Category Archives: chiang mai

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Feb 2

  • Muay Thai Festival starts today at Seapines/
  • Kite festival this weekend in Thap Sakae/
  • National park in Nan opts for bamboo over plastic/
  • Bangkok air pollution worsens/
  • Air Pollution Hits Unhealthy Levels in Chiang Mai/
  • Summer season starts in Thailand at the end of February/
  • Fruit vendor wins 30 million baht lottery jackpot/
  • Myanmar citizens in Thailand protest on coup anniversary/
  • Tourism: Bangkok police crack down on checkpoints after actress bribe scandal/Tourists ‘told to pay or go to jail’/Thailand is most searched destination for Chinese Airbnb guests/Taxi scam concerns visitors the most/Bangkok opens first free space for street hawkers/Krabi hotel accused of favoring foreigners over Thais/
  • Thailand Experience: You Think You Understand Thai Culture Because You Eat at Thai Restaurants?/Restaurant Review: Praça at The Standard Hua Hin/
  • International: Philippines to expand US access to military bases/Australia to oust monarch from banknotes/’Surprising’ ancient Egyptian mummy ingredients discovered/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Muay Thai Festival starts today at Seapines

Kite festival this weekend in Thap Sakae

The Fantasy Kite and Flag Festival, featuring more than 100 kites, is set for this weekend in Thap Sakae on Ban Thung Pradu Beach.

The event is organized by the Thap Sakae Beach Love Group, the Thap Sakae Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Thailand Kite Flying Assn., Prachuap province tourism and sports officials and the Ban Thung Pradu tourism community. Map 

National park in Nan opts for bamboo over plastic

Sri Nan National Park in northern Nan province is the latest public attraction to go plastic-free by providing bamboo cups and other naturally derived utensils made by people living in adjacent communities.

Staff at the park, known for its campgrounds amid beautiful mountain scenery, worked with a team from Chulalongkorn University and had the support of Thailand Science Research and Innovation to plan the project and recruit craftspeople in Ban Wana Phrai, Ban Nongphum and Ban Nam Pi to make the utensils.

Associate Professor Dr Khemarat Talerngsri, the project leader, said bamboo sheath and pluang leaves are run through specially developed forming machines to ensure good quality and reduced production costs.

Bangkok air pollution worsens

Seventy air-quality monitoring stations reported unsafe levels of air pollution in Bangkok as of 7am today, with the number rising to 80 by noon, the Bangkok Air Quality centrer said.

Four stations detected “red” levels of PM2.5.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles of dust in the air. It can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause premature death from lung and heart conditions, especially among the elderly and those with health complications. Continued …

Air Pollution Hits Unhealthy Levels in Chiang Mai

The northern province of Chiang Mai on Wednesday was blanketed with haze from forest fires, while the visibility was reduced, many people suffered eye and nose irritation.

The PM 2.5 level in the city reached 56 micrograms per cubic meter, while at Hot district of Chiang Mai, PM 2.5 level was measured at 93 micrograms per cubic meter. The air quality index (AQI) in Chiang Mai stood at 203, which is considered harmful to people’s health.

Inside the campus of Chiang Mai University, the air pollution detectors were installed at every faculty to monitor the level of PM2.5, starting on Wednesday morning for real time results hourly. Continued …

Summer season starts in Thailand at the end of February

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is predicting a scorching high of 43 degrees Celsius in Thailand this summer, and that the new season will kick in before the end of February.

The TMD reported yesterday that the summer season in Thailand would be delayed by one or two weeks this year. The weather will get warmer by the end of February and the summer season will end around May.

March and April will bring hot, humid weather with thunderstorms, and temperatures will be about 35.5 degrees Celsius, a bit higher than last summer. Continued …

Fruit vendor wins 30 million baht lottery jackpot

A fruit vendor from Rayong province in eastern Thailand won 30 million baht (US$916,310) in the government lottery yesterday. He says it will pay off his debt and pay for his children’s education.

The new-found millionaire, 33-year-old Phongpat Witheethep, was at the market in Pluak Daeng district where he sells fruit for a living when he spotted a lottery ticket that he “liked the look of.”

Phongpat had such a good feeling about the number 297411 that he decided to buy five tickets with the same number. Continued …

Myanmar citizens in Thailand protest on coup anniversary

Hundreds of Myanmar citizens and workers gathered in front of the Myanmar embassy in Thailand to mark the second anniversary of the military coupin their home country, calling for the release of their duly elected leader Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Video 

Bangkok police crack down on checkpoints after actress bribe scandal

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has warned officers to abide by Royal Thai Police regulations on setting up and operating road checkpoints.

Station chiefs and their superiors at two levels would be made responsible for any failures to comply with these regulations, said MPB chief Thiti Saengsawang in an urgent order dispatched on Tuesday.

The order was issued after Huay Kwang police reportedly admitted to extorting 27,000 baht from a Taiwanese actress in exchange for turning a blind eye to her illegal vaping device. Continued … 

Tourists ‘told to pay or go to jail’

A Singaporean man who was with a Taiwanese actress who alleged earlier that her group was extorted said police told him to pay up or spend two days in jail for having vaping devices he’d bought in Bangkok. Continued … 

Thailand is most searched destination for Chinese Airbnb guests

Thailand is the most searched destination for Chinese Airbnb guests. According to Airbnb’s data, Thailand was the most searched spot for Chinese guests within 24 hours of the government’s announcement on Dec. 26 to lift inbound quarantine requirements.

The top cities within Thailand that Chinese guests searched for were Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.

Searches among Chinese guests have spiked for the categories of historical homes, domes, boat houses, and camping tents. These became the most anticipated searches by Chinese users in 2023. Continued … 

Taxi scam concerns visitors the most

Overpriced taxi services are the leading complaint among foreign tourists, along with poor garbage management and facilitation at the airport, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).

TCT’s quarterly survey, which polled 200 Western tourists in Thailand during the final quarter of 2022, showed satisfaction with taxi services received the lowest score of 3.5 out of 5, with tourists indicating this is the most critical problem that should be solved immediately.

The survey of tourists in Bangkok found they were not satisfied with what they deem to be unfair treatment, as taxi drivers often only take passengers who agree to pay a fare without using the meter, which means drivers can arbitrarily charge higher prices for their service. Continued … 

Bangkok opens first free space for street hawkers

Bangkok kicked off a project to offer space free of charge for hawkers and street vendors in the heart of the city on Wednesday, clearing cluttered pavements.

City Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt presided over the launch of the “Hello Hab-Re” (Hello Hawkers) project outside Samyan Mitrtown on Rama IV Road.

The project will reorganize hawkers and street vendors in the city by allocating suitable areas that do not block public footpaths. The operator of Samyan Mitrtown, a mixed-use shopping complex, has agreed to provide space next to its building in Soi Chula 42 for registered vendors to use for free from Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm and 3pm-8pm. Continued …

Krabi hotel accused of favoring foreigners over Thais

Thai tourists condemned a hotel in Krabi for discriminatory service standards after they claimed the hotel provided better treatment to foreign guests and neglected domestic tourists. They claimed that the hotel prioritized foreign guests with higher purchasing power over them for financial gain.

A Thai man posted three videos to share his bad experience at a hotel on Railay Beach. The incident was reported to have happened last Sunday.

In the videos, the man and his friends explained to the hotel staff that they booked the hotel for 5,000 baht per night. The fee included a shuttle golf cart from a car park to the Nam Mao Pier and a boat trip from the Nam Mao Pier to Railay Beach, where the hotel was located. Continued … 

You Think You Understand Thai Culture Because You Eat at Thai Restaurants?

Growing up in the American South, I was usually the only Thai person in any room. I’m used to seeing the limited knowledge that many Americans have about Thai culture, often reducing it to a takeout order or an object of fetishization.

As a Thai-American person, I find myself thinking a lot about my own experiences, as well as my family’s of being Thai restaurant owners, and I come back to this quote by scholar Jennifer Ho: “I understood my identity through my family and foodways.

Food has played a significant role in the ways people perceive my family’s identity in America. Witnessing members of my family being expected to fulfill a role of being easy-going (Thailand is marketed as “The Land of Smiles”) and serving delicious food compels me to explore the origins of this concept of “Thainess.” Continued …

Praça at The Standard Hua Hin

Be it at home or when traveling, the Let’s Eat team is always on the lookout for a great bar serving original quality drinks.

Such appealing watering holes receive bonus points if they are beach side in an idyllic, tropical, Insta-worthy setting. Double bonus if they have a food selection perfect for nibbling or sharing. Triple points if that food offering is inventive, appealing, and veers from the “usual” food and drink selection.

One such example is in Hua Hin, and it’s called Praça. Blessed with a prime beachfront location at the modish The Standard Hua Hin Hotel, Praça, is Portuguese for plaza or piazza, signifying a local meeting place. With its seaside garden setting and restored heritage beach house, Praça must be one of the coolest meeting places on Hua Hin’s beachfront. Continued …

Philippines to expand US access to military bases

The United States and the Philippines are expected to announce a deal Thursday that will give U.S. troops access to another four military bases in the Southeast Asian nation, as the longtime allies seek to deter Chinese aggression in the region. Continued … 

Australia to oust monarch from banknotes

Australia will erase the British-based monarch from its banknotes, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s image on its $5 note with a design honoring Indigenous culture, the central bank said Thursday. Continued … 

‘Surprising’ ancient Egyptian mummy ingredients discovered

The discovery of dozens of beakers and bowls in a mummification workshop has helped reveal how ancient Egyptians embalmed their dead, with some “surprising” ingredients imported from as far as Southeast Asia, a study said Wednesday. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Jan 30

1 Comment

  • Tennis stars explore Thai culture ahead of Hua Hin tournament/
  • Muay Thai Festival starts Thursday at Seapines/
  • Soaring rice prices show food inflation still stalking the world/
  • Chiang Mai beats Singapore as safest city in Southeast Asia/
  • Thailand’s unemployment rate drops to 1.2% as of November/
  • Regulator eyes tariff on factories to boost clean energy/
  • China-Laos-Thailand rail link plans up for talks/
  • 3-airport high-speed rail link completion seen by 2029/
  • Mae Hong Son in dire condition – 135 fire hotspots so far/
  • Pattaya’s revolutionary medical city moving ahead slowly/
  • Tourism: Russians dominate Phuket tourism revival/14 rooms at Kanchanaburi river resort razed to the ground – everyone safe/RTP says ‘trust us’ not social media in Taiwanese actress extortion case/Taiwanese actress who claimed extortion caught in lie on camera/First Songkran in Four Years in Pattaya Looking to be a Major Event/Illegal jet skis return to Phuket’s Surin Beach/
  • Thailand Experience: Exploring the National Parks of Thailand/Sustainable tourism could look like this/
  • Covid: Over 80% of Thais have ‘hybrid immunity’ against Covid-19/
  • International: Challenges remain for women’s reproductive health in Asia Pacific/Erdogan says Finland may join NATO without Sweden/Boeing’s 747, the original jumbo jet, prepares for final send-off/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Tennis stars explore Thai culture ahead of Hua Hin tournament

Five tennis stars participated in a range of cultural activities in the resort town of Hua Hin on Saturday ahead of the upcoming 2023 Thailand Open tournament. The tournament is being held all week at True Arena.

The activities at Bluport mall included painting eco-friendly clothing, a gallery visit, and Muay Thai lessons.

Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska joined Anna Karolína Schmiedlová from Slovakia and Katie Boulter from the United Kingdom in an event to promote environmentally friendly clothing. The three painted attire to encourage consumers to pay more attention to the environmental impact of their fashion choices. Continued …

Muay Thai Festival starts Thursday at Seapines

Soaring rice prices show food inflation still stalking the world

Rice prices are climbing, a sign that the food inflation shock that threw millions into poverty is still reverberating, even as the cost of wheat and other farm commodities has declined.

Thai rice, a benchmark for Asia, has soared to the highest in almost two years. Strong demand lies at the heart of the rally, with some importers buying more of the grain to replace wheat after the war in Ukraine disrupted supplies.

Some consumers have also been stocking up ahead of festivals, while a strengthening Thai currency has also helped to push up dollar-denominated prices. Continued …

Chiang Mai beats Singapore as safest city in Southeast Asia

Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand was named Southeast Asia’s safest city and the 32nd safest among 416 cities across the world.

According to the Numbeo website, Chiang Mai won 75.5 points for safety in Southeast Asia, followed by Davao in the Philippines (72.4) and Singapore (70.8).

United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi was named the safest city in the world with 88.8 points, followed by Qatar capital Doha (85.5) and Taiwanese capital Taipei (84.9). Continued …

Thailand’s unemployment rate drops to 1.2% as of November

A new census conducted by the National Statistical Office shows that the number of unemployed persons in Thailand has dropped by 95,000, with 620,000 new people entering the workforce.

Traisulee Traisoranakul, deputy government spokesperson, said on Sunday that statistics show that 39.82 million Thais were gainfully employed as of November last year, up by 620,000 from October.

She said the census found that Thailand has 58.73 million nationals who are at least 15 years old, and 40.36 million are at employment age. Of them, 39.82 million are employed and 460,000 are not. She said 18.37 million are outside the workforce, including housewives, students, and seniors. Continued …

Regulator eyes tariff on factories to boost clean energy

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is working on a “green tariff” that will determine the price of power bills for factory owners that need to use clean energy to achieve carbon neutrality.

Carbon neutrality means striking a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption.

Details for tariff rates, which depend on types of renewable energy, are expected in April after the ERC announces the investors selected to join its 5,200-megawatt renewable scheme, said Khomgrich Tantravanich, secretary-general of the commission. Continued …

China-Laos-Thailand rail link plans up for talks

Thailand and Laos are in talks about the potential of a China-Laos-Thailand railway link that could reduce cargo transport costs by 30%-50% in three to five years, said the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) on Saturday.

Athipu Chitranukroh, deputy director-general of the DRT, and Kitjaluck Srinuchsart, deputy director-general of the Customs Department, visited Laos recently to discuss the matter.

The high-speed network will be developed alongside current infrastructure and benefit both Thailand and neighboring countries, observers say. Continued …

3-airport high-speed rail link completion seen by 2029

The Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway, officially known as the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Project, is in progress and expected to be completed by 2029, government deputy spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Sunday.

Tipanan said Prime Minister Prayut, as chair of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Committee, had expedited the construction of the project to ensure a modern, convenient, fast and seamless transport system linking the three airports.

The State Railaway of Thailand (SRT) and the EEC Committee have entered a contract with a private consortium to build the 220-kilometer railway at a cost of 224,544 million baht and operate the system for 50 years. Continued …

Mae Hong Son in dire condition – 135 fire hotspots so far

Northern Mae Hong Son province will likely see an increase in forest fires this year, with as many as 135 fire hotspots having been detected during Jan. 1-27.

The Forest Fire Control Center said it is Mae La Noi district where most of the hotspots were seen, totaling 36, but this is outstripped by 77 detected in the national forest reserve.

Where air quality is concerned, the Zone One Environment and Pollution Control Office said today’s PM2.5 pollution level in Mueang Mae Hong Son reached 39 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) with 50 µg/m3 or higher considered poor air quality. Continued …

Pattaya’s revolutionary medical city moving ahead slowly

The 566 rai (one million square meters) former woodland area, now being excavated by Mabprachan Lake, is set to become a futuristic medical valley rather than a mere hospital. Part of the Eastern Economic Corridor initiative, Thammasat University has signed the deal with local and foreign investors to build an entirely new concept in medical hubs quite unlike any other development in Thailand or Southeast Asia.

The huge zone will include a hospital, clinic and residential areas for staff and patients, as well as promoting the latest smart technology to link all record keeping, screening tools, radiography information and laboratory research. There will also be a recreation park with international golf courses and development of premier housing estates by the private sector.

As Thailand’s population ages quickly while the birth rate continues to decline, the main purpose is to cater for affluent Thai and foreign nationals, especially seniors. Continued …

Russians dominate Phuket tourism revival

Phuket is experiencing a resurgence in tourism, with the number of visitors to the island reaching nearly 50% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Office in Phuket, Nantasiri Ronsiri.

According to the local TAT office, from January to December 2022, Phuket saw 9.26 million visitors, with 53.6% being domestic tourists and 46.4% being international tourists.

Ronsiri noted that foreign tourists contributed 70% of the entire revenue, while Thai tourists accounted for around 20%. The top 10 countries in terms of the number of arrivals to Phuket over the last year were Russia, India, Australia, England, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Korea and the U.S. Continued …

14 rooms at Kanchanaburi river resort razed to the ground – everyone safe

Fire destroyed 14 of the 16 house rafts at a resort on the Khwae Noi river in Sai Yok district on Sunday afternoon, causing about 10 million baht damage. There were no casualties.

The fire at Saiyok Mantra Resort near Kaeng Pralom village in tambon Sai Yok began about 3.45pm, Police Capt. Kasan Para, a duty investigator at Sai Yok, said. Continued …

RTP says ‘trust us’ not social media in Taiwanese actress extortion case

The deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police spoke yesterday after a meeting concerning allegations made by Taiwanese actress An Yu Qing or Charlene An that she and three male friends were extorted of 27,000 baht in Bangkok on Jan. 4.

Huay Khwang in downtown Bangkok has been mentioned as the location of the alleged extortion incident in previous reports.

The case has caused a firestorm of controversy in both Thailand and Taiwan. It has been reported as damaging to the RTP, as well as Thai tourism, something admitted by the RTP itself. Continued …

Taiwanese actress who claimed extortion caught in lie on camera

Security camera footage from several locations in Bangkok shows the Taiwanese actress who claims Thai police extorted 27,000 baht from her after placing a vaping device in her hand using one before and after she was stopped at a checkpoint in the early hours of Jan. 5.

The actress, Charlene An, alleged on Taiwanese social media that she was forced to pay 27,000 baht to Thai police officers after they stopped a taxi she and her friends were traveling in at a checkpoint near the Chinese embassy at about 1 am on Jan. 5.

The actress told Taiwanese media that Thai police put a vaping device into her hand and that she did not know what it was. Continued …

First Songkran in Four Years in Pattaya Looking to be a Major Event

The first full Songkran in four years is looking to be a major event in Pattaya, as more events, festivals, concerts, and parties are announced.

Of course, this will be polarizing and divisive to many readers as although the event is popular with tourists it tends to be feared and despised by many ex-pats, who prior to COVID-19 often hunkered down for a week or even fled the city to avoid the water madness.

However, Songkran was entirely canceled in Thailand in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 pandemic concerns. In 2022, only traditional religious events were allowed and “fun” events, like the world-famous water fights, were banned. The last full Songkran was four years ago, in 2019. Continued …

Illegal jet skis return to Phuket’s Surin Beach

For the umpteenth time, the local provincial marine office has started clamping down on illegal jet skis and parasail boats in the sea off Phuket’s Surin Beach.

Along Millionaire’s Row on the west coast, Phuket’s Surin Beach is surrounded by boutiques, high-end resorts and residences. It’s popular year-round, and an excellent spot for sunbathing on fine white sand, with the Andaman Sea stretching out before you. Its calm and clear waters are excellent for snorkeling and kayaking, as well as boogie-boarding and surfing.

The Phuket provincial administration wants to keep Surin beach free from all marine sports, so the public can swim in the sea without fear of being harmed by drunken hooligans on powerful machines. The beach is strictly off-limits to all motorized marine sports activities. Continued …

Exploring the National Parks of Thailand

Embark on an adventure to discover the hidden gems of Thailand’s national parks. From Kaeng Krachan, the largest in the country, to the picturesque limestone cliffs of Ao Phang Nga, there’s a diverse array of natural wonders to explore. Trek through lush rainforests, swim in sparkling waterfalls, spot wild elephants, tigers and leopards.

Dive and snorkel in the Andaman Sea for an unforgettable marine experience. Pack your bags and let’s go on a journey to explore the beauty of Thailand’s national parks.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Covering an area of over 2,915 square kilometers, Kaeng Krachan is the largest national park in the country. It’s located near Hua Hin between Thailand’s Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Kaeng Krachan is home to an abundance of wildlife, including wild elephants, tigers, and leopards, as well as many species of birds and primates. Continued …

Sustainable tourism could look like this

“Help save the environment. Please reuse the towels.”

I can’t think of the last time I checked into a hotel that didn’t have some politely worded variation of that message, as if doing our small part is really even optional. And when I see such a message, I think about Koh Yao Noi.

Out in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay — on the edge of an incredible natural aquatic preserve between tourist hotspots Phuket and Krabi — Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) is still largely a locals’ island, more focused on agriculture than becoming a bucket-list travel destination. There is no welcome center, nor scooters for hire awaiting visitors upon arrival; for that matter, the island is still only accessible by boat. Continued …

Over 80% of Thais have ‘hybrid immunity’ against Covid-19

More than 80% of the Thai population has developed “hybrid immunity” to the Covid-19 virus from a combination of vaccination and infection, Professor Yong Poovorawan said on Saturday.

More than 70% of the Thai population, or over 50 million people, were infected with Covid-19, while at least 80% of the population has been fully vaccinated (with at least two doses), the virologist wrote in a Facebook post.

“So, most of the population – over 80% – have developed hybrid immunity, which helps lessen the severity of disease, covering new mutations like XBB.1.5, which is expected to arrive soon,” the virologist wrote. Continued …

Challenges remain for women’s reproductive health in Asia Pacific

While the world has made many advancements in healthcare, millions of women and girls in low- and low-middle income countries are still far away from having bodily autonomy and are not able to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Continued …

Erdogan says Finland may join NATO without Sweden

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said for the first time Sunday that Ankara could accept Finland into NATO without its Nordic neighbor Sweden. Continued …

Boeing’s 747, the original jumbo jet, prepares for final send-off

Boeing’s 747, the original and arguably most aesthetic “Jumbo Jet”, revolutionized air travel only to see its more than five-decade reign as “Queen of the Skies” ended by more efficient twinjet planes. The last commercial Boeing jumbo will be delivered to Atlas Air in the surviving freighter version on Tuesday, 53 years after the 747’s instantly recognizable humped silhouette grabbed global attention as a Pan Am passenger jet. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

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

Thursday’s News-Jan 26

  • 4-meter-high waves at Ao Manao/
  • Asia’s economies show resilience and growth for 2023/
  • Rising living costs take toll on spending/
  • Bangkok’s new central station still has some problems to address/
  • Bangkok, six northern provinces to see air quality worsen over weekend/
  • Migrating Russian ducks chill out in northern Thailand/
  • Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla chosen as venues for SEA Games 2025/
  • Thai FDA recalls South Korean noodles over cancer risk/
  • School of Italian Culinary Arts opens its flagship school in Bangkok/
  • Tourism: ‘No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared’/Airport cracks down on police following Chinese influencer’s video/Facebook page exposes ‘VIP fast-track’ entry services for Chinese tourists/Taiwanese celeb says she was ‘extorted by Thai police’/Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi/Koh Samui welcomes first Taiwanese tour group in 3 years/Pattaya prepares for return of Chinese tour groups/Asia travel hotspots quiet as Chinese tourists stay away/Longtail boat sinks off Krabi, 2 Malaysian tourists die/Should tourists in Thailand take a gamble on Poipet?/
  • Thailand Experience: 4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid/
  • Covid: Covid hospitalizations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of January/China says Covid deaths down by nearly 80%/
  • International: Japanese government set to legalize medical marijuana/Philippines shakes off inflation for best growth since 1976/Myanmar opium cultivation surging under military rule/Meta says Trump to be allowed back on Facebook, Instagram/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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4-meter-high waves at Ao Manao

Large waves up to 4 meters high resulted in the main road along the Prachuap Bay beachfront in Prachuap Khiri Khan being partially flooded. The beaches in Prachuap bay and Ao Manao were marked off limits on Wednesday after strong winds and waves made conditions too dangerous for swimming.

Asia’s economies show resilience and growth for 2023

Asia can defy a global economic slowdown in 2023 through an acceleration in digital transformation, greater regional coordination, and balanced monetary policies, according to new research from the London-based think tank, Asia House.

The Asia House Annual Outlook 2023 examines how Asia’s economies can prevail and deliver robust growth through increased domestic demand for goods and services, countering the global headwinds of high inflation, tighter monetary policy and increasing geopolitical tensions.

Key among the Annual Outlook’s recommendations are those relating to prioritizing innovation – to spur carbon pricing, lower green premiums for zero-carbon alternatives, and boost underfunded and high-impact projects with blended finance. Continued … 

Rising living costs take toll on spending

Cautious spending, flexible payment and authentic automation are among the key consumer trends to look out for in Thailand this year, according to London-based market research firm Euromonitor International. Continued … 

Bangkok’s new central station still has some problems to address

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has vowed improvements at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal after numerous complaints from passengers.

The agency admitted “many issues” had arisen at the new 34-billion-baht national terminus in Chatuchak district after it became the hub for long-distance trains running north, northeast and south last week.

“SRT governor Nirut Maneepan has ordered its officials to improve services in response to passengers’ complaints as soon as possible,” SRT public relations director Ekarat Sriarayanpong said on Tuesday. Continued … 

Bangkok, six northern provinces to see air quality worsen over weekend

Bangkok and six northern provinces in Thailand are expected to see air quality worsen over the weekend, according to Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD).

The PCD reported yesterday that air quality across the country ranged from very good down to a health-threatening level at 11 am. The amount of PM2.5 dust particles in the atmosphere also exceeded the standard level in many areas nationwide: Continued … 

Migrating Russian ducks chill out in northern Thailand

Thailand’s chilly temperatures have brought thousands of wild ducks to a Yasothon reservoir after their 5,000-kilometer journey from Siberia. Lam Thuan Reservoir in Muang district provided a treat for birdwatchers on Wednesday as the migrating flock basked in the cold 13C sunshine of the northeastern province. Yasothon has declared the reservoir a no-hunting zone to protect the ducks and other wild birds that have migrated from the frozen Siberian tundra in Russia. They fly back north during the summer months when temperatures in the Land of Smiles are too high for them to mate and lay their eggs. (The Nation)

Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla chosen as venues for SEA Games 2025

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) on Wednesday selected Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla provinces as the venues for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to be hosted in 2025.

The board of directors made the selection during a teleconference meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and SAT Gov. Kongsak Yodmanee attended the meeting.

The 33rd SEA Games will be held Dec. 9-20,2025. The biennial multi-sport event brings together participants from the 10 ASEAN members and Timor-Leste. Continued … 

Thai FDA recalls South Korean noodles over cancer risk

The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has recalled over 3,500 instant noodle cups from South Korea over concern they contain a harmful carcinogen.

Thailand has frozen shipments of Nongshim Shin Ramyun, an instant noodle from South Korea, after suspicions that its seasoning packets contain ethylene oxide, according to FDA Deputy Secretary Withit Saritdeechaikul. The chemical is linked to cancer and used to produce compounds such as car engine antifreeze or pesticides.

A total of 3,520 Nongshim Shin Ramyun cups were seized by FDA for lab testing They will report the results at a later date. Continued … 

School of Italian Culinary Arts opens its flagship school in Bangkok

ALMA – The School of Italian Culinary Arts — an authoritative center for high education in Italian cuisine and hospitality internationally — officially marked the opening of its first flagship school in Southeast Asia with a special inauguration ceremony at The Food School Bangkok, Thailand’s first multinational culinary school, where ALMA, alongside TSUJI Culinary Institute and Dusit Thani College, is based.

Presided over by Enzo Malanca, president and CEO of ALMA – The School of Italian Culinary Arts, Paolo Dionisi, ambassador of Italy to Thailand, and ALMA’s Italian chef Instructors, the inauguration ceremony served as a platform to welcome the first batch of students of ALMA’s Italian cuisine and Italian bakery and pastry certificate courses. Malanca also shared the inspiration and vision behind opening the first flagship ALMA school in Southeast Asia at The Food School Bangkok. Continued … 

‘No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared’

The national police chief has ordered the police inspector-general to launch an investigation after a popular Facebook page alleged that VIP fast-track entry services sponsored by Thai police have been advertised in China for more than 10 years.

Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas said on Wednesday that he had assigned the police inspector-general to set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations.

“Please be assured that no one will be spared,” the national police chief said. Continued … 

Airport cracks down on police following Chinese influencer’s video

Suvarnabhumi International Airport has sent a notice to police, customs and excise agencies to ensure their personnel comply with security measures following a viral clip of police providing fast-track entry services for a Chinese tourist.

Jiraporn Wongtala, director of the security division of the airport, issued the circular on Monday, addressing it to the headquarters of Samut Prakarn Provincial Police, Tourist Police Division 1, Immigration Police Division 1, the Suvarnabhumi Customs Office and the Samut Prakan Excise Office 2.

The five agencies must instruct their personnel to strictly wear uniforms and carry ID cards openly when they enter the airport, Jiraporn said in the notice. Continued … 

Facebook page exposes ‘VIP fast-track’ entry services for Chinese tourists

A Thai Facebook page has exposed that multiple fast-track entry services have been available for Chinese tourists on a Chinese e-commerce platform despite denial by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The page “Lui Chin” (Shoot to China) said in a post on Tuesday that multiple “VIP” fast-track entry services at Thai airports were sold on China’s Taobao e-commerce platform.

The post on the FB page was apparently in response to an announcement by the TAT earlier on Tuesday that its offices in China could not find the ad offering such fast-track entry services to Chinese tourists. Continued … 

Taiwanese celeb says she was ‘extorted by Thai police’

Following news that the Royal Thai Police had allegedly offered a special “VVIP” airport to hotel fast-track service to a Chinese tourist for 7,000 baht comes even worse press for Thailand’s recovering tourism industry.

That case – revealed in a clip – involved the tourist being escorted by immigration officers via a police motorcade to Pattaya.

Now a Taiwanese celebrity called An Yu Ching in Chinese and known as Charlene An in English has taken to Instagram to relate her experience just after New Year. Continued … 

Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi

A tunnel of monkey flower trees, also known as “Pradu Daeng”, is ready to welcome visitors who drive along a road at the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm in Saraburi province. Somporn Srimuang, director of the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand, said, “Monkey flower trees bloom once a year from January to February,” adding that they are older than 10 years and are located on a mountainous route. (The Nation)

Koh Samui welcomes first Taiwanese tour group in 3 years

Thailand’s tropical holiday island of Koh Samui welcomed its first Taiwanese tour group in nearly three years on Tuesday. The group of 142 tourists enjoyed Koh Samui’s nature tourism, as well as its temples and shrines.

The group also planned to travel to Koh Ang Thong, Koh Tao, and Koh Nang Yuan for four days. The group had a three-night trip planned for Surat Thani, the former president of the Samui Tourism Assn. said. Continued …

Pattaya prepares for return of Chinese tour groups

Pattaya is preparing for Chinese tour groups to finally return to the renowned party city. On Tuesday, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches met with the Thai-Chinese Tourism Assn. to discuss how best to accommodate the influx of Chinese tourists to the city.

The association’s president, Chanaphan Kaewklachaiwut, advised Poramese to step up Pattaya’s security and sanitation to impress Chinese tourists.

Chanaphan said a tour company in the association would create a tour package for Chinese tourists. The package will be divided into three groups: luxury, medium, and normal. Continued … 

Asia travel hotspots quiet as Chinese tourists stay away

Just a handful of Chinese visitors were posing for photos and basking in the sun this week in the market and plazas near Chiang Mai’s ancient Tha Phae Gate, one of many tourist hotspots still waiting for millions of Chinese travelers to return.

