still prohibited, this opened the door for tourism to rebound in the second half of the year. Continued …

TAT estimates 3.14M domestic trips during holidays

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts domestic tourism to tally 3.14 million trips during the New Year holiday, generating 11.2 billion baht, with the northern region posting the highest occupancy at 78%.

The countdown celebrations in 12 provinces are poised to stimulate 4.21 billion baht for the local economy, said the agency.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said the New Year holiday from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2 would see a surge of local tourists, with 560,380 trips projected for the northern provinces, as travelers want to experience cold weather in mountainous destinations. Continued … 

90% of hotels in Chiang Mai fully booked during New Year

If you’re planning on visiting Chiang Mai this New Year, then you had better be quick, because 90% of hotel rooms in the province are already booked up, according to the Thai Hotels Assn.

Hotels in the province are expected to generate one billion baht in revenue during the high season, which runs from November to March, according to the association.

President of the THA‘s northern region, Phunat Laopanich, said Thailand’s tourism industry has improved by leaps and bounds over the past few months. He said that tourism revenue was closing in on pre-pandemic levels. Continued … 

Tourism is blossoming on Udon Thani’s pink lily lake

Isaan’s second-largest lake is seeing an influx of tourists since the pink lilies that blanket it began to bloom late last month, local officials say.

More than 100 boats are now available for tours of the lake in Udon Thani province, Paisit Sukrome, chairman of the lake’s tourism boat enterprise, said Wednesday.

Paisat said the blooming lilies are more noticeable than in previous years because the lake’s floating moss has been eradicated. He said about 200,000 tourists have visited the lake so far this year, up from 50,000 in 2021. Continued … 

7 amazing places to visit in Thailand

Thailand is definitely one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Travelers who visit the so-called “Land of Smiles” for the first time were overwhelmed by the incredible number of interesting attractions and all the amazing things you can find in Thailand.

Here are the top 7 places in Thailand that you should not miss if you are planning a trip soon.

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is a beautiful spot in Thailand, with limestone hills, turquoise lagoons, and the world-famous beach at Maya Bay. Continued … 

What is it like smoking marijuana as a tourist in Thailand?

In June, Thailand’s military junta did something so out of character, it seemed like a joke. The Buddhist kingdom that until recently had one of the strictest drug laws in the world became the first country in Asia to decriminalize possession of cannabis for medical and industrial uses.

Officially, Thailand has not yet decriminalized recreational marijuana use. Anyone caught enjoying the product without a doctor’s note can be imprisoned for up to three months.

Unofficially, though, Thailand has become the Amsterdam of the East, with thousands of recreational weed dispensaries now trading in the country. Continued … 

Bangkok ranks #1 trending global destination on Airbnb

Airbnb is wrapping up the year with a bow, revealing the categories and destinations that topped the charts in 2022, and providing a sneak peak at what 2023 has in store for travel.

Searches made in Q1-Q3 2022 for check-ins in 2022 vs the same period in 2021, saw Bangkok emerge as the #1 most trending destination for Airbnb guests across the world in 2022: Continued … 

New Year Countdown fireworks canceled in Pattaya

Pattaya authorities have decided to cancel the New Year countdown firework display from Dec. 29-31.

However, for now, concerts and food festivals set for the countdown will continue. Continued …

Why Thailand Is The Most Popular Destination For Americans In Southeast Asia

Now that their borders have reopened and they seem to have moved on from the darker days of the pandemic, Thailand is once again smashing tourism records and strengthening links with North America. In fact, new research has confirmed it is the go-to destination for U.S. citizens in Southeast Asia – but what’s behind this new wave of popularity?

For most of 2020 and 2022, Southeast Asia (SEA) remained virtually sealed off for tourism, as local governments cracked down hard on Covid, banning most, if not all, foreign arrivals, and imposing controversial measures such as nightly curfews and lockdowns. Thailand was no exception.

Certainly, we did not expect Thailand to bounce back as strongly or this quickly, yet here we are: Continued … 

5,000 Covid deaths a day likely in China

More than 5,000 people are probably dying each day from COVID-19 in China, health data firm Airfinity estimated, offering a dramatic contrast to official data from Beijing on the country’s current outbreak.

The UK-based firm said it had used modeling based on regional Chinese data to produce figures that also put current daily infections in the country at above a million.

Its estimates were “in stark contrast to the official data, which is reporting 1,800 cases and only seven official deaths over the past week,” it said in a statement. Continued … 

Elderly Covid patients fill hospital wards in China’s major cities

Elderly patients lined the wards of hospitals in major cities in China Thursday as the country battled a wave of Covid cases.

The virus is surging across the vast Asian nation in an outbreak authorities say is impossible to track after the end of mandatory mass testing.

And with cases soaring, Washington called on Beijing to share its Covid outbreak data, saying China’s caseload impacts the world. Continued … 

Ukraine’s Zelenskiy appeals for bipartisan support in speech to US Congress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the U.S. Congress on Wednesday that the tens of billions of dollars of aid it had approved to help it fight a Russian invasion was not charity, but an investment in global security. Continued … 

Bad energy habits sweeping the world

A new survey of 6,000 homeowners and renters from across the globe has revealed nearly 9 in 10 people ignore what’s best when it comes to energy efficiency in the home, despite 80% saying they know how to use their household appliances in an energy-efficient way. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-Dec 20

