Category Archives: exports

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Saturday’s news-Feb 24

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Today’s news: 650,000 treated for PM2.5-induced illnesses/Hua Hin, Army deal with possible drought/Prachuap port considered for land bridge project/Nameplate, Buddha Image Retrieved/Universal health coverage expands/Irish mobster escapes to Thailand/Economy: Taxes slashed for booze, pubs/Thai growth outlook trimmed/400/day minimum wage approved/Thai exports in January/Bangkok Port relocation could hit exports/Chinese automakers top three EV brands/Benefit rise for elderly, disabled/Tourism: Top trending spa destinations/New drop-off lane at Don Mueang/National park earns over Bt260M/Thai Airways records recovery/Environment: Leader in green energy/Battle Against Rampant Wildfires/Forest Fires Threaten Chiang Mai/Sugarcane leaves for power generation/Thailand Experience: Most luxurious hotels on Koh Samui/International news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

650,000 people treated for PM2.5-induced illnesses so far this year

More than 650,000 people have received medical treatment for illnesses caused by air pollution since the beginning of this year, particularly related to PM2.5, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Of these, more than 300,000 had respiratory diseases, about 80,000 heart and brain diseases, over 110,000 eye infections and irritations, and over 140,000 had skin infections. Continued …

Too little rainfall in Hua Hin, Army asked to help address possible drought

In a step toward combating the looming threat of drought in Hua Hin, local municipal officials have reached out to the Army Non-Commissioned Officer School for assistance in supplying water to the area.

This move comes in the wake of warnings about potential water scarcity in the coming months due to insufficient rainfall in the past wet season. Continued …

Prachuap port considered for land bridge project

Yesterday, a delegation led by Jane Namchaisiri, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, visited Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to evaluate the potential integration of Prachuap Port with the proposed $28-billion land bridge project.

This ambitious project aims to create a direct transportation link across Thailand’s narrow south, offering an alternative route for cargo ships that currently navigate the longer passage through the Malacca Strait and Singapore. Continued …

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Nameplate, Buddha Image Retrieved From Sunken Navy Ship

On the second day of a light salvage mission undertaken by United States and Thai navies to remove armaments and other objects from HTMS Sukhothai, which capsized and sank in stormy seas late 2022, killing 24 sailors with five others missing, the corvette’s nameplate, a Buddha image and some documents were brought to the surface.

Video 

Deployed in the 20-day joint U.S.-Thai light salvage mission in the sea off Prachuap Khiri Khan are HTMS Rattanakosin, which is of the same type as the U.S.-built, Ratanakosin-class corvette that sank, the Thai Navy’s minehunter HTMS Bang Rachan, and landing craft HTMS Mannai and the U.S. Navy’s tugboat Ocean Valor. Continued … 

Universal health coverage expands to eight more provinces

The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme is set to empower members with unprecedented healthcare options across eight additional provinces.

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, heading the National Health Security Board, announced the green light for expanding the UHC digital health platform. This expansion encompasses provinces such as Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Phang Nga, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Sa Kaeo. Continued …

Irish mobster dodges law with escape to Thailand

An Irish mobster has fled to Thailand in an attempt to evade the long reach of the law in his Emerald Isle homeland.

The mobster, along with his brother, swiftly departed from Ireland after authorities cracked down on their illegal drug trafficking operation. While one brother is reportedly holed up in Dubai, the other has sought refuge in the Land of Smiles. Continued …

Taxes slashed for booze, pubs

The Excise Department has cut tax rates for alcohol and nightlife venues, effective on Friday, in a bid to boost tourism and domestic spending.

Department Director-general Ekniti Nitithanprapas said that the new tax rates are in line with measures approved by the cabinet on Jan. 2, which are intended to promote Thailand to become a tourism hub. Continued …

Analysts trim Thai growth outlook

Despite two anticipated interest rate cuts this year, analysts are downgrading Thailand’s economic growth outlook, citing lower tourism revenue and increasing uncertainty surrounding the digital wallet policy.

BofA Securities, a unit of Bank of America, cut its Thai GDP forecast this year from 3.7% to 2.6%, as it no longer assumes the 500-billion-baht digital handout policy will be launched. Continued …

400/day minimum wage approved for some

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on Friday confirmed a second rise in the minimum wage to 400 baht per day for some professions and provinces, which he said is a Songkran gift for Thais.

Phiphat said next Tuesday the terms of the new hike would go before a government subcommittee, which will forward it along with their own revisions to the full committee the same day. Continued …

Thai exports in January see highest growth in 19 months

Thailand’s exports in January expanded for the sixth consecutive month, totaling US$22.6 billion (815.7 billion baht), and growing 10% year on year. Ministry of Commerce permanent secretary Keerati Rushchano said on Friday that the growth in January was the highest in 19 months, since June 2022.

However, the country’s imports totaled $25.4 billion (914.9 billion baht) in January, an increase of 2.6% year on year, with a trade deficit of $2.7 billion (99.2 billion baht), according to the official. Continued …

PM warns Bangkok Port relocation plan could hit exports

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday poured cold water on plans to relocate Bangkok Port out of the city, warning of disruption to exports.

Asked about the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s proposal to move the port, Srettha told reporters covering his visit to City Hall that relevant agencies should carefully consider all the factors. He also remarked that Thailand’s biggest port, Laem Chabang in Chonburi province, is currently being expanded. Continued …

Chinese automakers top three EV brands for Thai buyers in 2023

Chinese automakers were the top three electric vehicle (EV) brands for Thai people last year, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

BYD was the top choice with the highest number of new EV registrations in Thailand at 30,467, followed by Neta (12,777) and MG (12,462). U.S.-based Tesla and another Chinese brand, Great Wall Motor (GWM), were fourth and fifth, with 8,206 and 6,746, respectively. Continued …

Benefit rise for elderly, disabled

A subcommittee under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has agreed to enhance welfare benefit programs for the elderly, babies and the disabled, marking a significant step in improving the well-being of these groups.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said that under the proposed scheme the elderly would receive a flat rate welfare payment of 1,000 baht a month, instead of the current rate, which varies between 600-800 baht depending on their age. Continued …

Top trending spa destinations for 2024 unveiled. Thailand ranked 18th

In 2024, SpaSeekers.com’s latest research highlights the top spa destinations. Romania takes the lead, witnessing a 233% surge in spa trip searches. The study also pinpoints France, China, and Canada as standout spa destinations within the top 10 sought-after locations.

For many people, the start of the year comes with a refreshed bank of annual leave days, which provides the perfect opportunity to do some holiday planning, while dreaming of some summer sun during the cold winter days. For those who are looking for the ultimate relaxing getaway in 2024, and some serious self-care time, a destination spa break may be just what the doctor ordered. Continued …

New passenger drop-off lane at Don Mueang airport to help ease traffic

Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport will open a new passenger drop-off lane in front of Terminal 2 building from March 1 for taxi and personal vehicles to drop airport users off, in a bid to help reduce traffic congestion at the front of the domestic passenger terminal.

The new passenger drop-off lane is one of the measures to be put in place before Songkran Festival in April when the airport expects a spike in users, airport Director Wijit Kaesaithiam said on Friday. Continued …

National park in Krabi earns over Bt260M in entry fees in 4 months

Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi has generated more than 260 million baht in entry fees in less than four months, owing to the continual increase in the number of tourists visiting the popular island attraction.

From October last year to Thursday (Feb. 22), park officials have collected 267,500,382 baht in entry fees from 126,398 tourists, park chief Yutthaphong Damsrisuk said on Friday. Continued …

Thai Airways records recovery with US$782 million profit in 2023

Thai Airways International witnessed a significant rebound in its earnings following an increase in air travel demand. The airline reported a net profit of 28.1 billion baht (US$782 million) in 2023, a substantial recovery from the 272-million-baht loss experienced in the previous year.

This is the second-highest annual net income recorded by the company, surpassed only by the 55-billion-baht profit in 2021, primarily attributed to an 81.5 billion baht gain from debt restructuring. Continued …

Thailand’s potential to become leader in green energy

Thailand will become the leader in green energy in Southeast Asia and one of the world’s top five green economies, Thailand’s trade representative and adviser to the Prime Minister ML Chayotid Kridakon said on Thursday.

His confidence is based on the government’s framework for the country’s transition to clean power, which will see Thailand rely on more than 50% renewable energy by 2040 from a variety of green sources, including solar cells. Continued …

Northern Thailand’s Battle Against Rampant Wildfires: A Crisis Unfolding

As the sun rises over the verdant landscape of northern Thailand, a veil of smoke threatens to overshadow the natural beauty of this region. The recent outbreak of wildfires has put an estimated 1 million rai (160,000 hectares) at risk, marking a critical environmental and humanitarian crisis.

This isn’t just a story of fire and smoke; it’s a narrative about the delicate balance between nature and human activity, and the efforts to safeguard a region’s ecological and cultural heritage. Continued … 

Forest Fires Threaten Chiang Mai’s Air Quality Amid Rising Temperatures

Imagine waking up to a hazy morning where the air tastes of ash and the sun is a mere smudge in the sky. This is not the opening scene of a dystopian novel but the reality for the residents of Chiang Mai as they face an environmental crisis.

Forest fires raging at the base of Doi Suthep mountain are not only a direct threat to the flora and fauna but have also catapulted the region’s air quality to hazardous levels, raising alarms about health and safety. Continued …

Sugarcane leaves being used for power generation

Mitr Phol Group reinforces the company’s sustainable development by continuing the purchasing of sugarcane leaves program from sugarcane farmers, enhancing the value of agricultural waste.

For more than six years, the program has promoted green sugarcane harvesting, utilizing sugarcane leaves as raw material for bio-power generation. Mitr Phol Group stands as a pioneering force in the development of renewable energy production processes, harnessing sugarcane leaves as a primary fuel source for biomass electricity. Continued …

The most luxurious hotels on Koh Samui

When you think of Thailand, what springs to mind? If it’s palm fronds, sugar-fine sand and sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean, you’re picturing Koh Samui.

The most postcard-perfect Thai island, Samui is for many the gateway to a life-long obsession with the Gulf of Siam: the first destination in what will become a never-ending list of trips. Whether it’s the forthcoming third season of The White Lotus (currently being filmed on the island), or a simple Google search of gorgeous Thai beaches that has inspired you, you’re about to plan a trip we’re certain won’t disappoint. Continued …

Germany joins legal cannabis club

German lawmakers on Friday approved a government plan to liberalize rules on cannabis, paving the way for the country to decriminalize limited amounts of marijuana and allow members of “cannabis clubs” to buy it for recreational purposes. Continued …

AI frenzy pushes Nvidia value to $2 trillion

The market value of Nvidia hit $2 trillion on Friday, riding on an insatiable demand for its chips that made the Silicon Valley company the pioneer of the generative artificial intelligence boom. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

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90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, medical tourism, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Feb 23

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Today’s news: 5 Pitfalls With Retiring in Thailand/Summer officially starts/Red Cross Fair begins tomorrow/City of Shellfish walk/run/Severe summer storms/160,000 hectares face destruction in wildfires/Uphill task of removing street food stalls/American expat escapes Thai jail time/Thai self-confidence index/’Babies’ were opium/Economy: Bank warns of long-term downturn/PM envisages 8 hubs/Too dependent on few farm exports/Tourism: Don’t need a visa/37 Malaysians hurt in tour bus crash/Air Japan cancels Bangkok-Tokyo flights/Environment: Thailand’s Grassroots’ Path to Environmental Health/Water Woes/Oxygen treatment for wastewater/Thailand’s potash push/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

 

Beware of These 5 Pitfalls That Come With Retiring in Thailand

Thailand has a reputation for being a great place for retirees. Its warm weather, delicious cuisine, beautiful scenery, and rich culture are all factors that play into the decision for those who move out there. B

But, is there a catch for retirees looking to spend the rest of their lives here? We’ll go through five pitfalls that might come with retiring in Thailand and the considerations to make when choosing a location for retirement. Continued …

Summer officially starts, and it will be hot and dry

The Meteorological Department has announced the start of summer, with temperatures expected to peak at a blistering 45°C over the next few months in some areas.

