Category Archives: chiang mai

chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, medical tourism, prauchuap khiri khan, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-April 19

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What makes Hua Hin special?/Hua Hin Motorcycle Taxi Driver Arrested/Road accidents claim 253/2 more bodies found/Severe storms in north/Bangkok major law shake-up/To lift martial law in south/Kidnapped Indian Nationals rescued/Major Wildlife Smuggling Bust/ECONOMY: Exporters Navigate Tariff Uncertainty/TOURISM: Maha Songkran: Over a Million Revelers/Airlines accelerate expansions/570,000 passengers travel by train/Thailand’s Pavilion at Osaka Expo/Thai Massage Takes Center Stage/Asia’s medical tourism takeover/Airline shoe etiquette/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Here’s what expats never tell you/Uncharted Thai Island a Time Capsule/CLIMATE THAILAND: Outcry over cross-border pollution/Chinese EV giant shifts gears/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

What makes Hua Hin special?

Hua Hin quietly charms just about everyone who visits. It’s not just the soft beaches, the seafood, or the slower pace of life. There’s something else, something harder to define but easy to feel.

This coastal town was once the chosen getaway of Thai royalty. Today, it’s become a favourite for families, retirees, digital nomads, and weekenders from Bangkok. The numbers speak for themselves: a recent local survey found that 96% of expats living in Hua Hin say they’re pleased with life here. Continued …

Hua Hin Motorcycle Taxi Driver Arrested for Egg Attack on Tourist

Hua Hin police have apprehended suspects responsible for throwing eggs at a Mauritian female tourist. A motorcycle taxi driver claims the act was motivated by stress over declining income. Despite the incident, the tourists have forgiven the perpetrators, stating that Thailand remains the “Land of Smiles” and that they now love Hua Hin even more.

Yesterday, Police Col. Kampanart Na Wichai, superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, addressed the case of a tourist who shared photos of an unexpected experience – being hit with eggs in front of Hua Hin Railway Station simply for using a taxi app. Continued …

Songkran road accidents claim 253 lives, down 12%

The “seven dangerous days” of traveling on the road for this year’s Songkran holidays ended on Thursday, with the accumulated death toll reaching 253, a 12% decline from the same period last year.

The Road Safety Operation Center reported yesterday there were 147 traffic accidents, 145 injuries and 22 deaths on the last day of the period. This led to a total of 1,538 accidents and 1,495 injuries recorded between April 11 and April 17. Continued …

Quake-hit Bangkok site turns crime scene as 2 more bodies found

Bangkok’s construction site tragedy has taken a darker turn, as rescue teams recovered two more bodies from the wreckage of the collapsed State Audit Office, nearly three weeks after the building came crashing down in the aftermath of an earthquake in neighboring Myanmar.

With the death toll continuing to rise and serious allegations of corruption and negligence emerging, investigators are now uncovering far more than just rubble. Continued …

Severe storms hit Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai

Severe summer storms yesterday battered the northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, causing widespread damage. In Chiang Rai’s Mae Suai district, strong winds brought down high-voltage power poles, leading to overnight blackouts in the Doi Chang and Ban Saen Charoen areas.

The storm hit Mae Suai last night. The damage to the electricity distribution system was extensive, with multiple high-voltage poles toppled throughout the area. Local electricity authorities are working to clear the area and restore power, aiming to complete repairs by this afternoon. Continued …

Bangkok set for major law shake-up after 40 years

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced plans to revise the BMA Act 1985, a 40-year-old law that city leaders say no longer meets the needs of a bustling 21st-century metropolis.

According to Aekwaranyu Amrapal, BMA spokesperson, the proposed amendments aim to “enhance efficiency in line with the challenges facing a modern city. It has become clear that Bangkok still struggles with structural issues, such as repeated pavement excavation, severe traffic congestion, under-utilized areas beneath expressways, and messy overhead cables. These issues stem from the limitations within our current administrative system.” Continued … 

Government set to lift martial law in south

The government is set to lift martial law in four districts of the three southern border provinces, says Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

He said he plans to meet state agencies to discuss the lifting of martial law after a mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla on Feb. 17–18 decided the enforcement of martial law in four districts of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat should be revoked. Continued …

Police Rescue Kidnapped Indian Nationals in Bangkok

In a successful operation in Bangkok, police rescued four Indian nationals who were kidnapped by fellow countrymen in a ransom scheme. The rescue mission unfolded after Sanjeeve Kumar, an Indian resident in Bangkok, approached Yannawa Police Station on April 16 to report the abduction of his friends, Ramesh Sharmar and Amandeep Kajal.

Kumar recounted that upon arriving in Bangkok on April 5, he, Sharmar, and Kajal initially stayed at a hotel in Sathon before moving to Silom. During their stay, they met an Indian national who offered an invitation to Vietnam. Due to visa delays, Kumar could not accompany them and allowed his friends to proceed alone on April 14. Continued …

Thailand Assists Major Wildlife Smuggling Bust

In May 2024, authorities uncovered a major wildlife smuggling operation in Dan Singkhorn, southern Thailand, near the Myanmar border.

Six smugglers, transporting wildlife in four vehicles via Sumatra, Indonesia, were arrested, along with an associate who operated a holding facility. Authorities rescued and seized numerous endangered animals, including 1,076 radiated tortoises and 48 lemurs from Madagascar. A subsequent bust was also conducted in Madagascar. Continued …

Thai Exporters Navigate US Tariff Uncertainty

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has painted a picture of frenetic activity within the Kingdom’s export sector, as businesses race against the clock to maximize shipments to the United States in the 90-day window before full-scale retaliatory tariffs potentially come into force.

This comes as the U.S. announced a temporary pause on country-specific tariff hikes, while still imposing a baseline 10% increase across the board – a move interpreted by many as both a window of opportunity and a significant challenge for Thai enterprises. Continued …

Maha Songkran: Over a Million Revelers Shower Thailand in Cash

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival, a major draw for tourists and locals alike, attracted over one million visitors between April, 11-15 generating 1.58 billion baht for the Thai tourism sector.

The event was part of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025” campaign, focusing on elevating Thailand to a top festival destination on the global stage. Deputy spokesperson Anukul Phruksanusak reported that 1,106,999 festival-goers attended, with nearly 100,000 being foreigners. Continued …

Thai airlines accelerate expansions amid post-pandemic travel surge

According to the International Air Transport Assn.ociation (IATA) in December, the aviation industry is expected to continue its annual growth following the Covid-19 pandemic, fueled by increasing travel demand across the Asia-Pacific region.

This optimistic outlook has prompted Thai airlines to expand their fleets and enhance operations in order to accommodate the rising number of travelers. The move is anticipated to support the recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector, aiming to return to the pre-pandemic level of 39.8 million foreign arrivals recorded in 2019. Continued …

Over 570,000 passengers travel by train during Songkran

More than 570,000 people travel ed by train to their home provinces during this year’s Songkran festival, says the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

During the holiday period from April 11-17, train travel was smooth, with no passengers left stranded at train stations across the country, SRT Gov. Veeris Ammarapala said yesterday. Many passengers returned to Bangkok by train yesteray, he said. Continued …

Thailand’s Pavilion at Osaka Expo Faces Backlash for Missing Futuristic Mark

Thailand’s much-anticipated pavilion at the Osaka Expo has stirred quite a buzz, but not for the reasons organizers hoped. Set against the backdrop of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the pavilion has been labeled a missed opportunity by attendees.

Criticisms are pouring in, suggesting it leans too heavily on historical and cultural displays rather than aligning with the futuristic theme. Notably, TQM Corp.’s chairman, Unchalin Punnipa, voiced his dismay. Continued …

Thai Massage Takes Center Stage at World Expo in Osaka

Thai traditional massage is being celebrated on the world stage at the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai in Japan, with the event drawing large crowds. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine is representing Thailand at the expo, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of “Nuad Thai” (Thai traditional massage).

Dr. Somruek Chungsaman, director-general of the department, highlighted the selection of expert Thai massage therapists to demonstrate authentic techniques, particularly those beneficial for alleviating “office syndrome”. Continued …

Inside Asia’s medical tourism takeover

From cutting-edge cosmetic procedures in Seoul and Bangkok to innovative longevity clinics in Singapore and traditional medicine retreats in Vietnam, Asia’s affluent tourists are increasingly treating health as the ultimate luxury experience.

The Global Wellness Institute reports that wellness tourism in Asia jumped 28.4% from 2022 to 2023, reaching $41 billion in the region, and that growth is only accelerating in 2025. Behind this surge is a fundamental shift in how high-net-worth individuals approach travel and healthcare. Continued …

What’s that smell? Shoe etiquette (and drama) on your next long-haul flight

Imagine settling into your economy class seat on a 13-hour flight, only to find a stranger’s shoes occupying the space beside you.

That’s what happened to Jaskaran Gautam when he was flying from Tokyo to New York recently. The passenger next to him had switched seats but left his foul-smelling footwear behind. “I complained to the flight attendant that the passenger had left his shoes,” says Gautam, who works for a technology company in Kyoto, Japan. Continued …

Here’s what expats never tell you about the “land of (fake) smiles”

When I first arrived in Thailand at the age of 41, I was filled with excitement, optimism, and curiosity. Like many expats before me, I had visited as a tourist and was instantly charmed by the friendly locals, vibrant culture, delicious food, and breathtaking beaches. The “Land of Smiles,” as they famously call it, seemed like paradise — at least at first glance.

Three years later, however, the rose-colored glasses had come off. Living in Thailand taught me that beneath those welcoming smiles often lies a layer of insincerity, particularly when money is involved. It’s something many expats experience but few openly discuss. Continued …

This Uncharted Thai Island is a Time Capsule of ‘Old Thailand’

Koh Phayam is Thailand’s hidden treasure, offering an authentic experience without the crowds. Unlike bustling Koh Samui, this island boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, captivating visitors who yearn for serenity. With fewer than 500 residents and no cars, it holds onto a quaint charm reminiscent of Thailand’s untouched past.

Just a short boat ride from Ranong, Koh Phayam remains largely undeveloped, featuring family-run bungalows nestled among palm trees. The beaches, such as Ao Yai, retain their natural beauty due to minimal foot traffic, making them cleaner and more inviting than those on tourist-heavy islands. Continued …

From smog to arsenic: Outcry grows over cross-border pollution in Thailand

Thailand has been inundated by cross-border smog for decades, but the government’s response has remained lukewarm.

In the north of Thailand, however, locals are now grappling with a far more serious threat than foul air. Recent tests showing arsenic contamination in the Kok and Sai rivers, which flow from Myanmar, have left communities fearing for their lives. Continued …

Chinese EV giant shifts gears with Thai expansion

Geely, one of China’s top EV brands, is plugging into Thailand in a big way, with its local distributor, Thonburi Neustern Co., unveiling ambitious plans to supercharge the brand’s presence in the kingdom.

First on the road map? A brand-new auto parts center aimed at building trust and confidence among Thai consumers, and laying the groundwork for even bigger investments, said Narong Sritalayon, chief executive of Thonburi Neustern. Continued …

Chinese vent anger at Trump’s trade war with memes, mockery

While China’s leaders use their economic and political might to fight United States President Donald Trump’s trade war “to the end”, its army of social media soldiers are embarking on a more humorous campaign online. Defiant posts have shot to the top of most-searched lists on social media, flooding platforms with patronizing comments and jokes. Continued …

US considers ending Ukraine truce efforts

As Russia fired a fresh volley of missiles and drones at Ukraine overnight, the United States warned it could “move on” from efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine if it did not see progress soon. U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressing Moscow and Kyiv to agree to a truce, but has failed to extract any major concessions from the Kremlin. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

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

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
baht, bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, exports, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-April 18

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Cha Am–Hua Hin highway upgrade/Myanmar teens busted in PKK/Songkran holiday road deaths/Mother Donates Organs of Son/Design Flaw, Forgery Allegations/Seven mild quakes/Thailand’s Data at Risk/Phuket braces for floods/ECONOMY: Baht likely to surpass 33/Earthquake’s Economic Impact on Thailand/Poised to cut GDP forecast/ASEAN united front on tariffs/China Will Stand with Southeast Asia/Thai farmers oppose US beef imports/Thailand’s Underground Gambling Economy/Still keen on Thai property/TOURISM: Thailand’s culinary tourism rising/Malaysians top list of visitors/Sky ICT’s passenger processing system/Earthquake hits Chiang Mai’s room rates/AirAsia unveils Phuket–Medan, Indonesia route/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Vanishing gardens/Visiting Thailand in your 40s/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Cha Am–Hua Hin highway upgrade to boost travel and tourism

Thailand is paving the way for a smoother ride, literally, as the government pushes forward with a massive upgrade of Highway 37, better known as the Cha Am Bypass, in a project set to ease traffic woes, enhance road safety, and drive tourism and economic growth along the Gulf coast.

Spanning 50 kilometers between Cha Am in Phetchaburi and Pranburi in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the mega project is being spearheaded by the Department of Highways and funded across multiple fiscal years from 2023 to 2025. Continued …

Myanmar teens busted in PKK for no ID during Songkran

A group of Myanmar teens hoping to enjoy Thailand’s wild Songkran festivities got more than they bargained for — ending their water fight with a police escort instead of a party.

On Wednesday, police in Prachuap Khiri Khan detained 10 Myanmar nationals, all teenagers and young adults, for entering the city to join the Songkran celebrations without any identification documents. Continued …

Songkran holiday road deaths reach 200

As Thailand’s Songkran festival unfolds, the joyous celebration has been overshadowed by a grim reality. The Road Safety Center reports that the death toll on the country’s roads has climbed to 200, with over 1,300 injuries during the first six days of the festival, putting a spotlight on the country’s persistent road safety challenges.

The yearly “Seven Dangerous Days” campaign, spanning April 11 to 16, recorded 1,377 road accidents, with speeding and motorcyclists featuring prominently in these incidents. Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry Kachorn Srichavanothai conveyed these figures at a press briefing, revealing that on April 16 alone, 155 accidents resulted in 22 fatalities and 149 injuries. Continued …

Mother Donates Organs of 14-Year-Old Son, Helping Four Lives After Songkran Death

A mother from Phitsanulok has turned grief into an act of love, compassion, and hope when she decided to donate the organs of her 14-year-old son following a fatal road collision during the Songkran holiday.

Her son, Thanawit, known as “Poom”, lost his life after a collision in the early hours of April 15. Poom had been helping push a motorcycle across a central road divider with two friends in Tha Thong subdistrict when a pickup truck crashed into them. His two friends, also aged 14, died instantly at the scene. Poom sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Buddhachinaraj Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU with severe brain trauma. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries. Continued …

Design Flaw, Forgery Allegations Surface in Deadly Building Collapse

The SAO building collapse on March 28 may have been caused by a design blunder in the elevator shaft. A fact-finding committee has suggested that the tremors from Myanmar’s earthquake might have triggered the mishap due to compromised structural integrity, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul disclosed. This building failure, he added, has raised concerns about unauthorised changes to the original building plans.

Charnvirakul revealed his discomfort over reports of a potential signature forgery. It’s suspected that a structural engineer’s signature was falsified on a document by a contractor responsible for certifying the altered elevator shaft design. Continued …

Seven mild quakes recorded today, one in Lampang

Seven mild earthquakes were recorded in Myanmar and northern Thailand today, with magnitudes ranging from 1.4 to 4.1, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. The Earthquake Observation Division of the department stated that one of these earthquakes occurred in Thailand.

A 1.4-magnitude quake at a depth of 5 kilometers occurred at 1:12 am in Na Yang subdistrict, Sop Prap District, Lampang Province, the department reported. The largest quake on Friday, with a magnitude of 4.1 at a depth of 10 kilometers, was recorded at 4:27 am in Myanmar, approximately 345 kilometers northwest of Mae Hong Son Province. Continued …

Thailand’s Data at Risk Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

The Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) has warned that Thailand’s vulnerability in data protection and the lack of robust cybersecurity measures are placing Thai data at significant risk from hackers. This warning was prompted by reports of data breaches at several major Thai companies, including Thailand Post, Bangchak, and HomePro, where thousands, if not millions, of personal information records were compromised.