  • 21 crew members still missing from sunk Navy ship off PKK/KResearch revises Thailand 2023 GDP forecast to 3.2 % amid global economic recession/Central bank upbeat on long-term growth/8.1 million Thais are poor, 4.4 million below poverty line/State agencies prep new ‘gifts’/Food chain contamination found near e-waste processing facilities in Thailand/Food delivery businesses face slump in demand next year/UK Tesco accused of using slave labor in Thailand/Cops crack down on firearm traders/Nine provinces in southern Thailand suffer from flooding, three people die/
  • Tourism: Thailand leads BBC travel destination poll/Anutin: Night venue hours ‘won’t be extended’/THAI plans more Europe, Japan flights/10 Best Thailand Resorts For Couples/Tourists Leave Samui Island by Plane as Boats are Banned from Leaving Ports/Driver leaves Norwegian at gas station – ‘I thought he was sleeping in the back’/Body of Canadian man washes up on beach in southern Thailand/
  • Covid: China’s Covid surge hits trading floors, finance hub
  • International: Indonesia’s foreign retirees fear being driven out by new visa scheme/House Jan. 6 panel recommends DOJ prosecute Trump on four charges/Five takeaways from congressional report calling for Trump charges/Dutch PM apologizes for 250 years of slavery/France bans disposable packaging, utensils in fast-food restaurants/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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For more information, email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

21 crew members still missing from sunk Navy ship off PKK

In total, 84 members of the Royal Thai Navy have been rescued from the Gulf of Thailand after the HTMS Sukhothai navy vessel sank to the bottom of the sea amid rough conditions.

Navy vessels, tug boats, and oil tankers rescued 84 crew members from the water, three of whom are in critical condition, and are still searching for 21 missing marines. One body has been recovered. Continued …

KResearch revises Thailand 2023 GDP forecast to 3.2% amid global economic recession

Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) has revised its 2023 GDP growth projection to 3.2 % from the previous projection range of 3.2-4.2 %, though its 2022 GDP growth forecast has been upgraded to 3.2 % from the earlier projection of 2.9 %.

Nattaporn Triratanasirikul, KResearch deputy managing director, viewed that the global economy will see a significant slowdown in 2023 – presenting an obstacle for the Thai economic recovery. The U.S. and Eurozone are set to show no growth given their policy rate hikes to tame inflation and the impact of an energy crisis in Europe.

Meanwhile, it is more likely that China will reopen its borders in the second quarter of 2023. However, close attention should be paid to the situation there, especially the number of infected cases and deaths, as well as the adequacy of China’s public healthcare system. Continued …

Central bank upbeat on long-term growth

The Bank of Thailand expects the economy to continue to align with potential growth projections for the next two years, then strengthen in the longer term.

For 2022, 2023 and 2024, economic growth is estimated to be 3.2%, 3.7% and 3.9%, respectively, in accordance with potential growth output of 3-4%.

For the longer term, the potential growth of the economy should be higher than this level, assistant governor for the monetary policy group Piti Disyatat said at an analysts’ meeting on Monday. Continued …

8.1 million Thais are poor, 4.4 million below poverty line

More than 8.1 million Thais are poor, including 4.4 million living below the poverty line, according to the latest report by The Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC).

The report on the poverty situation in Thailand in 2021, released this year, stated that the number of people who are below the poverty line is a decrease from 2020, when 4.7 million such people were recorded. The report attributed the reduction to the economic stimulus schemes, rolled out to ease the financial burden on poorer people.

As income is not the only factor that reflects the poverty situation in Thailand, the NESDC has used the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which identifies four dimensions of poverty; education, healthy living, quality of living and financial stability. Continued …

State agencies prep new ‘gifts’

Government agencies including the Finance Ministry are expected to propose measures to ease the cost of living for consumers and businesses, aiming to stimulate domestic consumption via “New Year’s gifts”, for cabinet consideration today, says a ministry source who requested anonymity.

The ministry will propose to the cabinet extension of the reduced jet fuel excise tax for another six months to support the airline and tourism sectors, the source said.

The current measure runs from July 1 to Dec. 31. It lowers the excise tax on jet fuel to 0.20 baht per liter from the original 4.726 baht to help local airlines ease operating costs amid the impact of the pandemic. Continued …

The Wai Mei Dat e-waste recycling facility in the Chachoengsao’s Plaeng Yao district about 100 kilometers east of Bangkok

Food chain contamination found near e-waste processing facilities in Thailand

Recently published analysis confirmed that communities in Chachoengsao province face severe food chain contamination with some of the world’s most toxic chemicals caused by improper electronic waste processing.

Samples of analyzed soil, sediments, and duck eggs, common food rich in nutrients, contained record levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The dioxin level in duck eggs from a village near an e-waste recycling factory in Moo 9, Khao Hin Son, is the 10th highest ever measured level in poultry eggs in Asia, and the second highest level measured in eggs from Thailand.

The researchers collected samples of soil, sediments, dust, and free-range duck eggs at sites near factories handling electronic waste. Contamination with POPs was revealed at all three locations researched in this study – Nong Khok village in Moo 9, Khao Hin Son subdistrict, close to an e-waste recycling factory owned by Supcharoen Recycle Co.; an area in Moo 1, Khao Hin Son, close to an e-waste recycling factory owned by CT Steel Co., Ltd.; and an illegal waste dump site in Hat Nang Kaeo subdistrict, Prachinburi province. Continued …

Food delivery businesses face slump in demand next year

The research arm of Kasikornbank (KBank) expects the food delivery business sector in Thailand to slow down next year, in line with the situation in other countries as the Covid threat slowly ebbs.

A KResearch Center study, released on Monday, said that the food delivery business in Thailand next year would be valued at around 81 billion to 86 billion baht next year, a contraction of 0.8% to 6.5% compared to the value this year.

The center said the value would still be much higher than before the Covid pandemic. Continued …

Workers at the Tesco factory in Mae Sot on the Myanmar border

UK Tesco accused of using slave labor in Thailand

The UK’s Tesco supermarket chain is being accused of using slave labor in Thailand. According to a Guardian investigation, Burmese workers who made jeans for Tesco Lotus in Thailand, allegedly worked 99-hour weeks. And, their received wages were allegedly too low to make the cut legally. The investigation also found that their working conditions were considered quite harsh.

Tesco faces a landmark lawsuit in the UK from 130 former workers at VK Garment Factory, who are suing the mega-grocer for negligence and unjust enrichment. The workers made jeans and denim jackets for Tesco Lotus between 2017 and 2020. Continued …

Cops crack down on firearm traders

Police have launched crackdown operations on major online illegal gun traders and seized huge amounts of illegal firearms and ammunition worth about 50 million baht.

