Category Archives: immigration

hua hin, immigration, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-July 28

  • Fishing pier walking street opened for holiday weekend/
  • Hundreds of amateur footballers to descend on Hua Hin/
  • Phetchaburi to host 2-day food and art event/
  • Long holiday to boost domestic tourism, hotel occupancy/
  • PKK monkeys to Phuket? Relocation tackles rampant macaque issue in Phetchaburi and PKK/
  • Thailand election: New Thai PM could be elected on Aug. 4, but…/Thaksin’s pending return signals done deal?/’Deal struck on next govt’/
  • Economy: Fuel tariff for Sept-Dec lowered, but private sector opposes it/Thai CEOs’ Top Concerns: Government Formation Delay and Global Demand Slowdown/Climatologist paints bleak picture for Thai farmers/Household debt rose to an average of 559,408 baht this year/
  • Tourism: Russian Elites Transforming Thailand’s Biggest Island as They Become More Unwelcome in the West/TAT Adopts Cautious Approach to Visa Fee Waiver Scheme/41st Thailand Tourism Festival in Bangkok from Aug. 2-6/What Happened to All Those Chinese Tourists?/
  • Thailand Experience: A visitor’s guide to ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand/Top 10 travel tips for your first trip to Thailand/Thailand: Why Many Men Become ‘Short-Term’ Monks/
  • International: Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi moved from prison/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Fishing pier walking street opened for holiday weekend

The Saphan Pla Walking Street on the Hua Hin fishing pier will be open for an additional day for the upcoming long weekend. The walking street will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 5pm.

Hundreds of amateur footballers to descend on Hua Hin

Hua Hin is gearing up to host not one, but two major amateur football tournaments this September. Organized by the Viking Club Hua Hin, these tournaments are set to become annual fixtures in Hua Hin’s sporting calendar.

With the True Arena Hua Hin sports complex boasting pristine FIFA-standard real grass pitches, the stage is set for what are expected to be eagerly anticipated events. Continued …

Phetchaburi to host 2-day food and art event

The Phetchaburi Creative City of Gastronomy event is a two-day cultural and culinary celebration that will feature local cuisine, food demonstrations, free food tastings, cultural performances and folk entertainment, contemporary music performances, goldsmith and other local craftsmanship demonstrations, and local product sales.

The event will be held at the Wat Yai Suwannaram, and Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (Khao Wang) in Phetchaburi from 4-10pm, Aug 45.

The event will feature: performances and demonstrations of culture/local food from eight districts; exhibitions and demonstrations of Phetchaburi’s craftsmanship; an exhibition of cultural products by CPOT; contemporary art performances and demonstrations; a photography exhibition of the Eat & Art project; music and local cultural performances; a community tourism exhibition; a creative food exhibition by Rajabhat Phetchaburi University; an innovative food exhibition by Silpakorn University; a cultural market; exhibitions from various organizations/educational institutions.

For more information, contact the Phetchaburi Provincial Office of Culture at 03242 4324; map location.

Long holiday to boost domestic tourism, hotel occupancy

The six-day holiday that starts today will generate up to 1.66 billion baht in domestic tourism from nearly 5 million trips made by Thais, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Thursday.

The long break starts on Friday (July 28), His Majesty the King’s birthday, and continues until Wednesday (Aug. 2), the start of Buddhist Lent. The caretaker government on Tuesday designated Monday (July 31) as an extra public holiday to give Thais more time to head back to their home towns. Continued …

PKK monkeys to Phuket? Relocation tackles rampant macaque issue in Phetchaburi and PKK

In what’s being hailed as a successful initiative, multiple crab-eating macaques have been relocated from communities within Phetchaburi to an island in Phuket, under a pilot project. The venture has cleared the road for the relocation of more from the rapidly increasing macaque population in the province, as well as the neighboring Prachuap Khiri Khan, according to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

The project is part of the ministry’s efforts to mitigate the damaging effects seen on local communities due to the rapid surge in the macaque population, as advised by Yuthapol Angkinan, consultant to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment. Continued … 

New Thai PM could be elected on Aug. 4, but…

Fugitive, and former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met with former Future Forward Leader and 2019 PM candidate Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit on Tuesday this week, adding more spice to the messy ingredients already in play for the next meeting of Parliament.

House Speaker and parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has called a meeting for next Friday, Aug. 4, to elect Thailand’s’s next PM. Wan says that if the Constitutional Court rejects the petition challenging lawmakers’ blocking of Pita Limjaroenrat’s re-nomination, the vote can go ahead. Continued …

Thaksin’s pending return signals done deal?

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants his planned return to Thailand to be seen as a family affair. But few are fooled by his latest political act.

All of a sudden, Thaksin has become a key player in the weeks-long political haggling over the formation of a post-election coalition. His announcement that he will finally end his self-exile and fly back to Bangkok on Aug. 10 is seen by many as a signal that a deal has already been sealed. Continued …

‘Deal struck on next govt’

A political deal involving the formation of a new government has been reached in Hong Kong between ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the leader of the Progressive Movement, ahead of Thaksin’s plan to return to Thailand, a source in the Pheu Thai Party says.

The source said Thanathorn flew to Hong Kong on Monday morning and returned to Thailand the following day. Continued …

Fuel tariff for Sept-Dec lowered, but private sector opposes it

The private sector is not happy with the electricity cost of 4.45 baht per unit from September to December announced on Thursday by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), saying that positive energy-related factors should have pushed it lower.

The ERC announced a fuel tariff (Ft) of 66.89 satang per unit, which is equivalent to 4.45 baht per unit of electricity for the period September to December. Continued …

Thai CEOs’ Top Concerns: Government Formation Delay and Global Demand Slowdown

According to a survey by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) with a sample size of 258 CEOs from 45 industries, their top domestic concerns include:

  1. The delay in government formation and political conflicts after the election (81%)
  2. High production costs, including electricity, energy, raw materials, and logistics (76.4%) Continued …

Climatologist paints bleak picture for Thai farmers

More than 20 million Thai farming households are currently living on or below the poverty line due to various factors, including the fear of El Nino, which severely affects and increases hardships for those who work the land.

Dr. Seri Suprathit, director of Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Center, says that comprehensive reforms are needed to increase agricultural productivity, reduce water usage, and implement innovative solutions for survival. Continued …

Household debt rose to an average of 559,408 baht this year

Household debt in Thailand has climbed to an average of 559,408 baht per household, an increase of 11% compared to last year, due to slow economic recovery, the COVID19 pandemic, political conflict and geopolitical issues.

The Bank of Thailand is implementing measures to tackle the debt problem, adding that there is an urgent need for financial education and plans to manage expenditure in the long term. Given that household debt accounts for 90% of Thailand’s GDP, the forecast for next year’s GDP indicates a positive economic outlook. Continued …

Russian Elites Transforming Thailand’s Biggest Island as They Become More Unwelcome in the West

Thailand has long been a top destination for tourists. But one group in particular is now flocking to Phuket, the country’s largest island: Russian elites.

While many Russians are getting turned away from Western countries, thanks to Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, they’re finding a friendly welcome in Thailand, Bloomberg reported on Thursday. From January to June of this year, more than 790,000 Russian nationals arrived in the country, a whopping 1,000% increase from the same time last year, according to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports. More than half of those people flew into Phuket, with Russians being the No. 1 group of tourists to the island, the Phuket Tourist Assn. said. Continued …

TAT Adopts Cautious Approach to Visa Fee Waiver Scheme

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is taking a cautious approach toward implementing a visa fee waiver scheme to attract more foreign tourists.

In response to tourism operators urging the government to offer a visa fee waiver scheme to stimulate the market, TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn stated that it may not be the best strategy, given that the main issue is currently the lengthy waiting period during the visa application process. Continued …

41st Thailand Tourism Festival in Bangkok from Aug. 2-6

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has scheduled the 41st Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF 2023) from Aug. 2-6, at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) under the concept of “Inno-Cultural for Sustainable Tourism” representing a combination of innovative technology and culture, unseen travel experiences, and sustainability.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said “This year’s Thailand Tourism Festival is conceptualized to bring the wonders of Thailand for a fantastic five-day showcase. The event will focus on promoting unseen tourist attractions, telling untold stories, sharing unlimited experiences, and highlighting amazing travel opportunities that are unpredictable beyond expectations, unbelievable in their appeal, and unforgettable in the impressions they will create.” Continued …

What Happened to All Those Chinese Tourists?

Before Covid, Malaysia’s luxury mall beneath Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Towers echoed with the sound of Chinese tourists and their dialects. But recently, during a busy dinner hour, they were missing.

Din, the mall’s outlet of famous Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung, a favorite of Chinese tourists, was half-full with local Malaysians and Middle Eastern customers. When I asked a cashier whether they had served many Chinese lately, she shook her head with a tight smile. That’s a problem. Continued … 

A visitor’s guide to ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand

If you are a tourist, a trip to Thailand is incomplete without seeing the country’s extraordinary elephants. These majestic animals have been an integral part of Thailand’s culture and history, used for a variety of purposes, such as for transportation, war, logging (in the timber industry), and now tourism.

Video 

Currently, there are around 3,500 – 4,000 captive elephants in Thailand. Wild elephant numbers range from 3,000 – 3,700, with declining population numbers every year. Continued …

Top 10 travel tips for your first trip to Thailand

Thailand, a captivating destination renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and lively urban centers, has long captured the hearts of travelers worldwide.

If you plan your inaugural voyage to this enchanting country, meticulous preparation will ensure you make the most of your experience. Following are indispensable tips for an unforgettable trip to Thailand: Continued … 

Thailand: Why Many Men Become ‘Short-Term’ Monks

After graduating from university, Palath Dilokloetthanakorn, then 22, did what many other young Thai men do before starting their careers: he joined a Buddhist monastery.

“It just felt like a tradition I had to do for my parents, especially as their eldest son,” he said, noting his parents were overjoyed on the day he was ordained. Continued …

Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi moved from prison

Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a 2021 military coup, has been moved from prison to a government building, an official from her party said Friday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

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 once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-July 21

  • ‘Health park” to open in Hin Lek Fai area/
  • Sam Roi Yat marsh boardwalk reopened/
  • Heavy downpours forecast across 42 Thai provinces/
  • Pheu Thai to install Srettha as prime minister with coalition pact with government parties/
  • Move Forward will support Pheu Thai PM candidate/
  • Legal experts challenge parliament’s rejection of Pita’s renomination/
  • What is a paternal autocracy and why is it important in the Thai context/
  • Foreign media report on reversal of Thai election results/
  • Thai Chamber reducing food waste by delivering 900,000 meals/
  • Thailand’s adult female literacy placed 6th among ASEAN countries/
  • Myanmar military ramps up defenses opposite Mae Hong Son/
  • Economy: New firms surge amid Thai recovery/Medical Fair Thailand 2023 is fully booked/Tesla in Thailand: The future of green mobility and autonomous vehicles/Thailand accounts for 79% of ASEAN electric vehicle sales/
  • Tourism: Thailand sees tourism growth skyrocketing to 3 trillion baht in 2023/Business events sector in Thailand set for a boost with projected tourism rebound/Thailand’s World Passport Power Ranking Moves Up to 64th/Foreigner forgets valuables, departing Chiang Mai flight diverted to terminal/9 Immigration officers transferred after providing VIP escort to Chinese star/
  • Thailand Experience: Famous Thai street food snacks available practically everywhere in Bangkok/
  • International: Russian grain terrorism and blackmail/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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‘Health park” to open in Hin Lek Fai area

Hua Hin Health Park is set to open in the Hin Lek Fai area of Hua Hin. With completion expected in November, the site is located near the Hua Hin International School and Black Mountain Golf Course.

The park will offer a range of health, retail, and food and beverage options, including specialized facilities like the Spine Clinic and the Be Well Medical Center. The park will also include a pharmacy, deli, coffee shop, wine shop and other retail outlets.

Sam Roi Yat marsh boardwalk reopened

The boardwalk at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, a one-kilometer-long wooden structure stretching over the Thung Sam Roi Yot freshwater marsh on the western side of the park, has been given a new lease of life. Previously, due to disrepair, only a small section of the boardwalk was accessible to the public. (HHT)

Heavy downpours forecast across 42 Thai provinces

The country has been warned of possible intense downpours today by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), affecting 42 major provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. Residents are being cautioned of sudden flash floods.

