Category Archives: climate change

bangkok, climate change, hua hin, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-Aug 17

  • Three new water-management measures adopted to cope with El Niño/
  • Kru Kai Kaew believers reportedly sacrifice puppies and kittens to the diety/
  • Alcohol advertising: Tightened restrictions urged amidst youth risk concerns/
  • Inside Thailand’s ‘endless’ battle against hazardous waste/
  • Thailand election: Aug 22 likely date for PM election/Voting for next PM to go ahead, with growing turmoil likely to end with General Prawit as PM/
  • Economy: Five fast-food giants that crashed and burned in Thailand/Thai Private Sector Seeks Help As Chinese Products Flood Market/
  • Tourism: Thailand to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a haven of adventure/Finnair Adds More Flights to Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: Video showcases abuses in training elephants for tourists/Echoes of the past in Suphan Buri/
  • International: How Asia can invest in averting a food crisis caused by climate change/Videos Put Scrutiny On Downed Power Lines As Possible Cause Of Deadly Maui Wildfires/
  • 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

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Three new water-management measures adopted to cope with El Niño

Three new water-management measures were adopted at a meeting of the National Water Command Center yesterday in anticipation of a prolonged drought after the rainy season this year, due to the effects of El Niño.

Attending the meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, were representatives from the Meteorological, Water Resources and Royal Irrigation departments, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Hydro Informatics Institute. Continued …

Kru Kai Kaew believers reportedly sacrifice puppies and kittens to the diety

Thai believers in the supernatural power of the Kru Kai Kaew deity rocked social media this week after they reportedly sought puppies and kittens for a sacrificial ceremony in the pursuit of luck and prosperity. The practice has taken a dark turn, as some followers hope to receive lucky lottery numbers in exchange for innocent lives.

Kru Kai Kaew, portrayed as an anthropomorphic entity adorned with resplendent wings and gleaming golden talons, recently gained even more notoriety when a colossal sculpture of the deity caused a major traffic jam on Bangkok’s Rachadapisek Road. The statue’s towering height hindered its passage through an underpass, sparking rumors that this was a calculated move to seize public attention. Continued …

Alcohol advertising: Tightened restrictions urged amidst youth risk concerns

Further restrictions against alcohol advertising are being urged by the Alcohol Watch Network. Concerns center around young people and new drinkers who are at risk due to various impacts on health, economy and society.

Teera Watcharapranee, director of the office of the Alcohol Watch Network, stated yesterday that despite the responsibility of enforcing the law falling on the Ministry of Public Health under the Alcohol Control Act of 2008, the network and its allied sectors have publicly supported the cause, closely monitoring any acts of defiance related to alcohol advertising. Continued …

Inside Thailand’s ‘endless’ battle against hazardous waste

First it was the stench, then the changing color of the ponds that made residents of eastern Thailand’s Nong Phawa community realize that something had gone seriously wrong in their neighborhoods.

Since at least 2012, the Nong Phawa community had observed the nearby recycling factory with suspicion. Its close proximity to the community center and the noticeable odor it emitted raised serious concerns. But their understanding of the plant’s activities was limited, preventing them from speaking out. Continued …

Aug 22 likely date for PM election

Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has called a meeting of Senate whips and representatives of major political parties to discuss the date for the election of the prime minister, parliamentary officials said.

The officials said Wan Noor would hold a meeting of Senate whips and representatives of the Pheu Thai-led coalition and those outside the bloc at 10am. Continued …

Voting for next PM to go ahead, with growing turmoil likely to end with General Prawit as PM

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday cleared the way for the parliamentary process to elect Thailand’s 30th prime minister to continue when it rejected petitions made against the blocking of Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination on July 19. A new vote on the nomination of Pheu Thai’s Srettha Thavisin is likely within the week but there are doubts as to whether it will succeed, opening up the possibility of a Bhumjaithai Party-led effort to form a government and the eventual election of Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan as Thailand’s next PM.

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court in Bangkok threw out petitions submitted to it via the Office of the Ombudsman questioning the legality of the decision in Parliament on July 19 not to debate the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat for the office of prime minister. Continued …

Five fast-food giants that crashed and burned in Thailand

Five popular international food brands, Gardenia, Carl’s Jr, Roti Boy, A&W and Baskin Robbins, suddenly disappeared from Thailand after suffering heavy losses during economic downturns and the Covid-19 crisis.

Gardenia, known for its fragrant and buttery bakery treats, entered the Thai market in 1987. Gardenia is famous for its diverse range of flavors, including buttered scones and bread varieties like milk oat, whole wheat, banana-infused whole wheat, pumpkin, chocolate, raspberry, coconut pandan, and more. Its unique and delicious flavors quickly gained popularity in Thailand. Continued …

Thai Private Sector Seeks Help As Chinese Products Flood Market

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) today yesterday called for help as Chinese products are now flooding in from every direction, with Thai entrepreneurs unable to compete anymore.

Kriangkrai Thiennukul, FTI’s president, said 20 industrial groups out of a total of 45 have been severely impacted by the heavy flow of Chinese products into Thailand, from only five to six groups previously hit. Continued …

Thailand to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a haven of adventure

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the provincial governor’s office of Nakhon Si Thammarat are working together to increase tourism promotion to the southern Thailand province.

Just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a well-kept secret by the locals and features an abundance of natural wonders – it has been nicknamed “the green lungs of Thailand’”, where travelers come to simply unplug from their daily lives. Continued …

Finnair Adds More Flights to Thailand

Finnair is adding more flights between Helsinki and Bangkok this winter, in response to increased demand for travel to Thailand.

The airline – celebrating its 100th anniversary this year – will go from 11 per week to an increased double daily service. Flights will depart Helsinki at 1:50pm and 4:30pm each day this winter, arriving into Thailand at 6:20am and 9:05am the following morning. Continued …

An elephant being “trained” for tourism

Video showcases abuses in training elephants for tourists

Collaborating with Tang Tawanwad Wanavit, aka TangBadVoice, renowned Thai Hip Hop artist, street photographer, and director of photography, World Animal Protection Thailand has released the music video “No Elephant Show.”

Video 

The upbeat song is inspired by the famous Thai elephant song (เพลงช้าง) while peeling back the layers to expose the distressing violence and cruelty involved in elephant training. Continued …

Echoes of the past in Suphan Buri

We were mesmerized by vast lush paddy fields on either side of the road, where equestrians expertly rode their horses as we gazed out of our van en route to Suphan Buri. However, ancient temples and historical ruins remain powerful attractions for travelers to discover Thailand’s rich history and fascinating cultural heritage.

Based on artifacts found here that date back between 3,500 and 3,800 years, this settlement is thought to have been on the east banks of the Tha Chin River as early as the New Stone Age. During the Ayutthaya period, it’s here that King Naresuan and Burmese Crown Prince Maha Uparaja fought a fabled royal battle on elephant back that resulted in Siam’s independence. Continued …

How Asia can invest in averting a food crisis caused by climate change

After Covid-19 disruptions resulted in increasing concerns about manufacturing supply chain vulnerabilities, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted markets to adopt a laser-like focus on energy costs and their implications for industry. Yet, markets’ focus on disrupted and costlier industrial energy have left a far more worrying prospect largely forgotten: food shortages. Continued …

Videos Put Scrutiny On Downed Power Lines As Possible Cause Of Deadly Maui Wildfires

Awakened by howling winds that tore through his Maui neighborhood, Shane Treu went out at dawn and saw a wooden power pole suddenly snap with a flash, its sparking, popping line falling to the dry grass below and quickly igniting a row of flames. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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
bangkok, climate change, hua hin, pattaya, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Monday’s news-Aug 14

  • Queen mother ceremony at Wat Huay Mongkol/
  • Two Hua Hin golf courses named among Asia’s 20 best/
  • Southwest monsoon to bring heavy rain nationwide/
  • How much does a Retirement Home cost in Thailand?/
  • Developer Sansiri sees net profit surge 162% in the first half/
  • Credit-card operators say raising interest ceiling to 18% only way to survive/
  • Excise Dept mulls reclassifying liquor and beer/
  • Wild elephant captured after 22 days of disruption/
  • Tak hospital in red as Myanmar migrant patient numbers soar/
  • Body of second victim of boat capsize in Phetchaburi recovered/
  • Thailand election: How Thailand’s long wait compares with the world record for forming a new govt/Pita Takes Pheu Thai To Task For About-Face On ‘Uncles’ Camps’/Light at the end of the tunnel?/
  • Economy: Economic danger signals emerging as politicians wrangle over election/Thailand: A Rising Economic Powerhouse in Southeast Asia/Thailand’s Ambitious Strides Toward Clean Energy/FamilyMart brand to be replaced by Tops Daily stores/
  • Tourism: Travel industry girds for weak low season amid cost and weather challenges/Chinese tourists to Thailand may drop as tour group restrictions lift/Thailand gears up to be the top destination for visitors from Europe, America, the Middle East/Opinion: Bangkok, a Most Visited City on Earth, and The Other Bangkok/Pattaya police nab defiant Arab road racers/
  • Thailand Experience: Rising Sea Levels Threaten 11 Million People in Bangkok/The best snacks to get at Thai 7-Eleven/Forget cereal, I’ll take these spicy breakfast noodles every time/
  • International: Maui wildfires deadliest in a century after death toll hits 89/China issues new guidelines to attract foreign investment/Chinese Uninterested in the Climate Change Narrative Despite Extreme Weather/Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia chapter after harassment allegations/
  • 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

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Queen mother ceremony at Wat Huay Mongkol

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother was honored yesterday on her 91st birthday In an annual robe wrapping ceremony at Wat Huay Mongkol Temple, more than a thousand spectators paid their respects to the theme “Enhancing Your Heart with Faith.”

Under a hot August sky at the Wat Huay Mongkol Temple, located in the Thap Tai subdistrict of Hua Hin, hundreds of the attendees grabbed ahold and walked the 399-meter-long robe around the statue of the legendary Thai monk, Luang Pu Thuat.

Black Mountain

Two Hua Hin golf courses named among Asia’s 20 best

The diverse topography of Asia, the largest and most populous continent in the world, has been a golf architect’s delight for ages. Home to every imaginable terrain on the face of earth, designers have reveled and been challenged while giving shape to vast tracts of land, creating masterpieces that test golfers’ skill and temperament to the hilt.

Asia isn’t just about designer layouts and golf courses, though. Links-style courses and other designs, too, have played a part in highlighting the continent as a golfing juggernaut. Continued …

Southwest monsoon to bring heavy rain nationwide

The Southwest monsoon is intensifying, covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, and causing heavy rainfall across 60%-80% of Thailand, according to the Meteorological Department.

People in affected areas are advised to be cautious of heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which could lead to sudden flooding and forest runoff, especially in hilly and low-lying areas. Continued …

How much does a Retirement Home cost in Thailand?

Aging is an inevitable part of our life cycle. And as you reach your golden years, planning for retirement becomes increasingly important. If you have set your sights on spending your retirement in Thailand, understanding the cost of a retirement home should be a priority.

The beauty of Thailand extends beyond gorgeous landscapes and rich culture; it also offers a range of high-quality elderly care options. Below, we’ve broken down the various costs associated with your potential future home – retirement Continued …

Developer Sansiri sees net profit surge 162% in the first half

Net profit at Sansiri Plc. surged 162% year-on-year to 3.2 billion baht in the first half on strong sales of high-end houses and furnished condos, the company’s CFO, Wichan Viriyaphusit, said. Sansiri operates several projects in Hua Hin.

Second quarter net profit was 1.62 billion baht, up 77% from the year-ago period. The profit margin for the six-month period was 17.3% compared to 9.3% in the first six months of last year. Continued …

Credit-card operators say raising interest ceiling to 18% only way to survive

Thailand’s Credit Card Club will ask the central bank to allow credit-card operators to bring the interest rate back up to 18% soon, the club’s chairman said.

Atis Ruchirawat, the club’s chairman and managing director at General Card Service Co., said on Sunday that the 16% interest rate ceiling may make it difficult for operators to cover their expenses due to the Bank of Thailand’s rising policy rates. Continued …

Excise Dept mulls reclassifying liquor and beer

The Excise Department is currently in discussions with relevant government and private sector agencies on proposals to adjust the structure of alcohol and beer taxes to align with the current situation and to be consistent with the development of alcoholic beverage products.