Police Gen. Roy Ingkapairoj, deputy national police chief, on Monday told a press briefing that the 4th operation unit was tipped off about the illegal online firearms trading by two Twitter users named “Los Santos” and “Texas Gun”.

An investigation showed the two Twitter accounts linked to a Line account named “Los Santos Shop” and a “lossantos.lnwshop.com” website, offering a range of firearms, including rifles, and ammunition. Continued … 

Nine provinces in southern Thailand suffer from flooding, three people die

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports nine provinces in the south of Thailand are suffering from flooding as heavy rains continue. Three people have died in the floods.

The DDPM reports that monsoon rains have covered the Gulf of Thailand in the southern part of Thailand, causing heavy flooding from Dec. 17 until Dec. 20. Continued …

Thailand leads BBC travel destination poll

Thailand is viewed as the most popular destination to visit in Southeast Asia for visitors planning a trip from North America and Europe, according to a survey by BBC News.

All told, 57.4% of global respondents who are intending to travel to Southeast Asia said they would be likely to visit Thailand, more than any other country in the region, according to the survey of BBC Global Minds members.

Visitors to Southeast Asia are often experienced world travelers, looking for new and different experiences, the survey results found. Continued …

Anutin: Night venue hours ‘won’t be extended’

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday moved to assure concerned civic groups, saying the ministry is firmly opposed to the proposal that would see the opening hours of night entertainment venues extended by two hours.

Anutin gave his assurances to about 50 representatives of various civic groups who came to Government House on Monday to thank the ministry for prioritizing the public’s health and safety as the debate on extending the operating hours of bars and clubs across the country continues. Continued …

THAI plans more Europe, Japan flights

Thai Airways International (THAI) plans to add at least nine aircraft to its operational fleet in the first quarter of 2023 and will increase its flights to Europe and Japan to meet the rising demands of post-pandemic tourism, acting CEO Suvadhana Sibunruang said on Monday.

He said THAI would reinstate its three A330-300 and two B777-200ER jets, which were grounded due to the effects on the travel industry of the Covid-19 pandemic. All five aircraft are undergoing maintenance before returning to full service next year. Continued …

10 Best Thailand Resorts For Couples

Couples can enjoy luxury romantic getaways in Thailand, whether they’re planning a trip to the islands or staying in the heart of Bangkok for a weekend. These hotels and resorts are some of the top choices for amenities and romantic activities.

JW Marriott Khao Lok Resort and Spa, Phang Nga

Couples looking for a luxury getaway in Thailand will find everything they’re searching for in the JW Marriott Khao Lok Resort and Spa. This is a 5-star resort with stunning grounds and 10 restaurants to dine at on-site.

Guests also enjoy a variety of fun activities, including snorkeling, water sports, and access to a waterslide. The spa and wellness center is the ideal spot for a relaxing and romantic couples massage. Continued …

Tourists Leave Samui Island by Plane, as Boats are Banned from Leaving Ports

Tourists have had to leave Samui Island by plane, as boats are being banned from leaving ports.

The order restricting boats is to remain in effect with no new announcements. There are strong waves of up to four meters in the open sea in the Gulf of Thailand near Samui Island, Pha Ngan Island and Tao Island.

Thais and foreigners on Samui Island have had to change their plans by leaving Samui Island via Bangkok Airways at the Samui International Airport instead of by ferry. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Driver leaves Norwegian at gas station – ‘I thought he was sleeping in the back’

A Norwegian tourist found himself up the proverbial creek without a paddle yesterday afternoon.

He was on his way from Koh Chang to a hotel in Yannawa, Bangkok, in a hired car when the driver stopped to relieve himself at a gas station in Nong Ree subdistrict of Muang Chonburi.

The tourist used the opportunity to get out the back and buy some snacks at the shop. Continued …

Body of Canadian man washes up on beach in southern Thailand

The body of a 63-year-old Canadian man washed up on a beach on the mainland of Surat Thani province in southern Thailand yesterday evening. He went missing from Koh Pha Ngan island six days ago.

At 8pm, officers from Khanom Police Station rushed to Khanom Beach after a decaying body was discovered on the shore in front of the Khanom Power Plant in Thong Nian subdistrict.

Police identified the man as Albert Floyd Newotta, of Canadian nationality, who was last seen at Phangan Villa Hotel in Koh Pha Nganon Tuesday, Dec. 13. Continued …

China’s Covid surge hits trading floors, finance hub

Covid-19 is sweeping through trading floors in Beijing and spreading fast in the financial hub of Shanghai, with illness and absence thinning already light trade and forcing regulators to cancel a weekly meeting vetting public share sales.

Many banks and asset managers have dusted off plans devised to cope with previous Covid crises, injecting another layer of unpredictability into currency and stock markets, where the outlook is clouded by a rocky exit from strict health curbs.

With mass testing halted after China abruptly dropped its zero-Covid policy earlier this month, official data no longer reliably capture new case numbers. Internal surveys by several big asset managers and banks suggest more than half of their employees in Beijing, the epicenter of the virus surge, have tested positive. Continued … 

For more information, email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Indonesia’s foreign retirees fear being driven out by new visa scheme

Indonesia’s bid to increase international investments with a so-called second-home visa for the wealthy may drive out foreign retirees who have long considered the country their only home. Continued …

House Jan. 6 panel recommends DOJ prosecute Trump on four charges

The U.S. House of Representatives committee investigating the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, voted Monday to recommend the Justice Department bring criminal charges against Donald Trump. The committee report documented how Trump repeatedly tried to overturn the 2020 election, pressured state officials, assembled a mob and sent it to the Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. Continued …

Five takeaways from congressional report calling for Trump charges

Much of the detail on Donald Trump’s alleged misconduct aired Monday by the panel probing the 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection had already been made public. But a summary of the upcoming report on the congressional committee’s findings was full of tidbits that had not come out before. Continued …