The beaches and temples of destinations like Bali and Chiang Mai are the busiest they have been since the pandemic struck three years ago, but they’re still relatively quiet.

Still, Chanatip Pansomboon, a soft drinks seller in the Chinatown district of Chiang Mai, a scenic riverside city in northern Thailand, was upbeat. He trusts that with the number of flights from China steadily increasing, it’s only a matter of time. Continued … 

Longtail boat sinks off Krabi, 2 Malaysian tourists die

A longtail boat carrying a family of Malaysian tourists sank off the coast of Krabi province in southern Thailand yesterday.

A 36-year-old pregnant woman and her six-year-old child died, while the father and Thai boat operator survived with the help of a local fisherman.

A young fisherman, 21-year-old Warit Changmin, went out fishing for squid in Laem Hang Nak cape, Mueang district, when he decided to turn back to shore due to sudden rain and strong winds yesterday afternoon. Continued …

Should tourists in Thailand take a gamble on Poipet?

Poipet, a boomtown on the Khmer side of the Thai – Cambodian border, is known for two things: visa runs and gambling.

Just 3.5 hours away from Bangkok, Poipet is popular with tourists looking to exit and reenter Thailand’s border to gain more time in the kingdom.

Beyond the immigration office lies an otherwise unspectacular-looking urban municipality that transforms into a glittering, neon-lit gamblers’ Disneyland after dark. Continued … 

4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

Giant online travel agency Booking.com offered tourists four off-grid places across the country since its research revealed that “Back to Basics” has become the newest travel trend among Thai tourists in 2023.

The sample group of research respondents includes 504 Thai people who plan to travel for work or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months.

It was shown that 69% of Thai travelers are looking to escape from reality this year by embarking on an off-grid vacation; 78% desire to learn essential survival skills, while 70% want to go back to basics with only the bare necessities. Continued …

Covid hospitalizations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of January

Thailand’s Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths dropped in the third week of January, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Wednesday.

A total of 627 people were hospitalized with severe Covid symptoms from Jan. 15-21, an average of 90 per day. This was lower than the 969 hospitalized from Jan. 8-14, averaging 138 patients per day.

So far this year, 2,593 people have been admitted to hospital for Covid-19 symptoms. Continued …

China says Covid deaths down by nearly 80%

The number of daily Covid-19 deaths in China has fallen by nearly 80% since the start of the month, authorities have said, in a sign that the country’s unprecedented infection surge may have started to abate.

A wave of virus cases has washed over the world’s most populous nation since Beijing abruptly ended its zero-Covid policy last month.

Beijing’s figures are believed to only represent a fraction of the true toll, given China’s narrow definition of a Covid death and official estimates that swathes of the population have been infected. Continued … 

Japanese government set to legalize medical marijuana

The Japanese government is poised to allow the use of medical marijuana to treat patients with intractable diseases, according to the outline of bills revealed on Tuesday. The government is considering submitting bills including one to revise the Cannabis Control Law during the current Diet session. Continued …

Philippines shakes off inflation for best growth since 1976

The Philippines weathered the fastest inflation and highest policy rate in 14 years to deliver one of Asia’s strongest expansions, shoring up the economy by the most in decades amid a bleak global outlook. Continued …

Myanmar opium cultivation surging under military rule

Opium cultivation in military-ruled Myanmar jumped 33% last year, reversing a six-year downward trend in the strife-torn country, a United Nations report said today. Continued …

Meta says Trump to be allowed back on Facebook, Instagram

Social networking giant Meta announced Tuesday it would soon reinstate former president Donald Trump’s accounts on Facebook and Instagram with “new guardrails,” two years after he was banned over the 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

 

90-day online reporting

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

Wednesday’s News-Jan 25

  • Cha Am pedestrian overpass finally completed/Fine increased for zebra crossing violations/New wall for Hua Hin Hospital to mute train sounds/February flight schedule for Hua Hin AirportThailand Open at True Arena starts Saturday/Krung Thep Aphiwat: All aboard the ‘smart’ future of Thai rail travel/Budget for four more months of power subsidy approved/Songkran on UNESCO list as intangible cultural heritage/80 immigration police face charges for accepting money to extend visas/Malaysian victims accuse Royal Thai Police of soliciting bribes of over 100,000 baht/Bangkok administration urges working from home due to air quality/Thai military’s ties to Myanmar junta compromising efforts to resolve crisis/Thailand’s 50 Richest in 2023/Thai exports fell for third successive month in December/Record-breaking year for Thai movie industry/Thief leaves an apology note in Chiang Mai/Thailand, US team on climate change initiative/MP says cannabis helps reduce meth addicts in Bangkok/
  • Tourism: More European tourists than Chinese in Hua Hin/Thailand Sees About 25%-30% of Chinese Tour Group Bookings/Thailand VIP packages offered on Chinese e-commerce platform/Outcry over police VIP airport escort service/Chinese New Year generates at least 2.6B baht in tourism revenue for Phuket/Cabinet approves 5th phase of tourism subsidy scheme/
  • Thailand Experience: 20+ places to check out in Bangkok’s Chinatown/Cooking Thai food at home: Tips and tricks/
  • Covid: Covid-19 vaccine available for foreigners nationwide/
  • International: US poised to approve sending Abrams tanks to Ukraine/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Cha Am pedestrian overpass finally completed

A pedestrian overpass has finally opened in Cha Am, built over safety concerns for Hup Khapong villagers, especially school children crossing Phetchakasim Road. It took 19 years, but yesterday officials welcomed the opening of the overpass. Many agencies and local people cooperated for the project to be completed to reduce road accidents and increase safety in the area. (RCR)

Fine increased for zebra crossing violations

Motorists who fail to stop their vehicles for pedestrians at zebra crossings face a maximum fine of 4,000 baht and have one point deducted from their driving license immediately under the new law.

Previously, the fine was 1,000 baht.

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the new law, which was put into effect on Jan. 9, increases penalties and adopts the point deduction system to ensure the safety of pedestrians at zebra crossings. Continued …

New wall for Hua Hin Hospital to mute train sounds

A new wall is being constructed behind Hua Hin Hospital, which will result in a one-way traffic system from Jan. 26.

The concrete wall be built between Soi 10 and Soi 14.

The ‘sound proof wall’ is being built to reduce the impact of noise from the new train line.

Thailand Open at True Arena starts Saturday

Krung Thep Aphiwat: All aboard the ‘smart’ future of Thai rail travel

Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal was touted as the “smart” future of rail travel in Thailand on Tuesday, days after it took over as the national hub from the century-old Hua Lamphong station.

Krung Thep Aphiwat “is considered the first smart railway station in ASEAN, with facilities, such as robots called SRT Bots, smart wheelchairs and smart closed-circuit television cameras,” government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said.

It also connects with Bangkok’s urban train and bus system to provide seamless travel links to the rest of the city, he added. Continued …

Budget for four more months of power subsidy approved

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a budget of 7.5 billion baht as subsidy for household use of electricity for four more months.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the subsidy would be given to household users of electricity from January to April.

A household must not use more than 300 units of electricity to be eligible for the subsidy, he added. Continued …

Songkran on UNESCO list as intangible cultural heritage

UNESCO has included the Songkran festival in a tentative list to be considered as Thailand’s intangible cultural heritage.

Thailand now has four items awaiting consideration at the end of this year — Khon, traditional Thai massage, Nora, and Songkran.

Intangible cultural heritage is considered by member states of UNESCO in relation to the tangible World Heritage focusing on intangible aspects of culture. Continued …

80 immigration police face charges for accepting money to extend visas

About 80 immigration police officers, including three generals, face disciplinary and criminal charges for allegedly extending visas for Chinese nationals involved in “gray’ businesses in Thailand in exchange for financial gain, according to Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief.

He said all the suspects have been questioned and police investigators are expected to meet on Monday to conclude the case and submit the findings to the police inspector-general for further action.

He maintains that there are no exceptions being made for the three police generals allegedly involved, despite the fact that they were his classmates at the police academy, noting that their cases will also be sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Continued …

Malaysian victims accuse Royal Thai Police of soliciting bribes of over 100,000 baht

Two Malaysian victims told local media that corrupt Royal Thai Police solicited bribes of 100,000 baht to return their stolen cars, which were taken from their native country and driven to Thailand.

The Malaysian news agency, The Star, reported that the cars were stolen from Malaysia and shipped to Thailand. The media also added that RTP officers were involved in the car smuggling. Continued …

Bangkok administration urges working from home due to air quality

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has sought cooperation from the public and private sectors by allowing their staff to work from home tomorrow, in anticipation of poor air quality in the city, which may reach health-threatening levels.

BMA officials and the Pollution Control Department met on Tuesday to discuss the air pollution problem, caused by the accumulation of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, which is likely to worsen on Thursday due poor air circulation.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said that the amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere in the capital has been increasing over the past two days, although the situation improved slightly Tuesday due to strong winds. Continued …

Thai military’s ties to Myanmar junta compromising efforts to resolve crisis

Thailand’s lenient stance, as well as the close ties between its armed forces and the Myanmar military — also known as Tatmadaw — would undermine the efforts of ASEAN and the international community to ease the ongoing crisis in that country, according to many independent observers.

Thousands of people have died in the neighboring country and over a million have been displaced since a military coup on Feb. 1, 2021.

The latest move that raised eyebrows in international circles was a meeting between the chief of Thailand’s Defense Forces, Chalermphon Srisawasdi, and Minister Aung Hlaing, the top commander of the Tatmadaw, at a resort in Myanmar’s strife-torn Rakhine state from Jan. 19-21. Continued …

Thailand’s 50 Richest in 2023

Thailand is home to a number of extremely wealthy individuals, many of whom have made their fortunes through a variety of industries including real estate, finance, and retail. As of 2023, the 50 richest persons in Thailand have a combined net worth of over $150 billion.

Leading the list is Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, a Thai businessman and founder of the TCC Group, one of Thailand’s largest conglomerates. With a net worth of $9.8 billion, Sirivadhanabhakdi has a diverse portfolio that includes real estate, beverages, and retail.

Coming in second is Dhanin Chearavanont, the chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Thailand, with interests in agriculture, retail, and telecommunications. Chearavanont has a net worth of $9.1 billion. Continued … 

Thai exports fell for third successive month in December

Thai exports fell for a third consecutive month in December, but the 2022 total rose 5.5% year-on-year to US$287.06 billion (9.406 trillion baht), according to the Commerce Ministry.

Total imports last year rose 13.6%, leading to a trade deficit of $16.122 billion (528.56 billion baht).

December saw exports contract 14.6% year-on-year, while imports shrank 12%, generating a trade deficit of US$1.03 billion (33.85 billion baht). Continued …

Record-breaking year for Thai movie industry

The Thailand Film Office (TFO) reported 2022 was a record-breaking year for the Thai movie industry despite a sluggish start to the new calendar year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The TFO compiled a list of impressive statistics for filming foreign movies in the Land of Smiles for 2022.

It recorded that film crews shot 348 different types of movies and generated a record-breaking 6.4 billion baht, the highest since the TFO collected foreign film shooting statistics in Thailand. Continued … 

Thief leaves an apology note in Chiang Mai

A thief stole over 12,000 baht from an electrical appliances store in Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand on Sunday morning and left behind a note apologizing for his crime.

CCTV footage captures a masked assailant, a man estimated to be around 30 years old, breaking into an electrical appliance store next to Wat Tha Mai-i Temple in Chiang Mai’s Mueang district at 1am. Continued …

Thailand, US team on climate change initiative

U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec and Dr. Karen M. St. Germain, Earth Science Division director at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), have launched the SERVIR-Southeast Asia program – a collaboration between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and NASA – to help communities across Southeast Asia adapt to regional and transboundary climate issues and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

“This new program expands the geographic focus of SERVIR in Southeast Asia and deepens our engagement with regional institutions to accelerate climate resilience,” said Godec. “SERVIR-Southeast Asia will go a long way to ensure that communities and businesses throughout Thailand and across ASEAN are not only resilient to the impacts of climate change, but prosper in spite of these challenges.” Continued … 

MP says cannabis helps reduce meth addicts in Bangkok

Bhumjaithai Party MP Suphachai Jaismut says the legalizing of cannabis has led to a decrease in the use of methamphetamine (also known as Yaba) in Bangkok.

The Bhumjaithai Party MP admitted that he never expected legalizing cannabis would decrease the use of methamphetamine. He initially focused on its potential medical benefits and didn’t consider this possible outcome.

However, he stated that he had come to believe in the connection between cannabis legalization and decreased Yaba use based on information provided to him by community leaders. Continued … 

More European tourists than Chinese in Hua Hin

More European tourists are making their way back to Thailand’s coastal paradise of Hua Hin than Chinese tourists, according to officials. The vice president of the Thai Hotel Assn. Said most of Hua Hin’s tourists are European, from Scandinavia, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany.

The vice president,Udo m Srimahachota, said the number of foreign tourists is expected to rise throughout the year. He said the number of Chinese tourists will be small compared to the number of tourists from other countries. He noted that Chinese tourists prefer to visit Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket.

Udom said foreign tourists now make up around 60% of all tourists in Hua Hin, Thai media reported. He said foreign tourists flooded Hua Hin’s beaches, hotels, restaurants, and gift shops this past weekend. Continued …

Thailand Sees About 25%-30% of Chinese Tour Group Bookings

After China approved overseas group tours to resume to several countries, including Thailand, from Feb. 6, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has seen about 25%-30% of Chinese tour group bookings.

TAT deputy governor of marketing for Asia and South Pacific, Thanet Phetsuwan, said Thailand is among 20 countries approved by China for outbound tour groups.

The TAT joined hands with leading Chinese tour agencies to prepare for tour package sales in major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Kunming next month. Continued …

Thailand VIP packages offered on Chinese e-commerce platform

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) insists no VIP service packages, or fast passes, have been made available for purchase in China, despite a Thai travel blogger revealing that those services and elite visas are indeed available to buy on the Chinese e-commerce platform Taobao.

Thai police are already under fire over the video of three police officers escorting a female Chinese tourist and her mother from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to a hotel in Pattaya.

The Chinese woman stated in the video that she booked an airport transfer service with an agency and that agency urged her to pay more to get a better, more convenient service provided by the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Continued …

Outcry over police VIP airport escort service

Tourism operators have slammed the Thai police VIP escort service sold online in China, saying the move severely damaged the image of Thailand.
Continued …

Chinese New Year generates at least 2.6B baht in tourism revenue for Phuket

The Tourism Authority of Thailand says Phuket generated at least 2.6 billion baht in tourism revenue during the recent Chinese New Year holiday. This will come as a much-needed boost for the island’s recovering tourism sector, which was crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The real test will now be if the return of Chinese travelers extends past the Chinese New Year holiday, but new flights are being added each week, so a slow rise of Chinese tourism is expected throughout this year.

Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, director of the TAT’s Phuket office, says the island welcomed 150,000 domestic and international tourists during the recent Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) holiday. Continued …

Cabinet approves 5th phase of tourism subsidy scheme

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the fifth phase of the tourism subsidy scheme, with a budget of 2.016 billion baht, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Phiphat said the Cabinet had approved the fifth phase of the Rao Thiew Duay Kan (We Travel Together) scheme, as well the budget for the subsidy.

Phiphat said the government expected to allow Thai tourists to register for the subsidy from next month. The ministry forecast that the subsidy rights would be grabbed by some 112,000 people and the program would generate tourism revenue of 12.539 billion baht. Continued …

20+ places to check out in Bangkok’s Chinatown

From a legendary 60-year-old braised goose stall and an authentic Hakka hole-in-the-wall to emerging hip businesses, there’s a side of Chinatown that retains and extends its charm.

Soi Song Wat, a historic road in the capital’s old town, is also a lesser-known hidden gem great for foodies and arts and culture fiends. The road’s name, which literally means “drawn by the king,” was built during the reign of King Rama V, who ordered the road’s construction (it’s said that the king himself wrote the line with a pencil on the map).

The century-old road runs along the Chao Phraya River for one kilometer and contains a mix of old and new — from colonial-style shophouses, street food stalls and long-standing restaurants to modern hostels, minimalist cafes, and laid-back bars. It can be reached from MRT Sam Yot or MRT Wat Mangkon. Continued …

Cooking Thai food at home: Tips and tricks

Do you love Thai food? Have you ever wanted to try and cook it at home? Well, you’re in luck! Thai food is incredibly flavorful, and it’s not as difficult to make as you might think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook Thai food in your own kitchen.

The first thing you need to do is to make sure that your pantry is well-stocked with the essential Thai ingredients so you’ll be ready to cook authentic Thai dishes whenever you like. Remember, Thai food is sweet, salty, and sour. In order to achieve this balance of flavors, you’ll need all the right ingredients. Here is a list of must-have ingredients to cook authentic Thai food.

1. Fish sauce

First, you need to make sure you have fish sauce, which is made from fermented fish. This is an essential ingredient used in many Thai dishes. It has a salty, umami flavor and is used to add depth to dishes such as curries, stir-fries, and noodles. If you can’t find fish sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. Continued …

Covid-19 vaccine available for foreigners nationwide

The Public Health Ministry plans for at least one Covid-19 vaccination center per province for foreign tourists paying for shots, while foreign residents will continue to get free jabs. Continued …

US poised to approve sending Abrams tanks to Ukraine

The United States, in a reversal, is poised to start a process that would eventually send dozens of M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, two U.S. officials said Tuesday. Such a decision by the United States would come just days after Washington argued against sending the Abrams, despite demands from Kyiv and public pressure from Berlin as it faced calls to send German-made Leopard battle tanks. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

 

90-day online reporting

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

Monday’s News-Jan 23

1 Comment

  • International Charity Night Wednesday at Market Village/
  • Orchid Palm Homes Cup Feb 5/
  • Thailand’s exploited, vulnerable sex workers could soon be protected by law/
  • 11 die in passenger van crash/
  • Confidence in police plunges amidst policing scandals/
  • ‘Siren service’ for Chinese tourist lands 3 police officers in trouble/
  • ‘Kitty’ out to play in Kanchanaburi/
  • 2023: What’s in the Rabbit’s hat for you this year?/
  • Three faces of the Chinese rabbit you may not know/
  • British diver dies in mysterious circumstances on Koh Tao/
  • Govt to give away 100 million condoms to Thailand’s sexually active/
  • Thailand’s Japanese eateries rise 22%/
  • Tourism: Thailand among 23 ‘best places to visit’ in the world this year/Foreign Ministry to expand e-visa system for tourists/Chinese group tours arriving from Feb 6/Surat Thani to welcome first international chartered flight in 3 years/Chiang Mai expects up to 1 billion baht in tourist revenue during Chinese New Year/Phuket camp adds elephants for tourists to ride on/Does Phuket need 14 million tourists?/
  • Thailand Experience: Video: Surat Thani’s new hidden gem/Here’s what to do in Bangkok if you’ve only got 48 hours/Best Bangkok Local Food Stalls and Restaurants To Try/This Treepod Restaurant in Thailand Has Ziplining Servers and Unreal Views/Vegan and vegetarian options in Thai cuisine/
  • International: How climate change, smaller yields are affecting Asian rice production/Russia suffers 180,000 dead or wounded in Ukraine/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Orchid Palm Homes Cup Feb 5

The Orchid Palm Homes Cup VII will be held at the Hua Hin International School in Black Mountain on Feb. 5. The 6-a-side tournament will feature eight under-10 teams.

Last year, the event featured under-13 teams. Eight teams have signed up, with Black Mountain and HHFA both sending two teams. Hua Hin City, Taptai, PP United and Nong Hoi will also be in action.

Thailand’s exploited, vulnerable sex workers could soon be protected by law

Many thousands of Thais have worked in the sex industry for decades without legal protection. So it’s not surprising that most of them are looking forward eagerly to the passage of the Sex Workers Protection Bill.

“With no legal shield at all, we are exploited both directly and indirectly,” said a 37-year-old sex worker.

In the 13 years she has been selling sexual services, she has witnessed operators use harsh tactics to control sex workers and ensure they keep bringing in the money. She pointed out that owners of venues where sex is traded must themselves pay officials under the table, as prostitution remains illegal in Thailand. Continued …

11 die in passenger van crash

Eleven people were killed and one injured when a passenger van drove into a roadside ditch and caught fire on the Friendship Highway in Sikhio district of Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday night.

The only survivor, who managed to escape from the burning van, told Si Khieu district police that he boarded the van in Amnat Charoen, heading to Nakhon Pathom, and that there were 12 passengers, including himself, on board.

He said he did not know what happened because he was sleeping and woke up as the van was plunging into the ditch. Continued …

Confidence in police plunges amidst policing scandals

Most Thais lack confidence in the police, and less than 10% say they have plenty of confidence in them, according to a survey published on Sunday.

The survey was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration from Jan. 18-20 – amidst high-profile scandals involving Thai police.

The institute said 1,310 people aged 18 and above responded to the survey nationwide. They represent a range of income and educational backgrounds, the institute said. It released the following summary of the survey: Continued …

‘Siren service’ for Chinese tourist lands 3 police officers in trouble

Two of the three police officers who allegedly provided “special services” to a Chinese social media “influencer” have been transferred, Royal Thai Police said.

Spokesman Police Maj-General Atchayon Kraithong said on Saturday that the National Police chief ordered an investigation into claims by the Chinese influencer that she received “special services” from Thai police – for a price. The tourist’s TikTok clip of her “special” police escort to Pattaya has gone viral.

The tourist claimed that upon arrival, she was fast-tracked through immigration and then rushed through traffic to her hotel in the resort town. The trip took only one hour when it can take up to three hours in traffic. Apparently, a police siren was used during the trip and she claims it cost her no more than 7,000 baht. Continued …

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

‘Kitty’ out to play in Kanchanaburi

People living in communities near the Srinagarind Dam, in Si Sawat district of Kanchanaburi province, have been advised not to forage in the forest or allow their children to play near the dam after a tiger was recorded by CCTV walking on the top of the dam early on Sunday morning.

The tiger, identified as “SLT022” by its stripes, is confirmed to have come from the Salak Phra forest, according to Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary chief, Paitoon Indharabut.

SLT022 was spotted at about 2am walking along the crest of the dam, said Paitoon, as he explained that the big cat might have used the same route previously, but had not been captured by the CCTV system before. Continued …

2023: What’s in the Rabbit’s hat for you this year?

The Rabbit has hopped into our lives for 2023, and with its Water element it brings “hope” for a peaceful and prosperous year. According to the Chinese zodiac, the luckiest signs this year will be the Ox, Tiger and Snake, followed by Dogs, Horses, Sheep and Pigs.

Poor Roosters and Monkeys will need to work really hard to make headway in 2023, while the fortunes of the Rabbit and Rat may face turmoil from Tai Sui, or the “Grand Duke of Jupiter”.

Here’s a quick look at how the gentle Water Rabbit may affect you this year, according to your birth sign: Continued …

Three faces of the Chinese rabbit you may not know

The Year of the Rabbit should not just conjure images of lithe, fluffy Peter Rabbits or Judy from Zootopia.

As China ushers in the Year of the Rabbit, a variety of bunnies have stormed the country’s shopping malls, parks and social media platforms. Clad in golden armor, riding on ferocious tigers or holding herb-pounding pestles, some may be less recognizable for non-Chinese rabbit lovers.

On the eve of the ChineseLunar Ne ear, which fstarted yesterday, Xinhua has rounded up some of the most famed rabbits in China and is offering explanations of their changing symbolism in modern-day China. Continued …

British diver dies in mysterious circumstances on Koh Tao

A British man was found dead on Thailand‘s notorious Koh Tao – also known as Death Island – on Wednesday. The circumstances around his death are a mystery.

The body of 48-year-old diving instructor Neil Giblin, from Birmingham, UK, was found dead in his rented bungalow on the island after he failed to turn up to a diving lesson.

Police say that he died from natural causes and there was no sign of struggle. Continued … 

Govt to give away 100 million condoms to Thailand’s sexually active

In a bid to crack down on unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV, the government is giving away free condoms to holders of the 30-baht universal healthcare card.

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) intends to distribute about 100 million condoms to sexually active holders of 30-baht universal healthcare cards.

NHSO Secretary-General Dr. Chadet Thammathat-aree made known that the condoms, along with lubricating gel, will be distributed via the Paotang application starting from Feb. 1. Continued … 

Thailand’s Japanese eateries rise 22%

The number of Japanese eateries in Thailand rose by more than 20% last year, and they are poised to continue dominating the restaurant market, outpacing foreign peers.

According to the latest market survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the number of Japanese restaurants in Thailand in 2022 increased by 21.9%, or 955, from the year before to 5,325, the highest growth in 15 years.

The number of Japanese restaurants in Bangkok’s surrounding provinces and other provinces, in particular, posted remarkable growth. Continued …

Thailand among 23 ‘best places to visit’ in the world this year

Thailand has been included in this year’s Insider.com list of 23 best travel destinations in the world.

In an article published on Jan. 1, the website’s news and lifestyle editor Alesandra Dubin explained what these 23 destinations had to offer, though she did not rank them in a “best of” category.

Thailand was the 12th destination to be mentioned after Bhutan, Western Australia, the Cayman Islands, Dubai, France’s Loire Valley, Japan, Las Vegas, Bali in Indonesia, Merida in Mexico, Canouan Island in the Caribbean, and Turkey. Continued …

Foreign Ministry to expand e-visa system for tourists

The government has assigned the Foreign Ministry to further refine the e-visa system so that tourists from all nations can apply for entry visas more conveniently, a government spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Deputy government spokeswoman Trisulee Trisaranakul said the Foreign Ministry has been told to expand the capacity of the e-visa system so that it can handle the increasing number of foreign tourists who want to use it.

Trisulee said the government wanted to treat foreign tourists from all countries with the same standards and the number of foreign arrivals was rising – especially after the Chinese government ended its quarantine requirements. Continued …

Chinese group tours arriving from Feb 6

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Transport, Public Health and Tourism and Sport ministries to take appropriate steps to cope with increased arrivals from China, as the Chinese government has decided to allow group tours to visit 20 countries, including Thailand, effective from Feb. 6.

The other 19 countries are Indonesia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Lao PRD, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Hungary, New Zealand, Fiji, Cuba and Argentina.

Deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul said that the China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has imposed a set of measures with which Chinese local administrations, tour agencies and Chinese tourists are required to comply.

Chinese tour companies, she said, have been instructed to comply strictly with Chinese health measures, and those of destination countries, and urge their customers to undergo COVID screening before departure. Continued …

Surat Thani to welcome first international chartered flight in 3 years

The southern tourist province of Surat Thani will welcome its first international chartered flight since the pandemic, which will land with about 180 visitors from Taiwan.

Surat Thani Gov. Wichawut Jinto said on Sunday that the fully booked Thai Lion Air flight SL-7391 from Taiwan would arrive at Surat Thani airport this evening. Continued …

Chiang Mai expects up to 1 billion baht in tourist revenue during Chinese New Year

Chiang Mai has been bustling with both Thai and Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year break, with many hotels boasting 90% occupancy.

The northern capital also expects to earn as much as 1 billion baht in revenue during this period.

This year, Chiang Mai is holding the Trok Lao Zho festival in Chinatown, while the municipality has also set up the Warorat Market in Muang district. The city, where most residents are ethnic Chinese, has burst into color for Chinese New Year after celebrations were suspended for two years during the pandemic. Continued … 

An elephant being “trained” for tourism

Phuket camp adds elephants for tourists to ride on

Chinese tourists are returning to Thailand, and with it, operators at elephant sanctuaries and shows are expecting a swell in customers. The Pang Chang Kamala Elephant Camp in Phuket has recently bought six new elephants to keep up with the rise in bookings after the Lunar New Year.

The camp offers a variety of activities for the new tourists streaming in. They offer activities such as elephant showers, as well as new programs such as elephant care. They also offer the often controversial elephant ride, which many argue constitutes animal cruelty and abuse.

Camp owner Wittaya Taweeros explained that they have increased the number of elephants, with the new six making a total of 25 elephants on-site. This allows the elephant camp to accommodate up to 300 guests per day, a significant increase from 200 customers a day previously. Continued … 

Does Phuket need 14 million tourists?

Assistant Professor Dr. Chayanon Phucharoen, deputy dean for research and graduate studies, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Phuket campus, this week asked the most pressing question currently facing Phuket: Does Phuket need 14 million tourists? Continued …

Video: Surat Thani’s new hidden gem

Explore the crystal-clear waters of Ban Nam Rad Headwaters Forest, Surat Thani’s sparkling hidden gem. And stop to pay respect at the Surat Thani City Hall for good luck! VIDEO 

Here’s what to do in Bangkok if you’ve only got 48 hours

Clocking in at 10.7 million residents, Bangkok is an incredible, massive undertaking of a city. A seemingly endless sprawl of low-rise buildings punctuated by massive skyscrapers and tranquil temples, delicious food and bustling bars everywhere, there is an endless range of ways one could spend their days exploring what BKK has to offer.

Sadly, most Thailand tourism consists of travelers who are only stopping by Bangkok for a couple of days on their way into or out of the country. So what is one to do when they only have 48 hours in Bangkok?

One of the main challenges to experiencing the city in a short burst involves the sheer size of the place and the traffic that tends to inundate it, which makes it difficult to get anywhere fast, unless it happens to be along a Sky Train route. Continued …

Tom Yum Mama

Best Bangkok Local Food Stalls and Restaurants To Try

Many come to the Land of Smiles for various reasons, shopping for most, Thai massage for some, but for the Pandas, it is definitely the food. Be it fine dining, to local Thai fares, Bangkok has a lot to offer. Though, unlike the ever-changing cafe scene, the local food has much more to offer, including some institutions which we are only slowly to discover. Here is an ever-expanding list of recommended local Thai restaurants to check out.

Jeh O Chula

Perhaps the most popular and Instagram-worthy restaurant on this list, Jeh O Chula is basically a local Thai eatery serving up affordable comfort food. Their signature dish has to be the Tom Yum Mama, where you will find a big pot of instant noodles in Tom Yum broth together with a myriad of ingredients including prawns, cuttlefish, crispy pork belly, meatballs, and the raw eggs right in the middle. This is the perfect noodle after a long day out shopping in Bangkok, or for that late night supper. Continued …

This Treepod Restaurant in Thailand Has Ziplining Servers and Unreal Views

We are elevating higher, climbing toward the top of the forest. Our host pulls a lever to raise our bamboo treepod, where we’re lounging on canvas-cushioned seats, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Suddenly, a man who appears to be our dinner server — dressed in khaki and a harness — swiftly ziplines to a wooden footboard melded into a nearby Singapore Almond tree. There, we dangle mid-air as he gathers plates to serve into our levitating booth.

Safeguarded by harvested bamboo, the tableware stays put while the pod sways with the ocean breeze. Slipping through the ancient rainforest, dodging branches and the dangers of towering heights, the host seems to imitate Indiana Jones. Continued …

Vegan and vegetarian options in Thai cuisine

Thai cuisine is renowned for its rich, flavorful dishes. But did you know that it is also surprisingly abundant in vegan and vegetarian options?

While many dishes are traditionally made with meat and fish, there are plenty of Thai vegan and vegetarian food available. From noodles to curries, there is something for everyone no matter what your dietary preference.

Thai vegetarian food is mouth-watering and packed with an array of spices and herbs. Whether you are looking for something light and refreshing or something more substantial, Thai cuisine has it all. So, let’s explore the delicious Thai vegan and vegetarian options that Thai cuisine has to offer! Continued … 

How climate change, smaller yields are affecting Asian rice production

In 2022, Thailand’s Hom Mali rice lost its title of the World’s Best Rice to Cambodia’s Phka Rumduol grain, marking an embarrassing defeat for the crop often touted as the pride of the nation. Continued …

Russia suffers 180,000 dead or wounded in Ukraine

Russia has suffered 180,000 killed or wounded in Ukraine so far, while the figure for the Ukrainians is 100,000 military casualties and 30,000 dead civilians, according to estimates released Sunday by Norway’s army chief. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Jan 19

  • An updated drone video of the train track construction/
  • Thai police checkpoint on-the-spot fines jumped to 1000 baht/
  • FTI predicts growth in 17 industries will drive Thai economic rebound/
  • ADRA Canada Helps Protect Girls in Thailand/
  • Eight bodies found after oil tank fire, one man missing/
  • Manufacturers urged to adopt renewables/
  • Reward of 100,000 Baht Offered For Missing Cat in Phuket/
  • Displaced Karen threaten to return to Phetchaburi park/
  • Cannabis Bill second reading House meeting collapses – again/
  • Tourism: Lunar New Year holiday spending forecast at Bt21.3 billion/Tourism fee back on the table, to be decided next week/Tourism workers run short/Chinese tourists return to Chiang Mai just in time for Lunar New Year/Northeast Thai farmer is ‘selling’ fresh air/
  • Thailand Experience: Ganesha statue with Buddhist element brings worshippers and tourists to Udon Thani/
  • International: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stepping down/Polar bear chases residents in Alaska town, kills woman and boy/Ancient Maya cities, ‘super highways’ revealed/Most rainforest carbon offsets ‘worthless’/Microsoft To Cut 10,000 Jobs As Tech Layoffs Intensify/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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An updated drone video of the train track construction – Video

Thai police checkpoint on-the-spot fines jumped to 1,000 baht

An increasing number of foreigners are being targeted by police for fines, usually in late morning checkpoints on busy west coast roads. And the fine appears to have increased, too.

While in the past the checks were mostly about wearing a bike helmet, lately, according to sources, the checks are for legal motorbike licenses, which most foreigners don’t have. The fines are now, routinely, 1,000 baht. In the past, tourists going through checkpoints without a helmet or the correct license could usually expect an on-the-spot fine of 500 baht.

These payments are all required in cash only. Exactly what happens to all the cash collected at these pre-lunch checkpoints is not clear. Continued …

FTI predicts growth in 17 industries will drive Thai economic rebound

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed confidence that Thailand’s economic recovery will continue this year as the Covid-19 situation improves, prompting higher domestic consumption and a tourism rebound.

The tourism sector is expected to welcome at least 20 million foreign arrivals this year thanks to pent-up demand during Covid-19, China lifting travel restrictions, and government measures to boost tourism, said FTI Vice President Kriangkrai Thiannukul on Wednesday.

Exports this year are slowing in line with the slumping global economy. However, benefits of free trade agreements under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and new FTAs with countries in the Middle East would help keep the Thai export sector afloat this year, he said. Continued …

ADRA Canada Helps Protect Girls in Thailand

For some villages in the northern region of Thailand, modern amenities are inaccessible. People in these villages often struggle to maintain a decent quality of life.

Thantong is one such village. Located in Maengen, Chiangsean district, Chiang Rai province, Thantong sits near the Thai-Laos border, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the Chiangsean District Office. The remote location of this village translates often to harsh conditions that are ripe for exploitation.

A young girl from this village was rescued from exactly this kind of situation by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Keep Girls Safe Project. Having been neglected by her parents, and with no other relatives to take care of her, the girl was forced to live on her own, which quickly exposed her to risks of trafficking and exploitation. Continued …

Eight bodies found after oil tank fire, one man missing

Rescue teams recovered five out of six bodies found on Wednesday in the Mae Klong River, bringing the confirmed death toll in the oil tanker fire and explosion to eight. One person is still missing.

Dozens of rescue workers, including divers equipped with underwater scanners and jet skiers, resumed the search within a 100-meter radius of the oil tanker, which caught fire and exploded Tuesday morning in the Ruam Mitr Dockyard in Mueang district of Samut Songkhram province.

An official from a rescue team said that divers are having to exercise extreme caution, because there is a lot of steel debris from the tanker under the water. Continued …

Manufacturers urged to adopt renewables

Higher power bills will be a key factor awakening businesses in the manufacturing sector to a need to seriously adopt renewable energy to relieve an increase in their production costs, estimated at 4.88% on average, says the Industry Ministry.

The Energy Regulatory Commission can only slightly reduce a planned increase in the power tariff, which is used to calculate electricity bills, from 20.5% to 13%, although the business sector demanded a larger reduction in order that they might better control their financial burden.

The new tariff is effective as of January to April this year. Continued …

Reward of 100,000 Baht Offered For Missing Cat in Phuket

A Chinese expat has offered a 100,000 baht reward for anyone who can find her missing cat, a white Persian cat.

Xiong, 40, Chinese national, said the missing cat, Garfield, is a male two-year-old white Persian cat. Garfield has been taken from China with Xiong. Garfield went with her everywhere. Continued …

Displaced Karen threaten to return to Phetchaburi park

Karen villagers evicted from Bang Kloy Bon and Chai Phaendin forest villages in part of Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi in 1996 are threatening to return to the villages.

A government panel has been asked to fix land grievances. The villagers want to be updated on its progress by the end of this month or are threatening to return.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha formed it on Feb. 3 last year. The panel is investigating the land dispute between the Karen villagers and the national park authorities. Continued …

Cannabis Bill second reading House meeting collapses – again

A Palang Pracharath Party MP said Wednesday that there is no chance that the Cannabis Bill will ever pass its second reading in the House, because of stiff opposition to it from the Democrat, Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties.

The MP, Pichet Sathirachaval, said that even within the ruling Palang Pracharath Party some MPs do not agree with the bill, due to stiff resistance from Muslim communities and parent groups.

Personally, he said he would prefer MPs to vote in support of the bill in the second reading and to reject the bill in the final reading, and then let the next government decide whether it should be revived or dropped. Continued …

Lunar New Year holiday spending forecast at Bt21.3 billion

Tourism spending during the Lunar New Year is estimated to reach 21.3 billion baht, 48% of the total in 2019, mostly driven by foreign visitors, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The Lunar New Year holiday, which started this week in many countries, is forecast to tally 588,900 foreign arrivals, generating 16.7 billion baht in receipts between Jan. 19-27, said TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn.

Of the total, tourists from Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia are expected to dominate the market, totalling 332,500 arrivals generating 11 billion baht. Continued …

Tourism fee back on the table, to be decided next week

Officials will meet next week to once more discuss a possible “tourism arrival fee”, whose introduction has been repeatedly postponed since being proposed at the start of last year.

According to a report, the National Tourism Policy Committee will meet on Jan. 24 to discuss a proposal to levy a 300-baht entry fee for foreign tourists.

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, says officials will be asked to approve the levy for all international tourists, whether arriving by land, sea, or air. Continued …

Tourism workers run short

More than 9,000 workers are still in demand in the tourism industry as foreign arrivals continue to arrive in large numbers, according to the Labor Ministry.

Boonchob Sutthamanaswong, permanent secretary for the Labor Ministry, said labor offices in 60 provinces had recently surveyed labor demand among 32,359 operators in the tourism sector.

Of them, 1,817 businesses still needed 9,763 workers, he said. Continued …

Chinese tourists return to Chiang Mai just in time for Lunar New Year

The first planeload of 195 Chinese tourists touched down in Chiang Mai on Wednesday after China scrapped travel restrictions last week.

Juneyao Airlines Flight HO1325 landed at Chiang Mai Airport at 3.30pm and was welcomed by representatives from the provincial Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office, Tourism Council, and tourism operators in the province.

China was Thailand’s biggest overseas tourism market before the pandemic, with around 11 million Chinese arrivals in 2019. However, Thai tourism authorities expect less than half that number, or about 5 million, to visit the country this year. Continued …

Northeast Thai farmer is ‘selling’ fresh air

One northeast Thai farmer is ‘selling’ fresh air. The farmer, 52-year-old Dusit Kachai, charges visitors 1,000 baht per person for the first hour they stay at his farm.

The farm is located on the edge of Chaiyaphum province’s Phu Laen Kha National Park, which has clean air, forests, and mountain streams. Dusit said, “The first hour costs 1,000 baht, but then visitors can stay for free, including food and camping.”

Three meals are provided for free, along with a tent for camping. Children and elderly people can enter the farm entirely for free, Dusit said. Continued …

Ganesha statue with Buddhist element brings worshippers and tourists to Udon Thani

A unique statue of Ganesha in Udon Thani province is drawing worshippers from all over the country seeking blessings, in addition to tourists.

The Sri Suk Ganesha statue has been installed behind Udon Thani Vocational College in Muang district. Built in 2019 by the famed sculptor Rachan Saengthong, the statue mixes Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

The statue portrays the Hindu god of luck with eight hands perched on Naga, the nine-headed king cobra who protected Gautama Buddha from the elements after his enlightenment. Continued …

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stepping down

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said today she is stepping down as New Zealand’s leader and will not contest this year’s general elections. Fighting back tears, Ardern told reporters in Napier that Feb. 7 will be her last day in office. Continued … 

Polar bear chases residents in Alaska town, kills woman and boy

A polar bear that chased residents around a small Alaska town attacked and killed two people before being shot and killed Tuesday, authorities said. Continued … 

Ancient Maya cities, ‘super highways’ revealed

A new high-tech study has revealed nearly 1,000 ancient Maya settlements, including 417 previously unknown cities linked by what may be the world’s first highway network and hidden for millennia by the dense jungles of northern Guatemala and southern Mexico. Continued … 

Most rainforest carbon offsets ‘worthless’

A system that allows big corporations to buy carbon offsets in rain forests to cancel out their harmful emissions is essentially “worthless,” an analysis by several media organizations showed Wednesday. Continued … 

Microsoft To Cut 10,000 Jobs As Tech Layoffs Intensify

Microsoft Corp on Wednesday said it would eliminate 10,000 jobs and take a $1.2-billion charge as its cloud-computing customers dissect their spending and the company braces for potential recession. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-Jan 11

  • The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2023/World Bank: Recession a looming threat for global economy/Casino project to be reviewed tomorrow/SRT suspends scandal-hit signboard project at Bangkok’s central station/Banpu NEXT continues to provide solar power to electricity-deprived schools/Super-resistant mosquitoes in Asia pose growing threat/Friendship Bridge to Myanmar now ready for reopening/List of top herbs eyed for export/ID soon required to buy cannabis buds/
  • Tourism: Compulsory health insurance now not required/Krungthai Compass predicts 22.5M foreign arrivals in 2023/May 5 Announced as Special Public Holiday/Chinese heading to Phuket, Chiang Mai/
  • Thailand Experience: Fancy Thai desserts with odd names/7 must-see festivals in Thailand you don’t want to miss/Ghosts in Thailand: some eerie sites to explore/
  • Covid: Thailand’s Covid-19 numbers drop in first week of 2023/China targets Korea, Japan over Covid curbs/Mainland Chinese citizens are eager to travel — for the West’s mRNA Covid vaccines/
  • International: French pension reforms potentially explosive/Extreme weather caused $165 billion in US damage in 2022/NATO, EU vow more support for Ukraine/Russia hits Ukraine’s Kharkiv after German minister visits
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2023

As we enter the new year, the latest results from the Henley Passport Index provide fascinating insights into a world characterized by extraordinary upheaval and offer a revealing look at what lies ahead.

For the fifth year running, Japan crowns the index, which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA) and ranks all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

Japanese citizens can now visit an astonishing 193 destinations out of 227 visa-free, while those of South Korea and Singapore, which are tied in second place, enjoy a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 192. Continued …

World Bank: Recession a looming threat for global economy

The global economy will come “perilously close” to a recession this year, led by weaker growth in all the world’s top economies — the United States, Europe and China, the World Bank warned on Tuesday.

In an annual report, the World Bank, which lends money to poorer countries for development projects, said it had slashed its forecast for global growth this year by nearly half, to just 1.7%, from its previous projection of 3%.

If that forecast proves accurate, it would be the third-weakest annual expansion in three decades, behind only the deep recessions that resulted from the 2008 global financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Continued …

Casino project to be reviewed tomorrow

A report by a special House committee studying the feasibility of allowing an entertainment complex to be built that includes legal casinos is expected to be deliberated tomorow, a member of the committee said yesterday.

Aimed at raising tax revenue from legalizing gambling businesses in a yet-to-be-designated area, the project has been studied by the House committee since late last year, added the source.

If approved, the report will be forwarded to the government for consideration, the person said. Continued … 

SRT suspends scandal-hit signboard project at Bangkok’s central station

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) abruptly suspended the scandal-hit 33-million-baht project to change signboards at Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station on Tuesday.

SRT Gov. Nirut Maneephan signed the order to suspend the project, which includes changing the main signboard at Thailand’s new rail hub to “Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal”, the official name granted by His Majesty the King in September last year.

The order was addressed to the managing director of Unique Engineering and Construction Plc, which won the contract bidding with a proposed price of 33.16 million baht. The SET-listed company signed the contract with SRT on Dec. 29. Continued … 

Banpu NEXT continues to provide solar power to electricity-deprived schools

With a belief that “Learning is the Power of Change and Development”, Banpu NEXT is making continuous progress in its “Light & Learn” project by bringing solar power systems to electricity-deprived schools in remote areas to help light up learning opportunities and benefit the children.

Most recently, the company took its employees on a field visit to join forces with highland teaching volunteers on the solar power system and storage battery installation for Ban Po Por Kee HACLC in Tak Province and hold edutainment activities for the children, which creatively taught them to appreciate nature and clean energy.

Over the past five years, it has already installed solar power systems for 73 schools in Tak, Mae Hong Son, and Kanchanaburi provinces. Continued …

Super-resistant mosquitoes in Asia pose growing threat

Mosquitoes that transmit dengue and other viruses have evolved growing resistance to insecticides in parts of Asia, and novel ways to control them are desperately needed, new research warns.

Health authorities commonly fog mosquito-infested areas with clouds of insecticide, and resistance has long been a concern, but the scale of the problem was not well understood.

Japanese scientist Shinji Kasai and his team examined mosquitoes from several countries in Asia, as well as Ghana, and found a series of mutations had made some virtually impervious to popular pyrethroid-based chemicals like permethrin. Continued …

Friendship Bridge to Myanmar now ready for reopening

The Friendship Bridge linking Thailand and Myanmar reopens tomorrow, much to the delight of eager traders who have waited three years for the resumption of border trade stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Provincial authorities held a meeting yesterday to prepare for the reopening of the bridge, which crosses the Moei River at Ban Rim Moei in Mae Sot district opposite Myawaddy in Myanmar.

Surapol Wongsukpisal, Tak deputy governor, led the meeting, also attended by Somchai Traithipchartsakul, Mae Sot district chief, and heads of the security and administrative agencies. Continued … 

List of top herbs eyed for export

The Public Health Ministry has unveiled its list of so-called “herbal champions”, but cannabis, hemp and kratom have been omitted, according to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.

Dr. Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, the department chief, said yesterday the government plans to promote local herbs under the list and ideally develop them for export. Herbs on the list include turmeric, krachai dam or black galingal, and fah talai jone or green chiretta.

He said cannabis, hemp and kratom have not yet made the cut after a policy committee on national herbs led by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul agreed recently that their use must be limited, adding further research and development is required. Continued … 

ID soon required to buy cannabis buds

Thai nationals seeking to purchase cannabis buds will soon have to show their ID cards, with sales information recorded on a government database, according to the Department for the Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM).

Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, the department’s director-general, said he had signed the directive and it would take effect as soon as it is published in the Royal Gazette.

It is not known whether foreigners seeking to buy cannabis buds will have to show ID such as a passport. A recent health ministry publication, “10 Things Tourists Need to Know about Cannabis in Thailand”, makes no mention of any requirement. Continued …

Compulsory health insurance now not required

The public health minister, via the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, has canceled the requirement for foreign arrivals, from countries which require PCR tests on return, to have at least US$10,000 health insurance coverage for the duration of their holiday, plus seven days.

The requirement for proof of Covid vaccinations, to present while checking in for your flight to Thailand, has also been scrapped. It was in response to complaints from Thai tourism associations, foreign embassies and travel groups who say the measures, originally imposed on Jan. 7, would discourage many people from visiting Thailand.

Social media has been full of people being turned away at check-in, concerned travelers canceling trips and people just confused about the original regulations and then the sudden reversal of policy. Continued …

Krungthai Compass predicts 22.5M foreign arrivals in 2023

Krungthai Compass, a research unit under Krungthai Bank, expects foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 to more than double the number recorded last year, estimating it will take two years to return to the level posted in 2019.

The research house forecasts foreign arrivals this year to tally 22.5 million, up from 10.2 million expected for 2022.

Of the total, Krungthai Compass anticipates 4.8 million visitors will be Chinese nationals, a 20% increase from its previous forecast of 4 million, attributed to China’s reopening since Jan. 8 this year, said chief economist Patcharaphot Nuntramas. Continued …

May 5 Announced as Special Public Holiday

The government has announced May 5 as a special public holiday, creating a 4-day weekend break. The government hopes the long holiday will help boost the economy through various tourism activities.

During their weekly meeting, Cabinet members approved the decision to bridge the holiday gap between Coronation Day on Thursday, May 4, and the weekend.

Government spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul said the combined 4-day break is expected to help push forward economic activities, particularly in the business and tourism sectors. Continued …

Chinese heading to Phuket, Chiang Mai

Both Chiang Mai and Phuket are expecting to see a significant rise in air travel on direct flights from China from Jan. 18, according to local airport authorities.

There will be one direct flight daily from China to Chiang Mai and three a day to Phuket, with non-stop air links to keep rising between the two countries.

A flight between Shanghai and Chiang Mai is due to begin operating on Jan. 18, with another from Guangzhou to Chiang Mai to start two days later, Wichit Kaeosaithiam, the director of Chiang Mai airport, said yesterday. Continued …

Fancy Thai desserts with odd names

If you like unnecessarily posh names, you’ll love Ban Nong Bua, an old community in Thailand’s East.

The canal-side village in Chanthaburi province is drawing visitors and those with a sweet tooth for its desserts with strange names, including “Monkey Willy” (a mung bean rice crepe in a phallic shape). It’s a funny but tasty sweet that will have you searching for more idiosyncrasies of old-school cooks.

Located 10 kilometers south of Chanthaburi, the village of Ban Nong Bua has been home to Hainanese descendants for over 200 years. Their forefathers, seafarers, sailed from Hainan Island in Southern China to the horizon and eventually settled down along the mouth of the Chanthaburi River. Continued …

7 must-see festivals in Thailand you don’t want to miss

Songkran, Loi Krathong, Yi Peng, Loy Krathong Yipeng, Chak Phra and Rocket Festivals are some of the most popular traditional festivals celebrated in Thailand. Each festival has its own unique history and meaning and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy by both locals and tourists.

From the water fights of Songkran to the magical sight of sky lanterns during Yi Peng, each festival offers something special and memorable. At the Rocket Festival, the launching of handmade rockets is a symbol of asking the gods for bountiful rains and a good harvest. Celebrate the culture of Thailand and join in the festivities of these traditional festivals.

Songkran Festival

The Songkran Festival is an important event in Thailand and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by locals and tourists alike. The festival marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year and is celebrated with a variety of activities. Continued …

Ghosts in Thailand: some eerie sites to explore

Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich culture, but it also has a dark side. Thai culture has long believed in ghosts, some good, some bad.

A large percentage of people in modern life are still afraid of ghosts in Thailand and, as such, the country has some infamously haunted and eerie places. Here are a few of the ghostliest places in Thailand, where you might catch a glimpse of a phantom apparition:

The Old Phuket Town Ghost House

Located in the Old Phuket Town area, this abandoned house is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who committed suicide there. Visitors to the house have reported strange noises, unexplained movements, and even the feeling of being watched. Some have even claimed to have seen the ghost herself, often described as a woman with long, flowing hair and a sad expression on her face. Continued …

Thailand’s Covid-19 numbers drop in first week of 2023

Thailand’s Covid-19 situation appears to have improved, with the number of hospitalizations during the first week of this year falling by half from the previous week.

Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said on Tuesday that 997 Covid patients had been hospitalized in the first week of January, averaging at about 142 per day. He said this was half the daily average compared to the last week of 2022, without elaborating.

As of press time, 382 Covid patients were in hospital for lung infections, while 242 of them were on ventilators. However, Tares said the number of lung infections and patients requiring ventilators has dropped by 28% and 30%, respectively, compared to the previous week. Continued …

China targets South Korea, Japan over Covid curbs

China has suspended issuing some visas for South Korea and Japan in Beijing’s first retaliation against Covid-related curbs on Chinese travelers.

Chinese consulates in South Korea will stop issuing short-term visas for visits, business, tourism, medical care, transit and personal matters from Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Seoul said in a statement.

The suspension will be adjusted if South Korea removes its “discriminative inbound restrictive measures” targeting China, it added. Continued …

Mainland Chinese citizens are eager to travel — for the West’s mRNA Covid vaccines

Mainland China’s move away from its zero-Covid policy has led to a sharp surge in infections, and the resumption of travel means some are looking farther afield for vaccines.

In mid-December, China’s full Covid vaccination rate stood near 87%, with 54% boosted. The main Covid vaccines approved for use in China are from Sinovac and Sinopharm.

Mainlanders have been flocking to Macao in recent months for Western mRNA vaccines, which are widely administered around the world but not endorsed by China. Continued …

French pension reforms potentially explosive

The French government is set to announce its proposals for overhauling the pension system on Tuesday, in a potentially explosive reform fraught with danger for President Emmanuel Macron. Continued … 

Extreme weather caused $165 billion in US damage in 2022

Major hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, drought and a fierce winter storm caused more than $165 billion in damage in the United States last year, with climate change “supercharging” some extreme weather, a government report said Tuesday. Continued … 

NATO, EU vow more support for Ukraine

NATO and the EU vowed Tuesday to bolster their backing for Ukraine to fight off Russia’s invasion and ramp up cooperation between Europe and the U.S.-led alliance. Continued … 

Russia hits Ukraine’s Kharkiv after German minister visits

Russian strikes hit eastern Ukraine’s city of Kharkiv late Tuesday, the regional governor said, just hours after a surprise visit by the German foreign minister with her Ukrainian counterpart. Continued …

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Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, immigration, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Jan 9

  • New entry rules to Thailand – effective today/Hua Hin’s ‘boardwalk’ – a dream for some/Comedy show, free concert coming to Hua Hin/Thai electricity bills to get slightly cheaper from January/New point system for motorists takes effect today/Man who shot Brit turns himself in to Pattaya police/Bangkok’s New Rail Service Terminal In Operation From Jan 19/Thailand ranked 1st in ASEAN in Sustainable Development Report/Shaking up the EV market/Man jailed for killing and eating dogs he kept in his home/British man claims he was tortured in Thailand jail/
  • Tourism: Covid chaos descends again on Thailand’s foreign tourism sector/Thailand’s new regulations keeping tourists away, say tour agencies/Some visitors must show minimum US$10,000 health insurance/Will Chinese arrivals overwhelm Thailand’s healthcare sector?/Chinese tourism set to surge as 15 airlines open routes to Thailand/What the return of Chinese tourists means for the global economy/Medical tourism in Thailand expected to generate over 25 billion baht in 2023/Brit tourist blamed for damaged Thai art, refuses to pay/
  • Thailand Experience: Get lucky at Wat Doi Suthep, the famous Chiang Mai temple/
  • Covid: Free COVID-19 vaccinations stepped up ahead of increased foreign arrivals/
  • International: ASEAN poised for starring role in global economy this year/Bolsonaro supporters storm Brazil Congress, presidential palace/2 men found frozen in the belly of Colombian plane/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

New entry rules to Thailand – effective today

The requirement that all international travelers show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination before boarding flights to Thailand took effect from Sunday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said on Saturday.

The aviation regulator has formally notified all parties about the change to arrival rules for international travelers aged 18 and over. They will take effect for flights landing in Thailand from 1am local time on Monday and will remain in effect at least until the end of the month.

The vaccination requirement was scrapped last October but it has been revived as travel from China is about to resume worldwide on a large scale. Many countries have responded with special measures out of concern that Covid-19 is sweeping through China since the country scrapped its zero-Covid restrictions last month. Continued …

Hua Hin’s ‘boardwalk’ – a dream for some

It’s the closest thing Hua Hin has to a boardwalk – Naresdamri Road in downtown Hua Hin, the approximately 500 meter stretch of road that runs from the fishing pier to the Chinese temple located close to the Hilton Hotel.

In decades gone by, it was originally the hub of Hua Hin’s fishing community, and while that is still true to some extent, the area is now home to a range of restaurants, guesthouses and other tourism-related businesses.

Video 

However, recent years have seen a partial redevelopment of the area. The redevelopment has been somewhat “stop/start” to say the least. Continued …

Comedy show, free concert coming to Hua Hin

Stand-up comedy is coming to town for the first time in Hua Hin on Jan. 21 at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. A roster of some of the funniest international comedians are scheduled to appear.

Meanwhile, on Jan. 14. Swedish band DUO Jag will perform a free concert at Black Mountain Golf Club, starting ay 6pm.

There are only 70 tickets available for the Jan. 21 Hua Hin Comedy Show, which starts at 8pm. Very early bird tickets at 400 baht can be purchased until Jan. 15; early bird tickets are 500 baht, and tickets at the door ar 600 baht. BOOK TICKETS 

Thai electricity bills to get slightly cheaper from January

The Energy Regulatory Commission has relented to complaints about rising power bills and agreed to reduce its service fee slightly from this month.

Consumers who use more than 150 units per month and those who are charged under the time of use (ToU) rate during off-peak hours will find their monthly service charge reduced from 38.22 baht to 24.62 baht.

Small businesses using low-voltage power are eligible for a new service charge of 33.39 baht per month, down from 46.16 baht. Continued …

New point system for motorists takes effect today

Traffic police will start enforcing a new point system for motorists today, but it will be implemented gradually, with education being the initial priority, a senior officer said on Saturday.

The point system aims to improve compliance with traffic laws, reduce accidents, and increase road safety, Highway Police Division commander Maj-General Ekkarat Limsangkat said.

Each motorist will start with 12 points. Violations of traffic laws will result in the deduction of points, with the most severe offenses resulting in the biggest deductions. Continued …

Man who shot Brit turns himself in to Pattaya police

A 32-year-old man turned himself in to police for shooting dead a retired British engineer in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district, saying he acted in a fit of anger after the victim honked a motorcycle horn at him and hit his car.

Apicha Boonsawat contacted police about his surrender at about 9am yesterday before police took him to Huai Yai station for detention and questioning. Continued …

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Bangkok’s New Rail Service Terminal In Operation From Jan 19

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has officially announced the relocation – effective from Jan. 19, of 52 long-distance, rapid, and express train services from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

From this date onward, people will need to catch their trains to other destinations throughout Thailand from the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, while the inbound trains to Bangkok will also arrive there. This includes 14 train services to the north, 20 to the south, and 18 to the northeast (Isan).

The Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is the new main train station of Thailand designed to be a major rail transportation hub. Located near the famous Chatuchak weekend market, it is close to both the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway networks, making for convenient travel around Bangkok, and to the Bangkok bus terminal (Chatuchak). Continued …

Thailand ranked 1st in ASEAN in Sustainable Development Report

Thailand has been ranked first in ASEAN in the latest Sustainable Development Report by United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN).

The report assesses 193 UN member states on their progress toward achieving the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) and calculates their percentage of achievement. 100% indicates that all SDGs have been achieved.

Thailand ranked first in ASEAN and 44th in the world with 74.1%, ahead of Vietnam (72.8%), Singapore (71.7%), Malaysia (70.4%), Indonesia (69.2%), Brunei (67.1%), Philippines (66.6%), Myanmar (64.3%), Cambodia (63.8%) and Laos (63.4%). Continued … 

Shaking up the EV market

The entry of more Chinese electric vehicle (EV) producers into the Thai market is not only improving sentiment among buyers, as they can choose from a wider variety of models, but it is also testing their brand loyalty.

Thais have long been enamored with cars produced by Japanese and European companies, eager to buy their products and services.

With the shift from internal combustion engines to battery-powered vehicles, the question is whether consumers will buy new technology from familiar brands, or take the plunge with Chinese entrants. Continued … 

Man jailed for killing and eating dogs he kept in his home

A man in Chalerm Prakiat district of Nakhon Si Thammarat has been arrested and sentenced by a local court to three months in prison for slaughtering dogs and using their meat for cooking, according to the Soi Dog Foundation.

The not-for-profit organization said a dog sterilization team had recently rescued an injured puppy that had escaped from a house that neighbors told the team was owned by a former drug addict whom they said had been killing and eating his dogs.

The foundation sought help from the police and six dogs were rescued during a search, and they also found the remains of many others. Continued …

British man claims he was tortured in Thailand jail

A British national claims he was beaten and tortured by police in a Thai jail while incarcerated abroad.

Carl Gentry-Evans, 51, was on vacation in Phuket, southern Thailand, when a local gang targeted him and drugged his drink, turning his life upside down.

The unsuspecting Southampton man lost almost everything in the incident, including four teeth, according to images obtained by a newspaper, which tell a dramatic story. Continued …

Covid chaos descends again on Thailand’s foreign tourism sector

Last Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced new restrictions on incoming tourists to Thailand in response to the reopening of the Chinese market.

This includes a requirement that all arrivals must be vaccinated. Over the weekend, it became clear that the new regime would be going into effect on Sunday concerning all incoming flights after Monday at 1 am, with international airlines tasked with screening passengers when boarding flights and instructed to deny passage to unvaccinated passengers.

The situation has sent waves of chaos throughout the foreign tourism industry, with travel agents in France, Germany, Scandinavia and Russia warning that confidence in Thailand as a tourist destination has been damaged as thousands of passengers stand to lose money with thousands of holiday night bookings already withdrawn in Phuket alone. Continued …

Thailand’s new regulations keeping tourists away, say tour agencies

The government’s new regulations for foreign arrivals is badly affecting the tourism industry, the Phuket Tourist Assn.’s chief said.

Phukmit Raktaengam said on Sunday that the latest 7-point notice to airmen (Notam) announced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has caused many tourists to cancel their trips.

The CAAT regulations require airlines to check if all passengers have had at least two Covid-19 vaccines before letting them board flights to Thailand. Continued …

Some visitors must show minimum US$10,000 health insurance

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) from today will require visitors whose next destinations require proof of a negative Covid-19 test to show health insurance coverage worth at least US$10,000.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Sunday the CAAT’s notice requires visitors who must test negative for Covid-19 before leaving Thailand to show proof of health insurance coverage worth at least $10,000 in case the test leads to Covid-19 treatment. Continued …

Will Chinese arrivals overwhelm Thailand’s healthcare sector?

While several countries have imposed stringent COVID-control measures on travelers from China, Thailand has decided to welcome them with open arms despite concerns about its healthcare sector being overwhelmed.

(A high percentage of passengers on flights from China have tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in several countries.)

China dropped quarantine rules yesterday, signaling that its people can resume outbound travel without restrictions.

While this move may sound like good news for both Chinese travelers and tourism-dependent economies like Thailand, it has triggered international concern over the surging COVID-19 infection rate in China. Continued …

Chinese tourism set to surge as 15 airlines open routes to Thailand

The long-awaited return of Chinese tourists will be a surge, as the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has given permission for 15 Chinese carriers to fly from major cities in China to Thailand from Sunday.

After enduring more than two years of lockdowns and restrictions on travel, citizens of the world’s most populous nation are rushing to take advantage of the relaxation of China’s zero-Covid-19 policy to travel abroad, and Thailand remains a preferred destination.

Thailand welcomed more than 11 million Chinese tourists in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic paralyzed air travel. Continued …

What the return of Chinese tourists means for the global economy

In the years before Covid, China was the world’s most important source of international travelers. Its 155 million tourists spent more than a quarter of a trillion dollars beyond its borders in 2019.

That largesse fell precipitously over the past three years as the country essentially closed its borders. But, as China prepared to reopen on Sunday, millions of tourists are poised to return to the world stage, raising hopes of a rebound for the global hospitality industry.

Although international travel may not return immediately to pre-pandemic levels, companies, industries and countries that rely on Chinese tourists will get a boost in 2023, according to analysts. Continued …

Medical tourism in Thailand expected to generate over 25 billion baht in 2023

The medical tourism industry in Thailand has shown good signs of growth since the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic. ttb analytics, a division of TMBThanachart, has recently forecast that medical tourism in Thailand would generate revenue of over 25 billion baht (700 million USD) in 2023.

According to ttb analytics, Thailand has become one of the world’s major medical destinations thanks to its reputation for good healthcare management and security. It has been shown on the Johns Hopkins University’s 2021 Global Health Security (GHS) Index that Thailand was ranked fifth place out of 195 countries, and first in Asia, in its ability to respond to pandemics and epidemics.

The forecast also declared that the global trends in wellness tourism and innovations in medical technology would lead to good opportunities for Thailand to enhance its medical tourism industry, since the country has health professionals of high capability, as well as international-standard hospitals and relatively inexpensive costs for medical expenses. – PRD

Brit tourist blamed for damaged Thai art, refuses to pay

The chief of the Thai cultural affairs department, Dr. Apinan Posyananda was furious, along with many art lovers, after an albino water buffalo at the Bangkok Biennale 2022 art show was destroyed. It was “Kwai Calm” by artist Maitree Siriboon.

Apinan said that several German and British tourists were “having a great time”.

He named one 34-year-old Brit for allegedly destroying the buffalo after climbing on it. Then, he said the tourists refused to apologize or pay for the damage. Continued …

Get lucky at Wat Doi Suthep, the famous Chiang Mai temple

If you know what’s what in Thailand, you’ll know a wat is a temple, and that wats are the why when it comes to Chiang Mai.

Still with me? The key thing to know is that it’s all in the name. Wat Doi Suthep. The temple on Suthep Mountain. It’s probably the northern Thai city’s most famous site, its gold-plated stupa visible from the town in the valley below, shining out of the jungle.

I didn’t need our guide, Khun Nao to tell me it was high up. Our van took half an hour to putter up the steep road from the city, passing more dedicated pilgrims on foot and bicycle. Continued …

Free COVID-19 vaccinations stepped up ahead of increased foreign arrivals

Due to an anticipated increase in foreign arrivals, Chinese tourists in particular, everyone, especially those over 60, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, those who weigh over 90kg, small children and those who have not been vaccinated, have been urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or to get booster shots.

COVID-19 infections are on the rise in several provinces. In the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, for instance, over 600 cases were reported last week alone, with 14 fatalities, most of whom were unvaccinated.

The vaccination services are free of charge for Thais and foreigners at state hospitals or health centers nationwide. Continued … 

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ASEAN poised for starring role in global economy this year

Key ASEAN economies will be among the few globally to show impressive growth this year, as the world economy slips into slower growth or a recession, according to a recently published report by one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia – Singapore-headquartered United Overseas Bank (UOB). Continued … 

Bolsonaro supporters storm Brazil Congress, presidential palace

Supporters of Brazil’s far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro pushed through police barricades and stormed into the national Congress building Sunday in a dramatic protest against President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva’s inauguration last week. Continued … 

2 men found frozen in the belly of Colombian plane

An aircraft maintenance technician in Colombia made a shocking discovery. Under the belly of an Avianca plane at the airport in Bogota, the bodies of two young men were frozen to death. The airline technician was inspecting and performing regular maintenance on the aircraft of Colombia’s flagship airline when he was horrified by the corpses. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

baht, bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-Jan 7

  • Government Decisions On Legalizing Thai Casinos Stall/Tourism, wellness, and green businesses to drive Thai economy this year/New power tariff reduced for business/Thailand needs greater emphasis on digital skills to become high-income country/Thai baht to continue strengthening, Asian economies to benefit from China’s reopening/Thailand to up tax on sweet drinks, food from April 1/Miss Universe Thailand unveils national costume for 2022 pageant/14,737 lives lost on Thai roads in 2022/Special team on hunt for gunman who killed British expat in Pattaya/Sick of the grind, China’s well-off seek slower pace in Thailand/Online sales of lottery tickets surged since June debut/Commentary: Blood alcohol content limit for drivers in Thailand should be set at 0%/’Energy for All’ winners ready to start/Thai village piloting carbon-credit plan to preserve forests/
  • Tourism: Tourism sector preps for Chinese/In the provinces, arms open for Chinese return/New curbs hobble return of Indians/Koh Phangan: ‘20,000’ on island for first Full Moon Party of 2023/
  • Thailand Experience: MasterChef judge reviews Chiva-Som/’You buffalo!’ How this animal became an insult in Thai/How to get around Thailand on a budget/
  • Covid: Covid strains from West more serious than from China, says virologist/
  • International: Global food prices in 2022 hit record high amid drought, war/US approves new drug to treat Alzheimer’s/Covid surge exposes China’s healthcare gap/New Indonesia capital branded ‘ecological disaster’/Gas cooking linked to 12.7% of childhood asthma in US/29 killed in arrest of Mexico drug kingpin son/Strikes in east Ukraine despite Putin’s ceasefire order/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Government Decisions On Legalizing Thai Casinos Stall

After a final report with recommendations to move forward to establish legal casinos in Thailand was delivered to government on July 27, 2022, a July 29 forum in Hua Hin heard from Dr. Saensak Siriphanich and Udorn Olsson, both key members of the 60-person committee.

The speakers suggested that government cabinet considerations were expected to approve the committee’s recommendations to establish legal casinos, then for regulations to be framed. The speakers were optimistic that there could be licenses approved and investment agreements in place before the end of the year (2022).

Although naming Prachuap Khiri Khan Province (Hua Hin) but not Phetchaburi, the speakers stated that the preferred regional location is within 40 kilometers of the Hua Hin Airport. This means a site could be in either province. Continued …

Tourism, wellness, and green businesses to drive Thai economy this year

Tourism, wellness, and green businesses will be the major growth drivers for the Thai economy this year, Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said on Friday.

The three sectors have a bright outlook for 2023 due to their performance last year, growth prospects, the current business environment, and economic trends, Sinit said, citing a forecast by the Department of Business Development.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to create an economic crisis globally, it creates opportunities for new businesses, Sinit said, adding: “Entrepreneurs need to adapt swiftly and carefully study business trends.” Continued … 

New power tariff reduced for business

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will make a cut to the power tariff for businesses after concerned groups petitioned Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to lower electricity prices.

The decision came after the premier told energy officials to find ways to reduce electricity bills for businesses. Continued …

Thailand needs greater emphasis on digital skills to become high-income country

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has urged the government and the private sector to place more focus on equipping people with digital knowledge and human soft skills to accelerate the country’s transition to a high-income country.

The suggestion is part of TDRI’s latest study, “A Portrait of High-Income Thailand: Future Labor Market Outlook”, which was released on Friday. The goal of this research is to find the best solution for labor policies and measures in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report paints the picture of a changed labor landscape as a result of digital technology and innovation. This disruption has speeded global activity than ever before. Meanwhile, people are realizing that one set of skills is never enough and that knowledge could get outdated. Continued …

Thai baht to continue strengthening, Asian economies to benefit from China’s reopening

The baht, which in October was trading around 38 to the U.S. dollar, has strengthened to 34 to the dollar, and the currency is likely to continue to strengthen into 2023 as the Thai economy continues to recover, and China’s reopening will help sustain recessionary fears from the west.

The Thai baht has benefited from the surge in the domestic economy as Thailand opened its doors to foreign tourists on July 1, 2022.

The currency has benefited from the weakening U.S. dollar that has seen the U.S. Federal Reserve starting to slow its interest rate hikes that it has undertaken aggressively during 2022. Continued …

Thailand to up tax on sweet drinks, food from April 1

Sweet, sugary food and beverages will become more expensive from April 1, as the Excise Department will be pushing up the tax again.

Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the department’s director-general, said on Friday that the hike was initially meant to be put in place on Oct. 1 last year, but was postponed by the Cabinet to March 31 this year.

“The Excise Department will launch the third phase of the tax hike in fiscal 2023 in line with the law,” he said. Continued …

Miss Universe Thailand unveils national costume for 2022 pageant

Thailand’s entrant for Miss Universe 2022, 24-year-old Anna Sueangam-iam, will be dressed in a shimmering silver creation inspired by the mystical seven Songkran ladies from Thai folklore. Dubbed “Songkran Devi”, the glittering dress was fashioned by Thai artisans to capture the concept of “flowing water”. Anna will also be carrying a beautifully crafted silver bowl used in the annual water festival to symbolize Thailand’s life, culture, tradition and local wisdom. (The Nation)

14,737 lives lost on Thai roads in 2022

As many as 939,713 road accidents were reported in Thailand last year, up 4.7% from 2021, the Thailand Road Accidents Data Center for Road Safety Culture (ThaiRSC) said.

According to data revealed by ThaiRSC on Friday, road accidents claimed 14,737 lives and injured 924,799 in Thailand last year. Of them, 536 deaths and 7,885 injuries were foreigners.

ThaiRSC said that the average damage incurred per accident was about 200,000 baht, while most accidents occur during morning rush hour, especially from 10am to 11am. Continued …

Special team on hunt for gunman who killed British expat in Pattaya

Chonburi Police Region 2 is hunting down a mysterious murderer who shot and killed a retired British engineer yesterday Thursday.

Police Lt. Col. Ittipon Ittisaranachai, chief of Police Region 2, called for a meeting of immigration officials, tourist police, and investigators to track down the suspect who shot a 70-year-old British man to death.

The victim was shot four times in the back, according to police. Continued …

Sick of the grind, China’s well-off seek slower pace in Thailand

Xiaohongshu, China’s answer to Instagram, is abuzz with the benefits of emigrating to Thailand.

In videos on the popular social media and e-commerce platform, influencers paint a picture of paradise that promises something for all.

For stressed-out parents, cheap international schools and the possibility of remote work in an exotic locale await. For retirees, there is affordable healthcare just a stone’s throw from the beach. Continued …

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

Online sales of lottery tickets surged since June debut

As many as 890,000 people won cash prizes totaling 7.5 billion baht from lottery draws after the Government Lottery Office office debuted online sales for tickets on June 2 last year, the office said on Friday.

Following the debut of online lottery ticket sales, 14 draws were held between June 16 and Dec. 30 last year.

Online sales were introduced to reduce price gouging by retailers, who added 25% surcharges on the 80-baht ticket price. Lottery draws are held twice a month: on the 16th and at the end of the month. Continued …

Blood alcohol content limit for drivers in Thailand should be set at 0%

The Center for Alcohol Studies (CAS) has urged relevant departments to consider setting the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers in Thailand at 0%, instead of 0.05%, because drivers with 0.05% of BAC in their system still cause fatal road accidents.

The legal BAC is set at 0.05% in Thailand. This means that motorists in the country can drive if their BAC is less than 0.05%, or 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood. This is the equivalent of two glasses of wine or beer.

The vice president of the CAS, Ponthep Wijitkunakorn, used a recent fatal road accident that killed five victims in the Isaan province of Sisaket to emphasize why the legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol level needed to be changed. Continued … 

‘Energy for All’ winners ready to start

Energy investors who won an auction under the state’s “Energy for All” renewable scheme are pushing ahead with their projects after the latest legal hurdle that caused more delays was cleared.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) recently resolved to drop a complaint made by one investor over alleged irregularities in the auction held in 2021 to grant investors licenses to develop and operate power plants.

Introduced in November 2019, Energy for All is designed to facilitate businesses and communities to jointly invest in biomass and biogas-fired power plants. Continued …

Thai village piloting carbon-credit plan to preserve forests

A village in central Thailand is piloting a new approach to forest preservation by partnering with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in a project to trade carbon credits in return for keeping its area green.

“When local communities realize that their forests can be a source of steady income, they will be driven to preserve their green areas,” said Varawut Silpa-archa, minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who attended the opening ceremony Ban Khong Ta village in central Petchaburi province.

“These communities will not only benefit from the plants and fruits they pick, but also the carbon credit market. We hope that over 12,000 communities nationwide will learn from this,” and join the initiative, which is being overseen by the Royal Forestry Department, he added. Continued …

Tourism sector preps for Chinese

Tourism operators are prepared for a wave of Chinese tourists in terms of hotel room capacity, public health hygiene and flight capacity, though demand remains unclear.

The government confirmed on Thursday Chinese tourists will be exempted from RT-PCR Covid tests upon arrival, but will be required to buy Covid insurance to guarantee they have medical expense coverage in case they are infected before flying back home.

Phunut Thanalaopanich, president of the northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), said Chiang Mai is ready to accommodate all tourists, including those from China, which are expected to return starting this month. Continued …

In the provinces, arms open for Chinese return

Key tourism provinces are bracing for the return of tourists from China after the country reopens its borders on Sunday.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya of Chon Buri are popular among Chinese travelers. About 300,000 Chinese arrivals are forecast for the first quarter of the year, including January with a reduced total of only 60,000 due to limited seat capacity.

Suladda Sarutilavan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Chiang Mai Office, said the Chinese market plays a major role in driving the tourism sector in the province. Before the pandemic, it had welcomed 1 million Chinese travelers each year. Continued … 

New curbs hobble return of Indians

Tourism operators have started to feel the pinch from the slowing Indian market in the first quarter, particularly the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) segment and independent travelers, as the Indian government requires Covid-19 RT-PCR tests for those returning from Thailand.

The Indian MICE segment from February to April is “on hold” because of the rising cost of Covid-19 tests and fear of getting Covid-19 abroad, said Rajesh Nair, chief executive of Enchantive Asia, an inbound tour company focusing on the subcontinent.

“The problem is travelers are discouraged because of the test requirement before boarding,” said Nair. Continued … 

Koh Phangan: ‘20,000’ on island for first Full Moon Party of 2023

The first Full Moon Party of the year happened last night on the holiday island of Koh Phangan in southern Thailand’s Surat Thani province.

In attendance at Had Rin beach were Deputy Gov. Chusak Rooying, the chief of the Surat provincial police, Maj-Gen Saranya Chamnanrach, Phangan District Chief Wichan Junthawijit and the island’s police chief, Col. Panya Niratimanon.

Plus lots of tourist and immigration police and DOPA officials. Continued …

MasterChef judge reviews Hua Hin’s Chiva-Som

I used to wonder what it might be like to have the kind of crazy, high-profile job that requires a few weeks’ respite at some place perfectly plush to recover when it’s all over.

