Category Archives: pattaya

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Wednesday’s news-Sept 3

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Hua Hin Real Estate Market/People’s Party backs Anutin for PM/Warning issued for heavy rain/Gold punches through $3,500/ECONOMY: Thailand’s economy faces pressure/Chinese driving property market/Lazada as premium e-marketplace/TOURISM: Thailand foreign visitors drop/Thai hotels cut room rates/Bangkok hotel occupancy declines/U-Tapao Airport Development/Walking Street’s LED Upgrade/Phuket’s pricey new night market shut/Trat Airport Expansion/New Bangkok tourist hub/NEW PAGE – Hua Hin 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

Hua Hin Real Estate Market Set for Strong Growth, Says Realtor

Location Real Estate, an independent Hua Hin property agency founded by long-time resident Jon Martin, has shared insights into the Hua Hin real estate market for 2025 and beyond. With demand growing among retirees, investors, and international buyers, the outlook highlights promising opportunities across established neighborhoods, beachfront properties, and new off-plan developments.

The Hua Hin property market is entering a period of steady growth, Martin says, supported by expanding infrastructure and rising interest from international buyers. According to recent data, property values in Hua Hin and nearby Cha-Am have increased by an average of 3%–7% annually in recent years. Continued …

People’s Party backs Anutin for PM, Pheu Thai moves for House dissolution

People’s Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawt announced support for Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the new prime minister this morning, but the caretaker prime minister from the ruling Pheu Thai Party countered with a move for a House dissolution.

Natthaphong said at the parliament that his party supported Bhumjaithai leader Anutin for the prime ministership, but with conditions. Anutin said separately that he accepted those conditions. Continued …

Warning issued for heavy rain, flash floods

The Thai Meteorological Department reported today that the monsoon trough currently stretches across the lower north, central, and northeast regions, while the moderate southwest monsoon continues to affect the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.

Isolated heavy rain is expected across these areas, with flash floods and overflows a concern, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands. The public in these regions is urged to be cautious of the potential for heavy rainfall accumulation. Continued …

Gold punches through $3,500 to hit record

Gold hit a record as the prospect of United States Federal Reserve rate cuts and growing concerns over the central bank’s future gave fresh legs to the multiyear rally in precious metals.

Bullion for immediate delivery rose as much as 0.9% yesterday to top US$3,508 an ounce — surpassing the previous peak reached in April — before paring some gains. The precious metal has risen more than 30% this year, making it one of the best-performing major commodities. Continued … 

Thailand’s economy faces pressure amid political turmoil

Bloomberg yesterday reported that political turbulence in Thailand could lead to a temporary setback for the country’s economic growth. Following the Constitutional Court’s ruling removing Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her position as prime minister due to serious ethical violations, there has been increasing competition between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai to appoint a new prime minister.

Both parties have been racing to secure support from the People’s Party, which is calling for a House dissolution and fresh elections within a few months. Continued …

Chinese influx driving Thai property market

The rise of Chinese investors and long-term residents in Thailand is quietly driving growth in the property market, especially in mid-to-upper-tier housing.

Surachet Kongcheep, head of research and consultancy at Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, highlighted that while Thailand’s tourism numbers in the first half of 2025 showed a 5% drop year-on-year, the focus should be on the growing trend of Chinese nationals moving to Thailand not just for tourism, but for long-term residence and business investments. Continued …

Lazada positions itself as premium e-marketplace

Lazada Thailand is leveraging its “next-level e-commerce” strategy to position itself as a premium e-marketplace platform, with greater usage of artificial intelligence (AI) features to enhance the experience for all stakeholders.

The e-commerce operator wants to cash in on the expanding local market, as Thailand’s e-commerce market is projected to reach 2 trillion baht by 2030, according to Priceza. Continued …

Thailand foreign visitors drop 7.16% y/y in first eight months of 2025

Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals this year up to the end of August fell 7.16% from the same period a year earlier, the Tourism Ministry said yesterday. There were 21.9 million foreign visitors during the period, with China the largest source market with 3.1 million arrivals.

In August, the state planning agency cut its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals this year to 33 million from 37 million. There was a record of nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic. – Reuters

Thai hotels cut room rates amid falling tourist numbers

Thailand’s hotel sector is experiencing pricing pressure this year after four consecutive years of rate increases that have nearly doubled average room rates since 2021, as tourists from China and other major Asian markets have dropped significantly, says Tris Rating.

In its latest Industry Spotlight report, Tris projects total foreign tourist arrivals of 33.1 million this year, a decrease of 5.6% from 35.5 million in 2024. The forecast reflects a slowdown from several traditionally strong Asian markets, including China, Malaysia, and South Korea, which typically represent Thailand’s core tourist base. Continued …

Bangkok hotel occupancy declines

Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) has reported on the hotel business landscape in Bangkok, noting a sluggish first half of 2025. Occupancy rates dropped by 3.7 percentage points to 75.1%, while the average daily room rate (ADR) increased slightly to 4,260 baht.

The focus for the latter half of the year will be on absorbing over 3,283 new rooms set to open before the end of the year, contributing to a total of more than 5,100 new rooms for 2025, marking the fastest annual growth since the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

Artist’s rendering of new airport

Political Turmoil Grounds U-Tapao Airport Development

A political impasse has halted the development of U-Tapao Airport. U-Tapao International Aviation Co. (UTA) is seeking a one-month reprieve as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) stalls on plan approvals. If the situation doesn’t resolve, the company threatens to terminate the contract and demands compensation of over 4 billion Thai baht for previous investments.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, head of Bangkok Airways and a stakeholder in UTA, spoke out on Monday, explaining that political shifts are holding back Cabinet approval for the Eastern Aviation City project. This uncertainty hampers progress, with UTA aiming to realign the project with current passenger trends and expansion plans. Continued …

Walking Street’s LED Upgrade Divides Pattaya Opinions

Pattaya’s Walking Street is now home to an eye-catching LED display, a move designed to enhance the city’s allure as a premier tourist destination. While city officials tout this as a step toward modernizing public spaces, not everyone is thrilled with the upgrade.

The new installation aims to bolster Walking Street’s reputation as a global nightlife hotspot. However, opinions are divided. Some admire the spectacle, while others argue the city should prioritize addressing longstanding issues like tangled cabling and persistent traffic congestion. Continued …

Phuket’s pricey new night market shut after 2 months

Phuket’s newest night market has turned into a multimillion-baht flop, shutting its doors just two months after opening in a blaze of publicity.

The 30-million-baht Plern Pao Night Market, near Surin Circle’s clocktower roundabout, closed abruptly this week. Organizer Plern Pao Co. issued a notice on Monday confirming the shutdown and instructing vendors to collect refunds and remove their stalls. Continued …

Why the Trat Airport Expansion is a Major Win for Thailand’s Tourism Industry

Bangkok Airways has started Trat Airport reconstruction with a proposed 400-million-baht investment. This is sure to transform airline travel in Thailand’s eastern region. This step is set to add much needed infrastructure and services for Trat Airport. This, in turn, is sure to boost tourism in eastern Thailand and position Trat Airport as a key player in regional travel.

For travelers with a desire to see Thailand’s idyllic eastern coast, Trat, a formerly sleepy and hidden jewel, is bound to become more accessible. Continued …

Bangkok’s Pak Khlong Samsen slated to become new tourist hub

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unveiled a vision to transform Pak Khlong Samsen (the mouth of Samsen canal) into a vibrant new riverside landmark along the Chao Phraya River.

Thaiwut Khankaew, BMA’s director of City Planning and Development, said the idea was proposed on Monday in a meeting with representatives from the Crown Property Bureau (CPB) on the progress of a project to improve the riverside landscape of the public area at the mouth of Samsen canal, which branches off from the Chao Phraya River in Dusit district near Sukhothai Palace. Continued …

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baht, bangkok, cha am, exports, hua hin, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, thailand islands, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-Aug 30

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Constitutional Court Sacks Thai PM/PM’s ouster a wake-up call/Anutin set to lead/Pheu Thai Insists It Will Lead/Pickup Truck Crash in Cha-am/New 50 and 100 Baht Notes/Thailand braces for heavy rain/Fall of Thailand’s AIDS Monk/ECONOMY: Court rules most Trump tariffs unlawful/Economic Risks Following Prime Minister’s Dismissal/TOURISM: Expats Flee Pattaya Bars/Tourist spending is going digital/Nine Injured as Tour Bus Overturns/Bangkok Airways, Samui Airport honored/Nok Air international flights suspended/CLIMATE THAILAND: Is Sustainable Tourism Achievable?/Southeast Asia incorporating wind power/Electric vehicles at Laem Chabang Terminal/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/NEW PAGE – Hua Hin 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

Constitutional Court Sacks Thai PM Over Ethics Breach

Political unrest has gripped Thailand after the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office yesterday. The court found her guilty of an ethics violation, abruptly ending her leadership after just a year. This marks another setback for the influential Shinawatra family.

Paetongtarn, who quickly rose through the ranks to become the country’s youngest prime minister, is now the sixth leader with ties to the Shinawatra dynasty to be ousted by either the military or the judiciary. Continued … 

PM’s ouster a wake-up call

The Constitutional Court’s verdict dismissing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office yesterday for an ethics violation is another nail in the coffin for the Shinawatra political dynasty, which has dominated the Thai political landscape for over two decades.

The court, set up in 1997, has now ousted five sitting Thai prime ministers linked to Thaksin, including his daughter, sister, and brother-in-law. Continued … 

Anutin set to lead new Thai government

Thai politics is in flux following the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister over the Hun Sen audio clip case, which also ended her cabinet’s tenure. The Pheu Thai Party and Bhumjaithai Party immediately emerged as rivals, moving to rally parliamentary support to form a new government.

Pheu Thai convened its former coalition partners to reaffirm their intention to continue governing together, while Bhumjaithai moved quickly. Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul launched a series of negotiations with other political parties, aiming to position Bhumjaithai as the lead party in forming the new government and to secure votes for Anutin as prime minister. Continued …

Pheu Thai Insists It Will Lead Government Formation

The Pheu Thai Party has reaffirmed its commitment to leading the formation of Thailand’s next government, insisting that its coalition partners are standing firm.

Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the current government is still “holding hands tightly” and is ready to work. Continued …

Pickup Truck Crash in Cha-am Injures at Least 12 Workers

At least 12 construction workers were injured when a pickup truck carrying laborers was struck from behind and forced onto a central reservation in Cha-am yesterday evening.

The collision occurred on southbound Phetkasem Road in Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province. Police from Cha-am Police Station and rescue teams from Sawang Sanphet Foundation responded to the scene. Continued …

New 50 and 100 Baht Notes to Debut in Polymer Form

The Bank of Thailand is shaking things up, announcing that new 50- and 100-baht banknotes will soon hit the streets, made from special polymer material. The roll-out is set for November.

These fresh polymer notes are crafted from a durable type of plastic, making them more resistant to common foes like moisture and dirt. This means they’ll last significantly longer compared to the traditional paper notes — think four times longer! As such, they promise to be more cost-effective over time and easier on the wallet when it comes to maintenance. Continued …

Thailand braces for heavy rain, flash floods

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported today that the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is strengthening, while the monsoon trough extends across the upper north and upper northeast.

South (east coast): Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani; minimum 23-25°C, maximum 33-35°C; waves about 1-2 meters high and above 2 meters high in thundershowers. Continued …

The Fall of Thailand’s AIDS Monk’s Billion-Dollar Scheme

A revered abbot who once helped AIDS patients has become the center of Thailand’s latest monastic scandal, accused of orchestrating a massive donation fraud worth potentially tens of billions of baht.

Luang Pho Alongkot, former abbot of Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu in Lopburi province, built his reputation in 1992 by opening this temple as a refuge for HIV/AIDS patients during Thailand’s early epidemic. When discrimination was rampant and treatment limited, his temple became a sanctuary that attracted nationwide media attention and massive donations. Continued …

US appeals court rules most Trump tariffs unlawful, showdown looms at Supreme Court

A US federal appeals court delivered a major blow to Donald Trump’s trade agenda yesterday, declaring that most of the tariffs imposed during his presidency were not authorized by law.

The ruling strikes at one of the central pillars of Trump’s second-term economic and foreign policy, though the duties will remain in place for now as the administration prepares to appeal to the Supreme Court. Continued …

Thai Business Leaders Warn of Economic Risks Following Prime Minister’s Dismissal

Thailand’s leading business organizations have warned of mounting economic risks following the Constitutional Court’s decision yesterday to dismiss Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, calling for urgent cooperation between public and private sectors to restore investor confidence.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) cautioned that the ruling represents a significant shift in political stability that could undermine both domestic and foreign investor confidence, while disrupting long-term economic policy planning. Continued …

Expats Flee Pattaya Bars Amid Intensive Police Raids

Once the heartbeat of Pattaya’s bustling nightlife, the city’s famous pubs and go-go bars are seeing a shift in patronage, as long-term expats and regular tourists opt for quieter venues. Frequent police raids, part of the “No Drugs, No Dealers” campaign, are casting a shadow over the renowned party atmosphere, leaving venues under tight scrutiny.

Every evening, a new spectacle unfolds as local authorities conduct surprise inspections at popular establishments. Licenses are checked, staff are scrutinized, and random urine tests are carried out in an effort to combat narcotics use. While these measures are heralded as necessary for safety, many foreigners argue they’ve chilled Pattaya’s vibrant nightlife. Continued …

How tourist spending is going digital

Starting in the fourth quarter this year, foreign investors arriving in Thailand can convert digital assets such as cryptocurrencies into baht to cover their travel expenses and spending in the country.

The initiative called TouristDigiPay is set for a nationwide pilot program over 18 months within a regulatory sandbox. By allowing foreign tourists to use digital assets as a source of funds for their spending in Thailand, the government is promoting innovations to support the domestic economy and stimulate the stagnating tourism industry. Continued …

Nine Injured as Tour Bus Overturns in Roi Et

Nine people were injured yesterday morning when a tour bus carrying more than 30 passengers overturned on a highway in Pho Chai district, Roi Et province.

The incident occurred near Phu Kum Khao temple in Kampha-ung subdistrict. Emergency services, including local police and rescue volunteers, attended the scene to find the bus lying on its side in the central reservation. Passengers were given first aid at the scene before being transported to Pho Chai Hospital for further treatment. Continued …

Bangkok Airways and Samui Airport among Asia-Pacific’s Top 10

Bangkok Airways has been ranked ninth in the “Best Airlines” category, while Samui Airport secured second place in the “Best Airports” category at the Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025.

The awards, hosted by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau, recognize excellence in travel and hospitality across the region. Winners were determined through votes from more than 300,000 readers, travelers, and passengers worldwide, covering hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, and airports in the Asia-Pacific region. Continued …

CAAT suspends international flights for Nok Air, imposes ban on route expansion

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that it has banned Nok Air from operating international routes and expanding its network, following the airline’s failure to meet safety standards. This move comes amid ongoing compliance checks with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, director-general of CAAT, confirmed that the airline must suspend all international operations and refrain from expanding its routes, both domestic and international, until it addresses the safety deficiencies identified during CAAT’s review. Continued …

Is Sustainable Tourism Achievable in Southern Thailand?

Southern Thailand has long been a popular destination for international travelers seeking reprieve from their cold or urban realities in the form of a tropical island paradise, complete with unique cultural experiences. H

owever, post-global pandemic it seems that the region’s tourism has not only bounced back to its pre-Covid trajectory but is growing at an unprecedented rate – even with this year’s quieter low season considered. And, while locals and stakeholders of a tourism-reliant economy are overall keen on the year-on-year growth of visitors, it doesn’t come without a few concerns. Top of mind are the environmental concerns. Continued … 

A wind farm in Nakhon Ratchasima

How Thailand and mainland Southeast Asia are incorporating wind power

Countries in mainland Southeast Asia have stark differences in renewable energy strategies, balancing them with ample but controversial hydropower and entrenched interests.

While solar power has become accessible and cost effective, many of these nations have struggled to make wind power an essential part of renewable energy strategies, despite having locations with high potential. Meanwhile, others have become regional wind power leaders, such as Vietnam. Continued …

DP World deploys electric vehicles at Laem Chabang Terminal

DP World has introduced five electric internal transfer vehicles (eITVs) at Laem Chabang International Terminal (LCIT) in Thailand.

The move is part of broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions across port operations and aligns with the Port Authority of Thailand’s (PAT) Green Port Strategy, which targets the transformation of Laem Chabang Port into a green port by 2030. Continued …

  • Kuwaiti Bikers Cause Crash in Pattaya, Passenger Injured – Continued …
  • Laotian Businessman Arrested After 9 Years on the Run – Continued …
  • American Language Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Minor in Class – Continued … 
  • Middle Eastern Tourists Hurt in Pattaya Highway Bike Racing – Continued …
  • Russian man arrested on Koh Samui over Phuket cryptocurrency robbery – Continued … 

China to have 300,000 driverless taxis by 2030

China is likely to see 300,000 driverless cabs operate in its four top-tier cities as early as 2030, buoyed by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its highly competitive electric vehicle (EV) sector. The number of robotaxis on the mainland was expected to jump to 4 million by the late 2030s. Continued …

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cha am, exports, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, retirement, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand islands, tourism

Wednesday’s news-Aug 27

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Partial road closures expected/Optimistic for high season tourism/Cha-am School Milk Crisis/Pattaya panic over expat life/Police Seize 6,000 Firearms/Thailand braces for heavy rain/Satellite-to-phone service/Chiang Mai goose squad flops/ECONOMY: Global layoffs trend/Export growth to slow/Prisoners to fix labor rcrisis/Thailand Chases Global Events/Thai-Cambodia Border Trade Plummets/TOURISM: Tourism Giants Slash Growth Targets/Phuket Fines 17,000 Tourists/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 10 Must-Try Thai Dishes/CLIMATE THAILAND: Microplastic in almost everything/Thailand’s green evolution/ACE Solar Power Plants/Thailand as an EV Export Hub/BYD exports Evs to Europe/GULF’s Industrial Waste-to-Energy Plants/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/NEW PAGE – Hua Hin 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

Partial road closures expected for water pipeline work on Sarasong Road

Hua Hin City Municipality will begin installing a new raw water pipeline along Sarosong Road today, with partial road closures expected until Sept. 15. Drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible to minimize delays.

The second phase of the project will see sections of Sarosong Road closed from the Top Center traffic light junction to the intersection with Damnoenkasem Road, in front of the Waterworks Division, extending to the Waterworks intersection. Continued … 

PKK Officials optimistic for high season tourism

Tourism officials are optimistic about the high season outlook for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with domestic tourists continuing to drive the market and European visitors showing a preference for extended stays.

Wasan Kittikul, president of the Western Chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said that destinations such as Cha-Am and Kaeng Krachan in Phetchaburi, along with Hua Hin, Pranburi, and Sam Roi Yot in Prachuap Khiri Khan, continue to rely mainly on Thai travelers. Foreign tourists, particularly from Scandinavia, the UK, and Germany, typically choose to stay longer and enjoy the region’s wide range of experiences. Continued …

Cha-am School Milk Crisis as Local Dairy Cooperatives Seek Help

The Cha-am–Huai Sai Dairy Cooperative in Phetchaburi Province has warned of a mounting crisis in the school milk program, with excess milk production threatening the livelihoods of dairy farmers across more than 10 provinces in central Thailand.

Somkuan Sawangarom, manager of the cooperative, revealed that the cooperative purchases approximately 23 tons of raw milk daily from local farmers. While part of this milk is used for school milk production, a significant portion remains unsold, forcing the cooperative to sell some milk at reduced prices and risking financial losses this year. Continued …

Pattaya panic: Visa crackdowns and QR codes shake expat life

Pattaya’s carefree days are fading fast. Last year, the city embraced digital control – cashless payments, visa crackdowns, surveillance tech – and retirees are struggling to keep up. Once a haven for easy living, Pattaya now demands QR codes, clean records, and compliance, leaving old-school expats wondering if they still belong.

Some expats argue that Pattaya is the same as ever: just pricier and more traffic-choked. Others say the writing’s on the wall. Longtime expat Tom Tuohy claims Thailand’s carefree past is vanishing, replaced by a stricter, tech-heavy regime where cash-in-hand jobs, dodgy visa fixes, and old-school expat tricks are becoming relics of the past. Continued …

Police Seize 6,000 Firearms in Nationwide Crackdown

Police have seized more than 6,000 firearms and arrested nearly 20,000 suspects in a sweeping 10-day crackdown on gun crime and outstanding arrest warrants, officials announced Monday.

The operation, codenamed “Defeat the Wrongdoers, Protect the Good”, was carried out between Aug. 15-24 under the direction of the Royal Thai Police. It followed a series of violent crimes involving firearms that sparked growing public alarm. Continued …

Thailand braces for heavy rain in Sept-Oct, drought risk looms in 2026

In an era of increasingly volatile weather, climate instability is no longer just a phrase — it is evident in intensifying and unpredictable floods and droughts every year. Thailand now faces a new challenge, as forecasts from both domestic and international sources indicate above-average rainfall from September to October, raising the risk of flooding in many areas. Meanwhile, El Niño is likely to return in 2026, potentially delaying the monsoon season and bringing severe droughts and heatwaves.

Assoc Prof Witsanu Attavanich, a lecturer in the Department of Economics at Kasetsart University said that September-October will see La Niña influence, resulting in heavier-than-average rainfall across almost all regions. Continued …

Satellite-to-phone service to be available in Thailand next year

A satellite-to-phone service using Globalstar’s low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites is expected to be available in Thailand at the end of 2026. The move will benefit satellite operator Thaicom, the local exclusive partner of Globalstar in providing LEO satellite services in Thailand, according to Thaicom chief executive Patompob Suwansiri.

A satellite-to-phone service enables compatible mobile devices to connect to other phones via orbiting satellites while outside of cellular and WiFi coverage. It is expected to be the “next big thing” in the global mobile phone service sector. Continued … 

Chiang Mai goose squad flops in moat cleanup stunt

Chiang Mai’s bold plan to clean its polluted moat with a flock of geese is ruffling feathers. What was meant to be a natural solution to green algae and water pollution has turned into a feathery fiasco, complete with photo-happy tourists, escaped birds, and zero results.

Since Aug. 21, Chiang Mai Municipality has been trialing a flock of 10 geese in the southern moat near Chiang Mai Gate. The feathered recruits were released on a one-week mission to clean up water pollution by feeding on aquatic weeds such as water hyacinth and plankton. Continued …

Global layoffs trend mirrors Thai business shake-up

The global job market has faced turbulence in the first half of 2025, with numerous multinational companies announcing large-scale layoffs. Meanwhile, Thailand’s labor market is encountering its own challenges, driven by technological change — particularly the rise of AI — and economic pressures stemming from global trade tensions, which are expected to slow Thai exports in the second half of the year.

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) warned in its Q2 2025 report on Thailand’s social conditions that recent economic uncertainty has prompted organizations and businesses to shift from full-time permanent employment to contract and part-time work. Continued …

Export growth to slow as US tariffs take effect

Thai exports are expected to lose their growth momentum following the imposition of a 19% US import tariff, despite robust growth of 13% in the first seven months of the year, say analysts.

Thailand’s exports in July tallied US$28.6 billion, up 11% year-on-year and 0.2% month-on-month, exceeding market expectations of 9.6% growth. Continued …

Prisoners and soldiers eyed to fix Thailand labor rcrisis

Thailand’s labor minister has unveiled a drastic plan to plug crippling worker shortages by deploying prisoners, soldiers, and even youth offenders into the country’s struggling workforce.

Labor Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit said urgent action was needed to tackle a labor crisis gripping the agriculture and production sectors. He confirmed he would propose measures to the Cabinet this week to get more boots on the ground. Continued … 

Thailand Chases Global Events to Boost Economic Growth

Thailand is increasing its efforts to draw in more international events, with the goal of revitalizing its economy and promoting new destinations, especially within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). With ambitious infrastructure projects underway, these provinces are becoming prime hosts for global gatherings.

The push arrives as the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) market projects a shortfall, missing the 164-billion-baht target for the year. The sluggish economy calls for a boost in MICE sector activity, with an emphasis on high-potential industries that could drive significant local revenue, says Supawan Teerarat, president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Continued …

Thai-Cambodia Border Trade Plummets Nearly 100%

Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade has revealed the devastating impact on bilateral commerce following the closure of Thai-Cambodia border checkpoints, with trade values plummeting by 97.5% in July.

Monthly figures released by the Commerce Ministry show that the closure of Thai-Cambodia border crossings has dragged bilateral trade into negative territory, with trade values falling to just 376 million baht in July. Continued …

Thai Tourism Giants Slash Growth Targets as Chinese Visitor Recovery Stalls

Thailand’s tourism industry is grappling with mounting challenges in the second half of 2025, as the recovery of Chinese visitors proves slower than anticipated, while competition from rival destinations intensifies.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to revise downward its target for foreign tourist arrivals throughout 2025, setting the figure equal to 2024’s 35.5 million visitors. However, the sector continues to benefit from domestic tourism stimulus through the government’s “Half-Price Thailand Travel” scheme during low season periods. Continued …

Phuket Fines 17,000 Tourists for Unlicensed Driving

Phuket’s roads are in the spotlight as authorities crack down on unlicensed foreign drivers, revealing over 17,000 fines issued this year alone. These figures were shared at a recent provincial meeting chaired by Gov. Sophon Suwannarat, highlighting a problem persisting despite prior efforts.

Between Aug.1-22, the police recorded 1,423 cases of unlicensed driving and 172 instances of helmetless riding, totaling 1,769 offenses in just three weeks. Major Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Phuket Provincial Police commander, confirmed these details, emphasizing the ongoing need for enforcement. Continued …

10 Must-Try Thai Dishes On Your Next Holiday In Thailand

For travelers visiting Thailand, the food alone can feel like a journey in itself. From the lively night markets of Bangkok to the laid-back beach stalls in the south, all of these places offer mouth-watering Thai cuisine. With a multitude of dishes offering an explosion of bold flavors, rich aromas, and colorful presentations that leave a lasting impression, it’s something you can’t miss.

It’s not just about eating, it’s about experiencing the heart of Thai culture with every bite. Here is a list of 10 must-try Thai dishes that highlight the best of what the country has to offer. Continued …

Microplastic can be found in almost everything

Dear Doctors: What are microplastics, and where do they come from? They’re all over the news, and it’s hard to tell if they’re a real problem or just another internet scare. One news story said there’s an entire teaspoonful of microplastics in our brains. Is this true?

Dear Reader: We suspect the recent increase in headlines about microplastics is due to emerging research that finds these miniscule pollutants to be far more widespread and abundant than was previously known. The focus reflects growing concern about the harmful effects of microplastics on the physical health of humans and other living things, and on the environment. Continued …

Thailand’s green evolution: unlocking a clean future with advanced sustainable energy solutions

Thailand stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward decarbonization. Clear skies and fresh air are no longer just targets on paper but plans in motion. Since 2022, the country has set concrete climate targets: carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.

The good news is that businesses in Thailand have embraced low-barrier sustainable energy solutions such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy-efficient lighting, and waste-reduction programs. But achieving ambitious national goals requires more than just incremental steps. Continued …

ACE Begins Operation of 4 Solar Power Plants

Absolute Clean Energy Public Co has informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand that four projects of ground-mounted solar power plants have already achieved their commercial operation date (COD)..

With a total power purchase agreement (PPA) capacity of 28.17 MW, the plants are operated by the company’s indirect wholly owned subsidiaries and their PPAs with the Provincial Electricity Authority, Continued …

New Incentives to Transform Thailand into an EV Export Hub

Thailand is moving to cement its position as a major electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, with the government introducing new incentives to boost exports. The revised policy, which allows each EV produced for export to count as 1.5 units toward local production quotas, is expected to drive a massive increase in shipments.

According to the Board of Investment (BOI), the new rule could see EV exports from Thailand soar from 12,500 units in 2025 to 52,000 units by 2026. Continued …

BYD exports first batch of electric vehicles from Thai factory

Chinese auto brand BYD exported its first batch of 959 electric vehicles from its Thailand factory on Monday, boosting the kingdom’s strategy of building an EV production hub for the left-hand drive mode. Beginning with the Dolphin left-hand drive model, this first batch is destined for the European market, including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The export operation is carried out by BYD’s own vessel, the BYD Zhengzhou, which has set sail from Thailand to Europe for the first time, marking a further enhancement of the brand’s global supply chain and maritime logistics network. Continued …

GULF To Develop 12 Industrial Waste-to-Energy Plants

Gulf Development Public Co. is moving toward the goal of sustainable waste management. The company has signed an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contract with two global partners – Energy China (Thailand) and China Power Engineering Consultant Group International Engineering – for the construction of 12 small power-producer (VSPP) waste-to-energy power plants.

Each project will have an installed capacity of 9.9 megawatts and will be located in the central and eastern regions of Thailand, which are key industrial areas with large amounts of industrial waste. Continued …

  • Immigration Raid Uncovers Poker Den Run by Chinese & Koreans – Continued …
  • Warning over Chinese Scam Gang Selling Fake Gold – Continued …

Deaths could spell end for Japanese boxing

Japanese boxing is at “a crucial moment” and could cease to exist if it does not radically improve safety, the head of the country’s boxing commission said following the deaths of two fighters. Continued …

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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

chiang mai, exports, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-Aug 23

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Petrol prices increase/Thailand Post Suspends US Parcels/Heavy rains, strong winds forecast/Heavy rains August 24-27/Venomous sea slugs/Lese majeste amnesty talks stall/10,000 Student Visas revoked/ECONOMY: The details of US tariffs/Land Bridge Project Gets Green Light/TOURISM: Chiang Rai Airport ‘s New Terminal/American Tourist Found Dead/CLIMATE THAILAND: Chiang Mai’s Eco-Friendly Moat Plan/Power Producer’s Clean Energy Expansion/Tetra Pak Cuts Global Emissions/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/NEW PAGE – Hua Hin 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 https://hhexpatnews.com/hua-hin-links/

Thailand’s petrol prices increase, diesel remains unchanged

Retail petrol prices across Thailand have gone up, with benzene and gasohol now 0.40 baht more per liter after the adjustment took effect yesterday.

According to PTT Station, benzene now retails at 40.84 baht per liter. Gasohol 95 is priced at 32.55 baht, gasohol 91 at 32.18 baht, E20 at 30.34 baht, E85 at 28.69 baht, and premium gasohol 95 at 41.14 baht. Diesel prices remain unchanged across all categories. Continued … 

Thailand Post Suspends US Parcels as Trump Axes Tax Exemption

Thailand Post has halted all international parcel services to the US following President Trump’s abolition of the de minimis tax exemption. This temporary suspension hits millions of global parcels destined for America.

For now, customers can still send packages via Courier Post and to Amazon FBA warehouses. Trump’s decision to remove the de minimis threshold, which allowed low-value imports into the US duty-free, has caused logistical chaos. This exemption, previously set at approximately 28,649 Thai baht ($800) daily per person, enabled the smooth import of small packages. Continued …

Heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas forecast across Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of isolated heavy to very heavy rains across the country, with the east likely to see the most severe downpours. Residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant, as the risk of flooding and rapid water accumulation remains high.

South (east coast): Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat; minimum 23-25°C, maximum 31-33°C; waves about a meter high and above 2 meters high in thundershowers. Continued …

Tropical depression to bring heavy rains to Thailand from August 24-27

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning about a tropical depression that is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across various regions of Thailand from Aug. 24-27. Continued …

Beachgoers alerted to venomous sea slugs

Beachgoers in Thailand have been alerted to beware of venomous blue dragon sea slugs (Glaucilla sp) after reported sightings along Karon Beach in Phuket following recent rainfall.

Blue dragon slugs feed on poisonous jellyfish, particularly the bluebottle jellyfish, storing the stinging cells as a defense mechanism, according to the Department of Disease Control and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Continued …

Thailand’s lese majeste amnesty talks stall in Parliament

Plans to grant amnesty to lese majeste offenders have hit a political wall, as Parliament hesitates on revising the kingdom’s most controversial law.

Thailand’s House Committee on Peace Building confirmed this week that the current conditions for granting amnesty under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly known as the lese majeste law, remain unchanged. On Thursday, a majority of committee members voiced support for revising the law, but no formal proposals have been tabled. Continued …

Thailand Revokes Nearly 10,000 Student Visas for Non-Compliance

The Thai government has revoked student visas for nearly 10,000 foreign nationals who failed to meet educational criteria, as authorities crack down on the abuse of student visas for unauthorized employment in the country.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation ordered immigration police to cancel the visas of students enrolled in short-term, non-degree programs that do not comply with ministry regulations effective since May 14, 2025. Continued …

Breaking down the details of US tariffs

Following the US implementation on Aug. 7 of a 19% reciprocal tariff on imported Thai goods, some questions remain. The Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) and the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) have clarified some concerns.

Thai exports to the US face a tariff rate that consists of the most favored nation (MFN) rate plus an additional reciprocal tariff of 19%, according to both departments. Continued …

Thailand’s ‘Land Bridge’ Project Gets Green Light to Transform Global Trade

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has given the go-ahead for a landmark “Land Bridge” project, a critical infrastructure initiative connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The project is expected to create a new economic corridor with massive financial benefits, leading to a planned public bidding process in 2026.

According to a comprehensive study by the OTP, the project’s economic internal rate of return (EIRR) is a high 17.4%, a figure that “reflects the potential for long-term economic growth,” said Panya Chupanich, the OTP’s director. Continued …

Chiang Rai Airport Secures 5.7 Billion Baht for New Terminal

Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang Airport is set for a major expansion after the Ministry of Transport and Airports of Thailand (AoT) approved a 5.7-billion-baht project to build a new passenger terminal, aiming to increase capacity to six million travelers per year by 2032.

Currently, the airport handles around 1.9 million passengers annually. The new terminal, which has already entered the conceptual design phase following the appointment of consultants, will accommodate up to five million domestic and one million international passengers each year. Continued …

American Tourist Found Dead on Patong Beach

Authorities in Phuket are investigating the death of a 28-year-old American tourist whose body was discovered washed ashore on Patong Beach yesterday afternoon.

Patong Police received an alert from their dispatch center regarding a body found near a bridge on Thaweewong Road. Police officers and rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Foundation were immediately dispatched to the scene. Continued …

Geese Patrol: Chiang Mai’s Eco-Friendly Moat Plan

In a twist in urban management, the picturesque city of Chiang Mai has embarked on a unique environmental project involving geese. This week, a pilot initiative saw the release of 10 geese into the city’s historic moat to investigate their potential role in cleaning the water and reducing pollution.

The trial, launched on Thursday near the Chiang Mai Gate, caught locals by surprise, with pedestrians and motorists alike pausing to capture the quirky scene. The initiative’s visibility sparked curiosity and debate, particularly as many residents were initially unaware of the project’s purpose. Continued …

Thailand’s Largest Independent Power Producer Accelerates Clean Energy Expansion

Thailand Stock Exchange-listed Gulf Energy Development PCL (Gulf) recently announced that through a series of strategic investments and project acquisitions, it is expected to achieve its 2035 target of adding 5.4GW of clean energy capacity five years ahead of schedule.

