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PKK reports drop in Songkran fatalities/Speed roundabout construction/Singkhon border crossing upgrade/Couple arrested in Cha Am/Remains of 18 more people recovered from collapsed SAO building/DSI Arrests Chinese Tycoon/Seven earthquakes hit/Seven Dead on Runaway Bus/Cobra Hidden Under Motorbike Seat/17 people injured in south/Why Some Thais Get Triggered/Health alert issued/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Negotiations over US tariffs/China expected to gain/Will the global economy stall?/Trade war spurs decoupling/Casino Bill Stalls/Egg price rises/Thai Banks in Focus/Thailand’s Bt30-billion air conditioner market/Shifting work trends/TOURISM: Nearly 600,000 visitors at national parks/’Only’ 12 Tourists Pickpocketed/Phuket tourism off strong start/Phuket jet-ski scammers/Illegal land grabs in Phuket/Thai Pavilion at Osaka Expo/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand by train/Spicy and tangy Thai sauces/Thai Green Curry/Must-have apps in Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok to receive 500 electric buses/Solar panel recycling/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

PKK reports drop in Songkran fatalities

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Residents push to speed roundabout construction

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Singkhon border crossing upgrade considered

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Couple arrested in Cha Am for drug trafficking

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Remains of 18 more people recovered from collapsed SAO building

Search teams found partial remains of what are believed to be 18 people under the debris of the collapsed SAO building during yesterday and overnight, said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). All the remains were have been taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute for identification.

Deputy Bangkok Gov. Tavida Kamolvej says that the BMA sought help from the Thai Embassy in Myanmar, by collecting DNA samples from relatives of missing Myanmar nationals, to be used in the identification process, adding that 97 sets of DNA have been collected so far. – thaipbs.com

DSI Arrests Chinese Tycoon Linked to Collapsed Government Building

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has arrested a prominent Chinese businessman in connection with an alleged nominee shareholding arrangement linked to the collapsed 30-story State Audit Office building, which was under construction by China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co.

Chuanling Zhang, a key shareholder and director of the company, was apprehended at a luxury hotel in Bangkok’s Ratchadaphisek area after being under surveillance for two days. He was taken into custody following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Criminal Court under Sections 37 and 41 of the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), which prohibits foreign nationals from using Thai nominees to circumvent business ownership restrictions. Continued … 

Seven earthquakes hit Mae Hong Son, Myanmar border

Seven earthquakes were recorded in Mae Hong Son and along the Myanmar border this morning, according to the Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division.

Between midnight and 7 am, six of the quakes had their epicenters in Myanmar, while one occurred in Pai District, Mae Hong Son. The strongest tremor, measuring 4.3 in magnitude, struck Myanmar at 4.17 am. Continued …

Seven Dead as Runaway Bus Slams into Trucks and Bursts into Flames

At least seven people have died and 39 others were injured after a passenger bus suffered brake failure and plowed into three trucks before catching fire in a crash this morning.

The incident occurred around 2 am along a downhill stretch of road in Prachinburi province. The bus driver, operating on the Rayong–Nong Khai route and registered in Udon Thani, lost control while descending and collided with a convoy of trucks. Continued …

Woman Narrowly Escapes Cobra Hidden Under Motorbike Seat

A 32-year-old woman had a terrifying brush with death when she discovered a cobra hiding under the seat of her motorbike as she was on her way to work on Friday.

The woman, a sales assistant at a bubble tea shop, shared a video of the incident online. The footage shows her initial panic and the rescue efforts that followed. She recounted that while preparing to store her helmet beneath the seat of her motorbike, she suddenly came into contact with a creature hiding inside, only to realize it was a cobra attempting to strike. Continued …

17 people injured by bomb, gunmen in south

Seventeen people were injured in two attacks in Narathiwat province last night – one a bombing and the other an attack on a dinner party by gunmen. Security has been stepped up in the area as authorities investigate the attacks.

Sources said 4th Army commander Lt. Gen. Paisal Noosang ordered theincreased securitry in urban, economic, and danger-prone areas in Muang and Sungai Kolok districts. Continued …

Why Some Thais Get Triggered When Westerners Say “Ni Hao” to Them

Is using the Chinese greeting “ni hao” (你好 or hello) on Thais by Westerners considered a racist move? The question was fiercely debated when a video showing a national park adviser in Krabi province telling a Russian couple that their vacation on an island is over after they were found enjoying themselves on the island during off-limits period by hiring a guide to take the boat there. When informed about why it’s not permissible, the Russian man replied to Siranath Bhiromphakdee, AKA Sai Scott, the park adviser, with the word “ni hao”.

National Park’s Adviser to Be Dismissed After “Ni Hao” Controversy

Siranath then went ballistic and told the two their vacation on the island is over for the day and if the man repeated the Chinese greeting again, he would be “deported”. Continued …

Health alert issued as post-Songkran illnesses surge across Thailand

Following the Songkran holiday, five common illnesses tend to emerge, prompting a government warning.

Hepatitis A: A viral infection transmitted through saliva — especially when sharing cups or utensils during Songkran. It causes acute symptoms and liver inflammation after a 14–28 day incubation period. Common signs include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, and pale stools. Once recovered, immunity usually develops, making reinfection rare. Continued …

• Foreign National Crashes Car Into Songkran Revelers in Pattaya – Continued …
• Canadian Man Arrested for Running Illegal E-Scooter Rental Business – Continued …
• Authorities Intercept Pickup Truck Smuggling Nine Chinese Nationals – Continued …

Business owners urge negotiations over US tariffs

With trade tensions exacerbated by the U.S.’s reciprocal tariffs, key business sectors are calling on the Thai government to prioritize negotiations with Washington during the 90-day pause, as the nation is expected to be one of the hardest hit from the tariff rate of 36%, which is significantly higher than the regional and global average.

With exports at risk, analysts and business sectors also warn of far-reaching economic impacts, compounded by China’s slowdown and cooling investor sentiment, particularly regarding vulnerable sectors such as tourism. Continued …

China expected to gain from US tariff move

U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policy is likely to make China even stronger and clarify the trend of manufacturing base relocation from China to other countries, including Thailand, says Sompop Manarungsan, president of the Panyapiwat Institute of Management.

The specialist on the Chinese and U.S. economies warned the Thai government not to rush into agreements with the U.S., urging a thorough consideration of the broader impact. Continued …

Will the global economy stall?

The timing could hardly have been less propitious. Just as the world economy was showing signs of stabilizing, the odds of a policy-induced global recession have risen significantly. The latest update to the Brookings-FT Tiger index reveals a mixed picture, with the financial index declining and private-sector confidence crumbling, even as macroeconomic data (which lag the other indicators) suggest a more benign scenario.

Obviously, the biggest factor is U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, which has disrupted world trade and fueled turmoil in financial markets, undermining growth prospects that had looked promising at the start of the year. The U.S. economy performed well in the first quarter of 2025: output and employment grew robustly through March, and inflation fell gradually. But that all changed in April with Trump’s announcement of “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at practically all U.S. trading partners. Continued …

Trade war spurs decoupling between China and the United States

The ongoing trade war between the United States and China has significantly accelerated the decoupling of their economies, driven by escalating tariffs and retaliatory measures. Recent developments show the U.S. imposing cumulative tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, with effective rates reaching 156%, while China faces tariffs as high as 245% on its imports to the U.S. due to its retaliatory actions.

These measures have pushed U.S.-China trade toward an expected decline of over 80%, described by the World Trade Organization as “tantamount to a decoupling.” Continued …

Casino Bill Stalls Amid Fierce Opposition and Coalition Tensions

The Pheu Thai Party faces a major setback, as its casino-entertainment complex bill encounters fierce resistance from multiple quarters. Initially set for a fast-tracked approval by April 9, the bill’s first reading in the House of Representatives has been postponed until the next parliamentary session on July 2.

The decision comes amid heated opposition, particularly from Bhumjaithai Party members and critics outside parliament. Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul assured there’s no internal party turmoil, despite party Secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob opposing the bill in parliament. Continued …

Egg price rises hurting consumers, traders alike

The price of eggs has been increasing, affecting both consumers and businesses as they bear the rising costs. This trend has been particularly noticeable across the provinces, including Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Phitsanulok, where the cost of eggs has risen in the past week.

Director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, Wittayakorn Maneenetr, said the main cause of the price increase is the extreme heat, which has led to a drop-off in egg production, with hens laying fewer and smaller eggs. Continued … 

Thai Banks in Focus Amid Economic Slowdown

As Thailand’s economy shows signs of slowing, the banking sector is one to watch for its resilience and profit potential. In 2024, commercial banks reported solid earnings to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), and early Q1 2025 results suggest continued strength.

Bangkok Bank (BBL) led the pack, reporting a Q1/2025 net profit of Bt12.6 billion, up 19.9% YoY. The increase was driven by higher operating income, particularly net interest income of Bt31.9 billion and a net interest margin of 2.9%. Non-interest income also rose, fueled by strong fee-based services and gains from investments. Continued …

China heats up Thailand’s Bt30-billion air conditioner market

Thailand’s air conditioner market, valued at over 34.5 billion baht, is expected to grow by 6% this year, according to estimates from major electronics brand LG. The company attributes this projected growth to delayed seasonal heat in 2025, with warmer weather arriving in mid-February instead of early February as in previous years.

Mitsubishi, another leading player in the market, forecasts a slightly lower growth rate of 5%, with the market valued at approximately 33.5 billion baht. Both projections, however, fall short of the impressive 14% growth recorded last year, driven by persistent and extreme heat that boosted demand across the country. Continued …

Survey highlights shifting work trends

In a recent survey conducted by Robert Walters Thailand, more than 30% of employees say their employer prioritizes meeting employee expectations to keep the workplace relevant, closely followed by the influence of competitive pressures and the organization’s financial status.

This indicates employees believe their employers are attentive to maintaining a workplace that responds to both internal expectations and external challenges, ensuring adaptability in a dynamic business environment. Continued …

Nearly 600,000 visitors flock to Thailand’s national parks during Songkran

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation reported that from April 12–16, a total of 589,943 visitors explored national parks across the country, generating 35,881,305 baht in revenue.

Top 5 Most Visited Parks: Tat Ton National Park, Khao Yai National Park, Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, and Khlong Lan National Park. Continued …

‘Only’ 12 Tourists Pickpocketed During Pattaya’s Wan Lai Festival

In response to widespread social media reports that dozens of tourists were targeted by pickpocket gangs during Pattaya’s Wan Lai Festival, local police have clarified that only 12 official complaints were filed during the celebrations.

Yesterday, Police Col. Prawit Chorseng, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, stated that between April 19-20, police received 12 formal reports of theft, 10 from foreign tourists and two from Thai nationals. Most of the stolen items were mobile phones kept in waterproof pouches, commonly used during Songkran festivities. Continued …

Phuket tourism off to strong start

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office has reported a robust start to 2025, with tourism revenue reaching 149 billion baht in the first quarter. A total of 3.89 million visitors, both domestic and international, traveled to Phuket between January and March, said TAT Phuket Director Siriwan Seeharach.

TAT Phuket is shifting its focus toward the domestic market, especially younger Thai travelers with lifestyle-oriented preferences, to sustain momentum through the green (rainy) season running from April to October. Continued …

Police bust Phuket jet ski scammers

Police have seized eight jet skis and arrested five operators in Phuket during a crackdown on gangs preying on tourists. Marine police arrested four men and one woman for renting out jet skis without operating licences and other offenses.

Visitors to Phuket have long complained about some operators charging unusually high rental fees for jet skis, police said. The same operators often accused their customers of damaging the units and forced them to pay exorbitant amounts of money for repairs. Continued …

Officials probe illegal land grabs in Phuket wildlife zone

Phuket’s lush green hills are fast becoming battlegrounds in a land war fueled by booming tourism, high-end development, and shady deals — and now, investigators are closing in.

Officials launched a fresh investigation into suspected illegal land grabs within a protected wildlife reserve in Wichit, Phuket, raising alarm over how the island’s natural beauty is being sacrificed for profit. Continued …

Suspicion raised over ‘poor content’ of Thai Pavilion at Osaka Expo

Several Thai visitors to the Thai Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo 2025 have voiced disappointment over the Ministry of Public Health’s presentation, describing it as more akin to a school project than a world-class exhibition. Adding to concerns, it was revealed that the company awarded the project had officially ceased operations early last year.

The Osaka World Expo 2025, also known as the Kansai Expo, began on April 13 and will run until Oct. 13, taking place on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. Continued … 

Travel around Thailand by train

Thailand’s sun-kissed beaches, misty northern hills and vibrant cities are best known through digital postcards and travel blogs — but to truly feel the rhythm of the country, hop aboard a train. In a land where modernity meets tradition, Thailand’s railways offer a unique, nostalgic, and surprisingly luxurious way to traverse its diverse landscapes.

Rail travel in Thailand is not only affordable and practical — it’s an experience in itself. With colonial-era stations, panoramic countryside views, and local life on full display, the journey is often just as rewarding as the destination. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury seeker, there’s something magical about the chug of the engine, the rattle of the tracks, and the wide-open windows offering glimpses of rice paddies, mountain passes, and fishing villages. Continued …

Spicy and tangy Thai sauces you’ll want to dip everything into

In Thai cuisine, dipping sauces — known as “nam jim” — aren’t just condiments. They’re an essential part of the meal, transforming every bite with vibrant flavor.

Whether you’re enjoying grilled meats, seafood, or fresh vegetables, there’s a perfect Thai dipping sauce to match. Here are some of the most popular Thai dipping sauces and how to enjoy them: Continued … 

Thai Green Curry: The perfect blend of aroma, spice and comfort

If you’re craving a Thai dish that’s rich, aromatic, and full of bold flavor, Thai green curry — or Kaeng Kiew Wan — should be at the top of your list. This popular Thai curry is known for its vibrant green hue, creamy coconut base, and perfectly balanced spicy-sweet flavor.

Green curry gets its signature taste from a fragrant paste made with green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmered in coconut milk and paired with chicken, beef, pork, or tofu, it creates a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold, authentic Thai flavors. Continued …

Must-have apps for a hassle-free experience in Thailand

Are you planning a dream vacation in Thailand? Or have just touched down for a new chapter in the Land of Smiles? Here’s one thing that will make your stay smoother, faster and more fun — the right apps.

From navigating Bangkok’s bustling streets to grabbing a quick bite or paying without having a single baht in your wallet, Thailand is a tech-friendly destination where apps truly make life easier. Here’s a list of essential mobile apps that every traveler, expat or digital nomad should download to experience Thailand like a local. Continued …

Bangkok to receive 500 electric buses in clean energy transition

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) plans to replace its natural gas-powered (NGV) buses with an all-new lineup of electric-powered (EV) air-conditioned buses, beginning with a delivery of 500 EV buses this year.

The updated plan, supporting clean energy, has been submitted to the Ministry of Transport. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is compiling the plan’s details before the Ministry forwards it to the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SoC). Continued …

Study to consider solar panel recycling

Concern over scrapped solar panels that are accumulating in the country, potentially creating a “graveyard”, has convinced SCI Eco Services to conduct a study on an electronic waste-recycling project.

The increase in discarded solar panels from solar farm operators is the result of a sharp decrease in their capability to convert sunlight into electricity, said Chalong Limsuntrakul, deputy director for waste circularity at SCI Eco Services, the industrial waste-management arm of Siam Cement Group (SCG), Thailand’s largest cement maker and industrial conglomerate. Continued … 

China’s US envoy urges end to trade war, but warns Beijing ready to fight

China’s ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, has urged Washington to seek common ground with Beijing and pursue peaceful coexistence, while warning that China stood ready to retaliate in the escalating trade war. Xie said tariffs would devastate the global economy and drew a parallel between the Great Depression and tariffs imposed by the U.S. in 1930. Continued …

Boeing begins flying back planes refused by Chinese airlines

U.S. plane manufacturer Boeing has begun flying 737 Max jets that were refused by Chinese airline customers back to the United States, as the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies escalates. China had instructed airlines to stop taking delivery of Boeing jets last week. Continued …

Gold hits record as dollar sags and trade war concerns persist

Gold rallied to a record today as a fresh bout of U.S. dollar weakness, criticizm of the Federal Reserve by U.S. President Donald Trump, and persistent trade war concerns underpinned haven demand. Bullion roared above US$3,385 an ounce, as the U.S. currency fell to the lowest since early 2024. Continued …

China, Cambodia agree on canal linking the Mekong to the Gulf of Thailand

Cambodia and China have signed a $1.2-billion deal to finance an ambitious canal project that aims to boost trade efficiency by linking a branch of the Mekong River near Phnom Penh to a port on the Gulf of Thailand, the Cambodian government agency heading the project announced Friday. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

• The bus will leave Hua Hin at 10 am and 3 pm
• From Don Meaung to Hua Hin: depart 3pm
• Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

• Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
• Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
• Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
• Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
• Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

Emergency hotline numbers:

• Emergency hotline – 191
• Emergency medical services – 1554
• Water accident – 1196
• Motorway hotline – 1586
• Emergency medical – 1669
• Highway police – 1193
• Tourist police – 1155
• Bus ticket – 1490
• Department of Highways – 1586
• State Railway – 1590