Category Archives: climate change

climate change, covid, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news- June 16

June 16, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Jeffrey McNeely: Still fighting for the environment/
Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae finds success in Hua Hin/
Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai/
Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast/
Saudi Man Nabbed With 189 Wildlife In Smuggling Attempt/
Covid bivalent vaccine shows rapidly declining effectiveness against XBB strain/
Police say serial cyanide killer had accomplice in at least 4 murders/
Non-Stop Flow Of Myanmar Refugees To Thailand Amid Fierce Fighting/
Community planting new hope on a bare mountain/
A life in chains: Monkeys as coconut pickers in Thailand/
Economy: Bank of Thailand forecasts GDP growth, increased tourism/Digital push woos multinational firms/Thailand eyes sustainable construction via new waste management system/Recriminalizing cannabis may kill Thailand’s flowering weed industry/
Tourism: Thailand urged to woo business tourists/China bookings to return to pre-pandemic level by early 2024 – Agoda/
Thailand Experience: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui/
International: US Military Wins ‘Unimpeded’ Access To Papua New Guinea Bases/
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 welcome a new series of articles about Hua Hin residents, written by freelance journalist Felicitee Lawrie, a Sydney, Australia, native.

“Hua Hin is full of unique human beings, each with an interesting back story, dreams, passions and achievements, much of it unknown to even people who encounter them on a daily basis,” Felicitee says of her current passion.

To read more about Felicitee, click HERE.

Jeffrey McNeely: Still fighting for the environment

By Felicitee Lawrie

Jeffrey McNeely describes himself as a curious, bibliophilic outdoor enthusiast. Trained as an anthropologist and having spent two years studying nature in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal, Jeff appreciates all things scientific and takes great delight in learning more about the natural world and the various ways different human cultures interact with it.

Although he retired at the end of 2016 from his final post as chief scientist at the Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this retirement has seen him only barely less busy or less productive. Continued …

Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae finds success in Hua Hin

With well over 20 years’ experience as a professional chef, both in Thailand and abroad, Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae has made quite a name for herself as someone who’s not afraid to push the epicurean envelope. Many Bangkok gourmands remember her fondly as the woman behind Karmakamet Conveyance restaurant, where diners were presented with intricately crafted and always unpredictable set menu dinners.

In October of 2021, she left the chaos of Bangkok behind and relocated to Hua Hin, where she opened a charming beachfront bistro appropriately named Som’s Table. Here she serves up an à la carte menu of beautifully prepared and highly imaginative gourmet comfort food dishes, which have, in turn, earned her a devoted foodie following. Continued …

Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai

Thai is a fascinating language, filled with unique sounds, tones, and expressions that promise to make your learning experience an exciting adventure. But, like any language, Thai comes with its fair share of challenges and common Thai language mistakes that might catch you off guard.

No worries, though! Along with our friends at ALA Language School, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes you should steer clear of when learning Thai. Continued …

Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast

Thai researchers are currently raising the alarm as they predict a potential drought crisis in the coming years, due to the El Nino weather pattern causing lower than average rainfall. Consequently, proactive measures and comprehensive water-management plans are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of the impending water scarcity.

A conference discussing climate change, water-resource management, and strategies for tackling future challenges was recently held by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI). Researchers and officials from related agencies attended the event to share their knowledge on the issue. Continued …

Saudi Man Nabbed With 189 Wildlife In Smuggling Attempt

A Saudi Arabian man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday after 99 wild animals and 90 aquatic animals were found in his suitcases, just as he was trying to catch a flight back to his home country.

Airport officials inspected the three suitcases the unidentified Saudi man checked in at the international departure hall after one of them became suspicious about what they contained. Upon opening them, they found a total of 189 wildlife and aquatic animals worth 259,200 baht in them. Continued …

Covid bivalent vaccine shows rapidly declining effectiveness against XBB strain

The effectiveness of bivalent Covid-19 vaccines is likely to decline rapidly as the XBB variant continues to spread, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine Associate Professor Dr. Thira Woratanarat, posted on Facebook today.

The news comes on the heels of Thursday’s meeting between the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee held to discuss the findings of an ongoing study. Continued …

Police say serial cyanide killer had accomplice in at least 4 murders

A close associate of suspected serial cyanide killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn collaborated in at least four of the killings, police said on Thursday.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachet “Big Joke” Hakparn delivered the news as police prepared to hand their investigation report to public prosecutors on Monday. Continued …

Non-Stop Flow Of Myanmar Refugees To Thailand Amid Fierce Fighting

Amid fierce fighting between Myanmar junta army and Karenni Army (KA), Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Kayah state opposite Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province that started earlier this week, there is now a non-stop stream of Karenni refugees crossing over to seek shelter on the Thai side.

The fighting broke out on Tuesday between Myanmar junta’s 430th Rapid Mobility Battalion and Karenni fighters supported by PDF, the loosely organized armed wing of the pro-democracy National Unity Government, with 20 refugees having first crossed over that same evening. Continued …

Community planting new hope on a bare mountain

Residents from six villages near a gold mine in Thailand’s Loei province came together for a tree-planting event earlier this week, in an effort to restore life to a mountain ravaged by gold mining.

A community-based group called Khon Rak Ban Kerd (People Who Love Their Hometown), along with international students from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, school children and teachers from Ban Huai Phuk School and the head of the Khao Luang subdistrict administration organization collaborated to revive the once-thriving ecosystem on the mountain and heal the scars left by mining. Continued …

A life in chains: Monkeys as coconut pickers in Thailand

Nong has been walking in circles for an hour. Attached to his tight metal collar is a short 3-meter chain chained to a bamboo pole. The strong macaque monkey takes the chain in his hand, his facial expression revealing just how much he hates it.

Nong is four years old. He has lived with coconut farmer Lek and his family for two-and-a-half years. The monkey’s job is to pick coconuts from tall palm trees early in the morning, when the tropical heat on Thailand’s dream island of Koh Samui is still bearable. In order to complete his morning tasks, he is put on a slightly longer chain for some time. Continued …

Bank of Thailand forecasts GDP growth, increased tourism

Anticipating a stronger Thai economy, the Bank of Thailand has expressed confidence that GDP growth will surpass their expectations. This is attributed to the economic strategies implemented by the new government, combined with progress in the tourism and consumption sectors.

In a recent meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the central bank stated that they foresee continuous growth in the Thai economy, albeit with some inflationary risks. According to the MPC, the driving forces behind this economic expansion are tourism and private consumption, along with a predicted recovery of goods exports by the latter half of 2023. Continued …

Digital push woos multinational firms

Many foreign software firms established offices in Thailand this year to capitalize on the country’s continuing digital transformation and to serve the demand of local enterprises.

The country also attracted large foreign data center and cloud service providers from the U.S., Japan and China over the past two years. Continued …

Thailand eyes sustainable construction via new waste-management system

Thailand’s push to create a “circular economy” has been handed fresh impetus with a new solution to manage waste from its burgeoning construction industry.

Developers of the CPAC Waste Management Solution say it will help achieve sustainability in the construction industry and strengthen “circular” resource management, while supporting the sector’s rapid growth. Continued …

Recriminalizing cannabis may kill Thailand’s flowering weed industry

Move Forward Party’s policy to relist cannabis as a narcotic could have deep and wide-ranging impacts on Thailand’s flourishing marijuana industry, experts say.

“More than a million people have applied to grow cannabis, while authorities have granted 1.1 million licenses to produce or sell cannabis-related products,” reports Nikkei Asia.

After cannabis was removed from the narcotics list on June 9 last year, Kasikorn Research Centre forecast the value of Thailand’s weed market would hit 21 billion baht by 2024, driven by demand from Thais and foreign tourists. Continued …

Thailand urged to woo business tourists

Online travel agent Agoda hopes Thailand can become a preferred destination for business travelers, competing with Japan and Vietnam.

Following Japan in the top spot, Thailand became the second-largest inbound market via the Agoda platform from January to May, ahead of Vietnam in third. Continued …

China bookings to return to pre-pandemic level by early 2024 – Agoda

Overseas travel bookings from mainland China are currently at just over half of pre-pandemic levels but are on course to return to the 2019 numbers by the end of this year or early 2024, the head of online travel agency Agoda said on Thursday.

China was the world’s largest outbound tourism market before the pandemic with annual spending of $255 billion. The country reopened earlier this year after removing most of its pandemic restrictions, giving a big boost to outbound travel. Continued …

Top 15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise that offers a myriad of reasons to visit. In this Koh Samui Travel Guide, we will share a few enticing aspects of this stunning island destination:

Idyllic Beaches: Koh Samui boasts some of Thailand’s most picturesque beaches, with crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and lush palm-fringed coastlines. From the popular Chaweng Beach to the tranquil Lamai Beach, you can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding by the sea. Video

US Military Wins ‘Unimpeded’ Access To Papua New Guinea Bases

The U.S. military can develop and operate out of bases in Papua New Guinea, according to a landmark security pact underpinning Washington’s efforts to outflank China in the Pacific. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

climate change, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-June 10

June 10, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Prospective PM Pita clears a hurdle… next the parliamentary vote/
New Thai government still not assured/
Top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement/
Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases/
Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19-million-baht budget/
Thai Cannabis Day Promotes New Government Negotiations/
Economy: Thai households’ monthly bills high despite falling fuel prices/El Niño fails to affect Thai food prices/12.5 million more skilled staff eyed by 2027/
Tourism: Thai hotels and serviced apartments turning to Airbnb to drive international bookings/
Thailand Experience: Sakhon Nakhon is known for its unique local culture/
International: Commentary: Russian invaders blew up hydroelectric power plant dam/Vietnam to have 33 international and domestic airports by 2030/Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive/Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts/Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president/Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career/
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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Prospective PM Pita clears a hurdle… next the parliamentary vote

Thailand’s Election Commission has unanimously dismissed three official complaints against Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who was accused of holding 42,000 shares in iTV, a media company. The complaints were filed by various individuals, including serial litigant Ruangkrai Leekitwattana.

But the EC says that the complaints were submitted after the prescribed time limits and therefore could not be considered. Continued …

New Thai government still not assured

The Move Foward Party (MFP)-led alliance is conjuring up the impression that it has already assumed control of the country’s administration, according to a political source.

The surreality being created, which critics decried as counting chickens before they hatch, has given supporters a sense that a new dawn awaits the country. Continued …

Top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement

New research has revealed the top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement in, with Spain placing first.

Equity release specialists at Retirement Solutions analyzed the average monthly Google search volume for different terms relating to retiring abroad. They wanted to determine the countries that Brits are most seeking to move to, upon retirement. Continued …

Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases

A severe dengue outbreak has hit Thailand’s northern Nan province, with over 100 cases reported in a single village. Ranking second in Thailand for the highest number of dengue patients, health officials are stepping up efforts to control the spread of the disease.

Dr. Warin Teppitaksak, the provincial public health officer, revealed that the dengue outbreak situation in Nan province is concerning, with Chiang Klang district having the highest number of dengue patients. The outbreak began in the village of Huay Kaeo, with over 100 patients coming from the same area. Continued …

Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19-million-baht budget

Animal lovers will be happy to know that Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has allocated a budget of 19 million baht for the return of Sak Surin, an ailing Thai elephant, from Sri Lanka next month, as announced by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa.

Sak Surin was one of three elephants sent to Sri Lanka as goodwill ambassadors from Thailand in 2001. Rally for Animal Rights & Environment, an animal rights group, has filed a complaint stating that the elephant has suffered mistreatment for several years. Continued …

Thai Cannabis Day Promotes New Government Negotiations

Cannabis advocates in Thailand organized a political movement on Thailand Cannabis Day, June 9, to advocate for the declassification of cannabis as a Class 5 narcotic and to allow home cultivation without a license for medicinal purposes, as decided by the Food and Drug Administration on June 9, 2022.

The status of cannabis takes a turn after the general election when the eight political parties forming a coalition government, led by the Move Forward party, sign an MOU expressing their mutual agreement to reintroduce cannabis as a controlled narcotic. Continued …

Thai households’ monthly bills high despite falling fuel prices

The average monthly household expenditure for Thai families came in at 18,023 baht in May, down by 130 baht from the previous month. However, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said this was still high.

The average household expenditure dropped in line with the country’s headline inflation in May. Inflation dropped sharply to 0.53% in May, the lowest in 21 months, from 2.67% in the previous month. Continued …

El Niño fails to affect Thai food prices

The Internal Trade Department says the droughts caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon have yet to affect the prices of local goods. The prices of fresh vegetables, limes and coriander are declining, as are fertilizer prices, said the department.

Chakra Yodmani, the department’s deputy director-general, said the droughts have not yet had a significant effect in terms of price adjustments. Continued …

12.5 million more skilled staff eyed by 2027

Thailand aims to produce around 800,000 skilled workers next year in targeted industries, including intelligent electronics, next-generation automobiles and healthcare.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon chaired a meeting of the national workers’ skill development committee at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation on Friday to discuss incentives to develop more skilled workers. Continued …

Thai hotels and serviced apartments turning to Airbnb to drive international bookings

As global travel recovery continues at pace, Thailand remains top of mind among international travelers. Thailand was the #1 most-visited country on Airbnb in Southeast Asia in 2022, while Bangkok ranks #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots in 2023.

As travelers flock to the country for business, leisure and remote work, they are searching for more affordable stays. They are also exploring a wider variety of accommodation offerings that meet their varying needs – ranging from entire homes, to shared homes and rooms. Notably, nights booked in private room listings on Airbnb in Thailand grew by over 500% year-on-year last year, up from 2021. Continued …

Sakhon Nakhon is known for its unique local culture

Sakhon Nakhon is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand, commonly known as Isaan. It is situated approximately 651 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

Sakhon Nakhon province covers an area of around 9,605 square kilometers and is bordered by six other provinces: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Kalasin, and Udon Thani. Continued …

Russian invaders blew up hydroelectric power plant dam

Since the beginning of the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine, there have been so many crimes and atrocities committed by the aggressor-state forces, causing suffering and pain to the Ukrainian people. Continued …

Vietnam to have 33 international and domestic airports by 2030

Vietnam is set to have 33 airports by 2030, including 14 serving international flights and 19 serving domestic flights. The investment is estimated at about VND420 trillion (US$18 billion), mobilized from the state budget, non-budget capital and other legal capital sources. Continued …

Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive

The four Indigenous children who had been missing for more than a month in the Colombian Amazon rainforest after a small plane crash have been found alive, President Gustavo Petro announced Friday. Continued …

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted on Friday, belching a column of ash more than three kilometers into the sky, officials said. The volcanic island emerged from the sea at the beginning of the last century from the crater formed after the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa — one of the deadliest and most destructive in history. This is the second volcano eruption in the past week in Indonesia.(thaipbs.com)

Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president

Donald Trump and one of his Mar-a-Lago staffers, personal valet Walt Nauta, were charged with dozens of counts of allegedly violating eight federal statutes related to the handling of classified documents after the former president left the White House, according to the 44-page indictment unsealed Friday. Continued …

Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career

Boris Johnson’s fall from power in the UK was as dramatic and controversial as his rise. The former prime minister, whose career was defined by surviving scandal, stepped down as an MP after a series of controversies. Despite this, Johnson left the possibility of a return to politics open for his allies. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

climate change, hua hin, medical tourism, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-June 7

June 7, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.”

Thailand and SE Asia ‘caught off guard’ by record heatwave/
Hidden cameras at Monsoon Valley Vineyard showcase a wide variety of animals/
Heavy rainfall to hit 54 provinces, Bangkok at risk of flash floods/
Public healthcare system facing doctor shortage, workload concerns/
Alleged cyanide serial killer faces highest number of charges in Thai history/
Abandoned Dog Has Been Waiting for Her Owner for 2 Months/
Economy: Sluggish commodity prices positive for core inflation/Government addresses agricultural sector climate risk/How climate-smart techniques are giving Thailand’s farms a boost/TPIPP to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2026/
Tourism: Lisa puts Ayutthaya back on radar for TAT/Phuket: The Epicenter of Tourism Politics in Thailand/
Thailand Experience: Expat News visits Phetchaburi wildlife rescue foundation/An exotic culinary journey featuring Thai rice/10 delicious Thai dishes you should try that aren’t pad Thai/
International: World Bank revises global economic growth forecast/Wheat Prices Jump Following Bombing Of Major Dam In Southern Ukraine/10 billion global population unsustainable, says climate envoy Kerry/Arctic could be ice-free a decade earlier than thought/PGA Tour and LIV Golf merge to end golf’s ‘civil war’/
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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Thailand and SE Asia ‘caught off guard’ by record heatwave

Millions of Vietnamese workers, including drivers, street vendors, cleaners, builders, and farmers, who form the backbone of society, have been disproportionately impacted by the recent extreme heat wave in Southeast Asia. This region experienced its most severe heat wave on record, causing detrimental effects on the health and livelihoods of these individuals.

Typically, April and May are known as the hottest months in Southeast Asia, with temperatures rising before the monsoon rains provide some relief. However, this year witnessed unprecedented heat levels across the region, even in popular tourist destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam. Continued …

Hidden cameras at Monsoon Valley Vineyard showcase a wide variety of animals

A yellow-throated marten striking a pose. Click. A bird of prey spreading its wings. Click. A masked palm civet exploring under the cover of darkness. Click.

Hidden camera traps installed around Monsoon Valley vineyard near Hua Hin have revealed an abundance of wildlife. Continued …

Heavy rainfall to hit 54 provinces, Bangkok at risk of flash floods

Heavy rainfall and floods are expected to hit 54 provinces in Thailand, with a 70% chance of precipitation across the country, according to the Meteorological Department. Bangkok could face flash floods, while increased wave heights are predicted for the Andaman Sea today.

The Meteorological Department’s 24-hour forecast predicts heavy rainfall and thunderstorms due to a trough of a low-pressure area over the South China Sea, combined with a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued …

Public healthcare system facing doctor shortage, workload concerns

The Public Health Ministry has taken a close look at the reported shortage of physicians and the reasons behind the heavy workload of personnel in an attempt to improve conditions for all involved in the country’s healthcare system, including ensuring they enjoy a good work-life balance in the future.

Deputy Minister Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin noted that the shortage of personnel is across all healthcare professions, including physicians, nurses and radiologists. Continued …

Alleged cyanide serial killer faces highest number of charges in Thai history

The alleged Thai cyanide serial killer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, faces 80 charges for the murders of 14 victims and the attempted murder of one surviving victim. This makes her the criminal with the highest number of charges in Thai history.

The deputy commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, today confirmed that the number of victims of the cyanide killer is 15, with 14 of them tragically losing their lives due to poisoning. Continued …

Abandoned Dog Has Been Waiting for Her Owner for 2 Months

An online social media account posted texts and pictures searching for the owner of a dog in Uthai Thani Province, 200 kilometers north of Bangkok.

The caption reads: “She has been waiting for 2 months for the owner to pick her up. The owner is her whole world. She’s been standing here all day for 2 months and not going anywhere. She is waiting. I am not sure if she was abandoned or fell out of the car. She is on the roadside of Ban Khao Pha Rad, Nam Rop subdistrict, Lan Sak district, Uthai Thani.” Continued …

Sluggish commodity prices positive for core inflation

The Ministry of Commerce said the domestic general inflation rate for May increased by only 0.53% year-on-year, the lowest level in the past 21 months, due to sluggish prices of petroleum, electricity, and food products. This figure is much lower than the 2.7% figure the financial market projected for May of this year.

According to Wichanun Niwatjinda, deputy director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), the main reasons for this relatively low inflation rate are slow-moving prices of petroleum, electricity, and food products, combined with the low base price used for calculating the inflation rate in May. Continued …

Government addresses agricultural sector climate risk

The government has approved the draft of a financial instrument exchange program aimed at adapting to climate-change risks, particularly in the agricultural sector in the ASEAN region, as part of the moves toward environmental sustainability.

Resolutions related to environmental cooperation and adaptation to climate change, particularly in the agricultural sector, were approved at the Cabinet meeting on June 6, along with the exchange of a draft agreement concerning the implementation of the Innovative Climate-Risk Financing for the Agricultural Sector in the ASEAN Region (ICRFAAR) project. Continued …

How climate-smart techniques are giving Thailand’s farms a boost

Rain machines, water canals, and laser-leveling are some of the methods being adopted in Thailand in an effort to ensure the country has a more sustainable agricultural supply chain amid the global food crisis.

Triggered by climate change, conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic, food agencies are warning that as many as 828 million people are now food insecure and that over 10 times more people are living in famine-like conditions compared to five years ago. Continued …

TPIPP to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2026

TPI Polene Power Plc (TPIPP), a leading waste-to-energy project developer and operator in Thailand, is set to continue its five-year capital expenditure plan of 14 billion baht. The plan, which began last year, aims to replace coal usage with renewable energy sources and increase the company’s power-generation capacity.

TPIPP has earmarked 3 billion baht for projects focused on reducing coal imports and eliminating coal-fired power generation by 2026, according to Worawit Lerdbussarakam, the company’s vice president. In 2021, coal accounted for half of the total electricity generation of 440 megawatts. By 2024, coal usage is projected to decrease by 30% to 150MW of the new total capacity of 502MW. Continued …

Lisa puts Ayutthaya back on radar for TAT

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has jumped at the chance to promote tourism in Ayutthaya after Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban from the South Korean girl group Blackpink, posted photos while visiting the old city of the World Heritage site on her Instagram account on Monday.

The starlet’s IG account (@lalalalisa_m) has 94.5 million followers. She visited several ruins and temples in Ayutthaya after the Blackpink World Tour Bangkok gigs on the last weekend of May. During her trip with close friends, they donned traditional dress, short-sleeve blouses and indigo tie-dyed, mud-fermented woven, a long fabric wrapped around the waist like a skirt. Continued …

Phuket: The Epicenter of Tourism Politics in Thailand

Tourism on Thailand’s most popular island has bounced back since the pandemic. Now, proposed visitor taxes and uncertainty around cannabis use are placing tourism high on the political agenda.

Almost two years have passed since Thailand’s then Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha personally greeted tourists arriving at Phuket International Airport. On July 1, 2021, during the dark days of Covid-19, he launched the Phuket Sandbox, the first coordinated attempt to rebirth tourism in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Expat News visits Phetchaburi wildlife rescue foundation

We had the opportunity to tour the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand facility in Phetchaburi recently. More about the foundation HERE.

WFFT currently houses more than 800 animals in 70 different species, including a cougar from Canada and a chimpanzee from Africa. The facility is huge, with concrete construction and metal cages prominent throughout, and extensive new construction underway.

They need the space, as they expect to add as many as 20 tigers and 20 leopards to the mix after a camp in northern Thailand closed. WFFT currently has 4 tigers and no leopards.

The tour provides excellent information on the animals and the facility; however, the tour does not use Thai translators, so Thais not knowing English gain zero knowledge from the visit. There also are no signs in Thai.

WFFT provides transport from Hua Hin for those interested. For tour information.

An exotic culinary journey featuring Thai rice

When one talks about Thai rice, the spotlight is not only on Hom Mali or Jasmine rice. Thailand’s fertile and abundant land has given the country’s rice a global reputation. Thailand is currently the second largest rice exporter, lending credence to its claims to be the “The kitchen of the world”.

Across the country, from the North down to the South, rice is a staple crop and plays an important role in the Thai cultural and gastronomical heritage. Continued …

10 delicious Thai dishes you should try that aren’t pad Thai

Thai food is known for its variety of signature ingredients, like lemongrass, ginger, lime, chili, garlic, pandan leaves, and coconut milk, which create distinctive combinations of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.

While stir-fried noodle specialty pad Thai — undoubtedly delicious — is one of Thai cuisine’s most famous dishes, there’s so much more to try. In fact, did you know that Thailand is home to four distinct regional cuisines? Continued …

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

World Bank revises global economic growth forecast

A new World Bank report looking at global economic trends adjusts the projected expansion of the global economy this year to 2.1%, higher than the previously forecast figure of 1.7% in January but lower than the growth rate in 2022 of 3.1%. Continued …

Wheat Prices Jump Following Bombing Of Major Dam In Southern Ukraine

The bombing of a major dam in southern Ukraine sent global prices of wheat and corn higher early on Tuesday. Wheat prices gained 2.4% in early trading on Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, to $6.39 a bushel. The cost of corn rose more than 1% (to $6.04 a bushel) and oats gained 0.73% ($3.46 per unit). Continued …

10 billion global population unsustainable, says climate envoy Kerry

U.S. special climate envoy John Kerry told AFP that the world’s population will not be tenable in 2050, when it is projected to hit nearly 10 billion, but refrained from asking Americans to give up steaks. Continued …

Arctic could be ice-free a decade earlier than thought

The Arctic Ocean’s ice cap will disappear in summer as soon as the 2030s and a decade earlier than thought, no matter how aggressively humanity draws down the carbon pollution that drives global warming, scientists said yesterday. Continued …

PGA Tour and LIV Golf merge to end golf’s ‘civil war’

The PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced on Tuesday that they have merged their commercial operations with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and ended all litigation, bringing to a close the sport’s bitter two-year rift. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

baht, bangkok, climate change, hua hin, immigration, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-June 5

June 5, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

UK crime boss living in Hua Hin finally jailed after five years on the run/
Hua Hin Marathon this Saturday/
Move Forward slams holiday booze ban/
Pita promises same-sex marriage at 50,000-strong Pride parade/
Giant centipede on your wall?/
Chinese man jailed 33 years for pushing pregnant wife off cliff in Thailand/
Economy: Baht still volatile but interest rates steady/Private sector fears Fed interest rates hike may spark recession/Thai Banks Starting to Require Facial Recognition for High-Value Transactions/Thailand’s electric dreams and its impact on Oil Fuel Fund/
Tourism: 4 million tourists, 173,000 foreigners, visited Prachuap Khiri Khan in Q1/Airlines bask in sky-high fares while airports stay stuck/UNESCO recognizes five creative cities in Thailand/Phuket reports rapid kickoff for tourism but a lapse on the way/Where to stay in Phuket/’I found paradise, and within 14 years it was destroyed’/
Thailand Experience: The other side of paradise/Thai border town Sangkhlaburi has mix of country’s ethnic groups, food, culture and religions/
International: Signal failure likely cause in India’s deadliest accident/Ukrainian families return to frontline towns despite Russian threat/Saudi Arabia to reduce oil output to shore up prices/Pill halves risk of death in type of lung cancer/How chocolate could counter climate change/
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

UK crime boss living in Hua Hin finally jailed after five years on the run

A British crime boss who only has one leg has been jailed after he was finally extradited from Thailand after five years on the run. Richard Wakeling, originally from Essex, was tried and found guilty of trying to import £8 million worth of liquid amphetamine into the UK in 2016.

He’d been living in the seaside town of Hua Hin, and was in possession of a passport with a different identity when he was caught by the Thai police in Bangkok. Continued …

Move Forward slams holiday booze ban

The ban on the sales of alcoholic beverages during Buddhist holidays has sparked a heated debate between advocates and critics of the law — including the Move Forward Party, which is campaigning for the end of the ban.

MFP key figures have voiced their opposition to the ban, calling it an unnecessary restriction on individual freedom. Continued …

Pita promises same-sex marriage at 50,000-strong Pride parade

The frontrunner to be Thailand’s next prime minister joined a Pride parade in the capital on Sunday, promising to pass a law that would allow same-sex marriage and gender identity rights if he becomes premier.

Thousands of LGBTQ+ people, their allies and political leaders marched through central Bangkok, marking Pride month and promoting gender equality in the second official Pride parade to be held in the country. Continued …

Giant centipede on your wall?

A giant centipede was videoed climbing up a residential wall, leaving viewers intrigued and startled. The clip, posted by TikTok user @paphatsanat, has accumulated over 6 million views since it was uploaded on social media. the centipede, notably larger and longer than usual, can be seen climbing on the side of a house. Onlookers might shiver at the sight, as the normal size of a centipede is approximately no bigger than a human hand, while this one appears visibly larger and more menacing. (thethaiger.com)

Chinese man jailed 33 years for pushing pregnant wife off cliff in Thailand

A Chinese man who pushed his pregnant wife off a cliff four years ago has been sentenced to 33 years and four months’ jail by Thailand’s highest court.

The man, whose surname is Yu, committed the crime at the Pha Taem National Park in northeast Thailand in June 2019. Continued …

Baht still volatile but interest rates steady

The Bank of Thailand is monitoring the Thai baht for the coming week, which is expected to fluctuate between 34.40 and 35 baht per U.S. Dollar.

The baht is showing a volatile trend, and attention is focusing on the U.S. services sector index, export volumes, and the direction of the Chinese stock market. Krungsri Bank projects local interest rates will remain mostly stable until the end of this year. Continued …

Private sector fears Fed interest rates hike may spark recession

The Thai Chamber of Commerce is concerned about rising interest rates, which are impacting the global money and capital markets and having a negative effect on Thai exports as the purchasing power of U.S. consumers has declined.

Wisit Limluecha, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Processed Food and Future Food Committee (PFC) of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said the U.S. Senate’s approval of the draft bill to lift the U.S. debt ceiling allows the U.S. government the opportunity to borrow money and to introduce more economic stimulus measures if necessary. Continued …

Thai Banks Starting to Require Facial Recognition for High-Value Transactions

Financial institutions in Thailand have begun mandating facial recognition for customers conducting high-value transactions. The move, aimed at reducing fraudulent activities and scams, is expected to provide extra security for clients.

Deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul announced that all commercial and government banks will implement this new security measure. Starting from July, customers transacting 50,000 baht or more via mobile banking, or whose transactions exceed a daily limit of 200,000 baht, will be required to verify their identities via facial-recognition systems. Continued …

Thailand’s electric dreams and its impact on Oil Fuel Fund

Thailand’s transition to electric vehicles (EV) as part of its clean energy policies is presenting a tough challenge for the Oil Fuel Fund and its role in maintaining stable domestic prices.

The Oil Fuel Fund has been working hard to keep the oil prices in the country stable, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war sparked severe global fluctuations in oil prices. Continued …

4 million tourists, 173,000 foreigners, visited Prachuap Khiri Khan in Q1

The tourism industry in Prachuap Khiri Khan province has experienced an increase in visitor numbers during the first quarter of 2023, according to the latest data released by the Department of Tourism and Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The figures indicate a boost to the local economy and underscore the province’s continued popularity, particularly among domestic tourists but also increasing numbers of foreign tourists. Continued …

Airlines bask in sky-high fares while airports stay stuck

Soaring ticket prices are lining the pockets of the world’s biggest airlines, providing balm to the economic wounds suffered during the travel lockdowns of Covid-19. But as the industry takes off, airports say they’ve been forgotten at the gate.

Flying will be far more expensive this (northern) summer, according to corporate travel manager American Express Global Business Travel, which analyzed tens of thousands of client transactions on international flights to and from Asian destinations. A typical New York-to-Hong Kong flight in economy class cost more than twice as much this year as in 2019, and almost a third more than last year. Continued …

UNESCO recognizes five creative cities in Thailand

UNESCO has recognized five creative cities in Thailand, for gastronomy, crafts, folk arts and design, according to Anucha Burapachaisri, spokesman for the government.

Phuket was first granted the UNESCO creative city of gastronomy status in 2015, for its traditional food varieties,which have been passed down from one generation to another. The local food industry earns the island province an estimated US$3.6 billion in revenue each year, said Anucha. Continued …

Phuket reports rapid kickoff for tourism but a lapse on the way

Phuket experienced a significant influx of international tourists in the first five months of 2023, with over 6 million arrivals. Although the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office describes them as “tourists”, the number includes all foreign arrivals for whatever reason.

Among them, Russians constituted the largest number of arrivals, followed by Chinese, Indians, Australians and Kazakhs. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office says that the arrival of these tourists injected at least 196 billion baht into the local economy during this period. Continued …

Where to stay in Phuket

Phuket, a large island on Thailand’s west coast, is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots thanks to its white sandy beaches, clear waters and island-hopping opportunities. Because of its size, there is a huge variety of places to stay and areas to choose from.

Phuket’s airport is toward the north of the island, while some of the most popular places to stay in Phuket are on the southern or western beaches, which can take around an hour to reach by car, so planning where to stay in Phuket and how to get there is essential. Continued …

‘I found paradise, and within 14 years it was destroyed’

The self-proclaimed “first tourist” to have visited Koh Phangan in Thailand has spoken of his guilt after sharing details of the pristine island, which led to its eventual ruin and notoriety as a trash-strewn party spot.

In 1979 – like Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Richard in the 2000 hit movie The Beach – Costas Christ was a 20-something backpacker from the U.S., and, eager to get off the beaten track he persuaded a fisherman to take him to a secret spot only locals knew about. That spot was Koh Phangan. Continued …

The other side of paradise

An hour’s drive from Phuket’s Pa Tong Beach, Bang Rong seems to be an ocean apart from its western counterpart. Located on the east coast, it doesn’t have a white sandy beach. Luxury beach clubs, Sunday brunch with free-flow sparkling wine and a pampering spa are most definitely not on its menu.

“Bang Rong has long served as a pier to Koh Yao and islands further out in Phang Nga Bay. This place, however, has never been a destination in its own right,” says local guide Prasert. “Those who came here earlier were either on their way to other places or looking for mangrove charcoal.” Continued …

Thai border town of Sangkhlaburi has mix of country’s ethnic groups, food, culture and religions

The bus drops me next to a stall at which a young man is placing pieces of red and white betel nut on green leaves smeared with a white paste. Once the masala has been sprinkled, the leaves are folded and taped up in plastic. The men waiting in the long queue for their snack are dressed in checked Burmese longyis.

Betel nut – the chewing of which produces a mild stimulant effect, and shockingly red teeth – is popular in Myanmar. But this is not Myanmar – I am in Sangkhlaburi, a town in western Thailand close to the border and known for its mix of ethnic groups. Continued …

Signal failure likely cause in India’s deadliest accident

India’s Railway Board has suggested that the Central Bureau of Investigation take over the inquiry into Friday’s train collision in Odisha, which claimed the lives of at least 275 people and injured nearly 1,200. The crash, which occurred near the Balasore district, is the deadliest in India in over two decades. As rescue operations concluded on Sunday, signal failure has emerged as the probable cause of the accident. Continued …

Ukrainian families return to frontline towns despite Russian threat

In the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the train station continues to operate despite Russia’s ongoing invasion. Millions of people depend on these trains, with many passengers traveling to the last stop before the eastern front line. Among them are soldiers and young families returning to their homes. Continued …

Saudi Arabia to reduce oil output to shore up prices

Oil-producing nations have agreed to extend production cuts in an effort to support struggling prices. Saudi Arabia announced its intention to reduce output by one million barrels per day (bpd) in July, while Opec+ stated that targets would decrease by an additional 1.4 million bpd from 2024. Opec+ represents approximately 40% of global crude oil production, and its decisions significantly influence oil prices. Continued …

Pill halves risk of death in type of lung cancer

A pill has been shown to halve the risk of death from a certain type of lung cancer when taken daily after surgery to remove the tumor, according to clinical trial results presented on Sunday. Continued …

How chocolate could counter climate change

At a red-brick factory in the German port city of Hamburg, cocoa bean shells go in one end, and out the other comes an amazing black powder with the potential to counter climate change. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

bangkok, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-June 2

June 2, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Vehicle registration goes digital/
Chomsin Road improvements, expansion planned/
Heavy rainfall warning: 33 provinces hit, 70% of south Thailand to be impacted/
COVID makes comeback in Thailand as booster fatigue leaves door open/
Bangkok Bank raises interest rates on deposits and loans/
Coup-installed Senate not yet ready for Move Forward, sources say/
GPO touts new drug to help quit smoking/
Food delivery rider ‘delivers’ slap to pedestrian for blocking his path/
Economy: Challenges for Thai banking system lie ahead/HSBC Thailand prepares strategy for expansion/Hotel industry strong as global travel grows: Minor Group/Tesla changes gear in Thailand, opens service center, expands charging network/Chinese electric vehicle firms eager to join Thai business group/
Tourism: Move Forward to use tourism sector to boost economy/
Thailand Experience: This beach is Thailand’s best-kept secret/
International: El Nino may hammer Asian farms/US mass shootings spark fear, change lives and boost bulletproof backpack sales/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Vehicle registration goes digital

With digital technology now playing a role in just about every aspect of our lives, vehicle registration booking is the latest service to get a digital upgrade.

The aim is to reduce steps, increase convenience and efficiency, and enhance citizen satisfaction, government deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said yesterday, adding that the Department of Land Transport (DLT) is an agency extensively used by the public, especially for booking vehicle registration numbers through the internet system at the car registration number reservation website. Continued …

Chomsin Road improvements, expansion planned

In a bid to tackle traffic problems in downtown Hua Hin, the municipality has unveiled plans to expand and enhance Chomsin Road.

On Thursday, Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, along with members of the Hua Hin Municipal Council, engineering staff from the Hua Hin Traffic Police Station, and representatives from the local community, gathered at the project site to discuss and explain the proposed road expansion to the residents and commercial property owners in the area. Continued …

Heavy rainfall warning: 33 provinces hit, 70% of south Thailand to be impacted

Heavy rainfall is expected in 33 provinces across Thailand, with the southern region facing a high risk of flash floods and landslides. The Thai Meteorological Department urges citizens to remain vigilant to sudden flooding from June 2 as 70% of the area is expected to experience torrential downpours.

The department has issued a 24-hour weather forecast warning of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in certain areas of the eastern and southern provinces. Residents in these regions are advised to stay alert to potential flash floods and forest runoff, especially in areas on hill slopes, near watercourses, and low-lying zones. Continued …

COVID makes comeback in Thailand as booster fatigue leaves door open

Thai authorities are stepping up campaigns encouraging people to roll up their sleeves and get booster shots, as COVID-19 makes a comeback.

The campaigns are designed to combat a new surge in cases, attributed to factors such as students returning for the new semester – but most importantly people’s declining immunity. Continued …

Bangkok Bank raises interest rates on deposits and loans

Following the Bank of Thailand’s decision to raise its policy interest rate on May 31 by 25 basis points to 2%, the Bangkok Bank Plc (BBL) today announced that it has raised interest rates for deposits and loans, effective as of June 2 amid the steady growth of the Thai economy.

According to BBL’s Executive VP, Suvarn Thansathit, the interest rates on deposits have been raised by 0.05-0.25%. The interest rate for savings deposits is now 0.60% per annum, while interest for 3-month fixed deposits is 0.95% per annum. Fixed deposits for 6 months now earn 1.05% per annum. Continued …

Coup-installed Senate not yet ready for Move Forward, sources say

The 250 senators appointed by the 2014 coup leaders remain a threat to the party that won the most seats in the May 14 election, Senate sources say.

A core group of senators loyal to generals Prayut Chan-o-cha and Prawit Wongsuwan are actively lobbying their peers not to vote for Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister. Continued …

GPO touts new drug to help quit smoking

The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) has unveiled a locally developed cytisine — an alkaloid that occurs naturally in certain plants — that can help people quit smoking, reduce treatment costs and potentially save over 12 million baht in imported drugs.

Dr. Mingkwan Suphanpong, the GPO’s director, said there are more than 9.9 million people in Thailand over the age of 15 who are classed as frequent smokers. Continued …

Food delivery rider ‘delivers’ slap to pedestrian for blocking his path

A food delivery rider who violated the law by riding on a pavement slapped a pedestrian in the face because the victim blocked his path.

Two days ago, the victim, Kitti Panantanannon, shared a video of the moment when he was attacked. In the caption, he said, “He drove a motorcycle on the pavement at a high speed and asked me, a pedestrian, why I do not give him away. He even came back to attack me. The motorcycle also did not have a registration plate.” Continued …

Challenges for Thai banking system lie ahead

The Thai banking sector has encountered numerous challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, particularly in dealing with debt issues to aid borrowers facing financial difficulties.

However, as the economy gradually recovers, businesses are adapting and aligning themselves with the returning normalcy. Continued …

HSBC Thailand prepares strategy for expansion

HSBC Thailand aims to raise fresh funds and secure an additional license in preparation for local business expansion in line with the country’s economic growth.

The bank is in the process of increasing its capital by 3.1 billion baht to 25.7 billion, said Chief Executive Giorgio Gamba. Continued …

Hotel industry strong as global travel grows: Minor Group

Minor Hotels is to add 65 hotels with more than 13,000 rooms by 2025 as part of its plans to maintain the group’s position as the largest in the hotel hospitality industry, Dillip Rajakarier, group chief executive of MINT and chief executive of Minor Hotels, told a media gathering on Thursday.

The move is part of the company’s strategic plan for long-term growth and is aligned with the global trends in travel, which, said Rajakarier, would see the hotel industry continuing to grow despite the poor state of the global economy. Continued …

Tesla changes gear in Thailand, opens service center, expands charging network

Tesla is set to open its first service center in Bangkok in July, having entered the Thai market only this year to primarily sell electric vehicles online.

However, the after-sales service aspect had been unclear. Recently, Tesla announced the official opening of its first service center, along with plans to expand the charging station network to seven locations. Continued …

Chinese electric vehicle firms eager to join Thai business group

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are keen to become members of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to help drive the fledging EV industry in Thailand. Continued …

Move Forward to use tourism sector to boost economy

The Move Forward Party aims to use the tourism sector as a “quick win” formula to stimulate the economy, the party leader and prospective prime minister Pita Limjaroenrat said on Wednesday.

He noted, however, that the Thai tourism sector is still suffering from tourist congestion, as 70% of tourism revenue is generated in popular destinations like Bangkok and Chonburi. Move Forward wants to see foreign tourists visit more places by allowing them to stay in Thailand longer and encouraging them to spend more cash, and is planning to introduce a “homestay act” in a bid to offer more alternatives. Continued …

This beach is Thailand’s best-kept secret

Hua Hin has it all. International branded resorts, shopping, dining and activities for all ages. Some 200 kilometers south of Bangkok, it’s known for its safe beaches and family-friendly, authentic Thai feel.

Dubbed The Royal Coast, thanks to being a favorite with Thai royalty and elite, northern Europeans also know Hun Hin’s tropical charms, visiting in their winter to laze on the beach and sup on seafood. Yet it has remained under the radar for many visitors to Thailand. Here are seven of the best things to do in Hua Hin: Continued …

El Nino may hammer Asian farms

Early signs of hot, dry weather caused by El Nino are threatening food producers across Asia, while American growers are counting on heavier summer rains from the weather phenomenon to alleviate the impact of severe drought. Continued …

US mass shootings spark fear, change lives and boost bulletproof backpack sales

The increasing frequency of gun violence and mass shootings in the United States is impacting the lives of millions of Americans, causing anxiety and prompting changes in daily routines. With National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaching, around 60% of U.S. adults have discussed gun safety with their children or other family members, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Thursday’s news-June 1

June 1, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

“Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.”

Immigration offices closed on Monday, June 5; alcohol ban Saturday/
International sports high school to open at True Arena/
Major roadworks in Pranburi set to cause delays/
Road work completed on Soi 102/
Four-month cut in electricity bills comes into effect/
Why 40°C is bearable in a desert but lethal in the tropics/
Pita case could force new election/
Check assets and bank accounts of all police commanders, watchdog says/
French Associations Jointly Launch New Bureau in Bangkok/
Phuket set to be a new model for food waste disposal/
Chiang Mai nature park not an option for ailing jumbo returning from Sri Lanka/
Economy: Bank of Thailand Raises Key Interest Rate/Thailand’s MPI growth faces stagnation amid export slowdown and high costs/Investors switch from stocks to condos for better yield/Chamber puts spotlight on urgent issues/Tobacco firms in Thailand contributing to global food crisis, says WHO/Thai marijuana tycoons ponder mixed messaging from Move Forward-led coalition/
Tourism: TAT forecasts tourism revenue of Bt3 trillion in 2024/The opportunity for Thailand to shine in the global wellness industry/Travel Agents Warn Wage Hike Will Hit Tourism Industry/Phuket curbs visa overstays, more than 1,000 caught/
Thailand Experience: A Journey into the Flavors of Thailand/Khon Kaen Has All the Charm of Thailand’s Bigger Cities — Without the Tourists/What you need to know about Isaan’s Khon Kaen/
International: Earth is ‘really quite sick now’ and in danger zone in nearly all ecological ways/Asia’s factories signal more pain as China recovery falters/US debt ceiling bill passes House with broad bipartisan support/
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

Immigration offices closed on Monday, June 5; alcohol ban Saturday

Thailand will observe the Buddhist religious day Visakha Bucha on Saturday, with a 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol.

Also closed on Saturday and Monday will be government offices, including Immigration, Department of Land Transport and district or municipal offices. Most banks will also be closed, with the exception of some bank branches located in shopping malls

International sports high school to open at True Arena

A new international standard high school with a focus on sports will open in Hua Hin later this year. The Junior Asian Sports Academy (JASA) is set to open its doors at True Arena Hua Hin Sports Club to students from September.

This international sports high school will provide an opportunity for students to receive a world-class education while simultaneously developing their athletic abilities. Continued …

Major roadworks in Pranburi set to cause delays

For motorists planning to travel south out of Hua Hin this upcoming long weekend (June 3-5), be aware of the roadworks taking place in Pranburi.

The road widening and resurfacing work is expected to cause delays and traffic congestion in three specific locations. To ensure a smooth journey, motorists are advised to consider alternative routes or allow extra travel time. Continued …

Road work completed on Soi 102

Soi 102 road construction work has now been completed. The work reinforced the road and added improved drainage pipes, sewage systems, and water supply systems. The road also was connected to the road to Nonggae Reservoir. (HHT)

Four-month cut in electricity bills comes into effect

Household electricity users will receive discounts on their power bills for the four months from May to August, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Wednesday.

Anucha confirmed that the subsidy, which was previously approved by the Election Commission (EC), will be effective retroactively from May, despite the power bills for May having already been issued. Continued …

Why 40°C is bearable in a desert but lethal in the tropics

This year, even before the northern hemisphere hot season began, temperature records were being shattered. Spain, for instance, saw temperatures in April (38.8°C) that would be out of the ordinary even at the peak of summer. South and Southeast Asia, in particular, were hammered by a very persistent heatwave, and all-time record temperatures were experienced in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand (44°C and 45°C, respectively).

In Singapore, the more modest record was also broken, as temperatures hit 37°C. And in China, Shanghai just recorded its highest May temperature for over a century at 36.7°C. Continued …

Pita case could force new election

Details of shareholding violation complaints against Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat will decide his fate and determine if the May 14 general election is nullified, according to caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.

He was responding to questions about the possible scenarios if the Constitutional Court rules against Pita, who holds 42,000 shares in iTV, an independent broadcaster founded in the 1990s. Continued …

Check assets and bank accounts of all police commanders, watchdog says

The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) is urging the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to look retroactively into the wealth of every active and retired police commander, especially highway police commanders.

ACT Secretary-General Mana Nimitmongkol said on Wednesday that he is confident that the NACC will be able to identify whether the wealth of the officers was legally acquired or not. Continued …

French Associations Jointly Launch New Bureau in Bangkok

A group of French associations led by Alliance Française Bangkok and Michelin Group have announced the opening of a new bureau early next month.

The inauguration of “Bureau des Associations” will be held at the beginning of June in the presence of His Excellency, Thierry Mathou, ambassador of France, Ariya Banomyong, president of Alliance Française Bangkok, and Hervé Deguine, director of public affairs Asia-Pacific and NGO relations at Michelin, Alliance Française Bangkok said in its press release on Wednesday. Continued …

Phuket set to be a new model for food waste disposal

With the Phuket tourism industry well on the way to recovery and aiming to welcome 12 million tourist arrivals this year, the problem of food waste is seen as an increasingly critical issue.

In an effort to reduce that waste, the Thai Organic Consumer Assn. (TOCA) is working with hotels in Phuket to initiate a food waste composting system, which is in line with the BCG (bio-circular-green economic model). Continued …

Chiang Mai nature park not an option for ailing jumbo returning from Sri Lanka

The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai province does not have the space or appropriate facilities to take care of “Sak Surin”, an ailing elephant who will return from Sri Lanka in July, said the park’s director on Wednesday.

Saengduean “Lek” Chailert said that, with more than a hundred elephants under their care, the park cannot provide the required level of care for Sak Surin, because of the animal’s poor health. Continued …

Bank of Thailand Raises Key Interest Rate

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) raised its key policy rate by 0.25 percentage point from 1.75% to 2%, effective immediately. Piti Disyatat, secretary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), announced the outcome of the meeting on Wednesday.

The Thai economy should continue to expand, driven mainly by tourism and private consumption. Merchandise exports are expected to recover gradually. Continued …

Thailand’s MPI growth faces stagnation amid export slowdown and high costs

The Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) in Thailand is predicted to experience subdued growth of 0-1% this year, owing to a combination of domestic and international business challenges.

The April MPI reading was the lowest in 34 months, with an 8.14% year-on-year drop to 83.5 points, marking the seventh consecutive decline since October last year, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). Continued …

Investors switch from stocks to condos for better yield

The fluctuation of Thailand’s stock market due to political uncertainty after the general election, together with the slowdown of the global economy due to rising inflation, have made property for investment an attractive choice among modern investors, industry experts say.

Chanin Wanichwong, chief executive officer of Habitat Group, said an increasing number of new generation investors aged 30-40 years are buying condominiums and renting them out for short- and long-term profits. Continued …

Chamber puts spotlight on urgent issues

The Thai Chamber of Commerce highlighted three urgent issues in talks held on Wednesday, with expediting the formation of a new government the priority to ensure the continuity of budget allocation.

Speaking after holding talks with Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward Party’s leader and prime ministerial candidate, along with his party’s executives, Chamber Chairman Sanan Angubolkul said the private sector also proposed the new government improve the country’s competitiveness by addressing costly electricity bills, wages, ease of doing business and legal reforms. Continued …

Tobacco firms in Thailand contributing to global food crisis, says WHO

The spotlight shifted from smokers to farmers for this year’s “World No Tobacco Day” yesterdsay – with the slogan “We need food, not tobacco”.

Giant tobacco companies operating in Thailand and the rest of the region remain firmly in the crosshairs of the World Health Organization. WHO said it will expose how the tobacco industry contributes to the global food crisis by “interfering with attempts to substitute tobacco growing with sustainable crops”. Continued …

Thai marijuana tycoons ponder mixed messaging from Move Forward-led coalition

Move Forward’s deputy leader has given an assurance to operators licensed by authorities in respect of marijuana or cannabis that their businesses will not be closed down by the new government’s promise to control the widespread use of the drug in public and again outlaw its recreational use.

One suggestion is that the use of marijuana or cannabis be treated as a medical prescription requiring clinical authorization and only to take place within designated areas closed off to the public. Continued …

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TAT forecasts tourism revenue of Bt3 trillion in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains confident the industry can garner revenue of 3 trillion baht next year, matching the level of 2019.

Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific at TAT, said the agency is working on new promotional plans for the next fiscal year and expects to finalize its proposal to the new government next month. Continued …

The opportunity for Thailand to shine in the global wellness industry

The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked Thailand as one of the top six countries in Asia with high medical and healthcare service capabilities. This ranking is confirmed by the results of coping with incidents and the relative success in controlling the spread of Covid-19 over the past three years.

The main factors that have contributed to Thailand’s high potential in the medical and healthcare sector are its investments in infrastructure that facilitate research in technology, innovation, capacity building of healthcare professionals, and academic development. Key components include establishing a comprehensive network of medical and healthcare services that cover all areas. Continued …

Travel Agents Warn Wage Hike Will Hit Tourism Industry

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) warned that if the minimum wage is increased to 450 baht a day and further gradually increased every year it will definitely affect the economy, with the tourism industry also impacted.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, ATTA’s president, said a minimum wage hike would increase business operators’ cost, leading to their prices being adjusted. As prices of consumer goods rise, the service sector would be affected in terms of consumption. Continued …

Phuket curbs visa overstays, more than 1,000 caught

Phuket’s acclaimed crime-free project has proved successful, with over 1,000 foreigners caught overstaying their visas.

With the cooperation of 800 accommodation providers on the resort island, the Phuket Immigration Office has endorsed crime-free measures that allow businesses to inform police of any suspicious activities involving foreign guests. Continued …

A Journey into the Flavors of Thailand

Thai food is well known for its vibrant flavor, aromatic spices, and well-balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy scents. It is a cuisine that tantalizes the palate and offers a distinctive dining experience. This article will discuss the fundamentals of Thai food, as well as its distinctive flavors, regional specialties, and the cultural influences that have influenced its dishes.

We’ll discover the techniques used to create some of Thailand’s most well-known dishes as we delve into the country’s diverse culinary landscape. We will discover the vibrant flavors of Thai food, from the aromatic spices to the harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Continued …

Khon Kaen Has All the Charm of Thailand’s Bigger Cities — Without the Tourists

The country of Thailand says it received 40 million visitors in 2019, setting a new record for annual arrivals. That said, less-visited areas remain. One of those is Khon Kaen in the northwest, which is still a city that few Western tourists have explored. It appears, though, that the winds may be shifting.

Khon Kaen has experienced a plethora of new developments in the past few years and is poised to welcome all the foodies, shoppers, and nightlife hounds that flock to Thailand’s major cities — without, as of yet, all the crowds. Continued …

What you need to know about Isaan’s Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is a province and city located in northeastern Thailand, also known as the Isaan region. It serves as the capital of Khon Kaen Province and is one of the largest cities in the region. Here’s some information about Khon Kaen:

Location: Khon Kaen is situated approximately 449 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. It is positioned on the Khorat Plateau, a vast elevated region in northeastern Thailand. Continued …

Earth is ‘really quite sick now’ and in danger zone in nearly all ecological ways

Earth has pushed past seven out of eight scientifically established safety limits and into “the danger zone,” not just for an overheating planet that’s losing its natural areas, but for well-being of people living on it, according to a new study. Continued …

Asia’s factories signal more pain as China recovery falters

Asia’s factories saw further easing in demand in May as China’s faltering recovery weighed on a region already smarting from a global trade downturn. Continued …

US debt ceiling bill passes House with broad bipartisan support

A divided U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to suspend the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling on Wednesday, with majority support from both Democrats and Republicans to overcome opposition led by hard-line conservatives and avoid a catastrophic default. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-May 27

May 27, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Move Forward will tie 450-baht wage raise with other benefits/
‘Novids’ warned as Covid on the rise/
Siriraj Hospital Says All Beds For Critical Covid Patients Full/
DDC tackles dengue surge/
10 Thai slang words and phrases you need to know/
Immigration Arrests Taiwanese Gang for Defrauding People of 2.3 Billion Baht/
Cyanide serial murders: Company to face prosecution for illegal import, resale/
Taxi scams damage THAIFEX expo/
Heavy bags bad for kids’ backs/
Economy: Ministry vows to keep tabs on prices/Eastern Economic Corridor continues to flourish, official says/Thailand sets its sights on hi-tech cooperation with China/Oil price volatility expected later this year/
Tourism: Knowing Thailand, Vietnam’s tourism problems are clear/Chinese Tour Groups Visiting Thailand Still Down by 90% Compared to 2019/Phuket Launches Operation to Crack Down on Foreigners Breaking the Law/Thailand a top digital nomad destination/
International: NATO struggles in the shadows to find new leader/Man who opened plane door in mid-air says he was uncomfortable/Key facts about Neuralink, Musk’s cyborg gamble/Antarctic ocean circulation slowing rapidly/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Move Forward will tie 450-baht wage raise with other benefits

The minimum wage increase will come with several other benefits, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat promised after visiting a labor network in Samut Prakan on Friday.

He said the wage increase will be tied in with other aspects beneficial to workers, like better rights, a stronger social security system, and greater assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Continued …

‘Novids’ warned as Covid on the rise

Covid-19 infections are expected to peak between June and August and again next January and February, with those who have hitherto escaped the virus likely to contract it, according to a virologist at Chulalongkorn University.

Dr. Yong Poovorawan, director of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, wrote on his Facebook page on Friday that a surge in Covid-19 cases is expected. Continued …

Siriraj Hospital Says All Beds For Critical Covid Patients Full

Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital posted a message on its Facebook page yesterday that all beds for critical Covid patients are now fully occupied, with the emergency department also overflowing, thus it cannot accept any more patients.

The hospital’s emergency department is still awaiting referral patients, and for this reason cannot accommodate additional Covid-19 patients, the message said, while apologizing for the inconvenience caused. Continued …

DDC tackles dengue surge

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has opened an emergency operations center (EOC) to reduce the number of dengue patients after more than 15,000 people were diagnosed in the first five months of this year alone.

That figure was 5.4 times more than during the same period last year. So far, there have been 13 deaths from the disease. Continued …

10 Thai slang words and phrases you need to know

When choosing a new language to learn, Thai may not be on top of the list for many, even for polyglots. After all, it’s got one of the most complicated writing systems in the world, the tonal system is not the most easy for Westerners to get used to, and how useful is Thai when traveling around the world anyway?

Still, knowing language and knowing culture is important, especially when traveling. You’d be surprised by how much Thai people appreciate you trying out their language, even if it’s nowhere near perfect. Why not pique your own interest of the language by one of the most fun parts of language-learning: Thai slang words? Continued …

Immigration Arrests Taiwanese Gang for Defrauding People of 2.3 Billion Baht

Immigration authorities have apprehended the leader of a Taiwanese gang involved in operating a fraudulent pharmaceutical company amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The gang manipulated stock prices and deceived over 10,000 individuals, resulting in damages totaling 2.3 billion baht. The accused individual was found to have an arrest warrant from Taiwan.

Police Lt. Gen. Pakphoomphiphat Sajjaphan, Immigration commissioner, along with several other officials, announced the arrest of key suspects involved in the case. Continued …

Cyanide serial murders: Company to face prosecution for illegal import, resale

Following the shocking cyanide serial murders in Thailand, authorities have announced their intention to prosecute a company involved in the illicit importation and resale of cyanide to retailers.

The police officially confirmed that the Thai cyanide serial killer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, claimed a total of 15 victims, tragically resulting in the loss of 14 lives due to the deadly toxin. Adding to the complexity of the case, Sararat’s lawyer, Thannicha “Patch” Ek-suwannawat, has been implicated for allegedly aiding Sararat in concealing and tampering with evidence. Continued …

Taxi scams damage THAIFEX expo

Complaints about taxi scams at the THAIFEX exhibition flooded social media on Friday as passengers reportedly were charged 4,000-5,000 baht for trips from Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi to Bangkok’s city center.

THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2023, one of the biggest trade events in Thailand, returned for a full-scale exhibition for the first time following the pandemic, occupying 130,000 square meters of space at Impact Muang Thong Thani from May 23-27. According to the organizer, the event drew almost 2,700 exhibitors from Thailand and 40 countries. Continued …

Heavy bags bad for kids’ backs

Carrying a heavy school bag every day can cause spinal problems among children and worsen scoliosis, medical experts said, as they recommend limiting such bags to no more than 10% of a kid’s weight.

The warning came after one netizen raised concern about the weight of the bag that their Prathom 2 child had to carry daily, which is said to have totaled 4.5 kilograms. Continued …

Ministry vows to keep tabs on prices

During the transition period ahead of the formation of a new government, the Commerce Ministry has pledged to stay vigilant in monitoring and controlling the domestic prices of goods and services to prevent any impact on consumers.

According to Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, the agency continues to monitor the prices of goods, raw materials, and other factors that affect costs, such as oil and electricity prices. Continued …

Eastern Economic Corridor continues to flourish, official says

Investment in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has been continuing to expand since it was legally inaugurated in 2018, with the number of investment promotion applications rising by 92 in the first two months of this year.

Their total investment value is 90.3 billion baht, Trade Policy and Strategy Office Director Poonpong Nainapakorn said. The number of applications for investment promotion in 2022 increased by 40.6% year on year to 637 projects. Combined, their total investment value rose by 62.7% year on year to 358.83 billion baht, according to official data. Continued …

Thailand sets its sights on hi-tech cooperation with China

Thailand has been flagging the idea of joining hands with China in tapping new energy and digital markets in Southeast Asia, a move that would elevate bilateral cooperation to new dimensions beyond tourism and tropical fruits.

The notion, mentioned recently by Thailand’s ambassador to China, Arthayudh Srisamoot, could also be beneficial to Beijing, as the world’s second-largest economy looks to the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the 15 members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as alternatives to the U.S. market. Continued …

Oil price volatility expected later this year

PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) is bracing for possible challenges caused by oil price fluctuations and a global economic slowdown that could affect the company in the second half of this year.

Though the company benefited from the full reopening of Thailand, it is staying alert to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, which was blamed for driving up global prices of oil, gas and coal last year, said Wilaiwan Kanjanakanti, OR’s senior executive vice president for finance. Continued …

Knowing Thailand, Vietnam’s tourism problems are clear

When my wife and I traveled Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there was nothing that outstanding about the famous Thai food and traffic infrastructure. While their transport system is indeed years ahead of Vietnam, I don’t think that’s the reason why tourism in Vietnam pales compared to our regional neighbor.

What impressed me the most was the hospitality and friendliness of Thai people. When we crossed the street, cars always made way for us in the politest ways. We spent six days in Thailand, but I barely heard horns honking, even though traffic jams were a frequent occurrence. Continued …

Chinese Tour Groups Visiting Thailand Still Down by 90% Compared to 2019

The number of Chinese tour groups in Thailand is still low – only 10% of the total that had visited before Covid-19 in 2019 – said prominent Thai tourism associations yesterday.

The secretary of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), Adit Chairattananon, said, “In 2019, there were 11 million Chinese tourists that visited Thailand. Of this number, 600,000 of them were in tour groups via ATTA.” Continued …

Phuket Launches Operation to Crack Down on Foreigners Breaking the Law

As part of the “White Accommodation for Foreigners” project, Phuket is launching a comprehensive clean-up operation to increase the scrutiny of foreigners who break the law.

This move aims to bolster confidence and increase the safety potential of Phuket as a tourist destination. This activity is part of the regular May 2023 program. Continued …

Thailand a top digital nomad destination

Thailand is the third-best destination in the world for attracting digital nomads after the United States and Spain, according to the online resume-building service Resume.io.

Resume.io said that it reached its conclusion after extracting 25,976 Instagram posts that featured the hashtag #digitalnomad and used geotagged locations to determine the most popular countries and cities. It pre-processed the dataset to ensure no spam accounts or bots were included in the sample. Continued …

NATO struggles in the shadows to find new leader

The race to be the next North Atlantic Treaty Organization boss is heating up. But it is a race run largely in the dark, with no sign of a winner yet. Jens Stoltenberg, the transatlantic military alliance’s Norwegian secretary-general, is due to step down at the end of September after nine years in the post. Continued …

Man who opened plane door in mid-air says he was uncomfortable

A passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight told police he opened a door on the plane minutes before it landed in Daegu, South Korea, on Friday because he was “uncomfortable”, according to reports. Continued …

Key facts about Neuralink, Musk’s cyborg gamble

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-implant company, has won U.S. approval to test on humans. Here is what to know about the multi-billionaire’s dream project to enable the human brain to communicate directly with computers. Continued …

Antarctic ocean circulation slowing rapidly

Climate change-driven shifts in the circulation of waters to the deepest reaches of the ocean around Antarctica, which could reverberate across the planet and intensify global warming, are happening decades “ahead of schedule”, according to new research. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

baht, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Thursday’s news-May 25

May 25, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Electricity price to drop sharply from September/
Thailand’s Power Production Stable As Vietnam Kicks Off Nationwide Blackouts/
Heavy rain and thunderstorms threaten 50 provinces/
Netflix’s password sharing restriction has come to Thailand/
UK inquest: Brit stabbed to death with sickle by Thai neighbor/
Deceased police officer potentially 16th victim of Thai cyanide serial killer/
‘Infrastructure’ constraints prevent US sale of F-35 fighter jets/
Thailand develops effective nasal spray against COVID-19/
Thailand’s economy: Overseas buyers to fuel Thailand’s real estate boom until Q4/Worries over baht volatility as coalition talks continue/Government revenues are shooting up/Construction, property, restaurants to be hardest hit by wage hike, study shows/Company Profile: Betagro/CPN to invest Bt10 billion for sustainability/Nissan Thailand and IVL broaden green footprint/Weed farms fret as MFP mulls U-turn on cannabis/
Tourism: Return of Chinese Tourists to Thailand Has Pros, Cons/TAT upbeat on arrivals in low season/Tourist taxes: All of the countries you will have to pay to enter in 2023/Thai food and herbs bid for pride of place at Asia Pacific exhibition/
International: Tina Turner: Music legend dies at 83/Super typhoon Mawar clobbers Guam with fierce winds, rains/World’s biggest warship visits Oslo, angering Russia/UN conference pledges $2.4B to head off Horn of Africa famine/Paralyzed man walks using thoughts with breakthrough brain-spinal cord implants/Indonesia adopts cool roofs to combat heatwaves, reduce energy costs/Syrians abandon babies at mosques, under trees as war grinds on/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Electricity price to drop sharply from September

The Energy Ministry expects to cut the fuel tariff (Ft) in September, leading to a significant drop in the price of electricity.

Consumers can expect a reduction of 40-50 satang per unit for the September-December electricity billing cycle, Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Kulit Sombatsiri said on Wednesday. The Ft rate currently stands at 4.70 baht per unit. The planned reduction was made possible by the easing of global prices of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), he explained. Continued …

Thailand’s Power Production Stable As Vietnam Kicks Off Nationwide Blackouts

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) confirmed yesterday that electricity production and supply is sufficient in Thailand, after Vietnam launched nationwide rolling power cuts.

Vietnam started nationwide blackouts as it struggles to meet surging power demand amid extremely hot weather with even the capital Hanoi affected. Certain areas may experience up to seven hours of power outages and the disruptions could continue through May 31. Continued …

Heavy rain and thunderstorms threaten 50 provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department warned of thunderstorms and strong winds in 50 provinces, including Bangkok, as weather conditions change due to low-pressure systems. From May 27-30, rainfall is expected to increase, and it could be heavy in some areas. Boats have been advised to exercise caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is influenced by the southwesterly winds covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, along with a low-pressure area covering northern Vietnam and the Tonkin Gulf. These conditions could cause thunderstorms and strong winds in some areas of Thailand, especially in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions. However, warm weather is expected during the daytime. Continued …

Netflix’s password sharing restriction has come to Thailand

If you’ve been sharing your Netflix password, expect an email in your inbox sometime soon informing you that it will cost you extra now that Thailand is one of the countries implementing restrictions.

The streaming giant has talked about cracking down on password sharing for a while now, a common practice with its subscribers, which is probably why a lot of people have criticized the move. However, Netflix has started to slowly roll out the restriction, beginning in the West while other regions followed afterward. Continued …

UK inquest: Brit stabbed to death with sickle by Thai neighbor

An inquest at a court in the United Kingdom concluded that a British man died from brain stem and spinal cord contusion after being stabbed in the neck with a sickle by his Thai neighbor in a row over loud music last year.

In January 2022, 49-year-old Marcus Evans from Somerset, England, was playing music from a Bluetooth speaker and drinking with another Brit, 55-year-old Shaun Dagnan, outside of his girlfriend’s house in Mueang district of Kanchanaburi province late at night. Continued …

Deceased police officer potentially 16th victim of Thai cyanide serial killer

A shocking revelation has emerged in the case of the notorious Thai cyanide serial killer, as a relative of a police officer who passed away three years ago claims that the deceased might be the killer’s 16th victim.

This suspicion arises from the fact that the officer had a meeting with the alleged murderer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, shortly before suffering a fatal heart attack. Continued …

‘Infrastructure’ constraints prevent US sale of F-35 fighter jets

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has provided an explanation as to why the United States is not selling its F-35 fighter jets to Thailand at this time.

There were several time constraints that prevented the U.S. from supplying its fifth-generation fighter jets to the Thai air force following the request for procurement, RTAF spokesman AVM Prapas Sonjaidee said today. Continued …

Thailand develops effective nasal spray against COVID-19

A research team at the Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, has identified highly effective antibodies against COVID-19 from the human body. These antibodies have been developed into an innovation called COVITRAP, the world’s first nasal spray that traps and inhibits the COVID-19 virus using antibodies.

This spray has been certified as a medical device, and the team is confident in its efficacy for dealing with COVID-19 alongside other preventive measures. Continued …

Overseas buyers to fuel Thailand’s real estate boom until Q4

Thailand’s real estate will flourish until the fourth quarter, spurred by skyrocketing demand from overseas customers, real estate services and investment firm CBRE (Thailand) has forecast.

The head of residential sales, Artitaya Kasemlawan, said on Wednesday that the company’s sales to foreign buyers in the condominium sector had increased 383% and by 233% in housing estates over the past year. Continued …

Worries over baht volatility as coalition talks continue

Investors are concerned that the formation of a new government and political risk could lead to higher baht volatility over the next month, says Kasikornbank (Kbank).

The bank predicts the baht will move in a range of 33.80-35.40 per U.S. dollar during the next month because of internal and external factors. Continued …

Government revenues are shooting up

Government revenue collection exceeded its target by 8.9% in first seven months of this fiscal year, which began last October, the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office said on Wednesday.

Its director-general, Pornchai Thiraveja, said 1.377 trillion baht in revenue was collected by the government during the period, and that this represented a 7.4% rise over the same period in fiscal year 2022. Continued …

Construction, property, restaurants to be hardest hit by wage hike, study shows

While the Move Forward-led coalition’s manifesto aims to address income inequality and stimulate economic growth, there are concerns about their plan to increase the minimum daily wage to 450 baht.

Businesses are worried this wage hike could have an adverse impact on their operations and profitability. Here are some details provided by Asia Plus Securities on the potential impact the wage hike will have on key industries: Continued …

Company Profile: Betagro

Betagro is a leading integrated agro-industrial and food company in Thailand. It was founded in 1967 and has since grown to become one of the largest food companies in Southeast Asia.

The company’s business covers the production and sale of animal feed, animal pharmaceuticals and supplements, livestock, swine, and poultry products, eggs, related processed food products and pet food, distribution of farm equipment, and related research and development. Continued …

CPN to invest Bt10 billion for sustainability

Central Pattana Plc (CPN) has set aside an investment budget of more than 10 billion baht for sustainability development under a five-year plan spanning 2023-27.

The company is also pushing its “Net Zero 2050” plan under “the ecosystem for all” theme, joining hands with partners at a green expo titled Better Futures Project at CentralWorld during May 24-29. Continued …

Nissan Thailand and IVL broaden green footprint

The Japanese car company Nissan Motor Thailand and the global chemical manufacturer Indorama Ventures are helping governments shape a cleaner future by producing more zero-emission cars and adopting eco-friendly manufacturing.

Executives of the companies shared their insights on Wednesday at the Bangkok Post ESG Conference 2023. ESG refers to environmental, social and corporate governance standards that can lead to business sustainability. Continued …

Weed farms fret as MFP mulls U-turn on cannabis

Community enterprises that grow cannabis on plantations in Nakhon Ratchasima are urging the next government, to be led by the Move Forward Party (MFP), to list only cannabis buds as narcotic drugs.

The MFP and its seven coalition partners touched on this topic in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) they signed on Monday evening, which will serve as policy guidelines for the government they plan to form together. Continued …

Return of Chinese Tourists to Thailand Has Pros, Cons

Thailand’s tourist industry hoped for a quick revival when Beijing ended its zero-COVID policy late last year, unleashing a crush of Chinese travelers freed from pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports showed that more than 517,000 Chinese travelers visited Thailand during the first three months of 2023, up from 13,700 arrivals during the first quarter of 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, Chinese travelers were in the top five groups of foreign arrivals, along with Malaysian, Russian, South Korea and Indian visitors. Continued …

TAT upbeat on arrivals in low season

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects Thailand to have received 10 million foreign tourists by the end of this month and to continue to have at least two million visitors per month despite the low season.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Wednesday that the country has continued to maintain a consistent record of more than 50,000 arrivals per day, which means the monthly minimum rate could be expected at 2 million per month during the low season. Continued …

Tourist taxes: All of the countries you will have to pay to enter in 2023

Travel has well and truly bounced back since the pandemic, buoying tourist destinations that were crippled by restrictions and closures. But some popular destinations are once again reeling under the strain of overtourism.

As a result, some resorted to implementing a “tourist tax” in 2022 and others have plans to introduce one this year. Continued …

Thai food and herbs bid for pride of place at Asia Pacific exhibition

Thai herbs and food innovations are key highlights at Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2023, Asia Pacific’s largest international food and beverage exhibition currently under way at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province. The event is expected to help promote Thai food as a soft power.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said at the opening ceremony on Tuesday that the country’s abundant and diverse agricultural products, such as rice, vegetables, fruits, and cassava, contribute to Thailand’s true strength in the industry. Continued …

Tina Turner: Music legend dies at 83

Singer Tina Turner, whose soul classics and pop hits like The Best and What’s Love Got to Do With It made her a superstar, has died at the age of 83. Turner had suffered a number of health issues in recent years, including cancer, a stroke and kidney failure. Continued …

Super typhoon Mawar clobbers Guam with fierce winds, rains

A Category 4 typhoon hit Guam on Wednesday, packing winds of up to 225 km/h and torrential rain, as it inched across the Western Pacific Ocean, but there were no early reports of deaths or injuries. Continued …

World’s biggest warship visits Oslo, angering Russia

The world’s biggest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, arrived in Oslo on Wednesday for a stopover criticized by neighboring Russia as an “illogical and harmful” show of force. Continued …

UN conference pledges $2.4B to head off Horn of Africa famine

A United Nations-backed conference raised SS$2.4 billion Wednesday to prevent famine in the Horn of Africa, which is reeling from its worst drought in decades as global temperatures rise. Continued …

Paralyzed man walks using thoughts with breakthrough brain-spinal cord implants

A paralyzed man has successfully regained the ability to walk using only his thoughts, thanks to two innovative implants that have re-established communication between his brain and spinal cord. The breakthrough has given the 40-year-old Dutch patient, Gert-Jan, newfound freedom after being paralyzed in his legs for over a decade due to a spinal cord injury from a cycling accident. Continued …

Indonesia adopts cool roofs to combat heatwaves, reduce energy costs

A low-cost, sustainable solution to the increasing heatwaves in Southeast Asia is being implemented in Indonesia through the use of “cool” roofs. These roofs have a special coating applied to them that reflects sunlight and reduces the amount of heat absorbed by a building, resulting in lower indoor temperatures. Continued …

Syrians abandon babies at mosques, under trees as war grinds on

One cold winter night, Syrian Ibrahim Othman went out to pray and came home cradling a baby girl, abandoned at the doorstep of the village mosque just hours after she was born. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-May 24

May 24, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Thailand election: Senators still unsure about backing Pita/Reclassification of cannabis, no lese majeste reform in Move Foward coalition’s plan/MFP to go easy on wage hike/
Panthers at Kaeng Krachan Park/
Coke drinks to cost 1 baht more/
The Popularity of the Thai Durian in China/
More Thais open to buying battery-powered vehicles/
Renewable power deals to be ready in Q3/
Get tough on plastics/
US: F-35 fighter jets too sophisticated for Thailand/
Tourism: 300-baht tourism fee remains in limbo/E-visa limit will stop Chinese tourists from visiting Thailand: TAT/Cruise ship brings 1,800 tourists to Koh Samui/
Thailand Experience: TAT unveils Thailand’s ‘hidden dishes’ from its 5 regions/Last call for tourists to see the unique Thailand Grand Canyon/
International: New study pinpoints 83 million jobs that will go extinct by 2027 worldwide/Asia-Pacific countries need US$362 billion annually for climate action/Climate scientists flee Twitter as hostility surges/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thailand election…

Senators still unsure about backing Pita

The majority of senators have not yet decided if they will back Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister, according to outspoken Senator Wanchai Sornsiri.

He said senators exchanged views about the issue on Friday, but their opinions do not represent their final stance or indicate how they will vote. Continued …

Reclassification of cannabis, no lese majeste reform in Move Foward coalition’s plan

Yesterday, Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, along with leaders from seven other political parties, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Bangkok’s Conrad Hotel to form a coalition government.

The signing, which took place on the 9th anniversary of the 2014 military coup, was framed as a significant milestone reflecting the success of Thai society in transitioning back to a democratic system through peaceful parliamentary processes. Continued …

MFP to go easy on wage hike

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat said a coalition government under his leadership would not raise the minimum daily wage to 450 baht immediately but would ensure a reasonable increase without causing damage to industry or the economy. Continued …

Panthers at Kaeng Krachan Park

A mother panther and her cub have been sighted at Kaeng Krachan National Park, according to park officials. The frequent sightings of panthers, officials say, serve as a testament to the thriving and diverse ecosystem that is present within Kaeng Krachan National Park.

Coke drinks to cost 1 baht more

Coke has raised the price of soft drinks by 1 baht, it says to reflect the current higher cost of raw materials and transportation costs, but the overall soft drink market this year is expanding, due to the Asian heatwave.

Richa Singh, Coca-Cola Company’s marketing director for Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, estimates Thailand’s overall soft drinks market to be worth more than 56 billion baht. With the prolonged heatwave, easing of the Covid-19 crisis and the gradual restoration of consumers’ purchasing power this year, growth this year should exceed last year’s 7%, Richa said. Continued …

The Popularity of the Thai Durian in China

Although several Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia, are trying to take market share from China durian import, Thai durian remains popular.

In the first quarter of 2023, China imported more than 63,000 tons, up 78% from the same period last year. Thailand expects to export 4.44 million tons of fruit in 2023, worth a total of 200 billion baht. Continued …

More Thais open to buying battery-powered vehicles

Some 31% of Thais are projected to choose a battery electric vehicle (BEV) as their next vehicle, the highest proportion within Southeast Asia, although internal combustion engine-powered cars remain the leading vehicle of choice among consumers in the region, according to a survey by business advisory Deloitte Thailand.

Both Thai and regional consumers indicated a preference for new cars for their next vehicle. Continued …

Renewable power deals to be ready in Q3

The state grid is expected to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) with companies selected to join the state’s 5.2-gigawatt renewables scheme within the third quarter of this year, says the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The Office of the Attorney General is currently examining the legal aspects of the scheme, with power plant construction projects proposed by 175 selected companies. Continued …

Get tough on plastics

As the nation marked World Turtle Day on Tuesday, the caretaker administration made the decision to send Thai delegates to take part in the drafting of an international treaty to regulate the plastic industry, which will take place in Paris later this month.

The meeting is part of the ongoing effort to tackle the growing problem posed by marine debris. The attendance suggests that in the near future, Thailand is likely to ratify the international treaty to help tackle this debris. Continued …

US: F-35 fighter jets too sophisticated for Thailand

Washington has rejected the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s request to buy two F-35 fighter jets on grounds that Thailand is not ready for such sophisticated aircraft.

An RTAF source said on Tuesday that U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec met RTAF chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot last week to personally inform him of Washington’s decision. Continued …

300-baht tourism fee remains in limbo

The new government is expected to decide the fate of the 300-baht tourism fee, which remains uncertain because of roadblocks from unclear implementation.

Since the cabinet approved in February the collection of a 300-baht tourism fee from foreigners visiting Thailand by air and a 150-baht fee for visitors by land or sea, the scheme has not been published in the Royal Gazette, which means there is no impetus to start the project within a specific time frame. Continued …

E-visa limit will stop Chinese tourists from visiting Thailand: TAT

The current visa system must be changed if Thailand is to achieve its target of 5 million tourists from China this year, according to the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The return of Chinese visitors since February has helped boost the Thai economic recovery, said TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific Tanes Petsuwan. Continued …

Cruise ship brings 1,800 tourists to Koh Samui

The prestigious Costa Serena cruise ship has dropped anchor at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui, carrying more than 1,800 tourists.

Having embarked on an illustrious journey from Cape Panwa, Thailand, the Costa Serena cruise ship made stops at Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, before finally gracing the shores of Koh Samui. Continued …

TAT unveils Thailand’s ‘hidden dishes’ from its 5 regions

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hoping that “hidden dishes” from the country’s five regions will spark a new trend – gastronomy tourism.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, a deputy TAT governor, unveiled “Thailand’s Hidden Dishes”, which will be showcased at the “Bangkok International Food Festival”. The food fest runs from Friday to next Tuesday at CentralWorld. The selected “hidden dishes” are: Continued …

Last call for tourists to see the unique Thailand Grand Canyon

Tourists have only a few more days available to explore the weird and unique wonders of the Thailand Grand Canyon, known locally as “Sam Phan Bok”, before the rains arrive.

Situated at Ban Pho Sai district in Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand’s northeastern region, “Sam Phan Bok” is the largest sandstone reef along the Mekong River. Continued …

New study pinpoints 83 million jobs that will go extinct by 2027 worldwide

The global job market will undergo significant changes between 2023 and 2027, according to the “Future of Jobs” survey conducted by the Chulalongkorn Business School and the World Economic Forum. The survey, which involved 803 companies in 45 countries, revealed that of the current 673 million jobs, 83 million will be eliminated by 2027. However, it also said that 69 million new jobs will be created. Continued …

Asia-Pacific countries need US$362 billion annually for climate action

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlighted the urgent need for significant funding to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. Continued …

Climate scientists flee Twitter as hostility surges

Scientists suffering insults and mass-spam are abandoning Twitter for alternative social networks as hostile climate-change denialism surges on the platform following Elon Musk’s takeover. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-May 23

May 23, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Thailand’s rains arrive, but will not be enough to fill reservoirs/
Devastating Rainstorm Claims 6 Lives at Phichit school/
Over 10,000 Covid Cases In Chonburi Last Week/
Move Forward’s ‘Government of Hope’ coalition delivers a program promising a new charter/
Foreign investment posts 77% rise in value/
Struggling to survive/
Chon Buri woman discovers pearl in local market oyster/
Farmer in Phitsanulok puts buffalo up for sale for US$1.5 million/
Huge explosion at rocket festival sends locals fleeing in Kalasin/
Unregulated cannabis expected to be curtailed/
Tourism: Two views of elephant tourism in Thailand/Phuket speedboat driver tests positive for meth after crash injuring 37 tourists/TAT to boost safety measures/
International: Sino-ASEAN land-sea trade corridor shows great vitality/Climate: ‘dangerous heat’ could afflict billions by 2100/Chinese researchers discover evidence of ancient ocean on Mars/Brazil faces dilemma: endangered macaw vs wind farm/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thailand’s rains arrive, but will not be enough to fill reservoirs

Some parts of Thailand will suffer water shortages despite rains this year, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced. According to TMD, Thailand’s wet season arrived on Monday and will last until mid-October.

Some areas are expected to be hit with heavy rain until early June, while thundershowers will hit up to 80% of the east of Thailand and the southern west coast. Continued …

Devastating Rainstorm Claims 6 Lives at Phichit school

As anticipated by the Meteorological Department’s forecast for the onset of the rainy season, heavy rainfall swept through multiple areas of Phichit province, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The province had braced itself for 20% of the predicted rainfall, and the forecast proved to be spot on.

During the rainfall, strong winds and a cyclonic storm affected the Wat Noinpo School located in Sam Ngam District, Phichit. The school had a large dome building used as a volleyball court, a 7-a-side football field, and for various other sports activities. Continued …

Over 10,000 Covid Cases In Chonburi Last Week

Chon Buri’s Public Health office said yesterday that there were 10,648 new Covid cases and 12 deaths last week (May 14-20), with the majority being the elderly. Of this total, 13 were being treated for pneumonia while 19 require oxygen.

People in this province adjacent to Bangkok were urged to strictly follow Covid prevention measures as follows: Continued …

Move Forward’s ‘Government of Hope’ coalition delivers a program promising a new charter

The deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, tipped to be Thailand’s next Minister of Finance, Sirikanya Tansakul, on Monday spoke about growing confidence that the party would be able to form its proposed government with Pheu Thai, with more support coming from within parliament and positive noises from the Thai Senate.

The proposed coalition, on Monday afternoon, published a memorandum of understanding signed by the eight parties, which did not refer to the controversial Section 112 provision on lèse-majesté and promised a new constitutional reform program would be launched within 100 days with a referendum to be put to the people, which could lead to a new constituent assembly. me of reform being proposed by what the Move Forward Party describes as a ‘government of hope’ for Thailand. Continued …

Foreign investment posts 77% rise in value

The value of investment in Thailand soared by 77% year-on-year to 185.7 billion baht from 397 project proposals between January and March, with South Korea being the top foreign investor in terms of value in the first quarter, says the Board of Investment (BoI).

Foreign investment accounted for 155.2 billion of total investment, a year-on-year increase of 115%. Continued …

Struggling to survive

You are what you eat, but some do not have the privilege to choose. Nai, who is skinny and short for his age, lacks more than just a proper diet. He has been abandoned by his mother, and his father is serving a jail term. As a result, his uncle has kindly taken him into his own family.

But like others, he is living from hand-to-mouth, so providing his nephew with a balanced diet from the five food groups is difficult. Due to a lack of variety in their diet, slum children, though not starving, are suffering from malnutrition. Continued …

Chon Buri woman discovers pearl in local market oyster

A lucky woman in Chon Buri found a valuable pearl inside a large oyster purchased from a local market. The resident, Thevalee Sitonwong, discovered the stunning orange pearl while preparing a meal for her and her husband.

Thevalee revealed that she and her husband had gone to the market to buy some ingredients for their dinner, which included a popular Thai dish named Som Tum. They bought two large oysters, intending to cook them as part of their meal. As per usual, Thevalee cleaned and boiled the oysters before serving, and just as they began to eat, her husband bit down on something hard within the oyster’s flesh. Continued …

Farmer in Phitsanulok puts buffalo up for sale for US$1.5 million

A farmer in Thailand put a giant water buffalo up for sale for 50 million baht (US$1.45 million) yesterday.

Forget a pool villa in Phuket, for the same price you could bag yourself one of the biggest buffaloes Thailand has ever seen. “Petch Lamkhong,” a three-year-old water buffalo (“kwai“) from “Big Ice Farm” in Phitsanulok, weighed in at a whopping 1.4 tons at the 6th Phitsanulok Giant Buffalo Contest yesterday. Continued …

Huge explosion at rocket festival sends locals fleeing in Kalasin

A dramatic display unfolded during the annual Bun Bang Fai Talai Lan Festival in Kalasin Province’s Kuchinarai District as a single 20-million-fireworks rocket lifted off and exploded mid-air. The festival, which took place yesterday, is uniquely celebrated in this province, with numerous rockets being launched into the sky, attracting numerous local and international tourists.

At around 7pm, footage of the 20-million-fireworks rocket explosion was shared on the Facebook Page “Taxi Roi-Et 092-9030306.” The one-of-a-kind rocket was seen bursting mid-air, causing sparks and debris to shower down on frightened spectators. Fortunately, no one was injured as the event organizers had taken necessary precautions and arranged security measures. Continued …

Unregulated cannabis expected to be curtailed

The ease of buying marijuana on the streets of every province in Thailand will soon come to an end, as nearly all parties who contested Thailand’s election are calling for the repeal of the law that famously decriminalized the cannabis plant.

In the absence of strict regulations, the cannabis industry has flourished in Thailand. With over 250,000 growers and more than 4,500 dispensaries selling ganja in every province, the industry was valued at $1 billion by 2025 by University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Thailand has become so notorious for cannabis this is prompting law enforcement agents in other countries to screen returning travelers for cannabis use. Continued …

Two views of elephant tourism in Thailand

The history of people and elephants in Chian Mai goes back thousands of years. Centuries ago, Thai kings rode these giants into battle. Elephants were used in harvesting timber until Thailand banned logging in national forests in 1989, prompting many owners to turn to tourism.

Then came the dramatic halt caused by the pandemic. Elephants are expensive to keep (they can eat more than 300 pounds of food a day). Most elephant attractions closed their doors, and many elephant owners – who rented out their animals to tourism operators – brought them back to their villages, some walking along the road for days. Continued …

Phuket speedboat driver tests positive for meth after crash injuring 37 tourists

The man who crashed a speedboat into a channel marker in Chalong Bay in Phuket, southern Thailand – injuring 37 Thai and foreign tourists – on Wednesday tested positive for methamphetamine.

The 29-year-old tour boat driver, Sathit Mardchai, underwent a blood test for alcohol and drugs following the incident, commander of Phuket Provincial Police Maj. Gen. Sermphan Sirikong said yesterday. Continued …

TAT to boost safety measures

With the number of Chinese visitors hitting 1 million, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Tourist Police Bureau have committed to strengthening safety measures for travelers.

Tanes Petsuwan, TAT deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific, said the TAT still has work to do to reach the target of 5 million Chinese tourists this year, with about 70% expected to be independent tourists with high purchasing power who are unfazed by deflation in China. Continued …

Sino-ASEAN land-sea trade corridor shows great vitality

The new International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a major international logistics project, has achieved great success, as a recent report shows that its development index in 2022 surged to 135.2 from 122.6 in 2021 and 102 in 2020. Continued …

Climate: ‘dangerous heat’ could afflict billions by 2100

Current policies to limit global warming will expose more than a fifth of humanity to extreme and potentially life-threatening heat by century’s end, researchers warned Monday. Continued …

Meta hit with record 1.2-billion-euro fine over EU data rules

Facebook owner Meta has been fined a record 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) for transferring EU user data to the United States in breach of a previous court ruling, Ireland’s regulator announced on Monday. Continued …

Chinese researchers discover evidence of ancient ocean on Mars

Chinese researchers have uncovered direct evidence of an ancient ocean on Mars’s northern plains, according to a team from the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan. The discovery, recently published in the journal National Science Review, has the potential to further solidify our understanding of the Red Planet’s geological history. Continued …

Brazil faces dilemma: endangered macaw vs wind farm

A wind farm in northeastern Brazil sounds like a welcome climate-friendly energy solution, but it is causing controversy over another kind of environmental worry: the impact on the endangered Lear’s macaw. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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




















29 Jul	Wednesday	Asalha Bucha
12 Aug	Wednesday	The Queen Mother’s Birthday
23 Sep	Wednesday	September Equinox
24 Sep	Thursday	Mahidol Day
13 Oct	Tuesday	Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol
23 Oct	Friday	Chulalongkorn Day
31 Oct	Saturday	Halloween
5 Dec	Saturday	King Bhumibol’s Birthday
7 Dec	Monday	King Bhumibol’s Birthday observed
10 Dec	Thursday	Constitution Day
22 Dec	Tuesday	December Solstice
24 Dec	Thursday	Christmas Eve
25 Dec	Friday	Christmas Day
31 Dec	Thursday	New Year’s Eve