Category Archives: chiang mai

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Thursday’s News-March 30

  • Hua Hin wants ‘cultural traditions’ observed during Songkran/
  • 600-passenger cruise ship might dock in Hua Hin in May/
  • Beach polo event scheduled Saturday/
  • Forest fire rages on mountains in central Thailand – helicopters to assist today/
  • Only four allowed in back of pickups during Songkran/
  • Take your eyes off your mobile phone, says inventor, 50 years on/
  • Swedish man sentenced to prison for running child porn network in Thailand/
  • Thailand releases pad kaprow flavored condoms/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Higher sugar prices pose new threat to food inflation/CEOs want the next government to cut power costs, stimulate economy/ESG: Poison or Panacea for Thai Business?/Economy faces export clogs with rules in China and ‘green imperialism’ from the European Union/Western slowdown to weigh on Thai production/AIS to invest up to 30 billion baht on infrastructure this year/No more commuting? Thailand enshrines work-from-home culture in law/AOT given green light for ‘airport city’ next to Suvarnabhumi/Heineken sets out sustainable strategy/Thailand’s Long and Bumpy Road to Nuclear Energy Adoption/
  • Tourism: TAT Songkran festival targets four key regions, but not PKK/Who didn’t see this coming? Thousands of Russians and Ukrainians stranded in Thailand/Chiang Mai tour operators concerned over pollution, bookings down 50%/Phuket braces for 10% Songkran spike/Foreign ‘tour guides’ taking jobs that are reserved for Thais/Q1 tourism target exceeded, but what about 45-day visa exemption?/Revival of the “Zero-dollar Tour” Would Cost Thailand THB 3 Trillion/Foreigner deported from China for using cannabis in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: Nan Province: A melting pot/Explore Amphawa Floating Market near Bangkok for an authentic Thai experience/
  • International: UK closer to joining Pacific trade pact/Indonesia stripped of hosting rights by FIFA/50 years since US combat troops pulled out of South Vietnam/China’s ‘art factory’ painters turn from fakes to originals/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin wants ‘cultural traditions’ observed during Songkran

Hua Hin has released guidelines for 2023 Songkran activities, with the aim to focus on cultural values and traditions under the concept of “continuing the Thai way of Songkran, joining the heart to the world”.

Appropriate traditional activities include cleaning houses, temples and public places, making merit, offering alms to monks, practicing Dharma, listening to sermons, pouring water on Buddha images and offering blessings to the elderly.

The public also is requested to wear traditional Thai dress during participation in activities to create an awareness of the Thai identity to foreigners.

600-passenger cruise ship might dock in Hua Hin in May

The MV Europa, a Maltese-registered luxury cruise liner, has recently requested permission to dock near Hua Hin and allow its 600 passengers to disembark.

The request has sparked discussions among officials at the municipality and the provincial administration who are working to ensure that the necessary measures are in place to make the disembarkation process safe and seamless.

At a meeting held at the Hua Hin municipality on Wednesday, officials discussed the proposed plan for the MV Europa’s arrival. The discussions focused on a range of important issues, including providing immigration services, preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and promoting boat tourism in accordance with government policy. Continued …

Beach polo event scheduled Saturday

The Princess Pa’s Cup beach polo tournament is taking place on Saturday.

This event is set to attract a large audience of polo enthusiasts, socialites, and philanthropists and is being held at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort from 12:30pm to 9pm. Continued … 

Forest fire rages on mountains in central Thailand – helicopters to assist today

Video from the “This is Nakhon Nayok” site showed an out-of-control fire that had been raging for 24 hours last night.

The fire started on Wednesday in the area of Khao Chaphlu and Khao Laem in Khao Phra and Phromanee subdistricts of the central Thailand province. Continued and video …

Only four allowed in back of pickups during Songkran

The chief of the Royal Thai Police, Gen. Damrongsak Kittipraphat, yesterday commented regarding the election and the Songkran holidays.

It will be the chief’s first Songkran in charge next month and he has addressed a perennial concern – the public riding dangerously in the back of pickups. Continued …

Take your eyes off your mobile phone, says inventor, 50 years on

The problem with mobile phones is that people look at them too much. At least, that’s according to the man who invented them 50 years ago.

Martin Cooper, an American engineer dubbed the “Father of the cell phone,” says the neat little device we all have in our pockets has almost boundless potential and could one day even help conquer disease. But right now, we can be a little obsessed. Continued …

Swedish man sentenced to prison for running child porn network in Thailand

A 23-year-old Swedish man who controlled a network of underage girls in Thailand into sending pornographic pictures and videos of themselves from his parent’s home in Stockholm has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison. The material was sold to thousands of people via social media.

Most of the thousands of victims were 13 to 17 years old. They told the authorities they were contacted by men offering money for explicit content. The girls sent the content but never received the money, they told the Thai police. Continued …

Thailand releases pad kaprow flavored condoms

Holy basil lovers, condom brand myONE Thailand has released a special edition “chicken kaprow”-flavored condom.

With April 1 just around the corner, it’s not easy to trust that myONE Thailand is serious about their pad kaprow-flavored contraceptive. But it looks like the holy basil chicken condom is not a hoax. Continued …

Higher sugar prices pose new threat to food inflation

Sugar, consumed in everything from chocolate to fizzy drinks and baked products, is becoming ever more expensive, raising costs for the industry and keeping up pressure on global food inflation.

Prices of refined sugar surged to the highest in more than a decade this week, while the raw variety is near to the costliest in over six years. Global supply is tightening, mainly because India, one of the top shippers, has cut exports after rains hurt the sugar cane crop and as more sweetener is diverted to biofuel. Continued …

CEOs want the next government to cut power costs, stimulate economy

CEOs want the next government to cut energy prices, prevent disruptions in supply chains, and stimulate the economy, a survey of 427 CEOs by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) found.

The cost of energy was the top concern in the survey, which found that 77.8% of CEOs want the next government to lower oil and electricity prices, and about 70% want it to cut the fuel tariff on electricity from September to December. Continued …

ESG: Poison or Panacea for Thai Business?

Considering the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework has been increasingly important in Thailand in recent years. Thai businesses are still learning to fully comprehend the need to integrate ESG factors into their operations in order to safeguard their long-term viability, comply with international standards, and reduce exposure to potential and market threats.

The ESG framework represents a company’s actions and impact on the environment, society, and corporate governance. In fact, the three factors are seen as key indicators of long-term sustainability and financial performance for all firms. However, adopting an ESG framework and integrating ESG considerations into business operations can be challenging for various companies. Continued …

Economy faces export clogs with rules in China and ‘green imperialism’ from the European Union

The Thai central bank raised interest rates on Wednesday even with inflation coming in at only 3.8% for February. The country’s economic ministries, in the meantime, have prioritized the promotion of Thai exports against a backdrop of a more risk-averse world banking system, higher borrowing rates and reduced demand.

Thai exports are also facing challenges in China and Europe due to local regulations and what a legal expert has described as the ‘regulatory imperialism’ of the European Union.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the Fiscal Policy Office has been tasked with closely monitoring trends and potential impediments in the export sector, as the ministry acknowledged that economic growth in 2023 was now dependent on foreign tourism and an uptick in domestic spending. Continued …

Western slowdown to weigh on Thai production

Thai exports are likely to be indirectly affected by banking problems in the U.S. and Europe, slowing an already sluggish sector and causing a drop in the Manufacturing Production Index (MPI), according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

The index dipped 0.45% to 98.9 points in February on a monthly basis, with the March MPI unlikely to improve, as foreign demand for Thai products remains weak amid a sluggish economy in the U.S. and European countries, said Warawan Chitaroon, director-general of the OIE. Continued …

AIS to invest up to 30 billion baht on infrastructure this year

Mobile operator Advanced Info Service is investing 27 billion to 30 billion baht this year to upgrade its telecom infrastructure to support emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and the internet of things, its CEO told a press conference on Wednesday.

AIS CEO Somchai Lertsutiwong said its goal is to strengthen its infrastructure so that any person or company can use services to improve their quality of life or increasing business efficiency. Continued …

No more commuting? Thailand enshrines work-from-home culture in law

Thailand has become the latest country to enshrine rights for working from home, offering protection to a growing number of people who are keen to work from home but unsure about the law and guidelines.

The move comes as more employees find the line between their personal life and work is becoming blurred, with bosses expecting them to be available at all hours. Continued …

AOT given green light for ‘airport city’ next to Suvarnabhumi

Airports of Thailand will proceed with its plan to transform 723 rai of land adjacent Suvarnabhumi International Airport into “airport city” now that the Interior Ministry has amended the zoning code in Samut Prakan to allow the project to proceed, its president said.

The Interior Ministry recently published an announcement in the Royal Gazette saying it had given approval for farmland around Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan to be used for infrastructure and buildings, AOT President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn said. Continued …

Heineken sets out sustainable strategy

Dutch beer brand Heineken is committed to pursuing sustainable brewing and clean energy as part of its business priorities over the long term.

Solar panels are installed at TAP’s brewery in Nonthaburi, covering an area of four acres, equivalent to two football fields. When fully operational, the solar farm can generate 30% of the electricity required for the brewhouse.

“Heineken recognizes that business growth and sustainability are interconnected, The company’s ‘Brew a Better World’ vision promotes water stewardship, reducing CO2 emissions, sourcing sustainably, advocating responsible consumption, promoting health and safety, and growing with communities,” said Thum Chee Yuen, managing director of Thai Asia-Pacific Brewery (TAP), the brewer and distributor of Heineken in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand’s Long and Bumpy Road to Nuclear Energy Adoption

In many respects, Thailand is an extremely fortunate nation. It is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, with no threat of food shortages, no major state or non-state enemies, and no severe risks of natural disasters (this point, though, is debatable as Thailand is said to be one of the top 10 countries in the world most impacted by climate change). But when it comes to energy security, Thais should be concerned.

Thailand is, after all, a net importer of oil and natural gas, and its existing reserves – most notably the one in the Gulf of Thailand – are running low. To satisfy its people’s skyrocketing demand, the Thai government does not have much of a choice but to keep relying on imported energy sources (and grudgingly accepting rising prices in the process). Continued … 

TAT Songkran festival targets four key regions, but not PKK

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will run a series of events dubbed “Water Festival 2023” in four regions between April 13-16, in conjunction with Thai Beverage Public Co. (ThaiBev) and other partners.

Suraphon Svetasreni, chairman of the organizing committee, said on Wednesday that the events are also being supported by the Culture Ministry, Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), private and government networks, as well local communities. Continued …

Who didn’t see this coming? Thousands of Russians and Ukrainians stranded in Thailand

While many Russians have been investing in villas and homes in Thailand, there are also thousands of Russians and Ukrainians who are stranded in the country due to the ongoing war following the invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine.

Around 7,000 Russians and Ukrainians are currently stranded in Thailand, with many of them currently in Phuket. The island used to attract 8–9 million overseas visitors in the years up to 2019, but the pandemic has caused a significant drop in tourism. Continued …

Chiang Mai tour operators concerned over pollution, bookings down 50%

Tour operators in Chiang Mai raised concerns after the latest tourism figures revealed bookings were down 50% after the popular tourist destination was ranked the world’s most polluted city. But that’s not all, respiratory diseases in the province continue to rise.

The air quality index produced by Swiss company IQAir revealed that Chiang Mai had a reading of 216 at noon yesterday, which is considered “very unhealthy.” Anything above 51 is a cause for concern. In comparison, Bangkok had a reading of 80, while Birmingham and London had readings of 25 and 8, respectively. Continued …

Phuket braces for 10% Songkran spike

Phuket expects to see a 10% increase in hotel bookings during the Songkran festival next month.

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said on Wednesday the government’s We Travel Together tourism stimulus campaign has attracted more visitors to Phuket to celebrate the Thai New Year on April 13-15. Continued …

Foreign ‘tour guides’ taking jobs that are reserved for Thais

The caretaker Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has ordered strict legal action against foreigners who are working as tour guides, which is a profession exclusively reserved for Thai nationals.

This announcement came after several complaints were filed, citing violation of the executive decree of 2017. According to government deputy spokeswoman Traisuree Taisarakul, the law clearly states that foreigners cannot work without a permit or fill jobs reserved for Thai citizens, including tour guide positions. Continued …

Q1 tourism target exceeded, but what about 45-day visa exemption?

Thailand has exceeded its target for tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2023, with a total of 6.15 million visitors from January to March 27. The government had initially aimed for 6 million arrivals during this period.

The numbers coincide with the government’s extension of the usual 30-day visa waiver (for 64 countries) to 45 days. The extension was valid between the start of October, 2022, and March 31, 2023. No announcements have since been made to extend the 45-day visa waiver beyond the end of March, although both the Thai Tourism and Sports Ministers and the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand have expressed their interest in proposing an extension. Continued … 

Revival of the “Zero-dollar Tour” Would Cost Thailand THB 3 Trillion

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) has met urgently to prevent the resurgence of the zero-dollar tour, fearing that it will sabotage the country’s upcoming tourism revenue.

Arrun Boonchai, permanent secretary of MOTS, said that following the opening of the Chinese border to international travel without restrictions on Feb. 6, the ministry has discovered several travel agencies from China advertising travel packages that are significantly below the cost of operation, a tactic known as the “zero-dollar tour”. Continued …

Foreigner deported from China for using cannabis in Thailand

A foreigner of unknown nationality was allegedly deported from Shanghai, China, for testing positive for cannabis upon returning from Thailand, where marijuana is legal.

Getting high is normal in Thailand since cannabis was decriminalized almost a year ago. But China doesn’t share Thailand’s liberal stance on the psychoactive plant. Continued …

Nan Province: A melting pot

Late in the morning, my caffeine-dependent friends and I made a pit stop at the newly opened Pua Tobacco Barn Café & Eatery to refuel before leaving the popular town of Pua, close to the Xienghone-Hongsa special economic zone between Nan and Laos.

Sitting there and observing the surroundings reminded me of the good old days when Pua district served as one of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand’s primary suppliers in the northern region, with more than 1,000 rai of tobacco plants spanning the whole neighborhood. Continued …

Explore Amphawa Floating Market near Bangkok for an authentic Thai experience

Dense evergreen forests criss-crossed with a series of rivers and rivulets have always been a key feature of southeast Asia’s natural vegetation. Over the years, this unique vegetation has led to the development of an amazing water transport system, along with a unique water-based lifestyle, revolving around floating markets.

For centuries, the floating markets have played an integral role in shaping the lives of the citizens of Southeast Asian countries like Thailand. In recent years, the Thai lifestyle has changed and water transport has largely been replaced by road transport running along the network of highways stretching all across Thailand.

