Today’s news: Big Thailand visa changes/How to buy Property in Thailand/Mental Health Crisis/Injuries include possible paralysis/The heroine of flight turbulence drama/Former PM to be indicted/Working elephant discarded/Selling ‘magic mushrooms’/Economy: Budget boost to fund digital wallet/Egg prices to rise/Land and building tax collection/Biggest draw for foreign workers/Retail closures spark concern/Young and in Debt/Thailand seeks BRICS membership/Cannabis supporters plan legal challenge/Tourism: Thailand Welcomes 14.3 Million Tourists/U-Tapao to host race/Thailand Experience: Festive Shades journey/Faith and fortune/Best Wellness Retreats In Thailand/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/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
Big Thailand visa changes from June 1
The cabinet has approved a number of new visa initiatives aimed at attracting more tourists. This includes visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and a decrease in mandatory health insurance for retirees.
The Foreign Ministry suggested these actions due to the country’s significant reliance on tourism, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Continued …
How to buy Property in Thailand
Thailand is an exciting place to live for many reasons. Whether it’s the country’s beautiful weather, relaxing atmosphere, or friendly population, large numbers of foreigners each year buy properties here.
However, the kingdom’s strict property ownership laws must be considered so that your investment is, at all times, fully protected. Whether you’re planning on investing or settling down here in the Land of Smiles, you’ll need a guide on how to buy property in Thailand. Continued …
Thailand Faces Mental Health Crisis as Millions Affected
Nearly 10 million individuals in Thailand are grappling with mental health issues, according to recent data from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The figures released in its first-quarter report indicate that almost 11% of the population is at risk of suicide, and around 16% experience regular stress.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the NESDC, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that mental health has become a critical concern for the nation. The continuous rise in psychiatric patients, from 1.3 million in 2015 to 2.9 million in 2023, underscores the escalating crisis. Continued …
Worst Singapore Airlines injuries include possible paralysis
While all patients at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital are in stable condition, recovery could be weeks or even years, said Dr. Krittanai Thangsakul, who was in charge of treating patients with the most severe injuries.
It began with an emergency call on May 21 requesting Bangkok’s Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital to take in about 20 injured passengers from nearby Suvarnabhumi Airport. But every few minutes, the number would climb. Continued …
The high-flying heroine of Thailand’s flight turbulence drama
Thailand has received widespread praise for its swift and efficient response to the emergency when a Singapore Airlines flight was slammed by severe turbulence over Myanmar on May 21.
Leading the medical emergency operation after Flight SQ321 diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport was Dr. Wichanya Burirak – who also happens to be a big fan of flying. Continued …
Former PM Thaksin to be indicted on lese majeste charge
The attorney-general will indict former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on lese majeste and computer crime charges arising from an interview he gave in South Korea in 2015.
Prayut Phetcharakhun, spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), said this morning that Attorney-General Amnat Chetcharoenrak made the decision on Monday to indict Thaksin on both charges, as proposed by police. Continued …
75-year-old working elephant discarded for being ‘in too much pain/
Pai Lin, 75, has endured more agonizing pain and abuse in her long life than it is possible to fathom. For decades, she was used as a working elephant, probably in the commercial logging industry before it was banned in 1989.
After logging was banned, this tortured, tragic animal was likely used to haul as many as six tourists at a time on her back in a heavy wooden seat that would have ground relentlessly into her body. At some point during her horrific 60-year “working career,” she was forced to beg on the streets. Her deformed spine speaks volumes about her life of abject cruelty. Continued …
Couple arrested for selling ‘magic mushrooms’
A couple has been arrested at a Bangkok condominium for growing “magic mushrooms” and selling them online, claiming they could help cure many diseases.
A team of officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) arrested the pair — identified only as Banyong, 40, and Amita, 36 — at their condominium room in Chatuchak district on Monday. They seized 181 plastic bags of hed khee kwai, or psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, weighing 117 kilograms. Continued …
Cabinet approves plan for 2024 budget boost to fund digital wallet
The cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan to boost the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to help finance its delayed household stimulus scheme, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said.
The plan would bring the new budget to 3.6 trillion baht, up 13% from the previous year, with the deficit rising to 805 billion baht, officials have said. Continued …
Egg prices to rise due to extreme weather
As announced by the Thai Cooperative Network for Chicken Egg Producers, egg prices are set to rise by 20 satangs per egg tomorrow, citing the extreme weather as the reason for the increase. The farm price for eggs will be 4 baht each, marking an increase of 6 baht per tray.
The members of the network include producers from Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai-Lamphun, and the Lower Chao Phraya River Basin. These organizations collectively decided on the price hike to support their members during this difficult period. Continued …
Land and building tax collection to tally Bt43 billion this year
The Finance Ministry expects collection of the land and building tax this year to total 43 billion baht, 8 billion higher than last year as the tax discount is discontinued.
Speaking at a property seminar on the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the tax and the outlook for the real estate sector, Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said the ministry is reviewing the law to determine if amendments are needed, with a decision expected by the end of this year. Continued …
London the biggest draw for foreign workers
Working and living abroad is no longer a dream for those seeking new opportunities in terms of career and finances, with the result that highly skilled workers are now flowing into foreign job markets worldwide.
This urge to get on in life away from home is confirmed by the findings of the Decoding Global Talent Report 2024, conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in collaboration with The Network and The Stepstone Group, which also listed the “Top 10 Cities Where Foreign Workers Most Want to Relocate for Work in 2024.” Continued …
Retail closures spark concern over cheap, fast- selling goods markets
Thailand’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market is in dire condition, with several retailers shutting down as consumers are hit by falling purchasing power and rising household debt, an industry expert said on Monday.
FMCG – relatively cheap, fast-turnover goods such as food, toiletries and cleaning products – make up the largest segment of consumer goods and are distinguished from high-priced purchases such as vehicles. Continued …
Young and in Debt: The Reality for Many Thai Millennials
A recent consumer survey by SCB Economic Intelligence Center found that 40% of respondents with a monthly income of less than 15,000 baht had higher expenses than their income. Half of them estimated that it would take about three years for their income to match their expenses, while the other half believed they would never be able to find enough income in their lifetime.
Thai consumers struggle to obtain new loans, as financial institutions tighten lending criteria due to rising non-performing loans, with total household debt at 91% of GDP and bad debts increasing in housing, auto loans, and credit cards. Continued …
Thailand seeks BRICS membership
Thailand has set its sights on joining the intergovernmental organization BRICS, which is expanding beyond its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became official members of BRICS on Jan. 1. Thailand is among the next 15 countries under consideration for admission. Continued …
Cannabis supporters plan legal challenge of policy u-turn
Hundreds of cannabis entrepreneurs, farmers and activists rallied in Bangkok and threatened legal action against the government as it pushes ahead with a plan to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic just two years after decriminalizing it.
At Tuesday’s rally in front of the United Nations Economic and Social Commision for Asia and the Pacific headquarters in the capital, nearly 2,000 signatures were collected in support of a legal petition to stall the government’s move. Cannabis advocates held posters with messages like “stop villainizing cannabis.” Continued …
Thailand Welcomes 14.3 Million Tourists
Thailand has seen a significant surge in international tourism, with 14.3 million visitors arriving in the first five months of this year. This influx has generated nearly 683 billion baht (US$18.7 billion) in revenue, a boon for the country’s economy.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich presented these optimistic figures, attributing this growth to increased confidence and eased travel restrictions. Continued …
Rayong’s U-Tapao airport slated to host Formula 1 race
The government is planning to build a race track suitable for hosting Formula 1 races in the airside area of U-Tapao International Airport to attract tourists and motorsport enthusiasts, making it the world’s first airport to incorporate an F1 track.
Deputy government spokeswoman Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered related agencies to draw up plans to promote the organization of an F1 race in Thailand to boost tourism. Continued …
Festive Shades of Thailand journey
Thailand has long been a melting pot of various cultures, and the four regions of the country have their own distinct traditions and background, making it feel like exploring a completely new culture as you shift from north to south.
The fun-loving temperament that Thais have is reflected in the vibrant festivals that take place throughout the country, and to experience these festivities is to truly understand the charm of Thai culture, religion and way of life. Continued …
Faith and fortune
Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess, is believed to grant wishes. Hence, people visit the Mazu Shrine (Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine) in Lhong 1919, the historic Bangkok riverfront area, to pray.
Aemaorn Prathedkoeranee-angkaew, better known as Pa Aorn, the 78-year-old caretaker of the Mazu Shrine, recently shared anecdotes of people who had their wishes fulfilled through prayer. Continued …
Unwind and Heal: The Best Wellness Retreats In Thailand
Thailand, often referred to as the “Land of Smiles,” is not just famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and tantalizing cuisine, but also for its world-renowned wellness retreats.
Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation, detoxification, or a deep dive into holistic health, Thailand offers some of the most luxurious and transformative wellness experiences. Here’s a guide to some of the top wellness retreats in Thailand that promise to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Continued …
Today’s Thai environmental news
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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
48,000-Plus People Nationwide Running For Senator
Low consumption, high household debt take toll on manufacturing index
Thailand to ask Israel for higher labor quota
Assessing Phuket’s Readiness for the Tourism Boom
Thailand power supply in question as tech investment floods in
Thailand’s education system ‘stuck in the past’
Thailand Focuses on Expanding Digital Payment Services
City official accused of demanding Bt9M to save golf course
Thailand needs to address structural issues to propel GDP growth
3 Lese Majeste Detainees Still On Hunger Strike As One Dies
Thailand’s Standing in the 2024 Emerging Asia Manufacturing Index
Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia feel benefit from tourism rebound
Cannabis to be classified as ‘soft drug’: Somsak
Glamping in the jungles of Thailand
Thai Cannabis Network Opposes PM’s Move To Outlaw the Drug
Cebu Pacific launches direct flights to Don Mueang Airport
Is weed still legal in Thailand? Here’s what tourists need to know
Tipping ‘rules’ explained for Thailand, Asia
How Thai youth are reshaping the job landscape
Outrage erupts as foreign child pees outside Thai temple