Currently, the company’s operational solar, wind, and waste-to-energy projects have a total installed capacity of 1GW, with projects under development reaching 2.6GW. Continued …

Tetra Pak Cuts Global Emissions by 25%

Tetra Pak has delivered substantial progress toward its climate goals, cutting greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 25% since 2019, while achieving an even more dramatic 54% reduction within its own operations, the company announced in Bangkok this week. The Swedish processing and packaging giant’s annual Sustainability Report 2024 reveals that renewable energy now accounts for 94% of the company’s global electricity consumption.

Thailand has emerged as one of the key testing grounds for Tetra Pak’s next-generation technologies, with new tubular heat exchangers and separators deployed locally achieving energy consumption reductions of up to 40% compared with earlier designs. Continued …

  • Chinese Gang Escapes After Failed Kidnapping in Pattaya – Continued …
  • Zimbabwean Man Arrested for Phuket Romance Scam – Continued …
  • Shop Owner ‘Disappointed’ After Japanese Tourists Steal Shirt – Continued …

Clouds clearing on the global economic front

Following a tense trade war period, the global economic and trade outlook has become clearer. The US settled on tariffs for most trading partners, with developed markets such as Europe and Japan facing 15% rates, and developing countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines receiving rates of 19%-20%. Continued …

US reviewing all visa holders for possible deportable violations

The United States is reviewing the records of all the more than 55 million foreign nationals holding valid visas, regardless of their nationality, for any possible deportable violations, the State Department said on Thursday. Should there be any indications of overstays, threats to public safety, support for a terrorist organization, or other forms of potential ineligibility, the US is ready to revoke visas at any time. Continued …

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Wednesday’s news-Aug 13

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Blessing of the Fleet/Passwords under threat/Protests Erupt Over Dutch Embassy Sale/Residents flee border district/ECONOMY: Pressure to restructure Thai industry/Cambodia crisis hits Thai brands/TOURISM: Thailand world’s cheapest travel destination/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok a power player in fine dining/CLIMATE THAILAND: Clean energy dearth dents foreign interest/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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

Hua Hin Blessing of the Fleet ceremony returns on Sept 7

The Hua Hin Blessing of the Fleet ceremony will return on Sunday, Sept. 7, continuing a tradition that reflects the town’s historic connection to the sea and its fishing community.

Organized by the Hua Hin Fishing Community Committee in partnership with the coastal community, the event will take place at the Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine, next to the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. The ceremony, which has been held during the 10th lunar month for nearly two decades, serves to honor ancestors, seek protection for local fishermen, and give thanks for the ocean’s resources. Continued …

Passwords under threat as tech giants seek tougher security

Fingerprints, access keys, and facial recognition are putting a new squeeze on passwords as the traditional computer security method – but users hesitate over making the switch.

“The password era is ending,” two senior figures at Microsoft wrote in a July blog post. The tech giant has been building “more secure” alternatives to log in for years – and has since May been offering them by default to new users. Continued … 

Protests Erupt Over Dutch Embassy Sale in Bangkok

A storm of protest has erupted following the proposed sale of the Netherlands embassy compound in Bangkok. The Dutch Association in Thailand has rallied to stop the move, delivering a petition to halt the sale of this historically significant site on Wireless Road.

On July 30, prominent members of the Dutch, Thai, and expatriate communities gathered to present a letter to Dutch Ambassador, Remco van Wijngaarden, expressing widespread opposition. The association, having gathered over 1,000 signatures, is opposing local developers who are interested in the prime property. Continued …

Fearful residents flee border district

Fearing another round of clashes could break out along the Thai-Cambodian border at any moment, residents of a Sisaket district packed up and left their homes despite no evacuation order being issued, according to a media report.

A significant increase in vehicles leaving Kantharalak district and moving along Highway 221 (Kantharalak-Khao Phra Wihan) has been observed since last night. It is villagers in Sao Thon Chai subdistrict where a lot of rockets and artillery fell during the five-day clashes who are most fearful, with a lot of them packing and leaving. Continued …

From would-be fifth tiger to Asia’s sick man: pressure to restructure Thai industry

Once tipped to become Asia’s fifth economic tiger, Thailand is now grappling with stagnation, recording the slowest growth rate in ASEAN. Over the past decade, GDP growth has averaged below 2%, well under its potential, earning the country the unenviable label of the “sick man of Asia” in urgent need of reform.

The World Bank reclassified Thailand as a lower middle-income economy (per capita income above US$1,036) in 1988, amid hopes it would follow Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore to become a newly industrialized nation. Continued …

Cambodia crisis hits Thai brands, disrupts logistics and halts ad spending

The ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict, which has escalated into armed clashes in several areas, has led to the closure of border trade checkpoints since June 24. The shutdown has disrupted cross-border business, forcing exporters to switch from road to maritime transport, resulting in significant delays.

As the unrest persists, the impact on business has widened, with Thai brands operating in Cambodia suspending marketing communications and companies planning market entry postponing their launches until conditions stabilize. Continued …

Southeast Asia’s second largest economy named world’s cheapest travel destination

Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, was named the world’s cheapest travel destination for American tourists with average spending of just US$81.87 a day, according to a new report by financial firm The Forex Complex.

To determine the results, the U.K. company weighed three factors: the average daily tourism-related costs in U.S. dollars, the local inflation rate, and the year-to-year change in the destination’s currency strength compared to the dollar. Continued …

Bangkok is becoming a power player in fine dining

Six Thai restaurants earned spots on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, solidifying Bangkok’s standing in the global culinary arena. Michelin-starred restaurants now shine across the capital, offering everything from intimate, detail-driven courses to dramatic, high-concept experiences. In this landscape of culinary innovation, Bangkok is becoming a power player in fine dining.

The shift in Bangkok’s food scene is undeniable. Local chefs are pushing big ideas, and restaurants are blending Thai identity and new techniques in ways that feel deliberate and exciting. More people are planning trips around these meals, not just for the food, but for what it says about where Thailand’s headed. Continued …

Clean energy dearth dents foreign interest

Ongoing political instability may slow Thai economic growth, but a larger hindrance is in the energy sector, as Thailand risks losing 1 trillion baht in foreign investment opportunities if the government does not step up efforts to facilitate renewable power usage, according to the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

Many foreign companies, especially those in data center and cloud service businesses, are waiting for authorities to allow peer-to-peer power trade, eager to know how clean electricity will be bought and sold under a new law. Continued …

  • Chinese Man Arrested Over Million-Dollar Durian Farm Fraud – Continued …
  • 2 foreign men flee Pattaya motorcycle accident, leaving injured Thai woman – Continued …
    Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

    The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

    For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

    Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

    Bus Tickets 

    Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

    Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

    (We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

    Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

    Hua Hin train schedule

    To book online

    Van/minibus service at Market Village

    Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

    • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
    • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
    • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
    • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
    • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

    The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

     

    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 Highways – 1586
                          • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, climate change, exports, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand beaches, thailand islands, tourism

Monday’s news-Aug 11

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Huay Mongkol Temple Mother’s Day/South-bound trains resume services/Elegance of Thai Women/Pay Thai car tax with new app/Thai users top Asia TikTok use/Cambodian workers leave Thailand/ECONOMY: Chinese investment fuel Thailand/Environmental measures to squeeze Thai exports/Phuket Property Boom/TOURISM: Domestic tourism booms over long weekend/Patong lifeguards conduct 122 rescues/Chinese tourism unlikely to rebound/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rise of the ‘Bangkok Dragon’/Timeless Charms of Sangkhla Buri/Thai Tea Orange Hue Isn’t Natural/Reptile Egg’ dessert/CLIMATE THAILAND: 12-billion baht to subsidize EVs/Clean Energy Platform Transforming Thailand/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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

Huay Mongkol Temple Mother’s Day draping draws crowd

Crowds gathered at Wat Huay Mongkol Saturday evening to take part in the 12th annual draping ceremony of the giant Luang Pu Thuat statue, held to mark Mother’s Day and honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s 93rd birthday.

More than 1,000 Thai and foreign visitors joined the ceremony, carrying a saffron-yellow cloth measuring 3 meters wide and 247 meters long in a clockwise procession before draping it over the statue, which bears the royal cypher “Sor Kor.” Continued …

South-bound trains resume normal services after Saturday’s derailment

The State Railway of Thailand has resumed its normal south-bound train services after removing three derailed carriages and repairing damaged tracks in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

The SRT said Sunday night that the removal of the three derailed passenger carriages in Kui Buri district of Prachuap Khiri Khan was complete and the damaged tracks were repaired. All south-bound trains could resume normal operations. Continued …

Elegance of Thai Women event opens at Bluport

Bluport Hua Hin has opened the “Elegance of Thai Women #3” event to mark National Mother’s Day and National Thai Fabric Day, highlighting the role of Thai textiles and craftsmanship in contemporary fashion.

The event, held in partnership with the Proud Group, the Thailand Textile Institute (THTI), and public and private sector partners, runs through tomorrow at the Hua Hin Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Grace in Identity – Beauty Radiating from Our Roots.” Continued …

Pay Thai car tax in minutes with new app

Paying your annual car tax just got a whole lot easier — and you won’t even have to leave the sofa.

The Department of Land Transport (DLT), in partnership with Krungthai Bank, has launched a service allowing drivers to pay their annual vehicle tax via the Pao Tang app. Officials say the move will save time, cut travel costs, and make the process as simple as tapping a screen. Continued …

Thai users top Asia and rank 2nd globally for TikTok use

Thailand has emerged as the top country in Asia and second globally in terms of TikTok usage, according to a report by We Are Social. The country also ranked ninth worldwide in terms of advertising reach on the platform.

The latest Digital 2025: July Statshot report revealed that Southeast Asia accounts for nearly one-quarter of TikTok’s global advertising audience, making it the platform’s largest ad-viewer base. Continued …

Cambodian workers leave Thailand amid threats to citizenship and property

Cambodian workers in Chon Buri are leaving Thailand due to threats from their homeland that they would lose their properties and citizenship if they did not return, according to Thai employers and the workers themselves.

Chitipat Janthong, a contractor building a 30-million-baht (US$927,930) residence in tambon Pong, Bang Lamung district, reported that many of his Cambodian workers have returned home, despite his attempts to retain them. Continued …

Chinese investment fuels Thailand’s ambition as global export gateway

Chinese investment is driving a wave of high-value projects in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), focusing on advanced technology sectors and fueling the country’s ambition to become a crucial global export hub, a top EEC official has said.

Initiated in 2017, the EEC is Thailand’s flagship area-based development project, designed to transform three eastern provinces into a leading economic zone for high-tech industries through massive infrastructure upgrades and attractive investment incentives. Continued …

Global environmental measures to squeeze Thai exports

Thailand is facing mounting pressure from international environmental measures, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which affects exports worth more than 300 billion baht annually.

While geopolitical factors have delayed full implementation in some cases, these measures are ultimately expected to be enforced in full. Preparing in advance is therefore essential, as the transition will take time. Several countries have already developed transition finance mechanisms tailored to their contexts.  Continued …

Phuket Property Boom Attracts Global Developers, Market Value Soars Past Bt45B

Thailand’s premier island destination is experiencing unprecedented growth in its property market, with residential sales surging dramatically, as international investors fuel a transformation that has caught the attention of major developers seeking to capitalize on what industry experts describe as a “global marketplace with 7 billion potential customers.”

Market analysts project the total value of residential property sales will exceed 45 billion baht in the first half of 2025 alone, with foreign buyers now accounting for nearly 60% of all transactions. This unprecedented growth has also attracted significant investment from established Thai developers. Continued …

Domestic tourism booms over Mother’s Day long weekend

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects more than 3.16 million domestic trips during the four-day Mother’s Day holiday from Sat urday through tomorrow, generating an estimated 13.75 billion baht in revenue, with the highest hotel occupancy rate being in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the extended break — boosted by the government’s decision to add Monday as a special holiday — has sparked strong travel demand, with nationwide hotel occupancy forecast to average 66%. The hotel occupancy rate in Prachuap Khiri Khan was cited as 88%. Continued …

Patong lifeguards conduct 122 surf rescues in July

Lifeguards on Patong Beach had their hands full in July, with 122 surf rescues from dangerous currents forming the bulk of their work, reports the Patong Surf Life Saving Assn. Continued …

Chinese tourism unlikely to rebound; TAT targets 2026

Chinese tourism to Thailand is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels any time soon, with recovery taking much longer than in the past, when crises would typically see a rebound within three months.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is stepping up efforts to stimulate the market, aiming for 2026 visitor numbers to reach the same level as 2024. The slowdown in Chinese arrivals has dragged down Thailand’s overall tourism figures for nearly six months. Continued …

Rise of the ‘Bangkok Dragon’

A temporary sculpture of the Asian water monitor at Lumpini Park has shone a spotlight on one of Bangkok’s most recognizable residents – the large lizard often seen basking by the park’s lakes. Locally nicknamed the “Bangkok Dragon”, the reptile has become a quirky tourist attraction thanks to its calm, non-aggressive nature.

The lizards are not confined to Lumpini Park; they thrive in areas connected to canals and wetlands across the capital, and can even be spotted near Government House. While their population in Bangkok is unknown, authorities frequently receive requests to remove them from private properties. Continued …

Of Bridges and Borders: The Timeless Charms of Sangkhla Buri

Tucked away in Thailand’s far western corner, where mist clings to forested hills and rivers trace ancient paths, Sangkhla Buri feels like a secret waiting to be discovered.

This tranquil border town, where the Songkalia, Ranti, and Bikhli Yai rivers meet, is more than a scenic escape — it’s a place where time slows, cultures converge, and life flows gently with the current. Continued …

The Truth You Might Not Know About Thai Tea: The Orange Hue Isn’t Natural

We all know that Thai iced tea is instantly recognizable by its vibrant orange color, creamy texture, and sweet, spiced flavor. But did you know that the classic color of Thai tea doesn’t come from the tea itself?

Traditionally, Thai tea was brewed using Ceylon tea, which has a natural beige-brown tint. Over time, to make the drink more visually appealing, manufacturers started adding artificial food coloring — most commonly a synthetic dye known as Sunset Yellow FCF. Continued …

Would you eat ‘Reptile Egg’ dessert? The story behind Khanom Khai Hia

In Thailand, there’s a dessert with a name that might raise a few eyebrows: Khanom Khai Hia, or the “monitor lizard egg dessert”. Yes, you read that right!

Video

But before you judge, this quirky dessert actually has royal origins, and its history is tied to one of Thailand’s most beloved kings, King Rama I. Continued …

Government spends 12-billion baht to subsidize 100,000 EVs

Thailand is continuing its drive to promote the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with the aim of establishing the country as a fully integrated production hub for EVs and key components in the ASEAN region.

This effort also plays a vital role in supporting the national targets of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2065. Continued …

The Clean Energy Platform Quietly Transforming Thailand

In a quiet corner of Royal Phuket Marina sits the Thailand head office of a company redefining how clean energy infrastructure is built and financed across Southeast Asia.

While most associate Phuket with luxury resorts and tropical ease, New Energy Capital Asia is turning the island into an unlikely command center for serious infrastructure work ‒ built to global standards, backed by institutional capital, and delivering long-term value for both businesses and the planet. Continued …

  • Chinese ‘Boss’ Arrested Over Call Center Gang’s Gold Trading – Continued …
  • Indian Man Arrested for Fake 90,000-Baht Payment in Pattaya – Continued …
  • Russian Drunk Driver Nearly Hits Pattaya Rescue Station – Continued …
  • Eighteen Chinese Nationals Arrested for Illegal Border Crossing – Continued …
    Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

    The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

    For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

    Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

    Bus Tickets 

    Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

    Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

    (We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

    Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

    Hua Hin train schedule

    To book online

    Van/minibus service at Market Village

    Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

    • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
    • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
    • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
    • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
    • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

    The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

     

    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 Highways – 1586
                        • State Railway – 1590
cha am, exports, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, thailand beaches, thailand islands, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Aug 8

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Wat Hua Hin: A historic temple/Teenage pregnancy rates prompt action in PKK/Smoke-Free Beach Project in Cha-am/Thailand and Cambodia Agree/Heavy thundershowers expected/Bangkok building collapse/The poker legalization debate/ECONOMY: Consumer confidence slips/Compensation package for Trump’s tariffs/Elecronics firms consider moves/Outlook Clouded for Exporters/Zero mortgage growth forecast/Minor Food eyes expansion/Thai Airways reports 12 billion baht profit/TOURISM: Thais likely to travel domestically/Pattaya blitz on rogue boats/Canadian girl drowns in Phuket/Tourist saved rip current/CLIMATE THAILAND: Driving down costs with solar/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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

Wat Hua Hin: A historic temple in the heart of the city

Located in the center of town, Wat Hua Hin is the main temple in Hua Hin and a significant landmark for both locals and visitors. Known for its spiritual significance and historic roots, the temple offers a chance to experience local religious traditions and pay respect to one of the area’s most revered monks, Luang Pu Nak.

Originally established in 1896 during the reign of King Rama V, the temple was first known as Wat Amparam. Over the years, it was renamed Wat Hua Laem before finally becoming Wat Hua Hin, the name it holds today. The temple belongs to the Maha Nikaya monastic order and sits on more than 17 rai of land. Continued …

Teenage pregnancy rates prompt action in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Prachuap Khiri Khan authorities have reviewed the province’s teenage pregnancy situation, highlighting the need for continued collaboration between health, education, and social sectors to address the issue.

Figures presented at the Provincial Public Health Office on Wednesday showed that from 2017 to 2025 there were 276 births to mothers under 20 years old, including 19 cases aged 10–14. About 41% of these mothers were students, and 34% were unemployed.Less than half of the young mothers completed their education after giving birth. Continued …

Smoke-Free Beach Project campaign launched in Cha-am

Officials from the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources Region 3 conducted a public awareness campaign at Cha-am Beach on Tuesday to promote the Smoke-Free Beach Project and encourage proper cigarette disposal.

Led by Supachai Ochawat, director of the Marine Resource Conservation Division, the campaign aimed to educate beachgoers, local vendors, and tourists about regulations prohibiting smoking outside designated areas under Section 17 of the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Promotion Act B.E. 2558 (2015). Continued …

Thailand and Cambodia Agree on 13-Point Ceasefire

Military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia have come together to address rising tensions that threatened the peace along their shared border. Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, both countries signed a comprehensive 13-point ceasefire agreement.

Yesterday afternoon, senior officials from both nations participated in an emergency session of the General Border Committee (GBC). This committee has historically served as the primary diplomatic and military platform to resolve such disputes. Over the course of a focused hour-long meeting, Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Defense General Nattaphon Narkphanit, and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Tea Seiha, negotiated a path to reduce tensions and restore calm. Continued …

Heavy thundershowers expected in Thailand

Thailand’s Meteorological Department reported today that a low-pressure cell covering northern Laos and Vietnam, combined with the prevailing southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf, is expected to bring widespread thundershowers to the country.

South (east coast): Scattered thundershowers mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat; minimum 24-26°C, maximum 33-36°C; waves about a meter high and above 2 meters high in thundershowers. Continued … 

Prosecutors indict 23 in Bangkok building collapse

Thai prosecutors yesterday indicted 23 suspects, including the head or Italian-Thai Development Plc, and a Chinese state-owned firm for violations that led to the collapse of the State Audit Office tower in Bangkok during the March 28 earthquake.

The partially built 30-story tower in Chatuchak district was the only building to collapse from tremors emanating from the powerful 7.7 magnitude quake in neighboring Myanmar. At least 95 people — almost all of them construction labourers — were killed in the incident. Continued …

The poker legalization debate

While poker may be recognized as a sport worldwide, in Thailand, efforts to decriminalize the card game are part of a larger political game linked to plans for entertainment complexes.

The debate flared up again when acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced on July 30 that he had signed an order repealing a 1958 Interior Ministry directive, paving the way for legislative changes that would decriminalize poker. Continued …

Thai consumer confidence slips further

Thai consumer confidence dropped for a sixth consecutive month in July to its lowest level in 31 months, due mainly to concerns over US tariffs, a lagging economy, and government instability, a survey showed yesterday.

The index compiled by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, it said. Continued …

Compensation package to mitigate impact of Trump’s tariffs

The Thai government plans compensation package to counter Trump’s tariffs, with a proposal for tax cuts in the works, aimed at supporting affected sectors.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, “Some industries, like diamond and gemstone exporters, may be asked by buyers to bear part of the cost burden, such as half of the tariff. Meanwhile, other sectors, with high competition and multiple source countries, may pass most of the cost onto the American buyers or consumers,” Pichai said. Continued …

Thai elecronics firms consider moves to mitigate US tariffs

The electronics sector, which employs roughly 600,000 people, has started to freeze hiring and study partial manufacturing relocation to countries with lower costs and higher production efficiency than Thailand, in a bid to minimize the impact of US tariffs, says the Electronics & Computer Employers Assn.

Sampan Silapanad, president of the association, said while electronics manufacturers are unlikely to completely pull out of Thailand, partial manufacturing relocation is possible, especially for companies that already have production facilities in several countries, giving them more flexibility. Continued …

New US Tariffs Cloud Outlook for Exporters in Asia and Beyond

U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff rates on U.S. imports from dozens of countries took effect yesterday, the latest chapter in the saga of Trump’s reshaping of global trade. But many questions remain.

Trump has threatened tariffs of up to 200% on imports of pharmaceuticals and has ordered a 100% import tax on computer chips. Most U.S. imports of copper, steel, and aluminum are subject to a 50% tariff. Continued … 

UOB Thailand forecasts zero mortgage growth

UOB Thailand expects flat growth for its mortgage portfolio this year for the first time in several decades, in line with a contraction in the property market.

According to Yutthachai Teyarachakul, country head of retail banking at UOB Thailand, this year the bank expects to maintain its total outstanding mortgage portfolio at the same level as 2024. However, the company targets year-on-year income growth in the mortgage business segment. Continued …

Minor Food eyes 1,800 new outlets by 2029 as sector booms

The Minor Food Group, a restaurant operator in Asia-Pacific, has unveiled a five-year strategy called “Passion for Growth”, aiming to operate 4,500 outlets by 2029, up from 2,700 in 2024.

“The food and beverage sector in Thailand and globally is undergoing a period of recovery and renewed expansion,” said Thunyachate Ekvetchavit, chief development officer at Minor Food Group. Continued …

Thai Airways reports 12 billion baht profit in Q2

Thai Airways (THAI) is flying high again, racking up a profit of more than 12 billion baht in the second quarter of 2025, fueled by cheaper jet fuel and strong passenger growth.

The flag carrier and its subsidiaries reported revenue of 44.83 billion baht (excluding one-time items) for the quarter, up 1.9% on last year. Passenger numbers climbed 4.2% year-on-year to 3.97 million, helped by increased flight frequencies on popular routes such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Denpasar. Continued …

Thais likely to travel domestically during long weekend

The four-day Mother’s Day holiday this weekend is expected to generate 13 billion baht from 3.16 million domestic trips, with most tourists preferring to travel within their own provinces and avoid cross-regional journeys to save on costs, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The additional government holiday on Aug. 11 has helped stimulate domestic travel to some extent, with average occupancy reaching 66% for this period, TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said yesterday. Continued …

Pattaya beach blitz on rogue boats and pushy vendors

Pattaya’s beaches are set for a major shake-up, as city officials launch a fresh crackdown on rogue boat operators and pushy beach vendors.

Pattaya’s shoreline, famous for attracting millions of visitors each year, is a hub for boat trips, docking, and beachside rentals, such asumbrellas and lounge chairs. But overlapping responsibilities between agencies have created safety gaps and enforcement headaches. Continued …

10-year-old Canadian girl drowns off Kata Beach in Phuket

A rescue team yesterday discovered the body of a Canadian girl who had drowned in the sea off Kata Beach in Phuket. Officers from Karon Police Station and rescuers from the Kuson Dham Foundation were called to Kata Beach after the 10-year-old was swept away by waves while swimming with her family.

The Canadian family of five had arrived in Phuket from Malaysia on Wednesday. They had planned to stay in Thailand until Oct. 4, but the tragedy abruptly ended their holiday. Continued …

Jet ski heroes drag tourist from Phuket rip current

A dramatic jet ski rescue unfolded off Phuket’s Bang Tao-Surin Beach on Wednesday when two quick-thinking lifeguards hauled an unconscious foreign tourist from a deadly rip current.

Footage of the daring save shows the moment the lifeguards tore through pounding surf on a jet ski to reach the struggling swimmer. Continued …

How one company is driving down costs and carbon with solar

In today’s competitive business landscape, companies are facing increasing pressure to not only manage costs but also to adopt more sustainable practices. For businesses with high energy consumption, such as warehouses and factories, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

By strategically managing energy costs, they can reduce their operational expenses and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. Poonpipat, a leading Thai warehouse operator, partnered with ONNEX SOLAR by SCG to install solar panels. Continued …

  • Pattaya Police Raid Villa Over Live-Streamed Sex Acts, Arrest 5 – Continued …
  • Armed Standoff at Pattaya Convenience Store as Chinese National Surrenders – Continued …
  • French Fugitive Busted in Samui After Year-Long Overstay – Continued …
    Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

    The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

    For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

    Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

    Bus Tickets 

    Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

    Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

    (We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

    Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

    Hua Hin train schedule

    To book online

    Van/minibus service at Market Village

    Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

    • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
    • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
    • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
    • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
    • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

    The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

     

    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 Highways – 1586
                      • State Railway – 1590
cha am, chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand islands, tourism

Thursday’s news-Aug 7

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Dusit Ajara Hua Hin opens/‘Blessing of the Fleet’ ceremony/Huay Mongkol Temple robing ceremony/Monsoon Valley ‘Vineyard Fest’/Thailand, Cambodia agree on ceasefire terms/Growing threat of drones/Mental health problems increasing/Scottish expat loses legs/Wild elephants roam for Thai produce/ECONOMY: Thai Inflation Dips/Global Recession Concerns/Illegal cigarette trade in Songkhla/TOURISM: Tourism players warn of a bad year/Forward bookings dip/Tourism Sector Loses 3 Billion Baht Monthly/Tomorrowland to attract 1 million visitors/Koh Larn’s Vehicle Chaos/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: A First-Time Visit To Thailand/Exploring Chiang Mai Temples/CLIMATE THAILAND: Transforming tangled waste/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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

Dusit Ajara Hua Hin opens in Cha-am

Dusit Thani has announced Dusit Ajara Hua Hin, an ultra-luxury residential development featuring over 60% green space. This is the second project by Dusit Thani as a property developer, following Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside at Dusit Central Park.

Located at 1349 Petchkasem Road, Petchaburi, Cha-am, Dusit Ajara Hua Hin features leisure gardens, kids’ playgrounds, a wellness studio, and salt water pools. The project also embraces the multi-generational living concept, creating designed spaces and facilities for family members across all ages.

Standard services include 24-hour concierge service, housekeeping, bed linen laundry, private garden maintenance, emergency response service, property maintenance, and shuttle service within the development; cooking classes, art and craft workshops, yoga and tai chi classes; room service to personal chefs, catering, in-home party arrangements, hotel spa services, and hotel car services.

Hua Hin to host annual ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ ceremony

The annual ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ ceremony will return to Hua Hin on Sunday, Sept. 7, continuing a tradition that honors the town’s historic connection to the sea and its fishing community.

Held at the Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine, near the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, the ceremony is organized by members of the Hua Hin fishing and coastal communities. It serves as a moment to pay respect to ancestors, offer protection for local fishermen, and express gratitude for the ocean’s continued abundance. Continued … 

Huay Mongkol Temple robing ceremony tomorrow, Saturday

Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin will host the 12th “Robing of the Giant Luang Pu Thuat” ceremony on Aug. 8–9 to mark Mother’s Month and honor the 93rd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Central Region, will begin on the evening of Aug. 8 with a blessing ceremony at the plaza in front of the giant Luang Pu Thuat statue. Continued …

Monsoon Valley ‘Vineyard Fest’ set this weekend

Monsoon Valley Hua Hin will hold its annual Vineyard Fest, a four-day event celebrating the release of its new 2025 vintages, from Aug. 9-12. The event offers a mix of wine tastings, outdoor dining, and relaxed afternoon entertainment set against the scenic backdrop of the vineyard.

The festival begins on Aug. 9 with the launch of Monsoon Valley’s latest vintages. Visitors can sample a selection of five wines served by the glass. Continued …

Thailand, Cambodia agree in principle to ceasefire terms

Secretariat-level discussions between Thailand and Cambodia, which took place over three days starting Monday, have reached a consensus in principle on key issues relating to the implementation of the ceasefire along their shared border.

Chief of Defense Force Gen. Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said this included agreement on the terms of reference (TOR) for monitoring efforts by the interim ASEAN defense attaché observer team. Continued …

The growing threat of drones in the Thai-Cambodian conflict

The Thai Cabinet has recently approved the purchase of four Gripen fighter jets, a decision made during the ongoing conflict with Cambodia. This move seems unlikely to face opposition, especially after the Gripen jets significantly changed the dynamics of aerial combat by repeatedly targeting Cambodian military bases.

However, military professionals, experts, and security scholars are expressing concerns. One military expert specializing in drone warfare noted that while the Cabinet has approved the Gripen purchase, it has not authorized the acquisition of drones — despite the current issue of Cambodian or foreign drones causing disruption. Continued …

Mental health problems increasing in Thailand

Some 13.4 million Thais claim to have experienced mental health problems, with people aged 45–59, known as the pre-senior group, reporting the lowest happiness levels, according to the Thai Health Report 2025.

The report, compiled by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research, and released on Monday, comprises four sections, including mental health and major public health issues. Continued …

Scottish expat loses legs in Bangkok lorry crash

A Scottish man living in Thailand had both legs amputated after a motorbike crash with a lorry in Bangkok.

Willie Braid, a 54-year-old expat from Scotland, was hit while riding his motorbike in the capital on July 27. The driver of the lorry is alleged to have fled the scene in what appears to be a hit-and-run incident. Continued …

Wild elephants roam 30 kilometers for Thai produce

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has reported that wild elephants are straying beyond their forest habitats in eastern Thailand, traveling over 30 kilometers in search of food.

Atthapol Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, stated that elephants are attracted to the taste of local produce such as durians, mangosteens, bananas, and sugarcane, which are more appealing than their usual forest diet. Continued …

Thai Inflation Dips for Fourth Consecutive Month, Deflation Fears Dismissed

T ailand’s headline inflation fell for the fourth consecutive month in July, reaching -0.70%, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The decline was primarily attributed to cheaper energy and fresh food prices, though officials were quick to dismiss concerns of the economy entering a deflationary period.

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) revealed that lower global oil prices and a government-led reduction in electricity tariffs were key contributors to the drop. Continued …

Trump’s Tariff Strategy Sparks Global Recession Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariff proposal is rattling global markets and intensifying fears of a broader economic slowdown in the second half of 2025.

The move, which targets key trade partners including the European Union, China, and ASEAN nations, is poised to stoke inflationary pressures at home while threatening already fragile recoveries abroad. Continued …

Illegal cigarette trade in Songkhla cripples local businesses

The Thai Tobacco Trade Assn. has raised alarms over the rampant distribution of illicit cigarettes in Songkhla province, which has impacted over 4,000 legal tobacco retailers and forced the closure of about 200 small shops.

Thanyasaran Sangthong, the association’s executive director, revealed that Songkhla ranks second in the country for illegal cigarette infiltration, severely affecting local tax revenue. Continued … 

Thai foreign tourism players warn of a bad year

The Thai-Cambodian border clash in late July dealt a brutal blow to Thailand’s already crumbling foreign tourism industry in 2025, coming just months after a damaging earthquake shook Bangkok. These events, alongside a January scandal involving the abduction of Chinese nationals by scam gangs in Myanmar, have created relentless negative headlines that drive tourists away.

Latest figures show tourist arrivals have plunged 6.56% compared to last year, while vital cross-border trade with Cambodia — lifeblood for many struggling local traders — has ground to a halt, deepening economic strain. Tourism operators are now demanding one thing from the government: stability. Continued …

Forward bookings dip amid border row

Foreign forward bookings for Thailand have started to feel the pinch due to the Thai-Cambodian border tensions, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), while Chanthaburi tourism operators reported cancellations from foreign tourists for the remainder of the year.

Tourism operators urged the government to offer relief measures for affected businesses in the seven border provinces, such as tax reductions. Continued …

Thailand’s Tourism Sector Loses 3 Billion Baht Monthly

The fierce clashes at the Thai-Cambodian border have severely impacted Thailand’s booming tourism sector, resulting in a monthly loss of 3 billion baht (US $83M). Since hostilities flared last month, the once-bustling border provinces have turned eerily silent, with tourists cancelling over 5,000 hotel bookings.

Sorawong Thienthong, the minister of tourism and sports, revealed that the spiraling cancellations of hotel reservations by foreign visitors are largely responsible for the losses. The fallout is most severe in the seven provinces along the fracture line of the Thai-Cambodian border, where apprehension is rife and rooms lie empty. Continued …

Tomorrowland to attract 1 million visitors in 5 years, says TAT

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirms that organizing the ‘Tomorrowland’ electronic dance music (EDM) festival in Thailand will be worthwhile.

It is expected to generate a total economic impact of over 21 billion baht from tourists and attendees, with more than 1 million people participating in the first five years. Continued …

Pattaya Cracks Down on Koh Larn’s Vehicle Chaos

Koh Larn’s chaotic transport scene is about to be tamed with a fresh initiative from Pattaya officials employing bright stickers to control the island’s vehicle frenzy. Over 3,500 vehicles, including motorbikes, taxis, and golf carts, will be sorted, monitored, and regulated as part of a new system designed to enhance safety, transparency, and tourist satisfaction.

This initiative introduces nine vehicle categories to address long-standing issues like overcrowding and unregulated operators disrupting the island’s narrow paths. Continued …

A First-Time Visit To Tantalizing Thailand

It was only my second day in Thailand, but I knew then I’d want to return someday for more of its vibrant street life — a multisensory medley of hole-in the-wall shops, markets brimming with exotic fruits, and outdoor cooking stalls tucked under canopies of plastic tarps, oversized umbrellas, and corrugated metal roofs.

From morning to night, the roads are abuzz with motorcycles, motor scooters and Thailand’s iconic tuk-tuks, those three-wheeled vehicles with a bench in back for passengers or a side cart for hauling things. Continued …

Exploring Chiang Mai Temples

Thailand ranks at the top of many people’s dream destination lists, and rightly so. Of the more than 100 countries I’ve traveled to, Thailand is the one that offers something to everyone who visits. However, many travelers visit Bangkok and the southern islands and tend to miss out on the northern part of the country, which I consider one of its best parts.

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second biggest city behind Bangkok, is the central hub for exploring northern Thailand. The city features hundreds of ancient temples, a fantastic and unique food scene, and an incredible natural scene, as it is surrounded by mountains. Continued …

Transforming tangled waste into tangible rewards

Thailand’s retail giant Central Group has launched a forward-looking sustainability initiative, “Love the Earth: Zero Waste,” in response to the escalating triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, as highlighted by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

The campaign has been rolled out in key tourism-dependent provinces such as Samui, Chanthaburi, and Surat Thani – destinations known for their economic vitality but increasingly strained by mounting volumes of food and plastic waste. Continued … 

  • British Man Busted After iPhone Theft, 2-Year Overstay – Continued …
  • 2 Nigerian Men Caught Crossing into Thailand from Cambodia – Continued …

Foreign man arrested for running illegal motorcycle rental in Phuket – Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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 Highways – 1586
                    • State Railway – 1590
baht, bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, exports, hua hin, pattaya, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-Aug 5

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Thai Troops Stay Firm at Border/Major risks from leaving fallen soldiers/Thumbs Up to Alcohol Control Bill/Thailand Moves to Legalize Poker/Thailand’s Jeeno reclaims No. 1/Police raid 200 temples/Cambodian beggars flood Pattaya/ECONOMY: Still much work to do on tariffs/Tallying the tariff trade-offs/Economy weakenend in June/Don’t say the baht is weak/Mass Exodus of Cambodians/TOURISM: Foreign Tourist Numbers Fall/Is Thailand seamless and safe?/Thailand’s Flight Boom/Hope in winter flight prospects/Bangkok-India flights less than 1 baht/Thai Airways Plots Comeback/Indian Street Opens in Songkhla/’Grocery Tourism’ Dining Hotspots/Digital nomad life in Thailand/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Asia’s love for spicy foods/Thai Royal Fashion Embraced Western Style/CLIMATE THAILAND: Adapting Urban Environments/Coastal communities bear the brunt/Nestlé Thailand Achieves 100% Renewable/Lamphun Launches EV Buses/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Tensions High as Thai Troops Stay Firm at the Border

Thailand has decided against withdrawing its troops from the border, despite ongoing discussions at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Malaysia, lasting until Aug. 7. Lt Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, commander of the Second Army Region, expressed hope for positive outcomes from these talks. The objective is to reach a beneficial agreement between the parties involved.

Phadklang highlighted that any potential escalation after Aug. 7 hinges on the conditions set by the countries’ leaders during the discussions. A mutual understanding on key issues could pave the way for resolving tensions efficiently. It’s crucial to note that the Thai forces remain stationed within their territory. Continued …

Three major risks from leaving fallen soldiers to rot in open areas

The Ad Hoc Center for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation has expressed grave concern over Cambodia’s failure to recover and properly handle the bodies of its own soldiers killed in recent clashes.

The center criticized both the Cambodian government and military for their inaction, calling it a serious violation of international humanitarian principles and a disregard for basic human dignity. Continued …

Thai Senate Gives Thumbs Up to Alcohol Control Bill

Thailand’s Senate has approved a bill aimed at tightening control over alcohol advertising and sponsorships. The bill received 105 votes in favor, with only two opposing votes and 12 abstentions. This legislation now awaits further approval to become law.

The approved bill introduces a series of restrictions on alcohol promotion. Key provisions include a ban on ads that encourage drinking, while allowing educational messages under strict guidelines. It also prohibits using celebrity endorsements to promote alcohol consumption, except in academic contexts. Continued …

Thailand Moves to Legalize Poker as a Sport (but only for tournaments)

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has signed an order to revoke the ban on poker, aiming to propel Thailand into the arena of international sporting events.

The announcement represents a major change, but fine details still need crafting. The government’s decision indicates a willingness to embrace poker as a skill-based sport, aligning with global perceptions. Continued …

Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul reclaims No. 1 world ranking

Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul has reached No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings for the second time in her career. Jeeno, 22, climbed one spot yesterday to pass Nelly Korda, who had held the No. 1 ranking since March 25, 2024.

Jeeno previously earned the No. 1 position on Oct. 31, 2022, and held it for two weeks, joining Ariya Jutanugarn as the second Thai player to ascend to the top. Continued … 

Police raid 200 temples, arrest criminal suspects

Police raided 200 temples nationwide this morning to arrest 181 criminal suspects believed hiding within the Buddhist monkhood.

Central Investigation Bureau officers led the raids. They targeted suspects in cases including embezzlement, money laundering, drink driving, drug trafficking, and transnational crime believed to have entered the monkhood or to be hiding at the temples. Continued …

Cambodian beggars with babies flood Pattaya streets

Beggars clutching babies have returned to Pattaya’s bustling streets, as Cambodian women flood tourist zones in desperate bids for survival.

On Sunday night, reporters uncovered scores of Cambodian beggars scattered throughout the city, particularly outside convenience stores and nightlife hotspots. Despite repeated crackdowns, the same faces reappear just weeks after being deported. This time, they’re back — and they’ve brought their children. Continued …

Still much work to do on Thai tariff deal

The Cabinet convened a special meeting on Aug. 1 to acknowledge the outcome of trade negotiations between Thailand and the United States, following the conclusion of a reciprocal tariff deal in which the US agreed to impose a reduced rate of 19% on Thai imports.

The agreement, secured by Thailand’s negotiation team, now awaits submission to Parliament for approval, along with subsequent amendments to relevant domestic laws — particularly those involving tariff rates for US goods, which currently enjoy broad access to the Thai market. Continued …

Tallying the tariff trade-offs

The 19% US reciprocal tariff on Thai goods could offer some much-needed relief for businesses in Thailand, as this rate aligns with the regional average. However, several Southeast Asian nations including Thailand had to offer concessions, including opening up their markets to American products, often without a tariff.

This change is expected to significantly reshape the trade landscape. How will these developments affect Thailand’s local market and its export dynamics? Continued …

Thailand’s economy weakenend in June compared to the previous month

The Thai economy in June experienced a slowdown compared to the previous month, as merchandise exports and manufacturing production weakened after earlier growth. Tourism-related activities also contracted, reflecting a decline in both the number of foreign tourists and their spending.

Private consumption dropped across most categories, weighed down by a continued decline in consumer confidence. However, government expenditure increased, supported by higher disbursements from the central government and investments by state-owned enterprises. Continued …

Don’t say the baht is weak — it’s not

While headlines scream about a “weakened” Thai baht, the truth is more complicated — and frankly, misleading. The baht hasn’t significantly weakened in any meaningful long-term sense. If anything, it remains overvalued against several major currencies, especially considering the tourism slump Thailand continues to face.

In the past week, the baht touched its weakest point in over a month, closing at 32.85 baht per USD, compared to 32.38 a week prior. But this slight shift hardly signals a sustained weakening. In fact, KBank expects it to remain in a tight range of 32.30–33.10 next week, depending on U.S. inflation data, foreign capital flows, global gold prices, and — oddly enough — tensions with Cambodia. Continued …

Mass Exodus of Cambodians Strains Thai Economy

Recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have ignited a wave of fear, resulting in over 100,000 Cambodian migrant workers fleeing Thailand in a short span. The tensions escalated on July 24 when an armed conflict erupted, further intensified by a violent attack on Cambodian workers in Bangkok, allegedly incited by social media posts.

The attack in Minburi district left the Cambodian community in fear, prompting many to return home despite having valid work permits. The exodus has triggered significant labor shortages across Thailand, particularly affecting the agricultural sector. Continued …

Thailand’s Foreign Tourist Numbers Fall 6%

Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals dropped 6% in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with the kingdom welcoming 19.29 million international visitors, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The decline comes as regional competitors — particularly China, Japan, and Vietnam — intensify their efforts to capture the lucrative tourism market, with several nations positioning tourism as the cornerstone of their economic recovery strategies. Continued …

Is Thailand as seamless and safe as it claims?

Thailand’s tourism campaigns proudly promote the country as offering “seamless travel,” “safety,” and “authentic experiences year-round.” But among many foreign tourists and long-term residents, the reality is seen as more nuanced than the official image presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Some visitors note that while these slogans capture part of the truth, their experiences also include challenges that don’t always appear in promotional material. For example, air quality is a recurring topic, especially during the dry months from December to March, when parts of northern Thailand and some popular destinations can be affected by seasonal agricultural burning. Continued …

Thailand’s Flight Boom: The New Routes of 2025

Thailand, ranked as Southeast Asia’s second most-visited destination, will be experiencing a surge in global air connectivity. Airlines are tapping into the growing demand for travel to this bustling hotspot with new flight routes that span Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

Europe is experiencing significant growth in air routes to Thailand. Norse Atlantic Airways is leading the charge by introducing direct low-cost flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok starting on Oct. 26, and it will also launch additional routes from Manchester in November. Travelers from Scandinavia can enjoy new weekly services from Oslo and Stockholm to Phuket starting in December. Continued …

TAT sees hope in winter flight prospects

The one million target set for the Middle East and African markets this year remains challenging due to geopolitical conflicts, but Thailand still has opportunities from new flight openings this winter, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Hatsanai Chaisri, marketing manager for the Middle East and Africa at TAT’s Dubai office, said growth in the Middle East market has been slow, particularly among family groups and first-time visitors. Continued …

Vietjet offers Bangkok-India flights from less than 1 baht

Vietjet Thailand is pulling out all the stops with two new direct routes from India to Bangkok — and headline-grabbing base fares starting from just 1 Indian rupee (0.50 baht).

The airline will launch direct flights from Kolkata and Ahmedabad to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, making them its third and fourth connections between the two countries, as it continues to grow its footprint in India. Continued …

Thai Airways Plots Comeback with 150-Jet Fleet by 2033

Thai Airways International (THAI) is aiming for a significant expansion, with plans to double its fleet to 150 aircraft by 2033. This ambitious move comes as the airline’s shares resume trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) following a successful five-year business rehabilitation and debt restructuring.

In 2020, the national carrier embarked on a bankruptcy-protected restructuring due to the pandemic’s impact. Since 2021, THAI has been on a transformational journey, overhauling its fleet and organization in line with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Continued …

Indian Street Opens in Songkhla to Lure Malaysian Tourists

Business owners in Dan Nok’s Soi 6 and Soi 8 in Sadao district, Songkhla, have joined forces to launch a new tourism initiative dubbed “Indian Street”, a proposed landmark aimed at reviving cross-border tourism by targeting Malaysian tourists of Indian descent.

The initiative, led by the Hatyai-Songkhla Hotel Assn. and local business operators, seeks to transform a section of the border town into a vibrant cultural hub celebrating Indian heritage through architecture, food, festivals, and commerce. Continued …

How ‘Grocery Tourism’ Is Turning Supermarkets Into Dining Hotspots

There are few places in a new destination where our needs and wants come together in such a meant-to-be way as in a grocery store. We are almost always thinking of the essentials we need to feel settled in: bottled water, breakfast supplies, or forgotten toiletries. We, then, are also typically craving certain items: a salty snack, something sweet, a carbonated drink, or coffee, maybe even a ready-to-eat meal.

And here swoops in the irresistible urge to take a trip to the local mart. And lately, though, we can say there’s irrefutable proof of the supermarket’s transformation into a must-visit cultural stop. Continued …

Digital nomad life in Thailand; here’s what most influencers won’t tell you

When I told friends I was trading my stable routine for a month in Chiang Mai, their reactions ranged from excited envy to genuine concern. “You’re living the dream!” one said. Another asked if I’d lost my mind. Neither was quite right.

After years of analyzing spreadsheets in sterile office environments, the idea of working poolside with a mango smoothie felt like the ultimate upgrade. The Instagram posts made it look effortless — laptop open, tropical backdrop, captions about “freedom” and “living life on my terms.” Continued …

The fiery roots of Asia’s love for spicy foods

Contrary to what some people let on, spicy  food isn’t just about thrill-seeking or sweat-induced euphoria. In Asia, spice has long been a tool of survival, preservation and identity. While chilli peppers arrived from the Americas only in the 16th century via Portuguese and Spanish trade, many cultures had already embraced pungency in other forms.

Take Sichuan peppercorns, mustard seeds, and raw alliums, for example. And like how chilli peppers made their way to this region, Asia’s spicy accoutrements have invaded global spicy dishes. Continued …

How the Thai Royal Fashion Embraced Western Style in the 1800s

When people think of traditional Thai dress, images of elegant sabai wraps, silk skirts, and bare shoulders often come to mind.

But in the late 1800s, Thai royal fashion took a surprising turn — blending local tradition with Western influence in a way that continues to shape cultural fashion today. Continued …

Adapting Urban Environments to Climate Change

Relentless floods, scorching heat, and disappearing coastlines — Thailand’s cities are under relentless threat from climate risks. Without swift and decisive action, the worst is yet to come. The nation’s capital, Bangkok, is sinking at an alarming rate, exacerbated by rising sea levels and unchecked urban development.

Meanwhile, rural areas face prolonged droughts that cripple agriculture, a vital lifeline for millions. Communities are grappling with the dual burden of adapting to these challenges while trying to mitigate further damage. Investments in sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and comprehensive disaster preparedness are no longer optional — they are urgent imperatives. Continued …

Coastal communities bear the brunt of Thailand’s LNG boom

Thailand is gradually moving away from coal and oil as part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. A major part of this transition is the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure. But though cleaner than coal, LNG is still a fossil fuel, and experts warn that its production and transport are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

“If we increase our natural gas production, our share in the global greenhouse gas emissions will be increasing,” said Syed Anees Haider Zaidi, a visiting professor at the University of Warsaw’s faculty of economic sciences who studies the environmental impacts of energy in the Asia-Pacific region. Continued …

Nestlé Thailand Achieves 100% Renewable Power Across Six Factories

Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. has officially transitioned to using green electricity sourced from renewables across all six of its manufacturing facilities in Thailand, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability roadmap.

The move, which began in July, comes through a partnership with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) under the Utility Green Tariff 1 (UGT1) program. Continued …

Lamphun Launches Trial Run of EV Buses Ahead of Official Service

The Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) has begun trial operations of its new electric bus service, with plans to officially launch the environmentally friendly public transport system in the near future.

Yesterday, PAO President Weeradej Phupisit led the first test drive of the EV bus system. The trial included a simulated route through central Lamphun city, testing stop-and-go services at designated stations, evaluating accessibility for wheelchair users, and calculating optimal travel distances to ensure efficiency and practicality before the system is fully rolled out. Continued …

  • INTERPOL-Wanted Swedish Fugitive Arrested at Thai Luxury Villa – Continued …
  • Kuwaiti Tourists on Motorcycles Disturb Pattaya Residents Again – Continued ...

A nuclear reactor on the moon?

The acting administrator of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has issued a directive to fast-track efforts to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. Continued …

  • Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

    For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

    Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

    Bus Tickets 

    New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

    Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

    (We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

    Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

    Hua Hin train schedule

    To book online

    Van/minibus service at Market Village

    Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

    • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
    • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
    • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
    • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
    • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

    The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

     

    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 Highways – 1586
                  • State Railway – 1590
cha am, exports, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Monday’s news-Aug 4

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Huay Mongkol Temple robing ceremony/Monsoon Valley ‘Vineyard Fest’/Cha Am Police High-Speed Chase/PM2.5 behind lung cancer spike/New traffic ticket formats/Underlying Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia/Thai Developer Buys 500 eVTOL Aircraft/Monks’ misconduct calls for change/ECONOMY: Thai CEOs Unveil Survival Strategies/DITP forecasts 5%–7% export growth/’Opportunity’ to reorient economy/Economic anxiety, cost-of-living concerns/Thai-Cambodia Trade Rises/Coffee consumption surges/TOURISM: Domestic Tourism Sees Modest Growth/Tariff may affect Indian tourism/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Why Thailand Is Known as the Land of Smiles/CLIMATE THAILAND: Asia’s Fight Against Plastic Pollution/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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

Huay Mongkol Temple robing ceremony set for this weekend

Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin will host the 12th “Robing of the Giant Luang Pu Thuat” ceremony on Aug. 8–9 to mark Mother’s Month and honor the 93rd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Central Region, will begin on the evening of Aug. 8 with a blessing ceremony at the plaza in front of the giant Luang Pu Thuat statue. Continued …

Monsoon Valley ‘Vineyard Fest’ set for this weekend

Monsoon Valley Hua Hin will hold its annual Vineyard Fest, a four-day event celebrating the release of its new 2025 vintages, from Aug. 9-12. The event offers a mix of wine tastings, outdoor dining, and relaxed afternoon entertainment set against the scenic backdrop of the vineyard.

The festival begins on Aug. 9 with the launch of Monsoon Valley’s latest vintages. Visitors can sample a selection of five wines served by the glass. Continued …

Cha Am Police Nab Man After High-Speed Chase

A 34-year-old man from Nakhon Pathom was arrested following a 70-kilometer police pursuit that began in Hua Hin and ended in Cha Am, after he allegedly fled a checkpoint out of fear police would discover two illegal firearms and a counterfeit license plate hidden on his vehicle.

The chase, which involved multiple patrol units, concluded when the suspect’s red Toyota Yaris lost control and crashed into a utility pole before careening into a rice field near Ban Nai Yang, rendering the vehicle inoperable. No injuries were reported. Continued …

PM2.5, gene changes behind lung cancer spike

PM2.5 air pollution and mutations in the EGFR gene are major drivers behind the increasing incidence of lung cancer among non-smoking women, particularly across Asia, says a leading Thai oncologist.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naiyarat Prasongsook, a medical oncologist at Phramongkutklao Hospital, said more than 2.48 million people worldwide are living with lung cancer. Of these, Asia accounts for the largest share of 63.1%, or about 1.56 million patients, while Europe reports about 484,000 cases, or 19.5% of the global total. Continued …

Thailand unveils new traffic ticket formats

The Royal Gazette has published an announcement from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) detailing the new formats for traffic tickets, effective today. The updated designs, intended to align with administrative fine orders, include three formats as part of its 2025 implementation.

The new traffic ticket formats include: A format for traffic tickets given to drivers, either attached, tied, or displayed on vehicles. This format consists of four sheets, each serving a distinct purpose: the first is white and is affixed to the vehicle. The second is yellow and sent to the administrative fines authority for data entry into the National Police’s central information system. The third is pink for state officials authorized to impose fines, and the fourth is blue, serving as a duplicate record for the issuer. Continued … 

The Truth About the Deep Underlying Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia

Much has been written about how the five-day undeclared war between Thailand and Cambodia was a result of a nasty feud between two very powerful families: the Shinawatra in Thailand and the Hun family in Cambodia. Too much has been read into it, even.

Too much has been attributed to the two egoistic, yet very influential families, the damning leaked phone call between Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and even the call-center scams and casinos in Cambodia. Continued …

Thai Developer Buys 500 Passenger eVTOL Aircraft

A Thai private firm has signed up for 500 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from a Chinese developer. Valued at $1.75 billion (around 62 billion Thai baht), this transaction marks the largest single eVTOL order in China’s burgeoning industry.

Pan Pacific Co., a leading Thai property developer and infrastructure investor, has partnered with Shanghai Volant Aerotech Co. The agreement was inked alongside China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corp. (CAIEC) at the International Advanced Air Mobility Expo in Shanghai. Continued …

Monks’ misconduct prompts calls for change

The monastic community is deep-rooted in Thai society, where the clergy has long been held in high esteem. But a series of headlines about Thai Buddhist monks, many of them high-profile, caught in scandalous acts with a 35-year-old woman, has brought the clergy into disrepute.

The most recent case involving a high-ranking monk accused of embezzling hundreds of millions of baht in temple funds and having an affair with a woman, in particular, has deeply shaken Thai Buddhists’ faith. Continued …

Thai CEOs Unveil Survival Strategies as Trump Tariffs Threaten Economic Growth

Thai business leaders are bracing for economic turbulence as new US tariff policies threaten to disrupt the kingdom’s export-driven economy, which relies on foreign revenue for more than 50% of its GDP.

Following the clarity on US customs tariff rates after Aug. 1, corporate executives across key sectors have outlined comprehensive strategies to weather the anticipated economic storm while maintaining operational resilience. Continued …

DITP forecasts 5%–7% export growth, rolls out measures to counter Trump tariffs

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) expressed confidence yesterday that Thailand could achieve export growth of 5%–7% in 2025, supported by strategic measures to cushion the impact of the 19% reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States.

DITP Director-general Sunantha Kangwalakulkij said she agreed with the Thai National Shippers’ Council’s forecast of 5%–7% growth, despite the Commerce Ministry’s more conservative estimate of 2%–3%. Continued …

US tariff opens ‘opportunity’ to reorient economy

An economist is urging the government to adopt a three-phase strategy to cushion the impact of the newly imposed 19% US tariff, warning that while the immediate effect may not be catastrophic, the move exposes deeper structural vulnerabilities.

Asst. Prof .Kiatanantha Lounkaew, of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics, said on Saturday the tariff, which came into effect on Friday, should not only be seen as a threat but as an opportunity to reorient the economy for long-term resilience. Continued …

Voices of social media reflect economic anxiety, cost-of-living concerns

Wisesight, a Thai social analytics firm, has released its mid-year report on online consumption behavior, entertainment trends, societal concerns, and emerging platform usage.

Video-based entertainment dominates online consumption, according to the report. Thai users spend an average of 42 hours and 14 minutes per month on YouTube, followed by TikTok at 37 hours and 40 minutes, and Facebook at 16 hours and 23 minutes. Continued …

Thai-Cambodia Trade Rises in Early 2025, Despite Border Tensions

Trade between Thailand an d Cambodia has seen continued growth in the first half of 2025, reaching a total value of 95.147 billion baht and growing by 3.3%, according to figures released by Thailand’s Commerce Ministry today. This performance has resulted in a substantial trade surplus for Thailand, amounting to nearly 50 billion baht.

Overall, Thailand’s border trade with its four neighboring countries – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia – has surpassed 1 trillion baht, marking a 12% increase for the same period. Continued …

Coffee consumption surges as Thai market defies economic slump

Thailand’s coffee industry continues to expand in line with global growth, according to a market analysis by the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce.

Coffee has become a daily staple for many Thais, who now consume an average of over 340 cups per person annually. This growing consumption has pushed the domestic market value to 65 billion baht — an increase of 8.3% from the previous year. Continued …

Thai Domestic Tourism Sees Modest Growth Amid Economic Headwinds

Thailand’s domestic tourism sector has shown a positive trajectory, recording a 2.49% increase in Thai citizen travel during the first half of 2025. This growth signals a continued recovery for the industry, even as the country grapples with deflationary pressures and significant household debt burdens.

Sorawong Thienthong, the minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed data from the Ministry’s Tourism and Sports Economics Division, indicating that from January to June 2025, the total number of domestic trips made by Thai citizens – commonly referred to as “Thai Thiew Thai” – exceeded 100.23 million. Continued …

Tariff may affect Indian tourism

After securing solid growth from the Indian tourism market in the last two years while Asian markets stagnated, 2025 is an uncertain year for arrivals from the subcontinent as US tariff rates are expected to have an impact.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates growth of more than 10% for the Indian market until 2026, after recording a surge of 14.4% to 1.3 million as of July 20. Continued … 

Why Thailand Is Known as the Land of Smiles

Thailand has long been known as “The Land of Smiles”, a phrase that has come to symbolize the country’s warmth, hospitality, and cultural charm. But where did this nickname come from?

Was it an organic reflection of Thai culture — or the result of a clever public relations campaign? Historians and cultural commentators often point to two major origins. Continued …

How Asia Can Lead the Fight Against Plastic Pollution

Southeast Asia is becoming a global force in plastic waste solutions — once seen as a major source, the region is now crafting ambitious, locally led responses supported by cross-border collaboration.

From the Bangkok Declaration (2019) to the ASEAN Declaration on Plastic Circularity (2024), ASEAN nations have laid a policy framework that fosters innovation, regulatory alignment, and local engagement. Continued …

  • Nigerian linked to international drug smuggling cartel on Koh Samui arrested – Continued …
  • Drunken Foreign Couple Caught Rocking Pattaya Baht Bus – Continued …
  • German Man Held Over $1.1M Crypto Scam – Continued …Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

    (We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

    For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

    Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

    Bus Tickets 

    New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

    Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

    (We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

    Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

    Hua Hin train schedule

    To book online

    Van/minibus service at Market Village

    Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

    • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
    • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
    • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
    • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
    • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

    The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

     

    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 Highways – 1586
                  • State Railway – 1590