Category Archives: covid

PKK records 4 deaths, 45 injuries in holiday traffic accidents

Road Crashes Claim 272 Lives Over New Year’s Dangerous First Six Days

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has released its latest figures for road accidents during the New Year festivities. On Jan. 1 alone, 50 fatalities were recorded, bringing the total death toll to 272 over the notorious first “six dangerous days.”

Phaskorn Boonyalak, director-general of the DDPM, announced the statistics on yesterday during a briefing at the Road Safety Center. He highlighted the critical need for caution, as many people have now returned to Bangkok and other key economic hubs after the holiday. Continued …

Covid’s lessons have now all been forgotten

In December 2019, as the world was looking ahead to a new year, a novel virus was quietly spreading in China. Soon, the Covid-19 pandemic would bring the world to a grinding halt, forcing billions of people into unprecedented lockdowns and shuttering economies worldwide. Five years on, we are still grappling with the effects of this “grey rhino”: a high-probability risk that was nonetheless neglected or ignored.

What did we learn? For starters, the pandemic exposed flaws in the design of the global economy. In our interconnected world, the virus spread globally within weeks. Governments were reluctant to do what was necessary to prevent or stop it. Continued …

Skydiving stunt lands 3 Americans in hot water at Bangkok mall

A brazen late-night stunt by three American daredevils has left Bangkok police fuming after a viral video showed them parachuting off the roof of the Emsphere shopping mall. The clip, posted on TikTok, ignited a storm of online criticism and has prompted the mall to press trespassing charges.

The video, captioned “Business trip to Bangkok,” shows the men leaping from the mall’s rooftop, landing near Benjasiri Park, and then speeding away on motorcycles through busy Sukhumvit traffic. The incident, which occurred on Oct. 3, after the park’s closing hours, has been labeled reckless by police. Continued …

PM and her husband are worth about 13.9 billion baht

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her husband, Pidok Sooksawas, own assets worth a combined 13.9 billion baht, according to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The couple also have debts totaling 4.4 billion baht. The prime minister’s assets include: Continued …

Thailand’s economy lagging behind that of other ASEAN nations

Although the ASEAN economy is predicted to grow slightly more than expected in 2025, Thailand is still lagging behind other nations in the region, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Citing its report titled “Asian Development Outlook”, ADB estimated that the region’s economy would record overall growth of 4.7% throughout 2024, better than the previous prediction, conducted in September 2024, of 4.5%. Continued …

2025 will be economically challenging due to Trump’s declared policies

Thailand’s economy will face more challenges and uncertainties this year, due to an intensified trade policy by the incoming Trump administration against countries that enjoy substantial trade surpluses with the U.S., Thailand included, according to Kirida Phaophichit, research director for International Economics and Development Policy at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

Trump’s “Make America Great Again” trade policies will cause a global economic slowdown, which will impact Thai exports to the U.S. market, as well as markets in Japan and the European Union, because the economic growth of these countries will slow down and Thailand’s export growth this year may register 1%-2%, compared to 4%-5% in 2024, according to Kirida. Continued …

Will the latest debt-relief measures work?

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Finance Ministry have introduced a series of debt-relief measures in recent years to tackle the household and small business debt crisis.

Lately, the Cabinet has approved comprehensive debt-relief measures, which include exemption of interest payment and reduction of installment loans for three years. But will these measures be effective in alleviating the debt burden? Continued …

Thailand steps up efforts to lure ‘future industries’

The Thai government aims to attract more investments in five core “future industries” by vastly improving the ease of doing business through amended laws and regulations, according to Jirayu Houngsub, spokesman for the prime minister’s office.

The investment promotion plan is expected to help Thailand achieve economic growth of more than 3%, he said, citing a summary provided by Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Continued …

Thailand targets more free trade deals this year

Thailand will continue to pursue free trade agreements (FTAs) this year as part of its strategy to accelerate economic recovery.

The scheduled signing of the Thailand-EFTA FTA this month represents Thailand’s first pact with European nations. The government is also working to finish negotiations with key partners such as the EU, South Korea, ASEAN-Canada and Bhutan, aiming to conclude deals this year. Continued …

30th International Travel Fair boosts tourism

The Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) is back with a bang, promising to be bigger and better than ever. From Jan. 16 to 19, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok will transform into a bustling hub of global tourism as the 30th edition of this event unfolds.

Organized by the Thai Travel Agents Assn. (TTAA), TITF#30 is a one-stop shop for all things travel. Showcasing an array of tourism products and services, the event caters to the February-to-May 2025 travel season, offering visitors the chance to snap up deals on domestic and international tours, cruises, accommodation packages, and more. Continued …

33 injured as bus carrying Russian tourists crashes into toll booth

Thirty-three people were injured, six of them critically, when a bus carrying Russian tourists crashed into a toll booth, a road barrier, and an SUV on the motorway heading to Pattaya City in Chonburi province last night.

Highway police said the accident took place at 6.46pm when a bus belonging to Kimhor Tour lost control and crashed into a toll booth at the Ngern Pong checkpoint in Bang Lamung district, before sliding into a road barrier and a Toyota Fortuner SUV. Continued …

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand

Thailand, a country of rich culture, history, and biodiversity, boasts an impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites offer a glimpse into the country’s ancient civilizations, remarkable architecture, and diverse ecosystems. Here are the key UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand:

Ayutthaya Historical Park

The Ayutthaya Historical Park is a testament to Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350. As a former kingdom, it flourished for more than 400 years, becoming one of the world’s largest urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce. The ruins of palaces, temples and sculptures display the grandeur of the city, blending Thai, Khmer, Sri Lankan and Persian influences. This site is significant for its exceptional historical and architectural value. Continued …

Thailand in January: A Month of Festivals and Cultural Wonders

Start the year with a celebration of Thailand’s vibrant heritage and dynamic culture. January 2025 brings an exciting lineup of festivals and events, offering unforgettable experiences for both travelers and locals.

From art exhibitions and music festivals to traditional markets and stunning natural wonders, this month is packed with opportunities to explore and celebrate. Continued …

Music Festivals In Thailand In 2025

The year hasn’t has only just started and we already have a number of music festivals lined up to look forward to. Thailand has become a premier location for music festivals, whether it’s in the heart of Bangkok or in the sunny beaches of Phuket. Music lovers are spoiled for choice. The only question is whether your budget can handle it.

Mark your calendars and tighten your wallets. These are the music festivals happening here in Thailand in 2025. Continued …

Thailand’s Secret Island Boasts Crowd-Free Beaches And Lavish Resorts

Add Thailand to the list for overtourism. Europe may hog the spotlight with its global gripes demanding to have their beloved hometowns back, but Thailand is no stranger to busy streets and jam-packed beaches either.

Bangkok is and always will be a bustling city, but what may be surprising is the fact Phuket was recently crowned the most overcrowded tourist destination in the world. Continued …

What it’s like to eat at Sorn, Thailand’s first 3 Michelin-starred restaurant

A few weeks ago, Bangkok’s celebrated southern Thai restaurant Sorn, helmed by Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri, became the country’s first-ever three Michelin-starred restaurant.

It was a monumental moment in Thai gastronomic history and one that has catapulted Ice, as he is better known, into the annals of culinary superstardom. It is also a sign that Thai cuisine – and Thai chefs – are now recognized and celebrated on an international level. Continued …

A local’s guide to the best restaurants in Phuket

Touring Phuket, we can think of no better guide to the sweet, sour, spicy, salty and bitter delights than Merica Charungvat. Born in Bangkok and finishing high school in Phuket, Charungvat now splits her time between Thailand‘s southern tropics and Melbourne, where she owns Thai Tide restaurant.

This is Charungvat’s ultimate Phuket food guide, including the best restaurants in Phuket, where you can find top-tier coffee and her recommended food experiences. Continued …

Raft of new measures made to save dugongs

New measures have been put in place to support efforts to save more dugongs, after several were found dead recently, says Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on.

The problem has been attributed mainly to dwindling seagrass meadows in the usual habitats of the world’s only herbivorous marine mammal, which is reliant on seagrasses for food, he said. Continued …

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

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

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

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

climate change, covid, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Dec 11

December 11, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Charity dinner in Hua Hin/New GM at Pineapple Valley/Long road ahead for Constitution/Southern provinces face heavy rain/Five risk groups for massage therapy/Gunman Killed by Bystanders/Covid-19: from ticking time bomb to mild inconvenience/ECONOMY: ADB upgrades Thailand growth forecast/Nominee Companies Cause $350M Economic Damage/Korat Restaurant Chief Laments/Restaurants worry over New Year/Thailand Favorite Pick for Data Centers/To curb inferior imports/Commitment to railway cooperation/Ford Thailand to expand investment/Chevron tests drones in Thailand’s Gulf/Investing in small nuclear reactors/TOURISM: Niche Tourism Boom Targeted/3.4 trillion baht tourism revenue/‘The White Lotus’ Poised for Rewards/Thai airlines expand India routes/Redefining regional tourism/Record-setting 2025 forecast/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

Charity dinner in Hua Hin to raise funds for impoverished children

Hands Across the Water, an Australian charity established to support victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, is hosting a charity dinner to raise funds for a commemorative charity run.

The charity dinner will be held this Friday from 6pm to 9pm at Coast Sala, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. Attendees are asked to contribute 1,600 baht per person. with the proceeds going to the charity to help children gain access to vital healthcare, education, and housing. Continued …

Brian Gibson appointed GM at Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin

Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s premier championship golf courses, has announced the appointment of Brian Gibson as its new general manager.

A British PGA golf professional from Scotland, Gibson brings a wealth of operational and management expertise to his new role. With experience at renowned golf facilities across China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, he joins Pineapple Valley from Aquella Golf & Country Club near Phuket, where he served as general manager since 2022. Continued …

Long road ahead for Thailand’s new ‘democratic’ Constitution

Before taking office last year, the Pheu Thai Party promised that drafting a new Constitution to replace the junta-drafted charter would be one of its top priorities. However, progress has been slow, and it remains uncertain whether the new Constitution will be completed within this parliamentary term.

In October last year, the Pheu Thai-led government established a committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, to study the structure and requirements of a referendum for drafting a new Constitution. Continued …

Northern Thailand warms as southern provinces face heavy rain

A weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department today highlights drastic changes across the country. The northern regions face rising temperatures, while the south prepares for heavy downpours affecting nine provinces, with sea waves exceeding 2 meters.

The current weather patterns indicate that a moderate high-pressure system or cool air mass covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea is weakening. Consequently, the northern regions of Thailand continue to experience cool weather with morning fog, and temperatures are expected to rise by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. Continued …

Korat doctor warns people in five risk groups against massage therapy

A doctor in Nakhon Ratchasima on Monday warned people in five risk groups against receiving Thai traditional massage after the death of a singer related to massage.

Dr. Jade Boonyawongwiroj, assistant director of Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, said people in the five groups could be risking their lives if they undergo Thai massage. Continued …

Gunman Killed by Bystanders after Fatal Rampage in Prachin Buri

A man went on a violent shooting spree in Prachin Buri that left two dead and three injured, only to meet his end at the hands of bystanders. The chaos unfolded yesterday afternoon when the gunman began his attack at a local market, sparking terror throughout the area.

At approximately 4 p.m., police received reports of a shooting in Tha Ngam, a subdistrict in Prachin Buri city. Responding swiftly, officers discovered a horrific scene at a petrol station near the market. Continued …

Covid-19: from ticking time bomb to mild inconvenience

The past few weeks have seen increasing online discussion as to whether Covid-19 is now a mild disease and whether the initial response, in particular the prevention measures and vaccine distribution, was excessive. Prof. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, addressed this issue in an online post, stating that times and circumstances have changed, making direct comparisons impossible.

“We cannot compare the situation during the first two years of the outbreak to that in the fourth or fifth year. The disease has significantly diminished in severity due to the evolution of the virus itself and the immunity humans have developed from vaccines and infections. As a result, the disease is now much less severe compared to the early stages of the outbreak,” Dr. Yong wrote. Continued …

ADB upgrades Thailand growth forecast, trims developing Asia’s outlook

The Asian Development Bank has upgraded Thailand’s GDP forecast for this year and kept the forecast for next year unchanged. The bank also said developing Asia is likely to grow more slowly than previously thought this year and next, and the outlook could worsen if President-elect Donald Trump makes swift changes to U.S. trade policy.

Developing Asia, which includes 46 Asia-Pacific countries stretching from Georgia to Samoa – and excludes Japan, Australia and New Zealand – is projected to grow 4.9% this year and 4.8% next year, slightly lower than the ADB’s forecasts of 5.0% and 4.9% in September. Continued …

Nominee Companies Cause Thailand $350M Economic Damage in 3 Months

The Ministry of Commerce announced that nominated companies have caused an economic loss of nearly $350 million within three months. Legal action has been taken against 747 cases covering tourism, real estate and other sectors.

At a meeting of the Committee on Foreign Goods and Business Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Commerce Monday, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced shocking figures that nominee companies have caused economic damage of more than 10 billion baht. Continued …

Korat Restaurant Chief Laments: Economy Slumps, Customers Dwindle

The head of Nakhon Ratchasima Restaurant Assn. is calling for government action to revive the economy, as local eateries suffer from dwindling customer numbers amid ongoing financial slumps.

Jirasak Karawiwatana, the association’s president, reported that despite being the end of the year, the economic climate in Nakhon Ratchasima remains grim. Many restaurants in the area are experiencing a significant drop in customers, with some even shutting down operations. Continued …

Restaurants worry over New Year disappointment

The Thai Restaurant Assn. anticipates a surge in the restaurant sector during the New Year festive season, driven by holiday travel and tourism. However, there are concerns that total spending on food and beverages may decline because of weak purchasing power and a tendency for most activities to be concentrated in popular tourist hotspots.

“Since the beginning of December, we have noticed many Thais are cautious with their spending, likely saving for the year-end holidays. As a result, the restaurant industry has remained flat,” said Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the association. Continued …

Thailand Emerges as a Favorite Pick for Data Center Investors

Thailand is rapidly positioning itself as a prime destination for data center investments, driven by its strategic location, robust digital infrastructure, and supportive government policies. As Southeast Asia experiences a surge in digital transformation, Thailand’s efforts to enhance its connectivity and technological capabilities have attracted global investors seeking to capitalize on the region’s growing demand for data storage and processing.