Meanwhile, people gathered to enjoy a late frost at the top of Thailand’s highest mountain, in Chiang Mai, on Thursday morning. The announcement said the cool season had already ended and summer officially began on Wednesday. Continued …

No alcohol sales from midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow

Red Cross Fair begins tomorrow

The Hua Hin Red Cross and Local Goodies Fair returns for its 26th edition this year, promising a vibrant mix of charity, culture, and community spirit.

Scheduled from Feb. 24 to March 4, the fair will unfold over the expansive 25-acre activity ground situated behind the Bluport Hua Hin Shopping Mall on Soi Hua Hin 102. Continued …

Rak Lay 2 Hua Hin The City of Shellfish walk/run event tomorrow

Hua Hin is set to host the second edition of the “Rak Lay 2 Hua Hin The City of Shellfish” walk/run event, scheduled for Saturday.

This event, which coincides with the Makha Bucha Day holiday, is part of an initiative to promote tourism and support charitable causes. Continued …

Thailand braces for severe summer storms across 46 provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, as a summer storm is expected to hit 46 provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, from Feb. 24 to 26. The alert warns of thunderstorms, hail, and potential lightning strikes due to a high-pressure system from China meeting with a moist easterly and southeasterly wind flow over Thailand.

With a collision of a high-pressure system from China and a moist southern air flow, Thailand is bracing for severe summer storms. The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts strong winds, hail, and thunderstorms across large parts of the country as winter bids farewell. Continued …

160,000 hectares of land in Thailand’s north face destruction in wildfires

An estimated 1 million rai (160,000 hectares), spanning 10 provinces in the northern part of Thailand, is predicted to be destroyed by wildfires between Feb. 19-25, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

The 10 provinces are Tak, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, and Kamphaeng Phet. The GISTDA said that wildfires were likely to be caused by locals, who burn the area before planting and after a harvest. Continued …

email: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Bangkok faces uphill task of removing street food stalls from sidewalks

For 28 years, Somsak and Wanna raised three children by selling home-made soy milk from a cart in Silom, Bangkok’s financial district. About a year ago, the couple began to see their income plummet, they said, because of the city’s forcible relocation of their business.

“Before COVID, there were days when we earned up to 2,500 baht (U.S. $69.50), but now some days we earn around 700 baht ($19.46),” said Somsak, 65. “I have attended meetings with the Bangkok officials. They said they want Bangkok to be as beautiful as cities abroad – that is without vendors and stalls.” Continued …

American expat escapes Thai jail time for scathing hotel review

An American expat living in Thailand faced a nightmare scenario when his negative TripAdvisor review landed him in hot water with the law.

Wesley Barnes found himself in a legal tussle after leaving a less-than-flattering review of Sea View Resort on Koh Chang. Barnes’ brush with the law began after he described the hotel’s staff as unfriendly and likened their behavior to modern-day slavery. Continued …

Thai self-confidence index reveals gap between aspirations and appearance

A new study, the “Self-Confidence Index”**, sheds light on the aspirations and anxieties of Thai consumers regarding their appearance. While Thais across various generations show considerable confidence in their looks, the research reveals a surprising desire for further enhancement through beauty treatments.

The study, conducted by leading aesthetics company Merz Aesthetics Thailand, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University’s Assistant Prof. Watcharaporn Bunyasiriwat, surveyed 1,000 individuals aged 18-55. They identified six key factors influencing self-confidence: attitude and mindset, social aspects, work and study, health, appearance (average score of 82%), and income. Continued …

13 ‘Pregnant’ Teens Intercepted by Police; ‘babies’ were opium

Yesterday, police officers, led by the superintendent of Mae Ai police station, conducted a checkpoint operation on the public road between Mae Ai and Tha Ton in Chiang Mai Province. Their aim was to curb illegal activities in the area.

During the operation, they stopped a suspicious Toyota pickup truck. To their surprise, all 13 passengers were young pregnant women aged between 17 and 25. Suspecting something amiss, female officers were called to conduct a search. Continued …

Bank of Thailand warns of long-term downturn

The Thai export sector has lost competitiveness in global markets, with the market share of rice shipments falling by more than 50% over the past 20 years, according to the Bank of Thailand (BoT).

Long-standing structural impediments in the export and manufacturing sectors are having a more discernible impact on the Thai economy, said the central bank. Continued …

PM envisages 8 hubs in ambitious vision for Thailand’s economic future

Thailand will be developed into hubs in eight areas, including tourism, food, logistics and aviation, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Thursday, as he laid out his plans for the country’s future.

Srettha unveiled his “Thailand Vision” in his speech at the “Ignite Thailand” conference at Government House, which laid out ambitious plans for making the country the hubs for tourism, medical treatment, food, aviation, logistics, electric vehicles, digital economy and finance. Continued …

‘Thailand too dependent on a few farm export items and markets’

Thailand needs to diversify its agricultural exports, as it currently relies on a handful of items and only a few overseas markets, Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang said on Thursday.

He said that the country’s top five farm products constituted over 87% of its agricultural exports, while as much as 42% of Thai farm products were exported to China. “Thailand relies on a limited number of markets for our agricultural exports, particularly China, which imports as much as 42% of all Thai farm exports,” Napintorn said. Continued …

85% of tourists to Thailand now don’t need a visa

Within the past six months, the Thai government has made mammoth strides to ease the travel process for millions more foreign tourists. Previously, visa-exempt tourist travel was mainly restricted to the traditional or old markets such as the European Union, the UK, the U.S. and Australia. But now holidaymakers from Russia receive 90 days, needing neither prior approval nor a visa on arrival, while Chinese and Indian citizens (and several smaller countries) are awarded 30 days without any bureaucracy in a mutually-agreed deal.

Thai immigration authorities reckon that eight out of 10 short-term visitors to Thailand no longer need formal approval for travel. The exceptions are largely nationals from Africa, parts of Asia and South America. Continued …

37 Malaysians hurt in tour bus crash in Kanchanaburi

Thirty-seven Malaysian tourists were injured, along with a Thai driver and guide, when a tour bus skidded off a road in Bo Phloi district on Thursday afternoon.

Police, rescue workers and medics who rushed to the scene found all 39 people on board the tour bus were injured, including 37 Malaysians. Some were seriously hurt. Continued …

Air Japan cancels Bangkok-Tokyo flights, stranding passengers

Passengers were left disappointed and frustrated when their Air Japan flight to Tokyo was abruptly canceled due to technical issues.

The fledgling airline, a low-cost carrier within the ANA group, found itself at the center of controversy after it revealed that it operates with a single aircraft, which brought about a series of cancellations affecting travelers from both Thailand and abroad. Continued …

Thailand’s Grassroots’ Path to Environmental Health and Against Air Pollution

In Thailand, the chronic issue of air pollution, intensified by seasonal forest fires and agricultural practices, poses a significant threat to public health. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, which is the release of pollutants into the air from various sources including the industrial and transport sectors, the real impact of these initiatives is slowly becoming apparent. The introduction of protective measures, along with community innovations, are urgently needed for immediate health protection.

Recognizing this urgency, the Department of Health, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand and the World Health Organization Thailand have come together to identify and share successful local strategies for mitigating the health impacts of air pollution. Continued …

Water Woes: The Controversial Battle Over Megaprojects and Environmental Concerns

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand’s ambitious endeavors to combat water scarcity through monumental infrastructure projects have ignited a fiery debate among local communities, environmentalists, and the Royal Irrigation Department (RID).

At the epicenter of this controversy stands the 170-billion-baht water diversion initiative along the Yuam River, a testament to human engineering and a potential ecological time bomb. Continued … 

Oxygen treatment makes Thai wastewater clean

In a move to tackle Thailand’s wastewater crisis, a pioneering oxygen treatment method promises to transform foul-smelling waters into pristine streams, all while slashing carbon emissions.

In the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, a silent revolution is underway. Piyabut Charuphen, the managing director of BIG, a trailblazer in industrial gas technology, unveils the Generating A Cleaner Future initiative. This endeavor aims to revolutionize water quality management through innovative oxygen infusion technology. Continued …

Thailand’s potash push: Prosperity or peril?

As Thailand eyes a leap into the lucrative potash market, concerns loom large over the potential environmental havoc it may unleash.

Residents in the vicinity of Thailand’s solitary commercial potash mine have raised a chorus of apprehension, cautioning against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s grand vision to catapult the nation into a leading potash producer. Their concerns, centered around the possible devastating environmental toll in the Isaan region, ring with urgency and fear. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

baht, exports, healthcare, hua hin, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand

Tuesday’s news-Feb 20

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Today’s news: Feedback/2-5pm liquor ban to continue/Panel to consider ending 2-5pm alcohol sales ban/Summer predicted with extreme heat/More than 400 hotspots/Seasonal allergies in Thailand/Wild elephant found dead in Hua Hin/Makha Bucha holiday on Saturday/Bank app accused of deducting money/Second-worst deep-fried delight a blessing?/Thailand’s population will fall to 30M/WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal?/Mongolian Arrested Trying To Smuggle wildlife/Economy: Land handed over to farmers/Pressure to force rate cut, baht slides/2%-3% expansion in exports/Thailand Experience: Vtopia in Thailand/International news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Re: Air quality

“I wonder if and when schools will take measures to combat the very poor air quality (mandatory wearing of masks or even closing schools for days) in order to protect the children and teaching staff?” – rbm

Re: Cheap Chinese imports

“FINALLY! I’ve been trying my hardest to NOT buy cheap Chinese tat but it’s so difficult here. The minute you see something on Lazada that says ‘ships from overseas’ you know where it’s coming from! However, I don’t think the PM will succeed as I don’t think Thailand can survive without Chinese shi’ite!” – Peter

2-5pm liquor ban to continue

Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin promised members of an anti-liquor network that the Liquor Policy Committee will not extend liquor sales hours.

About 300 members of the anti-liquor network from Sukhothai province, hometown of Somsak, arrived at the Ministry of Public Health to voice their opposition to any attempt to revoke an old announcement by a military junta, which restricts the sale of liquor from 11am to 2pm and from 5 pm to midnight. Continued …

Panel to consider ending 2-5pm alcohol sales ban

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew announced the formation of a panel by the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee to investigate the proposed extension of alcohol sales hours in Thailand. This decision necessitates a comprehensive review of the existing laws and regulations surrounding the sale of alcoholic beverages.

The panel’s objective is to study the potential repercussions of extended drinking hours on public health and economic growth. At present, there is a lack of sufficient data for the committee to reach a concrete decision on this matter. Continued …

Late onset of Thai summer predicted with extreme heat

The onset of summer in Thailand is set to be late this month, as projected by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). The upcoming months of March and April are forecasted to experience extreme heat, with temperatures potentially soaring as high as 43-45°C in certain provinces.

According to the department, the latter part of the week will witness a surge in temperatures across the upper regions of the country, except the peak areas in the upper north and northeast. The lower north, northeast, the central plain inclusive of greater Bangkok, and the east are expected to experience a build-up of heat, marking the official start of summer toward the end of the month. Continued …

Thailand dealing with more than 400 hotspots

Thailand is currently grappling with more than 400 hotspots, with the highest concentration in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, each reporting over 40 incidents. In comparison, neighboring countries are also facing significant challenges, with Myanmar recording 3,065 hotspots, Cambodia 1,341, Laos 704, and Vietnam 414 as of Feb. 18.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), operating under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, has been meticulously tracking these hotspots across Thailand. Continued …

Some common seasonal allergies in Thailand

Seasonal allergies in Thailand can significantly impact your daily life, especially if you’re sensitive to common triggers like pollen, dust mites, or air pollution. With the country’s tropical climate, understanding these allergies and how they vary with the seasons is crucial.

Research shows that household factors like dampness, mold, and the burning of biomass are closely linked to asthma and rhinitis symptoms. Interestingly, these associations become more pronounced depending on the season, highlighting the need for awareness and precautionary measures. Continued …

Wild elephant found dead in Hua Hin stream

A dead elephant, which was discovered in a stream in Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin, is believed to have succumbed to severe injuries from a conflict.

