Expat tax returns due by March 31/Link between alcohol and cancer/Excise taxes on cars/First 7 dangerous days claim 321/Cold weather in north/Bomb Explodes in Pattani/Truck Collides with Elephant/’Ready’ for marriage law/ECONOMY: Steady Economic Growth Predicted/Negative impacts of joining BRICS/Tax reforms being studied/Industries urged to adapt/8 key trends shaping real estate/TOURISM: Wooing Elite Tourists/Tree Falls on Thai Bus/Tourist found dead off beach/Air India Express Phuket flights/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 7 days in Thailand reshaped my view/Increased interest in Ko Samet/CLIMATE THAILAND: GULF Commences 5 Solar Projects/EV sales growth slowing/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Expat tax returns due by March 31
The director-general of the Revenue Department on Thursday called on taxpayers to file their end-of-year returns for 2024. This will be the first year that all foreign residents in Thailand are included.
To file online
Changes to tax regulations in 2023 make all income remitted to Thailand by foreign residents in the country for over 180 days last year declarable. The income tax payable by each foreigner depends on the nature of such income and the tax treaty with their country of origin. The question now is how many foreign taxpayers will file returns between now and March 31. After that, it remains to be seen if follow-up actions will be taken against those who fail to do so. Continued …
US surgeon general sounds alarm about link between alcohol and cancer
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory Friday warning Americans that alcohol consumption can increase their cancer risk and called for an updated health warning label on alcoholic beverages.
Surgeon general’s advisories are strongly stated warnings meant to deliver clear messages about health risks. Advisories are uncommon and reserved for issues that need immediate awareness and action. They often become turning points in the nation’s health habits. A 1964 surgeon general’s report on smoking, for example, started to change the perception that cigarettes were benign. Continued …
Excise taxes on cars to be restructured
The Excise Department is preparing restructure tax rates on automobiles to support the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to future mobility technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The goal is to use excise taxes as a tool to promote sustainability by balancing revenue generation with economic outcomes to enhance competitiveness, said Director-general Kulaya Tantitemit. Continued …
First 7 dangerous days claim 321 lives, fatalities up 13%
Forty-three people were killed and 200 injured in road accidents across Thailand on Thursday, the seventh of the “10 dangerous days” of the New Year holidays.
The casualties were recorded in 196 road crashes, the Road Safety Directing Center of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported yesterday. From Dec. 27 to Jan. 2, a total of 321 people were reported killed and 1,894 injured in 1,938 traffic accidents across the country. Continued …
Cold weather persists in north, with heavy monsoons in the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather alert for 10 provinces, warning of heavy monsoons affecting 30% of the area. Northern Thailand is experiencing another cold front, leading to further temperature drops.
A high-pressure system or cold air mass from China has descended over upper Thailand and the South China Sea, causing temperatures to fall. The northern and northeastern regions are facing cool to cold weather. Meanwhile, central Thailand, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, the eastern region, and the upper southern region are experiencing cool mornings. Continued …
Bomb Explodes at Traffic Checkpoint Outside School in Pattani, Injuring Six Officers
A bomb explosion at a traffic checkpoint outside a school in Pattani Province has left six police officers injured, two of them critically. The incident occurred at approximately 10:20 am yesterday near Ban Kalapo School in Moo 1, Tero Bon subdistrict, Sai Buri District.
The explosive device, believed to be an improvised bomb, had been concealed in the battery storage compartment of a checkpoint sign. The blast occurred as traffic police were conducting road safety enforcement near the school. Continued …
Pickup Truck Collides with Elephant, Injuring Three
A collision between a pickup truck and a large elephant yesterday left three people injured in Kabin Buri District, Prachinburi Province, with the animal retreating into nearby sugarcane fields.
Emergency responders from the Sajja Buddhadham Kabin Buri rescue unit were alerted to the incident on Road 359, near Ban Nong Talat in Tambon Lat Takhian. Upon arrival, they discovered a pickup truck with damage to the front left side and a shattered windshield. Three occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. Continued …
Government ‘ready’ for marriage law
The Interior Ministry is ready for the implementation of the Marriage Equality Bill, which is set to become law later this month, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul.
Traisulee said the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) has revised regulations to be in accordance with the new law and drawn up rules to facilitate the registration work. Continued …
Thai Central Bank Anticipates Steady Economic Growth Despite Uncertainties
Thailand’s economy is projected to expand by 2.7% in 2024 and 2.9% in 2025, fueled by growth in tourism, private consumption, and exports of electronics and machinery. However, the recovery in the industrial sector, particularly automotive manufacturing, remains slow, contributing to disparities in household income growth.
Thailand’s government is expected to implement supportive fiscal policies to stimulate economic activity, focusing on infrastructure development and incentives for foreign investment. However, external risks such as global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions could pose challenges to export performance. Continued …
Economists warn of negative impacts of Thailand joining BRICS
Economists have warned of the negative impacts that Thailand might face after becoming a full member of the BRICS economic bloc, including being viewed as taking sides and affected by trade barriers in the U.S.-China trade war.
On Jan. 1, Thailand became an official partner of BRICS, an international bloc established in 2006 as a coalition of large emerging markets. The bloc comprises 10 countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Continued …
Tax reforms being studied, but remain on the agenda
The government remains committed to tax reform, but insists implementation as a comprehensive package encompassing value-added tax (VAT), corporate income tax and personal income tax to enhance the country’s competitiveness while minimizing the impact on vulnerable groups.
According to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, the ministry has not made a final determination on the matter. Options need to be prepared and presented to the authorities to consider, including an assessment of the potential impact on taxpayers and a timeline for reform, he said. Continued …
Key industries urged to adapt
The Industry Ministry is urging manufacturers in five industries, including car manufacturing, to take more serious efforts to adapt to projected U.S. trade policies, the influx of low-cost imports into the Thai market, and disruptive technology. The other four industries comprise electronics, electrical appliances, steel and garments.
“We suggest entrepreneurs in these segments closely monitor the impact of these factors that can intensify, affecting their businesses this year,” said Passakorn Chairat, director-general of the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). Continued …
8 key trends shaping Thai real estate after rollercoaster year
Eight highs and lows in Thailand’s rollercoaster real estate market last year present challenges in 2025. Developers are now adopting strategies to address these hot issues, seeking a year of stabilization and recovery after the storm.
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Bangkok’s condo market slumps
A notable phenomenon of 2024 was the decline in new condominium launches in Bangkok, Thailand’s economic hub. During the first half of the year, the condo market shrank by 43.7% YoY, with the launch of only 8,674 units worth a total 49.37 billion baht. The main reason for the slump was a high mortgage rejection rate of 70%, significantly reducing demand for condos in the capital. Continued …
Thailand Aims to Woo Elite Tourists Amid Regional Rivalry
In a strategic move to bolster its luxury tourism sector, Thailand is embarking on a mission to attract elite tourists with offerings in wellness, sport, and romance. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set ambitious goals, targeting a 10% annual growth in this lucrative market, against a backdrop of fierce competition from neighboring destinations.
At the heart of Thailand’s renewed focus are the niche markets that promise high returns. Jirawadee Khunsap, deputy governor for products and tourism business at TAT, announced on Friday that the kingdom aims to tap into luxury tourism, initially valued at approximately Bt70 billion annually. This figure is expected to steadily climb as global travel resumes, especially as high-quality tourists are increasingly drawn to bespoke experiences. Continued …
11 Tourists Hurt as Tree Falls on Thai Bus
In an incident in Kanchanaburi, western Thailand, a tree felled by an illegal logger crashed onto a passing bus, injuring 11 people, including three British teens. The accident occurred as the tourists were en route to the Erawan Waterfall.
British nationals Biba Rose Waddell, 19, from London, Sophia Rose Alice Ridehalgh, 19, from Welwyn Garden City, and Sasha Chloe Hayes, 18, from Oxford, were among the passengers aboard the bus when the tree trunk slammed onto its roof. The bus driver narrowly avoided a catastrophic plunge down a hillside, bringing the vehicle to a halt mere feet from the edge. Continued …
Tourist found dead off Phuket’s Patong Beach
Holidaymakers were left in shock yesterday as police launched an investigation into the death of a foreign tourist found floating lifelessly off Patong Beach in the morning.
The grim discovery was made near Dolphin Circle at approximately 10am yesterday. A local parasail speedboat operator was the first to notice the tragic scene — a body face down in the turquoise waters. Continued …
Air India Express introduces new Phuket flights
Air India Express is making waves with its latest announcement: direct flights from Hyderabad to Phuket. Launching on Jan. 31, these flights will initially operate thrice weekly — on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — before ramping up to six times a week from Feb. 15, skipping only Tuesdays.
This move comes hot on the heels of the airline’s new Bangkok route, cementing its position as a key player in connecting India to Southeast Asia. Continued …
How 7 days in Thailand reshaped my view on tourism and hospitality
In Thailand, I found it easy to explore beautiful places at my own pace. What struck me the most was the sense of security. Whether at a bustling street corner or a quiet spot, I could confidently take out my smartphone to capture memories without worrying about theft. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with warm, friendly smiles from Thai locals and tourists alike.
Thai street food was another highlight of my trip. Not only is it delicious and affordable, but it also comes without the fear of being overcharged or scammed, an unfortunate experience I’ve occasionally encountered during domestic trips in Vietnam. Continued …
Foreign tourists are showing increased interest in Ko Samet
Ko Samet has emerged as the fastest growing destination for attracting international travelers visiting Thailand, according to digital travel platform Agoda.
The travel platform’s New Horizons list further reveals Chantaburi to be the top trending destination for Thai domestic travelers and Shanghai to be emerging among Thai travelers. Agoda’s New Horizons ranking, which is released annually, compares the accommodation booking ranks of the two previous years to identify the highest climbers in both domestic and international travel. Continued …
GULF Commences Operation of 5 Solar Projects
Gulf Energy Development Co. disclosed an information through the Stock Exchange of Thailand for the commencement of five solar projects at the total contracted capacity of 295 MW.
GULF stated that regarding the execution of the 25-year power purchase agreements between the company’s group of subsidiaries and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) for the development of a total of 25 solar power projects in Thailand, with a total contracted capacity of 1,353.1 megawatts (installed capacity of 2,537.8 MW), comprising 13 solar farms projects with a total contracted capacity of 700.2 megawatts (installed capacity of 1,668.0 MW), with a scheduled commercial operation date (SCOD) between 2024 and 2029. Continued …
EV overview shows sales growth slowing
Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Thailand slowed considerably in 2024 following explosive growth of 320% in 2023, as a reduction in incentives offered to consumers and stricter loan requirements negatively impact the pace of adoption.
Despite these challenges, growth of 10.5% in EV sales for 2024 is expected, as the continued drop in prices and increased local production sustain momentum. Continued …
Vietnam’s Hanoi declared world’s most polluted city
Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has been covered in thick smog over recent weeks, putting it at the top of a list of the world’s most polluted cities, as the government said it would push for more electric vehicles (EVs) to alleviate the problem. Continued …
Greenland’s leader steps up push for independence
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede has emphasized his desire to pursue independence from Denmark, its former colonial ruler, marking a significant change in the rhetoric surrounding the Arctic island’s future. Continued …
Biden blocks Japanese takeover of US Steel
U.S. President Joe Biden yesterday followed through on his pledge to block Nippon Steel’s $14.9-billion bid for US Steel, citing concerns that the deal could hurt national security. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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Four major tourism segments in focus as TAT focuses on niche markets