The country’s central location within ASEAN makes it an ideal hub for regional data traffic, offering low-latency connections to neighboring nations. Additionally, Thailand’s commitment to renewable energy aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable data center operations, further enhancing its appeal to environmentally conscious investors. Continued …

Tie-up with e-commerce firms to curb inferior imports

The Commerce Ministry and relevant agencies plan to sign a memorandum of understanding with e-commerce platforms by early next year to prevent substandard imported products.

Following a committee meeting focused on substandard imports and unlawful foreign businesses on Monday, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan mandated ministry officials and 16 state agencies work together to resolve these issues, seeking clear results within three months. Continued …

Thailand, Germany reaffirm commitment to railway cooperation

Thailand and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening railway cooperation with the renewal of a joint statement of intent. The agreement, signed by Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and German Ambassador Ernst Wolfgang Reichel, aims to enhance Thailand’s rail infrastructure and promote sustainable transportation.

The renewed partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between the two nations. Germany’s expertise in railway technology has been instrumental in the development of Thailand’s rail network, including the Blue Line, the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link, and that airport’s automated passenger transport (APM) system. Continued …

Ford Thailand to expand investment despite weak car market

Ford Thailand, the production and distribution arm of U.S.-based Ford Motor, plans to continue expanding its investment in Thailand despite the slowdown in the domestic car market.

The sluggish car sales are attributed to many economic factors, but banks and car financing companies’ stricter criteria for auto loans based on elevated household debt is causing much hang-wringing among manufacturers. Continued …

Chevron tests drones to boost safety and exploration in Thailand’s Gulf

Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production has successfully completed a proof of concept using unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to enhance safety and security in petroleum production.

The trial was conducted at the North Pailin field in the Gulf of Thailand using technology from Skyller Solutions Co., or Skyller, an expert in asset inspection solutions utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, with Chevron’s design and planning. The test in September confirmed the feasibility of deploying drones for petroleum exploration and production in the Gulf. Continued …

PTT subsidiary eyes investing in small nuclear reactors

Global Power Synergy (GPSC), a subsidiary of national oil and gas conglomerate PTT, has laid out a plan to increase the use of renewable energy in its electricity generation business in a bid to achieve the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.

GPSC is interested in investing in small modular reactors (SMRs), which will help cut carbon emissions as well as electricity costs, Sukittee Chaiyarak, senior vice president of corporate finance and investor relations, said on Monday. Continued …

Tourism Authority of Thailand targets Niche Tourism Boom in 2025

In a strategic move to capitalize on the high-end travel market, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is banking on four niche sectors — wellness, luxury experiences, sports tourism, and honeymoons — for a prosperous 2025.

Propelled by a global shift toward personalized and luxurious travel experiences, the Thai tourism agency is crafting exclusive events and experiences to cater to an affluent clientele with substantial spending power. Continued …

Thailand aims for 3.4 trillion baht tourism revenue in 2025

Thailand is setting its sights on a tourism boom with a newly launched strategy aimed at bolstering both international and domestic travel. With the tourism sector generating a substantial 1.892 trillion baht (US$56 billion) in 2023, the government is now targeting 3.4 trillion baht (US$100 billion) in revenues in 2025, aspiring to welcome over 40 million international visitors.

The Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025 campaign, introduced recently, forms the backbone of this ambitious initiative, promoting Thai culture and lesser-known destinations through collaborations with major players such as Grab, Agoda, Expedia, and Thai Airways. Continued …

Thailand’s Prominent Role in ‘The White Lotus’ Poised for Rewards

Tourists are enjoying the serene Chawang Beach in Koh Samui, as anticipation builds for the new season of HBO’s “The White Lotus,” primarily filmed on the island. This season is expected to significantly enhance Thailand’s tourism, attracting fans eager to explore the picturesque locations featured in the show.

Mike White, the series creator, was captivated by Koh Samui’s charm during his site visit, especially the stunning Four Seasons Resort. Hotel manager Jasjit Singh Assi noted how effortlessly he fell for the destination, which now stands poised for a surge in visitors. Continued …

Thai airlines expand routes to capitalize on booming Indian tourism

As India emerges as a key tourism market for Thailand, three major Thai airlines have announced new direct flight routes to connect Bangkok with various Indian cities. The move is aimed at capitalizing on the surge in Indian tourist arrivals, which are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the first 11 months of 2024 have seen a significant increase in Indian tourist arrivals, with more than 1.9 million visitors to Thailand. This figure positions India as the third-largest source of foreign tourists, trailing only China and Malaysia. Continued …

Taiwan and Thailand are redefining regional tourism

Taiwan and Thailand are charting a path toward sustainable tourism through the launch of the Taiwan-Thailand Tourism Personnel Exchange Program. Organized by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), the program combined educational courses with intensive field visits.

This activity aims to promote resource integration, promote digital transformation, and drive sustainable tourism development, in line with the broader goal of revitalizing and expanding the tourism industries in both countries. Continued …

Record-setting 2025 forecast for global airlines

The global airline industry is expected to earn revenue of more than $1 trillion from record passenger numbers, despite “unacceptable” difficulties in securing new planes, says the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Airlines around the world have seen their growth hampered by problems at Boeing and Airbus, which have delayed jet deliveries. Without newer, more efficient planes, airlines say they cannot cut fuel costs while flying more people. Continued …

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

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

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

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

cha am, chiang mai, climate change, covid, exports, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news – Oct 12

October 12, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Feedback/Hua Hin and Cha Am tourism ready/Cha Am Beach restoration/Black Mountain Championship/Thailand Celebrity Masters/Get Covid-19 Boosters/Families to share 9 million baht/Moo Deng gains 10 kilos/Lessons for elephant care/Plans to rein in cannabis smuggling/Economy: Consumer confidence index plunges/World Bank lowers Thailand’s GDP forecast/More property stimulus/Revenue collection to hit target/Approvals granted for industrial estates/Rice prices drop/Thailand sends 55,000 workers/Thai worker killed in Israel/Tourism: Phuket Tourism Worries Mount/Koh Samui 3rd most beautiful island/Vegetarian Festival wraps up/Asia-Pacific tourism fuels global surge/Southeast Asia medical tourism/Flash Flood Claims Lives of Two/Thai Doctor Saves Foreign Tourist/Thai horror film drives tourism/Thailand Experience: Places to Eat in Southern Thailand/Lanterns illuminate Lamphun temple/Climate Thailand: Thailand’s path to climate resilience/Zapp EV site in Thailand/Reform needed for Thai agriculture, energy transition/Windfall expected from renewables/Endangered bird’s triumphant return/Climate and talk of ‘remigration’/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin and Cha Am tourism ready for holiday splash

Heavy rain in Hua Hin and Cha Am are anticipated to impact tourism during the upcoming three-day holiday, potentially worsening domestic visitor numbers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) identified natural disasters as a critical factor to monitor during the high season.

Earlier this week, continuous rainfall led to flooding in Cha Am, Hua Hin, and parts of Phetkasem Highway, with water levels measuring between 20 and 40 centimeters. Udom Srimahachota, Thai Hotels Assn. Vice president, noted that tourists faced an additional two-hour travel time to reach their destinations in these areas. The association predicts a 30% decline in domestic tourists due to potential travel delays. Continued …

Cha Am Beach restoration planned

Muay Thai tournament set for Bluport Oct 19

Black Mountain Championship set for October 17-20

In a first for The International Series, it was announced that two of Thailand’s most prestigious golf clubs will host back-to-back events in October.

The Black Mountain Championship will take place at Black Mountain Golf Club from Oct. 17-20, with International Series Thailand following a week later at the Thai Country Club from Oct. 24-27. These will be the fifth and sixth events on The International Series – 10 upper-tier tournaments on the Asian Tour that provide a pathway onto the LIV Golf League. Continued …

Thailand Celebrity Masters at Palm Hills Oct 19

High-Risk Groups Urged to Get Covid-19 Boosters

Medical experts in Thailand are advising high-risk groups to receive boosters for Covid-19, given a recent surge in cases and fatalities. This push comes in light of new data revealing approximately 700,000 infections and 205 Covid-related deaths in 2023, positioning Thailand as having the highest infection and death rates for Covid-19 in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Piroon Mootsikapun, president of the Infectious Diseases Association of Thailand, highlighted that the current wave of Covid-19 is hitting the nation harder than any other country in the region. Continued …

Families of bus fire victims to share 9 million baht

Nine million baht in public donations will be disbursed among the families of the victims of the bus accident that left 20 students and three teachers dead and three other students injured earlier this month, according to an Interior Ministry official.

Sabeeda Thaised, deputy interior minister, yesterday said the Office of the Insurance Commission had already paid 500,000 baht in compensation to each dead victim’s family. The Budget Bureau also gave 1 million baht to the family of each deceased, she said. Continued …

Moo Deng gains 10 kilos as she celebrates her 3rd month

Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo and social media sensation, celebrated her third month on Thursday, gaining an additional 10 kilograms.

Video

During a veterinary checkup, Moo Deng was weighed at 32.7kg, which is 10.7kg more than her weight at two months old. Continued …

Lessons for elephant care

The devastating flash floods in Chiang Mai have exposed not only the region’s growing vulnerability to climate change but also long-standing tensions between two approaches to raising domesticated elephants.

At the center of the controversy is Saengduean Chailert, the founder of the famous Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for sick, old and abused elephants. Her sanctuary allows the elephants to roam freely in natural surroundings without chains or sharp tools for control. Continued …

UK ambassador meets top Thai officials to hear about plans to rein in cannabis

Thailand’s top brass within drug enforcement this week heralded a new era in the regulation of cannabis within the kingdom. It followed a high-level meeting on Monday with UK Ambassador to Bangkok, Mark Gooding.

The British envoy warned that the number of people smuggling product from Thailand to the United Kingdom has risen sharply. Indeed, 200 people have been arrested on arrival from Thailand so far this year. Continued …

Consumer confidence index plunges to lowest in 14 months

The rising cost of living and the severe flooding in several areas of Thailand are among the reasons the consumer confidence index has once again dropped, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said on Thursday.

UTCC’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting reported that Thailand’s consumer confidence index in September stood at 55.3, dropping from 56.5 in July. The index has been falling for seven consecutive months and is now the lowest in 14 months, or since August 2023. Continued …

World Bank lowers Thailand’s GDP growth forecast from 2.8% to 2.4%

The World Bank has reduced Thailand’s GDP growth forecast for 2024 to 2.4%, while projecting that the Chinese economy will decline from 4.8% this year to 4.3% in 2025, owing to a weak property market and low consumer and investor confidence.

The World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Economic Update forecasts released on Tuesday said that the economy in the East Asia and Pacific region would expand by 4.8% in 2024 but would slow to 4.4% in 2025. Continued …

More property stimulus could be on the way

The stimulus committee is scheduled to meet later this month to discuss more measures, including those for the real estate sector, says Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul.

Paopoom said the real estate stimulus measures would target both demand and supply, aiming to prod both property buyers and developers to create a comprehensive impact. Continued …

State revenue collection on course to hit target

The Finance Ministry is confident that revenue collection for fiscal 2024, which ended on Sept. 30, met its target as collections gradually improved, bolstered by higher contributions than expected from the Revenue Department and state-owned enterprises.

Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, said the latest report on net revenue collection from the Finance Ministry indicates for the first 11 months of fiscal 2024 (October 2023 to August 2024), the government collected net revenue (after tax refunds) of 2.452 trillion baht, which is 17.4 billion baht or 0.7% less than the target. Continued …

Approvals granted to 11 out of 14 proposals for industrial estates

Some 14 industrial estates have requested approval for setting up new estates or expanding current ones this year, expecting to support factory investment of 480 billion baht, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) said.

The authority has approved 11 industrial estates, while three others were under consideration, the authority’s director, Sumet Tangprasert, said. He said the Pinthong Industrial Estate 7 in Chonburi’s Sriracha district was the latest industrial complex to receive the authority’s approval. Continued …

Rice prices drop in top hubs as supply surges

Rice prices across major Asian hubs declined to their lowest in more than a year this week, pressured by slow demand and increased supply after top exporter India recently eased restrictions on exports of the staple.

India’s 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at US$490-$495 per metric ton this week, the lowest since Aug. 24, 2023, amid weak demand and depreciation in the rupee. Last week, traders were offering rice between $494 and $498. Continued …

Thailand sends 55,000 workers for overseas jobs

The Labor Ministry has reported that Thailand exported over 55,000 workers during the 2024 fiscal year, resulting in a boost of over 270 billion baht to their families’ incomes.

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on Friday visited and gave words of encouragement to 364 Thai workers who were attending pre-departure training before leaving to work in Taiwan, Israel and Japan. Continued …

Thai worker killed in northern Israel

One Thai worker was found dead and another suffered a severe concussion after an anti-tank rocket was fired at the Kibbutz Yir’on Agricultural Estate in northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon on Friday morning, according to the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv.

The area in Upper Galilee is part of a closed military zone and any Thais still present there or in other risky areas should contact the embassy for evacuation, it said. Continued …

Phuket Tourism Worries Mount Over Climate Change Impact

Phuket tourism operators are increasingly anxious about climate change’s tangible consequences, affecting both Thailand and key tourist source markets through severe weather and flooding.

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., highlighted that flooding has become an annual occurrence in several areas, including Kata, Karon, and Kamala. Continued …

Koh Samui named 3rd most beautiful island in Asia

Koh Samui had to settle for third behind Vietnam’s Phu Quoc and Bali in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards’ Most Beautiful Island in Asia.

In a survey by Condé Nast Traveller, Phu Quoc trailed behind Bali, Indonesia’s tropical paradise, with Thailand’s Koh Samui claiming third place. Phuket, famous for its white-sand beaches, took sixth. Malaysia’s Penang, known as the Pearl of the Orient, secured fifth place. The prestigious ranking evaluates islands on factors like culture, attractions, cuisine, and overall experience. Continued …

Phuket Vegetarian Festival wraps up with street processions

The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival has ended, with the Lor Rong Shrine, also known as Sui Boon Tong Shrine, staging its street procession through Phuket Town. This event, known as Iu Keng, showcased numerous spirit mediums and attracted large crowds of locals, as well as Thai and foreign tourists.

Locals along the procession route set up altars and lit firecrackers to welcome the mah song spirit mediums. In a display of devotion, these mediums pierced their cheeks with sharp objects such as swords, iron weapons, and even branches. Continued …

Asia-Pacific tourism fuels global surge in international travel

The global tourism industry is roaring back to life in 2024, with international arrivals up 16% compared to 2023 – a resurgence largely fueled by the Asia-Pacific region, which is finally hitting its stride after a delayed post-pandemic reopening, shared ForwardKeys during the WTTC 24th Global Summit in Perth.

