Category Archives: hua hin

hua hin, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-May 10

  • Storm warning for North, South to see heavy rain and flash floods/
  • Pran Buri train station renovated/
  • Diesel price set to fall this month/
  • Demand for gold bars, coins up in Thailand, banks stock up on precious metal/
  • Thailand still attractive as manufacturing base, more foreign firms shift operations here/
  • 15th charge laid in serial cyanide killings case/
  • Sex offender confesses to murdering Thai-British teenager, girlfriend still missing/
  • Thailand’s sex workers hope election will change their lives/
  • Man brutally kills 4 stray dogs in southern Thailand/
  • Tourism: Clarifying departure levy scuttlebutt/Thailand Sees More Than 400,000 Foreign Tourists in First Week of May/Chinese tourist arrivals to hit pre-pandemic levels in October/
  • International: ASEAN at a crossroad as violence escalates in Myanmar/Jury finds Donald Trump liable in civil sex abuse case/Putin touts ‘sacred’ battle with West in Ukraine as Russia marks Victory Day/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Storm warning for North, South to see heavy rain and flash floods

A tropical storm could bring thundershowers and gusty winds to upper Thailand until Monday, Thai Meteorological Department said today.

Hailstorms, lightning and heavy rains are forecast in some areas during this period, the department added, warning people in upper Thailand to stay away from large trees and unsecured billboards. It also advised travelers to avoid wearing metal accessories and using smartphones in thundershowers. Continued …

Pran Buri train station renovated

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has released photographs of the newly renovated Pranburi Railway Station. The new station is located on the southern double-track line between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The station has been upgraded to meet universal design standards, with improvements made to the station’s facilities and amenities.

Diesel price set to fall this month

The domestic diesel price should decrease by 0.5 baht a liter to around 32 baht on May 15 in response to falling global oil prices, says the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO). Continued …

Demand for gold bars, coins up in Thailand, banks stock up on precious metal

The banking crisis, tight monetary policies and the overall macroeconomic slowdown have increased the demand for gold from major central banks around the world, as the precious metal is regarded as the proper safe haven, the World Gold Council said.

Shaokai Fan, the council head of Asia-Pacific (ex-China) and global head of central banks, told an online press conference that central banks had helped boost demand by adding 228 tons to global reserves. As a result, the first quarter of this year set a new high in this data series. Continued …

Thailand still attractive as manufacturing base, more foreign firms shift operations here

The first half of this fiscal year has seen many foreign companies shifting their manufacturing bases to Thailand and taking over up to 2,900 rai (464 hectares) of land in industrial estates.

Veeris Ammarapala, governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), said on Tuesday that 2,975 rai of land in industrial estates around the country was either rented or sold to foreign investors from October last year to March this year. Continued …

15th charge laid in serial cyanide killings case

Police on Tuesday laid another charge against alleged serial killer Sararat “Aem” Rangsiwuthaporn after police said they had evidence showing she poisoned a 15th victim with cyanide in 2015.

According to Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, who is leading the investigation, police in Thong Lor – the area where the death of the 15th alleged victim, Monthathip “Sai” Khao-in, occurred – on Tuesday invited the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital doctor, who performed the autopsy, for questioning. Continued …

Sex offender confesses to murdering Thai-British teenager, girlfriend still missing

A man formerly imprisoned for sex crimes has confessed to murdering the Thai-British teenager who was found dead in the woods of Lampang province, northern Thailand, on Sunday. The police are still searching for the deceased’s missing girlfriend.

Police arrested a 44-year-old Thai man named Chaiwat Boonkarin under suspicion of murder and concealing a corpse on Monday. Initially, he denied the charges. After being interrogated all night, he confessed to killing 17-year-old Woramet “Ben” Taota, a dual Thai-British citizen. Chaiwat was released from prison for sex crimes less than eight months ago. Continued …

Thailand’s sex workers hope election will change their lives

Thailand’s sex workers are pinning their hopes on a new government after the general election on May 14 to pass legislation decriminalizing the country’s buzzing, billion-dollar sex industry, which provides livelihoods to an estimated 300,000 people.

Many sex workers have rallied behind groups like the Empower Foundation, a local nonprofit campaigner for the rights of sex workers, that lobby political parties for endorsements. Continued …

Man brutally kills 4 stray dogs in southern Thailand

A man reportedly killed four stray dogs at Kantang Stadium in Trang province in the southern part of Thailand on Monday. The dog killer in question brutally slashed each dog and left their dead bodies on a road, causing outrage among locals and animal-rights activists.

A local man who encountered the dead stray dogs, reported the issue to the media and Kantang Municipality. According to the man, the stray dogs were about one year old and suffered fatal stab wounds to their bodies. He found them lying dead in a pool of blood. Continued …

Clarifying departure levy scuttlebutt

As the general election draws near, implementing collection of a new tax is an extremely sensitive issue and almost unheard of as a political tactic.

Given this backdrop, the Revenue Department sidestepped concerns last week that it is considering a new departure tax on outbound travelers, based on a 40-year-old “emergency decree”. Continued …

Thailand Sees More Than 400,000 Foreign Tourists in First Week of May

Thailand saw 446,936 foreign tourists in the first week of May 2023, a slight decline due to the end of the long holiday in many regions, said the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports.

The office estimated that there would be at least 2 million tourists visiting the country in May, mainly from ASEAN countries, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Continued …

Chinese tourist arrivals to hit pre-pandemic levels in October

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Chinese tourist arrivals are set to reach one million a month starting from October, a figure last witnessed prior to the pandemic. The increase in travel is likely to gain momentum during winter and long national holidays.

TAT has observed a rise in advanced hotel bookings and chartered flight requests, indicating a swell in arrivals. Chuwit Sirivejkul, regional director for East Asia at TAT, elaborated on these trends at a briefing held on Tuesday. Continued …

ASEAN at a crossroad as violence escalates in Myanmar

Southeast Asian nations are at a “crossroad”, as escalating violence in junta-controlled Myanmar threatens to overshadow a regional summit, warned Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal and Security Mahfud MD. The two-year-long crisis has left Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) diplomatic attempts to resolve it fruitless. Continued …

Jury finds Donald Trump liable in civil sex abuse case

A federal jury found Donald Trump liable Tuesday in a civil case for sexual abuse and defamation of E. Jean Carroll in 1996 and said he should pay her $5 million in total damages, a verdict that could further complicate the former president’s election bid in 2024. Continued …

Putin touts ‘sacred’ battle with West in Ukraine as Russia marks Victory Day

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russians were united in a “sacred” fight with the West over Ukraine but the strains of war were evident at one of the most pared back anniversaries of the victory over Nazi Germany in decades. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, real estate, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Monday’s news-May 8

  • Heatstroke warning as mercury rises beyond 50ᵒC in many parts of Thailand/
  • Thais warned of heavy rain, strong wind and hail/
  • Thailand Election 2023: Eager Thais cast ballots in early voting/
  • Dark predictions as the opposition parties look set to sweep to power in next weekend’s Election/
  • The critical first 100 days/
  • Police to seek additional arrest warrants in cyanide poisoning investigation/
  • Remote Korat villagers to get electricity after 70 years/
  • Chinese seeking freedom, security snap up posh homes in post-Covid Thailand/
  • Thailand’s cannabis sellers say US growers are eating their lunch/
  • Tourism: Departures tax hailed as the kiss of death/’No plan’ to revive exit tax/New Bt300 foreign tourism levy postponed yet again/How Thailand is Preparing for a Surge of Chinese Tourists arrivals/Thailand’s B2B Startups Lead to Tourism Renaissance/
  • Thailand Experience: How a two-week kayaking adventure teaches you to slow down and enjoy the moment/5 Best Places To Visit In Bangkok/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Heatstroke warning as mercury rises beyond 50ᵒC in many parts of Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned people to beware of heatstroke, as the mercury is expected to rise beyond 50 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country.

TMD said Chonburi would be the hottest city in the east of Thailand on Sunday, with the temperature hitting 53ᵒC. In Bangkok, the hottest district would be Bang Na, which will hit 52.7ᵒC.

The hottest city in the Northeast is Kosum Phisai district in Maha Sarakham with 46ᵒC, while Phuket in the South hit 51.1ᵒC. – The Nation

Thais warned of heavy rain, strong wind and hail

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has forecast a 24-hour weather outlook, with the northern region experiencing summer storms characterized by thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hail. Some areas may also experience lightning.

Residents in these regions are advised to exercise caution during summer storms, avoiding open spaces, large trees, weak structures, and billboards. It is also recommended to avoid wearing metallic items and using mobile phones during thunderstorms. Farmers should prepare to protect their agricultural produce and livestock from potential damage. Continued …

Thailand Election 2023: Eager Thais cast ballots in early voting

Eager Thai voters cast their ballots on Sunday a week ahead of the official polls, with many lining up before the doors opened at 8am.

Gosol Pungtaku, 51, was among the many voters who expressed a desire to see positive changes and progress in Thailand. “There has been a rise in drug-related and criminal incidents, so I hope that the newly elected government will take steps to prevent them,” said Gosol. Continued …

Dark predictions as the opposition parties look set to sweep to power in next weekend’s Election

The prime minister’s United Thai Nation (Ruam Thai Sang Chart) Party has released a video clip warning of the danger of Thailand reverting to a land of political turmoil with just days to go to the general election, with the two main opposition parties, Move Forward and Pheu Thai, riding high in the polls. At the same time, a revered abbot in Chiang Mai is predicting a return to street protests and civil strife in the aftermath of next weekend’s election.

With days to go before the general election in Thailand on May 14, uneasiness currently pervades the country’s political scene with all opinion polls showing clearly the prospect of a decisive victory for the key opposition parties of Pheu Thai Party and Move Forward in what is shaping up as a profound rejection of the post-coup government formed in 2019, with parties in that government looking like they will be lucky to gain 20% to 25% of the vote, while the opposition bloc looks poised to poll anywhere from 65% to 85% of the vote. Continued …

The critical first 100 days

Business leaders have begun to think about the outlook for Thailand in the first 100 days under a new administration, with the poll less than a week away.

From the appointment of new ministers to policy priorities in the business sector, executives share their wishes for the incoming government. Continued …

Police to seek additional arrest warrants in cyanide poisoning investigation

Thai police are to seek warrants for the arrests of one or two additional suspects, thought to have assisted serial murder suspect Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, who is believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least 15 people, allegedly by cyanide poisoning.

Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, said Saturday that they have obtained sufficient evidence to indicate that Sararat acted alone in procuring cyanide online, but used other people’s names and addresses to cover her tracks. Continued …

Remote Korat villagers to get electricity after 70 years

For city dwellers, just 30 minutes of power outage can feel like the end of the world. Yet, there are some 300 people in a remote corner of Nakhon Ratchasima who have been living without electricity since their village was formed 70 years ago.

It is Ban Sub Hin Kaew or Moo 16 village in Tambon Chanthuek of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district. Continued …

Chinese seeking freedom, security snap up posh homes in post-Covid Thailand

Shanghai resident Daniel Bian drinks in the sweeping views over the Thai capital from the 19th-floor, rooftop swimming pool of a luxury condominium that may become his second home. “Hello, Bangkok!” he shouts happily as his 70-year-old mother looks on, smiling.

Cooped up in Chinafor three years under some of the world’s toughest curbs against Covid-19, Bian is among a flood of mainland Chinese hunting for property in the Southeast Asian nation since Beijing opened its borders this year. Many are eager to invest in a second home, keen for a safety net in case of a similar disease outbreak, and also to hedge against economic risks at home. Continued … 

Thailand’s cannabis sellers say US growers are eating their lunch

Nearly a year after Thailand decriminalized cannabis amid promises of an economic bonanza, Thai growers and sellers say they are being undercut by illegal imports from the United States that sell for a fraction of the price of homegrown buds.

Thailand struck cannabis from its list of banned narcotics in June 2022 after a high-profile campaign by Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to establish the kingdom as a global hub for cannabis for medical purposes. But Thailand’s parliament has yet to pass a long-awaited cannabis bill, leaving the regulatory framework for the industry in limbo. Continued …

Departures tax hailed as the kiss of death

Tourism industry chiefs were shocked this week to discover that Thailand’s Revenue Department is laying the groundwork for a new outbound levy of Bt1,000 to be applied to all outgoing airline passengers from Thailand, including foreign tourists and Thai citizens, in addition to already existing charges and levies.

One key travel industry executive warned that the plans will have a serious negative impact on the country’s still-recovering tourism industry and may disrupt the plans of airlines that Thailand badly needs to reconnect to its international airports. Continued …

‘No plan’ to revive exit tax

The Revenue Department rejects claims that it is planning to impose a 1,000-baht departure tax on departing Thais and foreign residents.

Responding to fears raised on social media, the department says it is legally obligated by the constitution to seek the public’s opinion on executive decrees scrapped by past administrations. Continued …

New Bt300 foreign tourism levy postponed yet again

A leading tourist industry chief has called for the government to establish a separate state agency to manage the country’s proposed foreign tourism levy, which has been postponed yet again by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn until after a new government is formed.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, the chairman of the Phuket Tourist Assn., also expressed concern that the collection of the levy should not be imposed on airline carriers, while it should also be collected at both land and sea points of entry into the kingdom. The new tourism levy, according to the minister and key officials, will pay for automatic emergency health coverage for foreign tourists who get into trouble in Thailand but the industry itself is perplexed by concern about the ongoing delay in the introduction of the charge and transparency around how the money raised is used in what could turn out to be a vast annual sum collected by the government as tourist numbers rise. Continued …

How Thailand is Preparing for a Surge of Chinese Tourists arrivals

Thailand is expecting a significant increase in the number of Chinese tourists in May, as Chinese airlines plan to operate more flights to the country.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Chinese airlines have requested to increase their flights to Thailand from 100 per week to 430 per week starting on June 1. Continued …

Thailand’s B2B Startups Lead to Tourism Renaissance

Thailand’s tourism industry has long been a major contributor to the country’s economy. Travel bans and border closures brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic have had a substantial impact on the sector, nevertheless, as evidenced by the steep drop in visitor numbers.

In spite of these difficulties, Thailand’s startup ecosystem has become a significant force for innovation and expansion in the travel and tourist industry. In this new era of travel, B2B leads are now more crucial than ever. Startups are transforming business processes for hotels, airlines, and other travel service providers with innovative B2B solutions. Continued …

How a two-week kayaking adventure teaches you to slow down and enjoy the moment

The sky is overcast as I paddle out from a small beach on the morning of my 50th birthday on Day 1 of a two-week, 250km solo kayaking trip around Phang Nga Bay, an aquatic biosphere off the southwest of Thailand, with dramatic islands and limestone karsts that rise like titans hundreds of meters from the sea.

I’ve never done anything like this before, but past travels have taught me a bit about problem-solving in remote places and how to pack for survival. Continued …

5 Best Places To Visit In Bangkok

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss out on some of the must-visit places in Bangkok. From ancient temples to bustling markets, Bangkok has something for everyone.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are two of the most famous attractions in Bangkok. The Grand Palace was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (now Thailand) since 1782. Today, the palace is used for ceremonial purposes only. Visitors can see the palace complex and its intricate architecture, which reflects a blend of Thai and European styles. Wat Phra Kaew is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand and houses the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered statue carved from a single block of jade. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

covid, hospitality, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-May 6

  • Khao Tao developer Veyla expands into wellness sector/
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan braces for rainy season to start in mid-May/
  • Two storms to hit Thailand affecting Election Day/
  • Cyanide killings the deadliest in Thai crime history/
  • Thai couple hands over bag with lost 100,000 baht to police in Ratchaburi/
  • Cobra spits venom into Disaster Prevention officer’s eyes/
  • Massage parlor in northern Thailand raided for underage sex trafficking/
  • China Biggest Global Jailer of Journalists; Thailand Restricts Taboo Subjects/
  • Tourism: 1,000-baht departure tax proposed/Thailand urged to focus on wellness/Chinese arrivals could soar in May/
  • Thailand Experience: Narathiwat, a dream destination blessed by nature/
  • International: WHO declares end to COVID global health emergency/Britain ready for first coronation since 1953/US banks on edge after rate hike/German recession fears rise as factory orders plummet/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Khao Tao developer Veyla expands into wellness sector

Luxury holiday home developer Ideas 1606 Co., known for its Veyla brand, is planning to expand the brand into the wellness sector and explore opportunities to target the foreign market in popular tourist destinations.

Fifteen years ago, Prapavadee Sophonpanich, founder and chief executive, acquired a 4.5-rai plot of land in Khao Tao, Prachuap Khiri Khan, with the intention of developing a small vacation home project targeting Thai businessmen. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Khan braces for rainy season to start in mid-May

Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is bracing for the rainy season to start in mid-May. The Thai Meteorological Department predicts that the rainy season in Thailand will start around the third week of May 2023, with one to two tropical storms possibly passing through the northeastern and northern regions in August and September.

Thailand’s rainy season typically occurs from May to October, with the highest rainfall usually in September and October. Continued …

Two storms to hit Thailand affecting Election Day

Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Center expects two storms are set to hit Thailand next week, with potential impacts on Election Day, May 14.

The center’s director, Seri Suparatit, revealed yesterday that two storms – one originating in the Indian Ocean and the other in the South China Sea – are moving toward Thailand. Cyclone Mocha is currently producing heavy rainfall in the Bay of Bengal, while another tropical depression is beginning in the South China Sea near the Philippines. Continued …

Cyanide killings the deadliest in Thai crime history

The case of suspected serial killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, could be considered the deadliest in Thailand’s crime history, as the alleged crimes were committed over four years without raising any suspicion in the relatives of the victims.

Sararat allegedly poisoned her victims, most of whom she knew personally, mixing the deadly chemical cyanide on items of consumption, such as food, beverages and medicines, posing difficulties for police in their investigation. Continued …

Thai couple hand over bag with lost 100,000 baht to police in Ratchaburi

An honest Thai couple discovered a bag with 100,000 baht inside in front of a shopping mall in the central province of Ratchaburi and notified the police so they can search for its owner.

Eighteen-year-old Kittisak “Zen” Thaweechokhirun, and his 18-year-old girlfriend, Potchathawat “Mali” Sabumuang, last night reported the cash-filled bag they found at a shopping mall to officers at Meaung Ratchaburi Police Station. Continued …

Cobra spits venom into Disaster Prevention officer’s eyes

A Siamese spitting cobra spat venom into the eyes of a Disaster Prevention officer in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand yesterday. Rescue officers responded quickly and managed to save his life and eyesight.

At 7.40pm, the Hook 31 Rescue Unit was informed that someone was spat at by a cobra at Ban Tanot Village, Moo 2, Ban Pho subdistrict, Mueang district. Continued …

Massage parlor in northern Thailand raided for underage sex trafficking

Police swooped on a massage parlor in the northern province of Tak after a tip-off on underage sex trafficking. The owner of the parlor was arrested and two teenage Burmese girls were rescued.

The Anti-Trafficking In Persons Division Police (ATPD) received a tip-off that a Thai woman, 40-year-old Suphaporn Makaew, was operating an underage sex-trafficking racket behind her massage business. To verify the information, an undercover police officer posed as a customer as he visited the massage parlor, located on the Mae Sot-Umphang Road in the Mae Sot district of Tak. Continued …

China Biggest Global Jailer of Journalists; Thailand Restricts Taboo Subjects

China was the biggest global jailer of journalists last year, with 101 behind bars, according to Reporters without Boarders (RSF).

Starting with Xi Jinping, who secured a historic third term as China’s leader, ensuring a concentration of power never seen since Mao Zedong, so as to pursue the crusade against journalism he launched 10 years ago. Continued …

1,000-baht departure tax proposed

Thai outbound travelers and foreign permanent residents in Thailand have been asked for their opinion on a government departure tax of 1,000 baht in an attempt to prevent locals from spending excessively abroad, with the Revenue Department announcing online public hearings this week.

The department posted the public hearing questionnaire on its website https://www.rd.go.th/64115.html, saying it wants to listen to public opinion about an emergency decree on a departure levy, based on a law passed in 1983, in order to assess its impact. Continued …

Thailand urged to focus on wellness

Thailand’s health economy boasts very high growth potential, as the world is increasingly aware of the importance of health and self-care, according to a Commerce Ministry study.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said the office studied the opportunities for Thailand’s wellness economy and found growth potential given the world’s greater focus on health and self-care. Continued …

Chinese arrivals could soar in May

Chinese airlines are expected to increase the number of flights to Thailand to 430 per week starting on June 1, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

CAAT Director Suthipong Kongpool said his office recently met with Chinese airlines to discuss their request for more flights for the summer schedule and it was initially agreed that the number would rise to 430 a week from the 100 permitted at present. Continued …

Narathiwat, a dream destination blessed by nature

Narathiwat is the easternmost of the four provinces in Thailand’s deep south, bordered to the east by the Gulf of Thailand and to the south by Malaysia. The coastal province, which evolved from fishing communities along the mouth of the Pak Bara River, is now known for its cross-cultural beauty, abundant nature, and local delicacies.

A visit ideally begins with Wat Chon Thara Singhe, a Buddhist temple in Tak Bai that serves as a demarcation between Thailand and Malaysia. The historic temple takes you back to 1909, when the Kingdom of Siam returned four northern Malaysian provinces to the United Kingdom. Continued …

WHO declares end to COVID global health emergency

The World Health Organization said Friday that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, marking a symbolic end to the devastating coronavirus pandemic that triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies worldwide and killed at least 7 million people worldwide. Continued … 

Britain ready for first coronation since 1953

Charles III will be crowned king today in a solemn Christian ceremony steeped in 1,000 years of history and tradition, but adapted to reflect 21st-century Britain. Continued …

US banks on edge after rate hike

Economists warn that two more U.S. banks are on the verge of collapse after the Federal Reserve lifted its key interest rates by 0.25% this week, prompting stock prices of American lenders to drop sharply after the hike. Continued …

German recession fears rise as factory orders plummet

Industrial orders at German factories saw their biggest fall in March since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in 2020, data showed Friday, the latest sign that Europe’s biggest economy is facing a steep downturn. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, climate change, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-May 5

  • Hua Hin learning-disabilities school progress reported/
  • Searing heat continues in north, storms most likely in central, eastern and southern regions/
  • Thailand to enter rainy season later this month, less rain expected/
  • ‘Safe’ dust pollution threshold cut 25%/
  • Thailand’s democracy faces pivotal moment in upcoming election/
  • The future of Thai workforce: Embracing flex work and employee experiences/
  • GrabFood No.1* Food Delivery App is now available in English/
  • Bikini-wearing durian seller sparks sales in Kamphaeng Phet/
  • Actress and nurses investigated for buying same poison as killer/
  • Indian gambling kingpin in net after bust in Pattaya/
  • Karen villagers’ settlement in Kaeng Krachan National Park sparks public outcry/
  • Three People Seriously Injured After Guardrail Pierces Through Minivan/
  • Thailand’s One Drone, One Community project aims to boost smart farming/
  • Foreigner police report: Young Polish Woman Dies in Motorbike Accident in Phuket/Canadian teenager found dead in Bangkok condo room/Fun-loving UK teenager dies after taking drugs at Full Moon party/Italian man throws furniture off Pattaya balcony, tests positive for ‘ice’/Body found floating near Koh Samui/
  • Tourism: Why Are Chinese Group Tours in April Lower Than Expected?/Full Moon Party draws 20,000 tourists to Koh Phangan/Tourist Police launch campaign to enforce Alcohol Ban during elections/AOT to extend automated check-in at Suvarnabhumi airport from June 1/AOT to develop Suvarnabhumi into the nation’s first ‘Green’ airport prototype/Sacred Thai temple closes after vendors accused of tarnishing it/Thailand to close several popular islands for environmental restoration/
  • Thailand Experience: The Best Beers To Pair With The Many Flavors Of Thai Food/
  • International: Another Mass Shooting Rocks Serbia Just Days After Deadly School Rampage/Heating oceans a climate ‘time bomb’/Russia takes stock after failed offensive/China factories tap brakes on recovery/Airbnb upbeat as tourism rebounds/In Brazil, a damaged city lives on edge of abyss/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin learning-disabilities school progress reported

Almost 12 months ago, the construction of a new school for children with learning difficulties began near Black Mountain, with the support of a variety of provincial, municipal and education officials, and the sponsorship of many community and business organizations.

E-Jan, a large Bangkok-based media group, is just one of these benefactors offering sponsorship for this significant development in the region’s capacity to meet the needs of disadvantaged children in the community. Continued …

Searing heat continues in north, storms most likely in central, eastern and southern regions

The Meteorological Department today warned the central, eastern, and southern regions to expect possible thundershowers and strong wind gusts.

Low pressure due to heat covers upper Thailand, making it generally hot with cloudy skies during the day, with extreme heat in some areas in the North. Continued …

Thailand to enter rainy season later this month, less rain expected

The rainy season in Thailand will start in the third week of May. The Meteorological Department has announced it is expecting less precipitation this year.

The department expects the amount of precipitation throughout the monsoon season to be 5% less than the normal range. Continued …

‘Safe’ dust pollution threshold cut 25%

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) said it will follow World Health Organization guidelines and reclassify the safe level for ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) to 37.5 µg/m3 in a bid to curb dust pollution.

Jatuporn Burutphat, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said the ministry supports lowering the threshold on Thailand’s Air Quality Index. Continued …

Thailand’s democracy faces pivotal moment in upcoming election

As Thailand prepares for its upcoming general election on May 14, the country has found itself facing a pivotal moment in the history of its democracy, with Bangkok residents calling for change after having lived under the current administration for eight years.

“I am certain that change is what I want to see,” said 48-year-old Bangkok resident Naratouch Kanjanakul. “We were previously forced to accept things as they were.” Continued …

The future of Thai workforce: Embracing flex work and employee experiences

Despite facing economic uncertainties, nearly 60% of global executives anticipate their businesses to achieve stable or significant growth. Asian leaders, however, express concerns about the rising cost of capital and debt, labor market tightness, and competition for talent when planning for the upcoming year.

In the Global Talent Trends (GTT) Study 2023 by Mercer, human resources leaders in Thailand shared similar concerns. The study surveyed around 2,500 HR leaders worldwide, with nearly 100 companies in Thailand being represented. Among the issues highlighted were a lack of workforce capability and future skills (47%), too many priorities distracting employees (40%), and juggling transformation with a survival mindset (38%). Continued …

GrabFood No.1* Food Delivery App is now available in English

Living in a foreign country can be a thrilling adventure, but it can also pose its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for many expats is navigating unfamiliar dining options.

With language barriers and an overwhelming array of unfamiliar dishes, finding a satisfying meal can be a daunting task. Fortunately, in Thailand, there’s an app that stands out from the rest, making your life a little easier: GrabFood. Continued …

Bikini-wearing durian seller sparks sales in Kamphaeng Phet

A young woman wearing a pink bikini has created a buzz by selling durians in front of a roadside shop. The “Thip Durian” shop is located along Kamphaeng Phet-Phichit Road in Mueang District. The woman behind the bikini, Aranya or Nong Aum, is 22 years old. She sells durians to help her mother, who has been selling seasonal fruits for over 31 years to generate income and send her children to study. According to Nong Aum, durian sales have exceeded expectations. (Thai Rath)

Actress and nurses investigated for buying same poison as killer

There has been another twist in the Thai cyanide serial killer case. Not only has the serial killer’s husband been charged with aiding and abetting her crimes and released on bail, but the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is investigating the purchase of some cyanide by a famous Thai actress and 10 nurses, who reportedly bought the poison from the same lot number as the killer.

Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, the alleged Thai cyanide serial killer, has been charged with the murder of 10 of the 14 victims so far. The RTP has finished gathering evidence in the other four cases and it is reported that Am will be charged for those, as well. Continued …

Indian gambling kingpin in net after bust in Pattaya

Chikoti Praveen, an infamous name in India due to his activities in casinos and gambling, has been caught in a major raid by police in Thailand.

He was one among at least 83 Indian tourists caught during the raid. The arrest took place in early hours of Monday at Asia Pattaya Hotel in Bang Lamung District. Chikoti Praveen had raked in more than 12 million dollars from a makeshift casino set up in the hotel’s convention center. Continued …

Karen villagers’ settlement in Kaeng Krachan National Park sparks public outcry

Protests have erupted among local residents in Phetchaburi over the Thai government’s decision to settle 150 Karen villagers in Kaeng Krachan National Park.

The controversy was sparked on April 30 when the prime minister issued an order permitting the villagers to return to arable land located deep within the Bang Kloy Bon area of the national park. Continued …

Three People Seriously Injured After Guardrail Pierces Through Minivan

Three people have sustained severe injuries after a minivan crashed before piercing through a guardrail in the Thung Song district of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The Thung Song Police were notified of the accident on Thursday morning on the Asia Nakhon Si – Bangkok Road in the Cha Mai subdistrict. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find that a guardrail had pierced through a minivan on the left side. Continued … 

Thailand’s One Drone, One Community project aims to boost smart farming

The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) has announced its plan to launch a pioneering project in Thailand that will provide large drones to communities and offer training in drone maintenance to encourage smart-farming development.

The initiative, titled “One Drone, One Community,” is backed by the Digital Economy Fund and aims to create an economic impact exceeding 800 million baht across 500 communities, with a planned start date in July. Continued …

Foreigner police report:

Young Polish Woman Dies in Motorbike Accident in Chalong, Phuket

A 33-year-old female Polish rider died after she crashed her motorbike and slid under a trailer truck in Chalong, Phuket. Continued …

Canadian teenager found dead in Bangkok condo room

A young Canadian man was found dead in his rented condo room in Bangkok yesterday. Police say they are investigating suspicious evidence found inside the room. Continued …

Fun-loving UK teenager dies after taking drugs at Full Moon party

A fun-loving, “fiercely independent” teenager from the United Kingdom died after taking drugs at a Full Moon party in Thailand an inquest heard. A UK coroner yesterday determined that the 18-year-old woman from Winchester died by misadventure after taking ecstasy while backpacking in Thailand. Continued …

Italian man throws furniture off Pattaya balcony, tests positive for ‘ice’

An Italian man made a scene in front of over 100 witnesses on Wednesday night when he threw furniture and large items off a Pattaya balcony. Continued …

Body found floating near Koh Samui

A dead body was found floating in the sea between Koh Samui on Koh Pha Ngan in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, yesterday. The deceased appears to be a foreign woman. Continued …

Why Are Chinese Group Tours in April Lower Than Expected?

According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the number of tourists traveling in the form of “group tours” through tour companies using the services of ATTA at Suvarnabhumi Airport in April 2023 was between 1,000 and 2,000 people per day, compared to approximately 3,000 to 4,000 people in March, a decrease of over 50%, clearly reflecting the significant loss of tourists traveling through tour companies.

Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of ATTA, which looks after the inbound market (Chinese tourists), said the big problem for the Chinese tourism market at the moment is the inconvenience of applying for visas. Continued …

Full Moon Party draws 20,000 tourists to Koh Phangan

About 20,000 tourists attended the popular Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan on Thursday night, and it is estimated that the holiday will generate tens of millions of baht for the southern island. Continued … 

Tourist Police launch campaign to enforce Alcohol Ban during elections

Yesterday, Police Lt. Col. Pramet Duangkaew led a team of tourist police officers on a mission to enforce an alcohol ban during the upcoming elections.

They were stationed in the busy Rama 9 market area and the popular Khao San Road, where they distributed flyers and conducted public relations activities. Continued …

AOT to extend automated check-in at Suvarnabhumi airport from June 1

Starting June 1, air passengers can check in with their luggage using automated check-in services up to five hours in advance of their departure time, instead of three hours, in order to address congestion at the check-in counters at Suvarnabhumi international airport, according to Kirati Kitmanawat, president of Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT).

He disclosed that passengers are worried about the congestion at check-in, with some arriving at the airport up to seven hours in advance, but check-in counters for most airlines only open three hours in advance of departure, resulting in congestion. Continued …

AOT to develop Suvarnabhumi into the nation’s first ‘Green’ airport prototype

Airports of Thailand’s Chief Executive Officer Kirati Kitmanawat says that AOT has a 4-year plan to turn Suvarnabhumi Airport into the first environmentally friendly, or “Green” airport in Thailand. The goal is to develop renewable energy for use within the airport to reduce electricity costs by an average of 20%-30% per year.

AOT has already installed solar panels on the roof of the main terminal and will be adding further photovoltaic power to support a renewable energy system that can help reduce electricity costs even more, similar to other major airports overseas, which have shifted to solar panels to generate power. Continued … 

Sacred Thai temple closes after vendors accused of tarnishing it

Wat Phra That Phanom, one of the most important spiritual sites in Thailand, will be closed for one month starting today so that a plan can be developed and implemented to ensure the vendors who conduct business in and around the temple do not trash it. The mess vendors make inside and around the temple will prevent Wat Phra That Phanom from being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is located near the Mekong River in That Phanom district in the southern part of Nakhon Phanom province in the Northeast. (The Nation)

Thailand to close several popular islands for environmental restoration

Four islands in Trang province, southern Thailand, will close for four months to give nature a chance to restore itself after a hectic tourist season, namely Koh Muk, Koh Kradan, Koh Chuek, and Koh Waen. Thailand’s Similan Islands will also close for the monsoon season.

Yesterday, the chief of Hat Chao Mai National Park, Prit Narasaritkul, announced the temporary cease of tourism activities and overnight stays in the park from June 1 – Sept. 30. Continued …

The Best Beers To Pair With The Many Flavors Of Thai Food

Thai food is one of the world’s most unique, flavorful cuisines. There are so many flavors and ingredients that go into that panang curry, tom yum soup, or papaya salad you love at your local Thai restaurant, from lemongrass and chili peppers to fish sauce and coconut milk.

What makes Thai cuisine so delicious and complex is the ability to marry some of the most interesting ingredients harmoniously and fit into five flavor profiles: spicy, salty, sour, sweet, and creamy. Every authentic Thai dish you have the pleasure of digging into expertly blends the above elements. Continued …

Another Mass Shooting Rocks Serbia Just Days After Deadly School Rampage

At least eight people were killed and 10 wounded late Thursday in a drive-by shooting in a town close to Belgrade, the second such mass killing in Serbia in two days, state television reported. Continued …

Heating oceans a climate ‘time bomb’

With sea surface temperatures swelling to new highs in recent weeks, scientists warn that humanity’s carbon pollution has the potential to turn oceans into a global warming “time bomb”. Continued …

Russia takes stock after failed offensive

Russia announced its winter offensive in Ukraine with great fanfare, but the ill-fated campaign has been another disappointment for Moscow. Continued …

China factories tap brakes on recovery

China’s factory activity unexpectedly contracted in April, as orders fell and poor domestic demand dragged on the sprawling manufacturing sector, a private survey showed on Thursday, imperiling the broader economic outlook for the second quarter. Continued …

Airbnb upbeat as tourism rebounds

Airbnb closed 2022 with an impressive turnaround, as the pandemic-hit business reported its first annual profit on revenue growth of 40% to US$8.4 billion, with net income of USD9 billion. Continued …

In Brazil, a damaged city lives on edge of abyss

A few steps from a cliff edge, Deusimar Batista is hanging clothes to dry in her yard. Near it, a neighbor’s house used to stand on a residential street, but they have all collapsed into the abyss. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Thursday’s news-May 4

  • Today’s Guest Sponsor: Little Spain/
  • How to protect yourself against seasonal coronavirus/
  • Can Thailand finally end its century-long history of coups?/
  • Thai voters most concerned about rising cost of living/
  • Energy Crisis Prompts Thailand to Accelerate Shift to Renewables/
  • Thai herbs promoted for use in modern medicine/
  • Aem Cyanide’s police husband arrested/
  • Thailand’s most beautiful lake runs dry after months of drought/
  • Industry urges drought measures/
  • ‘World’s smelliest fruit’ now banned from Bangkok buses/
  • Gas cylinder explosion damages 8 houses, car and injures teenage boy/
  • China’s CATL considers EV battery facilities to Thailand/
  • Tourism: Thailand’s Tourism Industry Blossoms Anew With Influx of Chinese Visitors/Crackdown on crime wave against Chinese tourists in Bangkok/Pattaya gears up for 600,000 Indian tourists this year/
  • Thailand Experience: Thai fried chicken in Hat Yai!/Experience the Scrumptious Art of Thai Gastronomy/
  • International: Lilly drug slows Alzheimer’s progression by 35% in trial/Drone attack on Kremlin points to ‘messaging’ effort by Ukraine/World’s tallest hempcrete building set to open in Cape Town/Serbia school attack is a rare mass shooting outside US/Ronaldo tops Forbes’ 2023 highest-paid athletes list/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Today’s Guest Sponsor: Little Spain

How to protect yourself against seasonal coronavirus

Just like influenza, Covid-19 can now reinfect individuals several times, according to virologist Dr. Yong Poovorawan. Yong said Covid-19 has become a seasonal disease, similar to other respiratory infections including flu, RSV, and rhinovirus.

He said these seasonal bugs can cause problems, especially for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, those with weak immunity, people with underlying diseases, and young children. Continued …

Can Thailand finally end its century-long history of coups?

Just two weeks before Thailand holds its general election, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of the leading candidates to be the country’s prime minister, gave birth to a baby boy. Was it a hopeful augury, a sign that Thailand’s turbulent politics might be about to forge a fresh new start?

Well, it’s possible. But equally the focus on the 36-year-old face of the Pheu Thai party, daughter of the self-exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, reminds many of the real question about this election: Will the cycle of parties associated with Thaksin winning at the polls, only to be forced out of office by military coups, finally be broken? Continued …

Thai voters most concerned about rising cost of living

Most Thai voters want the new government to reduce the cost of living, boost welfare and minimum wage, as well as upskill the workforce, a recent survey shows.

Respondents to a survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting also want the new government to tackle poverty, debt and social inequality. Continued …

Energy Crisis Prompts Thailand to Accelerate Shift to Renewables

The fallout from the global energy crisis is pushing Thailand to accelerate its shift to renewables after dragging its feet for years, the latest nation to embrace wind and solar in order to reduce dependence on imported fuel.

The Southeast Asian country was forced to rethink its renewable energy strategy following last year’s surge in natural gas prices sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, said Wattanapong Kurovat, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office. The situation was exacerbated by Thailand’s drop in production. Continued …

Thai herbs promoted for use in modern medicine

A campaign is under way to promote use of herbal plants in modern medicine to boost their value by at least 90 to 100 billion baht by 2027.

The plan was hatched following the release of the “Herbal Champions” announcement by the Ministry of Public Health, which included a list of 15 Thai herbs to be pushed into the global market, said Dr. Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong, director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTTAM). Continued …

Aem Cyanide’s police husband arrested

A police lieutenant colonel who is the ex-husband of suspected serial cyanide killer “Aem Cyanide” has been fired from the force, arrested and charged with related crimes.

Police Lt .Col. Withoon Rangsiwuthaporn, deputy superintendent of the Suan Phueng police station in Ratchaburi province, was charged with receiving stolen property, jointly forging official documents and jointly using forged official documents. Continued …

Thailand’s most beautiful lake runs dry after months of drought

The water level of Thailand’s fourth largest freshwater lake, Kwan Phayao, dropped to just 5% as of Tuesday due to an extended drought in the North.

Provincial Gov. Narong Rojsothorn said the water level had dropped from 55.65 million cubic meters to just 2.8 million, and that he is getting the lake refilled with water channeled from two nearby reservoirs. Continued …

Industry urges drought measures

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) plans to ask Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to brace for drought and possible water shortages that will affect businesses, causing them to increase the prices of goods again.

The Russia-Ukraine war, which led to a surge in global oil prices, caused some entrepreneurs to adjust their prices last year as they were unable to bear higher energy fees without passing along the cost. Continued …

‘World’s smelliest fruit’ now banned from Bangkok buses

The smell of durians has been classified as a public nuisance by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and, as of today, passengers are no longer permitted to carry the pungent-smelling fruit on its buses.

The decision is based on a directive issued by the Transport Ministry in 2014 to ensure peace and order on public transport, the transit authority announced on Wednesday. Continued …

Gas cylinder explosion damages 8 houses, car and injures teenage boy

A gas cylinder explosion damaged eight houses and a car in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, while a 15-year-old boy living in the incident house suffered serious burn wounds all over his body.

The incident occurred yesterday in a three-story townhouse owned by a 39-year-old man named Weeraphat Chuensomsong. He was not home during the explosion. Unfortunately, his 15-year -old son was at home alone at the time and suffered serious burns all over his body, especially to his legs. Continued …

China’s CATL considers EV battery facilities to Thailand

The government of Thailand has started negotiations with China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), aiming to incentivize battery production to the country.

CATL is the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery supplier by market share. The deal would see the company open a first factory in Southeast Asia. The Chinese battery manufacturer has recently been making strides in its battery technology. These include a supposed 500Wh/kg battery announced as having the energy density to power a passenger aircraft. The company also sells EV batteries to auto manufacturers such as Ford, Tesla and Volkswagen. Continued …

Thailand’s Tourism Industry Blossoms Anew With Influx of Chinese Visitors

The Grand Palace, high-end shopping malls, and the Pattaya Pier in and around Bangkok are once again bustling with activity, as Chinese tourists flock to Thailand during the five-day Labor Day holiday.

For nearly a decade, Suchart has been a familiar sight on Pattaya Beach, setting up beach chairs and preparing for visitors who come to relax, drink coconut water, and ride speedboats out to sea. Continued …

Crackdown on crime wave against Chinese tourists in Bangkok

Thailand has begun to crack down on criminal elements entering the country from China, at the same time as the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau has begun to suppress illegal activities by Chinese underworld operators in the capital.

The move comes as the ongoing growth of Chinese incoming tourists has slowed in response to a negative perception of the kingdom on the Chinese mainland driven by overblown social media reports, disinformation, and including a negative portrayal of the country’s perceived new cannabis free-for-all culture. Continued …

Pattaya gears up for 600,000 Indian tourists this Year

At least60 Indian tourists are anticipated to visit Pattaya this year, returning the visitor numbers to levels similar to those prior to the pandemic, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Anoma Vongyai, director of TAT’s Pattaya office, revealed that over 900,000 Indian tourists traveled to Thailand in the year preceding the pandemic, with approximately 600,000 of them visiting Pattaya. In 2019, Indian visitors represented the third-largest group of foreign tourists, following Chinese and Russian travelers. Continued … 

Thai fried chicken in Hat Yai!

Welcome to the fried chicken capital of Thailand – Hat Yai (หาดใหญ่)! We’re going to one of the best Thai street food stalls for fried chicken in all of Thailand, and the world. The chicken is deep fried until golden crispy, and so juicy on the inside. One of the highlights is also when you eat it with hot fresh sticky rice and crispy shallots. Video

Experience the Scrumptious Art of Thai Gastronomy

Centuries ago, people emigrated from southern Chinese provinces — especially Sichuan — into modern-day Thailand. Over the centuries, many other influences have affected the Thai culinary tradition, including dishes and methods of cooking from India and Portugal.

In the southern part of the country, Malay and Burmese culinary influences are also found. Thailand also has a sizable Buddhist community, which has impacted the cuisine, as well. These influences have been incorporated into Thai gastronomy to create uniquely tasty dishes. This delectable cuisine is known for its aromas and the remarkable balance of flavors, such as sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. The food of Thailand is both considerably regional and seasonal. Continued …

Lilly drug slows Alzheimer’s progression by 35% in trial

An experimental Alzheimer’s drug developed by Eli Lilly and Co. slowed cognitive decline by 35% in a closely watched late-stage trial, the company said on Wednesday, raising hopes for a second effective treatment for the brain-wasting disease. Continued …

Drone attack on Kremlin points to ‘messaging’ effort by Ukraine

Russia accused Ukraine on Wednesday of a failed attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin in a nighttime drone attack on the Kremlin in Moscow, and threatened to retaliate. Continued …

World’s tallest hempcrete building set to open in Cape Town

The world’s tallest building constructed with industrial hemp, a 12-story establishment boasting a stunning view of Table Mountain, is nearing completion in Cape Town, South Africa. Workers are currently adding the final touches to the 54-room Hemp Hotel, which is set to be completed in June. Continued …

Serbia school attack is a rare mass shooting outside US

A mass shooting on Wednesday, in which eight students and a security guard were killed at a school in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, was a reminder that such attacks are far less common outside the United States. Continued …

Ronaldo tops Forbes’ 2023 highest-paid athletes list

Cristiano Ronaldo became the world’s highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr nearly doubled his annual playing salary, while Paris St-Germain duo Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe round off the top three, according to Forbes. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-May 3

  • Public holidays: immigration offices closed tomorrow, Friday/
  • National park in Thap Sakai in PKK closes for ‘renewal’/
  • Cabinet approves Bt10.4 billion to subsidize domestic electricity charges/
  • Headline CPI up 2.67%, slowest in 16 months/
  • Investment in factories creates 30,000 jobs in 6 months/
  • COVID-19 infections on the rise with 1,811 cases and 10 deaths last week/
  • ‘Policeman’ Faces Arrest Over Cyanide Killings/
  • ‘Am Cyanide’: The story of Thailand’s female serial-murder suspect/
  • Thousands of beetles invade homes in Prachinburi/
  • Pattaya tourist gambling den ‘bribed officials with 2 million baht’/
  • Tourism: Over 8.5 Million Foreign Tourists So Far, Spending Tops 355 Billion Baht/Thai Consulate Clarifies Chinese Visa: No Additional Measures/Thailand Launches “Premium Andaman” to Boost Tourism Revenue/No windfall for tourism with legal pot/SAS launches direct flights to Bangkok/
  • International: Asian Regions Subject to Particularly High Levels of Environmental Pollution/Myanmar pardons 2,153 prisoners jailed for dissent/Fresh rout of US regional banks despite First Republic deal/Second Russian train hit by explosive near Ukraine border/Analyzing the push for sustainable jet fuel/Hollywood writers stage first strike since 2007/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Public holidays: immigration offices closed tomorrow, Friday

Thailand is gearing up for three upcoming public holidays that will temporarily shut down government offices, including immigration departments. The first of these holidays, Coronation Day, falls on Thursday, May 4, and will be followed by a “bridge” continuation day on Friday, May 5.

The Thai government announced these additional holidays last year as a means to boost domestic tourism as the country started recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

National park in Thap Sakai in PKK closes for ‘renewal’

Namtok Huai Yang National Park in Thap Sakai will be closed until May 31 to allow nature to rehabilitate.

This annual step helps preserve the park’s natural resources, giving the park time to regenerate. – HHT

Cabinet approves Bt10.4 billion to subsidize domestic electricity charges

The Thai cabinet approved the allocation of 10.464 billion baht from the Central Fund yesterday to subsidize electricity charges for 18.32 million households from May through August, and for another 23.4 million households in May as an emergency measure.

The proposal to fund the program will be resubmitted to the Election Commission (EC) for reconsideration, after the commission rejected it last week due to the lack of Cabinet approval. Continued … 

Headline CPI up 2.67%, slowest in 16 months

Thailand’s headline inflation dropped to its lowest in 16 months in April, coming in close to expectations owing to lower energy and food prices and a high base in 2022, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday.

The headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.67% in April from a year earlier, compared with a forecast rise of 2.7% in a Reuters poll, and against March’s 2.83% increase. Continued …

Investment in factories creates 30,000 jobs in 6 months

Thailand built or expanded 1,211 factories during the first half of fiscal 2023, with an investment value of 113 billion baht, generating more than 30,000 jobs, according to the Industry Ministry.

Part of the investment during October 2022 to March 2023 came from entrepreneurs in the bioplastic and electric vehicle (EV) industries, in line with the government policy to promote a green economy and eco-friendly cars, said acting Industry Minister Anucha Nakasai. Continued …

COVID-19 infections on the rise with 1,811 cases and 10 deaths last week

COVID-19 infections in Thailand between April 23-29 increased to 1,811, or an average of 258 cases a day, and 10 deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control.

So far this year, 8,382 people have been infected and treated at hospitals. Of these, 288 have died, 157 suffered lung infections and 79 were put on ventilators. Continued …

‘Policeman’ Faces Arrest Over Cyanide Killings

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn said Tuesday afternoon that a policeman has been found to be linked to the cyanide serial killings, with a request for a warrant for his arrest being made soon, while a company in Bangkok is suspected to have imported the lethal poison.

Surachate, nicknamed Big Joke, added that a lot of progress had been made in this case, with a meeting held today to speed up investigation into all killings, totaling 14 so far, with one survivor. Continued …

‘Am Cyanide’: The story of Thailand’s female serial-murder suspect

Police have launched an investigation into what they suspect is Thailand’s first female serial killer. The number of her alleged victims rose over the past week as more people came forward to voice their suspicions.

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, was arrested on April 25 after police were alerted to the death of her friend, 32-year-old Siriporn Khanwong. As of press time, the investigation had expanded to cover as many as 14 deaths and one suspected survivor of poisoning. Cyanide has been identified as the likely murder weapon, and money as the motive. Continued …

Thousands of beetles invade homes in Prachinburi

Villagers in Prachinburi Province are suffering from an invasion of tens of thousands of scarabs, which have entered their homes and forced them to sleep outside in tents.

These beetles are small, black, and have stiff wings. They tend to live in large groups in corners, clothing, and bedding. They usually appear at the beginning of the rainy season and remain in the area for one to two months before disappearing naturally. Continued …

Pattaya tourist gambling den ‘bribed officials with 2 million baht’

Police who raided illegal gambling at a luxury hotel in Pattaya on Monday are investigating claims that it was allowed to operate after bribing government officials with 2 million baht.

Police arrested 93 suspects, mainly Indian nationals, during the raid at Asia Pattaya Hotel in Chonburi’s Bang Lamung district in the early hours of Monday. Continued …

Over 8.5 Million Foreign Tourists So Far, Spending Tops 355 Billion Baht

thailand welcomed a total of 8,596,452 foreign tourists during the first four months this year, with total expenditure reaching 353.331 billion baht amid an increase in arrivals from ASEAN countries, East and South Asia plus Africa last week.

Statistics revealed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports show 567,361 foreign tourists came to Thailand last week (April 24-30), or an average of 81,052 a day. This added up to 2,130,715 arrivals last month. Continued …

Thai Consulate Clarifies Chinese Visa: No Additional Measures

The Thai Consular Department, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the public that the department is aware of the increasing arrival of Chinese tourists and that the department has confirmed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that no additional visa measures have been introduced for those entering the country.

Tourists can apply for a visa to Thailand via the Internet and at travel agencies. The ministry has also instructed Thai embassies and consulates-general to inform the Chinese so that they understand the regulations properly, especially regarding travel agencies, which are already subject to strict rules. Continued …

Thailand Launches “Premium Andaman” to Boost Tourism Revenue

Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said that the ministry is gradually taking measures to develop the coastal areas of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Islands, which cover a total of 3,000 kilometers and generated 1.2 trillion baht (35,100 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue in 2022. The project consists of five clusters as follows:

The first area is the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which consists of Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao. The project will cover 2 more provinces, namely Chanthaburi and Trad, making a total of five provinces. This cluster is expected to bring in 340 billion (9.94 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue, with an average expenditure of 3,081 baht (90 U.S. dollars) per person per day. Continued …

No windfall for tourism with legal pot

Since the government legalized cannabis on June 9, 2022, by removing the plant from the list of prohibited narcotics, the tourism sector was expected to reap a windfall as Thailand was the first country in Asia to allow hemp consumption for certain purposes, other than recreational use.

A month after decriminalization, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) published rules and regulations concerning cannabis and hemp use in the country in a bid to inform and warn tourists about prohibitions against smoking in public. Continued …

SAS launches direct flights to Bangkok

SAS will now open a new route to Bangkok. Following this route expansion, travelers will be able to fly direct to Bangkok three times weekly, with convenient overnight flights in both directions using the Airbus A350 aircraft.

First departure is planned from Copenhagen on Oct. 30. Continued … 

Asian Regions Subject to Particularly High Levels of Environmental Pollution

Asia, the world’s largest continent, is grappling with an alarming extent of environmental pollution. According to a report by Verisk Maplecroft, 99 out of the 100 cities facing the biggest environmental risks are in Asia, with 37 in China and 43 in India. These environmental hazards include extreme heat, climate change, and natural disasters. Continued …

Myanmar pardons 2,153 prisoners jailed for dissent

Myanmar’s junta on Wednesday announced it had pardoned more than 2,000 prisoners jailed under a law used widely in its crackdown on dissent since seizing power more than two years ago. Continued …

Fresh rout of US regional banks despite First Republic deal

Shares of United States regional banks suffered deep losses on Wall Street Tuesday, dashing hopes that the resolution of First Republic’s woes would end the crisis. Continued … 

Second Russian train hit by explosive near Ukraine border

An explosive device derailed a Russian freight train in a region bordering Ukraine for a second straight day Tuesday ahead of an expected counteroffensive by Kyiv. Continued …

Analyzing the push for sustainable jet fuel

Biodiesel, a mix of diesel and palm oil-derived methyl ester used by cars with internal combustion engines, as well as used cooking oil that previously was deemed useless, are now vying to change the aviation industry. The two oils can be processed to make sustainable jet fuel, or SAF, a biofuel for aircraft. Continued …

Hollywood writers stage first strike since 2007

Thousands of Hollywood television and movie writers have gone on strike for the first time in 16 years, their union said on Tuesday, after talks with studios and streamers over pay and working conditions ended without a deal. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-May 2

  • Hua Hin’s iconic Chat Chai Market to undergo a revamp/
  • How an aging population is creating new business opportunities/
  • Electric bill increase fuels rise in food production costs/
  • Heat and air pollution persist in North, South sees heavy rain/
  • Scorcher powers LG air conditioner sales/
  • Practical tips for learning Thai as a beginner/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Bloomberg calls Thailand a new economic star/Workers mark Labor Day with demand for THB700 minimum wage/Shippers expect exports to rise 1% this year/EGAT to spend Bt300 billion on floating solar farm development/MG readies the construction of EV battery plant in Thailand/Executives fret over ‘greenwashing’/
  • Tourism: Thai tourism industry optimistic as Chinese tourist arrivals skyrocket/Wealthy tourists unfazed by pricey trips/Phuket’s international arrivals stabilize, with Russians still leading the way/
  • International: North Asia’s factories stuck in decline/How Close is Asia to Fixing its Plastic Pollution Problem?/Chase’s takeover of First Republic does not end worries over US banks/Biden and Marcos Jr discuss Beijing’s South China Sea expansion/Brain scans and AI could transcribe what people are thinking/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin’s iconic Chat Chai Market to undergo a revamp

Hua Hin’s iconic Chat Chai Market is set to undergo a major revitalization, according to plans announced by Hua Hin municipality. The market, which has been a fixture of the Hua Hin community for almost a century, will be modernized and upgraded to meet the needs of both locals and tourists.

The project will involve both the development of new products and the upgrading of existing offerings to be more contemporary, while still retaining the unique character of the historic market. Additionally, the market’s layout will be reorganized to provide more organized parking and shopping areas. Continued …

How an aging population is creating new business opportunities

The world’s population is getting older. And Thailand is among the fastest-aging societies in the world. Of its 67 million population, more than 12 million Thais are elderly, according to the Department of Older Persons, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, with the majority of them in the 60-69 group.

Japan became the world’ first “super-aged” society in 2006. By 2029, Thailand is expected to join Japan in this demographic trend, according to recent research carried out by Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch). This is due to a decrease in the population in the past three years. Continued …

Electric bill increase fuels rise in food production costs

The rise in electricity bills since the start of this year has increased the overall cost of food manufacturing by 2.5% to 5%, Wisit Limleucha, vice president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said on Monday.

He said last year’s electricity costs were responsible for 5%-10% of manufacturing costs of the food industry, but this year the number has jumped to 7.5%-15%, prompting some operators to find ways to reduce their power bills, including installing solar rooftops and turning off unnecessary appliances. Continued …

Heat and air pollution persist in North, South sees heavy rain

Thunderstorms and gusting winds will affect 36 provinces over the next two days due to the presence of a cold air mass over the upper region of Thailand, which is experiencing scorching temperatures.

Meanwhile, the winds blowing in over the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea, are increasing in strength, causing an increase in rainfall in the southern region and heavy rain in some areas. Continued …

Scorcher powers LG air conditioner sales

LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., the distributor of LG air-conditioning products, has reworked its marketing strategies after experiencing a surge in sales attributed to the scorching heat.

Amnaj Singhachan, the company’s senior marketing manager, said LG revised its sales targets for air-conditioning products twice this year because of unprecedented demand related to the hot weather. Continued …

Practical tips for learning Thai as a beginner

Learning a new language can be challenging, and Thai is no exception. As a beginner, you might find yourself struggling to grasp the tonal nuances of the language, the unfamiliar script, and the sheer volume of vocabulary to learn.

But with the right mindset and approach, learning Thai can be an exciting and rewarding journey that opens up a world of possibilities. And to make your language-learning journey smoother and more enjoyable, we’ve put together some practical tips that will help you get started on the right track. Continued …

Thailand’s biggest serial killer suspect legally protected from the death penalty

As the police screen more incoming reports of suspicious deaths linked with what officers suspect to be Thailand’s biggest-ever serial killer, Sararat Rangsiwutthaporn, one story in recent days of a doctor working with the Royal Thai Police stood out as particularly harrowing.

The doctor appeared on the country’s popular Channel 3 TV telling top host, Kanchai Kamnodploy, on the daily news program that he believed his wife was poisoned by a pill sent to her after she had just given birth to the couple’s infant daughter in November 2020. Continued …

Bloomberg calls Thailand a new economic star

Global financial news service Bloomberg is calling Thailand an economic star for its resiliency and reports that investors are flocking to the Kingdom.

“Among the kingdom’s attributes are a resurgence in tourism, low foreign debt and a surplus in the broadest measure of trade. That is a halo historically associated with Switzerland, Japan, or prized asset classes like U.S. Treasuries,” Bloomberg wrote, adding that investment bank Goldman Sachs likened the Kingdom to a “safe haven.” Continued …

Workers mark Labor Day with demand for THB700 minimum wage

Labor representatives gathered on National Labor Day on Phitsanulok Road in Bangkok to demand 700-baht daily wage from the next government.

Rallyists also demanded that the new government, expected to be formed after the May 14 general election, would ensure laborers have the right to form a union to negotiate with their employers for better compensation and benefits. Continued …

Shippers expect exports to rise 1% this year

Thailand’s exports are likely to rise 1% in 2023 and should pick up later in the year, owing to a recovery in China’s economy, the Thai National Shippers’ Council said today.

Exports, a key driver of Thai growth, were not as weak as expected in the first quarter and should improve in the remaining months of the year, Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of the council, told a news conference. Continued …

58.5MW Floating PV Plant 

EGAT to spend Bt300 billion on floating solar farm development

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) aims to increase its power-generation capacity from floating solar farms at its nine hydropower plants to 10 gigawatts by 2037, with investment of almost 300 billion baht.

The government earlier approved EATs plan to develop 2,725 megawatts from floating solar farms at the nine dams. Continued …

MG readies the construction of EV battery plant in Thailand

SAIC Motor-CP and MG Sales (Thailand), manufacturer and distributor of MG cars in Thailand, held a foundation stone laying ceremony with a road map to transform the 75-rai factory space into partnership development areas for car parts and a battery-manufacturing plant in response to the electric vehicle trend.

The factory is located in the WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 2 (WHA ESIE 2) in Chonburi. Spanning across an area of over 437.5 rai, the manufacturing facility has a maximum production capacity of 100,000 units per year. Continued …

Executives fret over ‘greenwashing’

More than half of executives surveyed in Thailand admitted their organizations have overstated or inaccurately represented the impact of their sustainability initiatives, which could potentially stall progress on sustainability, according to a recent report.

A report by Google Cloud found corporate greenwashing is a prevalent concern among local executives, with 83% of them believing greenwashing is accidental when companies cannot effectively measure results or progress, which leads to overstatement of sustainability efforts. Continued …

Thai tourism industry optimistic as Chinese tourist arrivals skyrocket

The recent steady increase of Chinese tourists to Thailand has been observed by a Thai expert, who views it as a positive sign for the Thai tourism industry and the broader Thai economy.

From Jan. 1 to April 23, over 737,000 Chinese tourists visited Thailand, marking a 30-fold increase from the same period last year, according to Kevalin Wangpichayasuk, assistant managing director of Kasikorn Research Center. This increase came after China optimized its COVID-19 restriction measures late last year. Continued …

Wealthy tourists unfazed by pricey trips

Increased hotel room prices and living expenses in Japan will not significantly affect tourists with high purchasing power, as they usually demand premium services, but the outbound market could slow based on seasonality.

A survey by hotel research firm STR found Tokyo’s room rates already exceeded the level recorded before the pandemic. A domestic travel subsidy scheme in Japan also contributed to increasing occupancy rates. Continued …

Phuket’s international arrivals stabilize, with Russians still leading the way

Tourism arrival numbers appear to have stabilized in Phuket during April after a drastic drop immediately after Songkran on the holiday island. Between February and the middle of April, the average tourist arrivals dropped around 20%.

But from April 20 until the end of the month, there has been a welcome uptick in international arrivals, which bodes well for the post-Songkran tourist traffic onto the island. Continued …

North Asia’s factories stuck in decline

North Asia’s export powerhouses continued to stutter in April amid sluggish global trade and a patchy economic recovery in China, according to new data that amplified concerns about the risk of a global recession. Continued …

How Close is Asia to Fixing its Plastic Pollution Problem?

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental problem across the world, but Asia is particularly vulnerable. With high population density, rapid urbanization, and inadequate waste-management infrastructure, plastic waste is accumulating in Asian waterways and ultimately ends up in the ocean, where it poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. Continued …

Chase’s takeover of First Republic does not end worries over US banks

The seizure of First Republic Bank by bank regulators and the selling of its assets to JPMorgan Chase on Monday may have resolved the largest U.S. bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis. Still, experts say it did not wholly eliminate lingering concerns about U.S. banks. Continued …

Biden and Marcos Jr discuss Beijing’s South China Sea expansion

In recent discussions at the White House, President Joe Biden and Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed Beijing’s assertive expansion through the strategic trade routes and islands of the South China Sea. This move signals Washington’s increasing concern over China’s aggressive claims of sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, despite international rulings stating otherwise. Continued …

Brain scans and AI could transcribe what people are thinking

Scientists have announced a breakthrough in the decoding of human thoughts, utilizing a combination of brain scans and artificial intelligence (AI) models. The technology uncovers “the gist” of an individual’s thoughts and may significantly benefit those who have lost their ability to communicate. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

covid, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Monday’s news-May 1

  • Thailand’s original beach resort is 100/
  • Final weekend to see Phetchaburi salt piles/
  • Temperatures soar, headaches rise/
  • Thai Expert Explains High Electricity Bills in Thailand/
  • Annual Covid-19 booster shots planned for Thailand this year/
  • Chumphon beauty named this year’s Miss Grand Thailand/
  • More than four-legged friends/
  • Vote buying: The engine of corruption in Thailand/
  • Police say 14 people are thought to have died in serial cyanide poisonings/
  • Thai students recount dangerous escape from Sudan/
  • Video: Station master praised for saving elderly woman’s life/
  • Si Racha Badly Flooded With Some Cars Floating Away In Floodwaters/
  • Gunfight erupts during wedding, 13-year-old boy injured in crossfire/
  • Raid at a Pattaya hotel uncovers Indian gambling ring, 100 arrested/
  • Karen villagers can return to Kaeng Krachan National Park/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Thai Labor 2023 Survey: Increased Employment But Rising Debt/Wage hike pledges slammed/Thailand: Southeast Asia’s ‘weed wonderland’/All controls in place for cannabis use in Thailand: govt/From watermelon to weed: Thai farmers regret switching to cannabis as prices fall/
  • Tourism: Asia Pacific’s tourism industry to surpass pre-pandemic peak in 2025/TAT offers half-a-million-baht holiday in travel blogging contest/Market report predicts boom in Phuket hotel industry in next decade/Thailand’s ‘Inspector Beagles’ can be a smuggler’s worst enemy/
  • Thailand Experience: 15 Best Things to Do on Koh Tao/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thailand’s original beach resort is 100

All eyes were on the immaculately coiffed Cocoa as she slid from her lemon-colored sunlounger to strut beside the pool. Pausing to sniff the sea air, she unrolled a tiny pink tongue, and three more pomeranians bounded across, their owners trotting dutifully behind, waving treats and lining up photographs.

A lapdog pool party was probably the last thing I expected to see on a trip with my husband and two young daughters to Hua Hin. The original Thai beach resort is better known for attracting royalty and retirees, but as its oldest hotel turns 100, the resort town is out to prove that it’s still got it. And at the Standard, the newest luxury boutique hotel in Hua Hin, Instagramming is par for the course. Continued …

Final weekend to see Phetchaburi salt piles

Phetchaburi’s salt harvesting season comes to en end this weekend (May 6-8). The slat piles will be visible May 6-7, and the salt-carrying process starts May 8.

This is the last opportunity to witness the traditional salt harvesting for this season. Open from 7:30am to 5:30pm

Temperatures soar, headaches rise

Like other early birds, Dao Dul, 35, goes on duty at first light. For her, time is literally money. Her office is not a well-built weather-proof skyscraper. It is a makeshift cart that provides affordable dishes to hundreds of community residents from dawn to dusk.

It is not a long day, but the scorching summer is making her life unbearable. A couple of weeks ago, the city’s mercury peaked at 40°C. Continued ,,,

Thai Expert Explains High Electricity Bills in Thailand

Praiphon Koomsub, former dean of the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University, explained an increase in the Thai power bills recently.

He said the increase actually started at the end of 2022, but people did not acknowledge it until March to April when the weather became significantly hotter, leading to an increase in electricity consumption and thereby a surge in power bills. Moreover, at the beginning of this year, the government adjusted the fuel tariff rate, which further increased the price. Continued …

Annual Covid-19 booster shots planned for Thailand this year

The Public Health Ministry in Thailand aims to make this year the first in which individuals receive annual Covid-19 booster shots, akin to the seasonal flu vaccine.

Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated yesterday that Thailand must continue to monitor Covid infections, particularly after cases spiked twice last week due to the global spread of XBB.1.16, a substrain of the Omicron variant. Continued … 

Chumphon beauty named this year’s Miss Grand Thailand

Thaweeporn “Aoom” Phingchamrat from the southern province of Chumphon bagged the Miss Grand Thailand 2023 crown on Saturday night. Tia Taweepakamphan from Phuket, Pimjira from Bangkok, Saenak Archaree Sirsuk from Loei and Ketuwalee Polbodee from Phrae were first, second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Grand Thailand was presented with a golden crown worth 1.2 million baht and received other prizes, including a million baht in cash and keys to a condominium. (The Nation)

More than four-legged friends

Pets are often regarded as integral members of the family rather than merely animals. The pandemic led to a surge in pet ownership, resulting in unprecedented growth in the pet economy this year.

New independent companies have emerged offering a variety of products and services, with some adopting a collaborative approach by partnering with veterinarians to co-develop pet food and increase consumer confidence in their products. Continued …

Vote buying: The engine of corruption in Thailand

Vote buying can be a deciding factor in Thai elections at any level – whether for a village head, a local administrator, or a member of Parliament. And the upcoming general election on May 14 is no exception, according to analysts and even politicians themselves.

Many Thai election candidates have blamed their defeat on vote buying, while several election wins have been attributed to parties buying votes. Continued …

Police say 14 people are thought to have died in serial cyanide poisonings

Fourteen people are believed to have been fatally poisoned by a female Thai suspect being held in custody, 36-year-old “Srarat”, but police are currently only investigating 11 of the cases, according to Police Col. Anek Taosuparb, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).

Arrest warrants have already been issued in three cases, including the case of a female victim named “Siriporn”, a police officer named “Nipa” and “Rotjarin”, a vegetable vendor. Continued …

Thai students recount dangerous escape from Sudan

A group of Thai nationals who arrived home this past weekend after escaping civil war in Sudan described their difficult journey out of the war-torn country that had them constantly on edge through sleepless nights as they passed through numerous checkpoints.

Speaking from Don Mueang Airport where they were welcomed by dignitaries, the president of the Thai Student Assn. in Sudan told reporters the fighting in Sudan was extremely intense, and it was challenging for them to travel without official permission. The student leader, named Yikasem, was among 78 Thai citizens who landed safely at the airport. Their flight was made possible by a 24-hour ceasefire. Continued …

Video: Station master praised for saving elderly woman’s life

Members of the public have heaped praise on the station master of Ban Song railway station in Wiang Sa district for saving the life of a 75-year-old woman with impaired hearing as she was about to be hit by a train on Sunday.

Security camera footage showed that at about 9.50am on Sunday, the woman was walking across a rail track while express train No 85 (Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat) was entering the station. The woman was completely unaware that she was in danger. Continued … 

Si Racha Badly Flooded With Some Cars Floating Away In Floodwaters

Three hours of heavy rain yesterday morning led to many areas of Chonburi’s Si Racha district being damaged, with cars seen floating away in floodwaters.

At around noon, reporters in this district said the torrential rain had also toppled trees, with some falling heavily on cars and damaging them. Continued …

Gunfight erupts during wedding, 13-year-old boy injured in crossfire

Yesterday, a confrontation between two groups of teenagers escalated into a gunfight at a wedding in Buriram Province. The incident left three villagers injured by stray bullets, including a 13-year-old boy in critical condition. Authorities are pursuing charges related to bodily harm and firearms law violations.

Police Lt. Col. Withisarn Aphornphong, superintendent of Prakhon Chai Police Station, led the arrest of a 21-year-old suspect known as “Bee”, along with a .38-caliber revolver, and an 18-year-old suspect known as “A” with a homemade shotgun. Continued …

Raid at a Pattaya hotel uncovers Indian gambling ring, 100 arrested

A combined police task force led by Major Gen. Kampon Leelaprapaporn, the Chonburi provincial police chief, executed a raid this morning on a prestigious 4-star hotel situated in Nong Prue dubdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

The operation was initiated after receiving intelligence regarding a substantial illicit gambling ring being operated within a hotel conference room. Continued …

Karen villagers can return to Kaeng Krachan National Park

An independent committee examining a land dispute between Karen villagers and authorities has granted approval for the villagers to return to Bang Kloy Bon if they wish.

The first solution suggested by the committee was to approve the desire of 732 Karen villagers to return to arable lands deep in the forest of Bang Kloy Bon in Kaeng Krachan National Park, their ancestral home. Continued …

Thai Labor 2023 Survey: Increased Employment But Rising Debt

On the occasion of National Labor Day today, Montri Mahaplerkpong, the vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), revealed the 28th FTI member survey (FTI poll) on the topic of “Industrial Sector Perspectives on Employment and Workforce Adaptation in the Future” in April 2023.

It was found that a majority of the FTI executives, 48.6%, believed that the current employment rate has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. Meanwhile, 24.8% expected the employment rate to increase by 10%-20%, while 19.3% anticipated a decrease in the employment rate by 10%-20%. Continued …

Wage hike pledges slammed

As the country marks Labor Day today, activists have expressed concerns over campaign promises made by parties to abruptly raise the minimum daily wages to levels they believe are unrealistic. Continued …

Country’s labor challenges require a lot more than minimum wage pledges

Policies to improve the daily minimum wage for rural workers are hotly debated in the run-up to every election, with this year no exception ahead of the country’s first general election in four years on May 14.

The topic often creates some tension as the industrial sector sounds the alarm on unrealistic demands for wage hikes that hurt the entire consumption chain, while analysts urge the authorities to prioritize skills development. Continued …

Thailand: Southeast Asia’s ‘weed wonderland’

A new symbol has appeared in the kaleidoscopic jumble of neon signs that light up Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok’s most international street. The sudden ubiquity of the five-pointed marijuana leaf, in lurid green, announces the spectacular boom there has been in weed-related businesses in Thailand since cannabis was decriminalized last June.

Walk two kilometers east of the BBC office in Bangkok, and you pass more than 40 dispensaries, selling potent marijuana flower buds and all the paraphernalia needed to smoke them. Continued …

All controls in place for cannabis use in Thailand: govt

Thailand has clear laws governing the use of cannabis, government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Sunday. She made the remark in response to critics, who question the policy that was promoted by Bhumjaithai Party, which holds the public health portfolio.

She said the policy aims to offer cannabis as an alternative medical treatment and stimulate the economy. Continued …

From watermelon to weed: Thai farmers regret switching to cannabis as prices fall

When Thailand legalized cannabis for medical use in June 2022, thousands rushed to stake their claim, including small-time farmer Tukta Sinnin.

The 43-year-old pumped in nearly 500,000 baht (S$19,500) to grow more than 400 cannabis plants on her land in Nakhon Phanom, a northeast province by the Mekong River. Continued …

Asia Pacific’s tourism industry to surpass pre-pandemic peak in 2025

Travel experiences in Asia Pacific have returned to rapid growth since the region reopened borders for regional and long-haul travel. The industry – especially tour activities and attractions – is expected to surpass the pre-pandemic peak in 2025, according to research conducted by Arival Co.

The company released its new research findings ahead of its conference in Bangkok in June. Titled “The Outlook for Experiences 2019-2025”, the study forecasts that the industry will reach US$67 billion in 2024, and $75 billion in 2025. Continued …

TAT offers half-a-million-baht holiday in travel blogging contest

Ever wish you could holiday for a living – hopping from serene beaches to five-star city hotels? The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) is about to make that wish come true with its latest campaign to promote domestic tourism.

TAT is looking for 20 finalists to compete for the title of “Tourist of Thailand” by presenting their travel content, published on their own social media channels. Continued …

Market report predicts boom in Phuket hotel industry in next decade

Phuket should have 38 new hotels with 14,357 additional rooms on offer by 2032, the newly released Phuket Hotel Market Update 2023 report shows.

Phuket has been getting 260 flights daily and welcoming some 40,000 passengers per day since Thailand lifted all travel restrictions in October last year. This surge in arrivals has pushed the occupancy rate to 80% compared to 48% last year. Continued …

Thailand’s ‘Inspector Beagles’ can be a smuggler’s worst enemy

“Inspector Beagles” have been critical in efforts to deter the smuggling of meat into Thailand, the Livestock Development Department said.

In December of last year, Inspector Beagles foiled 17 attempts to smuggle meat into the county, leading to the seizure of 64.8 kilograms of illegal meat worth 32,995 baht, the department said. Continued …

15 Best Things to Do on Koh Tao

Koh Tao is one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand and a fantastic spot to get your beginner’s diving license. This tiny paradise is full of incredible things to do and see. Besides snorkeling and scuba diving, you can enjoy incredible viewpoints, sandy white beaches, and great party scenes – not to mention incredibly friendly locals! (Really? Three “incredibles” in one paragraph?)

Whether you plan to stay a few days or a few weeks, you’ll want to know all the best things to do on Koh Tao to make the most of your vacation. Start scrolling to plan your ultimate getaway! Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-April 29

  • Holidays coming up, government offices closed/
  • Power bills set to fall in September/
  • Summer storms to sweep across Thailand to Monday/
  • Proposal for special budget to ease household power charges denied/
  • ‘Cyanide killer’: Traces of lethal poison found in suspect’s car/
  • Use of Solar Panels on the Roof this year nearly equals 2022 total/
  • SCG’s solar unit predicts sales of Bt1 billion/
  • SPI and EGAT to develop charging stations, aim at driving Thailand’s EV ecosystem/
  • Tourism: Tourism likely to disappoint during next week’s holiday/Massive 4-Meter-Long King Cobra Seeks Refuge from Heat at Resort/CPN, Klook to offer Bangkok-Pattaya tourist bus service/
  • Thailand Experience: Surin elephant festival May 2-4/
  • International: Consumers hold recession fears at bay
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Holidays coming up, government offices closed

Immigration and many government offices will be closed next week: Monday, May 1, is Labor Day; Thursday, May 4, is Coronation Day; and Friday, May 5, is an additional holiday.

Power bills set to fall in September

Electricity bills are likely to decline during the last four months of this year, with the power tariff expected to reach 4.3 or 4.4 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), according to the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO). Continued …

Summer storms to sweep across Thailand to Monday

Summer storms will sweep across the whole country through Monday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. Many areas will see strong wind, hail and lightning, it added.

The storms are being stirred by a high-pressure front from China, which will spread over upper Thailand and bring stronger southerly and southeasterly winds laden with moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea, the TMD said. Continued …

Proposal for special budget to ease household power charges denied

The Election Commission (EC) has rejected the government’s proposal to use about 11 billion baht of a special budget to ease household electricity charges, on the grounds that the proposal was not approved by the Cabinet.

The proposal was submitted to the EC on Tuesday by the Office of the Secretary-General of the cabinet, on behalf of the Ministry of Energy. The EC discovered, however, that the Office of the Secretary-General had failed to mention the cabinet’s approval for the use of the special budget. Continued …

‘Cyanide killer’: Traces of lethal poison found in suspect’s car

Traces of cyanide have been found inside a car belonging to the 36-year-old woman police suspect murdered 18 people with the lethal poison to avoid repaying debts she owed them, a forensics expert said on Friday.

More than 20 samples were collected from the car of suspected murderer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn. Continued …

Use of Solar Panels on the Roof this year nearly equals 2022 total

According to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) office, between January and March 21, 2023, 1,020 people applied to participate in the public solar project, representing a total capacity of 5,492.38 kilowatts. The figure was almost equal to the total number of 1,287 applications in 2022, representing a total capacity of 7,195 kilowatts.

Phuwadon Suntornwipart, president of the Thai Photovoltaic Industries Assn. (TPVA), said the trend of rooftop solar panels “has increased sharply”. The market is also expected to be two to three times larger in 2023 than last year. Continued …

SCG’s solar unit predicts sales of Bt1 billion

Construction materials producer SCG Cement-Building Materials aims to achieve sales of more than 1 billion baht in solar roof solutions this year, double the tally recorded last year, based on rapidly increasing demand.

Wachirachai Koonamwattana, head of smart system solution business at the company, said alternative energy sources are increasingly popular, driving the growth of the solar rooftop market. Continued …

SPI and EGAT to develop charging stations, aim at driving Thailand’s EV ecosystem

Saha Group, through Saha Pathana Inter-Holding, signed an agreement with EGAT to jointly develop EV charging stations in Saha Group’s affiliated areas, further promoting the electric vehicle ecosystem in Thailand.

Vichai Kulsomphob, president and CEO of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Plc. (SPI), said the cooperation aim of promoting sustainable electric vehicle development across all Saha Group’s properties, including the development and installation of EV charging stations (EleX by EGAT). Continued …

Tourism likely to disappoint during next week’s holiday

With a long holiday slated for next week, Pattaya and Rayong tourism operators do not expect an influx of domestic tourists, as people’s purchasing power has dried up since the Songkran festival.

Sanpech Supabowornsthian, president of the Thai Hotels Assn.’s eastern chapter, forecast the occupancy rate in Pattaya would hover around 65%-70% during the upcoming holidays, comprising Labor Day on May 1 and Coronation Day on May 4. Continued …

Massive 4-Meter-Long King Cobra Seeks Refuge from Heat at Resort

A large king cobra measuring 4.2 meters in length and weighing 7.6 kilograms was found hiding in a resort in Dan Chang District, Suphanburi Province. A local resident discovered the snake while inspecting the resort’s premises and alerted the Suphanburi Rescue Foundation for assistance. The king cobra was believed to have been living in the nearby forest and ventured into the resort area due to the dry season’s high temperatures and difficulty in finding food. (Siam Rath)

CPN, Klook to offer Bangkok-Pattaya tourist bus service

Central Pattana plc. is joining hands with KLOOK, a leading travel e-commerce platform, to continue boosting tourism by launching the “City Bus Transfer” to provide a shuttle bus service from Bangkok to Pattaya to facilitate and fulfill the needs of foreign tourists. Continued …

 

Surin elephant festival May 2-4

Lots of color, smiles, elaborate costumes, fanfare and, of course, a herd of elephants will enchant visitors to Surin in northeast Thailand, as the country’s oldest mahout community celebrates the Buad Nak Chang Festival in early May.

Also known as the Elephant Ordination Festival, this rare celebration is a mass monk ordination procession that takes place on elephant back. Continued …

Consumers hold recession fears at bay

Heightened worries about the strength of consumers and the global economy have been put on hold – at least for now – after some of the world’s best-known companies delivered a slew of better-than expected numbers. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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