And while I’m aware I’m not and will probably never be Arianna Huffington-level busy, and certainly not Oprah-level famous, surely a Gold Logie nom rents me a place in the sun – at least for a couple of days.

Regardless of what you or I do for a crust and whether our faces are recognizable to those outside our circles of friends, family, co-workers and followers on social media, life’s increasing pressures sure can squeeze a lot of the energy from our souls. I’ve done health retreats in Australia before, but what happens when you blend health and well-being protocols with lush, tropical vistas, sunshine, incredible food (that’s good for you), and the kind of hospitality that will have you begging never to leave? Continued …

‘You buffalo!’ How this animal became an insult in Thai

“Ai Kwai!!!” literally translated as “you buffalo”, as in “you idiot”, is one of the most common insults in the Thai language.

In light of a recent controversy, where the permanent secretary of Thailand’s Interior Ministry called his subordinate “as stupid as a buffalo”, have we ever wondered why we have to use a buffalo to signify people’s stupidity, rather than other animals?

Buffaloes have always been part of Thai people’s livelihoods, especially in rural areas, where agriculture is the dominant industry. Being called a “buffalo”, however, is considered very offensive by many Thais, almost as extreme as being called a “monitor lizard”, equivalent to dropping the f-bomb. Continued …

How to get around Thailand on a budget

Traveling around Thailand on a budget can be a great way to explore this beautiful country while still saving money. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get around Thailand on a budget.

1. Travel by bus or train

The bus system in Thailand is extensive and covers the whole country. It’s a great way to get from point A to point B at an affordable price. The buses are comfortable and offer a variety of services depending on the route.

Many of the buses feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and even onboard entertainment. And with ticket prices ranging from $10-$20, it’s a great way to get around the country without breaking the bank. Continued …

Covid strains from West more serious than from China, says virologist

New coronavirus strains from visitors arriving from western countries could pose a higher health threat than older strains from tourists arriving from China, according to virologist Yong Poovorawan.

Amid concerns over rising infections with China easing restrictions on travel, Dr. Yong wrote on his Facebook account on Friday that China’s recent outbreak is predominantly led by the Omicron subvariant of Covid-19, BA.5, which had already spread in Thailand.

“We should be more concerned about the strains that have not spread in Thailand, especially the BQ variant from western countries, which is more alarming,” wrote Dr. Yong, chief of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine. “We do not check and cannot force (them) to wear face masks.” Continued …

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Global food prices in 2022 hit record high amid drought, war

Global prices for food commodities like grain and vegetable oils were the highest on record last year, even after falling for nine months in a row, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said, as Russia’s war in Ukraine, drought and other factors drove up inflation and worsened hunger worldwide. Continued … 

US approves new drug to treat Alzheimer’s

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved a highly anticipated new drug designed to slow cognitive decline in patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Continued … 

Covid surge exposes China’s healthcare gap

Understaffed and underfunded clinics stand half-empty in parts of the Chinese countryside, even as hospitals in major cities heave under an unprecedented Covid wave — an illustration of the stark disparities in the country’s healthcare system. Continued … 

New Indonesia capital branded ‘ecological disaster’

The twisting road that leads to Indonesia’s future capital is lined with dense rainforest and pockets of plantations, punctuated every so often with monkeys enjoying a laze out on the tarmac. Continued … 

Gas cooking linked to 12.7% of childhood asthma in US

Cooking with gas indoors has been linked to 12.7% of all childhood asthma cases in the United States, a new study has found, comparing its effect on health to that of second-hand smoking. Continued … 

29 killed in arrest of Mexico drug kingpin son

Ten soldiers and 19 criminal suspects died in a massive operation to arrest a son of jailed drug trafficker Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the Mexican government said Friday, with a dramatic shootout damaging three planes and sowing terror at a local airport. Continued … 

Strikes in east Ukraine despite Putin’s ceasefire order

Artillery exchanges pounded war-scarred cities in eastern Ukraine on Friday despite Russian leader Vladimir Putin unilaterally ordering his forces to stop attacking for 36 hours. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Jsn 4

  • New Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule/Bangkok’s new train terminus renamed, to open Jan 19/Bt33M for new train station logo redesign and sign?/Property sector hopes for turnaround in 2023/ ‘New Year gifts’ for people in the Deep South/6,992 Drunk-Driving Cases Recorded in 6 Days/Road accidents kill 40 more people, holiday death toll climbs to 263/Devotees climb into coffins for Thailand’s strangest New Year ceremony/Embittered Thai craft beer brewers plead for justice/
  • Tourism: Post-Covid tourism plan gets green light/Health Minister Assures: No Lockdown when China Re-opens Borders/Chinese tourist surge unlikely this month/Thai hotels see positive growth as tourists start returning/Nearly 12 million foreign tourists visited Thailand last year/Indian tourists cancel Thailand trips after govt imposes Covid test/Cabinet to mull revised subsidy for domestic travel/Phuket focuses on foreigners causing motorbike accidents/New handbook on marijuana consumption for tourists in Thailand/Police arrest two Russians for begging on the streets of southern Thailand/
  • Covid: Beijing threatens response to ‘unacceptable’ virus measures/
  • International: Singapore explores underground space to protect nation against rising sea levels/Did a fourth-grader write this, or Chatbot?/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

New Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare in 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht.

Tickets 

Bangkok’s new train terminus renamed, to open Jan 19

The Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal, previously known as Bang Sue Grand Station, will be officially opened on Jan. 19, with the maiden Bangkok-Ayutthaya air-conditioned diesel train for tourists slated as the inaugural service.

According to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the first train will leave the station for Ayutthaya at 1.19pm, to be followed by another maiden service, the Bangkok-Sungai Kolok express train.

All 52 long-haul trains serving the southern, northern and north-eastern routes will be relocated from Hua Lamphong, Bangkok’s old main terminal, to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal. Continued …

Bt33M for new train station logo redesign and sign?

The Transport Ministry has ordered an investigation into a 33-million-baht contract for a nameplate and logo redesign of Bang Sue Grand Station after concerns were raised about the project’s cost.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) signed the contract with Unique Engineering and Construction Plc (UNIQ) for the redesign project, which includes the installation of a new logo for the station and 24 three-meter-tall Thai letters.
The redesign follows His Majesty the King renaming the Grand Station “Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal” in September. Continued …

Property sector hopes for turnaround in 2023

Thailand’s real estate sector did not fully recover in 2022, due mainly to the economic decline and the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as higher inflation and interest rates. But while the expected recovery did not happen, the overall outlook gives new hope for 2023.

The improved CCI (Consumer Confidence Index), which has continued to rise for six consecutive years, currently stands at 47.9, the highest in 20 years, signaling that consumers’ spending confidence is back.

Another factor that has supported the property industry is the Bank of Thailand’s continued loan relaxation (loan-to-value: LTV), which is about to end. It has successfully encouraged customers with real demand to purchase property units. Continued … 

‘New Year gifts’ for people in the Deep South

The Thai cabinet agreed yesterday to present “New Year gifts” to people in the Deep South. They include a free lunch program for children attending religious schools, nutritional food and vitamin supplements for mothers and their children, promotion of the learning of foreign languages, and development of language skills among students.

Another “gift” from the government is the promotion of the restive provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and four districts in Songkhla as “the world’s Halal food and services hub.”

Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the government intends to solve the nutrition problem among small children in the Deep South by providing nutritional food and vitamin supplements to about 46,000 mothers and young children. Continued …

6,992 Drunk-Driving Cases Recorded in 6 Days

There were 6,992 drunk-driving cases in six days and the country needed serious measures on the wrongdoers, according to the director-general of the Probation Department.

Weerakit Harnpariphan, director-general of the department, said courts ordered probation for 6,992 drunk-driving cases from Dec. 29 to Jan 3, 2023. They formed 96.1% of the 7,277 cases in which probation was ordered during the same period. Continued …

Road accidents kill 40 more people, holiday death toll climbs to 263

Road accidents on Monday claimed 40 lives, taking the total death toll in the first five of the so-called “7 dangerous days” to 263, the Road Safety Center said yesterday.

Boontham Lertsukhikasem, director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and secretary-general of the center, said 294 road accidents had occurred on Monday, which left 295 people injured and 40 dead.

The center has been monitoring road accidents since Dec. 29 and will keep a close eye on roads through today, when the New Year break wraps up. Continued … 

Devotees climb into coffins for Thailand’s strangest New Year ceremony

Every New Year holiday, people pour into Wat Takian temple on the western outskirts of Bangkok to participate in a strange ceremony they believe will remove their bad luck and bring good fortune throughout the year.

Devotees of these spooky rites lie in open coffins with flowers and incense sticks clasped between their wai-ing hands, resembling corpses as they enter the crematorium.

Buddhist monks then chant prayers over the coffins while those inside devote the merit made to their deceased family members. Once the ceremony is completed, participants consider themselves reborn and freed from bad luck, ready to start their new year afresh. Continued … 

Embittered Thai craft beer brewers plead for justice

With the onerous liquor laws that have let just a few large breweries dominate the market and have forbidden entry by small-scale newcomers for decades, Chiang Mai native Saksit Sanguanphon was forced to fulfill his dream to produce his own artisanal craft beer somewhere else. He went to Laos.

As it is for other Thai entrepreneurs, running a small-sized craft beer business is a struggle for Saksit. It all began with a long bus journey from Bangkok to Savannakhet almost a decade ago.

“I took a Nakhon Chai Air bus at 8pm from Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, slept over in Mukdahan and arrived in Savannakhet at six in the evening the day after,” Saksit recalls. Continued …

Post-Covid tourism plan gets green light

The cabinet yesterday approved a blueprint for tourism development over the course of the next five years, with a plan to push for Thailand to be among the world’s top wellness destinations among several ambitious goals.

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul said the cabinet had approved its third national tourism development plan for 2023-2027.

The plan will serve as a guideline for relevant agencies at national and local levels to map out action plans for tourism development, Traisulee said. Continued …

Health Minister Assures: No Lockdown when China Re-opens Borders

The Thai Minister of Public Health announced yesterday Thailand will not implement lockdown or strict regulations in response to the easing of harsh travel restrictions that is soon to take effect in China next Sunday.

Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that he has decided at a meeting with the Medical Affairs Committee that Thailand will not implement any specific measures against Chinese arrivals, as the country already has effective measures in place.

As for testing for the coronavirus, Anutin said it is “unnecessary,” adding if there is any medical issue, we leave it to the Department of Disease Control, which is responsible for disease prevention and surveillance, to determine the necessary measures without causing harm to the country’s economic system.” Continued …

Chinese tourist surge unlikely this month

An influx of Chinese tourists is unlikely during the coming Lunar New Year holiday, as not enough flights can be added in such a short time, while large tour groups are still awaiting an official announcement from the Chinese government, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).

ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said only small groups of friends and families are expected to travel when entry restrictions on the mainland are lifted on Jan. 8, as direct flights remain limited, with prices much higher than pre-pandemic rates of 10,000-20,000 baht.

“It is too soon to expect a massive Chinese flow in January, as seat capacity remains scarce,” said Sisdivachr. Continued … 

Thai hotels see positive growth as tourists start returning

Hotels in Thailand expect occupancy rates to start picking up in the second half of this year, especially since travel has become easier and China will lift restrictions from Sunday.

The Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Study, conducted by the Thai Hotel Assn. and the Bank of Thailand last month, shows that most hotels expect their revenue to rise by 10%-30%.

The study, which covered 95 hotels, showed that most operators expect to welcome more guests this year. Continued …

Nearly 12 million foreign tourists visited Thailand last year

As many as 11.81 million foreign tourists visited Thailand last year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said yesterday.

Thai and foreign travelers were expected to generate 1.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue for the country last year, TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said.

He said most foreign visitors last year came from Malaysia (1.95 million), followed by India (965,994), Laos (844,959), Cambodia (591,657) and Singapore (589,770). Continued …

Indian tourists cancel Thailand trips after govt imposes Covid test

The Thai Hotels Assn. last night reported that tourists from India are canceling trips to Thailand in droves after their government insisted that returning travelers produce a negative Covid-19 test before reentering the country.

The new mandate has come as a shock to Indian holidaymakers, as the rest of the world contemplates what to do with returning Chinese tourists. China announced last month it is reopening its borders to foreign travelers on Sunday, Jan. 8, and scrapping quarantine rules.

Thai Hotels Assn. Eastern Chapter President Sanphet Supbowornsathian revealed the Indian government’s decision to produce negative RT-PCR tests has left many travelers reconsidering holidays to Thailand. Continued …

Cabinet to mull revised subsidy for domestic travel

A revised subsidy scheme to stimulate domestic tourism is set to go before the cabinet meeting next Tuesday.

According to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the ministry is scheduled to propose a revised budget worth 4 billion baht, with half of the budget allotted to support the fifth phase of the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) hotel subsidy campaign to promote domestic tourism.

Of the total budget, 2 billion baht would be allocated for the fifth phase of the We Travel Together campaign to promote domestic tourism for a total of 500,000 rooms, he said. Continued … 

Phuket focuses on foreigners causing motorbike accidents

As Thailand sees the tail end of the dreaded “Seven Days of Danger”, where road accidents and death tend to spike over the new year holiday, officials in Phuket are focusing on the number of accidents involving foreigners on their roads.

At a briefing at the Phuket Provincial Hall, officials said that foreigners on holiday renting motorbikes and driving poorly or dangerously is a common denominator in the number of accidents reported on the island.

The briefing was delivered by the Chief of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation who went over the daily figures and discussed the issue with foreign motorbike drivers. Continued … 

New handbook on marijuana consumption for tourists in Thailand

The Public Health Ministry has come up with a guide called “10 Things Tourists Need to Know about Cannabis in Thailand” to help clarify doubts over the newly decriminalized plant.

The English-language guide is necessary as Thailand is the first Asian country to legalize marijuana and will attract foreigners interested in consuming cannabis-related products, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary Dr. Narong Apikulwanich said yesterday.

The guide has been published on www.moph.go.th, while authorities in tourist provinces have also been instructed to publish handbooks for tourists. The handbook will soon be translated into other languages, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian. Continued …

Police arrest two Russians for begging on the streets of southern Thailand

Thai police arrested two Russian men yesterday for begging on the streets of Surat Thani in southern Thailand. The men held signs saying they are fleeing war in Russia.

Surat Thani Immigration officers, tourist police officers, and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security jointly arrested 36-year-old Evgenii Malakhov and 32-year-old Alexander Kulikov at the Glowing Garden Fair near the Naris Bridge. Continued …

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Beijing threatens response to ‘unacceptable’ virus measures

The Chinese government sharply criticized COVID-19 testing requirements imposed on visitors from China and threatened countermeasures against countries involved, which include the U.S. and several European nations.

“We believe that the entry restrictions adopted by some countries targeting China lack scientific basis, and some excessive practices are even more unacceptable,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing yesterday.

“We are firmly opposed to attempts to manipulate the COVID measures for political purposes and will take countermeasures based on the principle of reciprocity,” she said. Mao did not specify what steps China might take. Continued …

Singapore explores underground space to protect nation against rising sea levels

National water agency PUB will explore the use of underground space to defend Singapore against rising sea levels amid climate change and more intense rainfall. The agency said last Thursday that a study to assess the feasibility of using an underground drainage and reservoir system to combat inland and coastal flooding will start in 2023. Continued … 

Did a fourth-grader write this, or Chatbot?

It’s hard to fully grasp the enormous potential of ChatGPT, a recently released artificial intelligence chatbot. The bot doesn’t just search and summarize information that already exists. It creates new content, tailored to your request, often with a startling degree of nuance, humor and creativity. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare in 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting