Today’s news: Water bills to go online/’Acrobat circus’ in Hua Hin/Replacing overhead wiring/Spooked by ghost shark/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Big problems and big tax income/Inflation slowing/Tricky H2 for businesses/Shrugs off wage hike/Australia opens door to agricultural workers/Tourism: UK waiver of visa fees/THAI plans summer flights/Canadian Tourist Dies/Environment: Alarming health threat/Climate change bill in pipeline/Bangkok’s waste-to-energy plants/Solar farm in EEC/New phase for electric vehicles/Thailand Experience: Because of all of the digital nomads/Tasty treats in Talat Phlu/The Spirituality of Phitsanulok/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Hua Hin train schedule/Market Village bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Water bills to go online, still in testing
The Hua Hin Municipal Waterworks is launching a new water bill payment system. The new online system, which is currently in its testing phase, aims to streamline operations and improve the overall customer experience.
Meanwhile, customers are able to pay their water bills directly at the Waterworks Office or through the Waterworks’ official Line account (@904vnffi). Continued …
‘Acrobat circus’ at Vic Hua Hin Theater, March 30-31
“About Us and Time” is a modern circus acrobat arts performances showcasing an array of skilled acrobats, elegant dancers, and imaginative storytellers coming together.
Directed by Chloe Farrah, a coach and former performer from the world-renowned acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil, in collaboration with Leng Rajanikara , the champion of Thailand’s Got Talent Season 2, and a team of acrobatic performers from the KV FAMILY team, the event showcases skillful acrobats delivering breathtaking performances over the course of 60 minutes. Continued …
Groups move ahead in replacing overhead wiring
Four major organizations – the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration – have joined forces to replace overhead cables with underground ones along 116 routes. This substantial project, spanning across both Bangkok and other provinces, will cover a total distance of 213 kilometers.
Originally slated for last year, this project is part of a larger plan. This includes the rearrangement of overhead cables across 1,407 routes in Bangkok and the provinces, covering a combined length of 2,498 kilometers. Continued …
Scientists spooked by ghost shark sighting off Thailand coast
Scientists have been spooked by the ghoulish discovery of a ghost shark swimming off the Andaman coast of Thailand. Researchers revealed the ghost shark is a new species named Chimaera supapae. It boasts a formidable head, oversized eyes, and delicate, feather-like fins.
Chimaeras, commonly known as ghost sharks, belong to the family of cartilaginous fish, sharing kinship with sharks and rays. Live Science highlighted that these cartilaginous fish represent some of the oldest species still extant today. Continued …
- Over 700 foreigners caught in Thai-reserved jobs, mainly in tourism hotspots – Continued …
- Chinese Man Arrested in Pa Klok for 653 Days of Overstay – Continued …
- 2-year jail sentence to Danish resort manager – Continued …
- Russian tourist fined Bt500 over assault – Continued …
Big problems, and big tax income, from legalized casinos
Thailand could receive an income of 50 billion to 100 billion baht per year were casinos legaliszed, money that could be put toward taxes and national development, according to Thanawat Phonwichai, president of the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
However, legalizing casinos often comes with a cost, he said, such as drug addiction and gambling, and the rise of transnational crimes. Thanawat also warned that casinos should not be built in densely populated areas. Continued …
Inflation slowing, seen at 1% this year
Thailand’s inflation is slowing and is expected to be at 1% this year, the Finance Ministry said today, bottom of the 1% to 3% range.
High interest rates were affecting the public, while purchasing power was weak, Pornchai Thiraveja, head of the ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), told a briefing, adding that five projects were be prepared to help with credit for the low income group. Continued …
EconThai sees tricky H2 for businesses
Businesses are likely to find it difficult to get through the second half of this year, as people’s purchasing power remains weak amid a high level of household debt, says the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking has projected the Thai economy to improve in this year’s second quarter due to state budget spending and a reduction in tension in the Red Sea region. Continued …
MR DIY shrugs off wage hike
MR DIY continues to expand in Thailand despite the hike in the daily minimum wage. The increase in the minimum wage could pose a slight impact to the company as costs rise, but it will benefit the economy, said Andy Chin, chief executive of MR DIY Thailand.
As wages increase, it will have a positive impact on the overall retail sector, as people will have more income or purchasing power, possibly leading to higher consumption, he noted. Continued …
Australia opens door to agricultural workers from Thailand
According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which is in charge of the visa subclass 403, workers from four countries – Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines – can apply for the visa and get an opportunity to stay in Australia to work for up to four years.
The Australian government has just announced the approval of the agriculture visa subclass 403, which allows workers in a range of agriculture sectors and skill levels from certain Southeast Asia countries, including Vietnam, to work in Australia. Continued …
UK waiver of visa fees for Thais in progress
One of the goals of the UK-Thai Strategic Partnership agreement signed with UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron on Wednesday is to allow Thai passport holders visa-free access to the United Kingdom on short-term visits for tourism or business.
On Wednesday, Thailand signed a road map agreement with the United Kingdom elevating the Western country as a strategic partner. The deal was inked on a flying visit to Bangkok by newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary and former Prime Minister, David Cameron. Continued …
THAI plans summer flights, including Milan and Oslo
Thai Airways International (THAI) unveiled an ambitious summer schedule set to cover 61 global destinations, including Milan and Oslo.
From March 31 to Oct. 26, the airline is not just expanding its wings with a special focus on two new destinations: the fashion capital of Milan and the scenic splendor of Oslo. This strategic expansion includes a significant increase in direct flights to Europe and a robust recovery of routes to China, marking a milestone in THAI’s post-Covid-19 resurgence. Continued …
Canadian Tourist Dies After Falling Off Moving Train
A young Canadian man died Wednesday night after falling off a fast train running from Bangkok to Chumphon after going out of the carriage to smoke a cigarette as it was moving up and down during the journey.