Dutch PM apologizes for 250 years of slavery

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday officially apologized for 250 years of the Netherlands’ involvement in slavery, calling it a “crime against humanity”. Continued …

France bans disposable packaging, utensils in fast-food restaurants

Fast-food eateries in France will soon no longer be able to use disposable containers, plates, cups and tableware for clients eating in, the latest measure from a 2020 law to combat waste and encourage recycling. Continued …

Foe more information, email us at aimhhexpatnews.com

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-Dec 19

  • What is it like for a foreigner to marry a Thai lady and live in Thailand/Royal Thai Navy ship sinks off coast in Prachuap Khiri Khan/Asian first-responder exercises held in Hua Hin/Things to consider when buying car insurance in Thailand/‘Day for Kids’ at Kingpetch Park Jan 1/Thailand’s higher electricity prices pushing its competitiveness lower/Free tune-up offered to Thai motorists before they head off for New Year’s/In Thailand’s conflict-hit south, women community leaders are using food, education as tools for peace/VST expects rapid increase in sales of electric motorbikes/Furious elephant stomps people at ordination ceremony in Buriram/Hungry elephants calling at villagers’ doors amid drought in central Thailand/Releaf Group to expand into the Thai cannabis market/Enforce effective laws to control cannabis consumption in Thailand: activist/
  • Tourism: Thailand tops Asia with the most award-winning hotels/Heavy rains close Gulf ferries, Surin Islands for 2 days/Travel tips for visiting Thailand/How to take a mud bath with an elephant in Thailand/10 Authentic Thai Dishes That Need To Be Tried In Thailand/Bangkok’s new fine-dining restaurants and must-eat street food stalls/New Year’s Eve In Bangkok: Best Restaurants To Visit New Year’s Eve/Irishman dies in kayaking incident in Thailand/1,316 days overstaying Chinese woman arrested in Phuket/
  • Covid: Covid deaths, hospitalizations increase/Their Majesties test positive for Covid-19/
  • International: New world disorder/Buddha statue will be world’s tallest, promises Cambodian hotelier/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

For more information, email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

What is it like for a foreigner to marry a Thai lady and live in Thailand

Bangkok Matching, with the “heartquarter” in Bangkok, has been matching and introducing singles for over 18 years. They work with Thai and foreign singles across the globe. Bangkok Matching has created thousands of intercultural and multi-cultural couples alone and counting.

Unquestionably to the Bangkok Matching Team, many foreign and western men view Thai women as nurturing, sincere, elegant, feminine, and simply beautiful. They adore Thai women and only want to date and marry Thai.

Bangkok Matching, reputable and well-known Thai dating and matchmaking agency in Thailand talked extensively about what it is like to marry a Thai lady in our article “Bangkok Matching Reveals “What to Expect When Marring a Thai Lady, the Must Know Thai Dating Culture if Dating Thai Ladies”.

Today we talk further with Bangkok Matching about what foreigners and westerners need to know before making the big decision to marry a Thai woman and choose to live in Thailand; and what Thailand has to offer in each region. Continued …

Royal Thai Navy ship sinks off coast in Prachuap Khiri Khan

A huge rescue mission has been launched after a Royal Thai Navy ship sank off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on Sunday night.

Reports have said that at least 30 sailors were rescued from the water after the HTMS Sukhothai sank approximately 20 nautical miles from land near Bang Saphan Noi. All crew members were said rescued.

According to a statement from the Royal Thai Navy, the HTMS Sukhothai ran into strong waves and high winds, which caused the vessel to tilt. The incoming water disabled the ship’s engines and communications systems before it capsized at approximately 11:30pm. Continued …

Asian first-responder exercises held in Hua Hin

One of the world’s biggest first-responder exercises, NCT PRO Challenge Asia Training, took place in Hua Hin last week, with teams from Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore participating in this anti-weapon and explosive training.

NCT PRO Challenge Asia 2022 allowed first-responder teams from Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore to gather to practice their skills with real-life scenarios.

The training was focused on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense and is considered the biggest of its kind in Asia. Continued …

Things to consider when buying car insurance in Thailand

Are you planning to go and drive in Thailand? it’s a good idea to have car insurance in Thailand in place before you need it — especially if you drive a new or expensive car. And since there are a ton of companies out there selling auto insurance policies, how do you know which one is right for you?

That’s where this guide comes in. In this post, I’ll help you understand what goes into buying an auto insurance policy and how to get the best coverage for your budget.

Make sure it’s easy to get a hold of a customer service representative if you need one. Continued …

‘Day for Kids’ at Kingpetch Park Jan 1

The Sang Foundation is again planning the 2023 “Day For Kids” event Jan. 1, benefiting local families in need.

Starting at 11am at Pone Kingpetch Park (next to the Red Cross behind the main municipality building), the day includes childrens’ games, music and workshops, and some seasonal treats for the kids. The foundation will also distribute meals, clothing, books and toys.

Donations inquiries should be directed to the Sang Foundation Facebook page.

Thailand’s higher electricity prices pushing its competitiveness lower

The Prayut Chan-o-cha government’s mismanagement is leading to higher electricity prices, which will lead to higher product prices and reduce the country’s export competitiveness, a representative of the private sector said.

“These burdens that are being pushed on to the private sector and consumers, and it is coming from the government’s planning, which now requires reconsideration,” said Isare Rattanadilok Na Phuket, the deputy chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) decided that the electricity price for households should remain at a record high of 4.72 baht per kilowatt-hour or unit, compared to 3.78 baht per unit at the start of the year. Continued …

Free tune-up offered to Thai motorists before they head off for New Year’s

The Land Transport Department is joining up with private and public partners to provide a free comprehensive vehicle check-up before people start hitting the road for the New Year break.