On Sunday, Deputy Inspector Police Lt. Col. Somphot Prayangam of Nong Plub Police Station in Hua Hin, received a report from a palm plantation owner from Ban Fa Prathan, Pa La-U, Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin. He had found the carcass of a wild elephant near his plantation and alerted the authorities. Continued …

Makha Bucha holiday on Saturday, no alcohol sales

Makha Bucha, which falls on this Saturday, commemorates four key events in the Buddha’s life, emphasizing his teachings and principles. Temples hold special ceremonies, including candle processions and chanting, during this day while Thai people observe the occasion by visiting temples, practicing meditation, and abstaining from vices like alcohol and entertainment.

While foreigners are not expected to participate in religious rituals, it’s important to be mindful of the respectful atmosphere. Dressing modestly when visiting temples is essential, and avoiding loud or disruptive behavior is crucial. Continued …

Bank app accused of deducting money every minute

“TTBThanachart Bank” has clarified after customers complained of the bank app deducting money every minute by 33.28 baht.

Following a viral post online warning of a popular bank app deducting money every minute without the account owner even using the app or conducting any transactions, concerns arose. What’s happening? Continued …

World’s second-worst deep-fried delight a blessing?

In the bustling Saturday night market of Phiman subdistrict, Satun’s Mueang district, a fried silkworm vendor stands proudly behind her sizzling cauldron of the world’s second-worst dish.

The vendor, Patcharee Thongprasom, revealed that since the TasteAtlas verdict hit the headlines, it’s been raining customers. “Before, I’d shift around 2 kilograms a night. Now? Doubled to a whopping 4 kilos!” Continued …

By 2074, Thailand’s population will fall to 30M even with current birth rate

Thailand’s Minister for Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa, has warned that by 2074 Thailand’s population could fall to 30 million. That is less than half its current level. It comes as the country’s population has begun to decline.

In addition to a loss of productivity, the lack of younger people has already begun to impact the country’s consumer market and economy, not to mention the rising cost of caring for a population that is growing more elderly. Continued …

Why Do Thais Prefer Line Over WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal?

People around the world can communicate with each other in new ways thanks to technology. Mobile messaging apps are one of the most common and easy ways to communicate, with features like text, voice, video, stickers, emojis, and more.

Different regions have different preferences for messaging apps, based on their features, users, and cultures. Continued …

Mongolian Arrested Trying To Smuggle Komodo Dragons, Pythons Out Of Thailand

A Mongolian man has been arrested at Thailand’s main airport for allegedly trying to smuggle Komodo dragons, pythons, tortoises and 24 live fish out of the country, authorities said on Monday.

The man was arrested on Saturday after officials searched luggage he had checked for a flight from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport to Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar, customs department spokesman Phantong Loykulnanta said. Continued …

10,000 rai of Army land handed over to farmers

In a significant move to uplift the farming community, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on a visit to the northeastern region of Udon Thani, officially handed over lease contracts to farmers for over 10,000 rai of land owned by the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. This marked a significant day in the Nong Wua So development scheme, designed to safeguard the interests of small farmers nationwide.

This not only addresses national security concerns but also aims to alleviate the poverty experienced by many farmers without land. The decision came after extensive discussions involving the chiefs of all armed forces branches and the Treasury Department, the legal landowner. Continued …

PM ramps up pressure to force rate cut, baht slides

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin asked the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to urgently hold an unscheduled meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to cut the interest rate, saying the latest data indicated that the country’s economy was in a crisis.

“I would like to implore the MPC to urgently call a committee meeting to consider reducing interest without waiting for a scheduled meeting,” Srettha posted online yesterday. Continued …

Thai Chamber foresees 2%-3% expansion in exports in 2024

The Thai Chamber of Commerce University (UTCC) forecasts exports to rebound to an expansion of 2%-3% this year, with the value ranging from US$290-293 billion, or an average of 2.5%, equivalent to $291.6 billion, from a contraction of 1% last year.

Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the UTCC, attributed the rebound in exports largely to the growing global economy and global trade, as well as the recovering demand in main export markets. Continued …

Vtopia in Thailand

In the far east of Thailand is the city of Ubon Ratchatani and just a few kilometers from there, along the meandering Mun River, is the intentional community of Ratchatani Asok (part of the Asok movement in Thailand).

Ratchathani Asok is an amazing community: it’s a Buddhist, vegan, organic, drug-, alcohol-, and tobacco-free, solar-powered, communal, service-oriented, self-sufficient, peaceful village without crime or even conflict. Whether to work and what jobs to do if one does work is voluntary, as work is not used to guarantee necessities nor strictly for production, but primarily for social and spiritual purposes. It’s truly a utopia! Continued … 

Gaza Health Ministry Says Over 29,000 Palestinians Have Been Killed

More than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, the territory’s Health Ministry said Monday, marking another grim milestone in the deadliest round of violence in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Feb 16

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Today’s news: Hua Hin Hospital warns of poor air quality/Thailand’s hotspots surge/Increased alcohol sales hours rejected/Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival/Hua Hin Yoga Festival/Dustman Hua Hin gravel cycling/Groups tackle Asia’s strays/Mike Tyson explains his cannabis business/Economy: Digital wallet stalled/Thailand mulling nuclear/Oil fund deficit/Pact ramps up Thai exports/Insurance companies warned on EVs/Tourism: Thailand to expand visa-free access/Chinese tourism soars/Soaring travel costs to Phuket/Chinese Tourist Plunges to Death/Environment: Struggle to control PM2.5 levels/Just 31 days of good air/Airborne pollution to worsen/Renewable Energy Thailand/’World’s priciest carbon credits’/Thailand Experience: Thailand’s World Heritage in Danger?/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 Hospital warns of poor air quality in region

Hua Hin Hospital has issued a warning to residents and visitors about deteriorating air quality in the Hua Hin district. The hospital shared concerning data about the current levels of air pollution.

(Editor note: The image above is linked to the AQI index information for the Hua Hin area, and is available to readers every day.)

According to the report, the air quality index (AQI) in Hua Hin reached a worrying level of 196 as of 8am, nearly double the threshold of what is considered safe. Health standards suggest that AQI values should ideally not exceed 100 to avoid adverse health effects. Continued …

Thailand’s hotspots surge, sparking environmental concerns

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported a surge in hotspots across Thailand and neighboring countries, exceeding 1,700 points in Thailand alone as of Feb. 14. (More about Thailand’s air pollution problem in the “Environment” section below.)

This data, collected from the Suomi NPP satellite alongside other satellites, raised concerns, particularly as the majority of these hotspots are located in conservation forests and national parks. With neighboring countries also experiencing significant numbers of hotspots, regional environmental concerns are heightened. Continued …

Beverage committee rejects increased alcohol sales hours

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on Thursday chose not to agree to increasing the selling period of alcoholic beverages from 2pm to 5pm.

Committee secretary Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, who also heads the Department of Disease Control, said the move would violate a coup-era decree going back to 1972. That dictum limits the selling of alcoholic beverage in Thailand to two periods per day — 11am to 2pm, and 5pm to midnight — in a bid to ensure public order and safety. Continued …

Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival starts tomorrow

A wonderful time of year to visit any vineyard is harvest time. It is when the grapes are being picked and processed, offering a unique opportunity to witness the wine-making process and to see the vineyard at its most active.

In February, the Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival 2024 is happening at Hua Hin’s Monsoon Valley vineyard. This year’s festival, happening from Feb. 17-25, promises an immersive and fun experience into the world of wine making. Continued …

Hua Hin Yoga Festival this weekend

The Hua Hin Yoga Festival will take place this Friday-Sunday. The event starts at 5pm each evening and is free of charge, but you need to register beforehand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap Khiri Khan office, in collaboration with Hua Hin municipality, Hua Hin/Cha-am Tourism Business Assn. Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thai AirAsia Hua Hin, YEC Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Verso Hotel Hua Hin, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, Shakti Yoga and government and private sector partners organized the festival at Khao Takiab Beach in front of Verso Hua Hin Hotel. Continued …

Dustman Hua Hin gravel cycling event set March 1-2

Hua Hin is gearing up for the annual Dustman Hua Hin cycling event, scheduled for March 1-2.

This event, organized by Bike Zone Co., in collaboration with local authorities and tourism organizations, aims to showcase the region’s natural beauty through the burgeoning sport of gravel cycling. Continued …

Happy Doggo & Soi Dog tackle Asia’s strays

Happy Doggo and the Soi Dog Foundation have joined forces to tackle Asia’s stray animal crisis head-on with a colossal campaign. Aimed at putting an end to the suffering of homeless animals across the continent, this ambitious initiative promises to revolutionize the fight against the stray population.

Animals 24-7, jaded by seeing grandiose claims in appeals and media releases, recalls the skepticism initially met with the joint venture’s announcement. However, the source, Soi Dog Foundation, carries weight as the first charity to hit the million mark for spay/neuter surgeries in Thailand. Continued … 

Mike Tyson explains his cannabis business effort in Thailand

In an exclusive interview with Mike Tyson, the boxing legend revealed his daring venture into Thailand’s cannabis market with Tyson 2.0, sparking both business strategy and personal mission.

In a deep-dive discussion, Tyson unveiled the intertwined relationship between cannabis and combat sports, recounting his escapade in Thailand and the serendipity that spared him from the long arm of the law. Now, with Thailand’s shifting cannabis landscape, Tyson sees an opportunity to revolutionize attitudes toward the herb. Continued …

Digital wallet stalled for more studies

A much-anticipated meeting of the board overseeing the government’s digital wallet program ended on Thursday with the establishment of a subcommittee to thoroughly study all rules and regulations and report back in 30 days.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said afterward that the new panel would look into the concerns and suggestions raised by the Council of State and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NAAC). Continued …

Thailand mulling nuclear-powered transition to alternative energy

Energy Minister Piraphan Salirathavibhaga will have the final say on whether to include a nuclear power plant as a source of alternative energy in the revised Power Development Plan (PDP), the ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry is currently revising points in the PDP on the ratio of natural gas and renewable energy, and power-saving measures, Permanent Secretary Prasert Sinsukprasert said. The revised plan will include a proposal to build Thailand’s first nuclear power plant. Continued …

Oil fund deficit headed toward Bt100 billion amid high global price

The Oil Fuel Fund will see its accumulated deficit reach 100 billion baht by April due to high fuel prices and volatile geopolitical risks, an informed source at the Energy Ministry said on Thursday. The fund has been spent on subsidizing diesel prices – at 5.30 baht per liter at present, up by 0.73 baht from 4.57 baht per liter previously.

Due to higher diesel prices in the global market over the past few days, the fuel fund needs an average of 375 million baht per day to subsidize diesel prices in the domestic market. As a result, an average of 11 billion baht is required every month. Continued …

ASEAN-China pact ramps up Thai exports

The ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) has significantly boosted Thai exports to China, particularly processed sugar items such as syrup, artificial honey and various sweeteners.

Thailand posted annual growth of 145% for processed sugar exports to China over the past decade, according to the Foreign Trade Department. Continued …

Email: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Insurance companies warned of risks in covering electric vehicles

The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) on Thursday warned insurance companies to exercise caution when accepting insurance for electric vehicles (EV), after an American EV-maker recalled over 2 million units due to a malfunction in the autopilot system.

During a meeting with members of Thai General Insurance Assn., OIC Assistant Secretary-general Apakorn Panlerd urged insurers to employ risk-management strategies in handling EV cases, as EVs operate differently from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and therefore carry higher risks. Continued …

Thailand to expand visa-free access, says PM

The government plans to offer visa-free travel to citizens of several more countries, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday. Thailand has recently waived visas for citizens of China and India to boost tourism, a key driver of Southeast Asia’s second-biggest economy.

On Wednesday, Srettha and David Hurley, the governor-general of Australia, had a meeting at Government House and agreed with a proposal to consider the possibility of introducing a mutual visa exemption scheme to facilitate travel and business activity between the people of both nations. Continued …

Thailand sees Chinese tourism soar as visa requirement dropped

Bangkok’s Chinatown, lit up by red lanterns and decorative banners to celebrate the Lunar New Year holidays, is bustling. As the region welcomed the Year of the Dragon last weekend, ethnic Chinese Thais thronged temples to light candles and pray for good fortune.

Inside the glowing red interior of Wat Mangkon Kamalawat – the largest Chinese temple in Bangkok – women wore traditional cheongsam dresses and took photos with their loved ones. Continued …

Soaring travel costs to Phuket spark tourist backlash

The soaring cost of air travel to Phuket has sparked a backlash from local tourists, with low-cost carriers reportedly charging up to 14,000 baht (US$388) for a round trip from Bangkok. Despite making bookings weeks in advance, some travelers reported paying 5,000 baht (US$138) for a one-way ticket.

The president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), Suksit Suvunditkul, confirmed that both airfares and hotel prices in Phuket have been on a steady increase since the pandemic’s end. Continued …

Koh Samet: Chinese Tourist Plunges to His Death from Resort Balcony

Yesterday, Lt. Col. Nonthanat Chomchuen, deputy superintendent of Phe Police Station, Rayong Province, received a report of a tourist falling from a height and dying at a resort on Koh Samet, Moo 4, Tambon Phe, Amphoe Mueang, Rayong Province.

Authorities rushed to the scene with investigative teams, Rayong Hospital physicians, and representatives from the Suan Phra Kukson Foundation. Continued …

Royal Rainmaking Department struggles to control Bangkok PM2.5 levels

The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department admits its efforts to tackle sky-high PM2.5 levels in Bangkok are being thwarted by the haze drifting from Myanmar.

The department’s Director-General, Supit Pithaktham, revealed that despite their daily endeavors since December to produce artificial rain, the intensified burning of farmland in Myanmar has unleashed a relentless barrage of pollution, carried by easterly winds into Bangkok. Continued …

Bangkok residents enjoyed just 31 days of good air in 2023

Bangkokians experienced good air quality for a paltry 31 days in 2023, according to a study by Rocket Media Lab, which collected data from the World Air Quality Index over the past year.

The independent database analyst said the number of “good air days” dropped 8.5% from the previous year, when city dwellers could breathe fresh air on 49 days. Continued …

Airborne pollution forecast to worsen this weekend

The PM2.5 problem in and around Bangkok, in 17 northern provinces and in the northeast is predicted to get worse this weekend, while the situation in the south is steadily improving, according to the Air Pollution Mitigation Center.

Chiang Mai

Airborne pollution in the eastern region is forecast to ease from next Wednesday. Continued …

Renewable Energy Thailand: Pioneering Sustainability in Southeast Asia

As global environmental awareness surges, renewable energy stands at the forefront of sustainable development, playing a vital role in shaping a greener future. In this context, nations are increasingly turning to renewable sources as pivotal elements of their energy strategies.

Among these nations, Thailand is notable for its commitment to renewable energy. The journey through renewable energy in Thailand is complex and laden with both opportunities and challenges, highlighting the importance of expert legal guidance in navigating this evolving landscape. Continued … 

‘World’s priciest carbon credits’ in Thailand’s first forest scheme

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has purchased 400 tons of carbon credits at what is considered the world’s highest price for such a project. The bank bought 120 million baht worth of credits at 30,000 baht per ton in the BAAC carbon credit project, the first forest carbon credit initiative in Thailand.

Centered on two treebanks in Khon Kaen province, Tha Li and Ban Daeng, the project aims to meet the needs of the public and private sectors in achieving carbon neutrality and zero net greenhouse gas emissions. Continued …

Thailand’s World Heritage in Danger?

Having been designated as Natural World Heritage sites, Thailand’s most valued forests are highly expected from the public that they can retain their ecological values that meet global recognition and the context of the new global biodiversity framework.

However, the three sites — Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, and Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex — have been facing pressure from highly charged threats, from sophisticated poaching to unsound state development, to a decades-long land rights conflict, prompting their world heritage status and conservation work to be critically challenged. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, exports, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-Feb 10

Today’s news: Chinese New Year celebrations/Chinese New Year in Hua Hin/Charge for parking near Chatchai Market/Please welcome returning Sponsor IC Curtains/Thailand braces for severe weather/The New Expat Tax Landscape/Bridge to host 111 weddings/Canadian who opened plane door/Methamphetamine seizures double/Economy: Recovery still trailing behind/Modest 4.9% pay hike/First home blues/Bank rues cheap imports/World’s 3rd-largest chicken exporter/Cannabis industry threatened/Tourism: Bt4.4B for Suvarnabhumi expansion/Romanian Tourist Falls to Death/Alleged Hotel Booking Scam/Driver killed, 13 Danish tourists injured/AirJapan begins flights to Bangkok/Environment: The realities of PM2.5/Fires in western forest complex/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thai, Chinese governments jointly launch Chinese New Year celebrations

The governments of Thailand and China on Friday together held a ceremony to give New Year’s blessings to all Chinese nationals and descendants worldwide, and officially launched the Chinese New Year Festival in Thailand.

Chinese New Year in Hua Hin

Video 1 

Video 2 

The ceremony was held at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, attended by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Han Zhiqiang, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand. Continued …

Hua Hin to charge for street parking near Chatchai Market

The Hua Hin Municipal Council has initiated a pilot program to charge for parking on the streets surrounding Chatchai Market to improve parking availability for visitors.

The fees for parking near Chatchai Market, which is the main fresh market in the center of Hua Hua, will range from 5 baht to 20 baht per hour, depending on the vehicle type and the amount of time the vehicle has been parked. Continued …

Please welcome returning Sponsor IC Curtains

As Hua Hin’s expat business climate recovers from the Covid pandemic, Expat News welcomes back IC Curtains as a Sponsor.

IC Curtains and its sister companies, Just Sofas and Lucky Awnings, provide many complementary and interrelated products in a “one stop shop” experience. They simplify the process by enabling design, color and style choices for both indoor and outdoor soft furnishings and products in one place.

The founder and owner of IC Curtains, “Lucky”, is from Australia and has over 45 years curtain and fabrics industry experience, and over 60 years in service an retail industries, and so he really understands the level of customer service needed to keep clients happy.

Before opening IC Curtains here in Hua Hin, Lucky was already well established and respected in Phuket, having started the successful Island Curtains over 20 years ago. Island Curtains in Phuket has thousands of satisfied customers for hotels, villas, resorts, residential homes, restaurants and other commercial outlets.

“We really focus on taking the time to understand your own personal style and vision, and with offering advice on how to bring that together the aesthetics, purpose, budget and functionality of your environment,” Lucky emphasizes. “Our goal is to help you to create the mood, tone and ambiance that you envision for your space, with the best quality products within your budget.”

Call Lucky direct at 093-6294400 to make an appointment to drop-in and tell him about your unique requirements. IC Curtains is located at 70/171 Soi 112 Huana Tuptai Road, Hua Hin.

Thailand braces for severe weather as storms hit 17 provinces

A powerful weather front is currently affecting Thailand, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing a severe weather warning for 17 provinces. Eastern regions are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with 30% of the area predicted to experience heavy thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind, and possible hail.

The warning comes as a new high-pressure system from China covers the upper part of Vietnam and is forecast to extend its influence over the northeastern part of Thailand today. Continued … 

Navigating the New Expat Tax Landscape

A new reality is dawning for many expats in Thailand. A significant overhaul of the Thai tax system, effective Jan. 1, has thrown a curveball at many in the expat community, raising concerns and prompting a scramble for solutions.

This article delves into the intricacies of this new tax tango, offering a road map for expats to navigate the complexities and unlock potential strategies to secure their financial future in the Land of Smiles. Continued …

Bangkok’s Rama IX Bridge to host 111 weddings at Valentine’s party

A lucky 111 couples will be given the chance to consecrate their love in an historic marriage registration ceremony on Bangkok’s iconic Rama IX Bridge this Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14).

The ceremony is part of “Luck Lock Love”, an event being held by the Expressway Authority of Thailand on Feb. 14-18 and 23-25 to celebrate the month of love. The romantic backdrop is Thailand’s first cable-stayed bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River. Continued … 

Canadian who opened plane door before take off self- harms in cell

The Canadian man in Chiang Mai who was arrested after opening the door of a Thai Airways aircraft as it was about to take off on Wednesday night has been taken to Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital for assessment after he hurt himself in his cell.

Chiang Mai police say that the suspect, 40-year-old Wong Sai Heung, bashed his head against the iron bars of the detention cell, in the Mueang district police station, and bit the back of his own hand. Continued … 

Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand

The second half of last year saw a significant spike in methamphetamine seizures in Thailand, with over 250 million pills intercepted, which is twice the quantity seized during the same period the prior year.

This rise in the illegal drug trade is reportedly due to increased smuggling activities across the borders from neighboring nations, as explained by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Continued …

Thailand’s post-pandemic economic recovery still trailing behind

Unlike other ASEAN countries, Thailand’s real GDP and GDP per capita have yet to outpace pre-pandemic figures. The Thai economy was hit hard by COVID-19 and has experienced a relatively slow economic recovery. Thailand’s large informal economy and dependence on tourism made the economy particularly vulnerable to the pandemic.

Mild economic growth in 2023 was primarily driven by activities in the travel sector, but the manufacturing sector continued to contract. Merchandise exports, a backbone of the Thai economy, continued to decline. Continued …

Thai workers to see modest 4.9% pay hike in 2024

Employees in Thailand will see wages rise by an average 4.9% this year, lower than most regional rivals, according to management consultant Aon Plc’s latest survey.

Aeon forecast a slight rise from 4.7% in 2023 but lower than in Indonesia (6.5%), Philippines (5.5%) and Malaysia (5%). Singapore wages are expected to rise 4%. Continued …

First home blues: Why Thai millennials are caught in a housing crisis

A decade has passed since the minimum monthly wage for new graduates was set at 15,000 baht, but during that period the cost of living has soared.

Traditional markers of success like graduating from a prestigious university, securing a job, purchasing a car, buying a house, and starting a family, have become increasingly challenging for many millennials. Their hopes have been dampened further by the significant surge in property prices. Continued …

Bank of Thailand rues cheap imports

The Bank of Thailand is concerned about the weaker competitiveness of local small businesses amid an influx of cheap Chinese imports. Low-priced Chinese consumer goods have inundated the Thai market, hurting the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Manufacturing for the domestic market is struggling to compete with imported goods, said the central bank’s assistant governor for the monetary policy group. Continued …

Thailand is world’s 3rd-largest chicken exporter

Thailand exported over 100,000 tons of chicken, worth over 100 billion baht last year, making the kingdom the world’s third-largest exporter behind Brazil and the United States.

Thailand’s 2023 ranking was an improvement from 4th place in 2022, said Chaweewan Kampa, president of the Poultry Promotion Assn. of Thailand on Friday. Continued …

Thailand’s cannabis industry threatened by legalization rollback

The future of Thailand’s cannabis industry is uncertain due to the government’s deliberation on whether to re-regulate the plant solely for medical purposes.

Video 

The country legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes in June 2022, but without specific laws regulating its cultivation and sale, a recreational cannabis industry has developed. Continued …

Airports of Thailand to invest Bt4.4B in Suvarnabhumi expansion

Airports of Thailand (AoT) is to invest a total of 4.4 billion baht in the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport and the third phase development project of Don Mueang International Airport.

Kirati Kitmanawat, AoT deputy director, recently said that improvements in service and security are in place for Suvarnabhumi Airport, with a total of 65 million passengers expected to arrive this year. The number is close to that of the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Continued …

Another one? Romanian Tourist Falls to Death from Pattaya Hotel Balcony

A 63-year-old Romanian tourist lost his life in a fall from the balcony of a 7-story hotel in Soi 5, Pattaya, on Friday morning.

The incident was reported to Pattaya police around 9:30 am. Police officers and rescue workers arrived at an unidentified hotel to find the lifeless body of the deceased, a 63-year-old Romanian man, whose name was withheld pending family and embassy notification, in the garden area below the balcony. Continued …

Phuket Man Arrested for Alleged Hotel Booking Scam

A man from Phuket was arrested in Mae Hong Son after he allegedly scammed more than 40 victims, with damages costing approximately 800,000 baht in hotel bookings.

The Cyber Crime Police said that earlier this week they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Sunthorn, 37, from Phuket. He was arrested in Mae Hong Son, northern Thailand. He is being accused of fraud by importing distorted information into a computer system. Continued …

Driver killed, 13 Danish tourists injured as van plunges into ravine

Thirteen Danish nationals were injured late on Thursday night when their van plunged into a roadside ravine in Mae Hong Son province in northern Thailand.

The 50-year-old Thai driver of the vehicle, identified by police as Baramee Panjachaiya, was seriously injured in the accident and later died in hospital. Three of the tourists suffered severe injuries, according to police. Continued …

Budget carrier AirJapan begins flights to Bangkok

ANA Holdings on Friday launched its third airline brand, AirJapan, a medium-haul low-cost carrier targeting the growing number of tourists from other Asian countries, including Thailand.

The parent of All Nippon Airways said AirJapan would operate six round-trip flights per week between Narita airport near Tokyo and Bangkok using Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The first flight departed on Friday afternoon. Continued …

The realities of PM2.5 in Thailand revealed by ‘Check Dust’

Thailand is facing a grave environmental crisis, as PM 2.5 levels soar to dangerous heights, threatening the health of millions.

The Check Dust application, utilizing cutting-edge satellite technology and AI, revealed a disturbing reality, with PM 2.5 concentrations reaching hazardous levels in several provinces, posing severe health risks to the populace. Continued … 

Hundreds of firefighters tackling fires in western forest complex

About 250 firefighters have been deployed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to prevent fires in the western forest complex from spreading.

So far, 1,600 hectares of forest have been damaged as the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issues warnings of the threat of forest fires in nine provinces. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Feb 9

Today’s news: 8-year-old windsurfs Gulf/Unsafe levels of smog/Young organ donor saves lives/Tiny Bacterium Could Defeat Dengue/Phone makers target Thais/Northern Thailand welcomes ‘Indy Jumbo’/Economy: Thailand’s Food Delivery Market/New policies raise prices/Aid for ailing property sector/Top 10 best-selling car brands in Thailand/Thailand’s Medicinal Herbal Exports/Progressive agenda is welcomed/Tourism: Strategies to raise tourist numbers/44.3% jump in spending/Russians conned in Phuket/Man tries to open plane’s emergency exit/Flights to Japan, China/German flights to operate Bangkok and Phuket/Environment: Thailand to explore gas, oil deposits/International news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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8-year-old becomes the youngest to windsurf across the Gulf of Thailand

Water sports history was written yesterday when eight-year-old Thanawat “Shane” Promwaen became the youngest to windsurf 107 kilometers (66 miles) across the Gulf of Thailand – a claim to fame he most wanted as a gift for his ninth birthday this coming Sunday. It was a case of “third time lucky” for Shane, whose two previous attempts at the epic crossing were scuppered by poor wind conditions.

The boy wonder achieved his kite foil crossing in just four hours and 10 minutes – the fastest time yet for windsurfers of any age. He even beat the four hours and 45 minutes crossing time recorded by a jetskier. Thailand’s wee windsurfing wizard was flagged-off from Surfspot in Hua Hin and landed at Pattaya Kitesurfing Clubloongchat on Na Jomtien Beach.

Unsafe levels of smog cover upper Thailand

 

Forty-eight from all 77 provinces, especially those in the northeast, experienced hazardous levels of ultrafine dust on Thursday morning, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

GISTDA reported at 10am that 13 provinces were blanketed by red (seriously harmful) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5), ranging from 75.8 to 97.7 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air over the past 24 hours. The government’s safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5 µg/m³, while the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend 25 µg/m³. Continued …

Young organ donor saves lives after death in Hua Hin

Doctors from Hua Hin Hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society have posthumously honored a 13-year-old patient for donating organs following his tragic death.

Patcharaphon Srilert, 13, from Hua Hin recently passed away from a brain aneurysm, with his family choosing to donate his organs to assist numerous patients awaiting treatment. The donated organs, which include the liver, kidneys, and heart valves, were transported from Hua Hin Hospital to Chulalongkorn Hospital by the Thai Red Cross. Continued …

How a Tiny Bacterium Called Wolbachia Could Defeat Dengue

(Thanks to reader “P.M.” for providing this link.)

The best time of day to release mosquitoes in northern Australia is midmorning. Later in the day, winds might sweep the insects away and dash any hope that they will find a mate. Earlier than that, the workers who drive around and release containers full of mosquitoes would have to get overtime pay.

And so, on a sweltering January morning at the height of the Australian summer, I climbed into my white van with thousands of mosquitoes stowed in Tupperware cups on the back seat. Continued … 

Phone makers target Thais with new high-end models

Smartphone manufacturers are parading their premium devices with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, foldable mobile phones, and gaming mobile phones to woo affluent Thai consumers in the first quarter.

The move aligns with the government’s tax incentive for shopping and the festive mood of Chinese New Year. Continued …

Northern Thailand welcomes famed elephant ‘Indy Jumbo’

An elephant known as Indy Jumbo has found a new lease on life after a viral video catapulted her to fame.

Video 

The elephant, affectionately dubbed Indy Jumbo by Thai netizens, shot to stardom after a video of her leisurely beach escapade took social media by storm. The charming clip showcased her unwavering love for nature as she gazed at the sea and sky, much to the amusement of viewers worldwide. Continued …

The Three-Way Fight for Thailand’s Food Delivery Market

The food delivery market in Thailand has seen a rapid growth in the past few years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the demand for convenient and contactless food delivery options. A report by Statista showed that the market value of food delivery in Thailand increased by 62% in 2021, reaching 51.5 billion baht (about 1.6 billion USD).

Among the food delivery apps that operate in Thailand, Grab, Line Man, and Foodpanda are the most popular and competitive ones. Grab is a super app that offers ride-hailing, food delivery, digital payments, and more. It has been leading the food delivery market in Thailand since it launched GrabFood in 2018. Continued …

New policies raise prices paid for agricultural products

The prices paid for several agricultural products have increased in the past six months thanks to the Commerce Ministry’s new policies, Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Thursday

Phumtham, who is also a a deputy prime minister, said that in the past six months the prices of Hom Mali and sticky rice rose by 12%, tapioca by 49%, oil palm by 9%, rubber by 22%, corn for animal feed by 6%, shallot up 27%, and oranges by 57%. Prices of export fruits also went up significantly, such as durians to 205 baht per kilogram and mangosteen to 100 baht/kg. Continued …

Finance Ministry urges aid for ailing property sector

The Finance Ministry recommends the government implement measures to improve the property sector and stimulate the economy, says Deputy Minister of Finance Krisada Chinavicharana.

He said the ministry plans to use fiscal measures to help sectors that have been adversely affected by sluggish economic growth, in particular the property market. Continued … 

SC Asset sees tough residential market

Continued … 

Top 10 best-selling car brands in Thailand eye 2024 growth

The Thai automotive industry saw a slight downturn in 2023, with total car sales reaching 775,780 units – a 9% decrease from the previous year, while commercial vehicle sales experienced a significant drop of 17%, AND the passenger car segment witnessed a 10% increase, totaling 292,505 units sold.

The decline in car sales is attributed to sluggish economic recovery, high household debt, tight loan conditions, and high-interest rates. Despite these obstacles, established players like Toyota, Isuzu, Honda, Ford, and Mitsubishi maintained their positions as the top five car brands in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand’s Medicinal Herbal Exports Worth Over USD2.8 billion Annually

KK Strategies has revealed that its new project based in the province of Phetchaburi is positioned to benefit greatly from the booming medicinal herbal market in Thailand. According to The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Thailand’s medicinal herbal exports are between 100 -150 billion baht, or 2.8-4.2 billion USD annually.

KK Strategies disclosed that Thailand is set for unprecedented growth due to recent government policies supporting the development medicinal herbal industry, particularly for exportation to the United States. This is particularly true for the pain-related medicinal herbal exports. Continued …

Government’s progressive agenda is welcomed

The recent initiatives undertaken by the Srettha Thavisin-led government in Thailand mark a significant departure from the conservative and military-driven policies of the past, illuminating a path toward a more inclusive and peaceful society.

These initiatives, aimed at resolving the Deep South conflict and recognizing the rights of indigenous people, underscore a commitment to progressive change that has been long overdue in Thai politics. Continued …

Tourism Council outlines strategies to raise tourist numbers

Thailand’s tourism businesses must redesign their products and services so that the country can directly attract new tourists, while also encouraging visitors to return and extend their stay in Thailand, Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said yesterday.

He added that rather than promote each destination separately, it would be better to combine nearby destinations in a single journey thus maximizing the tourist experience. Continued …

44.3% jump in spending for inbound Chinese New Year bookings

Data from leading global travel service provider Trip.com Group has revealed that Thailand will see an increase of 44.3% in total trip expenditure for inbound bookings when comparing this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) festive period with 2023’s CNY period, with expenditure for outbound travelers increasing by 70.8%.

The increase in spending may be attributed to Southeast Asian tourists taking longer trips, traveling beyond Southeast Asia for the 2024 Chinese New Year period. In the previous year, 72% of Chinese New Year travel was within Southeast Asia, but now just over half (50.2%) of travelers are visiting destinations further away. Continued … 

Russians conned in 720,000-baht Phuket villa booking scam

A Russian couple is hundreds of thousands of baht out of pocket after falling for a villa rental booking scam in Phuket.

The couple made a pre-payment of 720,000 baht for a villa booking, only to arrive in Phuket and find that no such booking existed. Continued …

Man arrested after trying to open plane’s emergency exit before takeoff

A Canadian man was arrested on Wednesday night after attempting to open an emergency exit shortly before the takeoff of a Thai Airways flight at Chiang Mai Airport, police and witnesses said on Thursday.

The 40-year-old passenger, identified as Wong Sai Heung, apparently suffered from a panic attack. He reportedly ran to an emergency exit at the front section of the aircraft, attempting to unlock the door while shouting that someone was going to assault him. Continued …

Thai AirAsia to increase flights to Japan, China

Continued …

 

Thai Airways orders 45 Boeing 787s, plus options

Thai Airways has placed a firm order for 45 Boeing 787 jets, with options potentially boosting the size of the deal to around 80 aircraft as it serves rising international travel demand, industry sources said.

The deal, to be formally unveiled later this month, is already reflected in Boeing’s published order backlog as a contract for 45 planes with an undisclosed customer, they said. Continued …

German airline Condor to operate direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket

German airline carrier Condor unveiled plans to revitalize travel to Asia by introducing non-stop flights from Frankfurt to Bangkok and Phuket starting in September.

The airline is set to add seven weekly flights to Thailand. Frankfurt to Bangkok flights will operate four times a week, while the Phuket services will run thrice weekly. Continued …

Thailand to explore deposits of natural gas, crude oil and petroleum

The Department of Mineral Fuels is preparing to open bidding for petroleum exploration projects in nine terrestrial fields across Thailand before the end of this year in the hope of finding petroleum, natural gas and crude oil.

Seven of these fields are in the northeast while two are in the central region, covering a total area of 33,944 square kilometers, the department’s Director-general Warakorn Brahmopala said on Thursday. Continued …

China no longer No. 1 source of US imports

China was the second-biggest source of imported goods in the United States last year on a customs-cleared basis, losing the top spot it had held since 2008 to Mexico, official trade data showed Wednesday. Continued …

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bangkok, exports, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-Feb 8

Today’s news: PKK braces for drought/Illegal cannabis farm in Phetchaburi/Thailand is not an homogenous ethno-state/Thailand population plummets/Incense Burning for Chinese New Year/Elephant Tramples Owner/Details of new cannabis bill/Reduce, rehabilitate addicts/Dinosaur fossils discovered/Controlling urban macaques in Lop Buri/Economy: Not in a big enough crisis/Group worried over declining inflation/Soft or hard landing?/Thai rice exports/Upcoming gems fair/Kerry Express Thailand/Tourism: Planning for the big splash/21 Days of Songkran in April? Really?/Dragon Lights Up the Night/Travel in a post-pandemic world/Thailand Experience: Welcoming the Year of Golden Dragon/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Prachuap Khiri Khan braces for drought

Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan are gearing up for a challenging dry season ahead, following a significant decrease in rainfall. The province, known for its lush landscapes and agricultural productivity, faces a critical situation with water resources dwindling to concerning levels.

Decha Rueangon, the head of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office, highlighted the severity of the impending drought, stating that many areas could suffer serious consequences. Continued …

15 Vietnamese arrested at illegal cannabis farm in Phetchaburi

Law enforcement officers in Phetchaburi apprehended 15 illegal Vietnamese workers at a cannabis farm.

The raid, led by Jongruk Petchasen, Tha Yang district chief, in collaboration with high-ranking police officials, was the culmination of efforts to clamp down on illegal labor and cannabis cultivation in the region. Continued …

Thailand is not an homogenous ethno-state and that’s a good thing

The recent parliamentary debate in Thailand has brought to light the rich tapestry of ethnic diversity that constitutes the nation, challenging the claim that there is only one tribe in Thailand.

This nation’s identity is far from monolithic; it is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions, each contributing to the collective identity of Thailand. Continued …

Thailand population plummets by 500k in 4 Years

It is officially happening. Thailand’s population looks like it declined by over half a million people in the last four years. After that, things are set to get a whole lot worse.

Certainly, this is a real crisis and the key factor behind the country’s lack of economic growth. In addition, it also leaves the government facing a plethora of new challenges. This crisis is not in the future, it is here and now as the kingdom presently loses 100,000 people each year. Continued …

People Asked to Reduce Incense Burning for Chinese New Year to Stop Air Pollution

Yesterday, Karom Phonphonklang, deputy government spokesperson, gave a statement for the Chinese New Year Celebration from February 8th to the 10, emphasizing monitoring the lighting of incense, candles, firecrackers, and burning of paper money.

He stated that the Thai government was concerned about the health problems from PM 2.5 smoke. To reduce small dust particles in the atmosphere and protect the environment, the Thai government asked to reduce the use of incense and to use electric incense instead. Continued …

Elephant Tramples Owner to Death

A mother elephant trampled its owner to death by the roadside in Nakhon Sawan province. Initial speculation suggests that the owner may have attempted to separate the mother and her calf, resulting in the mother elephant becoming agitated and harming the owner.

A shocking incident occurred when the mother elephant from Surin province, led by its owners to beg along a road, apparently became agitated, charging ahead and trampling the female mahout, resulting in her death in a pool of blood. Continued …

Details of new cannabis bill revealed

Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai minister of public health, stated that the new cannabis and hemp bill is ready to be presented at the Thai cabinet meeting next week. The bill was previously discussed among activists on content that needed clarity from the Thai government.

Dr. Cholnan publicly revealed the content of the new bill and said that it was amended to be in line with the main objective of the current government’s policy statement to Parliament, only allowing marijuana to be used for medical and health purposes. Continued …

Reduce, rehabilitate addicts: Thailand’s new mantra against drug trafficking

The government has shifted its focus on arresting drug pushers and rehabilitating drug addicts in a bid to effectively deal with Thailand’s drug problem, a government spokesperson said.

Kenikar Oonjit, deputy government spokesperson, said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was determined to suppress drug trafficking and has instructed all government agencies to work together to protect Thai youth from the scourge of drugs. Continued …

Ancient dinosaur fossils discovered in Khon Kaen

Dinosaur fossils, estimated to be between 100 million to 110 million years old, have been unearthed in the Nam Phong district of Khon Kaen.

The fossils, thought to be from the sauropod and spinosaurid species, were discovered by a team from the Department of Mineral Resources, led by Sasa-On Khansubha, a paleontologist from the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum. Continued …

New move to control urban macaques in Lop Buri

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Wednesday launched a joint attempt with local authorities to control urban macaques by disciplining, moving and sterilizing them.

The department, Lop Buri municipality and the provincial livestock development office signed a memorandum of understanding on macaque control at historical Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in Muang district yesterday. Continued …

Thailand said not in a big enough crisis to warrant huge loan for digital wallet

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has come up with an opinion on the government’s 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, questioning its transparency and necessity in the current economic climate.

Apart from listing the pain points of the scheme, the watchdog also called on the Election Commission (EC) to look into the discrepancies between the Pheu Thai Party’s initial policy proposal and its eventual presentation before Parliament in September. NACC asked if this would set a precedent on whether political parties can change their policies after the election. Continued …

Commerce, industry and banking group worried over Thailand’s declining inflation

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) on Wednesday maintained its gross domestic product growth prediction for the year at 2.8%-3.3%, but warned that continuous decline in inflation rates were a sign of a weak economy.

Thawee Piyapatana, vice president of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the JSCCIB agreed in its meeting to maintain its earlier prediction of 2024 GDP growth at between 2.8% to 3.3%. Continued …

Soft or hard landing for Thai economy?

Personally, I am sure the Thai economy will crash this year. I can even estimate the time when the crash will start. It is likely to be the month of May, as several big economic bombs will explode that month.

Confirmation of this belief came in December 2023’s economic data. The most disturbing part is industry’s capacity utilization rate of 56.2% (seasonally adjusted), which is the second lowest in the world. The world’s lowest is Nigeria! Continued …

Thai rice exports face fraught year ahead

Myriad risk factors still loom over rice exports this year, notably the volatility of exchange rates, the declining competitiveness of Thai rice, intense price competition, the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, and India’s restrictive export policy, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Assn.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, the association’s honorary president, said the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicted global milled rice production would remain stable at 513 million tons this year, with China the largest producer at 144 million tons, followed by India at 132 million tons. Thailand is expected to produce quantities close to the previous year, totalling about 20 million tons. Continued …

Upcoming gems fair forecast to generate at least Bt3.3B

The 69th edition of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (Bangkok Gems) is slated to take place from Feb. 21-25 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

The event is organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), in collaboration with a joint committee comprising 13 government and private sector organizations. Continued …

Kerry Express Thailand Taken Over by Chinese S.F. Holding

Kerry Express (Thailand) Public Co. (KEX) is the most recent big Thai logistics business bought by a Chinese company. However, this will allow the Kerry company to continue operating under a parent corporation that has strong transportation capabilities in all “land, sea and air” modes” in the Asia-Pacific region and an e-commerce network.

KEX informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on Feb. 6 that SF International Holding (Thailand) Co. (“SFTH”) performed a tender offer for all securities of the company. Continued …

Tourism authority starts planning for the big splash

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to hold discussions next week with the Culture and Interior ministries, as well as the private sector, on the organization of this year’s Songkran festivities throughout the country, TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said on Wednesday.

She said the meeting would explore the formats, venues, and suitable budget for the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024” campaign, adding that the target is to secure more tourism income than during the Songkran Festival in 2019, before the pandemic. Continued …

Thailand to Celebrate 21 Days of Songkran in April? Really?

Over the past few days, announcements have come out that appear to have driven sheer terror in some Thai expats, with the Thai government saying this year’s Songkran will be the biggest one ever.

This announcement has to do with UNESCO officially recognizing the event as a cultural world heritage and Thailand hoping to further attract the event to tourists on a global scale. Continued …

A Dragon Lights Up the Night in Yaowarat

As the sun sets over Bangkok, the vibrant lights of Yaowarat Road in the heart of the city’s Chinatown illuminate the bustling streets, marking the beginning of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

In 2024, the Year of the Dragon promises an immersive experience in Bangkok’s Chinatown, inviting locals and tourists to indulge in a rich tapestry of cultural festivities and enchanting experiences. Continued …

The resilience and rise of travel in a post-pandemic world

In the ever-encouraging trajectory of post-pandemic travel resurgence, Asia emerges as a focal point. The travel industry, undeniably, propels forward with substantial momentum, as industry metrics vividly portray results on par with, if not surpassing, the pre-2019 benchmarks.

The realms of travel media echo with optimism, inundated with promising reports regarding the industry’s recovery. A noteworthy testament to this resurgence unfolds in the recent announcement by the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA). Their declaration underscores the persistent recuperation in air travel, as January 2024 witnessed a continuation of this upward trend, bringing total traffic for the year in close alignment with pre-pandemic demand levels. Continued …

Welcoming the Year of Golden Dragon with auspicious food

The belief in good fortune has been part of the human psyche for centuries. In Chinese culture, food plays a dominant role and shapes the way of life, often times reflected through traditions.

Since ancient times, Chinese people have chosen food with auspicious meaning or interpretation, while valuing its nutrition, especially for special occasions. For example, eating fish on the Lunar New Year will bring prosperity, wealth, and luck throughout the year. Dumplings are believed to enhance wealth because of their boat-shape representing Chinese gold and silver ingots. Continued …

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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

exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Feb 2

Today’s news: Chatchai Market renovation plans/Remodeling, new market for Hua Hin train station/PM2.5 dust may trigger osteoporosis/Pickup truck hits tree in Hua Hin/Cyber attacks on Thai organizations/Phuket Police Investigate Russian Suspects/Economy: Thailand’s rice exports expected to drop/Tourism: Suvarnabhumi expects 2.3-million tourists/Grab Reveals 5 Travel Insights/Live cobra smuggled onboard AirAsia flight/TripAdvisor ranks Pattaya as 7th Best/Tourist arrivals at Samui airport up 66.7%/Thailand deports dissident Russian rockers/Phitsanulok province records 10 billion in tourism revenue/Nok Air’s dilemma/Thailand Experience: Nakhon Pathom’s signature Khao Moo Daeng dish/International news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Chatchai Market renovation plans revealed

Hua Hin officials have revealed more plans about the renovation of the iconic Chatchai Market. The decision to upgrade the market is aimed at enhancing the shopping experience and ensuring hygienic standards.

Under the new plan, Chatchai Market will feature a total of 44 stalls, each with dimensions of 2×2 meters, dedicated to the sale of food items, souvenirs, and local products. In addition to the commercial spaces, the renovation will introduce separate male and female restrooms, dish washing zones, dining areas, and an updated electrical system complete with CCTV surveillance. Continued …

Remodeling, new market in store for Hua Hin train station

Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, along with key municipal officials, held a meeting with Pornchai Nusit, the chief of the Hua Hin Railway Station, to discuss the refurbishment of the area surrounding the old Hua Hin train station.

The meeting aimed at revitalizing the station’s vicinity to become a new landmark and a hub for local economic development. Moreover, the discussions extended to the possibility of establishing a market along the old railway tracks. Continued … 

PM2.5 dust may trigger osteoporosis

Scientists from Mahidol University say that fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, or PM2.5, may cause osteoporosis.

Research found lab rats with this type of particulate in their bodies suffered from inflammation in their bones, they said. Continued …

Four killed, eleven injured after pickup truck hits tree in Hua Hin

A road accident occurred in the Huai Sat Yai area of Hua Hin on Wednesday, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring several others.

A pickup truck, loaded with construction workers, lost control and collided with a tree, causing significant casualties and drawing an urgent response from local emergency teams. Continued …

Thai organizations face 800 more weekly cyber attacks than global average

Check Point Software Technologies, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions globally, has revealed that Thai organizations have been subject to 1,892 cyber attacks per week over the last half year — an alarmingly high valuation compared to the global average of 1,040, per Check Point’s latest Threat Intelligence Report.

The findings also revealed that Cryptominer and Botnet malware have been the two most prevalent threats in Thailand, indicating that the Kingdom is susceptible to phishing attacks, a variety of scams, and resource hijacking. Continued …

Phuket Police Investigate Russian Suspects in Kidnapping Case

Phuket police investigators are questioning four Russian suspects involving in the kidnapping case of a Russian couple, demanding crypto currency worth some 30 million baht as ransom.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Sinlert Sukhum, who led the team of investigators, said after the interrogation that the four Russian suspects jointly kidnapped two Russian victims – male and female – and forced them to transfer 900,000 bitcoin or around 30 million baht to them. Continued …

Thailand’s rice exports expected to drop 14.4% amid global competition

A projected drop of 14.4% in Thailand’s rice exports is anticipated for this year, due to a combination of reduced production and increased global competition, as reported by the Foreign Trade Department. The department’s director-general, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, revealed that the estimate of 7.5 million tons of rice exports this year was jointly made with the Thai Rice Exporters Assn.

This forecast takes into account several influences, such as the expected 5.9% decrease in rice production year-on-year, attributable to the El Niño weather conditions. Additionally, the global rice market is set to become more competitive due to heightened production rates. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi expects 2.3-million tourists for Chinese New Year

Kittipong Kittikachorn, the Suvarnabhumi director of the Airports of Thailand (AoT), has estimated an increasing number of tourists during the Chinese New Year Festival between Feb. 4-16 would reach 2,366,940.

The number included international and domestic flights of 1,949,564 and 417,376, respectively, or 32.7% higher compared to the previous Chinese New Year celebration. It was estimated that there would be 12,883 flights divided into international and domestic flights of 9,878 and 3,005, respectively, or 20% higher compared to the previous year. Continued …

Grab Reveals 5 Travel Insights into Foreign Tourists

Grab Thailand has revealed key insights on foreign tourists’ travel habits, noting a remarkable 139% surge in rides for its on-demand transportation service compared to the prior year. As the top choice for foreign visitors, Grab continues to dominate the ride-hailing market.

The insights highlight the growing popularity of tourism in ‘second-tier cities’, especially in the 10 cities promoted by the government, as reflected in the double growth rate of rides among international travelers. The “Soft Power” push also proves its strong appeal, with food and Muay Thai attracting tourists. Continued …

Live cobra smuggled onboard AirAsia flight from Bangkok

CISF personnel thwarted a smuggling attempt at Kempegowda International Airport, Karnataka, India, as a passenger who landed from Bangkok on an AirAsia flight tried to conceal a live cobra inside a bottle.

The astute CISF officers uncovered the hidden serpent during a routine luggage check. The daring passenger, identified as Purushottam, now faces the clutches of the Forest Department as they launch a full-scale investigation into this bizarre reptilian smuggling plot. Continued …

TripAdvisor ranks Pattaya as 7th Best

Online travel platform Tripadvisor ranked Pattaya 7th in the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destination for 2024, suggesting the beach city is the perfect choice for great resorts, outdoor activities, cabaret and cultural tours.

Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award Best of the Best for 2024, is divided into five categories, including destinations, restaurants, beaches, hotels and things to do. The list is based on reviews and opinions from Tripadvisor users over the past 12 months. Continued … 

Tourist arrivals at Samui airport up 66.7%

The number of tourist arrivals at Samui airport in 2023 reached 2.2 million people, marking a 66.7% increase from the year before.

A total of 2,273,351 tourists arrived at Koh Samui, an island off the east coast of Thailand, by air last year, Jirawat Wutthiwatworakun, director of Samui airport in Koh Samui district of Surat Thani province, said on Thursday. Continued …

Thailand deports dissident Russian rockers to Israel

Thailand has deported members of a dissident Russian-Belarusian rock band critical of Moscow’s war in Ukraine to Israel after they were detained for performing without a permit.

Members of Bi-2 left “safely” for Tel Aviv on Wednesday night, they said on their Facebook page. Human rights advocates had warned the group would face severe persecution for speaking out against Russia’s war in Ukraine if they were sent back to Russia. Continued … 

Phitsanulok province records 10 billion in tourism revenue for 2023

Phitsanulok province welcomed a total of 4,050,897 visitors in 2023, increasing by over 400,000 from the tally of 2022 at around 3.55 million people, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported on Thursday.

These tourists generated income for local entrepreneurs and communities in the northern province of 10.24 billion baht in 2023, an increase of 83.3% year on year, Yatika Kaewborisut, director of TAT’s Phitsanulok office, said. Continued …

Nok Air’s dilemma: Boeing 737 max 8 safety concerns

Thai airline Nok Air’s plans to introduce Boeing 737 Max 8 jets are facing unexpected headwinds. Safety anxieties soar amid recent incidents within the 737 Max family, casting shadows over Nok Air’s ambitious fleet expansion.

Amid the clouds of uncertainty, Nok Air, having already committed to lease eight Boeing 737 Max 8s, is grappling with safety concerns that have grounded the aircraft in the United States following the latest mishap with an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9. Continued …

Nakhon Pathom’s signature Khao Moo Daeng dish hailed as heritage hero

The Cultural Promotion Department bestowed the coveted title of cultural wisdom heritage upon Nakhon Pathom’s signature dish, Khao Moo Daeng, or red pork rice.

A sumptuous symphony of pork, rice, and secret spices that has set taste buds ablaze across Thailand, this culinary coronation is part of the 18 gastronomic treasures honored in 2023, as published in the prestigious Royal Gazette. Continued …

Are electric cars driving into a dead end?

In the early 1990s, every self-respecting American yuppie and retired suburban couple bought an electric bread maker, with sales hitting four million units. But the fad soon faded as these amateur bakers discovered that stuffing a precise quantity and ratio of flour, eggs, butter, yeast, and salt into a metal box takes time and costs much more than strolling to the corner bakery. Are plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) the bread makers of our day? Continued …

Oil prices gain after OPEC+ maintains output cuts

Oil prices rose in early trade on Friday following a decision by OPEC+ to keep its oil output policy unchanged, clawing back some losses from the previous trading session triggered by unsubstantiated ceasefire reports between Israel and Hamas. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

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90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

bangkok, chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-Jan 30

Today’s news: Feedback/PM2.5 situation among the world’s worst/Thailand welcomes cooler mornings/Swiss Man Admits Killing Thai Wife/Brace for more phishing, scams/4th highest in liver cancer deaths/Army-Run Business Revenue/Economy: 500-billion-baht loan said necessary/Kra megaproject a divisive issue/Sales of EVs to rise again/Durian exports to China surge/Tourism: Sculpture planned for Hua Hin/Khao Sam Roi Yot welcomed over 129,000 visitors/Hotel Industry Will Add 10,000 Rooms/Russian rock band faces deportation/Chinatown gears up for Lunar New Year/Thailand-China visa-free policy/Impact of visa exemption/New international airport in Phangnga/Environment: Air quality concerns/Thailand Experience: Luxury cruises in Chiang Mai/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Re: Thai airways’ problems

“To follow up on the article on Thai Airways. I attended the Thai International Travel Fair at Queen Sirikit centre on Sunday, January 28. True to form, the Thai Airways stand was by far the most unhelpful stand that I visited, providing no useful info in English (or any other language). It was, after all, an ‘International’ fair, with most other stands providing helpful, charming customer service!” – AJB

Thailand’s PM2.5 situation ranked among the world’s worst

Thailand’s air pollution levels are among the worst in the world today, ranked at 20th, according to data from the IQAir air quality index.

As of 10am today, the PM2.5 concentration in Bangkok is 132 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), which is classified as “severe”. Other areas in Thailand with severe air pollution include: Continued … 

Thailand welcomes cooler mornings as temperatures dip

A high-pressure system or moderate cold air mass continues to cover Thailand and the South China Sea, leading to cooler morning temperatures across several regions of the country. The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast that the north, northeast, central, eastern, and upper southern parts will experience cold weather in the mornings.

In the north, residents woke up to chilly conditions with temperatures expected to drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius. There is a 20% chance of thunderstorms, particularly in provinces such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet. Continued …

Swiss Man Admits Killing Missing Thai Wife

A Swiss man who is the second husband of a Thai woman who inherited 13 million baht from her first Swiss husband upon his death in 2021, and has been missing since Jan. 8, has now confessed to having killed her.

Police at Chaliang subdistrict, Khon Buri district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, again questioned the suspect, only identified as Mr. Roland, and later said he confessed to having strangled his wife, Orathai Posingam, 46, to death during a fierce quarrel, carrying her body on a motorcycle and dumping it in a cornfield around 6 kilometers from their home. Continued …

Brace for more phishing, scams, data breaches

Driven by the Asia Pacific’s (APAC) rapid digitalization movement and known geopolitical frictions, experts at Kaspersky predicted the upcoming cybersecurity threat landscape in the region this year.

The global cybersecurity company revealed that, in particular, the dangers of phishing, scams, data breaches, and geopolitically-motivated cyberattacks are seen to continue targeting organizations and individuals from the region. Continued …

When your GPS goes haywire

A woman, who was relying on GPS to navigate the way to visit a friend in Phrae province on Sunday found her car stuck on a small pedestrian suspension bridge over a river. She narrowly escaped tragedy, as the wooden bridge’s planks broke under the weight of her car, causing her left wheel to become stuck. She immediately exited the vehicle and sought help from people nearby. (Thai PBS)

Thailand ranks 4th highest in liver cancer deaths

The Voice of Liver 2024, organized for the third year by the Thailand Hepatitis Alliance, was honored by Dr. Cherdchai Tantisirin, assistant minister of public health. He highlighted the challenge of cancer, the leading cause of death in Thailand’s public health system.

Data from the National Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Services, reported that in 2022, Thailand had approximately 140,000 new cancer patients per year, with approximately 84,000 deaths. Continued …

Move Forward MP Dares Army To Announce Army-Run Business Revenue

Move Forward MP Jirat Thongsuwan yesterday dared the army to give a press conference on how tens of billions of baht in revenue collected yearly from the army-run businesses may have gone unannounced.

Jirat was responding to allegations that he had forged an official document, called Sor Dor 43, pertaining to 2011’s army conscript drafting, which he had been legally obliged to go through but managed to dodge. Continued …

500-billion-baht loan said necessary for ‘economy in decline’

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat underlined the government’s prerogative to deem the current economy as crisis-ridden, a pivotal aspect for sanctioning the 500-billion-baht loan bill to propel its digital wallet disbursement scheme.

According to him, the definition of an economic crisis is subjective, hinging on individual perception. Nonetheless, the government’s assessment paints the picture of an economy in dire need of swift stimulus measures to avert further decline. Continued …

Thailand’s revived Kra megaproject a divisive issue among local residents

As the Thai prime minister took a tour through the southern province of Ranong in January, a woman wearing a headscarf emerged from the crowd and clung to his arm, pleading for his attention, camera shutters clicking from a sizable media contingent watching the encounter.

Video 

“Please help me. The land bridge project will dig a deep sea port here. It’s right at my home. That’s my livelihood,” she said. “Can you delay the project, please?” Continued …

Production and sales of EVs to rise again this year

The Federation of Thai Industry (FTI) expects the production of electric vehicles (EV) to soar to almost two million units this year and sales of EVs to reach 190,000 units.

According to Surapong Paisitpattanapong, vice president and spokesperson of the FTI’s automotive industry club, the EV vehicles production target for this year is 1.9 million vehicles, up from 1.8 million vehicles in 2023. Continued …

Thai durian exports to China surge 81.7% to record high

Thai durian exports to China surged 81.7% to a record 90 billion baht in 2023, according to the Department of Foreign Trade. Shipments to China accounted for 70% of Thailand’s total durian exports last year.

The department said the surge was driven by durian’s growing popularity in China, as well as the easing of import restrictions, and Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for Thai durian, which is known for its high quality. Continued … 

Another ‘Man Fighting Shark’ sculpture planned for Hua Hin

Hua Hin municipal authorities held a meeting on Monday to discuss the creation of a new landmark sculpture, “Man Fighting Shark.” The session was led by Deputy Mayor Busaba Choksuchat, and took place in the Chomsin Room of the Hua Hin municipality office.

The proposed sculpture, poised to be situated in front of the Chao Pho-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine, close to the downtown Hilton Hotel, is anticipated to enhance the visual and cultural appeal of the area. Continued …

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park welcomed over 129,000 visitors in 2023

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park has reported that more than 129,000 people visited the park in the fiscal year 2023, contributing significantly to the local economy with an income of over 13.4 million baht.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Patcharawat Wongsuwan, alongside Phawinee Na Songkhla, inspector of the ministry, and other key officials, conducted a comprehensive review of the park’s management. Continued … 

Thailand’s Hotel Industry Will Add 10,000 Rooms in 2024

The Thai hotel industry is expected to grow by around 10,000 new rooms in 2024, according to Jasper Palmqvist, senior director for Asia Pacific at STR Global, a global provider of data, analytics, and marketing for the hospitality industry.

Most of the new rooms will be in the upper midscale category, followed by the luxury category. Nevertheless, the overall situation will remain challenging this year given rising inflation, higher costs and companies’ cost controls. Continued …

Russian rock band faces deportation from Thailand

The Russian-sanctioned rock band Bi-2, which includes four Israeli citizens, was arrested in Phuket last Thursday for performing without appropriate permits. The members of the band were all fined, had their passports confiscated, and were taken to a detention center.

There is a possibility that the band could be deported to Russia, where they face imprisonment over their opposition to the war on Ukraine. Continued …

Bangkok’s Chinatown gears up for Lunar New Year celebrations

This year’s Lunar New Year festivities in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, will officially commence on Feb. 10 under the auspices of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The announcement was made at a press conference following a safety-focused discussion held by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and various other agencies. The Lunar New Year celebrations, a significant annual event in Bangkok’s Chinatown, will feature a range of activities. These include lion dance performances, an exhibition emphasizing Thai-Chinese ties, and Chinese lantern decoration. Continued …

Thailand-China visa-free policy expected to boost tourism

As has been widely reported, Thailand and China have signed an agreement to exempt visa requirements for citizens of both countries effective March 1.

According to data from Google Trends, searches for “Thailand tourism” in China have increased seven fold since the agreement was announced, suggesting that Chinese tourists are becoming increasingly interested in visiting Thailand. Continued …

Impact of visa exemption expected to be delayed

Even with a permanent visa-free policy between Thailand and China, air ticket prices are not expected to immediately surge, as demand will pick up gradually, while seat capacity has yet to fully recover. Continued …

Construction boost for new international airport in Phangnga

Airports of Thailand (AoT) is speeding up construction of the new Andaman International Airport, which is set to become a direct long-haul flight hub in the south. Continued …

Persistent air quality concerns threaten Thailand’s tourism growth

Thailand needs to collaborate with its neighbors to find practical, sustainable solutions to address the problem with PM2.5 and air pollution, Minor International Chairman William Heinecke said.

In a group interview on Tuesday, Heinecke highlighted this need as he anticipates significant growth in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sectors this year. Continued …

Luxury cruises illuminate Chiang Mai’s cultural riches

Embarking on a cruise down the Mae Ping River stands as a once-in-a-lifetime ecotourism experience that visitors to Chiang Mai should not miss.

This activity has garnered acclaim for its inclusivity, allowing visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the province’s ancient lifeline. The trip down the Mae Ping unveils a spectacular panorama of historical sites, verdant green landscapes, a harmonious blend of old and new architecture, and an authentic glimpse into locals’ way of life. Continued …

World’s biggest jeweler stops using mined silver, gold

Pandora, the world’s largest jeweler by amount of products sold, has stopped using mined silver and gold, and now only manufactures with recycled precious metals, which require less energy to produce. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

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

 

baht, bangkok, chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Jan 26

Today’s news: Thailand anticipates scorching summer/Baht could depreciate further/La Felice Villa ‘Best Boutique Villa Development’/Two more ‘pet’ lions sighted/Three people to be charged/University students need English/Portable pesticide-detecting device/Electric Songthaew Pilot Project/Swiss man sacrifices arm/Wound healing abilities?/Economy: Land Bridge: A Project for No one/China’s Foreign Minister begins visit to Thailand/December exports rise 4.7%/Germany to expand EV investment/Tourism: High hopes for Thai tourism/Chinese tourist surge/Bangkok-Vientiane train to start/Tourist Speedboat Collides with Reef/Tourist fees worldwide/‘Monopoly: Bangkok Edition’/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thailand anticipates scorching summer, with temperatures up to 44.5°C

Thailand is bracing for an intense summer this year, with the Thai Meteorological Department forecasting that temperatures could soar to a sweltering 44.5 degrees Celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit). The summer season, which is expected to commence toward the end of February and last until the end of May, is predicted to be unusually severe, with temperatures rising 1-1.5 degrees above the average.

Additionally, rainfall is anticipated to be 30% less than normal, which could exacerbate the already challenging conditions. Continued …

Thai baht could depreciate further against US dollar

The Thai baht, already experiencing a downward trend, could further depreciate against the U.S. dollar, potentially reaching 36 baht to a dollar, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research). This forecast is contingent upon robust U.S. economic data, set to be released later this week, which could indicate a resilient U.S. economy.

Additionally, any delays in the Federal Reserve’s proposed trimming of interest rates could contribute to this scenario. Continued …

La Felice Villa Hua Hin named ‘Best Boutique Villa Development’

The Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards recognized 46 winners from across the region, with leading developers Asset Wise, Capitaland, and Asset World Corp. among those to be honored.

Winning in the “Best Boutique Villa Development” category was La Felice Villa Hua Hin, a PNP Real Estate Co. development. Celebrations took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chaophraya River as real estate industry leaders came together to commend the best of the best in what is the industry’s most anticipated awards event of the year. Continued …

Two more ‘pet’ lions sighted in Pattaya

Residents of a housing estate in Pattaya have been seeking help, after their foreign neighbor purchased two lions as pets, one of which gets loose and wanders around the neighborhood.

They have alerted the police to the presence of two big cats in Khaomakok Soi 3 in Banglamung district, but no action has been taken so far. The residents say that they believe this is because the owner of the lions is a foreigner. Continued …

Three people to be charged with owning a lion without a permit

The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department will initiate legal action against two Thais, a Sri Lankan and a Ukrainian for being in possession of and moving a lion without a permit.

The department’s decision to charge them comes after a viral video clip showed a young lion recently enjoying a ride in a convertible in Pattaya, Chon Buri province. Continued …

University students need English to graduate

University students must have their English language skills tested and meet Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards before they can graduate, said the government.

Each university can design its own tests, but the assessment must comply with CEFR standards, said government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Continued …

Portable pesticide-detecting device for fruits, vegetables developed

In a bid to ensure the safety of food, the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) has developed a portable device to detect pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. The device, called K-Veggie Screen, uses electrochemical sensors to measure the concentration of pesticides in food.

Developed by a team of researchers from KMITL’s College of Materials and Technology, led by Associate Prof. Dr. Darinee Promyothin, the search is now for commercial partners to bring it to market. Continued …

Chiang Mai University Introduces Electric Songthaew Pilot Project

On Wednesday, Chiang Mai University announced a pilot project for the development of a 100% electric songthaew or truck taxi.

Asst. Prof. Anucha Promwungkwa, the electric songthaew project manager, stated that after eight months of research, it was finally deployed. Anucha aimed to study the prototype and further expand the project from piloting two electric songthaews to red taxis in Chiang Mai. Continued …

Swiss man sacrifices arm in bear attack

A Swiss man cut off his right arm as a bear locked his teeth onto his arm and stubbornly refused to release its grip while he was volunteering at a wildlife foundation in the northern province of Chiang Mai.

The 32-year-old Swiss man is in a private hospital in Chiang Mai province after being attacked by the Asian black bear at the wildlife foundation in Chiang Dao district of the province yesterday. Continued …

Could this traditional Thai medicine have wound healing abilities?

Sea holly, or Acanthus species, is a prominent herb in traditional Thai medicine due to its ability to treat diseases and heal wounds. It is used in Asian recipes to improve the life quality of cancer patients and cure skin conditions such as wound healing.

The plant is grown commercially and sold in traditional Thai stores due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The white flower cultivar, A. ebracteatus, is more often used than the purple variety, A. illicifolius. Continued …

Land Bridge: A Project for No one

The land bridge project, a flagship initiative under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has been touted as the catalyst for Thailand’s economic growth engine.

However, despite the government’s fervent promotion, the project has failed to attract concrete interest both internationally and domestically. This piece delves into the geopolitical intricacies surrounding the land bridge project, examining the lack of alignment with major players, particularly China, and its implications on Thailand’s foreign policy. Continued …

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins four-day visit to Thailand

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China will commence his four-day official visit to Thailand today, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release.

He will pay an official visit to Thailand as a guest of the Foreign Affairs ministry from Jan. 26-29. The primary objectives of his visit are to enhance cooperation between Thailand and China in areas such as trade, investment, security, culture, tourism, and to exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest. Continued …

December exports rise 4.7% year-on-year, less than forecast

Thailand’s customs-based exports rose for a fifth straight month in December, up 4.7% from a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry said today. The reading compared with a forecast for a 6.0% year-on-year increase for December in a Reuters poll, and followed November’s 4.9% rise. Continued …

Germany to expand EV investment

Germany has vowed to expand its investment in electric vehicles in Thailand so the kingdom can become an EV regional hub, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.

He made the remarks on Thursday at a media briefing after holding talks with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, president of Germany, who is on a three-day state visit to Thailand, which ends today. Continued …

High hopes for Thai tourism in 2024

Tourism industry leaders are expressing optimism for 2024 even though Thailand’s tourism industry has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels either in terms of foreign tourist arrivals or revenues.

Indications that support the positive forecast were recently revealed at the Thailand Tourism Forum 2024 (TTF 2024), the annual forum focusing on the tourism/hospitality industry. Continued …

Thai travel agents expect Chinese tourist surge during Lunar New Year

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) anticipates a surge in Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday, estimating daily arrivals of 20,000 to 25,000. ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn attributes this boost to enhanced charter and scheduled flights, alongside the visa-free scheme designed to spur Chinese demand.

Chinese arrivals have shown a marked increase this year, averaging 15,000 to 19,000 visitors daily, a significant leap compared to the same period last year. The number is expected to spike to 25,000 per day during the Lunar New Year holiday next month, informed by strong tour bookings. Continued …

Bangkok-Vientiane train to start in April

The State Railway of Thailand plans to extend its Bangkok-Nong Khai train service to reach Vientiane in April.

Trains will start operating from the Thanaleng station just across the border in Laos to the new Khamsavath station in Vientiane next month in preparation for the extended service in April, said the Department of Rail Transport. Continued …

Tourist Speedboat Collides with Reef, 12 Tourists and 3 Crewmates Rescued

On Wednesday, the Trat Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center (CARDC) received an emergency report of a speedboat colliding with a reef, causing a shipwreck 16 miles away from the Laem Thian area, Koh Kood, Trat.

After 30 minutes, Trat CARDC lost contact with 12 tourists and 3 crew mates at the speedboat. Three Trat marine rescue speedboats were dispatched to coordinates as reported by the victims. However, the marine rescue teams could not find the victims or the speedboat in the reported area, according to the rescue team. Continued …

What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide

Travelers to Venice will have to pay up to witness its historic canals and islands, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To regulate heavy tourist traffic and “protect residents,” the City of Water announced tourist groups will be capped at 25 people – about half the capacity of a tourist bus – and ban loudspeakers, which create “disturbances,” according to the Italian city. Over the summer, crowds in St. Mark’s Square, the city’s main plaza, caused bridges to back up and tourists saw overflowing trash cans. Continued …

TAT unveils new ‘Monopoly: Bangkok Edition’

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Bangkok will be the third destination in Thailand to get its own official Monopoly board game, the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition, following the success of the Phuket and Chiang Mai editions.

Duangjai Kanteeranon, deputy executive director of Europe region, said, “We are so excited to announce the launch of the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition in collaboration with Winning Moves. The development of the Bangkok edition marks a significant milestone in our partnership.” Continued …

All eyes on flurry of global elections

The flurry of elections coming up this year could alter the geopolitical scene and may entail some drama and uncertainties, says OCBC Bank chief economist Selena Ling. “The political calendar year in 2024 will be busy, with more than 70 elections scheduled, including in Indonesia, India and the United States, just to name a few,” he said. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

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