Currently, alcoholic beverages are subject to various tax rates, such as non-alcoholic beer with 0% alcohol content, according to Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director general of the Excise Department. Continued …

Wild elephant captured after 22 days of disruption

Perhaps only in Thailand can an elephant be avoiding a court order for disturbing the peace. After 22 days on the lam, a wild elephant has been successfully captured in the Nop Phi Tham district of the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The “elephant arrest” was made to comply with a court order issued to relocate it due to the animal’s continuous community disruption. Continued …

Tak hospital in red as Myanmar migrant patient numbers soar

The Ministry of Public Health has sent 20 million baht to Umphang Hospital in Tak province to help it cover the increased costs of treating the rising number of migrants fleeing the conflict in neighboring Myanmar. Continued …

Body of second victim of boat capsize in Phetchaburi recovered

The search for a second passenger, missing after a tour boat was struck by a waterspout and capsized, ended last evening when his body was recovered from the water near a pier, behind Pak Lad Temple in Bang Tabun Bay in Ban Laem district of Phetchaburi province.

The remains, identified as those of “Kritanat”, a resident of Ban Laem district, were taken to King Mongkut Memorial Hospital for autopsy. The other victim has been identified as “Chanin”, a Bangkok resident. Continued …

How Thailand’s long wait compares with the world record for forming a new govt

Could Thailand break world record time for forming new govt? Three months have passed since the May 14 general election, and Thailand’s next government is still nowhere in sight.

Waiting much longer could very well earn Thailand a place among countries that have suffered the biggest delays in forming governments after elections. Continued …

Pita Takes Pheu Thai To Task For About-Face On ‘Uncles’ Camps’

Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat yesterday took the Pheu Thai to task for evidently turning an about-face only to bring “the uncles’ camps” into their coalition.

Without naming names, Pita told Move Forward supporters at a by-election campaign rally in Rayong that the Pheu Thai as core of the current coalition has gone back on their word by having the Palang Pracharath led by Prawit “Uncle Pom” Wongsuwan and the Ruam Thai Sang Chart under de facto boss/caretaker prime minister Prayut “Uncle Tu” Chan-o-cha jump onto the bandwagon. Continued … 

Light at the end of the tunnel?

Since the general election on May 14, Thailand has gone three months without a new government to lead the economy. Foreign investors, businesses and tourists are eager to see a favorable outcome following several unexpected twists and turns.

Some countries have issued a travel advisory for Thailand because of occasional unrest in Bangkok. Australia warned its citizens about an unpredictable security environment, given previous anti-government protests in Bangkok, while Canada highlighted demonstration sites that people should avoid. Continued …

Economic danger signals emerging as politicians wrangle over election

As Thailand’s politicians wrangle over who will take power amid a well-conceived conservative plot to use the unelected Senate to control the formation of the next government, the country’s economy is manifesting danger signals with a prolonged export slump and a rising problem with private sector debt that may become explosive.

These have combined with political instability concerns to reduce consumer confidence for the first time in 14 months. Continued …

Thailand: A Rising Economic Powerhouse in Southeast Asia

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country with a population of over 70 million people. It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The capital city is Bangkok.

Thailand has a long history of trade and commerce. It was a major trading hub in the region for centuries. In recent years, Thailand has become a major player in the global economy. It is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Continued …

Thailand’s Ambitious Strides Toward Clean Energy

Thailand is gaining recognition for its efforts in clean energy. With increasing demand driven by government initiatives, environmental awareness, and technological advancements, the country’s energy market is undergoing a transformation.

The Thai government has set a goal to increase the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption to 30% by 2036. This commitment has led to investments in various clean energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, bioenergy, and hydropower plants. Continued …

FamilyMart brand to be replaced by Tops Daily stores

Japanese convenience store brand FamilyMart is set to exit Thailand, with all stores set to be rebranded by the end of this year.

Three years ago, Central Retail Corp. bought out FamilyMart’s share in their joint venture in the market, at the time describing it as a precursor to network expansion as the master franchise holder there. Back then, there were 1,000 FamilyMart stores trading in Thailand. Now there are reportedly only 200 left, which will be converted to Central’s Tops Daily branding by the end of this year. Continued …

Travel industry girds for weak low season amid cost and weather challenges

The travel industry is bracing itself for an exceptionally weak low season, with predictions of stagnant demand, escalating operational costs at popular destinations, and the impacts of tropical storms.

The president of the Thai Travel Agents Assn., Charoen Wangananont, highlighted that the season’s sale rate for outbound packages significantly lags behind the comparison period recorded before the pandemic. He cited hesitancy and prudence shown by both individuals and executives, reducing their expenditure on travel. Continued …

Chinese tourists to Thailand may drop as tour group restrictions lift

In the wake of China’s announcement to allow tour groups to visit Japan and several other nations for the first time since 2020, Thailand’s tourism industry braces itself for a sharp fall in Chinese tourists. This drop is, in part, caused by ongoing visa application challenges, in spite of the government’s efforts to simplify the process.

This recent development comes as China finally moves to lift previously imposed Covid-19 travel restrictions on tour groups. Aside from Japan, other countries, including the U.S., South Korea, and Australia, can accept Chinese tour groups. In addition, China has expressed the desire for Japan to consider a visa waiver for Chinese citizens. Continued …

Thailand gears up to be the top destination for visitors from Europe, America, the Middle East

Thailand is gearing up to be the top destination for our friends in Europe, America, and the Middle East! Here’s why:

  • European visitors typically stay 19.4 days, spending around 71,718 baht.
  • Middle Eastern guests enjoy 16.17 days and spend an impressive 99,172 baht.
  • Americans unwind for 15.26 days, with a spend of 76,297 baht. – Pattaya Mail

Bangkok, a Most Visited City on Earth, and The Other Bangkok

Many Thais expressed pride when a travel website, Travelness.com, recently reported that Bangkok was the most visited city on earth in the first half of 2023 – 22.78 million foreign visitors compared to 19.1 of Paris and London’s 19.09 (Dubai clocked in the fourth place at 15.93 followed by Singapore at 14.67).

We should identify and reinforce Bangkok’s charms and strengths in order to further cement Bangkok as one of the most popular cities on the planet. Truth be told, Bangkok is a different city if you are working and living in the city as a low-paid working class, lower middle class or migrant laborer from neighboring countries. Continued …

Pattaya police nab defiant Arab road racers

Notorious Arab motorbike riders were forced to cancel their road-racing plans after some 200 policemen and Interior Ministry officials were deployed to keep law and order on Pattaya roads late on Saturday night.

Officers from Pattaya Police Station and officials from Chonburi provincial administration were deployed to check the roads and sois where local residents have complained about road racing and the blocking of traffic by Arab youngsters, mostly tourists from Kuwait. Continued …

Rising Sea Levels Threaten 11 Million People in Bangkok

Rising sea levels are a major concern not only for rural coastal communities but even for some of the world’s major cities surrounded by bodies of water. In the context of climate change, melting glaciers due to global warming is releasing frozen water back into the oceans at unprecedented rates never seen before in modern history.

Due to the threat, inhabitants of these “at risk areas” are forced to flee from the rising tides. One such place facing this threat is Thailand’s Bangkok metropolitan area, which has been projected by climate experts to further sink in the coming decades. Situated in Southeast Asia and near the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok, and its suburbs are dealing with coastal flooding as a result of the global sea level rise. Continued …

The best snacks to get at Thai 7-Eleven

Ever prowled around a 7-Eleven searching for the perfect midnight snack? We know that feeling. Here are some of the best 7-Eleven Thai exclusive snacks, based on our most popular picks.

Walking through the white metal shelves, hoping you don’t spend too much time picking a snack, sneaking furtive glances at the cashier…we’ve been through it. There’s a 7-eleven seemingly on every corner in Thailand, so people can be found always searching the aisles, night or day. And when you’re spoiled for choice, there’s got to be a guiding light. Continued …

Khanom chin nam ya

Forget cereal, I’ll take these spicy breakfast noodles every time

Pity the Anglo-Saxon world for its lo-fi breakfast choices. Toast, cereal, even bacon and eggs… these carry little flavor, they’re stodge designed to fill a gap until lunch rolls around and the real eating begins. Not so in much of the rest of the world, including Thailand.

Picture this to kick-start your day: thin rice noodles known as khanom chin, curled into neat little bundles, topped with a ladle-full of nam ya, a fiendishly spicy curry of minced fish, with pickled mustard greens, boiled eggs, raw green beans and fresh herbs to stir through. Now that is a breakfast. Continued …

Maui wildfires deadliest in a century after death toll hits 89

The death toll from the Maui wildfires is now at 89, officials said on Saturday, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. Gov. Josh Green warned at a news conference on Saturday afternoon that the death toll would continue to rise as more bodies were discovered. Continued …

China issues new guidelines to attract foreign investment

China has issued 24 new guidelines to attract more global capital and further optimize the country’s business environment for multinational corporations. The guidelines cover topics such as encouraging foreign investors to undertake major scientific research projects and ensuring equal treatment of foreign and domestic companies. Continued …

Chinese Uninterested in the Climate Change Narrative Despite Extreme Weather

This summer’s record heat and epic floods in China failed to spark local public debate about how the world’s top carbon polluter should mitigate climate change, leaving environmentalists furious at a wasted opportunity. Continued …

Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia chapter after harassment allegations

The Miss Universe Organization has cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, it announced days after allegations of sexual harassment, and will cancel an upcoming Malaysia edition. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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
cha am, climate change, hua hin, pattaya, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-Aug 7

4 Comments

  • Hua Hin Airport expansion plan: 2-3 years before international flights/
  • Hua Hin Profile: Panintorn Prakij/
  • Tips for finding an affordable auto repair shop in Thailand/
  • EGAT Rejects Cheaper Electricity Bills Amid Losses/
  • NHSO now authorized to reimburse all for basic health services/
  • Spanish Chef Confesses To Murdering Colombian Surgeon/
  • Climate change threatens wild tigers’ habitat/
  • Thailand election: Thailand’s precarious political situation is ‘far from over’/General Predicted to be Thailand’s Prime Minister at the End of August/
  • Economy: Thailand Still Wants to Develop a Major Spaceport/Convention bureau cuts MICE outlook/Oil firm subsidiary Arun Plus sees profit from EV foray within 3-5 years/
  • Tourism: Hua Hin and Cha Am among most popular destinations this Mother’s Day/Thai tourism banking on Chinese tourists/Kaeng Krachan National Park closes two areas for recovery/Pattaya Traffic Police Crack Down on Arab Groups/
  • Thailand Experience: 12 Things To Do In Ayutthaya/From World Heritage Site to Roti Sai Mai/Discover the charms of Sing Buri/
  • International: The world inches closer to feared global warming ‘tipping points’/
  • 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

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Hua Hin Airport expansion plan: 2-3 years before international flights

The Department of Airports (DoA) is planning to upgrade Hua Hin Airport into an international airport to boost tourism.

Rattapol Charoenphon, acting director of Hua Hin Airport, on Sunday said the airport, operated by the DoA, recently expanded its runway to 2.1 kilometers long and 60 meters wide to accommodate Airbus A320 aircraft. Continued …

Hua Hin Profile: Panintorn Prakij

By Felicitee Lawrie

As she sat in Veggie Tales/Wagging Tails Café to Panintorn Prakij, (Paang to her friends), she explained the many and varied demands on her time from the myriad projects she has immersed herself in.

Her business venture, XploreAsia, does provide a livelihood for herself, her business partner and their 15 or so employees, but there is another facet to the business and it can be clearly seen to be filling a profound need for all who participate in its activities. Then there is a charity foundation, The “For Future Foundation”, under whose umbrella the well-known animal welfare service, Rescue Paws, operates, ably assisted by profits from the very café we are sitting in. Continued …

Tips for finding an affordable auto repair shop in Thailand

Regular maintenance checks, routine tire changes, even more, complex transmission work – whatever it may be, it’s clear that going to a good auto repair shop can save you loads of time and money. But finding an affordable auto repair shop that you can trust isn’t always easy.

But here’s the good news – it’s not impossible! Here are six practical tips for finding an affordable auto repair shop in Thailand. Continued … 

EGAT Rejects Cheaper Electricity Bills Amid Losses

The Electricity Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has announced that it cannot entertain any further requests for cheaper electricity bills in the upcoming four-month cycle.

The decision comes as EGAT faces financial strain due to its accumulated loss, which resulted from subsidizing power bills between September 2021 and May 2023. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) estimates the accumulated loss to decrease to 135 billion baht by the end of the current month. Continued …

NHSO now authorized to reimburse all for basic health services

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has been authorized to reimburse non-gold cardholders for vaccinations and disease-prevention expenses, the NHSO chief said.

Dr. Jadet Thammathat-aree, NHSO secretary-general, said on Sunday that caretaker Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed a third order for the NHSO expense management fund for this year. This would allow the NHSO to reimburse members of the Social Security Fund and state officials under the Prevention and Promotion (P&P) basic public health services. Continued …

Spanish Chef Confesses To Murdering Colombian Surgeon

Police on Koh Phangan said Saturday afternoon that a Spanish chef has confessed to the murder and dismemberment of a Colombian surgeon, with most body parts packed in a suitcase and dumped into the sea but some parts that did not fit in were discarded at a garbage dump.

Latest reports of the investigation into this grisly crime states that Daniel (surname withheld), 29, had now confessed to killing Edwin (surname withheld), 44. Continued …

Climate change threatens wild tigers’ habitat

Climate change presents a big challenge for protecting and preserving tigers in the wild, says the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat.

He shared strong concerns over the fires that are destroying the habitat of the forest’s top hunter. Continued …

Thailand’s precarious political situation is ‘far from over’

With Thailand in a political quagmire once again, Varawut Silpa-archa, the leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, and Amorn Wanichwiwatana, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, spoke about what lies ahead.

Their comments follow a tumultuous time in Thai politics. After lying in Move Forward’s hands for more than 70 days, Pheu Thai now holds the leading position for establishing a new government. Continued …

General Predicted to be Thailand’s Prime Minister at the End of August

Prescient political activist and anti-corruption campaigner Chuwit Kamolvisit, who this week announced that he may have only eight months to live, is predicting that Thailand’s next prime minister will be 78-year-old Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, who will be elected at the end of August after several further votes in parliament and the failure of the Pheu Thai Party to form a government.

On Sunday, Chuwit predicted that Thailand’s next prime minister will be the leader of the Palang Pracharat Party, Prawit, the current deputy prime minister and one of the three brothers-in-arms associated with the 2014 coup d’etat in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand Still Wants to Develop a Major Spaceport

In a groundbreaking move, Thailand is venturing into the realm of space exploration with plans to establish its own spaceport.

The initiative, spearheaded by caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, aims to propel the country’s technological capabilities and stimulate economic growth across multiple sectors, potentially creating more than 400 job opportunities for Thai citizens. Continued …

Convention bureau cuts MICE outlook

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has downgraded the revenue forecast for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) segment to 96 billion baht, less than half the level recorded in 2019, and attributed to a subdued Chinese market.

TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said even though MICE travelers from Europe, India and Southeast Asia are rebounding strongly, Thailand still needs the Chinese market to return in order to reach its projections. Continued …

Oil firm subsidiary Arun Plus sees profit from EV foray within 3-5 years

Arun Plus Co., a subsidiary of national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, expects to gain profit from its fledging electric vehicle (EV) businesses within 3-5 years, as Thai drivers become more interested in these new-generation cars.

The company is pushing ahead with EV assembly, battery production and EV rental development projects, all meant to help establish a Thai EV ecosystem. Continued …

Hua Hin and Cha Am among most popular destinations this Mother’s Day

The next long weekend is set to be a busy one in Hua Hin and Cha Am. The two destinations are among the most popular for Thai families celebrating Mother’s Day (Aug 12), according to data from Agoda.

The travel booking website recently revealed the top domestic travel destinations for Thai families during the long Mother’s Day break. Continued …

Thai tourism banking on Chinese tourists

When China announced the country’s surprise reopening in January, every business sector in Thailand responded enthusiastically to the news, particularly the tourism industry, which earned more than 530 billion baht from Chinese visitors in 2019.

Since then, the feeble recovery of the mainland’s economy caused middle-income earners to face salary cuts, leading them to consider saving money instead of spending it on travel. Continued …

Kaeng Krachan National Park closes two areas for recovery

Kaeng Krachan National Park authorities have announced the temporary closure of two popular areas, in a bid to allow natural resources to regenerate and ensure safety during the rainy season.

Park officials said Phanoen Thung Mountain and Mae Saliang Creek will be off-limits to tourists from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31.

Park officials affirmed that several other attractions, including Ban Krang Camp, Pala-U Waterfall, and the Kaeng Krachan National Park Office will continue to welcome tourists, as usual.

Pattaya Traffic Police Crack Down on Arab Groups

Pattaya Traffic Police took firm action against defiant Arab groups on Soi Pattaya Second Road, an area notorious for their gatherings. Lt. Col. Arut Sapan, head of Pattaya City Traffic Police, deployed forces to discipline unruly drivers and operators.

The area frequently witnessed gatherings of Arab tourists revving their engines and causing disturbances to the public. The police issued warnings and public announcements to rental car operators, urging them to cooperate in preventing such behavior and finding solutions to curb the impact on society. Continued …

12 Things To Do In Ayutthaya

When considering a trip to Thailand, many travelers might focus on Bangkok, the lively Thai capital. But not far away is the smaller city of Ayutthaya, full of rich history, gorgeous sights, and a small-town feel that is refreshing after vacationing in adventurous Bangkok.

For those using Bangkok as a home base for myriad day trips in the area, or for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path exploration of Thailand, Ayutthaya offers a jam-packed itinerary. Continued …

From World Heritage Site to Roti Sai Mai

Among the first things that come to mind when talking about Ayutthaya, and perhaps equally as famous as Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is roti sai mai.

This famous dessert is a sweet wrap with a soft and very fine sugar thread filling. It became known worldwide after Lalisa Manoban, aka Lisa Blackpink, posted a video on her IG last year, preparing and then eating this sweet snack. And in more proof of its delectable delights, it even was featured in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2023 edition. Continued …

Discover the charms of Sing Buri

The legendary city of Sing Buri will be colored with art and design during the “Sang See Sing: Let’s Glow Singburi” festival, which will take place at Sing Buri City Hall Ror Sor 130 on Wilai Chit Road in Muang district, from Aug. 18-27.

Organized by the Tourism Council of Sing Buri, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this festival aims to attract more tourists, especially the new generation, to explore the city’s creative movements and its traditional culture. Continued …

The world inches closer to feared global warming ‘tipping points’

Climate change effects usually become clear over decades and centuries, but they seem to be everywhere this summer: temperature records broken constantly, ocean waters as warm as hot tubs and world leaders so alarmed they’ve called this the “the era of global boiling.” Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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
climate change, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-Aug 5

  • No, It Isn’t Time to Worry About retirement visa changes….Yet/
  • Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin ranked best water park in Thailand/
  • Monsoon downpours until Thursday/
  • Public urged to be discreet in water use amid low levels at reservoirs/
  • Tackling Thailand’s water problems/
  • Koh Phangan Murder: Knife, Blood Stains Found In Spanish Suspect’s Room/
  • Over 9,000 villagers flee to Mae Hong Son amid armed clashes in Myanmar/
  • Thailand election: Pheu Thai says time not right for coalition with coup-linked parties/This divorce could get messy/Pita slams ‘backward democracy’ at university/
  • Economy: How the Thai economy is affected by delay in forming new government/How Thailand can draw closer to China despite US rivalry and geopolitical tensions/
  • Tourism: Prachuap Khiri Khan at the 41st Thai Tourism Festival in Bangkok/Pattaya Remains Top Choice for Thais for Upcoming Mother’s Day Holiday/Deputy police chief tackles encroachment epidemic on Koh Lipe/Spooked by drownings, Phuket steps up safety curbs/
  • Thailand Experience: I went rafting on Thailand’s own ‘Little Amazon’/Wild elephant makes yearly trips to Thai village during Buddhist lent/
  • International: Indian couple sells baby for iPhone 14/Brave mum battles giant crocodile in Indonesia/
  • 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

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Expat News is pleased to announce that Sivana Villas has extended its sponsorship

Introducing a brand new private pool villa project in Hua Hin, a beach-side resort where the city meets the sea.

Sivana Pool Villas offers you everything you need in an ideal home without compromising on style and comfort. Located just 10 minutes south of Hua Hin city center, on Soi 126, Phetkasem Road (Khao Tao area) just 5 minutes to the nearest beach, with some units offering sea view.

These new villas are tastefully decorated, functional in design and layout, with attention to details using high-quality materials, and features a large open island kitchen with all premium-brand, built-in appliances, large covered terrace with infinity salt water system pool, large master bedroom with walk-in closet, large windows and high ceiling. Along with resort-like facilities within the estate, i.e. bar, restaurant, fitness, spa and a large lagoon pool with by 24-hour security.

Sivana Pool Villas is located in Hua Hin, just 230 kilometers south of Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)91 819 9810; e-mail: sivanavillas@gmail.com; Hua Hin Soi 126, Phetkasem Road, Nong Kae.

No, It Isn’t Time to Worry About retirement visa Changes….Yet

Of all our stories in the past week, one particular story, indeed basically just a small portion of the overall story, sent shock waves through the retired ex-pat community and the rumor mill was set on fire.

We are referring to the article about Thai police cracking down on foreign criminal motorbike clubs following it being discovered that the prime suspect in the brutal murder and dismemberment of a German businessman in Pattaya was allegedly a prominent member of one of these clubs. Continued …

Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin ranked best water park in Thailand

Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin has been ranked as the best water park in Thailand, the fourth best in Asia, and the 15th best in the world, according to the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2023.

The award solidifies the park’s position as a leading lifestyle destination in Thailand, attracting tourists from all corners of the globe, and reaffirms its standing as one of the world’s top water parks. Continued … 

Monsoon downpours until Thursday

A moderate southwest monsoon will cause rainfall in most regions of Thailand until Thursday, with isolated heavy showers in the north, the east and the south’s west coast, the Meteorological Department said on Friday.

A monsoon system trough over northern Myanmar and Vietnam is affecting the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, with waves in the upper Andaman Sea rising to about two meters and higher during thunderstorms. Continued …

Public urged to be discreet in water use amid low levels at reservoirs

The Royal Irrigation Department has urged the public to conserve water and is encouraging farmers to primarily rely on rainwater for agricultural purposes to store water for future use.

Praphit Chanma, director-general of the department, said that large and medium-sized reservoirs across the country held a total of 39.201 billion cubic meters of water, or 51% of storage capacity. Currently, 15.26 billion cubic meters of usable water is available, or 29% of total storage capacity. Continued …

Tackling Thailand’s water problems

Thailand has experienced an unusually prolonged period of water crises over recent years. The dry seasons are becoming longer and drier, while the rainy seasons are shorter but with more intense rainfall. This oscillating pattern of droughts and floods has become harder to predict and is causing more serious impacts.

Solving the problem is no easy task. Water management in Thailand is complex and daunting because there are many factors involved, some of which conflict with one another — water shortage caused by growing water demand in various sectors, serious floods, rapid urbanization, land use change, as well as outdated urban water systems and irrigation infrastructure. As climate change intensifies, these pressures and problems are harder to deal with. Continued …

Koh Phangan Murder: Knife, Blood Stains Found In Spanish Suspect’s Room

Police have found a knife and blood stains in the Koh Phangan hotel room of a Spanish man who is a suspect in the murder and dismemberment of a Colombian anesthesiologist, whose body parts were found at a garbage dump on the island.

National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittipraphat ordered Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn and the head of Police Region 8 Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomjit to quickly solve this case because the grisly murder had shaken both local people and tourists. Continued …

Over 9,000 villagers flee to Mae Hong Son amid armed clashes in Myanmar

Armed fighting continued in Myanmar’s eastern Karenni State on Friday, while more than 9,000 Myanmar villagers displaced by the recent clashes are taking shelter in the northern Thai province of Mae Hong Son across the border.

Fighters from the ethnic Karenni Army (KA), which operates in the state bordering Mae Hong Son, clashed with troops from the Myanmar military on Friday, according to a high-ranking KA source. Continued …

Pheu Thai says time not right for coalition with coup-linked parties

The time is not right for Pheu Thai to form a new coalition government with two political parties linked to leaders of the post-coup junta, party deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai said on Friday.

He was reacting to questions from the media about the possibility of Pheu Thai including Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation in the new alliance it is forming after pulling out of the earlier coalition with Move Forward Party. Continued …

This divorce could get messy

The split between the two largest parties, Pheu Thai and the Move Forward Party (MFP), may prove irreconcilable, with the MFP possibly on its way to getting a taste of its own medicine, according to a political expert.

While some pilloried Pheu Thai for dumping the MFP in favor of securing a coalition deal with parties in the previous government, others reckoned their political marriage was never meant to be from the outset. Continued …

Pita slams ‘backward democracy’ at university

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat alluded to the retrograde state of Thai democracy on Friday as he urged young university students to help redefine the future of their country.

Pita acted as a special speaker at an orientation for freshmen at Thammasat University, talking on the topic of democracy, liberty and fairness – seen as the three pillars of a creative society. Continued …

How the Thai economy is affected by delay in forming new government

If the political situation remains stable, the Thai economy is expected to continue moving forward for the remaining part of this year. The economy has shown signs of improvement moving into the second half of the year, and GDP growth is projected to be at least 3% for the whole year.

On the flip side, prolonged political uncertainty may affect the economy and international confidence next year. As the political temperature rises while we await the formation of a new government following May’s election, many are concerned that the transition period could hit the economy and international confidence, especially if there are prolonged uncertainties. Continued …

How Thailand can draw closer to China despite US rivalry and geopolitical tensions

July 1 marked the 48th anniversary of the formalization of Sino-Thai relations. Today, China is Thailand’s largest trading partner with US$135 billion of trade last year, about 18% of Thailand’s total.

Thai exports to China have also jumped, from just US$1.82 billion in 1995 to US$37.7 billion in 2021, a testament to China’s burgeoning middle class and Thailand’s growing competitiveness as a manufacturing and agricultural powerhouse. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Khan at the 41st Thai Tourism Festival in Bangkok

Some of the best products produced in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been showcased at a major travel and tourism event held in Bangkok.

According to Achawan Kongkarnan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the province has a significant presence at the 41st Thai Tourism Festival. Continued …

Pattaya Remains Top Choice for Thais for Upcoming Mother’s Day Holiday

Pattaya’s reputation as a family-friendly destination never recedes, as online travel agent Agoda recently revealed that the resort city is still the most popular choice for domestic tourists who plan to enjoy their upcoming extended holiday during Mother’s Day.

According to Agoda’s data, among the 10 tourist destinations, Pattaya is the most sought-after spot by Thai travelers who intend to go on vacation during the extended Mother’s Day holiday period from Aug. 12-14. Continued …

Deputy police chief tackles encroachment epidemic on Koh Lipe

Deputy National police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn has landed on Koh Lipe in Satun province to investigate a wave of alleged encroachment by hotel operators.

At present, 103 cases are being pursued against around 100 hotels and resorts accused of encroaching on the Andaman tourism island, which lies within Tarutao National Marine Park. Continued …

Spooked by drownings, Phuket steps up safety curbs

Phuket officials remain on high alert after five people, including four foreign tourists, drowned near beaches on this resort island over the past week.

Muang Phuket District Chief Pairoj Srilamoon said on Friday the five drowning cases were reported from July 28 to Aug. 3. Since the beginning of this year, 12 people have drowned in rough seas there. Continued …

I went rafting on Thailand’s own ‘Little Amazon’

Jom is a man of few words. Our grasp of each other’s native language – my English, his Thai – is also minimal, meaning we don’t have a lot to say to each other. Then there are the betel nut leaves balled up inside his cheek. Since he’s continually chewing on them, communication between us is doubly hard.

When Jom speaks, which is rare, it tends to be monosyllabic, and grunt-like. “Head,” he’ll say, imploring us to duck when an overhanging branch threatens to knock our melons off. Or “Oh!” when our bamboo raft brushes against a granite boulder unexpectedly. Continued …

Wild elephant makes yearly trips to Thai village during Buddhist lent

A wild elephant has become a familiar sight among villagers as it makes yearly trips to their community during Buddhist lent. Footage shows the creature named Plai Krae plodding along a residential area in Nakhon Ratchasima province, with locals greeting it as it passed by on Aug. 2.

Plai Krae, also called Krae Yan Wang, leaves its habitat in the Khao Yai National Park every year during the Buddhist lent season to look for food. Villagers said it usually stays around the community for around three to four months before retreating back into the wildlife sanctuary. Continued and video …

Indian couple sells baby for iPhone 14

In late July, Indian media reported a shocking incident involving an eight-month-old baby who was sold by his parents to fund the purchase of an iPhone 14. The focal point of the case became the couple’s obsession with the high-end smartphone, resulting in the appalling decision to sell their infant son to meet the purchase price. Continued …

Brave mum battles giant crocodile in Indonesia

In a shocking encounter, a 38-year-old mother of two survived an unimaginable ordeal by fighting off a giant crocodile that dragged her into a canal. The terrifying moment occurred on the morning of July 27, at around 8am, in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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 Hughways – 1586
baht, bangkok, climate change, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-Aug 4

  • Thai baht falls on political uncertainties, Asian FX declines/
  • Heavy rain forecast for 43 provinces/
  • EGAT against further power bill cut/
  • Dismembered Body Part Found At Koh Phangan Garbage Dump/
  • Corrupt police officers linked to firework warehouse explosion/
  • 8 killed and 3 injured after pickup collides with train near Bangkok/
  • Villagers in Tak Wait For a New Road and Electricity/
  • Thailand election: Vote For Prime Minister Put Off After Court Postpones Pita Hearing/Pheu Thai party hints at coalition to include former coup supporters/Opinion: Pheu Thai’s Faustian folly/
  • Economy: Thailand bids to become smart, eco-friendly logistics hub in ASEAN/Chinese investors top BOI investment applications/Global rice trade shook by El Nino, politics, and embargo in Thailand/Thailand to turn global food security crisis into opportunity/Thai oil company division launches solar panel project/Smaller hotels struggling to cope with increasing costs/
  • Tourism: Bangkok beats Paris as most-visited city in 2023/Russian Man Drowns at Phuket Beach After Allegedly Ignoring No Swimming Warnings/
  • Thailand Experience: ‘Feels unreal’: College graduate visits Thailand to care for animals/
  • International: Trump pleads not guilty to election conspiracy charges/11 women mop the lottery floor in India/
  • 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

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Thai baht falls on political uncertainties, Asian FX declines

The Thai baht hit a one-week low on Thursday on lingering political uncertainties after the populist Pheu Thai party took the lead in efforts to form a government, while other emerging Asian currencies fell against a firm U.S. dollar. The baht weakened 0.6% and equities in Bangkok shed 0.5%, a day after the Bank of Thailand raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points.

Southeast Asia’s second largest economy has been in political limbo since the May 14 election, and the latest twist came as the Pheu Thai party abandoned support for the reformist Move Forward party that had won most seats but twice failed to get parliament’s approval for its prime ministerial candidate. Continued …

Heavy rain forecast for 43 provinces

The southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, most of the country, as well as the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over the upper coast of Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin, will continue to bring heavy to very heavy rain to 43 provinces,mainly in the north, northeast and eastern regions.

This is likely to cause sudden floods and flash floods, especially in hilly and low-lying areas. Bangkok will also see downpours, with 60% of the area affected. Continued …

EGAT against further power bill cut

Debt-ridden Electricity Authority of Thailand (EGAT) cannot yield to any further requests for cheaper electricity bills in the next four-month cycle, as this would affect its future investment in the power infrastructure.

Its accumulated loss, which accrued after EGAT subsidized power bills from September 2021 to May 2023, is projected to decrease to 135 billion baht at the end of this month, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Continued …

Dismembered Body Part Found At Koh Phangan Garbage Dump

In a grisly discovery at a Koh Phangan rubbish dump yesterday, a body part was found in a blue plastic bag, with police suspecting it belonged to a foreign man who had been killed and his body cut up and disposed not more than 48 hours previously.

Within the blue plastic bag was the hip of a human being dismembered from both thighs to the waist. It is presumed to belong to a foreign man by thick black body hair. Continued …

Corrupt police officers linked to firework warehouse explosion

Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Surachate Hakparn, acknowledged the presence of corrupt police officers within the force. He ensured to investigate the public’s concern over corruption allegations linked to the firework warehouse explosion.

Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn stepped forward to expose the corruption within the RTP that may have played a role in the firework warehouse explosion at Muno Market in the Sungai Kolok district of the southern province of Narathiwat. Continued …

8 killed and 3 injured after pickup collides with train near Bangkok

A pickup truck collided with a train in the early hours of this morning, killing eight Thai people and injuring three others near Klong Udon Chonlajon in Chachoengsao province near Bangkok.

Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station officers and a rescue team promptly rushed to the scene at approximately 3am today. They found a train, laden with containers, positioned on the railway tracks. Around 50 meters away from the train’s front, lay a completely wrecked bronze Isuzu pickup. Continued … 

Villagers in Tak Wait For a New Road and Electricity

Many places in Thailand’s rural districts still lack roads and electricity, and children have to do their homework by candlelight.

Yesterday, villagers in Tak Province gathered and demanded support from government agencies, such as the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Ministry of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, to expedite the approval of electricity installation and road construction in their village. They have been waiting for eight years and are facing legal obstacles. Continued …

Vote For Prime Minister Put Off After Court Postpones Pita Hearing

Soon after the Constitutional Court postponed a hearing on accepting a petition on the constitutionality of a vote denying Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat a second chance to be named prime minister from yesterday to Aug. 16, tomorrow’s scheduled House/Senate vote for prime minister also was put off.

House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said as the Constitutional Court has postponed considering whether or not to accept the Ombudsman’s Office’s petition to rule on constitutionality of this vote, the first agenda of tomorrow’s joint meeting has been put off, with the second agenda moved up. Continued …

Pheu Thai party hints at coalition to include former coup supporters

Thailand’s next coalition government should include representatives from a diverse political spectrum to ensure public acceptance, Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai said on Thursday.

Pheu Thai has taken up the responsibility of forming the government after the party with the most number of seats, Move Forward Party, failed in its efforts. Senior Pheu Thai figures on Wednesday announced the party’s “divorce” from Move Forward to stitch together a new coalition. Continued …

Pheu Thai’s Faustian folly

The political landscape of Thailand has always been tumultuous, but it has taken a tragic turn in the past 48 hours. The Pheu Thai Party, long touted by its supporters as politically savvy, finds itself caught in a tumultuous predicament, one of its own making.

A Faustian pact, sealed in the smoky backrooms of Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore, has led the Pheu Thai Party on a road to perdition. The strategy the Pheu Thai Party adopted was marred by poor calculations and a sense of impatience. Continued …

Thailand bids to become smart, eco-friendly logistics hub in ASEAN

In the realm of business and industry, a campaign is gaining traction in which the government is being urged to bolster the country’s standing as a prospective eco-friendly hub for logistics within the prominent Southeast East Asian alliance, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Moreover, there is a strong emphasis on preparing businesses to adapt to the dawn of smart, eco-friendly industries.

Suwit Ratanachinda, the individual at the helm of the Thai Logistics Service Provider Federation, has advocated for the impending government to adopt a firm policy stance to boost Thailand as a pivotal eco-friendly logistics center within ASEAN. He highlighted that Thailand’s geographical positioning and robust infrastructure, encompassing widespread roads and airports, create ideal connectivity to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Continued …

Chinese investors top BOI investment applications

Chinese investors are providing a welcome boost to the Thai economy by seeking opportunities to relocate their investments to Thailand.

The Board of Investment (BOI) reports receiving a steady influx of investment applications, particularly in the fields of electric vehicles (EV), electronics, and digital industries. Over the past six years, China has submitted more than 900 investment projects, with a value of more than 526 billion baht. Continued …

Global rice trade shook by El Nino, politics, and embargo in Thailand

In the face of mounting global food security concerns, the impact of El Niño weather patterns and international political disruptions are causing serious upheavals in the farming landscape, particularly in major global rice-producing countries.

Compounding the issue is Russia’s recent withdrawal from a vital agreement, which previously ensured the uninterrupted transport of Ukrainian grain goods through the Black Sea region. Continued …

Thailand to turn global food security crisis into opportunity

Covid-19, the Russo-Ukraine war, and climate change have brought the issue of food security into the spotlight, especially in countries where food prices are set to spike. There are currently about 200 million people who face food insecurity globally.

Chanthanon Wannakhajorn, secretary-general of the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), says that Thailand, a major global food producer, is ready to face the food security crisis. He is confident that Thailand produces enough food like rice, cassava, palm oil, pork, chicken, and eggs, he added. Continued …

Thai oil company division launches solar panel project

To promote clean energy usage, Global Power Synergy (GPSC), a member company of the PTT Group, recently launched a campaign to install solar panels for government agencies and non-profit organizations.

The campaign “Kon Mee Fai” (energizing people) will help reduce the energy costs of these agencies, boosting their efficiency in serving society and promoting a sustainable environment, Rosaya Teinwan, GPSC’s executive vice president of business development, said on Thursday. Continued …

Smaller hotels struggling to cope with increasing costs

Despite the upcoming lower power tariff, midscale and small hotels are still facing a surge in expenses due to high interest rates, while their rate of revenue growth lags behind those of five-star properties. Continued …

Bangkok beats Paris as most-visited city in 2023

The Thai capital has been ranked as top most-visited city in the world in 2023, according to a survey by Travelness.

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek, caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was delighted to hear that Bangkok received the top ranking as the city with the most foreign visitors, totaling 22.78 million people, according to the travel website. Continued …

Russian Man Drowns at Phuket Beach After Allegedly Ignoring No Swimming Warnings

A Russian tourist drowned at a beach in Thalang, allegedly ignoring red flags and no swimming warnings.

The Phuket Tourist Police said they were notified of the incident on Thursday evening near dusk on Surin Beach. They arrived at the beach with red flags placed up by lifeguards, which meant no swimming was allowed along the beach. Continued …

‘Feels unreal’: College graduate visits Thailand to care for animals

How many bananas does an elephant eat in a day? Most people would have to hazard a guess when trying to answer that question, but Orangeville’s Laura DiCarlo can give a more educated answer based on real-life observations.

After completing her studies in animal care at Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada, DiCarlo spent two weeks in Thailand this past May working alongside experienced veterinarians to provide care to animals. Continued … 

Trump pleads not guilty to election conspiracy charges

Former U.S. president Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Thursday to criminal charges that he conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 election and defraud the American people. Continued …

11 women mop the lottery floor in India

Life has taken a decidedly fortunate turn for 11 female sanitation workers in southern India, who are no longer in the shit after scooping 100 million Indian rupees (41 million baht) on a united lottery ticket. These women, who were previously struggling to make ends meet with meager daily wages of 250 Indian rupees (100 baht), can now look forward to a brighter future. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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 Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
climate change, hua hin, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-July 26

  • Expect weather changes as strong southwest monsoon engulfs Thailand
  • Kalasin’s Phu Noi site reveals bones of Thailand’s 13th dinosaur/
  • Fake News becoming endemic in Thailand/
  • Crocodiles rock a community after 10 escape farm during flood/
  • Thailand Election: Parliament vote for Thailand’s next PM postponed/Constitutional Court may not decide this week on ombudsmen’s petition/Foreign chambers warn Thailand of lost opportunities/
  • Economy: Turning Cricket Farming into a Primary Income Source/What carbon tariffs mean for Thailand/
  • Tourism: Top 10 Tips for Travelers to Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: Here are the do’s and don’ts of elephant encounters in Thailand/Tracing Buddhism’s journey To Thailand/Ladchado’s spectacular candle festival/Top 12 Fun Things to Do in Koh Samui/
  • International: Climate change role in July heatwaves ‘overwhelming’, scientists say/Florida ocean temperature topped 37.8°C, setting potential record/
  • 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

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Expect weather changes as strong southwest monsoon engulfs Thailand

Temperatures are expected to dip, and significant rain is forecast across various parts of Thailand today, the The Meteorological Department (TMD) warns.

Regions, including central Thailand, the east, and parts of the south are expecting a 60% chance of thunderstorms. Various factors, such as the intense southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, upper Thailand, and the upper Gulf of Thailand, coupled with the low-pressure cell covering upper Vietnam, are contributing to the weather changes. Continued …

Kalasin’s Phu Noi site reveals bones of Thailand’s 13th dinosaur

Thai and French researchers have discovered an almost complete set of bones of a new breed of dinosaur at the Phu Noi archaeological site in the northeastern province of Kalasin.

The Minimocursor phunoiensis gen. et sp. nov. was Thailand’s 13th dinosaur and its discovery was published in the 2023 edition of Diversity, an international, peer-reviewed open-access journal on July 13. Continued …

Fake News becoming endemic in Thailand

Over 7,000 fake news stories were reported in Thailand last year, according to the country’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). The statistics indicate that most fake news involved misleading information about Thai government policy and healthcare.

As fake news has been growing Thailand, due to the increasing use of technology, people are now more aware of the problem. The quantity of fake news does not, however, seem to be reducing, said Dr. Santiphap Phoemmongkhonsap, the deputy director of the Anti-Fake News Center of Thailand. Continued … 

Crocodiles rock a community after 10 escape farm during flood

Ten crocodiles escaped from a local farm in the Tung Yai district of the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday after the area was hit by a deluge. Locals managed to capture four of the escaped reptiles but six others are still at large in the residential area

The district office swiftly issued an official warning to residents in the affected area, cautioning them about the potential dangers posed by the escaped crocodiles. The spot where these animals fled is close to a popular play area for local children and near to where some residents keep their cows. Continued …

Parliament vote for Thailand’s next PM postponed

House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has postponed the PM vote scheduled for Thursday in response to ombudsmen calling on the Constitutional Court to rule on lawmakers’ blocking PM-hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination.

On Monday, the three ombudsmen unanimously questioned whether lawmakers violated the Constitution by blocking Move Forward Party leader Pita from being renominated for a second round of voting for prime minister. Continued …

Constitutional Court may not decide this week on ombudsmen’s petition

The Constitutional Court is unlikely to consider today a petition of the ombudsmen asking the court to suspend the PM election in Parliament on Thursday, a source said.

The ombudsmen had resolved on Monday to annul the decision of the majority of senators and MPs to block Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat from being renominated in the next round of the PM election. Continued …

Foreign chambers warn Thailand of lost opportunities

Foreign business communities in Thailand are hoping that the new government is established within one month, as the longer it is delayed the more opportunities the country will lose, according to the former chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT).

Stanley Kang said that because there was no clear winner in the May 14 election, investors have been patiently waiting to see which parties would be able to form the new government. Continued …

Turning Cricket Farming into a Primary Income Source

In Tambon Rang Ka Yai, Amphoe Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Boonchuay, a 63-year-old trader, transformed the unused space behind his house into a successful edible insect farm.

Boonchuay’s establishment comprises three cement ponds, each measuring 2 meters wide and 3 meters long. Within these, trays of unfertilized chicken eggs are stacked in layers to house crickets, locusts, and other insects. Continued …

What carbon tariffs mean for Thailand

In about two months, exporters will see the enforcement of the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) during a transitional period. Perceived by entrepreneurs as a new non-tariff barrier, the CBAM is aimed at combating global warming. A similar tool to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions is also planned by the U.S.

CBAM is a tariff on products that release a high level of carbon dioxide during the manufacturing process. Continued …

Top 10 Tips for Travelers to Thailand

Are you planning your first-ever trip to Thailand? Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Land of Smiles! With its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Thailand is a top destination for travelers from around the world.

Thailand, with its captivating allure, presents a plethora of experiences to delight its visitors. Nevertheless, to truly seize the essence of this enchanting tourist paradise, a meticulously crafted itinerary becomes indispensable. Here is our comprehensive first-time travel guide to Thailand. Continued …

This is a definite no-no; elephants are tortured to allow tourists to ride them

Here are the do’s and don’ts of elephant encounters in Thailand

Technically a large island, Phuket is Thai for “hill” and features lush landscapes, luxe resorts and party beaches that entice millions of tourists (and A-listers from Leonardo DiCaprio to Kim Kardashian) each year.

There are also animal “sanctuary” tourist traps aplenty. Over the years, these so-called parks and sanctuaries have earned a bad rap — and for good reason. Continued … 

Tracing Buddhism’s journey To Thailand

The voyage of Buddhism from its origin in India to its eventual adoption in Thailand, with a crucial stopover in Sri Lanka, is a narrative that traverses continents and centuries. The flow of Buddhist teachings across Asia is one of the most profound movements in the history of religion and its migration to an important base in Thailand is worth noting.

The journey begins in the 6th century BCE in northeastern India with the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become known as the Buddha. The prince renounced his royal life in pursuit of the truth of human existence, which led to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. Thereafter, he spent his life teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, forming the foundational philosophy of Buddhism. Continued …

Ladchado’s spectacular candle festival

In the quaint backwater community of Ladchado, nestled in the tranquil embrace of Ayutthaya’s Phak Hai district, a humble yet awe-inspiring celebration is set to unfold on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Locals residents eagerly anticipate the annual Candle Festival, an age-old tradition steeped in deep-seated religious significance, marking the arrival of Buddhist Lent.

The Candle Festival holds a revered place in the hearts of Buddhists, marking two pivotal moments in the Buddhist calendar: Asalha Bucha and Khao Phansa. In this cherished tradition, Thai Buddhists offer candles to the temple, illuminating the three-month retreat of the Buddhist Lent. Continued …

Top 12 Fun Things to Do in Koh Samui

Already seen all of Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai? Fly to Koh Samui to explore the myriad wonders this hidden gem has to offer!

Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand and located off the kingdom’s east coast. Boasting pristine beaches, majestic waterfalls, and historic Buddhist temples, the island is a dream destination for avid travelers. Continued …

Climate change role in July heatwaves ‘overwhelming’, scientists say

Human-induced climate change has played an “absolutely overwhelming” role in the extreme heatwaves that have swept across North America, Europe and China this month, according to an assessment by scientists published on Tuesday. Continued … https://www.thaipbsworld.com/climate-change-role-in-july-heatwaves-overwhelming-scientists-say/

Florida ocean temperature topped 37.8°C, setting potential record

Shallow waters off south Florida topped 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) for several hours on Monday, potentially setting a new world record with temperatures more commonly associated with hot tubs. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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 Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
baht, bangkok, climate change, hua hin, medical tourism, pattaya, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-July 24

  • Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon double-track rail route to start running from September/
  • Hua Hin Golf Festival Sunday, July 30/
  • Hua Hin army camp to host 21 Run July 30/
  • Winning party not welcome in any new alliance for PM/
  • Opinion: Silent Semi-Military Coup and the Normalization of Indirect Military Rule/
  • Why Thailand is an Ideal Retirement Destination/
  • Over 9,000 Karenni people have fled to Mae Hong Song from war in Myanmar/
  • Bangkok waste-segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months/
  • People Enjoy The Taste Of “Dog Food,” A Popular Menu/
  • Economy: Baht volatility expected to be temporary, analysts say/Thailand’s economy eyes rebound in 2023 buoyed by China’s booming influence/Thais are sinking deeply into debt/FTI launches recycling project for businesses/
  • Tourism: Approval of 24/7 Entertainment Venues in the U-Tapao Airport Area Only/For and against medical tourism in Thailand/’Zero-carbon’ app can transform Thai tourism, experts say/
  • Thailand Experience: 29 Best Thai Recipes/Thailand’s most popular islands… and why/Tha Tien: Old Bangkok at its very best/
  • International: Scientists warn worsening heatwaves jeopardize entire global food system/At least 15 killed, 19 missing in Indonesia ferry sinking/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon double-track rail route to start running from September

The 400-kilometer-long double-track railway linking Bangkok’s neighboring Nakhon Pathom province to Chumphon in the south will be ready for test runs in September.

Tipanan Sirichana, deputy government spokesperson, said on Sunday that the railway, the construction of which was split into three phases, will be partially ready for test runs of the entire route in September. Continued …

Hua Hin army camp to host 21 Run July 30

The Thanarat Army Camp outside Hua Hin will host the 21 Run July 30.

The event will have runners competing over distances of 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and 5 kilometers.

There are early bird registration rates for April 24 – May 8: 21 km: 690 THB; 10 km: 590 THB; Fun run 5 km: 390 THB. More info and registration.

Winning party not welcome in any new alliance for PM

The eight-party alliance will meet on Tuesday to conclude whether the Move Forward Party (MFP) will still join them in forming the new government after other parties refused to support the coalition in a prime ministerial vote if MFP stays on.

Over the past couple of days, the Pheu Thai Party (PT), which is leading efforts to cobble together a government after MFP failed in its bid to get its own leader elected to the post, has asked parties for their support during the second vote planned for Thursday. Continued …

Silent Semi-Military Coup and the Normalization of Indirect Military Rule

What happened on July 13, and again on the past Wednesday, July 19, was nothing short of a silent semi-military coup, which succeeded in twice rejecting and removing Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from the PM race. It now will most likely succeed in pushing the party, which won the most seats in the general election, into the opposition camp and possibly more.

No tanks have patrolled the streets of Bangkok over the past week, as it was not needed unlike in the conventional military coup. There was no announcement by any coup leader on television. And there was no summoning of opponents of the silent putsch to be detained for “attitude adjustment.” Continued …

Why Thailand is an Ideal Retirement Destination

Retirement is a time to relax, unwind, and embark on new adventures. If you’re considering retiring to a tropical paradise, look no further than Thailand. With its stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and affordable cost of living, Thailand offers a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural experiences, and opportunities for personal growth.

In this article, we will explore why Thailand is an ideal retirement destination, focusing on the abundance of business ideas and the thriving beauty and wellness industry. Get ready to discover why retiring in Thailand can be a dream come true. Continued …

Over 9,000 Karenni people have fled to Mae Hong Song from war in Myanmar

The Mae Hong Son provincial administration is taking care of more than 9,000 Karenni people who have fled an intensifying bombing campaign targeting Karenni Army bases and villages in Myanmar’s Kayah State.

Chettha Mosikarat, governor of the northern province, said 9,064 Karenni people have fled across the border from Kayah State to Mae Hong Son to take refuge in five areas since the fighting escalated in early June. Continued …

Bangkok waste-segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months

The recent waste-segregation campaign aimed at advocating for the proper segregation of household rubbish seems to be reaping rewards in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

Aekvarunyoo Amarapala, a spokesperson for the BMA, revealed over the weekend that the last five months saw a considerable decrease in both the amount of garbage making its way to the city’s waste-management facilities and the expenses related to waste processing. Continued … 

People Enjoy The Taste Of “Dog Food,” A Popular Menu

A menu with the most unusual name, “Dog Food Menu,” has become a viral sensation on the Internet. The original restaurant named Auntie Oi is located in the heart of Nakhon Sawan province, in a commercial building near Nakhon Sawan School.

Ananya Phinthong, or Auntie Oi, 60, the cook and owner of the restaurant, said the dog food menu came about unintentionally. This is because her eatery is located near the provincial school, and in the early evening, boarders come in, hungry and wanting to order fried rice. However, it is close to closing time, so the restaurant’s ingredients at that time are only rice and a few packets of instant noodles. Continued …

Baht volatility expected to be temporary, analysts say

The baht reached a two-month high of 34.04 to the U.S. dollar last week before falling to 34.40 against the greenback at the close of trade on Friday, making the baht the most volatile currency in the region last week.

Traders said the volatility was due to the domestic political situation, as the baht began falling after the second round of voting for a new Thai prime minister failed to select one. Continued …

Thailand’s economy eyes rebound in 2023 buoyed by China’s booming influence

A light of hope has started to shine on the future of Thailand’s economy as we look forward to this year, and China’s influence as a significant driving force cannot be ignored, so suggests a leading Thai economist.

The said economist, Kirida Bhaopichitr, director for the Economic Intelligence Service at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), highlighted this perspective in a recent interchange with the state news agency of China, Xinhua. Continued …

Thais are sinking deeply into debt

Thai people are burdened with high household debt. For many of them, the burden starts early and can last a lifetime. Some young adults, in particular, have racked up massive credit card debt and do not have the ability to pay it off.

The Thai workforce is also struggling with rising debt, with their debt levels this year the highest in the past 14 years. Worse still, many older adults are retiring buried in debt and carrying a great amount of it. Continued …

FTI launches recycling project for businesses

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has joined forces with two state agencies to work on a project to turn industrial and agricultural waste into raw materials or new products in a fresh move to reduce waste under the circular economy concept.

The cooperation aims to help Thailand better manage rising levels of waste, said Sukit Limpijumnong, president of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), which signed a memorandum of understanding on the project with the FTI and the Department of Industrial Works. Continued …

Approval of 24/7 Entertainment Venues in the U-Tapao Airport Area Only

The Thai Cabinet has approved a proposal to allow entertainment venues to operate 24 hours a day only in the U-Tapao International Airport area to boost tourism.

Thai officials and entertainment association representatives have since clarified after the original proposal appeared to cover Pattaya, as well, that this is not, for now, the case. Continued …

For and against medical tourism in Thailand

“Why go for tuk-tuk-level care when there’s a medical Mercedes up the road for just a bit more?” The words of wisdom come from one of the many Australians who have traveled to Thailand for medical and wellness treatments.

The industry is flourishing, with Thailand welcoming around four million medical tourists a year (medical travelers might be the more responsible term). Florida-based International Healthcare Research Center (IHRC) rates Thailand as the fifth-best country, out of 46 international destinations, for medical travel. Continued …

‘Zero-carbon’ app can transform Thai tourism, experts say

Thailand’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral tourism destination is getting closer to reality with the “zero-carbon” application released earlier this month, officials say.

The mobile app, which was developed by a team of public and private organizations, elevates sustainable tourism by enabling businesses, communities, and tourists to calculate their own carbon emissions, said Supavadee Botiyaraj, chair of the tourism and creative economy planning subcommittee of the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office. Continued …

29 Best Thai Recipes

Everybody loves to get takeout, and Thai food is right up there with the most desirable options. The cuisine, as a whole, is dominated by herbal flavors and ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, ginger, and garlic, along with spicy elements from Thai chili peppers.

You’ll notice a lot of stir-fries (like pad Thai and drunken noodles), along with warming curries that will leave your belly full and your taste buds happy. Although Thai food often revolves around savory ingredients, you’ll also find sweet staples like mango sticky rice and refreshing Thai iced tea embraced within the cuisine. Continued …

Thailand’s most popular islands… and why

Thailand’s 1,430 islands laze around its Andaman and Gulf coasts like lizards in the sun. Most still slumber but a few have awoken, surprised to find themselves transformed into shopping malls with sand.

Koh, or Ko, is the Thai word for island. If you’re looking for resorts, spas and beach bars, consider these popular koh, in alphabetical order. Continued …

Tha Tien: Old Bangkok at its very best

One of the oldest markets in Thailand’s capital, Tha Tien is a must-visit tourist destination, thanks to its location in the old town, a rich historical background, and the diverse cultures of Thai citizens of various backgrounds.

But this historical quarter is not just recommended for foreign visitors but also for Thai locals and expatriates who will be fascinated by the multifaceted charms it has to offer. Continued …

Scientists warn worsening heatwaves jeopardize entire global food system

Climate scientists warned Friday that worsening atmospheric and marine heatwaves threaten food security around the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has made clear that heatwaves will increase in frequency, duration, and intensity with each additional degree of temperature rise. Continued …

At least 15 killed, 19 missing in Indonesia ferry sinking

At least 15 people were killed and 19 more were missing today after a ferry sank off the coast of Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, search and rescue officials said. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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 Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

 

climate change, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-July 22

  • Dual-track projects for Hua Hin almost completed/
  • Hua Hin Beach Life event underway/
  • Pheu Thai to Spearhead the Formation of New Government instead of Move Forward/
  • Who is Srettha Thavisin, New Prime Minister Candidate/
  • Driving the military out of politics is Move Forward’s priority, Pita says/
  • Pattaya Police Arrest Several Outlaws Motorcycle Gang Members in murder case/
  • US woman sues Thai restaurant claiming spicy dish too hot to handle/
  • Blind wild gaur rescued from mud in Khao Yai park
  • Economy: EEC development plan unveiled/Indian rice export ban fuels price fears in Thailand/Thailand’s Digital Expansion Empowering IT Sector/
  • Tourism: How Hua Hin and the ‘Royal Coast’ are perceived by tourists/Hotels upbeat despite woes/Koh Kradan, ‘World’s best beach’ closed, balancing tourism and sustainability/
  • Thailand Experience: 12 Exciting Things To Do On Picturesque Phuket/
  • International: How people around the world are dealing with extreme heat/Indonesian animal market has ended its brutal dog and cat meat trade/
  • 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

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Dual-track projects for Hua Hin almost completed

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans open more than 3,000 kilometers of dual track railway for service by 2029. Three projects affecting Hua Hin are expected to start operating gradually from September, starting from Nakhon Pathom station to Saphli Station in Chumphon province, covering approximately 400km.

The SRT aims to have the entire system fully operational by 2025, in parallel with the installation of the signal and telecommunications systems.

The projects nearing completion are:

  1. Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin section, with two contracts: Nakhon Pathom-Nong Pla Lai (93km, 97.1% completed) and Nong Pla Lai-Hua Hin (76km, 97.5% completed).
  2. Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan section (84km, 99.9% completed).
  3. Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon section, with two contracts: Prachuap Khiri Khan-Bang Saphan Noi (88km, 93.5% completed) and Bang Saphan Noi-Chumphon (79km, 96.5% completed), along with the southern signal system contract (420 km, 48.1% completed). For more …

Hua Hin Beach Life event underway

Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab came alive last night with the Hua Hin Beach Life 2023 event, which continues through the weekend. The event features surf sessions, music performances, workshops, a variety of foods, and shopping. Evenings feature performances by renowned artists. An estimated 50,000 people are expected to attend the event, contributing over 150 million baht to the local economy. (HHT)

Pheu Thai to Spearhead the Formation of New Government instead of Move Forward

The Pheu Thai Party, the second largest government coalition partner attempting to form a new government, is now taking the lead in forming Thailand’s new government instead of the Move Forward Party (MFP), the election winner, according to MFP Secretary-general Chaitawat Tulathon.

“It became evident that all institutions supporting the conservative side are attempting to prevent the Move Forward Party (which is progressive) from forming a government.” Chitawat said in yesterday’s press conference. Continued …

Who is Srettha Thavisin, New Prime Minister Candidate

Srettha Thavisin, 60, former CEO of a leading real estate conglomerate, of the Pheu Thai Party, is expected to become Thailand’s next prime minister candidate after Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, cannot overcome opposition from senators who emerged from the previous coup in the process of renomination on July 19.

Pita has also been ordered by the Constitutional Court to stop performing MP duties on July 19, pending the ruling on whether he lacks the qualifications to be an MP due to his ITV shareholding. Continued …

Driving the military out of politics is Move Forward’s priority, Pita says

Forming a new government that ends the military’s grip on politics is more important than becoming Thailand’s next prime minister, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat said in a video posted on Facebook on Friday.

He made the statement after his party stepped aside so that its largest coalition partner, the Pheu Thai Party, could lead the formation of the next government. “It is clear that all organisms of the conservative side will not let us lead the new government. They use the issue of amending Article 112 as an excuse,” Pita said, referring to the lese majeste law. Continued …

Pattaya Police Arrest Several Outlaws Motorcycle Gang Members in murder case

The Pattaya police arrested the leader of the so-called “Outlaws” gang, along with several other foreign members in connection with the alleged murderer of Hans Peter Mack.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn held a press conference Friday afternoon to declare a successful crackdown on what he called the transnational criminal gang dubbed “Outlaws” in Pattaya, Chonburi province. Continued …

US woman sues Thai restaurant claiming spicy dish too hot to handle

A woman in the U.S. is suing a Thai restaurant due to an intensely spicy dish, “dragon balls”, which she claims is “unfit for human consumption” and is “dangerous to life.” The incident has sparked global controversy.

Neurologist Harjasleen Walia, the woman in question, alleges that she experienced permanent bodily harm after eating at the restaurant on July 15, 2021. She said her mouth, palate, tongue, throat, and nose felt on fire immediately after consuming the dish, causing serious health issues lasting at least two years. Continued …

Blind wild gaur rescued from mud in Khao Yai park

Officers from the Khao Yai patrolling unit, Pha Kradat, Moo See, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, rescued a female gaur stuck in the mud of the water hole in Khao Yai National Park near Toscana Resort Khao Yai. It was believed that the gaur was there because she is blind in both eyes.

Video 

Officials requested a crane from the hotel to lift the gaur out of the mud. After spending more than 4-5 hours doing so, they managed to lift the gaur late on July 16 and subsequently took care of it at the Pha Kradat. Continued …

EEC development plan unveiled

The draft of a five-year plan to develop the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) was presented at a public hearing held by the EEC office on Friday at Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

The EEC comprises the three eastern provinces of Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao. It is considered one of Thailand’s most prominent economic and industrial zones. Continued …

Indian rice export ban fuels price fears in Thailand

Thai rice exporters are fretting over India’s announcement that it will ban the export of non-basmati white rice with immediate effect, saying the move could potentially impact Thailand’s rice industry, leading to a possible 10% increase in domestic prices.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Assn., said the ban is likely to prompt Thai rice mills and rice exporters to delay rice purchase orders in order to evaluate the impact, as India is the world’s biggest rice exporter. Continued …

Thailand’s Digital Expansion Empowering IT Sector

In the rapidly changing technological landscape, Thailand has established itself as a prospective player in the international digital market. Due to a focus on digital expansion, the country is seeing a remarkable increase in its information technology (IT) business.

This article discusses the factors impacting Thailand’s digital development, the initiatives bolstering its IT sector, and the impacts of this transition on the nation’s economy and society. Let’s look at the various factors, including official support, a skilled workforce, and innovative projects, that Thailand is using to position itself as a developing digital powerhouse. Continued …

How Hua Hin and the ‘Royal Coast’ are perceived by tourists

Tourists perceive Hua Hin and the Royal Coast region to be a peaceful and relaxing destination with a beautiful natural environment, according to a recent study conducted by students at Stamford International University.

The study, titled Destination Marketing Project by the  Royal Coast Riviera Club and Stamford International University, was presented by Richard Meaders, senior director of academic affairs, aimed to assist in trying to understand how the “Royal Coast” brand is currently perceived. Continued …

Hotels upbeat despite woes

Thailand’s big hotel chains continue to be undaunted by the political uncertainty, with a confident outlook in place as long as the situation remains calm and violent protests and crackdowns do not emerge.

Gun Srisompong, chief financial officer at Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR), said the hotel business is typically reliant on a stable environment. Continued …

Koh Kradan, ‘World’s best beach’ closed, balancing tourism and sustainability

The entire stretch of white beach of Koh Kradan is completely empty of people. There are no footprints in the sand and no buzz of longtail boats, only the sound of gentle, clear waves.

Video 

This island gem in the Andaman Sea, some 10 kilometers off the southern coast of Thailand, looks something like it might have in the past. It is experiencing a short reprieve ahead of what is sure to be another bumper tourism season. Continued …

12 Exciting Things To Do On Picturesque Phuket

Phuket, an island paradise about the size of Singapore, is lapped by the azure water of the Andaman Sea. One road connects mainland Thailand to the island. Like a Muay Thai boxer, Phuket punches above its diminutive size, offering kicks, surprises, and thrills.

Backpackers flocked to Phuket in the 1970s, and premier resorts opened from the ‘80s. Today, Phuket is a tourist mecca with luxury stays, attractions, spas, and wellness resorts. It has 30 tropical beaches, an enviable food scene, vibrant culture, and smiles galore. The wider province of Phuket has 32 smaller islands where Hollywood directors have captured paradise. Continued …

How people around the world are dealing with extreme heat

The firefighting planes in Greece and Switzerland are working overtime. some Tunisians are sending their families out of the cities to the country’s northernmost beaches. Continued …

Indonesian animal market has ended its brutal dog and cat meat trade

Authorities on Friday announced the end of the “brutally cruel” dog and cat meat slaughter at a notorious animal market on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi following a years-long campaign by local activists and world celebrities. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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 Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

 

bangkok, climate change, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Thursday’s News-July 20

  • Parliament Prevents Leader of Party That Won Election From Being Renominated for Prime Minister/
  • Parliament to meet again July 27 to select prime minister/
  • Pheu Thai primed to form government/
  • Thai Establishment Plays with Fire/
  • Thai business leaders express concern over political instability/
  • 16th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Pattaya Aug 7-13/
  • Alibaba injects $845M into SE Asia unit Lazada/
  • ‘Aem Cyanide’ and accomplices indicted/
  • Russian Women Arrested in Phuket for Allegedly Providing Salon Services/
  • Expressway tolls likely to rise by 5 baht/
  • Economy: ADB revises up Thailand’s GDP growth forecast for this year/Deflation might be here, that’s not good/Top sourcing trade fair Mega Show comes to Bangkok/
  • Tourism: Thai Cabinet Approves 24/7 Operation of Entertainment Venues in EEC Areas, Including Pattaya/CISSA introduces newly launched medical wellness resort in Phuket/Phuket ravaged by extreme weather, causing traffic chaos and safety concerns/
  • International: Millions hit by extreme heat on three continents/Netflix adds 6 million subscribers after password crackdown/
  • 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

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Parliament Prevents Leader of Party That Won Election From Being Renominated for Prime Minister

In a day that was bitterly disappointing for Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters and prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the MFP, was suspended from his duties as a MP and denied the chance for a second vote to become prime minister.

Limjaroenrat, 43, and his party won the most seats in the House of Representatives in the last Thai election and formed a coalition with seven other parties, including Pheu Thai, who was a close second in number of MP seats. This coalition was determined to form a government with Pita as the PM, but multiple factors prevented this. Continued … 

Parliament to meet again July 27 to select prime minister

Another joint sitting of the House and Senate, for the selection of Thailand’s new prime minister, has been scheduled for 9.30am on Thursday, July 27, House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said Wednesday night.

He said that the meeting will begin with the nomination by political parties of prime ministerial candidates, followed by a debate on the qualifications of the nominees, which must be completed by 5pm, after which there will be a roll call vote. Continued …

Pheu Thai primed to form government

The Pheu Thai Party has emerged in pole position to form a new government after parliament on Wednesday rejected a bid to renominate Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat for a prime ministerial vote, citing a parliamentary meeting regulation.

After more than seven hours of debate on whether Regulation No.41 could be enforced against Pita’s renomination, a majority of a joint sitting of MPs and senators voted in favor of the regulation. Continued …

Thai Establishment Plays with Fire

As political negotiations over the formation of a new Thai government continue, it is becoming more and more likely that a compromise candidate from the Pheu Thai party will be nominated as prime minister.

On July 13, the Thai parliament voted against confirming Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat despite the fact that his party won a plurality in the May national elections. This outcome does not respect the electorate’s wishes, which overwhelmingly voted for opposition pro-democracy parties that advocated for genuine change in Thai society, including the potential reform of the lese-majeste law that protects the monarchy from scrutiny. Continued …

Thai business leaders express concern over political instability

Jitters are escalating among the business community in light of the Constitutional Court’s directive yesterday calling for the temporary removal of Pita Limjaroenrat, head of the Move Forward Party (MFP), from his role as a member of the House of Representatives.

This development marks another detrimental blow for Pita, notwithstanding his party’s extraordinary election accomplishments, spurring fears of an imminent rise of extensive street demonstrations. Continued …

16th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Pattaya Aug 7-13

Rowing and Canoeing Association of Thailand (RCAT) and International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) will host the 16th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships at Marb-Pra-Chan Reservoir, Pattaya City, Chonburi province Aug. 7-13.

At the world-class sport event, you will have a chance to be a part of one of the most thrilling sport events ever arranged in Thailand and to cheer your favorite national dragon boat racing teams from across the world. Continued …

Alibaba injects $845M into SE Asia unit Lazada

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd injected US$845 million into Lazada, its online retail business in Southeast Asia that is facing intensifying competition from rivals such as Sea Ltd and Amazon.com Inc.

The capital infusion, disclosed in a regulatory filing in Singapore on Wednesday, brings the total that Alibaba has invested in the arm to several billion dollars since it gained control over the business in 2016. Continued …

‘Aem Cyanide’ and accomplices indicted

Prosecutors have handed down the first indictments in the case of Sararat “Aem Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn, who is accused of poisoning 14 people to death.

Charges of attempted murder and colluding in theft have been pressed against Sararat, 35, her ex-husband Police Lt. Col. Withoon Rangsiwuthaporn, 39, and her lawyer Thanicha Aeksuwannawat, 35. Continued …

Russian Women Arrested in Phuket for Allegedly Providing Salon Services

Three Russian women were arrested in Thalang for allegedly providing salon and nail services, which is a protected occupation only for Thai people.

Lt. Col. Tawan Lekmart of the Cherng Talay Police said they and Phuket Immigration officers on Tuesday arrested three Russian women who were identified only as Ms. Mazhitova, 22, Ms. Moiseenko, 32, and Ms. Nesterova, 26, at a salon in Cherng Talay. Continued …

Expressway tolls likely to rise by 5 baht

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) is to consider hiking toll fees of three expressways by 5 baht, in line with rising inflation, during its board meeting next Tuesday, a source familiar with the matter said.

The Burapha Withi and Chalong Rat expressways come under the infrastructure investment agreement of Thailand Future Fund (TFFIF), which allows adjustment of the toll fee every five years based on inflation and the consumer price index. Continued …

ADB revises up Thailand’s GDP growth forecast for this year

In its latest Asian Development Outlook report, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that developing Asia-Pacific countries can be expected to expand by 4.8% this year.

The report released on Tuesday shows that the project remains unchanged from ADB’s previous estimate in April. Economies in the region had shown 4.3% growth in 2022 thanks to robust domestic demand. Continued …

Deflation might be here, that’s not good

Most people think deflation is a welcome phenomenon, as it means lower consumer prices. But for experienced economists, it is the most feared economic indicator, because it signals an economic downturn, leading to a recession or depression.

So, when news agency Bloomberg published a headline early this month: “China slides to brink of deflation, adding stimulus urgency,” it sent shivers throughout China’s economic community, fearing stagnation and the holding back of investments. Continued …

Top sourcing trade fair Mega Show comes to Bangkok

Economic growth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, which has been on the rise over the past several years, is attracting global attention, positioning the bloc as a potential trade hub in the region.

Both urban expansion and exponential economic growth are helping country members, namely Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Brunei. to raise their standard of living on a continuous basis, as evidenced by their growing consumption trends. Continued …

Thai Cabinet Approves 24/7 Operation of Entertainment Venues in EEC Areas, Including Pattaya

The Thai Cabinet has approved a proposal to allow nightlife venues in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area to operate 24 hours a day to meet the growing needs of tourists. This includes the popular tourist city of Pattaya with thousands of entertainment venues.

However, before you get too excited, the regulation is not yet official and needs approval from regional and local leaders, along with guidelines and regulations for the change. No timeline for this has been set. Continued …

CISSA introduces newly launched medical wellness resort in Phuket

CISSA Group, a Thailand investment property developer, unveiled the grand opening of “World-Class Wellness” at Wyndham Grand Nai Harn Beach Phuket.

The hotel features 353 luxurious rooms of various styles, complete with top-notch facilities and services that promise an unmatched vacation experience. Continued …

Phuket ravaged by extreme weather, causing traffic chaos and safety concerns

Extreme weather conditions are continuing to wreak havoc in Phuket. Ferocious winds toppled numerous trees, resulting in significant blockages yesterday. These unexpected weather conditions have caused travel disruption across the island and two cleanup teams have been dispatched to counter the impact.

A sizable tree that fell on Soi Vachira, near Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, was one of the major obstructions reported. It took several hours for municipal workers to safely clear the heavy tree, allowing a return to normal traffic movement in the area. Continued … 

Millions hit by extreme heat on three continents

Millions suffered through intense heat Wednesday as fires raged, health worries mounted and the world appeared headed for its hottest month of July on record. Continued …

Netflix adds 6 million subscribers after password crackdown

Netflix on Wednesday said subscriptions to the media streaming service climbed by nearly 6 million in the wake of its crackdown on password sharing. The streaming giant finished the recently ended quarter with a total of 238 million subscribers and a profit of US$1.5 billion, according to an earnings release. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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 Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
climate change, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-July 17

  • Weather warning issued for Hua Hin, PKK/
  • Heavy rain forecast for most of Thailand/
  • Little Saigon: Bringing Authentic Vietnamese Flavors to Hua Hin/
  • Local Rotary clubs elect new officers/
  • Most People Still Prefer Pita For PM Regardless Of How Long It Takes/
  • Why section 272 is becoming a new focus/
  • Senators who abstained from voting told to quit/
  • Opinion: Thailand is at a crossroads because of unelected, unaccountable groups/
  • How to sell your car in Thailand/
  • Malaysia best place to retire in Asia?/
  • Reservoir ‘golfer’ charged with damage to national park/
  • Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tons of waste collected/
  • King Cobra Handler Retires After Kissing Snakes For 30 Years/
  • Probe ordered into large amount of missing Navy ammunition/
  • Over 9,000 refugees from Myanmar sheltering in Mae Hong Son/
  • Economy: Egg Prices Soar Once Again, Hurting Low-Income Households/Economic damage to Thai economy from El Nino could hit 40-60 billion baht/Outlook for Thai export growth revised downward/Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China/
  • Tourism: Tourism needs a Plan B to hit its target/Thailand Expects to Welcome 1.6 Million Indians This Year/Phuket bounces back/
  • Thailand Experience: Anthony Bourdain’s Top Tips For Navigating A New Street Food Scene/Vibrant pink Siam tulips in northeast Thailand draw tourists/
  • International: Dangerous heatwaves strike globe as wildfires rage/Extreme heat can snarl flights even without a cloud in the sky/49 dead or missing in downpour in South Korea/
  • 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

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Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Weather warning issued for Hua Hin, PKK

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued a weather warning for parts of Prachuap Khiri Khan, in effect from today to July 20 (Thursday). The warning covers the districts of Hua Hin, Thap Sakae, Bang Saphan, and Bang Saphan Noi.

The weather conditions are expected to bring heavy to very heavy rains, the warning stated.

Heavy rain forecast for most of Thailand

Heavy rain and flash flooding is forecast to hit the northeast, east, and southern regions over the next few days, while Bangkok and its surrounding areas will also experience rain, heavy at times, over 60% of the total area.

The monsoon trough passing through the upper northern and upper northeastern regions, along with the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the southern Gulf of Thailand, is responsible for the increase in rainfall. Residents of the eastern and northeastern regions, as well as those living along the western coast of the southern, should be prepared for flash floods. Continued …

Little Saigon: Bringing Authentic Vietnamese Flavors to Hua Hin

Nestled in the heart of Hua Hin, Little Saigon is a culinary haven that aims to transport diners on a delightful journey through the vibrant streets of Vietnam. With a passion for authenticity and a commitment to recreating the rich flavors of Vietnamese street food, this charming restaurant brings a slice of Vietnam’s culinary heritage to the waiting diners of Hua Hin.

Video 

The journey began when the founders of Little Saigon, driven by their love for Vietnamese cuisine, embarked on a mission to share the true essence of Vietnam’s culinary treasures. After exploring numerous Vietnamese restaurants in London, Koln, and other major cities, they realized that something was missing – the genuine flavors and the distinct “personality” of Vietnam’s street food experience. Continued …

Local Rotary clubs elect new officers

Three local Rotary clubs have elected new presidents. Dr. Helmut Shepers was named president of the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin, Nuttapon Phanjoy was selected president of the Rotaract Club of Stamford International University, and Stephen Noton takes over as president of the Rotary Club of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Most People Still Prefer Pita For PM Regardless Of How Long It Takes

Most people still endorse Move Forward leader/prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat’s attempted rise to power, no matter how many rounds of voting in his support from legislators it could possibly take.

According to the latest NIDA Poll conducted between July 11 and July 12 with a total of 1,310 people from all walks of life and all regions of the country, 43.2% of the respondents prefer Pita be eventually voted prime minister regardless of how many rounds of voting in joint House/Senate sessions is necessary. Continued …

Why section 272 is becoming a new focus

The Move Forward Party has shifted its focus to the amendment of Section 272 of the constitution, to exclude senators from the prime minister voting process, after leader of the party, Pita Limjaroenrat, failed to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister on Thursday.

Section 272 empowers the 250 senators to join the 500 members of the House of Representatives to vote for prime minister between 2019 and 2023. In the first bicameral vote in parliament, 159 senators abstained. It is, therefore, in Move Forward’s interest to remove senators from voting for prime minister. Continued …

Senators who abstained from voting told to quit

Supporters of the Move Forward party have issued a statement urging senators who abstained from voting in last Thursday’s joint sitting of the parliament to select the prime minister, to resign, and calling on the eight coalition parties to remain united to fulfill their pledges to the people.

The statement also calls on the Thai people to join forces with them in their struggle to effect change in Thai society. Continued …

Thailand is at a crossroads because of unelected, unaccountable groups

We stand at a pivotal juncture in our political journey. The triumph of the Move Forward party, a manifestation of our collective will, finds itself precariously on the brink of being undone. It’s an audacious subversion by unelected groups that seem to consider Thailand their personal chessboard.

Our Senate, our Election Commission, and our Constitutional Court have audaciously sought to stifle our democratic voice. These institutions, once meant to serve us, now contemptuously pull at the strings of our governance like unaccountable puppeteers. Continued … 

How to sell your car in Thailand

Considering letting go of your reliable car in Thailand? Maybe you’ve got your eyes on a newer model, or perhaps you’re seeking a quick way to boost your cash flow.

Or, just maybe, it’s nearing time for you to bid goodbye to the exquisite sandy shores and bustling city streets of Thailand. Whatever the reason that has you mulling over a sale, let us walk you through the ins and outs of selling your car in Thailand. Continued …

Malaysia best place to retire in Asia?

Malaysia ranks first in a list of the 10 safest places to retire in Asia, according to U.S.-based financial services corporation Nasdaq.

In an article in its GoBankingRates section recently, the firm said the finding was based on data from the United Nations Pacific-Asia Region Group and gross domestic product (GDP) from WorldPopulationReview. Continued …

Reservoir ‘golfer’ charged with damage to national park

Khao Yai National Park will press charges against a golfer who plays golf near the Sai Sorn reservoir, located in the national park, as his action is against the park’s rules and could harm not only wildlife but also visitors.

Kittichai Roongpaiboonwong, a senior forest officer of the park, led an inspection team to the reservoir yesterday after receiving a report regarding the golfer using the reservoir area for sports practice. Continued …

Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tons of waste collected

Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and 507 tons of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee Taisaranakul. Continued …

King Cobra Handler Retires After Kissing Snakes For 30 Years

Thongkham Lukthongcahi, 62 years old, has announced his retirement from the King Cobra show, with which he made a name for himself worldwide for 30 years, as he no longer wants to risk his life after his senior died at the same age.

Video 

Thongkham welcomed the media at his home on Friday in Moo 6, Ban Khok Sangha, Sai Moon subdistrict, Nam Phong district, Khon Kaen province. This village is the only snake village in Thailand. On July 14, he welcomed the media to announce his retirement from the snake business after 28 years, starting in 1995. Continued …

Probe ordered into large amount of missing Navy ammunition

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has ordered an investigation into tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition and grenades missing from a Marine Corps armory at the Sattahip naval base.

Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin, the RTN spokesman, said the disappearance of the ammunition, including M855 and M856 rounds and 40mm grenades, was discovered on July 5 during a routine inventory check at the barracks of the First Marine Regiment. Continued …

Over 9,000 refugees from Myanmar sheltering in Mae Hong Son

Over 9,000 refugees from Myanmar who have escaped the ongoing fighting are now taking shelter in five villages in Mueang, Mae Sariang and Khun Yuan districts of Thailand’s northernmost province of Mae Hong Son.

According to the Mae Hong Son border command center, the Karenni refugees are scattered across five temporary shelters being provided by Thai authorities. Continued …

Egg Prices Soar Once Again, Hurting Low-Income Households

Egg prices have risen to the highest level once again, as farms have increased prices from 3.80 baht to 4 baht each since July 14 due to various factors such as El Niño and electricity costs. This affected low-income households.

The Padriw Egg Cooperative Network, the Chonburi Egg Cooperative Network, the Chiang Mai-Lamphun Egg Cooperative Network, and the Noi River Egg Cooperative Network announced another price increase of 20 satang per egg or 6 baht per tray, effective immediately, raising the farm-gate price of eggs from the previous 3.80 baht to 4.00 baht per egg. Continued …

Economic damage to Thai economy from El Nino could hit 40-60 billion baht

Economists are concerned about the impact of El Nino on the Thai economy, noting that the damage could reach around 40 billion baht, or even 60 billion baht if the situation is prolonged.

Kiatnakin Phatra Bank predicts a severe and prolonged impact that may extend into the next year, while the Thai Meteorological Department sees similarities with the El Nino events of 2015 and 2019. Continued …

Outlook for Thai export growth revised downward

Export growth this year is at risk of remaining at zero percent or lower due to the volatile global economy, which is putting pressure on purchasing orders.

The private sector does not expect Thai exports to expand this year in view of the uncertain global economic conditions affected by geopolitical tensions, which are impacting all sectors, including finance, production, exports, raw materials, and energy. Continued … 

Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China

Leading authorities in the industry fear another chip shortage could soon hit electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. This comes as China limits the export of two significant metals, a move driven by the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

As of Aug. 1, China will impose trade restrictions on select products composed of gallium and germanium. These two elements play a crucial role in the manufacturing of chips and EVs. With this move, fears mount for potential disruptions to global supply chains and an escalation of the trade war with Washington. Continued …

Tourism needs a Plan B to hit its target

Thailand’s key economic driver has cruised past the first six months but it could see a big speed bump ahead on the road to year’s end.

Foreign visitors entering Thailand reached 11.4 million from Jan. 1 to June 11, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The figures already surpass the total number of arrivals last year when the country registered 11.15 million. Continued …

Thailand Expects to Welcome 1.6 Million Indians This Year

Indian tourists are streaming into Southeast Asia, cementing the world’s most populous country’s position as a key growth market for the travel and tourism sector.

From airlines like IndiGo and Thai Airways to hospitality chains offering thousands of rooms, executives and analysts say companies are tapping into India’s burgeoning middle-class and growing spending power. Continued …

Phuket bounces back

Phuket is targeting over 14 million international and domestic tourists, with tourism-related revenue expected to exceed 200–300 billion baht by the end of this year, according to the Phuket Tourist Assn. (PTA).

Phuket was hit heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic during 2020–2021 but tourists started returning once the Sandbox scheme kicked off in July, 2021. Continued …

Anthony Bourdain’s Top Tips For Navigating A New Street Food Scene

When it comes to navigating street food stalls, the late chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain has the perfect advice for adventurous eaters. In an interview with Bon Appétit, Bourdain states that it’s best to follow the crowd. If a stall or food truck has a long line, there’s a good chance that there’s something worthwhile waiting on the other side.

Furthermore, the author of “Kitchen Confidential” says to pay attention to the people in line. “I look to see if locals are willing to inconvenience themselves and wait in line for a long time to get something that only costs a dollar fifty, especially if it’s a mixed bag of different incomes.” Continued …

Vibrant pink Siam tulips in northeast Thailand draw tourists

Nature enthusiasts and flower fans have been flocking to Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum province to witness the breathtaking sight of a vast field of blooming pink Siam tulips. The influx of tourists began over the weekend, with visitors eagerly capturing photos and selfies amid the stunning display.

Spanning four districts – Nong Bua Rahaew, Thep Sathit, Phakdee Chumphol, and Nong Bua Daeng – the 319-square kilometer Sai Thong National Park offers a picturesque setting for the Siam tulips to flourish. Park officials have noted that the Siam tulips at Sai Thong bloom later than those at the nearby Pa Hin Ngam National Park, providing an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty of tulips in bloom twice. Continued …

Dangerous heatwaves strike globe as wildfires rage

Scorching weather gripped three continents on Sunday, whipping up wildfires and threatening to topple temperature records as the dire consequences of global warming take shape. Continued …

Extreme heat can snarl flights even without a cloud in the sky

Travelers know to expect trouble when severe weather strikes, but it’s not just limited to hurricanes and blizzards. Excessive heat can also impact flights. Continued …

49 dead or missing in downpour in South Korea

Four more bodies have been recovered from a once-flooded underground road in central South Korea, bringing the number of people dead or missing in recent storms to 49, officials said Monday. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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 Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590