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Dutch man saved by CPR/Is tap water in Thailand safe?/Tiger Enjoying Life at WFFT/The tsunami 20 years later/Woman recalls when tsunami hit/Thailand’s disaster defenses crumbling/TB and Air Pollution/Skyrocketing Power Costs/Thais seek to improve their weight/Debate on end-of-life decisions/Animal celebs who surprise/Tale of unlikely friendship/Attempt to smuggle gorilla foiled/Thailand’s 30-baht healthcare plan/Bird flu surveillance stepped up/Sodium excise tax on snacks/Further heavy rain in south/Brutal Attack on Belgian Tourist/Chicken Rice Vendor Saves Italian Tourist/British Woman Arrested for Hotel Incident/ECONOMY: Thailand’s Food And Beverage Trends/Retail sector reports cautious spending/Medical and wellness sector/New business registrations/5th consecutive month of export growth/Data center investment bonanza/Temu impacts e-commerce dynamics/Bt200-billion revenue for MICE industry/To revise community liquor guidelines/Luxury trends set to lift Thai economy/Thai Union ranked no.1/TOURISM: Sales boom in restaurants/Tourists Get A Sea Of Poop/Major Travel Trends For 2025/50% tax cut for entertainment venues/Brit tourist dies after eating magic mushrooms/UK tourist faces prison term/Visa-Free Entry For Indians Ends/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Pattaya a thriving hub for water sports enthusiasts/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand considering small modular nuclear reactors/How is SMR Different?/Thailand’s global warming victims/Brakes applied to clean power purchase/Bangkok faces Increasing flood risk/Thailand’s climate finance gap/Concern over solar cell tariffs/More petroleum exploration rights/Along the Mekong, a plastics catastrophe/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

Dutch man, 80, saved by CPR in PKK

An 85-year-old man of Dutch nationality was found unconscious and without a pulse after an apparent drowning incident at a popular tourist resort in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Thanks to the swift actions of emergency responders, the man’s life was saved.

The incident occurred yesterday when the elderly man, whose name has not been disclosed, was seen struggling in the water by bystanders. Witnesses immediately called for help, and a local rescue team and emergency medical staff arrived at the scene shortly after. Continued …

Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?

Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it without issue, others avoid it completely. Here’s a guide on what’s safe, what’s not.

Boiling tap water in Thailand can reduce some risks, as it kills bacteria and other pathogens. But if the water contains heavy metals, chemicals, or other toxins (which sometimes sneak in through old pipes), boiling won’t remove these contaminants. As a safe option, many locals and expats use water filters for extra protection or rely on bottled water. Continued …

Tiger Rescued From Zoo Cage Now Enjoying Life at WFFT

About a year-and-a-half ago, Maruay didn’t know what grass felt like beneath his paws, or what breeze felt like when it brushed his sapphire flesh. He had never taken a sunbath or dipped his feet in river water. Instead, he spent his days caged inside barren concrete walls of a Phuket zoo where tourists looked at him the way humans look at their captives.

But back in 2022, word reached the officials of Thailand’s Wildlife Friends Foundation. They raided this zoo and rescued 10 tigers, including Maruay. A footage that has been running viral on the internet, shows a blissful Maruay floating in the lake, with his favorite toy. Continued …

In memory of the tsunami 20 years later

The first report by a local journalist on Dec. 26, 2004, at 8:20 am was simple: “Giant waves hit Phuket,” announced a reporter working for Channel 11 (now NBT2).

He excitedly mentioned the rise of large waves hitting the island’s Patong Beach. There were casualties, but he did not elaborate. What followed became the history of tectonic proportions. Nobody who heard this initial report realized the severity of the “big waves.” Continued …

Woman recalls being on a scuba trip in Thailand when tsunami hit

Lizz Hills was on a scuba diving boat in Thailand on Boxing Day in 2004 when she remembers the water “boiling” beneath her. Then aged 21, she was back in Thailand a year after a horrifying train accident left her with traumatic brain injuries in 2003 during a solo holiday.