At 5am today, the TMD forecasted a 24-hour weather change with the intrusion of monsoons from the north and northeast. These monsoons are heading toward a low-pressure area along the Vietnamese coast, reinforcing the southwest monsoon that currently covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued …

Pheu Thai to install Srettha as prime minister with coalition pact with government parties

The Move Forward Party is on the verge of being given a sideways shift by its coalition partner, Pheu Thai, as the country grapples with a political crisis caused by opposition to the Move Forward Party from the unelected Senate and heightened tensions over the radical party’s insistence on pursuing its controversial policy to amend Article 112 of the Criminal Code on lèse-majesté.

It is being predicted that a new government led by Pheu Thai with Srettha Thavisin as prime minister may be installed on Thursday, July 27, although it will come at a hefty political price, as it will see Pheu Thai abandoning key pre-election commitments and the democratic principle spoken about at length in the weeks after the May 14 general election. Continued …

Move Forward will support Pheu Thai PM candidate

The Move Forward Party has made a political retreat by agreeing to support a candidate from the Pheu Thai Party for prime minister, when parliament meets in a joint sitting again next Thursday, its Secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon said yesterday.

He said Pheu Thai has yet to decide formally who it will nominate for Thailand’s top executive post. Srettha Thavisin, a well-known real estate tycoon, is now seen as Pheu Thai’s most likely choice. Continued …

Legal experts challenge parliament’s rejection of Pita’s renomination

Several Thai legal experts and political scientists have challenged parliament’s decision to reject Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination as Thailand’s prime minister, insisting Rule 41, which was used to justify the decision, cannot overrule the Constitution.

Professor Tongthong Chandransu, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law of Chulalongkorn University, said that he shares the opinion of former constitution writer Borwornsak Uwanno that the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, has a higher legal status than parliamentary meeting regulations. Continued …

What is a paternal autocracy and why is it important in the Thai context

Paternal autocracy, seen across various historical and societal contexts, represents a governance style where a single leader or a ruling elite embodies a paternalistic role, possessing concentrated power and authority. A deep respect for order, traditional hierarchies, and authoritative figures underscores this system.

It is especially important to consider within the Thai context, given the current modern day situation. When we hear terms used like “guided democracy” or “Thai-style democracy” this is a manifestation of paternal autocracy in action. Continued …

Foreign media report on reversal of Thai election results

Numerous foreign media outlets have been reporting on the double hit suffered by Move Forward’s PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat on Wednesday, which dashed his hopes of becoming Thailand’s next PM.

Pita was temporarily suspended from his duties as an MP by a Constitutional Court order, relating to a media shareholding case. As if that were not enough, parliament voted down his second attempted nomination for the premiership. Continued …

Thai Chamber reducing food waste by delivering 900,000 meals

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) is aiming to reduce the amount of food being wasted by supplying 900,000 meals to underprivileged people in Thailand this year. The project marks the chamber’s 90th anniversary.

So far this year, more than 420,000 meals have been delivered and each one used surplus food that passed safety standards, the TCC announced on Thursday, adding that it is receiving assistance from the Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Foundation to implement the project. Continued …

Thailand’s adult female literacy placed 6th among ASEAN countries

A report on gender equality and development shows that, despite significant progress in education equality, the disparity still exists. The literacy rate of Thailand’s adult females in 2022 was 92.4%, which was lower than most other ASEAN countries, according to The Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The ADB states that the Philippines had a rate of 98.2%, Brunei 96.3%, Singapore 95.9%, Indonesia 94.0%, Vietnam 93.6% and Malaysia 93.5%. ASEAN countries with a lower literacy rate than Thailand are Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Continued …

Myanmar military ramps up defenses opposite Mae Hong Son

Some 3,000 soldiers from the Myanmar military army arrived in Doi Sam Muang and Japasa Camp in Kayah State opposite Mae Hong Son’s Muang district on Thursday to reinforce the army’s positions.

Video 

The army has been holding these areas to fend off attacks by the Karenni Army (KA) and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), and has also prohibited some 400 local villagers from leaving the areas. A news source said that about 10 villagers who attempted to escape were shot on sight. Continued …

New firms surge amid Thai recovery

New corporate registrations are expected to reach 83,000-90,000 this year, boosted by the increase in foreign tourists and the Thai economic recovery, outstripping an earlier projection of 75,000-78,000, according to the Commerce Ministry’s Business Development Department.

Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the department, said his department previously estimated that the number of new business registrations in the first half of this year would be 42,000-45,000, but the actual number increased to 47,286. Continued …

Medical Fair Thailand 2023 is fully booked

Two months before the start of Medical Fair Thailand 2023, the entire show floor space is fully booked, confirming Thailand’s growing importance as a regional medical and healthcare hub. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia, the event will feature about 800 exhibitors from 30 countries, including 20 national and country groups.
The event will be held in-person from Sept. 13 – 15, 2023 at BITEC, Bangkok, followed by a week-long digital extension where participants can further connect and engage online. Returning after a 4-year pandemic related hiatus, MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2023 will present a comprehensive global showcase of over 8,000 medical and healthcare innovations and solutions. Continued …

Tesla in Thailand: The future of green mobility and autonomous vehicles

Following its debut in Thailand at the end of last year, U.S.-based automobile giant Tesla continues to expand its influence in the Thai market. With a test center open in Ramkhamhaeng, customers can try driving various Tesla models as they wish, buy Tesla products, and pick up their ordered Tesla cars.

Tesla plans to increase the number of supercharging stations throughout Thailand, building on the existing charging stations around Bangkok (Centralworld, Central Rama 3, and ICONSIAM). Continued …

Thailand accounts for 79% of ASEAN electric vehicle sales

Chinese automakers dominated Southeast Asia’s fast-growing electric vehicle market, selling three out of every four EVs in the first quarter, the research firm Counterpoint Research said on Thursday.

Thailand — the main regional auto manufacturing hub — is driving the transition, with the country accounting for almost 79% of all EVs sold in Southeast Asia in the first quarter, Counterpoint said. Continued …

Thailand sees tourism growth skyrocketing to 3 trillion baht in 2023

Thailand recently experienced a surge in international arrivals, with numbers reaching 15 million within just seven months of this year, encouraging tourism growth, informed Rachada Dhnadirek, a deputy government spokesperson.

She acknowledged the substantial contribution of northern hemisphere school summer breaks increasing the influx of international tourists to the vibrant Southeast Asian nation, thereby boosting tourism growth. Continued …

Business events sector in Thailand set for a boost with projected tourism rebound

The business events sector in Thailand is set to benefit from the buoyancy of the country’s tourism industry and a new influx of trade shows this year, fueled in part by the country’s stable political environment, according to specialists at Informa Markets Thailand.

Sanchai Noombunnam, who helms the firm in Thailand, drew attention to predictions that the country would recoup 80% of its foreign arrivals recorded in 2019 – a factor that has bolstered confidence for both domestic and international business travelers. He also highlighted the restart of China’s export services, which has triggered a rally in the morale of overseas exhibitors and buyers. Continued …

Thailand’s World Passport Power Ranking Moves Up to 64th

Thailand has jumped six places to 64th in the world passport power ranking based on the number of locations its holders have visa-free access to, according to a recent survey released by a consultancy firm, Henley & Partners Holdings Ltd.

The consulting firm published a press release on July 18 saying that Japan has been knocked off the top spot on the Henley Passport Index for the first time in five years and bumped into third place, according to the latest ranking, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA). Continued …

Foreigner forgets valuables, departing Chiang Mai flight diverted to terminal

A Thai Smile Airways flight had to make an emergency stop as it taxied down the runway after a foreign passenger demanded the plane return to the terminal gate so he could pick up his left-behind valuables at Chiang Mai International Airport.

A Thai TikTok user shared a video of the incident when a foreign man urged a flight attendant to stop the plane because he forgot his belongings. The video recorder also panned to her left side showing that the plane was moving on the runway while the foreigner requested it to stop. Continued …

9 Immigration officers transferred after providing VIP escort to Chinese star

The Immigration Police Bureau has ordered the transfers of nine immigration officers from Suvarnabhumi Airport, after they were seen in viral video clips escorting Chinese superstar Jackson Wang.

The transfers were ordered after the bureau received complaints from other passengers using the airport at the time Wang arrived, saying that Wang obtained special treatment and police protection, while they had to spend more time waiting for service at the immigration counters as a direct result of Wang’s arrival and protection. Continued … 

Khanom Buang or Thai crepe

Famous Thai street food snacks available practically everywhere in Bangkok

With lively night markets and even livelier food culture, Thai snacks are a must-have whether you’re a local or a visitor to Thailand.

One thing we can take pride in living in Bangkok is that food is available everywhere. No need to start the car in search for a dining spot. Just take a stroll down the street and there’s bound to be a stall to satisfy your cravings within walking distance. Continued …

Russian grain terrorism and blackmail

Over 400 million people worldwide, predominantly in Asian and African countries, depend on the critical grain supplies from Ukraine for their food security. Last year, in response to a Russian naval blockade on Ukrainian seaports that disrupted these grain exports, the global community unified to establish the Black Sea Grain Initiative with the aid of the UN and Turkey. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

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 once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
hua hin, immigration, real estate, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-July 19

  • Hua Hin Profile: Dr. Mowae Apisuttipanya at Be Well Medical Center/
  • Anantasila’s Got Talent event set today/
  • The latest drone video of Hua Hin railway construction/
  • Bright Dawn Foundation holds kids sports day/
  • Charter court suspends Pita/
  • Pita faces Hamlet’s dilemma – To be or not to be?/
  • Pita renominated for PM, immediately opposed/
  • US expresses concern about the democratic ‘will of the people’/
  • Thai cave survivor reunites with British rescuer at high school graduation/
  • Warning issued against personal use of dengue testing kits/
  • Diesel retail price to be held at 32 baht per liter/
  • Over 1,000 drug suspects nabbed in major Thai southern provinces/
  • Economy: Recovery intact, tourism rebounding – central bank/Why foreigners are acquiring Thai property/HP to move laptop production to Thailand/
  • Tourism: Thailand Aims to Attract 25.8 Million Asian Tourists in 2024/Thailand announces 2024 strategic direction toward high-value, sustainable tourism/
  • Thailand Experience: Aspiring veterinarian volunteers at Thailand elephant sanctuary/Two herds of elephants forage for food in fruit orchards in Trat province/
  • International: Singapore passport replaces Japan’s as world’s most powerful/ADB cuts inflation forecast for developing Asia/Australian Man and Dog Rescued by Mexican Tuna Boat After Drifting 3 Months/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Dr. Mowae Apisuttipanya at Be Well Medical Center

By Felicitee Lawrie

Dr. Mowae Apisuttipanya, or simply Dr. Mo, as he is known to many, told me he feels blessed by god, but I think it is also accurate to say that his family, his community and his patients are blessed to have him in their lives.

This is a young, friendly, highly energetic man, still in his 30s, who not only commits fully to life, but has survived and flourished through sheer tenacity and resilience, and who has been prepared to make considerable personal sacrifice for those he holds dear. If this man is on your side, you are already a winner. Continued …

The latest drone video of Hua Hin railway construction

The latest video documenting the progress of the new train line in Hua Hin has been shared on the Mike’s Tropical Tech YouTube channel. Video 

Bright Dawn Foundation holds kids sports day

The Bright Dawn Foundation recently held a sports day for the schools it supports in Hua Hin, including Nong Hieng, Wang Both, Nong Kra Toom, Huay Sai Ngam, and Nong Kra schools. There were about 700 students in attendance. The Bright Dawn Foundation provides healthcare and educational support to primary school children in or near Hua Hin. (HHT)

Charter court suspends Pita

The Constitutional Court this morning suspended Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from duty as an elected member of the House of Representatives.

The court made the announcement after accepting for consideration a complaint involving Pita’s inherited shareholding in defunct media company iTV Plc. Continued …

Pita faces Hamlet’s dilemma – To be or not to be?

Most readers are probably familiar with the quote “To be or not to be” from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. The same dilemma now faces Pita Limjaroenrat and his fandom: does he struggle on against a sea of troubles in a bid to become prime minister, or give up the battle and allow another to take his place?

Two months ago, Pita and his Move Forward Party scored an unexpected election victory over Pheu Thai, Thaksin Shinawatra’s brainchild that transformed into an effective weapon against the military junta that ousted him from power two decades ago. Continued …

Pita renominated for PM, immediately opposed

The eight-party alliance seeking to form Thailand’s next government proposed Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat as their candidate for prime minister as the joint sitting of parliament began today.