The floating markets have lost much of their significance. But Thailand authorities have come up with a unique plan of revamping the floating markets and turning them into tourist hot spots. Continued …

UK closer to joining Pacific trade pact

Members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership are expected to agree this month on allowing Britain to join the free trade pact, Japanese government sources said on Wednesday. Continued …

Indonesia stripped of hosting rights by FIFA

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has stripped Indonesia of the right to stage this year’s Under-20 World Cup, over what an Indonesian official said was a failure to honur its commitments to the tournament. Continued …

50 years since US combat troops pulled out of South Vietnam

Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of combat troops departing South Vietnam, the beginning of the end of the United States’ direct military involvement in the unpopular war. Continued …

China’s ‘art factory’ painters turn from fakes to originals

Painters in a Chinese village once known for churning out replicas of Western masterpieces are now making original art worth thousands of dollars, selling their own works in a booming domestic art market. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

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Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

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bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, climate change, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-March 29

  • Water supply disruptions in parts of Cha Am Thursday/
  • Is Thailand really immune to the banking turmoil in the US and Europe?/
  • New electricity rates won’t be lowered/
  • PM2.5 pollution worsens in north, hospitals said prepared/
  • Chiang Mai city, airport shrouded in pollution from forest burning/
  • Neighboring countries eyed to help curb haze/
  • Thailand sees 8,000-plus new businesses vs 869 closures in February/
  • Thai children ‘most likely’ to suffer climate impact/
  • Thai to be taught at Harvard/
  • ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 will likely take place on Koh Samui/
  • Tourism: Songkran festivals around Thailand/Airlines juggle demand as fares skyrocket/How Koh Larn became ‘Trash Island’ and what is being done to fix it/Humans frolic with sharks as eco-tourism flourishes in Maya Bay/Bangkok canal lights up with vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema/Iraqi Man Faints Upon Being Caught Overstaying More Than 8 Years/
  • Thailand Experience: Top 5 hotels in Hua Hin/10 best luxury hotels and resorts on Koh Samui/How to See Over 100 Temples in One Day/Mountain Lanes Around Chiang Mai Are Perfect For A Motorbike Road Trip/‘Thai cuisine is not just street food’/How Bangkok’s Le Du became The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023/5 top-rated medical cannabis clinics in Bangkok/
  • International: Alibaba Group to split into six units, explore IPOs/China allows five female pilots to fly heavy-duty fighter jets/Sugar traps put damper on cockroaches’ sex life/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Water supply disruptions in parts of Cha Am Thursday

Is Thailand really immune to the banking turmoil in the US and Europe?

The global financial markets are highly interconnected. When Thailand’s banking system suffered a collapse and the baht’s value plummeted in 1997, the contagion effect spread to other Asian countries. Similarly, one saw the global financial crisis triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers Bank in the United States in 2008.

Recently, U.S. regulators had to shut down two regional banks — Signature Bank (SB) and Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). SB’s core business was related to cryptocurrency, while SVB largely serviced startup companies and venture capitalists. Continued …

New electricity rates won’t be lowered

A uniform electricity rate of 4.77 baht/unit for both households and businesses from May through August cannot be lowered, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Panmeechaow said on Tuesday. The new rate caused a stir as the government earlier promised to maintain the rate for household users at 4.72 baht per unit. Continued …

PM2.5 pollution worsens in north, hospitals said prepared

The Public Health Ministry’s permanent secretary is visiting northern provinces to ensure people suffering physical problems from the worsening pollution can get medical help.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday that Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, is in the North to monitor people’s health in response to the worsening PM2.5 pollution. Continued …

Chiang Mai city, airport shrouded in pollution from forest burning

Air quality in northern Thailand climbed to hazardous levels on Monday as a result of seasonal agricultural burning in the region.

Local media reported that 4,115 hot spots were detected in northern Thailand in the past 24 hours. Parts of Bangkok on Monday hit an air quality index (AQI) reading of 582, making it 124.9 times above a recommended limit given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Video …

Neighboring countries eyed to help curb haze

The government is seeking cooperation with neighboring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to combat the transboundary haze pollution choking the region.

Speaking after yesterday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the issue must be put on ASEAN’s agenda if a solution is to be found. Continued …

Thailand sees 8,000-plus new businesses vs 869 closures in February

As many as 869 companies with a combined capital of 2.94 billion baht ceased operations in February, though the number of newly registered businesses was far larger.

Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the Department of Business Development (DBD), said on Tuesday that 869 businesses announced last month that they were wrapping up. Continued …

Thai children ‘most likely’ to suffer climate impact

Children in the northeastern and southern regions of Thailand face the highest risk of climate change, according to a study released yesterday by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The study, titled “Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on Children in Thailand”, is the first of its kind in Thailand, examining the impact of climate change specifically on children across provinces, incomes, disabilities, and ages, said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF representative for Thailand. Continued …

Thai to be taught at Harvard

Harvard university’s Department of South Asian Studies will hire three instructors to teach Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, and Thai for the academic year 2023 to 2024.

Harvard University will soon offer a course on Tagalog, the fourth most spoken language in the United States, according to a report in the student paper Harvard Crimson. Continued …

‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 will likely take place on Koh Samui

Thailand will host the most-privileged behaving at their worst, and we’re not talking about a typical night in Thonglor.

Amid swirling rumors that the next season of black comedy-drama “The White Lotus” would take place in Asia, a Hollywood industry publication reported that it will take place in Thailand. Continued …

Songkran festivals around Thailand

Filled full of festivals, fun and frolics, April is one of the most celebrated months of the year in Thailand with the traditional Thai New Year of Songkran one of the most culturally important celebrations in the kingdom.

The Songkran festival is known worldwide and is celebrated to honor family values, pay respect to seniors, and participate in traditional ceremonies throughout the nation’s temples. This festival is observed as a three-day national holiday from April 13 to April 15 in Thailand. However, some locations also celebrate this festival a little later with unique local festivities. Continued …

Airlines juggle demand as fares skyrocket

Global aviation has experienced a promising start to the year, as travel restrictions have been lifted, allowing people to fly with fewer barriers. Even countries with strict Covid-19 policies, such as China, lifted their restrictions earlier than expected.

The World Tourism Organization predicts Europe and the Middle East will reach pre-pandemic international tourist levels this year, forecasting an 80%-95% overall recovery, while the Pacific Asia Travel Assn. projects a growth rate of at least 71%. Continued …

How Koh Larn became ‘Trash Island’ and what is being done to fix it

Koh Larn, an island lying in the gulf off Pattaya, has been attracting thousands of local and foreign tourists for decades, but this has undeniably led to a mountain of garbage, resulting in an enormous landfill on the small island.

“In the past, about 10 tons of garbage were generated each day on Koh Larn, but because the number of tourists has been increasing, the amount of garbage has doubled,” said Manoch Nongyai, deputy governor of Pattaya City. Continued …

Humans frolic with sharks as eco-tourism flourishes in Maya Bay

Maya Bay in Krabi is open and teeming with life again after four years of rehabilitation since being closed to tourists in 2018.

Made famous by “The Beach” (2000), a Hollywood blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park became the victim of its success as the tourism industry took a toll on its pristine coral reefs, aquamarine waters, and beach.

But visitors are now back, literally immersing themselves in the rebirth of the natural surroundings. Tourists are now paddling with sharks, as Maya Bay strikes a balance between wildlife and the tourism industry on which locals depend. Video …

Bangkok canal lights up with vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema

A festival atmosphere has engulfed Phadung Krung Kasem Canal in central Bangkok, which is hosting vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema until April 5.

The “@ Phadung Krung Kasem” festival was launched on Monday by Suksan Kittisupakorn, deputy permanent-secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Continued …

Iraqi Man Faints Upon Being Caught Overstaying More Than 8 Years

An Iraqi man who overstayed in Thailand for more than eight years fainted when Chonburi Immigration and Pattaya police showed up at his house to arrest him yesterday.

Police Col. Prinya Klinkasorn, head of Chonburi Immigration police, said the Iraqi man, identified as Khalid Majeed Ali, 52, had hidden in Pattaya’s Mabyailia community for a long time. He did not have a job nor did he socialize with anyone and it was feared he might turn to crime. Continued …

Top 5 hotels in Hua Hin

Picture yourself lounging on a pristine beach, sipping a cool drink as the warm sun bathes your skin. The sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore lulls you into a state of complete relaxation.

In the distance, palm trees sway in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly in the wind. This is the scene that awaits you in Hua Hin, Thailand’s premier destination for luxury vacationing.

Hua Hin is a haven for those seeking a truly indulgent holiday experience. From its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife to its world-class dining and exceptional hospitality, Hua Hin has everything you need to make your next vacation unforgettable. Continued …

10 best luxury hotels and resorts on Koh Samui

Looking to splash out on a lavish Songkran escape? Then Koh Samui, the ultimate destination for luxury and relaxation, is the perfect place to go. With its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and stunning natural beauty, Koh Samui is a paradise for travelers seeking a touch of indulgence. And with so many amazing luxury hotels and resorts to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

The Ritz Carlton- Koh Samui

The Ritz Carlton-Koh Samui is a seaside resort that offers unique experiences that inspire memorable moments. The resort is nestled in the midst of a private, sun-kissed bay. At this resort, you will have the opportunity to heal your mind, body, and soul through health programs, cultural immersions, and gastronomic adventures. Continued …

How to See Over 100 Temples in One Day

When traveling to Thailand, one of the most fascinating things to do is explore the ancient temples. There’s hundreds of temples Bangkok, the capital city, alone. If you are short on time, it may seem impossible to see them all. But my husband and I came across a little-known solution.

We were Southeast Asian on vacation and an unexpected layover landed us in Bangkok. Although we only had a few hours, the temple grounds were calling us and we wanted to see as many religious artifacts as possible. To make this happen, we took a taxi about 45 minutes outside of the capital to a place called Muang Boran, or Ancient City. Continued and video …

Mountain Lanes Around Chiang Mai Are Perfect For A Motorbike Road Trip

Chiang Mai is the second-largest city of Thailand and is the main northern city of the Southeast Asian country. Thailand is a country famous for its tropical and idyllic beaches of Phuket in the south, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok with its temples and adult attractions in the middle, and Chiang Mai, with its mountains in the north.

Chiang Mai is one of the ancient Thai cities. Unlike European cities, most of the historic buildings of the city have been lost. However, the city preserves the ancient city plan with the city moats, parts of the old city walls, and many of the old temples. Continued …

Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn using caviar from a Thai sturgeon farm to create a dish at his Nusara restaurant in Bangkok

‘Thai cuisine is not just street food’

Thailand reigned supreme at the 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, with nine restaurants from the capital, Bangkok, ranked – a total matched by Singapore.

The crown of Asia’s Best Restaurant was awarded to Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn’s modern Thai kitchen Le Du. One of his newer venues, Nusara, which pays tribute to his grandmother’s cooking, was in third place.

Also in the top 10 was Gaggan Anand, the latest incarnation of the eponymously named Bangkok restaurant of chef Gaggan Anand that previously topped the list a record four times, and Sorn, the traditional Southern Thai restaurant headed by chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri. Continued …

How Bangkok’s Le Du became The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023

For the first time in 10 years, an eatery honoring Thai cuisine tops the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna: Bangkok’s Le Du, created by chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn. As Bangkok takes back the gastronomic crown, Tassanakajohn reflects on what the award means to him and his country.

Restaurant Le Du in Bangkok was named No.1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 to the joyous cheers of the chefs, media and industry VIPs gathered at a glamorous awards ceremony at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, where the Asian gastronomic community was reunited again in-person for the first time since 2019. Continued …

5 top-rated medical cannabis clinics in Bangkok

As medical cannabis gains recognition worldwide, Bangkok is becoming a hub for top-notch clinics catering to those seeking alternative forms of treatment. With the legalization of cannabis in Thailand, medical cannabis clinics have become more prevalent, and we have rounded up the top five in Bangkok for your consideration.

Whether you’re looking for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or depression, these cannabis clinics offer a range of products and services to help you achieve your health goals.

BNH Hospital

BNH Hospital is a medical institution that has been serving the community for over 124 years. And it continues to offer world-class medical services. Today, it’s also popular for its top-notch medical cannabis clinic, known as BLOOM UP by BNH. The medical cannabis clinic is managed by a team of doctors and pharmacists who have certifications and training to use medicinal cannabis extracts. Continued …

Alibaba Group to split into six units, explore IPOs

Alibaba Group Holding is planning to split its business into six main units covering e-commerce, media and the cloud, the company said on Tuesday, adding that each of the units will explore fundraising or initial public offerings. Continued …

China allows five female pilots to fly heavy-duty fighter jets

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force now has its first female pilots who can operate heavy-duty fighter jets, according to the Air Force. The Air Force said the five female flight students, who are currently in the middle of training for heavy-duty combat aircraft, recently carried out their first solo flights in the J-11 fighter jet. Continued …

Sugar traps put damper on cockroaches’ sex life

Humans using sugar in cockroach traps has inadvertently led to female roaches being turned off by the sugary “gifts” males use to entice them into mating. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-March 28

  • Food Carnival at Market Village through April 16/
  • Old Days Festival at Bluport this weekend/
  • Hua Hin Red Cross Fair starts Friday/
  • Choking Chiang Rai locals protest as PM2.5 soars to 11 times safe level/
  • Return of Russian, Chinese buyers sparks Phuket real estate boom/
  • Report: People in Thailand spend too much time on their backsides/
  • Thai beer crusader faces 750K baht fine for posts about craft brewing/
  • PTT Oil and Retail plans 500 new EV charging stations/
  • Amcham scholarship applications open/
  • Rajanee Sripaipan: Physician treats children — and their children/
  • Tourism: TAT raises expectations for Chinese visitors this year/Bangkok governor bans alcohol, water guns, powder during Songkran/Improved language skills needed to boost medical hub goals/Foreign tourists attack restaurant staff in Payong/Police in Bangkok Warn of Pickpockets at Popular Markets/Foreign thieves preying on tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested/Indian man overstays visa in Thailand by 2,048 days/
  • International: In inflation-hit Germany, massive strike over pay to cripple transport/Ukraine gets new heavy tanks, Russia doubles down on nuke plans/Europe’s biggest economy moves closer to weed legalization/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin Red Cross Fair starts Friday

The Red Cross Festival returns March 31-April 9 on Soi 102 behind BluPort Hua Hin. The event features numerous food booths, OTOP shops, entertainment, games and entertainment.

Proceeds go to helping the poor, the handicapped and the underprivileged.

Choking Chiang Rai locals protest as PM2.5 soars to 11 times safe level

Northern Thailand once again topped the world pollution rankings on Monday, with Chiang Mai registering a high of 287 micrograms of PM2.5 dust per cubic meter (μg/m3) but Chiang Rai hitting 542 μg/m3.

Chiang Mai retained its No 1 spot as the world’s most polluted city on the IQAir global index, which does not feature Chiang Rai. Thailand’s safe limit for PM2.5 – fine-dust pollution linked with early death from heart and/or lung conditions – is 50μg/m3. Continued …

Return of Russian, Chinese buyers sparks Phuket real estate boom

Independent real estate agent and consultancy Knight Frank sees strong demand for property in Phuket, due to the return of Russian and Chinese buyers, driving prices up by 15%-20% in some areas.

Nattha Kahapana, managing director of Knight Frank Thailand, said at a press briefing on Monday titled “Knight Frank Foresight 2023: It’s time to look beyond the crisis” that the return of demand was clearly seen during the fourth quarter of last year. Continued …

Report: People in Thailand spend too much time on their backsides

People in Thailand spend too much time sitting on their backsides, a new study reveals.

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) revealed that 76% of Thai people spend seven hours or more sitting down, underlining the need for the nation’s population to get off their arses and engage in more physical activity to improve their health and well-being. Continued …

Thai beer crusader faces 750K baht fine for posts about craft brewing

A Thai advocate for reforming alcohol laws faces prosecution and hefty fines for posting photos of craft beer in recent years.

One week after Thanakorn “Benz” Tuamsa-ngiam hosted a large gathering of like-minded beer fans, the activist has been charged with illegally promoting alcohol via his online community for Prachachon Beer (“Beer People”). He now faces a fine of at least THB750,000 (US$22,000). Continued …

PTT Oil and Retail plans 500 new EV charging stations

Oil and gas retailer PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc on Monday said it plans to invest $900 million this year to expand its local and overseas business.

PTT Oil and Retail, a unit of the state-owned energy giant PTT Plc, said 22% of the budget would be used to expand its network of gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Continued …

Amcham scholarship applications open

The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand Foundation (ATF) is now accepting applications for its 2023 scholarship program.