Hills was in the Southeast Asian nation once again with her father, Dan, because she was grateful to be alive. She very nearly lost her life again when the tsunami hit. Continued …

Twenty years after Boxing Day tsunami, Thailand’s disaster defenses crumbling

The devastating toll from 2004’s Boxing Day tsunami triggered an unprecedented improvement in Thailand’s early-warning system, disaster management and relief operations. Yet, just two decades later, a creeping sense of complacency and lack of preparedness are evident.

Many early-warning towers and other tsunami signals, for example, have fallen into a dilapidated state. Most tsunami evacuation centers are reportedly no longer fit for use thanks to faulty electricity, toilets and water supply. Continued …

Thailand Battles TB and Air Pollution

In the complex landscape of global public health, Thailand finds itself at a critical intersection of tuberculosis management and environmental challenges, with rising PM2.5 levels adding another layer of complexity to respiratory health.

Dr. Kraisorn Totubtieang, director of the Division of Tuberculosis, provides crucial insights into the national scenario. “Approximately 155 individuals per 100,000 Thai people are diagnosed with tuberculosis,” he explains. “We estimate over 110,000 new cases annually, yet only 65% are diagnosed, leaving more than 40,000 cases unreported.” Continued …

PM Pressured to Dissolve House Over Skyrocketing Power Costs

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces intense pressure to dissolve Thailand’s House of Representatives over her perceived inability to address soaring power bills affecting Thai households. Key leaders, including activist Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, hold her accountable for not achieving lower electricity rates — a pressing economic strain felt by consumers nationwide.

Nattapong, a prominent people’s leader, has urged the prime minister to take immediate responsibility and step down by dissolving the House. He argues this step is vital to pave the way for fresh elections and a new government that can tackle the lingering energy cost crisis more effectively. Continued …

74% of Thais seek to improve their weight amid rising obesity rates

One in four (25%) Thais identified themselves as overweight or obese, with 11% considering themselves underweight, according to Mintel’s Weight Management Diets – Thai Consumer – 2024 report. However, data from Thailand’s Ministry of Health in 2023 revealed that nearly half of the population faces overweight or obesity challenges, a trend projected to cost the nation 4.9% of its GDP.

This highlights a significant perception gap, as noted in Mintel’s research. Brands can play a pivotal role in closing this gap by creating educational campaigns around healthy body weight and offering tailored weight-management solutions based on gender, age, and activity level. Continued …

Mercy or taboo? Thailand navigates debate on end-of-life decisions

Though euthanasia is still illegal in Thailand, the conversation around end-of-life care is shifting. Terminally ill patients now have the choice of palliative care or a living will that asserts their right to refuse life-prolonging treatments.

Dr. Isaree Siriwankulthon, whose novel inspired a TV series on the theme of mercy killing, has expressed hope that Thailand will focus on high-quality care for terminal-stage patients, before debating the legality of euthanasia. Continued …

Animal celebs who surprise, sooth and scream at us

Every year has its breakout stars, and 2024 yielded a bumper crop: Glen Powell, Chappell Roan, Pommel Horse Guy.

But only one had a body that was routinely compared to a potato. She was slippery, she was feisty, she was named after a type of pork meatball. She was, of course, Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo who rocketed to fame so fast that at just two months old she inspired a character on “Saturday Night Live.” Continued …

Meena and Edward : a tale of unlikely friendship

‘Meena’, a young elephant who was abandoned by her mother last year, has formed an unlikely friendship with ‘Edward’, a rooster, at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang.

Since her arrival last year, Meena has been a star of the center and is known for her playful personality. Unaware of her size, she has been seen trying to cuddle her keepers and, of course, with Edward. She also has her own show, “Meet Meena,” at the center. Continued …

Attempt to smuggle gorilla to Thailand foiled

Thai authorities yesterday raided a trading company in Nakhon Pathom that has been linked to an unsuccessful attempt to smuggle a gorilla into the country.

The Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court approved a search warrant for TK Farm International Trading in Muang district, following the seizure of the infant gorilla at Istanbul Airport in Turkey. Continued … 

Thailand’s 30-baht healthcare plan in final roll out

The fourth and final phase of the so-called “treatment anywhere” 30-baht universal healthcare scheme will kick off in the last 31 provinces of the country on Jan. 1, as the nation adopts more digitalized medical services to cut back on waiting times at hospitals.

Since Jan. 7 this year, 46 provinces, including Bangkok, have entered the program to provide greater convenience for patients seeking medical help under the healthcare scheme. Continued …

Bird flu surveillance stepped up

Public health authorities are preparing to guard against the potential spread of bird flu in Thailand after more cases were found in neighboring countries following a recent outbreak in the United States.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has been working with the Livestock Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation to prepare for any potential outbreak, DDC Director-general Dr. Panumas Yanwetsakul said on Tuesday. Continued …

Excise Department may enforce sodium excise tax on snacks next year

The Excise Department may begin collecting sodium excise tax on foods next year, starting with snacks, which are considered non-essential items, the department chief said yesterday.

Kulaya Tantitemit, director-general of the Excise Department, stated that the introduction of a sodium-based excise tax on foods would follow a model similar to the sugar-based excise tax imposed on beverages since 2017. The sugar tax is calculated based on the sugar content in beverages. Continued …

Further heavy rain to cap end of year

Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has instructed authorities to prepare for heavy rainfall expected in southern Thailand on Friday and Saturday.

While the rainfall is not expected to be as intense as previous rounds of floods, special attention is being given to the provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phangnga, with the Hua Sai district in Nakhon Si Thammarat projected to see rainfall exceeding 90 millimeters on Friday. Continued …

Pattaya Police Arrest Teenage Gang After Brutal Attack on Belgian Tourist

Pattaya police worked through the night to apprehend a gang of four teenagers involved in a violent robbery of an 80-year-old Belgian tourist. The attack occurred late on Christmas Eve in a secluded alleyway in Pattaya and left the victim severely injured.

The gang, aged between 15 and 18, reportedly assaulted the elderly man with a 22-inch knife before fleeing the scene with cash amounting to 7,000 baht. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a deep head wound, after being struck with the blade and subsequently beaten. Continued …

Chicken Rice Vendor Saves Italian Tourist with CPR

At a local chicken rice restaurant in Phuket on Dec. 24, a vendor saved the life of an Italian tourist who suddenly collapsed while dining. The quick-thinking restaurant owner, who had CPR training, performed life-saving measures that ensured the tourist’s survival.

The incident occurred at “Ko Ta Chicken Rice” in Soi Surin, Phuket Town. According to eyewitnesses, the tourist was dining with a companion when he suddenly lost consciousness. Staff immediately called for emergency services while frantically seeking help. Continued …

British Woman Arrested in Thailand for Hotel Incident on Christmas Day

A British holidaymaker spent Christmas Day in a Thai prison cell following an alleged drunken incident in the lobby of the Flipper Lodge Hotel in Pattaya. The woman reportedly attempted to engage in sexual activity with her partner on a glass table, causing it to shatter.

According to witnesses, the couple, who were not hotel guests, entered the premises at around 3 am and began behaving inappropriately. Hotel staff stated that the pair initially started on a sofa before transitioning to the glass table, which broke under the strain. Continued …

Thailand’s Food And Beverage Trends Reshape For 2025

The Thai food and beverage market is witnessing transformative trends, positioning itself for significant evolution by 2025. According to Innova Market Insights, consumers are increasingly prioritizing quality, health, and sustainability, reshaping their buying behaviors and expectations.

One major trend highlighted is the rising importance of raw material quality. Consumers today demand products not just for their quantity or price but for uniqueness and nutritional value. The shift toward examining the sources and health safety of ingredients reflects greater health consciousness among the public. Continued … 

Retail sector reports cautious spending amid economic headwinds

Thailand’s retail sector is facing a challenging environment, with consumer spending subdued by economic uncertainties and high household debt, according to the Thai Retailers Assn. While the industry benefits from the influx of foreign tourists, particularly those from the upper-middle class, overall consumer confidence remains fragile.

Nat Wongpanich, the association’s president, acknowledged that the retail outlook is less optimistic than anticipated. Factors such as slower-than-expected economic growth, declining investment and soaring household debt are impacting consumer spending. The recent government relief measures, including the 10,000 baht distribution, have not provided a significant boost to the economy. Continued … 

Medical and wellness sector declared ‘rising star’

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its annual rankings of the “10 Rising Star Businesses” and “10 Falling Star Businesses” for 2025, revealing that the beauty, medical, and wellness sectors have emerged as the top rising stars.

This assessment is part of an overall forecast indicating that Thailand’s economy is expected to grow by 3% next year, buoyed by factors such as the ongoing recovery of the tourism sector, investment from global technology leaders, Thailand’s strategic partnership with the BRICS group, and government economic-stimulus policies. Continued …

New business registrations show growth, nearing 90,000 target

Thailand’s new business registration increased 2.37% in the first 11 months compared to a year earlier, with the accumulated number approaching the 90,000 target for 2024, official data showed on Monday.

During the January-November period, 83,219 businesses were newly registered in the Southeast Asian country, with a combined registered capital of 262.85 billion baht (about 7.68 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Ministry of Commerce. Continued …

November marks 5th consecutive month of export growth for Thailand

Thailand exported goods worth US$25.61 billion (874.84 billion baht) in November, marking an 8.2% increase compared to the previous month, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said yesterday.

TPSO Director Poonpong Naiyanapakorn told the press that November was the fifth consecutive month to mark export growth. While excluding oil products, gold and armaments, the export value rose by 7% from the previous month. Continued …

Data center investment bonanza expected to continue

More global technology firms are expected to set up data centers in Thailand next year, thanks to the government encouraging the public and private sectors to embrace digital transformation through its Cloud First policy.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said the government’s investment promotion and Cloud First policy have led foreign tech giants such as Google and Microsoft to invest more than 100 billion baht in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers in Thailand this year. Continued …

Temu impacts Thailand’s e-commerce dynamics

The entry of Chinese e-commerce giant Temu into Thailand in July 2024 gave consumers a new online shopping choice and led to fiercer market competition.

Thanawat Malabuppha, honorary president of the Thai E-commerce Assn., said Thailand is expected to witness an influx of Chinese products in 2025, as Shopee and Lazada offer new features, namely Shopee Choice and Lazada Choice. Continued …

TCEB targets Bt200-billion revenue for MICE industry next year

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) aims to enable the meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) industry to generate 200 billion baht from 34 million Thai and foreign MICE travelers next year.

Bureau President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said yesterday the Thai MICE industry recorded 25.35 million MICE travelers in fiscal year (FY) 2024 (October 2023-September 2024), up 43.47% compared to FY2023. Continued …

Excise Department to revise community liquor guidelines

The Excise Department is preparing to revise the guidelines and conditions for the production of community liquor to improve competitiveness.

According to Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, the Finance Ministry is putting forward the draft amendments to the guidelines and conditions for small-scale or community liquor production for cabinet consideration and approval by January 2025. Continued …

Key luxury trends set to lift Thai economy in 2025

Thailand’s appetite for luxury products and services remains strong despite the economic downturn, driving steady growth in the luxury market, according to Mahidol University’s College of Management (CMMU).

“Emotional purchases” will help lift the economy next year, as consumers prioritize feelings over long-term benefits when it comes to selecting products and services, according to CMMU research. Continued …

Thai Union ranked no.1 in the food products industry

Thai Union Group PCL, the world’s seafood leader, has been ranked number one in the food products industry on the 2024 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) with a total score of 85 points as of Dec. 23.

This achievement highlights Thai Union’s dedication to sustainable and responsible business practices under its globally recognized sustainability strategy, SeaChange® 2030. Continued …

Tourists to fuel sales boom in restaurants

The Thai restaurant industry will enjoy a surge in sales during this New Year festive season, thanks to increased dining out during the holidays and a rise in foreign visitors, says Central Restaurants Group (CRG).

From Jan. 1 to Dec. 15, Thailand welcomed around 33.5 million foreign visitors, led by the Chinese (6.4 million), followed by Malaysians (4.6 million) and Indians (2 million), according to the Economics Tourism and Sports Division at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Continued …

At Thailand’s Full Moon Party Beach, Tourists Get A (Literal) Sea Of Poop

Koh Phan Gan, known for its pristine white sand beaches, clear waters and wild nightlife, is home to the epic full moon party held every month. The Haad Rin Beach, also known as the Sunrise Beach, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, attracting thousands of revelers from around the globe.

But amid music, there’s also a fair share of madness that these music festivals bring. In recent years, this madness has crossed basic human ethics and morality, causing significant repercussions to the local waters and beaches. In a viral video shared by travel content creator, Grant Barnes, he described the water as “filthy” and advised people not to jump into the water “even though it looks really nice.” This is because intoxicated festival-goers have been found to defecate and urinate openly in the water. Continued …

Thailand Anticipates Major Travel Trends For 2025

Thailand is poised for exciting travel trends heading toward 2025, showing significant shifts as the tourism sector rebounds. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, the country is expected to attract travelers from around the globe.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the rebound is not just about numbers; it’s about making travel more meaningful and sustainable. A prominent trend is the rise of eco-conscious travel among tourists. This inclination stems from growing awareness of environmental issues, prompting travelers to seek out eco-friendly accommodations and eco-tourism experiences. Continued …

Thailand extends 50% tax cut for entertainment venues

The government has extended the 50% tax reduction for entertainment venues for another year, reducing the excise tax from 10% to 5% of revenue until Dec. 31, 2025.

This policy is aimed at supporting the tourism industry and easing the financial pressures on the operators of pubs, bars, nightclubs, discotheques and similar establishments. Continued …

Brit tourist dies in Thailand from severe reaction after eating magic mushrooms

A 25-year-old British tourist has died in Thailand from a severe reaction after eating magic mushrooms.

He is alleged to have bought the hallucinogenic drug on Dec. 20 from a shop in Chiang Mai. After returning to his hotel room to take the mushrooms, the holidaymaker is said to have suffered a severe reaction, during which he was reportedly left foaming at the mouth and shaking. He died a short time later. Continued …

UK tourist faces prison term after eating a Pattaya traffic ticket

A cocky UK man who ignored Pattaya Police at a traffic stop on Saturday evening and ate a traffic ticket is facing up to three years in prison. The UK man was summoned to Pattaya Police Station on Sunday to be informed of further legal proceedings.

The 34-year-old UK man from Hammersmith in London was informed by Pattaya Police Station on Sunday that he faces additional criminal charges following the shocking incident the evening before. Continued …

Thailand Ends Visa-Free Entry For Indians

Starting Jan. 1, Indian travelers will no longer enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand. The Royal Thai Embassy has announced that an e-visa will be mandatory for all Indians visiting Thailand. The nation has been visa-free for Indians since November 2023 and will continue until the end of 2024 or until further notice.

Indian citizens can continue to visit Thailand visa-free for tourism and short business trips until the end of 2024, as per the current 60-day exemption. This allows for convenient travel without prior registration and a simplified immigration process requiring checks only for passports, return tickets, proof of stay, and funds. Continued …

Pattaya has long become a thriving hub for water sports enthusiasts

Pattaya, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, has also become a premier destination for water sports lovers. With its clear waters and favorable weather conditions, the city offers a wide array of exciting activities for tourists and locals alike.

From thrilling jet ski rides and parasailing to serene snorkeling trips and scuba diving adventures, Pattaya has something for everyone. The calm waters of Pattaya Bay are ideal for beginners, while more advanced spots like Jomtien Beach and Coral Island offer the perfect conditions for experienced water sports enthusiasts. The city’s many water sports centers provide both equipment rentals and professional training, making it easy for anyone to dive into the action. Continued …

Thailand considering small modular nuclear reactors as clean energy solution

An increasing number of countries around the world, Thailand included, are exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) as an alternative to drive the clean energy transition to tackle climate change and achieve carbon neutrality goals.

SMRs generate energy through the process of nuclear fission. This involves firing neutrons at heavy elements like uranium or plutonium, causing the atomic nuclei to split apart and release immense heat energy. This heat is used to boil water, producing high-pressure steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. Continued …

How is SMR Different from Conventional Nuclear Power Plants?

Nuclear energy remains one of the key clean energy sources meeting global energy demands. However, a new technology called small modular reactor (SMR) is revolutionizing the way nuclear energy is generated. With its flexibility and superior safety features, SMR offers a modern alternative.

Here are the key differences between SMRs and conventional nuclear power plants. Continued …

Thailand’s top global warming victims in 2024: Dugongs and coral

Thailand suffered a huge loss of natural resources in 2024 due to global warming, according to several experts.

High-profile marine ecologist Thon said global warming would intensify over the next 70 years, pushing corals to extinction in the next 30 years. He also predicted mass die-offs of saltwater fish and forests, warning that wildfires and smog will also worsen. Continued … 

Brakes applied to 3,668-megawatt clean power purchase

The meeting of the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) yesterday resolved to suspend the purchase of 3,668.5 megawatts of electricity from renewable sources and to establish a team to investigate the procurement process.

After the session, which was chaired by Deputy PM and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the NEPC said the move was in response to public concerns regarding the process and methods used in selecting providers of electricity from renewable sources. Critics feared that the project might benefit certain corporations at the expense of public interest. Continued …

Experts urge climate-resilient strategies as Bangkok faces Increasing flood risk

A water-management expert has proposed the “Sponge City” concept as a creative solution to address Bangkok’s worsening flooding, which is being accelerated by climate change.

A Sponge City is designed to absorb and store rainwater using green spaces, permeable surfaces, and natural water systems, according to Prof. Sitang Pilailar of Kasetsart University’s Water Resources Engineering Department. Continued …

Bridging Thailand’s climate finance gap

By many accounts, Thailand consistently ranks among the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. The oft-cited Global Climate Risk Index by GermanWatch ranked Thailand’s long-term climate risk in 2021 as 9th in the world.

Thailand is one of the 10 most flood-affected countries in the world, and the risks it faces are expected to increase. In Thailand, “the number of people affected by an extreme river flood could grow by over 2 million by 2035–2044, and coastal flooding could affect a further 2.4 million people by 2070–2100”, according to the 2021 climate risk country profile, published by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Continued …

Concern aired over solar cell tariffs by US

The new solar cell tariffs planned by the United States targeting companies from some Asian countries, including China, will increase inflation and consumer prices and disrupt supply chains in the U.S. market, analysts said.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that 21.31% to 271.2% tariffs would be imposed on solar cells from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, depending on the manufacturer. Continued …

Thailand to offer petroleum exploration rights on 9 land-based fields in 2025

The Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF) will next year open the bidding for petroleum surveys on nine land-based fields, the department chief said on Wednesday. The bidding is expected to be launched in July next year.

The nine fields would cover 33,444.64 square kilometers. Seven of these fields are in the northeast provinces of Nong Bua Lampu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Mahasarakham, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnart Charoen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Roi Et and Surin. Continued …

Along the Mekong, fishers and farmers battle a plastics catastrophe

A monsoon storm brewed above Boonrat Chaikeaw as he cast his net into the endless tide of trash in the Mekong River on one day in June. He brought home more plastic than fish over six trips into the polluted waters of the Golden Triangle between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

Below the Golden Triangle, at the center of the river’s lower basin, children swam among plastic debris as workers cleared the riverbanks of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh – with identical plastic pick-up efforts on Tonle Sap lake, known as the “beating heart of the Mekong.” Continued …

 

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

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

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

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

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

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