It is his second attempt to win the endorsement of the bicameral legislature after losing in his first attempt last Thursday. Continued … 

US expresses concern about the democratic ‘will of the people’

As Thailand faces the second round of decisive votes to elect the kingdom’s next prime minister, there is growing concern about a Constitutional Court petition that could see the Move Forward Party dissolved. This was referenced on Monday night by the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC, where a spokesman said the United States was concerned about the situation in the kingdom and respect for the democratic will of the people.

The U.S. State Department in Washington has gone on record expressing concern at the situation in the aftermath of the May 14 general election in Thailand. A top spokesman for the State Department, Matthew Miller referred to the pending legal cases being reviewed since last Wednesday by the Constitutional Court. Continued …

Thai cave survivor reunites with British rescuer at high school graduation

Five years ago, Adul Samon was rescued from a cave along with his 11 Thai soccer teammates and their coach. Now, he’s graduating from an American high school – and has reunited with one of his rescuers.

(The link includes a video news report you might find interesting.)

On June 23, 2018, the Wild Boars soccer team set out for an excursion to the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in northern Thailand after a practice session. Only expecting to be gone for an hour, they didn’t pack food or water. Continued …

Warning issued against personal use of dengue testing kits

In an urgent public appeal, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned against personal use of dengue testing kits. These kits, while acknowledged for their efficacy, have been approved for use by healthcare professionals only due to the complexity of dengue detection.

Lertchai Lertwut, the deputy secretary-general of the FDA, underscored that accurate diagnosis of dengue fever demands more than just the isolation of the virus. It requires a comprehensive medical examination and clinical assessment conducted by trained medical doctors. Continued …

Diesel retail price to be held at 32 baht per liter

The Office of the Oil Fuel Fund on Tuesday resolved to use the fund’s mechanism to maintain the current diesel retail price at 32 baht per liter when the diesel excise cut expires on Thursday.

The office director, Wisak Watanasap, said the Fuel Fund executive committee on Tuesday approved the use of the fund mechanism to maintain the diesel price at the current rate. Continued …

Over 1,000 drug suspects nabbed in major Thai southern provinces

In a sweeping operation against Thai drug crime, spanning seven southern provinces, over a thousand suspects have been put behind bars. The large-scale sting, dubbed “Sayob Andaman (Defeating Andaman) 7/66,” was conducted by the team of Provincial Police Division 8.

The detailed brief pertaining to the Thai drug crime operation was presented at a press conference in Phuket yesterday by the special adviser to the Royal Thai Police, Sompong Chingduang. Continued … 

Recovery intact, tourism rebounding – central bank

Thailand’s economic recovery is intact, with growth of 2.9% likely in the first half of this year and 4.2% in the second half, Bank of Thailand (BoT) Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said today.

The BoT would continue to gradually normalize interest rates to help the economy grow at its potential and keep inflation in check, the central bank chief told a media briefing. Continued …

Why foreigners are acquiring Thai property

Thailand maintains its appeal as an attractive destination for foreign property buyers, especially for those seeking a second home, despite specific limitations on property ownership.

As the situation gradually stabilizes and returns to normalcy post-Covid, the allure of Thailand’s real estate market is growing stronger. Continued …

HP to move laptop production to Thailand

According to a Nikkei Asia report published on July 18, HP is working with suppliers to shift the production of millions of consumer and commercial laptops to Thailand and Mexico this year to diversify its personal computer supply chain beyond China.

According to Nikkei Asia, sources briefed on the matter told the publication that HP, the world’s No.2 PC maker by shipments, is planning to shift some commercial notebook computer production to Mexico, while a portion of its consumer laptop production will go to Thailand. Continued …

Thailand Aims to Attract 25.8 Million Asian Tourists in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to attract 25.8 million tourists from short-haul countries next year, 2024. TAT Deputy Gov. Thanet Petchsuwan said TAT is targeting tourists from the Asian and South Pacific markets aka the short-haul markets.

The goal of attracting 25.8 million tourists from these markets was set during the recent meeting of TAT. This number represents 74% of the overall next year target of 35 million international tourists. The objective is to generate revenue of 1.2 trillion baht, which accounts for 63% of the total foreign market revenue target of 1.92 trillion baht. Continued …

Thailand announces 2024 strategic direction toward high-value, sustainable tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the 2024 strategic direction that will continue to elevate the tourism supply and sustainable standards, as well as leverage Thai soft powers to promote and develop high-value and sustainable tourism in Thailand.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said, “2024 will be the year of accelerating resilience, transforming Thailand’s tourism into high-value and sustainable tourism that emphasizes elevating and moving forward to a better tourism ecosystem. Continued …

Aspiring veterinarian volunteers at Thailand elephant sanctuary

Surrounded by scalpels and bandages, aspiring medical students work hard to care for their ailing patients. Taking vitals, drawing blood and measuring heartbeats, they’re dedicated to their future professions. But not every doctor has to measure a patient’s trunk length.

As a Loop Abroad Veterinary Service participant, biology senior Brycelyn Ramirez spent two weeks in Thailand helping animals, discovering Thai culture and gaining hands-on veterinary experience. Ramirez and her team volunteered at the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, working directly with the giant animals and learning about large-scale animal rescue and conservation efforts. The Elephant Nature Park houses over 100 elephants rescued from trekking, logging or forced breeding programs. Continued …

Two herds of elephants forage for food in fruit orchards in Trat province

Wildlife officials in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat have been trying to push two herds of wild elephants back into the forest, after they emerged to search for food on farmland and in fruit orchards on Monday night.

According to officials at Khlong Kaew Waterfall National Park in Bo Rai district, a herd of about 40 elephants, including several calves, are now foraging for food in cultivated areas along the road from Ban Nong Mai Hom to Ban Nong Bon. Continued …

Singapore passport replaces Japan’s as world’s most powerful

Singapore has replaced Japan as the country with the world’s most powerful passport, according to the latest ranking published by Henley Passport Index on Tuesday. It allows visa-free entry to 192 out of 227 global destinations. Continued …

ADB cuts inflation forecast for developing Asia

The Asian Development Bank cut its inflation forecast for developing Asia today, as food and fuel prices eased, supply chain disruptions waned and interest rate hikes started to bite. Continued …

Australian Man and Dog Rescued by Mexican Tuna Boat After Drifting 3 Months

An Australian sailor who had been adrift at sea with his dog for three months has been rescued by a Mexican tuna boat in international waters, the fishing vessel’s owner said Monday. Continued …

 

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-July 3

  • Thai Mobile Banking Apps Crash On Pay Day, Transfers Put Off/
  • Bangkok Bank Mobile App Continues to Have Widespread Issues/
  • Vana Nava ranked best water park in Thailand, 15th best in the world/
  • Conquer Singto Challenge held Sunday/
  • Hua Hin Bike Tour Tha Sadet cycling event Sept 10/
  • Police on alert ahead of today’s opening of parliament/
  • Are escalators and moving walkways safe?/
  • State hospitals in search of more doctors/
  • Thai company working on ‘milestone’ cancer treatment from tobacco plant/
  • After fatal accident, nearly 10,000 extinguishers found in sorry state/
  • Thai elephant Sak Surin safely repatriated after 22 years in Sri Lanka/
  • Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app/
  • Southern Thailand’s military withdrawal sets off in full swing/
  • Get past school uniforms, reframe the purpose of education/
  • 70% work of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway complete/
  • Economy: FTI seeks urgent measures to support Thai industries hit by export slump/Thailand’s sustained economic recovery pushes up energy consumption/Is nuclear power in the cards for Thailand?/Chinese EV Giant AION Opening First Overseas Branch in Bangkok/
  • Tourism: Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amid global economy concerns/Tourist forecast dips to 25 million for the year/Airport capacity at Suvarnabhumi to increase with new terminal and tech upgrades/AOT investing billions in its six airports to prepare for surge in passengers/Shifting patterns in global travel/LGBTQ+ tourism revenue boom fuels drive for legalized same-sex marriage in Thailand/Inside Thailand’s ‘rampant’ tiger cruelty as animals abused in zoos for selfies with tourists/
  • Thailand Experience: Harvesting Thai durian/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thai Mobile Banking Apps Crash On Pay Day, Transfers Put Off

there were loud complaints Saturday after mobile banking apps and online service of several Thai banks crashed, with customers told that cash transfers made from 2 pm onward would reach the destination by 7 pm Sunday.

A lot of people were affected by the outage with Saturday being pay day and many complained about the banking problem on various social media platforms. Continued …

Bangkok Bank Mobile App Continues to Have Widespread Issues

The Bangkok Bank mobile application has had a number of issues over this first weekend of July 2023, frustrating clients.

The issues began Saturday, in which many users continually reported being unable to connect and getting a picture of a lady bowing and apologizing for the inconvenience instead. This caused people to be unable to transfer money or pay for goods and services on a busy weekend with many people traveling. Continued …

Vana Nava ranked best water park in Thailand, 15th best in the world

Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin has been ranked as the best water park in Thailand and the 15th best in the world, according to the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2023.

The award solidifies its position as a leading lifestyle destination in Thailand, attracting tourists from all corners of the globe, and reaffirms its standing as one of the world’s top water parks. Continued …

Conquer Singto Challenge held Sunday

The Conquer Singto Challenge swimming and kayaking event was held Sunday at Khao Tao Beach. The event raises funds for the establishment of a state-of-the-art school catering to children with special educational needs or disabilities. The event will help ensure that the Special Children’s School in Hin Lek Fai will soon open its doors. The event was organized Ejan, a Bangkok-based media organization. The participants had to navigate the 5-kilometer round trip to Singto Island or the 13 km kayaking course.

Hua Hin Bike Tour Tha Sadet cycling event Sept 10

Get ready for a unique cycling experience as the Hua Hin/Cha Am Tourism Business Assn. gears up to host the Hua Hin Bike Tour Tha Sadet event on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Aimed at promoting local lifestyle tourism and encouraging the use of bicycles for both tourism and exercise, this event promises to showcase some picturesque historical and natural attractions of Hua Hin and its surrounding areas. Continued …

Police on alert ahead of today’s opening of parliament

Three city police stations have been readied to detain suspects should there be any protest violence during important political activities planned this month, including today’s opening of the new parliament at 5pm.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau has prepared facilities at Thung Song Hong, Chalongkrung and Chorakhe Noy police stations. Continued …

Are escalators and moving walkways safe?

An airline passenger had part of her leg amputated this past week after an accident on a moving airport walkway in Bangkok, authorities said.

The accident, involving a 57-year-old woman, occurred Thursday in the domestic terminal of Don Mueang International, the older and smaller of two major airports that serve Bangkok, the capital. Continued …

State hospitals in search of more doctors

The work-life imbalance among Thailand’s medical personnel needs a solution. The latest example came from a doctor-turned-actress who posted on her Facebook that her overloaded work schedule at a provincial hospital ruined her life so much to the extent that she quit the job.

The challenge remains with the Public Health Ministry on how to create a better and fairer working environment for doctors and medical staff nationwide, while maintaining best practice in medical care at public hospitals. Continued …

Thai company working on ‘milestone’ cancer treatment from tobacco plant

A Thai plant-based pharmaceutical company has produced antibodies against cancer from tobacco and undertaken successful trials using lab animals, it said.

Baiya Phytopharm, a start-up under the auspices of Chulalongkorn University, is known for its Baiya Sars-CoV-2 Vax, a plant-based vaccine against Covid-19. Continued …

After fatal accident, nearly 10,000 extinguishers found in sorry state

An inspection carried out by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has found that almost 10,000 emergency fire extinguisher units across the capital’s 50 districts need to be urgently replaced.

The inspection was ordered after a student at Rajavinit Mathayom School was killed and 10 others injured when a fire extinguisher unit exploded during an emergency drill on June 23. Continued …

Thai elephant Sak Surin safely repatriated after 22 years in Sri Lanka

The enduring odyssey of Sak Surin, an elephant initially gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka, took a homeward trajectory as the pachyderm touched down in Chiang Mai yesterday, ending a 22-year-long overseas sojourn.

Sak Surin’s journey back to Chiang Mai was an elaborate endeavor. Encased within a specially designed cage that was placed in the cargo hold of an Ilyushin IL-76, Sak Surin was accompanied by a team of four veterinarians and two mahouts who had journeyed to Sri Lanka earlier to facilitate the repatriation. Continued …

Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app

In an effort to digitize various government-provided services and increase their accessibility, Thailand’s Interior Ministry officially rolled out a novel mobile application as part of its digital ID program on Friday.