Deputy government spokesperson Thipanun Sirichana said on Sunday that the department wants all cars, pick-up trucks and motorcycles to undergo a thorough check under the “Free Vehicle Check for Safe Driving” scheme.

Under the program, each vehicle’s brake system, tires, engine, engine oil levels, radiator, air filter, lights, etc., will be thoroughly checked. Continued …

Sompong Ad-Inmong (second from left) teaches bamboo weaving to conflict-affected women in Pattani province.

In Thailand’s conflict-hit south, women community leaders are using food, education as tools for peace

Sompong Ad-Inmong was a street food vendor in 2004, when Islamic insurgents launched simultaneous attacks on 11 government locations and security checkpoints in the Muslim-dominated provinces of southern Thailand.

More than 100 insurgents and five members of the security forces were killed.

The attacks prompted Ad-Inmong to become a community volunteer and she has since found creative ways to bring neighbours closer together – from weaving baskets to sharing food.

“The conflicts come from outside. We are a model village, where Muslims and Buddhists live together peacefully,” said Ad-Inmong, currently based in the Panare district of Pattani province. Continued …

VST expects rapid increase in sales of electric motorbikes

VST ECS (Thailand) plans to increase its sales of electric motorcycles 600% next year, from 500 this year to 3,000 units in 2003, Somsak Pejthaveeporndej, its CEO said. Somsak said the company would open its first service center next year in Bangkok and then add more in 10 provinces. (The Nation)

Furious elephant stomps people at ordination ceremony in Buriram

Ten people were injured after an elephant went on a rampage during an ordination ceremony at a temple in Buriram province on Saturday, local officials and residents said.

The elephant stomped an elderly woman on her hip and severely injured her, while another woman said her arm was broken in the attack.

She said more than 1,000 people had gathered for the ceremony in front of Wat Nong Tat in the province’s Lam Plai Mat district. Continued … 

Hungry elephants calling at villagers’ doors amid drought in central Thailand

A hungry herd of elephants went knocking on doors in a Prachin Buri village early yesterday morning, searching for food or water, as drought drives them out of their reserve.

Frightened villagers awoke to the sounds of wild elephants shuffling around in their yards, rooting for veggies, early on Saturday.

Residents of Nong Pradu reported that some elephants from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in the neighboring province of Chachoengsao had found their way into their community and knocked on the doors of three homes between 1am and 2am. Continued …

Releaf Group to expand into the Thai cannabis market

Asia Pacific licensed cannabis franchise group and cannabis retailer Releaf Group Ltd, has announced the expansion of the group’s interest and brands into the Kingdom of Thailand, where the company will establish its Releaf Dispensary franchise chain across Thailand utilizing a network of Thai traditional doctors.

With a head office in Sukhumvit, Bangkok, the Thai subsidiary will initially operate as a master franchise with two Releaf directors and four Thai directors. The company will also establish the International College of Cannabinoid Medicine, as well as opening a chain of MULL Cafes as medical consumption lounges with key local Thai partners under a Thai head-co called Releaf Dispensaries Co. Ltd.

Founder and CEO of Releaf Group Gary Mackenzie has indicated that the cannabis market in Thailand has matured extremely fast after changes to legislation in June and presents an optimal commercial opportunity and timing for the company to expand and open its doors in Thailand and continue internationally with its turn-key retail franchise operations commencing in Bangkok in Q1 2023. Continued …

Enforce effective laws to control cannabis consumption in Thailand: activist

Putting laws in place and enforcing them properly is the only way to control the consumption of cannabis, the leader of a network on cannabis legislation said.

Prasitchai Nunuan, whose group has taken on many environment and rights-related issues, made this comment after opposition parties, namely Pheu Thai and Move Forward, called on the government to list cannabis as a narcotic again.

The herb was removed from the list of Category 5 narcotics on June 9. Continued …

Thailand tops Asia with the most award-winning hotels

The Thai PM has praised the resilience of the country’s tourism sector after Thailand scooped top place in the Agoda Gold Circle Awards. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri says Thailand won the top spot for being the Asian country with the most award-winning hotels, according to the online booking platform.

The awards are selected based on hotel reviews from Agoda users. Thailand boasts 246 hotels that have won Gold Circle Awards, while Taiwan has 209, and Japan has 198.

The award-winning Thai properties are entitled to display the GCA logo on their website and can also earn Agoda Growth Express credits, which means they are prioritized for prominent listing on the Agoda site. Continued …

Heavy rains close Gulf ferries, Surin Islands for 2 days

Heavy rains, high winds and thunderstorms have ferries canceled and areas closing down for the next few days in the south of Thailand. In the Gulf of Thailand, all ferry services between the mainland and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao have been suspended for two days. On the Andaman Sea, the national park on the Surin Islands has closed to tourists for today and tomorrow.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rains in the south of Thailand with a strong northeast monsoon sweeping across both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The southern provinces received possible flash flood warnings with overflowing waterways caused by heavy rains, as well as swelling waves of up to four meters from the seas. Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, and Yala provinces are all expecting severe weather today and tomorrow. Continued …

Travel tips for visiting Thailand

When you travel to Thailand, it can often feel like you’re on the set of “The Beach”, with the white sand beaches, blue waters, ancient caves, and idyllic islands; but, of course, this beautiful country should also be accessible to everyone, so it’s important to consider how much money you want to invest in your holiday, too!

Top 5 Places to Visit in Thailand
  1. Bangkok Bangkok’s bustling capital city is a must-visit in Thailand. With its vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and rich culture, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok.

  2. Chiang Mai – For a more laid-back Thai experience, head to the city of Chiang Mai. This charming city is known for its serene temples, lovely gardens, and friendly locals. Continued …

How to take a mud bath with an elephant in Thailand

Norpeo happily allows me to slather her with handful after handful of silky-smooth river mud.

And she doesn’t mind when I follow her into the crystal-clear waters of the River Kwai to splash and scrub the mud off with a big kitchen broom.