Each year, the ATF selects deserving Thai university students to complete their studies through targeted scholarships. This year, the foundation aims to provide 85 scholarships to deserving students and expand the program to include vocational colleges. Continued … 

Rajanee Sripaipan: Physician treats children — and their children

Dr. Rajanee Sripaipan has been a pediatrician in the Copper Country for nearly 50 years. She treats sniffles, saves little lives, and everything in between.

Sripaipan hails originally from Bangkok, Thailand. After receiving her medical degree from Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine there, she came to the United States to do an internship at Highland Park General Hospital in suburban Detroit and a residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Continued …

TAT raises expectations for Chinese visitors this year

The target for inbound Chinese tourists this year has been upgraded to 6-7 million from 5 million, with more than 250,000 of them scheduled to visit Thailand in April, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Tanes Petsuwan, TAT deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific, said the Chinese market has grown every month since the mainland lifted travel restrictions in January. Continued …

Bangkok governor bans alcohol, water guns, powder during Songkran

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said preparations are underway to celebrate Songkran next month, but a quadruple ban is being imposed, including no sale and consumption of alcohol, using high-pressure water guns, smearing powder and wearing revealing clothes.

Speaking after chairing the executive board meeting on the upcoming traditional Thai New Year festival, Chadchart said events are being held at the City Hall square during April 12-14. Continued … 

Improved language skills needed to boost medical hub goals

Thailand’s wellness and medical sector is already at a phenomenon level; all it needs is to develop skilled medical professionals with language capabilities, said Timothy Lertsmitivanta, the chief executive officer of Thonburi Wellbeing Co.

“Thailand is very well known for hospitality, and it has established a medical hub in Asia and is leading the way in Southeast Asia,” he said. “We already have strength in hospitality tourism and wellness.” Continued …

Foreign tourists attack restaurant staff in Payong

A group of foreign tourists is being sought by the police after they assaulted staff at a restaurant in Soi San Sabai around 1am this morning. According to reports, the tourists, who are believed to be Jordanians and at least one Egyptian, were drunk, agitated and unruly when they were asked to queue properly.

They started throwing water bottles and attacked Thai staff before fleeing the scene. Continued …

Police in Bangkok Warn of Pickpockets at Popular Markets

Police in Bangkok visited the Chatuchak Market this past weekend to ensure tourist safety after many tourists reported that items were stolen from their bags by clever pickpockets.

The Bangsue Police led by Police Chief Col. Puwadon Ounpoe said the inspection came after recently there had been many reports of thieves stealing from tourists’ bags by cutting them loose or pickpocketing while the tourists were shopping in the market and nearby, especially foreign tourists. Continued …

Foreign thieves preying on tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested

The director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, along with airport and tourist police, have announced the arrest of three members of a Mongolian gang preying on foreign and Thai tourists at the airport. There are many victims of the gang and several gang members are still at large.

The traveling public has been warned about taking care with their possessions as security is stepped up at Thailand’s largest airport. Continued …

Indian man overstays visa in Thailand by 2,048 days

Immigration police arrested an Indian national in Chon Buri province, eastern Thailand, found to have overstayed his visa by 2,048 days (more than five and a half years). Police believe he is part of a call center gang.

The police stopped 38-year-old Jatinder Singh – who resides in the Na Jomtien area of Sattahip district – outside of the Ocean Marina Yacht Club and asked to see his passport, but Singh said he had lost it. Continued …

In inflation-hit Germany, massive strike over pay to cripple transport

A massive strike in Germany was set to begin early Monday, crippling mass transport and airports in one of the biggest walkouts in decades, as Europe’s largest economy reels from soaring inflation. Continued …

Ukraine gets new heavy tanks, Russia doubles down on nuke plans

Germany and Britain have delivered Western heavy tanks to Ukraine, officials said Monday, providing a key infusion of armored firepower that will aid Kyiv’s battle against invading Russian troops. Continued … 

Europe’s biggest economyps://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2537335/ukraine-gets-new-heavy-tanks-russia-doubles-down-on-nuke-plans moves closer to weed legalization

Germany could be weeks away from introducing a bill to legalize cannabis under sweeping reforms that would greenlight the consumption and sale of the drug in Europe’s largest economy. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting

baht, bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-March 24

  • Hua Hin-PKK double-track rail to open next year/
  • Officials warn of 100,000-baht fine for smoking on Hua Hin beach/
  • Thailand Privilege Card to hold free networking and golf event in Hua Hin/
  • Your 20-baht note may be worth 3000 baht/
  • Chinese nationals bought nearly half of condo units sold to foreigners in 2022/
  • Thai industry group uneasy over banking crisis/
  • NE Thai company producing floating homes/
  • Prachinburi locals make 3 demands over radiation fears/
  • KResearch says global banking crisis will pressure Thai exports/
  • America’s Globalstar will provide satellite services in Thailand/
  • 2023 technology trends for digital transformation in business/
  • Thai SEA Games jerseys made with recycled plastic bottles unveiled/
  • Bangkok halts Bt30-billion Chao Phraya riverfront project/
  • SPCG expects solar panel revenue to reach Bt1 billion/
  • Building businesses on the legalization of marijuana in Chiang Mai/
  • Tourism: Thailand sees 6M foreign tourist arrivals in Q1/TIME Magazine Lists Phuket and Isan Among World’s Greatest Places/Bangkok ranks #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots/Tourist ‘damaged Thai tourism’ by reporting bungee mishap to foreign media/Adang Island in Satun Is Set to Be Developed as World-Class Tourism Destination/AOT Unveils Plan to Expand Don Mueang Airport Terminal for Tourism Boost/U-tapao expansion likely delayed/Thailand’s most beautiful beaches for the beach lover in you/
  • International: Trade Between China, Mekong Countries Hits $416.7B in 2022/Russian support for Myanmar junta ‘destabilizing’ Southeast Asia: US envoy/How Vietnam is trying to stop rice warming the planet/US state to require parental consent for social media/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin-PKK double-track rail to open next year

The double-track railway between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan stations looks set to be opened next year, as most of the project’s civil engineering work has been completed, according to the State Railway of Thailand.

The tracks are currently undergoing testing to estimate travel times and ensure safe shunting, which has produced satisfactory results so far.

The 84-kilometer-long double-track railway is constructed parallel to the old, single track, which serves the main southern line. The new tracks will pass two bridges, 12 stations, one halt and two container yards, at Sam Roi Yot and Thung Mamao stations. – Bangkok Post

Officials warn of 100,000-baht fine for smoking on Hua Hin beach

Officials have brought their new campaign to discourage smoking to Hua Hin beach, in an effort to keep the area clean and protect public health.

On Thursday, officials visited the beach holding signs warning that anyone found smoking on the beach faces a hefty fine of up to 100,000 THB and/or 1 year in jail.

The “Smoke-free Beach” campaign is being led by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Region 3 (DMCR3), and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking on the beach, both in terms of health and environmental impact. Continued …

Thailand Privilege Card to hold free networking and golf event in Hua Hin

Thailand is a country that attracts many foreigners who want to live, work or retire. However, for some people who want to stay for an extended period of time, the process of obtaining a visa can be complex and time-consuming.

Fortunately, the Thailand Privilege Card – Exclusive Residence Program offers a solution that is both convenient and cost-effective.

To promote this program, a free networking dinner party is being held for foreigners in Hua Hin on March 30 at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, starting at 5pm. Continued …

Your 20-baht note may be worth 3,000 baht

A collector of coins and bank notes went on a Facebook page (By Gig) to advise people to check their 20-baht new plastic bills.

The ones without a strip as shown in the photograph could be worth up to 3,000 baht.

The poster said that since advertising this more than a month ago, no one had come forward but the notes were out there somewhere. Continued …

Chinese nationals bought nearly half of condo units sold to foreigners in 2022

Chinese citizens bought the most number of condominiums in Thailand among foreigners in 2022, the Government Housing Bank’s Real Estate Information Centre (REIC) reported on Thursday.

The ownership of 11,561 condominium units worth 59.26 billion baht were transferred to foreigners last year, the centre said.

Foreign nationals who bought the most number of condominiums last year were: Continued …

Thai industry group uneasy over banking crisis

Domestic car and motorcycle sales may bear the brunt if Thai financial institutions are affected by the risk of failed banks in the U.S. and Europe, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The concern was raised after U.S. and European banking executives and regulators stepped in to save California-based Silicon Valley Bank, New York-based Signature Bank and 167-year-old Credit Suisse in Zurich, Switzerland, from potential crisis.

If the financial turbulence cannot be contained, the global financial system will be affected, which may eventually have a negative impact on Thai banks and non-banks that grant loans to car and motorcycle buyers, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the FTI and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club. Continued …

NE Thai company producing floating homes

Business is booming for a Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand, company that is producing made-to order-floating homes. The media called them Hobbit houses. The floating homes and larger restaurants known as “phae” in Thai are proving popular with both Thais and foreigners. (Thai Rath)

Prachinburi locals make 3 demands over radiation fears

Locals living around the recycling plant in Prachinburi where a stolen cylinder of Cesium-137 is believed to have been melted down have raised white flags in a plea for government action.

Authorities have declined to name the facility where radiation was detected and insist there has been no contamination of the surrounding environment.

However, the location of the plant became obvious when officials from the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) cordoned off the KPP Steel Co. recycling facility in Moo 6, Tambon Haad Nang Kaew in Kabin Buri. Continued …

KResearch says global banking crisis will pressure Thai exports

Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) maintains Thailand’s 2023 GDP growth projection at 3.7 %. However, its Thai export growth forecast has been downgraded to -1.2 % from the previous -0.5 %.

Meanwhile, tourism will see a brighter outlook, with a clear recovery of foreign tourist arrivals expected in 1Q23.

In KResearch’s view, the recent problems faced by some Western banks will have limited impact on Thailand. Continued …

America’s Globalstar will provide satellite services in Thailand

Low earth orbit satellite operator Globalstar of the U.S. has won approval from Thailand’s regulators to provide satellite services in the Kingdom in partnership with local satellite firm Thaicom, the company announced last week.

Aside from the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, Louisiana-based Globalstar will also be permitted to build and operate a ground tracking station at Thaicom’s Teleport Center in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok.

Thailand has had a presence in space since the early 1990s. At that time, the Kingdom started purchasing, deploying and operating satellites with private-sector companies such as Thaicom taking the lead. Continued … 

2023 technology trends for digital transformation in business

As 2023 gets into full swing, enterprise cloud solution providers are looking to expand their focus to business buyers, not just IT/development teams.

As Gartner notes in its Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2023 presentation, given by Gartner analysts at its 2022 IT symposia globally, “senior IT and business leaders need to prepare to optimize, scale, or pioneer:

  • To optimize resilience, operations or trust
  • To scale your vertical solutions, product delivery, or … everywhere Continued …

Thai SEA Games jerseys made with recycled plastic bottles unveiled

Thailand’s official SEA Games jersey maker Grand Sport has released the collection of kits that Thai athletes would wear when competing at the upcoming SEA Games 2023.

The company’s managing director, Thiti Pluckchaoom, said that the jerseys for the 2023 SEA Games were designed with a contemporary style, under the concept of “Beyond The Spirit, Beyond Sportswear”.

Thiti said the collar shirts in this set were made using recycled plastic bottles to mitigate waste and raise awareness about global warming. Continued …

Bangkok halts Bt30-billion Chao Phraya riverfront project

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt announced that he would stop the “Chao Phraya walkway riverfront” project proposed by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government. He added that the project was not worth it and did not meet the needs of the people.

After the Thai Administrative Court ruled on March 22, 2023, to stop the construction of the Chao Phraya walkway, adding that the panel of defendants should adjust four points, Bangkok Deputy Gov. Wisanu Subsompon said the Bangkok municipality, which is one of the defendants, will accept the ruling and will not appeal.

However, as this project is part of a government policy, the government policy must be taken into account if the project is to be continued or canceled. Continued …

SPCG expects solar panel revenue to reach Bt1 billion

Costly electricity bills are expected to cause more households and businesses to use renewable energy by installing rooftop solar panels, says SET-listed SPCG, a pioneer in solar farm development in Thailand.

The power tariff, which is used to calculate electricity bills for households, is likely to increase to 4.77 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) between May and August, up from the previous record high of 4.72 baht per unit, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Businesses will also pay 4.77 baht per unit, down from 5.33 baht per unit, applicable from January to April this year. Continued …

Building businesses on the legalization of marijuana in Chiang Mai

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has had a long history in Thailand. Traditionally, the plant was used by locals in their food and medicine.

But in 1935, using marijuana — whether as a drug or otherwise — was criminalized. And until last year, anyone using or possessing marijuana could face five years in prison, and a fine of up to 100,000 Thai baht, or $2,900.

In the late 2010s, the Thai government appeared to soften its stance toward marijuana. It was approved for medicinal use in 2019. Just two years later, those with a license could use and grow the plant. Continued …

Thailand sees 6M foreign tourist arrivals in Q1

The government expects there to be about 6 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first quarter of the year, as the vital tourism sector gathered momentum, an official said today.

The country is forecasting between 25 million to 30 million foreign tourists this year, with spending of 1.5 trillion baht, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said in a statement. – Bangkok Post

TIME Magazine Lists Phuket and Isan Among World’s Greatest Places

Phuket and the Nnortheastern provinces of Thailand have been included on the TIME magazine’s list of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2023”.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the list, which showcases 50 extraordinary destinations to explore, describes Phuket as one of Thailand’s most visited places and is known for its famed beaches. Phuket has increased its family appeal with the grand opening of Carnival Magic, a culturally focused theme park last September. The island province is also drawing more visitors to its uncrowded countryside with an impressive landscape of modern luxury lodges.

The TIME list mentions Isan for the region’s diverse and delicious culinary options. It also mentions that those who venture to this off-the-beaten-path region of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks, temple ruins, and Michelin-recommended restaurants. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of Thailand’s first national park, Khao Yai, which sits largely in Nakhon Ratchasima province and is home to elephants, gibbons, and Asian black bears. Continued …

Bangkok ranks #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots

Latest data from Airbnb reveals that as travel continues to recover post-pandemic, nights booked in Thailand on Airbnb more than doubled last year from 2020, with international travel leading the way and Bangkok emerging as a top destination of choice for global travelers on Airbnb.

The popular capital city emerged as the #1 trending destination globally for Airbnb guests in Q3 last year and #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots in 2023.

This comes as Thailand recently forecast that 25-30 million travelers will visit this year – a strong indication of tourism recovery in the country, and up from 11 million international visitors last year. Continued …

Tourist ‘damaged Thai tourism’ by reporting bungee mishap to foreign media

The Hong Kong tourist who went to the media in his homeland after a bungee cord broke in Pattaya has been accused of damaging Thai tourism.

The accident occurred on Feb. 24 but has only just come to light.

Yesterday, representatives from the Chonburi tourism office, civil engineers and the Pattaya tourist police finally went to investigate. Continued …

Adang Island in Satun Is Set to Be Developed as World-Class Tourism Destination

Ko Adang, or Adang Island, in the southern border province of Satun, is set to be developed as a world-class tourism destination, like Langkawi in Malaysia, according to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC).

The SBPAC held a meeting recently to discuss ways to upgrade and develop tourism in Satun, which is famous for its pristine nature spreading over jungles, mountains, and beaches.

SBPAC Deputy Secretary-General Chanathan Saengphum stated that all relevant agencies would work together in pushing for the development of Adang Island into a major tourism destination in this part of the world within the next five years. Continued …

AOT Unveils Plan to Expand Don Mueang Airport Terminal for Tourism Boost

Following cabinet approval last year, Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has unveiled its plans to expand Don Mueang International Airport’s low-cost terminal, aiming to increase passenger capacity and boost tourism income for the country.

