Category Archives: phuket

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Friday’s news-June 7

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Today’s news: Updates for foreigners to own land/Cardiac risks of energy drinks/Malaysia Asia’s Most Loved Country/Thailand Secures UEFA Euro broadcast/Removing Srettha from power?/A lottery for retirement?/Children in Thailand in severe child food poverty/Jurassic World 4/Thailand’s Cannabis Confusion/Economy: DSI Raids Foreign Nominee Companies/Headline inflation up 1.54%/700 Business Closures predicted/Wary on baht outlook/Ease housing loan measures/Agoda CEO sees potential for Thailand/Investments in Thai agro-business/The high purchasing power of singles/Tourism: Foreign tourist arrivals jump 38%/Thailand leads in Mekong region tourism/Thailand Experience: Global food photo contest/6 offbeat places in Thailand/Among world’s 50 best restaurants/International news/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/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

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Land Department updates criteria for foreigners to own land

Thailand’s Land Department has updated its criteria for allowing foreigners to own land in the country. The latest criteria were announced on the department’s website.

Inheritance: Foreigners who are the legal heirs of foreigners allowed to hold land, can inherit the land holding. The inheritance must comply with the land-holding law or criteria for land holdings by foreigners. Continued … 

The hidden cardiac risks of energy drinks

Energy drinks have become a staple in the diets of many individuals, particularly among younger demographics. Promoted as a quick solution for boosting energy and enhancing performance, these beverages have captured a significant market share globally.

However, beneath the flashy marketing and promises of increased alertness, there lies a potential danger that has raised concerns among health professionals and researchers alike. This article delves into the intricate relationship between energy drinks and cardiac health, focusing on recent studies that highlight the risks associated with their consumption. Continued … 

Malaysia Beats Thailand, Singapore as Asia’s Most Loved Country

Malaysia has topped the charts as the most beloved country in Asia, outshining regional rivals Singapore and Thailand, according to the latest rankings by American financial website Insider Monkey.

This accolade underscores Malaysia’s growing appeal on the international stage as a destination that encapsulates cultural diversity and unmatched hospitality. Continued … 

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Thailand Secures Live Broadcast of UEFA Euro 2024

Thai football fans are in for a treat as it was announced they will be able to watch all matches of the UEFA Euro 2024 championship live from June 14 to July 14. A consortium of private companies has successfully secured the broadcast rights, ensuring fans won’t miss a second of the action.

Speaking at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his gratitude toward the companies involved. He highlighted that this arrangement was entirely facilitated by the private sector, with the government not having to spend any taxpayer money. Continued … 

What next if Constitutional Court removes Srettha from power?

Srettha Thavisin is the fifth prime minister to be tried by the Constitutional Court since it was established in October 1997 – two of his predecessors were found guilty and removed, while two others were spared.

The two premiers ousted by court rulings – Samak Sundaravej and Yingluck Shinawatra – were both considered proxies of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, regarded as the patriarch of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Continued … 

A lottery for retirement?

With Thailand expecting its aging population to total more than 13 million this year, the Finance Ministry is considering launching a new lottery to encourage saving among elderly citizens and ensure that they will have stable finances after retirement.

Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said on Thursday that prizes for the retirement lottery will be drawn every week, while tickets that did not win will be accumulated as savings. Buyers can only withdraw this money when they reach 60 years of age. Continued … 

1 in 10 children in Thailand live in severe child food poverty

Around one in 10 children under five years old in Thailand experience severe food poverty, which threatens their health and overall development, a new UNICEF report reveals.

The Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood report is the first of its kind, analyzing the impacts and causes of dietary deprivation among the world’s youngest people in nearly 100 countries, and across income groups. It warns that millions of children under the age of five are unable to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet to sustain optimal growth and development in early childhood and beyond. Continued … 

Jurassic World 4, with $265 million budget, begins filming in Thailand next week

Filming is set to begin next week in the southern provinces of Trang, Krabi, and Phang-nga for the latest Jurassic Park movie. Jurassic World Four has a budget of $265 million and is set for release in 2025.

In particular, there is excitement about filming part of the movie on Sunset Beach on Ko Kradan. The beach, located in a national park in Trang province, has been voted two years in a row as the most beautiful in the world. Continued … 

Thailand’s Cannabis Confusion Continues

In 2022, Thailand legalized cannabis, leading to widespread and often unregulated use of the drug. The legislation primarily intended to promote medical cannabis but also opened doors for various non-medical uses, sparking debates and causing dilemmas for the government and its citizens.

Internationally, countries distinguish cannabis use as either medical or recreational. In Thailand, the categories are medical, recreational, and an ambiguous “other” use. Continued … 

DSI Raids Three Suspected Foreign Nominee Companies in Phuket

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), in cooperation with the Immigration Police, Tourist Police and other authorities in Phuket, raided three businesses allegedly run by foreigners. These companies are suspected of running illegal activities under the guise of legal businesses.

Thaveewat Surasit, director of the DSI’s Security Cases Division, explained that the joint operation targeted three locations for which the authorities had search warrants. The aim was to investigate individuals and intermediaries involved in registering businesses for foreigners. Continued …

Headline inflation up 1.54%, above forecast

Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 1.54% in May from a year earlier, after the previous month’s annual rise of 0.19%, the Commerce Ministry said today.

The May figure compared with a forecast increase of 1.19% in a Reuters poll and marked the first time since April 2023 that the headline inflation rate returned to the central bank’s target range of 1% to 3%. Continued … 

FTI Predicts 700 Business Closures if Bt400 Minimum Wage is Implemented

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) cautions that around 700 more factories may close by year’s end if the government implements a standard Bt400 minimum wage nationwide.

Over 360 factories have already shut down in 2023, leading to over 10,000 job losses. The FTI attributes these closures to economic slowdown and lack of government support. Continued … 

KKP wary on baht outlook despite uptick

The baht has posted a short-term gain, rising to a two-week high of stronger than 36.5 to the dollar on Thursday, but Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) warns the Thai currency could depreciate because of Thailand’s structural problems.

The baht led Asian currency gains on Thursday, advancing 0.3% to its highest level since May 23, while the Singapore dollar rose 0.2%. The Thai currency was traded at 36.69 baht to the greenback on Wednesday, strengthening from a low of 36.9 baht on May 30. Continued … 

Developers beg BOT to ease loan measures as housing market slumps

The Thai Condominium Assn. is calling on the Bank of Thailand to ease its loan-to-value (LTV) ratio measure when considering housing loans, as well as consider lowering interest rates to help revive the real-estate sector.

The LTV is a risk-assessment ratio that lenders examine before approving a loan. For example, the sum approved as a loan for home buyers will depend on their income and credit history. This measure was introduced to control non-performing loans. Continued … 

Agoda CEO sees potential for Thailand to become Asian Silicon Valley

Thailand has the potential to become Asia’s Silicon Valley, Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern said on Thursday, while expressing his support for the government’s vision of transforming the country into a leading technology hub.

His comments came after he met Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Agoda’s headquarters in Bangkok. Morgenshtern said after a brief meeting with the Thai PM that they had discussed actions to advance Thailand’s status as a global center for technological progress and innovation. Continued … 

Saudi food-security agency eyes investments in Thai agro-business

Saudi Arabia’s top food-security agency is interested in investing in key agricultural industries in Thailand, especially in poultry, fish and sugar processing sectors, an adviser to the Thai agriculture minister said.

Adillaw Ali-Ishoh, an adviser to Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow, was speaking to reporters on Wednesday after he met with Mohammed Almousa, group CEO adviser at the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co. (SALIC), earlier in the day. He attended the meeting on behalf of the minister. Continued … 

More businesses catering to the high purchasing power of singles

Expenditures by single-person households, covering goods and services, average around 1.4 trillion baht per year.

According to reports from Thailand’s Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and Euromonitor, in 2023, there were about 400 million single-person households worldwide, with this number expected to increase at an average rate of 3.3% per year. Continued … 

Foreign tourist arrivals jump 38% in first 5 months

Nearly 15 million foreign tourists visited Thailand during the first five months of this year, up 38% from the same period last year, with those from China topping the table, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on Thursday.

Chai said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is looking to drive the tourism industry forward as it serves to boost the economy. The push also involves improving the quality of the industry’s human resources as part of the premier’s “Ignite Thailand” development agenda. Continued … 

Thailand leads in Mekong region tourism, aiming for over 95M tourists by 2025

Thailand, a key player in GMS tourism, is rallying executives and over 15 agencies to boost cooperation. Their goal is to increase foreign tourists in the Greater Mekong Subregion to over 95 million by 2025, demonstrating a strong commitment to regional tourism.

Senior tourism officials and executives from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar were special guests of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus to be held this week in the coastal district of Khao Lak, Phang-nga Province. Continued … 

 

Natnattcha won the Tenderstem® Bring Home the Harvest category with “A Day in the Field”, a stunning shot of a young farmer carrying a rack of rice sprouts across a paddy field in Sakon Nakhon.

Thai woman wins twice in global food photo contest

A haunting image, Red Bean Paste Balls, by Chinese photographer Zhonghua Yang, has won the overall prize of Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2024, the world’s leading celebration of food photography and film.

Thai photographer Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn achieved great success in this year’s competition; from the thousands of entries submitted from over 65 countries across the world, she had a total of four finalist images, including two category wins. Continued … 

Red Bean Paste Balls, by Chinese photographer Zhonghua Yang, won the overall prize of Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2024.

6 offbeat places in Thailand you should definitely visit

One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster…but if you’ve got more than 24 hours to spare, you’ll want to explore Thailand beyond its glittering capital.

Koh Tao

In fact, for your next trip to the Southeast Asian country, switch up your itinerary — instead of the regular tourist haunts of Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Sa Mui, opt for its more rustic, offbeat alternatives, which include the ancient ruins of Sukhothai, the temple runs of Chiang Rai and the turquoise lagoons of Koh Tao, the lesser-known sister island of the overcrowded Ko Samui. Continued … 

Bangkok’s Sorn among world’s 50 best restaurants

Sorn entered Bangkok’s premium dining scene in 2018, introducing a sophisticated way to experience the seafood-centric, fiery cuisine of Thailand’s coastal southern region. Owner and executive chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri, along with head chef Yodkwan “Yod” U-Prumpruk, have become national and international gastronomic ambassadors for the region’s cuisine, garnering accolades a-plenty, as well as an ever-full reservations book.

Sorn is not only a celebration of the south, but an ode to Chef Ice’s childhood, during which he picked up the tricks of the trade from his grandmother. At the restaurant, diners get an insight into traditional cooking methods and savor nearly 90% of hyper-local southern ingredients, all from an experienced crew that are mostly from the south. Continued … 

Hanoi issues directive on tightening dog and cat meat trade

In a major move to safeguard public health and promote more ethical practices, the Hanoi Sub-department of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Veterinary Services has issued a critically important directive as a move toward eliminating dog and cat meat trade across the city’s districts. Continued … 

Malaysia evicts 500 ‘sea nomads’

 

More than 500 people from seafaring communities along the coast of Sabah state have been evicted from their homes this week as part of a Malaysian government crackdown on undocumented migrants, local activists said. Continued … 

Today’s Thai environmental news

 

 

#thailandeconomy #huahin #prachuapkhirikhan #thailandtourism #thailandtravel #thailandfdi #thailandinvestment #thailandexports #thailandretirement #thailandimmigration #thailandtransportation #thailandrealestate

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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
bangkok, cha am, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-June 3

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Today’s news: Thailand’s next capital?/Thailand’s healthcare system/Chiva-som wins award/Miss Universe Thailand PKK/French Expat Rescues Two/Major Global Cyber Crime Syndicate/Further than legalizing same-sex marriage/Economy: Restructuring the economy/Economy improved in April/Thailand’s aging population/Significant drop in vehicle sales/Jurassic World 4 in Thailand/Police Detain 34 Illegal Foreign Workers/Tourism: Coral bleaching forces closures/Phuket Airport Plans New International Terminal/Parasailing accidents in Pattaya/Songkhla pushes for cruise terminal/Indians’ Airbnb bookings/Thai Airways resumes Brussels-Bangkok route/Thailand Experience: Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park/Best time to visit Thailand/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

Could Phuket be Thailand’s next capital?