Maybe she’s such a trusting friend because earlier I hand fed her watermelons and bananas as she winked at me and caressed my arm with her nimble trunk. As you may have deduced by now, Norpeo is an elephant. Continued …

10 Authentic Thai Dishes That Need To Be Tried In Thailand

Not only the gleaming temples, golden Buddhas, and dreamy coastlines root for Thailand but also the mélange of its cuisine. With an array of spices and piquant flavors, Thai food at street stalls or fine dining reflects the true lament of its culture.

Thai cuisine can’t be classified solely as one but as a combination of five different flavors – salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. In short, they balance the five fundamental taste senses. Available all across the globe, but there are “10 Authentic Thai Dishes To Be Tried In Thailand Itself”.

Khao Phat

A national dish of Thailand, khao phat translates to “Thai fried rice,” which uses Jasmine rice, marking its difference. Unlike Chinese fried rice, this does not have ample vegetables but sliced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and peppers with meat or eggs. Seasoned with sauces like fish sauce, chili, and soy sauce, it comes in many variants. Continued …

Bangkok’s new fine-dining restaurants and must-eat street food stalls

Beyond the tourist traps, cheap shopping and massage parlors, Bangkok has lots to offer for foodies at all price points. Local street food that dot the street are as prominent as the burgeoning number of fancy outfits jostling for attention in this food-obsessed capital.

Street food-wise, Bangkok is a city that has never lost its gritty underbelly, so the dishes are still authentically cooked by owners who have perfected their craft over decades. On the end of the spectrum, the fine-dining scene has also been buzzing with the entry of prominent names such as Sorn and Villa Frantzén.

On the cocktail front, speakeasies are a common sight in Bangkok. Besides the bars listed on the usual awards lists, natural wine fans should check out Mod Kaew Wine Bar, a place buzzing with hip locals. Another must-visit bar is All Cats All Bats that has a concise menu of Mexican food by Noma, Gaa and 80/20 alums. Continued …

New Year’s Eve In Bangkok: Best Restaurants To Visit New Year’s Eve

Looking for a splendid way to count down to 2023? Whether you plan to spend the last seconds of 2022 with your friends, families, lover, or your “it’s complicated” person, we’ve got more than enough choices for the best places to dine this New Year’s Eve in Bangkok.

The year 2022 has been an eventful year, and as we’re cutting to an end, it wouldn’t hurt to reward yourself with some extravagant celebrations. You could plan your very deserving trip to other parts of Asia, or even take a festive trip to Europe.

However, if you’re planning to stay in vibrant Bangkok on New Year’s Eve, the city’s never short of feasts and parties, either. Here are some ideas for places that offer sumptuous meals along with out-of-this-world parties to count down to 2023 in Bangkok. Continued … 

Irishman dies in kayaking incident in Thailand

A 22-year-old man has died after his boat capsized while kayaking in Thailand. Odhran O’Neill from Lurgan, County, Armagh, was last seen in Khao Sok National Park on Saturday at 13:00 GMT.

O’Neill’s uncle, David O’Dowd, told the BBC his nephew was only 4.5m (15ft) from a jetty when his boat capsized.

He had taken a break from an apprenticeship in Newry to travel to Thailand with a friend last week. Continued … 

1,316 days overstaying Chinese woman arrested in Phuket

A Chinese woman who is on a 1,316 day visa overstay was arrested after social media shared her story of asking for money from mostly foreigners many times at a gas station in Phuket.

A story of a foreign woman asking for money from mostly foreigners inside a gas station four times over several days on Bypass Road in Rassada went viral in social media earlier this week.

Phuket Provincial Commander Major Gen. Sermpan Sirikong said they tracked down and found Fan Yang, 47, Chinese national. She was staying at a budget hotel in Kamala. Continued …

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Covid deaths, hospitalizations increase

Deaths from Covid were up in the period from Dec. 4-10. Also. the number of lung infections and need for intubation increased markedly.

The Department of Disease Control website said hospital admissions were slightly down at 3,961. This equated to 566 a day.

In the week, there were 107 deaths that represented about 15/day. Continued …

Their Majesties test positive for Covid-19

Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida have tested positive for Covid-19, the Royal Household Bureau announced on Saturday.

Their Majesties were screened on Friday night as scheduled and the test returned positive. However, they both have mild symptoms. – The Nation

New world disorder

The world is likely to become brittle, anxious, non-linear and incomprehensible, posing new challenges to businesses after the pandemic, says an industry association. Continued … 

Buddha statue will be world’s tallest, promises Cambodian hotelier

Cambodian businessman Sok Kong, who owns the Sokha Hotel Group, has said that his company plans to build a 108-meter-tall Buddha statue on Bokor mountain. The statue covering 500 rice fields will be one of the tallest in the world. Continued …

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bangkok, covid, hua hin, marijuana, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-Dec 17

  • Prachuap Khiri Khan earns 9th most tourism income in 2022/True says all IPTV platforms can show finals/Mercury to dive in north, northeast Thailand from today/How Thailand’s jasmine rice lost its dominance/Foreign investment jumps 74% to THB112 billion, largest share from Japan/Digital city planned for EEC next year/Thai and Singaporean firms to produce batteries for electric vehicles/Solar panel farm to power data center in EEC/Best neighborhoods to reside in Bangkok in 2023/’City of the future’ being built near Thai-Myanmar border/Licensed vendors allowed to sell cannabis buds, says Health Ministry/
  • Tourism: Thailand expects Chinese visitors during Lunar New Year festival/COVID-19 is about to explode in China/Police target tourist scammers/Public gets free entry to 10 aquariums from Dec 30 to Jan 3/These 10 Tours And Experiences Are A Must-Try When Visiting Thailand/Woman breaks nearly every bone in face, not covered by insurance/The Bleisure Traveler – Coming to the Rescue of Airlines Everywhere/
  • Covid: Beijing crematoriums strain under Covid wave/
  • International: With Southeast Asia under threat against climate change, everyone can pitch in to help/Netflix British docuseries: Shock bombshells made in the six episodes/EU agrees on new sanctions against Russia/EctoLife : the world’s first artificial womb facility?/Japan shifting back to nuclear power/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Prachuap Khiri Khan earns 9th most tourism income in 2022

Prachuap Khiri Khan was among the provinces earning the most money from tourism during the first 10 months of the year, according to deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana.

From January through October, Prachuap Khiri Khan generated 854 million baht from tourism, the ninth highest across all provinces in Thailand.

Phuket was the top earner from tourism by some distance, earning over 127 billion baht. This was followed by Chonburi in second place, with 13 billion baht, while Surat Thani was in third place with 7 billion baht in tourism income. Continued …

True says all IPTV platforms can show finals

World Cup football fans on internet protocol TV (IPTV) platforms can watch the last two matches of the tournament this weekend, with True Corp. allowing all IPTV operators to relay live the third-place and World Cup final matches.

Teeradet Dumrongbhalasitr, co-president of True Corp., yesterday said True would not charge IPTV operators that want to broadcast tonight’s match for third place at the 2022 World Cup between Croatia and Morocco or the final between Argentina and France tomorrow. Both games are scheduled for a 10pm kickoff (Thai time). Continued …

Mercury to dive in North, Northeast Thailand from today

The temperature in seven provinces in the upper part of Thailand is expected to drop by several degrees from today to Tuesday.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warned on Friday that Chiang Mai, Tak and Nakhon Sawan in the north, Loei and Nakhon Phanom in the northeast, and Kanchanaburi and Nakhon Nayok in central Thailand are under watch for “cold and very cold weather”.

The department, which falls under the Interior Ministry, has warned residents to keep warm at all times and safeguard against possible fires. Continued … 

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How Thailand’s jasmine rice lost its dominance

Cambodia’s Phka Rumduol jasmine variety was crowned the world’s best rice for the fifth time at the TRT (The Rice Trader) World Rice Conference in Phuket last month.

Phka Rumduol is a type of long-grain jasmine rice and is one of the varieties exported under the “ Malys Angkor ” certification mark. The Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute says it released the variety for farmer use only in 1999, after 10 years of development and testing.

Phka Rumduol had previously won the award four times, for three consecutive years from 2012-2014, and then again in 2018 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The jasmine variety took second place three years in a row from 2015-2017. Continued …

Foreign investment jumps 74% to THB112 billion, largest share from Japan

Thailand saw foreign investment worth over 112 billion baht in the first 11 months this year, up 74% from the same period last year, Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said on Friday.

He said the biggest investor was Japan, with 39 billion baht from 137 entities. Japan also accounted for 26% of the total 530 foreign investors registered between January and November.

China was the second-largest foreign investor at 22.6 billion baht – despite having the fewest number of investors among the top five countries/territories with 25 (5%). Continued …

Digital city planned for EEC next year

Construction of a 5-billion-baht Silicon Tech Park, expected to be a model for Thai digital cities, is set to start next year in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) through a public-private partnership.

The project, dubbed the “Silicon Valley of the East” and co-developed by Planet Communications Asia Plc, Cisco and the EEC office, is located on an area spanning 500-700 rai in Rayong’s Ban Chang district.

“We are asking the government to reduce electricity prices by 20% because foreign investors said the current rate is high and their businesses require a high volume of electricity,” said Prapat Rathlertkarn, chief executive of Planet Communications Asia. Continued … 

Thai and Singaporean firms to produce batteries for electric vehicles

Nuovo Plus, a joint venture between Arun Plus and Global Power Synergy Plc, is forming a joint venture with Gotion Singapore to build a battery plant to supply electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the company announced. The plant will be built in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor.

The joint venture, NV Gotion, will have authorized capital of almost 600 million baht, with 51% from Nuovo Plus and 49% from Gotion, Nuovo Plus said.

NV Gotion will import components, and assemble and distribute battery modules and packs for energy storage systems and electric vehicles. Its initial production capacity will be 1 GWh a year, which will double to 2 GWh per year by 2025. Continued …

Solar panel farm to power data center in EEC

SUPERNAP (Thailand) celebrated the official opening of its first solar panel to power the most advanced data center in Thailand, reinforcing its position as the most sustainable colocation provider in the country.

With the continuous growth of data, and to cater to the green goals of global environmental protection, minimizing environmental impact by providing maximum energy efficiency and renewable energy is an urgent priority for cutting edge data centers.

During the ceremony, Yap Jin Yi, chief executive officer of the company, declared, “SUPERNAP (Thailand) position has always been being the leader in the industry of the region. Powering our data center IT load with renewable energy and being the most sustainable data center is another step to reinforce our position as frontrunner in the digital infrastructure in Thailand.” Continued …

Best neighborhoods to reside in Bangkok in 2023

Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world and a great place to live. With its vibrant culture, amazing food, and friendly people, there is something for everyone. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the chic shopping malls of Sukhumvit, Bangkok has something to offer for all types of lifestyles.

Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, a quiet neighborhood to relax in, or a place to call home, Bangkok is sure to have something for you. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best areas to live in Bangkok, so you can find the perfect place to call home. Continued …

‘City of the future’ being built near Thai-Myanmar border

Thailand and Myanmar are friendly and close neighbors separated only by a strip of water, so the story goes. Along the Moei River, a fantastic US$15 billion (500 billion baht) city of the future, Shwe Kokko Yatai New City, is under construction.

Development is well underway in Myanmar’s Karen state, perhaps the most unpleasant place in the world today, where ethnic Karen forces continue their insurgency against the central government that dates from WWII.

Shwe Kokko Yatai New City is a joke, but not a very funny one. It was too corrupt even for Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and was disowned by China’s embassy in Myanmar in 2020. Continued … 

Licensed vendors allowed to sell cannabis buds, says Health Ministry

The Thai Ministry of Public Health has announced that it will allow the sale of cannabis buds by over 5,000 licensed vendors throughout the nation starting next month. As part of the control measures, however, the vendors’ and buyers’ information will be sent to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

The cannabis bud is designated as a controlled herb, so vendors who want to sell it must first seek permission from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), said Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, director-general of the department.

The DTAM department is working on setting up a system to record information on the sale of dried cannabis buds from licensed vendors, according to Thongchai, adding vendors cannot sell the bud to people under 20 years old. Continued … 

Thailand expects Chinese visitors during Lunar New Year festival

Thailand’s tour operators are expecting outbound tourism from China will restart in late January 2023 during the Lunar New Year festival when China gradually lifts its COVID-19 restrictions. The move will support the recovery of tourism-relating stocks and Thailand’s tourism.

Speaking at a recent event held by the Federation of Thailand Capital Market Organisation (Fetco), governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Yuthasak Supasorn said that the agency has a plan to boost outbound tourism from China to Thailand next month or within the first quarter of next year at the latest.

It is expected that China authorities will allow its citizens to travel overseas from the lunar new year holidays, he said, adding that Thailand hopes it is on the list of countries that China allows its citizens to travel to. Continued …

COVID-19 is about to explode in China

China is likely to see an explosion of COVID-19 cases in coming weeks, experts say, as the country lifts its long-standing and highly unpopular zero-COVID-19 policy.

China is extremely vulnerable right now because its population – especially older adults, who are the most likely to suffer severe disease – is undervaccinated, has no natural immunity from infection and a limited supply of treatments.

Experts predict hundreds of millions of infections and as many as 1.5 million to 2 million deaths. Continued …

Police target tourist scammers

Police are stepping up measures to protect foreign visitors, as scam artists and criminals are back on the prowl now that the country has reopened to overseas tourists.

Last Saturday, Thailand recorded 10 million foreign tourist arrivals for the year, with celebrations to welcome overseas visitors taking place at seven airports and two immigration checkpoints.

With the influx of foreign arrivals, con artists are also back on the streets to prey on overseas visitors in tourist hotspots. Continued …

Public gets free entry to 10 aquariums from Dec 30 to Jan 3

The Department of Fisheries is allowing free entry to its 43 learning centers and 10 public aquariums from Dec. 30 to Jan, 3 as a new year present.

The aquariums allowing free entry are: Continued …

These 10 Tours And Experiences Are A Must-Try When Visiting Thailand

Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia, is a beautiful travel destination. Known for its tropical climate, lush greenery, stellar beaches, ancient temples, and bustling street markets, there is plenty to see and do in Thailand.

Some visitors check out , the 10 best things to do in Krabi, including visiting Railay Beach and exploring the Krabi night market. Other travelers prefer to visit various parts of the country, exploring nine unique Thailand towns and villages you don’t want to miss.

Thailand is also known for its excellent prices. It is easy to explore Thailand on a budget if one plans ahead. Some hostels, for example, cost as little as $3 per night! To make the most of one’s trip, however, embarking on a tour is a must. There are plenty of fun, exciting, and educational Thailand tours and experiences every visitor should try. Continued … 

Woman breaks nearly every bone in face, not covered by insurance

A student is asking for help to pay her sister’s medical bills, after she suffered a horrific accident while on holiday.

Jo Hoffman from England came off her hired scooter while in Thailand, smashing nearly every bone in her face. She is currently in hospital in Koh Samui, where medical experts from Bangkok came out to try and help her.

She has since found out she is not covered by her travel insurance and her medical bills could reach £50,000. Continued …

The Bleisure Traveler – Coming to the Rescue of Airlines Everywhere

A new group is rivaling corporate road warriors as airlines’ favorite customers. They travel on strange days, buy extra perks on top of already expensive tickets and are changing the economics of the business.

Some airline executives say hybrid work and other postpandemic changes have cracked open demand from travelers willing to spend more for extra legroom and other perks, helping offset revenue from once-crucial corporate bookings that still haven’t fully returned.

Workers no longer tethered to desks have more freedom to extend a long weekend, tack a personal trip onto a business one, or hop on a plane midweek rather than rushing to be back in the office Monday morning — a phenomenon some airlines say they see reflected in increased bookings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Continued … 

Beijing crematoriums strain under Covid wave

Workers at Beijing crematoriums said Friday they are overwhelmed as China faces a surge in Covid cases that authorities warn could hit its underdeveloped rural hinterland during upcoming public holidays.

Covid-19 is spreading rapidly across China after three years of strict containment measures ended last week, with health authorities now admitting the true scale of the outbreak is “impossible” to track.

China’s top Covid response body on Friday urged local governments to step up monitoring and treatment services for people returning to rural hometowns to visit family for upcoming New Year’s Day and Lunar New Year celebrations. Continued …

With Southeast Asia under threat against climate change, everyone can pitch in to help

Southeast Asia has a population of approximately 680 million people and its countries are seeing rapid economic growth. However, it is also expected to be one of the regions that could be most heavily affected by climate change. Continued … 

Netflix British docuseries: Shock bombshells made in the six episodes

“Again and again, Harry and his wife paint themselves as victims of an uncaring, chilly institution so intent on its own survival that it would do anything to maintain the status quo.” The couple didn’t pull their punches in the final episodes of their tell-all docuseries, providing an extraordinary insight into why they left the UK. Continued … 

EU agrees on new sanctions against Russia

The European Union (EU) on Friday approved a new round of sanctions against Russia, including banning drone exports to the country, as the bloc strives to maintain a united front and keep up financial pressure on Moscow over the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine. Continued … 

EctoLife : the world’s first artificial womb facility?

It looks like a scene from The Matrix. Rows upon rows of babies are developing in the “world’s first artificial womb facility,” which can supposedly incubate up to 30,000 lab-grown children per year. Continued … 

Japan shifting back to nuclear power

Japan has confirmed a major nuclear power policy shift to tackle an energy crisis, more than a decade after the 2011 Fukushima disaster prompted it to idle most of its reactors. Continued …

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