According to AOT, a budget of 36.8 billion baht has been allocated for the project, which is set to begin this year and be completed by 2029.

The expansion, which includes the construction of 12 aircraft parking stands and 11 jet bridges, will increase the airport’s handling capacity from 30 million to 40 million passengers per year. Continued …

U-tapao expansion likely delayed

U-tapao airport expects a delay to the first phase of its expansion plans, as some conditions have not been approved by authorities, with the carrying capacity reduced to less than 12 million passengers in the initial stages, says U-Tapao International Aviation Co. (UTA).

Anawat Leelawatwatana, senior vice president for finance and accounting at Bangkok Airways and a representative for UTA, said the date for area delivery of construction was supposed to be January 2023, but three major criterion upon issuance of the notice to proceed letter have not been finalized by the government. Continued …

Thailand’s most beautiful beaches for the beach lover in you

View …

Trade Between China, Mekong Countries Hits $416.7B in 2022

Trade between China and countries along the Mekong River posted steady growth last year despite COVID-19 and the sluggish global economy. Thanks to deepened mutual trust and cooperation, China’s trade volume with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam totaled 416.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, up 5% year on year. Continued …

Russian support for Myanmar junta ‘destabilizing’ Southeast Asia: US envoy

Russia’s backing for Myanmar’s military rulers is unacceptable and destabilizing, with its supply of weapons helping to fuel a conflict that has become a catastrophe for the country, a top U.S. official said on Thursday. Continued …

How Vietnam is trying to stop rice warming the planet

As a child, Dong Van Canh watched while the rice fields of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta were set alight to make way for the next crop, blackening the sky and flooding the air with potent greenhouse gases. Continued …

US state to require parental consent for social media

Utah on Thursday became the first U.S. state to require social media sites to get parental consent for accounts used by under-18s, placing the burden on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to verify the age of their users. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-March 23

  • Hua Hin Marathon postponed to June 11/
  • Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16/
  • Siege in Phetchaburi: Police shoot man dead after he kills 3, injures four/
  • Massive Indian Scam Syndicate bilked 365 American retirees/
  • Study finds most Thai youth not developing job skills/
  • Thai industry group: Emphasize climate-linked areas/
  • Recovered Caesium-137 cannister ‘not a threat to local Thai produce’/
  • Van Gogh works to come alive at Bangkok gallery/
  • Tourism: Over 5.5 million tourists have already visited Thailand this year/Chinese tourists rush to board ‘fashion time machine’ in Chiang Mai/Thailand welcomes Really Cool Airlines/Thailand’s ‘Really Cool Airlines’ may not be a joke, but difficult to take seriously/Bangkok Airways expects profit for 2023/Safari park in Thailand responds to bungee cord incident/
  • Thailand Experience: A land of giants/Where to find the best food in Phuket/From ancient to modern: The cannabis tale of Thailand/
  • International: Federal Reserve raises interest rates amid banking turmoil/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin Marathon postponed to June 11

The Hua Hin Marathon has been postponed to June 11, race organizers have announced.

The marathon, which is one of the region’s most eagerly anticipated races, has been postponed from its original date of May 14.

May 14 is now the date Thailand will hold the general election. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16

One of the region’s most eye-catching running events will be held in Prachuap Khiri Khan in July, the provincial administration has announced.

The Tipco Prachuap Khiri Run 2023, which will take place on July 16, will take participants along the stunning Prachuap Bay and the Wing 5 military base.

Runners will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings, with the route boasting some breathtaking views along the bay and across the runway at the military base. Continued … 

Siege in Phetchaburi: Police shoot man dead after he kills 3, injures four

A gunman who killed three people execution-style ahead of his pending court case was shot dead by police after a 15-hour standoff in Phetchaburi province on Thursday morning.

Anuwat Waenthong, 29, launched the attack at 1.30pm in Soi 4 of Krungphet Villa housing estate in the Ton Mamuang neighbourhood, 170 kilometers southwest of Bangkok.

Police said the gunman fired multiple bullets in the area, killing three people, including a motorcycle delivery driver, and injuring four more before taking shelter in a house. Continued …

Massive Indian Scam Syndicate bilked 365 American retirees

Five Indian phone scammers and 15 Thai accomplices were arrested following a major scam bust yesterday across Thailand. The suspects swindled 365 American retirees out of over three billion baht, according to police.

The raids carried out by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), police commandos, and officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Office struck 36 premises in Chonburi, Rayong, Roi Et, and Surat Thani, and resulted in the arrest of over 20 phone scam suspects.

Police Gen. Torsak Sukwimol, deputy national police chief, told a press briefing that the suspects mainly targeted elderly American citizens and had tricked 365 people into transferring them three billion baht. Continued …

Study finds most Thai youth not developing job skills

The rising share of youth who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) in Thailand represents a concerning social and economic phenomenon.

While nearly 1.4 million (or 15 %) youth aged 15-24 years in Thailand are NEET, a new Unicef-led study released today finds most of them (68 %) lack the motivation to develop skills or work due to a perceived lack of opportunities.

The new study – In-depth Research on Youth Not in Employment, Education or Training in Thailand – is the first in-depth study that provides a comprehensive picture of youth NEET in Thailand. Continued …

Thai industry group: Emphasize climate-linked areas

Despite the country’s dependence on tourism to boost its revenue, Thailand needs to further drive its economy through electric vehicles (EVs) and bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic development amid a rapidly changing world, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The world is increasingly disrupted by high-level digital technology and is adopting more clean energy in an effort to combat climate change.

A new government must be aware of these factors and design policies that match the changing technological, environmental and economic conditions, said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI. Continued … 

Recovered Caesium-137 cannister ‘not a threat to local Thai produce’

Thai officials say the recently recovered Caesium-137 canister is not a threat to local produce, despite it being smelted. The concerns over the effects of the tube’s radioactive properties were raised as contaminated furnace dust was discovered at a steel plant in Prachin Buri’s Kabin Buri district this week.

Out of fear, customers canceled purchase orders of fruit from the province, despite authorities insisting that no contamination had been detected within a 5-kilometer radius of the factory.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said checks for radioactive substances in such products found that radiation levels did not exceed safety limits. Continued …

Van Gogh works to come alive at Bangkok gallery

Can’t afford a weekend getaway to the Musee D’Orsay? An upcoming exhibition will be a must see for Van Goghites — or at least fans of “Loving Vincent,” or that one episode of Doctor Who.

At the Van Gogh Alive display, patrons will be greeted by moving, otherworldly portrayals of Vincent Van Gogh’s works on the walls, floors, and ceilings, accompanied by a dynamic soundtrack. The exhibition is also interactive, allowing visitors to engage with the works.

Apart from the famed Starry Night, other highlights include Sunflower Room, which is designed to make visitors feel as though they’re standing in a field of Van Gogh’s most challenging subjects. Continued …

Over 5.5 million tourists have already visited Thailand this year

About 5.57 million foreign tourists visited Thailand from Jan. 1 to March 18, generating 215.05 billion baht in revenue, deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Taisaranakul said on Wednesday, citing data from the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

Although both the domestic and foreign tourism markets are improving, the influx of foreign visitors has caused congestion at many areas in airports, such as check-in counters and the Immigration Bureau’s passport checkpoints, Traisulee said.

The price of flight tickets has also risen sharply, she added. Continued …

Chinese tourists rush to board ‘fashion time machine’ in Chiang Mai

The surreal sight of Chinese tourists wandering around in Thai traditional outfits is becoming commonplace in Chiang Mai.

Visitors from China have returned after three years of Covid-19 with a thirst for memorable and “authentic” Thai experiences as they tour historical temples and other attractions in the northern province.

Surrounded by crowds of Thais in jeans and T-shirts, Chinese tourists stand out in finery that was fashionable several centuries ago in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand welcomes Really Cool Airlines

A new airline has come to town, in the form of Thailand-based Really Cool Airlines.

The new airline will announce aircraft types, destinations and its route network in the coming months, with operations expected to commence by the end of 2023. Details on the approaches and services will also be revealed soon.

Patee Sarasin, CEO of Really Cool Airlines, said: “We are thrilled to introduce Really Cool Airlines and look forward to providing travelers with an exceptional flying experience. Our team of experts has worked tirelessly to create a new standard for the aviation industry, and we’re excited to unveil in the coming months what we have in store.” Continued …

Thailand’s ‘Really Cool Airlines’ may not be a joke, but difficult to take seriously

Get ready to fly the “really cool” skies, maybe, after the former head of Nok Air announced that he is launching a new airline that hopefully flies better than its name.

Five years after he left Nok, Patee Sarasin’s announcement “Really Cool Airlines” was so chockablock with scam-adjacent, threadbare buzzwords such as gamification, blockchain, and NFTs that it might be mistaken as satire to anyone who has paid attention to the past two years.

Announced as the world’s first “GameFi airline” (customers will play blockchain games!), Patee said Really Cool would be managed by “crypto-native citizens from our Really Cool Air GameFi.” Continued … 

Bangkok Airways expects profit for 2023

Bangkok Airways expects its passenger rate to hit 70%-80% of the pre-pandemic level this year, roughly 4.4 million people from more than 40,000 flights, and will possibly post an annual profit for the first time since 2019.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways, said long-haul demand has grown better than expected since the final quarter of last year, which will help to hit the target of 15 billion baht in revenue for 2023.

Puttipong said European passengers currently accounted for 60% of the total, followed by Asia-Pacific and Thai passengers. Continued … 

Safari park in Thailand responds to bungee cord incident

Staff from Chang Thai Thappraya Safari Park in Pattaya, Chon Buri province, eastern Thailand, have commented on the broken bungee cord incident that nearly killed a tourist from Hong Kong last month.

The bungee jump operator, 41-year-old Natthaphon Yokcharoen, took reporters to see the scene of the incident, a platform about 30 meters high above a lake.

Nattaphon said that all bungee jumpers are required to sign a document before jumping and staff demonstrate how it’s done before tourists take the leap. Continued …

A land of giants

(Editor: This park allows the riding of elephants. Expat News encourages readers to avoid elephant rides, which are damaging to their spines.)

As our car wound through the Khotcha-anajak project, also known as the Elephant Kingdom, one of my friends gestured enthusiastically out the window and her eyes twinkled with delight like a child when she spotted elephants ambling about seeking food in a green meadow.

“Have you never seen an elephant before?” was a question I couldn’t help but ask her. She emphasized how unique this scene was compared to what was seen in a zoo. We appeared to be on a safari, exploring a woodland with a field of open grazing animals.

In response to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s commitment to conserve Thai elephants, the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand established the project in 2009 to repatriate pachyderms that once roamed large-city streets to the northeastern town of Surin. Continued …

Where to find the best food in Phuket

Sheltering from an impetuous morning shower in Phuket Town, I’m wishing I was a camel. Or a llama. Really, anything with a second (or third) stomach. Ignoring my own oft-repeated mantra when joining a street food tour – pace yourself – I’m already in danger of peaking too early at a Burmese breakfast restaurant.

Our guide for the morning is Pema, an effervescent Thai local who seems to know all the vendors at Phuket Town’s Central Market. It’s aunty this and cousin that as our group is steered past mini-mountains of fragrant curry paste and carefully stacked pyramids of tropical fruit.

At the nearby Mingalar tea shop, we’re soon slurping on cardamom-laced tea, feasting on lahpet thoke (tea leaf salad), and dimpled Burmese flatbreads are emerging from a simple wood-fired oven that’s been glowing since well before dawn. Continued …

From ancient to modern: The cannabis tale of Thailand

In June 2022, Thailand made history by becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis nationwide. The decision has put the spotlight on the country’s relationship with the plant, and it’s a fascinating tale that stretches back centuries.

Let’s dive into the long and winding history between Thailand and marijuana – a journey full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and of course, a lot of weed.

Video 

It’s hard to imagine a time when cannabis wasn’t the subject of such a bad rap in the mainstream. But believe it or not, cannabis was completely legal in Thailand for centuries. Continued …

Federal Reserve raises interest rates amid banking turmoil

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point but indicated it was on the verge of pausing further increases in borrowing costs amid recent turmoil in financial markets spurred by the collapse of two U.S. banks. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai food, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-March 20

  • Food Carnival at Market Village March 25-April 16/
  • Thailand’s surging PM2.5 dust pollution shows little sign of abating/
  • Miss Thailand 2023 is Chonnikarn Supittayaporn of Chiang Mai/
  • Thailand’s ‘phanaeng’ tops list of best curries in the world/
  • Thailand’s e-commerce sector enters the next phase/
  • Immigration announces latest arrests of foreign criminals in Thailand/
  • Thailand to dissolve Parliament today ahead of election/
  • Rain and hail storms hit Chiang Mai, causing widespread property damage/
  • ‘Golden year’ for Phuket property as condos and luxury villas sell out/
  • Teen pregnancy in Thailand decreasing, but the issue remains complicated/
  • Low reserves of Rh negative blood raise concerns for foreigners in Thailand/
  • Radioactive Cesium-137 found in smelting works – factories sealed off/
  • 2 die, 5 hospitalized after eating poisonous horseshoe crab in Trat/
  • Tourism: Chinese arrivals predicted to top 300,000 in April/Red cards issued in Phuket, foreigners deported/Swiss man on the run after underage sex ring shut down in police raid/7 people rescued after their vessel capsizes in Andaman Sea/Thai Tour Guides Unite to Address Issue of Illegal Foreign Guides/Foreign Tourist Drowns in Strong Waves at Pattaya beach/Treehouses, tents and rafts can now be used for hotels/
  • Thailand Experience: The perfect fusion of what Thailand has to offer/
  • International: Swiss banking giant UBS to buy troubled rival Credit Suisse/Global warming driving more extreme droughts and floods/China’s Xi heads to Russia in visit for ‘peace’/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Food Carnival at Market Village March 25-April 16

Thailand’s surging PM2.5 dust pollution shows little sign of abating

Worries about Covid-19 may be gone, but PM2.5 is back, plunging Thailand into yet another crisis.

As the ultra-fine dust accumulates, blanketing many provinces, businesses and households are increasingly complaining about the health and economic impact.

The northern city of Chiang Mai, a top tourism destination, this month earned the unwanted title of worst air quality on the IQAir global index, reported by a Swiss technology company that monitors air quality in major cities worldwide. Continued …

Miss Thailand 2023 is Chonnikarn Supittayaporn of Chiang Mai

Miss Chiang Mai, Chonnikarn Supittayaporn, was crowned Miss Thailand 2023 on Sunday, at the Central Chaengwattana in Nonthaburi, Bangkok. The 24-year-old model and pharmacy graduate of Chiang Mai University succeeded last year’s winner Manita Farmer and will now prepare to represent Thailand at the 71st Miss World (Miss World 2023) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sakhon Nakhon’s Marisa Phonthirat was named the first runner-up, while Phatthalung’s Arabella Sitanan Gregory finished as the second runner-up. (pageantcircle.com)

Thailand’s ‘phanaeng’ tops list of best curries in the world

Thailand’s spicy “phanaeng curry” topped the latest TasteAtlas.com list of “100 Best Rated Stews in the World”, with 4.8 points out of 5.

Following it closely in the list published on Sunday were Japan’s karē, China’s Sichuan hot pot, Vietnam’s bò kho and India’s shahi paneer.

Apart from phanaeng, several other Thai dishes made it to the list, including green curry at 8th place, massaman at 9th, Thai curry 15th, yellow curry 32nd and red curry 34th. Continued …

Thailand’s e-commerce sector enters the next phase

Thailand’s e-commerce landscape is entering the next stage, where major e-marketplace players are introducing innovative features to woo customers instead of focusing on price wars, while social commerce is strengthening in a bid to capture buyers.