According to data from Kaspersky, a leading antivirus software provider, over 200,000 servers in Thailand are vulnerable to cyberattacks. While some data leaks have already occurred, the full extent of the damage remains unassessed. Continued …

Phuket braces for floods as emergency pumps deployed

Phuket is battening down the hatches as officials race to prevent flash floods and landslides, with a massive emergency response underway across the island.

With heavy rainfall already soaking parts of the province, the Phuket governor has issued an urgent directive to all district chiefs, local government leaders, and heads of government agencies to launch immediate preventative action. Continued …

Baht likely to surpass 33 to dollar in Q2

The baht could appreciate past the key psychological level of 33 to the dollar in the second quarter after the currency strengthened to a six-month high yesterday, amid the intensifying U.S.-China trade war, says Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).

The Thai currency traded at 33.18-33.20 to the greenback yesterday morning, easing from an overnight rate of 33.08 to the dollar, said Kanjana Chockpisansin, head of research, banking and finance at the Kasikornbank think tank. Continued …

Initial Evaluation of the Earthquake’s Economic Impact on Thailand

SCB EIC has estimated that the earthquake on March 28 will have a limited economic impact of around Bt30 billion, primarily affecting the tourism, real estate, and construction sectors. Continuous monitoring will be crucial to gauge the recovery of domestic consumer confidence and the sentiment of international tourists in the aftermath of this event.

Concerns over safety are expected to cause a short-term decline in international tourist numbers, projected to drop by 400,000 by April. Meanwhile, the real estate sector, particularly condominiums, may experience delayed purchases and transfers, resulting in reduced volumes and a decline in new project launches throughout the year. Continued …

BOT poised to cut GDP forecast amid escalating trade tensions

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is likely to lower its 2.5% GDP growth forecast amid rising risks from a U.S.-led global trade war.

Sakkapop Panyanukul, assistant governor of the central bank’s Monetary Policy Group, highlighted that the Thai economy is currently exposed to multiple external risks. He noted that the BOT would closely monitor developments regarding U.S. reciprocal tariffs before making any adjustments to the GDP forecast. Continued …

Thai PM backs ASEAN united front on tariffs

Thailand is ready to support ASEAN’s collective approach in negotiating with the United States over its reciprocal tariffs on imports from countries in the region, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said yesterday.

She made the remarks after talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Government House. Anwar is on a two-day working visit to Thailand at the invitation of Paetongtarn. Continued … 

China Will Stand with Southeast Asian Countries in Face of Economic Shocks

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Malaysia’s leader Wednesday that China will be a collaborative partner and stand with its Southeast Asian neighbors in the wake of global economic shocks.

“In the face of shocks to global order and economic globalization, China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical … confrontation, as well as the counter-currents of unilateralism and protectionism,” Xi, who was on a state visit to Malaysia as part of his Southeast Asia tour, said in remarks at a dinner with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Continued …

Thai farmers in a flap over US beef import plan

Thailand’s beef farmers are kicking up a rumpus over government plans to welcome hormone-pumped U.S. meat, branding it a dangerous trade-off that could gut their livelihoods and threaten national food security.

The Beef Cattle Association of Thailand, backed by more than 60 allied groups, stormed the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives this week to protest a controversial proposal that could see American beef, and offal, hit Thai shelves in a trade deal. Continued … 

Thailand’s Underground Gambling Economy Reaches 1.1 Trillion Baht

A recent report has shed light on the extensive scale of illegal gambling in Thailand, estimating its value at 1.1 trillion baht annually and revealing the involvement of government officials and politicians.

The findings have emerged amid a national debate regarding the potential legalization of comprehensive entertainment complexes, which would include casinos. The government’s initial push to introduce legislation for these complexes was ultimately delayed due to political disagreements and concerns about global economic factors. Continued …

Wealthy Chinese still keen on Thai property

Wealthy Chinese buyers have shifted from the United States to Thailand for overseas homes, with Thailand rising from seventh to first place last year, though safety remains a concern.

Demand for luxury residential properties from wealthy Chinese declined earlier this year, said Phattarachai Taweewong, research and communication director at the property consultant Colliers Thailand. Continued …

Thailand’s culinary tourism rising, but still trails Japan

The Thailand Culinary Image Assessment and Michelin Guide Thailand 2024 by Kenetixs Consulting surveyed 3,000 foreign travelers (1,800 online responses and 1,200 interviews) and 1,200 Thai travelers (800 online and 400 interviews).

The findings revealed that Japan remains the top destination for food tourism, achieving a score of 64% in 2024, up from 56% in 2023. Thailand ranks second with 53%, an increase from 44%, followed by China at 35% (up from 30%), South Korea at 33% (up from 28%), and Singapore at 28% (up from 27%). Continued …

Malaysians top list of visitors to Thailand over Songkran

Malaysia saw the most people visit Thailand during the Songkran festival, followed by those from China, India, Russia and the UK, according to deputy government spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan. Between April 6-12, foreign nationals entering Thailand reached 666,180, marking a 10.7% increase from the previous week.

Sasikarn reported that the number of people from China, India, Malaysia and Russia rose by 28.2%, 23.6%, 10.7% and 8.4%, respectively, while arrivals from the UK declined slightly, by 8.5%. Continued …

Sky ICT expands scope of passenger processing system

Sky ICT has expanded and upgraded its Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS), a pre-boarding passenger system, to cover 13 airports nationwide, supporting the tourism sector.

The company already provides a biometric identification system that uses facial scanning to verify passengers’ identities before entering the airport system, for all six airports operated by Airports of Thailand (AOT). Continued …

Earthquake hits Chiang Mai’s room rates during Songkran

Despite a robust performance during the Songkran holiday, hotels in Chiang Mai offered lower room rates than last year in a bid to draw last-minute domestic travelers, whose confidence was still shaken by last month’s earthquake.

Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the Thai Hotels Association’s upper northern chapter, said many Thais were still stunned by the quake that rocked Thailand and Myanmar last month, leading to a slower last-minute booking rate this year. Continued …

AirAsia unveils Phuket–Medan, Indonesia route

Thai AirAsia is turning up the heat on regional travel with the launch of a new direct route connecting Phuket to Medan, Indonesia, giving travelers even more reason to escape the ordinary and explore Southeast Asia’s hidden gems.

Starting June 27, AirAsia’s new route will operate four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, offering a seamless connection between two culturally rich and naturally stunning destinations. Continued …

Vanishing gardens

An elderly vegetable grower reflects on changing times as landowners sell to investors, converting traditional rice farms into housing projects and factories in Suan Phak, Nonthaburi province.

With only a small patch of vegetables left, the older generation witnesses the younger workforce retreat from farming, citing the hardships of outdoor labor. Video … 

What travel guides don’t tell you about visiting Thailand in your 40s

No one tells you that Thailand hits differently when you’re in your 40s. They still sell you the same brochure: sun-drenched beaches, temples, elephant sanctuaries, full moon parties (or the spiritual retreats replacing them), smiling locals, cheap massages, and street food you’ll pretend didn’t give you food poisoning. They still pitch it like you’re coming for some mix of adventure and healing.

What they don’t prepare you for is how confronting this place can be — not in your 20s when everything is new and exciting and ego-driven, but later, when you’ve built a life, an identity, a reputation, maybe even a body of work, and you show up here looking for something you can’t quite articulate. Continued …

Trump signals tit-for-tat China tariffs may be near end

U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday signaled a potential end to the tit-for-tat tariff hikes between the U.S. and China that shocked markets, and that a deal over the fate of social media platform TikTok may have to wait. Continued …

Trump includes US troop costs in tariff talks with Asian allies

The tens of thousands of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea and Japan appear set to be part of President Donald Trump’s tariff negotiations, despite efforts by both countries to separate security talks from trade. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

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

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-April 15

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Songkran Road Death Toll/1,472 Drink-Driving Cases Reported in First Three Days of Songkran/Songkran insanity/Collapsed building death toll rises/Changed elevator shaft design/Earthquake in Krabi/Resort Illegally Built in Kaeng Krachan/Free denture fitting for elderly/ECONOMY: Thailand in ‘technical recession’/Thailand finalizes US trade strategy/Caution in tariff talks/Lower Thai inflation/Senate panel to study casino-entertainment complex/Neta Auto investing in Thailand/TOURISM: Festival draws over 558,000/Bt10 billon from foreign film shoots/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Top 5 provinces for Songkran/Culinary Journey Through Songkran/CLIMATE THAILAND: Beach plankton bloom spreads/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Songkran Road Death Toll Reaches 100 After Three Days

Authorities have reported a 100 fatalities and 752 injuries from 756 road crashes in the first three days of the Songkran holiday period, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

The leading causes of the accidents were speeding (44.3%), drink-driving (29%), and abrupt lane changes (17.9%). Motorcycles were involved in 85.9% of the reported incidents, with straight road sections accounting for the majority of crashes (81.4%). Most accidents occurred between 6 pm and 9 pm. Continued …

1,472 Drink-Driving Cases Reported in First Three Days of Songkran

The Department of Probation has revealed that within the first three days of the Songkran holiday period this year, there have been 1,579 traffic-related cases dealt with, under court-ordered probation orders, with 1,472 involving drink-driving offenses. Chiang Mai ranks highest in the country with 136 cases, followed by Samut Prakan (123 cases) and Bangkok (118 cases).

Police Lt. Col. Suriya Singhakomol, director-general of the Department of Probation, emphasized the department’s strict monitoring measures being used. These include the use of electronic monitoring (EM) bracelets ordered by the courts, and collaboration with local police stations to track driver behavior through CCTV footage. Continued …

Pickup Truck Ploughs Through Songkran Revellers, Injuring Nearly 20, Driver Beaten by Mob

An incident marred Songkran celebrations in Chachoengsao province yesterday when a pickup truck driver rammed through a large crowd of water festival revellers, injuring nearly 20 people, six of them seriously. The chaotic aftermath saw an enraged crowd of over a hundred people drag the driver from the vehicle and beat him severely before police arrived.

The driver’s motives remain unclear, but according to onlookers, he appeared to deliberately speed into the crowd. As panic turned to fury, the crowd smashed the truck’s windows and attacked the man inside. Video footage shows several people trying to restrain others from inflicting further harm while waiting for the police. Continued … 

  • Myanmar worker fatally stabbed during Songkran festival – Continued …
  • Teen arrested for brandishing modified BB gun at Korat festival – Continued …
  • Man attacks woman, damages cars during Songkran in Nakhon Ratchasima – Continued …
  • Buriram man wanted for fatal Songkran shooting over drugs – Continued …
  • Fatal stabbing cancels Charming Maha Songkran event in Trang – Continued …
  • Drunken Driver Tries to Run Over Songkran Children in Udon Thani – Continued …
  • Woman Shoots Man Trying to Stop Assault During Songkran in Chiang Rai – Continued …
  • Man Drowns After Songkran Celebration in Saraburi – Continued …
  • Chinese youths rounded up for blasting high-pressure water at Songkran revellers – Continued …

Two more bodies found under collapsed building, death toll rises to 43

Two more bodies were discovered in Zone C of the collapsed 30-story building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district yesterday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 43, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported.

The under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) building on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road collapsed on March 28 due to the impact of an 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, trapping over a hundred workers inside. Continued …

Changed elevator shaft design may be behind SAO building collapse

The government-appointed investigating committee currently thinks that a change in the design of the elevator shaft of the State Audit Office building, reducing its wall thickness from 30cm to 25cm, may be the reason why the building collapsed when it was hit by tremors from an earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, according to Prof. Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Association of Structural Engineers.

He said the investigation will examine the details of the elevator shaft, including its design, how and by whom the design was changed, and the quality of the concrete and rebar used in its construction. Continued …

Another earthquake, this time in Krabi

A 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck Khlong Khamao subdistrict of Krabi province yesterday, about 791 kilometers from Bangkok. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with the Earthquake Research Center of Thailand, provided a summary of the earthquake that occurred at 2:27 pm.

The 3.5-magnitude quake struck Khlong Khamao subdistrict of Krabi province, near the Khlong Marui Fault Line, about 791 kilometers from Bangkok. The tremor could be felt in some of the nearby areas. Continued …

Resort Found Illegally Built on Protected Land in Kaeng Krachan National Park

Authorities have launched legal proceedings after uncovering a large-scale illegal development involving a hotel and several resort-style buildings on state land and within the boundaries of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi.

The development consists of a hotel, office buildings, swimming pool, rowhouses, and several villas. Some structures were already operational, while others were still under construction. Continued … 

Public Health announces free denture fitting for 45,000 elderly

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is offering free denture fitting for 45,000 elderly Thais to help restore smiles, improve confidence, and enhance quality of life. The announcement coincided with National Elderly Day, observed on Sunday.

The ministry stated that the program aims to bring smiles back to underprivileged elderly Thais, helping them speak with confidence and enjoy food once more. Elderly individuals can register for the free denture fitting service at public hospitals or clinics near their homes. – jiji.com

Thailand may now be in ‘technical recession’

Thailand’s economy may have slipped into a technical recession, with gross domestic product (GDP) estimated to have contracted in two consecutive quarters, according to Pongnakorn Pochakorn, a macroeconomics expert at the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO).

A new official revision of the FPO’s previous economic projection was expected to be released on April 28, he said. Thailand will see compounded effects from both the 36% U.S. tariff imposed on its goods, as well as the economic impact of Myanmar’s earthquake on March 28, Pongnakorn said. Continued …

Thailand finalizes US trade strategy ahead of talks next week

Thailand aims to hold talks with Trump administration officials next week to secure relief from a planned 36% reciprocal tariff on its goods, with officials finalizing a set of proposals, including to cut its US$46 billion trade surplus with the United States.

A delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is preparing to meet with U.S. trade officials in Washington on April 21, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said yesterday. Pichai will also travel to Seattle later this week to meet with American businessmen from the agricultural, industrial, and investment sectors, he said. Continued …

Experts urge caution in tariff talks

The government should proceed cautiously rather than rushing into retaliation against the United States’ reciprocal tariff measures, experts say. Thailand, which has been hit with a 36% reciprocal tariff, is among several countries now lining up to negotiate with the U.S. for a possible reduction in the rate.

The government says Washington has responded to Bangkok’s request for negotiations, but no specific position in the negotiation queue has been provided yet. Continued …

Lower Thai inflation reflects energy and policy measures: ministry

Thailand’s lower-than-expected March inflation rate was mainly due to lower energy prices and government policies to alleviate cost of living pressures, the commerce ministry said yesterday, and did not reflect a slowdown in economic activity. It added that slower global growth could weigh on prices.

A global economic slowdown brought on by U.S. tariffs would impact prices, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, head of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office said, noting that foreign exporters impacted by the tariffs may also ship cheaper goods to Thailand. Continued …

Thai Senate panel to study casino-entertainment complex bill

A special Senate committee tasked with studying the casino-entertainment complex bill is scheduled to hold its first meeting on April 23, according to a source. A 35-member panel was formed following a proposal by Sen. Sorachat Wichaya Suwanphrom.

According to the source, the upcoming meeting will focus on appointing key positions, outlining the study’s framework and selecting a replacement a departing member. The study is expected to take 180 days to complete. Continued …

Neta Auto keen on ramping up investment in Thailand

Undeterred by Washington’s new auto tariff policy, Neta Auto Thailand, the Thai subsidiary of Neta Auto, a Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) maker, is planning to increase its investment in Thailand to support a plan to make Thailand an export hub in Southeast Asia.