At approximately 10.30 p.m., Ban Pong police station in Ratchaburi province was notified that a foreign man, later identified as Ralph Ryan Joseph, 26, from Canada, had disappeared after stepping out of the carriage of fast train number 168 to smoke near Ban Kluay Temple, Tha Rap subdistrict, Mueang district. A search was launched but the team was unable to find him. Continued …
Climate change an alarming health threat
If our planet were a patient, it would be admitted to intensive care. Its vital signs are alarming. It is running a fever, with each of the last nine months the hottest on record, as we hurtle toward the 1.5-degree threshold.
Its lung capacity is compromised, with the destruction of forests that absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. And many of the earth’s water sources – its lifeblood – are contaminated. Most concerning of all, its condition is deteriorating rapidly. Continued …
First national climate change bill in the pipeline
The country’s first-ever climate change bill is expected to be submitted for the cabinet’s consideration by June. It aims to serve as a tool for limiting the nation’s losses due to global warming while improving its ability to adapt and be more resilient in the face of crises, according to the Department of Climate Change and Environment.
The bill was drafted in response to global concern about increased temperatures damaging natural ecosystems, people’s well-being, and the economy. Continued …
Sustainable solutions: Bangkok’s waste-to-energy plants
To combat the Thai capital’s mounting garbage crisis, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is rolling out two cutting-edge waste-to-energy plants to revolutionize waste management by 2026. BMA Permanent Secretary Wanthanee Wattana voiced unwavering confidence in the timely completion of these facilities.
Wattana revealed that construction is well underway at the Nong Khaem and On Nut garbage disposal centers, with Privy Councillor Palakorn Suwanrath spearheading the ceremonial groundwork for one of these eco-innovative power plants on March 12. Continued …
SPCG presses ahead with delayed solar farm in EEC
SPCG, a pioneer in solar farm development, anticipates the smooth development of its much-delayed solar farm project in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), as the construction cost is likely to decrease by 25%.
The company adjusted its cost estimate, including the prices of equipment used for solar panel installation, believing the cost should drop from 20 billion baht to 15 billion baht, said Pipat Viriyatranon, vice president for finance. Continued …
A new phase for electric vehicles
In 2024, automakers will continue to wrestle with shifts caused by software and electrification’s increasing roles. creating a new phase for electric vehicles (EVs), according to Gartner, Inc.
“New OEM incumbents want to heavily redefine the status quo in automotive,” said Pedro Pacheco, vice president of research at Gartner. “They brought innovations that simplify production costs, such as centralized vehicle architecture or the introduction of gigacastings, that help reduce manufacturing cost and assembly time, which legacy automakers had no choice to adopt to survive.” Continued …
We didn’t want to come to Chiang Mai because of all of the digital nomads
Anyone who follows the phenomenon of nomading knows that there are certain “hotspots” around the world that are incredibly popular with nomads and long-term travelers: Mexico City, Mexico; Lisbon, Portugal; Medellín, Colombia; Bali, Indonesia; Bansko, Bulgaria; and Tbilisi, Georgia. But the One Ring to Rule Them All? Chiang Mai, Thailand, which is probably the world’s most well-known nomad destination.
Which is exactly why Michael and I never wanted to come here. All those nomads? We didn’t leave America to travel the world just to hang out with people exactly like ourselves. And didn’t the whole city exist just to cater to these people? That didn’t seem like a very authentic “Thai” experience. Continued …
Tasty treats not to be missed in Talat Phlu
A trading center for Chinese immigrants on the Phra Nakhon side of the Chao Phraya River in the early Rattanakosin period when Bangkok was first established, Sampeng Market is separated by water from Krung Thonburi, another area that also boasts a commercial hub.
Dubbed the Chinatown of Krung Thonburi, Talat Phlu is also home to Chinese immigrants, most of them Teochew Chinese who migrated from the southern part of mainland China. Continued …
New Temple Museum Highlights the Spirituality of Phitsanulok
In the heart of Phitsanulok, amid a landscape steeped in history and spirituality, lies “Wat Yai” or Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.
This 14th-century Buddhist temple is a beacon of cultural significance, renowned not only for the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Buddha image, with its exquisite beauty and rich mythological narrative, but also for the newly completed Phuttha Chinnarat National Museum. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Hua Hin Chiang Mai flight schedule May 4-June 14
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
- Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 10:20am–11:50am
- Hua Hin Chiang Mai, 12:20pm–13:35pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 9am–10:30am
- Hua Hin–Chiang Mai, 11am–12:15pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- 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
Police chiefs suspended over alleged gambling links
Isuzu allocates Bt32 billion for Thailand EV investments
Political unrest fuels growth in Thailand Privilege Card membership
Northern Thailand braces for severe air pollution crisis
New Finance Minister expected in April as economic malaise deepens
Thai man fined for drinking beer outside convenience store
Plans for new airport in northern Thailand set to take off
Kiwi Brothers Slapped With 5 Charges For Assaulting Policeman – 
Rocky start for Thailand’s latest alcohol tax reform
Russians control residential leasehold segment in Phuket
Clean energy holds short-term promise
US lawmakers pass bill to force TikTok sale
AI-Driven system minimizes human-elephant conflict
Thai children fall victim to Bangkok’s air pollution
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights go daily May 4
How to learn and master Thai language in 6 months
Progress on 6 Thai FTAs now under negotiation
Alarm sounded for tainted fruit, vegetable imports
Majority of 12,000 Thais in Dubai are working illegally
Chiang Mai offers 10,000 baht reward, uses artificial rain to control pollution
Celebrating Thai women creating international impact
‘Master plan’ under way to fix woes of aging demographics
PM sets ambitious goals for tourism