The growth of e-commerce will happen across diverse channels, ranging from social media to websites owned by product developers, said analysts.

Live-streaming as a method to sell products is gaining popularity because it encourages consumers to quickly make a purchasing decision, according to analysts. Continued …

Immigration announces latest arrests of foreign criminals in Thailand

Thailand’s immigration Bureau headed by Police Lt, Gen. Phakphoomphat Sajjaphan announced the latest arrests of foreigners who found safe haven in Thailand after committing multiple crimes abroad.

The roll-call on this occasion featured fraudsters, a drug dealer, a gun-toting gambler and a tax evader.

They were picked up on warrants and overstay in Phuket, Pattaya and in the Bangkok area where they were living without a care …. until immigration came calling. Continued …

Thailand to dissolve Parliament today ahead of election

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has submitted a decree to dissolve Thailand’s Parliament before the upcoming election, May 7 or May 14.

The dissolution will come into effect upon its publication in the Royal Gazette, which is expected today.

The decree requires approval from Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Continued …

Rain and hail storms hit Chiang Mai, causing widespread property damage

Several districts in Chiang Mai were hit by rain and hail storms on Saturday, causing widespread damage to houses, utility poles, trees and billboards. There were no fatalities, although one person was slightly injured.

According to reports, the summer rain and hail storms struck Mueang, Mae Rim, San Sai and Doi Saked districts. Hail covered several areas, turning the landscape white like snow.

Gov. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn has ordered the provincial public disaster prevention and mitigation office, district chiefs and local administrators to provide initial help to those affected and to survey the extent of the damage. Continued …

‘Golden year’ for Phuket property as condos and luxury villas sell out

Phuket’s property market has returned to pre-pandemic levels and all finished condo units and villas with pools have been sold, most of them to foreign nationals, according to the Phuket Real Estate Assn.

Phattanan Phisutvimol, its president, said the surge in sales of condominiums and luxury villas started after the Covid-19 pandemic receded last year.

Sales have surged to pre-pandemic levels and 823 real-estate projects, including hotels, were approved for construction last year, she said, adding: “This year will be the golden year for Phuket’s property market. The boom will continue.” Continued …

Teen pregnancy in Thailand decreasing, but the issue remains complicated

Maneerat got pregnant with her first child when she was only 17. As a result, she did not complete her education and was pushed into adulthood when she was not ready.

Her unplanned pregnancy has changed her life forever. Looking back, there was also mounting pressure that pushed her to this turning point.

“It was like when you’re squeezing something too hard, it trickles through your fingers. Can you imagine? I was just like that.” Continued …

Low reserves of Rh negative blood raise concerns for foreigners in Thailand

Low reserves of Rh negative blood are raising concerns for foreigners in Thailand.

While only 0.3% of the Thai population has Rh negative blood, around 15% of the UK and European population has the blood type. This shortage has resulted in concerning shortages of Rh negative blood in blood banks across Southeast Asia.

Visitors to the region who have had accidents or required surgery have found themselves in life-threatening situations because of the lack of available Rh negative blood supplies. In some cases, it has taken up to two weeks to find enough donors to supply the required amount of blood. Continued …

Radioactive Cesium-137 found in smelting works – factories sealed off

Missing radioactive material – Cesium-137 – has been found after checks at two smelting works in the Kabinburi industrial estate.

On Sunday, provincial Gov. Ranarojng Nakhonjinda and Permsuk Sajjaphiwat from the Office of Atoms for Peace were called in to examine a large amount of waste metal.

Hand-held Geiger counters found suspicious waste in a mountain of scrap metal that is brought in and processed at the factories. The factories were sealed off to protect the public. No further details were given about the origin of the waste. – Thai Rath

2 die, 5 hospitalized after eating poisonous horseshoe crab in Trat

Two people in the southeastern province of Trat have been confirmed dead, while five others were hospitalized after eating lethally poisonous mangrove horseshoe crabs.

Health officials in Trat repeated warnings this morning for people to be careful before consuming horseshoe crabs, which are a staple. The mangrove variety is poisonous, however, and is blamed for the deaths of two residents in the seaside province located next to the gulf.

There have been cases of people occasionally misidentifying mangrove horseshoe crabs, aka the round-tail horseshoe crab, which contains a toxin, for the Indo-pacific horseshoe crab, which has a tail covered by a sturdy carapace. The latter species is not poisonous and safe to eat. – Coconuts

Chinese arrivals predicted to top 300,000 in April

The Chinese government expects the number of Chinese tourist arrivals will rise to more than 300,000 in April, according to the Chinese ambassador to Thailand.

Han Zhiqiang, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, on Saturday paid a courtesy call to Phuket Gov. Narong Woonciew at the Provincial Hall.

After welcoming the ambassador, Narong gave an update on moves to set up sister cities with China, the Sino-Thai tourism outlook, and Thailand’s plans to chair the Specialized Expo 2028. Continued …

Red cards issued in Phuket, foreigners deported

Phuket’s new “red” and “yellow” card system has resulted in warnings and arrests for several foreigners. The system, launched earlier this month, has been implemented, without details, and is aimed at reducing crime and illegal activity committed by foreigners in Phuket.

The new system has been initiated in Phuket under the banner of the local immigration office, but has not, as yet, been introduced in other tourist zones around Thailand.

The system awards a yellow or red card warning for various offenses with no avenue for protest or appeal. Continued …

Swiss man on the run after underage sex ring shut down in police raid

The Royal Thai Police has, in recent years, prioritized the fight against underage prostitution linked with the human trafficking industry. On Saturday, Deputy National Police Chief Gen. Surachate Hakparn, or “Big Joke”, described it as a particularly egregious form of human trafficking.

However, there remains the blooming business of human traffickers importing young women into Thailand from poorer countries who are indentured, often for years, into a massive prostitution and wider sex industry with links across the kingdom’s borders.

A Swiss man was being tracked and his known associates in Phuket placed under surveillance this weekend after Thai police smashed an underage prostitution network with tentacles and customers throughout the island. A Swiss national is reportedly on the run through neighboring countries to Thailand after police smashed his sex trafficking ring specializing in prostituting young girls on the holiday island of Phuket. Continued …

7 people rescued after their vessel capsizes in Andaman Sea

Three tourists and four crew members from a speed boat were safely rescued after their vessel capsized near Ma Island in the Andaman Sea.

Responding to a distress call from the Andaman Adventure Co., operator of the speed boat service, after its vessel took on water as it was heading for Phuket from Lanta Island, marine police and other officials from the Hat Nopparat Thara National Park rushed to the rescue.

The rescue team managed to pluck all the seven crew members and passengers from the sea and took them to hospital on Phi Phi Island for first-aid treatment. Continued …

Thai Tour Guides Unite to Address Issue of Illegal Foreign Guides

A group of Chinese-speaking tour guides convened on Saturday to discuss the trouble caused by illegal guides who are stealing their jobs. The group complained they are being overlooked by the government, as their complaints, so far, have not been heard.

The complainers revealed at a meeting that some foreign guides are working illegally in Thailand and are stealing their jobs. These guides do not have a guide license, which is required by Thai laws, to operate as a guide. A guide is a protected occupation in Thailand that foreigners cannot work in.

They said they met on Saturday to petition the government to take action against the illegal guides, citing although their multiple complaints in the past about this issue have not been heard, they still want justice to be served. Continued …

Foreign Tourist Drowns in Strong Waves at Pattaya beach

Pattaya authorities have warned people of strong waves and winds after a foreign tourist drowned in the sea yesterday.

Sawang Boriboon rescuers rushed to Pattaya Beach near the Nipa Lodge intersection around 2pm after getting a report about a drowning tourist. When they arrived, they found multiple onlookers circling an unidentified foreigner who was lying unconscious on the beach.

The tourist of unknown nationality was about 55-65 years old. The rescuers tried to revive him by providing him with life-saving CPR but failed. There were no signs of a wallet or identification documents nearby. Continued …

Treehouses, tents and rafts can now be used for hotels

Owners of bungalows, container houses, treehouses, tents and houses on rafts can now turn them into hotels, as the Cabinet has approved an ministerial draft regulation related to buildings suitable for the hotel business, deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Sunday.

The Cabinet approved the Interior Ministry’s draft regulation on Tuesday, she said, explaining that the goal is to “promote competition in the tourism industry”.

The draft ministerial regulation states that bungalows, container houses, houses on rafts, tree houses and tents are specialty buildings that people can live in or use. Continued …

The perfect fusion of what Thailand has to offer

If you’re anything like me, and your ultimate holiday is the perfect mix of discovering new cuisine, trying a variety of sports activities, and finding true relaxation, Thailand may very well be your perfect next travel destination. Whether you’re looking to visit vibrant Bangkok, or gorgeous and peaceful Khao Lak, both locations have it all on offer.

At The Athenee in Bangkok, located on the grounds of former royal residence Kandhavas Palace, the palace of Princess Malaya Alongkorn, food lovers can explore eight different restaurants, serving anything from local traditional to modern international cuisine.

At the Kintsugi Bangkok, by Japanese-American celebrity chef Jeff Ramsey, highlights include a cold walnut soba noodle dish and wonderfully fresh high-quality sashimi. Try to secure a seat at the counter, as seeing the dishes prepared and plated up close is quite the theater. Continued …

Swiss banking giant UBS to buy troubled rival Credit Suisse

Banking giant UBS is buying its smaller rival Credit Suisse for $3.2 billion in an effort to avoid further market-shaking turmoil in global banking, Swiss President Alain Berset announced on Sunday night. Continued …

Global warming driving more extreme droughts and floods

Twenty years of NASA’s global satellite data show just how much the extent, duration and severity of extreme droughts and floods have risen alongside warming global temperatures, a new study reveals. Continued …

China’s Xi heads to Russia in visit for ‘peace’

Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a state visit to Russia today, a trip Beijing has touted as a “visit for peace” as it seeks to play mediator in Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-March 18

  • Phetchaburi immigration office moves to Cha Am district/
  • Cha Am Bikini Beach Run tomorrow/
  • Thailand’s economic outlook upgraded to 3.9% in 2023/
  • Asia-Pacific banks said safe from US contagion/
  • Thailand ready to dissolve Parliament, as PM submits decree to King/
  • 2023 election: number of voters in each generation/
  • Commentary: Wildlife wars must end/
  • Elephant filmed stopping trucks for food/
  • Thailand to celebrate 241st anniversary of Bangkok as its capital/
  • SRT on right track to lead Thailand’s green recovery/
  • AmChams Thailand Holds Asia Pacific Business Summit/
  • Gold prices up Bt500 to Bt31,750/
  • Diesel to dip to 33.5 baht a liter next week/
  • Draft bill sets in motion protection, legalization of sex work/
  • Thai man ‘nearly dies’ after replacing water with kratom tea/
  • Tourism: Pattaya island Koh Larn draws in 130,000 tourists this month/Bangkok’s Khao San Road hopes for Songkran boom/Is Chiang Mai Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know/Russians flee for Thailand to avoid Ukraine war call-up as they ‘take over’ top resorts/Why Amsterdam wants tourists to ‘stay away’/
  • Thailand Experience: Isan, Thailand: Unique culinary capital/
  • International: Arrest warrant issued against Putin over alleged war crimes/Credit Suisse at a crossroads as stocks slide again/Mountain forests disappearing at alarming rate/UN: Environmental threat looms as bottled water consumption grows exponentially/Golf’s ruling bodies clash with pros over plans to reduce golf ball distance/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Phetchaburi immigration office moves to Cha Am district

Cha Am Bikini Beach Run tomorrow

Thailand’s economic outlook upgraded to 3.9% in 2023

SCB EIC revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast to 3.9% (previously 3.4%) in 2023, thanks to an upbeat rebound from the tourism and service sectors.

Foreign tourist arrivals will likely hit 30 million in 2023 before resuming the pre-pandemic pace by late 2024.

With China lifting its zero-Covid restrictions, Chinese visitors should bounce back to around 4.8 million this year, alongside improving tourist arrivals from other countries. Continued …

Asia-Pacific banks safe from US contagion

Asia-Pacific banks are resilient to risks related to the failures of their U.S. peers, says Fitch Ratings, noting that regional banks have limited direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank.

“The direct exposures among Fitch-rated banks in Asia-Pacific to SVB and Signature that we are aware of are not material to their credit profiles,” the global rating agency said in a statement on Friday.

Few Fitch-rated banks in the region have depositor concentration profiles similar to SVB, which left it vulnerable to a run. Continued …

Thailand ready to dissolve Parliament, as PM submits decree to King

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday that he has prepared a decree to dissolve the Parliament and that it is awaiting royal endorsement.

Once approved, the decree will go into effect after being published in the Royal Gazette. As per the Constitution, the election should be held 45 to 60 days after Parliament is dissolved.

Prayut was speaking to the press while visiting the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday as part of his election campaign. Continued …

2023 election: number of voters in each generation

The number of eligible voters in each age group will help determine which generation will have the greatest influence in the upcoming election.

According to the Bureau of Registration Administration, Thailand’s population as of December 2022 stood at 66,090,475, split into 32,270,615 men and 33,819,860 women.

However, the total number of qualified voters for the upcoming election is 52,322,824, which can be categorized as follows: Continued …

Wildlife wars must end

As Thailand celebrates National Elephant Day this week, the country is facing a paradoxical experience, with a surge in human-elephant conflicts that sometimes prove fatal.

March 13 was designated national elephant day in 1998. On the one hand, the elephant is glorified as a national symbol. In bygone days, the national flag even carried the image of an elephant.

On the other hand, human-elephant conflicts, as a result of shrinking habitats due to human expansion, are intensified. Food and sometimes water shortages drive wild elephants to raid farms and plantations, as well as villages. Continued …

Elephant filmed stopping trucks for food

A video of an elephant stopping trucks on a road in Thailand has been misleadingly shared in Facebook and Twitter posts about Cambodia. The clip actually was filmed in Chachoengsao province, east of Bangkok. A road sign seen in the video and the fact the vehicles are driving on the left side of the road also show the encounter took place in Thailand.

“Elephants in Cambodia have learned to exploit their right of way and stop passing sugar cane trucks to steal a snack. 0.5% road tax being collected by these intelligent beings,” reads the misleading claim shared on Twitter on March 6.

Regardless where it occurred, it’s fun to watch. Video …

Thailand to celebrate 241st anniversary of Bangkok as its capital

Thailand will celebrate the 241st anniversary of Bangkok serving as its capital around Rattanakosin Island. The Ministry of Culture and more than 30 other agencies are teaming up to hold the event between April 21-25, just a week after the Thai New Year of Songkran.

Organizers are hoping to promote tourism and create awareness of the history of Krung Rattanakosin. Religious ceremonies, a “Night Museum”, multimedia light and sound shows, a photo contest, and outdoor film screenings are being planned for the event. Continued … 

SRT on right track to lead Thailand’s green recovery

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is on the right track after announcing plans to build a hospital and develop land around Thon Buri Railway Station into an environmentally friendly zone, to lead the way in Thailand’s green recovery.

The transit-oriented development (TOD) project is the first of its kind in the country, designed to bring people, human activities, residential buildings and public space within walking distance of public transport.

The company will call bids for the project, which is set to be divided into several phases over about 20 years. The winning bidder for the 14-rai development project could put up a condo or apartments with no more than 13 storys, as stipulated by city ordinance. Continued … 

AmChams Thailand Holds Asia Pacific Business Summit

The AmChams of Asia Pacific Business Summit 2023, hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM Thailand), in partnership with Trade Winds ASEAN and the U.S. Commercial Services, recently took place over three days.