The company is not concerned about the impact of U..S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs because its target markets are in Southeast Asia. Neta Auto will continue to expand its business in Thailand, having collaborated with Bangchan General Assembly Co. to commence the assembly of BEVs at a factory in the Bangchan Industrial Estate in Bangkok. Continued …

Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 draws over 558,000 visitors

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the success of the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025,” held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok from April 11 to 15. Over the first three days of the event (April 11-13), more than 558,015 people attended, generating a total economic impact of 1.702 billion baht.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of TAT, stated that the festival, held along Ratchadamnoen Avenue and at Sanam Luang in Phra Nakhon district, received overwhelming interest from both Thai and international tourists. The total attendance during the first three days consisted of 523,456 Thais and 34,559 foreigners. Continued … 

Tourism Department seeks Bt10 billon from foreign film shoots

The Tourism Department has upgraded the target for foreign film production revenue this year to 10 billion from 7.5 billion, banking on the revised stimulus offering a 30% cash rebate incentive to lure large productions.

Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director-general of the department, said the permanent tourism secretary urged the department to raise its foreign film revenue target after attracting a significant amount of productions last year. Continued …

Top 5 provinces for Songkran travel revealed

Southeast Asia travel platform Traveloka has revealed the five most popular Thai provinces for the 2025 Songkran festival, with overall tourism revenue nationwide expected to reach 26.5 billion baht.

The platform highlighted a growing trend among Thai travelers who are now embracing the “Travel Anywhere, No Low Season” concept, making the most of Thailand’s year-round destinations. Continued … 

A Culinary Journey Through Songkran

While wandering the ancient streets of Bangkok, I found myself enveloped in the unexpected chaos of the Songkran festival. One moment, I marveled at the stunning temples; the next, I was caught in a water fight, soaked by a cheeky child wielding a water gun.

Seizing a break from the watery commotion, I delved into the culinary traditions of Songkran, experiencing an array of Thai flavors. Amidst the market’s hustle, the scent of spices and grilled delicacies invited me. Continued …

Tourists avoid swimming at Thai beach as plankton bloom spreads

Tourists were disgusted to see a beach covered in a dark green plankton bloom in Thailand. Aerial footage shows holidaymakers standing by the shore, looking bewildered as the thick, murky water laps at the sand at Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi.

of the swimmers took a dip in the discolored water, but others chose to stay away. More visitors left the area as they were afraid to touch the ocean in case it could be bad for their health. Tourist Suphakorn Siritasanakul, said, ‘I brought my family from Pathum Thani to visit the beach but when they saw the green color they didn’t want to go near it.” Continued and video …

China’s Xi Says There Are ‘No Winners’ in a Tariff War

China’s leader Xi Jinping started a week of diplomacy in Southeast Asia with a visit to Vietnam yesterday, signaling China’s commitment to global trade, just after U.S. President Donald Trump upended the global economy with his latest tariffs moves. Although Trump has paused some tariffs, China was the outlier, as he has kept in place 145% tariffs on the world’s second-largest economy. Continued …

58,000 Elderly people died alone at home in Japan in 2024

Japan’s National Police Agencysays that 58,044 elderly people living alone died at home in Japan in 2024, disclosing such a figure on an annual basis for the first time. The agency surveyed the issue of loneliness and isolation as part of the government’s fact-finding efforts. The government will use the results to consider measures to resolve the problem. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, exports, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, transportation

Friday’s news-April 11

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Please welcome returning sponsor Sivana Hills/Sritala from The White Lotus at home in Hua Hin/A guide to Songkran/Summer storms during Songkran/Thailand Boosts Road Safety/Crime Crackdown During Songkran/Radar Detects Potential Survivor/State Audit Office to be rebuilt/Gold hits record high/Snake handler rescues Satun family/Tiger population stable/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: China’s Zero-Dollar Trade/Thailand lags in global trade war/Give struggling households a helping hand/TOURISM: Digital Arrival Card Submission/9.55 million foreign tourists/50% off flights to China/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Songkran’s scented water/Khao chae: A tasty, refreshing reminder/15 Thailand Travel Essentials to Pack/Thailand trip teaches new lessons/CLIMATE THAILAND: Chiang Mai ninth most polluted city/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Please welcome returning sponsor

Sivana Hills

Bangkok Living Development Co. has opened up a new section of its upscale homes – Sivana Hills. This new residential development includes 56 freehold units, from 467 square meters to 759 square meters in size; fully furnished as per show villas; starting at 12.6 million baht; located at Soi 126 Phetkasem Road in the Kao Tao area.

Contact: tel: 066-136-7879; email: sales@sivanavillas.com; Web.

How Sritala from The White Lotus is promoting arts at home in Hua Hin

For Thai actor and educator Patravadi “Lek” Mejudhon, her role as Sritala in the smash hit third series of The White Lotus has put her in a broader spotlight than ever before, and she’s harnessing this success to further train and inspire youth in arts and culture in rural Thailand.

While her character in the show is the high-society owner of the fictional White Lotus resort, Lek is far more humble and comfortable in the small town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand coast teaching arts and music at her own school and supporting community creativity. Continued …

A guide to Songkran, Thailand’s annual New Year festival

“Why is everyone carrying those guns?” This seemingly valid question was asked during an episode of season three of “The White Lotus” by Kate (Leslie Bibb), one of three women in Thailand on a girls’ trip together — but who don’t appear to actually like each other.

The trio, on an excursion to a town near their resort, are alarmed to see the heavily armed but colorfully dressed crowd. “On Songkran they have water fights in the street,” says resort employee Valentin (Arnas Fedaravicius) as he drops them off, telling them to do some shopping. “It’s for fun, don’t worry about it.” Continued …

Thailand braces for summer storms during Songkran festival

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has warned about summer storms during the Songkran festival. Thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail are expected, especially in the upper northeastern and northern regions. From April 10 to 12, increased rainfall is anticipated in the south.

The Hydro-Informatics Institute reported that from April 10 to 12 the influence of western and southwesterly winds will result in increased rainfall in the south, with heavy rain expected in some areas. The provinces likely affected include Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Continued …

Thailand Boosts Road Safety Measures for Songkran Holiday Travel

As millions of Thais prepare to celebrate the Songkran holiday, the government has unveiled an extensive road safety initiative to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. From April 11 to 18, the newly launched national road safety center will oversee operations to manage the influx of travelers during Thailand’s biggest travel period of the year.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, “Our aim is clear: reduce road deaths and serious accidents. This center will coordinate across multiple agencies to ensure traffic laws are enforced, safety measures are implemented, and road safety awareness is heightened.” Continued …

Thai Immigration Police Mobilize for Crime Crackdown During Songkran

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has announced a nationwide campaign targeting crime over the Songkran festival, while preparing to accommodate a significant influx of international tourists.

Yesterday at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Panumas Boonyalak, the commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, along with Police Major Gen. Cherngron Rimpadee, launched a unified operation to crack down on crime during Thailand’s Songkran Festival 2025. Continued … 

Radar Detects Potential Survivor in Collapsed Bangkok Building

Rescue workers from the Phetkasem Foundation have reported a significant breakthrough at the site of the collapsed Auditor General’s Office building. They detected a mobile phone signal emanating from beneath the debris and subsequent radar scans have located what appears to be a human body approximately three meters below the surface, with rescuers estimating a 90% likelihood that the individual is alive.

An update indicated that this positive sign is believed to correspond to the first potential casualty located, situated at a depth of one meter. A second individual is thought to be located deeper within the wreckage, at around three meters. Continued …

Bangkok State Audit Office to be rebuilt but not on the deadly ruins

The deputy auditor general has confirmed plans to push ahead with building a new State Audit office, but it will be moved away from the exact spot where tragedy struck when an unfinished government complex came crashing down during a powerful earthquake last month, killing 23 workers and trapping dozens more beneath the rubble.

The auditor general’s office, still under construction at the time, was reduced to rubble after a 7.7-magnitude quake struck Myanmar and sent violent tremors through Bangkok, causing the partially built structure to collapse in seconds. Continued …

Gold hits record high as US-China trade war intensifies, dollar weakens

Gold prices jumped nearly 3% to an all-time high yesterday, as a drop in the dollar and an escalating trade war between the U.S. and China drove investors toward the safe-haven allure of the precious metal.

Spot gold climbed 2.6% to $3,160.82 an ounce, after hitting a record high of $3,171.49 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures rose 3.2% to settle at $3,177.5. Continued …

Snake handler rescues Satun family from giant king cobras

A renowned snake handler was called to assist a rubber plantation family in Satun province after discovering a pair of giant king cobras had made a nest and laid 29 eggs near their plantation. The presence of these snakes had halted rubber-tapping activities for the family residing in Palm Pattana subdistrict, Manang district, since March.

Snake handler Bang Ya Bongla King was initially unable to assist due to his observance of Ramadan, but he promptly traveled to the site after the fasting month ended. Accompanied by volunteers from the Rom Sai Rescue Foundation, Bang Ya navigated a trek of over 2 kilometers up the mountain to reach the snake nest. Continued …

Thailand’s ‘second’ tiger population stable, but barriers to expansion persist

Populations of the critically endangered Indochinese tigers in eastern Thailand’s forest reserves remained stable between 2018 and 2021, but a shortage of prey and the presence of highways prevented their expansion to promising habitat, a recent study has found.

Scientists have been monitoring Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) populations across the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex since 2008. They’ve even found evidence of the tigers breeding. However, studies have found little evidence of the big cats spreading out to newer areas, despite an abundance of suitable habitat across the forest complex, which encompasses five protected areas. Continued …

  • Chinese-Owned Restaurant in Rayong Raided for Employing Illegal Workers – Continued …
  • Mid-Air Theft, Chinese Caught After American Passenger Sounds the Alarm – Continued …
  • Thai police arrest foreigners with illegal cannabis and ketamine – Continued …

China’s Zero-Dollar Trade Sparks Thailand’s Economic Woes

Thailand is grappling with an influx of “zero-dollar” investments and exports from China, raising alarms over the potential impact on the nation’s economy. Experts are urging the government to take decisive measures to curb these activities, which could otherwise lead to growth that bypasses the Thai populace entirely.

Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank, highlighted the global trade shifts driven by U.S.-China tensions, which could turn Southeast Asia, and Thailand in particular, into fertile ground for foreign direct investment (FDI). Continued …

Thailand lags in the global trade war

Thailand is fast isolating itself from the international community and falling behind in the emerging geoeconomic warfare to the detriment of its economy and people. The elected government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is ironically coming up with outcomes that resemble those of the military administration a decade ago.

Thailand must now move quickly to contain policy damage and restore its international standing to navigate and come out of the intensifying geoeconomic war in as decent a shape as possible. Continued …

IMF urges Thailand to give struggling households a helping hand

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Thailand to boost protections for struggling families or risk keeping millions trapped in a cycle of crushing debt, much of it borrowed just to put food on the table.

In a hard-hitting Country Focus report released on April 9, the global financial watchdog highlighted that more than half of Thai workers lack formal employment, leaving them without job security or basic social protections, and dangerously exposed to economic shocks. Continued …

Thailand Requires Digital Arrival Card Submission 3 Days Before Entry

Starting May 1, foreign visitors heading to Thailand must fill in an online arrival card before their trip, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) website, created by the Immigration Bureau, is ready to capture essential traveler details. Smart app versions on Android and iOS will soon be available to make the process even smoother.

Diplomatic workers, some international organization members, and foreign officials in Thailand are exempt. This digital shift replaces the TM6 paper card, which was discontinued last year. The streamlined TDAC is mandatory for all foreign visitors, irrespective of whether they enter Thailand by air, sea, or land. Continued …

Thailand welcomes 9.55 million foreign tourists in Q1, Chinese remain no.1

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported that 9,549,004 foreign tourists entered Thailand during the first three months of 2025 (Jan. 1–March 31) marking a modest 1.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite the slow growth in foreign arrivals, tourism revenue surged by 10.5% year-on-year, generating 462.75 billion baht for local businesses, the ministry said. The top 10 countries with the highest number of tourist arrivals to Thailand during the first quarter are: Continued …

Thai travelers offered 50% off flights to China for Songkran

Chinese travel agents are pulling out all the stops to fill planes over the Songkran holiday, offering Thai tourists cut-price tickets to the mainland in a desperate bid to claw back losses after a dramatic drop in Chinese visitors to Thailand.

Some tour operators are slashing fares by up to 50%, flogging unsold flight tickets at bargain rates rather than leaving them unused. It comes as travel agents scramble to recover from a tough start to the year, made worse by an earthquake in late March and safety concerns that spooked would-be Chinese tourists. Continued …

The scented water that gives Songkran its unique fragrance

Songkran is famous for water splashing, but did you know the Thai New Year also carries a special fragrance? No Songkran celebration is complete without the scented water known as “Nam Ob Thai”.

Scented water is considered a traditional Thai perfume. The scent can be mixed with water because it is alcohol-free, unlike western perfumes. Nam Ob Thai is made from pure water and is also affordable. Continued …

Khao chae: A tasty, refreshing reminder of Thailand’s rich past

Khao chae, or rice soaked in cool, fragrant water, is a dish that dates back several centuries but is still popular in hot summer months.

Legend has it that the recipe first arrived in the royal court during the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868). It was reportedly introduced to the palace kitchen by the king’s wife Mom Chao Manda Songklin. Now, the ancient dish is experiencing a revival thanks to trends sparked by lovers of all things retro. Continued …

15 Thailand Travel Essentials to Pack (if you can afford them!)

Although I love where I live in Montana, I’ve always wanted a destination wedding. So, much to my 95-year-old grandmother’s chagrin, in a few months I’ll be tying the knot at Chai Lai Orchid, an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.

Most of my friends and family have never been to Southeast Asia, so they’re already starting to ask me what they should bring. Fortunately, I’ve visited Thailand every year for an 8-week sabbatical since 2016. I may not have permanent resident status yet, but I have the whole Thailand packing list down pat. Continued …

Thailand trip teaches new lessons on health care

It’s not often that your pre-med studies take you halfway around the globe, or let you stand face-to-tusk with elephants. Yet, seven State University of New York at Cortland students got to make memories of a lifetime while getting in-depth medical experience during the university’s new Healthcare in Thailand program.

The three-week, three-credit winter session course was led by professors Christa Chatfield and Theresa Curtis of the Biological Sciences Department. The group stayed in Chiang Mai, a city of 1.2 million people. Continued …

Chiang Mai ranks ninth among most polluted cities

Chiang Mai Municipality was ranked the ninth most polluted city in the world this morning, with an air quality index (AQI) of 147, according to IQAir.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), in coordination with the Royal Thai Army, is working to alleviate air pollution across 17 northern provinces currently experiencing poor air quality. Continued …

Trump trade war with China revives recession, bear market fears

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war rattled global markets anew yesterday, as stocks and oil prices sank amid fears that China may once again respond in kind with higher tariffs to match the latest levies imposed by the United States. Continued …

Apple airlifts 1.5 million iPhones from India ‘to beat tariffs’

Apple Inc. chartered cargo flights to ferry 600 tons of iPhones, or as many as 1.5 million, to the United States from India, after it stepped up production there in an effort to beat U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Continued …

 

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, exports, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-April 8

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New water supply pipeline/Royal Blossom Hua Hin schedule/Water plant project for Hua Hin’s Centara/Wet ‘n’ wild weather/Threat to Buildings in Bangkok/Closure of 55 Buildings Post-Quake/Death toll rises to 20/Tremors Shake Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son/K9 team bids farewell/Small feline found alive/World’s Top Female Chef/Russian Woman Plunges from 14th Floor/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Thailand to Boost US Imports/New Thai trade strategy/Thailand Grapples with Economic Headwinds/Thai shares plunge/Market rout deepens/Swine farmers sweat over tariff/Russian Work Permits in Phuket/Bangkok Motor Show Bookings Surge/TOURISM: Crisis-hit Thai tourism/Thais to travel during Songkran/Airport surge in holiday arrivals/Tariffs Threaten Samui’s Tourism/Campaign to Boost Central Thailand Tourism/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Origins of the ‘white elephant’/CLIMATE THAILAND: To ramp up demand for EVs/Electric Vehicles to Airports of Thailand/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

New water supply pipeline planned for Hua Hin

Continued …

Royal Blossom train plans May Hua Hin schedule

Continued …

Malaysia firm wins chilled water plant project for Hua Hin’s Centara

KJTS Group Bhd’s subsidiary in Thailand, KJTN Engineering Co., has been appointed the contractor by Central Hua Hin Beach Resort Co. for the chilled water plant improvement project at the five-star Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin.

KJTS said the contract came under a finance, retrofit, operation, , and transfer (ROT) scheme for a duration of 20 years. Under the deal, KJTN Engineering shall finance the retrofit works amounting to Bt194.98mil for Phase 1, and Bt15.52mil for Phase 2. Continued … 

Wet ‘n’ wild weather to storm Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) says thunderstorms are set to drench 48 provinces, including Bangkok. With heavy downpours predicted to soak 40% of the area, residents are warned of wild winds and the possibility of hail in some spots.

In the south (east coast), thunderstorms are predicted in 20% of the area, particularly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, with temperatures between 23°C and 35°C. Continued …

Lack of Steel Reinforcement a Threat to Buildings in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Expert Warns

An alarming revelation has rattled the construction scene in Thailand. Former Engineering Institute of Thailand president Tortrakul Yamnak has pointed out a severe construction flaw in buildings across Bangkok and Chiang Mai after a massive earthquake hit on March 28. The root of the issue? Columns that haven’t been reinforced with steel.

Tortrakul illustrates that many tall buildings, some even eight stories high, showcase dangerous damage — not just superficial plaster cracks but real structural threats. The academic insists that these cracks are due to pillars failing under seismic stress, warning the public to urge for immediate inspection by structural engineers. Continued …

Thai Authorities Order Closure of 55 Buildings Post-Quake

Following a recent earthquake, Thai authorities have inspected over 6,900 buildings across Bangkok and the provinces, with 55 structures deemed too damaged to use and subsequently closed. The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning led the assessment alongside engineering bodies.

Buildings were categorized into three groups: public buildings like hospitals and schools, private high-rise buildings, and residential dwellings. The inspection, which began on March 28 and concluded on April, 6 classified 6,487 buildings as safe (green), 361 with moderate damage but still usable (yellow), and 55 with severe structural issues, leading to closure (red). Continued …

Death toll rises to 20 as three more bodies recovered

Three more bodies have been recovered from the rubble of the collapsed 30-story building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, bringing the death toll to 20, a rescue official confirmed today. As of this morning, 77 individuals remain missing.

The under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) building collapsed on March 28 following the impact of an 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, about 392 kilometers from Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province. Continued …

Tremors Shake Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son

Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son districts were rocked by 16 minor tremors this morning. These little shakes, measuring 1.9 to 3.8 on the Richter scale, were most prominent in Wiang Haeng, Chiang Mai, and Pai, Mae Hong Son. Though many went unnoticed, a few larger ones made their presence felt among residents.

The Earthquake Observation Division reported that the tremors began early, from 4:22 am, and continued sporadically until 10:57 am. The majority — 10 quakes — were located in Saen Hai, Wiang Haeng, with magnitudes ranging from 1.9 to 3.5. Meanwhile, Pai district experienced six tremors, with the initial one peaking at a considerable magnitude of 3.8. Continued …

K9 team bids farewell to families of collapsed building’s victims

Members of the K9 USAR THAILAND rescue team yesterday bid farewell to the families of the victims of the collapsed building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, after participating in the search and rescue mission for 10 days.

After working for 10 days straight, team members and dogs will take a short break before embarking on the next mission, said Alongkot Chukaew, deputy director of K9 USAR THAILAND. He brought three rescue dogs — Nuan, Sahara, and Benny — to visit the victims’ families at the emergency shelter yesterday and to offer moral support, another important mission of the K9 unit. Continued …

Cat lovers eager to adopt small feline found alive in collapsed highrise

Cat lovers have flocked to a pet clinic’s Facebook page, all hoping to adopt a small ca  found alive by a sniffer dog amid the devastation of the collapsed State Audit Office building. The Wipawadee Pet Clinic announced yesterday it was looking for a new home for the young female, aged about two months.

The little feline was found about 8pm on Sunday by Naree, a sniffer dog. The cat had survived inside the rubble of the earthquake-struck 30-story building for 10 days before being found by the rescue dog, part of the search and rescue operation. Continued …

Thai Chef Pam Brings World’s Top Female Chef Title to Asia

Chef Pam Pichaya Soontornyanakij of “POTONG,” a Thai-Chinese fine dining restaurant in Bangkok’s Yaowarat district, has been crowned “The World’s Best Female Chef 2025”, becoming the first Asian chef to receive this prestigious honor.

Following the announcement of “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025” in late March, “50 BEST” has now revealed Chef Pam as the recipient of this global award. According to 50 Best, Chef Pam is the first Asian to claim this title in the award’s 14-year history. The winner is selected by an academy of 1,120 gastronomic experts from around the world. Continued …

Russian Woman Plunges to Her Death from 14th Floor Condo in Pattaya

A 26-year-old Russian woman has died after falling from the 14th floor of a condominium in the Na Kluea area of Bang Lamung, Chonburi province. The incident, which occurred at around 4 pm yesterday, is being treated as suspicious, and local police have launched a full investigation.

Initial investigations revealed that the deceased had been living alone in a room on the 14th floor of the 40-story building. However, over the past few days, a fellow Russian man, said to be an acquaintance of only a few days, had been visiting her regularly and was reportedly present in the room at the time of the incident. Continued …

  • Indecent Tourist Behavior Prompts Action on Patong Beach – Continued …
  • Phuket locals demand action after foreigners brawl on Bangla Road – Continued …
  • Foreign tourist sued for road rage ruckus – Continued and video … 
  • German tourist assaults Thai man, steals his motorbike – Continued …
  • Critically endangered animals rescued after smuggling attempt at Thailand airport – Continued …
  • Russian National Arrested for Overstaying of 268 Days – Continued …
  • British Woman Arrested at Phuket Airport for 207-Day Visa Overstay – Continued …
  • Three Colombians Arrested in Nong Khai While Fleeing Home Theft – Continued …

Thailand to Boost US Imports Amid Tariff Turmoil

The Thai government has announced plans to up its imports from the United States, including energy, aircraft, and agricultural goods. This strategic move comes in response to the hefty 36% tariff the U.S. has slapped on Thai exports.

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is set to fly to Washington, D.C. this week, where he will represent Thailand in crucial talks. The delegation’s mission is to stress that Thailand is a robust trade ally, eager to invigorate economic exchanges with America. Continued …

US tariff hike prompts new Thai trade strategy

An adviser to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasized that the government’s approach to negotiations over U.S. tariffs must be based on a “know your enemy, know yourself” strategy, which aims to carefully assess the situation and Thailand’s strengths before engaging in talks.

The adviser, Supavud Saicheua, said the Thai government is preparing to open discussions on reducing import tariffs and increasing Thai investment in the United States. This move comes in response to the 36% hike in import tariffs on Thai goods, which is set to take effect tomorrow. Continued …

Thailand Grapples with Economic Headwinds, as Experts Urge Swift Action

The Thai economy faces a challenging period as it contends with the lingering impact of a previous earthquake and the potential for significant new tariffs from the United States, according to leading economists in Bangkok.

Kobsak Pootrakool, executive vice president and corporate secretary of Bangkok Bank (BBL), warned that the nation is experiencing stronger than anticipated economic headwinds, necessitating an urgent response through both monetary and fiscal policy measures. Continued …

Thai shares plunge on Trump tariff fears

Share prices on the Stock Exchange of Thailand dived today on fears of a possible trade war after tariff hikes by the U.S. administration. The SET Index plunged 42.30 points, or 3.76%, to 1,082.91 only minutes after the open.

The Thai bourse opened after a three-day holiday, while other markets jittered yesterday due to concerns about a possible recession from U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy. Continued …

Measures being taken by Asian policymakers as market rout deepens

Policymakers across Asia are preparing measures to support financial markets as a rout deepened following sweeping tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump that stoked widespread recession worries.

Thailand’s stock exchange said yesterday it would impose measures including lowering the ceiling and floor limit on stock trading to 15% from 30%, and a ban on short-selling during April 8-11 to mitigate potential volatility. The benchmark index slumped nearly 5% today, hitting its lowest level since March 2020. Continued …

Thai swine farmers sweat over tariff talks

The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand has strongly opposed a government proposal to import U.S. pork as part of trade deficit negotiations with Washington, warning it could devastate the domestic livestock industry and compromise consumer safety.

The association’s president, Sitthiphan Thanakiatpinyo, was speaking recently about the idea proposed by the government to import animal feed corn and pork from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance following the U.S. decision to impose a 36% import tariff on Thai goods. Continued …

Russians Hold One in Four Foreign Work Permits in Phuket

A newly published report from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) has shed light on a significant demographic shift in the island’s workforce: Russian nationals now account for one in every four valid work permits issued to foreigners in the province.

According to the PPEO’s Labor Market Overview for April 2025, a total of 15,620 valid work permits have been granted to foreign nationals currently working legally in Phuket. Of these, 3,926 were issued to citizens of the Russian Federation, making up 25% of all foreign work permit holders on the island. Continued …

 

BYD Steals the Show at Bangkok Motor Show as Bookings Surge

The Bangkok International Motor Show 2025 has drawn to a close with 79,941 vehicle bookings, a significant 44.8% increase compared to the previous year. Final figures released on Sunday revealed that Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD topped the sales charts, narrowly beating industry giant Toyota.

The event attracted 1.6 million visitors. The data indicates a strong shift toward electric vehicles, with xEV models accounting for over 65% of total bookings. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) proved particularly popular within this segment. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles comprised the remaining 35% of bookings. Continued …

Crisis-hit Thai tourism staring down an abyss

Led by sharp drops in its two top source markets, Thailand ended the January-March first quarter with 9.5 million arrivals, an anemic 1.9% increase over the 9.37 million in the first quarter of 2024. Most disturbing is the downward trend from a high of 3,709,102 arrivals in January to 3,119,445 in February and 2,720,457 in March.

China, still suffering from the after-effects of the scam center scandals, has plunged from 662,779 arrivals in January to 297,113 in March. Neighboring Malaysia dropped significantly in March due to the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. Continued …

72% of Thais expect to travel during Songkran

Thais are unfazed by recent earthquake jitters and are eagerly preparing for the Songkran Festival. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce reports that 72.1% of Thais plan to travel during the Thai New Year celebration, which officially begins on Sunday, April 13, and runs through Wednesday, April 16.

Despite the tremors, it appears there’s little impact on spending plans, with 74.5% of participants in a chamber survey indicating no change. However, 14.4% of those surveyed plan to spend more, while 11.1% intend to tighten their wallets slightly. Most intend to enjoy traditional Songkran celebrations but are steering clear of activities in tall buildings. Continued …

Airports told to brace for surge in holiday arrivals during Songkran

International and domestic flights during this year’s Songkran holidays are forecast to increase by 9.1% and 22.7%, respectively, compared to last year’s figures, according to the Transport Ministry, which yesterday emphasized the need for airports to accommodate travelers more effectively.

The Ministry of Transport has rolled out special measures at six major airports managed by Airports of Thailand – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang (Chiang Rai), Phuket, and Hat Yai – as it forecasts a surge in the number of flights during the period. Continued …

Trump Tariffs Threaten Samui’s Tourism

Thailand’s tourism sector braces itself as Donald Trump’s new tariff policy threatens a slowdown in American visitors. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is closely watching how these tariffs might dent the spending power of U.S. tourists eager to visit Samui, fueled by the newfound fame of The White Lotus TV series. This could mean a lost opportunity for Thai tourism operators to cash in on the show’s popularity.

Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, a leading figure in Thailand’s tourism sector, expressed concerns over the impact of increased U.S. tariffs, warning that rising U.S. living costs may force potential tourists to cut down on foreign travel. Continued …

TAT Launches Campaign to Boost Central Thailand Tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining forces with the private sector to stimulate tourism in the central region with the launch of its “Everyday Special Moment: Happy Central Region Travels Every Moment” campaign. The initiative focuses on promoting weekday travel to boost spending within the region.

TAT is partnering with various private sector entities to offer a range of campaigns and over 500 exclusive deals, targeting Gen Z, Millennials, and families to encourage them to explore destinations closer to home. Continued …

The curious origins of the ‘white elephant’

Today, the idiom “white elephant” is widely used to describe a burdensome possession, something more trouble than it’s worth. But behind the phrase lies a fascinating history rooted in royal tradition, spiritual reverence, and a dash of cunning politics in Southeast Asia — particularly in Thailand. The origin of the term traces back to the ancient kingdoms of Thailand (formerly Siam), where white elephants, albino elephants with pale skin, were regarded as sacred animals.

In Buddhist culture, these rare creatures symbolized power, prosperity, and divine blessing. Many theories suggested that they were so revered that only the monarch could own one, and they were exempt from labor. Instead, they were housed lavishly, fed special diets, and given ceremonial treatment. Continued …

Government vows to ramp up demand for electric vehicles

The government says it is committed to transforming Thailand into an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, emphasizing this policy also focuses on stimulating demand for EVs to encourage consumer adoption. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said it is essential to build a domestic supply of EVs to meet this demand.

The government shift to an EV production hub from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle production, through the EV3.0 and EV3.5 schemes, led to domestic EV production by manufacturers based on state incentives to promote EV usage, including import tax reductions, excise tax cuts, and financial subsidies for EV buyers. Continued …

GAC Delivers Electric Vehicles to Airports of Thailand

Having forged a strategic partnership with the Airports of Thailand (AOT), GAC International officially delivered 50 AION Y Plus pure electric vehicles to the AOT last Friday.

Those vehicles are now in operation, providing shuttle services within and around Suvarnabhumi Airport. – aastocks.com

Trump vows huge new China tariffs as markets nosedive

U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday threatened new tariffs of 50% on China, ratcheting up a trade war even as a dramatic selloff in global markets gathered pace. In response to Trump’s tariffs, Beijing – Washington’s major economic rival – unveiled its own 34% duties on U.S. goods to come into effect on Thursday. Continued …

China denounces as ‘blackmail’ Trump’s threat to ratchet tariffs by a further 50%

China decried as “blackmail” today U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to add a further tariff of 50% on its goods, after he demanded that Beijing withdraw its plans for counter-tariffs. If neither side blinks and Trump sticks to his plans, total new levies could climb to 104% this year on Chinese goods imported into the U.S., escalating a trade war that has already spurred the biggest market losses since the pandemic. Continued …

Global markets are in meltdown

A stock market rout, historic in scale, has swept across the globe, wiping more than $10 trillion off major markets, as concerns about the economic damage unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs spiral. No corner of the world has been left unscathed by selling, with moves of a magnitude last seen during the 2020 COVID-19 crisis. Continued …

US, Vietnamese businesses ask Trump to delay 46% tariffs on Vietnam

U.S. and Vietnamese businesses have asked the Trump administration to delay its planned 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods, saying the levy will hurt them and bilateral commercial relations. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi expressed concern to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a letter dated Saturday, saying the tariff, to take effect tomorrow, was “shockingly high”. Continued …

Apple customers dash to stores to buy iPhones ahead of tariffs

The Trump administration’s threat of massive new tariffs has sent Apple’s share price plummeting, but it also brought a short-term benefit: customers rushing to retail stores to buy iPhones. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, exports, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism

Monday’s news-April 7

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Hua Hin set to receive international flights/Arrested for Illegal Crop Burning/48 provinces face heavy rain/No signs of life at collapsed tower/Families to receive payments/China’s crediblity collapsing fast/Worry about building safety/Fronting for China Railway No 10/Subcontractors demand overdue payments/Heavy Rains Compound Misery/Delayed Construction Projects Involve Chinese/ECONOMY: Market panic deepens/Tariffs Threaten Global Trade War/Thailand to increase imports from US/Which Asian Economies Face the Greatest Risk?/Collective ASEAN tariff response/How Asia Pacific is responding/TOURISM: Songkran to generate over 130 billion baht/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rules for Traveling in Thailand/Bangkok’s fresh market/Opulence meets culture/CLIMATE THAILAND: Technology upgrades energy outlays/Marrying energy and the environment/Kok River pollution triggers health alert/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Hua Hin set to receive international flights this year

After a years-long hiatus, the Thai beach resort city of Hua Hin could resume international flights this year following a runway upgrade, jumpstarting its tourism sector. Experts say this would help Thailand achieve its aim of developing secondary destinations, and officials including Hua Hin’s mayor welcome the prospect of drawing more international tourists.

But some wonder if building a new airport would be better for Hua Hin in the longer term and want more funding from the central government to develop other infrastructure to cope with larger visitor numbers. Continued …

Two Arrested for Illegal Crop Burning in Phichit

Two men have been arrested in Phichit province after being caught red-handed setting fire to rice stubble, contributing to thick smog and hazardous PM2.5 pollution across the region. One of the suspects was found holding a lighter at the scene, authorities confirmed.

Police led the operation in cooperation with local investigators and disaster prevention officials. The first suspect, a local resident of Tambon Thainam in Pho Thale district, was found burning rice stubble in a field approximately 500 meters from the Pho Thale–Bang Lai Road. Continued …

48 provinces face heavy rain, hail

The Meteorological Department has announced a list of 48 provinces expected to experience summer storms, heavy rain, and hail today.

Southern Region (East Coast): Thunderstorms in 20% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature: 23–25°C. Maximum temperature: 33–36°C. Easterly winds 15–30 km/h. Continued …

No signs of life, more bodies expected at collapsed tower

Heavy machines are increasingly being used to excavate the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building and rescuers are likely to find more bodies as no further signs of life have been detected, Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said yesterday.

With chances of finding more survivors faded, heavy machines are operating at full speed to remove the top of the rubble pile and dig holes into its sides to reach areas where bodies are likely to be located, the governor said. Continued …

Families to receive up to 2 million baht after Bangkok building collapse

Families of those who lost their lives in the collapse of the State Audit Office building are set to receive compensation from the Ministry of Labor, amounting up to 2 million baht per family.

Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the ministry’s permanent secretary, visited the Coordination and Assistance Center to assure both migrant and Thai workers of equal treatment. He stated that relatives of the deceased can apply for compensation, which will be processed and paid within 15 days. Continued …

China’s Belt and Road crediblity collapsing fast in Thailand

China’s Belt and Road Initiative projects are being scrutinized in Thailand after Myanmar’s 7.7 earthquake pancaked a 30-floor building 966 kilometers (600 miles) away that Chinese engineers were constructing in Bangkok.

The incomplete skyscraper was the only building to collapse in the lightly damaged Thai capital. But the disaster exposed allegedly substandard steel reinforcing rods that had snapped, reducing the building to a huge rubble pile that crushed about 87 construction workers, including 17 confirmed dead and 70 who disappeared. Continued …

Bangkok residents worry about building safety in wake of earthquake

A recent survey by Nida Poll has revealed concerns among Bangkok residents about the structural safety of buildings and other issues following the recent earthquake.

The poll was conducted on April 1-3 by telephone interviews with 1,300 respondents aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes throughout the capital. Continued …

Three Thais Accused of Fronting for China Railway No 10

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has revealed that three Thai nationals allegedly acted as nominee shareholders for China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co., the contractor behind the recently collapsed State Audit Office building. The DSI claims the trio were used to disguise foreign ownership from the founding of the company in 2018.

The revelations came during a high-level investigation meeting chaired by Justice Minister Taweesong Sodsong and attended by DSI Director-General Yutthana Praedam, Deputy Director-General Surawut Rangsai, and 36 special case officers. Continued …

Subcontractors demand overdue payments from China Railway No 10

Ten freelance subcontractors installing public utilities at the State Audit Office building, before its collapse on March 28 during an earthquake, gathered at the construction site today to demand more than 10 million baht in overdue pay from the China Railway No 10 (Thailand) and subcontract (9PK) companies.

Thiprom Pothiprom, leader of the subcontractors, said he was hired by the two Chinese companies to install electrical systems at the building, from January last year until this January, and has not been fully paid in accordance with the contract, despite having asked for payment three times. Continued …

Myanmar Earthquake: Heavy Rains Compound Misery for Survivors

Heavy rainfall has descended upon the areas of Myanmar devastated by last month’s earthquake, significantly complicating the already challenging task of delivering aid and raising fears of disease outbreaks as the death toll continues its ascent.

Officials coordinating the relief operation in Mandalay, the city bearing the brunt of the seismic activity that struck the Sagaing region on March 28, reported yesterday that torrential rain and strong winds battered the makeshift shelters housing displaced survivors overnight and into the morning. Continued …

6 Delayed Southern Construction Projects Involve Chinese Contractor

A Songkhla senator has raised the alarm over six delayed state construction projects across southern Thailand involving a Chinese contractor, warning of a risk that the projects may be abandoned altogether. The matter is now set to be brought before the Senate for further investigation.

Sen. Chaiyong Maneerungsakul reported receiving complaints from members of the public regarding severe delays in government-backed projects overseen by China Railway Number One (Thailand) Co.,, a Chinese company operating through a joint venture with multiple Thai subcontractors. Concerns have mounted that subcontractors, having won contracts at unrealistically low prices, may be facing financial difficulties, prompting fears that they will either abandon the works or cut corners using substandard materials. Continued …

Market panic deepens as world scrambles to temper Trump tariffs

Asian markets took a huge plunge today as U.S. futures pointed to significant losses on Wall Street over Donald Trump’s punishing tariffs, even as countries sought compromise with the defiant president.

Trump denied yesterday he was intentionally engineering a selloff and insisted he could not foresee market reactions, saying he would not make a deal with other countries unless trade deficits were solved. Continued …

Trump’s Tariffs Threaten to Spark a Global Trade War

U.S. tariffs under Trump are projected to significantly impact economies globally, with Poland and Thailand estimating GDP losses. Countries like India and Germany express concern, while others seek negotiation or countermeasures.

Thailand anticipates a 1% GDP loss due to a 36% tariff, prompting the finance minister to explore import adjustments. Other countries, including India and South Africa, are assessing similar impacts and seeking negotiations to mitigate repercussions. Continued …

Thailand to increase energy, aircraft, and farm imports from US

Thailand will import more energy, aircraft, and farm produce from the United States, promote increased Thai investment in the U.S., and ease restrictions on U.S. imports, in response to the Trump administration’s imposition of 36% tariffs on Thai exports to the U.S. market, said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

In her statement to clarify Thailand’s stance on the U.S. tariff increases, she acknowledged that the new tariffs will significantly impact Thailand’s exports of electronic products, processed food, and agricultural goods. Continued …

Trump’s Tariffs: Which Asian Economies Face the Greatest Risk?

Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy, unveiled on April 2 as part of his “Declaration of Economic Independence,” has placed Asia squarely in the crosshairs, with several countries facing steep levies due to their trade surpluses with the U.S. and higher tariffs on American goods.

Vietnam tops the list for its sheer economic dependence on the U.S., Cambodia for its poverty and lack of leverage, and Thailand for its broad sectoral exposure. These nations face immediate GDP threats, market turmoil, and limited retaliation options. Continued … 

Malaysia calls for collective ASEAN tariff response

 

Malaysia will lead efforts to coordinate a regional response in Southeast Asia toward U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the country’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

“Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, will lead efforts to present a united regional front, maintain open and resilient supply chains, and ensure ASEAN’s collective voice is heard clearly and firmly on the international stage,” Anwar said during a video address yesterday. Continued … 

This is how Asia Pacific is responding to US reciprocal tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump’s 10% baseline tariffs on U.S. trading partners around the world came into effect on Saturday.

While the baseline charge has kicked in, higher duties on some countries — which replace, rather than add to the 10% rate — are due to start on Wednesday. Here’s how the region is responding: Continued …

Songkran 2025 expected to generate over 130 billion baht

This year’s Songkran festival is expected to generate 134.63 billion baht for the Thai economy, an increase of 4.5% compared to the previous year.

Citing a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, deputy government spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak said yesterday this year’s projection surpasses the 128.83 billion baht recorded during last year’s festival and is significantly higher than the 69 billion baht generated in 2020. Continued …

15 Unwritten Rules for Traveling in Thailand

Thailand frequently tops travel lists as a country known for its culture of hospitality. Thanks to its tourism-friendly policies — and in part to runaway success of the third season HBO’s The White Lotus — the destination has never been more popular, and interest shows no signs of slowing down.

But behind the smiling first impression lies a complex cultural code grounded in two core values: “graengjai,” the instinct to avoid imposing on others, and “namjai”, a generous outpouring of the heart. “Jai” means heart, and heartfelt values accordingly permeate daily life, shaping everything from casual interactions with vendors to, potentially, deeper exchanges. Continued …

Bangkok’s fresh market: Where the city’s top restaurants get their best

Bangkok enjoys a reputation as a paradise for food lovers. At the heart of its vibrant culinary scene is Khlong Toei Market, the city’s biggest and busiest fresh market.

Open 24 hours a day, this chaotic yet captivating marketplace is the source of the freshest ingredients for Bangkok’s top restaurants and street food vendors. If you want to experience the city like a true local, Khlong Toei Market is the place to be. Continued …

Opulence meets culture in the Land of Smiles

The Thai capital is experiencing a luxury renaissance, recently receiving its first Ritz-Carlton hotel and its first three-star Michelin restaurant, Sorn – the world’s first restaurant serving Thai cuisine to attain the accolade. Other high-profile openings such as Nobu Bangkok, the Okura Cruise, and new ventures by Gordon Ramsay have solidified Bangkok’s reputation as a fine-dining capital. Indeed, Michelin’s 2025 Guide recognises nearly 500 restaurants in 13 provinces across the country.

The hospitality sector is keeping pace, with long-anticipated luxury developments like Dusit Central Park – the brand’s redeveloped flagship showcasing the height of Thai-inspired luxury architecture – and Aman Nai Lert Park hitting the capital, while Andaz, Nobu, Plaza Athénée, Six Senses, and The Langham are all set to make their mark in Bangkok by 2026. Continued …

Technology upgrades to drive clean energy outlays

Investment in new technologies to ensure a stable supply of clean electricity is expected to soar as more solar and wind power is used to support campaigns against global warming, says an energy expert at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Thailand Section.

Several billions of baht are expected to be allocated by state power suppliers and companies specializing in electricity transmission and distribution systems over the next 5-7 years, as Thailand promotes greater use of renewable energy, said Somporn Sirisumrannukul, a member of the executive committee of the IEEE Thailand section. Continued …

Marrying energy and the environment

The mission for Electricity Generating (EGCO) Plc is simple but challenging – reduce carbon dioxide emissions while continuing to increase revenue.

The power generation arm of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, EGCO joined the international campaign to slow rising temperatures worldwide caused by global warming. This led EGCO to set a revenue target and a goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions via various measures, paving the way to carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption. Continued …

Kok River pollution triggers health alert in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai residents have been warned after high lead and arsenic contaminants were found in the Kok River. Authorities issued a public warning to avoid using the murky water, citing the potential health risks posed by the contaminants that exceeded safety standards.

Aweera Pakamat, director of the Chiang Mai Environmental and Pollution Control Office, said on Saturday the Kok River, which flows from Myanmar into Mae Ai, has clear water during the dry season. However, last month the water turned unusually cloudy, with reports emerging of people developing rashes after swimming. Continued … 

EU seeks unity in first strike back at Trump tariffs

European Union countries will seek to present a united front in the coming days against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, likely approving a first set of targeted countermeasures on up to $28 billion of U.S. imports from dental floss to diamonds. Continued …

US starts collecting Trump’s new 10% tariff

U.S. customs agents began collecting President Donald Trump’s unilateral 10% tariff on all imports from many countries on Saturday, with higher levies on goods from 57 larger trading partners due to start this week. Continued …

Tens of thousands march in US against Trump ‘devastation’

Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of major U.S. cities on Saturday to oppose the divisive policies of President Donald Trump, in the largest demonstrations since his return to the White House. Opponents of the Republican president’s policies – from government staffing cuts to trade tariffs and eroding civil liberties – rallied in Washington, New York, Houston, Florida, Colorado and Los Angeles, among other locations. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, exports, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism

Wednesday’s news-April 2

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Torrential rain expected/April showers bring flood horrors/Electricity Cost Cut/Earthquake death toll rises/Scan shows possible survivors/Earthquake triggers 264 aftershocks/Myanmar death toll climbs/Earthquake Damage in Chiang Mai/Bangkok Governor Alone at Collapse Site/China Giant Under Scrutiny/China Railway No.10/Steel supplier also sold for Laos railway/Hospital building, airport terminal also targeted/Condo developers take swift action/Cultural Treasures at Risk/Wildfires choke Chiang Mai/Muay Thai Rules Tightened/ECONOMY: Earthquake Shakes Economy/Up to $8 billion from US tariffs/Tariffs to dent Thai GDP/Tax War could cost global economy/Casino bill debate tomorrow/Bangkok Motor Show/Makro Among Top 5/TOURISM: Earthquake leads to slower bookings/New Safety Focus After Quake/Post-Quake Tourism Concerns/Phuket’s alcohol-free Songkran/Songkhla’s new cruise port plan/Speedboat Fire Off Phuket Coast/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Tigress and cubs spotted/CLIMATE THAILAND: Koh Larn waste incinerator May launch/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Torrential rain expected through Friday

People in southern provinces are warned of torrenrial rain starting forecast to continue until Friday, with the risk of flash flooding. The easterly wind moving through the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea is bringing more rain to southern provinces, the Meteorological Department reported today.

The warning especially applies to these provinces – Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Phetchaburi, Ranong and Phuket. Continued …

April showers bring flood horrors to Thailand

Thailand’s weather chiefs have issued a dire warning as a monster storm threatens to drench the nation. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) sounded the alarm today, forecasting torrential downpours and fierce winds across 30 provinces, including Bangkok.

The deluge could trigger flash floods and deadly forest runoff, turning roads into rivers and homes into waterlogged disaster zones. A TMD spokesperson warned locals to take no chances. “This is a serious weather event. Be prepared and stay safe.” Continued …

Thai Cabinet Gives Green Light to Electricity Cost Cut

In a move to ease financial strain, Thailand’s cabinet has greenlit a reduction in electricity charges from 4.15 baht to 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour. This decision, targeting the billing period from May 1 to Aug. 31, aims to lessen the financial burden on households and businesses.

A final nod, however, is pending from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The Pheu Thai Party, leading the coalition government, has been a staunch advocate for driving electricity costs below the critical threshold of 4 baht per unit. Continued …

Earthquake death toll rises to 15

Rescue officials this morning used a crane basket to recover the body of a female worker from the rubble of the collapsed 30-story building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, following Friday’s earthquake in Myanmar.

As of this morning, the death toll from the incident has risen to 15, with eight males and seven females confirmed dead. Nine others have been injured, and 72 individuals remain missing. Continued …

Scan shows possible survivors deep in collapsed Bangkok skyscraper

A scanner has detected 70 signs that could be missing people deep inside the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok. The sensor, supplied by the U.S. military, detected the signs in the center of the collapsed building, between the 17th and 21st floors where most of the missing people had been working when the earthquake struck on Friday, the Ruamkatanyu Rescue Foundation reported yesterday. Continued …

Myanmar earthquake triggers 264 aftershocks, affects Thailand

As many as 264 aftershocks had been recorded by today following the initial earthquake in Myanmar, said the Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division. The report followed an 8.2-magnitude earthquake centered in Mandalay last Friday, impacting both Myanmar and Thailand.

The division detected earthquakes with magnitudes of 1.0-2.9 in Nan, Chiang Mai, Phrae, Mae Hong Son, and Lampang between yesterday and today. Continued …

Window to find Myanmar quake survivors closing, death toll climbs toward 3,000

Aid groups in Myanmar yesterday described scenes of devastation and desperation after an earthquake that killed more than 2,700 people, stressing an urgent need for food, water and shelter and warning the window to find survivors was fast closing.

Myanmar’s military ruler said the death toll from Friday’s 7.7 magnitude quake was expected to surpass 3,000, having reached 2,719 as of yesterday morning, with 4,521 people injured, and 441 missing. Continued …

Earthquake Caused Damage Across 23 Districts in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, faced tremors that disrupted lives as Friday’s massive earthquake shook 23 of its 25 districts. The quake, originating from Mandalay, Myanmar, left the city rattled, though no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Dusit Phongsapipat, head of the Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, shared some reassuring news. Out of 1,177 bridges and 15 underpasses examined, none showed signs of structural impact. Similarly, most of the 39 key buildings remained steadfast, with 25 declared stable and operational. Continued …

Photo of Bangkok Governor Alone at Collapse Site

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has addressed a photo circulating of him sitting alone atop a car park at the collapsed building site. He described the moment as a simple one, explaining, “I was just eating a quick meal like the volunteers, an omelette on rice, while sitting on the fifth floor. I was thinking about those still inside the building and hoping they would hold on a little longer. I prayed for guidance to find them quickly, contemplating their rescue and hoping our efforts would suffice.” (aseannow.com)

China Railway Group: Global Giant Under Scrutiny Over Subsidiary Corruption

The recent collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Thailand, triggered by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, has placed a spotlight on the building’s safety standards and, consequently, on the construction company involved: China Railway No.10 Engineering Group, a subsidiary of the infrastructure behemoth, China Railway Group (CREC).

This incident has prompted a closer examination of CREC’s global operations, particularly concerning allegations of corruption and bribery within its international subsidiaries. Continued …

China Railway No.10 and its 13 government contracts worth 7.2B

China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned enterprise, has come under intense scrutiny from government authorities and faced public criticism after winning the bid for the construction of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building, valued at over 2.1 billion baht.

The company was part of the ITD-CREC joint venture alongside Italian-Thai Development. However, before construction was completed, the building collapsed entirely following an earthquake on March 28. Continued …

Steel supplier for collapsed Bangkok building also sold products for Laos railway project

Xin Ke Yuan Steel Ltd., the producer of steel bars used in the State Audit Office (SAO) building that collapsed last week, also supplied steel products for the China-Laos railway project, a source revealed yesterday.

The company, which is majority-owned by Chinese nationals, has come under scrutiny following the collapse of the under-construction SAO building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The collapse occurred on Friday afternoon due to the impact of the 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar. Continued …

Hospital building, airport terminal also being built by discredited Chinese company

A new building at Songkha Hospital is being built by the same Chinese company constructing the 30-story State Audit Office building that collapsed during the earthquake last Friday.

These are not the only projects the Chinese construction company is involved in. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said today that China Railway No.10 (Thailand) was also building the new terminal at Narathiwat provincial airport. The work was going very slowly, he said. Continued …

Condo developers take swift action to ensure safety after earthquake

The recent earthquake has caused damage to high-rise buildings in the Bangkok metropolitan area, prompting developers to inspect their buildings to restore confidence among residents and future customers.

Here are the measures rolled out by 15 major real estate developers to boost condo buyers’ confidence: Continued …

Thai Cultural Treasures at Risk After Earthquake Damage Survey

Thailand’s Ministry of Culture has launched an urgent nationwide survey to assess the damage to ancient sites and cultural heritage following the recent earthquake tremors, raising concerns about the structural integrity of some of the country’s most revered landmarks.

Officials are particularly worried about reports of cracks appearing at key locations, including the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok, the pagoda at Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan in Lamphun, and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Lampang. Continued …

Wildfires continue to choke Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is struggling with severe air pollution, as wildfires continue to spread across several districts, with over 150 hotspots detected.

Wildfires continued to burn yesterday in mountainous areas in the northern province, with 150 active hotspots across 15 districts. The hardest-hit districts include Hot with 34 hotspots, Chiang Dao with 26 and Phrao with 23. Continued …

Muay Thai Rules Tightened After British Fighter’s Death in Samui

The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has announced stricter safety enforcement following the death of a British fighter on Koh Samui last week.

In a press conference titled “Not in Our Olympic Muaythai” held at Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok yesterday, IFMA officials presented crucial information regarding athlete safety measures after 30-year-old British national Joseph Itai Rinomhota died following a five-round Muay Thai fight against local fighter Superlek at Samui International Boxing Stadium on March 28. Continued …

Earthquake Shakes Thailand’s Economy: Short-Term Trouble Looms

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has confirmed that last Friday’s earthquake will affect Thailand’s economy in the short term, especially the property sector. Despite this, the ministry sticks to its 3% GDP growth goal for the year.

In response to the quake’s damage, the Finance Ministry has unveiled a three-pronged plan. It includes releasing THB 200 million to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, financial institutions offering loans, and the Insurance Commission fast-tracking compensation for insured homes and individuals. Continued …

Thailand may see hit of up to $8 billion from US tariffs

Thailand could suffer a US$7 billion to $8 billion hit from potential U.S. tariffs if the U.S. administration were to even up levies between the two countries, but it has a strategy for trade negotiations, senior officials said today.

Thai semiconductor exports may face tariffs of 25% from the United States, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, the permanent secretary for commerce, said ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned announcement of new trade barriers. Continued …

US tariffs expected to dent Thai GDP

The reciprocal tariffs expected to be announced by U.S. President Donald Trump today could shrink Thai GDP by as much as 1.2 percentage points from a forecast of 2.5%, with the Bank of Thailand’s one projected interest rate cut doing very little to shore up the economy, says InnovestX Securities.

Thailand is on the “Dirty 15” list of countries that could be affected by Trump tariffs. On average, the U.S. tariff on Thai imports is 2%, while Thailand levies an average tariff of 8% on American products. Continued …

Tax War 2025 could cost the global economy $1.4 trillion

A full-scale trade war between the U.S. and its partners could lead to global economic losses of up to $1.4 trillion, according to a newly released report. Economists from Aston Business School modeled various scenarios, including the possibility of a full-scale global retaliation against the U.S. following its imposition of new tariff measures.

Aston’s calculations indicate that such a trade conflict could result in global welfare losses amounting to as much as $1.4 trillion. The report explains that rising tariffs lead to higher prices, reduced competitiveness, and fragmented supply chains — similar to the U.S.-China trade war of 2018. Continued …

House to debate draft casino bill tomorrow

The government’s draft entertainment complex (casino) bill will be debated in parliament tomorrow, a week sooner than expected. The House of Representatives website shows the draft bill on the agenda for tomorrow’s House meeting, together will four other bills proposed by the cabinet.

Parliamentary sources say that the Thursday meeting is usually reserved for the deliberation of motions, interpellations, or reports produced by various House standing committees. The inclusion of the entertainment complex bill in tomorrow’s agenda is a “special case”, according to the sources. Continued …

Bookings surpass 24,000 units at halfway mark of Bangkok Motor Show 2025

The 46th Bangkok International Motor Show has seen a significant surge in vehicle bookings, with 24,744 units reached by the midway point, a 29.1% increase compared to last year. The event kicked off on March 26 and will last until April 6 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province.

Organizer Grand Prix International (GPI) said yesterday the motor show this year features the launch of several new models, especially 100% electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles. Continued …

Makro Among Top 5 Thai Firms in Asia

Makro, a leading Thai enterprise under CP AXTRA Public Co., has once again affirmed its regional leadership by securing a place on Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies of 2025, a list compiled by TIME magazine and global market research firm Statista. With a score of 90.45 out of 100, Makro ranked 69th among the top 500 companies across the region.

This recognition also places Makro in the top five companies in Thailand and among the top three in the retail, wholesale, and consumer goods sector. Continued …

Earthquake leads to slower bookings, cancellation queries

Friday’s earthquake has struck the Thai tourism industry, leading to slow bookings for the upcoming Songkran holiday, while airlines have started receiving inquiries for refunds and cancellations.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong yesterday discussed the impact of the earthquake on tourism with the tourism sector, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to issue a list of qualified hotels following safety inspections for foreign tourists. Continued …

Thailand Tourism Shake-Up: New Safety Focus After Quake

Thailand is revamping its tourism strategy in the wake of the recent earthquake, aiming to restore confidence and address the dipping Chinese tourist market. AtTourism risk and crisis management team is set to be established, involving various organizations like the Interior Ministry and the Department of Land Transport.

Key initiatives include hotel safety checks, along with plans to engage Chinese media influencers to reassure potential tourists about Thailand’s safety. The quake in Myanmar and Thailand has sparked concerns among tourists, leading to a notable decrease in bookings. Continued …

Thailand Urged to Certify Hotel Safety Amid Post-Quake Tourism Concerns

In the wake of recent earthquakes, private sector organizations are pressing the Thai government to issue safety certifications for hotels to boost tourist confidence. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong recently discussed these matters with various stakeholders, fearing a potential decline in tourist numbers due to the seismic events.

Efforts are underway to clarify that Bangkok is primarily affected, and to reassure travelers, flight and hotel bookings will be closely monitored ahead of the upcoming Songkran festival. The tourism sector is advocating for safety certificates for structurally sound buildings, with the Bangkok governor deploying volunteer engineers for rapid inspections. These certifications, once issued, will be shared globally by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to affirm safety. Continued …

Phuket set for alcohol-free Songkran festival to boost tourism

Phuket will host its annual alcohol-free Songkran festival next Sunday, April 13, featuring traditional activities, cultural performances, live music, and a family-friendly environment.

Phuket Deputy Gov. Samawit Suphanphai recently shared details of the 11th annual Songkran No Alcohol Festival Phuket 2025. The festival involves the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, Phuket Tourism Business Assn., Limelight Phuket Shopping Mall, and other local enterprises. Continued …

Songkhla sets sail for cruise boom with new port plan

In a bid to transform Songkhla into a cruise hotspot, the local Chamber of Commerce has proposed the development of a dedicated cruise port to woo affluent Western tourists, while still charming traditional visitors from Malaysia and Singapore.

During a visit by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in February, Songphon Changsiriwattanathamrong, president of the Chamber of Commerce, pitched the idea. He urged the Marine Department to whip up a design for the port, sparking anticipation for a game-changing boost in local tourism. Continued …

Speedboat Fire Off Phuket Coast Injures three

A speedboat caught fire in the waters off Phuket while carrying 37 people, including 33 Russian and Kazakhstan tourists, one tour guide, and three crew members. The incident occurred yesterday morning when the vessel was approximately 50 meters from Mai Thon Island. Fortunately, all passengers survived the incident.

The twin-engine vessel encountered engine problems and was attempting repairs after notifying the boat owner to send a replacement vessel. While waiting, a fire suddenly erupted and exploded. At that time, only three crew members were on board. All three suffered burns and injuries from explosion debris. Continued … 

Tigress and cubs spotted in Tak sanctuary

A tigress and two cubs were recently photographed in Tak’s Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, the latest sign of progress in Thailand’s efforts to preserve the threatened species, especially in the Western Forest Complex.

The rare sighting was caught by an automatic camera trap. The tigress, codenamed F22, and two cubs aged 4-6 months, were filmed on the night of Feb 15-16, together and apparently in good health. Tigers, which are threatened with extinction, were showing signs of repopulation. They are at the top of the food chain and could thrive only in areas where there is plentiful wild game. – Bangkok Post

Pattaya officials confirm Koh Larn waste incinerator set for late May launch

Mayor Poramet Ngampichet visited Koh Larn to inspect the progress of the island’s waste incineration project yesterday. The inspection focused on the construction of the incinerator facility and the installation of machinery, which is now nearly 80% complete — according to schedule.

Authorities anticipate that the facility will be operational by late May. The new waste-to-energy incinerator will have a capacity to process up to 50 tons of waste daily, including both newly generated and accumulated waste, which currently exceeds 50,000 tons on the island. Additionally, the facility’s machinery will be capable of sorting up to 100 tons of waste per day. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, thailand beaches, thailand festivals, transportation

Monday’s news-March 31

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Earthquake update: 18 dead, 78 still missing/What caused the earthquake?/Watch earthquake damage, rescue efforts/Myanmar faces humanitarian crisis/Rescuers find no survivors/Seven Days to Investigate Collapse/Nabbed trying to remove files from collapsed building/Flood of Building Crack Reports/All 81 Bangkok Bridges Safe/17 provinces’ hospitals damaged/16 active faults in Thailand/How to access the best hospitals/Thailand braces for wild weather/Man Dies After Muay Thai Fight/Chiang Mai 5th for air quality/Industry Standards for Escalators/Illegal Gold Mining in Kanchanaburi/Gold surges past $3,100/ECONOMY: Economy unshaken by quake/Economy no threat to Thai casinos/TOURISM: Quake Jolts Thai Tourism/Earthquake Panic Empties Andaman Coast/Songkran celebrations to proceed/Thai Airways Offers Free Changes/CLIMATE THAILAND: Air pollution kills 5.7 million/Chewing gum releases microplastics/To spike solar panel sales/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Earthquake update: 18 dead, 78 still missing

The deadly tremor in Myanmar has left its mark on Thailand, claiming at least 18 lives, with 78 missing as of Sunday. The powerful earthquake wreaked havoc in Bangkok, particularly in Chatuchak, where 10 lives were lost at the State Audit Office building collapse.

Rescue teams continued their search on Sunday amid the debris at the building site. Eight individuals are under medical care after injuries from the 30-story building collapse, and elsewhere a crane mishap claimed more lives. Near Silom Road, an elevator’s cable failure injured three people, highlighting the widespread chaos. Continued …

What caused the Myanmar earthquake – and why did it make a tower in Bangkok collapse?

A major earthquake in Myanmar on Friday has caused more than 1,600 deaths and led to the collapse of numerous structures. Even though the Southeast Asian nation is a high risk region for earthquakes, neighboring Thailand and China – which were also affected by the quake – are not.

The Thai capital, Bangkok, sits more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the epicenter of Friday’s earthquake – and yet an unfinished high-rise building in the city was felled by it. Here we will explain what caused this earthquake, and how it was able to have such a powerful effect so far away. Continued …

Watch Thailand, Myanmar earthquake damage, rescue efforts

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake Friday killed more than 1,600 people in Myanmar and at least 18 in Thailand. Videos show the disaster’s impact and rescue operations in the affected areas. Video …

Video captures moment earthquake shook pool at top of high rise

CCTV footage from a swimming pool in a building in Bangkok during Friday’s earthquake. Video …

Myanmar faces humanitarian crisis after quake, more than 2,000 dead

Myanmar faces a humanitarian crisis following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 2,000 people, and the country’s aid needs are increasing by the hour, Red Cross officials said yesterday.

Friday’s quake, one of the strongest to hit Myanmar in a century, has damaged infrastructure, including bridges, highways, airports, and railways – hampering rescue efforts as a civil war rages on in the Southeast Asian nation. Continued …

Rescuers find no survivors in basement of collapsed Bangkok building

Thai and Israeli rescue teams have reached the basement of Zone B in the collapsed building in Bangkok, following Friday’s earthquake in Myanmar. However, no survivors were found, as the critical 72-hour rescue window nears its deadline.

Earlier, families of the 79 missing workers remained hopeful that some could still be alive in the basement. The building, which was under construction for the State Audit Office, collapsed after an 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. The seismic waves were reportedly amplified by Bangkok’s geological conditions, leading to the disaster. Continued …

Seven Days Given to Investigate Collapse of Chinese-Built High-Rise

Thailand Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for a quick seven-day investigation into the sudden collapse of the State Audit Office’s new high-rise in Bangkok.

This Chinese-built structure crumbled, despite being designed to endure earthquakes, leaving the nation demanding answers. The probe aims to pinpoint why the 2.1-billion-baht building, a joint venture by Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group, buckled under pressure. Continued …

4 Chinese men nabbed trying to remove files from the collapsed building

Police from Bang Sue Police Station yesterday intercepted four Chinese men linked with the Chinese contractor at the collapsed building site. The men had entered the declared disaster zone and removed 32 files.

