Hua Hin beach sparks ‘trash art’/Pala-u waterfall to reopen/Deluge expected/Phuket’s Big Buddha Foundation under fire/Collapsed High-Speed Rail Tunnel/Women track down alleged molester/Moonshine poisoning/20,000 counterfeit items discovered/Economy: Plan for 13 mega projects/Deficit with China/Income tax cuts/Tourism: Tourism losses from floods/To make Suvarnabhumi regional hub/2 million South Korean tourists/UK warns not to smuggle pot/Thailand Experience: Thailand shopping guide/Sightseeing in Songkhla/Climate Thailand: Thailand’s Renewable Energy Roadmap/Changan’s major overseas EV production base/Hyundai allocates Bt1 bllion/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
Walk on Hua Hin beach sparks ‘trash art’ effort
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Jarupatcha Achavasmit, a lecturer at the School of Architecture, Art, and Design at King Mongkut Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, spent her time in Hua Hin. While walking along the beaches, she noticed that the waves were washing up trash.
She assumed that it was the way the sea returned unwanted items to humans. She felt sorry for the sea and decided to help it by turning the trash it spat back at humans into art pieces. Continued …
PKK ranks 5th in domestic tourism in June
Pala-u waterfall to reopen Sept 1
Deluge expected with two storms on radar
Thailand is expected to face two storms from September to October, bringing heavy rainfall across various regions, according to the Meteorological Department. Thanasit Iam-ananchai, the department’s deputy chief, said two direct storms are forecast to affect the country during these two months.
He said there is no storm affecting Thailand at the moment and persistent rainfall causing runoff and flooding in the northern region and the upper part of the northeastern region is due to the monsoon weather system. Continued …
Phuket’s Big Buddha Foundation under fire for deadly landslide
The Phuket Big Buddha Foundation faces serious allegations from the Forest Department involving land encroachment, after a tragic mudslide last week at Khao Nak Kerd claimed 13 lives, mostly Myanmar nationals.
Officials from various local authorities, including the Forest Department and Phuket Buddhism Office, recently inspected the Big Buddha site to ascertain if it complied with the 2.4-hectare land limit established by the Forest Department. Using GPS technology, they discovered the site extends over 3.2 hectares, far exceeding the permitted area. This extra space reportedly accommodates parking, restrooms, and other amenities. Continued …
No Survivors Reached Yet in Collapsed High-Speed Rail Tunnel
The Incident Command Center for the collapsed high-speed rail tunnel has issued an update on the search and rescue operations, which steps back from the statements made late yesterday evening that the first worker had been rescued.
The Chinese engineering team has been continuously strengthening and reinforcing support structures to allow rescue workers to safely search in areas where victims are believed to be trapped. Continued …
Thai women track down alleged molester, call police
In a disturbing incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety of ride-sharing services, a Bolt driver was arrested for molesting two young women on separate occasions. The suspect, identified as Seksan S, 47, was taken into custody by police from Banglamung Police Station on Aug. 27.
The first victim, a 15-year-old girl referred to as Miss Am, recounted her ordeal to the media. On Aug. 25 around 4:30 a.m., she called a white Toyota Vios through the Bolt app. She requested a ride from Soi 17, Pattaya Second Road, to her destination in Soi Nong Ket Yai. Despite sitting in the back seat, the driver instructed her to move to the front seat. Continued …
Two more deaths from moonshine poisoning
Two more deaths have taken the toll in Bangkok’s moonshine methanol scare to six, as investigators widen their search for those producing and selling the deadly rotgut beyond the city’s northern suburbs.
Dr. Pairoj Surattanawanich, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said on Wednesday that two more drinkers had died from the effects of methanol intoxication on Tuesday. One had died in hospital after earlier being resuscitated, and the other died at home. Continued …
20,000 counterfeit items discovered in Bangkok mall raid
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) raided 11 shops and warehouses in a prominent Bangkok shopping mall, uncovering over 20,000 counterfeit items with an estimated value of 20 million baht.
The operation took place on Tuesday, following reports of shops allegedly selling and storing counterfeit goods. The raid targeted specific locations in the Pathum Wan district, guided by 11 search warrants issued by the Intellectual Property Court. Continued …
Transport Ministry awaits new Cabinet with plan for 13 mega projects
The Transport Ministry has said that it plans to propose 13 mega projects worth 727.3 billion baht to the new Cabinet, with biddings to commence later this year.
Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said these projects were previously proposed under former prime minister Srettha Thavisin and will be resubmitted to the new Cabinet led by PM-elect Paetongtarn Shinawatra. He added that some projects are ready to be launched. Continued …
Deficit with China sparks concern amid uptick in imports
The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has expressed concern over the widening trade deficit between Thailand and China.
In the first six months of 2024, imports from China increased by 7.12% year-on-year, amounting to US$37.6 billion (roughly 1.33 trillion baht). This resulted in a trade deficit with China of $20 billion (about 720 billion baht), up 15.7% year-on-year. Continued …
Income tax cuts among financial hub lures
The Ministry of Finance is likely to cut personal and corporate income tax rates for approved individuals and businesses as part of its financial hub initiative to attract foreign investment.
Policies for an entertainment complex, aviation hub and financial hub are three key strategies to entice foreign investment, said Paopoom Rojanasakul, the caretaker deputy finance minister. Continued …
Tourism losses from floods close to Bt500 miilion
Severe floods in many Thai provinces have resulted in tourism losses worth 491 million baht, while tourism expenditure is expected to contract by 200 million baht.
