Category Archives: marijuana

bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-July 10

  • Road closures this week/
  • Tommy Taylor: Both contradictions and clarity of purpose/
  • Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16/
  • Kolour music festival coming to Hua Hin Aug. 19/
  • What’s Plan B, Plan C and More If Pita Fails To Become PM?/
  • Heavy rain, floods, and landslide dangers as monsoon air currents persist/
  • Triple surge in dengue cases challenge Thai healthcare system/
  • Thailand has 150,000+ stateless children/
  • Ceremony held to remember those who died during Tham Luang rescue/
  • Plai Sak Surin eating well, sleeping well and free of disease/
  • A brief history of Thailand’s ‘elephant diplomacy’/
  • Four dead, 27 injured as bus carrying Thai marathon runners topples over/
  • Thai mother amputee defies odds, on road to recovery/
  • What can Australia learn from Thailand a year after cannabis was decriminalized?/
  • Economy: Outside of Politics, Thailand Has a Good Story to Tell/
  • Tourism: Tourism is still driving growth of Thai economy, central bank says/Thailand aims to boost economy with health tourism campaign/Pai Suspends Tubing in Rainy Season, Offers Jazz And Green/
  • Thailand Experience: Jet Tila’s Top 3 Thai Curry Recipe Videos/Paradise awaits campers at Kanchanaburi’s Kroeng Krawia Waterfall/Where to find the most famous street food in Bangkok/
  • International: Driverless taxis to start paid service in Beijing/Nail salon robbery attempt foiled by disinterested staff and customers/Proof humans reshaped the world? Chickens/
  • 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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Tommy Taylor: Both contradictions and clarity of purpose

By Felicitee Lawrie

Given the name Thomas at birth, this man is now called Tom by his family and friends in England and other parts of the world, but is pretty much universally known as Tommy Taylor by his Thai friends and his many contacts in wildlife protection and conservation.

This nickname was bestowed upon Tom by a dear Australian friend, during his time as a WFFT volunteer. Tommy Taylor in the second-in-charge at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, and trusted lieutenant and heir-apparent to WFFT’s founder and head honcho, the renown Edwin Wiek. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16

One of the region’s most eye-catching running events will be held in Prachuap Khiri Khan Saturday, July 16. The Tipco Prachuap Khiri Run 2023 will take participants along the stunning Prachuap Bay and the Wing 5 military base.

Runners will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings, with the route boasting some breathtaking views along the bay and across the runway at the military base. Continued … 

What’s Plan B, Plan C and More If Pita Fails To Become PM?

On Thursday morning at 9am, parliamentarians will vote to select the new prime minister, and Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat’s future will become clear, if not clearer.

Last-minute lobbying for more junta-appointed senators to endorse Pita in the next three to four days aside, a rough and initial contingency plan has already been partly made public. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Second Deputy House Speaker Pichaet Chuamuangpan have made it clear earlier this week that Pita’s name will at least get to be tabled for a second and even a third vote if he kept failing to get at least 376 votes – the magic number required to make him Thailand’s 30th prime minister. Continued … 

Heavy rain, floods, and landslide dangers as monsoon air currents persist

Thailand continues to experience heavy rainfall in various regions due to eastward-moving monsoon air currents and southwestern monsoon winds that still cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.

The adverse weather conditions have resulted in the need for vigilance against potential danger from intense and accumulated rainfall, which might lead to sudden floods and landslides, particularly in steep terrain near water courses and low-lying areas. Continued …

Triple surge in dengue cases challenge Thai healthcare system

A surge in dengue patients has been recorded in the first half of this year, with numbers almost triple that of the same period last year, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). The dengue outbreak continues to challenge the healthcare system, as the number of infected individuals soars.

From Jan. 1 to June 28, 27,377 dengue cases were identified, marking a near tripling of the numbers from the corresponding period the previous year. Furthermore, the DDC reported that 33 patients have tragically lost their lives in these cases due to the severe dengue outbreak. Continued …

Thailand has 150,000+ stateless children

Thailand is host to the second-largest refugee population in Asia. There are over 150,000 stateless children in the system, plus an estimated 50,000 who are not registered.

Though Thailand has made a lot of progress in the past 10 years, especially in terms of policies, there is still room for improvement in accelerating the process and reaching the goal of zero stateless children in the near future. Continued …

Ceremony held to remember those who died during Tham Luang rescue

A religious ceremony was held this morning in front of Tham Luang cave, in the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Mai, to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the dramatic search and rescue mission for 12 members of the “Wild Boar” school footballer team and their coach, trapped inside the flooded cave from June 23 to July 10, 2018.

The ceremony was also held to pay respects to two members of the Thai Navy SEAL team who died during the rescue, Saman Kunan and Beirut Pakbara, the late Chiang Rai Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn, who supervised the search and rescue operations, and Duangphet Promthep, one of the footballers who died in February this year while studying in Britain. Continued …

Plai Sak Surin eating well, sleeping well and free of disease

The Thai elephant brought back from Sri Lanka has tested negative for six communicable diseases common among pachyderms in his first seven days of quarantine. The elephant is being quarantined at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang.

Saran Chansittivej, a veterinarian tending to the elephant, said on Sunday that blood and stool tests found Plai Sak Surin free of the following diseases: Continued …

A brief history of Thailand’s ‘elephant diplomacy’

When thinking about sending Thai elephants abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is the time when His Majesty King Rama IV attempted to gift elephants to former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

Silpa-Mag and Siammanussati websites stated that HM King Rama IV contacted the former president on multiple occasions. In 1856, a royal letter and gifts were sent to President Franklin Pierce and then to James Buchanan in 1859. Continued …

Four dead, 27 injured as bus carrying Thai marathon runners topples over

In Sisaket, a province in northeastern Thailand, a tragic turn of events led to the death of four individuals and left 27 others with injuries of varying severity. The Sisaket bus accident took place yesterday morning when the vehicle ferrying marathon runners toppled over and plunged into the dense forest on a steep mountain road.

The runners, affiliated with Luang Pu Suang Wat Phrai Phatthana Technological College, embarked on their journey around 9.30am. The bus was in the process of climbing a mountain road near the Phaya Krupri Viewpoint when it fell off the steep road. Continued …

Thai mother amputee defies odds, on road to recovery

The son of the Thai woman who lost her leg in a faulty airport escalator believes she will be running faster than him in no time as she took her first steps on the road to recovery.

Suphannee Kittirattana yesterday took her first tentative steps since her leg was amputated after it got tangled in a dodgy travelator at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok on June 29. Continued …

What can Australia learn from Thailand a year after cannabis was decriminalized?

Stone Age, iStoned, High Got You, and Wake N’ Bake are just a handful of the endless weed puns popping up on shop signs across Thailand.

Over the past year, thousands of marijuana businesses have flooded the streets since the country decriminalized cannabis to help boost the tourism, agriculture and wellness industries. Continued …

Outside of Politics, Thailand Has a Good Story to Tell

When central bankers line up almost daily to assert their commitment to fighting inflation, it makes me think of Thailand. Not the fine resorts and great food. The country’s untrumpeted success is seriously taming prices to the point where officials might want to think about easing up, lest the economy slows too much.

Like the rest of Southeast Asia, Thailand has been blindsided by the modest nature of China’s rebound. Tourism, a key industry, is gradually recovering. The number of Chinese visitors is heading in the right direction, but nothing like the surge that was anticipated when Beijing canceled Covid Zero. Thailand’s divisive politics aren’t helpful: Two months after an election, the country is without a prime minister. Continued …

Tourism is still driving growth of Thai economy, central bank says

Tourism remains the engine of growth for the Thai economy, and with the number of foreign visitors continuing to rise, economic growth will pick up, according to the Bank of Thailand monetary policy department Director Sakkapop Panyanukul.

Consumption will also rise due to the recovery in the labor market, Sakkapop said. Government spending also increased in both operational and capital expenditures, he added. Continued …

Thailand aims to boost economy with health tourism campaign

The Thai government has launched an ambitious campaign, “Discover the New You” to entice international visitors to spend upwards of 18 million baht (US$510,000) by September of this year.

This initiative is a concerted effort by the government, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and over 130 healthcare, wellness businesses and service providers including hotels, spas, health resorts, hospitals, and clinics. Continued …

Pai Suspends Tubing in Rainy Season, Offers Jazz And Green

Tourism in Mae Hong Son province confirms the need to suspend tube rafting, a popular tourist activity in Pai district, due to high water levels during the rainy season. The risks of forest water and flash floods pose a danger to tourists.

Panuwat Khadnak, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mae Hong Son Office, said that, according to the measures to promote rubber rafting tourism on the Pai River, all entrepreneurs are required to stop rubber rafting activities on the Pai River for the safety of tourists. Continued …

Jet Tila’s Top 3 Thai Curry Recipe Videos

Video 

Paradise awaits campers at Kanchanaburi’s Kroeng Krawia Waterfall

The wet season is the perfect time for nature lovers to visit the Kroeng Krawia waterfall in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district. Located near the Khao Laem National Park’s Protection Unit 1, the beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush forests also offers stunning misty mornings.

Though offering unspoiled views, the surrounding area has been developed as a camping site, with facilities like toilets, electricity, wi-fi and food outlets. Continued …

Where to find the most famous street food in Bangkok

There are many reasons why people visit Bangkok: a change of pace, or the nightlife, or indeed, even the food. No one can deny how irresistible pad thai looks as you’re down the streets, or how curious the cravings for some khao tom pla can get after a few drinks.

From gai yang to som tum and boat noodles, here’s where to find some of the most famous street food in Bangkok. These neighborhoods are known for their good food, with a few standout stalls you should check out, too. Continued …

Driverless taxis to start paid service in Beijing

A larger fleet of driverless taxis will soon be available for hire in the capital city as the Office of the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone has decided to launch the commercial operation of autonomous vehicles and expand their serviceable area. Continued …

Nail salon robbery attempt foiled by disinterested staff and customers

An audacious, yet futile robbery attempt at a nail salon in Atlanta, United States, has left not only the perpetrator in disbelief but also the public, as both the staff and patrons seemed to be unfazed by the incident. Continued …

Proof humans reshaped the world? Chickens

When aliens or our distant progeny sift through layers of sediment 500,000 years from now to decode the Earth’s past, they will find unusual evidence of the abrupt change that upended life half-a-million years earlier – chicken bones. 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

 

baht, bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-June 26

  • Heavy rainfall predicted across Thailand due to monsoon impact/
  • Thai baht weakens to baht35/USD/
  • Optimism grows for new government, Anutin defends pot industry/
  • Police, military prepare for mass protests if Pita’s bid to be PM is thwarted/
  • Ceremony at Tham Luang marks 5th anniversary of rescue mission/
  • Economy: Thailand No.1 in ASEAN according to UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development ranking/Thai Durian Exports to Vietnam Soar 10,000% as New Gateway to China/
  • Tourism: Chinese Tourists Face Charges for Taking Photos with Starfish/
  • Thailand Experience: Bangkok’s Baan Krua, a resilient community crafting its own future/Chiang Mai: Hipster magnet meets Buddhist cultural capital/An eco-friendly trip in Phuket/Ghostly good times in Loei/Longan fruit guide: Discovering Thailand’s sweet gem/20 Thailand islands to explore/The Thai food revolution: Young chefs put Bangkok on the fine-dining map/
  • International: Russian mercenaries halt march to Moscow/Vietnam approves extending e-visas to 90 days/
  • 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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Heavy rainfall predicted across Thailand due to monsoon impact

In the forecast for the next 24 hours, weather conditions across Thailand are expected to turn severe, with heavy rains predicted in the northern and northeastern regions, and a significant 60% of Bangkok areas facing heavy downpours.

These conditions are following the impact of a monsoon trough passing over the northern region and upper Laos, which is leading into a low-pressure area over upper Vietnam, and the monsoon tides sweeping over the Andaman Sea and the Thai bay. Continued …

Thai baht weakens to baht35/USD

The Thai baht opened this morning at 35.13 baht per U.S. dollar, down from the previous day’s closing rate of 35.06 baht per U.S. dollar. This represents the sharpest weakening in more than three months, according to Krung Thai Bank’s Money Market Division analyst Poon Panichpibul.

Factors supporting the depreciation stem from the strengthening of the USD, which comes with a contraction in the price of gold, putting pressure on the Thai baht due to the reduced demand for gold purchases. Continued …

Optimism grows for new government, Anutin defends pot industry

Constructive noises from the Bhumjaithai Party and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s plea to the new government to protect the nascent cannabis industry comes in a week that has seen a shift in attitude by the establishment toward the election results, with increased optimism that a new government will be formed in July rather than in August as was originally envisaged.

The incoming government must act cautiously concerning calls to relist cannabis as a scheduled narcotic, warned Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul this week. He told reporters, on Sunday, that he believed there will be a new government in July led by Pita Limjaroenrat, while denying reports of an approach by the Move Forward Party to the Bhumjaithai Party to support the new ministry in parliament. Continued …

Police, military prepare for mass protests if Pita’s bid to be PM is thwarted

The armed forces and the Royal Thai Police are discussing security measures to implement if turmoil and violence erupts should Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat fail to be elected prime minister in the middle of next month, military and police sources said.

They said the armed forces and police fear that supporters of Move Forward and its major coalition party, Pheu Thai, may stage violent protests if the Move Forward-led coalition of 313 MPs fails to win support from 63 senators or MPs from other parties to elect Pita as the next prime minister of Thailand. Continued …

 

Ceremony at Tham Luang marks 5th anniversary of rescue mission

A ceremony was held in front of the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province on Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of the global mission to save young footballers and their coach who were stranded in a flooded cave.

Photos of ex-Thai Navy Seal diver Saman Kunan, who died during the mission, ex-Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osatanakorn, who died on Wednesday, and Wild Boars football team member Duangphet Promthep, who died earlier this year in England, were set up in the area to commemorate their passing. Continued …

Thailand No.1 in ASEAN according to UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development ranking

Thailand‘s recent economic, social, and green development has been reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Report for 2023. In a statement relayed by Trisulee Trisoranakul, the deputy government spokesperson, Thailand has now improved its standing to the 43rd position among 166 countries from 44th last year.

The Sustainable Development Report outlines that Thailand has, for the fifth consecutive year, held the number one spot for sustainable development within the ASEAN region. This successful development, represented through an SDG Index score of 74.7 in 2023, underlines the government’s efforts to foster sustainable progress. Continued …

Thai Durian Exports to Vietnam Soar 10,000% as New Gateway to China

According to the Ministry of Commerce’s report for the first four months (Jan.-April) of 2023, Thailand’s durian exports and frozen durian had a total value of 63,627 million baht, up 166% from the same period last year.

The top export market was China, with a value of 62,068 million baht, an increase of 170% from the previous year, followed by Hong Kong with a value of 941 million baht, up 77% year-on-year, and Taiwan with a value of 198 million baht, up 36% year-on-year. Continued …

Chinese Tourists Face Charges for Taking Photos with Starfish

Marine protection officials on Friday filed a police complaint against Chinese tourists for taking photos with rare sea creatures in the sea off Koh Racha.

Chinese tourists Sanyang Qin and Wen Zhang were accused of holding up a starfish and stepping on coral reefs during their Thursday diving trip in Phuket province. Their actions violated a law forbidding harm to the coastal environment, environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa said. Continued …

Bangkok’s Baan Krua, a resilient community crafting its own future

Go across a canal from Bangkok’s swanky speakeasies and megawatt malls to find a tangle of tiny lanes weaving through a community long written off as forsaken and impoverished.

While visitors flock to tour the Jim Thompson House, few cross a nearby footbridge to where it all began in a claustrophobic maze of homes once filled with looms weaving silk. Decades after Thompson’s mysterious 1967 disappearance, the perception endures that Baan Krua’s prosperity and future vanished along with its foreign benefactor. Continued …

Chiang Mai’s Phae Gate

Chiang Mai: Hipster magnet meets Buddhist cultural capital

The 2020s version of the hipster is a far cry from the beatniks or hippies of the swinging ’60s. The modern hipster is likely to be a coffee snob, shop at an organic food store, profit from their creative pursuits.

You’re likely to bump into one of them in a songthaew or what tourists call red cars in Chiang Mai — a sort of repurposed pickup truck that is used as public transport. Thailand’s northern hub has long been at the center of the country’s culture, language and religion. Today it’s also a magnet for solo travelers and pilgrims who have over 300 temples to choose from. Continued …

An eco-friendly trip in Phuket

From island hopping to jungle exploration, Phuket is one of the most attractive places to visit in Thailand. There are plenty of water activities to do in Phuket, such as kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. But what can make it an experience of a lifetime is a vacation that contributes to marine life conservation.

Phuket is known as the “Pearl of the Andaman” and is the largest island in Thailand. The beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a top destination for a tropical beach getaway. Furthermore, Phuket is known for its conservation and educational centers. Continued …

Ghostly good times in Loei

Decked out in elaborate long-nosed masks and ruffled pants, hundreds of people banged cowbells and danced in a grand parade on Saturday at the annual ghost festival in this northeastern province.

The streets of Dan Sai district in Loei province were awash with color and traditional music at the Phi Ta Khon carnival as participants summoned the spirits before thousands of spectators. Continued …

Longan fruit guide: Discovering Thailand’s sweet gem

Longan, or ลำไย “lum yai” in Thai, is a juicy, sweet fruit that tastes similar to lychee. Known as “dragon’s eye” due to its translucent, white flesh with a central black seed, longan is a popular option when it comes to tropical fruits in Thailand.

When visiting Thailand, longan fruit is a must-try because of its sweetness and numerous culinary applications. Let’s explore this delicious tropical fruit’s history, seasonality, health benefits, variety. Continued …

20 Thailand islands to explore

Thailand is home to some of the world’s best islands. When you picture paradise, sparkling turquoise water, spotless white sand stretching for miles and swaying palm trees may come to mind, and this is exactly what you’ll find on all of Thailand’s islands.

Aside from the fact that there are over 1,400 to choose from, each one offers something different besides the natural allure of the beaches and relaxation. Continued …

The Thai food revolution: Young chefs put Bangkok on the fine-dining map

Thailand has long been known for its excellent and affordable street food and, on the other end of the spectrum, its classic royal Thai cuisine. But the progressive Thai food now being served in boundary-breaking restaurants across Bangkok, and increasingly in other parts of the country, is something else entirely.

A new generation of chefs are reinterpreting Thai food, putting street food on the proverbial white tablecloths of the fine-dining space, and digging into history to tell stories about their food culture. Continued …

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

Russian mercenaries halt march to Moscow

Wagner fighters were leaving Russia’s southern Voronezh region Sunday, the local governor said, after the group halted a dramatic rebellion to bring down Russia’s top brass and U-turned on a march to Moscow. Continued …

Vietnam approves extending e-visas to 90 days

The National Assembly has approved extending tourist e-visas from 30 to 90 days, starting from Aug. 15, 2023, at its ongoing fifth session held on Saturday. Upon being granted an e-visa, a foreigner can enter and exit an unlimited number of times within 90 days, without having to go through procedures for obtaining a new visa. 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

climate change, covid, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news- June 16

  • Jeffrey McNeely: Still fighting for the environment/
  • Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae finds success in Hua Hin/
  • Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai/
  • Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast/
  • Saudi Man Nabbed With 189 Wildlife In Smuggling Attempt/
  • Covid bivalent vaccine shows rapidly declining effectiveness against XBB strain/
  • Police say serial cyanide killer had accomplice in at least 4 murders/
  • Non-Stop Flow Of Myanmar Refugees To Thailand Amid Fierce Fighting/
  • Community planting new hope on a bare mountain/
  • A life in chains: Monkeys as coconut pickers in Thailand/
  • Economy: Bank of Thailand forecasts GDP growth, increased tourism/Digital push woos multinational firms/Thailand eyes sustainable construction via new waste management system/Recriminalizing cannabis may kill Thailand’s flowering weed industry/
  • Tourism: Thailand urged to woo business tourists/China bookings to return to pre-pandemic level by early 2024 – Agoda/
  • Thailand Experience: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui/
  • International: US Military Wins ‘Unimpeded’ Access To Papua New Guinea Bases/
  • 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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Expat News is pleased to welcome a new series of articles about Hua Hin residents, written by freelance journalist Felicitee Lawrie, a Sydney, Australia, native.

“Hua Hin is full of unique human beings, each with an interesting back story, dreams, passions and achievements, much of it unknown to even people who encounter them on a daily basis,” Felicitee says of her current passion.

To read more about Felicitee, click HERE.

Jeffrey McNeely: Still fighting for the environment

By Felicitee Lawrie

Jeffrey McNeely describes himself as a curious, bibliophilic outdoor enthusiast. Trained as an anthropologist and having spent two years studying nature in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal, Jeff appreciates all things scientific and takes great delight in learning more about the natural world and the various ways different human cultures interact with it.

Although he retired at the end of 2016 from his final post as chief scientist at the Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this retirement has seen him only barely less busy or less productive. Continued …

Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae finds success in Hua Hin

With well over 20 years’ experience as a professional chef, both in Thailand and abroad, Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae has made quite a name for herself as someone who’s not afraid to push the epicurean envelope. Many Bangkok gourmands remember her fondly as the woman behind Karmakamet Conveyance restaurant, where diners were presented with intricately crafted and always unpredictable set menu dinners.

In October of 2021, she left the chaos of Bangkok behind and relocated to Hua Hin, where she opened a charming beachfront bistro appropriately named Som’s Table. Here she serves up an à la carte menu of beautifully prepared and highly imaginative gourmet comfort food dishes, which have, in turn, earned her a devoted foodie following. Continued …

Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai

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 …

Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast

Thai researchers are currently raising the alarm as they predict a potential drought crisis in the coming years, due to the El Nino weather pattern causing lower than average rainfall. Consequently, proactive measures and comprehensive water-management plans are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of the impending water scarcity.

A conference discussing climate change, water-resource management, and strategies for tackling future challenges was recently held by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI). Researchers and officials from related agencies attended the event to share their knowledge on the issue. Continued …

Saudi Man Nabbed With 189 Wildlife In Smuggling Attempt

A Saudi Arabian man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday after 99 wild animals and 90 aquatic animals were found in his suitcases, just as he was trying to catch a flight back to his home country.

Airport officials inspected the three suitcases the unidentified Saudi man checked in at the international departure hall after one of them became suspicious about what they contained. Upon opening them, they found a total of 189 wildlife and aquatic animals worth 259,200 baht in them. Continued …

Covid bivalent vaccine shows rapidly declining effectiveness against XBB strain

The effectiveness of bivalent Covid-19 vaccines is likely to decline rapidly as the XBB variant continues to spread, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine Associate Professor Dr. Thira Woratanarat, posted on Facebook today.

The news comes on the heels of Thursday’s meeting between the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee held to discuss the findings of an ongoing study. Continued …

Police say serial cyanide killer had accomplice in at least 4 murders

A close associate of suspected serial cyanide killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn collaborated in at least four of the killings, police said on Thursday.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachet “Big Joke” Hakparn delivered the news as police prepared to hand their investigation report to public prosecutors on Monday. Continued …

Non-Stop Flow Of Myanmar Refugees To Thailand Amid Fierce Fighting

Amid fierce fighting between Myanmar junta army and Karenni Army (KA), Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Kayah state opposite Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province that started earlier this week, there is now a non-stop stream of Karenni refugees crossing over to seek shelter on the Thai side.

The fighting broke out on Tuesday between Myanmar junta’s 430th Rapid Mobility Battalion and Karenni fighters supported by PDF, the loosely organized armed wing of the pro-democracy National Unity Government, with 20 refugees having first crossed over that same evening. Continued …

Community planting new hope on a bare mountain

Residents from six villages near a gold mine in Thailand’s Loei province came together for a tree-planting event earlier this week, in an effort to restore life to a mountain ravaged by gold mining.

A community-based group called Khon Rak Ban Kerd (People Who Love Their Hometown), along with international students from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, school children and teachers from Ban Huai Phuk School and the head of the Khao Luang subdistrict administration organization collaborated to revive the once-thriving ecosystem on the mountain and heal the scars left by mining. Continued …

A life in chains: Monkeys as coconut pickers in Thailand

Nong has been walking in circles for an hour. Attached to his tight metal collar is a short 3-meter chain chained to a bamboo pole. The strong macaque monkey takes the chain in his hand, his facial expression revealing just how much he hates it.

Nong is four years old. He has lived with coconut farmer Lek and his family for two-and-a-half years. The monkey’s job is to pick coconuts from tall palm trees early in the morning, when the tropical heat on Thailand’s dream island of Koh Samui is still bearable. In order to complete his morning tasks, he is put on a slightly longer chain for some time. Continued …

Bank of Thailand forecasts GDP growth, increased tourism

Anticipating a stronger Thai economy, the Bank of Thailand has expressed confidence that GDP growth will surpass their expectations. This is attributed to the economic strategies implemented by the new government, combined with progress in the tourism and consumption sectors.

In a recent meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the central bank stated that they foresee continuous growth in the Thai economy, albeit with some inflationary risks. According to the MPC, the driving forces behind this economic expansion are tourism and private consumption, along with a predicted recovery of goods exports by the latter half of 2023. Continued …

Digital push woos multinational firms

Many foreign software firms established offices in Thailand this year to capitalize on the country’s continuing digital transformation and to serve the demand of local enterprises.

The country also attracted large foreign data center and cloud service providers from the U.S., Japan and China over the past two years. Continued …

Thailand eyes sustainable construction via new waste-management system

Thailand’s push to create a “circular economy” has been handed fresh impetus with a new solution to manage waste from its burgeoning construction industry.

Developers of the CPAC Waste Management Solution say it will help achieve sustainability in the construction industry and strengthen “circular” resource management, while supporting the sector’s rapid growth. Continued …

Recriminalizing cannabis may kill Thailand’s flowering weed industry

Move Forward Party’s policy to relist cannabis as a narcotic could have deep and wide-ranging impacts on Thailand’s flourishing marijuana industry, experts say.

“More than a million people have applied to grow cannabis, while authorities have granted 1.1 million licenses to produce or sell cannabis-related products,” reports Nikkei Asia.

After cannabis was removed from the narcotics list on June 9 last year, Kasikorn Research Centre forecast the value of Thailand’s weed market would hit 21 billion baht by 2024, driven by demand from Thais and foreign tourists. Continued …

Thailand urged to woo business tourists

Online travel agent Agoda hopes Thailand can become a preferred destination for business travelers, competing with Japan and Vietnam.

Following Japan in the top spot, Thailand became the second-largest inbound market via the Agoda platform from January to May, ahead of Vietnam in third. Continued …

China bookings to return to pre-pandemic level by early 2024 – Agoda

Overseas travel bookings from mainland China are currently at just over half of pre-pandemic levels but are on course to return to the 2019 numbers by the end of this year or early 2024, the head of online travel agency Agoda said on Thursday.

China was the world’s largest outbound tourism market before the pandemic with annual spending of $255 billion. The country reopened earlier this year after removing most of its pandemic restrictions, giving a big boost to outbound travel. Continued …

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

Top 15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise that offers a myriad of reasons to visit. In this Koh Samui Travel Guide, we will share a few enticing aspects of this stunning island destination:

Idyllic Beaches: Koh Samui boasts some of Thailand’s most picturesque beaches, with crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and lush palm-fringed coastlines. From the popular Chaweng Beach to the tranquil Lamai Beach, you can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding by the sea. Video 

US Military Wins ‘Unimpeded’ Access To Papua New Guinea Bases

The U.S. military can develop and operate out of bases in Papua New Guinea, according to a landmark security pact underpinning Washington’s efforts to outflank China in the Pacific. 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.

UPDATED: Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

hua hin, immigration, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-June 12

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.”

  • 3,500 runners join Hua Hin Marathon Sunday/
  • Centara World Masters Golf underway this week/
  • Wild Animal Network Conference June 13-15/
  • Hua Hin Charity Gold Day June 17/
  • Thailand’s air pollution problem could worsen this year/
  • Nine Years After 2014 Coup, Charade Continues with Pita The New Target/
  • MFP survives first calls for dissolution/
  • Gang arrested for stealing sacred stone from Sam Roi Yot National park/
  • Less water in Thailand’s four main reservoirs this year/
  • Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike/
  • Dengue fever outbreak hits 3-year high; nearly 20,000 affected, 15 deaths/
  • Foreigners Rounded Up In Surat Thani Crackdown/
  • Thai Police Seize 200 Million Baht Worth of Heroin Destined for Australia/
  • Three Pit Bulls abandoned, starved, and turned cannibal in Nonthaburi/
  • In reality, Thailand not the LGBTQ+ paradise it pretends to be/
  • Economy: Thailand EV hub ambition recharged by soaring investment/Bitkub revenue dips 48% as crypto sinks/Thailand is a global capital of (illegal) sex work/Thanisorn “Phet” Boonsoong on Thailand’s Burgeoning Cannabis Industry/
  • Tourism: 25 million international tourists expected in next 7 months/Thailand boosts wellness tourism with 5-year traditional Thai medicine plan/Suvarnabhumi satellite terminal set for soft takeoff in September/Airfares may stay sky-high, say industry experts/
  • Thailand Experience : Four seaside surf festivals for June and July, including PKK/5 Offbeat Islands In Thailand You Must Explore/
  • International: Vietnam’s power crisis deepens as hydroelectric reservoirs near dangerous levels/Colombian Child plane crash survivors in ‘acceptable’ state of health/SEC Lawsuits Against Binance And Coinbase Raise Questions About Crypto’s Future/Djokovic celebrates 23rd Grand Slam/
  • 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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Photo by Patrik Jacobs

3,500 runners join Hua Hin Marathon Sunday

Over 3,500 runners participated in this year’s 3rd Hua Hin Marathon yesterday. The event was organized by Preserve Hua Hin, and began at Wat Khao Krailart in Khao Takiab.

The 42-kilometer route ran through Hua Hin almost to the airport, before ending at Wat Khao Krailart.

Yoshiyuki Ono of Japan won the event with a time of 02:47:54, Thai athlete อนุชิต บุญยกิจ finished second, while Hua Hin’s Lewis Chalk finished third.

A special part of the run was held by Hua Hin-based runners made up of Thais and expats who guided visually impaired students from Phetchaburi’s Thanmik Wittaya school. A related fund-raising campaign raised over 30,000 THB for Thanmik Wittaya school (see photo above).

Centara World Masters Golf underway this week

Eighteen countries are represented in the more than 400 golfers entered in this week’s Centara World Masters Golf Championship.

Australian golfers make up the majority of the field, but there are also participants from Norfolk Island, Pakistan, New Caledonia, Qatar, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, New Zealand, India, the UK, UAE, USA, Thailand, Germany, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa.

Thailand’s air pollution problem could worsen this year

Thailand’s polluted air has been a staggering issue for years now, especially in the north, where the air quality is reported to be detrimental to people’s health. But, as the rainy season is approaching, deluding our view that the air pollution has subsided, the opposite is true.

This year, Thailand is seeing worse haze than the previous. The air pollution is caused by various factors such as urban transportation, industrial pollution, forest fires and agricultural burning to clear the land for the next crop cycle–made worse by this year’s El Nino, which makes the air even more dry and susceptible to burning. Continued …

Nine Years After 2014 Coup, Charade Continues with Pita The New Target

Afarce, a charade, a travesty of justice, ludicrous, shambolic, and absurd – these are some of the words described the reactions of some Thais and foreigners upon learning that the Election Commission on Friday has considered to take up the case on whether Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has violated Article 151 of the election laws by holding ITV media shares.

Article 151 criminalized anyone who applied to run for MP knowingly that he or she lacks the qualifications – and holding media shares disqualifies you. Pita could face between one to 10 years in prison, slapped with a fine between 20,000 to 200,000 baht, and banned from voting for 20 years. Continued …

MFP survives first calls for dissolution

Four recent petitions along with a request to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) have been dismissed as groundless and no reason for dissolution by the Election Commission (EC), according to a source.

The dismissal of the petitions to dissolve the MFP was made while the eight-party coalition led by the MFP goes about forming a new government. Continued …

Gang arrested for stealing sacred stone from Sam Roi Yot National park

Officials have announced the arrest of a gang that had been illegally cutting and stealing stone from Sam Roi Yot National Park.

The illegal activity took place near the Tham Kaew Cave, an area of cultural and ecological significance within the national park, officials said. Continued …

Less water in Thailand’s four main reservoirs this year

Water levels in the reservoirs behind Thailand’s four main dams have dropped substantially, raising concerns of insufficient supply for agriculture and consumption.

According to the Royal Irrigation Department, the combined water volume in the big and medium-sized reservoirs across the country is estimated at 16.13 billion cubic meters, compared to 18.616 billion cubic meters at this time last year. Continued …

Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike

The soaring cost of eggs in Thailand has left traders and consumers concerned, with some attributing the price hike to a shortage of supplies at farms and increased export demand.

Wanchai Rungmitcharatsaeng, a 65-year-old egg shop owner in Khon Kaen’s Mueang district, has been in the business for over 20 years and claims that egg prices have reached an all-time high. Continued …

Dengue fever outbreak hits 3-year high; nearly 20,000 affected, 15 deaths

A recent warning from Thailand’s government deputy spokesperson, Trisuree Trisaranakul, has alerted the public to the rapidly growing dengue fever outbreak.

With nearly 20,000 reported cases and 15 deaths in the past five months, the epidemic reached its highest level in three years. Citizens are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their children during the rainy season from June to August when the infection rate is expected to rise. Continued …

Foreigners Rounded Up In Surat Thani Crackdown

An ongoing crackdown by Immigration police in Surat Thani province has so far netted six foreigners for overstaying their visa and two others for illegal entry.

In the province-wide sweep taking place during June 7-21, another two persons were also arrested for not giving notification of the foreigners staying in their property within 24 hours of their arrival. Continued …

Thai Police Seize 200 Million Baht Worth of Heroin Destined for Australia

Anti-drug police confiscated 32 kilograms of heroin worth 200 million baht in Bangkok yesterday. The drugs were reportedly destined for Melbourne, Australia.

On June 10, at the Customs X-ray and Technology Center, Bangkok Port Customs Office, Phanthong Loykulnan, spokesman of the Customs Department, announced the results of the seizure of 32 kilograms of heroin, with a value exceeding 200 million baht. Continued …

Three Pit Bulls abandoned, starved, and turned cannibal in Nonthaburi

Four malnourished Pit Bulls were abandoned by their owner in a house in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi. One of the dogs was killed by the other dogs eating it before concerned neighbors contacted local authorities for assistance.

Residents of a village in Bang Bua Thong were shocked to discover this alarming case after a TikTok user posted about the pit bulls. The abandoned dogs were left to starve in a house after the owner moved away without them. With no one to provide food or water, the pit bulls were left to feed on each other, resulting in one canine’s death. Continued …

In reality, Thailand not the LGBTQ+ paradise it pretends to be

June is when we celebrate Pride Month worldwide, and of course, many businesses change their profile photos to be rainbows for a month. Some brands would launch a new product serving in all rainbow colors.

We’d talk about LGBTQ+ for a bit and once June has passed, everything goes back to normal like Pride Month was just one of those marketing campaigns Lazada does once a month. Continued …

Thailand EV hub ambition recharged by soaring investment

Thailand’s ambition to become a regional hub for three industries – electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, upstream electronic manufacturing, and digital and creative – has received a significant boost from soaring investment, the Board of Investment (BOI) reports.

The BOI informed caretaker PM Prayut Chan-o-cha recently that total investment value surged to 185.7 billion baht from January to March, up 77% from the same period last year. Continued …

Bitkub revenue dips 48% as crypto sinks

Bitkub Online (BO), the owner of Bitkub Exchange, Thailand’s leading cryptocurrency platform, reported a 48% year-on-year decline in revenue last year as the crypto market plunged.

The total investments of its clients decreased 65% from a year earlier. Continued …

Thailand is a global capital of (illegal) sex work

In an apartment near Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street, Auchanaporn Pilasata studies her reflection in the mirror, applies another layer of plum-shade lipstick, and touches up her black eyeliner.

In the corner of her mirror are two photographs: one from when she looked like a scrawny 15-year-old boy, and another, post-transition, as the stunning woman she is today. Continued …

Thanisorn “Phet” Boonsoong on Thailand’s Burgeoning Cannabis Industry

With a BSBA finance and entrepreneurship qualification from Northeastern University in Boston under his belt, Thanisorn “Phet” Boonsoong has made an impressive name for himself in various pursuits, including the burgeoning field of cannabis and hemp production.

He is currently keeping busy as the CEO of Eastern Spectrum Group, Thailand’s pioneer cannabis plant manufacturer. It’s been quite a roller coaster year for everyone involved in the kingdom’s marijuana industry, which literally exploded after the plant was decriminalized exactly 12 months ago. Continued …

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

25 million international tourists expected in next 7 months

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) disclosed that Thailand’s tourism revenue for the first five months of 2023 reached 959 billion baht, with international visitors accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total. The agency expects its tourism revenue to reach 2.38 trillion baht by the end of 2023, around 80% of the 3 trillion baht recorded in 2019.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn stated Thai tourists accounted for 360 billion baht from nearly 100 million domestic trips, while international tourists generated an income of 599 million baht from 10.56 million trips. He said that the country welcomed 1.97 million overseas tourists last month, the majority of whom came from Malaysia, followed by China, India, South Korea, and Laos. Continued …

Thailand boosts wellness tourism with 5-year traditional Thai medicine plan

The Public Health Ministry is implementing a five-year traditional Thai medicine development plan to boost wellness tourism, a government spokesman announced on Sunday.

Anucha Burapachaisri said outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had acknowledged the five-year plan (2023-2027) for steering local traditional and alternative medicine to generate revenue for the country. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi satellite terminal set for soft takeoff in September

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is set to soft launch its Satellite Airport Terminal 1 (SAT-1) in September, with a full opening planned for early next year. Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat stated the new 216,000-square-meter facility, with a capacity for 28 aircraft parking bays, aims to address existing issues at the airport.

With the ability to accommodate 15 million passengers per year, SAT-1 will increase Suvarnabhumi’s annual passenger handling capacity to 60 million. The AoT board is expected to be informed of the soft opening plans later this month. Continued …

Airfares may stay sky-high, say industry experts

Despite the recent fall in oil prices, high airfares may stay in place for some time to come, say airline industry professionals and experts.

The gradual return of demand for travel last year following the lifting of Covid-related travel restrictions had already given the signal for higher fares. Continued …

Four seaside surf festivals for June and July, including PKK

Four seaside locations in Phangnga, Phuket, Songkhla and Prachuap Khiri Khan are the venues for four exciting festivals under the Amazing Ultimate Festival by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in June and July.

Huahin Beach Life 2023 will be held at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab, Prachuap Khiri Khan, from July 21 to 23. Hipsters will get a blissful beach experience with Sup Clinic sessions and fun workshops. Continued …

5 Offbeat Islands In Thailand You Must Explore

Away from the bustling cities of Bangkok, Thailand unpacks an array of destinations where you can unwind to the sound of gushing waves and swaying palm trees. While this description may conjure up images of the picturesque shores of Phi Phi and Koh Samui Islands, there are several offbeat ones you can escape to.

The best part is that it has everything that makes Thailand an enchanting destination, such as its delicious cuisine and warm hospitality. It couples it with the solitude reminiscent of more secluded vacation spots like the Maldives. While these lesser-known island spots in Thailand may not be as expensive as a holiday to the Maldives, they measure up just as well when you compare their beauty. Continued …

Vietnam’s power crisis deepens as hydroelectric reservoirs near dangerous levels

Two out of the three largest hydroelectric reservoirs in Vietnam, Son La and Lai Chau, are at dead water levels, with only Hoa Binh reservoir having enough water to generate electricity. Continued …

Colombian Child plane crash survivors in ‘acceptable’ state of health

Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited on Saturday four indigenous children who had been missing for more than five weeks in Colombia’s southern jungle after surviving a plane crash. Continued …

SEC Lawsuits Against Binance And Coinbase Raise Questions About Crypto’s Future

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed lawsuits last week against the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges, Binance and Coinbase, deepening tensions between the government and a volatile industry that has been marred by scandals and market meltdowns. Continued …

Djokovic celebrates 23rd Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic won a record 23rd Grand Slam singles title at the French Open on Sunday to stand alone at the summit of men’s tennis with a 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5 victory over fourth seed Casper Ruud in the final. 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.

UPDATED: 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

climate change, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-June 10

  • Prospective PM Pita clears a hurdle… next the parliamentary vote/
  • New Thai government still not assured/
  • Top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement/
  • Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases/
  • Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19-million-baht budget/
  • Thai Cannabis Day Promotes New Government Negotiations/
  • Economy: Thai households’ monthly bills high despite falling fuel prices/El Niño fails to affect Thai food prices/12.5 million more skilled staff eyed by 2027/
  • Tourism: Thai hotels and serviced apartments turning to Airbnb to drive international bookings/
  • Thailand Experience: Sakhon Nakhon is known for its unique local culture/
  • International: Commentary: Russian invaders blew up hydroelectric power plant dam/Vietnam to have 33 international and domestic airports by 2030/Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive/Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts/Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president/Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career/
  • 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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Prospective PM Pita clears a hurdle… next the parliamentary vote

Thailand’s Election Commission has unanimously dismissed three official complaints against Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who was accused of holding 42,000 shares in iTV, a media company. The complaints were filed by various individuals, including serial litigant Ruangkrai Leekitwattana.

But the EC says that the complaints were submitted after the prescribed time limits and therefore could not be considered. Continued …

New Thai government still not assured

The Move Foward Party (MFP)-led alliance is conjuring up the impression that it has already assumed control of the country’s administration, according to a political source.

The surreality being created, which critics decried as counting chickens before they hatch, has given supporters a sense that a new dawn awaits the country. Continued …

Top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement

New research has revealed the top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement in, with Spain placing first.

Equity release specialists at Retirement Solutions analyzed the average monthly Google search volume for different terms relating to retiring abroad. They wanted to determine the countries that Brits are most seeking to move to, upon retirement. Continued …

Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases

A severe dengue outbreak has hit Thailand’s northern Nan province, with over 100 cases reported in a single village. Ranking second in Thailand for the highest number of dengue patients, health officials are stepping up efforts to control the spread of the disease.

Dr. Warin Teppitaksak, the provincial public health officer, revealed that the dengue outbreak situation in Nan province is concerning, with Chiang Klang district having the highest number of dengue patients. The outbreak began in the village of Huay Kaeo, with over 100 patients coming from the same area. Continued …

Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19-million-baht budget

Animal lovers will be happy to know that Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has allocated a budget of 19 million baht for the return of Sak Surin, an ailing Thai elephant, from Sri Lanka next month, as announced by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa.

Sak Surin was one of three elephants sent to Sri Lanka as goodwill ambassadors from Thailand in 2001. Rally for Animal Rights & Environment, an animal rights group, has filed a complaint stating that the elephant has suffered mistreatment for several years. Continued …

Thai Cannabis Day Promotes New Government Negotiations

Cannabis advocates in Thailand organized a political movement on Thailand Cannabis Day, June 9, to advocate for the declassification of cannabis as a Class 5 narcotic and to allow home cultivation without a license for medicinal purposes, as decided by the Food and Drug Administration on June 9, 2022.

The status of cannabis takes a turn after the general election when the eight political parties forming a coalition government, led by the Move Forward party, sign an MOU expressing their mutual agreement to reintroduce cannabis as a controlled narcotic. Continued …

Thai households’ monthly bills high despite falling fuel prices

The average monthly household expenditure for Thai families came in at 18,023 baht in May, down by 130 baht from the previous month. However, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said this was still high.

The average household expenditure dropped in line with the country’s headline inflation in May. Inflation dropped sharply to 0.53% in May, the lowest in 21 months, from 2.67% in the previous month. Continued …

El Niño fails to affect Thai food prices

The Internal Trade Department says the droughts caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon have yet to affect the prices of local goods. The prices of fresh vegetables, limes and coriander are declining, as are fertilizer prices, said the department.

Chakra Yodmani, the department’s deputy director-general, said the droughts have not yet had a significant effect in terms of price adjustments. Continued …

12.5 million more skilled staff eyed by 2027

Thailand aims to produce around 800,000 skilled workers next year in targeted industries, including intelligent electronics, next-generation automobiles and healthcare.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon chaired a meeting of the national workers’ skill development committee at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation on Friday to discuss incentives to develop more skilled workers. Continued …

Thai hotels and serviced apartments turning to Airbnb to drive international bookings

As global travel recovery continues at pace, Thailand remains top of mind among international travelers. Thailand was the #1 most-visited country on Airbnb in Southeast Asia in 2022, while Bangkok ranks #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots in 2023.

As travelers flock to the country for business, leisure and remote work, they are searching for more affordable stays. They are also exploring a wider variety of accommodation offerings that meet their varying needs – ranging from entire homes, to shared homes and rooms. Notably, nights booked in private room listings on Airbnb in Thailand grew by over 500% year-on-year last year, up from 2021. Continued …

Sakhon Nakhon is known for its unique local culture

Sakhon Nakhon is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand, commonly known as Isaan. It is situated approximately 651 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

Sakhon Nakhon province covers an area of around 9,605 square kilometers and is bordered by six other provinces: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Kalasin, and Udon Thani. Continued …

Russian invaders blew up hydroelectric power plant dam

Since the beginning of the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine, there have been so many crimes and atrocities committed by the aggressor-state forces, causing suffering and pain to the Ukrainian people. Continued …

Vietnam to have 33 international and domestic airports by 2030

Vietnam is set to have 33 airports by 2030, including 14 serving international flights and 19 serving domestic flights. The investment is estimated at about VND420 trillion (US$18 billion), mobilized from the state budget, non-budget capital and other legal capital sources. Continued …

Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive

The four Indigenous children who had been missing for more than a month in the Colombian Amazon rainforest after a small plane crash have been found alive, President Gustavo Petro announced Friday. Continued …

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted on Friday, belching a column of ash more than three kilometers into the sky, officials said. The volcanic island emerged from the sea at the beginning of the last century from the crater formed after the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa — one of the deadliest and most destructive in history. This is the second volcano eruption in the past week in Indonesia.(thaipbs.com)

Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president

Donald Trump and one of his Mar-a-Lago staffers, personal valet Walt Nauta, were charged with dozens of counts of allegedly violating eight federal statutes related to the handling of classified documents after the former president left the White House, according to the 44-page indictment unsealed Friday. Continued …

Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career

Boris Johnson’s fall from power in the UK was as dramatic and controversial as his rise. The former prime minister, whose career was defined by surviving scandal, stepped down as an MP after a series of controversies. Despite this, Johnson left the possibility of a return to politics open for his allies. 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.

UPDATED: Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

hua hin, marijuana, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-June 9

  • Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand GM nominated for travel award/
  • Dangerous political flux in the aftermath of the general election is growing/
  • The state of food security in Thailand and 4 key challenges/
  • With 3.9 billion monthly views, Voom is booming in Thailand/
  • 40 police officers to be transferred over overloaded truck bribe scandal/
  • DLT combats illegal driving license sales/
  • Economy: Competition fierce as Thailand sets out to be EV hub/FTI seeks Chinese investment boost in Thai EV, food, and healthcare sectors/90% of Thai employees seek new jobs despite bleak economy/Japan’s Isuzu says no plans to relocate factory from Thailand to Indonesia/‘It’s like Starbucks’: Inside Thailand’s legal weed scene/
  • Tourism: Thailand boosts tourism budget to 5-billion baht, targets off-peak travelers/Diarrhea outbreak spreading in Phuket/
  • Thailand Experience: Wildlife Of The Isaan Region/
  • International: Trump faces US criminal charges for mishandling documents, obstruction/Bali seeks new kind of tourist after kicking out 136 unruly visitors this year/How much plastic is in our oceans?/
  • 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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Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand GM nominated for travel award

It has been seven years since Expat News attended the first “test’ tour offered by Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand. Australians Leigh Higgins and her husband Shane were “hands on” with our small group, helping to explain (along with their English-speaking Thai host) what we were eating.

Feast Thailand has come a long way since then, including surviving the Covid pandemic while several other foreign-run enterprises folded. Expat News doubts you will find another foreigner in Hua Hin, perhaps in Thailand, who has a better understanding of Thai food and its culture than Leigh Higgins.

And now, Feast Thailand GM Leigh Higgins has been shortlisted for the Inspiring Women in Travel (Asia) Awards. The award honors women for their contribution to the travel industry in Asia. Congratulations!

Higgins was nominated in the Women Entrepreneurs in Travel Asia category and the Women Foodpreneur sub-category.

The awards will be announced on Saturday, June 24, at the Montien Surawong in Bangkok, where a number of senior executives and distinguished professionals from the travel industry will come together to celebrate, appreciate and recognize the stories, journeys and contributions of women in the Asia travel industry. Feast Thailand Facebook.

Dangerous political flux in the aftermath of the General Election is growing

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, whose candidacy for the position of PM has the support of an eight-party coalition representing over 75% of the electorate and 62% of the provisionally announced seats in the House of Representatives, sounded less confident this week about the issue of his alleged shares in a defunct media company even as he tried to put it behind him.

It came alongside a growing campaign from conservative forces in Thailand questioning the essence of the May 14 general election and warning of the dangers of a Move Forward Party-led government taking power, while political uncertainty is beginning to erode business confidence. Continued …

The state of food security in Thailand and 4 key challenges

The state of food security in Thailand is currently grappling with various challenges in the wake of global food shortages. To ensure sustainable food security, the Kingdom must address four key issues identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The availability of food is a critical factor for human survival. Food scarcity can have a profound impact on health and productivity, leading to potential conflicts, and having sufficient food is considered a vital aspect of stability. Continued …

With 3.9 billion monthly views, Voom is booming in Thailand

LINE’s short-video content service, Voom, has signed up more than 35 million monthly users in Thailand and they are so enthusiastic about the service it is getting 3.9 billion views a month, according to the head of LINE Voom, Philip Kim.

He put the service’s popularity in Thailand down to its real-time content and diverse user base. The service allows users to create both static images and short videos. “It provides user-friendly tools for creating informative and entertaining content (that is) easy to share,” Kim said. Continued …

40 police officers to be transferred over overloaded truck bribe scandal

About 40 highway police officers are expected to be transferred to “inactive posts” at the operations center of the Highways Police Division, pending the outcome of an investigation into their alleged involvement in the overloaded truck bribe sticker controversy.

Police Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankeaw, commander of the Police Counter Corruption Division, in his capacity as acting commander of Highways Police Division, told the media that Police Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, is expected to sign an order today, to transfer the commissioned and non-commissioned officers out of the division. Continued …

DLT combats illegal driving license sales

Thailand‘s Department of Land Transport (DLT) is taking action against individuals selling driver’s licenses illegally, following a Move Forward Party MP’s exposé on the matter.

MP-elect Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn discovered several people advertising online services to provide driver’s licenses without requiring the driving test and posted screenshots of customers who had received valid DLT-certified licenses despite not taking the test. Continued …

Competition fierce as Thailand sets out to be EV hub

Investment in Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry in the first quarter of this year rose 77% year on year to 185.73 billion baht, putting the country on track to become the regional hub for EV manufacturing, the Board of Investment (BOI) said on Thursday.

A total of 397 manufacturers applied for investment promotion with the BOI in the first three months of 2023, a (% increase year on year, BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said. Continued …

FTI seeks Chinese investment boost in Thai EV, food, and healthcare sectors

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is seeking to boost Chinese investment in Thailand, focusing on the electric vehicle (EV), food, and healthcare sectors, through increased business collaboration with Beijing.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, recently met with the Chinese ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, to discuss potential investment opportunities. Kriengkrai envisions Thailand as a production base for Chinese companies, acting as a gateway to the ASEAN region. Continued …

90% of Thai employees seek new jobs despite bleak economy

A significant majority of Thai workers are open to exploring new job opportunities despite an uncertain global economic climate, a recent study by recruitment firm Michael Page has found.

The Talent Trends report, which surveyed 942 individuals in Thailand, revealed that over half of the respondents are actively seeking or planning to find new employment within the next six months. Continued …

Japan’s Isuzu says no plans to relocate factory from Thailand to Indonesia

Japanese truck maker Isuzu Motors said on Thursday it was not planning to move a factory to Indonesia from Thailand, a day after the Indonesian industry minister signaled it would.

“While our company continues to focus on Indonesia as a major market, there are no plans to relocate a Thai factory to Indonesia,” an Isuzu spokesperson said. Continued …

‘It’s like Starbucks’: Inside Thailand’s legal weed scene

Tucked away from city traffic in an alley full of massage parlors, office buildings and hotels, the place looks like it could be a cocktail bar. Customers can sit in leather armchairs or claim a high stool at the wooden, L-shaped bar.

The shelves, though, are absent of alcohol. In lieu of the typical bottles and glassware, there are bongs, rolling papers, grinders and dramatically lit jars of cannabis flowers like Critical Purple Cush and Amnesia Haze, the most popular strain in the shop. All The Smoke Lounge is one of the classier places to get high in Bangkok. Continued …

Thailand boosts tourism budget to 5-billion baht, targets off-peak travelers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its plans for the fiscal year 2024, with a focus on growing off-peak customers, increasing spending per trip by 7%, and distributing income to a wider range of destinations. The budget for these initiatives is set at 5 billion baht, a significant increase from the 3.25 billion baht allocated for fiscal 2023.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn explained that the key strategies for the upcoming fiscal year, beginning in October, will be promoting fairness in revenue distribution through a “sharing economy” and making Thailand a “Tourism for All” destination. The aim is to achieve better distribution of tourists to secondary provinces and improve the dispersal of visitors throughout the year, rather than just during the high season. Continued …

Diarrhea outbreak spreading in Phuket

Diarrhea is spreading in Phuket, with an average of about 150 cases being treated at state and private hospitals per day, and the outbreak is expected to persist for 1-2 months, according to Dr. Kusak Kukiattikoon, the provincial health chief.

He said that the condition is spreading in all age groups, but mostly among students. Patients are complaining of abdominal pain, watery stools and vomiting, with some also having a fever. Continued …

Wildlife Of The Isaan Region

The Isaan Region, also known as northeastern Thailand, is a vast and diverse area that is home to a rich variety of wildlife. The region encompasses 20 provinces and occupies about one-third of the country’s total land area.

Its diverse ecosystems range from fertile plains and plateaus to forested hills and mountains, providing habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Here are some of the notable wildlife species found in the Isaan Region of Thailand: Continued …

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

Trump faces US criminal charges for mishandling documents, obstruction

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been indicted by the Justice Department over his handling of classified documents at his residence at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Trump, who is reportedly facing seven charges, said he’d been summoned to appear in court in Miami on Tuesday. Continued …

Bali seeks new kind of tourist after kicking out 136 unruly visitors this year

Indonesia’s paradise island teeming with beaches and lush rice fields wants to refocus its tourism away from guests who tend to misbehave and instead lure talented nomads, retirees and health buffs. Continued … 

How much plastic is in our oceans?

Every year, about 400 million tons of plastic products are produced around the world. About half are used to make single-use items such as shopping bags, cups and packaging material. 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.

UPDATED: 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, chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Thursday’s news-June 1

“Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.”

  • Immigration offices closed on Monday, June 5; alcohol ban Saturday/
  • International sports high school to open at True Arena/
  • Major roadworks in Pranburi set to cause delays/
  • Road work completed on Soi 102/
  • Four-month cut in electricity bills comes into effect/
  • Why 40°C is bearable in a desert but lethal in the tropics/
  • Pita case could force new election/
  • Check assets and bank accounts of all police commanders, watchdog says/
  • French Associations Jointly Launch New Bureau in Bangkok/
  • Phuket set to be a new model for food waste disposal/
  • Chiang Mai nature park not an option for ailing jumbo returning from Sri Lanka/
  • Economy: Bank of Thailand Raises Key Interest Rate/Thailand’s MPI growth faces stagnation amid export slowdown and high costs/Investors switch from stocks to condos for better yield/Chamber puts spotlight on urgent issues/Tobacco firms in Thailand contributing to global food crisis, says WHO/Thai marijuana tycoons ponder mixed messaging from Move Forward-led coalition/
  • Tourism: TAT forecasts tourism revenue of Bt3 trillion in 2024/The opportunity for Thailand to shine in the global wellness industry/Travel Agents Warn Wage Hike Will Hit Tourism Industry/Phuket curbs visa overstays, more than 1,000 caught/
  • Thailand Experience: A Journey into the Flavors of Thailand/Khon Kaen Has All the Charm of Thailand’s Bigger Cities — Without the Tourists/What you need to know about Isaan’s Khon Kaen/
  • International: Earth is ‘really quite sick now’ and in danger zone in nearly all ecological ways/Asia’s factories signal more pain as China recovery falters/US debt ceiling bill passes House with broad bipartisan support/
  • 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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Immigration offices closed on Monday, June 5; alcohol ban Saturday

Thailand will observe the Buddhist religious day Visakha Bucha on Saturday, with a 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol.

Also closed on Saturday and Monday will be government offices, including Immigration, Department of Land Transport and district or municipal offices. Most banks will also be closed, with the exception of some bank branches located in shopping malls

International sports high school to open at True Arena

A new international standard high school with a focus on sports will open in Hua Hin later this year. The Junior Asian Sports Academy (JASA) is set to open its doors at True Arena Hua Hin Sports Club to students from September.

This international sports high school will provide an opportunity for students to receive a world-class education while simultaneously developing their athletic abilities. Continued …

Major roadworks in Pranburi set to cause delays

For motorists planning to travel south out of Hua Hin this upcoming long weekend (June 3-5), be aware of the roadworks taking place in Pranburi.

The road widening and resurfacing work is expected to cause delays and traffic congestion in three specific locations. To ensure a smooth journey, motorists are advised to consider alternative routes or allow extra travel time. Continued …

Road work completed on Soi 102

Soi 102 road construction work has now been completed. The work reinforced the road and added improved drainage pipes, sewage systems, and water supply systems. The road also was connected to the road to Nonggae Reservoir. (HHT)

Four-month cut in electricity bills comes into effect

Household electricity users will receive discounts on their power bills for the four months from May to August, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Wednesday.

Anucha confirmed that the subsidy, which was previously approved by the Election Commission (EC), will be effective retroactively from May, despite the power bills for May having already been issued. Continued …

Why 40°C is bearable in a desert but lethal in the tropics

This year, even before the northern hemisphere hot season began, temperature records were being shattered. Spain, for instance, saw temperatures in April (38.8°C) that would be out of the ordinary even at the peak of summer. South and Southeast Asia, in particular, were hammered by a very persistent heatwave, and all-time record temperatures were experienced in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand (44°C and 45°C, respectively).

In Singapore, the more modest record was also broken, as temperatures hit 37°C. And in China, Shanghai just recorded its highest May temperature for over a century at 36.7°C. Continued …

Pita case could force new election

Details of shareholding violation complaints against Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat will decide his fate and determine if the May 14 general election is nullified, according to caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.

He was responding to questions about the possible scenarios if the Constitutional Court rules against Pita, who holds 42,000 shares in iTV, an independent broadcaster founded in the 1990s. Continued … 

Check assets and bank accounts of all police commanders, watchdog says

The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) is urging the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to look retroactively into the wealth of every active and retired police commander, especially highway police commanders.

ACT Secretary-General Mana Nimitmongkol said on Wednesday that he is confident that the NACC will be able to identify whether the wealth of the officers was legally acquired or not. Continued …

French Associations Jointly Launch New Bureau in Bangkok

A group of French associations led by Alliance Française Bangkok and Michelin Group have announced the opening of a new bureau early next month.

The inauguration of “Bureau des Associations” will be held at the beginning of June in the presence of His Excellency, Thierry Mathou, ambassador of France, Ariya Banomyong, president of Alliance Française Bangkok, and Hervé Deguine, director of public affairs Asia-Pacific and NGO relations at Michelin, Alliance Française Bangkok said in its press release on Wednesday. Continued …

Phuket set to be a new model for food waste disposal

With the Phuket tourism industry well on the way to recovery and aiming to welcome 12 million tourist arrivals this year, the problem of food waste is seen as an increasingly critical issue.

In an effort to reduce that waste, the Thai Organic Consumer Assn. (TOCA) is working with hotels in Phuket to initiate a food waste composting system, which is in line with the BCG (bio-circular-green economic model). Continued …

Chiang Mai nature park not an option for ailing jumbo returning from Sri Lanka

The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai province does not have the space or appropriate facilities to take care of “Sak Surin”, an ailing elephant who will return from Sri Lanka in July, said the park’s director on Wednesday.

Saengduean “Lek” Chailert said that, with more than a hundred elephants under their care, the park cannot provide the required level of care for Sak Surin, because of the animal’s poor health. Continued …

Bank of Thailand Raises Key Interest Rate

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) raised its key policy rate by 0.25 percentage point from 1.75% to 2%, effective immediately. Piti Disyatat, secretary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), announced the outcome of the meeting on Wednesday.

The Thai economy should continue to expand, driven mainly by tourism and private consumption. Merchandise exports are expected to recover gradually. Continued …

Thailand’s MPI growth faces stagnation amid export slowdown and high costs

The Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) in Thailand is predicted to experience subdued growth of 0-1% this year, owing to a combination of domestic and international business challenges.

The April MPI reading was the lowest in 34 months, with an 8.14% year-on-year drop to 83.5 points, marking the seventh consecutive decline since October last year, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). Continued …

Investors switch from stocks to condos for better yield

The fluctuation of Thailand’s stock market due to political uncertainty after the general election, together with the slowdown of the global economy due to rising inflation, have made property for investment an attractive choice among modern investors, industry experts say.

Chanin Wanichwong, chief executive officer of Habitat Group, said an increasing number of new generation investors aged 30-40 years are buying condominiums and renting them out for short- and long-term profits. Continued …

Chamber puts spotlight on urgent issues

The Thai Chamber of Commerce highlighted three urgent issues in talks held on Wednesday, with expediting the formation of a new government the priority to ensure the continuity of budget allocation.

Speaking after holding talks with Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward Party’s leader and prime ministerial candidate, along with his party’s executives, Chamber Chairman Sanan Angubolkul said the private sector also proposed the new government improve the country’s competitiveness by addressing costly electricity bills, wages, ease of doing business and legal reforms. Continued …

Tobacco firms in Thailand contributing to global food crisis, says WHO

The spotlight shifted from smokers to farmers for this year’s “World No Tobacco Day” yesterdsay – with the slogan “We need food, not tobacco”.

Giant tobacco companies operating in Thailand and the rest of the region remain firmly in the crosshairs of the World Health Organization. WHO said it will expose how the tobacco industry contributes to the global food crisis by “interfering with attempts to substitute tobacco growing with sustainable crops”. Continued …

Thai marijuana tycoons ponder mixed messaging from Move Forward-led coalition

Move Forward’s deputy leader has given an assurance to operators licensed by authorities in respect of marijuana or cannabis that their businesses will not be closed down by the new government’s promise to control the widespread use of the drug in public and again outlaw its recreational use.

One suggestion is that the use of marijuana or cannabis be treated as a medical prescription requiring clinical authorization and only to take place within designated areas closed off to the public. Continued …

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TAT forecasts tourism revenue of Bt3 trillion in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains confident the industry can garner revenue of 3 trillion baht next year, matching the level of 2019.

Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific at TAT, said the agency is working on new promotional plans for the next fiscal year and expects to finalize its proposal to the new government next month. Continued …

The opportunity for Thailand to shine in the global wellness industry

The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked Thailand as one of the top six countries in Asia with high medical and healthcare service capabilities. This ranking is confirmed by the results of coping with incidents and the relative success in controlling the spread of Covid-19 over the past three years.

The main factors that have contributed to Thailand’s high potential in the medical and healthcare sector are its investments in infrastructure that facilitate research in technology, innovation, capacity building of healthcare professionals, and academic development. Key components include establishing a comprehensive network of medical and healthcare services that cover all areas. Continued … 

Travel Agents Warn Wage Hike Will Hit Tourism Industry

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) warned that if the minimum wage is increased to 450 baht a day and further gradually increased every year it will definitely affect the economy, with the tourism industry also impacted.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, ATTA’s president, said a minimum wage hike would increase business operators’ cost, leading to their prices being adjusted. As prices of consumer goods rise, the service sector would be affected in terms of consumption. Continued …

Phuket curbs visa overstays, more than 1,000 caught

Phuket’s acclaimed crime-free project has proved successful, with over 1,000 foreigners caught overstaying their visas.

With the cooperation of 800 accommodation providers on the resort island, the Phuket Immigration Office has endorsed crime-free measures that allow businesses to inform police of any suspicious activities involving foreign guests. Continued …

A Journey into the Flavors of Thailand

Thai food is well known for its vibrant flavor, aromatic spices, and well-balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy scents. It is a cuisine that tantalizes the palate and offers a distinctive dining experience. This article will discuss the fundamentals of Thai food, as well as its distinctive flavors, regional specialties, and the cultural influences that have influenced its dishes.

We’ll discover the techniques used to create some of Thailand’s most well-known dishes as we delve into the country’s diverse culinary landscape. We will discover the vibrant flavors of Thai food, from the aromatic spices to the harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Continued …

Khon Kaen Has All the Charm of Thailand’s Bigger Cities — Without the Tourists

The country of Thailand says it received 40 million visitors in 2019, setting a new record for annual arrivals. That said, less-visited areas remain. One of those is Khon Kaen in the northwest, which is still a city that few Western tourists have explored. It appears, though, that the winds may be shifting.

Khon Kaen has experienced a plethora of new developments in the past few years and is poised to welcome all the foodies, shoppers, and nightlife hounds that flock to Thailand’s major cities — without, as of yet, all the crowds. Continued …

What you need to know about Isaan’s Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is a province and city located in northeastern Thailand, also known as the Isaan region. It serves as the capital of Khon Kaen Province and is one of the largest cities in the region. Here’s some information about Khon Kaen:

Location: Khon Kaen is situated approximately 449 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. It is positioned on the Khorat Plateau, a vast elevated region in northeastern Thailand. Continued …

Earth is ‘really quite sick now’ and in danger zone in nearly all ecological ways

Earth has pushed past seven out of eight scientifically established safety limits and into “the danger zone,” not just for an overheating planet that’s losing its natural areas, but for well-being of people living on it, according to a new study. Continued …

Asia’s factories signal more pain as China recovery falters

Asia’s factories saw further easing in demand in May as China’s faltering recovery weighed on a region already smarting from a global trade downturn. Continued …

US debt ceiling bill passes House with broad bipartisan support

A divided U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to suspend the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling on Wednesday, with majority support from both Democrats and Republicans to overcome opposition led by hard-line conservatives and avoid a catastrophic default. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-May 30

“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.”

  • Passenger bus stop pavilion opens outside Hua Hin Airport/
  • How air treatment solutions can help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 pollution problem/
  • Why reducing plastic usage, not recycling, is the solution to saving the environment/
  • TikTok sweeps wave of change over Thailand’s election campaigns/
  • Students Stab Each Other at c Province School, one dead/
  • Fat and lucky – Shifu proves cats have 9 lives after surviving a 6-story fall/
  • 79 police fired in first five months over disciplinary offenses/
  • Economy: Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery/Thai baht under more pressure as political uncertainty persists/Bt450 minimum wage seen as an earthquake moment for Thai factories/Asian Sea, AAI consider relocation if wages rise/Planning unit touts revamp of labor force/EVs expected to supercharge 3.5% growth in Thailand auto manufacturing/Asia’s largest F&B expo smashes expectations with THB120 billion in trade/Eco-efficiency the key to environmentally friendly farming/Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 creates a buzz/Weed network fears law change/
  • Tourism: TAT expects 30-35 million foreign tourists in 2024/Foreign visitors to Surat Thani surpass 1.5M this year/
  • Thailand Experience: Why Phetchaburi is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts/Chaiyaphum: the ‘Land of the Phaya Naga’/
  • International: Unlocking Bali’s plastic tourist trap/China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030/Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million/Frankfurt police mistakenly arrest stripper with toy gun at stag party/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Passenger bus stop pavilion opens outside Hua Hin Airport

A new passenger bus stop pavilion has been officially opened outside Hua Hin Airport, aiming to provide added convenience and improved travel options between the airport and Hua Hin town center.

The opening ceremony took place yesterday with several prominent figures in attendance. Continued …

How air treatment solutions can help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 pollution problem

The issue of PM2.5 dust pollution has spurred various political parties in Thailand to propose policies aimed at controlling dust intensity and mitigating its impact on public health.

The current air quality standard in the country sets the maximum allowable level of PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter) at 50 micrograms per cubic meter, averaged over a 24-hour period. However, it is evident that PM2.5 concentrations often exceed these standards during certain periods, leading to adverse implications for public health and the economy. Continued …

Why reducing plastic usage, not recycling, is the solution to saving the environment

The world may need to reconsider the mantra of recycling to prevent environmental degradation after recent research revealed that the recycling process itself may lead to the release of a significant amount of microplastics into the environment.

Waste management is one of the major challenges faced in the current era, with a large amount of waste generated from consumption and consumerism every day. Each country has different methods of waste disposal; some bury it while others incinerate it, and each method has its environmental impacts. This led to the emergence of the concept of recycling, which appeared to be an effective solution to reduce waste and reuse materials efficiently. Continued …

TikTok sweeps wave of change over Thailand’s election campaigns

In a notable shift from traditional campaigning strategies, political figures in Thailand have turned to TikTok, using the fast, efficient and cost-effective platform to connect with a wider audience.

With a large percentage of Thai nationals active on social media, TikTok has emerged as a powerful tool for politicians to sway public opinion and secure votes. Continued …

Students Stab Each Other at Sisaket Province School, one dead

A renowned school in Sisaket Province was gripped by a shocking incident yesterday, as two young students in Grade 1 and Grade 2 engaged in a fatal altercation using a knife. The incident, which unfolded during school hours, resulted in one student’s tragic death and two in coma.

According to witnesses and initial reports, the incident began when the two boys had been engaging in what seemed to be a playful boxing game during their lunch break. However, the game soon turned violent, fueling anger in one of the boys. As the lunch break drew to a close and class resumed, tensions remained high between the two students. Continued …

Fat and lucky – Shifu proves cats have 9 lives after surviving a 6-story fall

A fat tomcat proved that cats indeed have nine lives when he survived a six-story fall by landing on a car below and shattering its back windscreen.

The car’s owner, who goes by the handle Apiwat Toyothaka on Facebook, posted a message on Saturday saying the condo’s management informed him that a cat had fallen on his car and smashed the back windscreen. Continued …

79 police fired in first five months over disciplinary offenses

A total of 79 police officers have been removed from service during the first five months of this year for committing severe disciplinary offenses, the Police Commission was updated on Monday.

The commission, the highest governing body of police officers, held a meeting at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok to endorse the decisions of the disciplinary committee against police officers found to have committed severe disciplinary offenses. Continued …

Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery

Thailand’s economy is on a solid path to recovery and showing resiliency, helped by good revenue collection and a normalization of its tourism sector, while inflation should come in below 3% this year, its finance minister said on Monday.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded faster than expected in the first quarter of this year due to a revival in its vital tourism sector. Continued …

Thai baht under more pressure as political uncertainty persists

A new low for the Thai baht looms and not even a rate hike by the central bank is likely to halt its slide. The Asian currency weakened for its third straight week against the U.S. dollar, closing at 34.77 on Friday and heading toward February’s year-to-date low of 35.39.

Hurdles to the Move Forward coalition are growing, increasing political uncertainty over who will form the next government in a development weighing on the baht, as it spurs foreign funds to sell both the nation’s equities and bonds. Continued …

Bt450 minimum wage seen as an earthquake moment for Thai factories

Thailand’s business leaders are increasingly concerned at the Move Forward Party’s determination to implement its Bt450-a-day minimum wage policy within 100 days of coming to power, if the eight-party coalition manages to elect Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister in August.

They warn that the move will cost Thailand jobs in terms of lost inward investment, the closure of factories where profitability is already marginal and a move toward automation, which will impact elderly and lower-skilled workers the most. One business leader describes the move as a potential earthquake for the critical manufacturing sector of the economy. Continued …

Asian Sea, AAI consider relocation if wages rise

Asian Sea Corp., a Thai frozen food producer, and its subsidiary Asian Alliance International (AAI) are ready to move their production base to Vietnam or the Philippines if the new coalition government raises the daily minimum wage to 450 baht.

President and Chief Executive Somsak Amornrattanachaikul said the group is preparing to relocate its production and investment bases to Vietnam or the Philippines to expand production capacity if the daily minimum wage is increased to 450 baht. Continued …

Planning unit touts revamp of labor force

Thailand needs to ramp up in-depth research and data analysis at provincial and regional levels to identify target markets for exports or investment in order to formulate appropriate promotion policies, according to the latest study by the Trade Planning and Strategy Office (TPSO).

The planning unit advised Thailand to accelerate building a skilled workforce ready for targeted and high-tech industries such as chip design and chip manufacturing. This is essential in order to facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Thailand who possess quality and expertise, said Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the TPSO. Continued …

EVs expected to supercharge 3.5% growth in Thailand auto manufacturing

The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) expects the domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry to drive 3.5% growth in auto production this year to 1.95 million units.

About 900,000 units will be sold domestically and 1.05 million will be exported. TAI’s projection comes after 625,423 vehicles rolled off Thai production lines from January-April, up 5% from the same period last year. Continued …

Asia’s largest F&B expo smashes expectations with THB120 billion in trade

Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2023, Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, surged past its 70-billion-baht target to record a whopping 120 billion baht in deals, according to the Commerce Ministry.

A total of 3,034 exhibitors – 1,109 Thai and 1,925 international – presented their products and services at 5,859 booths at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi from May 23-27. The five-day fair welcomed 131,039 visitors from 140 countries, a 58% jump from last year. Continued …

Eco-efficiency the key to environmentally friendly farming

Eco-efficiency in agriculture is a key to reducing environmental impact while meeting the increasing demand for food, Katharina Staske, managing director of the German Agricultural Society (DLG) Asia Pacific, said. She made the remarks during the opening ceremony of ”AgriConnect Conference & Exhibition” at True Digital Park in Bangkok.

She said climate change causes an impact on many regions around the world, especially in Southeast Asia. She added that unsustainable use of resources caused climate change impact to be more severe. Continued …

Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 creates a buzz

Under the theme “Good Coffee For Everyone”, the much-awaited Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 will be held from July 13-16 at Impact Exhibition Hall 5–8 in Muang Thong Thani.

Featuring more than 300 cafes and roasters, as well as a wide range of related products and innovative services, the four-day event, a partnership between the Specialty Coffee Assn. of Thailand and The Cloud, will take over a 20,000m² space across the exhibition’s four halls. It expects to welcome more than 30,000 visitors daily. Continued …

Weed network fears law change

Citing research by the Ad-Hoc Committee on Systematic Hemp and Cannabis Resolution, Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network has urged three alliance parties not to reinstate the plant as a narcotic drug, as that would be like “getting the first shirt button wrong” and lead to more problems.

Prasitchai Nunual, the network leader, wrote on Monday that before the election this particular ad-hoc committee was set up to discuss removing cannabis from the list in an attempt to study the systemic usage of the plant. Continued …

TAT expects 30-35 million foreign tourists in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates 30-35 million foreign tourists will visit the kingdom in 2024, generating 3 trillion baht in total revenue, marking a 100% return to pre-Covid levels. TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the recovery is expected to be driven by increased spending per trip.

In line with the government’s policy to stimulate economic recovery through tourism, TAT has launched the “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign to drive the recovery of Thai tourism. Continued …

Foreign visitors to Surat Thani surpass 1.5M this year

International arrivals to Surat Thani Province have exceeded 1.5 million, up 155% so far this year, according to the provincial governor.

Gov. Witchawut Jinto said yesterday 2.05 million visitors have arrived in the province since January. Of them, 1.5 million are foreign visitors, representing a 155% increase from the same period last year. Continued …

Kuaitiao Nam Daeng (red-soup noodles)

Why Phetchaburi is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts

Renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant gastronomic scene, Phetchaburi stands as a must-visit destination for foodies seeking an unforgettable journey into Thai cuisine.

The city is dedicated to preserving traditional recipes held by local communities and is known for its high-quality ingredients that have been refined by local artisan producers for generations and form the core of Phetchaburi’s gastronomic excellence. Local cuisine has been adapted for more widespread national and global engagement, combining tradition with modern economic development. Continued … 

Chaiyaphum: the ‘Land of the Phaya Naga’

Chaiyaphum is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isan. It is situated approximately 340 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Chaiyaphum Province covers an area of about 12,778 square kilometers and is divided into 16 districts (amphoes) and one subdistrict (king amphoe).

The province is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, which include mountains, forests, and fertile plains. It is surrounded by several mountain ranges, such as the Phetchabun Mountains to the east and the Sankamphaeng Range to the west. Chaiyaphum is often referred to as the “Land of the Phaya Naga” due to the mythical serpents that are believed to reside in the nearby Mun River. Continued …

Unlocking Bali’s plastic tourist trap

At 6:15 am, the first rays of the magical Bali light are breaking over the horizon. At the shoreline, hotel staff are finishing their daily routine of raking piles of plastic bags, cups, wrappers, and other trash that washed up overnight. Continued …

China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030

China’s burgeoning space program plans to place astronauts on the moon before 2030 and expand the country’s orbiting space station, officials said Monday. Continued …

Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million

The median price of a private home in Singapore reached US$1.2 million in 2022, making it the highest among Asia Pacific cities, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Center for Housing. Singapore is also ranked as the most expensive city in the region for renting a private home. Continued …

Frankfurt police mistakenly arrest stripper with toy gun at stag party

In Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a stripper was mistakenly apprehended by local authorities after receiving reports of a man armed with a gun, which was later discovered to be a toy. The event took place on a Friday evening when a “suspicious man” was spotted in the Nordend district of the city, dressed in a U.S. police uniform and helmet, and seemingly carrying an assault rifle. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-May 26

  • Water pipe work to disrupt service today/
  • Strengthening monsoon to bring storms to all of Thailand/
  • Did Thailand just have its cleanest ever election?/
  • A guide to choosing the best international school for your kids/
  • Thailand Post to Launch Full-Scale Digital Mailbox Service/
  • Thailand’s most notorious serial killers/
  • US Offers Faster 4.5-Generation F-16 Fighter Jets To Thailand/
  • Myanmar junta says it will rethink relationship with Thailand/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Employers’ group wary of MFP wage policy/The profitable world of grasshopper rearing/SPCG keen on rooftop solar sales/Thai shrimp farmers urged to decarbonize now to escape new EU tax net/Metal producers to face new tariffs/Korean firms set to invest Bt7 billion locally/MFP to shield ‘registered cannabis businesses’/
  • Tourism: Pleas to shorten visa approval time as Chinese tourist arrivals drop/Tourism officials plan to market ‘Pita fever’ globally/
  • Thailand Experience: 8 of the best Thailand holidays 2023/Underrated tourist paradise: Thailand’s Mae Hong Son/Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today/
  • International: Militia leader gets 18 years in prison over US Capitol attack/Vietnam battles plastic blight in idyllic Ha Long Bay/Energy majors go slow on green transition despite pressure/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Water pipe work to disrupt service today

There will be disruptions and low water pressure in many areas of Hua Hin today until 8pm. Essential work is being carried out to the water pipes at Hua Na on Soi 112, resulting in no or low water pressure from Hua Na and Nong Kae, to as far north as the intersection at Hua Hin Airport.

Strengthening monsoon to bring storms to all of Thailand

Provinces throughout Thailand are likely to experience thundershowers and gusty winds from Saturday to next Tuesday, the Thai Meteorological Department announced this morning, adding that isolated heavy rains are expected in the lower north, the northeast, the central region including Bangkok, the east, and the south.

The conditions are a result of the strengthening southwest monsoon prevailing across the country, while a low-pressure cell over Vietnam is expected to move through Thailand to the Gulf of Martaban, Myanmar. Continued …

Did Thailand just have its cleanest ever election?

Thailand’s Election Commission on Thursday certified the result of the May 14 election less than two weeks after the polls were held. It might be the fastest certification ever in Thailand’s electoral history.

One only has to look back to the previous election to see what the usual post-election landscape was like, with red and yellow cards handed to candidates for vote-buying or campaign violations. Continued …

Hua Hin International School

A guide to choosing the best international school for your kids

Moving to another country with your family is exciting, but can be stressful and full of worries. One of those worries could be the very real dilemma of trying to find an international school that fits your children’s needs.

Such things as the quality and type of curriculum, classroom size, location, and cost can complicate your international school hunt. However, here is a simple guide on how to choose an international school. Continued …

Thailand Post to Launch Full-Scale Digital Mailbox Service

Thailand Post has announced plans to launch a full-scale digital mailbox service called Prompt Post by the third quarter. The move is part of the company’s efforts to tap into the growing trend of electronic document handling and align with its Post Digital mission.

With Prompt Post, Thailand Post aims to offer comprehensive postal and logistics services, while providing convenience to its customers. The platform ensures security through identity verification using the national ID card system, and it operates as a closed platform, distinguishing it from traditional email services. Continued …

Thailand’s most notorious serial killers

The suspected crimes of Sararat “Am Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn, now accused of murdering 14 people with poison, are unusual not just only because the suspect is a woman and pregnant, but also because Thailand is not famous for cultivating serial killers.

While true crime is a national obsession that renews itself annually, there have been few known prolific killers with double-digit body counts. And, in most cases, their reasons to kill have sprung from banal motives such as money or infidelity rather than the archetypal thrill killer feeding dark appetites. Continued …

US Offers Faster 4.5-Generation F-16 Fighter Jets To Thailand

Upon postponing the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters to Thailand earlier this week, the U.S. offered the faster 4.5-generation F-16 warplanes in its place, according to a media report.

AVM Praphas Sornchaidee, Thai air force spokesman, said U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec stated in his talks with Air Force Chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot that Thailand remains a very close partner of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region. Continued …

Myanmar junta says it will rethink relationship with Thailand

Myanmar’s military government said this week that it would have to rethink its relationship with Thailand following statements made by the next prime minister-elect of Thailand following his election victory, according to local media.

The second most powerful man in the Myanmar regime, Gen. Soe Win, warned his troops that Thailand’s likely new government was “pro West” and would help the “terrorists” operating in his country. Continued …

Employers’ group wary of MFP wage policy

The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) on Thursday voiced apprehension over the possible impact on businesses of the Move Forward Party’s wage policy.

Private sector members, particularly small and medium enterprises, are perturbed after learning details of the discussions held on Wednesday between Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said Thanit Sorat, vice chairman of EconThai. Continued …

The profitable world of grasshopper rearing

A Surin couple is augmenting its teaching salaries by raising Patanga grasshoppers, also known as Bombay locusts, to sell their eggs and meat.

A kilogram of the grasshoppers goes for 450 baht, while the eggs can be sold for up to 10,000 baht per kilogram to other grasshopper farmers, said Somphong Cheuthong, 53, a teacher in Surin’s Sang Kha district. Continued … 

SPCG keen on rooftop solar sales

SPCG Plc, a pioneer in solar farm development in Thailand, expects to earn more revenue from sales of rooftop solar panels for residential and commercial buildings, as well as industries, as solar power becomes more popular.

A surge in electricity bills is a key factor driving demand for rooftop solar panels among households and businesses, said Pipat Viriyatranon, financial director of SPCG. Continued …

Thai shrimp farmers urged to decarbonize now to escape new EU tax net

Thailand’s shrimp farmers have been warned that a new European Union tax will take a big bite out of their billion-dollar export industry unless they start adapting now.

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will collect tax on carbon-intensive imports from Jan. 1, 2026. CBAM taxes will initially apply to five products – aluminum, cement, iron and steel, electricity and fertilizers – but are expected to extend to shrimp and other agricultural products later. Continued …

Metal producers to face new tariffs

Steel and aluminum manufacturers should brace for a new levy on their exports as a result of the European Union’s (EU) introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Oct. 1 this year, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

The transitional phase of CBAM requires importers of iron and steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen to report greenhouse gas emissions embedded in their imports without being subject to financial payments or adjustments, according to the EU. Continued …

Korean firms set to invest Bt7 billion locally

Five South Korean companies are keen to embark on new investment projects in Thailand, ranging from an electric vehicle (EV) business to the construction of a new industrial estate, says the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).

The prospective investors are expected to allocate around 7 billion baht for the projects, said Veeris Ammarapala, governor of the IEAT, after talks with executives during a recent roadshow in South Korea. Continued …

MFP to shield ‘registered cannabis businesses’

The Move Forward Party (MFP) assured registered marijuana growers and cannabis business operators yesterday that they would be protected, even when the new government re-lists cannabis as a narcotic.

The main objective of the party’s plan to put cannabis back on the narcotics list under a ministerial regulation of the Ministry of Public Health is to allow all state officials, including police and the Office of Narcotics Control Board, to work fully to control the abuse of cannabis, said deputy MFP leader Sirikanya Tansakun. Continued …

Pleas to shorten visa approval time as Chinese tourist arrivals drop

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has urged the Department of Consular Affairs to shorten the visa approval period for Chinese tourists from up to 15 working days to facilitate tour groups from China that wish to visit Thailand.

“The current approval period is too long. Before the Covid-19 outbreak, it took only 3-5 working days to approve Chinese tourists’ visas,” ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said on Thursday. Continued …

Tourism officials plan to market ‘Pita fever’ globally

If the charismatic leader of the Move Forward Party fails in his bid to become Thailand’s next prime minister, he already has another high-profile option lined up – tourism ambassador for the “Land of the Smile”.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Thursday that it is planning to use Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, to charm more tourists to the kingdom by making him a tourism ambassador. Continued …

8 of the best Thailand holidays 2023

With culture-stacked cities, world-famous beaches and jungle interiors, Thailand’s unique landscape begs to be explored. Home to some of the best yoga retreats, beach bars and Buddhist temples in the continent, it’s no wonder that history-rich Thai towns have become such tourist hot spots.

Whether passing through on a budget world tour or relaxing on a family holiday, there’s something for everyone on the traditional shores of Thailand. Take a cooking class to get familiar with the local cuisine, go on a boat trip to scuba dive in lively reefs, or take a tuk-tuk to share in the street food of the bustling night markets with good-natured locals. Continued …

Underrated tourist paradise: Thailand’s Mae Hong Son

Nestled in the far northwest of Thailand and sharing borders with Myanmar, Mae Hong Son is one of the most spellbinding locations in the kingdom and, for many reasons, an ideal spot for an offbeat summer sojourn.

Despite a wealth of unspoiled attractions, tourists are seldom aware of this paradise, partly due to its remote location, as it is located over 900 kilometers from Bangkok. However, this only adds to its mystique, as it remains unspoiled by mass tourism. Continued …

Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today

The Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today at CentralWorld shopping plaza and complex. The festival will be held until May 30. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to further elevate Thailand’s standing as a premier gastronomy tourism destination and provide an immersive experience for tourists.

This event, centered around the culinary arts, will showcase Thailand’s vibrant food culture. It will also leverage the power of food as one of the country’s key “soft power” foundations. Continued …

Militia leader gets 18 years in prison over US Capitol attack

The founder of the far-right Oath Keepers militia was handed an 18-year prison sentence Thursday for seditious conspiracy in the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the toughest penalty given yet over the Jan. 6 assault. Continued …

Vietnam battles plastic blight in idyllic Ha Long Bay

Squinting in the bright light of a hot summer morning, Vu Thi Thinh perches on the edge of her small wooden boat and plucks a polystyrene block from the calm waters of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay. Continued …

Energy majors go slow on green transition despite pressure

Most oil majors are stepping up investment in green energy amid rising activist pressure, but without abandoning fossil fuels, putting at risk reaching carbon neutrality in 2050. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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