After that, they made their escape over a wall toward an awaiting pickup near Bang Sue Junction. An alert media crew spotted the men, and they were later intercepted by police. Continued …

Flood of Building Crack Reports Follows Bangkok Earthquake

Bangkok’s skyline faces a new challenge, as nearly 6,000 building crack reports flood in following a recent earthquake. This unprecedented surge has prompted the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to refine their systems to ensure swift action from volunteer engineers. Initially, over 2,100 cracks were reported just a day after the quake. This number soared to more than 5,500 by midday as awareness spread.

The BMA is now mandating immediate inspections for buildings over eight floors to ensure safety and reduce pressure on volunteer engineers. Building owners must provide daily inspection reports. Continued …

BMA Declares All 81 Bangkok Bridges Safe Post-Myanmar Quake

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) confirmed today that all 81 bridges and flyovers throughout the capital remain safe after the powerful earthquake in Myanmar’s Mandalay rocked the region Friday.

The quake, which hit at 1.20 p.m. with a magnitude of 8.2, prompted BMA’s Public Works Department to swiftly dispatch officials for thorough inspections. The result? No damage detected, ensuring Bangkokians can continue their commute undeterred. Continued …

17 provinces’ hospitals damaged by earthquake

Hospitals in 17 provinces were damaged due to the recent earthquake as of Friday. Most of the buildings have cracks, the Public Health Ministry reported.

Those affected by the earthquake are located in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phrae, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Chainat, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Mahasarakham, Loei, and Bangkok. Continued …

16 active faults in Thailand pose future earthquake risks

The earthquake on March 28 caused massive destruction and underscored the dangers of natural disasters. Although the epicenter was outside Thailand, tremors felt in multiple areas highlighted the interconnected risks posed by “active faults” hidden beneath Thai soil.

Thailand is situated in a geologically complex region, with numerous faults spread across the country. Among them, several have been identified as active faults — faults with a history of past earthquakes or evidence of ongoing movement. These faults serve as potential sources of future earthquakes, posing risks to lives and property. Continued …

How to access the best hospitals in Thailand without overpaying

Thailand offers high-quality healthcare, attracting many expats and medical tourists. The country has both public and private hospitals, with private facilities known for advanced treatments, shorter wait times, and personalized care. However, private healthcare can be expensive.

To get the best medical treatment in Thailand hospitals without overpaying, it’s important to compare hospitals, understand pricing, and choose the right insurance. This article covers the best ways to access top hospitals in Thailand while keeping costs under control. Continued …

Thailand braces for wild weather chaos

Thailand is in for a wild ride today as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of severe summer storms set to batter 34 provinces. Expect torrential rain, howling winds, hailstorms, and even lightning strikes in some areas.

The extreme weather is being fueled by a moderate high-pressure system sweeping in from China, hitting northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea. Officials are urging the public to stay alert, as sudden downpours and powerful gusts could wreak havoc. Continued …

British Man Dies After First Muay Thai Fight on Koh Samui

A 30-year-old British man has died after participating in his first Muay Thai fight on the island of Koh Samui. The man, identified as Joseph Itai Rinomhota, collapsed after receiving a kick to the ribs during his bout at Samui International Stadium on Friday night.

Rinomhota’s trainer, Nanthawat, reported that the British fighter entered the ring at approximately 9:30 for his debut match. In the third round, the referee stopped the fight after Rinomhota sustained a heavy kick to his right ribcage. Continued …

Chiang Mai ranked 5th among global cities with worst air quality

Chiang Mai is ranked fifth among global cities with the worst air quality today, recording an AQI of 166, while Lampang and Mae Hong Son had even higher levels.

At 7:50 am, IQAir recorded Chiang Mai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 166, ranking it fifth among international cities with the poorest air quality. It followed Kathmandu, Nepal (237 AQI), Delhi, India (183 AQI), Yangon, Myanmar (170 AQI), and Lahore, Pakistan (166 AQI). Continued …

Cabinet Approves New Industry Standards for Escalators and Moving Walkways

The Thai Cabinet has approved a new ministerial regulation requiring escalators and moving walkways to meet updated industrial standards. Under the new rules, manufacturers and importers must obtain licenses before selling these products in Thailand.

The regulation mandates that all such products comply with the latest industry standards. Given their widespread use in commercial and public spaces, the government sees a need to enforce stricter safety measures. Continued …

Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining in Kanchanaburi Forest

A joint operation by officers from Thong Pha Phum National Park and soldiers from the Lad Ya Task Force has led to the arrest of an illegal gold mining gang in Pilok Forest, Kanchanaburi. The authorities seized a large number of items, including wildlife carcasses and weapons.

The operation was launched following intelligence reports that a group had entered the protected area with weapons to illegally mine for gold. fficials navigated through dense forest, following old logging trails, streams, and steep ridges for 16 kilometers westward into an area previously investigated for illegal mining. Continued …

Gold surges past $3,100 as US tariffs, uncertainty propel safe-haven flows

Gold prices today soared above US$3,100 per ounce for the first time as concerns around U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the potential economic fallout, combined with geopolitical worries, drove a fresh wave of investments into the safe-haven asset.

Spot gold prices hit a record high of $3,106.50 per ounce. Gold prices have hit multiple record highs, gaining more than 18% so far this year – capitalizing on its cachet as a hedge against economic and geopolitical turbulence. Continued …

Economy unshaken by quake, says government

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira says the recent earthquake has had no effect on the economy and pledged further assistance for victims, as reports emerged that up to 5,500 buildings across the capital may have been damaged. Total losses may reach 100 billion baht.

Pichai said on Friday the ministry and state officials are closely monitoring the situation but the operations of government agencies, state banks, and the financial system remain unaffected. Continued … 

Sleepy global economy no threat to Thai casinos

The global economic slowdown is unlikely to affect investment in the much-touted entertainment complex project because it is a long-term investment, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.

Speaking after the cabinet approved the draft entertainment complex bill legalizing casino gambling on Thursday, Julapun said the sluggish global economy will not impact this project, as there is a significant amount of capital worldwide ready to be invested. Continued …

Quake Jolts Thai Tourism: Rising Concerns Over Safety

The recent earthquake in Myanmar has shaken up Thailand’s tourism, already wobbling under safety concerns. The quake, which rocked buildings in Bangkok and other hot spots, may cause a drastic 10%-15% drop in international tourist arrivals over the next fortnight, according to the Thai Hotels Assn.

Concerns over safety have already led 10% of foreign tourists to check out early, though some returned due to lack of alternatives. The tourism sector, vital to Thailand’s economy, is bracing for a short-term impact as Minister of Tourism Sorawong Thienthong assured tourists of their safety. Meanwhile, an audit of hotels and tourist attractions is underway to ease fears. Continued …

Earthquake Panic Empties Andaman Coast: Tourist Numbers Plunge

The Andaman coast is seeing an exodus of tourists following last Friday’s powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Trang Deputy Gov. Anan Boonsamran reports over half the visitors have vanished amid a frenzy of misleading social media posts. These claims, though unfounded, have led to widespread panic, causing visitors to cancel their plans.

At Rajamangala Beach, Anan spoke candidly about the impact of the quake, an 8.2 on the Richter scale, which created unease throughout Thailand. He noted that his observations at Pak Meng pier support his estimate of the significant drop in tourist numbers. Continued …

TAT says Songkran celebrations nationwide to proceed as planned

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced yesterday that its plans to hold grand Songkran celebrations across the country would proceed as scheduled.

The TAT stated that after assessing the situation following Friday’s earthquake, it found that conditions in Bangkok and other parts of the country had returned to normal. For instance, it noted that Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok continued to operate as usual, with airlines providing normal services. Continued …

Thai Airways Offers Free Changes Amid Earthquake Chaos

Thai Airways is granting its passengers fee-free changes and refunds following the recent earthquake that rocked Thailand. The national airline has opened the doors for passengers with tickets issued globally before March 29, allowing them to alter their travel dates without cost for journeys between March 28 and April 10.

For those on international flights, the new travel dates must occur before April 11, and while no change, no-show, or agency fees apply, passengers may need to pay if their new booking falls into a higher fare bracket. Continued …

Air pollution kills some 5.7 million people every year – World Bank

The World Bank has reported that air pollution claims the lives of around 5.7 million people each year, with 95% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

In a report titled Accelerating Access to Clean Air on a Livable Planet, the bank estimated that air pollution causes an economic loss equivalent to about 5% of global gross domestic product (GDP) due to its effects on health, productivity losses, and reduced life expectancy. Continued …

Chewing gum releases microplastics into the mouth, new research finds

Chewing gum releases hundreds of tiny plastic pieces straight into people’s mouths, researchers said this week, also warning of the pollution created by the rubber-based candy.

The small study comes as researchers have increasingly been finding small shards of plastic called microplastics throughout the world, from the tops of mountains to the bottom of the ocean – and even in the air we breathe. Continued …

Suppliers expect new center to spike solar panel sales

Sales of solar panels are expected to ratchet up following the government’s decision to set up a one-stop service center to facilitate factory operators wanting to utilize solar power, say solar panel suppliers.

The cabinet resolved to have the Energy, Interior and Industry ministries work together to operate the center as part of an effort to improve ease of doing business in Thailand. The center could benefit more than 72,000 factories countrywide if owners seek permission from authorities to install rooftop solar panels, as the center avoids a lengthy and time-consuming procedure. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-March 29

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Earthquake Rescue Efforts Continue/Death Toll Nears 700/Signs of life detected/Strongest tremor in 95 years/Quake chaos/Bangkok Declared Disaster Zone/Quake grinds Thailand’s capital to a halt/Myanmar quake death toll expected to rise/Chiang Rai: Railway Beams Collapse/What caused Myanmar, Thailand earthquake?/Why no earthquake warning?/Electricity price to remain unchanged/Social security dental care/Selling Putin and Hitler shirts/ECONOMY: Manufacturing continues downward trend/Thailand targets Indian investment/TOURISM: Is it safe to travel to Thailand?/Arrival cards digital fix a mess/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Chiang Mai Is Brewing/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Earthquake Rescue Efforts Continue After Building Collapse Kills Eight, 100 Missing

Bangkok felt the tremors of a powerful earthquake in Myanmar. A 30-story skyscraper under construction in the Chatuchak district crumbled. Eight found dead, and approximately 100 workers remain missing.

Video 

Rescue operations continue with soldiers and sniffer dogs scouring the ruins. So far, 12 workers have been rescued and are receiving care at nearby hospitals. A makeshift center now teems with anxious family members, clinging to hope. Continued …

Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake: Death Toll Nears 700

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing significant destruction and leading to a rising death toll, which has reached at least 694.

In Myanmar, the military junta reported 1,670 injuries and warned that the situation could worsen. Rescue operations are ongoing, with global assistance being sought, as many residents remain trapped in rubble. The destructive tremors have also continued, with aftershocks adding to the distress. Continued …

Signs of life detected as rescue operations resume at collapsed skyscraper

Rescue teams are detecting the vital signs of about 15 people trapped under the debris of a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok, which collapsed in yesterday’s earthquake, the director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, Suriyachai Rawiwan, said today. The signals indicate that they are in groups of three to seven people, according to Suriyachai.

Video 

“The rescue teams are attempting to get food and water to them. The difficulty is that some of them are trapped about three meters deep. We have about 72 hours to help them, because that is the approximate length of time a person can survive without water,” Suriyachai said. Continued …

The strongest tremor felt in Thailand in 95 years

The earthquake yesterdayday, measured at between 7.4 and 7.7 on the Richter scale, was the strongest tremor felt in Thailand since 1930, when about 500 people were killed, said Phichit Sombatmak, director-general of the Mineral Resources Department.

He said that the tremor was first measured at 7.7 magnitude at 1.20pm, at a depth of about 10 kilometers. It was caused by the movement of the Sagaing fault in Mandalay, about 16 kilometers from Sagaing town and about 1,100 kilometers from Bangkok. Continued …

Quake chaos

A powerful earthquake rattled 24 provinces in Thailand, including Bangkok, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed, sending a massive cloud of dust over Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road.

Office workers and residents in low- and high-rise buildings across the capital rushed to open spaces, as the tremors, lasting about a minute, shook the city. Continued …

Bangkok Declared Disaster Zone Following Powerful Myanmar Earthquake

Bangkok is reeling after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Myanmar shook Thailand’s capital. The extreme seismic activity has forced the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to declare a Level 2 disaster zone. This comes as tremors were felt all across north and central regions, leading to significant damage, especially in Bangkok.

Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the critical situation, urging residents to brace for possible aftershocks. With tremors felt as far as Mae Hong Son province, a rapid response from authorities is underway as they assess damage and prepare to assist citizens. Continued …

Fear, chaos as rare quake grinds Thailand’s capital to a halt

Bangkok ground to a halt yesterday after a strong earthquake shook the clogged Thai capital, causing chaos and triggering city-wide evacuations that left many thousands of people stranded for much of the day.

All urban rail systems were suspended and roads were gridlocked across one of Asia’s biggest cities after the quake in neighboring Myanmar caused tremors up to a magnitude of 7.1 in Bangkok, about 1,020 kilometers (635 miles) from the epicenter. Continued …

Myanmar quake death toll expected to rise as junta seeks aid

Myanmar’s military leader requested international aid yesterday to help deal with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that killed at least 144 people, a toll the country expects to rise as rescue efforts continue.

The quake and an aftershock, which struck near the center of the country, also affected neighboring China, Vietnam, and Thailand, where authorities said at least 10 people were killed and more than 100 missing after a building under construction collapsed. Continued …

Chiang Rai: Railway Beams Collapse, Vehicles Crushed Following Earthquake

The earthquake that struck Myanmar yesterday had tremors felt across northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai province. The earthquake, which originated at a depth of 10 kilometers, was caused by the movement of the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar. While no casualties have been reported, the tremor caused structural damage in Chiang Rai.

The governor of Chiang Rai, Mr Charin Thongsuk,ordered an immediate damage assessment across all 18 districts of the province. Initial reports confirm two main areas of damage: Continued …

What caused Myanmar, Thailand earthquake? Science of damage explained

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 centered in the Sagaing region near the Myanmar city of Mandalay caused extensive damage in that country, and also shook neighboring Thailand yesterday.

Myanmar lies on the boundary between two tectonic plates and is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, although large and destructive earthquakes have been relatively rare in the Sagaing region. Continued …

Why Thai authorities could not issue an earthquake warning

Following the 8.2-magnitude earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, yesterday afternoon, many areas in Thailand, including the northern and central regions, as well as Bangkok, experienced tremors. This event sparked widespread criticism about why the relevant authorities did not issue a prior warning.

Veerachart Wiwekkawin, a senior geologist and earthquake expert at the Department of Mineral Resources, said the cause of the earthquake was the Sagaing Fault, which stretches from Mandalay to Yangon. The fault is relatively far from Thailand, yet many areas in northern and central Thailand, including Bangkok, were able to feel the tremors. Continued …

Electricity price for May-August to remain unchanged

The Energy Regulatory Commission decided yesterday to peg the fuel tariff (FT) on electricity charges at 36.72 satang per unit from May to August, which will effectively keep electricity prices at 4.15 baht per unit.

As Thailand is in the dry season until late May, the Office of Energy Regulatory Commission is urging households to conserve energy by switching off lights when they are not needed, adjusting the air conditioner to 26C, removing plugs of electrical appliances from the sockets, and planting more trees. Continued …

Call to expand social security dental care

The Dental Council of Thailand has called on the Minister of Labor to increase social security members’ access to dental benefits. Dr. Wirasak Phutthasri, a council member, said the council proposed to allow insured individuals to receive dental treatment at any public hospital.

This proposal aims to ensure that if the patient’s dental treatment fee rises above the reimbursement limit of 900 baht a year, the cost can still be covered, especially for low-income subscribers. Continued …

Bangkok shop owner defends right to sell Putin and Hitler shirts

The owner of a second-hand clothing store in Bangkok urged foreigners to respect her rights after repeatedly being asked to stop selling shirts featuring images of Russian President Vladimir Putin and former German leader Adolf Hitler.

The shop owner, Chonticha Nawathong, took to social media to criticize the behavior of certain foreigners, claiming they interfered with her right to operate her business at the Bang Sue Junction building near the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok. Continued …

Manufacturing continues downward trend

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) continues to fall, declining by 3.9% year-on-year to 96.2 points in February, attributed to the combined effects of the country’s high level of household debt and weak consumer purchasing power, as well as the U.S.’s new trade policy, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

The indicator, which examines the health of the industrial sector, was at 98.9 points in January. “We are facing global economic uncertainties, while in Thailand household debt remains high,” said Passakorn Chairat, director-general of the OIE. Continued …

Thailand targets Indian investment in key high-tech sectors

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has concluded a successful mission to India aimed at attracting significant investments in three key high-technology sectors, namely medical devices, electric vehicles (EVs), and semiconductors. This initiative underscore’s Thailand’s ambition to position itself as a leading hub for future industries in Southeast Asia.

BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said the delegation engaged in high-level discussions with 15 major Indian companies in Hyderabad and Mumbai from March 24-27. In the meetings, BOI highlighted Thailand’s strategic advantages as an investment destination, particularly in sectors where India excels globally. Continued …

Is it safe to travel to Thailand after Myanmar earthquake?

Thailand’s capital has been declared a “disaster area” by city authorities following a powerful 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck over 640 miles away in Myanmar at 12.50pm local time (6.20am GMT) yesterday.

Strong tremors have been reported across Thailand, and nine people have been declared dead, including eight who died after a building collapsed in the Chatuchak Park area north of the city center, close to the large Chatuchak Market popular with tourists. At least 50 people have been injured and 117 people, including workers, remain missing or trapped under the rubble of a collapsed 30-story skyscraper. Continued …

Thailand’s ditching arrival cards — but the digital fix is a mess

Thailand is finally ditching its TM6 paper arrival form — but don’t celebrate just yet. From May 1, every foreigner entering the country must now navigate the Thailand digital arrival card (TDAC) system. And, as usual, it’s already a hot mess.

The government has launched an operational website for the TDAC, which is set to replace the old-school blue-and-white forms used for decades. But while the site is live, it has triggered more questions than answers. Continued …

Chiang Mai Is Brewing 5 More Reasons to Visit Thailand

Thailand is the “it” destination of the year, with all eyes on the Southeast Asian country thanks to The White Lotus. From seductive beaches and fragrant food to glittering temples and unparalleled hospitality, a slew of reasons have enticed travelers to book tickets to Bangkok and beyond.

There’s another reason to immerse oneself here: coffee. As a coffee writer, I knew Thailand produced beans in the hinterland of the north, though I rarely encountered them in U.S. cafes. However, the swath of mountainous, jungle-covered land that spans northern Thailand, Laos, west-central Vietnam, and the southern tip of Yunnan province, China, forms the core of Southeast Asian coffee production. And that coffee has gotten really, really good. Continued … 

Regional shares sink as trade war worries mount

Asian stocks slid yesterday, with heavy selling in South Korea and Japan, while safe-haven gold traded at a record high, as the latest tariff salvo from U.S. President Donald Trump stoked investor worries of an all-out trade war. Continued …

Time to stop changing clocks? Not so fast, say EU states

The saying goes that time is money, but in the European Union (EU), time is political, too. When clocks spring forward across the bloc tomorrow, it will not be the last time despite a desire by millions of EU citizens to see the lights turned out on the biannual change. Continued …

US VP lands in Greenland as anger mounts over Trump takeover bid

U.S. Vice President JD Vance landed in Greenland yesterday for a visit to a military base, viewed by Copenhagen and Nuuk as a provocation at a time when President Donald Trump is seeking to annex the strategically placed, resource-rich Danish territory. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, exports, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand festivals, tourism

Friday’s news-March 28

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Breaking news! Earthquake rattles Bangkok/Cha Am, Phetchaburi Food Festival/Thai heatwave on the horizon/Air quality worsens/Chiang Mai Declares Disaster Zones/Minister Demands Safety Overhaul/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Restaurant Industry Faces Crisis/Pork prices soar/Thailand Greenlights Entertainment Complex/Handout will not be ready/Auto industry rocked by tariffs/Bangkok Motor Show/Reducing Dependence on the US/Thailand Needs New Strategy/HSBC touts Thailand/Deportations threaten EU deal/MR. D.I.Y. to add 200 stores/TOURISM: Shortening Visa-Free Stays for Chinese/Call to boost Chinese tourism/White Lotus lifts Songkran bookings/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Embracing Change in Pai/Asia’s 50 best restaurants/Old tradition meets modern life/CLIMATE THAILAND: Tax breaks for big EV investments/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Building Collapse Traps Dozens After Bangkok Earthquake

A building under construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has collapsed following a significant earthquake, trapping 43 workers, according to the National Institute for Emergency Medicine.

Seven workers managed to escape the site, and the Narenthorn Emergency Medical Services Center, along with its rescue network, has been dispatched to provide immediate assistance. Continued …

Cha Am, Phetchaburi Food Festival April 2-6

Continued … 

Thai heatwave on the horizon

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for Thailand, predicting hot to very hot weather and cautioning against potential dangers from summer storms, including thunderstorms and strong winds. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities and take precautions from today.

A moderate high-pressure system from China is currently affecting southern China and is expected to extend over northern Vietnam and Laos today. This system will further spread to northeast Thailand and the South China Sea by tomorrow. Continued …

Air quality worsens, affecting 56 Thai provinces with high PM2.5

Air quality in the Kingdom of Thailand has deteriorated over the past week, impacting 56 provinces with elevated PM2.5 levels, notably affecting the north and northeast. Projections for the week indicate worsening conditions.

The Air Pollution Solution Communication Center’s report highlights that PM2.5 levels exceed national standards across several provinces, including Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Trat, Nong Khai, Loei, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Chaiyaphum, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Surin. Continued …

Chiang Mai Declares Disaster Zones in Two Districts as Wildfires Rage

Authorities in Chiang Mai have declared two districts as disaster zones due to severe wildfires, prompting an intensified firefighting operation involving water-bombing aircraft and strict law enforcement measures.

Jirayut Huangsup, an adviser to the National Command Center for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that emergency response teams had been deployed over the past week to battle the blazes. Ka-32 helicopters have been used to control the spread of fires in San Sai district, while the Department of Royal Rainmaking has deployed CN and Caravan aircraft to adjust atmospheric conditions and reduce air pollution in Mae Sariang and Khun Yuam districts in Mae Hong Son province. Continued …

Labor Minister Demands Safety Overhaul Following Accidents on Rama II Road

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has called for urgent safety reforms at a major construction site on Rama II Road, in response to multiple accidents causing fatalities and injuries. A meeting with Italian-Thai Development (ITD) is slated for today to address these issues.

Phiphat has instructed the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare (DLPW) and the Institute for the Promotion of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Working Conditions (POSHEC) to devise stringent safety protocols. These measures will target all construction sites nationwide, with a special focus on high-risk areas in Bangkok. Continued …

Police investigation reveals timeline of murder in Bangkok condo

The Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) yesterday revealed details of its investigation into the murder of a Thai woman at a condominium in Sukhumvit Soi 39, in Bangkok’s Watthana district.

A manhunt has been launched for Singaporean national Daniel Benjamin Goh Wei-En, 32, after the body of his 30-year-old girlfriend was found wrapped in a blanket and a bloodied bedsheet in the bathroom of the unit on the 22nd floor. Continued …

  • Police Crack Down on 15 Chinese-Backed Firms Using Thai Nominees – Continued …
  • British Expats’ Thai Villa Xanax Empire Lands them in Jail – Continued …

Thai Restaurant Industry Faces Crisis

Thailand’s restaurant industry is grappling with a severe downturn, with consumer purchasing power plummeting by over 40% in early 2025, according to Thanivarn Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn. As economic recovery slows and incomes stagnate, consumers are prioritizing savings over dining out, exacerbating financial strain on eateries.

This decline affects a wide range of establishments, from independent restaurants to food stalls in malls, all scrambling to stay competitive. With customer reluctance to purchase meals priced over 80 baht, many restaurants have resorted to slashing prices to 40-50 baht per dish. Continued …

Korat businesses struggle as pork prices soar

Rising pork prices have left business owners in Nakhon Ratchasima facing daily losses, with some considering closure. They urge the government to fulfill economic promises and address the needs of smaller businesses rather than focusing solely on the wealthy.

At a gathering at Rabieng Kiang Nam restaurant in Hua Thale subdistrict, Mueang district, representatives from pork stalls and restaurants discussed the ongoing rise in pork prices, which have increased weekly. Continued …

Thailand Greenlights Entertainment Complex Bill

The Cabinet has greenlit the game-changing Entertainment Complex Bill. This new legislation puts strict limits on casino floor sizes, allowing them to occupy only 10% of the entertainment venue’s total area.

During the bill’s revision by the Council of State, the focus was on balancing economic and social interests. Four public hearings led to a massive thumbs-up from the majority, with 80% of the 71,289 participants backing this legislation. With Cabinet approval in the bag, the bill now awaits the House of Representatives. Continued …

Phase 3 of 10,000-baht handout will not be ready before Songkran

About 2.7 million Thais eligible for the 3rd phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout scheme, formerly known as the digital wallet scheme, will not see the money before the long Songkran holidays (April 13-16), when most Thais will spend money on traveling.

The move to disburse the 27-billion-baht handout in the latest phase has already been submitted to the Cabinet and is now being considered by related agencies, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said yesterday. Continued …

Auto industry rocked by Trump’s 25% tariffs

U.S. automakers and their global rivals have been rocked by President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would impose 25% tariffs on all vehicles, as well as many foreign-made auto parts imported into the United States.

Thailand exported 42,000 passenger cars to the United States in 2024, along with about $4 billion worth of parts. Producers have been warned to brace for turbulence as the new tariffs take effect. Continued …

Chinese EV dominance reshapes Bangkok Motor Show

The 46th Bangkok International Motor Show kicked off yesterday, transforming Thailand’s automotive landscape with its boldest showcase yet. Running from March 26 to April 6 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, this spring’s exhibition welcomes over 1.6 million visitors under the theme “The Talk of Sensuous Automotive.”

The most striking development at this year’s show is the unprecedented dominance of Chinese manufacturers. With 15 Chinese brands including BYD, Zeekr, and Geely making displays, the traditional Japanese and European stronghold faces serious competition. Continued …

The Global Challenge of Reducing Dependence on the US

The Trump administration marked a turning point in the global economic order established after World War II. Its policies, characterized by a shift toward economic nationalism, challenged long-standing principles of free trade and multilateral cooperation. The new administration imposed tariffs on key trading partners, withdrew from major international agreements, and prioritized bilateral deals over multilateral frameworks.

These moves disrupted global supply chains and strained relationships with traditional allies, prompting debates about the future of globalization and the balance of power in international trade. Continued …

Thailand Needs New Strategy Amid Trump Tariffs, Says Economist

The head of Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that the country is likely to be hit by new tariffs from Donald Trump as fears grow of a looming trade war that could impact both this year and next.

He emphasized that Thailand is facing complex economic challenges and that the “next step” should focus on investing in human capital and agricultural technology, as well as increasing competitiveness in the tourism and healthcare sectors. Continued …

HSBC touts Thailand’s long-term growth potential

HSBC Thailand remains committed to supporting the Thai economy amid heightened global uncertainties, demonstrating its confidence in the country’s long-term growth potential, according to Giorgio Gamba, chief executive and head of banking at HSBC Thailand,.

Despite ongoing uncertainties, Thailand is poised to benefit from a robust infrastructure ecosystem that will sustain its economic momentum this year, he said, as he highlighted the success of a recent roadshow in China, where many foreign investors showed interest in investing in Thailand across various industries. Continued … 

Uyghur deportations threaten EU free trade deal

Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs could throw a wrench into delicate free trade talks with the European Union (EU), sparking fears of an international trade storm.

Concerns are mounting over how these actions might jeopardize Thailand’s economic relationships and its bid to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Continued …

MR. D.I.Y. planning to add 200 stores in Thailand

MR. D.I.Y. (Thailand), a home improvement and lifestyle retailer, wants to launch 200 new stores across the nation. The majority of these stores, around 90%, are to be standalone, with the remainder mall-based stores.

Andy Chin, chief executive of MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) Plc, said the standalone approach is important. The company is allocating 2 billion baht for this expansion, with the goal of surpassing 1,000 stores by the end of the year. Continued …

Thailand Considers Shortening Visa-Free Stays for Chinese Tourists

Thailand is mulling a change to its tourist policy, potentially shortening visa-free stays for Chinese visitors. Currently, the visa-free duration stands at 90 days. The new plan could see this slashed to 30 days, according to Sorawong Thienthong, the Tourism and Sports minister.

The reasoning is clear: most Chinese tourists don’t linger for long. Thienthong highlighted that the majority leave by the 15-day mark. Exceptions exist, mostly among those eager to learn Thai boxing or culinary arts. Thus, he suggests that 30 days is just right. Continued … 

ATTA boss calls for boost to Chinese tourism market

The newly appointed president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is urging the government to ramp up support for marketing initiatives and development to revive the lagging Chinese tourism market.

Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn expressed concern over the sluggish growth of the Chinese market, revealing that from January to March, ATTA welcomed only 214,213 Chinese tourists, a 47% decrease compared to the previous year. Continued …

White Lotus lifts Songkran bookings on Samui by 65%

Koh Samui tops the list of Thai destinations for the Songkran holiday next month, thanks to the influence of the hit TV series “The White Lotus”, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

The island has seen a 65% rise from a year ago in bookings by foreign tourists planning to check in between April 10 and 17, said the spokesman, citing data from the hotel booking technology firm SiteMinder. Continued …

Embracing Change in Pai, Northern Thailand’s Former Hidden Gem

The northern Thai town of Pai used to be an undiscovered getaway for intrepid travelers. Situated in the lush highlands near the Myanmar border, hours removed from the nearest international airport, Pai represented a radical alternative to resort-centric beach destinations.

Nowadays, the once-traditional community has morphed to accommodate constant waves of Western tourists who roll into and out of town on cheap Chiang Mai shuttles. Don’t get me wrong, I had a lovely stay in this pretty and popular place. But as with many aspects of life, satisfaction stems from properly calibrated expectations. Continued …

9 restaurants from Thailand among Asia’s 50 best in 2025

Nine restaurants in Thailand made it to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, a ranking that celebrates the region’s top dining spots.

Launched in 2013, the list highlights exceptional gastronomy and offers global diners local insights and recommendations. It has since become the premier ranking in the region. Continued …

Boon Pha Wet: Old tradition meets modern life

At the end of the harvest season in the 4th lunar month, it’s time for Boon Pha Wet, one of the biggest merit-making traditions of people in the northeast of Thailand.

Boon Pha Wet has different names according to the region. In the central region, it is known as “Thet Maha Chat” and is usually held in the 12th lunar month, or after Kathin season. Continued …

Cabinet approves tax breaks for big EV investments

The Cabinet has approved a draft decree to offer tax incentives for companies investing in large commercial electric vehicles (EVs). This measure allows companies to claim double the expense for locally produced EVs and 1.5 times for imported ones.

The decree aims to encourage the use of large commercial EVs, such as electric buses and trucks. The tax exemption applies to corporate income equivalent to the investment in these vehicles from the approval date until Dec. 31. Continued …

Japanese automakers scrambling over Trump’s 25% tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on all automobile imports, starting next month, has shocked Japanese automakers, as the United States is their key market. Japan exports over 1.3 million vehicles to the United States per year, making up around 30% of its auto exports on a value basis. Continued …

Japan to consider all options over US auto tariffs: PM

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said yesterday that his government has “all kinds of options” on how to respond to the imposition of 25 % tariffs on automobile imports announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Continued …

AI to render 39% of global skills obsolete, Bitkub CEO warns

Despite reassurances from some experts that artificial intelligence (AI) will never fully replace the human workforce, the CEO and founder of Bitkub has issued a stark warning: AI is poised to render approximately 39% of global workforce skills redundant, with sectors like healthcare, finance, and education facing significant job disruption. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

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

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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