The figures were reported by a committee set up to monitor flood impact, particularly in Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai and Uttaradit, which have all dealt with landslides, said Sermsak Pongpanich, the caretaker tourism and sports minister. Continued …
Master plan aims to make Suvarnabhumi regional hub in 5 years
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has unveiled a revised 10-year master plan for the development of Suvarnabhumi Airport, with an investment of more than 159 billion baht, AOT President Kirati Kitmanawat said on Wednesday. The agency is set to open bidding for the expansion of the building on the east side this December, he said.
The new master plan (2025-2035) aims to position Thailand as a regional aviation hub, targeting a global ranking within the top 20 within five years, in line with the government’s ambitious policy. Continued …
Thailand targets 2 million South Korean tourists in 2024
Thailand is gearing up for a significant influx of South Korean tourists during the upcoming six-day Chuseok holiday, hoping to hit a record high of 2 million Korean visitors by the year’s end. This surge is seen as crucial for Thailand’s tourism sector, which has consistently seen South Korean tourists as a top inbound market.
Chuwit Sirivejkul, regional director of marketing for East Asia at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that from the start of 2023 until now, around 1.22 million Korean tourists have already visited Thailand. On average, daily arrivals range between 5,000 to 7,000 visitors, indicating a strong, steady flow. Continued …
UK warns travelers not to smuggle pot into country
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned travelers to the United Kingdom from Thailand, Canada and the United States that any attempt to bring cannabis into the country could see them sent to jail after a huge increase in arrests was reported.
According to the British embassy in Bangkok, 378 air passengers have been arrested for smuggling cannabis, and an estimated 15 tons of the drug has been detected and seized at UK airports so far this year. The amount is around three times higher than in 2023 when about five tons of cannabis was seized and 136 people arrested. Continued …
Thailand shopping guide: where to shop in 2024
Shopping in Thailand is like an exciting adventure and a paradise for any shopper. There’s always something to surprise you, whether it’s amazing clothes with unmatched prices or the most tasty foods you didn’t know existed and have never tried anywhere before.
These are the top shopping spots we have selected for you, so you won’t regret visiting them on your trip to Thailand. Continued …
Sightseeing in Songkhla
Even though it was a gloomy day, we could still clearly see Songkhla’s landscape from where we stood atop the ancient Fort No.9. Constructed out of stone to accommodate cannons, it is located on a plain that connects the foothill of Khao Noi and the southwestern town corner. This ruin appears to be a mystical portal that transports visitors to the Ayutthaya period.
Formerly known as Singora, the historic town was originally situated in the neighborhood of Khao Daeng and functioned as a significant trading port on the shoreline of the Isthmus of Kra, bringing in marine merchants from Holland, Britain, France, Portugal, Persia, India and China. Continued …
Thailand’s Renewable Energy Roadmap
Thailand is charting a new course in its energy landscape through its Power Development Plan (PDP) 2024, aimed at increasing its use of renewable energy. This plan marks a significant shift toward carbon neutrality and energy sustainability, reflecting global trends and aligning with international commitments to combat climate change.
The revised Power Development Plan is Thailand’s strategic blueprint to navigate its energy future toward a low-carbon society. The revision stems from several critical factors, including economic changes post-COVID-19, evolving energy demands, and technological advancements such as solar rooftops and electric vehicles (EVs). Continued …
China’s Changan to make Thailand its major overseas EV production base
Changan Automobile, one of China’s “big four” state-owned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, has announced a plan to make Thailand its major overseas manufacturing base, targeting an output of 200,000 units by 2026, using up to 80% locally made parts.
The Chongqing-based automaker said its factory in Rayong province, built under promotional privileges granted by the Board of Investment (BOI) in 2023 with an investment budget of 10 billion baht, is now 80% complete and should start operations in the first quarter of 2025. Continued …
Hyundai allocates Bt1 bllion for electric vehicle expansion in Thailand
Hyundai Mobility Thailand, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group, is preparing to expand its electric vehicle business in the country within September under a 1-billion-baht investment in a move to compete with other EV manufacturers.
“We will announce our investment plan within September after completing further talks with the Board of Investment on details of its investment incentives,” said Wallop Chalermvongsavej, managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31
FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35
FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
Deadly new mpox strain hits Thailand
Northern Thailand flooding: Phichit’s Yom River water levels rise
NACC accuses 3 police of being ‘unusually rich’
What Motivates Thailand to Pursue BRICS Membership?
Thai Red Cross offers mpox vaccine for 8,500 baht per dose
PTT targets 7,000 EV charging outlets by 2030
Schools to curb digital device use
FTI to help small herbal businesses up their game
New PM’s focus must be on growing the economy, chamber says
MG leads investment push for hybrid EVs
Thailand Advances in the Race for Electric Vehicle Dominance
Maxim ride-hailing, delivery app available in Hua Hin
Foreign investment in Thai property development sought
Cebu Pacific resumes flights from southern Philippines to Bangkok
Thailand okays 500-billion baht plan to combat floods, drought
Agency to study new port plan
Rise In Aviation Incidents In Thailand Since Covid
How a monk and a hippo joined forces to tackle Bangkok’s plastic pollution
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