Crypto Payment Zone for Hua Hin/Farmers begin burning crops/Severe air pollution/Is Bangkok air good to breathe?/Traffic Fines Can’t Block Renewal/Casino legalization bill/Politician of the Year/A free meal in Thailand/182 new air-con train cars/Poisoning husband’s family/ECONOMY: Thailand’s thriving and declining businesses/Isan’s potential outlined/Preference for vending machines/Thai SELECT Teams with Wolfgang Puck/TOURISM: New Year festivities/Surge in hotel bookings/To Ease Jewelry Rules/Phuket Airport Prepares for Tourist Surge/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 20 years later – Asia’s deadliest wave/Celebration of culture/Thai ceremony for the dead/CLIMATE THAILAND: Betting Big on Indonesia’s EV Market/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand Weighs Crypto Payment Zones for Tourists in Phuket, Hua Hin
Cryptocurrency experts support the government’s idea of investigating the use of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for payments in tourist destinations such as Hua Hin or Phuket.
They see this as a positive move that will encourage a more systematic approach to the use of cryptocurrencies and make it easier for foreigners to spend large sums of money, for example when buying condos or houses, without having to carry large amounts of cash. Thailand is seen as ripe for this move, with examples from over a hundred countries that have designated certain cities for cryptocurrency use, including in the U.S., Switzerland, Argentina and Dubai. Continued …
Farmers begin burning crops as annual pollution starts in Thailand
Air pollution soared as rogue farmers began their annual crop burning in Thailand. Thick smoke drifted from burning rice fields and shrouded buildings and roads in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province on Dec. 17. Local authorities dispatched fire trucks as the blaze spread from farmlands toward nearby residential areas.
Dr. Taweechai Wisanuyothin, director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 9, said: “Smoke from industrial factories and power plants, vehicle exhaust, and open burning contribute to PM 2.5 fine dust. This particulate matter can enter the bloodstream through the respiratory system and infiltrate internal organs.” Continued and video …
Severe air pollution impacts 21 Thai provinces
Severe air pollution continues to affect 21 provinces across Thailand, with Mahachai in Samut Sakhon facing the most significant challenges due to high levels of PM2.5. Officials have warned residents in Bangkok and its surrounding areas to brace for worsening air quality over the next few days.
The Pollution Control Department’s Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center reported yesterday that PM2.5 levels, particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller, were recorded across the country. The 24-hour average levels ranged from 7 to 57.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), with the national standard set at a maximum of 37.5 µg/m³. Continued …
Is Bangkok air good to breathe?
Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is frequently grappling with air pollution, which has become a growing concern for both residents and visitors. The city’s air quality often reaches levels considered hazardous to health, especially during the cooler months from November to February, when temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.
The primary contributors to air pollution in Bangkok are vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and open burning of agricultural waste, particularly during the annual burning season in neighboring regions. Traffic congestion is a significant factor, with thousands of vehicles on the road, emitting exhaust fumes that contribute to the high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air. Continued …
Court Rules Traffic Fines Can’t Block Vehicle Tax Renewal
In a landmark decision, Thailand’s Administrative Court has ruled that outstanding traffic fines cannot be used as grounds to deny motorists their annual vehicle tax renewal.
This case revolved around Amnat Kaewprasong, who faced an unexpected hurdle when the Bangkok office of the Department of Land Transport refused to issue his tax decal due to an unpaid 500 baht fine related to a speeding offense. Continued …
Casino legalization bill gives government the final say on locations
The government will determine where casino-entertainment complexes will be located to ensure fairness among bidders in the project, if the bill legalizing gambling in the country becomes law, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said.
“If the locations are chosen by the government, this will allow investors to compete fairly in the bidding. This will prevent the bid specifications or conditions from being designed or fixed to favor a particular bidder,” Julapun said. Continued …
PM Paetongtarn crowned Politician of the Year in Bangkok poll
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stormed ahead in the political popularity race, clinching the top spot in a nationwide survey that crowned her Politician of the Year 2024.
The North Bangkok Poll, conducted by North Bangkok University between Dec. 10-15, asked 1,500 respondents from across Thailand a simple but telling question: “Who do you think deserves to be honored as the Politician of the Year 2024?” Continued …
There is such a thing as a free meal in Thailand
At Kaprao Khao Boom in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district, good food meets a good cause. This eatery, open for eight years, feeds the hungry with healthy, hearty meals starting at just 20 baht, or even for free. Video …
SRT to buy 182 new air-con train cars for Bt10 billion
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved a 10.5-billion-baht plan to equip trains with new air-conditioned carriages to upgrade its aging fleet, in what could be the largest procurement project ever made by the state agency.
SRT Gov. Weerit Amrapal said on Friday that the board approval on Thursday cleared the way for the proposal to be sent to the Ministry of Transport. The final decision after that will rest with the Cabinet. Continued …
Thai woman accused of poisoning husband’s family with cyanide
A Thai woman in the central province of Chanthaburi allegedly poisoned members of her husband’s family with cyanide, including her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law, leading to one death.
Non-profit organization Saimai Survive accompanied Yupaporn to the Ministry of Public Health to seek justice for her mother, who had just died in hospital, and her grandmother, who managed to survive the poisoning. Continued …
Three Sentenced to Death for Murder and Dismemberment of German Businessman
In a chilling case that gripped international audiences, the Pattaya Provincial Court has handed down death sentences to three individuals involved in the murder of Hans Peter Ralter Mack, a 62-year-old German property mogul. The murder, which occurred on July 5, 2023, involved abduction, killing, and dismemberment, creating shockwaves due to its brutality.
The crime took place in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Following intense investigations, Region 2 Provincial Police and Nong Prue police apprehended Olaf Thorsten Brinkmann, 52, along with his accomplices, Petra Christl Grundgreif, 54, and Shahruik Karim Uddin, 27, a Thai national of Pakistani descent. Continued …
- Indian passengers turn Thai AirAsia plane into party zone – Continued …
- Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Extortion Through Dating App – Continued …
- Thai Taxi Driver Assaulted by Foreigner in Pattaya – Continued …
Thailand’s thriving and declining businesses in 2025
Amid the rapid developments of the modern era, the business world is no exception. Businesses continue to evolve to meet societal demands. Those that align with societal needs thrive and prosper, while those that do not tend to face a contrasting fate.
According to assessments by various parties, Thailand’s economy in 2025 is expected to continue growing, albeit at a slower rate, under the risk of global economic pressures from various challenges. The analysis from Kasikorn Research Center indicates that several factors in 2025 may pressure business growth, including: Continued …
Isan’s potential to drive Thai economy outlined
The northeast has the potential to revitalize and safeguard Thailand from global crises, former deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop pointed out in a speech on Friday. He was speaking at the “Isan Next: Revitalize Thai Economy Against Global Crisis” special talk held at the Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University.
The former minister explained that the initial aim should be to find solutions for the Thai economy amid challenges like rising public and household debt. Continued …
Thais have high preference for vending machines
The trend of vending machines is growing in Thailand, as 58% of Thai consumers are more likely to purchase goods from vending machines, according to a survey published on Thursday by market research consulting firm Market Buzzz.
A survey of 977 Thai consumers nationwide between Oct. 2 and Nov. 7 showed that 56% of consumers had purchased goods from vending machines in the past month. Of them, 28% purchase goods from vending machines every week and 13% purchase every day. Continued …
Thai SELECT Teams with Wolfgang Puck for Global Prestige
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, has launched a strategic initiative to promote Thai SELECT products and services in international markets.
Joining hands with world-class influencers and media, the campaign aims to boost awareness of Thai cuisine, enhance its global appeal, and elevate confidence in the Thai SELECT logo as a hallmark of quality. These efforts are designed to increase export value and create sustainable economic impact for Thailand. Continued …
New Year festivities expected to net over Bt62 billion
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has predicted exponential growth for the country’s tourism industry during the upcoming New Year festivities, which are expected to generate over 62 billion baht in revenue. This represents a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when 1.56 million foreign visitors arrived in Thailand.
Major contribution is also expected from the domestic market, with an estimated 4.41 million Thai visitors, a 29% increase. They will generate 17 billion baht in tourism revenue, a 30% rise year on year. Continued …
Thailand sees 87% surge in hotel bookings this December
Thailand is gaining recognition as a premier travel destination, particularly during December, as indicated by recent statistics from SiteMinder, a global hotel revenue management platform. This December has witnessed an 87% in hotel bookings made by international tourists, marking an increase from last year’s 84% during the same period.
Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachun highlighted the surge in hotel reservations throughout the Christmas season, reporting an 18% rise in bookings between Dec. 21-25 compared to the previous year. Continued …
Thailand to Ease Jewelry Rules to Boost Indian Wedding Tourism
Thai tourism authorities celebrated a milestone this week as Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand surpassed two million for 2024, prompting them to set a new target of 2.5 million arrivals for 2025. To achieve this goal, the government plans to remove regulatory hurdles, including easing restrictions on importing high-end jewelry for weddings in Thailand.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thiengthong hailed the two million Indian tourist arrivals as a historic achievement. The Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will continue organizing events and creating additional incentives in the coming year to reach their new targets. Continued …
Phuket Airport Prepares for Holiday Season Tourist Surge
Phuket International Airport, Thailand’s third busiest airport after Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, is gearing up for a surge in holiday travelers during the Christmas and New Year period. Immigration officials and tourism authorities are implementing measures to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
Police Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak, acting commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, inspected Phuket Airport’s immigration operations on Thursday. He projects that during the high season from October to March, daily arrivals could reach up to 23,000 passengers. Continued …
Asia’s deadliest wave turned towns to rubble. Here’s how its survivors are doing
The Boxing Day tsunami interrupted a civil war, triggered the worst rail accident in history and shattered the lives of millions. Twenty years on, the survivors share their incredible stories.
On Dec. 26, 2004, a magnitude-9.1 earthquake struck deep in the Indian Ocean, just off Indonesia’s west coast. It sent waves at the speed of a jet plane toward Asia’s shores. Continued …
A celebration of culture, nature, and heritage
Nestled in a picturesque valley 50 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, the small town of Muang Kaen prepares to host its annual winter festival — a five-day culture and tradition-filled event running from Dec. 29 through Jan. 2.
This festival offers visitors the opportunity to connect with northern Thailand’s rich heritage, while soaking in the charm of small-town life during the year-end holiday season. Continued …
Thai ceremony for the dead brings good karma and emotional closure
When two-month-old Bibeam died in November 2023, the temples in her district would not cremate her, considering her too young for such a ceremony. Instead she was buried without any religious rites in a cemetery in Rayong, about two hours southeast of the Thai capital Bangkok and one hour from her family’s home.
It was only this year that Bibeam was given the Buddhist cremation her parents had wanted when she was included in a rare Lang Pa Cha cemetery cleansing ceremony, a ritual that originated during China’s Song dynasty and was brought to Thailand by Chinese immigrants. Continued …
Why BYD, GAC Aion, and Citroen are Betting Big on Indonesia’s EV Market
Indonesia is positioning itself as Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle (EV) production hub by offering tax incentives to attract global manufacturers like BYD, GAC Aion, and Citroen, boosting local production and partnerships.
Indonesia is also leveraging its abundant nickel reserves, a critical component in EV batteries, to strengthen its appeal to manufacturers. By securing investments in battery production and fostering collaborations with local firms, the country aims to create a comprehensive EV ecosystem. 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
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The best resorts in Thailand when luxury matters
The first thing to love about Hua Hin is location. It’s just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), with no flight schedule or tides to contend with; just an air-conditioned transfer and you are at the beach under a striped umbrella and sipping a pink Margarita. The Standard super fans won’t be surprised to hear the vibe here is more about buzz than quietude. Palm Springs mid-century cool permeates the 196 rooms, suites and villas. and the five eating and drinking venues. 