The news last month that Thailand’s government is seriously considering relocating the capital city due to rising sea levels has sent shock waves through the nation.

The catalyst for this dramatic proposition? Bangkok, the current capital and Thailand’s beating heart, is sinking. Continued …

How Thailand’s healthcare system serves the international market

The extensive network of private hospitals in Thailand is sophisticated in terms of the quality of care it offers for overseas patients and its marketing strategy. Many of the brands have become recognized globally for medical excellence. The growth has been astonishing.

Bangkok Hospital, which opened in 1972 with just four departments, is now under the umbrella of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), a group with 59 hospitals across six major brands, including Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej, BNH, Phyathai, and Paolo. Continued …

Hua Hin’s Chiva-Som wins Mahidol University ‘influencer’ award

Krod Rojanastien, consultant to CEO and chairman of Chiva-Som International Health Resorts, recently accepted the Mahidol Public Health Influencer Award for Organisation 2024 from the Mahidol University Faculty of Public Health, recognizing the resort’s excellence in health promotion.

The award celebrats the best of the best in public health promotion and sustainability across Thailand, honoring trailblazers who have set high benchmarks in health and wellness through meaningful initiatives and programs that have made a substantial impact on the community. Continued …

Miss Universe Thailand PKK introduced

Jennifer Gallemart was introduced as Miss Universe Thailand Prachuapkhirikhan 2024 Saturday in a Market Village ceremony. Gallemart is a 22-year-old Thai-Belgian student from Bangkok University. The Miss Universe Thailand 2024 competition, under the concept “BEYOND UNIVERSE,” will run from June 14 to July 14. Representatives from each province will participate in various activities in Prachuap Khiri Khan from June 26 to July 2. (HHT)

French Expat Rescues Two Men from Drowning in Lopburi

On Sat urday, Khok Tum police received an emergency call about three individuals drowning at the Bott Camping Ground in Mueang Lopburi. Although two men were rescued, one individual remains missing.

Upon receiving the report, Khok Tum police, rescue divers, and other agencies rushed to the scene. Two of the men were pulled from a pond by the brave bystander, and transported to a local hospital. Both men were exhausted and had ingested water. Continued …

Thai Police and FBI Dismantle Major Global Cyber Crime Syndicate

In a significant victory against cybercrime, Thai police, in collaboration with the FBI, have dismantled an international cybercrime syndicate, culminating in the arrest of the group’s mastermind in Singapore and the seizure of over a billion baht’s worth of assets in Thailand.

The operation, spearheaded by Central Investigation Bureau chief Police Lt. Gen. Jirabap Bhuridej following a request from FBI attaché Mike Chai, targeted Wang Yunhe, a Chinese national identified as the ringleader. Continued …

PM says Thailand will go further than legalizing same-sex marriage

In its effort to promote gender diversity, Thailand will not stop at legalizing same-sex marriage, which will later become effective this year, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today.

“Thailand will continue to support gender diversity after successfully passing the marriage equality bill. We are looking forward to pushing for gender recognition and sex worker laws,” he said. Continued …

Restructuring the economy the only way forward, experts say

Compared to its neighbors, the Thai economy has grown at a slower pace in recent times, well below its potential, analysts say. In the first quarter of 2024, it grew by 1.5% year-on-year, while in 2023, it expanded by just 1.9%.

This is not only a result of the global economic conditions but also due to the country’s production structure, which has led to a decline in the competitiveness of Thai-produced goods on the global market, causing decreased exports and impacting overall GDP growth. Continued …

Thai economy improved in April, with growth driven by tourist arrivals

In April, the Thai economy saw improvement, bolstered by growth in the service sector due to an increase in tourist arrivals.

There was a rise in domestic demand, marked by an upswing in private consumption and investment. Additionally, exports, inflation, and the labor market exhibited encouraging indicators. Continued …

Thailand’s aging population hits consumption and economic growth

The demographic changes in Thailand, including an aging population and declining birth rate, are significantly impacting the country’s domestic consumption, which has been a major driver of economic growth.

A study by the Kasikorn Research Center highlights that compared to other countries in the region, Thailand has a higher reliance on domestic consumption for economic growth. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Significant drop in vehicle sales recorded from Jan-April

The overall performance of Thailand’s automotive industry in the first four months of 2024 has continued to slow, with 210,494 new vehicles sold in this period, representing a decline of 23.9%.

Breaking down the sales by segment reveals that 82,903 passenger cars were sold, a decrease of 15.2%. In the commercial vehicle market, 127,591 units were sold, marking a significant drop of 28.7%. Continued …

Jurassic World 4 Set to Film Across Thailand

Thailand is set to host the filming for “Jurassic World 4,” the latest installment in the iconic Jurassic Park franchise. The filming, directed by Colin Trevorrow, will take place from June 13 to July 16 in several picturesque locations, including Bangkok, Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

The decision to film in Thailand came as a boon to the national economy, with expectations to inject around 650 million baht through a variety of local services. Continued …

Immigration Police Detain 34 Illegal Foreign Workers in Chonburi Raid

Chonburi immigration authorities raided a plastic factory yesterday and arrested 34 illegal foreign workers. The superintendent of the Chonburi Immigration Police, Naphatphong Kositsuriyamanee, led the operation, joined by officials from the Department of Employment and the Chonburi Provincial Labor Office.

(Editor: Normally, we might not post this story but, when reading, we wondered why the owner of the business was not arrested. The company is known for using illegal workers, who, in all fairness, are just looking for a way to survive.)

The raid took place in the Wat Suwan subdistrict, Bo Thong district, where a labor camp was discovered within the boundaries of a plastic factory. A substantial number of foreign workers were found busy sorting plastic parts in the camp. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Coral bleaching forces closures of PKK’s best snorkeling locations

Officials have announced the closure of snorkeling activities around Ko Chan and Ko Thai See due to coral bleaching, effective June 11.

The head of Hat Wanakorn National Park, Suporn Phonpan, stated that recent monitoring efforts have revealed significant coral bleaching in the shallow reefs surrounding these islands. The phenomenon, exacerbated by June’s low sea levels, poses a threat to the marine ecosystem and presents safety risks for tourists. Continued …

Phuket Airport Plans to Invest 6 Billion Baht in New International Terminal

Phuket Airport is set to undergo a major expansion, investing 6 billion baht to construct a new terminal dedicated to international flights. This development aims to increase the airport’s capacity from handling 12.5 million passengers annually to 18 million.

The airport’s director, Monchai Tanod, highlighted the urgent need for this expansion. Recent data shows that last month Phuket Airport saw an influx of approximately 16,000 domestic passengers daily, reaching 90% of its pre-Covid-19 traffic levels. International flights were even busier, averaging 22,000 daily arrivals and departures, which is 7% higher than the number recorded in 2019 before the pandemic. Continued …

Parasailing accidents spark action in Pattaya

Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has declared immediate measures following an alarming rise in parasailing accidents in the popular tourist destination. At a meeting held on Friday, Ngampichet convened with city officials and tourist police to discuss stricter regulations for parasailing operators in Pattaya.

With activities ranging from jet skiing and sunset photography to banana boat rides, water sports are a significant draw for tourists visiting Pattaya Beach. Yet, the increasing number of parasailing mishaps has raised significant safety concerns. Continued …

Songkhla pushes for cruise terminal to boost tourism

The Songkhla Tourism Assn. is calling for government intervention to boost tourism by constructing a cruise ship terminal and introducing direct flights from Chinese cities to Hat Yai.

President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Assn. Songchai Mungprasithichai announced plans to seek government support for direct flights to Hat Yai, proposing routes such as Kunming-Hat Yai to attract more Chinese tourists to the province. Continued …

Indians’ Airbnb bookings in Thailand soar

More Indian tourists, especially those of Gen Y and Gen Z, are visiting Thailand. They like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket and Koh Samui, but have started to look at less-known destinations, according to a government spokesman.

Chai Wacharonke quoted the homestay platform Airbnb as reporting that the number of Indian travelers reserving accommodations in Thailand through Airbnb rose by about 60% during 2022 and 2023. Continued …

Thai Airways resumes daily Brussels-Bangkok route Dec 1

Starting Dec. 1, Thai Airways (THAI) will resume its daily direct passenger flights between Brussels Airport and Bangkok.

This route was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, and significantly enhances Brussels Airport’s intercontinental offerings. Continued …

Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park: a hidden gem in Cha Am

Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park, located just a short trip from Hua Hin, offers an adventurous, yet accessible, hiking experience that shouldn’t be missed. The park, known for its scenic limestone mountain range visible from the main road, features several hiking routes that are both short and rewarding.

One standout trail is the “Bathing Pond of Phra Sang,” a 2.5-kilometer nature trail that brings the classic Thai literature “Sang Thong” to life through four landmark points. Continued …

The best time to visit Thailand, based on the weather

While the Land of Smiles is recognized and revered for its balmy beaches, idyllic islands, ravishing resorts, stunning scenery, and crave-worthy cuisine, it isn’t known for having four distinct seasons.

Technically, Thailand’s weather encompasses three seasons: summer, monsoon, and the cool season. In actuality, the country experiences three main conditions: hot, hot and wet, and very hot. Continued …

#thailandeconomy #huahin #prachuapkhirikhan #thailandtourism #thailandtravel #thailandfdi #thailandinvestment #thailandexports #thailandretirement #thailandimmigration #thailandtransportation #thailandrealestate

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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

 

healthcare, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-June 1

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Today’s news: Our newest sponsor: Pacific Care Insurance/Massive Phuket crackdown on Russian business network/Keto diets and premature aging/British Pensioner Struggles with Frozen Pension/Heavy rainfall warning/Singapore Airlines emergency landing/Two shot dead in Songkhla/Pattaya’s underpass crackdown/Backlash over free pet offer/Economy: Land bridge project draws interest/Digital wallet at risk/Increase in diesel prices/‘Investors to lose Bt10 billion/’IGNITE Agriculture Hub’ Initiative/Light at the end of tunnel/Mae Hong Son villagers reap profits/Tourism: 300-baht tourist tax/60-day visa exemption starts/Medical tourism in Thailand/China’s pent-up outbound tourism demand/First direct flight from Kazakhstan/Thailand Experience: The rise of Thai food trucks/Three communities in northern Thailand/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 Expat News is pleased to announce our newest sponsor:

Pacific Care Insurance

Pacific Care is the Insurance Authorized Intermediary, we are the insurance broker and partner of many insurance companies in Thailand.

Pacific Care is not tied to any specific insurance company. Therefore, after understanding our clients’ needs, we can explore policies from various insurance companies within Thailand. This allows us to find the best options for our client. Tel: 080-500-2222 or 080-500-2244; Web; email: info@pcfcare.com; Location.

Massive Phuket crackdown sweeps away vast Russian business network, with Bt1.5 billion seized

Thai police have dismantled a vast network that illicitly assisted foreigners, primarily Russians, in securing long-term stays in Thailand through fraudulent means involving shell companies, officials reported on Friday.

The operation, spearheaded by a 45-year-old Russian woman and a Thai accomplice, facilitated foreign residency by setting up bogus companies. This network, based in Phuket, involved the Thai woman being listed as an executive or shareholder in over 270 companies. Under Thai law, while foreigners can operate businesses, they must do so as part of a joint venture with Thai nationals, holding no more than 49% ownership to protect local economic interests. Continued … 

Keto diets can cause premature aging of the organs

The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, has gained immense popularity due to its efficacy in rapid weight loss. Originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy, the diet involves a high intake of fats and a significant reduction in carbohydrates.

While many people achieve their desired weight loss outcomes through this diet, recent research suggests that the long-term effects may not be as beneficial as previously thought. In particular, a study by researchers from the University of Texas Health San Antonio-USA has shed light on the potential for the keto diet to accelerate the aging of vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. Continued …

British Pensioner in Thailand Struggles with Frozen Pension

An 87-year-old British woman is grappling with her move to Thailand, as she struggles to survive on a UK state pension frozen at just £300 per month, equivalent to approximately 14,000 baht.

Christine Gloria Fox relocated to Thailand’s east coast near Pattaya 24 years ago to be closer to her family. Instead of enjoying her retirement, nearly all her pension is consumed by healthcare costs. Due to a UK policy, Fox’s pension has remained static since her move, as the UK does not uprate pensions in certain countries. Continued …

Heavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces

The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall in 46 provinces, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area expected to be affected. Residents are advised to take precautions against potential flash floods and forest runoff.

Moderate southwesterly monsoon winds are covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over the upper northern region. This weather pattern will bring heavy to very heavy rain in certain areas, particularly in the eastern region. Continued … 

18 units praised for handling Singapore Airlines emergency landing

Suvarnabhumi Airport has commended all agencies joining hands in an operation to assist passengers and crew members of Singapore Airlines following an emergency landing due to severe turbulence.

A total of 18 units from Suvarnabhumi Thai Airways International (THAI), hospitals and police were involved in the operation after flight SQ321 requested to land at the airport in Samut Prakan on May 21. Continued …

Two shot dead while gathering intelligence in Songkhla

Two people were shot dead while gathering information in Thepa, Songkhla yesterday.

Ponnchai Kwanpanya, the head of Huai Pling Police Station in Songkhla, received a report of a shooting incident yesterday at 5.30pm. The attack occurred on a road in Ban Huai Pling, Moo 2, Tham Wang subdistrict, Thepa District, Songkhla Province. Authorities, including military forces from Songkhla Special Task Force and local administrative officers, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Continued …

Pattaya’s underpass crackdown on motorcycles sparks debate

In a recent traffic enforcement blitz, the Pattaya City Peacekeeping Division, alongside the Pattaya City Police Traffic Division, brought the contentious issue of motorbikes using the underpass into the limelight. The crackdown, resulting in numerous prosecutions, has ignited a fiery debate among residents.

Many locals have thrown their weight behind the operation. “Good deeds should be appreciated. This should be done consistently and should have been implemented long ago. It should be enforced daily with heavy fines.” Continued …

Real estate giant faces online backlash over free pet offer

A renowned real estate company suffered online backlash after launching a campaign offering a free pet with the purchase of a luxury home. The campaign, which allows buyers to choose from five different breeds of dogs or cats, sparked widespread criticism.

A Facebook user publicly addressed the company in an open letter, expressing concerns over the potential negative impacts on animal welfare. She highlighted that such promotions could lead to increased instances of pet abandonment or neglect, as new homeowners might not be ready for the long-term responsibility of caring for a pet. Continued …

Land bridge project draws interest from over 100 companies

More than 100 Thai and foreign companies have shown interest in investing in the government’s ambitious land bridge project that would serve as a link between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the south of Thailand, the Transport Ministry said on Friday.

The ministry’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning hosted a market-sounding event in Bangkok on Thursday and invited those who were interested to express their opinions and concerns about the 1-trillion-baht project. Continued …

Political turmoil could put digital wallet at risk

Rising political uncertainty poses significant risks to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s plan for a 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout to stimulate the economy, say analysts at Citigroup and Nomura Holdings.

New legal cases against both Srettha and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra suggest that Thailand is facing a fresh bout of political unrest that could potentially put some economic policies on the back-burner, Citigroup economist Nalin Chutchotitham wrote in a note this week. Continued …

Oil Fuel Fund approves 50-satang-per-liter increase in diesel prices

Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund Executive Committee has approved a 50 satang/liter increase in diesel prices to 32.94 baht/liter from yesterday, due to global oil price volatility caused by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This decision maintains the diesel subsidy cap at 1.40 baht/liter.

The increase in diesel prices is expected to have a significant impact on the Thai economy, as diesel is widely used in the transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Continued …

‘Investors to lose Bt10 billion if cannabis, hemp relisted as narcotics’

The Hemp and Cannabis Industry Assn. has warned that operators in CBD-related industries could lose combined investments of over 10 billion baht if the government goes ahead with the plan to relist cannabis and hemp as narcotic plants.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a crucial compound found in both cannabis and hemp plants that has medical benefits. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not cause consumers to feel mental euphoria. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

PM Unveils Ambitious ‘IGNITE Agriculture Hub’ Initiative

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday outlined the vision and strategic guidelines to drive IGNITE THAILAND at the Santimaitri Building (Outer Wing), of the Government House. The initiative, which seeks to ignite collective power and unite the nation’s efforts, aspires to elevate Thailand to the forefront of the global agriculture and food sectors.

Srettha announced the vision of “IGNITE Agriculture 2025” to awaken the power of Thai farmers and stakeholders and cultivate world-class excellence. Continued …

Light at the end of the tunnel for global economy

Entering the middle of the second quarter, the world economy has begun to signal a more coordinated recovery. Preliminary composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) readings for May recovered in the U.S., the Euro zone, Japan and other large economies, indicating global economic growth is expanding more broadly.

In the U.S., PMI numbers accelerated after slowing in the previous three months, while growth in the Euro zone picked up for a second month. The S&P Global Flash U.S. Composite PMI rose to a 25-month high of 54.4 in May from 51.3 in April. Continued …

Mae Hong Son villagers reap profits from collecting mushrooms

Mae Hong Son villagers are seizing the annual opportunity to gather mushrooms known as the barometer earthstar, earning up to 2,000 baht per day. These mushrooms, known for their white flesh and sweet, crunchy taste, have become a significant economic driver in the region.

Throughout the early rainy season, Mae Hong Son’s forests yield an abundance of barometer earthstar mushrooms, fetching prices as high as 100 baht per liter. This has prompted local villagers, many of whom are economically disadvantaged, to venture into the forest to collect the mushrooms and sell them, significantly boosting their household income. The thriving business of exporting these mushrooms has subsequently expanded. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Tourism Minister stands firm with 300 baht tourist tax

Thailand’s new Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, has hinted at the impending introduction of a tourist tax, known as the Kha Yeap Pan Din, translating to a landing fee. Although no specific timeline was provided for its implementation, the newly appointed minister emphasized the unlikelihood of abandoning the proposed tax.

The measure was greenlit by the Cabinet in February last year, proposing a fee of 300 baht (US$8.17) for foreign arrivals by air and 150 baht for those entering by land or sea. Continued …

60-day visa exemption starts today

Thailand has extended the visa-free exemption period for visitors from 30 to 60 days, effective today. This is great news for tourists and business travelers alike, as it will allow them to stay in Thailand for longer periods of time.

The visa exemption applies to nationals of 93 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Visitors from these countries can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days. You can extend your stay with an additional 30 days at the nearest immigation office. Continued …

Medical tourism in Thailand: facts, figures and services on offer

The combination of quality healthcare and the country’s popularity as an exotic tourist destination with beautiful beaches and a tropical climate conducive for post-treatment rest and recovery makes it easy to understand why Thailand continues to lure medical tourists. The country is considered one of the world’s great development success stories, both economically and socially.

During periods of rapid change, healthcare was never overlooked and steadily improved in terms of quality and access from the mid-1970s onward. The rise of the private healthcare sector was key to this success. Continued …

China’s pent-up outbound tourism demand hit by visa, flight issues

Visa delays and insufficient flight capacity have held back a full recovery in China’s outbound travel after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the CEO of Trip.com Group, the country’s largest online travel agency.

“There are two major hurdles for the recovery – the first is visa restriction, and the second is flight capacity,” Jane Sun said at a media briefing in Shanghai on Thursday. “I am hoping these two bottlenecks ease and we are able to bring more (Chinese) customers to different countries.” Continued …

First direct flight from Kazakhstan arrives in Surat Thani

This morning marked a significant moment for Thailand’s tourism industry, as the first direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, landed at Surat Thani International Airport. This inaugural flight carried 212 passengers, arriving at 7.30am, signaling a new era of connectivity between the two countries.

The occasion saw a warm welcome from local officials, including Surat Thani’s Deputy Gov. Nanthawat Charoenwan, Airport Director Suksawat Sukhawanno, and representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Among the passengers were the Thai Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Chatchawan Sakornsinsuwan, Kazakhstani travel operators, and media personnel. Continued …

The rise of Thai food trucks

Think about hanging out at a lively, energetic food truck festival where the delicious scent of Thai foods steals your senses, pulling in both residents and travel explorers. A warm welcome to Thailand’s foodie tourism sensation, where the humble street food is being cheered on to a star-like status.

What’s more, it’s not just for the outright joy of pleasing your palate, but it’s also part of an amazing idea to boost local businesses and champion travel based on local communities. Continued …

A study of women in three communities in northern Thailand

In-depth interviews with Indigenous Karen, Lahu, and Tin women in three communities in northern Thailand shed light on how women view their traditional ability to access the land and resources necessary to secure the physical and spiritual well-being of their communities.

In all three communities, land, forest, and water resources were traditionally used and managed collectively through community-based governance, ancestral knowledge, and territorial management practices. The women play central roles in achieving balance between their communities and the surrounding environment through spiritual beliefs, rituals and ceremonies. Continued …

#thailandeconomy #huahin #prachuapkhirikhan #thailandtourism #thailandtravel #thailandfdi #thailandinvestment #thailandexports #thailandretirement #thailandimmigration #thailandtransportation #thailandrealestate

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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

 

bangkok, climate change, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, real estate, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-May 27

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Today’s news: New airline eyes Hua Hin/Keeping pets safe/I moved to Thailand/New mobile banking curbs/Expedites waterway upgrades/Can AI help Thailand’s overworked doctors?/48,000-Plus Running For Senator/Antiviral therapeutics ‘need bigger push’/Vice mayor gunned down/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Thailand’s real estate industry/Property sector likely to see uptick/Demand for condos, branded residences/Economic stimuli in the works/Toll on manufacturing index/Pride Month to generate billions/Thailand to ask Israel for higher labor quota/Tourism: High-speed rail link/Assessing Phuket’s Readiness/Phuket expects Bt400-billion bonanza/Thailand Experience: June festivals and events/International news/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news https://climatethailand.com/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

New airline with prop planes eyes Hua Hin for domestic flights

Ezy Airlines has announced its plans to expand air travel to and from Hua Hin and across southern Thailand. The airline aims to begin operations in the third quarter of 2025.

The airline held a press conference at Centara Grand Beach Resort to unveil its first aircraft and outline its vision for enhancing connectivity in the region. Continued … 

Keeping pets safe

Due to the unusually high temperatures this year, people are not the only ones suffering, as pets also have difficulty dealing with hot weather. Recently, a viral video of a French bulldog collapsing because of heat stroke raised concerns.

The owner of the dog told media over the phone that she had let the dog out to urinate. After the dog returned, it was panting and then collapsed and had seizures. She later took the dog to see a vet and it was said to have suffered from heat stroke. Continued …

I moved to Thailand, and can’t picture ever returning home to Scotland

A friend recently said that living in Southeast Asia was akin to winning one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets. And it’s impossible to dismiss a long list of advantages that include the cuisine, cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, low cost of living, and generally friendly, laid-back hosts.

There are trade-offs, including terrible air quality, horrendous traffic congestion, and temperatures that veer toward the inhumane. But on the plus side, I get sun-kissed winters, palm-fringed beaches, and a less stringently regulated existence. Continued …

Mule accounts targeted with new mobile banking curbs

The telecom regulator says access to mobile banking accounts where the names of the account holders and phone subscribers are different will require case-by-case permission, as a clampdown begins on the use of mule accounts by fraudsters.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission said on Monday the government had a policy to stop banking service access from mobile phones that were not registered in the name of the mobile bank account holder. Continued …

Government expedites waterway upgrades

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is moving to expedite the waterways improvement project, which it planned to honor His Majesty the King’s sixth cycle anniversary, which falls on July 28, government spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit said yesterday.

Under Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow, she said, the ministry is overseeing 72 projects to mark His Majesty’s 72nd birthday this year, which include dredging 24 irrigation canals and 21 reservoirs across the country, as well as the construction of 27 new water sources and irrigation systems. Continued …

Can AI alleviate the burden for Thailand’s overworked doctors?

Thailand’s universal free healthcare system may be the envy of many in the Asia-Pacific region, but it is overworking staff and doctors, and forcing medical workers to leave the industry as entrepreneurs turn to technology for solutions to ease the caseload burden.

With little triaging of illnesses or minimal health education for the public, hospitals and clinics are swamped with patients with minor illnesses who severely tax an under-resourced public medical system, according to the entrepreneurs. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

48,000-Plus People Nationwide Running For Senator

A total of 48,117 people nationwide have applied to run for senator in next month’s unprecedented, complicated race to parliament, an official of the Election Commission said Saturday.

Against earlier predictions of as many as 200,000 people contesting the senatorial election next month, only 48,117 have applied since last Monday until yesterday, the polling agency’s official said. Continued …

Antiviral therapeutics ‘need bigger push’

Experts say antiviral therapeutics need to be an investment priority if another pandemic were to happen in the future, due to the possible length of time a vaccine takes to develop.

Sharon Lewin, infectious diseases expert and physician from the University of Melbourne, said that although the time it took to develop the Covid-19 vaccine was extraordinarily brief, the next pandemic may come with more difficulties and vaccines may not emerge in such a short time. Continued …

Vice mayor gunned down in ambush on Pattani highway

In a brazen attack on Phetkasem Road, the vice mayor of a tambon administrative organization (TAO) in Khok Pho district, Pattani province, was brutally murdered by suspected insurgents Friday evening.

Witnesses reported that 57-year-old Nan Kongsomboon was ambushed by two men on a motorcycle as he was returning home after tending to his cattle. The assailants, believed to be insurgents, lay in wait by the roadside before launching their deadly assault. They opened fire, killing Nan instantly, and made off with his handgun. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

  • Belgian National Arrested in Killing and Burning of Fellow Countryman – Continued …
  • Chinese fugitive running luxury scams in Thailand arrested – Continued …
  • Foreign nationals arrested after bike rampage on Koh Samui – Continued …
  • Belgian Expat’s Illegal Pawn Shop Busted in Phuket – Continued … 
  • Physical Altercation Between Guards and Customers in Pattaya – Continued …

An overview of Thailand’s real estate industry

Thailand’s real estate industry is a significant sector, with diverse opportunities for investment and growth. The market is segmented into residential, office, retail, hospitality, and industrial properties, with major cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin being key locations.

The Q1 2024 Thailand property market presents a complex outlook with both positive and cautious indicators. Let’s take a closer look at the main factors affecting the current market and potential future scenarios: Continued …

Property sector likely to see uptick in Q2 or Q3

Thailand’s real-estate sector continued to languish during the first quarter of this year and expectations are that the second quarter is unlikely to see any major improvements amid continued tightening of the loan-to-value ratio by the Bank of Thailand and the more than 50% rejection rate of mortgage loans by the commercial banks in the country.

ThepProperty sector, which Patchara Klinchuanchun sector analyst at Krungsri Research estimates accounted for about 10% of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, is a major driver for economic growth of the country, but subdued sentiments on the state of the economy going forward, coupled with over cautious banks, has all led to a slowdown in the economic activities in the sector. Continued …

Demand for condos, branded residences in Phuket and Pattaya surges

All roads are leading to Phuket and Pattaya for the real estate sector these days, driven by the purchasing power of tourists who have been pouring into Thailand since the Covid-19 situation eased.

Phuket’s rapid recovery in 2023 brought in 388.017 billion baht in tourism revenue from a total of 11,300,498 tourists. Its situation has been enhanced by the government’s plans to enhance Phuket’s potential, including infrastructure development for transportation along the Andaman coast. Continued …

Economic stimuli in the works

A number of short-term economic stimulus measures will be tabled at a meeting of ministers in charge of the economy called by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today, in an effort to boost the country’s lackluster economic performance in the first quarter of the year.

Thailand’s economy grew only by 1.5% in Q1 of 2024, according to figures released by the National Economic and Social Development Council last week. Continued …

Low consumption, high household debt take toll on manufacturing index

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) has dropped for 18 consecutive months due to a decline in consumption amid high household debt, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said on Sunday.

Federation Chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said the MPI in March this year was 104.06, down 5.13% year on year, with a capacity utilization rate of 62.39%. Continued …

Pride Month to attract thousands, generate billions of baht

Many events to celebrate this year’s Pride Month are expected to attract more than 860,000 people and generate more than 4.5 billion baht in revenue, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on Sunday.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is working with private agencies on hosting events to celebrate Pride Month nationwide. Continued … 

Thailand to ask Israel for higher labor quota

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn plans to ask Israel to raise its quota for Thai workers during his four-day official visit to the Middle Eastern nation.

Phiphat is scheduled to visit Israel from May 26 to 29 at the invitation of the Israeli government. He and other top officials at the ministry will meet Israel’s labor, agriculture and interior ministers to negotiate for an increase in the number of Thai workers allowed into Israel. Continued …

High-speed rail link between three airports to start this year

The high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports is set to kick off later this year, following a revised agreement between the state and project developers.

Anan Phonimdang, deputy governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), confirmed that the SRT’s board has acknowledged the agreement. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee and the Cabinet will review the matter to ensure the state benefits from the project. The notice to proceed (NTP) is anticipated to be issued by the end of the year. Continued …

Assessing Phuket’s Readiness for the Tourism Boom

Phuket’s tourism boom is undeniably impressive, yet it raises important questions about whether the island is prepared to handle such a surge sustainably and effectively. Here are some key aspects that need to be considered:

Airport Capacity: With significant increases in daily arrivals, Phuket International Airport must manage the influx smoothly. Potential upgrades in terminals, baggage handling, and customs processing may be necessary. Continued …

Phuket expects Bt400-billion bonanza in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is confident that tourism revenue in Phuket this year will reach at least 400 billion baht, reporting that more than 3.6 million tourists visited the resort island in the first quarter.

Lerdchai Wangtrakoondee, director of the provincial TAT office, on Saturay told the media that the number of tourists coming to Phuket from January to March increased by 30% compared to the same period last year. Continued …

Severe turbulence leaves 12 injured on Qatar Airways flight

A Qatar Airways flight struck severe turbulence over Turkey, injuring 12 people on board, before landing as scheduled in Dublin on Sunday. One man recalled the plane dropping for several seconds, sending food flying around the cabin, while others described a sense of panic and fear on the plane. Continued …

UN estimates over 670 People Died in a Massive Papua New Guinea Landslide

The International Organization for Migration on Sunday increased its estimate of the death toll from a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea to more than 670, as emergency responders and traumatized relatives gave up hope that any survivors will now be found. Continued …

India Prepares For Severe Cyclonic Storm In Coastal Areas Near Bangladesh

India’s Kolkata airport will suspend flight operations from midnight Sunday (May 26) for 21 hours after a storm over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, airport authorities said. The cyclonic storm is expected to cross Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal coasts around midnight Sunday, the India Meteorological Department said in a statement. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news 

 

 

#thailandeconomy #huahin #prachuapkhirikhan #thailandtourism #thailandtravel #thailandfdi #thailandinvestment #thailandexports #thailandretirement #thailandimmigration #thailandtransportation #thailandrealestate

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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
climate change, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-May 25

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Today’s news: Hua Hin Fake Weddings/Cape Nidhra Hotel earns award/Diesel price to 32.44 baht/Illegal billboards pose safety risks/Muay Thai in Paris Olympics/Hefty payouts after turbulence/73 monkeys caught/Fire devastates Chiang Rai market/Economy: Trade, digital transformation, green economy/Shift to high-tech industries/Tractor manufacturer selects Thailand/Bt230 billion ‘rainbow economy’/Cannabis group to protest/Tourism: Thailand ‘top choice in Asia’/Thailand vs Vietnam/‘Staycation’ and ‘Sleep Tourism’/IndiGo doubles Delhi-Phuket flights/Thailand Experience: Centenarian couple in Trang/Phuket’s vegetarian festival/International news/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/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

Woman in Hua Hin Arrested for Allegedly Organizing Fake Weddings

Thai cyber police have apprehended a woman believed to be at the center of an elaborate wedding scam in Hua Hin. Wimonrat, the alleged mastermind behind this matrimonial fraud, has left many couples high and dry after pocketing substantial deposits for venue and wedding preparations that never materialized.

Wimonrat, a 37-year-old resident of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, was a wanted individual with no less than three different arrest warrants issued against her. These date back to early 2021 from courts across Thailand, including Samut Prakan Provincial Court, Chon Buri District Court, and Thon Buri Criminal Court. Her deceitful actions have reportedly caused damages exceeding 150,000 baht (£3,500). Continued …

Hua Hin’s Cape Nidhra Hotel earns TripAdvisor award

Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin, has receive the Traveler’s Choice Best of The Best award for the 5th consecutive year in the category of Small & Boutique hotels in Thailand.

Cape Nidhra is part of the Cape & Kantary Hotels group, which received 13 TripAdvisor awards in 2024. These awards are given to hotels, restaurants and attractions world-wide based on reviews and ratings collected over the past year.

Fuel Fund revs diesel price to 32.44 baht per liter

The Fuel Fund yesterday announced an increase in the diesel price by 50 satangs per liter, raising it to 32.44 baht per liter effective today. Despite reduced expenses, the fund still faces liquidity issues, according to the director of the Fuel Fund Office, Wisak Wattanaphap.

The Fuel Fund Management Committee convened and recognized the need to enhance the liquidity of the Fuel Fund at this time. Continued …

Over 1,000 illegal billboards pose safety risks in rainy season

More than 1,000 large outdoor advertising signboards across the country were found to have been erected illegally and could pose threats to public safety during rainstorms, an Interior Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

Traisuree Taisaranakul, who also doubles as secretary to the interior minister, said the ministry’s Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning was working with provincial governors in examining large billboards throughout the country. Continued …

Muay Thai gets thumbs up for Paris Olympics showcase

Muay Thai has been granted the opportunity to shine as a demonstration sport at the 2024 Olympic Games, the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) confirmed on Thursday.

Muay Thai enthusiasts will witness their sport showcased at the Olympic Park in Paris, France, from July 26 to Aug. 11, marking a pivotal step toward potential future inclusion in the Summer Olympics. Continued …

Singapore Airlines could face hefty payouts after turbulence

Passengers with spinal and brain injuries could seek “eight-figure” payouts, a lawyer says, as the extent of the harm following the Singapore Airlines flight that encountered extreme turbulence this week becomes clearer.

Prior payouts for similarly severe injuries escalated “easily into seven and sometimes eight-figure (U.S. dollar) claims”, said Peter Neenan, a parter specializing in aviation litigation at the London-based law firm Stewarts. Continued …

73 monkeys caught in Lop Buri

Seventy-three monkeys were caught on Friday as an operation resumed to remove the troublesome primates from Lop Buri city, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

More than 50 people are participating in the operation, which is scheduled to run until Tuesday, according to Veera Kunchairuk, the deputy director-general of the department. Continued …

Fire devastates central Chiang Rai market

A ferocious fire broke out yesterday at Nuanchan Market, commonly known as Kad Lang Mae Chan, located along the Chan River in the municipality of Mae Chan, Chiang Rai.

Authorities promptly mobilized fire trucks to combat the flames that were spreading rapidly. Continued …

Trade, digital transformation, green economy will build Asia: PM

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin came up with three guidelines to help the region cope with geopolitical conflicts and digital transformation at the 29th Nikkei Forum titled “Future of Asia” in Tokyo on Friday.

Addressing the topic “Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World”, he said Asian nations should play a global role in coping with geopolitical conflicts, such as the ongoing unrest in Myanmar, Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the threats China poses on Taiwan. He also advised that nations pay more attention to bringing long-term prosperity to their citizens, as well as maintaining peace and stability in their region. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

‘Thailand needs to shift to high-tech industries’ as FDI lowest in ASEAN

Thailand secured only US$2.96 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023, the lowest among ASEAN members, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) said, as it urged the government to facilitate the country’s migration to high-tech industries to attract investors.

In the economic outlook report for the first quarter of 2024 published this week, the national economic planning agency revealed that Thailand’s gross domestic product grew by 1.5% in the first quarter, the lowest rate among ASEAN members. Continued …

Leading tractor manufacturer to establish presence in Thailand

Mahindra & Mahindra, the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, has officially announced its commitment to establishing a presence in ASEAN, with Thailand serving as the first country to launch its products and services, according to Kedar Apte, the company’s chief of international operations for the Farm Equipment Sector (FES).

Speaking prior to the launch of its lightweight tractor at AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2024 + Horti Asia in Bangkok, he said that the time had come for Mahindra & Mahindra to enter the ASEAN market, with Thailand selected as the ideal nation on which to build its business. Continued …

Private sector steps up for a piece of Bt230 billion ‘rainbow economy’

Thailand’s private sector is gearing up to be a part of Pride month events in June to celebrate equality and rights of gender diversity groups, also known as the LGBTQIAN+.

The organization of Pride activities is in line with the government’s plan of making Thailand a tourist destination with world-class festivals and events under the Ignite Thailand initiative. Continued … 

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Cannabis group to protest relisting plan

The Cannabis Future Network disagrees with the Public Health Ministry’s efforts to put cannabis buds back on the narcotics list, and it will protest at Government House next Tuesday, Prasitchai Nunual, secretary-general of the group, said.

“Things have been done without listening to our voice. So we are going to protest at Government House next Tuesday. We will not move anywhere until the government promises us it won’t be amending any cannabis-related law,” he said on Friday. Continued …

Thailand ‘top choice in Asia’ for European tourists

Thailand is the top destination in Asia among European tourists, according to a survey by Agoda. The country was followed by Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Philippines, the international online travel booking platform found.

European tourists search Agoda for hotels in Phuket the most, followed by Bangkok and Krabi, said Pierre Honne, senior country director for Thailand. Continued …

Thailand vs Vietnam: Which country is better for tourists?

Many tourists say Thailand’s landscape is not as beautiful and diverse as in Vietnam, but the kingdom is attractive thanks to open visa policy and quality tourism services.

Reader Luc Binh Trang said: “Thailand’s landscape may not be as beautiful and diverse as Vietnam’s, but its traffic infrastructure and traffic awareness are better than Vietnam’s. Roads in Thailand have many cars but are spacious and people could not face heavy congestion like in HCMC and Hanoi. In addition, sidewalks in Thailand are not so encroached by local vendors so pedestrians can feel free to walk. Thai people know how to take advantage of river tourism, as most tourists will enjoy a river tour in the capital Bangkok, where they would be taken to visit, eat, and shop on both sides of the riverbank.” Continued …

How to cater to a new breed of ‘Staycation’ and ‘Sleep Tourism’ guests

Two new tourism trends, known as “Staycation” and “Sleep Tourism”, are gaining in popularity, according to an online travel platform.

Staycation refers to traveling to nearby provinces, focusing on activities within the hotel premises such as swimming, cycling, and spa, while sleep tourism focuses on travel with the aim of relaxation, sleeping in a different environment, aimed at recharging both body and mind. Continued …

IndiGo doubles Delhi-Phuket flights from June 1

Starting June 1, IndiGo will double its weekly flights from Delhi to Phuket from seven to 14, in response to Thailand’s extension of visa-free stays for Indian citizens until Nov. 11.

IndiGo, India’s premier low-cost airline, is enhancing its service with twice-daily flights, offering morning and evening departures. This increased frequency will provide greater flexibility and convenience for travelers planning their trips to Thailand’s most famous tourist island. Continued …

Centenarian couple in Trang share secrets to longevity

Two elders, known as Grandfather Dam and Grandmother Kam, both over a century old and residents of Trang Province, have shared their secrets to longevity and good health. Despite their advanced age, both remain remarkably active and healthy.

Grandfather Dam Chaisongkram was born in 1922 and is now 101 years old. His wife, Grandmother Kam Chaisongkram, born in 1924, is 99 years old, nearing 100. Continued …

What you need to know about Phuket’s vegetarian festival

It’s not yet light, but Jui Tui, a Chinese shrine in the Old Town of Phuket, is already a hive of activity. I’m standing in a massed crowd of devotees, sheltered beneath canopies of vermilion and jade and surrounded by eclectic religious statues: Taoist deities, Hindu gods and Buddhist bodhisattvas.

It’s 5.30am, and the sunrise is starting to spear shards of light through a bruised sky. Wreaths of incense smoke carry the heady scent of camphor and sandalwood on the breeze. It’s the end of monsoon season and storms are forecast, but my guide, Jo Lecourt, assures me that it never rains during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Continued …

More than 300 buried in Papua New Guinea landslide

More than 300 people and over 1,100 houses were buried by a massive landslide that leveled a remote village in northern Papua New Guinea, local media reported on Saturday. Continued …

Myanmar Railways reports hundreds of attacks on railroads, bridges, stations

Myanmar Railways (MR) reported that there have been 205 mine attacks in the area of railways and train stations, 163 mine attacks on railway bridges and 42 arson attacks on station buildings and staff housings in more than three years from Feb. 1, 2021, to May 21, 2024. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news 

 

 

#climatethailand #marijuanathailand #muaythaiolympics #phuketvegetarian #singaporeairlines #rainboweconomy

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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
bangkok, exports, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-May 24

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Today’s news: Choosing Expat Health Insurance/A healthy and sustainable diet/Passengers Need Spinal Surgery/Heavy rain warning/Domino’s Pizza asserts supremacy/Students leaving school mid-year/Rise of vegetarian food/Python and King Cobra showdown/Marijuana buds to return to blacklist/Economy: Thailand, China ditching dollar/Economic plans could be affected/Thailand’s Aging Population/ Exports up nearly 7%/Auto industry seeks stimulus/Foreign movies filmed in Thailand/Tourism: Thailand’s Secret Paradise/Tourists behaving badly/Foreigners behaving badly/47th in global travel rankings/Thailand Experience: Making your First Thailand Trip Successful/Best luxury hotels in Phuket/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

5 Tips for Choosing Expat Health Insurance

Health insurance is crucial for everyone, especially for expatriates residing in Thailand who seek high-quality and convenient medical care. Expat health insurance is particularly important for those living in Thailand long-term, whether for work, marriage, retirement, or relocation, and who hold long-term visas, including student visas.

With numerous expat health insurance plans available in the market, finding the right policy for one’s lifestyle and to ensure comprehensive coverage, perfect match to an individual’s needs, can be challenging. Initially, one should consider these five essential factors: Continued … 

How to have a healthy and sustainable diet

Did you know that what we eat won’t only affect our health, but also the planet we call home? Research shows that many of the foods that can harm our health are also bad for the environment, leading to issues like climate change and even the loss of animal and plant species. That’s why having a healthy and sustainable diet is important.

But how can you nourish your body while also sustaining the environment for future generations? Well, here are some sustainable nutrition tips from the experts at Sunbliss Superfood, a new organic food company located in California, USA. Continued …

Several Injured Passengers On Turbulence-Hit Flight Need Spinal Surgery

Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital has provided an update on the passengers injured when Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London experienced severe turbulence earlier this week and was forced to divert to Bangkok.

Forty people of various nationalities were transferred to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment, In a briefing on Thursday, Adinun Kittirattanapaibool, director of Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, confirmed that any patients showing improvement will be allowed to return home immediately. Continued …

Heavy rain warning issued for 35 provinces in Thailand

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain, predicting a high probability of rainfall across 80% of the northern and central regions of Thailand, impacting 35 provinces. Bangkok is also expected to experience significant weather conditions, with risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff.

The southwest monsoon currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is relatively strong. Additionally, a low-pressure area is covering the central region and the Gulf of Tonkin. Continued …

Domino’s Pizza asserts dough supremacy over flaky rivals

Domino’s has declared war on its rivals, Pizza Hut and The Pizza Company, asserting that its food quality and promotions are far superior to those of its rivals after both brands faced a customer backlash due to failed sales systems during special promotions.

The Pizza Company, a leading brand in Thailand, launched a special promotion on May 21, offering medium-sized pizzas for 99 baht, down from the original price of 299 baht. However, customers had to order in-store, leading to long queues at almost every branch across Thailand and with it, complaints. Continued …

Thai students leaving school mid-year at alarming rate

Thailand Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob announced yesterday that Thai students are leaving mid-year at an alarming rate. But despite this recent uptick, the minister expects a reversal of this trend in the near future.

New data indicates that approximately 20,000 students have dropped out this year. Permpoon shared these statistics following a meeting with top executives from the Education Ministry and other officials. Continued …

The rise of vegetarian food in Thailand

In Thailand, particularly in the southern areas, there is a growing trend among individuals, from cooking enthusiasts to professional chefs, toward adopting vegetarian food.

As the global advocacy for plant-based eating expands, these culinary professionals are increasingly using alternatives like tofu, seitan, and an assortment of fresh vegetables in place of meat. Impressively, they are managing to preserve the authentic and beloved flavors of traditional Thai cuisine. Continued …

Python and King Cobra showdown stuns locals

A dramatic encounter between a 3-meter-long King Cobra and a large python ended in a surprising twist, with the king cobra regurgitating its half-swallowed prey. The incident took place in Chai Buri, Surat Thani, and was reported by residents to the Chai Buri Rescue Center.

Locals of Khlong Noi, Chai Buri, Wednesday night, alerted the rescue team about a King Cobra attempting to consume a python behind a house. The Chai Buri Rescue volunteers immediately coordinated to investigate the scene. Continued …

Only marijuana buds return to the blacklist

Thailand Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has announced that only cannabis buds will be reclassified as Category 5 narcotics, leaving the rest of the marijuana plant legal. This decision aims to clarify the nation’s cannabis regulations following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s pledge to recriminalize marijuana.

In this new directive, parts of the cannabis plant such as leaves, branches, roots, stems, and seeds remain unaffected by the ban. The focus is solely on the buds, which contain psychoactive compounds used for recreational purposes. Continued …

Thailand and China ditching the dollar

Thailand and China no longer want the dollar. The central banks of the two nations signed an agreement this Tuesday aiming to strengthen cooperation to facilitate cross-border settlements in local currencies.

Not a month goes by without nations taking steps to bypass the dollar in their bilateral trade. India and Nigeria concluded a similar agreement just last week. Continued …

Four economic plans could be affected by Srettha’s removal

Political analysts say four main economic plans under the Srettha-led government could hit a snag if the premier were to be removed following a petition filed by senators.

Six of the nine Constitutional Court judges on Thursday voted to accept the petition from 40 senators seeking to remove Srettha as PM. The petition accused Srettha of violating political ethics by appointing Pichit Cheunban as PM’s office minister even though he had been once jailed for contempt of court. Continued …

Thailand’s Aging Population Challenges Economic Growth

Thailand is experiencing a significant demographic shift. An aging population and declining birth rates are starting to have a noticeable impact on the country’s domestic consumption, a crucial driver of economic growth. According to a recent report by the Kasikorn Research Center (KRC), this transition is introducing several economic challenges.

Currently, domestic consumption contributes 58% to Thailand’s economic growth, up from 53% a decade ago. However, this trend contrasts with many neighboring countries that rely less on internal consumption for growth. In Singapore, for instance, the reliance on domestic consumption has decreased from 37% to 31% as it transitions into a “super-aged” society. Similar patterns are being noticed in Indonesia and Vietnam. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Thailand’s exports up nearly 7% in April

Thailand exported goods worth US$23.278 billion in April, a 6.8% growth year-on-year, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) announced Thursday.

TPSO Director-general Poonpong Naiyanapakorn added that imports in April were worth $24.92 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $1.641 billion in the month. Continued …

Auto industry seeks stimulus as sales plummet

Vehicle production in April fell 11.02% year-on-year (YoY) to 104,667 units, and the auto industry is expecting measures from the government to boost demand, according to Surapong Paisitpatanapong, adviser to the president of the Automotive Industry Group.

The biggest decline in output for domestic sales was pickup trucks – down 45.94% YoY – while the manufacture of passenger cars fell by 5.03% YoY, said Surapong, who is also spokesperson for the Automotive Industry Group of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Continued …

Foreign movies filmed in Thailand generate up to 3 billion baht

Thailand has earned almost 3 billion baht from 186 foreign films shot in the country since January, government spokesperson Chai Watcharong announced yesterday, citing data from the Thailand Film Office (TFO).

He added that Thailand aims to be in the top five leading nations of choice in Asia for the film industry and that the country could get as much as 3.192 billion baht from foreign productions during the first five months of this year. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Unveiling Thailand’s Secret Paradise: Prachuap Khiri Khan

You can spend countless hours exploring Thailand and never stop finding new amazing places. From bustling cultural cities, frenzied floating markets, unique wildlife experiences, and world-renowned beaches, Thailand is an endless playground for travelers to fulfill their sense of wanderlust.

There is, however, one magnificent stretch of coastline seeing a surge in popularity that nobody ever seems to talk about – the stunning region of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …

Tourists behaving badly: Locals protest for better respect

Thailand is not the only country in the world with badly behaved tourists. As Ibiza and Mallorca say no to tourists coming to party, it’s becoming increasingly clear that expectations on travelers in the world’s most popular destinations are changing.

In recent months, Thailand has seen an increase in crime committed by foreign tourists, from illegal employment to property damage and physical violence. Over 700 foreigners have taken over jobs reserved for Thai locals, according to the government. Continued … 

  • Swedish Man Threatens Phuket Rental House Owner, Arrested for Overstaying 972 Days – Continued …
  • Koh Tao Police Arrest 8 Burmese Working Illegally as Tour Guides – Continued …
  • Drunk Foreigner Punches Gas Station Attendant in Udon Thani – Continued …

Thailand slips to 47th in global travel rankings

The World Economic Forum (WEF) unveiled its Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the global travel and tourism landscape, assessing the essential conditions required for investment and operation in the sector.

According to the report, Thailand has slipped to the 47th position worldwide, earning a score of 4.12 points. This places the country significantly behind global leaders and even some of its regional neighbors. Continued …

A Guide for Making your First Thailand Trip Successful

Thailand is one of the most famous and frequently visited holiday destinations in the world. The nation welcomed around 29 million people in 2023, and the number is expected to grow in the upcoming years.

What makes Thailand a hot spot for people all over the world? For starters, the ultimate list of Thailand luxury holidays destinations, welcoming people, cheap living, and food make it the first choice for many travelers. Continued …

The best luxury hotels in Phuket

Over the past few decades, Thailand has become one of the most visited countries in Asia, making the allegory of Alex Garland’s seminal Nineties novel “The Beach” more keenly felt than ever. But thankfully, lots of hotels are embracing sustainability and attempting to counter the effects of mass tourism.

Phuket is now Thailand’s leading destination for luxury, with most major hotel brands having a presence there. The resort town of Patong may have once been a sleepy shore with water buffalo wading through the rice paddies, but now it’s the island’s party hub. For something a little more authentic, head south to Phuket’s old town to admire its pastel-colored 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese architecture, and to try out its many unassuming but excellent restaurants. Continued …

#sretta #phukethotels #thailandexports #expatinsurance #singaporeairlines #thailandauto #thailandmovies #thailandaging #thailandtourism #thailandeconomy

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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
bangkok, cha am, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-May 18

Today’s news: Decapitated body off Cha Am beach/First, the drought, now the flooding/School uniforms optional/Video: Tiger cub captured/Economy: Ministry acts to control prices/Thailand’s unemployment crisis/Locals unite to halt land bridge project/Thai housing market slumps/Call for Caution on Recriminalization/Reversal on cannabis a warning/: More Thai flights for Hua Hin Airport/Three-stage plan to become aviation hub/High airfares hamper tourism arrivals/Airfares can only keep rising/Bangkok a top summer destination/Girl dies after falling out of songthaew/Phuket Monorail Plan Unveiled/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/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

Decapitated body found in sea off Cha Am beach

Yesterday, local fishermen reported a heavily decaying, headless body floating in the sea near the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, approximately one kilometer from the shore.

The Cha Am Police Station immediately responded, coordinating with the Third Marine and Coastal Resources Department, Cha Am municipality, Cha Am District Administration, Phetchaburi Marine Department, and Sawang Sanphet Rescue. Continued …

First, the drought, now the flooding is back

Residents in 26 provinces have been alerted to the risk of flash floods starting today until May 25, as heavy rainfall is anticipated across various regions, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to intensify efforts to clear the city’s drainage system and install water pumps.

Deputy government spokesoerson Karom Phonphonklang announced that heavy rain is forecast for 26 provinces, including 11 in the north, 11 in the south, and four in the central region over the next seven days, potentially resulting in runoff and flash floods. Continued …

Schools given go-ahead to make uniforms optional

Schools will be allowed to choose whether to require students to wear uniforms in another surprising initiative from Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob after his toilets-for-all policy.

In a letter stamped “very urgent” and dated May 16, the minister said all schools can make their own decisions about whether to allow students to go to classes in student uniforms or other appropriate outfits. Continued …

Video: Tiger cub captured after public stroll

As the liger, a hybrid offspring of a male lion and a tigress, is not protected by law, the owner of a tiger cub who found it astray in Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province on Thursday had lied to the officials, claiming that it was a liger.

Video 

One day later, when wildlife officials went to examine at the Lion Farm, Moo 5, Pak Nam subdistrict, Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao Province, the tiger cub’s owner sent a lion cub to to them for examination. He claimed that it was a “liger” cub and that the stripes were the result of spray paint used to make it look like a tiger cub for a Hollywood movie filming. Continued …

 

Commerce ministry acts to control prices amid minimum wage hike

The Ministry of Commerce implemented two measures to tackle rising product prices following the minimum wage increase to 400 baht. Officials are closely monitoring clothing prices and urging businesses to maintain prices for essential goods in eight categories.

Director-general of the Department of Internal Trade Wattanasak Sueaiam stated Thursday that the private sector is preparing to raise product prices by 10%-15% if the government increases the minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide in October. Continued …

Thailand’s unemployment crisis soars despite tourism boom

Thailand’s unemployment rate continues to climb, with 410,000 people out of work in the first quarter of this year, according to the National Statistical Office. The hardest-hit group is those with higher education degrees.

Office director Piyanuch Wuttisorn revealed that of the total, around 79,000 people have been unemployed for more than a year. The statistics paint a grim picture: highly educated individuals top the list of the jobless, followed by high school and middle school graduates. The reasons for unemployment are varied but telling. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Southern Thailand locals unite to halt land bridge project

People’s networks from Ranong and Chumphon provinces rallied yesterday in front of the Lang Suan district office, vehemently opposing the controversial multi-billion baht land bridge project planned for their region.

Protesters issued a statement demanding the immediate cancellation of the project, arguing it would deplete vital resources better preserved for future generations. Continued …

Thai housing market slumps

Transfer of residential property to buyers in the first quarter of 2024 fell 13% from the same period last year, the Government Housing Bank’s Real Estate Information Center (REIC) reported on Thursday. A total 72,954 units were transferred from January to March, the lowest since 2018.

The figures represent a significant slowdown in demand in Thailand’s residential property market, said REIC Director Wichai Wiratkapan. Continued …

Call for Caution on Potential Cannabis Recriminalization

Concern is brewing around the potential reclassification of cannabis as a controlled narcotic substance. Deputy government spokesperson. Karom Phonphonklang of the Bhumjaithai Party highlighted the need for careful consideration on this issue. Legalized in 2022, cannabis has since impacted both the health and economic sectors significantly.

Karom emphasized the importance of regulating cannabis properly, stressing its benefits when managed correctly. He called on the Ministry of Public Health to conduct a thorough evaluation of its impact since legalization. Continued …

Thailand’s reversal on cannabis serves as a warning

Thailand’s prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, has called for a dramatic shift in the country’s cannabis policy, directing that the plant be classified once more as a narcotic, restricting its use to medical and health purposes.

This marks a turning point after just two years of legal cannabis, initially introduced by former premier Prayut Chan-Ocha to rejuvenate tourism, boost the medical marijuana industry, and support struggling farmers. Continued …

More Thai flights planned first for Hua Hin Airport

Following a week where Hua Hin and Phetchaburi have been front and center of the government’s strategy for revitalizing tourism in the region, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed its plans for Hua Hin Airport and the development of tourism in Hua Hin and the lower central region.

TAT plans to expedite coordination with airlines to establish connecting routes between regions, such as Udon Thani-Hua Hin and Hat Yai-Hua Hin, recognizing the high potential of attracting international tourists through these routes. Continued …

Thailand outlines three-stage plan to become region’s aviation hub

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on Friday announced its three-stage plan to become the region’s aviation hub, increasing air traveler capacity to 270 million people per year by 2037 and becoming one of the top five countries in air logistics in the Asia Pacific.

The CAAT said the plan was part of the government’s “Ignite Thailand” initiative announced in February, which aims to make the country a hub for tourism, medical treatment, food, aviation, logistics, electric vehicles, digital economy and finance by 2030. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

High airfares hamper tourism arrivals

Expensive airfares remain a critical challenge for the tourism sector during the low season, as geopolitical conflicts affect fuel costs and flight capacity has yet to fully resume.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), inbound seat capacity in the second quarter is expected to tally at least 10.7 million, up 19% year-on-year, but still lagging the 2019 level. Continued …

Airfares can only keep rising due to supply chain problems

Passengers will see little respite from soaring air fares, as carriers face a shortage of planes, labor and spare parts that will prevent them meeting booming travel demand.

In a report on the outlook for global aviation, ING Bank NV depicted an industry hamstrung on several fronts by lingering supply-chain constraints. Continued …

Bangkok among world’s top 10 summer vacation destinations

Bangkok ranks among the top 10 global destinations for tourists to spend their summer vacation, according to a Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report released on Thursday.

The ranking is part of the MEI’s fifth annual report, “Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries”, which provides insights into the changing landscape of the travel industry across 74 markets, including 13 in the Asia Pacific (APAC). Continued … 

Israeli girl dies after falling out of songthaew in Phuket

A five-year-old girl from Israel has died after falling out of a songthaew during a visit to this resort island with her family.

Patong police said on Friday the young tourist was leaning out of the right window when driver Bunyang Kaewaksorn, 52, stopped the vehicle at a zebra crossing to allow a person to cross the road Thursday night. Continued …

Phuket Monorail Plan Unveiled

The Thai government has announced an ambitious plan to boost Phuket’s transportation infrastructure, including the introduction of a new monorail system that will connect the airport with Phuket Town. This comes as part of efforts to support the island’s growing economic and tourism sectors, which saw over 300 billion baht in circulation last year.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke revealed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has prioritized Phuket in the broader national strategy focused on tourism, transportation, and aviation development along the Andaman coast. Continued …

Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news 

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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
cha am, climate change, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-May 10

Today’s news: Landfill fire engulfs Hua Hin/UK pension policies spark rebellion/Stringent compliance regulations for new bank accounts/Cha Am park campsite closed/Jurassic World 4 to film in Thailand/Viral sensation meets silver screen/1.4 tons of heroin seized/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Thailand casino faces big obstacles/Thailand promotes land bridge/Cannabis Network Opposes PM’s Move/Tourism: Phuket governor, British meet/Seaplane Service Set for Phuket/Cebu Pacific to Don Mueang/Is weed still legal in Thailand?/Major change coming to Aussie tourist hotspot/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/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

Smoke from landfill fire engulfs Hua Hin

A noxious haze descended upon Hua Hin for days, emanating from a blaze at an old landfill between Soi 102 and Soi 112 in Thap Thai. The enduring landfill inferno stubbornly smouldered for five relentless days.

Initially subdued by recent rains, the inferno reignited Wednesday morning, spewing flames anew. The disused landfill is in Village 1, Nong Pranpuk, Thap Tai subdistrict, where over 20 rai of land is shrouded in smoke, choking the atmosphere and posing health hazards to the populace. Continued …

UK pension policies spark election rebellion

As the United Kingdom gears up for a pivotal general election, British expats in Thailand are raising a storm over frozen pensions and government neglect.

In Thailand, British expats like Kevin Hoye and Anthony Peters are feeling the heat of political discontent. Hoye, a former Tory loyalist, finds himself disillusioned by frozen pension policies, while Peters, hailing from the sunny shores of West Sussex, echoes his frustration. Continued …

Thailand to implement stringent compliance regulations for new bank accounts

Thai authorities are set to enforce severe compliance regulations for customers seeking to open new bank accounts in the country.

The move comes as a result of the use of accounts for illicit or fraudulent activities; from November of last year to the present, local authorities have closed more than 300,000 mule accounts. Continued …

Cha Am Forest Park campsite closed until May 20

Cha Am Forest Park has announced the temporary closure of its camping area from May 10 to May 20 to facilitate environmental recovery and maintenance.

The closure will allow for essential repairs, enhancements, and general upkeep of the park’s facilities, which include accommodation, seminar rooms, and a youth camp building, alongside its natural attractions such as nature trails and a 5-kilometer long running and cycling path. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Jurassic World 4 to film in UK, Thailand, and Malta

A fresh scoop from industry insiders has unleashed details about the highly anticipated Jurassic World 4, revealing filming locations including the London, Thailand and Malta.

Video 

The franchise director, Gareth Edwards, is set to take audiences across the globe through his cinematic lens to London, the exotic locales of Thailand and the picturesque landscapes of Malta. Continued …

Viral sensation meets silver screen at Planet of the Apes premiere

The Thai girl photographed aiming an air gun at a monkey in a viral, award-winning picture, was guest of honor at the gala premiere of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes movie at Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok yesterday. She shared her experiences of living with troops of monkeys in the central province of Lopburi.

Back in February, the image of the Thai girl, later identified as Noey, went viral on Reddit and various social media platforms. The photo, taken by wildlife photographer nhm_wpy, scooped the top award in the 50th European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Continued …

Email link: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

1.4 tons of heroin seized in Nong Khai

Four drug smugglers have been arrested and 1.4 tons of heroin smuggled across the Mekong River seized from a house and a rubber plantation in Sangkhom district of Nong Khai province.

Local officers from the Na Ngiew police station and border patrol police were dispatched to Phukhao Thong village in tambon Ban Muang on Wednesday night after an investigation revealed that a large quantity of smuggled drugs were being kept at a house in Sangkhom district of the northeastern province bordering Laos. Continued …

  • Austrian Man Detained for Overstaying Visa by 920 Days – Continued …
  • Russian Man Caught with Magic Mushroom – Continued …
  • British Man Arrested on Charges of Defaming a Phuket Restaurant – Continued …

Thailand casino progress leapfrogs Japan, still faces big obstacles

Following nearly unanimous parliamentary support and cabinet approval, Thailand’s casino legalization process has the momentum to meet Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s target of opening a casino within two years. This is the first step toward establishing “entertainment complexes” with gaming in tourist areas across the kingdom.

Thailand’s speedy progress contrasts Japan’s glacial advance toward casino gaming. Successful legalization efforts in the world’s third largest economy commenced in 2013. Final legislative approval came in 2018. The first license was granted in 2023 and an integrated resort is not expected to open before 2030. Continued …

Thailand promotes land bridge project to Chinese investors

More than 30 Chinese entrepreneurs attended the Thailand Land Bridge Roadshow event hosted by the Thai Transport Ministry on Wednesday in Beijing.

The road show, which aims to attract investment in the 1-trillion-baht megaproject, was led by Deputy PM and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who has been in China since earlier this week on various transport-related missions. Continued …

Thai Cannabis Network Opposes PM’s Move To Outlaw the Drug

Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network issued a statement yesterday in response to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s order instructing the Ministry of Public Health to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic substance.

The network emphasized that the definition of what constitutes an addictive substance should be based on scientific evidence. They called on the Ministry of Public Health to carry out a comparative analysis of the benefits and harms of cannabis, alcohol and cigarettes. Continued …

Phuket governor and British ambassador discuss tourist safety

Sophon Suwannarat, the governor of Phuket, hosted Mark Gooding, the British ambassador to Thailand, in a meeting on May 7, focusing on the safety of tourists. The meeting, which took place at the Phuket Provincial Hall, aimed to foster relations between Phuket and the British government.

Sophon emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly by reducing road accidents involving motorcycles and guaranteeing water safety. He also underscored the collaborative efforts between the Phuket Provincial Office and various consular representatives in spreading essential information and promoting cultural respect among tourists. Continued …

New Seaplane Service Set for Phuket

A seaplane service is scheduled to start operating in Phuket by the end of the year. This development, an initiative by the Transport Ministry, aims to boost tourism and is a part of the government’s aviation hub policy.

The policy has been implemented to increase the nation’s capacity to accommodate an influx of international tourists. Continued …

Cebu Pacific launches direct flights to Don Mueang Airport

Cebu Pacific will soar between Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) three times a week, whisking eager travelers away on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, starting July 16.

This latest addition boosts Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Bangkok flights to 17 times weekly, making it easier than ever to experience the magic of Thailand. Continued …

Is weed still legal in Thailand? Here’s what tourists need to know

Less than two years after Thailand opened the floodgates by legalizing cannabis, the country’s new conservative coalition government is seeking to slam them shut.

Neon weed signs have become ubiquitous in Bangkok’s busy tourist area, with dispensaries cropping up on every corner. Hundreds of food and drink vendors advertise cannabis-infused menus. But this could all change under new proposals to strictly regulate marijuana use and restrict it for medicinal purposes. Continued …

Major change coming to Aussie tourist hotspot of Thailand

Thousands of Aussies who freely enjoyed cannabis while holidaying in a popular tourist hotspot are set to be disappointed as the drug is re-banned.

Thailand will officially ban the drug from being used for non-medicinal purposes by the end of this year, backtracking on its decision to allow people to buy and sell marijuana for recreational purposes in 2022. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news 

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Monday’s news-May 6

Today’s news: Summer of 2024 has claimed 38 lives/Extreme Heat Leads to Pause in In-Person Classes/Heatwave hammers durian farms/Water discharges through Lop Buri dam cut/Hazardous smog chokes north/Three workers killed in hailstorms/Hailstorm Kills 21,000 Chickens/Chinese Businessmen Extorted; Police Among Suspects/Economy: Microsoft investment a sign of progress/Households spend most/Law to protect 20M freelancers/Is massage parlor business doomed?/Tourism: Overtourism and Challenges/Bangkok’s port may become cruise ship hub/Thailand welcomes 12M/Trang Tourist Boat Overturns/Chonburi Second Most Visited Tourist Spot/Thailand Experience: 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Thailand/International news/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

Summer of 2024 has claimed 38 lives in Thailand due to heatstroke

A total of 38 people have died of heatstroke this year and most deaths occurred in the northeast of Thailand, the Heath Department said on Sunday.

Dr. Atthapol Kaewsamrit, deputy director-general of the Health Department, said that many parts of Thailand were experiencing extreme hot weather since February 22, resulting in 38 deaths caused by heatstroke. Continued …

Extreme Heat Leads to Pause in In-Person Classes at Thai Schools

The secretary-general of Thailand’s Basic Education Commission, Thanu Wongchinda, has advised schools to stop in-person teaching in face of the anticipated extreme heat.

The guidance aims to protect students and teachers against heat stroke risks, given that many schools are scheduled to open for the new term coinciding with the heatwave. Continued …

Heatwave hammers Thailand’s stinky but lucrative durian farms

Clambering hand-over-hand, sweat dripping into his eyes, a durian laborer expertly slices a cumbersome fruit from a tree before tossing it down to land with a soft thump in his colleague’s waiting arms some 15 meters (50 feet) below.

Among Thailand’s most famous and lucrative exports, the pungent “king of fruits” is as distinctive in its smell as its spiky green-brown carapace, and has been farmed in the kingdom for hundreds of years. Continued …

Water discharges through Lop Buri dam cut by 62% to conserve water

The reservoir behind Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri province is drying up, with water only filling 15% of its capacity, sufficient for consumption and agriculture for about four months.

Chupong Isarat, director of the Pasak Jolasid Dam Water Distribution and Maintenance Project, said that only about 148 million cubic meters of water are left, making it necessary to reduce discharges of water from the reservoir from 3.4 million cubic meters per day to only 1.3 million cubic meters, starting this week, as planned by the Royal Irrigation Department. Continued … 

Hazardous smog chokes north, world’s 4th worst level in Chiang Mai

Most provinces in the north were blanketed with dangerous red-coded levels of PM2.5 this morning, with Chiang Mai rated the city with the fourth worst air pollution in the entire world.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported at 8am today that 11 provinces were facing red (seriously harmful) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5), ranging from 82.1 to 158.8 micrograms per cubic meter of air over the past 24 hours. The safe threshold is at 37.5µg/m³. Continued …

Three workers killed amid hailstorms in northeast

Several northeastern provinces were hit by hail and thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday, resulting in three deaths of construction workers in Bueng Kan.

The Bueng Kan disaster prevention and mitigation office said the province was hit by thunderstorms throughout Friday night until Saturday morning. Continued … 

Hailstorm Kills 21,000 Chickens and Damages Worth 3 Million Baht

A major hailstorm in the Phu Kheaw district of Chaiyaphum caused extensive damage and led to the death of 21,000 chickens at a local poultry farm. The cost of destruction is estimated to be over 3 million baht.

As the storm hit, residents took refuge from large hailstones that caused damage to houses and infrastructure. Some areas, such as Pak Pang and Ban Kheaw districts, suffered severely, with over 50 homes destroyed in Ban Kheaw alone. Continued …

Chinese Businessmen Extorted in Bangkok; Police Officers Among Suspects

Five Chinese businessmen were forcibly detained and extorted for 2.5 million baht in Bangkok on May 5. The extortion perpetrators, according to the Din Daeng police, included active and retired Thai law enforcement officers and civilians.

The incident began on April 25 within a Bangkok hotel where four Thai men coerced the businessmen into accompanying them. The plot hinged on a deceptive digital currency deal worth US$65,000 or 2.5 million baht. Continued …

Microsoft investment in Thailand is a sign of progress

The announcement by Microsoft that it was investing in a regional data center in Thailand last week was significant. In short, this is not another pie-in-the-sky vision but a key step for Thailand and opportunity.

The kingdom has the chance to grow its online digital economy in fast-growing Southeast Asia. Certainly, respected consulting firm Kearney estimates that Thailand has the potential to create up to 20% of its existing economy in this sphere by 2030. In short, a godsend for the Thai government struggling with a faltering manufacturing base. Microsoft’s investment is estimated to be worth $900 million to $1 billion. Continued …

Households spend most on travel, petrol, phone bills

Thai household spending on consumer goods in April averaged 18,187 baht, with the biggest expenses being on public transport, petrol and mobile phones, according to a Commerce Ministry survey.

The non-food and alcoholic products category accounted for 58.5% of the total expenditure, while the food and non-alcoholic products category comprised the remaining 41.5%, said Poonpong Naiyanapaporn, head of the ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office. Continued …

Labor Ministry to support law to protect some 20M freelancers

The Labor Ministry will push for enactment of a bill to better protect some 20 million freelance workers nationwide, a spokesman of the ministry said on Sunday.

Phumphat Muanchan said the bill to support and protect freelance workers would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon, after which it would be tabled to the House of Representatives. Continued …

Is Bangkok’s massage parlor business doomed?

The recent closure and sale announcement of the famous massage parlor in Bangkok, “Emmanuelle Entertainment,” located in the Ratchada area, for 645 million baht, seems to indicate the state of this business in Thailand quite well.

The location of Emmanuelle is on leased land, with an area of approximately 1 rai. The land in front is leased by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), with the lease expiring on April 30, 2027. Although it’s possible to extend the lease, the business owner has chosen not to do so. Continued …

Over-tourism and Challenges for the Thai tourism Industry

The allure of Thailand’s pristine beaches, cultural richness, and vibrant nightlife has long drawn tourists from around the globe. However, the Thai tourism industry faces a significant challenge: over-tourism.

This phenomenon, where the number of visitors overwhelms the destination, has led to environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and infrastructure strain, prompting a critical reassessment of tourism practices. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Bangkok’s Khlong Toei Port may become cruise ship hub

The government said on Saturday that the Khlong Toei Port may not be relocated entirely from Bangkok as earlier discussed in a Cabinet meeting.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), meanwhile, has ambitious plans to develop the area into a “Smart Community” to promote tourism and make it a cruise ship hub, along with developing the quality of life of the community. Continued …

Thailand welcomes 12M foreign tourists in 4 months

Thailand has welcomed more than 12 million foreign tourists during the first four months of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced on Sunday.

The TAT said 12,127,447 foreign tourists entered Thailand from Jan. 1 to April 30, an increase of 142.9% from the same period last year. Continued …

Email link: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Trang Tourist Boat Overturns, One Fatality

A severe incident occurred at sea near the Pak Meng Bridge, Trang Sea, when a long-tail tourist boat carrying 14 occupants capsized. Tragically, a 68-year-old woman died.

The five injured passengers were treated at Sikao Hospital. The incident happened when the boat was returning from a sea trip and, due to an equipment failure, the vessel became unstable and capsized. Continued … 

Chonburi Surpasses Phuket as Second Most Visited Tourist Spot in Thailand

Bangkok is still the most-visited city in Thailand as of March, according to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. It saw 4,459,579 tourist arrivals, with approximately 50% being from overseas. Hotel occupancy sat at 76.3%.

Chonburi, known for its resort city Pattaya, followed closely as the second most-visited location with 1,892,712 visitors, nearly half of which were international tourists. The hotel occupancy rate was slightly above Bangkok at 76.7%. Continued …

12 Cheapest Places to Live in Thailand

Thailand has a large expat population, partly due to its low cost of living. You’ll find lush jungles, beautiful beaches, and welcoming people.

If you are considering moving to Thailand on a budget, you’ll want to know the cheapest places to live in Thailand. Continued …

Death toll from southern Brazil rainfall rises to 78, many still missing

The death toll from heavy rains that have caused flooding in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to at least 78, local authorities said on Sunday, with more than 115,000 people displaced. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

 

Hua Hin Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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

cha am, chiang mai, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-May 3

Today’s news: Drought Strains Water Supply in Hua Hin/Rain forecast for Hua Hin/Khai Sam Roi Yat/Summer storms likely from Friday/Severe drought hits Uthai Thani/Heat-struck Thai village/Southeast Asia ‘in a frying pan’/Suvarnabhumi airport bus goes electric/Cha Am’s Mrigadayavan Palace/Thailand among top 10 for sex workers/Maid ‘inherits’ Bt100 million/Gold ornament prices leap/75,000 chefs to be trained/Seizure halts wildlife smuggling/Growing drug problem grips Phuket/Economy: CPI rises 0.19%/Short-term price stability/Betong noodle vendor stays grounded/Tourism: Heat melts income/Thailand’s safety reputation/Thailand Experience: Temple’s terminal wisdom/Muay Thai Retreat/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/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

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Drought Strains Water Supply in Hua Hin, Conservation Measures Introduced

Hua Hin municipality is grappling with severe water scarcity due to ongoing drought conditions. The dry spell has considerably depleted water resources for both municipal and agricultural usage.

In efforts to combat the crisis, the Royal Rainmaking Operations Center has expedited cloud-seeding operations aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and replenishing reservoirs in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon provinces. Continued …

Rain forecast for Hua Hin starting Sunday

Khai Sam Roi Yat closes water attractions

The boardwalk at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, a one-kilometer-long wooden structure stretching over the Thung Sam Roi Yot freshwater marsh on the western side of the park

Continued …

Email link: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Summer storms likely from Friday to Tuesday

Summer storms are expected from Friday through Tuesday, according to the Meteorological Department.

Winds from the west, southeast and south are expected to reach extremely hot regions in the Central Plains and northern and northeastern regions of the country, it said on Thursday. Continued … 

Severe drought hits Uthai Thani, farms and buffalos at risk

Thailand’s Uthai Thani province is grappling with its most severe drough  in decades, with temperatures soaring between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius and a prolonged absence of rain. The drought has reached a critical point, affecting several districts and causing a widespread scarcity of water for both consumption and agricultural use.

The situation has escalated to the point where it is now severely impacting livestock, particularly cattle and buffalo, which are struggling with the lack of grass for grazing and water sources drying up rapidly. Continued …

Heat-struck Thai village hoists cartoon cat in desperate bid for rain

As millions across Southeast Asia suffer a blistering heatwave that is melting railway tracks, a Thai village resorted to an unusual method to seek rain: parading a Japanese cartoon cat.

Video 

In the kingdom’s central Nakhon Sawan province – which has been without rain for months – villagers in Phayuha Khiri District hoisted Japanese manga cat Doraemon to break the drought. Continued …

Southeast Asia ‘in a frying pan’ as extreme heat ‘rewrites climatic history’

Inside the small classroom, 50 teenagers are struggling to keep cool. One of the two ceiling fans is broken, and the free-standing alternatives reach only a handful of the students.

“Imagine all 50 people sharing those fans,” says Heart Coña, a grade 11 pupil in General Santos City, on the southern tip of the Philippines, where a punishing heatwave has driven temperatures above 40 degrees. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi airport bus goes electric

Rung Reuang Coach Co. is set to introduce new electric buses for its routes between Hua Hin and Suvarnabhumi Airport.

In an environmentally friendly move, the firm will transition to electric buses later this year to minimize emissions and align with global sustainability trends. Continued …

Cha Am’s Mrigadayavan Palace to open to public May 23

Closed since 2021, the royals’ summer place has been refurbished and is once again welcoming visitors – for a fee. The palace will be open to the public from 9am-5pm, Friday-Sunday. Adults, foreign or Thai, pay a 90-baht entry fee.

Thailand among top 10 countries with highest number of sex workers

The International Union of Sex Workers (IUSW) has revealed that Thailand is home to 250,000 sex workers, one of the highest numbers worldwide. Despite this, the profession remains illegal in the country and workers are lacking basic employment rights.

In a recent report titled ‘Sex Worker Statistics by Country, Gender’, the IUSW provided a breakdown of the worldwide sex industry. The findings suggest there are over 50 million sex workers globally, with 41.6 million female and 10.4 million male. They predict this number will rise over time due to the increasing options for offering sexual services. Continued …

Maid ‘inherits’ Bt100 million in assets

A French businesswoman reportedly left about 100 million baht worth of assets to her Thai maid after she died on Koh Samui on Monday.

Catherine Delacote, 59, the landlord of five pool villas on the resort island, reportedly granted 100-million-baht worth of assets to Nutwalai Phupongta, 49, her housemaid of 17 years. Continued …

Gold ornament prices leap to 41,200 baht in surprise surge

Gold prices soared unexpectedly, prompting swift action from interested buyers, as the latest figures from the Gold Traders Assn. (GTA) showed a significant jump. Today, gold ornaments’ selling price broke through to 41,200 baht per baht-weight, an increase of 350 baht from the previous day’s closing price.

The surge in gold prices is not just an isolated economic event but reflects broader market trends and investor behavio r. Gold, often seen as a safe haven during times of uncertainty, has experienced a spike that has taken both investors and analysts by surprise. Continued …

75,000 chefs to be trained

The “One Village, One Thai Food Chief” initiative will kick off in June and is expected to produce about 75,000 professional cooks by 2027.

Minister of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Supamas Isarabhakdi unveiled details of the ministry’s plan for the project following an April 12 discussion between Food Industry Steering Committee Chairman Chumpol Jangprai, ministry executives and officials from culinary institutes. Continued …

Seizure halts wildlife smuggling operation

Police arrested six suspects with more than 1,000 radiated tortoises and lemurs in the southern province of Chumphon. The seized animals were destined for Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.

Police Maj. Gen. Wacharin Pusit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, said on Thursday that four men and two women were arrested with six pickup trucks carrying 1,076 radiated tortoises and 48 lemurs at a hotel in tambon Khun Krathing of Muang district, Chumphon, at 2am on Wednesday. Continued …

Growing drug problem grips Phuket as arrests increase by 6.21%

Phuket, an island mainly known for its tourism, is grappling with an escalating drug problem, according to the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Center committee. The drug issue has seen a 6.21% increase between October last year and March this year, with 1,335 arrests made in 78 drug-related cases, excluding kratom and marijuana.

The report, presented during a recent meeting at the Phuket Provincial Hall, was attended by representatives from various anti-drug enforcement agencies, including Capt. Pongsakorn Itsombat of the Royal Thai Navy, who represented the Phuket branch of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the political wing of the Thai military. Continued …

Thai consumer price index rises 0.19%

Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.19% in April from a year earlier, versus a 0.47% year-on-year drop the previous month, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday.

The April figure compared with a fall of 0.25% forecast in a Reuters poll. It was the first time in seven months that inflation was positive. Continued …

Industry group predicts short-term price stability

Manufacturers are expected to maintain the prices of goods in the short term following a recent hike in domestic diesel rates to avoid adding a burden to people’s cost of living, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

“Manufacturers say they need to raise goods prices, but they will try to keep them steady because they don’t want to put more pressure on the economy and people’s purchasing power,” said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI. Continued …

Betong noodle vendor stays grounded as prices boil over

In the southern Thai town of Betong, Yala Province, consumers and food vendors are feeling the pinch as the prices of essential goods and ingredients creep upward. Amid this economic squeeze, one noodle vendor remains resolute in her commitment to her customers, refusing to increase prices despite soaring operational costs.

The 45-year-old woman, Lampai Langprakhon, who runs Nuch Noodle Tom Yum on Khacharit Road in Betong, is facing direct impacts from the price hikes. She notes that basic ingredients like flavoring sauce and white soy sauce have seen significant price increases. Continued …

Heat melts income of outdoor venues

Outdoor tourism attractions have been hampered by the unrelenting heat, as tourists stay indoors, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to promote early morning and evening tourism to stabilize the market.

Wuthichai Luangamornlert, chief executive of Siam Park City Group, the operator of Siam Amazing Park, said the extreme hot weather has kept people from taking part in outdoor activities, leading to 5%-10% less traffic at its water park this week. Continued …

Thailand’s safety reputation on the rise among Chinese travelers

Dragon Trail Research’s latest sentiment report for Spring 2024 has revealed a significant shift in safety perceptions regarding Thailand among Chinese travelers, following concerted efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai government to reassure and attract visitors.

“While Southeast Asian destinations continue to attract safety fears, Thailand’s score has improved notably, with only 38 percent rating it as unsafe, down from a high of 51 percent in August 2023, and 24 percent said it was safe compared to 18 percent last year,” stated Janice Meng, market research analyst at Dragon Trail International (DTI). Continued …

Temple’s terminal wisdom: Guiding lives and lighting paths

An admirable initiative has been launched in Nakhon Ratchasima, where a temple is offering guidance to individuals with terminal illnesses, helping them lead fulfilling lives and share their wisdom with others before their time comes.

Situated in the Chok Chai district, the temple equips these individuals with the tools they need to accept their mortality and live out their remaining days peacefully, enriching the community with their unique insights. Continued …

A Muay Thai Retreat in Thailand Taught Me to Embrace My Fifties

Thwack! My knee slams into the boxing pad my coach, Win, is holding up. “Power!” Win yells. “More power!” Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! My kneecap feels like it’s about to explode. Sweat dribbles off my nose and onto the mat, little raindrops of exertion. “Harder!” he says. “Stronger! You can do it!” To think I’ve paid nearly $2,000 for two weeks of this.

I’m at Gym Bangarang in Mae Rim, Thailand, a leafy suburb about 40 minutes outside Chiang Mai. Muay Thai is a martial art that combines punching, kicking, elbowing, kneeing, clinching and foot jabs to knock your opponent silly. It is savage. It is exhausting. And I can’t wait to learn it. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news 

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

 

Hua Hin Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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