The launch event was graced by none other than caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who wholeheartedly endorsed the newly unveiled “ThaID” mobile application. Continued …

Southern Thailand’s military withdrawal sets off in full swing

The forthcoming military withdrawal in the southern region of Thailand, which has seen 19 years of insurgent unrest, is currently in its initial phase, according to Fourth Region Army commander, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak. The four-year plan aims to gradually decrease military presence and remove the state of emergency that has been prevalent in the area.

Since 2004, Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, along with certain sections of Songkhla, have been in a state of upheaval due to various kinds of civil unrest. This turmoil has had detrimental impacts on the lives of the people, the economy and the social fabric of the region. A planned military withdrawal from these areas is anticipated to bring some relief and push for normalization. Continued …

Get past school uniforms, reframe the purpose of education

The conversation over whether school uniform and hair rules in Thailand should be repealed has come and gone many times. As the arguments and counterarguments are explained, we seem to forget to discuss the purpose and real goals of education. A teacher activist invites us to ask what kind of education we want for our children.

School rules have always been an integral part of formative education, but we should ask whether some of the controls they exert actually make children focus more on study. Classic examples, and perhaps the easiest to enforce, are the rules covering hair and attire. Continued …

70% work of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway complete

Around 70% of construction work on the ambitious India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway has been completed. India, Thailand and Myanmar are working on about 1,400-km-long highway that would link the country with Southeast Asia by land and give a boost to trade, business, health, education and tourism ties among the three countries.

The highway will connect Moreh in Manipur, India with Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar. Continued …

FTI seeks urgent measures to support Thai industries hit by export slump

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling on the government to lay down new measures to support industries affected by sluggish exports. FTI chief Kriengkrai Thiennukul said businesses need urgent support because many have cut down working hours to prevent closure.

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has said it is evaluating strategies to provide quick assistance to industrial groups affected by the slowdown in exports. These groups include steel, roofing and equipment, furniture, machinery and metal, textiles, footwear, jewelry and accessories, glass and ceramics. Continued …

Thailand’s sustained economic recovery pushes up energy consumption

Thailand’s energy consumption rose by 3.8% in the first four months of this year, thanks to a sustained economic recovery following the easing of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), the rise in energy consumption was primarily driven by an increase in the consumption of refined petroleum products. Aviation fuel consumption saw a significant rise of 89.1%, while petrol consumption increased by 6.2%. However, other energy sources like lignite/coal in the industrial sector saw a drop of 8.9%. Continued …

Is nuclear power in the cards for Thailand?

Clean energy campaigns are not only promoting solar, wind and biomass power in Thailand, but also prompting conversations about nuclear energy.

Considered a highly contentious energy source by some people, nuclear power technology was addressed by Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, during a recent speech he delivered at the three-day World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Bangkok, which ended on June 26. Continued …

Chinese EV Giant AION Opening First Overseas Branch in Bangkok

AION, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant, has signed its first memorandum of understanding for business cooperation with Gold Integrate, its first overseas distributor.

The company also announced the establishment of a subsidiary in Thailand, marking AION’s entry into the global market and the beginning of a journey to bring top-tier Chinese EV technology to the rest of the world. Continued …

Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amid global economy concerns

The second quarter of this year saw the Tourism Confidence Index remaining subdued, sliding from the previous quarter. The contributor to this drop was a blend of Thailand‘s low season and decreased earnings from tourism.

The president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Chamnan Srisawat, announced that the second quarter’s score was two points lower than the prior quarter at 72. This noticeably fell short of the identical period in 2019, which recorded 100, inferring weakened optimism. The findings came from a survey conducted from April 20 to May 30, comprising 740 operators. Continued …

Tourist forecast dips to 25 million for the year

In a recent announcement, the kingdom is on track to welcome 25 million tourists by the year end, offering a much-needed booster to the economy. (Earlier predictions were for 30 illion tourists for 2023.) This follows a significant surge in Thai tourism, exceeding 12 million arrivals recorded late last month.

Between January and June 25 of this year, the kingdom saw a record-breaking 12.46 million tourists, marking an increase of 539% over the same period in the previous year. The bulk of these visitors hailed from Malaysia – totaling 1.9 million. China followed with 1.3 million tourists, then Russia, South Korea, and India, with 784,428, 741,909, and 732,523 visitors, respectively. Continued …

Airport capacity at Suvarnabhumi to increase with new terminal and tech upgrades

Airports of Thailand (AoT) is set to inaugurate a new satellite passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport come this September.

This addition is expected to bolster the airport’s passenger-handling capacity significantly, managing 15 million extra passengers annually, which effectively raises the total capacity to 60 million per annum, revealed AoT’s president. Continued …

AOT investing billions in its six airports to prepare for surge in passengers

Airports Authority of Thailand Plc (AOT) will invest 100 billion baht in the expansion of its six international airports in Thailand over the next five years, as the number of passengers is forecast to rise to 200 million per year in 2027, AOT Chief Executive Officer Kirati Kitmanawat said.

The expansions will be funded by revenue, which rose dramatically in the first six months of this fiscal year to 2.2 billion baht. Continued … 

Shifting patterns in global travel

In the midst of an uncertain economic and political climate, people in Thailand have various options for getting away from the frenetic pace of life in big cities and recharging their batteries.

Recent findings from Booking.com’s 2023 Travel Trends forecast survey show a rise in the popularity of wellness travel among Thai tourists seeking mental and physical renewal. Continued …

LGBTQ+ tourism revenue boom fuels drive for legalized same-sex marriage in Thailand

Thailand is witnessing a surge in the burgeoning LGBTQ+ community, as diversity takes center stage worldwide, boosting LGBTQ+ tourism in the country. As per estimates by LGBT Capital, an asset-management company serving the LGBTQ community, 5% to 10% of the world’s population identifies as LGBTQ+. This demographic represented around 3.6 million residents in Thailand in 2019.

During Pride Month this past June, massive crowds were seen participating in parades across Bangkok. This growing demographic has been a key contributing factor in nudging corporations to advocate for gender equality. Consequently, this shift is positioning Thailand’s tourism sector to capitalize on LGBTQ+ tourism, aiming to establish the country as a preferred travel destination that embraces diversity for both locals and international visitors. Continued …

This animal has been drugged

Inside Thailand’s ‘rampant’ tiger cruelty as animals abused in zoos for selfies with tourists

A new undercover investigation of Thailand’s zoos shows abuse of tigers for tourist selfies is still “rampant”, a charity has said.

While concerns about the treatment of big cats in the country have been raised for years, animal rights campaigner group Lady Freethinker (LFT) said it had found cruelty against “photo-prop” animals in recent visits to 11 zoos across Thailand. Continued …

Harvesting Thai durian

A video boasting over 13.9 million views within a mere day showcases the skill and accuracy in the task of durian harvesting. The durian trees, found in a farm in Chumphon province, tower as high as 5 to 9 meters, setting an imposing stage for the footage.

Video 

The video offers an adrenaline-pumping window into the complex process of durian cultivation. The person aloft uses one hand to exact a clean cut from the durian stem, afterwards launching the fruit toward the ground. Descending at high speed, the durians are adroitly caught by another individual on the ground. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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, immigration, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-June 29

  • Hua Hin Profile: Mike’s motto and mantra : ‘Staples don’t quit’/
  • Dengue fever hits Hua Hin, 2 children die/
  • Standard planning 258-unit residential complex in Hua Hin/
  • TMD warns of torrential rainfall across 44 Thai provinces/
  • Pita ‘won’t get 5 votes’ for PM, says senator/
  • SRT looking at new electric trains instead of diesels/
  • Bangkok municipal pupils can wear hair styles and clothes of their choice/
  • Magnitude 4.5 earthquake recorded in Phitsanulok/
  • Economy: World Bank raises Thailand 2023 growth outlook to 3.9%/Tourism: 2 destinations in Phetchaburi and PKK selected for TAT campaign/‘Captive hell’: Report puts grim reality of wildlife tourism in the spotlight/Group makes plans for tourism future/No more street vendors on Pattaya’s Walking Street/1-in-10 travelers to Thailand now from China/TAT targets 5 million Chinese tourists this year/
  • International: Meat eating hits new low in Germany/Astronomers reveal evidence of universe’s ‘background hum’/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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The latest in our ongoing profiles of Hua Hin residents, written by freelance journalist Felicitee Lawrie.

Mike’s motto and mantra : ‘Staples don’t quit’

It is truly easy to admire Mike Staples. He has faced and vanquished a fierce adversary and he is full to the very brim with compassion for those less fortunate than himself. Now he spends his days enjoying his family and dealing with a huge extended family of his own choosing, to whom he devotes copious time and energy. A more charitable man I cannot remember having met.

Mike Staples was born in Dar es Salaam, in what was then Tanganyika, a British mandate in East Africa. His mother was born just south of the great Mount Kilimanjaro, also in Tanganyika, which eventually became the modern-day country of Tanzania. Continued … 

Dengue fever hits Hua Hin, 2 children die

Health officials in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office have increased measures to control dengue fever after the deaths of two children.

A total of 196 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Prachuap Khiri Khan province this year so far, with a one-month-old infant and a four-year-old child succumbing to the disease.

Standard planning 258-unit residential complex in Hua Hin

Hotel chain Standard International plans to launch two branded residential projects in Phuket and Hua Hin, while also opening five new hotels with 600 rooms across four destinations in Thailand during 2023-26 to capitalize on robust demand.

In the first quarter of 2024, The Standard’s second branded residential project in Thailand will be launched in Hua Hin. It will be developed by Sansiri Plc, the company’s parent firm, on a beachfront site located 4.5 kilometers from The Standard, Hua Hin hotel. Continued …

TMD warns of torrential rainfall across 44 Thai provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today warns that a trough will pass over the upper part of the country, causing torrential rainfall in 44 provinces. The southern region will experience heavy rainfall across 70% of its area. Additionally, the seas are predicted to have high waves.

The department‘s weather forecast for the next 24 hours mentions that a trough will pass over the northern region of the country and Laos to join a low-pressure area along the central coast of Vietnam. Continued …

Pita ‘won’t get 5 votes’ for PM, says senator

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Move Forward Party (MFP), will likely receive fewer than five votes from the Senate in the parliamentary election for the new prime minister, according to a senator.

The dust has already settled, and Pita will be hard pushed to draw five or more votes from the 250 senators during the vote, Kittisak Rattanawaraha, a deputy chairman of the Senate committee on political development and public participation, said on Wednesday. Continued …

SRT looking at new electric trains instead of diesels

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has proposed changing a plan to procure 184 diesel locomotives in favor of electric trains.

SRT Gov. Nirut Maneephan said the proposal has been approved by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and will be submitted to the new cabinet with an unchanged budget of 1.5 billion baht. Continued …

Bangkok municipal pupils can wear hair styles and clothes of their choice

In an unprecedented move, following increasing calls for freedom and liberties in schools, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to allow students in the 437 schools under its supervision to choose their own hair styles and to wear casual dress at least one day a week.

In one of two letters issued to district chiefs by Wantanee Wattana, the deputy permanent secretary of the BMA, students may wear whatever hair style they wish, but the styles should “look healthy” and improve the personality and confidence of the students. Continued …

Magnitude 4.5 earthquake recorded in Phitsanulok

An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 struck Phitsanulok last night, with the epicenter just 5 kilometers deep, according to reports.

Local media reported that strong tremors were felt in Pailom subdistrict, Bang Krathum district in Phitsanulok at 12.17 am on Wednesday night. Continued …

World Bank raises Thailand 2023 growth outlook to 3.9%

Thailand’s economy is projected to grow 3.9% this year, up from a previous forecast of 3.6%, helped by private consumption growth and a recovery in tourism, the World Bank said on Wednesday.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded 2.6% in 2022, when its tourism sector began to rebound after broad pandemic-related travel curbs were eased. Continued …

Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdee Prakat

2 destinations in Phetchaburi and PKK selected for TAT campaign

Two destinations in the region have secured a spot among the final 25 of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Unseen New Chapters: New Corners of Thailand” campaign.

In an announcement made during a ceremony presided over by Yutthasak Supasorn, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phetchaburi province’s Tham Bo Cave in Khao Yoi and Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdee Prakat in Bang Saphan have emerged as chosen finalists. Continued …

‘Captive hell’: Report puts grim reality of wildlife tourism in the spotlight

Hundreds of animals in Bali and Lombok are being exploited for tourists’ entertainment, an animal welfare charity claims. The Holidays that Harm report by World Animal Protection states more than 1,300 animals were exploited for tourist entertainment in inadequate conditions across Bali and Lombok. The animals included elephants, orangutans and dolphins.

The recent report covered 34 venues in Bali and Lombok to provide a snapshot of the welfare of animals being used in the tourism industry. Continued …

Group makes plans for tourism future

The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) is hoping its revival will allow for a more flexible workflow and agenda-based development, after seven tourism associations recently quit the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) and joined FETTA.

Adith Chairattananon, FETTA representative and honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said the federation will drive policies through a flat organizational structure without a hierarchy. Continued …

No more street vendors on Pattaya’s Walking Street

Pattaya City officials sent out a letter to Walking Street business owners earlier this week informing them of an upcoming change to current policies and procedures.

As of Monday, July 3, street vendors and stalls not part of a licensed building business will need to be entirely removed from Walking Street, according to the notice from Pattaya City officials. Continued … 

1-in-10 travelers to Thailand now from China

New figures from SiteMinder, Meituan and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reveal that over 1.3 million of the 11 million-plus international travelers to Thailand have this year arrived from China.

The figures, which indicate that Chinese travelers could constitute one-fifth of all international travelers to Thailand by year’s end, were unveiled at the “Amazing Thailand Sailing with Meituan” event in Bangkok. Continued …

TAT targets 5 million Chinese tourists this year

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious goal of attracting 5.3 million Chinese tourists and generating 446 billion baht in revenue this year.

However, there are challenges that need to be addressed to achieve these targets. One of the biggest challenges is the competition posed by other countries popular with Chinese travelers, as well as the recovery of the aviation industry. Continued …

Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Meat eating hits new low in Germany

Florian Busmann used to enjoy sausages and steak on the barbecue in summer, but these days he prefers meat substitutes and grilled vegetables like aubergines and peppers. Continued …

Astronomers reveal evidence of universe’s ‘background hum’

Astronomers across the world announced today that they have found the first evidence of a long-theorized form of gravitational waves that create a “background hum” rumbling throughout the universe. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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

baht, cha am, climate change, hua hin, immigration, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-June 28

  • Power outage Thursday in downtown Chat Chai area/
  • 110 tons of illegal buffalo meat destroyed in Cha Am/
  • Price controls of 51 goods and services extended another year/
  • Bank of Thailand to loosen foreign exchange regulations/
  • Thai masseur wows beachgoers with 50 million baht puke treasure/
  • Pattaya Motorbike Taxi Driver Returns Lost Bag Containing Nearly 100,000 Baht/
  • Police Move To Clear Criminal Record Of 13 Million Thais/
  • Line readies new features, eyes ‘chat economy’/
  • Economy: Baht at 7-month low on political uncertainty/How Thailand’s welfare state could change/German and French firms eye Thailand’s booming electric vehicle sector/Japanese eye EEC outlay of Bt3.7 billion/Ongoing US-China tech war likely to benefit Thailand/Japanese account for 70% of total investment in Thai industrial estates/The bioeconomy success of Wang Som Za village in Thailand/
  • Tourism: Russian tourism faces slowdown in Thai markets amid Moscow’s political tension/Sichon to champion ‘tranquil tourism’ in southern Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: The journey of chilies to Thailand/2 chicken dishes from Thailand soar in global rankings/
  • International: UBS to cut 35,000 jobs after Credit Suisse rescue/US targets Wagner Group over gold in Africa/More than 90% of global aquaculture faces substantial risk from climate change/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Power outage Thursday in downtown Chat Chai area

A temporary power outage and road closures will be in effect in downtown Hua Hin on Thursday. The power interruption is is due to the relocation of communication lines as part of the ongoing Chomsin-Thapong Municipal Road Expansion Project. The interruption will occur between 9am and 4pm.

110 tons of illegal buffalo meat destroyed in Cha Am

In a move to combat the illegal smuggling of animal products, officials gathered in Cha Am on Monday to destroy 110 tons of illegally imported buffalo meat.

The meat was destroyed during a ceremony at the Wildlife Quarantine Center in Sam Phraya subdistrict. Continued … 

Price controls of 51 goods and services extended another year

The Cabinet has decided to continue controlling the price of 46 food and consumer products and five services until June next year, deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Tuesday.

She said the Central Committee on the Prices of Goods and Services’ announcement on price controls is set to expire on Friday, and the Cabinet decided to continue controlling the prices to ease the burden on the public. Continued …

Bank of Thailand to loosen foreign exchange regulations

The Bank of Thailand has revealed plans to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilize the exchange rate long-term. The move, which shows a clear focus on balancing capital inflows and managing volatility, comes as Thailand’s economy globally integrates further.

Under the foreign exchange initiative, Thai individuals will now be able to pour as much as US$10 million into offshore markets, doubling the existing limit of US$5 million. According to Alisara Mahasandana, assistant governor and head of the Financial Markets Operations Group at the Bank of Thailand, this is part and parcel of the bank’s efforts to balance capital flows and manage the Thai currency’s volatility against the dollar. Continued …

Thai masseur wows beachgoers with 50 million baht puke treasure

A Thai masseur captivated the public’s attention by showcasing his collection of whale puke, found while plying his trade on beaches in the southern province of Phang Nga. If proven to be authentic, it could be worth 50 million baht.

The owner of a local furniture store in Phang Nga, Wirat Ratso, invited reporters to explore the whale puke collection at the house of his neighbor, 48-year-old Prapheut Sithatrad. Continued …

Pattaya Motorbike Taxi Driver Returns Lost Bag Containing Nearly 100,000 Baht

On Monday, an honest motorbike taxi driver in Pattaya city turned in a foreigner’s lost bag containing crucial documents and nearly 100,000 baht in U.S. dollars.

The driver, 62-year-old Chamnan Svansap, discovered the bag after dropping off a passenger and parking his bike. Noticing an unattended bag, he didn’t open it, instead waiting for about 10 minutes hoping its owner would return. When no one claimed it, Chamnan brought the bag to Pattaya City Police Station. Continued … 

Police Move To Clear Criminal Record Of 13 Million Thais

With the announcement of the amendment of police regulations on fingerprinting on May 27, which in the past led to fingerprinted suspects having a criminal background, thus unable to apply for a job despite the charges having later being dropped against them, the police are now rushing to clear the record of 13 million Thais thus affected.

Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, head of Thammasat University’s law faculty, said the unamended regulation led to suspects against whom charges were later dropped or who had died to continue having a criminal record. Continued …

Line readies new features, eyes ‘chat economy’

Line Thailand is preparing new consumer and business features and has embraced generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology as part of its plan to offer value-added services to users and target Gen Y in its network.

The company wants to develop a “chat economy” in Thailand. Continued …

Baht at 7-month low on political uncertainty

The Thai baht weakened to a seven-month low today as political uncertainty dampened investor appetite, while most other emerging Asian currencies also depreciated against a firmer dollar after resilient U.S. data eased recession concerns.

Equities in the region were largely in the red, with shares in Seoul taking the biggest hit, declining 0.8%, while those in the Philippines and China lost 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Continued …

How Thailand’s welfare state could change

For the past few decades, many countries have been working toward providing “healthcare for all”, including equity in access to healthcare and healthcare financing.

Thailand has declared equitable healthcare to be an integral part of its development strategy over many decades. Continued …

German and French firms eye Thailand’s booming electric vehicle sector

A surge of interest in Thailand’s budding electric vehicle (EV) industry has been noted among businesses from France and Germany. The Thailand Board of Investment (BoI) revealed this interest following an investment promotion roadshow in these European nations.

BoI Deputy Secretary-General Wirat Tatsaringkansakul suggested a particularly keen receptiveness from French and German investors. These potential investors are reportedly looking into expanding their production bases and outsourcing companies to satisfy the surging demand of the Asian market. Continued …

Japanese eye EEC outlay of Bt3.7 billion

At least three Japanese firms are expected to invest roughly 3.7 billion baht in industries such as electric vehicles (EVs) and smart electronics in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), says the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).

The three Nagoya-based companies indicated interest in buying 200 rai of land in the EEC, which covers parts of Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao. Continued …

Ongoing US-China tech war likely to benefit Thailand

The Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) says the ongoing technological competition between the U.S. and China is prompting several companies to relocate their manufacturing bases, presenting opportunities for Thailand.

OIE Director-General Warawan Chitaroon said this competition is expected to continue and has so far influenced several major semiconductor firms to shift their production bases from China to countries that are not direct competitors in the technology war, particularly those in Southeast Asia with relatively stable political environments. Continued …

Japanese account for 70% of total investment in Thai industrial estates

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is actively encouraging the electronics and steel industries to focus on manufacturing products that utilize advanced technologies and innovations, collaborating with Japanese expertise.

Veeris Ammarapala, the IEAT governor, revealed that a delegation of developers from 10 industrial estates had participated in an investment promotion roadshow in the industrial estates in Nakhon Ratchasima province, which has industrial potential, and ranks third in Japan’s economic cities. Continued …

The bioeconomy success of Wang Som Za village in Thailand

In Phitsanulok province, about 400 kilometers from Bangkok, the community of Wang Som Za village has restored a local variety of orange, Som Za, after which the village is also named. The orange variety is called “za” because the fruit tastes tangy.

This bitter orange is the center of the community’s bioeconomy efforts to recover their surrounding ecosystems and provide a better livelihood for their communities. Continued …

Russian tourism faces slowdown in Thai markets amid Moscow’s political tension

Amid heightened political tensions in Moscow, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) observes a potential slowdown in Russian tourists to Thailand, although an increase in long-term stay visitors is also predicted if the situation worsens further.

To comprehend the short-term market movements of Russian tourism in detail, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has instructed its Moscow office to keep a vigilant watch over the evolving scenario. Continued …

Sichon to champion ‘tranquil tourism’ in southern Thailand

Southern Thailand never fails to wow the world’s travelers with its sandy beaches, spectacular scenery and rich cultural heritage. Now, a new destination is about to emerge onto the world stage as a haven of “tranquil tourism.” With the new international terminal at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport set to open by Q4 2023, the coastal enclave of Sichon is poised to become a new jewel in Thailand’s tourism crown.

Sichon is a serene and peaceful destination where travelers can embrace Thailand as it has existed for centuries. Buddhists pay their respects in ancient temples, fishermen pull their catches up onto the beach from emerald green waters, farmers wrestle coconuts down from soaring palms, and artisans patiently work looms to weave materials dyed by natural colors derived from local fruits. Continued … 

The journey of chilies to Thailand

The vibrant Thai cuisine, known for its distinctive combination of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and spicy – owes much of its kick to an ingredient that was surprisingly not indigenous to the region: the chili pepper.

The chili pepper’s journey to Thailand is a fascinating tale of global exploration and cultural fusion. This voyage of the chili began around 1492 when Christopher Columbus, the Genoese explorer, first encountered these fiery fruits in the Caribbean while he was in search of India and its prized spices. Interestingly, Columbus and his crew initially mistook chilies for a type of pepper – hence the name “chili pepper.” Continued …

2 chicken dishes from Thailand soar in global rankings

A recent ranking of global chicken dishes by the esteemed food mapping site TasteAtlas has positioned two Thai food plates among the top 50.

Thai meals Khao mok kai (a Muslim-style platter of chicken with saffron-flavored rice) and Kai yang (simple grilled chicken dish) were No. 38 and No. 46, respectively. Khao mok kai notched up a commendable 4.3-star rating out of 5. Kai yang procured a solid rating of 4.2 stars. Continued …

Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

UBS to cut 35,000 jobs after Credit Suisse rescue

Swiss banking group UBS plans to cut 35,000 jobs at Credit Suisse — more than half its workforce — as part of the emergency rescue takeover of its rival in March, according to a report by Bloomberg News. Continued …

US targets Wagner Group over gold in Africa

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting gold mining activities that fund the Wagner Group in Africa, vowing to hold the mercenaries accountable for abuses days after they staged a mutiny in Russia. Continued …

More than 90% of global aquaculture faces substantial risk from climate change

Many of the world’s largest aquatic food producers are highly vulnerable to human-induced climate change, with some of the highest-risk countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa demonstrating the lowest capacity for adaptation, a landmark study has shown. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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, immigration, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-June 23

  • Explosion engulfs Hua Hin hotel, 500,000 THB worth of damage/
  • Pa La U durian festival showcases Hua Hin’s finest fruit through Sunday/
  • Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai/
  • Healthcare staffing shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy/
  • Overloaded Thai public health system sees exhausted doctors quit in droves/
  • Thai healthcare costs skyrocket/
  • ‘No serious quake threat to Thailand’ from major Sagaing Fault in Myanmar/
  • Algerian Man, Dressed as a Woman Arrested for visa overstay/
  • Thailand International Dog Show in Bangkok, July 6-9/
  • Durian lovers rejoice as prices plunge on surplus/
  • Economy: Examining Thailand’s Economic Revival and Investment Opportunities/Insights of five EV customer segments in Thailand/Thai village profits from hot-season tokay gecko trade exports to China/Bangkok Airways triumphs at World Airline Awards for 7th consecutive year/
  • Tourism: Thailand ranks second in global travel, Bangkok tops city list/Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery/Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says ATTA/World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism/
  • International: Titanic sub destroyed in ‘catastrophic implosion,’ all five aboard dead/Diabetes cases to double to 1.3 billion by 2050/US county sues oil companies for $51 billion over ‘Heat Dome’ disaster/€60 billion pledged to help Ukraine rebuild/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Explosion engulfs Hua Hin hotel, 500,000 THB worth of damage

Pigeons were said to have caused a sudden explosion that led to a fire engulfing a hotel room in Hua Hin, resulting in damages amounting to half a million baht.

On Thursday afternoon, Lt. Col.Pichcha Rangleuan, deputy superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, received a report regarding a fire incident at room number 164/5-6 of Sunny House, which is located adjacent to the railway, just off Soi 70. Continued … Pigeons were said to have caused a sudden explosion that led to a fire engulfing a hotel room in Hua Hin, resulting in damages amounting to half a million baht. Continued …

Pa La U durian festival showcases Hua Hin’s finest fruit through Sunday

Hua Hin’s renowned durian cultivation hub, Pa La U, is currently hosting the highly anticipated Pa La U durian and fruit festival.

This Ban Pa La-U Fruit and Good Products Expo, which is now in its 10th year, aims to celebrate the delectable fruit and showcases a wide range of local agricultural products. Continued …

 

Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai

Oh, the joys of learning a new language! Thai is a fascinating language, filled with unique sounds, tones, and expressions that promise to make your learning experience an exciting adventure.

But, like any language, Thai comes with its fair share of challenges and common Thai language mistakes that might catch you off guard. No worries, though! Along with our friends at ALA Language School, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes you should steer clear of when learning Thai. Continued …

Healthcare staffing shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy

The Public Health Ministry has laid out strategies to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in the nation’s state-operated medical sector. Within the next three years, these measures aim to expand the country’s cadre of medical personnel according to current legal parameters.

Government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri indicated the interventions may result in a 40% increase in doctors and over a 50% surge in nursing staff by 2026. Continued …

Overloaded Thai public health system sees exhausted doctors quit in droves

Every year, hundreds of doctors leave the government sector after struggling under huge workloads for relatively low pay and with little prospect of promotion.

The numbers exiting the public health service are significant, given that the Public Health Ministry employs just 24,469 doctors. Over the past decade, around 450 doctors have left each year, along with at least 150 who have retired from public service. Continued …

Thai healthcare costs skyrocket

We all want good health and decent public health welfare. When we fall ill, the cures are also much more effective thanks to modern medical advancements. But the soaring costs of healthcare have made it beyond most people’s grasp.

Over the past two decades, global healthcare spending has more than doubled, skyrocketing from $4.2 trillion (145.8 trillion baht) in 2000 to an astounding $8.5 trillion in 2019. Continued …

‘No serious quake threat to Thailand’ from major Sagaing Fault in Myanmar

A major active fault in Myanmar could still trigger a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in 5-10 years, but will cause no serious damage to Thailand, the Mineral Resources Department said on Thursday.

Oranuch Lorpensri, director-general of the department, said the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar is still active and it could unleash enough power to trigger an earthquake with up to 7.5 magnitude in about 5-10 years. Continued …

Algerian Man, Dressed as a Woman Arrested for visa overstay

An Algerian man was arrested in Bangkok for 251 days of overstaying his legal visa after he allegedly tried to dress as a woman in order to avoid Thai Immigration officers.

Relevant officials from the Bangkok Thai Immigration Office arrested a 38-year-old Algerian man at a housing estate in Bueng Kum. Officers found that the Algerian man was dressed as a woman before they arrested him. Continued … 

Thailand International Dog Show in Bangkok, July 6-9

Attention to dog lovers! Don’t miss this year’s “21st Thailand International Dog Show2023” at IMPACT in Bangkok. Exclusive this year is a Grooming contest, with a dressing up theme of “Dog Show Sahara” and with more than 250 vendors.

The fair will be held from July 6-9 at building 5-6 at IMPACT. Continued …

Durian lovers rejoice as prices plunge on surplus

Singaporeans love durians. And this year, the spiky and pungent fruit is in such abundance that it can be found in claw machines, giving enthusiasts a chance to catch one for just a dollar.

A surplus in major producer Malaysia has pushed prices in the city-state down to levels never seen before. Premium varieties like Musang King were selling for as cheap as S$3 ($2.24) a kilogram earlier this month. Continued …

Examining Thailand’s Economic Revival and Investment Opportunities

Thailand’s GDP outlook is expected to grow between 2.7%-3.6% in 2023, an increase from 2.6% in 2022. Economic growth will be boosted by a recovering tourism industry and improving private consumption.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy was in a severe recession in 2020 due to the pandemic. GDP fell by 6.1% in that year, which represented Thailand’s largest contraction since the Asian financial crisis. Continued …

Insights of five EV customer segments in Thailand

Krungsri Auto, a leader in automotive finance under Bank of Ayudhya PCL., unveiled insights into five electric vehicle (EV) customer segments based on the consolidated data of its current EV loan portfolio, forecasting EV market growth, with potentials for automotive financing providers in responding to EV users’ needs and taping into their lifestyle in all dimensions. Insights of five EV customer segments gathered from real EV finance user behaviors are:

Segment 1 – A stylish executive with a stable income

This group is the early adopter of EVs, making up the largest proportion of current EV owners. An EV is their second car. They purchase a car at medium to high prices with high down payment and short-term loans. They value design and car brands and look for comprehensive products and services with financial advisers who can help make arrangements easy and hassle-free. Continued …

Thai village profits from hot-season tokay gecko trade exports to China

A Thai village is gaining lucrative income from capturing and processing tokay geckoes, generating hundreds of thousands of baht (US$2,860) per month during the hot season. In the northeast province of Nakhon Phanom, villagers from Ban Tal in Nah Wah district are seizing the opportunity to capture the amphibians that thrive in the warm weather.

Ban Tal Thai village, known as the mysterious village of unique seasonal occupations, has been relying on this profitable tokay gecko trade for over 30 years. Each hot season, from March to July, villagers capture geckoes and sell them to processing groups. The tokay geckoes are then dried and exported to China, where they are believed to be an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Continued …

Bangkok Airways triumphs at World Airline Awards for 7th consecutive year

The World Airline Awards 2023 ceremony saw Bangkok Airways Public Co. retaining its resplendent position under the spotlight. The prestigious accolades of “The World’s Best Regional Airline” and “The Best Regional Airline in Asia” were pinned on this airline, marking its seventh year of triumph.

The presentation took place at the Paris Air Show, where Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s president, and other management personnel, received the honors. Continued …

Thailand ranks second in global travel, Bangkok tops city list

Thailand tourism continues to thrive, as online travel platform Agoda recently revealed that the country holds the title of the second most popular destination for travelers worldwide, with Bangkok topping the list of favorite cities for global travelers.

Outperforming Thailand, Japan emerged as the leading destination for tourists during the same period. Early reopening of the country’s borders has undoubtedly contributed to Thailand’s tourism sector rebounding at a faster rate compared to other nations. Continued …

Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery

Amid escalating tourist arrivals and robust economic recovery, Thai tourism-associated enterprises have been reaping lucrative rewards, particularly in the fields of foreign exchange, travel agencies, tour guides, dining establishments, and the accommodation industry.

Such industries have experienced impressive growth within the initial five months of this year, as revealed by data garnered through the Business Development Department of the Commerce Ministry. Continued …

Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says ATTA

Fear of being conned by tourist scams poses a bigger concern to prospective Chinese tourists than Thailand’s political ambiguity, advises the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). Given a sluggish economic recovery on the mainland, the Chinese tourism market could slightly be affected.

Calling for tougher safety measures, ATTA President, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn indicated that improving the country’s image and reassurances over touristic scams would encourage Chinese travelers. He also emphasized the necessity to uplift the quality of services provided in the tourism sector to boost Chinese tourism. Continued …

World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism

As a first, Bangkok is set to host the World Hindu Congress (WHC), set to take place from Nov. 24 to 26. Around 3,000 Hindus hailing from 60 different countries are anticipated to grace the event chaired by Susheel Kumar Saraff.

Themed “Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah” or “Dharma,” the Abode of Victory,” the congress aims to celebrate the virtues of the religion and the triumphant strides of Hindus worldwide. Continued …

Titanic sub destroyed in ‘catastrophic implosion,’ all five aboard dead

A deep-sea submersible carrying five people on a voyage to the century-old wreck of the Titanic was found in pieces from a “catastrophic implosion” that killed everyone aboard, the U.S. Coast Guard said on Thursday, ending a multinational five-day search for the vessel. Continued …

Diabetes cases to double to 1.3 billion by 2050

The number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide will more than double to 1.3billion by 2050, driven by structural racism and gaping inequality between countries, new research predicted today. Continued …

US county sues oil companies for $51 billion over ‘Heat Dome’ disaster

A county in the northwestern state of Oregon on Thursday filed a lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies seeking more than $51 billion over the 2021 “Heat Dome,” one of the United States’ deadliest weather-related disasters. Continued …

€60 billion pledged to help Ukraine rebuild

Foreign donors have pledged €60 billion (US$66 billion) of new financial support for Ukraine, the United Kingdom said Thursday, as an international conference aimed at funding the war-ravaged country’s reconstruction closed. Continued …

Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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

chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, immigration, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-June 21

Today is the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.

  • Monsoon Valley Vineyard Fest Aug 11-13/
  • Pita Catches Covid For The Third Time, Coalition Talks Put Off/
  • El Niño is brewing – and that’s bad news for drought-prone Thailand/
  • Dengue situation could worsen this year, Disease Control Dept fears/
  • Taiwanese National Arrested in Nan Province for Overstaying 3,971 Days/
  • Another chonky feline survives Thai balcony plunge/
  • Economy: Failure to install new govt by August could affect GDP/Pizza Company rolling out another 40 branches to feed growing Thai appetite/Rice export surge: Thailand fast-tracks new varieties to boost global market share/
  • Tourism: TAT governor discusses his job, Thailand’s allure/Election uncertainty affects Thai tourism; domestic spending slows down/Thailand welcomes 11.8 million tourists this year, earns 494 baht in revenue/Chiang Mai sweats reputation after Chinese TikToker’s thong videos/Unleashing Thailand’s Soft Power Potential/Unfinished 29-million-baht tourist center in Satun languishes after six years/Thai Vietjet tempts with Zero THB fares/
  • Thailand Experience: 10 best Thailand beaches/
  • International: Sweltering Heat, Power Cuts In India Overwhelm Hospitals, Death Toll at 170/Titanic tourist sub still missing, as rescuers race the clock/Ocean warming depleting fish, reducing size: Malaysian study/Sudan war uproots 2.5 million, UN says, as bodies line Darfur streets/Iceland suspends whale hunt/Massive marlin disqualified from N.C. fishing tournament, costing crew $3.5M title/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Pita Catches Covid For The Third Time, Coalition Talks Put Off

Move Forward leader and prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat has caught Covid-19 for the third time, and, as he is now self-isolating a meeting of the eight-partner coalition government scheduled for Thursday June 22 has been put off to next week.

Chaitawat Tulathon, Move Forward’s secretary-general, said while this key meeting has been postponed, a seminar to be attended by Move Forward’s new MPs scheduled for June 21-23 will continue with him standing in on Pita’s behalf. Continued …

El Niño is brewing – and that’s bad news for drought-prone Thailand

The arrival of El Niño this year is likely to drive global temperatures up to record levels in the next few years, according to scientists. That’s bad news for drought-prone Thailand.

El Niño is triggered by a rise in surface temperatures of the eastern Pacific Ocean, leading to a phase of planet warming. The natural phenomenon usually occurs every two to seven years and brings reduced rainfall in Southeast Asia and southern Australia. Continued …

Dengue situation could worsen this year, Disease Control Dept fears

The Disease Control Department is worried that the dengue fever situation in Thailand will worsen this year as the death toll has risen to 17 and the number of cases have soared to over 19,000 early this month, the government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the department has reported a high number of dengue fever cases even before the arrival of the rainy season, when usually cases increase. Continued … 

Taiwanese National Arrested in Nan Province for Overstaying 3,971 Days

On June 19 at Chaisathan subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province, the Nan Immigration Office, led by Police Col. Apisak Pisanno, director of Nan Immigration and team, apprehended an overstaying Taiwanese male. The individual had been residing in the Kingdom of Thailand without proper authorization for a duration exceeding 3,971 days.

The arrest was prompted by a report received by the Nan Immigration office from foreign service officers indicating that a Taiwanese national had traveled to Thailand and inquired about information regarding staying in the country. Continued …

Another chonky feline survives Thai balcony plunge

Thailand’s murderous balconies would have claimed another soul last night – if it didn’t have eight to spare.

Mochi the cat fell from the fifth floor of an unspecified residential building and landed on the front window of a pickup truck Monday evening. Fortunately, Mochi only suffered a broken chin in the fall, according to his human companion Bambie. Continued …

Failure to install new govt by August could affect GDP

Hailing the announcement by the Election Commission (EC) that it has certified the 500 members of parliament as good news for the private sector, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is now hoping to see the formation of a new coalition Thai government by August.

FTI Chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul stressed the importance of avoiding any delays that could impact investor confidence, leading to a slowdown in investment until a new government is formed. Continued …

Pizza Company rolling out another 40 branches to feed growing Thai appetite

The Pizza Company will serve Thailand’s hungry diners an extra slice this year by opening another 40 branches nationwide, its general manager said on Tuesday.

In its biggest rebrand since landing in Thailand 22 years ago, the franchise operated by Minor Food Group will also renovate existing outlets while targeting a 15% boost in membership. The ongoing overhaul comes in response to Thailand’s growing hunger for dine-in, take-out, and delivery pizza. Continued …

Rice export surge: Thailand fast-tracks new varieties to boost global market share

Thailand is making significant strides in boosting its export competitiveness by fast-tracking the development of new rice varieties to meet global market demand, with plans to introduce 30 new varieties in the coming year.

Following the “new rice variety contest for Commerce” event, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit discussed Thailand’s efforts to combat the lack of diversity in its product offerings within the global rice market. This led to the country’s increased focus on producing new rice varieties to compete with other market players. Continued …

TAT governor discusses his job, Thailand’s allure

As a long-standing trusted partner of the Tourism Authority of Thailand UK, The Luxury Editor’s, Ross Fraser, was invited to meet Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand at the UK agent roadshow in Glasgow earlier this month. This is Tourism Authority of Thailand’s first UK agent roadshow in three years, which was hosted in both Manchester and Glasgow.

The significance of the roadshow was further amplified given that the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand is retiring this year and his attendance was to be his final business trip to the UK. Continued … 

Election uncertainty affects Thai tourism; domestic spending slows down

As the Election Commission validates candidates for MP-elect roles this week, tourism operators expressed concern about a slowdown in domestic spending. Travelers appear to be delaying their plans, while local businesses hesitate to reinvest until a government is established.

“There will still be a vacuum period until the government is formed,” stated Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Assn. Continued …

Thailand welcomes 11.8 million tourists this year, earns 494 baht in revenue

Since the start of the year, Thailand has welcomed close to 12 million foreign tourists, statistics released by the Tourism and Sports Ministry show.

This number is in line with expectations, the ministry’s permanent secretary’s office said, adding that the number of arrivals should cross the 12-million mark in the next week. Continued …

Chiang Mai sweats reputation after Chinese TikToker’s thong videos

A Chinese woman who stripped down to her thong aboard a Chiang Mai songthaew for TikTok has prompted the obligatory pearl-clutching in the Rose of the North.

In clips posted over several days, Chinese internet idol Huanxi59 struck provocative poses as she removed her clothes, sparking concerns she had tarnished the city’s reputation. In the first clip, watched more than a million times since it was posted Friday, she shows off a tiny thong as the songthaew drives around during sunset. Continued …

 

Unleashing Thailand’s Soft Power Potential

Immediately after Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, a member of the Korean-pop girl group Blackpink, in an interview casually mentioned her favorite meatball vendors at her hometown train station in Thailand’s Buriram province, sales of the local delicacies spiked by a staggering 1,000 percent.

Lisa’s first solo music video album, in which she donned a dazzling traditional Thai outfit, garnered an astonishing 10 million views on YouTube within just two hours. Now that’s soft power! Lisa’s phenomenal popularity makes her one of Thailand’s prime soft power exports. Continued …

Unfinished 29-million-baht tourist center in Satun languishes after six years

A tourist service center worth 29 million baht in Khuan Don, Satun province, remains incomplete after six years, despite pledges to expedite construction. The contractor for the project is the younger brother of the local governor.

On Facebook, the watchdog page “Operation Dog Guarding House” exposed the construction of a tourist service center located in Khuan Don, Satun province. The project, with a budget of 29,798,000 baht (US$ 855,121), was approved in 2016. The contract was awarded to Giat Jaroenchai Karnchang Co., a construction company owned by the younger brother of Samrit Siangprasit, the governor of Satun. The center was initially scheduled to be completed by Dec. 22, 2017, but each year since the deadline passed, the project has faced significant delays and unfinished work. Continued …

Thai Vietjet tempts with Zero THB fares

Thai Vietjet has introduced its “Mid Year Mega Sale”, which presents an opportunity to tap zero THB fares (excluding taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s international network.

The promotional fares are available for booking June 20-30, 2023, with the travel period running from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023 (excludes public holidays, with terms and conditions) at www.vietjetair.com. Continued …

10 best Thailand beaches

Thailand has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, thanks to its sprawling capital, vibrant cities and over one thousand islands awaiting those who visit.

With the country on course to welcome over 30 million tourists this year, it’s clear that it has maintained its appeal as Southeast Asia’s top holiday destination for everyone from gap-year backpackers to honeymooning couples – plus travelers of all stripes who are keen to catch some guaranteed sunshine and average temperatures of 27C, even in winter. Continued …

Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Sweltering Heat, Power Cuts In India Overwhelm Hospitals, Death Toll at 170

A scorching heat wave in two of India’s most populous states has overwhelmed hospitals, filled a morgue to capacity and disrupted power, forcing staff to use books to cool patients, as officials investigate a death toll that has reached nearly 170. Continued …

Titanic tourist sub still missing, as rescuers race the clock

Rescuers were scouring thousands of square miles in the remote North Atlantic for a third day on Tuesday, racing against time to find a missing submersible after it disappeared while taking wealthy tourists to see the wreckage of the Titanic in deep waters off Canada’s coast. Continued …

Ocean warming depleting fish, reducing size: Malaysian study

Ocean warming is not only depleting fish stocks in the ocean, it is also resulting in smaller fish sizes and even displacement of certain species, a local study has revealed. Continued …

Sudan war uproots 2.5 million, UN says, as bodies line Darfur streets

Bodies have lined the streets in Sudan’s western Darfur region as the UN said Tuesday that more than two months of fighting have forced over 2.5 million people from their homes. Continued …

Iceland suspends whale hunt

Iceland’s government said on Tuesday it was suspending this year’s whale hunt until the end of August due to animal welfare concerns, likely bringing the controversial practice to a historic end. Continued …

Massive marlin disqualified from N.C. fishing tournament, costing crew $3.5M title

A 619-pound blue marlin was disqualified from a fishing tournament in North Carolina over the weekend because of apparent bite marks on its flesh, depriving anglers of more than $3.5 million in prize money. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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, immigration, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-June 20

  • Blue & Yellow Book Exchange has reopened/
  • Pa La U durian festival showcases Hua Hin’s finest fruit/
  • All 500 MPs-Designate Finally Ratified/
  • Phra Prang Wat Arun tilting, to be surveyed every 3 months/
  • Economy: Foreign firms bring THB45 billion to Thailand, down 18% y-o-y/Six in 10 Asian consumers express preference for hybrid Evs/MEGA SHOW Bangkok 2023: Discover Latest Lifestyle Products/
  • Tourism: TAT expecting 5 million visitors from China this year/
  • Thailand Experience: Buffalo soldiers battle for supremacy in Chonburi/
  • International: Tourist sub exploring Titanic wreckage missing/Blinken and Xi pledge to stabilize deteriorated US-China ties/Spending patterns of super rich show Asia is most expensive region/Himalayan glaciers melting 65 percent faster than previous decade/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Blue & Yellow Book Exchange has reopened

With over 10,000 books in various European languages, Hua Hin’s Blue & Yellow Book Exchange has reopened. The store is located at 114/23 Petchkasem Road, near the main traffic lights, opposite Krungsri Bank. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Pa La U durian festival showcases Hua Hin’s finest fruit

Hua Hin’s renowned durian cultivation hub, Pa La U, is currently hosting the highly anticipated Pa La U durian and fruit festival.

This Ban Pa La-U Fruit and Good Products Expo, which is now in its 10th year, aims to celebrate the delectable fruit and showcases a wide range of local agricultural products. Continued …

All 500 MPs-Designate Finally Ratified

All 500 MPs-designate were ratified yesterday by the Election Commission, capping a five-week period of the nationwide electoral process.

Election Commission Secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee announced ratification of all 400 MPs-designate running in constituency-based mode and all 100 MPs-designate vying in party-listed mode, after investigation had been earlier conducted into allegations of vote-buying and other breaches to the election law involving a total of 71 winning contestants vying in the former mode. Continued …

Phra Prang Wat Arun tilting, to be surveyed every 3 months

Thailand’s Fine Arts Department plans to survey Phra Prang Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks on the Chao Phraya River, every three months after it was discovered through scanning that the principal prang, a tall tower-like spire, has started to lean.

The assistant abbot and secretary of the temple, also known as the Temple of Dawn, said yesterday that the slight reclining of the principal prang has caused four secondary prangs, located at its four corners, and four mondops, a square or cruciform building with a pointed roof, to lean slightly toward the main prang. Continued …

Foreign firms bring THB45 billion to Thailand, down 18% y-o-y

The number of foreign companies setting up operations in Thailand in the first five months of 2023 grew 16% year-on-year but investment dropped 18%, according to the Commerce Ministry on Tuesday.

Some 274 foreign investors were granted permission under the Foreign Business Act to set up in Thailand from January to May, said the ministry’s Department of Business Development (DBD) Director-general Thosapone Dansuputra. They invested a total of 45.39 billion baht and created 2,999 jobs. Continued …

Six in 10 Asian consumers express preference for hybrid EVs

Sixty percent of Asia Pacific consumers will opt for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in the near future, according to a study released on Monday.

The “Automotive Ecosystem Vision Study” found rising demand for HEVs, with 53% of global consumers revealing a stronger preference to purchase hybrids, rising to 60% in Asia. Continued …

MEGA SHOW Bangkok 2023: Discover Latest Lifestyle Products

“MEGA SHOW Bangkok 2023”, organized by Hong Kong-based Comasia Limited and co-organized by Worldex G.E.C Co., will be held from July 19 to 21 at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC).

The three-day event will bring together 500 booths, showcasing the latest lifestyle products and designs from Asia, including gifts and premiums, houseware and kitchen, stationery, travel and sporting goods, lifestyle products, smart green home zone, outdoor decoration and furniture, etc. Continued …

TAT expecting 5 million visitors from China this year

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is not concerned about China’s real estate slump as the agency remains confident about securing 5 million visitors from the country this year.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said most Chinese tourists are still keen to travel after saving money to travel abroad during the pandemic. Continued …

Buffalo soldiers battle for supremacy in Chonburi

Chonburi kicked off the rice-planting season on Sunday with a raucous tradition that dates back at least two centuries – buffalo racing. The races were organized to strengthen relationships between villagers, while also educating youngsters about the significance of this local tradition. Buffalos can hit speeds of up to 56 kilometres per hour as they thunder across muddy fields with jockeys either on their backs or dragged behind on flat sleighs. Most farms use mechanical equipment to plough fields these days, but the buffalo or “kwai” is still prized for its traditional place at the heart of Thai agriculture and rural life. (The Nation)
Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Tourist sub exploring Titanic wreckage missing

Search and rescue teams continue the relentless hunt across the vast North Atlantic Ocean to locate the Titan submarine, which mysteriously vanished on Sunday while en route to explore the wreckage of the legendary Titanic. Continued …

Blinken and Xi pledge to stabilize deteriorated US-China ties

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met on Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping and said they agreed to “stabilize” badly deteriorated U.S.-China ties, but America’s top diplomat left Beijing with his biggest ask rebuffed: better communications between their militaries. Continued …

Spending patterns of super rich show Asia is most expensive region

Asia remains the most costly region in the world to live in, with Singapore taking the number one spot, followed by Shanghai and Hong Kong, according to Julius Baer’s latest Global Wealth and Lifestyle report. Continued …

Himalayan glaciers melting 65 percent faster than previous decade

Himalayan glaciers providing critical water to nearly two billion people are melting faster than ever before due to climate change, exposing communities to unpredictable and costly disasters, scientists warned today. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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

baht, bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-June 19

  • Sunee Hill: Forging her own path/
  • Asia’s biggest Golf Tournament created a financial boost for Hua Hin/
  • Hua Hin Cricket Sixes returns to Dusit Thani Hua Hin in July/
  • Opinion: The Fear of Pita and Move Forward Explained/
  • Thai children losing out on height due to too little milk/
  • Funeral attendees win cows, receive rice gifts in unique 200,000 baht Thai almsgiving/
  • Keeping poor kids at school/
  • People flee high-rise buildings in Bangkok as Myanmar quake tremors felt/
  • Myanmar Junta Launches Airstrikes Near Thai Border As Clashes Escalate/
  • Coalition begins opening a path to deliver peace to the restive South/
  • 50,000 Signatures Sought to Keep Cannabis off the Narcotics List/
  • Economy: Thai baht continues to be volatile/Thai economy to enjoy positive growth, economists say/Further interest hikes likely/Household debt in Thailand soars to 86.9% of GDP, dampening consumer spending/
  • Tourism: Retirees skip Chiang Mai amid heavy smog/Chinese tourists top low season visitors list/
  • Thailand Experience: 7 best things to do in Hua Hin/A guide to visiting Koh Samui in 2023/Travelindex Unveils Winners of Bangkok’s Top 25 Restaurants/
  • International: Air Travel Demand Seen Soaring 28% To Near Pre-pandemic Level In 2023/China calls on US to meet it halfway amid frosty ties/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Sunee Hill: Forging her own path

By Felicitee Lawrie

When I first met Sunee Hill, a petite, feisty, white-haired Thai nonagenarian, she fixed me with her steely eyes and told me, point-blank, that I could write her story. This is the remarkable story of her life journey and her art, which has helped her explore her Chinese heritage.

Sunee was born and raised in Bangkok, the second child of nine to Chinese immigrant parents. Her father was a merchant who supplied materials to the construction industry. Because Thai authorities at the time had difficulty recording the details of her name and existence in Chinese language, she was not officially registered until quite some time later, so has a passport recording her birth as having happened in 1940, when it was indeed in 1932. What local lady wouldn’t mind shaving eight years off her age? Continued …

(Expat News is pleased to welcome a new series of articles about Hua Hin residents (above), written by freelance journalist Felicitee Lawrie, a Sydney, Australia, native. To read more about Felicitee, or to volunteer yourself or someone else for a possible profile by Felicitee, click HERE.)

Asia’s biggest Golf Tournament created a financial boost for Hua Hin

Over 480 competitors participated in Asia’s biggest golf tournament in Hua Hin from June 11-17.

While the golf media are currently focused on the PGA and PIF, one major golf tournament went ahead last week without any political issues. The Centara World Masters Golf Championship attracted over 480 amateurs to Hua Hin. Continued …

Hua Hin Cricket Sixes returns to Dusit Thani Hua Hin in July

The Hua Hin Cricket Sixes tournament will take place at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin from Sunday, July 2, to Friday, July 7.

Despite cricket not being particularly popular in Thailand, this event has become a sporting tradition for cricket enthusiasts and players alike and is now in its 26th year. Continued …

The Fear of Pita and Move Forward Explained

The Move Forward Party is new, and it has never been in power before. The unknown factor has driven some to fear what is to come when (and if) the party is in charge, particularly if you are the elites and the upper middle class for the following reasons.

Imagine yourself being the owner or in charge of one of Thailand’s largest corporations. Your company, or conglomerate, has established all the connections with the old guards in the world of politics, the bureaucracy, and the top echelon of Thai society. Continued …

Thai children losing out on height due to too little milk

Packed with essential nutrients, milk is an integral part of children’s diets and supports their growth. It contains calcium, which is great for the teeth and the bones, and has other health benefits, too, among them boosting the immune system, strengthening heart health, and improving the skin, according to experts.

Yet, despite these advantages, a study shows milk consumption is low among young Thais, raising concerns over their short stature. Continued …

Funeral attendees win cows, receive rice gifts in unique 200,000 baht Thai almsgiving

In Buriram province, a funeral for 92-year-old Wun Chongchaingam has drawn a large crowd due to the unusual almsgiving of 1.5 tons of rice and a raffle for five cows, worth a total of 200,000 baht (US$ 5,758), for needy villagers and attendees. The event took place at Wat Pa Non-Somboon temple.

Many villagers attended the funeral to pay respects and participate in merit-making for the deceased woman, as well as to try their luck at winning one of the five cows. In addition to the cow lottery, which was held in front of the guests, over 700 bags of rice, each containing approximately two kilograms, were prepared as gifts for attendees. Continued …

Keeping poor kids at school

Anirut Thongdech has a broad smile when he learns that he will have a chance to return to school this term after having dropped out for two years.

The 11-year-old boy, also known as Saming, was forced to leave school due to his parents’ inability to afford his education, a problem in Thai society that has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

People flee high-rise buildings in Bangkok as Myanmar quake tremors felt

Many office workers in high-rise buildings in Bangkok and Nonthaburi province rushed into the streets after they felt their buildings shake this morning.

One netizen tweeted that he was on the 13th floor of a building in the Lat Phrao area when he saw ceiling lamps swaying and felt dizzy. Another said that she dared not re-enter their building, after she and her colleagues ran out. Continued …

Myanmar Junta Launches Airstrikes Near Thai Border As Clashes Escalate

Fighting between Myanmar junta forces and Karenni armed groups just across the border from Mae Hong Son intensified yesterday, with the former launching 13 airstrikes against the latter.

Thai security forces said that Myanmar junta’s 430th Rapid Mobility Battalion continued to clash heavily with Karenni Army (KA), Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and People’s Defense Force (PDF), the loosely organized armed wing of the pro-democracy National Unity Government, around eight to 10 kilometers from Mae Ngao subdistrict, Khun Yuam district, Mae Hong Son province. Continued …

Coalition begins opening a path to deliver peace to the restive South

The Prachachart Party vowed on Sunday that it and its coalition partners will work to ensure that both Buddhist and Muslim residents of the South will be able to live in harmony.

The party’s stronghold is the Muslim-majority southern border provinces. It made the promise at a public forum with representatives of Buddhist residents of the southern border provinces. Continued …

50,000 Signatures Sought to Keep Cannabis off the Narcotics List

The Future Cannabis Network is marching across Thailand in a campaign to gather 50,000 signatures opposing the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic, confident that the new government will listen.

Amid current legislative changes surrounding the public Cannabis Act – which was initially proposed to the progressive party, before being stalled in committee – the group seeks to ensure that cannabis will not revert to its status as a controlled substance. Continued …

Thai baht continues to be volatile

After a week of fluctuations last week amid strong selling pressure on the U.S. dollar and bond yields, the exchange rate of the Thai baht to the U.S. dollar is expected to be volatile again this week, ranging between 34.40 and 34.90 Baht.

Key factors to watch include the statement from the U.S. Federal Reserve chairman to Congress, the direction of foreign capital flows, Thailand’s export data for May, and the political situation in the country. Continued …

Thai economy to enjoy positive growth, economists say

The Thai economy is still growing despite the risk of a global economic recession, economists said during the recent “Investment Forum: New Chapter, New Opportunity” seminar organized by Krungthep Turakij.

Somprawin Manprasert, head of Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center, said that while the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) did not hike interest rates at its meeting last week, as it wanted to send a signal that such hikes need not be constant, it was anticipated that there would be two further increases from the current rate of 5.25% this year, mainly to mitigate the impacts of rising fuel costs. Continued …

Further interest hikes likely

Thailand is likely to see higher interest rates in the second half of 2023 following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s indication of two further interest rate hikes this year and a signal from the Bank of Thailand that it, too, might raise interest.

According to Roong Sanguanruang of Krungsri Bank, it was earlier expected that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) might pause interest rate hikes at 2%. Continued …

Household debt in Thailand soars to 86.9% of GDP, dampening consumer spending

Thailand’s mounting household debt is raising concerns, as it continues to hinder consumer spending, affecting various industries and impeding economic growth. The latest data from the National Economic and Social Development Council shows debt in the nation reached 15.1 trillion baht in the fourth quarter of 2022, a 3.5% increase year on year, and accounting for 86.9% of GDP.

Debt levels remain alarmingly high, as the major factors behind rising household debt are real estate purchases and personal loans. Continued …

Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Retirees skip Chiang Mai amid heavy smog

Chiang Mai tourism operators hope the new government will work to urgently solve the haze problem to lure back long-stay senior tourists, which represent a major loss for the province.

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat visited the province last week to discuss environmental and tourism policies with representatives from the tourism sector. Continued …

Chinese tourists top low season visitors list

The majority of international tourists in Phuket at the start of the low season come from China, followed by Russia and Australia, according to the Phuket Tourist Assn. (PTA).

PTA Vice President Thanawat Oncharoen said yesterday most of the visitors from China were independent travelers, adding the number of tourist groups from the country remains low, though he did not reveal any details. Continued …

7 best things to do in Hua Hin

Packing the bags and jetting off to the delightful seaside resort of Hua Hin is becoming quite the hot ticket for locals and expats alike. With its prime position along the Gulf of Thailand, this lovely destination serves as a delightful getaway for those toiling away in bustling Bangkok.

Moreover, stunning landscapes and a plethora of captivating activities make it a top choice for everyone in search of some fun in the sun. But with so many things to do in Hua Hin, it can get a bit overwhelming. So to help you plan your travels, here are the best things to do in Hua Hin for an enjoyable holiday. Continued …

Tell us what you consider the best activities for visitors in Hua Hin at aim@hhexpatnews.com.

A guide to visiting Koh Samui in 2023

Koh Samui has long been a go-to hotspot for sunseekers and holidaymakers, and in 2023 it promises to be even more amazing. You might be wondering what all the fuss is about, but don’t you worry your sunscreen-lathered hands because our guide will show you everything Koh Samui has to offer, from the best time to visit to the best villa to stay to the yummiest food and dazzling night markets that you can’t miss.

You can fly into Koh Samui International Airport with Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, or Thai Airways routes. On the other hand, you can take a ferry to Koh Samui, which requires around 1-2 hours, depending on what pier you are getting on board. Continued …

Travelindex Unveils Winners of Bangkok’s Top 25 Restaurants

Travel-index, a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sector, has rolled out its annual list of 25 restaurants throughout Bangkok that it considers the top eateries, highlighting why the capital is such a popular gastronomic destination among gourmets and gourmands.

Travelindex has annually listed and awarded the best restaurants since 2018 based on its own patented “Restaurant Rating Index.” Continued …

Air Travel Demand Seen Soaring 28% To Near Pre-pandemic Level In 2023

Global air passenger traffic is expected to soar 28.3% to 4.35 billion people in 2023, returning to near the pre-pandemic level of 2019, with Asia-Pacific airlines benefiting from a sharp recovery in demand, according to estimates by an industry body. Continued …

China calls on US to meet it halfway amid frosty ties

China has called on the United States to meet it halfway, saying that bilateral ties are at the lowest point since the start of diplomatic relations, according to an official Chinese account of talks between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Sunday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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