While the region still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, the current pace of year-on-year growth signals continued recovery and highlights the pent-up demand for travel within Asia-Pacific. This positive trend is set to continue through the end of the year, with double-digit growth in arrivals to China, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia fueling a projected 19% overall increase. Continued …

How can Southeast Asia increase its medical tourism pie?

Jetsetters seeking life-altering medical procedures are increasingly eyeing Southeast Asia as a medical tourism destination, given the potential cost savings and access to cutting-edge treatments, while avoiding long wait times back home.

The region is on track to solidify its position as a key medical tourism player, with more hospitals and clinics that are home to renowned doctors and specialists investing more heavily in high-tech medical devices, according to an RHB Investment Bank report. Continued …

Flash Flood Claims Lives of Two Tourists at Wang Lung Waterfall

Two domestic tourists lost their lives on Oct. 11 due to a sudden flash flood at Wang Lung Waterfall in Thon Hong subdistrict, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The tragedy unfolded in the afternoon as a group of five friends gathered to attend a wedding and rented a resort nearby.

According to witnesses, the group decided to take a dip in the waterfall, unaware of the rapidly changing weather conditions that led to the unexpected surge of water. As they were enjoying their time, a sudden rush of water overwhelmed the area, sweeping two of the tourists away. Continued …

Thai Doctor Saves Foreign Tourist After Cardiac Arrest on Pattaya Street

A foreign tourist suffered a cardiac arrest as he was waiting at a traffic light on Pattaya Central Road. He was saved by the swift actions of a young Thai doctor and local rescue volunteers.

The incident began when the tourist collapsed on Central Road, near the intersection across from Foodland. Passersby’s quickly gather around the unconscious man, while a young doctor rushed to the scene, performing life-saving CPR. Continued …

Thai horror film drives tourism campaign in Uttaradit

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new tourism promotion campaign inspired by the Thai horror film “Tee-yod 2”. Scheduled to kick off in November, the campaign aims to showcase the unique attractions, culture and local life of Uttaradit province.

Nithi Siprae, TAT deputy governor, explained that this campaign will focus on the provincial spiritual beliefs highlighed in the film, as well as the northern province’s culture and local lifestyle. The campaign will include activities such as environmental preservation, donations to local schools, and promoting tourist attractions, local foods and other specialities. Continued …

12 Essential Places to Eat in Southern Thailand

Although many of the more than 30 million travelers who visit Thailand each year head to its southern beaches and islands, relatively few will eat much southern Thai food while there. At southern Thailand’s simple guesthouses and fancy resorts alike, the green curries and pad Thais of Bangkok, and western food, tend to dominate.

Southern Thailand has, of course, its own unique cuisine, but if you don’t speak or read Thai, it can be difficult to find and there are very few resources on the topic in English to point you in the right direction. Continued …

100,000 lanterns illuminate Lamphun temple

Thousands of tourists and locals flocked to Lamphun’s Wat Phra That Hariphunchai district to light lanterns in honor of Buddha’s relics as part of the annual “100,000 Lantern Festival”.

The relics are enshrined in the temple’s golden stupa, and are paid homage to along with the monument of Queen Chamdhevi, the first ruler of ancient Lamphum. Continued …

Thailand’s path to climate resilience

Heavy rains, landslides and flash floods are yet again battering Thailand. Amid the annual monsoon season (July–October), the recent arrival of the La Niña weather phenomenon and the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi have caused chaos in the country’s northern region.

The consequences are severe. The estimated cost to Chiang Rai and nearby provinces is as much as 27 billion baht (US$830 million) from the first wave of flooding. More than 150,000 families have been affected since mid-August. Continued …

Britain’s Zapp EV to build new electric vehicle site in Thailand

Zapp Electric Vehicles Group, a British electric vehicle brand, announced it has signed a contract with AIH Group for the construction of a manufacturing site in the Bangkok Free Trade Zone. The site is designed to demonstrate Zapp’s Gen-2 sustainable assembly and flexible manufacturing capabilities, with completion slated for early 2025.

The new facility will serve as a model for future Zapp manufacturing sites globally, aimed at regions with high sales growth potential. Each site is expected to have an annual production capacity of up to 20,000 units. The company has begun sales of its i300 model in Thailand and anticipates the new site will bolster both domestic sales and exports. Continued …

NESDC: Urgent reform needed for Thai agriculture, energy transition

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that Thailand must urgently improve its agricultural production while transitioning to clean energy.

This dual transformation is essential to bolster the country’s ecosystem, food security, and economic resilience in the face of intense global geopolitical challenges and severe climate change impacts, said the NESDC’s Witsanu Attavanich. Continued …

Windfall expected from renewables scheme

The much-delayed second phase of the renewables scheme is expected to be revived this month, with a new auction for renewable energy projects expected to draw both existing and new investors.

The scheme is not only an essential part of state efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, but is also expected to increase investment in power generation facility development and benefit related businesses. Continued …

Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand

In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat.

Officials from the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo revealed the news after seven years of hard work. Their efforts to reintroduce the species into the wild have finally paid off. Continued …

The link between climate and talk of ‘remigration’

‘Remigration”: the word had a harmless origin, as a term academics used to describe the phenomenon of migrants who failed to thrive in their new home and decided to go back to their birth country.

Then, about 10 years ago, French nationalists and racists started using it to mean forcible repatriation of legal immigrants. However, it didn’t catch on beyond the narrow circle of conspiracy theorists who subscribed to the “great replacement” myth (the paranoid belief that there is a systematic plot to replace white people with non-white immigrants). Continued …

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule Sept 21-Oct 26

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, covid, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-Sept 18

September 18, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Sacred bells stolen/More rain coming/Phayao students stranded on dorm roof/Flash floods in Pattaya/Satun province faces severe flooding/Chiang Rai not cleaning up yet/Unplugging the electricity monopoly/Attacked by a Python/Baby hippo drawing large crowds/Even USA media/Illegal villas closed on Koh Samui/True, DTAC schemes/‘Game over’ for Covid/Military faces bribery allegations/Insurgent Bomb Attack/30-million-baht lottery winners/Thai Bride Escapes Marriage Scam/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Handout will give ‘jolt’ to economy/Minimum wage decision Friday/Earthquake in Thai banking landscape?/VAT cut extension/Thai industrial sentiment/Support for online commerce/Tourism: ‘We Travel Together’ may return/Thailand’s new visa rules/Thailand Experience: Wat Arun as never seen before/7 fine dining restaurants in Phuket/Must-visit cashew chicken restaurants/Climate Thailand: Headed toward uncharted waters/Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise/Siam Cement’s green transformation/International/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Sacred bells stolen at Hin Lek Fai temple

More rain coming to Thailand from Friday to Monday

Several parts of Thailand, including the north, northeast, east and south, as well as metropolitan Bangkok, will experience more rain and isolated heavy to very heavy downpours from Friday to Monday due to the influence of a tropical depression over the upper South China Sea.

In a weather warning issued today, the Thai Meteorological Department said the storm, which has a maximum sustained wind speed of 55 km/hr is moving west at 25 km/hr. Continued …

Phayao students stranded on dorm roof as flood water rises

Rescuers rushed to help a group of Phayao University students on Tuesday who had climbed up on the roof of their dormitory to escape rising floodwaters in Mueang district of the northern province.

Actress and philanthropist Panadda Wongphudee on Tuesday posted a photo of a group of seven students stranded on the roof of a student dorm in Mae Ka subdistrict of Mueang district. Continued …

Flash floods in Pattaya bring misery to motorists

Heavy rains brought severe flash flooding to Pattaya in the early hours of Wednesday morning, causing damage to vehicles.

Main roads in the city were inundated, especially those prone to flooding, including the road that runs along the railway from Khao Talo-Wat Tham Samakee, Pattaya Tai-Pattaya Klang Road, Chaloem Phrakiat Road and Pattaya Beach Road. Continued …

Satun province faces severe flooding amid heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in four districts of Satun province, affecting eight subdistricts and 26 villages. The continuous downpour led officials to establish boats in flood-prone areas and mobilize resources for 24-hour monitoring and assistance.

Heavy rain has been battering Satun province since Monday, resulting in significant flooding in the districts of Khuan Don, Mueang Satun, Tha Phae, and Manang. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM) in Satun has reported no injuries or fatalities so far but the full extent of the damage is still under assessment. Continued …

People in Chiang Rai not cleaning up yet ahead of another storm

Residents in the flood-devastated Mueang and Mae Sai districts of Chiang Rai are being advised to postpone the cleaning up of their houses and businesses due to the possibility that several other northern and northeastern provinces will be hit by a tropical depression, which is predicted to make landfall in central Vietnam Thursday night into Friday morning.

Asked whether the depression will result in more widespread flooding in Chiang Rai, Chanchuda Pornsri, chief of the Weather Forecast Division of the Meteorological Department, said she would like to advise flood victims not to clean up their muddy houses until the depression passes. Continued …

Unplugging the electricity monopoly

Thailand’s electricity prices remain stubbornly high, burdening consumers and businesses alike. The current and former governments have tried to tackle this problem without much luck.

Subsidies are a short-term tonic, but they have created new financial burdens. It is about time to ask what makes electricity costs so high and what needs to be changed at a fundamental level. Continued …

Hospital Maid Saved After Being Attacked by a Python

A 64-year-old hospital maid experienced a near-death encounter in Samut Prakan yesterday when a massive python attacked her while she washing dishes behind her rented home. The woman had just finished dinner and was tending to chores at around 8:30 pm when she suddenly felt a sharp bite on her thigh.

Initially thinking it was a monitor lizard, she looked down to discover a giant python, more than 4 meters long, coiling itself around her. Terrified, she attempted to pull the snake off by grabbing its head, but the python’s grip tightened, causing her to fall to the ground. Despite struggling for over two hours, she was unable to free herself. Continued …

Moo Deng: Bouncing baby hippo drawing large crowds

Thailand’s newest internet sensation, baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng, is drawing large crowds to Khao Kheow Open Zoo, two hours south of Bangkok – and will soon be on livestream. Video …

Even USA media: Meet the wet, chubby ‘lifestyle icon’ captivating the internet

Oh, baby! A little hippo in Thailand has taken the internet by storm, becoming a viral sensation and even inspiring Sephora to post about blushes that will make people “blush like a baby hippo.”

Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand about two hours from Bangkok, has the internet and the world in a chokehold with her chubby, pink cheeks, tummy rolls and adorable expressions. Continued …

Illegal villas closed on Koh Samui, tenants ordered out

Authorities have closed 21 villas built illegally on Koh Samui, some of them housing foreign tenants who were ordered to leave. Municipal, military and ombudsman’s representatives on Tuesday posted closure notices at the villas, which are on Khao Ma Ngaen mountain in tambon Bo Phut of the tourist island.

The 21 villas were among 46 built illegally by three companies in tambon Bo Phut. They had no building permits and encroached on the mountainside. Continued …

True, DTAC schemes set to be merged

True Corp. plans to consolidate the loyalty programs of the existing True and Total Access Communication (DTAC) brands into a single scheme next year to improve consumers’ experiences and strengthen customer relationship management (CRM).

According to Sanpichit Eamcherangkul, head of the CRM and reward division at True, the company mainly provides privileges and loyalty programs through its TrueID platform, grouping clients into True red cards and black cards. Continued …

‘Game over’ for Covid despite next surge

Covid-19 will be treated as a typical respiratory disease from now on, as the number of cases keeps shrinking and the symptoms are becoming less severe, says Chulalongkorn University virologist Dr. Yong Poovorawan. It is clear that this year’s caseload is in decline, Dr. Yong said Monday.

Covid-19 patients accounted for up to 30% of the 6,000 patients suffering from respiratory diseases at the start of the rainy season, but the figure had dropped to just 5% in August, he said. Continued …

Thai military faces renewed bribery allegations involving US firm

Allegations of transnational bribery involving the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) have resurfaced, prompting responses from top officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the persistent issue, stating that bribery has long plagued the military.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has committed to investigating reports suggesting that Deere, a U.S.-based agricultural and construction equipment firm, paid bribes to secure contracts with the RTAF, the Department of Highways (DoH), and the Department of Rural Roads. Continued …

Insurgent Bomb Attack in Bannang Sata Injures 4 Soldiers

A roadside bomb yesterday targeted a paramilitary patrol from the 33rd Ranger Regiment in Bannang Sata District, Yala Province, injuring four soldiers.

The explosive device, weighing over 50 kilograms, was buried along a rural road in Bajoh Village, Moo 2, Thung Luang subdistrict. The blast sent an armored pickup truck flying into a nearby fruit orchard, leaving it severely damaged. Continued …

Nong Bua Lamphu residents win 30-million-baht lottery

Two residents from Nong Bua Lamphu province have won first prize in the latest government lottery draw, collectively taking home 30 million baht. One couple celebrated their 18-million-baht win, while another winner, who received 12 million baht, remained silent and did not give interviews.

After the government lottery results were announced Monday, reporters flocked to Nong Bua Lamphu to investigate the lucky winners. The first winner resides in Ban Non Song Ploei, Pho Chai subdistrict, Mueang district. Continued …

Thai Bride Escapes Chinese Marriage Scam

A 24-year-old Thai woman was deceived by a matchmaking agency into marrying a Chinese man who claimed to be a businessman with a luxurious condo in China. However, it turned out he lived in an old house on a mountain without a bathroom.

The woman, using the pseudonym Fern, said she used to work as a receptionist at an airport. Later, an acquaintance introduced her to an agency that would help find her a Chinese husband who wanted a Thai wife. She was promised a substantial dowry and a good life with a good family, which interested her. Continued …

Two Iranian Thieves Arrested for Targeting Chinese Tourists in Bangkok – Continued …
Tourists Blatantly Urinate on Pattaya Beach – Continued …

PM says handout will give ‘jolt’ to economy

The launch of a 145-billion-baht handout program to needy people next week is certain to give a “jolt” to the economy, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Tuesday, as her government promised more stimulus measures ahead.

The cabinet on Tuesday formally approved the distribution of 145 billion baht, starting on Sept. 25, or about one-third of the total planned in the original “digital wallet” scheme. Continued …

Final minimum wage decision due Friday

The national wage committee is scheduled to convene again on Friday, with the aim of introducing a 400-baht minimum wage among large employers nationwide on Oct. 1, as planned, according to Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

The tripartite committee, comprising representatives from employees, employers and the government, met on Monday but the five employers’ representatives did not show up. That left only the five members each from the employee and government groups, Phiphat said on Tuesday. Continued …

Virtual banks: An earthquake in Thai banking landscape?

With only one day left before the application window for Thailand’s new virtual banking licenses closes on tomorrow, traditional banks are downplaying the potential impact of new competitors.

Five consortiums are reportedly vying for the three virtual banking licenses being issued by the Bank of Thailand, with services expected to be up and running by mid-2026. Continued …

Cabinet approves VAT cut extension

The cabinet has approved an extension of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) reduction for another year, aiming to alleviate the impact of the cost of living and boost consumer spending.

According to Jirayu Houngsub, the prime minister’s adviser on public relations, the cabinet on Tuesday decided to extend the reduction in the VAT rate of 6.3% (excluding local taxes) or 7% (including local taxes), effective from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2025. It was set to end in two weeks. Continued …

Thai industrial sentiment down on weak demand

Industrial sentiment fell in August due to weak domestic demand, high production costs and floods, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said today.

The FTI said its industrial sentiment index dropped to 87.7 in August from 89.3 in July, when it had risen for the first time in four months. Domestic demand has slowed, reflected in a 24% year-on-year slump in car sales in the first seven months of 2024, as banks have tightened up on lending, the FTI said. Continued …

Department of Business Development bolstering support for online commerce

The Thai Department of Business Development is working to support the adoption of e-commerce by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

According to various sources, e-commerce will reach 750 billion baht by 2025. Auramon Supthaweethum, the department’s director-general, explained that the Thai e-commerce market is expected to reach 700 billion baht in 2024, up from 634 billion in 2023, driven by a significant increase in business registrations and consumer adoption of technology for retail purchases. Continued …

‘We Travel Together’ co-payment scheme may return

To further boost the tourism industry, the Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning to bring back the popular “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) co-payment scheme implemented to revive the industry after the Covid-19 outbreak.

The scheme, which offers up to 40% subsidy on room rates, airfares, and restaurants at domestic establishments for Thai travelers, would help boost their spending during vacations, Minister Sorawong Thienthong said on Tuesday during a meeting with over 20 tourism entrepreneurs and associations. Continued …

Thailand’s new visa rules: Game-changer or red-tape?

Thailand’s Interior Ministry just dropped a bombshell with fresh guidelines for the much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), now granting visa-exempt tourists a 60-day stay instead of the previous 30 days.

The DTV has been heralded as a game-changer for remote workers, allowing them to work for overseas companies without the hassle of obtaining a local work permit. However, the ministry has tightened the reins, warning that “such work must not impinge in any way on the Thai economy,” leaving many questioning what this broad restriction truly means. Continued …

Wat Arun as never seen before

Among Thailand’s unique landmarks on most visitors’ “must see” list, Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, ranks in the top 10 Bangkok cultural experiences thanks to its ornate features and significant historical value.

From November onward, visitors, especially culture buffs and gamers, will find the experience at Wat Arun even more captivating with the introduction of an interactive VR game that allows virtual access to some of the temple’s closed-off areas and features, and more insightful information about this majestic sacred ground. Continued …

7 fine dining restaurants in Phuket

Not only is Phuket known for its local multi-cultural cuisine, blending the best of Thai, Chinese and Peranakan – also known as Nyonya – cuisines, it’s also known for its international and diverse fine dining with the picturesque backdrop of the Andaman Sea.

In short, Phuket’s fine dining scene has evolved into a sophisticated blend of world-class offerings and exceptional service, making it the perfect culinary destination for discerning travelers. Continued …

Must-visit cashew chicken restaurants in Bangkok

Looking for the best cashew chicken in Bangkok? Craving tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and rich, flavorful sauces? You’re in the right place!

Bangkok is filled with top-notch restaurants serving this popular dish. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these spots are sure to impress with their take on cashew chicken. Continued …

The world is headed toward uncharted waters

No sirens are blaring, nobody even looks frightened, but they should be. Last week, the world moved into uncharted territory. The “aspirational” goal of never allowing the average global temperature to rise more than 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial norm (+1.5C) has been breached for a whole year — and probably forever.

“Never” is a long time, so the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), when it set that target in 2018, actually said that it should remain achievable until at least 2050. You may have noticed that the year is only 2024, and we are already there. Something has gone wrong, and there is a scramble to cover it up. Continued …

Two Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is shaking things up with a plan to transform the eastern districts of Phra Khanong and Bang Na into a pedestrian’s dream. In a move that will have locals leaving their cars at home, the new zones will encourage walking, running, and biking as part of a healthier, greener lifestyle.

Deputy Bangkok Gov. Tavida Kamolvej revealed the ambitious plans during a brainstorming session at Ban Jirayu-Poonsup Library on Sunday. The event, which was part of the Walk-Ride-Run campaign, was organized by Chulalongkorn University’s Urban Design and Development Center (UDDC) in partnership with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). Continued …

Siam Cement preps green transformation

Siam Cement Group (SCG), Thailand’s largest cement maker and industrial conglomerate, plans to allocate 200 billion baht to develop its businesses between 2025 and 2030, in a bid to make them more eco-friendly and competitive.

The company plans to spend 40 billion baht of the budget annually to support businesses, especially those under its key subsidiaries SCG Chemicals and SCG Cleanergy, which offers clean energy solutions, said Thammasak Sethaudom, president and chief executive of SCG. Continued …

Hezbollah hit by exploding pagers, blames Israel; 9 dead, thousands injured

Pagers used by hundreds of members of the militant group Hezbollah exploded nearly simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday, killing at least nine people — including an 8-year-old girl — and wounding several thousand, officials said. Continued …

Democracy Declined for 8th Straight Year Around the Globe

Last year had the worst decline in credible elections and parliamentary oversight in almost a half-century, driven by government intimidation, foreign interference, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns, an organization promoting democracy said Tuesday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule Sept 21-Oct 26

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, cha am, covid, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-Aug 26

August 26, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Red Cross Fair coming/New water pipe to Hua Hin/Nordic Sauna and Padel event/Shrimp Day seminar/Lotus’ Go Fresh at Pae Mai/Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Hua Hin Cha Am/Landslide Buries Workers/More rain expected/Phuket landslide leaves 13 dead/Woman Rides Electric Suitcase/King cobra makes house call/Moonshine methanol kills 1/Patong leaders back legalizing sex work/Illegal bitcoin mine raided.Lessons of Covid-19/Economy: Casino patrons: 90% to be Locals/High-speed rail project hits brakes/Lazada chief sets out growth vision/Investment contracts/UK eyes expanded trade/Thai Bus Firms Under Siege/Wary of Chinese threat perception/Concert space bookings surge/Tourism: Koh Samui cruise terminal/Thailand Experience: Indigenous knowledge in natural resource management/The Most Pet-Friendly Country/$1-Per-Night Airbnb/Thailand’s timeless treasure Ayutthaya/Pattaya’s attraction for Brits/Memories Beach/What are the benefits of a wellness retreat?/5 worst tourist traps in Thailand/The Thai Islands to visit/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

Nordic Sauna and Padel event ends Sunday

Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce iwill hold a Nordic Sauna and Padel Weekend in Hua Hin Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.

There will be multiple activities, such as playing padel, golf or Finnish sauna and spa if you are more into the relaxing activities. For dinner they will host a BBQ. Continued …

Shrimp Day seminar held in Hua Hin

Lotus’ Go Fresh market opens at Pae Mai Market

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Hua Hin Cha Am to offer 2,000 rooms

Video …

Landslide Buries Workers Inside High-Speed Rail Tunnel Construction

Yesterday, a landslide buried three vehicles and trapped workers inside a tunnel being constructed for the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project in Chanut subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident occurred while workers were excavating the tunnel, located between 600 meters and 2 Km deep into the tunnel.

Wthe workers have been found alive and rescue teams are working tirelessly to retrieve them from 6 metres beneath the debris. According to witnesses, workers were operating backhoes and loaders when the mountainside suddenly gave way, causing a massive landslide that engulfed three vehicles, including a supervisor’s car. Continued …

More rain expected for much of Thailand

Heavy to very heavy rains are forecast in Thailand from Aug. 26-28, with isolated very heavy rains possible in the upper north, the upper northeast, the east and the south (west coast).

Affected areas during the period include Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Continued …

Phuket landslide leaves 13 dead, 19 injured, 209 homes damaged

Rescue officials in Phuket concluded the search for missing individuals following a devastating landslide. All 13 missing persons have been found dead and the disaster has left 19 injured and impacted 209 households.

The landslide claimed the lives of five men and eight women. Among the deceased were two Thai women from Surat Thani and Sakon Nakhon provinces, a Russian couple, and nine Myanmar workers. Continued …

Woman Rides Electric Suitcase While Using Phone on Busy Bangkok Road

Video …

King cobra makes a house call in Chon Buri

A homeowner in Chon Buri had a terrifying encounter yesterday when a 4-meter-long King Cobra slithered into his house. The snake, which raised its head as if to greet the homeowner, coiled itself under a table, prompting a call for assistance from local authorities.

The Tri Khunatham Foundation’s rescue team rushed to the scene equipped with snake-handling tools. Upon arrival, the rescue team found the massive king cobra under a table. It took them over 20 minutes to carefully capture the aggressive snake. Continued …

Moonshine methanol hospitalizes 20, kills 1 in Bangkok

Authorities shut down 18 moonshine shops in six districts after one man died and 20 more were hospitalized due to methanol intoxication in Min Buri district on Saturday night.

Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok’s Kannayao district on Sunday reported that a total of 21 patients became sick after drinking the illegal brew containing methanol. Continued …

Patong leaders back legalizing sex work for safety and health

Patong’s key figures unanimously support the legalization of sex work, asserting that it will enhance safety and health protection for sex workers and their clients.

President of the Patong Entertainment Business Assn. (PEBA) Weerawit Kreuasombat highlighted the current paradox of Thailand’s stance on its renowned sex industry. “Thailand is known for its sex industry, yet maintains a hypocritical stance toward it.” Continued …

Thai officials raid illegal bitcoin mine after power outages

Thai authorities raided an illegal bitcoin mine west of Bangkok after residents complained of frequent blackouts in the area for more than a month, local authorities said Sunday. Police and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authorities (PEA) raided the house in Ratchaburi town on Friday.

“We found bitcoin mining rigs, pointing to people using this house to operate a mine and using power they didn’t fully pay for,” said Jamnong Chanwong, a chief district security officer. Continued …

The lessons of Covid-19 are being forgotten

Four years ago, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, governments were scrambling to protect their populations and prevent an economic meltdown. No one would dispute that addressing this existential threat was the top political priority back then.

As a former prime minister and director-general of the World Health Organization, I was impressed by the coordinated international response to Covid-19. To be sure, there were large inequalities within and between countries, resulting in society’s most vulnerable paying too high a price, especially when it came to vaccine access. Continued …

Thailand’s Casino Complex: 90% of Patrons Expected to be Locals

Thailand is poised to move forward with an ambitious entertainment complex project that includes a casino. According to the Finance Ministry, the majority of the casino’s patrons — up to 90% — are expected to be Thai locals.

Public hearings are ongoing for the draft law governing this new venture, fulfilling constitutional requirements. A special House committee has studied the feasibility and submitted its findings to the Cabinet, prompting the Finance Ministry to draft the necessary legislation. Continued …

Bangkok airports’ high-speed rail project hits the brakes

The high-speed rail project set to connect Bangkok’s three major airports has been thrown into limbo, as contract amendments grind to a halt. The delay is blamed on the lack of a new chairman for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, a role that must be filled by the incoming Cabinet — still nowhere in sight.

The 276.5-billion-baht project promises to link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports, offering a high-speed rail connection between Bangkok and the EEC. The EEC office’s secretary-general, Chula Sukmanop, reassured that despite the current standstill, construction could still kick off this year, with completion expected within five years, aiming for a 2029 opening. Continued …

Lazada chief sets out growth vision to drive Thailand’s digital economy

As the new chief executive of major e-marketplace operator Lazada Thailand, Varitha Kiatpinyochai, 32, is the company’s youngest homegrown chief executive and the first woman to take the helm.

She outlined her vision for the company’s “customer-first” growth in Thailand, which aims to enhance the shopping experience for different generations of customers, increase opportunities for local merchants, and highlight Lazada as an innovation leader, changemaker, and key driver of Thailand’s e-commerce ecosystem. Continued …

Investment continues to contract

Investment, a key driver of Thailand’s economy, contracted in Q2 for the third consecutive quarter, decreasing by 6.2%. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported a 6.8% decline in private investment, mainly due to an 8.1% drop in machinery and equipment investment, a 22.5% decrease in vehicle investment, and a slowdown in capital goods imports.

This investment decline aligns with the reduction in new business registrations during the first seven months of 2024, totaling 54,220, a 70% decrease from the same period last year. Continued …

New UK govt eyes expanded trade with Thailand

The United Kingdom’s new government intends to pursue further trade with Thailand and Southeast Asia as a whole, in addition to broadening connections in other areas including digital technology, healthcare and clean energy.

Rhiannon Harries, UK deputy trade commissioner for Southeast Asia, was in Bangkok from recently to hold discussions with government officials, members of the business sector and UK entrepreneurs in Thailand about UK-Thai trade relations. Continued …

Thai Bus Firms Under Siege by Cut-Rate Chinese Competitors

The Thai bus industry is grappling with an influx of Chinese operators offering ultra-cheap services, disrupting the local market. The crisis has reached a critical point, prompting a call for immediate action from Thai authorities and industry stakeholders.

Wasuchet Sophonsathien, president of the Thai Transportation Operators Assn., has highlighted the deep-seated issues. Illegal foreign bus services are rife, he said, usurping market share from licensed Thai operators still recovering from the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. Continued …

Analyst wary of Chinese threat perception

The new government is being urged to urgently address the perception that Chinese products and investments pose a threat to Thais before the issue escalates and negatively affects Thailand’s exports and tourism.

Sompop Manarungsan, president of the Panyapiwat Institute of Management and a specialist on the Chinese and U.S. economies, said Thailand and China should cooperate to create a win-win trade model. Continued …

Concert space bookings surge 40% in 2nd half of 2024

The number of events organized at Impact Muang Thong Thani in the first half of the year increased by 10% year on year (YoY), the operator of Impact Exhibition and Convention Center said, in keeping with the MICE industry’s growth trends for all types of events, including concerts, trade shows, meetings and seminars.

Paul Kanjanapas, CEO of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., said the main increase came in organizing meetings, seminars and incentive groups. Space bookings, especially in the incentive group, increased by 58% YoY in the second half of this year, while concerts are up by 40% YoY. Continued …

Koh Samui eyes approval of 12.1-billion-baht cruise terminal

A new cruise terminal inKoh S amui, set to open in 2032, aims to significantly boost tourism in Surat Thani, according to Deputy Caretaker Minister Manaporn Charoensri.

Manaporn, along with Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, visited Koh Samui to review the progress of major transport infrastructure projects. Suriya revealed that the ministry has several new initiatives under way to enhance the tourism sector. Continued …

The role of indigenous and local knowledge in natural resource management

One sunny morning in late 2004, the Moken people of the Surin Islands in the Andaman Sea witnessed an alarming phenomenon – the seawaters suddenly receded even as the placid weather remained unchanged. For Moken elders, this was a harbinger of the Laboon, the furious god of the waves who is said to wreak devastation once every two generations. The entire community evacuated to higher ground.

Meanwhile, Moken seafarers who were taking tourists out snorkeling similarly noticed the ocean’s unusual behavior. They skilfully manevered their boats away from the shoreline – just as the massive tsunami struck. Continued …

Is Thailand the Most Pet-Friendly Country in the World?

Are you considering a move overseas but worried about how your beloved pets will adapt? Thailand, often celebrated for its warm smiles and gentle people, just might be the most pet-friendly place in the world. Whether you’re a “dog lady” like my sister or simply someone who can’t imagine life without a furry companion, Thailand offers a unique and welcoming environment for pets and their owners.

My sister, now 57, has been contemplating a move overseas. Naturally, I suggested Thailand, my home for the past 25 years. However, as someone who can’t live without at least three canine companions, she had her reservations. “Do Thai people eat dogs?” she asked, reflecting a common but outdated stereotype. Continued …

Traveler Gives a Tour of His $1-Per-Night Airbnb in Thailand

An American backpacker is stretching his dollar in Thailand. Mike Rari discovered a $1-per-night Airbnb room in Bangkok, which he documented in a video on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/C-0bcYNy_Mc/ and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/shorts/F5O8t3k_tHY titled “What’s Inside a $1 Airbnb?”

Giving a tour of the lodging he found, Rari, 22, began, “U.S. flag, so you feel right at home,” after entering the tiny abode by climbing a ladder. “Outlet and Wi-Fi. A little bit cramped in here,” he added, before stepping outside, climbing back down the ladder and continuing to show off the amenities, which were primarily outdoors. Continued …

Explore Thailand’s timeless treasure in Ayutthaya

It might sound like a cliché, but the best travel plans are the ones that are never made. My quest to deviate from tried-and-tested itineraries in Bangkok took me on a journey through time.

This wasn’t a high-adrenaline adventure, but it began with a commute on a local bus from the Bangkok bus terminal (also known as Chatuchak or Mochit 2) and took me to a city that was once the pride of Thailand, its erstwhile capital, and a city that was home to a million residents at its pinnacle. Continued …

Birds, booze and banter remain the Pattaya attraction for Brits

Everyone agrees that Pattaya is evolving into something different, even if nobody is sure what that will be. However, the resort’s downtown Soi Buakhao district, sometimes over-simplified as Little Britain, is proving highly resistant to change.

Many of the bars, clubs and gogos retain English-sounding names, while fish and chips on a Friday and roast beef on a Sunday are the dominant cafe and restaurant themes. There are between 500 and 1,000 mostly small units of enjoyment in the Soi Buakhao and L.K. Metro vicinity, depending on where you draw the boundaries. Continued …

Memories Beach: Thailand’s Up-and-Coming Surf Paradise

Tucked away along the pristine Andaman coast, Memories Beach in Phang Nga province is quietly carving out a reputation as Thailand’s best surf destination.

For those who crave the thrill of surfing without the intensity of competing against seasoned pros, this hidden gem offers the perfect balance. Here, casual surfers can ride the waves in a relaxed atmosphere, far removed from the crowded shores of Phuket, all while soaking up a vibrant, emerging surf culture. Continued …

What are the benefits of staying at a wellness retreat in Thailand?

As I was suspended in an aerial yoga pose, my world turned upside down; I couldn’t help but marvel at the unexpected turn my life had taken. Just days ago, I was an overworked, stressed-out professional needing a break from the daily hustle. Now, I was at a wellness retreat in Phuket, embracing experiences I never thought I’d have the courage to try.

According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the global wellness tourism market is valued at more than US$640 billion. Intrigued by this trend and desperate for a mental reset, I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a world of sunrise hikes and meditation sessions. Little did I know that this leap of faith would profoundly transform my life. Continued …

5 worst tourist traps in Thailand: What to know before you go

Thailand, famed for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, like any popular tourist spot, it has its share of tourist traps — places that, while iconic, might not always offer the authentic experience visitors seek.

Here are five well-known tourist traps in Thailand and other tips. Continued …

These are the Thai Islands to visit instead of Phuket

With miles of golden sand beaches stretching along its western flank; gorgeous temples, mosques and churches dotted around the villages and hillsides; internationally revered Michelin restaurants; a culturally rich and recently regenerated old town; a well connected international airport; plus an armada of longtail boats anchored on the shores ready to drive you out on trips around the inlets, it’s easy to see why Phuket has maintained its spot as Thailand’s most popular island for decades.

But in Phuket, where gridlock traffic jams on the roads and lack of space on the beaches are already frequent complaints, it makes you wonder: does this island need an influx? Is it time to swap Phuket for another Thai destination on your next trip? Continued …

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, climate change, covid, exports, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-July 4

July 4, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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British Couple Outraged/Bluport adds convention hall/Special offers at Hua Hin golf courses/Minibus driver found using meth/PKK road safety programs/Abbot arrested for possession of endangered wildlife remains/Regional haze challenges discussed/Nationwide Crackdown on Drug Abuse/COVID-19 Surge To Peak in July/Red Bull Co-Owners Top Richest List/Bangkok-Vientiane train service/US, Thailand kick off academic program/Is cannabis really safe?/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Current crisis facing Thai businesses/Contractions in auto, property sectors/Condo association warns of crisis/Invest in infrastructure, green economy/Decentralizing power to secondary cities/Digital wallet signs up vendors/Trade talk to ramp up/Set to boost Thai exports/Soft power to reduce social inequality/Integrate transport modes/Southeast Asia needs more renewables/Tourism: Security and tourism infrastructure upgrades/Airports see 20% more passengers/Koh Samui’s drought nightmare vs Phuket’s flooding/Thailand Experience: Chef’s Koh Samui cooking school/Lisa’s new solo single sets guideposts/Chinatown paved with flowers/Links: Climate Thailand/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

British Couple Outraged Over £9 Tin of Heinz Beans in Thailand

A British couple holidaying in Thailand discovered that some home comforts come at a jaw-dropping price abroad.

Mark and Nadine, originally from the UK and Ireland but now residing in Australia, were having a tropical getaway when they were floored by the cost of a simple can of Heinz baked beans in a local Thai supermarket. Continued …

Bluport adds convention hall to Hua Hin mall

Hua Hin Asset, the developer and operator of Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, is adding a 3,000-square-meter convention hall to attract new target visitors and tenants, aiming to boost occupancy to 90% and reach the break-even point within three years.

Vajee Klomkliang, a member of the company’s executive committee, said the expansion stems from a recovery of tourism business in Hua Hin and increased traffic at its mall last year. Continued …

Special offers at Hua Hin golf courses

Golf enthusiasts in Hua Hin have a special reason to hit the greens over the next couple of months. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Thai Golf Day, several local golf courses are offering not-to-be-missed deals and tournaments.

The Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Prachuap Khiri Khan-Phetchaburi Golf Assn., is hosting a series of tournaments in July and August. For a fee of THB 1,750, participants can enjoy a round of golf, caddy services, and dinner. Continued …

PKK to Bangkok minibus driver found using meth for trip

Minibus passengers sought help from Nakhon Pathom Highway Police after the drug-addicted driver drove dangerousl on a trip from the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan to Bangkok.

Officers from Nakhon Pathom Highway Police Station yesterday were alerted that the Bangkok-Prachuap Khiri Khan minibus driver was driving at a very high speed, and the vehicle was swerving dangerously throughout the journey. The passengers believed that the driver must be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Continued …

Funds sought for PKK road safety programs

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is stepping up efforts to secure funds from the Road Safety Fund for 2024 to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.

Yesterday at Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall, Gov. Somkid Chantamanu chaired a meeting of the subcommittee on the allocation of the Road Safety Fund. Continued …

Abbot arrested for possession of endangered wildlife remains in Hua Hin

Park officials have arrested the abbot of a local monastery in Bueng Nakhon subdistrict in Hua Hin for possessing remains of endangered and protected wildlife.

Somjet Janthana, director of Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch), revealed that he received a report from the head of the patrol and suppression unit of the Wildlife Conservation Division, Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch). Continued …

Regional haze challenges discussed

Thailand has affirmed its commitment to stepping up efforts to combat transboundary haze pollution in cooperation with regional partners, says Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan.

Phatcharavat made the declaration on Wednesday at a meeting of an ASEAN sub-regional ministerial committee on haze pollution in Bangkok. Delegates from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand were represented, along with aspiring ASEAN member Timor-Leste as an observer. Continued …

PM Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Drug Abuse

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has launched an aggressive nationwide crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking, named the “X-ray” operations. This initiative seeks to root out drug abusers and dismantle trafficking networks across Thailand.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced that drug abusers will be directed to rehabilitation centers, while traffickers will face arrest and rigorous legal consequences. Provincial governors will lead the charge, ensuring individuals aged 16 and above undergo mandatory urine tests. Continued …

Thailand’s COVID-19 Surge Expected to Peak in July

Thailand faces a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, with infections expected to peak in July, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, chief of Thailand’s Disease Control Department. The country reported 3,256 hospital admissions and 16 fatalities between June 23-29, highlighting an alarming rise in cases.

Out of these recent hospital admissions, 709 patients suffered from severe lung infections, and 336 required ventilators. Since the start of the year, Thailand has seen a total of 31,205 COVID-19 hospital admissions, resulting in 172 deaths, predominantly among those over the age of 69. Continued …

Red Bull Co-Owners Top Thailand’s Richest List

Chalerm Yoovidhya and family, co-owners of Red Bull, have emerged as the wealthiest individuals in Thailand, according to Forbes’ latest ranking. Their combined wealth surged by $2.6 billion, hitting a record $36 billion, thanks to Red Bull’s robust performance, with over $11 billion in revenue from more than 12 billion cans sold globally in 2023.

This advancement crowns them as the new leaders in the Forbes list of Thailand’s top 50 richest, overshadowing the long-reigning Chearavanont brothers. Continued …

Bangkok-Vientiane train service begins July 19

A new international train service connecting Bangkok and Vientiane in Laos will begin services on July 19, the State Railway of Thailand announced on Wednesday.

The SRT is extending the Bangkok-Nong Khai route for this new service. The train will depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bangkok Central) at 9.25 pm on July 19 and arrive in Vientiane at 9.05 am on July 20. Continued …

US, Thailand kick off new academic program

The United States has launched a new academic flagship program to boost education ties with Thailand. The move was announced by Robert Godec, the U.S. ambassador, during a press briefing on Tuesday.

He said the embassy has introduced an education initiative called the International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP) by partnering with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, as well as the Institute of International Education (IIE) as the implementor of IAPP Thailand. Continued …

Is cannabis really safe? Here’s what you need to know

Thai society’s views on cannabis continue to change for the better as the industry grows. More and more people are starting to embrace the plant for its medicinal and holistic wellness benefits.

But despite growing acceptance, some stigma and perception persists, especially with government plans to outlaw cannabis again in the near future. The uncertainty isn’t unique to Thailand. Around the world, cannabis continues to be a hot topic in political, legal, and social discussions about its safety and benefits. Continued …

Canadian military man confesses to gangster’s murder in Thailand – Continued …
Phuket Immigration Crackdown: Four Foreign Nationals Arrested – Continued …
Chinese-Kazakh Couple Deceive by Selling Fake Luxury Watches – Continued …

Current crisis facing Thai businesses ‘worse than during Covid-19’

A mix of factors such as the rapid technology transition, global polarization and economic slowdown have plunged the Thai business sector in a crisis more severe than what it encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Marketing Association of Thailand said on Wednesday.

Association President Buranin Rattanasombat said business operators were expected to face those challenges until next year. The business sector would be affected by changes in technology for the next five to 10 years, as well as the global polarization, which would aggravate, he warned. Continued …

Contractions in auto, property sectors a blow to economic expansion

Contractions in the automotive and property sectors have severely impacted the Thai economy in the first half of the year and prompted several institutes to adjust downward their estimates on economic expansion this year, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) announced.

In its monthly meeting to discuss the economic situation on Wednesday, the JSCCIB cut its estimation of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) expansion in 2024 by 0.3%-0.4% to 2.2%-2.7% year on year. Continued …

Condo association warns of crisis in property sector

The Thai property sector will face challenges in meeting sales targets this year due to a decline in demand and purchasing power, Thai Condominium Assn. President Prasert Taedullayasatit said on Tuesday.

He referred to the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and its impact on property prices, as financial institutions and asset management companies turned to offering non-performing assets at cheaper rates than the original sale prices. “The reason behind the decline in property prices during the Tom Yum Kung crisis was a weakening baht that triggered an increase in the debt burden among business entrepreneurs and banks,” he said. Continued …

World Bank urges Thailand to invest in infrastructure, green economy

The World Bank has advised the Thai government to boost investment in reviving aging infrastructure and strengthening the green economy, to help drive the country’s economic potential beyond 2.7% growth in the medium term.

The bank forecasts Thai GDP growth of 2.4% in 2024 and 2.8% in 2025. The government’s planned digital wallet initiative is not included in the baseline forecast, but it could potentially enhance near-term growth if implemented, Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, a senior economist for Thailand at the World Bank, told an ecnomic seminar on Wednesday. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Decentralizing power to secondary cities key to growth

According to a report released by the World Bank on Wednesday, investing in local infrastructure and decentralization and allowing local authorities to choose and decide their own future is a key starting point for Thailand to unlock its secondary city growth potential.

“Unlocking the Growth Potential of Secondary Cities” focuses on the long-term benefits of a more balanced approach to urbanization, highlighting Thailand’s secondary cities’ untapped potential and their critical role in supporting the country’s future growth and economic prosperity. Continued …

Digital wallet scheme signs up vendors

The Commerce Ministry says up to 1.6 million vendors are ready to join the digital wallet scheme, which is expected to pump up the economy, increase store income and reduce the cost of living.

Following a visit to Nakhon Ratchasima province, Yanyong Phuangrach, adviser to the deputy prime minister, said vendors confirmed their readiness to take part in the government’s scheme. Continued …

Trade talk to ramp up

The Trade Negotiations Department has laid out its blueprint for the second half of 2024, aiming to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) by year-end, and preparing to host joint trade committee (JTC) meetings with the UK and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) this year in preparation for future FTAs.

Chotima Iemsawasdikul, director-general of the department, said plans have begun to accelerate negotiations for FTAs, with Thailand-EFTA a priority for the government. Continued …

US-China spat set to boost Thai exports, says panel

Thai exports should gain from the latest round of the U.S.-China trade war, with growth estimated at 0.8%-1.5%, up from an earlier projection of 0.5%-1.5%, says the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).

The committee is upbeat about some advantages from the trade war, differing from the view of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, which previously said the dispute was an unpredictable factor for shippers. Continued …

Government sees soft power as a tool to reduce social inequality

Soft power is an important strategy for the Thai economy in order to become a high-income country, the National Soft Power Development Board Deputy Chairman Surapong Suebwonglee said recently.

Apart from generating revenue for the country, he said soft power should help reduce social inequality and Thai people should benefit from it. Honing skills and creativity will benefit 20 million people, he said. Continued …

Thailand advised to integrate transport modes

To achieve its goal of becoming an aviation hub by 2030, Thailand should encourage more robust domestic travel and integrate different modes of transport, according to Alton Aviation Consultancy.

Managing Director Mabel Kwan said aviation is an integrated ecosystem that requires collaboration between different segments, including airlines, airports, customers, ground handling and transport connecting airports. Continued …

Southeast Asia needs more renewables

Renewable energy offers Southeast Asia sustainable, affordable, and reliable power, but achieving this requires bold, decisive action. Slowing down coal phase-out ambitions would undermine these efforts.

Southeast Asian countries are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, yet they continue to rely heavily on coal for economic development. Compared to other parts of the world, the region is still to fully embrace the potential of low-cost renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Despite commitments to phase out coal, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines still plan to build 45GW of new coal capacity, lacking detailed roadmaps for coal phase-out and ambition to phase in renewables. Continued …

Security and tourism infrastructure upgrades essential, ATTA says

Improving country security and standardizing tourism infrastructure will help Thailand meet its target of 36.7 foreign visitors this year, Sittiwat Chiwarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said on Monday.

His remarks came after the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released a report showing that over 14.7 million international tourists visited the Land of Smiles in the first five months of 2024. Continued …

Thai international airports see 20% more passengers YOY

In the first five months of 2024, the six international airports run by Airports of Thailand (AOT) recorded 52.16 million passengers, an increase of 20.3% over the same period in 2023, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced on Wednesday.

The AOT manages six airports nationwide, namely Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang, Phuket and Hat Yai, which account for 95% of domestic and international flights. Continued …

Koh Samui’s drought nightmare vs Phuket’s flooding chaos

Koh Samui is reeling from an acute water shortage as its reservoirs are drying up amid a prolonged drought. On the island of Phuket, residents are battling heavy rainfall and flooding.

Koh Samui’s main reservoir, with a capacity of 800,000 cubic meters, is down to a mere 10%, enough to last just two weeks. The Krajood reservoir fares slightly better at 25% capacity, sufficient for about 30 days. Chaweng Reservoir, although containing 2 million cubic meters, holds brackish water, rendering it unusable. Continued …

Chef’s Koh Samui cooking school teaches popular dishes

Lin Rattana chops the chilli, ginger and lemongrass at lightning speed as a group of guests looks on eagerly, keen to learn from the chef who grew up in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, where she was taught how to cook by her grandmother.

Today, Lin’s home is the Thai island of Koh Samui, where her culinary knowledge is shared with people from all over the world at the Jungle Kitchen cooking school she runs with her British partner, Tom Charlesworth. Continued …

Lisa’s new solo single sets guideposts for other Blackpink members

Since all Blackpink members terminated their solo contracts with YG Entertainment last year to embark on their individual paths, Lisa became the first among the four to release a new single.

Titled “Rockstar,” it dropped on June 28 in partnership with RCA Records, setting a milestone for the other former members as they pursue their solo careers. The Thai K-pop star’s new single instantly ranked 8th on Spotify’s Global Chart in the U.S. upon its release, the highest ranking ever recorded by a female K-pop solo artist on the platform. Continued …

Bangkok’s Chinatown paved with flowers as new sidewalk blooms

Bangkok’s most beautiful sidewalk has been unveiled in Chinatown (Yaowarat) as part of a four-year plan to improve the city’s notoriously perilous pavements while attracting more Chinese tourists.

The dark-red tiled sidewalk features a pattern of peony flowers and replaces the previous dragon-scale design, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala said on Tuesday. Continued and photos …

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Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

baht, climate change, covid, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-June 17

June 17, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Free event in Hua Hin to address major changes in Thai tax legislation

Business Class Asia is hosting a free event to discuss the most significant changes to Thai tax legislation in decades and their implications for onshore and offshore tax planning.

The event, titled “Income Tax & Estate Planning Briefing for Globally Mobile/Focused Thai Residents,” will be held on June 21 at 6pm at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. Continued …

Watch rare birth of twin elephant calves in Thailand

A 36-year-old elephant gave birth to twins at a zoo in central Thailand in a rare surprise for caretakers and the mother herself.

Caretakers only planned on Chamchuri giving birth to one calf on June 7 at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal, about 50 miles north of Bangkok, according to BBC. As the team cleaned the boy calf and helped stand him on his knees, Chamchuri’s surprise arrived: a girl. Continued …

7th annual food festival opens in Ao Prachuap

The 7th Local Food and Traditional Sweets Festival officially kicked off Friday evening at the seaside road area of Ao Prachuap. Komgrit Charoenpattanasombat, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, presided over the opening ceremony, marking the beginning of the 10-day event.

Kamon Kaewteth, mayor of Prachuap Khiri Khan city, highlighted the event’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of introducing both Thai and international tourists to the region’s renowned foods and traditional sweets. Continued …

Explosion strikes annual rocket festival in Roi Et: 30 injured

Yesterday, a tragic incident marred the annual Rocket Festival at Ban Sang Bu Temple in Roi Et Province. The normally joyous event, which attracts numerous locals and visitors to Phon Sai Sawang subdistrict, Phon Thong District, ended in disaster when a rocket explosion caused significant injuries among the attendees.

This year, participants eagerly gathered to witness the launch of 370,000 rockets — a tradition aimed at celebrating local culture and bringing luck to the community. However, as the event proceeded, one of the rockets malfunctioned as it was being launched, resulting in a powerful explosion at the rocket launcher base. Continued …

PM Tests Positive for Covid-19

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has tested positive for Covid-19 and is advised to rest until Wednesday. The prime minister’s office confirmed the diagnosis late last night, revealing that Srettha has been feeling unwell since Friday.

According to Chai Watcharong, the spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, Srettha consulted a doctor who confirmed the Covid-19 infection. The physician has recommended he rest and isolate to prevent further spread of the virus. Continued …

New highly-transmissible Covid strain will elude vaccines: expert

The KP.2 strain of Covid-19 will become dominant in Thailand, according to a renowned virologist. It will be more transmissible and vaccines will be hard-pressed to keep up with its mutations, but its symptoms will not be more severe than those of previous strains of the virus.

Prof. Yong Poovorawan at the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University posted online Saturday that the KP.2 strain was spreading and replacing JN.1 as the dominant strain in the country. JN.1 has been common in the country since late last year, he wrote. Continued …

Thailand Poised to Make History with Marriage Equality Bill

Thailand is on the verge of a milestone with the impending approval of the Marriage Equality Bill. This legislation, which is set for its final round of Senate voting later this month, has the potential to make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize and uphold marriage equality.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has long championed the cause, promising that Thailand would become a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. The bill seeks to amend the existing marriage laws, ensuring that same-sex couples enjoy the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples. Continued …

Missing contraband diesel vessels found near Malaysian waters

Three vessels carrying 330,000 liters of contraband diesel that vanished from a police pier in Chon Buri have been located near Malaysian waters, police confirmed.

Police Major Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, announced that the three boats disappeared from the marine police pier in Sattahip district of Chon Buri last week. After traveling through Cambodian and Vietnamese waters, they were found off southern Thailand. Continued …

Professor warns against reclassifying cannabis as illegal narcotic

Professor Panthep Puapongphan, dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, voiced concerns regarding efforts to reclassify cannabis as an illegal narcotic. He says that such a move could worsen drug-related issues rather than improve them.

Panthep stressed that cannabis has played a significant role in helping individuals quit more harmful substances like methamphetamine and heroin. He argued that data comparing post-decriminalization periods with the lockdown year of 2021 is misleading, as fluctuations in psychiatric cases were more likely due to the Covid-19 pandemic rather than cannabis use. Continued …

Russian Man Arrested in Phuket Over 50 Stolen Coral Rocks – Continued …
Filipina Woman Overstays in Thailand for Over 4 Years – Continued …

Economist warns of further industry closures

More businesses in the automobile, electrical appliances, and electronics industries are under threat of closure because they are not moving quickly enough to adapt to digital technology and global trends, an economic expert from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said.

His remarks are consistent with those of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), which warned that more factories in Thailand could close this year due to the upcoming implementation of a standard 400 baht minimum wage nationwide by Oct. 1. Continued …

Even with digital wallet, S&P affirms stable outlook

S&P Global Ratings says it plans to maintain its stable outlook for Thailand’s sovereign ratings even if the country implements the digital wallet scheme. The rating agency advised the Thai government to balance social spending with fiscal prudence.

The proposed digital wallet handout will benefit certain segments of the population and increase domestic consumption, Kim Eng Tan, managing director of sovereign ratings for Asia-Pacific at S&P Global Ratings, said at a seminar in Bangkok. Continued …

BOI Approves Investment Worth USD1.54 billion in Biochemicals, Data Centers, Hospital

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has approved the investment-promotion applications of eight large projects worth a combined 56.95 billion baht (USD1.54 billion), including a bio-ethylene plant project by the local joint venture of Brazil’s Braskem, as well as data centers, power plants, and a major new hospital.

The meeting, which was chaired by Pichai Chunhavajira, deputy prime minister, minister of finance, and chairman of the BOI, also approved the introduction of a new investment promotion category covering service centers for the repair, repack, and reuse of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems, that further complements the BOI’s comprehensive EV supply chain policy and incentives. Continued …

Addressing the employee skills gap

Recent decisions by two Japanese automakers to close their plants in Thailand affect the country’s standing as a leading global car producer, once dubbed the “Detroit of Asia”.

The announcements by Subaru and Suzuki Motor Corp. to cease operations at their car-assembly facilities by the end of 2024 and 2025, respectively, follows the closure of 1,600-1,700 factories in several industries, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Continued …

Is MGM China thinking of investing in Thailand casinos?

Pansy Ho, the chairperson and executive director of MGM China Holdings, has held a meeting with the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and expressed interest in investing in the kingdom, according to a media report.

The report said TAT would hold further talks with the Macao casino operator over “possible collaboration” in the development of “new tourism-related products.” Continued …

Is Thailand facing an over-tourism crisis ?

Thailand is indeed experiencing an over-tourism crisis. The situation has escalated to the point where popular destinations like Maya Bay and cities such as Pattaya and Phuket are facing environmental degradation and infrastructure strain due to the overwhelming number of visitors.

The concept of “over-tourism” has resurfaced with the global resurgence in tourism. But already back in 2019, concerns about excessive tourism growth were so pronounced that the UN World Tourism Organization advocated for responsible management of such growth to maximize the opportunities it can create for communities worldwide. Continued …

Food tourism high on Thailand’s soft power list

From jasmine rice to Pad Thai noodles and spicy tom yum soups, Thailand is renowned for its robust agricultural and food products, making it a major exporter worldwide.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates 20%-25% of tourism expenditures are for food, particularly Thai dishes, during trips to the nation. Continued …

Highlights from Bangkok’s Thailand Wellness Asia Summit 2024

Thailand, with its successful hosting of the third annual Thailand Wellness Asia Summit (TWAS) event in 2024, is paving the way for Asia to become the wellness hub of the world.

The event kicked off with a grand opening ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel, Bangkok. Held June 11-14, the event is one of Southeast Asia’s largest gatherings on wellness, witnessing participation from over 30 countries with over 1,000 attendees. Continued …

Germany’s FTI Losses Exceed 111M Baht in Thailand

The collapse of the third-largest tour operator in Europe, FTI, has started to affect thousands of tourists and hundreds of hotels in Thailand, leading to losses of 111 million baht.

Germany-based FTI Group filed for insolvency in the Munich regional court earlier this month, affecting a number of holidaymakers in Thailand this week as they are scheduled to check out. Continued …

Lesser-Known Thai City Destined To Become Digital Nomad Hotspot

Digital nomads are always on the hunt for the next best place to call home – even if that’s only for 30 days, a few months, or multiple years. There may be no better dream destination than Thailand. This fascinating country is cheap, exotic, cultural, and simply unparalleled to any other nation.

We all know Bangkok is, at the very least, one of the better gateways to dip your toes into digital nomadism, but there is so much more than meets the eye to Thailand than this bustling concrete jungle. Continued …

Chumphon Tour Bus Crash Leaves Two Dead, Many Injured

A tour bus and a truck carrying rubber wood logs collided yesterday, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The collision took place in Chumphon province.

Police Lt. Col. Somboon Phumkajorn of Tha Sae Police Station reported the incident happened at 10.30 pm. The tour bus, operated by Sombat Tour traveling from Bangkok to Ranong, collided with a Hino truck at a u-turn on Phetkasem Road, near the Khao Phang Highway Police Station in Tha Kham subdistrict, Tha Sae district, Chumphon province. Continued …

Russian Tourist Drowns Ignoring Warnings at Surin Beach, Phuket

A Russian man drowned yesterday after swimming in rough seas at Surin Beach in Phuket, defying a red flag warning signaling dangerous conditions.

The incident unfolded around 3 pm when 64-year-old Aleksei Apostolov entered the water alone, despite visible warnings of strong waves. Thai lifeguards, keeping a vigilant eye on the situation, acted promptly, pulling him from the turbulent waters and immediately initiating CPR. Continued …

154 Tons of Water Delivered to Drought-Hit Koh Larn

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) vessel HTMS Ravi delivered approximately 154 tons (approximately 154,000 liters) of fresh water to residents of Koh Larn in Pattaya, addressing an ongoing drought.

This significant delivery occurred yesterday, prompted by Koh Larn’s struggle with water shortages exacerbated by dry weather and a surge in tourist numbers. Continued …

Songkhla touts its MICE tourism potential

Songkhla’s administration is partnering up with businesses in the tourism sector to promote the province as a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination to Malaysians.

The chairman of hotel operators’ association in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district, Sitthipong Sitthipatprapa, said the province is well-equipped to handle MICE events in addition to conventional tourism, as it has a wide range of venues that could cater to such activities. Continued …

Chinese outbound travel recovery lags due to costs, visa snags

A recovery in Chinese overseas travel from the Covid-19 pandemic is fading as rising costs and difficulties in securing visas cement a preference for local and short-haul destinations.

The delay in a revival to pre-Covid levels by China’s outbound travelers, the world’s top spenders on international tourism and airlines, is hitting travel-related companies, hotels and retailers globally. Continued …

These Common Money Practices Can Be Offensive In Thailand

In the United States, handling money is a very mundane, laissez-faire thing — there are no particular rules that delineate how you’re supposed to hold, give, or respect those precious dollar bills. When Americans travel abroad, they might bring along cultural practices that are second nature.

However, some of these seemingly innocuous actions can actually be deeply offensive in other cultures. If you’re headed for Thailand, a bucket list country where the U.S. dollar is strong, do beware. In the “Land of Smiles,” a country with a rich cultural heritage and deep-seated traditions, the way you treat the local currency — the Thai baht — can significantly impact how you are perceived. Continued …

Suggested destinations to visit during rainy season in Thailand

This year, Thailand’s rainy season officially started on May 20 and will conclude in mid-October. This is the perfect time to explore nature, as it is the season when forests become greener, the weather is cooler, flowers are fully blooming, and the waterfalls are full of water.

Here is a list of recommended destinations to visit if you’re traveling around Thailand during the rainy season: Continued …

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

climate change, covid, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, medical tourism, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-June 11

June 11, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Hua Hin Among 10 Most Affordable Beach Destinations/Covid infections rise/New Prostate Treatment/Fire at Chatuchak Market/Emulsifiers in processed food/Hole in the heart/Economy: Thai spending during UEFA Euro 2024/Restaurateurs likely to be hit/Chicken vendors ‘squawk’/Wages based on skills/Government to set new growth target/Thailand’s e-commerce market/Global Minimum Tax Bill/Semiconductor industry vital/Progress on EEC infrastructure/Tourism: Deals with 11 airlines/Tourism firms seek initiatives/International news/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Hua Hin Among 10 Most Affordable Beach Destinations To Live In

Many dream of waking up to the soothing sound of crashing waves, but with inflation and real estate prices driving up the cost of living, few can afford to move to a beach town. However, this doesn’t mean you have to abandon your fantasy, as plenty of beach destinations across the globe offer affordable housing and good-value living.

And while the cost of living also largely depends on your spending habits, the beach towns we’ve highlighted guarantee your money will stretch much further without sacrificing the little pleasures like eating out, enjoying cultural activities and events, and taking advantage of everything the destination has to offer. Continued …

Covid infections rise

The number of Covid-19 patients being admitted to hospitals in Thailand has risen to 2,762 between June 2 and 8, or an average of 395 patients daily. This figure is an increase from the previous week, which saw 1,863 cases, as reported by the COVID-19 Information Center.

The nation also reported five deaths during that week, taking the total death toll for the year to 137. Continued …

Bumrungrad Offers New Prostate Treatment in Thailand

As the population ages, the prevalence of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — commonly known as an enlarged prostate — has increased significantly. Over 50% of men over 60 and 80% of those over 70 experience BPH, suffering from symptoms like weak urine flow, straining to urinate, and frequent nighttime bathroom trips.

The Urology Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital has successfully treated 276 BPH patients through water vapor therapy — which is roughly 30% of all BPH cases in Thailand. The center is recognized by Boston Scientific (USA) as the first “Center of Excellence” in Asia for steam treatment of BPH. The center has treated more than 4,000 patients through non-surgical methods and more than 500 patients through various surgical techniques. Continued …

Fire at Chatuchak Market destroys 118 shops, kills 1,000 animals

A devastating fire broke out in the pet section of Chatuchak Market early this morning, destroying 118 shops and resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,000 animals. The fire, which started at around 4.3 0am, left employees scrambling for safety as thick smoke filled the area.

The fire occurred at the Sri Somrat Market area, a hub for pet and exotic fish shops. Despite the rapid response, the fire spread quickly, consuming all 118 shops in the vicinity. Continued …

Emulsifiers in processed food increase risk of diabetes

Many of the foods we enjoy daily, from ice cream and chocolate to bread and biscuits, contain emulsifiers. These food additives improve texture, taste, and shelf life, making processed foods more appealing and convenient.

However, recent research from France suggests that these ubiquitous ingredients may come with a hidden cost: an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Continued …

25% of the human population has a hole in the heart

Imagine if you had a hole in your heart and didn’t even know it. Surprisingly, this is the reality for 25% of the population. This condition, known as patent foramen ovale (PFO), usually causes no symptoms and is often harmless.

However, in some cases, it can lead to serious health problems. Here, we explore what PFO is, why it matters, and what can be done about it. Continued …

Thais to spend 87 billion baht during UEFA Euro 2024

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) predicts Thai football fanatics will spend some 87.62 billion baht during the UEFA Euro 2024 championship, and most of it will be spent on betting.

The month-long championship kicks off on Saturday and will be broadcast live on PPTV and several TrueVisions channels. Continued …

Restaurateurs likely to be hit by global, local economic woes

The global economic downturn and Thailand’s sluggish economy are likely to have a significant impact on the local restaurant segment, even with the visa-free scheme attracting more visitors.

“The lukewarm global and Thai economies will affect Thai customers’ spending behavior, as people are more careful with their spending,” said Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn. Continued …

Chicken vendors ‘squawk’ over soaring prices in south Thailand

Vendors in Nakhon Si Thammarat raised concerns about the sudden surge in chicken prices, questioning the silence and inaction of the Ministry of Commerce. The price hike has led to a ripple effect, impacting various sectors and consumers alike and mirrors a trend of rising prices nationwide.

The recent spike in prices of fresh food products and raw materials has significantly affected restaurant operators, from small vendors to large businesses. Notably, the price of fresh vegetables, such as fresh bird’s eye chillies, has surged, directly affecting the production cost of curry paste, a staple in southern Thai cuisine. Continued …

Group urges wages based on skills

The Labor Ministry is being asked to consider replacing the proposed 400-baht daily minimum wage policy with a wage increase based on workers’ skills, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The proposal for payment based on skills would be higher than 400 baht per day for certain skilled workers, said Isares Rattanadilok Na Phuket, vice chairman of the FTI. Continued …

Government to set new growth target, accelerate investment spending

The government will accelerate its investment spending and set a new target for economic growth this year, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Monday, as it seeks to kick start an economy that has lagged regional peers.

The government wants to see at least 70% of the investment budget disbursed within the current fiscal year ending September, Pichai said at a meeting of economic ministers to discuss stimulus measures. Continued …

Thailand’s e-commerce market is expected to grow by 13.7% in 2024

The Thailand e-commerce market is growing rapidly, with a projected surge of 13.7% in 2024. Factors driving this growth include increasing consumer preference for online shopping, strong internet penetration, and rising confidence in online payments.

GlobalData’s 2023 Financial Services Consumer Survey shows that over 92% of Thai consumers shopped online in the past six months, while only 4% never shopped online. Bank transfers are the most preferred tool for e-commerce purchases, accounting for 38.2% share in 2023. Continued …

Thailand is working toward a Global Minimum Tax Bill

The Thai Finance Ministry is taking steps to develop a global minimum tax in order to bolster the country’s tax revenue. This initiative is part of a global effort to ensure that multinational corporations pay a fair share of taxes in the countries where they operate.

The concept of a global minimum tax aims to prevent companies from shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions and encourages them to contribute to the tax base of the countries where they conduct business activities. Continued …

Semiconductor industry vital to future foreign investment

The government plans to establish a national semiconductor board to set investment and development strategies for this vital industry, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Monday.

Speaking after the meeting of economic ministers chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Pichai said the setting up of the semiconductor board will help attract foreign investments and push Thailand’s economic expansion to meet the goal of 5% annually. Continued …

Progress on infrastructure projects in EEC updated

The construction of the high-speed airport rail network and development of U-Tapao Airport are expected to begin in January next year, according to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) board meeting on Monday.

The meeting on four infrastructure development progress at the Government House in Bangkok was chaired by Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Continued …

Tourism authority seeks deals with 11 airlines

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is seeking partnerships with at least 11 international airlines in an effort to bolster rising and mature markets in the second half this year.

With the long-haul market projected to generate at least 770 billion baht this year from 10.8 million foreign arrivals, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, said the agency plans to reinforce potential markets by using airlines in those regions that operate flights to Thailand. Continued …

Tourism firms seek supply-side initiatives

The private sector has collectively called for attention to be paid to tourism’s supply side after the prime minister insisted on refraining from the collection of a 300-baht tourism fee from foreign tourists, which was meant to be used to set up a tourism development fund.

“The government’s performance over the past eight months would rate as 10 out of 10 for stimulating tourism demand, mainly attributed to visa policies. But for more critical problems related to Thai tourism, such as inferior supply development, we’re not able to give them any score as nothing has been done to help resolve the problem,” said Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). Continued …

Missing woman found inside 16-foot python in Indonesia

Officials in Indonesia say a missing woman was swallowed by a 16-foot reticulated python, and video circulating online shows her body being cut out of the snake’s stomach. Continued …

Singapore Airlines offers compensation to turbulence victims

Singapore Airlines has sent offers of compensation to passengers on board a flight last month that encountered severe turbulence that led to dozens of injuries and one death, the carrier said on Tuesday. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, climate change, covid, exports, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-June 5

June 5, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News 2 Comments

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Today’s news: Thailand to tax expats’ foreign income/No need for Covid boosters/Heavy rain and flash floods/Stiffer drunk-driving penalties/Best eSIM providers/Jurassic World 4/Bangkok to end to smoking at schools/Thailand’s weed dilemma/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Nearly 15 Million Entitled To Digital Wallet/Move to Legalize Casinos/Experts divided over casino/Global tax from multinational firms/Shippers fear rising freight rates/New state company to run provincial airports/Tourism: New Tax Measures/Visa Waiver Approved for EU/Thailand Experience: Durian: A delicious devil/Thailand on a Budget or in Style/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Thailand to tax expats’ foreign income irrespective of remittance

The Revenue Department of Thailand will amend a law to tax individuals with foreign income, even if that income is not brought into Thailand.

Director-General of the Revenue Department, Kulaya Tantitemit, stated that the current tax law mandates individuals residing in Thailand for over 180 days per year to pay taxes on foreign income if it is brought into the country. Continued …

No need for Covid boosters

Most people do not need to get a booster against the latest strain of Covid-19, except for vulnerable groups and the unvaccinated, as the symptoms are relatively mild and the vaccine must be paid for, according to virologist Yong Poovorawan.

Dr. Yong, from the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, said the severity of the virus has consistently decreased, similar to other respiratory illnesses, thanks to the high levels of vaccinations and herd immunity. Continued …

Heavy rain and flash floods expected in 37 Thai provinces

Heavy rain is expected to hit 37 provinces across Thailand today, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of potential flash floods and sudden water surges, including in Bangkok. The forecast predicts that 60% of these areas will experience significant rainfall today and tomorrow.

The TMD issued a 24-hour weather forecast, indicating that the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, upper Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is strengthening. Additionally, a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin is contributing to the adverse weather conditions. Continued …

Calls mount for stiffer drunk-driving penalties

Authorities are pushing to increase the penalties for drunk drivers who cause injuries and road accidents.

The Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation (DDD) recently filed a petition to a House committee studying the Alcohol Control Act amendment, demanding more severe punishment for those charged with offenses related to driving under the influence, committee Chairman Wisarn Techatheerawat said on Tuesday. Continued …

Best eSIM providers and plans in Thailand

An eSIM is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. So, instead of it being a physical object that you need to insert into your device, eSIMs are software that you can simply install. Therefore, you should indeed consider them if you plan to travel to Thailand.

Some of the great benefits that you can enjoy with eSIM Thailand plans are high-speed Internet connections, swift activation, keeping your phone number, no need to sign a contract and no roaming costs. Continued …

Three Thai national parks could be filming locations for Jurassic World 4

The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department is expected to take a few days to consider a request from the production team of “Jurassic World 4”, the latest film the Jurassic Park franchise, to use three national parks as locations.

The department’s director-general, Atthaphon Charoenchansa, said the Hollywood production has already submitted its detailed plan for the use of the locations between June 17 and 28, which include the Kradan Island and Morakot cave in the Hat Chao Mai National Park in Trang province, Huai To waterfall in Khao Phanom Benja National Park in Krabi and Tapu, Nakha and Song Phi Nong islands in Phang-nga Bay National Park in Phang-nga province. Drones will also be used during the shoot, he added. Continued …

Bangkok governor orders end to any smoking at schools

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt announced a campaign to eradicate smoking and vaping from schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). This initiative focuses intensely on preventing cigarette and e-cigarette use among children and youth and builds on annual anti-smoking efforts.

The newly issued five strict orders in the campaign include: Continued …

American, Russian Men Die In Falls From Pattaya Hotel, Condo

An American man fell to his death from the seventh floor of a hotel in Pattaya early yesterday morning, while a Russian man plunged to his death from the 29th floor of a 35-story condo at noon yesterday.

At 6 am, Police Maj. Wutinan Kongdee, an inspector at Pattaya city police station, was alerted to a guest at a hotel in Thappraya Soi 15, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, having fallen from a high floor and quickly went there with a police team and some rescuers to investigate. Continued …

Man trampled by elephant while foraging in Nam Nao Park

A 61-year-old man lost his life after being trampled by an elephant while foraging for mushrooms in Nam Nao National Park. This incident marks the second fatal elephant attack in the area this year, with the animal believed to be a protective mother startled by the man’s presence.

Police investigator Pichet Thonglor, on duty at Nam Nao Police Station in Phetchabun Province, received a report yesterday about a fatal elephant attack on a local within the park’s forest. Continued …

King cobra nest discovered in Hat Yai rubber plantation

A team of southern herpetologists and rescue workers recently discovered a king cobra’s nest in a rubber plantation in Hat Yai. They plan to incubate the eggs before releasing the hatchlings into the wild.

Upon arrival, the rescue team found a large king cobra consuming a lesser snake beside its nest. They waited for the cobra to finish its meal before attempting to capture it. The process took approximately 13 minutes due to the snake’s aggressive nature and protective instinct over the eggs. The captured cobra measured 3.10 meters in length and was placed in a sack for relocation. Continued …

Thailand’s weed legalization dilemma

When cannabis or ganja was legalized (the plant was removed from the illicit drugs list) in 2022 by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government, this led to mass confusion, whereby the public misunderstood and perceived it as “liberalization”. This resulted in widespread and unregulated cannabis consumption.

Internationally, cannabis use is generally divided into two categories: either medical/non-medical or recreational/non-recreational. However, in Thailand, there are three categories for cannabis use: medical, recreational, and others. The last category is problematic due to its ambiguity, which cannot be classified as medical or recreational. Continued …

Somsak: Relisting cannabis will weed out bad actors

Relisting cannabis as a narcotic will make it easier to control the use of the plant for positive purposes such as medicinal use, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said on Tuesday.

The government aims to allow cannabis to be used for medicinal purposes, to promote good health and to stimulate the economy, he said. He was responding to growing calls by pro-cannabis groups and political parties for a law to control its use rather than blacklisting it completely. Continued …

Thai lifeguards nab American phone thief at Kata Beach – Continued …
Russian Tourist Detained for Disruptive Behaviour in Phuket Hotel – Continued …
Burmese Man Arrested After Fatal Stabbing in Thailand Grocery Store – Continued …

Nearly 15 Million ‘Fragile’ People Entitled To Digital Wallet by September

Officially named as “fragile” types of people, nearly 15 million nationwide will be entitled to the 10,000-baht, digital wallet handout project before fiscal 2024 ends, government spokesperson Chai Wacharong confirmed yesterday.

The 14.98 million “fragile” Thai nationals who may currently hold state welfare cards will be the first recipients to the 10,000-baht digital wallet to be handed out within the end of September, which marks the end of the current fiscal year, while other categories of recipients totaling some 35 million will have to wait until the fourth quarter of this year or during October and December, according to the government spokesperson. Continued …

Thailand Moves to Legalize Casinos

Thailand is preparing to introduce a bill to legalize casinos, aiming to create large entertainment zones to attract more tourists and generate additional state revenue.

This move is part of a broader strategy to position Thailand as a premier tourism hub. A government spokesman, Chai Wacharonke, confirmed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed the finance ministry to draft the necessary legislation. Continued …

Experts divided over Thailand successfully creating an attractive casino environment

Top experts are divided about the potential for Thailand to successfully move forward with an effective, realistic, and long-lasting casino industry, which will be attractive to top international gaming operators.

In the short term, industry analyst Daniel Cheng opines that “legislation could even happen as soon as early next year”. Cheng notes that the current government “would like to see the fruits of pushing this legislation, construction and opening when they are still in government,” however, he notes that “that’s a bit of a stretch”. Continued …

Thailand readies bill to collect global tax from multinational firms

The Finance Ministry will have a global minimum tax bill ready for Cabinet approval within two weeks, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Tuesday.

He added that the bill, once enacted, will help the Revenue Department collect up to 20 billion baht more from multinational enterprises every year. Continued …

Shippers fear rising freight rates could dent exports in H2

A group of shippers is concerned rising freight rates could potentially impact exports in the second half.

The group plans to propose to the Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee on Commerce, which includes the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), that it address the issue of high costs. Continued …

New state company to run provincial airports

Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) is studying the creation of a subsidiary to operate small airports to be handed over by the loss-ridden Department of Airports under the government’s plan to stabilize state coffers.

AoT President Kirati Kijmanawat said on Tuesday the planned subsidiary would be directly under AoT, with the parent company and Vayupak funds among the main shareholders. It would not be open to private investors because its operations will involve state assets. Continued …

New Tax Measures to Boost Tourism

The Thai government has introduced new tax measures to invigorate the tourism sector during the low season. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul confirmed that these incentives will run from May to November, aiming to stimulate domestic travel and improve the economy.

The initiatives include tax deductions for companies hosting conventions and seminars, encouraging more business-related travel within the country. Continued …

Visa Waiver Approved for EU Official Passport Holders

Thai Cabinet has approve a draft ministerial regulation on visa exemption for holders of EU official passports.

The deputy government spokesperson said that on March 7, 2023, the Cabinet approved an agreement between the government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the European Union on the recognition of laissez-passer, i.e. the recognition of travel documents issued by the European Union (EU) as full travel documents for EU officials traveling to Thailand. Continued …

The Mall Group joins 35 organizations to form tourism ecosystem

The Mall Group marches forward to join forces with their various tourism industry partners, including hotels, airlines, international payment platforms, travel websites, and others, to form a Tourism Ecosystem and expand the Tourism Network.

This aims to attract foreign tourists, which the latest expansion has seen the partnering with 16 leading airlines, international payment platforms, and leading international travel websites to offer experiences and special privileges, beyond any other offers for foreign tourists, at The Mall Group’s department store. Continued …

Durian and how it can be a delicious devil

Durian, often referred to as the “king of fruits”, may not be to everybody’s liking, but its sweet, buttery flesh has plenty of devotees. The best time to enjoy this fruit is between May and June when most of the harvesting is done ahead of the rainy season.

Though the spiky fruit has high calorific and sugar content, making too much of it bad for diabetes patients, it also carries plenty of nutrients. Continued …

How Much a Trip to Thailand Will Cost on a Budget or in Style

When it comes to how to best spend your vacation and leisure time away from work, taking a trip to Thailand should be top of your list. This beautiful country is unlike any other place on Earth. Whether it’s deep in the heart of Bangkok or across the rest of the country, you’ll never be without things to do or see.

Thailand can be much less expensive compared to locations like Athens or Rome. Of course, you can enjoy Thailand like a VIP if you have the means. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

climate change, covid, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-May 21

May 21, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

#digitalwallet #thailandresorts #thailandeconomy #thaisturgeon #thailandeduczation #thailandhotels

Today’s news: New water bill app/Hua Hin’s Thai Sturgeon Farm/1,882 new COVID-19 hospitalizations, 16 deaths/Health risks getting a tattoos/Education system ‘stuck in the past’/Expanding Digital Payment Services/Gold hits all-time high/Bt9M to save golf course/Deadly explosions rock Narathiwat/Economy: Thailand’s structural issues/Brain drain at developing countries/Budget increase of Bt122 billion sought/Startups seek to gain from digital wallet/Thai hotels urge tax reform/Tourism: Tourism just shy of pre-Covid levels/Spotlighting hidden tourism gems/Thailand Experience: 5 All-Inclusive Resorts/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

New app to pay water bills almost ready

The Hua Hin Municipal Waterworks Department is set to launch a new mobile application, HH Smart. The app, which will be available in Thai and English, is designed to make it easier to pay water bills and keeping residents informed about water services.

The app, expected to be available soon, offers six features aimed at enhancing user convenience and efficiency. Continued …

The Story of Hua Hin’s Thai Sturgeon Farm

There’s always going to be an eager market for premium caviar, which is why the team behind Thai Sturgeon Farm, a state-of-the-art facility in Hua Hin, is enjoying such great success with their homegrown artisanal gourmet product.

Hailing originally from Russia, Dr. Alexey Tyutin, PhD, is the co-owner and managing director of Thai Sturgeon Farm, a 1,465-square-meter facility located in Hua Hin that launched back in 2016. Currently, the farm has 1,250 female strurgeon swimming around in its tanks, ranging in size from 15 to 40 kilos. According to Dr. Alexey, these fiesty fish can yield over 120 kilos of caviar in one spawning period, and that amount will only increase as the fish continue to grow in size. Continued …

1,882 new COVID-19 hospitalizations and 16 deaths in the last week

Thailandis experiencing a significant but underreported surge in COVID-19 cases, with both public and private hospitals feeling the strain as outpatient and inpatient admissions rise.

This trend mirrors situations in other countries like Singapore, the UK, the U.S., Australia, Canada, and France, driven by new variants from the KP lineage (e.g., KP.1, KP.2, KP.3). Continued …

Health risks associated with getting a tattoo

Tattoos have transitioned from ancient cultural rites to mainstream expressions of individuality. Their popularity spans continents and demographics, yet this surge in acceptance has not been without its concerns.

As more individuals opt to decorate their bodies with intricate designs and meaningful symbols, an essential question arises: Are tattoos safe? Recent studies and medical reports suggest that while tattoos can be a beautiful form of self-expression, they come with a range of potential health risks that should not be ignored. Continued …

Thailand’s education system ‘stuck in the past’

Students returned to school for the new academic year last week – but most found that little had changed in Thailand’s subpar education system.

“Thailand’s education is still stuck in the 2.0 era instead of stepping into the 5.0 era,” prominent educator Assoc. Prof. Sompong Jitradub commented at the start of the 2024 academic year. Continued …

Thailand Focuses on Expanding Digital Payment Services

The Bank of Thailand is actively expanding the digital payments ecosystem to enhance accessibility for both Thai citizens and foreigners, as stated by an official at the institution.

Here are the key points: The BOT is engaging in collaborations with various countries, including China, to establish partnerships centered around QR code payment systems. Continued …

Gold hits all-time high

Gold prices soared to an all-time high of US$2,450 an ounce on Monday, as a slowing inflation trend in the U.S. increased optimism that the Federal Reserve will start easing monetary policy this year, while geopolitical tension in the Middle East is on the increase.

Spot gold rose 1.4% to hit $2,450.07 an ounce in Asia on Monday, surpassing a previous intraday record reached in April. But it eased to $2,440 later in the day. U.S. gold futures soared 1.5% to $2,453.20. Continued …

City official accused of demanding Bt9M to save golf course

Police arrested a public works official of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration on Monday morning for allegedly demanding a nine-million-baht bribe in exchange for diverting a planned new road away from a golf course.

The Central Investigation Bureau said the official was arrested at his house in Nonthaburi province and his luxury cars and five Harley-Davidson motorcycles were impounded for examination. Continued …

Deadly explosions rock Narathiwat

One volunteer was killed and nine others injured in two separate explosions in Narathiwat on Monday, while rebel group Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) was holding a peace workshop with Thai officials in nearby Malaysia.

In Sukhirin district, an explosion was reported near tambon Kia’s Health Promoting Hospital at 8.20 am, killing Weerapol Abudulrahim, a volunteer providing security protection to local teachers at the time. Continued …

Thailand needs to address structural issues to propel GDP growth

Thailand needs to resolve many structural problems to be able to move beyond the sub 2% economic growth the country is currently facing, as continued high level of household debts is likely to weigh in on the possible growth for the near future.

The National Economic & Social Development Council (NESDC)’s announcement yesterday of the first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) had a clear-cut warning, the NESDC said that the high level of household debt continues to be an obstacle to the expected growth of the economy. Continued …

Brain drain whittles away at developing countries

Developing countries are seeing more and more of their talent disappearing as the U.S. and other members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) tempt highly qualified professionals to migrate and take advantage of better job opportunities, income, and welfare support in their countries than they could enjoy at home.

High-income countries like the U.S., Canada and China are competing for labor by launching immigration schemes, providing high salaries and quality of life, to attract skilled workers from around the world. Continued …

Budget increase of Bt122 billion sought to fund handout scheme

The government is seeking to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to fund its signature handout scheme, its Budget Bureau chief said on Monday, only a month after a delayed 3.48 trillion baht budget was passed.

The announcement comes as the government forges ahead with plans to release fiscal stimulus with a handout of 500 billion baht by the fourth quarter this year, the flagship policy of the ruling Pheu Thai party. Continued …

Startups seek to gain from digital wallet

Startup communities have called on the Finance Ministry to let them take part in the government’s digital wallet scheme.

They want to take the opportunity of the planned launch of the digital wallet scheme to seek ways to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt their digital technologies for digital transformation. Continued …

Thai hotels urge reform of land and building tax rates

Hotels are calling for a revision of the property tax calculation based on land appraisal prices and business income to address the uneven recovery within the hospitality industry.

President of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted that the land and building tax remains a significant challenge for hotel operators. This year, the full rate is set to be collected, following a 15% discount in 2023 and a 90% reduction during the pandemic. Continued …

Tourism in Thailand just 7% shy of pre-Covid levels

Optimism is palpable for 2024, with projections from the Mastercard Institute indicating that this year may see Thailand’s tourism rebound to pre-pandemic levels.

During an online press conference, David Mann, the chief economist for Mastercard Asia-Pacific, stated that Thailand’s tourism sector is nearing a full recovery, with current visitor numbers just 7% shy of the pre-pandemic levels. Continued …

Thailand launches new push to spotlight hidden tourism gems

Thailand has launched a major push to boost tourism revenue from second-tier provinces and cities under a five-point campaign. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said the initiative resulted from a brainstorming session held last week with nine ministries, the Royal Thai Police, and two other agencies.

The goal is to generate tourism revenue of 330 billion baht per year in the 55 second-tier provinces, said TAT Deputy Gov. Somruedee Jitjong. These provinces currently generate only 20% of overall tourism revenue, but the TAT aims to boost that figure to 30%. Continued …

5 All-Inclusive Resorts In Thailand For Any Kind Of Holiday

An all-inclusive vacation eliminates a lot of smaller issues. You no longer have to worry about your child breaking into the in-room minibar or the costs of each cocktail at dinner. Since most of the costs are laid out before the trip starts, these all-inclusive resorts in Thailand can make your holiday truly stress-free.

As cost-effective as it sounds, these all-inclusive resorts in Thailand sare far from being moderate. Luxurious and pampering in most cases, these stunning resorts let you wander to every corner of the property — the island in some cases — and explore every activity provided. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule