Category Archives: exports

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, exports, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand festivals, tourism

Friday’s news-March 28

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Breaking news! Earthquake rattles Bangkok/Cha Am, Phetchaburi Food Festival/Thai heatwave on the horizon/Air quality worsens/Chiang Mai Declares Disaster Zones/Minister Demands Safety Overhaul/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Restaurant Industry Faces Crisis/Pork prices soar/Thailand Greenlights Entertainment Complex/Handout will not be ready/Auto industry rocked by tariffs/Bangkok Motor Show/Reducing Dependence on the US/Thailand Needs New Strategy/HSBC touts Thailand/Deportations threaten EU deal/MR. D.I.Y. to add 200 stores/TOURISM: Shortening Visa-Free Stays for Chinese/Call to boost Chinese tourism/White Lotus lifts Songkran bookings/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Embracing Change in Pai/Asia’s 50 best restaurants/Old tradition meets modern life/CLIMATE THAILAND: Tax breaks for big EV investments/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

Building Collapse Traps Dozens After Bangkok Earthquake

A building under construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has collapsed following a significant earthquake, trapping 43 workers, according to the National Institute for Emergency Medicine.

Seven workers managed to escape the site, and the Narenthorn Emergency Medical Services Center, along with its rescue network, has been dispatched to provide immediate assistance. Continued …

Cha Am, Phetchaburi Food Festival April 2-6

Continued … 

Thai heatwave on the horizon

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for Thailand, predicting hot to very hot weather and cautioning against potential dangers from summer storms, including thunderstorms and strong winds. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities and take precautions from today.

A moderate high-pressure system from China is currently affecting southern China and is expected to extend over northern Vietnam and Laos today. This system will further spread to northeast Thailand and the South China Sea by tomorrow. Continued …

Air quality worsens, affecting 56 Thai provinces with high PM2.5

Air quality in the Kingdom of Thailand has deteriorated over the past week, impacting 56 provinces with elevated PM2.5 levels, notably affecting the north and northeast. Projections for the week indicate worsening conditions.

The Air Pollution Solution Communication Center’s report highlights that PM2.5 levels exceed national standards across several provinces, including Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Trat, Nong Khai, Loei, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Chaiyaphum, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Surin. Continued …

Chiang Mai Declares Disaster Zones in Two Districts as Wildfires Rage

Authorities in Chiang Mai have declared two districts as disaster zones due to severe wildfires, prompting an intensified firefighting operation involving water-bombing aircraft and strict law enforcement measures.

Jirayut Huangsup, an adviser to the National Command Center for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that emergency response teams had been deployed over the past week to battle the blazes. Ka-32 helicopters have been used to control the spread of fires in San Sai district, while the Department of Royal Rainmaking has deployed CN and Caravan aircraft to adjust atmospheric conditions and reduce air pollution in Mae Sariang and Khun Yuam districts in Mae Hong Son province. Continued …

Labor Minister Demands Safety Overhaul Following Accidents on Rama II Road

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has called for urgent safety reforms at a major construction site on Rama II Road, in response to multiple accidents causing fatalities and injuries. A meeting with Italian-Thai Development (ITD) is slated for today to address these issues.

Phiphat has instructed the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare (DLPW) and the Institute for the Promotion of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Working Conditions (POSHEC) to devise stringent safety protocols. These measures will target all construction sites nationwide, with a special focus on high-risk areas in Bangkok. Continued …

Police investigation reveals timeline of murder in Bangkok condo

The Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) yesterday revealed details of its investigation into the murder of a Thai woman at a condominium in Sukhumvit Soi 39, in Bangkok’s Watthana district.

A manhunt has been launched for Singaporean national Daniel Benjamin Goh Wei-En, 32, after the body of his 30-year-old girlfriend was found wrapped in a blanket and a bloodied bedsheet in the bathroom of the unit on the 22nd floor. Continued …

  • Police Crack Down on 15 Chinese-Backed Firms Using Thai Nominees – Continued …
  • British Expats’ Thai Villa Xanax Empire Lands them in Jail – Continued …

Thai Restaurant Industry Faces Crisis

Thailand’s restaurant industry is grappling with a severe downturn, with consumer purchasing power plummeting by over 40% in early 2025, according to Thanivarn Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn. As economic recovery slows and incomes stagnate, consumers are prioritizing savings over dining out, exacerbating financial strain on eateries.

This decline affects a wide range of establishments, from independent restaurants to food stalls in malls, all scrambling to stay competitive. With customer reluctance to purchase meals priced over 80 baht, many restaurants have resorted to slashing prices to 40-50 baht per dish. Continued …

Korat businesses struggle as pork prices soar

Rising pork prices have left business owners in Nakhon Ratchasima facing daily losses, with some considering closure. They urge the government to fulfill economic promises and address the needs of smaller businesses rather than focusing solely on the wealthy.

At a gathering at Rabieng Kiang Nam restaurant in Hua Thale subdistrict, Mueang district, representatives from pork stalls and restaurants discussed the ongoing rise in pork prices, which have increased weekly. Continued …

Thailand Greenlights Entertainment Complex Bill

The Cabinet has greenlit the game-changing Entertainment Complex Bill. This new legislation puts strict limits on casino floor sizes, allowing them to occupy only 10% of the entertainment venue’s total area.

During the bill’s revision by the Council of State, the focus was on balancing economic and social interests. Four public hearings led to a massive thumbs-up from the majority, with 80% of the 71,289 participants backing this legislation. With Cabinet approval in the bag, the bill now awaits the House of Representatives. Continued …

Phase 3 of 10,000-baht handout will not be ready before Songkran

About 2.7 million Thais eligible for the 3rd phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout scheme, formerly known as the digital wallet scheme, will not see the money before the long Songkran holidays (April 13-16), when most Thais will spend money on traveling.

The move to disburse the 27-billion-baht handout in the latest phase has already been submitted to the Cabinet and is now being considered by related agencies, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said yesterday. Continued …

Auto industry rocked by Trump’s 25% tariffs

U.S. automakers and their global rivals have been rocked by President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would impose 25% tariffs on all vehicles, as well as many foreign-made auto parts imported into the United States.

Thailand exported 42,000 passenger cars to the United States in 2024, along with about $4 billion worth of parts. Producers have been warned to brace for turbulence as the new tariffs take effect. Continued …

Chinese EV dominance reshapes Bangkok Motor Show

The 46th Bangkok International Motor Show kicked off yesterday, transforming Thailand’s automotive landscape with its boldest showcase yet. Running from March 26 to April 6 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, this spring’s exhibition welcomes over 1.6 million visitors under the theme “The Talk of Sensuous Automotive.”

The most striking development at this year’s show is the unprecedented dominance of Chinese manufacturers. With 15 Chinese brands including BYD, Zeekr, and Geely making displays, the traditional Japanese and European stronghold faces serious competition. Continued …

The Global Challenge of Reducing Dependence on the US

The Trump administration marked a turning point in the global economic order established after World War II. Its policies, characterized by a shift toward economic nationalism, challenged long-standing principles of free trade and multilateral cooperation. The new administration imposed tariffs on key trading partners, withdrew from major international agreements, and prioritized bilateral deals over multilateral frameworks.

These moves disrupted global supply chains and strained relationships with traditional allies, prompting debates about the future of globalization and the balance of power in international trade. Continued …

Thailand Needs New Strategy Amid Trump Tariffs, Says Economist

The head of Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that the country is likely to be hit by new tariffs from Donald Trump as fears grow of a looming trade war that could impact both this year and next.

He emphasized that Thailand is facing complex economic challenges and that the “next step” should focus on investing in human capital and agricultural technology, as well as increasing competitiveness in the tourism and healthcare sectors. Continued …

HSBC touts Thailand’s long-term growth potential

HSBC Thailand remains committed to supporting the Thai economy amid heightened global uncertainties, demonstrating its confidence in the country’s long-term growth potential, according to Giorgio Gamba, chief executive and head of banking at HSBC Thailand,.

Despite ongoing uncertainties, Thailand is poised to benefit from a robust infrastructure ecosystem that will sustain its economic momentum this year, he said, as he highlighted the success of a recent roadshow in China, where many foreign investors showed interest in investing in Thailand across various industries. Continued … 

Uyghur deportations threaten EU free trade deal

Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs could throw a wrench into delicate free trade talks with the European Union (EU), sparking fears of an international trade storm.

Concerns are mounting over how these actions might jeopardize Thailand’s economic relationships and its bid to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Continued …

MR. D.I.Y. planning to add 200 stores in Thailand

MR. D.I.Y. (Thailand), a home improvement and lifestyle retailer, wants to launch 200 new stores across the nation. The majority of these stores, around 90%, are to be standalone, with the remainder mall-based stores.

Andy Chin, chief executive of MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) Plc, said the standalone approach is important. The company is allocating 2 billion baht for this expansion, with the goal of surpassing 1,000 stores by the end of the year. Continued …

Thailand Considers Shortening Visa-Free Stays for Chinese Tourists

Thailand is mulling a change to its tourist policy, potentially shortening visa-free stays for Chinese visitors. Currently, the visa-free duration stands at 90 days. The new plan could see this slashed to 30 days, according to Sorawong Thienthong, the Tourism and Sports minister.

The reasoning is clear: most Chinese tourists don’t linger for long. Thienthong highlighted that the majority leave by the 15-day mark. Exceptions exist, mostly among those eager to learn Thai boxing or culinary arts. Thus, he suggests that 30 days is just right. Continued … 

ATTA boss calls for boost to Chinese tourism market

The newly appointed president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is urging the government to ramp up support for marketing initiatives and development to revive the lagging Chinese tourism market.

Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn expressed concern over the sluggish growth of the Chinese market, revealing that from January to March, ATTA welcomed only 214,213 Chinese tourists, a 47% decrease compared to the previous year. Continued …

White Lotus lifts Songkran bookings on Samui by 65%

Koh Samui tops the list of Thai destinations for the Songkran holiday next month, thanks to the influence of the hit TV series “The White Lotus”, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

The island has seen a 65% rise from a year ago in bookings by foreign tourists planning to check in between April 10 and 17, said the spokesman, citing data from the hotel booking technology firm SiteMinder. Continued …

Embracing Change in Pai, Northern Thailand’s Former Hidden Gem

The northern Thai town of Pai used to be an undiscovered getaway for intrepid travelers. Situated in the lush highlands near the Myanmar border, hours removed from the nearest international airport, Pai represented a radical alternative to resort-centric beach destinations.

Nowadays, the once-traditional community has morphed to accommodate constant waves of Western tourists who roll into and out of town on cheap Chiang Mai shuttles. Don’t get me wrong, I had a lovely stay in this pretty and popular place. But as with many aspects of life, satisfaction stems from properly calibrated expectations. Continued …

9 restaurants from Thailand among Asia’s 50 best in 2025

Nine restaurants in Thailand made it to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, a ranking that celebrates the region’s top dining spots.

Launched in 2013, the list highlights exceptional gastronomy and offers global diners local insights and recommendations. It has since become the premier ranking in the region. Continued …

Boon Pha Wet: Old tradition meets modern life

At the end of the harvest season in the 4th lunar month, it’s time for Boon Pha Wet, one of the biggest merit-making traditions of people in the northeast of Thailand.

Boon Pha Wet has different names according to the region. In the central region, it is known as “Thet Maha Chat” and is usually held in the 12th lunar month, or after Kathin season. Continued …

Cabinet approves tax breaks for big EV investments

The Cabinet has approved a draft decree to offer tax incentives for companies investing in large commercial electric vehicles (EVs). This measure allows companies to claim double the expense for locally produced EVs and 1.5 times for imported ones.

The decree aims to encourage the use of large commercial EVs, such as electric buses and trucks. The tax exemption applies to corporate income equivalent to the investment in these vehicles from the approval date until Dec. 31. Continued …

Japanese automakers scrambling over Trump’s 25% tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on all automobile imports, starting next month, has shocked Japanese automakers, as the United States is their key market. Japan exports over 1.3 million vehicles to the United States per year, making up around 30% of its auto exports on a value basis. Continued …

Japan to consider all options over US auto tariffs: PM

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said yesterday that his government has “all kinds of options” on how to respond to the imposition of 25 % tariffs on automobile imports announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Continued …

AI to render 39% of global skills obsolete, Bitkub CEO warns

Despite reassurances from some experts that artificial intelligence (AI) will never fully replace the human workforce, the CEO and founder of Bitkub has issued a stark warning: AI is poised to render approximately 39% of global workforce skills redundant, with sectors like healthcare, finance, and education facing significant job disruption. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
bangkok, exports, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism

Wednesday’s news-March 26

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Hua Hin Marathon/To sterilize more monkeys/Highest air pollution levels/Air pollution remains high in Bangkok/National park shut indefinitely/Set for a wet and windy ride/Thailand’s bureaucratic burden/Thailand’s rural doctors/Thailand Expands Digital Healthcare/LPG Tanker Runs Aground/Woman celebrates 15th straight lottery win/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Export growth to fall/TOURISM: Fueling Thailand’s Tourism Growth/Casinos could spook Chinese tourists/Auto producers postpone export models/British tourist identified/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Magic of Songkran 2025/Thai cooking classes in Bangkok/CLIMATE THAILAND: Phuket Revolutionizes Thailand’s Tourism Industry/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

Hua Hin Marathon set for May 11

Continued …

Hua Hin to sterilize more monkeys

Continued …

 

North and northeast regions report highest air pollution levels

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported this morning that 43 provinces were blanketed with unsafe levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) and red (hazardous-to-health) levels of the dust were detected in 18 northern and northeastern provinces. The government-set safe level is at 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air in 24 hours.

Moderate air quality with PM2.5 levels from 26.4 to 36.5µg/m³ were recorded in Bangkok and 32 provinces, including Ayutthaya, Chumphon, Krabi, Nakhon Pathom, Phangnga, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla and Surat Thani. Continued …

Air pollution remains high in all Bangkok districts

The air quality in all 50 districts of Bangkok was categorized as “orange”, or starting to affect health, this morning, the Air Quality Information Center of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said.

The center reported the average PM2.5 levels throughout the city at 44.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), in excess of the country’s standard of 37.5 µg/m³ over a three-hour average (5am to 7am). Continued …

Phayao national park shut indefinitely as hotspots increase

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) yesterday announced the closure of the Doi Phu Nang National Park in Phayao province indefinitely following an increasing number of hotspots from wildfires.

The closure will allow nature to rehabilitate itself, while also preventing future wildfires in the area, which are mostly caused by villagers setting fire to the trees to hunt wild animals or harvest wild mushrooms. Continued …

Storm warning: Thailand set for a wet and windy ride

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) has warned about heavy rain in 20 provinces, including Bangkok, advising caution due to potential dangers. Upper Thailand is experiencing extreme heat, with preparations needed for the upcoming summer storm, including strong winds and hail expected today.

A 24-hour weather forecast indicates that upper Thailand remains generally hot, with some areas experiencing extreme heat and haze. Thunderstorms with strong winds are anticipated in certain areas due to low atmospheric pressure caused by heat and the presence of southwesterly and southeasterly winds. Continued …

Thailand’s bureaucratic burden exposed as world governments streamline

Thailand remains a deeply entrenched bureaucratic state despite a growing trend for more efficient and streamlined governments, according to experts.

In the United States, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is busy slashing the federal workforce. Britain, meanwhile, aims to cut 10,000 government jobs by 2030, using AI to streamline operations and save 87 billion baht. Closer to Thailand, communist Vietnam has unveiled plans to slash its government workforce by 100,000 from the current 2 million to eliminate redundant bureaucracy and enhance efficiency. Continued …

Thailand’s rural doctors venture to remote places

Physician Pittaya Lhawong often travels far and wide from his hospital to make house calls and treat patients in remote corners of Mae Hong Son Province. He’s among a younger generation of doctors who have taken up the mantle of keeping Thailand’s decades-old Rural Doctors Movement going.

Their mission is to deliver medical care to places that are hard to reach and to bridge health-care disparities between urban communities and underserved populations across the countryside. Continued …

Thailand Expands Digital Healthcare to Cut Hospital Crowds

The Ministry of Public Health is advancing efforts to modernize healthcare delivery, with the goal of reducing outpatient congestion in public hospitals by at least 5% by September 2025. The strategy combines telemedicine services, home delivery of medication, and the use of digital medical certificates to provide faster and more accessible care, while easing the strain on medical staff and facilities.

Data from the ministry shows telemedicine has already contributed to a steady decline in outpatient visits. Between 2022 and 2024, average daily visits dropped from over 23,000 to 13,000 in regional hospitals and from nearly 30,000 to under 19,000 in general hospitals. Continued …

LPG Tanker Runs Aground Near Koh Larn’s Tawaen Beach, No Gas Leak Reported

An LPG tanker ran aground near Tawaen Beach, Koh Larn, in the early hours of yesterday morning. Fortunately, no gas leaks or environmental hazards were reported.

According to the ship’s captain, the grounding happened while attempting to avoid a fishing boat. However, the owner of the fishing vessel, who shared footage of the incident online, criticized the tanker’s actions, insisting that his boat had been clearly visible with all lights on. Continued …

Kamphaeng Phet woman celebrates 15th straight lottery win

A 55-year-old resident of Kamphaeng Phet province has gained a reputation for her repeated lottery successes. As of Tuesday, she has won the lottery 15 times consecutively, including the draw on March 16.

Sukanaya’s winning numbers are reportedly obtained through rituals at a spirit house in front of her home in Kosamphi subdistrict, Kosamphi Nakhon district. This has led to a buzz among locals, with many following her number choices and experiencing their lottery wins. Sukanaya, also known as Suay, has also donated a van to the Sawang rescue unit in Kosamphi Nakhon to assist the community. Continued …

  • Ugandan Nationals Deported for Illegal Activities in Phuket – Continued … 
  • Drunken Tunisian Tourist Arrested After Holding Thai Woman Hostage in Pattaya Bar – Continued …
  • Foreign Women Detained in Bangkok Karaoke Raid – Continued …
  • Dutch tourist runs naked in Krabi hotel, takes a tumble – Continued …

Bank predicts Thailand’s export growth in 2025 to fall to 1.6%

The Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has lowered its export growth forecast for 2025 from 2% to 1.6%, citing trade wars and external factors as the main reasons.

In November, the SCB EIC predicted that Thailand’s export growth would be around 2%, while the Commerce Ministry and the government had set an export growth target of 3%-3.5%. The SCB EIC explained that the growth drivers seen in the first quarter of this year were not sustainable enough to support expansion throughout the year. Continued …

Thai auto producers postpone export models as tariffs loom

Car manufacturers in Thailand have decided to delay making some models for export due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy. Trump said on March 24 he is preparing to impose an auto tariff soon and will push ahead with other levies on April 2, according to media reports.

Washington’s trade policy has caused Thailand’s trading partners to reduce purchases of mostly internal combustion engine-powered cars, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club. Continued …

What is Fueling Thailand’s 2.9% Year-on-Year Growth in Foreign Visitors?

From Jan. 1 to March 23, Thailand reportedly has seen an increase in foreign tourist arrivals by 2.9% compared to the same period the previous year. This growth was significant, indicating a steady recovery in the tourism sector. In total, 8.88 million foreign visitors arrived during this period, reflecting Thailand’s ongoing appeal as a global travel destination.

The most notable contributor to this growth was China, which remained the largest source of international tourists for Thailand, with 1.26 million visitors from the country. The report also highlighted the increasing significance of China as a key market for Thailand’s tourism industry, a trend that could continue as tourism flows grow. Continued …

Tourism firms fear legal casinos could spook Chinese tourists

Tourism operators are warning the Chinese market could significantly decline if Thailand legalizes casinos and online gambling, after the issue was raised during the censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday.

The opposition People’s Party argued that legalizing casinos was never included in the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign pledges. The policy puts the Thai tourism sector at risk if China discourages its citizens from visiting Thailand as a result of legalized gambling, noted the opposition. Continued …

British tourist beaten to death by bar workers in Bangkok identified

The British tourist who died in Bangkok following a violent altercation with two karaoke bar workers last Sunday has been identified. The British man, 28-year-old Nick Weir from Salisbury, Wiltshire, South West England, was found lying on a footpath near Soi Pracharat Sai 1, in the Bang Sue district of Bangkok.

His body, wearing black shorts and a yellow polo shirt, was discovered with blood flowing from his nose. Police were called to the scene shortly after the altercation, but the man, who had no personal documents on him, was already unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead. Continued …

Thailand Unleashes the Magic of Songkran 2025 with Dazzling Nationwide Festivities

Thailand is set to dazzle the world this April as it unleashes the full magic of Songkran 2025, transforming cities, villages, and beaches into vibrant hubs of celebration. With its rich blend of spiritual rituals, joyful water-splashing traditions, and cultural parades, this year’s Thai New Year festival promises to be bigger, bolder, and more unifying than ever.

Backed by nationwide campaigns and UNESCO recognition, Songkran 2025 is not just a holiday — it’s a powerful cultural phenomenon reigniting national pride and propeling Thailand’s tourism revival on a global stage. Continued …

Get hands-on experience at these Thai cooking classes in Bangkok

There’s a lot involved in cooking Thai cuisine. Of course, you have your essentials, from the classic tom yum, to fragrant curries with well-cooked proteins.

If you had your share in beginner courses, there are also ample classes for baking, vegetarian cooking, and even how to select better ingredients from the market. Here are the best Thai cooking classes in Bangkok you will fall in love with. Continued …

Phuket Revolutionizes Thailand’s Tourism Industry With Carbon-Neutral Commitments

Phuket is taking bold steps to lead Thailand in sustainable tourism, with plans to make its Old Town carbon-neutral by 2030 and promote green hotel certifications. Tourism accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions, and Phuket, one of Thailand’s premier tourist destinations, is taking bold steps to reduce its environmental impact.

The Phuket Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation is at the forefront of efforts to make the island’s Old Town carbon-neutral by 2030. Additionally, the foundation aims to introduce green standards for tourism operators, with plans to help over 600 hotels achieve green certifications within the next two years. Continued …

BYD sales pass $100 billion, topping Tesla

Sales of BYD last year surpassed $100 billion, leapfrogging rival Tesla, as the Chinese auto giant wows consumers with a range of electric and hybrid cars packed with high-tech features. Continued …

Canadians cancel summer trips to Trump’s America

Rosalie Cote and her parents vacationed in the U.S. state of Maine every summer for 25 years – but this year they are staying home, incensed like many Canadians by Donald Trump’s threats of annexation and tariffs. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
bangkok, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, retirement, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-March 22

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Tourist’s Hua Hin Jail Ordeal/Chiva-som to mark 30th anniversary/What to know about hair loss/Earth Hour 2025 tomorrow/Air quality worsens in Bangkok/Rare leopards spotted again/Car wash service for elephants/Warnings target defense volunteers/Attacker of Dentists Found Dead/ECONOMY: Thailand’s economy the ‘Sick Man of Asia’/Thai bad debt soars/Restaurants and Bars Urge Tax Suspension/Exports grow by 14%/Concerns Over Land Bridge/TTB denies merger talks/Influencers warned not to dodge tax/Trade War Intensifies/TOURISM: 30-Day Visa-Free Change Stalled/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Top 10 retirement spots/Thai Tour ready to roll/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

British Tourist’s Hua Hin Jail Ordeal

Lewis Green, a 22-year-old traveler from Staffordshire, United Kingdom, endured a harrowing ordeal after being incarcerated in a Thai jail. Set against the backdrop of a two-month solo adventure in Thailand, Green’s nightmare began on Jan. 24 in Hua Hin, merely a day before he was due to return home.

Green’s account unveils a narrative of being drugged, beaten, and starved while shackled in a squalid police cell. He alleged that he was forced to consume his own urine from the cell floor due to dehydration and lack of clean water. The young tourist, who sustained serious injuries including fractured ribs and a broken wrist, contends he was targeted and possibly spiked with a hallucination-inducing drug. Continued …

Chiva-som Hua Hin Resort to mark its 30th anniversary

Chivasom Hua Hin Resort will present various celebrations and wellness programs in April to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

During the event, there will also be tree planting, exhibitions, and classical Khon masque performances, allowing customers to participate directly in sustainability activities to protect local culture. Continued …

What dermatologists want you to know about hair loss

Hair loss can be an upsetting and worrisome experience. But with a slew of wellness brands and influencers promising the best treatment, how do you know where to turn?

You should be wary of people online advertising products that offer a quick, one-size-fits-all fix, Dr. Mansha Thacker, board-certified dermatologist at Pennsylvania’s St. Luke’s University Health Network says. Continued …

Thais urged to turn off lights for Earth Hour 2025 tomorrow

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is inviting everyone in Bangkok to join Earth Hour 2025 tomorrow, by turning off their lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. People in about 7,000 cities in 190 countries are expected to take part this year.

This year, the BMA has requested cooperation from many city landmarks by switching off their lights for the hour, including the Emerald Buddha Temple, the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, the Giant Swing, Rama VIII Bridge, and the Temple of the Golden Mount in Bangkok. Continued …

Air quality worsens in all of Bangkok metropolitan this morning

The air quality in all 50 districts of Bangkok this morning was at “orange” level, or starting to affect health, the Air Quality Information Center of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said.

The center reported that the average PM2.5 levels throughout the city rose to 49.9 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), above the country’s standard of 37.5 µg/m³ over a three-hour average (5am to 7am). Friday’s reading at the same time was 45 µg/m³. Continued …

Rare leopards spotted again in Kaeng Krachan National Park

Two clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa), an endangered species, believed to be a mother-cub pair, have been captured on a trap camera in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province, the park head revealed yesterday.

Set up in early January, the camera trap was meant to capture a herd of wild banteng (Bos javanicus) previously spotted by some villagers, said Mongkol Chaipukdee, the park chief. Continued …

Car wash in Chonburi’s Si Racha offers bath service for elephants

A car care center in Chonburi’s Si Racha district recently introduced a unique business model — offering a bathing service for elephants. A photo posted online on Thursday garnered 14,000 likes, 389 comments and 11,000 shares. A follow-up video showed the elephant enjoying its bath as staff sprayed water and delighted it enough to swing its trunk. (The Nation)

Life-threatening warnings target defense volunteers in south

Insurgents have warned Muslim defense volunteers in the southern border region to back down or face life-threatening consequences.

Authorities reported that leaflets threatening the lives of Muslim defense volunteers were found at a mosque in Kapho district shortly after midnight on Friday. The paper, written in Thai Malayu, was left by two young men on a motorcycle who then fled the scene. Continued …

German Attacker of Dentists in Korat Found Dead with Slashed Neck

A 41-year-old German national, recently involved in a series of violent outbursts against dentists in Korat, has been found dead, prompting police to investigate potential suicide or murder.

The man lived in Non Sung, Nakhon Ratchasima, with his Thai wife. Reports indicate he had been acting erratically, including damaging property in dental clinics and attacking female dentists by headbutting walls and biting their lips since November 2024. His online threats further alarmed local dental professionals, with incidents reported across several clinics. Continued …

KResearch compares Thailand’s economy to the ‘Sick Man of Asia’

Burin Adulwattana, managing director and chief economist of Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch), stated that the Thai economy is concerning. The GDP forecast is 2.4%, with increased downside risks, mainly from the trade war.

He noted that the economy lacks positive factors, with weak domestic demand, leading to Thailand being called the “Sick Man of Asia.” He emphasized the need for quick-win policies, including debt resolution. Continued …

Thai bad debt soars to all-time high of Bt1.23 trillion

Bad household debt in Thailand has risen by 25% since the end of 2022, reaching a record-high 1.23 trillion baht as of January this year, according to the National Credit Bureau (NCB).

Outstanding non-performing loans (NPLs) in the household sector are expected to rise again in the first quarter of this year, said Surapol Opasatien, the bureau’s chief executive. Continued …

Thai Restaurants and Bars Urge 5% Tax Suspension amid Economic Woes

A chorus of concerned voices is pleading with the government to suspend the 5% excise tax. This tax, they argue, is an impediment at a time when economic sluggishness already has them on shaky ground.

The appeal, delivered on Tuesday, seeks a temporary reprieve from the excise duty that venues operating past midnight — such as bars and restaurants — must shoulder. This initiative emerges from the united front of six key associations, including the Night Restaurant Business Trade Assn. and the Khao San Road Business Assn. Continued …

Exports grow by 14% as momentum continues

Exports surged by 14% year-on-year to US$26.7 billion in February, marking eight consecutive months of growth, according to the Commerce Ministry.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said imports were valued at $24.7 billion in February, a 4% year-on-year increase, resulting in a trade surplus of $1.99 billion. Continued …

Concerns Mount Over Thailand’s Land Bridge Project Impact

The ambitious land bridge project connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, worth 1 trillion baht, is stirring significant concerns among environmentalists, local communities, and legal experts. The project, which aims to construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong, is being scrutinized for its potential environmental impact and socio-economic consequences.

Key organizations such as the Environment Law Foundation (EnLaw), Beach for Life, and the Southern Green Foundation have embarked on comprehensive research to evaluate the ramifications of the land bridge initiative. According to Apichak Thasanee, coordinator of Beach for Life, there is a growing apprehension regarding the lack of in-depth impact studies by the government. Continued …

TTB denies merger talks with Krungthai

The TMBThanachart Bank (TTB) yesterday rejected speculation of a potential merger with Krungthai Bank (KTB) or any other financial institution. In an internal message, TTB’s CEO Piti Tanthakasem dismissed reports from Thai media outlets claming merger discussions were ongoing between TTB and the state-owned Krungthai Bank.

He said that TTB’s board of directors had never considered or discussed such a move, nor had they instructed the management to pursue it. Piti also confirmed that no merger plans were included in TTB’s five-year strategy. Continued …

Influencers, online vendors warned not to dodge tax

The Thai Revenue Department has warned social media influencers and online vendors to file their annual income tax documents by the end of this month to avoid hefty fines and penalties.

Director-general Pinsai Suraswadi recently said he was concerned about individual income earners who have never submitted their annual income filings, particularly young people just starting a career, e-commerce vendors, influencers, and product reviewers. Continued …

Trade War Intensifies, Weighing on US, Japan, and China

The trade war strains the U.S. and Japanese economies, while China faces declining exports. U.S. economic slowdown is evident with falling consumer confidence; Japan adopts cautious rate hikes, and China’s inflation turns negative.

The U.S. economy is showing increasing signs of a slowdown amid uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s economic and trade policies. Continued …

Thailand Holds Off on 30-Day Visa-Free Change

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still deliberating the possibility of reducing the visa-free period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days, with no decision made thus far. Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura reassured that no new visa regulations are currently in place, so tourists visiting Thailand remain unaffected for now.

The discussion comes in response to recent widespread reports, both locally and internationally, suggesting a sudden change was on the horizon. At its heart, the conversation focuses on balancing the nation’s tourism appeal with concerns about security and illegal activities. Continued …

Malaysia, Thailand only Southeast Asian nations in Top 10 retirement spots

Malaysia has been ranked as one of the top 10 countries for retirement in 2025 by International Living, securing the seventh spot in the magazine’s annual Global Retirement Index.

The Ireland-based publication assessed 20 countries based on several key factors, including cost of living, healthcare, visa and residency options, climate, governance, and lifestyle. Malaysia and Thailand were the only Southeast Asian nations to make the top 10, with Thailand in 10th place. Continued …

Thai Tour ready to roll in Sa Kaeo

The Tour of Thailand 2025 will take place in Sa Kaeo next week. The event, which will be held from March 24 to April 2, will take place in nine districts of Sa Kaeo, with a total distance of 1,071.21 kilometers.

The men’s event includes six stages from March 24-29, while the three-stage women’s race will be held from March 31-April 2. “There will be a lot of international cyclists participating in the Tour of Thailand 2025. We expect a lot of visitors during the tournament, which will drive tourism and the economy,” Kritsada Tanterdtid, secretary to Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, said yesterday. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, thailand islands, tourism

Friday’s news-March 21

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Playground equipment for Soi 19/Free burgers at Arno’s/Cha Am kite festival/’Zero dropout’ school policy/Hotel regulatory requirements explained/Thailand braces for colder weather/Thailand’s Global Happiness Rank/PM2.5 levels soar/Bangkok 8th most polluted city/Pipe bomb attack in Pattani/Five Thai cat breeds that bring wealth/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Economy Projected to Grow 2.5%/Touted as casino alternatives/Billions for Bangkok casino/Urged to halt digital wallet handouts/Trade war a 2018 replay?/Samui property developers to cash in/KTB-TTB merger/TOURISM: Alcohol rules for officials, not tourists/Surge in Thailand Travel Insurance Sales/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Traditional or outgoing day for Songkran?/Thai Rice Whiskey/Hat Yai 3rd cheapest destination/Bangkok’s Ultimate Chilli Showdown/World’s rarest waterfall phenomenon/Walk Through Song Wat/Hidden Thai waterfall remains uncrowded/CLIMATE THAILAND: Online system to track solar cells-rooftops/Municipality saves on waste disposal/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 playground equipment for Soi 19

Continued …

Free burgers at Arno’s grand opening March 23

Continued …

Cha Am kite festival this weekend

Continued …

 

PKK adopts ‘zero dropout’ school policy

Continued …

 

Regulatory requirements explained to Hua Hin hotels

Continued …

Thailand braces for colder weather, strong winds, and heavy rain

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a significant weather change, with colder temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain expected in the coming days. Specific regions, especially in the south, should prepare for severe weather conditions.

The eastern and southeastern winds over the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea are strengthening, resulting in increased rainfall and heavy precipitation in some areas. Continued … 

Thailand’s Global Happiness Rank improves – but only to 49th

Thailand’s title as the Land of Smiles faces jeopardy as a new global happiness ranking places the nation at 49th. While this signifies a five-place improvement from last year, Thailand still lags behind regional peers like Singapore and Vietnam, casting concerns over the nation’s overall well-being.

Released on the United Nations International Day of Happiness, the World Happiness Report highlights a concerning global trend. In the United States and parts of Europe, happiness and social trust are on the decline, fueling political fractures. Continued …

PM2.5 levels soar across 37 Thai provinces

The Air Pollution Solutions Communication Center reported that PM2.5 levels exceeded the standard in 37 provinces across Thailand, with northern and northeastern regions experiencing the highest levels o  air pollution. The situation is expected to worsen over the next seven days.

Yesterday’s report highlighted that PM2.5 levels in several provinces, including Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Prakan, exceeded safe thresholds. Northern provinces such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Lamphun, as well as northeastern regions such as Nong Khai and Loei, are also significantly affected. Continued …

Bangkok chokes its way into world’s top 10 most polluted cities

Bangkok today landed among the world’s most polluted cities, ranking eighth in the latest IQAir report, with an air quality index (AQI) of 141. The city’s air pollution has once again raised health concerns, especially for vulnerable groups.

Bangkok wasn’t the only Thai location struggling with toxic air. Several provinces and districts recorded even worse air quality, with Samut Songkhram topping the national list at 163 AQI. Continued …

Pipe bomb attack injures five at Pattani police checkpoint

Two people disguised as Muslim women threw a pipe bomb at a police checkpoint in Pattani province Wednesday, injuring five residents, including a family of five.

Officers from the Sai Buri District Police Station were alerted to the attack at the Wat Lieb checkpoint in Taluban subdistrict. While police officers stationed at the checkpoint remained unharmed, the five injured residents were transported to Sai Buri Hospital, with initial reports indicating stable conditions. Continued …

Five Thai cat breeds that bring wealth, charisma to their owners

In Thai culture, five breeds of cats are believed to bring prosperity, including wealth and charisma, to their owners.

These cats are not only cherished as pets but also revered as sacred beings that bring good fortune and protect their owners from misfortune. Here are five such breeds of Thai cats: Continued …

  • Israeli tourist defecates in Pattaya taxi – Continued … 
  • Former Yakuza Gang Member Arrested for Call Center Scam and Money Laundering – Continued … 
  • British man goes on tantrum in Thai restaurant – Continued … 
  • Chinese Scam Network Busted in Pattaya – Continued … 
  • Woman Escapes Foreign Attacker in Pattaya – Continued … 
  • Smelly foreigner limps away from Thai massage tab – Continued … 
  • Philippine couple busted over investment scam – Continued … 
  • Chinese dating scammer arrested for targeting foreign men in Chiang Mai – Continued … 

Thai Economy Projected to Grow just Over 2.5% in 2025, Says Bank of Thailand

Thailand’s economy is expected to grow just over 2.5% this year, below earlier forecasts, according to the BoT’s latest meeting minutes.

Thailand’s economy is facing challenges from weaker global demand and slower-than-expected recovery in the tourism sector, key factors contributing to the downward revision in growth forecasts. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) also highlighted concerns over rising household debt levels and global economic uncertainties, which may further weigh on domestic consumption and investment. Continued … 

Secondary cities touted as casino alternatives

In a move aimed at alleviating overtourism in Thailand’s bustling major destinations, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), advocated on Wednesday for the development of entertainment complexes in secondary cities.

Speaking at a roundtable organized by Krungthep Turakij, Thienprasit underscored the necessity of securing local consensus via referendums before such projects can proceed, highlighting potential sites like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya in Chonburi. Continued …

Galaxy mulls investing billions for Bangkok casino

Galaxy Entertainment Group is considering investing billions of dollars in the proposed casino and entertainment complex in Bangkok. The group is headquartered in Macau and owns a number of casinos in the Chinese city.

Kevin Clayton, chief brand officer at Galaxy Resorts Thailand, said government initiatives such as the plan to host Formula One and build an entertainment complex show its ambition to leverage tourism, with foreign arrivals potentially rising from 36 million to 50 million, increasing the targeted revenue to 5 trillion baht from 3 trillion, while contributing 30% of GDP, up from 20%. Continued …

Government urged to halt digital wallet handouts, focus on economy

The government should suspend the next round of digital wallet handouts and address long-term economic issues, the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) said.

Somchai Jitsuchon, TDRI’s research director for inclusive development, said yesterday that digital wallet handouts for teenagers aged 16-20 would have a weaker economic impact than the first phase, which targeted state welfare cardholders and vulnerable groups. Continued …

Will Trump’s trade war be a 2018 replay in Asia?

While the unfolding tariff war has many similarities with Donald Trump’s first trade skirmish in 2018 – including levies on aluminium and steel and a “stop-go” trajectory – that’s where the resemblance ends.

That could be bad news for much of Asia. First, the scale is far higher this time around, and more countries are likely to come under the tariff net. In 2018, the average tariff revenue of the U.S., as a proportion of goods imports, increased from 1.5% to 2.9%, according to the Yale Budget Lab. If all of the currently proposed tariffs are implemented and remain in place through 2025, U.S. tariff revenue would increase to 9.5%. Continued …

Samui property developers to cash in on hit TV series

Koh Samui, the resort island in Surat Thani province, is expected to enjoy increasing demand for condominiums and villas this year, thanks to the popularity of hit American TV series “The White Lotus”, according to investment management firm Colliers Thailand.

Season 3 of the popular series was primarily filmed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, with additional scenes shot at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort and various locations in Phang Nga and Bangkok. Continued …

KTB-TTB merger set to form Thailand’s ‘Super Bank’

All eyes in the Thai banking industry are on the merger talks between the state-owned Krungthai Bank (KTB) and TMBThanachart Bank (TTB). When finalized, the deal will create a new “super bank” and become Thailand’s no.1 bank in terms of total assets.

KTB is a state-owned bank established in 1966, with the Finance Ministry being the largest shareholder. It has total assets of 3.64 billion baht, ranking in fourth position behind Bangkok Bank (BBL, 4.55 trillion baht), Kasikornbank (KBANK, 4.33 trillion baht), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB, 3.49 trillion baht), respectively. Continued …

Thailand eases alcohol rules for officials, not tourists

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has revised regulations to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas within national parks. However, this relaxation applies only to officials and organized groups who obtain permission, while tourists remain prohibited from consuming alcohol.

The department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has been gathering public feedback on the draft regulations for accessing national parks. Key updates include clarifications on the use of park spaces, the regulation of unmanned vehicles such as drones, and guidelines for holding sporting events for governmental benefit. Continued …

The White Lotus Effect Fuels Surge in Thailand Travel Insurance Sales

Thailand has rapidly become one of the world’s top travel destinations, thanks in part to the global success of the hit HBO series The White Lotus, whose current season takes place there.

Recent travel insurance comparison data from Squaremouth, a top travel insurance marketplace, shows that Thailand has climbed into the 15 most popular global destinations for 2025, with a 12% increase in popularity since 2024. Similar to the tourism boost Sicily saw from the second season of the show (32% rise in searches), Thailand is on track to break tourism records this year. Continued …

Traditional or outgoing day for Songkran in Thailand?

The beloved Thai New Year’s Songkran holiday is fast approaching and it is time to unplug, take a step back, and take a well-deserved time off. Out of every major holiday in Thailand, Songkran holds the title for being the one most looked forward to, both by locals and tourists.

Is a Songkran holiday in Thailand really complete without diving into the core traditions of such a sacred period of the year? Of course, all the festivals are a must, but there’s something innately unique about experiencing the culture first-hand. Continued …

Thai Rice Whiskey Is All Grown Up

From the famous islands in the south to the hill towns in the north, Thailand has long been considered a party destination, despite having some of the highest alcohol prices in Asia. To avoid the high cost of premium alcohol, both locals and tourists often turn to cheaper Thai brands of whiskey and rum.

As the country develops its own gourmet standards, some restaurants and bars are working to elevate the often-mocked reputation of its traditional moonshine, lao khao, in boutique cocktails. Continued …

Hat Yai ranks 3rd cheapest destination in Asia this summer

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its list of the most affordable destinations for summer travel in April and May 2025. From serene beaches to bustling cities, these destinations offer budget-conscious travelers a chance to explore without breaking the bank.

Phong Nha, Vietnam, tops the list with an average room rate of just 950 baht per night, making it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure and natural beauty this summer. In Thailand, Hat Yai is the cheapest destination this summer, ranking third among Asia’s cheapest destinations. Continued …

Heat Seekers Unite At Bangkoks Ultimate Chilli Showdown

The city’s most daring culinary adventure returns this April as Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok hosts its third annual “Chilli Fest” on Saturday, April 5. This fiery food celebration promises to push spice boundaries with an impressive roster of acclaimed chefs, a thrilling chilli-eating competition, and entertainment guaranteed to make you sweat.

Set within the hotel’s verdant Urban Oasis, this year’s festival has expanded to showcase fiery cuisines spanning multiple continents, from Myanmar and India to New Orleans, South Korea, Spain, the Middle East, China, Sri Lanka, and naturally, Thailand. Continued …

This natural hot spring in Thailand creates the world’s rarest waterfall phenomenon

Phu Sang National Park in Thailand harbors an extraordinary natural wonder that few international travelers ever discover: a waterfall that flows with warm water year-round. Unlike the chilly cascades typically found in mountain regions, this unique phenomenon offers visitors a geothermal surprise in northern Thailand’s verdant wilderness.

Tucked away in Thailand’s northernmost reaches near the Laos border, Phu Sang National Park features a geological marvel that defies expectations. The park’s signature waterfall is fed by natural hot springs that maintain a constant temperature of approximately 93°F (33°C), creating a perfect natural spa environment regardless of season. Continued …

A Walk Through Song Wat

Tucked away in Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, Song Wat Road is a journey through time. Once known as the city’s Spice Road, it was a vibrant hub where Indian, Chinese, and Thai communities lived and traded together.

Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, this storied district seamlessly blends the charm of old-world commerce with a fresh wave of artistic and culinary innovation. Continued …

This hidden Thai waterfall sits steps from a highway, and remains uncrowded

Thailand’s hidden gem, Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, offers an enchanting escape from the tourist crowds that flock to Kanchanaburi’s more famous cascades. While Erawan National Park draws visitors by the busload, this lesser-known natural wonder provides a serene alternative where you can experience Thailand’s lush beauty without fighting for space to snap the perfect photo.

Known to locals as “Tok Khao Pung” or “crumbled mountain,” Sai Yok Noi tells a story through its very name. The cascade tumbles gracefully over limestone formations that appear to have crumbled away over centuries, creating a picturesque scene that feels intimately connected to the surrounding landscape. Continued …

EGAT opens online system to track applications for solar cells-rooftops

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has opened an online channel for entrepreneurs who have applied for a license for the installation of solar cells and solar rooftops for electricity production from 200-1,000 kilovolt-amperes (kVA).

The service tracks the status and progress of the consideration of the license application, both in the license application process under the responsibility of the ERC and in the responsibility of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) at a single point. Continued …

University helps municipality save Bt2.3 million on waste disposal

Walailak University has helped a tambon municipality in Nakhon Si Thammarat save 2.3 million baht annually by implementing waste-separation and reuse measures.

The public university in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat has been working with Tambon Pak Poon Municipality in mueang district to reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal from 18 tons per day to just 1.8 tons. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
exports, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, real estate, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, thailand islands, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-March 19

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EXAT clears collapsed bridge/Alcohol Sales Barred on Trains/Alcohol ban in national parks/To import 80,000 tons of coffee/Can Coffee-Free Brews Satisfy?/Locals dump blackchin tilapia/Myanmar’s Illicit Scam Center Operations/Thailand rated ‘not free’/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Pact expected to help double trade/Lose an entire decade/Fuel consumption climbs/$1 billion for Thai data center/Illegal Thai workers send billions home/TOURISM: Phuket Hotels Unfazed by 30-Day Visa/Foreign beggars in Pattaya/Phuket’s Largest Foreign Slum/Portable batteries on planes/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Swapping ‘dreary’ care homes/Marine national parks earn recognition/CLIMATE THAILAND: ASEAN’s grid for green growth/Launching fast-charging EV systems/Probe into Kok River Water Quality/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

EXAT clears collapsed Rama II bridge

The inbound lane to the expressway on Rama II Road, affected by the collapse on Saturday of a nearby bridge project, is expected to reopen by tomorrow, according to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT).

Work to demolish the collapsed bridge is now 90% complete, while the contractor, Italian-Thai Development (ITD), has outlined its ongoing efforts to compensate the victims. Continued …

Alcohol Sales Barred on Trains and at Hua Lamphong

Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has rejected the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) appeal to permit alcohol sales on trains and at the bustling Hua Lamphong station. This decision resonates with a longstanding policy reflecting the country’s commitment to public safety and health.

Chaired by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, the recent committee meeting witnessed the denial of SRT’s proposal. Panumat Yannawetsakul, the director-general of the Disease Control Department, conveyed that the SRT must reconsider and resubmit their proposal at an upcoming session, citing concerns that require attention. Continued …

Alcohol ban in national parks to be relaxed

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has revised its regulations to allow alcohol consumption within designated areas for certain groups, provided a permit is granted by the park’s chief, according to the department’s head.

Attapol Charoenchansa said the DNP conducted a series of public hearings on amendments to its national park regulations, including the issue of permitting alcohol consumption in certain areas. Continued …

Thailand to import 80,000 tons of coffee in 2025

Due to a significant decline in coffee bean production, Thailand will need to import approximately 80,000 tons of coffee beans, instant coffee, and other coffee products this year, a senior government official stated yesterday.

Thantita Boonyamaneekul, deputy secretary-general of the Office of Agricultural Economics, revealed that in 2023 Thailand produced 15,651 tons of coffee beans, consisting of 10,682 tons of Arabica and 4,969 tons of Robusta. Continued …

Breaking Up with Caffeine: Can Coffee-Free Brews Satisfy?

For most of us, coffee has been the heartbeat of our mornings. It’s the fuel of our deadlines, the companion to our slow Sunday afternoons and an experience that we like to absorb ourselves in.

But in the ever-expanding wellness universe, conversations around anxiety, adrenal fatigue, and the perils of over-caffeination have become louder. The quiet movement of caffeine-free alternatives like date-seed coffee, mushroom coffee, and chicory blends has become prominent. Can caffeine-free coffee alternatives offer the same satisfaction? Continued …

Affected locals dump blackchin tilapia at Government House

People’s networks dumped five tons of dead blackchin tilapia fish in front of Government House today, demanding that the prime minister address the problem of the invasive species immediately.

They were from 19 provinces, including Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon. They claim that the presence and uncontrolled breeding of the fish represent the worst environmental disaster in Thailand’s history. Continued …

Crackdown Fails to Free 100,000 From Myanmar’s Illicit Scam Center Operations

In the wake of an extensive multinational crackdown, significant scam centers remain operative along the Thai-Myanmar border, with up to 100,000 individuals thought to be entangled in their web, according to the leading Thai police general overseeing this regional effort.

Thailand is spearheading a strategic initiative to dismantle these illicit hubs, which the United Nations identifies as a significant component of Southeast Asia’s sprawling illegal network, raking in billions annually. Many individuals are trafficked into these centers by organized gangs. Continued …

Thailand rated ‘not free’ in 2025 Freedom House rankings

Thailand is classified as a “not-free” country in the recent annual freedom ranking by Freedom House, which surveys freedoms and rights in over 195 countries and 13 territories around the world.

In the “Freedom in the World 2025” report this year, Thailand was given a score of only 34 out of 100, which is a decline from last year, when the country was ranked as “partly-free”, scoring 36 points. Continued …

Wombat woes: American flees to Thailand after Aussie uproar

An American woman’s ill-fated encounter with a wombat joey has sparked uproar Down Under, sending her fleeing to Thailand in the wake of a furious Aussie backlash.

An Australian influencer called out the American on TikTok. labeling her a “pig,” “narcasist” and a “terrible woman” after she posted a video of her snatching the joey from its distressed mother. The backlash from the video caused her to flee to Thailand. Continued …

  • British Pedophile Captured After 27-Year Manhunt – Continued …
  • Foreign Shoplifters Wanted After Theft on Koh Phangan – Continued …

Pact expected to help double trade with European Union

The Thailand-EU free trade agreement (FTA), expected to be signed this year, will help double Thailand’s trade with the European Union (EU) from its current level, according to Somjai Phagaphasvivat, an independent political and economic analyst.

Thailand already signed a partnership cooperation agreement (PCA), which is a crucial first step toward a bilateral FTA. Following the 2014 coup, the EU suspended negotiations with Thailand. The PCA points out that any country entering into an FTA with the bloc must be a free democracy that upholds human rights. Continued …

The way to lose an entire decade

The 2020s are shaping up to be a lost decade, at best, for economic growth. This will be particularly bad for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) in the short term, but it will leave us all worse off, not least by undermining the global fight against climate change.

The parallels with the 1930s – when the world also faced a major economic shock, intensifying protectionism, growing nationalism, and the weakening of multilateralism – make the situation appear all the more ominous. Then, like now, geopolitics was king. Continued … 

Fuel consumption climbs 2.8% in January

Fuel consumption in Thailand increased by 2.8% year-on-year in January, in line with economic growth, driven by tourism and government stimulus measures, says Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the Department of Energy Business.

Total consumption of key fuels used by transport, businesses and households was 158 million liters a day. Demand for jet fuel soared 21% in January to 19.8 million liters a day on average, thanks to an increase in both foreign and Thai travelers. Continued …

Singapore firm commits $1 billion to Thai data center

DayOne, a Singapore-based data center company, is pouring US$1 billion into Thailand over a three-year period for data center development.

If Thailand can reduce the price of electricity to 2.50 baht a unit, which would be the lowest rate in the region, the outlook for the data center business would be even better, the company said. Continued …

Illegal Thai workers send billions home despite crackdowns

Thailand’s workforce abroad is pumping 400 billion baht into the economy each year — much of it from illegal workers, according to Labor Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. Despite government crackdowns, the number of undocumented Thai workers overseas remains high, with 382,699 working illegally last year alone.

While Thailand sent 92,392 legal workers abroad in 2024, a drop of 11% from 2023 due to conflicts in Israel, remittances surged by 9%, reaching 267.8 billion baht, up from 245.7 billion baht in 2023. Continued …

Phuket Hotels Unfazed by Potential 30-Day Visa Limit Change

Phuket hoteliers remain calm amid possible reductions in Thailand’s visa-free period from 60 to 30 days. This strategy, devised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, aims to mitigate the misuse of visa privileges by foreigners engaging in illicit activities. While this change may rattle some sectors, hotel operators in Phuket maintain an optimistic outlook grounded in current travel patterns.

Suksit Suvunditkul, the president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), highlights that European visitors generally book two-week stays. Guests looking for extended residencies tend to prefer condominiums over hotels. Consequently, Suksit suggests the proposed visa adjustment will more significantly influence the condo rental market than the hotel industry. Continued …

Tourists fume over persistent foreign beggars in Pattaya

Tourists flocking to Pattaya, particularly around the notorious Walking Street area, are growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing issue of foreign beggars harassing visitors.

Many of these beggars, often accompanied by young children ranging from infants to seven to 10 years old, can be seen wandering the streets selling goods or soliciting money. Continued …

Probe Reveals Status of Controversial Phuket’s Largest Foreign Slum

Officials have announced the results of their investigation into what was described as “Phuket’s largest foreign slum” following a video report by YouTube channel “Ride with Gabi” titled “The other side of Phuket Thailand” released last week.

The video showed a large slum in central Phuket reportedly inhabited entirely by Myanmar migrant workers, where over 300 children receive education and meals from a foundation funded by donations and foreign volunteers. Continued …

Rules for portable batteries on planes are changing, here’s what to know

The rules around flying with portable batteries are becoming increasingly confusing, as some airlines in Asia change their policies, citing the risk of fires.

Airlines in South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore have tightened restrictions since a fire destroyed an Air Busan plane on the tarmac in South Korea in January, one of several recent aviation accidents that have made travelers anxious. Continued …

British octogenarians swapping ‘dreary’ care homes for Thai luxury

Arriving at the Chiang Mai Care Resort in northern Thailand, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re at a standard-issue, luxury Thai resort. A series of low-roof bungalows separated by palm trees and lush tropical plants are dotted around a peaceful lake.

At one end are two swimming pools offering a respite from the heat, at another, an outdoor restaurant has views across the distant mountains. It’s only the sight of a nurse in uniform or a resident being gently pushed in a wheelchair that hints this is a care home rather than a hotel. Continued …

7 of Thailand’s marine national parks earn global recognition

According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), seven marine national parks in Thailand have been awarded the ISO 13009:2015 certification for beach operators that meet international standards regarding sustainable management, beach ownership, sustainable infrastructure, and service provision needs for tourists, including beach safety, information and communication, cleaning, and waste removal.

The certificates reinforce the marine national parks’ commitment to maintaining their natural beauty while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. Continued …

Unlocking ASEAN’s grid for green growth

Thailand is taking a significant step toward renewable energy, targeting half of its electricity generation from renewable sources by 2037 under the recently drafted Power Development Plan 2024 (PDP2024).

However, achieving this goal is dependent on the ASEAN Power Grid, a region-wide initiative first proposed in 1997 to interconnect the electricity infrastructures of ASEAN member states. Continued … 

Why are Chinese automakers like BYD launching fast-charging EV systems?

China’s BYD has unveiled a megawatt charging system that it says can charge an EV as quickly as filling up a fuel tank, and said it will build a network across China, igniting a new super charging race.

Here are more details about the Chinese electric vehicle giant’s new technology and why the fast-charging space is attracting interest: Continued …

Probe into Kok River Water Quality Amid Gold Mining Concerns

Thailand’s chief of defense forces, Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, has directed government agencies to immediately investigate the water quality of the Kok River following mounting local concerns over possible toxic contamination from gold mining activities on the Myanmar side.

Songwit, who also serves as director of the Center for Coordinating the Prevention and Mitigation of Threats Affecting Border Security, noted that while regular monitoring of the Sai River in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, has generally shown that water turbidity remains within safe toxin limits this year, reports from the Mae Sai mayor indicate that the river still appears dark — suggesting heavy contamination. “I am truly concerned about the Sai River; I cannot remain indifferent,” he stated. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
bangkok, exports, healthcare, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals

Saturday’s news-March 15

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Hua Hin online education/Seven killed on Rama II Road/Cooler temps on their way/Crackdown on Foreign Nationals/European Parliament condemns Thailand/US hits Thai officials with sanctions/Dengue vaccination trial/Pattani blast injures 9/Gold rises/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Thai stock exchange plunges/Challenges Impacting Exports/Thailand’s Aluminum Exports Threatened/Songkran To Boost Thai Economy/Get migrants work permits/Path to Thailand’s economic future/Thai businesses most targeted/Residential developers want support/Bangkok property market confidence rises/TOURISM: To miss tourism target/Pattaya tourists from China, Russia, and India/Japan tops Thai travelers’ wishlist/Foreign pilots face axe/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Will Bangkok hawker centers kill the city’s street food scene?/Tubing in Pai/CLIMATE THAILAND: Red tide threatens Gulf/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

Online education program to be offered in Hua Hin

Continued …

Seven killed as Dao Khanong Expressway Bridge collapses on Rama II Road

The under-construction Dao Khanong Expressway Bridge collapsed onto Rama II Road in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district at 1:48 am this morning. Initial reports confirm seven fatalities and many injuries. Authorities are searching for about 30 people believed to be trapped under the debris.

Officials said a concrete beam structure for the new bridge, which is under construction, collapsed onto the existing expressway bridge located about 200 meters from the toll booth. The new bridge is part of the Rama III – Dao Khanong Expressway project. Continued …

Cooler temps on their way

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for tomorrow through Thursday, forecasting an unseasonal drop in temperatures and stormy conditions.

Deputy TMD Director-General Natthawut Daendee said upper Thailand will experience unstable weather, including thunderstorms, hail and possible lightning strikes. Continued …

Thai Immigration Chief Orders Crackdown on Foreign Nationals in Mae Hong Son

The commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Police Lt. Gen. Phanumas Bunyaluck, visited Mae Hong Son yesterday to implement stricter measures against foreign nationals causing disturbances. He ordered immediate deportation and blacklisting for those found violating Thai laws or engaging in inappropriate behavior.

Phanumas conducted an inspection at the Mae Hong Son Immigration Office, the focus of his visit being foreign nationals who may not be adhering to visa regulations or who have become a public nuisance. Continued …

European Parliament condemns Thailand’s human rights violations

The European Parliament on Thursday passed a resolution condemning Thailand for deporting Uyghurs to China. Members also urged the European Commission to leverage free trade agreement negotiations to pressure Thailand to reform its lese-majesty law, release political prisoners, and halt Uyghur deportations.

It will now adopt a joint resolution on democracy and human rights in Thailand, focusing on the lese-majesty law (Article 112) and the deportation of Uyghur refugees. Continued …

US hits Thai officials with visa sanctions over deportation of Uyghurs

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday announced sanctions against officials from Thailand, a U.S. ally, for their role in deporting at least 40 Uyghurs to China, where Washington says the members of the Muslim group will face persecution.

The U.S, is “committed to combating China’s efforts to pressure governments to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China, where they are subject to torture and enforced disappearances,” the State Department said in a statement. Continued …

Dengue vaccination trial to begin

The Ministry of Public Health will launch a dengue vaccination trial in Nakhon Phanom province next month. If successful, the vaccine will be included in the universal healthcare scheme, says Minister Somsak Thepsutin.

Somsak said the National Communicable Disease Committee agreed to launch a study into dengue fever vaccinations in children, hoping it will help to decide whether the vaccine is worth investing in as part of universal healthcare benefits. Continued …

Pattani blast injures 9 police on teacher-protection duty

A roadside bomb attack injured nine police officers on teacher-protection duty in Mae Lan district of the southern border province of Pattani this morning.

One officer sustained an eye injury and was taken to Pattani Hospital. Some officers suffered shrapnel wounds while others experienced chest pain. All were taken to Mae Lan Hospital. Continued …

Gold rises above $3,000/oz for first time in historic safe-haven rally

Gold broke through the key $3,000 barrier yesterday for the first time, as investors piled on to a historic rally in the safe-haven asset to seek cover from economic uncertainty sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war.

Spot gold hit an all-time high of $3,004.86 earlier in the session, before easing 0.1% to $2,986.26 as of 02:01 p.m. ET (1801 GMT) on profit taking. Continued …

Australians welcome departure of baby wombat grabber

(Editor: While this report does not involve Thailand, we got a good chuckle – and you might, too.)

An American influencer who outraged Australians by snatching a baby wombat from its apparently distressed mother flew out of the country yesterday, the government said.

In a now-deleted video posted to Instagram this week, the woman can be seen picking up and running with the hissing wild animal before declaring to the camera: “I caught a baby wombat.” Continued …

  • British Tourists Arrested in Phuket for Reckless Driving and Attack – Continued …
  • Pakistani Man Arrested for Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend in Bangkok – Continued …
  • British, Romanian, Dutch Nationals Arrested in Second Samui Airport Cannabis Bust – Continued …
  • Police Raid Soi Nana, Arrest Foreign Women for Suspected Prostitution – Continued …

Thai stock exchange plunges to pandemic-era levels

After dropping 4.8% in January, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index continued its decline in February, shedding another 8.4%. The trend remained this month, with the market now around 1,170 points, not far above its low for the year.

This puts the SET at levels last seen during the pandemic, even though there is no such crisis this year. Continued …

Thailand Confronts Six Major Economic Challenges Impacting Exports

The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) warns that six key economic weaknesses could further strain Thailand’s exports amid rising global trade tensions. These vulnerabilities include a strong baht, increasing production costs, labor shortages, limited trade diversification, dependence on key markets, and insufficient technological innovation.

As global uncertainties persist, the TNSC emphasizes the urgency for Thailand to address these issues to maintain its competitiveness in international markets. Continued …

Thailand’s $505 Million Aluminum Exports Threatened by New US Tariffs

The U.S. has increased import tariffs on aluminum by 15%, effective March 12. The Thai Ministry of Commerce is compiling information for the U.S. Trade Policy Working Group to determine negotiation strategies.

The tariff increase will have a significant impact on Thai aluminum producers, as the U.S. is Thailand’s second largest export market and accounts for about 15% of Thailand’s total aluminum exports. In 2024, Thailand exported aluminum products worth 16.998 billion baht ($505 million) to the U.S., reflecting a 65.5% growth. Continued … 

Songkran Set to Boost Thai Economy Amid Challenges

The Songkran festival is projected to infuse 26.5 billion baht into Thailand’s economy. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this year’s festival is expected to draw 476,000 international tourists, alongside 4.4 million domestic travelers, bolstering both local and national economies.

From April 1216, international tourism is set to inject approximately 7.3 billion baht, marking a 7% increase compared to last year. Meanwhile, domestic tourism is anticipated to bring in around 19.2 billion baht, a 9% rise. Overall, total revenue from the festival could see an 8% uplift year-on-year. Continued …

Get migrants work permits, employers told

The government is urging employers to obtain work permits for migrant workers who are registered but who lack proper documents by March 30, warning that failure to do so will result in the workers losing their legal status and facing deportation.

Employers must submit health certificates, health insurance proof, social security documents, and a 1,000-baht fee. If the deadline is missed, the workers will be classified as illegal and subject to fines from 5,000 to 50,000 baht. They will then be deported and banned from employment for two years. Continued …

McKinsey strategist maps the path to Thailand’s economic future

Thailand should pivot strategically toward high-growth industries to compete in “arenas of competition” in the digital economy, McKinsey strategist Chris Bradley said in offering a vision for Thailand’s economic future. He was speaking at MFC Asset Management’s 50th anniversary celebration in Bangkok yesterday.

Bradley, reflecting on Thailand’s economic journey since 1975, noted that the country has transformed from a rural economy with 60% of its population living below the poverty line to a nation with seven times higher GDP per capita and poverty had reduced to below 6%. However, he warned that Thailand now faces new challenges that require a strategic shift in its industrial focus. Continued …

Thai businesses most targeted in ASEAN for financial phishing

Thai businesses are facing a surge in financial phishing attacks, and cybercriminals are exploiting the region’s burgeoning digital economy, according to a report by global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.

The company revealed that Thai enterprises were the most targeted in Southeast Asia, experiencing over 240,000 attempted attacks in the past year. Kaspersky’s data shows that its business security solutions blocked 534,759 attempts to open financial phishing links across Southeast Asia in 2024. Continued …

Residential developers want urgent support

Residential developers want swift implementation of property measures, including cuts to transfer and mortgage fees and eased lending curbs, while calling on banks to reduce interest rates by 0.25%, the level of the policy rate reduction, instead of 0.05% to 0.10%.

Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the Thai Condominium Assn., said the housing market slowed significantly in the first two months this year, as the reduction of transfer and mortgage fees to 0.01% for units priced 7 million baht or less expired at the end of last year. Continued …

Bangkok property market shows signs of recovery as confidence rises

The property market in Bangkok and the surrounding region is seeing a surge in confidence, according to the latest figures from the Government Housing Bank’s Real Estate Information Center (REIC).

The Residential Purchase Demand Confidence Index for the fourth quarter of 2024 has climbed to 42.9 points, a 2.4-point increase from the previous quarter, indicating a growing willingness among residents to invest in property. Continued …

Thailand likely to miss tourism target for 2025: ATTA

Fierce competition and lack of confidence in the country’s safety will likely prevent Thailand achieving its target of 39 million foreign arrivals this year, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).

Foreign visitors in 2025 are likely to top 37 million at most, which is still higher than last year’s number of 35.54 million, ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said. He said “several negative factors” are hindering Thailand’s tourism goal, including competition with countries like Japan, China and Vietnam, which are aggressively promoting their tourism to attract foreign visitors. Continued …

What if Pattaya is ‘invaded’ by tourists from China, Russia, and India?

As Pattaya continues to be a popular destination for international tourists, an influx of visitors from China, Russia, and India could bring both exciting opportunities and unique challenges to the city.

These three countries have become major sources of tourists to Thailand, especially with the surge in international arrivals in 2025. From Jan. 1 to March 9, Thailand welcomed 7.6 million international tourists, generating approximately 375.04 billion baht in revenue. Continued …

Japan tops Thai travelers’ wishlist for Songkran

Japan has emerged as the top destination among Thai travelers during the Songkran festival, according to online travel agency Klook.

Advance bookings for activities and trips through Klook’s platform during this year’s Songkran festival have surged by over 50% compared to the previous year. Japan leads the list of most popular destinations for Thai tourists, followed by China, Hong Kong and European countries like Switzerland, he said. Continued …

Foreign pilots face axe on Thai flights

Foreign pilots will not be allowed to fly domestic flights in Thailand next year if the aircraft shortage subsides, the Labor minister says, while the Thai Pilots Assn. has launched legal action to stop the practice.

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the approval for foreign pilots is still on a temporary basis, with a duration of six months that can be extended for another six months. As the approval was announced in December 2024, the measure can be extended until the end of 2025. Continued …

Will Bangkok’s move to Singapore-style hawker centers kill the city’s street food scene?

Nampueng Thong-auam and Somjai Bangsuwannarat have witnessed history on many occasions from their vantage spot in central Bangkok. For four decades, the couple has run a food cart selling grilled corn, right by a major city landmark known as Victory Monument, the site of several protests over the years.

For 40 baht (US$1.20), they offer you a delicious corn cob that has been lathered in coconut milk, salt and palm sugar and grilled over charcoal. The couple, who are both in their 70s, say that they do not make much money, just enough to cover their daily expenses. Continued …

Tubing in Pai: A Summer Favorite for Tourists

The popular summer activity of tubing along the Pai River is drawing crowds in Mae Hong Son’s Pai district. Yesterday, local authorities observed the bustling scene with over 350 participants enjoying the experience. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the tubing every day, with larger gatherings typically on Tuesdays and Fridays, as long as river conditions remain safe. The activity is paused during the rainy season when the river’s current becomes too strong. (aseannow.com)

Red tide threatens marine ecosystem in Gulf of Thailand

The Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Central Gulf of Thailand) is monitoring the red tide phenomenon, which could significantly impact the Gulf’s marine ecosystem.

This came after reports of red tide occurrences in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon from 2019 to 2024, and in Surat Thani from 2011 to 2024. The phenomenon, caused by a rapid increase in certain plankton species, is commonly observed from February to April and October to December each year. Continued …

Trump’s champagne threat brings fear and denial to French region

U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of 200-percent tariffs on wine, champagne and other alcoholic drinks from EU countries is proving hard to swallow in France’s champagne region. Continued …

Putin calls on Ukraine troops in Russian-occupied region to ‘surrender’

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday called on beleaguered Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk to “surrender” after U.S. President Donald Trump pleaded for their lives. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
bangkok, climate change, exports, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, wildlife tourism

Friday’s news-March 14

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National Thai Elephant Day/Elephant attacks and damage/Sustainable Human-Elephant Coexistence/Mahout profession on brink of extinction/Imagining a world without the US/Makro PRO Top Grocery E-Commerce Platform/Summer drownings of children/Woman busted with e-cigarettes/Over 70,000 cattle smuggled/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Thailand Chooses Casino Cities/Shadow over Thai property sector/Consumer confidence falls/McDonald’s to open 20 outlets/Minor plans US expansion/TOURISM: British Embassy Faces Rising Demands/Tourism’s lost opportunities/Koh Samui’s overtourism/European tourists searching elsewhere/36 tourists injured/Promote private air travel/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok No. 2 food city/CLIMATE THAILAND: Bt29 billion for renewables/Leading Asia’s green tech surge/Chinese battery maker in Chon Buri/Endangered Crocodile spotted/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 celebrates National Thai Elephant Day

Yesterday was National Thai Elephant Day, celebrated nationwide to honor Thailand’s elephants. At the Elephant Royal Kraal Village in Ayutthaya, activities included offering alms to Buddhist monks and a grand feast, where many jumbos enjoyed a spread of fruits and vegetables. The celebration highlights the deep cultural and historical bond between Thais and elephants. Video …

Bt749 million to address elephant attacks and damage

The Elephant Conservation and Management Committee has approved Bt749 million, to be secured from the Central Fund by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation, to address wild elephant attacks on people and the damage they cause to rural communities.

According to the department’s statistics, 18 people have been killed and 13 others injured since last October, compared to 39 fatalities and 18 injured in the previous fiscal year. Continued … 

Early Warning System Achieves Sustainable Human-Elephant Coexistence

Elephants have long been intertwined with Thai history and way of life, symbolizing the king’s royal power, as they were trained for combat, and playing a crucial role in transportation and labor before the advent of machinery.

Currently, Thailand is home to over 4,000 wild elephants scattered across 91 protected areas. While the increasing elephant population is a positive sign for conservation, their natural habitat has been shrinking due to agricultural and community expansion, leading to overlapping living spaces between humans and elephants. Continued …

Mahout profession on brink of extinction before elephants, expert warns

Three government positions have been opened for the first time for mahouts in the National Parks and Wildlife Department, whose main task is to remove wild elephants from people’s areas.

Speaking on Thai Elephant Day yesterday, Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, said that, when people alert his department about wild elephants wandering into their living areas, he hires local mahouts to handle the situation, but the department believes it should have its own officials for the task. Continued …

Imagining a world without the US

Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has been the ultimate disruptor — surpassing any democratic leader or authoritarian ruler in modern history. He has upended global geopolitics, leaving allies uncertain and adversaries emboldened.

With each impulsive remark, executive order, and withdrawal from international commitments, Trump has shattered the traditional norms of U.S. foreign policy. The question now is: Has Trump isolated America from the world, or has the world turned its back on Trump? Continued …

Makro PRO Crowned Thailand’s Top Grocery E-Commerce Platform

A surge in online orders from small business operators has propelled Makro PRO to the forefront of Thailand’s grocery e-commerce market, securing its position as the country’s No.1 platform in the sector.

The accolade comes from Euromonitor International, a globally renowned market research firm, which highlighted Makro PRO’s dominance in the competitive digital grocery sector. According to the latest report, Makro PRO captured a dominant 39.5% share of total grocery e-commerce sales in 2024. Continued …

Keep an eye on your kids, urge officials, as summer drownings spike

Parents and guardians are urged to ensure the safety of their children during the summer holidays, as drowning remains a leading cause of death in Thailand for children under 15.

The highest number of young drowning cases occur during the school summer vacations from March to May. Statistics show that 173 children below the age of 15 drowned during the summer break last year, with the highest number of incidents occuring in March. Continued …

Woman busted with 10-million-baht worth of e-cigarettes

Officers of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) on Wednesday arrested a 29-year-old Thai woman at a condominium in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area for allegedly possessing and selling e-cigarettes and e-liquid worth over 10 million baht.

Investigators launched a sting operation after learning that a Facebook page was selling e-cigarettes and supplies to online customers, CPPD chiefPattanasak Bupphasuwan said on Wednesday. Continued …

Over 70,000 cattle smuggled across Malaysia-Thailand border in 2024

Over 70,000 head of cattle were smuggled across the Malaysia-Thailand border states throughout the past year, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.

He said the smuggling activities were detected in four states, namely Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis and Perak, which have hurt local farmers. The price of beef in the market has plummeted due to the influx of supply from these smuggling activities. Continued …

Another tourist brawl in Pattaya sparks local outrage

Another violent clash between foreign tourists erupted in Jomtien Wednesday, adding to growing concerns about unruly behavior tarnishing Pattaya’s reputation.

The brawl, which took place near Dong Tan Beach, saw two groups of foreigners engaging in a heated dispute before the situation turned violent. Continued …

  • British TikTok Star Jailed in Thailand Over Visa and Benefit Fraud – Continued …
  • Brits and Malaysian Nabbed in Cannabis Bust at Koh Samui Airport – Continued … 
  • Irish woman nabbed in Norway with £1 million worth of Thai cannabis – Continued …
  • Crackdown on Foreign Nationals Storing Dangerous Chemicals in Residential Area – Continued …
  • French National Arrested with Magic Mushrooms at Full Moon Party – Continued …
  • Hungarian man running motorcycle rental business arrested on Koh Phangan – Continued …

Thailand Chooses Cities for Future Casino Complexes

The Thai government has announced plans to develop major entertainment complexes (casinos) in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This announcement comes amid vocal public criticism, highlighting the country’s strategy to stimulate tourism and economic growth through these ventures.

The proposed complexes are expected to generate approximately 40,000 new jobs, positioning Thailand as a sought-after destination for global tourists and business investments alike, according to the government. Continued …

Global trade war turbulence casts shadow over Thai property sector

Thailand’s real estate sector is bracing for potential turbulence in 2025, as trade war anxieties intersect with a surge in foreign investment, according to analysts at a major industry seminar. Leading figures from the Thai Development Research Institute (TDRI) and Asia Plus Securities warned of economic headwinds, while highlighting emerging opportunities for developers.

Dr Kirida Bhaopichitr, TDRI’s Economic Intelligence Service Project director, identified U.S. trade policy in the second Trump presidency as the most significant risk to both the Thai and global economies. Continued … 

Thai consumer confidence falls for first time in 5 months

Thailand’s consumer confidence fell for the first time in five months over uncertainty from U.S. trade policies, higher living costs and the slow recovery of the domestic economy, a survey showed yesterday.

The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce fell to 57.8 in February from 59.0 in January, the university said, having risen for four straight months. Continued …

McDonald’s to open 20 outlets in Thailand in 2025

McDonald’s plans to spend 700 million baht this year on adding new stores and renovating existing ones.

Kittiwan Anuwatesakul, chief executive of McThai Co., said the company aims to open 20 new stores this year, which will account for 70%-80% of the 700-million-baht budget. Moreover, the company plans to renovate 25 stores, she said. Continued …

Thai hotelier Minor plans US expansion to tap White Lotus craze

Minor International, whose hotels in Thailand feature in the hit TV series The White Lotus, plans to expand in the United States to cash in on newfound global fame that has sent its room bookings skyrocketing since the show began airing last month.

Already one of Asia’s largest hospitality groups, Minor will aim to open one Anantara hotel — its flagship luxury brand — in the U.S. by early next year, said Bill Heinecke, the company’s founder and chairman. Continued …

British Embassy Faces Rising Consular Case Demands in Thailand

With a surge in British travel \ers to Thailand post-Covid, there is an increasing demand for consular assistance from the British Embassy in Bangkok. In the past year, the embassy reported handling 2,007 assistance cases, encompassing various serious issues such as deaths, arrests, detentions, hospitalizations, and missing persons, illustrating the often-unforeseen challenges travelers may encounter abroad.

Deaths accounted for over a third of these cases, while more than 10% involved arrests, highlighting the need for urgent consular support in severe situations. Additionally, the team provided over two thousand notarial services and issued around six hundred emergency passports. Continued …

Tourism group laments lost opportunities

The era of more than 10 million Chinese visitors a year to Thailand has passed, given safety concerns in the segment and ineffective law enforcement, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).

ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said the Thai tourism industry has not developed as it should over the past four years when compared with other nations. The lack of new supply and poor management of existing supply has led to stagnant growth opportunities, he said. Continued …

Koh Samui Is Already 4x Denser with Tourists Than Paris

Koh Samui has nearly four times the tourist density per square foot of the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris, one of the world’s most well-known overtourism hotspots.

In 2023, Koh Samui welcomed 3.54 million tourists, packing an island of just 88.3 square miles with an astonishing 40,111 visitors per square mile. This equates to almost 10,000 visitors per day. Continued …

Pattaya’s shift to Asian tourists leaves Europeans searching elsewhere

With Songkran approaching, the question arises whether the weakening baht will entice European tourists back to Pattaya or if the city has already become a hub primarily for Chinese, Indian, and Russian visitors. The Thai baht opened yesterday at 33.77 per U.S. dollar, strengthening slightly from the previous day’s close of 33.87.

However, despite these currency shifts, European tourist numbers in Pattaya may not see a significant boost. The city has increasingly catered to visitors from China, India, and Russia, with businesses and services aligning more with their preferences. Many European travelers, once a dominant presence in Pattaya, may now opt for quieter destinations in Thailand or other Southeast Asian countries where the atmosphere better suits their expectations. Continued …

36 tourists injured, three critically, as tour bus rams utility pole

Thirty-six tourists, both Thai and foreign, were injured when the driver of the tour bus in which they were traveling lost control and slammed into a utility pole in Phetchaburi province, breaking it in half. The accident was reported at around 4am this morning on Phetkasem Road (inbound) in Khao Yoi district of the southern province.

Three of the injured persons suffered critical injuries and were sent to Khao Yoi and Phra Chomklao hospitals, a rescue official said. Continued …

Promote private air travel to bring in high-value tourists: expert

Expanding business aviation could help Thailand achieve its goal of becoming an aviation and tourism hub, according to Experia Events Managing Director Leck Chet Lam, organizer of the Business Aviation Asia Forum & Expo (BAFFEx) 2025. He said he was confident Thailand had the potential to drive a thriving business aviation market.

“Thailand is known the world over for luxury holiday resorts of the type favored by the rich and famous, who tend to want full control over how and when they travel. It therefore stands to reason that business aviation could enable Thailand to achieve its goal of becoming an aviation hub, thanks to the potential for flying anytime and anywhere.” Continued …

Bangkok ranked world’s No. 2 food city

Bangkok has once again proven itself as a global culinary powerhouse, securing second spot in Time Out’s ranking of the world’s best food cities in 2025 — just behind New Orleans. From sizzling street food to upscale dining, the Thai capital continues to captivate food lovers with its mix of affordability, flavor, and convenience.

The city’s world-famous street food culture played a massive role in securing its high ranking, with vendors serving up everything from aromatic bowls of noodles to fiery som tam (papaya salad) at all hours of the day. Continued …

WHAUP to sink Bt29 billion into development of renewables

WHA Utilities and Power (WHAUP), an arm of WHA Corp., one of Thailand’s biggest industrial land developers and operators, is allocating a large portion of its budget to develop its renewable energy business, hoping to earn long-term revenue by serving companies in the digital technology sector.

The development plans are being supported by a budget of 29 billion baht, set to be spent between 2025 and 2029. Almost 75% of the funding is to develop the company’s solar power business, including ground-mounted solar panels and rooftop solar panels, said Somkiat Masunthasuwun, chief executive of WHAUP. Continued …

Thai businesses said leading Asia’s green tech surge

A new report by Alibaba Cloud has revealed that Thai businesses are at the forefront of Asia’s drive toward sustainable technology, with a significant focus on energy-efficient data centers and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing.

The “Technology-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024” surveyed senior executives across 13 markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It found that 76% of businesses recognize digital technology as a cornerstone of sustainable development. However, concerns remain, with 61% worried about the energy demands of these technologies. Continued …

Chinese battery maker allots Bt50 billion for Chon Buri plants

Chinese battery cell maker Sunwoda Automotive Energy Technology (Thailand) is building two new factories in Thailand, aiming to benefit from the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry here to use the country as its new export base, says the Board of Investment (BoI).

The company plans to spend 50 billion baht to develop two plants in Chon Buri, expecting to start operations later this year. “Sunwoda expects to hire more than 4,000 people, including 900 engineers and researchers,” said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BoI. Continued …

Endangered Crocodile spooted in Phitsanulok national park

Researchers have captured images of the critically endangered Thai freshwater crocodile sunbathing in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park in Phitsanulok Province. Known scientifically as Crocodylus siamensis, the Thai freshwater crocodile, sometimes called the Siamese crocodile, is native to Southeast Asia. A fully grown adult measures approximately 3 to 4 meters in length. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
bangkok, cha am, exports, healthcare, hua hin, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand beaches, thailand festivals, thailand islands, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-March 13

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Chiva-Som cellebrating 30 years/Hua Hin full moon party/Cha Am Bikini Beach Run/Cha Am International Kite Festival/Road resurfacing work/Finnish Business Networking Event/Hua Hin’s new district chief/Bang Saphan drought conditions reviewed/Assault case finally settled/The deep south’s concerns/Shifting Landscape of the Golden Triangle/Dog alerts owners to King Cobra/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Stimulus lifts Thai industrial sentiment/Auto market suffers 10% slump/Investors ‘want more renewable power’/Benefiting from trade war/Steps to control fruit supply/1.3 million at book fair/TOURISM: THAI reduces luggage allowance/Pilots to sue Labor Ministry/Phuket crackdown on beachfront land grab/Pattaya’s Songkran Water Fights/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Wild Elephant Stranded on Island/Thailand’s Best-Kept Secret Paradise/CLIMATE THAILAND: PTT hydrogen investments/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’s Chiva-Som celebrating 30 years

“Venerable” might seem an odd word to describe a wellness resort. After all, they tend to promote the tireless pursuit of “eternal youth” or at least increased healthspan. But it feels apposite in the case of Chiva-Som.

Thirty years ago, when it first opened, the “spa scene” was a more binary affair than it is today: “fat farms” on the one hand, white-coated medical facilities on the other. Chiva-Som offered something different. Continued …

Hua Hin to host its first full moon party Saturday, 650 baht per person

Continued …

Cha Am Bikini Beach Run this weekend

The Cha Am Bikini Beach run is a unique adventure, not only for mixing different surfaces along the course (road and sand) but for inviting runners to participate in their swimsuits. Continued … 

Cha Am International Kite Festival schedule

Continued …

Hua Hin road resurfacing work tomorrow, Friday

Continued …

 

Finnish Business Networking Event in Hua Hin March 22

The Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has announced an upcoming networking event in Hua Hin, set to take place on Saturday, March 22. The event aims to bring together Finnish professionals and members of TFCC for a day of business discussions and social activities in a relaxed setting.

Participants can look forward to a mix of business networking opportunities and leisure activities, including sauna sessions, swimming, and a putt competition with prizes. The evening session will feature a buffet dinner, live music, and a chance to support Juha Timonen’s orphanage, a cause backed by the event organizers. Continued …

Hua Hin has a new district chief

Continued …

Drought conditions reviewed in Bang Saphan district

Continued …

 

Hua Hin couple’s assault case finally settled

In an astonishing twist of fate, an elderly British couple have narrowly avoided what had seemed an inevitable prison sentence in Thailand. Instead, they’ve been handed 9,000 baht fines (£200), allowing them to plan their much-anticipated return to the UK.

Their ordeal began in 2020 when Des and Mary Byrne retired to Hua Hin, envisioning a peaceful, sun-soaked retirement. Instead, the dream rapidly unraveled into a nightmare due to a violent dispute over land access. Continued … 

The deep South’s concerns can’t wait forever

The phone rings. I hold my breath. Every time there’s news of an attack in Narathiwat, my hometown, I call my dad to check. It’s a ritual now. One I wish I didn’t have to follow.

“Are you safe?” I ask, trying to sound calm. “We’re fine. I could hear the bomb – it was about two kilometers away from the house.” His voice is steady, almost resigned. No panic, just the exhaustion of someone who has lived through this for too long. Then, a pause. “Don’t come home yet. It’s not safe.” I was planning to go home this week. Continued …

Shifting Landscape of the Golden Triangle: Rising Threats and New Challenges

The Golden Triangle, spanning Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, has long been infamous for its role in the drug trade. While opium and heroin once dominated the region’s economy, substantial transformations have since reshaped its landscape.

Nowadays, the traffic of synthetic drugs along with transnational crime syndicates and cyber fraud are ruling, posing countless difficulties for law enforcement and populations. Continued …

Dog alerts owners to 5-meter King Cobra under car hood

Unusual barking from a dog led to a startling discovery when a large King Cobra, nearly 5 meters long, was found hiding under a car hood. Weighing over 30 kilograms, the snake was later captured by rescue officials yesterday in Krabi province.

Jirawat, the homeowner, recounted that the snake’s unusual size and the dog’s abnormal barking prompted him to investigate. Upon checking, he spotted the enormous cobra slithering past his front door and into the space under the car’s hood. Continued …

  • Phuket Police Hunt Knife-Wielding Foreigners – Continued …
  • British Tourist Faces 10-Year Sentence for Cannabis Smuggling in Krabi – Continued …
  • Foreign Gambling Ring Busted in Luxury Bangkok Condo – Continued …
  • Thai Police Nab Gang Smuggling Chinese Nationals into Country – Continued …
  • ‘I’ll be right back’: Foreign tourist dines and dashes in Krabi – Continued …
  • Illegal foreign workers busted in Pattaya villa scam crackdown – Continued …

Stimulus lifts Thai industrial sentiment to 20-month high

Thai industrial sentiment rose to its highest level in nearly two years in February due to lower interest rates, government stimulus measures and tourism, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said yesterday.

A government credit guarantee measure to support pickup truck purchases by small businesses was also positive and would help the struggling auto industry, the group said. Continued …

Thai auto market suffers 10% slump in early 2025 sales

Thailand’s automotive market has faced a challenging start to 2025, with sales down by 10% in the first two months compared to the same period last year. Total sales reached approximately 97,000 units, with both industry giants Toyota and Isuzu, alongside electric vehicle maker BYD, experiencing notable declines.

The slowdown is attributed to a combination of factors, including a sluggish economic recovery, high household debt and tighter lending conditions. The one-ton pickup truck segment, a key indicator of economic health, remains particularly weak. Continued …

Investors in Thailand ‘want more renewable power’

The government’s pilot project to allow renewable power producers to directly sell electricity totaling 2,000 megawatts to companies may be insufficient to drive new investments in the country, says the Board of Investment (BoI).

sProspective investors not only need adequate infrastructure and highly skilled workers when planning to build new factories, but also want the government to facilitate their purchase of renewable power, said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BoI. Continued …

Thailand benefiting from trade war, finance minister says

Thailand is benefiting from the global trade war, as more foreign investments flow in, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said yesterday.

Foreign investment into Thailand will help bring economic growth closer to a target of 3.0% to 3.5%, he said, adding the economy was fiscally stable with ample liquidity, making it attractive to investors. Continued …

Steps rolled out to control fruit supply

The Commerce Ministry has announced seven key measures and 25 action plans aimed at managing the supply of fruit, targeting a total of 950,000 tons for 2025.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said these strategies are designed to prepare for an anticipated surplus in fruit production, lift domestic consumption, and expand export opportunities. Continued …

Organizer expects 1.3 million at book fair

The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat) has announced the upcoming 53rd National Book Fair and 23rd Bangkok International Book Fair 2025, aiming to draw more than 1.3 million visitors.

The event is expected to generate sales of 420 million baht, representing 5%-10% growth year-on-year. The fair is scheduled to be held from March 27 to April 7 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Continued …

THAI Airways reduces check-in luggage allowance for some economy fares

Thai Airways International (THAI) is changing its passenger luggage allowance for certain economy class tickets from 25 kilograms to 23 kilograms from April 1 onward.

In an internal announcement to its ticket-selling partners, THAI said the new luggage rules will be applied to booking classes L, W (Saver Fare Family) and V, S, K (Standard Fare Family) of the economy class. Continued …

Thai pilots plan to sue Labor Ministry

The Thai Pilots Assn. plans to file a lawsuit against the Labor Ministry with the Administrative Court on Friday, seeking a temporary injunction to prohibit foreign pilots from flying domestic flights.

The move is regarded as a last-ditch effort after the Cabinet allowed foreign pilots to temporarily operate domestic flights via wet lease agreements in December last year. The permission was to help airlines ease an aircraft shortage. Continued …

Phuket crackdown targets beachfront land grab

Officials in Phuket are ramping up efforts to reclaim Bang Tao Beach from unauthorized developments, with high-end hotels and businesses facing potential demolition after illegally encroaching on public land.

On Tuesday, officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Phuket branch, led by Director Suwat Saowarun, launched their second crackdown on beachfront encroachments in Cherng Talay. Continued …

Pattaya’s Songkran Water Fights – Mix of fun, chaos, and cultural respect

As Songkran approaches, Pattaya gears up for one of Thailand’s biggest water festivals, where thousands of tourists and locals take to the streets for massive water battles. Unlike other provinces that celebrate for just a few days (April 13-15), Pattaya extends its Songkran festivities for an entire week (April 12-19), making it a hotspot for partygoers looking to experience the ultimate water fight.

From Walking Street to Beach Road, the city becomes a playground of non-stop water splashes, loud music, and wild partying. Soi Buakhao and LK Metro transform into chaotic battle zones, where revelers armed with water guns and hoses soak each other in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, Naklua and Jomtien Beach offer a mix of family-friendly celebrations and intense water fights. Continued …

Wild Elephant Stranded on Island in Rayong Known for Attacking Locals

Authorities in Rayong have confirmed that Plai Sun, a notorious wild elephant, is still currently stranded on an island in the Prasae Reservoir. The elephant, known for its aggression toward humans, has been residing on the island and has previously been involved in fatal attacks on locals.

The elephant, which is one of three known to be highly aggressive, has caused the deaths of two villagers from the Pa Yub Nai subdistrict in Wang Chan district. Local officials attempted to subdue the elephant with tranquilizers, but it managed to escape and swim across to the island, where it has since remained. Continued …

Koh Phayam: Thailand’s Best-Kept Secret Paradise

While Thailand’s popular islands overflow with tourists, a pristine gem remains wonderfully untouched. Koh Phayam, floating serenely off Thailand’s Andaman coast in Ranong Province, offers what is an increasingly rare commodity in Southeast Asia: genuine tranquility alongside breathtaking natural beauty.

Unlike its famous cousins Phuket or Koh Samui, Koh Phayam exists in a delightful time warp. No cars rumble down its dirt roads, only motorbikes and bicycles navigate the island’s rustic pathways. With electricity running only certain hours and limited internet connectivity, it’s the perfect digital detox destination. Continued …

PTT set to rev up hydrogen investments

National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc is planning to strengthen investments in large-scale hydrogen energy development to serve industries, notably power generation, which increasingly require cleaner fuels.

The company will join hands with business partners to invest overseas and prepare to seek a new opportunity to develop the hydrogen business in Thailand. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
baht, bangkok, climate change, exports, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, thailand islands, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-March 12

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Overpass Project in Prachuap Khiri Khan/Hua Hin couple’s case still in court/Electrical Engineering Congress in Hua Hin/Biggest challenges retirees face in Thailand/Public polled on power rates/Thai baht’s rally is at risk/Bangkok Airways suspends flights/Thailand’s Growing Obesity Epidemic/White Lotus Cast raves about hospitals/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: PM Delays Entertainment Complex/Casino bill’s risky game/Strong demand for luxury condos/Fruit exports produce $6.51 billion/TOURISM: Thailand’s tourism playbook/Direct Flights to US/Songkran music festival/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Samut Songkhram’s mackerel heritage/Waterfalls on Koh Samui/How London fell for Thai cuisine/CLIMATE THAILAND: Green construction to cut emissions/Panasonic plants mangrove forest/February 2025 EV Sales/Growing threat of microplastics/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

Plans Unveiled for 900 Million Overpass Project in Prachuap Khiri Khan

The Department of Highways has revealed plans to build a 3.4-kilometer elevated overpass at the Prachuap Khiri Khan junction, set to improve traffic flow across 14 southern provinces. The project, which carries an estimated cost of 900 million baht, is scheduled to begin later this year.

Yesterday, Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan chaired a meeting to discuss the overpass project, which will be located at the intersection of Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) and Highway 326 (Prachuap Khiri Khan Junction). The meeting was attended by representatives from the Department of Highways, local engineers, and over 80 members of the public. Continued …

Hua Hin couple’s assault case still in the courts

There is much, too much, we do not know about the vicious attacks on the Middlesborough couple in Hua Hin, which have dominated the Thai-UK news channels in recent days. Much of the rhetoric has been devoted to criticism of the Thai legal system and the horrors of being British even before a Thai court has had the chance to hear the evidence.

The initial attack on Des and Mary appears to have occurred in December 2023 after a controversy with neighbors (one Thai and one Brit in some reports) about a land border dispute. Presumably the matter has had some adjudication since the violent neighbors, we are told, initially pleaded guilty to serious assault but later – presumably in mid or late 2024 – changed their plea and accused the Middlesborough couple of “superficial injury and mental anguish”. Continued …

International Electrical Engineering Congress held in Hua Hin

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, organized the 13th International Electrical Engineering Congress 2025 (iEECON 2025) March 5-7 at the Sheraton Hua Hin resort, in collaboration with the Electrical Engineering Academic Assn., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE Thailand Section, IEEE Power and Energy Society and IEE Photonics Society).

Over 200 papers from 40 universities in 15 countries were presented at the conference, while the keynote lecture was given by Prof. Sheng-feng Qin from Northumbria University, England. Continued …

10 biggest challenges retirees face in Thailand (and how to overcome them)

Retiring in Thailand comes with many benefits, like warm weather, affordable living, and a rich culture. However, it also brings challenges. Retirees must deal with visa rules, healthcare costs, language barriers, and cultural differences. Rising medical expenses, required insurance, and financial planning can also be difficult.

With the right preparation, these challenges can be managed. This article covers 10 common problems retirees face in Thailand and how to solve them for a smooth and enjoyable retirement. Continued …

Public polled on power rates

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is asking the public whether they want to continue with the same electricity rate of 4.15 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), which is the cheapest of three options for the period from May to August. The current power tariff of 4.15 baht a unit is applicable until the end of April.

The other two options are 4.95 baht a unit or 5.16 baht a unit, which would let ERC allocate more money from electricity bills to the reimbursement of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), PTT Plc and gas shippers, which spent money to help the government subsidize power prices. Continued …

Thai baht’s gold-fueled rally is now at risk, strategists say

Thailand’s currency has received a boost this year from a rally in gold prices. But strategists warn that won’t be enough to protect it as tariff risks and interest-rate cuts start to bite.

The baht is up around 1.2% against the dollar this year, more than double the gain of a broad gauge of Asian currencies. A key reason is Thailand’s role as a gold-trading hub, which has helped lift the currency as the precious metal hit new highs. Continued …

Bangkok Airways suspends northern Thailand flights because of haze

Bangkok Airways has announced the suspension of its Lampang-Mae Hong Son route from March 15 to April 20 due to persistent haze caused by forest fires in northern Thailand.

Mae Hong Son Airport confirmed the cancellation of the only direct service between the two cities operated by Bangkok Airways. The airline, which currently provides the sole air link to Mae Hong Son Airport, operates five weekly flights on the Suvarnabhumi-Lampang-Mae Hong Son route. Continued …

Thailand’s Growing Obesity Epidemic

Thailand is grappling with a rapidly escalating obesity trend, with alarming implications for the health of its future generations. Over the past two decades, the obesity rate among school children has tripled, rising from 5.8% to 15%. The situation is equally concerning among adults, with 42% being categorized as obese by 2020.

These statistics are not just numbers; they represent a plethora of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke, which claim 400,000 lives annually and account for 74% of all deaths in Thailand. The economic impact is also significant, with the cost of overweight and obesity estimated at 281 billion baht annually, roughly 1.5% of Thailand’s GDP in 2019. Continued …

White Lotus Cast Raves About Thai Hospitals

HBO’s White Lotus has once again taken the world by storm, as the third season of the hit show follows a group of travelers visiting a high-end hotel in Thailand. And it sounds like the cast enjoyed their stay in Thailand – even their hospital visits.

Parker Posey plays wealthy matriarch Victoria Ratliff on the show. And while the cast got rather plush accommodations at the Four Seasons during filming, it sounds like it was the hospitals that left her most impressed. Continued …

  • Thai Police Arrest German Linked to Child Porn Network – Continued …
  • Four Chinese Nationals Arrested for Illegal Border Crossing from Cambodia – Continued …
  • German Man Arrested for Drugs and 377-Day Overstay – Continued …
  • Nigerian drug dealer in Phuket arrested – Continued … 

PM Delays Entertainment Complex Bill Amid Public Concerns

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced today that the proposed entertainment complex bill is not ready for Cabinet discussion. She emphasized the need for thorough consultation with various stakeholders before proceeding with the project, highlighting its novelty in Thailand and the importance of avoiding hasty decisions.

The government’s cautious approach comes in the wake of ongoing protests near Government House. Anti-casino groups have voiced strong opposition to the bill, threatening to intensify their actions if the Cabinet were to approve it prematurely. Acknowledging these concerns, the prime minister assured that the government will consider all perspectives, aiming for a balanced judgment. Continued …

Casino bill’s risky game

The controversial Entertainment Complex Bill is no gamble. It’s a high-stakes policy with lasting economic and social consequences, so the Pheu Thai-led government, which is sponsoring it, must ensure it is responsibly formulated and not rushed.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s decision not to send the draft to the cabinet shows that the government remains willing to listen to opposing viewpoints. Continued …

Pattaya rebounds with strong demand for luxury condos

Pattaya has long been one of Thailand’s most vibrant real estate markets, attracting both domestic and international buyers. In recent years, the city experienced a remarkable resurgence, driven by the return of international tourists, strong economic growth, and increasing demand for premium beachfront properties.

With more than 22 million visitors arriving in 2024 – an increase of nearly 60% compared with pre-pandemic levels – Pattaya is solidifying its status as Thailand’s second-most-visited city after Bangkok. Continued …

Fruit exports produce $6.51 billion in 2024

Fruit was the most valuable agricultural export last year, with the value of durian shipments surpassing 134 billion baht, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of TPSO, attributed this success to rising demand in global markets and increasing popularity because of Thai fruit’s high quality, variety and unique flavors.

Thailand’s total fruit exports tallied US$6.51 billion in 2024, surpassing the five-year average of $5.86 billion and accounting for 22.6% of all agricultural exports. Continued …

Thailand’s tourism playbook: Big concerts, premium races and more

The government is committed to bringing international events like concerts by world-class artists and MotoGP races to Thailand in order to boost tourism, the tourism and sports minister said yesterday.

Responding to reports that Singapore has successfully closed a deal to host concerts by Lady Gaga in May, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said: “We, too, have a task force responsible for bringing international events to Thailand. Studies have been conducted to identify the funds required and other details, while TAT will prepare a plan to submit to the Cabinet next month. Continued …

Thailand Awaits Final FAA Inspection for Direct Flights to the US

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced that the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a final inspection to assess Thailand’s progress in addressing previous safety concerns. This step is crucial for Thailand to potentially regain its Category 1 (CAT 1) status, which would allow Thai airlines to operate direct flights to the United States.

Yesterday, CAAT Director-General Manat Choumanapreuk confirmed that FAA representatives, led by Dennis Hill, acting director of the office of Air Carrier Safety Assurance, have arrived in Thailand for the final review taking place through today. This review follows a November 2024 assessment, during which several safety issues were identified and highlighted for correction. Continued …

Songkran music festival set to attract 100,000 Thais

One Asia Ventures, a global leader in music festivals and live events, is investing 250 million baht to host the Siam Songkran Music Festival 2025 for the fourth consecutive year.

Set across 23 rai, this festival is expected to attract 100,000 attendees over four days, up from 70,000 last year. The event aims to generate 300 million baht in revenue, contributing to 1 billion baht in tourism spending during Songkran. Continued …

Diving deep into Samut Songkhram’s mackerel heritage

In the waters of Mae Klong in Samut Songkhram, Thai pla thu, better known as short mackerel, is considered an important commercial fish and a symbol of the province’s culinary culture. This Samut Songkhram’s edition takes you to a local home where the art of mackerel manufacturing has flourished for over 30 years. Video …

7 Must-Visit Waterfalls on Koh Samui

As a popular island in Thailand, Koh Samui is known for its beaches, nightlife, and temples. However, beyond the bustling coastline, the island is home to lush jungles and waterfalls that offer a perfect escape into nature.

Whether you seek a refreshing swim, a scenic hike, or a picturesque picnic spot, Koh Samui’s waterfalls promise a magical experience. Here are seven must-visit waterfalls on the island. Continued …

How London fell for Thai cuisine

“It’s the balance. The sugar, the salt, the sour, the bitter, the spice,” Wichet Khongphoon, chef-patron of Caledonian Road’s favorite southern Thai restaurant Supawan, muses.

Following a year when Thai cuisine ranked fourth in British web searches behind Chinese, Italian and Indian, for Khongphoon, the impassioned and skillful mixing of often contrasting flavors into something harmonious is one factor behind its ever-expanding appeal. Continued …

Thailand urged to adopt green construction to cut emissions

New technologies and standards are essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the construction sector, which accounts for 40% of global emissions, said Kecha Thirakomen, chairman of ECC Engineering Network (EEC Academy), on Monday.

Kecha highlighted that Thailand’s construction industry contributes 7%-8% of the country’s GDP, amounting to 1.5 trillion to 2 trillion baht annually. However, it remains a significant emitter of greenhouse gases, making sustainable innovation a pressing priority. Continued …

Panasonic plants mangrove forest in Thai Binh province

In collaboration with the Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Communication (CNREC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, 120 Panasonic employees traveled hundreds of kilometers to the Thai Thuy Wetland Nature Reserve, working alongside local authorities and residents to plant 10,000 mangrove apple (Sonneratia caseolaris) trees.

This species is ideal for the Thai Thuy mangrove forest due to its salt tolerance, adaptability to muddy soil conditions, strong root system that prevents erosion, and ability to create habitats for various species, while offering high economic value. Continued …

February 2025 EV Sales: Thailand rises, China Dips

The global electric vehicle (EV) market continued its dynamic evolution in February 2025, navigating seasonal fluctuations and regional policy shifts while maintaining a trajectory of long-term growth. Early data and industry forecasts suggest that worldwide sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles reached approximately 1.2 million units in February, reflecting a year-over-year increase of around 15% compared to February 2024.

EV sales in the rest of the world reached an estimated 180,000 units in February 2025, a 45% jump from February 2024. Markets like India, Brazil, and Thailand led the charge, with India doubling its EV share to 7.5% by year-end, per S&P Global Mobility forecasts. Continued … 

Growing threat of microplastics: burden on human health

Microplastics have become a significant environmental and health issue in this century. Over the past 150 years, industrialization has led to increased reliance on oil to boost economies, which has, in turn, led to the development of various plastics for building materials and other industrial uses.

In earlier times, there were widespread concerns about diseases like cholera and typhoid. However, with industrial growth, new health challenges have emerged, many linked to air pollution. Recent studies indicate that microplastics, a pollutant created by plastic degradation, are entering human systems, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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
cha am, exports, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-March 11

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Video: elephant tosses passenger/Cha Am police arrest four women/PKK as MICE destination/Salesians retreat in Hua Hin/Southern Thailand Security Overhaul/Yala: Security Officer Killed/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: National minimum wage hike/Thailand aims for over 3% growth/10,000 Baht Cash Handout for Thai Youth/Uproar over handout/Should not go to teenagers/Unregulated daily rentals/Cheap foreign goods flood market/Thai car exports threatened/Gem and Jewelry Exports Surge/’Smart complex’ at Bangkok bus station/TOURISM: Tourist Surge from China/Songkran Travel Boost/Phuket Top for Tourism Revenue/28 tourists rescued/Japan rolls out dual-pricing system/CLIMATE THAILAND: Tax incentives for plug-in hybrids/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

Video: elephant tosses passenger from pickup on Pala-U Road

In a wild encounter that’s captured the attention of Thai social media, an angry elephant gave a new meaning to being “trunked” when it tossed a passenger from the back of a pickup truck on Hua Hin’s Pala-U Road. The dramatic moment, caught on camera by a shocked passerby, has rapidly gone viral.

The footage reveals the massive pachyderm as it sauntered toward the pickup truck, then used its trunk with surprising finesse to unceremoniously eject the hapless passenger from the vehicle. Continued …

Cha Am police arrest four women for drug use at pool villa

Police arrested four women suspected of drug use at a pool villa following a tip-off from a concerned resident iIn Phetchaburi’s Cha Am district. The suspects tested positive for drug use, resulting in legal action.

Police from Cha Am Police Station received a report today about a group allegedly using drugs at a residence in the Tri Pool Villa area, located in Mueang Cha Am, Phetchaburi province. Continued …

Sporting events to showcase PKK as MICE destination

Continued …

Salesians hold annual spiritual retreat in Hua Hin

The Salesians of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos recently held their annual spiritual retreat in Hua Hin from Feb. 23 to March 1 and from March 2 to March 8. The retreat was held at the Salesian Retreat House in Hua Hin.

Themed “Bearers of Hope,” the retreat encouraged participants to embrace the grace of the Jubilee Year 2025, deepening their spiritual journey with a renewed sense of hope. A key focus was the invitation to reaffirm God’s call, highlighting the importance of faithfully living out the evangelical counsels. – infoans.org

Southern Thailand Security Overhaul Following Deadly Ramadan Attacks

In response to Saturday night’s deadly attacks in Thailand’s southern border provinces, security forces have implemented revised safety protocols across the region. The twin attacks in Sungai Kolok district, Narathiwat province, and Sai Buri district, Pattani province, claimed the lives of five security personnel and volunteers, while injuring 13 others.

Lt. Gen. Paisan Nusang, commander of the 4th Army Region and director of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, visited the attack sites on March 9 to assess damage and coordinate an immediate security response. During an emergency tri-party meeting with military, police, and administrative officials at the Sungai Kolok Police Station, he outlined new security measures. Continued …

Yala: Security Officer Killed in Ambush

A violent attack occurred in the early hours yesterday, when a group of assailants ambushed and shot dead a local security officer in the district of Krong Pinang, Yala. The assailants targeted the officer as he arrived at his residence in the village of Kadudoh at 2am.

According to local authorities, the officer had been out on personal business when he received a call about a fire involving a parked pickup truck outside his home. As he returned to assess the damage, the attackers, hiding near the house, opened fire with a range of weapons, including shotguns, assault rifles (AK-47 and M-16), and a 9mm pistol. Continued …

  • Russian ‘Mafia’ Caught Extorting Tourists on Koh Pha Ngan – Continued …
  • Chinese Tourists Caught Dining and Dashing across Chon Buri – Continued …
  • British Man Arrested in Krabi for Smuggling 34kg Cannabis – Continued …
  • Pai Police Arrest 4 Foreign Tourists for Smoking Marijuana on Walking Street – Continued …
  • Indian Nationals Caught at Don Mueang with 22kg Cannabis Stash – Continued …
  • Chinese Chef and South Asian Overstayers Detained in Phuket – Continued …

Government ‘committed’ to national minimum wage hike

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is committed to raising the minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide, despite concerns over its impact on SMEs and inflation. A tripartite wage committee will review the proposal tomorrow.

Phiphat yesterday addressed a parliamentary inquiry from Sen. Tewarit Maneechai regarding obstacles to the increase. The move followed three postponements of the wage adjustment for all provinces. Continued … 

Thailand aims for over 3% growth with Bt150-billion stimulus

The government wants to lift economic growth above its 3% target this year and is confident a strong first half will be followed by momentum from the next phase of its signature stimulus program and measures worth 150 billion baht, officials said yesterday.

Those stimulus measures, including the next stage of its “digital wallet” scheme, will be implemented by the end of the third quarter, said Paopoom Rojanasakul, a deputy finance minister. Continued …

10,000 Baht Cash Handout Announced for Thai Youth Aged 16 to 20

In a bid to stimulate economic activity among the younger generation, the Thai government has announced a new phase of its cash handout scheme, distributing 10,000 baht to nearly 2.7 million young Thais aged 16 to 20. This decision marks the third phase of the initiative, aimed specifically at fostering technology-driven spending habits among tech-savvy youths.

Under this latest policy shift, the Economic Stimulus Policy Board opted to focus solely on the younger demographic rather than the initially broader target group of all Thais aged 16 to 60. Continued … 

Social networkers of working age in uproar over third phase of handout

People of working age expressed outrage on social media shortly after the government announced that only individuals aged 16–20 would be eligible for the third phase of the 10,000-baht cash handout. Many social media users argued that it was unfair for working-age taxpayers to be excluded from the scheme, as they contribute to state revenue through their income taxes.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced the third phase of the 10,000-baht handout following a meeting of the Council of Economic Ministers at Government House yesterday. Continued …

Consumers Council: Third digital wallet handout should not go to teenagers

The third phase of the digital wallet handout should be offered to working-age individuals to stimulate the economy instead of adolescents aged 16-20, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) said today.

TCC President Boonyuen Siritham said she agreed with the government’s cash handouts for the elderly and disabled in the first and second phases as they might lack digital literacy. However, she pointed out that the scheme has done little to stimulate the economy. Continued …

Thai hotels sector urges action against unregulated daily rentals

Thailand’s hotel industry is calling on the government to take decisive action against the proliferation of so-called “zero-dollar condos” and unregulated daily room rentals via platforms like Airbnb.

The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) is also urging mandatory registration and stricter enforcement of existing laws, citing unfair competition and security concerns. Continued …

Thai SMEs seek protection as cheap foreign goods flood the market

The Thai Retailers Assn. has called for government intervention to address the growing crisis caused by the influx of cheap foreign goods severely undercutting domestic businesses.

The association also warned of significant consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the broader retail and service sectors. Continued …

Thai car exports threatened by Trump’s 25% US tariff plan

The Thai automotive industry faces potential challenges if U.S. President Donald Trump proceeds with his plan to impose tariffs on car imports, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

There are concerns among Thai auto manufacturers due to the country’s ranking as the 16th largest exporter of passenger cars and the 11th largest for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) shipments to the U.S., as reported by the FTI. Continued …

Thai Gem and Jewelry Exports Surge in January

Thailand’s gem and jewelry exports skyrocketed in January, with total export value nearly tripling compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The sector recorded exports worth $1.73 billion, marking a 148.8% year-on-year increase. When including gold, the total export value reached $2.9 billion, representing a 148.9% surge. Continued …

SRT seeks investors for Bt9.2-billion ‘smart complex’ at Bangkok bus station

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is seeking investment to develop a 51-rai (8.6 hectare) plot, including its office, a bus terminal and 4-star hotel, next to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok.

The Smart Business Complex project is part of a 2,325-rai development around the country’s main rail hub that will also be occupied by the government’s “Homes for Thais” low-cost housing project. Continued …

Thailand Anticipates Tourist Surge from China in May

As Thailand eyes a potential upswing in tourist arrivals from China this coming May, hopes hinge on the five-day Labor Day holiday. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cautiously optimistic, despite a noticeable dip in Chinese visitors earlier this year, attributed to lingering economic woes and safety concerns.

Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT’s deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and the South Pacific, has noted that the current hesitancy among Chinese tourists is partly due to such concerns. A reduction in flights, particularly from China’s secondary cities, has further compounded the issue. Continued … 

Songkran Travel Boost: More Flights and Discounts

With Songkran celebrations fast approaching, significant steps are underway to accommodate the anticipated surge in domestic travel. Over the festive period, an additional 25,000 seats will be available on domestic flights, and travelers can expect a reduction of up to 30% on some airfares, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

In a recent meeting chaired by Suriya, preparations for the peak travel window from April 11-17 were discussed. Key representatives from both state agencies and the private sector joined to strategize the response to the expected influx of travelers. Continued …

Phuket Ranks Top for Tourism Revenue in Thailand for 2024

Phuket, province has claimed the top spot in Thailand’s 2024 tourism revenue rankings, raking in a substantial 497.5 billion baht. This financial boon not only cements its status as a premier travel destination but also underscores the government’s efforts to strengthen the tourism industry’s role in the national economy.

As the world slowly emerges from global disruptions, Thailand has seen a robust revival in its tourism sector. Not far behind Phuket, the province of Chonburi secured second place with earnings of 316.8 billion baht, while Surat Thani, known for its popular islands like Koh Samui, contributed 119.1 billion baht to the nation’s coffers. Continued …

28 tourists rescued from leaking speedboat off Krabi mainland

Almost 30 tourists have been rescued from their speedboat, which was leaking en route from Koh Lipe to Phuket.

Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park dispatched a park patrol boat and the Nanthicha 333 speedboat to rescue 28 tourists struck on the Andaman Sea near Koh Poda Nok off the coast of Krabi province yesterday. Continued …

Foreign tourists to pay more as Japan rolls out dual-pricing system

Thais heading to Japan should prepare for potentially spending more, as the country is set to introduce a “two-tier” pricing system at major tourist attractions from July. The policy will set different rates for Japanese citizens and foreign visitors in a bid to tackle over-tourism, while generating additional revenue.

Japan, which has set a target of 60 million foreign tourists annually by 2030, has seen record-breaking visitor numbers, particularly from China and South Korea. The weak yen has further fueled tourism, with 36.86 million international arrivals recorded last year, surpassing Thailand’s 35 million for the first time. Continued …

Thailand plans tax incentives for plug-in hybrids

Thailand plans to offer tax incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicle manufacturing, with the changes to take effect from 2026 if they are approved, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said yesterday.

Under the plans, tax collection would be based on the travel range per battery charge for a vehicle, with lower taxes for a longer travel range, Paopoom said, adding the proposal would be sent to cabinet by April. Continued …

Markets in turmoil as US tariff policies stoke recession fears

Global financial markets have been rocked by severe volatility in recent weeks, with U.S. equities experiencing particular turbulence as investors react to President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. Despite momentary relief following potential exemptions for Canada and Mexico, market sentiment remains broadly negative, fueled by growing fears of a looming recession. Continued …

Musk says X hit by major cyberattack

Elon Musk said X was hit yesterday by a major cyberattack, raising questions as to whether the politically divisive billionaire is being targeted, or his decision to gut staff at what was once Twitter is haunting the social network. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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