This event was the largest U.S. government trade mission, with over 100 American businesses participating, offering numerous opportunities for networking, business development, and one-on-one meetings with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Services Department to gain insights on investing in the region.

“The AmChams of Asia Pacific Business Summit 2023 brought together key players in the American and Asian business communities for a three-day event that provided valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges in the region, said AMCHAM Executive Director Heidi Gallant. Continued …

Gold prices up Bt500 to Bt31,750

The Gold Traders Assn. today announced the buying prices at 31,078 baht per baht-weight for gold ornament and 31,650 baht per baht-weight for gold bar.

The selling prices were set at 32,250 baht per baht-weight for gold ornaments, and 31,750 baht per baht-weight for gold bar.

The prices rose 500 baht from Friday’s close, the highest since March 1. Continued …

Diesel to dip to 33.5 baht a liter next week

Motorists will see another dip in diesel prices to around 33.5 baht a liter next week, down from 33.94 baht, partly attributed to falling global crude oil prices, says the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO).

The new price, scheduled to take effect on March 24, is the third in a series of deductions made since early February when the retail price of diesel was 34.94 baht a liter.

Diesel under Platts reference prices plunged to US$103 a barrel on average in February, down from $133 in January, and declined to $102 yesterday, said Wisak Watanasap, director of the OFFO. Continued …

Draft bill sets in motion protection, legalization of sex work

A bill to protect sex workers is being drafted to legalize sex work in a bid to prevent them from exploitation.

Narong Jaihan, a lecturer from the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University, on Friday said the bill, drafted by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), will legalize sex work and limit the minimum age to provide or buy the service.

Sex workers under 20 will not be guilty, but legal action will instead be taken against business operators that employ them underage, as well as their parents, Narong said. Continued …

Thai man ‘nearly dies’ after replacing water with kratom tea

A Thai man says he “nearly died” after replacing drinking water with kratom tea. Now, he’s warning others against abusing the formally-illegal plant.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom tree are known for their opioid and stimulant-like effects.

Leaves of the kratom tree have been used for centuries in Thailand, in traditional medicine as well as by farmers who chew kratom leaves to sustain their energy levels while working in the fields. Continued …

Pattaya island Koh Larn draws in 130,000 tourists this month

Pattaya‘s picturesque island of Koh Larn is proving to be a hit with tourists this month, with over 130,000 tourists flocking to the island. Officials expect this number to rise as Chinese tourists start to return to the area.

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai said on Wednesday that Koh Larn saw an average of 10,000 visitors per day in the first two weeks of March. Manote noted that 70% of these tourists were Thai, with the two largest foreign groups being Russians and Indians. Continued …

Bangkok’s Khao San Road hopes for Songkran boom

The Songkran festival is likely to return to Khao San Road this year, as tourism operators are discussing possible events to lure visitors after the authorities prohibited water splashing last year.

Splashing occurred on the first day of Songkran last year on Khao San Road as tourists were unaware of the prohibition, with authorities enforcing the ban for the remainder of the festival. Continued … 

Is Chiang Mai Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Out of all the cities I’ve visited worldwide, there is only a handful where I experienced “love at first sight.” Chiang Mai, the peaceful mountain city in northern Thailand, was one.

Although technically a city, its small size, laid-back atmosphere, and breathtaking mountainous scenery don’t make it feel like one. For these reasons and more, this northern Thai city is becoming increasingly popular among tourists and digital nomads.

If you’ve heard incredible things about Chiang Mai and are considering a trip here, you may wonder, “Is Chiang Mai safe?” Continued …

Russians flee for Thailand to avoid Ukraine war call-up as they ‘take over’ top resorts

Tens of thousands of Russians have fled to Thailand to escape a Ukraine war call-up. Top tourist resorts, such as Phuket, have been swamped with draft dodgers.

Some have taken over neighborhoods and have no intention of returning home.

Figures show at least 233,000 Russians have arrived on the isle of Phuket alone since November. The flood has led to a home price boom, as wealthy middle- class arrivals rent or buy to stay indefinitely on residential visas.

In Pattaya, would-be conscript Nikolai, 25, said he had traveled between Thailand, Cambodia and Laos to escape a call-up. Continued …

Why Amsterdam wants tourists to ‘stay away’

Amsterdam is taking a step closer to saying good riddance to wild bachelor parties and rowdy tourists.

The popular destination is launching a new campaign this spring aimed at curbing tourism-induced “nuisance and overcrowding” and building a more responsible visitor economy by 2035, according to the city’s tourism plan. The campaign’s new rules will impact some of the top tourist attractions: the Red Light District, river cruises, pub crawls and coffee shops.

City officials say they are tired of businesses who “abuse the city’s image to promote it as a place of ‘unlimited opportunity,’ ” according to the Vision on Tourism in Amsterdam 2035. The city has long attracted tourists from around the world wanting to experience its liberal laws around prostitution and tolerance of soft drugs. Continued …

Isan, Thailand: Unique culinary capital

Chances are you’ve already tried food from Isan, and you might not even know it. The largest region in Thailand, which hugs the border with Laos and Cambodia in the country’s northeast, has given us such classic dishes as som tum (green papaya salad) and larb (ground meat salad), and its diaspora is spreading this sour, spicy, herbaceous cooking style far and wide.

The cuisine is becoming so ubiquitous abroad, in fact, that an Isan restaurant in tiny Randolph, Vermont, called Saap, earned last year’s James Beard Award for best chef in the Northeast.

Those who venture to this off-the-beaten-path region of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks and Khmer temple ruins that rival Angkor Wat, and now: Michelin-recommended restaurants. This year, the company expanded its Thailand guide to include Isan, doling out 33 Bib Gourmand designations across the region to spots like Kai Yang Saeng Thai, which has been serving its herb-marinated rotisserie chicken since 1967, and Lab Nua, known for its fiery salads and rice field snail soup. Continued and video …

Arrest warrant issued against Putin over alleged war crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant on Friday against Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of being responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied accusations that its forces have committed atrocities during its one-year-old invasion of its neighbor. Continued …

Credit Suisse at a crossroads as stocks slide again

Credit Suisse shares fell again Friday despite being bolstered by the Swiss central bank, as investors worry about which road the embattled lender will take to try and restore confidence. Continued … 

Mountain forests disappearing at alarming rate

Logging, wildfires and farming are causing mountain forests, habitat to 85% of the world’s birds, mammals and amphibians, to vanish at an alarming rate, according to a study published on Friday. Continued …

UN: Environmental threat looms as bottled water consumption grows exponentially

More than 1 million bottles of drinking water are sold globally every minute, which comes at a significant environmental, climate, and social cost, a new United Nations report said. Continued …

Golf’s ruling bodies clash with pros over plans to reduce golf ball distance

Some of the world’s top professional golfers slammed plans by golf’s ruling bodies to impose restrictions on the distance that golf balls can travel during elite tournaments. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-March 17

  • Hua Hin Old Days Festival March 31-April 2/
  • Credit Suisse’s trouble could trigger new global financial crisis, Thai experts warn/
  • SET allays concerns among investors over banking problems/
  • European stocks rebound as Credit Suisse grabs lifeline/
  • 6 Bangkok eateries make Asia’s 50 best restaurants 51-100 list/
  • In Phang Nga, 165 baby sea turtles hatch and venture into the sea/
  • Don’t whiten teeth with nail polish’ Thai medical technologist warns/
  • Chiang Mai property market to soar/
  • Hunt for missing tube of radioactive cesium intensifies in Thailand/
  • Top conditions that can be treated with medical cannabis in Thailand/
  • Tourism: Risks, Questions, Advice When Traveling Internationally For Healthcare/Pattaya Mayor Says Songkran Is Fully On This Year/Koh Samui needs more direct flights to boost post-pandemic recovery/Thai AirAsia boosts flights from Chiang Mai to 6 international destinations/Swedish and Brazilian overstayers busted in Surat Thani/
  • International: Hyundai becomes world’s third-largest carmaker/Chilling past of world’s biggest brain collection/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Credit Suisse’s trouble could trigger new global financial crisis, Thai experts warn

Thailand’s most powerful business lobby group – the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking – on Thursday said it is confident the Thai banking sector will not be affected by recent bank failures in the United States and liquidity problems at Credit Suisse, but warned that the situation should be closely monitored, as it could be the start of a new financial crisis.

The impact on Thailand of Credit Suisse’s liquidity problems and the failures of America’s Silicon Valley and Signature banks is not currently a major concern, Kobsak Duangdee, secretary general of the Thai Bankers’ Assn., told a media briefing on Thursday. The association is a member of the joint standing committee.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) regulates banks more strictly than it did before the Asian financial crisis of 1997, and most Thai banks have little exposure to the Swiss bank or the two U.S. banks that failed, Kobsak explained. Continued …

SET allays concerns among investors over banking problems

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) yesterday rushed to ease concerns after a plunge in Credit Suisse shares, reigniting worries about a possible banking crisis.

The Thai bourse, following a significant rebound on Wednesday in line with other regional markets, was down by nearly 1% in the morning session and the losses deepened in early afternoon trade.

“We insist the plunge of the SET index is caused by external factors, not internal issues,” SET President Pakorn Peetathawatchai told a press briefing yesterday. Continued …

European stocks rebound as Credit Suisse grabs lifeline

European stock markets rebounded slightly on Thursday after troubled banking giant Credit Suisse secured a big financial lifeline and before a crucial interest-rate decision by the European Central Bank.

Frankfurt, London and Paris won modest gains, a day after plunging about 3.5% over fears about the health of Credit Suisse and the wider banking system following the implosions of two U.S. lenders.

The euro advanced against the dollar ahead of the ECB’s rate decision due on Thursday. Oil prices dipped slightly after plunging to their lowest levels in 15 months on Wednesday. Continued …

6 Bangkok eateries make Asia’s 50 best restaurants 51-100 list

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has announced the list of venues voted between positions 51-100, created from the votes of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential gender-balanced group of over 300 leaders made up of food writers, critics, chefs, restaurateurs and regional culinary experts.

• Spanning the region, the 51-100 list includes restaurants from 17 cities
• Hong Kong leads with eight places, including three new entries
• Tokyo is represented by six restaurants, including three new entries
• August, Jakarta is the recipient of the American Express One To Watch Award, and enters the list at No.95
• Singapore and Bangkok both have six establishments each
• Shanghai claims four spots on the list
• Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Mumbai are represented by three restaurants each Continued …

In Phang Nga, 165 baby sea turtles hatch and venture into the sea

In a heartwarming event, 165 baby hawksbill sea turtles hatched and ventured into the sea in Phang Nga on Tuesday. A mother hawksbill sea turtle had laid a total of 190 eggs on Jan. 15 this year. The successful hatching of the baby turtles took place at Chong Khao Kad Bay in the Mo Ko Surin National Park. (thethaiger.com)

Don’t whiten teeth with nail polish’ Thai medical technologist warns

A Thai medical technologist is warning people not to whiten their teeth with nail polish.

A popular Facebook page, Doctor Lab Panda, warned against using nail polish to whiten teeth due to the dire health risks associated with it. Medical technologist Pakphum Dejhassadin, who runs the page, cautioned the public against the practice.

He said that some make-up artists still use nail polish to whiten teeth, particularly in beauty contests. He explained that nail polish contains many harmful substances, including carcinogens, and should never be put in the mouth. Continued …

Chiang Mai property market to soar

The Chiang Mai property market is set for a major upswing, driven by the tourism resurgence and an influx of Chinese buyers after their country reopened its borders.

Predikorn Buranupakorn, chief executive of Ornsirin Holding, a property developer in Chiang Mai, said the company is confident the province’s real estate market will see a robust uptick this year. Continued …

Hunt for missing tube of radioactive cesium intensifies in Thailand

The hunt for a missing tube of dangerous radioactive material continued in Prachinburi, after the Thai province issued a Level 2 disaster alert.

The tube of cesium-137 was discovered missing from a coal-fired power plant in Sri Maha Pho district, 160km east of Bangkok, last Friday.

Management of the National Power Plant 5A Co. plant said the tube was taken from the facility three weeks ago, on Feb. 23. Continued … 

Top conditions that can be treated with medical cannabis in Thailand

With the recent legalization of cannabis in Thailand, more and more people are becoming aware of the medical benefits of cannabis. Medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, derived from the cannabis sativa plant, has been found to provide relief from symptoms associated with a variety of medical conditions.

The plant contains several active compounds, including THC and CBD, both of which have been extensively studied for their potential health benefits. Let’s explore some of the medical conditions that medical cannabis can effectively treat.

1. Cancer-Related Symptoms

Cancer treatment can cause a range of symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Medical cannabis can help alleviate these symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Research has demonstrated that CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, can reduce nausea and vomiting. Continued …

Risks, Questions, Advice When Traveling Internationally For Healthcare

Medical tourism is the term to describe international travel for the purpose of receiving medical care. It’s a worldwide, multibillion-dollar market that continues to grow.

Millions of people travel internationally for medical care each year. Some of the reasons are lower cost, recommendations from friends or family, the opportunities to combine medical care with a vacation, a preference for care from providers of the traveler’s culture, or to receive a procedure or treatment not available in the home country.

Negative reports of infections and other threatening complications and bad jobs in other countries demonstrate that medical tourism is  risky. Continued …

Pattaya Mayor Says Songkran Is Fully On This Year

It was already expected after several planning meetings recently, but the Pattaya Mayor’s social media accounts has confirmed the news that will please many bars and tourism businesses, as well as eager hordes of tourists, but likely frustrate some expat readers who despise the event.

After three years of Covid restrictions, and four years in total since the last non-traditional-only Songkran in 2019, the Thai New Year and the famous water fights return.

This means those wanting to avoid the water have a warning well in advance and those planning trips and holidays for Songkran have the reassurance that, unlike prior years, the famous, but polarizing, water fights will be allowed. Continued … 

Koh Samui needs more direct flights to boost post-pandemic recovery

The Koh Samui Tourism Assn. chief is urging authorities to enhance the island’s tourist infrastructure and increase flight capacity to boost a full post-pandemic recovery of the popular holiday resort.

Association President Ratchaporn Poolsawadee revealed that only 70% of independent hotels with three- or four-star have resumed operations following the pandemic. This is due to slow cash flow in comparison to hotels operated by international chains. In some cases, resuming hotel operations can cost as much as starting a new business. Continued …

Thai AirAsia boosts flights from Chiang Mai to 6 international destinations

Low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia will soon boost flights daily from Chiang Mai Airport in northern Thailand to six international destinations, including Hanoi and Da Nang in Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Flights will run to these Asian tourist hotspots every day starting Sunday, March 26.

The budget airline is celebrating the boost in flights with a Songkran (Thai New Year) promotion for tickets bought via the AirAsia Super App. Continued …

Swedish and Brazilian overstayers busted in surat Thani

A Swedish man and a Brazilian man were busted in south Thailand’s Surat Thani province for overstaying their visas in Thailand this week.

Surat Thani Immigration officers arrested the Swedish man in Koh Samui, on Chaweng Beach Road in front of Central Samui, in the Pho Phut subdistrict. The man, 34-year-old Christopher Tony Setfors, overstayed his visa by 75 days. The officers brought Setfors to Bo Phut Police Station to face overstaying charges and await further legal proceedings.

Officers arrested the Brazillian on Monday at Surat Thani Hospital in the Markham Tia subdistrict of the main city district. The man, 64-year-old Pinto Adilson Brasileiro, overstayed his visa by 10 days. Continued …

Hyundai becomes world’s third-largest carmaker

Hyundai Motor Group has become the world’s third-largest carmaker in terms of sales, an impressive feat after more than two decades when, in 2000, the South Korean auto giant made it to the global top 10 list. Continued …

Chilling past of world’s biggest brain collection

Countless shelves line the walls of a basement at Denmark’s University of Odense, holding what is thought to be the world’s largest collection of brains. There are 9,479 of the organs, all removed from the corpses of mental health patients over the course of four decades until the 1980s. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

cha am, chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-March 15

  • Cha Am festival features coffees, craft beers this weekend/
  • Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin teaches children to swim/
  • Hua Hin student wins top prize in national English-speaking competition/
  • Diesel tax cut extended to July 20/
  • Why Thailand is becoming ASEAN economic superstar/
  • Most oppose liberalization of alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis, gambling/
  • Cannabis industry in the balance as parties battle it out ahead of polls/
  • Committee on Public Health Suggests E-cig Regulation and to End Vaping Ban/
  • Radioactive material missing from power plant in Thailand/
  • Isaan locals hope to win big in tomorrow’s lottery – thanks to this!/
  • Why thousands of Thais are flocking to a dead singer’s shrine/
  • House to be dissolved next Monday/
  • Baskin-Robbins in Thailand shutters all stores/
  • Tourism: Is Thailand Safe?/Chiang Mai holding its breath over smog’s effects on tourism/Phuket tourism still needs 17,000 workers/Chinese tourists are traveling again — but not the way they used to/
  • Thailand Experience: Power of Thai amulets lures foreign tourists to Phitsanulok/Cooking with Chiang Mai chef Yaowadee “Yao” Chookong/
  • International: Collapse of 3 US banks creates shock waves/US bank fears hit Asia stocks/How Indonesia’s new capital is driving indigenous people out of their land/Facebook Parent Meta Slashes Another 10,000 Jobs/Subway ‘surfing’ leaves a grisly, lethal toll in New York City/City of blight: Paris visitors alarmed at trash strike/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Cha Am festival features coffees, craft beers this weekend

If you’re a fan of both coffee and craft beer, there’s an event happening in Cha Am March 17-19 that you won’t want to miss – the Sun Coffee and Moon Craft festival.

This unique event combines two of the world’s most popular beverages in a single festival, with coffee featured during the day and craft beers taking center stage at night.

The Sun Coffee and Moon Craft festival takes place over the weekend and offers visitors a chance to sample a wide range of high-quality coffee and other craft products. Continued …

Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin teaches kids to swim

The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has launched a new project aimed at preventing drowning accidents involving children.

On Monday, 55 students from Ban Bo Fai School took part in a pilot course at the Greenway Hua Hin Resort resort swimming pool, where they learned how to swim and how to be safe when in water.

Also in attendance were Phil Lawrence, project chairman, Alan Cooper, charter president, and project assistant Kamolthip Sangsripet, as well as members of the club. Continued …

Hua Hin student wins top prize in national English-speaking competition

A student from Hua Hin recently talked her way to victory in a national English speaking competition.

Emily Pairin Hart, 12, finished ahead of students from across Thailand to win the top prize in the “impromptu speech” category at the 70th Student Arts & Crafts Competition, which was held in Ratchaburi in late January.

The Student Arts & Crafts competition is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Education to encourage the development of both teachers and students in the arts and creativity. Continued …

Diesel tax cut extended to July 20

The cabinet on Tuesday agreed to extend an excise tax cut on diesel for another two months to July 20 to help reduce the costs of living, a government official said on Tuesday.

The tax cut of 5 baht (US$0.14) per liter will lead to a loss in revenue of 20 billion baht ($579.20 million), or about 10 billion baht ($289.60 million) in lost revenue per month, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri told a news conference. Continued …

Why Thailand is becoming ASEAN economic superstar

Nobody needs to be reminded that businesses are in a challenging environment; some sectors are still managing the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, and many are dealing with the impacts of the global economic crisis.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Although the global IPO (initial public offering) market is currently in a dip, there are glimmers of positivity, particularly across ASEAN.

Insights from BDO show strong overall momentum for IPOs across the ASEAN markets, with high customer activity levels despite some sectors still feeling the effects of the pandemic. In Malaysia, for example, total IPOs in terms of number and market capitalization for 2022 will be at record levels from the last few years. Continued …

Most oppose liberalization of alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis, gambling

A network of 12 children’s and family’s rights groups, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis research institutes have disclosed results of their opinion poll, which shows that the majority of respondents disagree with political parties’ policies for liberalization of alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis and gambling.

Professor Sawitri Assanangkornchai, director of the Center of Alcohol Statistics, said yesterday a survey of people aged over 18 across the country shows that 56.1% of the respondents oppose the decriminalization of cannabis, while over half disagree with the household use of cannabis and the growing of cannabis in the backyard.

In the survey, 55.5% of the respondents also disagree with the removal of the restriction on the sale of alcohol during specific hours and more than half of alcohol drinkers oppose the proposal to liberalize alchol production. Continued …

Cannabis industry in the balance as parties battle it out ahead of polls

The fate of Thailand’s cannabis industry may hang on who wins the upcoming general election. Several parties are keen to undo the herb’s decriminalization that went into full effect in mid-2022.

Among them are the Pheu Thai, Democrat and Move Forward parties, all of whom have announced their stance clearly ahead of the election, which is tentatively set for May 7.

Pheu Thai’s deputy leader, Sutin Klungsang, said his party plans to restrict the use of marijuana to medical and research purposes. Continued …

Committee on Public Health Suggests E-cigarette Regulation and to End Ban on Vaping

A subcommittee report on the Study of Impacts on Health and Monitoring the Enforcement of Public Health Related Laws under the Committee on Public Health points out that the current e-cigarette ban in Thailand is ineffective; instead, it has led to issues in terms of the clarity of the law, which has caused unaligned interpretations of the law for relevant agencies, unfair treatment toward e-cigarette users and problems of corruption, while being unable to reduce the smoking rate or prevent the sale of products to children and young people.

The report suggests that the government lift the ban on e-cigarettes and apply harm reduction measures along with current tobacco control policies.

Dr. Ekkapob Pianpises, former MP of Chiang Rai province and spokesman of the Committee on Public Health, House of Representatives, told the press about the publication from the Public Health subcommittee on tobacco and e-cigarette control, stating: Continued …

Radioactive material missing from power plant in Thailand

Officials from Thailand’s Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) and Prachin Buri provincial administration are trying to recover an unspecified amount of Cesium-137 radioactive material, which went missing from a steam power plant in Prachin Buri Province on Feb. 23.

The dangerous material is contained in a steel tube, about five inches in diameter and 12 inches long, and anyone who encounters it is advised to stay away and immediately alert the authorities.

Prachin Buri Gov. Ronnarong Nakornjinda and OAP Secretary-General Permsuk Sutchaphiwat went to the power plant to investigate. The governor expressed concern that the dangerous material might have been stolen or improperly disposed of, which will be harmful to people who come into close contact with it. Continued …

Isaan locals hope to win big in tomorrow’s lottery – thanks to this!

Locals in the northeast of Thailand are hoping to win big in the latest lottery draw tomorrow – thanks to a mysterious stone.

It appeared in the cassava field of a lady called Wipha who claimed to have had several lottery wins off the back of it.

Now all the locals in the Non Din Daeng subdistrict of Buriram have been arming themselves with joss-sticks and fizzy drink – essential equipment in divining the numbers – along with the all important praying. – Siam Rath

Why thousands of Thais are flocking to a dead singer’s shrine

Yesterday, more than 2,000 people gathered at the shrine of famous Morlam singer Honey Sri-isan in Kalasin province, northeast Thailand, for a lottery number selection event hosted by a 16-year-old singer who is believed by fans to carry the reborn spirit of Honey Sri-Isan, who died in a car accident in 1992.

Newcomer to the Morlam scene, Ung-ing Petchbanpaeng performed at Mae Honey’s shrine (“Mother Honey“) and drew number predictions (6, 2, 5) for the upcoming national lottery draw on March 16.

Yesterday was the third time Ung-ing performed at the shrine of Mother Honey, attracting a 4-kilometer queue of cars. Fans say Ung-ing, also born in Kalasin province, correctly predicted the lottery numbers for the latest two draws. Continued …

House to be dissolved next Monday

The House of Representatives will be dissolved on March 20, PM’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday as he was heading for the weekly Cabinet meeting.

He also said that this was the last Cabinet meeting before the caretaker Cabinet takes over.

“This is likely to be the last Cabinet meeting (under the full authority of the government) as reported by the media,” Thanakorn replied when asked to confirm if this was indeed the last meeting. Continued …

Baskin-Robbins in Thailand shutters all stores

US-based ice cream brand Baskin-Robbins has announced it is shutting down its business in Thailand after suffering losses over the past 10 years.

Baskin-Robbins entered the Thai market in 1996 under Golden Scoop, a subsidiary of retail operator and master franchisee Mud & Hound.

Mud & Hound owns Thai and international brands including Au Bon Pain, Dunkin’ Donuts and Greyhound Café. Continued …

Our regular menu is also available

Is Thailand Safe?

With its striking, turquoise waters and picture-perfect climate, it’s no wonder Thailand is among the most popular tourist destinations in all of Southeast Asia.

The good news for would-be travelers is that Thailand is considered safe. The country is considered a Level 1 destination by the U.S. Department of State, which signals that travelers need to practice normal precautions.

That means all tourists should exercise caution and stay aware of potential criminal activity during their visit to the Land of Smiles. Continued …

Chiang Mai holding its breath over smog’s effects on tourism

Chiang Mai tourism operators are anxious, hoping the province’s unsafe levels of PM2.5 air particle pollution subsides later this month as the Songkran holiday draws near.

Phunut Thanalaopanich, president of the northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said the polluted environment is affecting tourism sentiment this month, as fewer bookings have been made.

The average occupancy in March is forecast to reach 50%-60%, largely driven by guests who booked reservations before learning about the unhealthy levels of air pollution in the province, according to the association. Continued …

Phuket tourism still needs 17,000 workers

Phuket tourism has rapidly recovered, but 17,000 staffers are still needed, as more foreign tourists are coming.

The president of the Thai Hotel Assn., Southern Chapter, Sueksit Suwandissakun, said, “Phuket tourism has rapidly recovered since the middle of last year. Eighty-eight percent of hotel rooms have been sold from January to this month, which is about the same number as before Covid-19.

“Chinese tourists are coming back and a new and growing tourist market are Kazakhstani tourists,” Sueksit noted. Continued …

Chinese tourists are traveling again — but not the way they used to

Chinese tourists are raring to travel again. But this time, the usual suspects — Venice, Paris and Madrid, for example — aren’t their top picks.

As China’s reopening gains momentum after three years of Covid-19 restrictions, the country’s travel-hungry citizens are emerging much changed, according to the Chinese Outbound Tourism Research Institute, an independent consulting company based in Germany.

“The Chinese tourists we will welcome this year and in the coming years are very different from those who came before,” Wolfgang Georg Arlt, founder and chief executive of COTRI, said at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair. Continued …

Power of Thai amulets lures foreign tourists to Phitsanulok

Thai amulets have proved a big hit among Chinese and Taiwanese tourists visiting a historic temple in Phitsanulok province.

Around two dozen Chinese and Taiwanese tourists attended a religious ceremony at the Sukhothai-era Wat Ratchaburana in Muang district on Tuesday along with local devotees.

The ceremony was led by revered Buddhist monks from several temples in the province, who recited prayers over 100 amulets of Brahma and Buddha. Continued …

Cooking with Chiang Mai chef Yaowadee “Yao” Chookong

Yaowadee “Yao” Chookong is a leading figure in Chiang Mai’s culinary world.

She is chef and co-founder of Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen, a Michelin-recognized restaurant that specializes in sustainable seafood sourced directly from fishermen in southern Thailand. She is also leader of Slow Food Community: Food for Change – Chiang Mai, an organization that aims to promote a back-to-basics, community-oriented way of eating to promote sustainability and localized food systems.

Yao also runs small-group Thai cooking classes rooted in healthy, local and natural ingredients. Outside of these roles, she has authored one cookbook, “The Yao of Cooking”, and is now writing a second: “Bring Me Curry When I’m Gone”. Video …

Collapse of 3 US banks creates shock waves

The collapse of three U.S. banks in less than a week has sent shock waves through the financial industry, with global stocks plunging and public confidence shaken. Continued …

US bank fears hit Asia stocks

The Thai stock exchange fell more than 3%, almost 50 points, on Tuesday in tandem with most Asian stock markets due to fears of contagion effects from the collapse of U.S. banks. Continued …

How Indonesia’s new capital is driving indigenous people out of their land

As plans by Indonesia’s president to build a $32-billion new capital city on Borneo island slowly start to take shape, villagers who belong to the indigenous Balik tribe have seen a rapid transformation in their once sleepy forest backwater. Continued …

Facebook Parent Meta Slashes Another 10,000 Jobs

Facebook parent Meta is slashing another 10,000 jobs and will not fill 5,000 open positions as the social media pioneer cuts costs. The company announced 11,000 job cuts in November, about 13% of its workforce at the time. Continued …

Subway ‘surfing’ leaves a grisly, lethal toll in New York City

One-time subway “surfer” Isa Islam has a straightforward message for thrill-seeking youngsters sparking a surge in riders traveling on the roofs of New York City trains: don’t do it. Continued …

City of blight: Paris visitors alarmed at trash strike

Portuguese tourist Fabio Figueirado wanted to admire beautiful buildings on a romantic getaway in Paris, but instead he and his girlfriend have found themselves navigating pavements piled high with garbage. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

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bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-March 13

  • Hua Hin to Phuket flights discussed/
  • Local residents solve problem of wastewater flowing onto Hua Hin beach/
  • PM orders another crackdown on haze sources as hotspots rage across North/
  • Medical professionals offer advice over dangerously poor air quality/
  • PM2.5 readings in Chiang Mai hit hazardous levels/
  • Will Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa work for you?
  • Hailstorm in Nan as Thailand hit by summer storms/
  • China’s triads and corrupt Thai cops undermined national security/
  • Chinese buyers ready to scoop up ‘better value’ Thailand property for investment, retirement/
  • 80-million baht of vaping gear and e-cigarettes seized around Bangkok/
  • Zoo offers reward for arrest of ‘Free gorilla’ activists/
  • Cattle introduction leads to increase of tigers in Kanchanaburi sanctuary/
  • Tourism: “What is quality tourism?’ topic discussed at Hua Hin seminar/Thailand Listed No. 4 Among Most Affordable Destinations/Russians putting down roots in kingdom/Wellness tourism helps boost Thai economy/Thailand Internet and Wi-fi: What You Need To Know/French Consul supports proposed red/yellow card system for law-breaking tourists/Opinion: What Phuket tourists need to know/Tourists flock to Nong Khai as sacred stupa emerges from Mekong River/Chinese Tourists’ School Uniform Fad Reaches Phuket/Thailand eyes food trucks as new tourist attraction/Hazy days ahead: The future of cannabis tourism in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: From Bangkok to Khao Lak: A wellness guide to Thailand/Thais cashing in on superstition/Bangkok’s Oldest Paved Road Is Bustling With Great Places to Eat/
  • International: Saudi Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion/‘Everything Everywhere’ wins best picture at the Oscars/Gender equality in the workplace still falls short/N. Korea launches missiles as US, S. Korea kick off major drills/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin to Phuket flights discussed

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan office is pushing for flights to Phuket from Hua Hin Airport.

Khun Achawan Kongkanan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap office, said Friday that TAT will be meeting with airlines in the coming weeks about a possible flight between Hua Hin and Phuket.

Currently, the airport serves Air Asia flights between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai with three weekly flights, which will be increased to four in April.

TAT’s meeting with airlines is scheduled for later this month.

Local residents solve problem of wastewater flowing onto Hua Hin beach

For more than two decades, a section of Hua Hin beach had been marred by a recurring problem.

Whenever heavy rains occurred, wastewater from nearby communities would flow into the sea, causing environmental pollution and health hazards.

The problem affected part of Hua Hin beach close to Soi 77, an area that is particularly popular with foreign tourists who go there to eat, drink, sunbathe and relax. Continued …

PM orders another crackdown on haze sources as hotspots rage across North

The prime minister has ordered yet another crackdown on sources of air pollution after satellite images showed more than 1,000 hotspot fires burning in Thailand on Saturday.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) said the Suomi NPP satellite detected 1,061 hotspots across the country.

However, the region’s worst offender was neighboring Myanmar with 4,363 hotspots, followed by Laos with 2,868. Vietnam and Malaysia had just 647 and 32 hotspots, respectively. Continued …

Medical professionals offer advice over dangerously poor air quality

The Royal College of Physicians of Thailand and five other medical professional associations have issued a six-point guideline to help the public to protect themselves from the threat posed by high levels of PM2.5 dust pollution.

They point out that children, pregnant women, elderly people and those afflicted with chronic heart, lung, kidney or brain diseases are most at risk from fine PM2.5 dust, which may cause respiratory conditions, stroke or kidney disease.

The public should check the air quality reports from state or private information centers on a regular basis when planning their daily activities, in order to limit their exposure to excessive PM2.5 dust. Continued …

PM2.5 readings in Chiang Mai hit hazardous levels

Air pollution in Chiang Mai hit critical levels on Sunday morning with PM2.5 readings going well beyond 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) in many areas.

All air-quality measurement stations in the province reported red alert on Sunday morning, with the highest PM2.5 pollution detected in Chiang Dao district’s Tambon Muang Na with a reading of 145µg/m³.

PM2.5 stands for particles of fine dust that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter (more than 100 times thinner than human hair) that remain suspended in the air for long periods. These particles are particularly dangerous for people with chronic respiratory and heart disease. Continued …

Will Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa work for you?

At the March meeting of the Royal Coast Riviera Club, Luca Bernardinetti, CEO of Mahanakorn Partners Group, a company that specializes in visas for Thailand, presented a detailed description of the advantages, requirements and process related to Thailand’s recently introduced long-term resident (LTR) visa.

Almost 3,000 wealthy and/or skilled foreigners have applied for the LTR in the first four months, says government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul. Traisulee said 2,920 foreigners had applied for LTR visas from the Board of Investment (BOI) between Nov.1 and Feb. 28 this year.

The program authorizes foreigners to remain in the country for up to 10 years, and a total of four dependents may be granted a visa, as well, including a spouse and children under the age of 20. Continued … 

Hailstorm in Nan as Thailand hit by summer storms

Villagers in Nan province found themselves in a winter wonderland on Sunday evening as a hailstorm turned their streets and houses white.

Locals of Ban Daan and Ban Piangsor in Chaloem Phra Kiat district said the storm lasted for 10 minutes and brought down hail as big as an adult’s thumb. The hailstorm left a surreal alpine scene, with locals commenting that it felt like they had been transported to a foreign country.

There were no reports of damage by hail stones. More hail and high winds are forecast in upper Thailand, including Bangkok, until Tuesday. Continued …

China’s triads and corrupt Thai cops undermined national security

For decades, an unknown number of Chinese nationals have been involved in illegal or “gray” businesses in Thailand but managed to stay clear of trouble with the law thanks mainly to the help of corrupt state officials, particularly those in the police force.

These shady “businesspeople” have been left free to operate criminal activities that range from narcotics and arms trading to human trafficking, gambling, and money laundering.

Before the presence of these Chinese triads was exposed last year, Thai society was largely unaware of the problem, not to mention the extent of their gray businesses in Thailand. People, in general, did not know that networks of overseas Chinese – some of whom have become naturalized Thais – had made profits on Thai soil while corrupting the justice system. Continued …

Chinese buyers ready to scoop up ‘better value’ Thailand property for investment, retirement

As flights resume between China and Thailand, Shanghai resident Eri Chen is planning on visiting Bangkok and Chiang Mai in mid-March to look for homes to invest in and maybe even retire to.

Rising home prices and cost of living in Shanghai, China’s commercial hub, have prompted him to think about retiring in Thailand. Instead of spending at least 4 million yuan (US$574,000) just to live on the outskirts of Shanghai, or double that amount for an average unit in the city’s urban areas, Chen finds a home in downtown Bangkok for around 600,000 yuan a lot more appealing.

Moreover, investment in a property in Thailand might yield attractive results. “The interest offered on deposits in China is low. I want to make an investment that gets me a higher yield, so that I have more money to spend when I retire,” he says. Chen did not reveal his age, but said he is close to retiring. Continued …

80-million baht of vaping gear and e-cigarettes seized around Bangkok

On Saturday, police in Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom, to the west of the city, confiscated vaping devices and accessories valued at over 80 million baht during a series of raids. According to Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Deputy Commissioner Pairoj Sukruaythanachote, three locations, including a warehouse, were searched in Nakhon Pathom’s main city district.

Two people were arrested, with about 50 million baht worth of vaping devices and accessories being confiscated.

In Bangkok, police searched a condominium in Ratchathewi district and confiscated vaping devices and accessories valued around 50 million baht. A suspect was also arrested during the raid. Those arrested were charged with importing prohibited items, violating the Consumer Protection Act and the Export-Import Act. Continued … 

Zoo offers reward for arrest of ‘Free gorilla’ activists

Pata Zoo is offering a reward of 100,000 baht for information leading to the arrest of five animal-rights activists it accuses of defacing private property by painting slogans on the exterior wall of Pata Pinklao department store last week, calling on the store to release the gorilla from the zoo inside.

“Free Bua Noi”, the slogan reads in English and Thai, referring to the 33-year-old female gorilla “Little Lotus” in the department store’s zoo. She is described by the zoo as the last gorilla in a zoo in Southeast Asia.

The message was painted repeatedly over a 20-meter section on the exterior of the department store’s front wall in the early hours of March 6. Continued …

Cattle introduction leads to increase of tigers in Kanchanaburi sanctuary

Khao Namphu Nature and Wildlife Education Center chief Seree Makboon reckons the release of cattle in Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary has led to a significant increase in the Indochinese tiger population.

This is the first time in over 30 years that the sanctuary has seen a notable rise in tiger numbers in the sanctuary, located in Kanchanaburi in western Thailand.

Seree, who is involved in the management of the sanctuary, attributes this increase to the release of bantengs within the sanctuary. Continued …

“What is quality tourism?’ topic discussed at Hua Hin seminar

Thailand is joining a bevy of countries around the world that says quality is the way to go for their tourism future. But what is quality tourism, who are quality tourists and what is a quality destination?

The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, says “the term quality tourists for me is not decided by the amount of money they have in their pockets, but it means tourists who spend a lot of money and stay for a long time or come to travel frequently and are tourists who have good intentions.

They respect rules, culture, lifestyle and don’t destroy our country’s environment. These are the qualities, the important characteristics of quality tourists that I want to attract more to visit our home. Continued …

Thailand Listed No. 4 Among Most Affordable Destinations

Kiplinger, an American publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice, recently released its list of “10 Cheapest Countries to Visit”, placing Thailand as its number 4 destination.

Kiplinger reported that average daily expenses during a visit to Thailand totaled US$52, with accommodations costing $21 per night, on average, and a day’s worth of meals costing about $14.

The publisher added that while flights to Thailand can be expensive this time of year, savings on other expenses more than made up the difference. It also said Thailand is known for tropical beaches, jungle temples, Buddhist statues and delicious food offerings at restaurants and street markets. Additionally, it said these attractions have consistently made the kingdom the most visited country in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Russians putting down roots in kingdom

Russian tourists have been flocking to Thailand since pandemic travel restrictions were eased (and particularly after their country invade Ukraine), with many choosing to invest in the kingdom’s real estate sector after an extended holiday in the country.

Since January, over 370,000 Russian tourists have visited the country, according to Police Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nutchanart, deputy commander of the Immigration Bureau — a sharp increase compared to last year, which only saw about 435,000 Russians visit the country in the entire year.

Despite the influx, there has been no indication that Russian criminal figures have snuck into the country through illegal channels, he said, noting most legal issues involving Russian citizens in Thailand were minor offenses, such as traffic violations. Continued …

Wellness tourism helps boost Thai economy

Thailand has long been regarded as a top travel destination with its tropical islands, cuisine, historical and cultural treasures, and bustling markets. It has also become known for its world-class holistic wellness and health retreats.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Thailand welcomed 3.42 million international arrivals to the country for medical treatment and health care, generating 140 billion THB (3.99 billion USD) in revenue. The rapid recovery of tourism after the pandemic has contributed to the growth of wellness tourism.

According to the Central Bank of Thailand (BoT) and the Ministry of Health, the country earned 11.9 billion THB from health tourism in 2021, an increase of 47% compared to 2020. Continued …

Thailand Internet and Wi-fi: What You Need To Know

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and want to stay connected? If so, then you’ll need to consider how you will access the internet while in Thailand.

Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the country, but there are some things that travelers should know before they go.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what you need to know about using Wi-Fi and the Internet in Thailand so that your travels can be as stress-free as possible. Continued …

French Consul supports red/yellow card system for law-breaking tourists

The bizarre, and probably unworkable, “Yellow-Red” card scheme, cooked up by Phuket police officials two weeks ago, immediately vanished from the news – mostly accompanied by foreign doubters and critics on social media.

The card system, if implemented, would have recognized unlawful acts by foreigners with a yellow card and kicked them out of the country. More than one offense, presumably a red card, and they wouldn’t be able to return. For those not aware of the English Football penalty system, the Phuket police appear inspired by the umpires using yellow and red cards as warnings for errant players.

In the original proposal, there was no explanation of how the penalties would be dispensed and if alleged law breakers could take the matters to court. Continued …

What Phuket tourists need to know

With the confirmation earlier this week that the Phuket Immigration system of “red” and “yellow” cards to warn and deport foreigners repeatedly caught flouting the law has been approved by the national Immigration Bureau chief, it has become clear that tourism officials now need to step up and make an effort to warn tourists what consequences they may face for their behavior while on holiday on the island. Continued …

Tourists flock to Nong Khai as sacred stupa emerges from Mekong River

The rare sight of an ancient Buddhist stupa emerging from the Mekong River has sent tourists flocking to the northern province of Nong Khai.

Phra That Klang Nam is believed to have been constructed around 700 years ago on what was then the banks of the river. However, it toppled into the Mekong in 1847 and was submerged completely as the river changed course over the years.

On Sunday, crowds of tourists arrived to get a rare glimpse of the stupa, which was exposed to view after the river level receded sharply in recent days. Continued …

Chinese Tourists’ School Uniform Fad Reaches Phuket

with Phuket now bustling as a large number of both Thai and foreign tourists flock in, it is Chinese tourists who are making waves with their fad to take photos clad in Thai school uniforms at key downtown spots.

This trend among the Chinese tourists to wear Thai school uniforms while holidaying here had started a few years ago in Chiang Mai and its neighboring provinces after the smash hit of the Chinese comedy film “Lost in Thailand”.

They particularly like taking photos so dressed at Chiang Mai University, with the administrators having to set measures and provide facilities for these tourists and this continues to this day. Continued …

Thailand eyes food trucks as new tourist attraction

Food trucks can be viewed as “destinations” that promote the economy and increase awareness of Thai cuisine, according to Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of DBD.

“Food trucks may entice people to travel to Thailand merely to sample food or drinks that are unique to this country,” he said.

The food truck culture, he continued, will help foster better relationships between foreigners and Thais and open doors for collaboration. Continued …

Hazy days ahead: The future of cannabis tourism in Thailand

If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you might want to put Thailand on your travel bucket list. Since June 2022, the Land of Smiles has become one of the few countries in Asia to legalize the medical and recreational use of cannabis.

This landmark decision has sparked a lot of interest among locals and foreigners alike, as well as entrepreneurs and investors who see the potential of a new industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the growing trend of cannabis tourism in Thailand and what it means for the country’s economy, society, and culture.

With the legalization of cannabis, Thailand is positioning itself to become a major player in the global cannabis market, which Insight Partners predicts will reach a staggering $147 billion by 2027, with a booming CAGR value of 29.1%. Continued …

From Bangkok to Khao Lak: A wellness guide to Thailand

It’s official: 2023 is the year of the emotional detox retreat. “I’ve seen many clients post-pandemic who are on edge,” says Wellbeing Escapes founder Stella Photi. “People are realizing our ‘keep calm and carry on’ culture is harmful and it’s not good to bury your emotions.”

I can relate. Facing a return to work after a month-long burnout, I was offered the chance to spend a week sampling the finer things in life in Thailand. It had been a horrible time, so I was understandably into this idea. If a combo city break-cum-beach holiday in Bangkok and Khao Lak can’t help me regain my mojo, I reasoned, nothing can. After all, isn’t this where every recent grad heads to find themselves?

As it turns out, far from its reputation as a hotspot for boozy backpackers, Thailand holds many delights for those looking to nourish their body over putting it through an alcohol-induced ringer. Here’s how I got on. Continued …

Thais cashing in on superstition

In an uncertain world, people become anxious or worried for various reasons, including emerging diseases and epidemics, high living costs, war and job instability.

Adjusting personal behavior or business strategy seems an inadequate response for some people, leading to superstition playing a prominent role in the lives of Thai Buddhists.

In the wake of the pandemic, many people turned to good luck charms, superstitious objects and occult rites, known as mutelu, by visiting revered places or relying on talismans. Continued …

Bangkok’s Oldest Paved Road Is Bustling With Great Places to Eat

Bangkok was born of the river. It began in the 15th century, a tiny jungle trading post set at the water’s edge. Centuries passed, the outpost grew, and by the early 1800s Bangkok had taken its modern form.

Today, with over 20 million tourists annually, it’s one of the most visited cities on Earth. Over the past several years, the waterfront district known as Bang Rak has boomed — including one street in particular. Charoen Krung, Bangkok’s oldest paved road, completed in 1864, is now a fantastic stretch of inventive cocktail bars and jet lag–worthy restaurants, where Michelin has been very busy sprinkling stars. Here, the top destinations to add to your itinerary.

Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons

There’s no bad seat in this culinary theater of modern Cantonese cuisine, opened in 2020 and awarded Thailand’s only Michelin star for Cantonese, in 2021 (which it kept for 2022). Executive chef Qiu Xiaogui has developed a delicate, colorful dim sum experience coursed or à la carte — from yellow chrysanthemum tea leaves steeping in clear pots to crispy, golden duck carved in the glass-front kitchen. Continued …

Saudi Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion

Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco on Sunday reported a record annual net profit of $161.1 billion for 2022, up 46% from the previous year on higher energy prices, increased volumes sold and improved margins for refined products. Continued …

‘Everything Everywhere’ wins best picture at the Oscars

In the end, its victory was utterly predictable and yet still totally implausible. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — a wacky sci-fi featuring hot dog fingers, sex toys, bagels and talking rocks — on Sunday became surely the most absurd film ever to win the Oscar for best picture. Continued …

Gender equality in the workplace still falls short

Despite years of promoting gender equality in the workplace and female empowerment among leaders and organizations worldwide, significant progress is lacking, according to recent studies. Continued …

N. Korea launches missiles as US, S. Korea kick off major drills

North Korea said today it had test-fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine, as South Korea and the United States kicked off their largest joint military exercises in five years. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting