Category Archives: phuket

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-Dec 28

  • Interior Ministry issues urgent order for New Year celebrations/Price hikes to affect over 7,000 food, drink products/Thailand readies for turbulent economic ride/Environment was uppermost in the minds of many in 2022/Thai navy intensifies hunt for 8 missing HTMS Sukhothai crew/DDC allays brain-eating amoeba fears/The 5 S’s of Wine Tasting/Thailand’s Plastic Waste Conundrum/Manufacturing falls in November amid global economic slowdown/Thai exports exceed 2022 target despite end-of-year slump/Export sector outlook looks bleak as global economy heads into tailspin /Seven key trends expected to influence financial services in 2023/National Parks chief charged with massive corruption/Meet the food waste fighters/Indian man arrested in Patong for 1,322 days of overstay/Pakistani Man Arrested in Patong for 3,270 Days of Overstay/
  • Tourism: Thai tourism industry waits expectantly as China scraps travel restrictions/Chinese tourism influx raises fears/No immediate surge of Chinese tourists expected after re-opening/Bangkok airport girds for New Year travelers/Phuket’s Russian Revolution/New Zealand Tourist Dies In Fall From Kanchanaburi Train/
  • Thailand Experience: Chiang Mai is the trendy new travel spot: 7 things you must do when you go/Eastern Thailand: Why Travel to this Underrated Region/
  • Covid: Current vaccines ‘will do’ for coming year: ministry/
  • International: Massive flight cancellations leave thousands of suitcases stranded at US airports/Putin bans Russian oil exports to countries that impose price cap/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Interior Ministry issues urgent order for New Year celebrations

The Interior Ministry has issued five rules for New Year celebrations in an urgent order sent to all provincial governors.

Issued on Monday, the ministry order explains that government agencies and the private sector can still organize celebrations, but organizers must strictly stick to the following five rules:

  1. Entertainment venues must close at specified hours and keep underage people, weapons, drugs and other illegal items out of their premises. Continued … 

Price hikes to affect over 7,000 food, drink products

The price of many food and beverage products will rise early next year by an average of 18% between January and Apri, according to a survey of 105 major companies compiled by credit research firm Teikoku Databank, as of today.

Price hikes will affect 7,152 items, more than 1.5 times the number from the same period this year, with some products such as frozen and wheat-based foods seeing a further increase.

Original figures compiled as of the end of November showed that 4,425 items would be affected by price hikes. However, the last 20 days have seen the number of products rise by 1.6 times. Manufacturers are believed to have pushed forward with further price increases in the face of higher costs in areas such as materials, transportation and labor. Continued …

Thailand readies for turbulent economic ride

As global interest rates continued to rise in 2022 to tame persistently high inflation, the Bank of Thailand and its governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput are being scrutinized as the business sector watches the direction of Thai interest rates.

Aggressive monetary policy this year to curb inflation was led by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The Fed began to increase its policy benchmark rate from March and deployed a hawkish monetary policy throughout the year.

Despite the tight monetary policy of the Fed, the Bank of Thailand has maintained its normalization of policy rates on a gradual basis, in accordance with the slow recovery of the Thai economy compared with other countries. Continued …

Environment was uppermost in the minds of many in 2022

From floods and extreme weather, to climate change and the adoption of the bio-circular-green economy, the environment was uppermost in the minds of many in 2022.

For Thais, especially those who reside in low-lying areas and flood plains, 2022 was another year of floods and extreme weather.

Throughout the year, Thailand experienced a series of unseasonal weather events and unusually intense rainfall, which led to major floods in many parts of the country. Continued … 

Thai navy intensifies hunt for 8 missing HTMS Sukhothai crew

The Royal Thai Navy announced that eight sailors of the doomed HTMS Sukhothai are still missing after two bodies were retrieved on Tuesday morning.

The navy said that 76 of the 105 crew members of the warship were rescued, 21 were confirmed dead and eight still missing.

Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, commander of the First Naval Area, said the navy’s drone had spotted a body near Koh Sak close to the coast of Chumphon’s Muang district at 8.36am. Continued …

DDC allays brain-eating amoeba fears

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said a brain disease caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as “brain-eating amoeba”, is not contagious between people.

The announcement came after The Korea Herald reported on Monday that a Korean national in his 50s died last Wednesday of the brain disease after returning from a four-month stay in Thailand.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), his genetic tests for three types of pathogens causing Naegleria fowleri were 99.6% similar to those found in a meningitis patient reported abroad. Continued …

The 5 S’s of Wine Tasting

Thailand’s rapidly emerging wine culture is now centering on Hua Hin, with a growing number of sophisticated wine bars offering a huge range of wines from important wine growing regions across the world, but importantly an internationally awarded vineyard at the city’s doorsteps.

The Monsoon Valley Vineyard now also features a wine sampling cellar and on the 2022 Harvest Festival (Feb. 18-23), offers the ideal opportunity to discover what’s so special about Thailand’s best wines.

You may believe that a wine-tasting procedure is unnecessarily tedious; after all, why not just drink and enjoy it? In truth, there’s something mystical about wine tasting when you learn to use all of your senses, so let’s explore the 5 S’s in wine tasting. Continued …

Thailand’s Plastic Waste Conundrum

Despite the Thai government’s ban on four more types of single-use plastics in 2022, up to 250,000 tons of imported plastic waste from other nations continues to flow into the country annually through the international plastic waste trade.

Thailand is trying to stay the course with further efforts to mitigate plastic pollution, but there are still challenges in waste sorting and collection on the ground.

Video 

In 2019, the Thai Cabinet also approved the “Road Map on Plastic Waste Management” for the period 2020 to 2030 as the policy framework for related agencies to work on in pursuit of the targets. This includes a ban on seven types of single-use plastics and to completely recycle domestic plastic waste within the designated time frames in the road map. Continued …

Manufacturing falls in November amid global economic slowdown

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) fell in November by 5.6% year-on-year to 95.11 points, the lowest in 15 months, as oil refineries were shut down for maintenance while a global economic slowdown began to affect exporters, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

Officials expect the MPI for the whole year to grow by 1%, down from an earlier prediction of 1.9%.

“A global economic slowdown could lead to a recession, which will affect the Thai export sector,” said Warawan Chitaroon, acting director-general of the OIE. Continued …

Thai exports exceed 2022 target despite end-of-year slump

Exports rose 7.6% in the first 11 months of 2022 to US$265.34 billion, or 9.16 trillion baht, exceeding the target of 9 trillion baht for the whole year, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Tuesday.

Cross-border trade in the same period was worth 944 billion baht, down 0.51% from the previous year.

However, exports in November were down 6% on last year to $22.3 billion, while imports rose 5.6% to $23.65 billion. December’s export figures are also expected to drop from last year amid the ongoing global economic slowdown. Continued …

Export sector outlook looks bleak as global economy heads into tailspin

Thailand’s exports contracted by 6% in November due to a decline in external demand, but rising economic activities from tourism recovery allowed manufacturing outputs to expand 1.41% last month, government agencies said.

Export value contracted by 6% to US$ 22.31 billion in November due to the slowdown of the global economy, the Ministry of Commerce said.

This was the second consecutive month of decline in exports after a 4.4% dip seen during October. Continued …

Seven key trends expected to influence financial services in 2023

Cloud, real-time payments, and embedded finance are among seven key financial trends predicted for 2023, Mambu, a cloud banking platform, has revealed.

The prediction by the world’s leading financial services firms is included in Mambu’s annual “Partner Predictions” report, which highlights the top financial trends expected to influence the industry in 2023, as businesses try to survive and thrive in a volatile macroeconomic environment.

The report features insightful commentary from industry leaders from the fintech and financial services sectors, including executives from AWS, Backbase, Deloitte, Google Cloud, and others. Continued … 

National Parks chief charged with massive corruption

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has launched an internal investigation of National Parks chief Rutchada Suriyakul na Ayutthaya after he was arrested and charged with malfeasance and bribery on Tuesday.

Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) police detained Rutchada during a bribery sting operation at his Chatuchak office in Bangkok on Tuesday morning.

After the shock arrest, ministry Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat issued an order to form a panel for a seven-day investigation. Continued …

Meet the food waste fighters

Thailand ranked 9th on the 2021 Global Climate Risk Index of countries most affected by “extreme weather events” between 2010 and 2019.

One of the factors contributing to climate change is food waste. When organic material decomposes in landfills, it emits the greenhouse gas methane, which is far more potent than CO2. Hence, the quickest way to save the planet is to reduce the amount of food waste.

“Food waste actually starts from the harvesting of the raw material up to consumption, to the food on the plate. All the way up from the harvest to consumption we consider the waste so, all in all, globally we have about 30% of the food produced and processed being wasted. This is remarkable and is a lot. Continued …

Indian man arrested in Patong for 1,322 days of overstay

A 44-year-old Indian man was arrested in Patong for 1,322 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions. The Phuket Immigration Office said they have arrested Anil Dutt, an Indian national, on Phra Baramee Road in Patong. Continued …

Pakistani Man Arrested in Patong for 3,270 Days of Overstay

A 35-year-old Pakistani man was arrested in Patong for 3,270 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions the Phuket Immigration Office reported Monday. They arrested Anjum Raza, a Pakistani national, on Phra Baramee Road in Patong. Continued … 

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Thai tourism industry waits expectantly as China scraps travel restrictions

Thailand’s tourism industry can expect a boost from China’s move to scrap measures on overseas travel of its citizens from Jan. 8, the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai said on Tuesday.

China’s National Health Commission announced the move on Monday after nearly three years of strict pandemic border restrictions effectively prevented tourists from leaving the country.

Visitors from China were Thailand’s largest tourism market before the pandemic struck in 2020. Continued …

Chinese tourism influx raises fears

An overload of tourists and an overwhelmed Thai healthcare system are issues to monitor next year after China fully reopens, with up to 500,000 tourists projected to start traveling during Chinese New Year.

Even though the tourism sector applauded the announcement from Beijing that it is lifting most entry requirements from Jan. 8, except for a pre-arrival Covid-19 test, tourism operators were concerned about an imbalance between supply and demand.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said China’s reopening would lead TAT to revise its target for foreign arrivals from 20 million to more than 25 million in 2023. Continued …

No immediate surge of Chinese tourists expected after re-opening

China’s relaxation of Covid-19 rules for international arrivals has raised hopes that its multi-billion dollar travel business will soon flourish again but countries longing for the return of Chinese tourists will likely face more of a wait.

China’s National Health Commission announced on Monday that inbound travelers would no longer have to go into quarantine from Jan. 8. There are no official restrictions on Chinese people going abroad but the new rule will make it much easier for them to return home.

China was the world’s largest outbound tourism market before Covid shut down global travel, with its overseas visitors spending US$27.5 billion on travel in 2019. Continued … 

Bangkok airport girds for New Year travelers

The number of outbound and inbound travelers passing through Suvarnabhumi airport is expected to surge to an average of 145,000 per day during the New Year period.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, director of Suvarnabhumi airport, on Tuesday said the daily number would bring the total number of travelers coming through the airport to 1.01 million during Dec. 29–Jan. 4. Continued …

Phuket’s Russian Revolution

Phuket is busy again, for the first time since April 2020 when the government closed off the airports and passenger arrivals into Thailand, because of the Covid pandemic.

While the surge of tourists, principally from a couple of countries, is a very welcome return to business for many hotels, tour companies, restaurants and tourist-related businesses, the current arrival numbers could provide some stark warnings for the island’s sustainability as a tourism destination.

Without getting into the specific geo-politics, we should at least be completely transparent about how the current rush to repopulate Phuket with tourism customers may have some unforeseen consequences. Continued …

New Zealand Tourist Dies In Fall From Kanchanaburi Train

A tourist from New Zealand slipped and fell from the train that had slowed down for passengers to take photos at Kanchanaburi’s Krasae Cave, which was the camp of POWs in World War II.

At 12.10 p.m. Police Lt. Col. Kiattisak Kerdchok, an investigator at Sai Yok police station, was notified of a foreigner having died after falling off a train at Krasae Cave in Lum Sum subdistrict and quickly went there together with Pitakarn Kanchanaburi Foundation rescuers.

At the scene they found Patrick Ward, 45, lying on the ground after plunging seven to eight meters from the train. His body was taken to Sai Yok Hospital for an autopsy, with the New Zealand embassy also contacted. Continued …

Chiang Mai is the trendy new travel spot: 7 things you must do when you go

With its stunning array of temples, delicious food scene, hopping nightlife, gorgeous natural opportunities, and all-around laid-back atmosphere, there’s a lot to love about Chiang Mai. Beyond its abundance of awesome experiences, this moderate-size city also offers a high standard of living at a relatively low cost, along with a well-developed visitor infrastructure.

It’s no wonder that it’s become so popular with travelers over the past two years, particularly among the remote-working “digital nomad” crowd.

The best time to go is between October and April when temperatures cool off a bit (though it never really gets cold), but keep in mind that February tends to bring a few months of smoky air — sometimes uncomfortably so — as the country burns its dead crops. Continued …

Eastern Thailand: Why Travel to this Underrated Region

Eastern Thailand is a stunning region in The Land of Smiles that is often less explored than the rest of the country. It’s a shame, though, because this is one of the best regions of Thailand!

This area has everything from gorgeous, white sand beaches to lush, forested national parks!

If you are looking for ways to enhance your Thailand itinerary, check out our suggestions for having the best time in the region. Continued …

Current vaccines ‘will do’ for coming year: ministry

The second generation of Covid-19 vaccines is unlikely to be included in the Department of Medical Services’ procurement pipeline next year while current vaccines remain effective in reducing severe symptoms, says its deputy director-general.

Dr. Weerawut Iamsamran said on Tuesday that no evidence has emerged to back claims that bivalent vaccines offer better results than the monovalent platforms widely being used to prevent advanced infection and severe symptoms.

“Therefore, the current Covid-19 vaccines can still achieve the goal, especially in reducing severe symptoms of Covid-19,” he said. Continued … 

Massive flight cancellations leave thousands of suitcases stranded at US airports

After a weekend of canceled flights and travel delays, storm-weary travelers in the U.S. found themselves facing yet another challenge – tracking down their lost luggage. In airports around the country, thousands of bags have piled up, waiting for their rightful owners to claim them. Continued … 

Putin bans Russian oil exports to countries that impose price cap

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday delivered Russia’s long-awaited response to a Western price cap, signing a decree that bans the supply of crude oil and oil products from Feb. 1 for five months to nations that impose the cap. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-Dec 24

  • Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin celebrates 100th anniversary/Elephant Santas deliver presents at Thai school/Kindergarten students save up to buy blankets for the needy in northern Thailand/Foreigner in Thailand Cooks Christmas Feast for Street Dogs – video/January fuel tariff hike will raise product prices by 5%-12%, warns group/Why everyone is confused by khao soi being named the best soup in the world/Rescuers scouring Chumphon islands for missing HTMS Sukhothai sailors/Body found near spot where HTMS Sukhothai sank/Sunken Warship’s Life Jacket Found Near Koh Tao/Chula academics warn of challenges in shift to EVs/Thailand Legal Cannabis Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis/Weed’s next frontier is in Asia/
  • Tourism: Thailand welcomes nearly 11 million tourists this year/New Year celebrations not canceled yet, officials say/Khao San Road cancels Dec 31 ‘Countdown’ event/Bangkok 2023 countdown at Iconsiam still on/Foreigners donate blood after massive shortage due to foreigner mishaps/Outbound travelers surge to 3-year high/Could Thailand’s Southeast Coastal Gem Khanom Be the Next Koh Samui?/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin celebrates 100th anniversary

Centara Hotels & Resorts is getting ready to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of its historic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, home of the original Raliway Hotel Hua Hin, with a month of spectacular events, exhibitions and entertainment lined up at the seaside retreat.

Festivities begin on Dec. 31 with the “Centenary Celebration: 100 Years of Memories”. The evening will feature retro tunes from the 1950’s–1980’s, entertainment, and midnight fireworks.

Events continue into January, highlights of which include the Silpakorn University String Orchestra, the return of the resort’s French buffet with a live performance by French tenor Yves Baron, and an art exhibition featuring the Railway Hotel throughout its history. – traveldailynews.asia

Elephant Santas deliver presents at Thai school

A group of mahouts, each dressed as Santa Claus, led a herd of elephants into a school in central Thailand on Friday to distribute Christmas gifts to students. Video https://www.nationthailand.com/world/40023384

Kindergarten students save up to buy blankets for the needy in northern Thailand

Kindergarten students in Chiang Rai province in northernmost Thailand saved up one baht every day for a year to buy blankets for people suffering in the cold weather this winter, especially those living at high altitudes in the province’s mountainous regions.

Teachers at Chiang Rai Kindergarten invited students to join a charitable project entitled “Doing 89 Million Good Deeds for the King” to develop their social skills and teach them the importance of sharing.

Each child, aged five to six years old, was encouraged to save up one baht per day for one year to buy blankets. The children were told the blankets would be donated to underprivileged people suffering from cold weather this winter. Continued … 

Foreigner in Thailand Cooks Christmas Feast for Street Dogs – video

Over the next few days, people across the world will be tucking into their favorite food for Christmas – and why should our furry friends miss out on the fun?

A man in Thailand has gone viral online for celebrating Christmas with street dogs. Niall Harbison works to help stray dogs in the country, and posted videos online of him treating 100 to a real festive feast.

“Street dogs around the world have a hard life,” he began in the caption. “But this group of 100 here in Thailand today were made (to) feel very special. I was up at 4.30am to cook them the finest meal of their lives and people have been sending me toys from all over the world so I saved them up for today. Most of these dogs have never seen a toy in their lives. Continued … 

January fuel tariff hike will raise product prices by 5%-12%, warns group

The fuel tariff (FT) increase in January will force manufacturers to raise product prices by 5%-12%, industry chiefs warned on Thursday.

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) voiced concern after the government announced subsidies to soften the FT hike’s impact on household utility bills but prepared no such measures for business.

The January-April increase in FT will drive up the cost of electricity to 5.69 baht per unit, the JSCCIB said. Continued …

Why everyone is confused by khao soi being named the best soup in the world

TasteAtlas has named khao soi as the number one soup in the world, and the internet has so many questions. Us included. This is why many are confused by khao soi getting the #1 spot.

According to Cambridge Dictionary, a soup (n.) is a usually hot, liquid food made from vegetables, meat, or fish. What about Oxford? They describe it as “a liquid food made by boiling meat, vegetables, etc. in water, often eaten as the first course of a meal.”

That’s very understandable. When we think of soup, we think of liquid food. Most of the time it’s hot, but there are also cold soups, such as gazpacho and chilled soups. It can be sweet, sour, savory, salty, and made with vegetables, various kinds of meat, or sometimes even fruits. There are so many kinds of soups with different variations in every corner in the world, served in your homes or cafes, to fine dining. But one thing’s in common: they’re basically liquid food. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Rescuers scouring Chumphon islands for missing HTMS Sukhothai sailors

The search for 23 HTMS Sukhothai sailors missing in the Gulf of Thailand resumed on Friday, as the Royal Thai Navy issued an update on their mission to probe the ship on the seabed.

The search mission for the sailors launched for a fifth day on Friday in the seas off Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces. The Navy also released the names of the missing personnel.

Rescuers are now checking islands and outcrops off Chumphon for any signs of the 23 sailors, who went missing when the Sukhothai sank in heavy seas about 20 nautical miles off Prachuap Khiri Khan on Sunday night. The vessel was knocked over and suffered an engine malfunction as it took on water. Continued … 

Body found near spot where HTMS Sukhothai sank

Another body has been found floating near the spot where HTMS Sukhothai sank off Prachuap Khiri Khan, but the navy has yet to confirm whether it is one of its 23 missing sailors.

A search team on the HTMS Bang Rachan found the body around 4:15pm on Friday off the coast of Bang Saphan district, Royal Thai Navy spokesman Adm Pokkrong Monthatpalin said. Continued … 

Sunken Warship’s Life Jacket Found Near Koh Tao

A life jacket from HTMS 442 Sukhothai that sank off Prachuab Khiri Khan on Sunday night was found floating near Koh Tao, almost a hundred nautical miles away, but no sailor seen nearby.

At 10.15 a.m., Surat Thani Gov. Wichawut Jinto was alerted about a life jacket not worn by a sailor being seen floating in the sea about 25 nautical miles from Koh Tao island.

Wichawut then instructed the officials to alert the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center in Chumphon to instruct their officers based on this island to bring the item ashore and inspect it. Continued …

Chula academics warn of challenges in shift to EVs

The government and businesses must brace for new disruptions and challenges as Thailand shifts to the electric vehicle (EV) era, part of state efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, say Chulalongkorn University scholars.

At present, more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand come from the transport and power generation sectors, so businesses in these sectors need to adapt themselves as the government promotes more use of clean energy and zero-emission cars, according to the researchers.

Thailand’s consumption of fossil fuels is expected to peak in 2030, then decrease significantly as a result of the government’s renewable energy and EV development plans, said Weerin Wangjiraniran, a researcher at Chulalongkorn University’s Energy Research Institute (ERI) during a seminar on the impact of the carbon neutrality campaign yesterday. Continued …

Thailand Legal Cannabis Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis

The Thailand legal cannabis market size is expected to reach USD 9.6 billion by 2030 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 58.4% from 2022 to 2030

The growth is attributed to the rising usage of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. Cannabis legalization has opened new revenue-generating opportunities for various industries in the country. The adoption of CBD oil and tinctures for treating various ailments like nausea, anxiety, and cancer, along with the rising prevalence of cancer are some of the significant factors boosting the industry’s growth.

The growing burden of chronic pain has also augmented the rise in the usage of CBD for treatments related to pain management, and thus, positively impacting the market growth. Various studies have shown positive outcomes of marijuana and its derivatives to treat symptoms of several chronic conditions.

For instance, it has been effectively used to treat patients dealing with chronic pain, nausea induced by chemotherapy, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Hence, FDA and other government organizations are permitting marijuana derivatives for the prescription of several diseases. This is one of the key factors for the quick turnaround. Continued …

Weed’s next frontier is in Asia

Asia is beginning to warm up to the use of cannabis. Thailand legalized marijuana cultivation at home in 2022, while South Korea, Japan and Malaysia are paving the way for pharmaceutical applications. With the weed market estimated to be a $100 billion industry by 2026, according to research firm Prohibition Partners, regional businesses are preparing for demand from Asian consumers.

The Thai decision to remove cannabis from narcotics control lists is nominally to support its medical use, but this will naturally ease recreational consumption, which may boost international tourist inflows.

Renewable energy firm Gunkul Engineering committed 2 billion baht ($57.6 million) to building a new cannabis plantation and extraction facilities, local Thai media reported. Cannabis-leaf chicken leg snacks and cannabidiol-infused green teas made by Bangkok-listed Srinanaporn Marketingand Ichitan Group already line the shelves of local supermarkets. Continued …

Thailand welcomes nearly 11 million tourists this year

Tourist arrivals in Thailand could hit the 11 million mark before the year is through, according to the governor of the Tourism Author ity of Thailand (TAT), Yuthasak Supaporn.

Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 20, Thailand welcomed 10.9 million tourists from around the world, the governor said this morning.

With high season in full swing, Yuthasak said he expects tourist arrivals to reach 11.5 million before the year’s end. Continued … 

New Year celebrations not canceled yet, officials say

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) backs New Year countdowns and celebrations going ahead as planned as long as the government does not order any cancellations.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said, at the moment, the TAT has not yet received any warning that an order of this nature is forthcoming after a number of provinces decided to downgrade their countdown events this year.

Neither the tourism minister nor Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had given any indication that events supported by private sector partnerships across 12 provinces were in jeopardy, he said. Continued … 

Khao San Road cancels Dec 31 ‘Countdown’ event

Khao San Road in Bangkok became the latest high profile tourist venue to cancel their special “countdown” event on New Year’s Eve.

The street’s traders’ association chief Sagna Reuangwattanakun said he was responding to official requests to tone down celebrations. But he said businesses in the area would still be open on Dec. 31.

Instead of a big fuss, there would be a giant ball for tourists to take pictures with and live TV scenes from other places around the world celebrating New Year. – Sanook

Bangkok 2023 countdown at Iconsiam still on

Bangkok’s “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023” at Iconsiam on New Year’s Eve has not been canceled, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) insisted.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Friday that no cancellation orders have arrived from the government or the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

“The ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023’ focuses on happiness, hope and moving forward together to boost the country’s economy after it was hit by the pandemic for five years,” he said. – The Nation

Foreigners donate blood after massive shortage due to foreigner mishaps

Foreigners donated blood after a massive shortage of Rh Negative in Phuket due to increasing numbers of foreigners who have been involved in accidents.

The donations Thursday were held at the Central Floresta department store.

Dr. Weerasak Lorthongkam, the director of the Vachira Phuket Hospital, said, “In Thai people, there are only 0.3 percent who have special blood types. Continued … 

Outbound travelers surge to 3-year high

The New Year holiday is expected to see 33,400 Thais traveling overseas every day, increasing from an average of 28,000, mainly driven by pent-up demand from years of the pandemic, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the number of Thai travelers was surging as many popular destinations have reopened with no restrictions.

Meanwhile, weaker foreign currencies against the baht were also helping the growing outbound market, he said. Continued …

Could Thailand’s Southeast Coastal Gem Khanom Be the Next Koh Samui?

The search for the next big resort destination in Thailand is an absolutely big ask. Thailand is an expansive country with 77 provinces and an amazing array of diverse geographical locations, Instagram-worthy aspects, and distinctly different nuances.

Out of this brazen travel chaos, the endearing term “same same, but different” was born and remains highly relevant.

Yet, one of the simple truths of emerging destinations remains the adage “you can’t stay there if you can’t get there”. Potential is one thing but reality bites when getting to it is just too painful for words.

Here in Thailand, one of my favorite places is Koh Samui. It marches to its own drum beat, and the vibe is undeniable. Still, access is never easy, the cost to get there is on the high side, and options for access are limited. Continued …

 

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bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, real estate, solar, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Friday’s News-Dec 23

  • ‘Pineapple metropolis’ to be established in PKK in 2023/PKK said to have 50 residents over 100 years old/Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin/Limits announced on New Year’s alcohol sales/Pricey low-rise housing sector grows/Missing sailors, sunk ship draw fire/Another empty life raft from sunken ship washes ashore/Consumer spending expected to hit 17-year high during New Year period/Thailand ranked 4th least corrupt country in Asia/Foreign investors deterred by financial transaction tax/Surat Thani man arrested for peddling fake US dollars/Shipwrecked fisherman found alive, roped to dead crewmates/Flood-prone Thailand, Laos to partner on tackling climate-change issues/Global heating behind Bt12.6-trillion flood damage, 2,000 Thai deaths/Thailand creates new department to tackle climate change/Thailand aiming to build more green data centers/Second reading of marijuana bill delayed for ‘more urgent matters’/CBD oil review: best cannabis oils to buy in Thailand/
  • Tourism: The tale of Thailand tourism in 2022/TAT estimates 3.14M domestic trips during holidays/90% of hotels in Chiang Mai fully booked during New Year/Tourism is blossoming on Udon Thani’s pink lily lake/7 amazing places to visit in Thailand/What is it like smoking marijuana as a tourist in Thailand?/Bangkok ranks #1 trending global destination on Airbnb/New Year Countdown fireworks canceled in Pattaya/Why Thailand Is The Most Popular Destination For Americans In Southeast Asia/
  • Covid: 5,000 Covid deaths a day likely in China/Elderly Covid patients fill hospital wards in China’s major cities/
  • International: Ukraine’s Zelenskiy appeals for bipartisan support in speech to US Congress/Bad energy habits sweeping the world/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

‘Pineapple metropolis’ to be established in PKK in 2023

The Agriculture Ministry will establish a “pineapple metropolis” in Prachuap Khiri Khan next year to support growers of the spiky yellow fruit.

Alongkorn Ponlaboot, adviser to Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Srion, unveiled the plan at the 38th conference of the Sam Roi Yod pineapple farmers cooperative in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Sam Roi Yod district on Tuesday.

Alongkorn said the metropolis will also branch out to the pineapple-growing areas of Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi to bring farmers under the canopy of better government support. Continued … 

PKK said to have 50 residents over 100 years old

The Prachaup Khiri Khan provincial administration is rechecking a preliminary report that said about 50 residents of the province are over 100 years old.

Provincial Deputy Gov. Kittipong Sukphakphum said the preliminary report was filed by the provincial office of Poverty Eradication and Life Cycle Development.

“The provincial administration is checking the details about this. It’s quite exciting and heartening that they live so long,” the deputy governor said. Continued …

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, as we prepare to say goodbye to 2022.

Despite being a highlight of the social calendar, the previous two years were disrupted by the pandemic, which put a stop to the usual festivities.

However, this year’s festivities promise to be bigger than ever, and if you haven’t yet decided on where you’ll be celebrating, you might want to take a look at this list of parties, events and celebrations taking place across Hua Hin and the surrounding area. Continued … 

Limits announced on New Year’s alcohol sales

The National Alcohol Policy Committee has agreed with proposals to limit alcohol during the 2023 New Year celebrations to help with DUI considerations and protect youth.

This means that outside of special zones alcohol will not be available up to 2 am. The committee has also opposed the opening of bars from 11 am to 4 am, a move that has already been shelved after Tourism Ministry proposals were knocked back.

Dangers to the public and an increase in crime were cited. Continued …

Pricey low-rise housing sector grows

Demand for high-priced, low-rise houses continued to grow for two consecutive quarters, with market value in the third quarter soaring by 58% from the second, while developers launched new supply in this segment.

Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said low-rise houses priced 20 million baht and higher posted significant growth this year.

“High-end homebuyers preferred low-rise houses to condos after the pandemic. As demand continued to be robust throughout the economic slowdown, developers shifted to this segment,” he said. Continued … 

Missing sailors, sunk ship draw fire

The Navy has been taken to task for reported failure to ensure sailors aboard a sinking corvette, namely HTMS 442 Sukhothai, survived a stormy sea in the Gulf of Thailand on Sunday night.

Yesterday, Move Forward MP Natcha Boonchai-insawat blamed the navy for six fatalities reported so far among the sailors, plus 23 others who have been reported missing after HTMS 442 Sukhothai had capsized due to strong winds and high tides and finally sunk off Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The Move Forward MP doubted that the navy corvette had the number of life jackets and inflatable boats available for emergency use in proportion to that of its crewmembers and others, reportedly totaling 106. Continued …

Another empty life raft from sunken ship washes ashore

A second empty life raft, possibly from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai, was found washed ashore in Lang Suan district of Chumphon province on Thursday, as the search for the 23 missing crew continues.

The first empty life raft was found drifting at sea about 30km off the coast of Lamae district yesterday by the crew of a trawler.

After an extensive search of coastal areas, which continued late into the night, volunteers from the Reporters Association of Pathio district found a pair of dark blue tracksuit bottoms with red stripe and a black cap with a sun shade washed ashore on Thung Chang Beach in Pathio district. The two items were collected and sent to the provincial office. Continued …

Consumer spending expected to hit 17-year high during New Year period

Bolstered by the government’s stimulus measures, Thailand’s consumer spending is predicted to hit a 17-year high, reaching 103.04 billion baht, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

The president of the UTCC and adviser to the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, Thanavath Phonvichai, revealed during the conference on “Consumer behavior and spending during 2023 New Year festival” that the New Year period is expected to generate over 103.04 billion baht (US$2.9 billion) in consumer spending, leading to a 20.1% expansion of the economy.

“It would be the first time that consumer spending would be exceeding 100 billion baht since 2007,” Thanavath said, adding that it would benefit the economy in the post-Covid-19 era. Continued … 

Thailand ranked 4th least corrupt country in Asia

Thailand – a nation run by a semi-elected military government – was ranked 35th in the world and 4th in Asia in the U.S. News‘ “Least Corrupt Countries” list.

Yesterday, American media company U.S. News released its annual “Best Countries” ranking, featuring 73 countries all over the world. Data was collected from a worldwide survey with more than 17,000 participants.

Countries are ranked from best to worst based on 10 sub-rankings including, “adventure, agility, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, movers, open for business, power, quality of life and social purpose.” Continued …

Foreign investors deterred by financial transaction tax

Enforcement of the financial transaction tax could give foreign investors a reason to exit the Thai stock exchange and focus on other bourses, according to investment analysts.

The tax on securities trades, which comes into effect next year, could drive foreign traders away as the levy lowers the liquidity of the Thai market, they said. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Surat Thani man arrested for peddling fake US dollars

Region 2 police, under the command of Police Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Itthisanchai, and the Surat Thani provincial police arrested Nawat or “Et” Singhawak, 54, on a warrant for possessing and trading in foreign currency knowing it to be fake.

He was arrested outside a house in the Ek Mongkhon 4 housing estate in Pattaya.

A total of 759 fake U.S. bills worth 2.6 million baht were found in a Toyota Altis. Continued …

Shipwrecked fisherman found alive, roped to dead crewmates

A shipwrecked fisherman was found floating in the sea roped to three dead crewmates about 30 hours after their trawler sank during a storm in the Gulf of Thailand.

HTMS Tor 992 brought Sia Soy, a Cambodian national, and the three dead crewmen to the Songkhla naval base on Wednesday night. They had been transferred from another fishing boat that rescued them from the sea. Continued …

Flood-prone Thailand, Laos to partner on tackling climate-change issues

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa met with Laos Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh in Vientiane to discuss cooperation on climate issues on Wednesday.

Also accompanying Varawut on the trip to Lao People’s Democratic Republic was ministry permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat.

After the meeting, Varawut said he discussed experiences and strategies in tackling problems of natural resources and the environment, with a focus on climate-change issues that both countries are facing. Continued …

Global heating behind Bt12.6-trillion flood damage, 2,000 Thai deaths

Flooding driven by climate change has killed more than 2,000 people and cost 12.59 trillion baht over the past 30 years in Thailand, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

The finding confirms that Thailand is suffering serious social impacts from climate change, said the NESDC third-quarter report.

The country has suffered over 40,000 floods during the past 30 years, causing significant loss of life and severe economic damage, the report said. The devastation was worst during the national flood crisis of 2011, but last year’s inundation cost 53 billion baht in damages, it added. Continued …

Thailand creates new department to tackle climate change

Thailand has created a new department to tackle climate change. The new department, named the Department of Climate Change and Environment, aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.

The new department is responsible for proposing and developing strategies, plans, and programs on climate change and greenhouse gas reduction, as agreed at the COP26 meeting.

The ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is overseeing the new climate change department. Other departments involved include the Office of the Secretary, the Strategic and International Cooperation Division, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Division, and others. Continued …

Thailand aiming to build more green data centers

Large-scale data management is essential to advancing economies, while facilities require huge amounts of energy, posing challenges for the environment and the goal of net zero emissions. Hence, Thailand is aiming to have more green data centers.

As part of its drive to grow the country’s digital economy, Thailand has already emerged as a regional leader in data centers, management and processing, as well as cloud services. The energy powering most of the data centers is currently derived from fossil fuels.

Green data centers are powered by renewables such as solar, wind and other sources. Continued …

Second reading of marijuana bill delayed for ‘more urgent matters’

House Speaker and Parliament President Chuan Leekpai on Thursday informed coalition and opposition whips that the second reading of the cannabis-hemp regulation bill will be suspended next week for the House to consider more urgent matters.

The second reading of the bill was initially scheduled for next Wednesday when the House would continue deliberating Section 4.

But during the meeting of the whips, Chuan said the House needed to use next week’s meeting to consider whether to reaffirm five bills that have been passed in three readings by the Senate but were changed significantly. Continued …

CBD oil review: best cannabis oils to buy in Thailand

CBD oil, also referred to as cannabidiol and sometimes cannabis oil, is widely available in Thailand. You get to enjoy the health benefits of marijuana, minus the high part that some find unpleasant.

However, there are so many different cannabidiol oils to consider that it can be difficult to make the right pick that fulfills your requirements.

With that in mind, Weed Review has compiled a review of the top 5 CBD oils you can buy online in Thailand. So rest assured, if you seek cannabis tinctures for pain, sleep, or stress, you will find it on this list. Continued …

The tale of Thailand tourism in 2022

As the world has recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic’s three-year assault, the Tiger will hand the baton off to the Rabbit. The 2022 countdown celebration was ultimately toned down when Omicron infections quickly spread and the number of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand exceeded 20,000 in February.

The nightmare didn’t last long, since things seemed to be getting better a few months later. The virus infections dropped and the government relaxed restrictions so that people could enjoy the much-loved Songkran festival in public places.

Although water fights, powder smearing, foam parties and the sale of alcohol were still prohibited, this opened the door for tourism to rebound in the second half of the year. Continued …

TAT estimates 3.14M domestic trips during holidays

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts domestic tourism to tally 3.14 million trips during the New Year holiday, generating 11.2 billion baht, with the northern region posting the highest occupancy at 78%.

The countdown celebrations in 12 provinces are poised to stimulate 4.21 billion baht for the local economy, said the agency.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said the New Year holiday from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2 would see a surge of local tourists, with 560,380 trips projected for the northern provinces, as travelers want to experience cold weather in mountainous destinations. Continued … 

90% of hotels in Chiang Mai fully booked during New Year

If you’re planning on visiting Chiang Mai this New Year, then you had better be quick, because 90% of hotel rooms in the province are already booked up, according to the Thai Hotels Assn.

Hotels in the province are expected to generate one billion baht in revenue during the high season, which runs from November to March, according to the association.

President of the THA‘s northern region, Phunat Laopanich, said Thailand’s tourism industry has improved by leaps and bounds over the past few months. He said that tourism revenue was closing in on pre-pandemic levels. Continued … 

Tourism is blossoming on Udon Thani’s pink lily lake

Isaan’s second-largest lake is seeing an influx of tourists since the pink lilies that blanket it began to bloom late last month, local officials say.

More than 100 boats are now available for tours of the lake in Udon Thani province, Paisit Sukrome, chairman of the lake’s tourism boat enterprise, said Wednesday.

Paisat said the blooming lilies are more noticeable than in previous years because the lake’s floating moss has been eradicated. He said about 200,000 tourists have visited the lake so far this year, up from 50,000 in 2021. Continued … 

7 amazing places to visit in Thailand

Thailand is definitely one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Travelers who visit the so-called “Land of Smiles” for the first time were overwhelmed by the incredible number of interesting attractions and all the amazing things you can find in Thailand.

Here are the top 7 places in Thailand that you should not miss if you are planning a trip soon.

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is a beautiful spot in Thailand, with limestone hills, turquoise lagoons, and the world-famous beach at Maya Bay. Continued … 

What is it like smoking marijuana as a tourist in Thailand?

In June, Thailand’s military junta did something so out of character, it seemed like a joke. The Buddhist kingdom that until recently had one of the strictest drug laws in the world became the first country in Asia to decriminalize possession of cannabis for medical and industrial uses.

Officially, Thailand has not yet decriminalized recreational marijuana use. Anyone caught enjoying the product without a doctor’s note can be imprisoned for up to three months.

Unofficially, though, Thailand has become the Amsterdam of the East, with thousands of recreational weed dispensaries now trading in the country. Continued … 

Bangkok ranks #1 trending global destination on Airbnb

Airbnb is wrapping up the year with a bow, revealing the categories and destinations that topped the charts in 2022, and providing a sneak peak at what 2023 has in store for travel.

Searches made in Q1-Q3 2022 for check-ins in 2022 vs the same period in 2021, saw Bangkok emerge as the #1 most trending destination for Airbnb guests across the world in 2022: Continued … 

New Year Countdown fireworks canceled in Pattaya

Pattaya authorities have decided to cancel the New Year countdown firework display from Dec. 29-31.

However, for now, concerts and food festivals set for the countdown will continue. Continued …

Why Thailand Is The Most Popular Destination For Americans In Southeast Asia

Now that their borders have reopened and they seem to have moved on from the darker days of the pandemic, Thailand is once again smashing tourism records and strengthening links with North America. In fact, new research has confirmed it is the go-to destination for U.S. citizens in Southeast Asia – but what’s behind this new wave of popularity?

For most of 2020 and 2022, Southeast Asia (SEA) remained virtually sealed off for tourism, as local governments cracked down hard on Covid, banning most, if not all, foreign arrivals, and imposing controversial measures such as nightly curfews and lockdowns. Thailand was no exception.

Certainly, we did not expect Thailand to bounce back as strongly or this quickly, yet here we are: Continued … 

5,000 Covid deaths a day likely in China

More than 5,000 people are probably dying each day from COVID-19 in China, health data firm Airfinity estimated, offering a dramatic contrast to official data from Beijing on the country’s current outbreak.

The UK-based firm said it had used modeling based on regional Chinese data to produce figures that also put current daily infections in the country at above a million.

Its estimates were “in stark contrast to the official data, which is reporting 1,800 cases and only seven official deaths over the past week,” it said in a statement. Continued … 

Elderly Covid patients fill hospital wards in China’s major cities

Elderly patients lined the wards of hospitals in major cities in China Thursday as the country battled a wave of Covid cases.

The virus is surging across the vast Asian nation in an outbreak authorities say is impossible to track after the end of mandatory mass testing.

And with cases soaring, Washington called on Beijing to share its Covid outbreak data, saying China’s caseload impacts the world. Continued … 

Ukraine’s Zelenskiy appeals for bipartisan support in speech to US Congress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the U.S. Congress on Wednesday that the tens of billions of dollars of aid it had approved to help it fight a Russian invasion was not charity, but an investment in global security. Continued … 

Bad energy habits sweeping the world

A new survey of 6,000 homeowners and renters from across the globe has revealed nearly 9 in 10 people ignore what’s best when it comes to energy efficiency in the home, despite 80% saying they know how to use their household appliances in an energy-efficient way. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-Dec 20

  • 21 crew members still missing from sunk Navy ship off PKK/KResearch revises Thailand 2023 GDP forecast to 3.2 % amid global economic recession/Central bank upbeat on long-term growth/8.1 million Thais are poor, 4.4 million below poverty line/State agencies prep new ‘gifts’/Food chain contamination found near e-waste processing facilities in Thailand/Food delivery businesses face slump in demand next year/UK Tesco accused of using slave labor in Thailand/Cops crack down on firearm traders/Nine provinces in southern Thailand suffer from flooding, three people die/
  • Tourism: Thailand leads BBC travel destination poll/Anutin: Night venue hours ‘won’t be extended’/THAI plans more Europe, Japan flights/10 Best Thailand Resorts For Couples/Tourists Leave Samui Island by Plane as Boats are Banned from Leaving Ports/Driver leaves Norwegian at gas station – ‘I thought he was sleeping in the back’/Body of Canadian man washes up on beach in southern Thailand/
  • Covid: China’s Covid surge hits trading floors, finance hub
  • International: Indonesia’s foreign retirees fear being driven out by new visa scheme/House Jan. 6 panel recommends DOJ prosecute Trump on four charges/Five takeaways from congressional report calling for Trump charges/Dutch PM apologizes for 250 years of slavery/France bans disposable packaging, utensils in fast-food restaurants/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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For more information, email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

21 crew members still missing from sunk Navy ship off PKK

In total, 84 members of the Royal Thai Navy have been rescued from the Gulf of Thailand after the HTMS Sukhothai navy vessel sank to the bottom of the sea amid rough conditions.

Navy vessels, tug boats, and oil tankers rescued 84 crew members from the water, three of whom are in critical condition, and are still searching for 21 missing marines. One body has been recovered. Continued …

KResearch revises Thailand 2023 GDP forecast to 3.2% amid global economic recession

Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) has revised its 2023 GDP growth projection to 3.2 % from the previous projection range of 3.2-4.2 %, though its 2022 GDP growth forecast has been upgraded to 3.2 % from the earlier projection of 2.9 %.

Nattaporn Triratanasirikul, KResearch deputy managing director, viewed that the global economy will see a significant slowdown in 2023 – presenting an obstacle for the Thai economic recovery. The U.S. and Eurozone are set to show no growth given their policy rate hikes to tame inflation and the impact of an energy crisis in Europe.

Meanwhile, it is more likely that China will reopen its borders in the second quarter of 2023. However, close attention should be paid to the situation there, especially the number of infected cases and deaths, as well as the adequacy of China’s public healthcare system. Continued …

Central bank upbeat on long-term growth

The Bank of Thailand expects the economy to continue to align with potential growth projections for the next two years, then strengthen in the longer term.

For 2022, 2023 and 2024, economic growth is estimated to be 3.2%, 3.7% and 3.9%, respectively, in accordance with potential growth output of 3-4%.

For the longer term, the potential growth of the economy should be higher than this level, assistant governor for the monetary policy group Piti Disyatat said at an analysts’ meeting on Monday. Continued …

8.1 million Thais are poor, 4.4 million below poverty line

More than 8.1 million Thais are poor, including 4.4 million living below the poverty line, according to the latest report by The Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC).

The report on the poverty situation in Thailand in 2021, released this year, stated that the number of people who are below the poverty line is a decrease from 2020, when 4.7 million such people were recorded. The report attributed the reduction to the economic stimulus schemes, rolled out to ease the financial burden on poorer people.

As income is not the only factor that reflects the poverty situation in Thailand, the NESDC has used the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which identifies four dimensions of poverty; education, healthy living, quality of living and financial stability. Continued …

State agencies prep new ‘gifts’

Government agencies including the Finance Ministry are expected to propose measures to ease the cost of living for consumers and businesses, aiming to stimulate domestic consumption via “New Year’s gifts”, for cabinet consideration today, says a ministry source who requested anonymity.

The ministry will propose to the cabinet extension of the reduced jet fuel excise tax for another six months to support the airline and tourism sectors, the source said.

The current measure runs from July 1 to Dec. 31. It lowers the excise tax on jet fuel to 0.20 baht per liter from the original 4.726 baht to help local airlines ease operating costs amid the impact of the pandemic. Continued …

The Wai Mei Dat e-waste recycling facility in the Chachoengsao’s Plaeng Yao district about 100 kilometers east of Bangkok

Food chain contamination found near e-waste processing facilities in Thailand

Recently published analysis confirmed that communities in Chachoengsao province face severe food chain contamination with some of the world’s most toxic chemicals caused by improper electronic waste processing.

Samples of analyzed soil, sediments, and duck eggs, common food rich in nutrients, contained record levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The dioxin level in duck eggs from a village near an e-waste recycling factory in Moo 9, Khao Hin Son, is the 10th highest ever measured level in poultry eggs in Asia, and the second highest level measured in eggs from Thailand.

The researchers collected samples of soil, sediments, dust, and free-range duck eggs at sites near factories handling electronic waste. Contamination with POPs was revealed at all three locations researched in this study – Nong Khok village in Moo 9, Khao Hin Son subdistrict, close to an e-waste recycling factory owned by Supcharoen Recycle Co.; an area in Moo 1, Khao Hin Son, close to an e-waste recycling factory owned by CT Steel Co., Ltd.; and an illegal waste dump site in Hat Nang Kaeo subdistrict, Prachinburi province. Continued …

Food delivery businesses face slump in demand next year

The research arm of Kasikornbank (KBank) expects the food delivery business sector in Thailand to slow down next year, in line with the situation in other countries as the Covid threat slowly ebbs.

A KResearch Center study, released on Monday, said that the food delivery business in Thailand next year would be valued at around 81 billion to 86 billion baht next year, a contraction of 0.8% to 6.5% compared to the value this year.

The center said the value would still be much higher than before the Covid pandemic. Continued …

Workers at the Tesco factory in Mae Sot on the Myanmar border

UK Tesco accused of using slave labor in Thailand

The UK’s Tesco supermarket chain is being accused of using slave labor in Thailand. According to a Guardian investigation, Burmese workers who made jeans for Tesco Lotus in Thailand, allegedly worked 99-hour weeks. And, their received wages were allegedly too low to make the cut legally. The investigation also found that their working conditions were considered quite harsh.

Tesco faces a landmark lawsuit in the UK from 130 former workers at VK Garment Factory, who are suing the mega-grocer for negligence and unjust enrichment. The workers made jeans and denim jackets for Tesco Lotus between 2017 and 2020. Continued …

Cops crack down on firearm traders

Police have launched crackdown operations on major online illegal gun traders and seized huge amounts of illegal firearms and ammunition worth about 50 million baht.

Police Gen. Roy Ingkapairoj, deputy national police chief, on Monday told a press briefing that the 4th operation unit was tipped off about the illegal online firearms trading by two Twitter users named “Los Santos” and “Texas Gun”.

An investigation showed the two Twitter accounts linked to a Line account named “Los Santos Shop” and a “lossantos.lnwshop.com” website, offering a range of firearms, including rifles, and ammunition. Continued … 

Nine provinces in southern Thailand suffer from flooding, three people die

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports nine provinces in the south of Thailand are suffering from flooding as heavy rains continue. Three people have died in the floods.

The DDPM reports that monsoon rains have covered the Gulf of Thailand in the southern part of Thailand, causing heavy flooding from Dec. 17 until Dec. 20. Continued …

Thailand leads BBC travel destination poll

Thailand is viewed as the most popular destination to visit in Southeast Asia for visitors planning a trip from North America and Europe, according to a survey by BBC News.

All told, 57.4% of global respondents who are intending to travel to Southeast Asia said they would be likely to visit Thailand, more than any other country in the region, according to the survey of BBC Global Minds members.

Visitors to Southeast Asia are often experienced world travelers, looking for new and different experiences, the survey results found. Continued …

Anutin: Night venue hours ‘won’t be extended’

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday moved to assure concerned civic groups, saying the ministry is firmly opposed to the proposal that would see the opening hours of night entertainment venues extended by two hours.

Anutin gave his assurances to about 50 representatives of various civic groups who came to Government House on Monday to thank the ministry for prioritizing the public’s health and safety as the debate on extending the operating hours of bars and clubs across the country continues. Continued …

THAI plans more Europe, Japan flights

Thai Airways International (THAI) plans to add at least nine aircraft to its operational fleet in the first quarter of 2023 and will increase its flights to Europe and Japan to meet the rising demands of post-pandemic tourism, acting CEO Suvadhana Sibunruang said on Monday.

He said THAI would reinstate its three A330-300 and two B777-200ER jets, which were grounded due to the effects on the travel industry of the Covid-19 pandemic. All five aircraft are undergoing maintenance before returning to full service next year. Continued …

10 Best Thailand Resorts For Couples

Couples can enjoy luxury romantic getaways in Thailand, whether they’re planning a trip to the islands or staying in the heart of Bangkok for a weekend. These hotels and resorts are some of the top choices for amenities and romantic activities.

JW Marriott Khao Lok Resort and Spa, Phang Nga

Couples looking for a luxury getaway in Thailand will find everything they’re searching for in the JW Marriott Khao Lok Resort and Spa. This is a 5-star resort with stunning grounds and 10 restaurants to dine at on-site.

Guests also enjoy a variety of fun activities, including snorkeling, water sports, and access to a waterslide. The spa and wellness center is the ideal spot for a relaxing and romantic couples massage. Continued …

Tourists Leave Samui Island by Plane, as Boats are Banned from Leaving Ports

Tourists have had to leave Samui Island by plane, as boats are being banned from leaving ports.

The order restricting boats is to remain in effect with no new announcements. There are strong waves of up to four meters in the open sea in the Gulf of Thailand near Samui Island, Pha Ngan Island and Tao Island.

Thais and foreigners on Samui Island have had to change their plans by leaving Samui Island via Bangkok Airways at the Samui International Airport instead of by ferry. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Driver leaves Norwegian at gas station – ‘I thought he was sleeping in the back’

A Norwegian tourist found himself up the proverbial creek without a paddle yesterday afternoon.

He was on his way from Koh Chang to a hotel in Yannawa, Bangkok, in a hired car when the driver stopped to relieve himself at a gas station in Nong Ree subdistrict of Muang Chonburi.

The tourist used the opportunity to get out the back and buy some snacks at the shop. Continued …

Body of Canadian man washes up on beach in southern Thailand

The body of a 63-year-old Canadian man washed up on a beach on the mainland of Surat Thani province in southern Thailand yesterday evening. He went missing from Koh Pha Ngan island six days ago.

At 8pm, officers from Khanom Police Station rushed to Khanom Beach after a decaying body was discovered on the shore in front of the Khanom Power Plant in Thong Nian subdistrict.

Police identified the man as Albert Floyd Newotta, of Canadian nationality, who was last seen at Phangan Villa Hotel in Koh Pha Nganon Tuesday, Dec. 13. Continued …

China’s Covid surge hits trading floors, finance hub

Covid-19 is sweeping through trading floors in Beijing and spreading fast in the financial hub of Shanghai, with illness and absence thinning already light trade and forcing regulators to cancel a weekly meeting vetting public share sales.

Many banks and asset managers have dusted off plans devised to cope with previous Covid crises, injecting another layer of unpredictability into currency and stock markets, where the outlook is clouded by a rocky exit from strict health curbs.

With mass testing halted after China abruptly dropped its zero-Covid policy earlier this month, official data no longer reliably capture new case numbers. Internal surveys by several big asset managers and banks suggest more than half of their employees in Beijing, the epicenter of the virus surge, have tested positive. Continued … 

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Indonesia’s foreign retirees fear being driven out by new visa scheme

Indonesia’s bid to increase international investments with a so-called second-home visa for the wealthy may drive out foreign retirees who have long considered the country their only home. Continued …

House Jan. 6 panel recommends DOJ prosecute Trump on four charges

The U.S. House of Representatives committee investigating the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, voted Monday to recommend the Justice Department bring criminal charges against Donald Trump. The committee report documented how Trump repeatedly tried to overturn the 2020 election, pressured state officials, assembled a mob and sent it to the Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. Continued …

Five takeaways from congressional report calling for Trump charges

Much of the detail on Donald Trump’s alleged misconduct aired Monday by the panel probing the 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection had already been made public. But a summary of the upcoming report on the congressional committee’s findings was full of tidbits that had not come out before. Continued …

Dutch PM apologizes for 250 years of slavery

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday officially apologized for 250 years of the Netherlands’ involvement in slavery, calling it a “crime against humanity”. Continued …

France bans disposable packaging, utensils in fast-food restaurants

Fast-food eateries in France will soon no longer be able to use disposable containers, plates, cups and tableware for clients eating in, the latest measure from a 2020 law to combat waste and encourage recycling. Continued …

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bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Friday’s News-Dec 16

  • Holiday market to open at Queen Sirijit Park/
  • Prachuap Food Festival & Siam Powerboat Dec 23-25/
  • Hua Hin airport security man shoots himself dead with pen gun/
  • International schools in Hua Hin to send your kids/
  • An end to chronic pain? Future treatment could look very different/
  • Companies hit with 20% power hike/
  • NE village on alert for underwear thief – ladies warned by loudspeaker/
  • Thailand refutes US determination of solar panel ‘dumping’/
  • Thailand signs partnership and cooperation deal with EU/
  • Russian teen electrocuted at public basketball court/
  • AURA sees glittering future for its gold shops/
  • Man savaged to death by three pit bulls/
  • EGCO Group and Hitachi cooperating on development of smart industrial estate/
  • Siam Cement to invest $3B in renewable energy and decarbonization/
  • For Tesla Thailand, all bumpy roads lead to China/
  • Koh Lipe, sea gypsy tensions soar amid land fight/
  • FDA chief insists ganja no longer narcotic regardless of cannabis control law/
  • ID will be required for purchase of marijuana buds next month/
  • Tourism: Thailand’s economy to grow by 3.6% in 2023, riding on tourism recovery/Five romantic things to do for Christmas in Thailand/Phuket most popular holiday spot in Thailand for foreign tourists this year/Central Thailand Travel Guide – 7 Splendid Trip Ideas/The 9 Best Spas in Bangkok/
  • Covid: IATA calls for adoption of travel health code/
  • International: Eight killed, dozens missing in Malaysia landslide/UN details civilian executions in Ukraine/ECB: Euro zone economy probably contracting/China’s economy braces for more turmoil/Biden tells leaders US is ‘all in’ for Africa/US places Chinese chipmakers on trade blacklist/Twitter suspends accounts of journalists covering Musk/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

For more information, email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Holiday market to open at Queen Sirijit Park

The Rimlay Market at the Queen Sirikit Park (19 Rai) will host a New Year’s Eve Festival from Dec. 29 to New Year’s Day. The event will offer a variety of foods and crafts.

Prachuap Food Festival & Siam Powerboat Dec 23-25

The Prachuap Food Festival & Siam Powerboat 2022 event will be held Dec. 23-25 at the provincial office at Prachuap Bay.

The event will showcase a variety of local food and goods, as well as different water sports and powerboat competitions.

Hua Hin airport security man shoots himself dead with pen gun

Police are calling it a tragic accident at a house in the village of Ban Nong Kham in Cha-Am, Phetchaburi, south central Thailand.

By a door in a house opposite the local school, police found Sukreedee, 43, a security man at Hua Hin airport.

He was in uniform lying in a pool of blood. A .22 pen gun was lying beside the body. Continued …

International schools in Hua Hin to send your kids

For many expats in Thailand, choosing an international school to send their child to is one of their most important priorities. Hua Hin, a seaside city with a laid back atmosphere, might be a great environment for your kid.

Hua Hin International School

In Hua Hin, there are four international schools that promise students a rigorous education, along with an excellent and nurturing experience. We’ll give you the low-down on the four schools, which are Hua Hin International School, Beaconhouse Yamsaad, The British Educational Children Center (BECC), and Halio International School Hua Hin. Continued … 

An end to chronic pain? Future treatment could look very different

Steven Pete knows what it feels like for a knife to slice through his skin. He can tell from the sensation how deep the cut is and how badly he has been hurt.

He believes he can identify such things better than other people, because he’s not distracted by pain. He doesn’t feel any.

Yes, he can sense the difference between hot and cold. His foot tingles when he sits on it too long. And he knows his knees are arthritic, because he can see their swelling and finds they’re not as mobile as they used to be. Continued …

Companies hit with 20% power hike

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has decided to maintain the power tariff at 4.72 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), keeping electricity bills for households unchanged for the first four months next year, but it plans to increase the tariff imposed on businesses.

Although the decision will help people deal with high living costs, Isares Rattanadilok Na Phuket, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said on Thursday he was “very disappointed” with the announcement because entrepreneurs are also struggling to deal with energy prices.

The ERC will increase the power tariff for the non-household sector by 20.5% to 5.69 baht per unit, up from 4.72 baht per unit. Continued … 

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

NE village on alert for underwear thief – ladies warned by loudspeaker

A village in the northeast of Thailand is on alert after a man was caught on CCTV stealing bras and panties from a rail behind a house.

A clip was posted on the page of Ban Thatu Mahanakhon 2019 after the incident on Tuesday night in Ban Thatu, Phen, Udon Thani.

Nitaya, 50, and the phu yai ban Sarawuth, 46, at the house, was out with her daughter having dinner and when they came back they thought some underwear had blown away. Continued …

Thailand refutes US determination of solar panel ‘dumping’

The Commerce Ministry has refuted the United States’ preliminary determination that solar panels imported from Thailand are evading U.S. anti-dumping measures.

U.S. authorities published a determination on Dec. 8 that solar cells and modules imported from manufacturers in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia are using parts from China. This shows an intention to evade U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures against China, the determination said.

On Thursday, the Thai Commerce Ministry said it dispatched an objection letter to Lisa Wang, assistant secretary of commerce for enforcement and compliance, to protect Thailand’s exporters. Continued …

Thailand signs partnership and cooperation deal with EU

Thailand has signed a comprehensive partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA) with the European Union (EU).

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels.

Leaders from 10 member countries of ASEAN, including Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, on Wednesday met with their EU counterparts at the conference held to celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations between the two regional groupings. Continued … 

Russian teen electrocuted at public basketball court

Authorities in Pattaya are investigating after a 19-year-old Russian man was electrocuted while having a game of basketball with friends at a public court at the resort yesterday.

Police Captain Yutthaphon Bunkert and Sawang Boriboon rescue services responded to a call for help from people at the court within a sports center on Sukhumvit Road Pattaya Soi 15.

They found Alexey Sobolev unresponsive. Despite CPR and being rushed to hospital, he was subsequently pronounced dead. Continued …

AURA sees glittering future for its gold shops

Aurora Design Plc (AURA), one of Thailand’s leading gold and diamond jewelry retailers, is expanding its consignment business under its Thong Ma Ngern Pai (Gold Comes, Money Goes) brand of shops.

The move comes after it became the first gold jeweller to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) last month. The decision to roll out more shops was driven by expanding demand in the consignment sector, AURA Chief Marketing Officer Anipat Srirungthum explained on Thursday.

Thong Ma Ngern Pai brand is a retailer that also allows customers to temporarily exchange jewelry for cash to boost their liquidity. Continued …

Man savaged to death by three pit bulls

A man was savaged to death by three pit bulls in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The owner of the dogs is distraught and revealed he will find a new home for the dogs to avoid the same fate in the future.

Pornchai Ritmaha was attacked by three pit bulls last night at about 8pm. The 47-year-old man was walking past a neighbor’s house when the three pit bulls suddenly attacked him. Continued …

EGCO Group and Hitachi cooperating on development of smart industrial estate

Electricity Generating Plc (EGCO Group) and Hitachi Group will jointly study technology and intelligent systems for the EGCO Rayong industrial estate, according to a memorandum of understanding between the two.

The estate in Rayong is being developed into a smart and green industrial estate for advanced industries, such as electric vehicle manufacturing, in the Eastern Economic Corridor ( EEC ).

EGCO Group, together with Hitachi Asia (Thailand) Co., and Hitachi Energy (Thailand) signed an MOU to carry out a project to study the development of technology and intelligent systems under the project named “Accelerated Digital Transformation: DX Study” for the “EGCO Rayong” Industrial Estate Project, which seeks to jointly develop an appropriate technology and smart system plan in this industrial estate, as well as apply the study results to other development projects of EGCO Group, as appropriate. Continued … 

Siam Cement to invest $3B in renewable energy and decarbonization

Siam Cement Group, Thailand’s largest building materials company, has laid out its investment plans for the next five years, showing a strong emphasis on environmental issues as it attempts to shift its business style to a more circular one.

The company announced that it will invest 100 billion baht ($2.89 billion) through the end of 2027 in areas such as renewable energy, while also continuing efforts to decarbonize its main building materials and chemicals businesses.

SCG plans to strengthen its position in manufacturing materials for solar power generation and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. In the solar power business, it aims to expand power generation to about 15 times the current capacity, or 3,000 megawatts, by 2027. Continued …

For Tesla Thailand, all bumpy roads lead to China

For newly minted Tesla Thailand, there’s a bumpy road ahead, and it leads back to China.

Tesla began sales in Thailand just over a week ago, offering its popular Model 3 and Model Y at prices that compete with rivals like BYD. The company staged a glitzy showcase of its plans at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon mall, with vehicles to be delivered in the first quarter of next year. Around the same time, Toyota was staging a glitzy showcase of its own electric dreams.

Tesla deliveries in China this November were at an all-time high, but that has done nothing to stop a deluge of news that the company is in decline. Continued … 

Koh Lipe, sea gypsy tensions soar amid land fight

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is stepping up calls for the government to implement its recommendations on land disputes faced by sea gypsy residents living on Koh Lipe in Satun province.

Sea gypsies

The plight of ethnic groups who have occupied the island for generations is back in the spotlight following an incident early this week when pupils gathered to protest against a business operator who claimed ownership and blocked a walkway locals use to access a school, a hospital, and a beach. Continued … 

FDA chief insists ganja no longer narcotic regardless of cannabis control law

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration chief insisted on Thursday that all parts of ganja plants, including the buds, will remain legal no matter what the new cannabis and hemp control bill states.

FDA Secretary-general Paisarn Dunkum was commenting as the House of Representatives resumed its second reading of the bill on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the House panel vetting the bill had agreed to remove Section 3, which stated that marijuana, hemp and their extracts will not be regarded as narcotics under the law. Paisarn is a member of the vetting panel. Continued …

ID will be required for purchase of marijuana buds next month

Thais will have to start flashing their citizen identification cards next month to buy ganja buds from 5,000 registered shops nationwide, a senior official said on Thursday.

Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, director-general of the Thai Traditional and Complementary Medicine Department, said that after his department issued a directive to declare marijuana buds a controlled herb it began developing an online system to monitor their sale in registered shops.

Thongchai said owners of the registered shops must inform the department what they are doing with the dried marijuana buds, where they bought them and who they are selling them to. Continued …

Thailand’s economy to grow by 3.6% in 2023, riding on tourism recovery

The country is likely to see 3.6% economic growth in 2023 thanks to the performance of the tourism sector, despite the nation’s export growth slowing down, according to University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

The president of the UTCC and adviser to the university’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, Thanavath Phonvichai, said the number of tourists visiting Thailand is expected to increase from 11 million this year to 22 million people in 2023, while the nation’s exports are slowing down due to a decline in trade partners’ purchasing power.

“Exports are expected to recover by the third quarter of next year,” he said. “In addition, investment from the public sector is also a factor that will bolster Thailand’s economy, as production bases are shifted to several ASEAN countries, including Thailand.” Continued …

Five romantic things to do for Christmas in Thailand

Christmas is often one of the most romantic days of the year for people who have a special someone. In Thailand, a Buddhist-majority country with no snow, it may at first appear difficult to capture the romantic Christmas feeling.

But there are several exciting activities for lovebirds to do in Thailand on Christmas, and during the holiday season. Read below to learn about some things you and your one-and-only can do for Christmas in Thailand.

1. Go on an outdoor adventure

Several areas of Thailand, particularly in the north and northeast, boast mountains and outdoor sites with breathtaking views. If you and your partner are hikers or campers, such sites are definitely worth visiting. Continued …

Phuket most popular holiday spot in Thailand for foreign tourists this year

Data from the Thailand’s tourism ministry shows that Phuket was the most popular destination with foreign tourists during the first 10 months of 2022. The island has also generated nearly 128 billion baht in tourism revenue, the highest in the country.

Deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana says the tourism industry in the kingdom is slowly recovering after a very difficult few years. It started with the launch of the Phuket Sandbox, Thailand’s pilot project for a gradual re-opening of the country to international travelers. Earlier this month, Thailand welcomed its 10 millionth foreign visitor.

“The success of the program also came from strong public health measures and Thai people’s cooperation that has helped the tourism industry bounce back in a V-shaped recovery and attracted 10 million visitors before the year-end.” Continued …

Kwai River dinner cruise, Kanchanaburi

Central Thailand Travel Guide – 7 Splendid Trip Ideas

Travel 2-3 hours north of modern Bangkok in central Thailand, and you can time travel. Get lost in cities famed for ancient ruins, memorial sites, WWII traces and soothing nature.

The central region of Thailand was the stronghold of the Ayutthaya Kingdom that lasted over 400 years, paving the way for present-day Thailand. Aside from Ayutthaya’s historical park, where the earlier territory comes alive, spirits of the past still haunt the area today – from Lopburi’s temples to Kanchanaburi, paying homage to its WWII heritage.

Take these seven trip ideas and dive into the cultural heartland of one of the most underrated regions of Thailand. Continued …

The 9 Best Spas in Bangkok

Although celebrated retreats are nothing new in the tropical island regions of Thailand, the best spas in Bangkok boast a particularly unique approach, setting the city apart from many other destinations around the world.

The bustling Southeast Asian metropolis has long been synonymous with a wild nightlife scene, Michelin-starred street food, and ancient temples — and its intrepid visitors have come to the city hungry for an unforgettable adventure. But in recent years, there’s been an appetite for a new brand of tourism taking over the Thai capital: wellness.

This refreshing energy is very much due to the destination’s focus on the marriage of Thai tradition — which, for centuries, has taken a holistic approach to health —with modern science and medicine. From classic treatments like Tok Sen massage, an ancient Thai technique that uses a special wooden hammer to tap along the body’s energy line, and Harmonized Qi rituals to a new medical wellness retreat offering up the latest longevity innovations (think: cryotherapy, DNA testing, whole-body light therapy, and hyperbaric chambers), there are more than a trip’s worth of wellness experiences to be had. Continued … 

IATA calls for adoption of travel health code

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for a universal health code for air travel, with the World Health Organization (WHO) standard used to prepare for future health emergencies. Continued …

Eight killed, dozens missing in Malaysia landslide

At least eight people died after a landslide struck a Malaysian campsite today, officials said, as rescuers searched for dozens who were still missing. Continued … 

UN details civilian executions in Ukraine

In just the first weeks of Moscow’s war in Ukraine, Russian forces summarily killed hundreds of civilians, the UN rights chief said Thursday, decrying likely war crimes. Continued … 

ECB: Euro zone economy probably contracting

The euro zone economy may contract in the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year because of high energy prices, but it should still manage weak growth in 2023, the European Central Bank (ECB) said on Thursday. Continued … 

China’s economy braces for more turmoil

Economic activity in China weakened in November before the government abruptly dropped its zero-Covid policy, while a surge in infections in coming months is likely to cause more turmoil and push policymakers to increase stimulus. Continued … 

Biden tells leaders US is ‘all in’ for Africa

President Joe Biden threw his support Thursday behind a larger African role in the world but also vowed the United States would not shy away from promoting democracy. Continued … 

US places Chinese chipmakers on trade blacklist

The U.S. Commerce Department on Thursday blacklisted 36 Chinese companies, including top producers of advanced computer chips, severely restricting their access to American technology. Continued … 

Twitter suspends accounts of journalists covering Musk

Twitter suspended Thursday the accounts of more than a half-dozen journalists who had been writing about the company and its new owner, Elon Musk. Some of the journalists had been tweeting about Twitter shutting down an account that tracked flights of the billionaire’s private jet and about versions of that account hosted at other social networks. Continued …

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90-day online reporting

baht, bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, phuket, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Thursday’s News-Dec 15

2 Comments

  • Vintage Car Parade this weekend at Dusit Thani/
  • Hua Hin World Cup won by Swiss team/
  • A Story of Life-Saving Cooperation and Coordination/
  • Meteor shower will light up the skies tonight/
  • Amazing MuayThai Festival set in Hua Hin Feb 4-6/
  • LPG price cap to remain through January/
  • Baht hits 6-month high against dollar after US Fed rate hike/
  • World Bank eyes slower Thai growth/
  • Unemployment drops amid increasing economic activity/
  • Shrimp industry continues to tread water/
  • Mice steal gran’s 50K and stash it in the rafters/
  • Japanese restaurants see record-breaking growth in Thailand/
  • Chinese mafia case taken over by police chief/
  • CP and Toyota join forces to study path toward carbon neutrality in Thailand/
  • Thai firm to buy used cooking oil to convert to plane fuel/
  • Industrial estates to install solar systems/
  • EV producers cheered by bookings at motor show/
  • House panel reverses cannabis status as narcotic/
  • Tourism: Thailand is most popular destination in SEA for North Americans and Europeans/Thailand’s Secret Wine Region Is a Lush, Grape-Scented Paradise/ TAT sees Chinese tourists returning soon/-Where will Chinese tourists travel post-Covid?/Thailand renowned for high medical care standards at friendly rates among foreign tourists/Phuket peak tourism season expected over Christmas and New Year/Phuket hotels lack workers/Call of the mountains/Marriott plans to open 8 more hotels in Thailand in 2023/Thai Airways is recruiting 1,000 workers for Suvarnabhumi/
  • Covid: Mask wearing required in crowds in Bangkok New Year’s celebrations/Covid surge spooks Beijing residents, disrupts government/
  • International: It’s no joke: Across globe, satire morphs into misinformation/Japan unveils future-food breakthrough: ‘meat’ made from rice bran/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Foe more information, email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Vintage Car Parade this weekend at Dusit Thani

The 20th Vintage Car Parade to be held this weekend, courtesy of Dusit Thani Hua Hin Resort.

About 50 vintage cars will be involved and will arrive at the resort on Friday afternoon.

A parade is planned for Saturday at 9am, with the group stopping for lunch at Monsoon Valley Vineyard. The parade will also visit the Ban Wang Khoi School in Thap Tai.

A dinner will in the Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom will complete the visit, with vehicles returning to Bangkok on Sunday.

Hua Hin World Cup won by Swiss team

The Switzerland team defeated Thailand in a penalty shootout (following a 1-1 draw in extra time) to win this year’s Hua Hin World Cup.

The tournament raised 20,000 baht for the Jungle Aid Foundation.

A Story of Life-Saving Cooperation and Coordination

A 28-year-old male patient involved in a car accident received a serious brain injury and was recently admitted to Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital. Despite a neurosurgery team making every effort with surgery and intensive care, the patient was declared to be in a state of brain death but the condition of the heart and other organs were still good.

After close consultation with the family of the man, permission was received for organ donations to the Thai Red Cross Society Organ Donation Center to be made available for patients waiting for life-saving organ transplants. The donated organs consisted of a heart, a liver, two kidneys, a pancreas and two eyes.

The hospital then coordinated with the Thai Red Cross Society to prepare a team of doctors, nurses and equipment to collect the organs. The heart transplantation was particularly important, with time limits on a viable transplantation making transport from Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital to Bangkok impractical by road. Continued …

Meteor shower will light up the skies tonight

The annual Geminids meteor shower can be viewed tonight before 11pm, with stargazers in rural areas expected to get the best view, according to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand.

There could be as many as 150 meteors per hour when the shower is most visible, from about 8 pm until 11 pm, the institute said.

The meteor shower can be viewed with the naked eye from locations that are distant from artificial lighting. Continued …

Amazing MuayThai Festival set in Hua Hin Feb 4-6

The Amazing MuayThai Festival 2023 will be held at Rajabhat Park in the Hua Hin Feb. 4-6, announced the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT is organizing this event with the Royal Thai Army, the Ministry of Culture, Sports Authority of Thailand, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, and private sector partners.

The festival aims to promote cultural tourism and is in line with the Thai government’s policy to promote Thailand’s soft-power foundations, which include food, film, fashion, fight, and festival. Continued …

LPG price cap to remain through January

The Energy Policy Administration Committee (EPAC) has decided to continue capping the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is used as cooking gas, at 408 baht per 15-kilogram cylinder until the end of next month in a bid to slow rising living costs.

The group also agreed to maintain the ex-refinery price of LPG at 19.98 baht per kg. LPG is a petroleum product created from the crude oil refining process. Continued …

Baht hits 6-month high against dollar after US Fed rate hike

The baht opened at 34.53 to the U.S. dollar today, strengthening from Wednesday’s close of 34.57 to a six-month high.

The currency will likely move between 34.50 and 34.70 against the greenback during the day, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.

Poon said that the baht strengthened on dollar weakening and gold sales but cautioned the Thai currency could weaken if foreign investors begin selling Thai stocks due to a risk-off state in the U.S. and Asian currency markets. Continued …

World Bank eyes slower Thai growth

The Thai economy is projected to recover faster than expected this year, but will face slower growth in 2023 because of global headwinds, according to the World Bank.

Thailand’s economic growth is estimated to expand by 3.4% in 2022, exceeding the 2.9% World Bank projection made in June.

Growth was supported by stronger private consumption and services exports thanks to the nascent tourism recovery and strong pent-up demand after the relaxation of lockdown measures and travel restrictions, according to the World Bank report “Thailand Economic Monitor: Fiscal Policy for a Resilient and Equitable Future” released on Wednesday. Continued …

Unemployment drops amid increasing economic activity

Unemployment declined thanks to increased economic activity and a rebound in tourism. However, household debt increased, albeit at a slower pace, while total loan quality improved.

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported on Wednesday unemployment in the third quarter tallied 491,400, representing 1.23% of the total workforce, declining from 546,600, or 1.37%, of the workforce in the second quarter.

The unemployment rates in 2020 and 2021 were 1.69% and 1.96%, respectively. Before the pandemic, the unemployment rate was around 1%. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

You deserve it!

Shrimp industry continues to tread water

The local shrimp industry remains in the doldrums this year because of persistent diseases and unfavorable weather.

Ekapoj Yodpinit, president of the Thai Shrimp Assn., said on Wednesday the country’s overall shrimp production is expected to stay at 280,000 tons, on par with the previous year.

Production from the upper southern region is expected to account for 32% of this year’s output, with the eastern region making up 25%, the lower southern region on the Andaman Coast 21%, the lower southern region on the Gulf of Thailand 10%, and the central region 12%. Continued … 

Mice steal gran’s 50K and stash it in the rafters

Media reported on a TikTok video going viral under the name flower_for. It featured a family dismantling a wall and rafters in a house after 50,000 baht of a grandmother’s money went missing over the last year.

They said that mice had stolen the old lady’s money and stashed it in the cavities.

They were pulling down handfuls of her cash. Continued …

Japanese restaurants see record-breaking growth in Thailand

The number of Japanese restaurants in Thailand rose 21.9% in 2022 over the year before, the highest jump since the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) began keeping track in 2007, Jetro said on Wednesday.

Jetro recorded a total of 5,325 Japanese restaurants in Thailand this year, up 955 from 4,370 in 2021. It said the expansion of Japanese restaurants has been prominent in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. However, since 2019, it has been possible to find Japanese restaurants in every province, according to Jetro.

“I’m glad that more Japanese restaurants are opening in Thailand … [they] offer a great opportunity for Japanese food lovers to taste Japan’s delicious dishes and expand the market for Japan’s food industry,” said Jun Kuroda, president of Jetro Bangkok. Continued …

Chinese mafia case taken over by police chief

Thai Police Commissioner General Damrongsak Kittiprapat has taken over responsibility for the case involving the alleged Chinese drug mafia network linked with Du Hao or Chaiyanat Kornchayanant. Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn or “Big Joke” will continue to play a crucial coordinating role with the Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Police Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsawang handling the investigation into drugs being sold at exclusive nightclubs in Bangkok.

Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) Chief Gen. Torsak Sukwimol will take charge of suppression activities concerning the extended gang network and the use of “gray capital”, which has been linked with extensive property purchases. Alleged malfeasance within the Immigration Bureau is being reviewed by a high-ranking civil service commission.

Following an announcement on Monday by Damrongsak that he was taking over supervision of the DU Hao case and associated investigations, the operation of a suspected Chinese illicit drug network has also been linked, in the last week, to allegations of malfeasance within the Immigration Bureau. Continued …

CP and Toyota join forces to study path toward carbon neutrality in Thailand

Toyota Motor Thailand has announced its partnership with Thai conglomerate CP Group to support a carbon-neutral pathway.

The project also includes Toyota’s competitors such as Daihatsu, Isuzu, Suzuki, and its affiliated company Hino.

Since its establishment in 1921, CP has been operating with the core value of three benefits: to country, to people, and to organization. Continued …

Thai firm to buy used cooking oil to convert to plane fuel

Thailand’s leading petroleum and energy conglomerate Bangchak Corp. and its joint venture will launch a campaign to recycle used cooking oil for making plane fuel.

Bangchak’s Senior Executive VP Somchai Tejavanija, acting executive vice president of the refinery and logistics business Kanthamat Kritayanukul, and Executive VP of BBGI Plc Kittima Wongsaen, as well as directors of Bangchak and BSGF, encouraged people to sell their used cooking oil at 44 Bangchak petrol stations as they launched the“ Tod-Mai-Ting”(recycling used cooking oil) campaign, which opens on Dec. 21.

Used cooking oil will be converted into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), in response to the bio-circular-green economy (BCG) economic model. It emphasizes the use of biotechnology to create value addition to the economy and aligns with the circular economy and green economy, together with social development to create stability and sustainability, according to Bangchak. Continued …

Industrial estates to install solar systems

Industrial estate developer Pinthong Industrial Park Plc (PIN) plans to allocate 1.6 billion baht to invest in renewable energy projects by installing floating and rooftop solar panels at its industrial estates.

The floating solar panels will be installed on a reservoir spanning 300 rai at its industrial complex, while the investment in rooftop solar panels is for another five industrial estates with total area of 1.3 million square meters, said Surach Patanawongyuneyong, chief operations officer of PIN.

“The company is in the process of developing the two projects. We expect them to be completed so we can start recognizing revenue in the second quarter of next year,” he said. Continued … 

EV producers cheered by bookings at motor show

Bookings for 5,800 electric vehicles (EVs) at the Thailand International Motor Expo are providing fuel for the government’s ongoing efforts to develop the domestic EV industry.

The EV total made up 15% of all car bookings, which tallied 36,679 units during the 12-day car event that ended on Dec. 12, according to the organizer.

Chinese EVs were the most popular among prospective buyers, partly because their manufacturers have joined the government’s EV incentive scheme, which includes tax cuts and subsidies, said Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit. Continued …

House panel reverses cannabis status as narcotic

The House committee vetting the controversial cannabis/hemp control bill on Wednesday agreed to remove Section 3 of the draft law, which stipulates that cannabis and hemp were not considered narcotic substances under the Narcotics Act.

This raised questions about the status of the plant, but the Bhumjaithai Party, which sponsored the bill, and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) insisted that axing Section 3 would not affect the rest of the bill.

The committee’s decision came as lawmakers resumed their deliberation of the bill. Continued …

Thailand is most popular destination in SEA for North Americans and Europeans

New research from BBC News shows that people around the world are actively searching for their next getaway abroad and that Thailand is now seen as the most popular destination to visit in Southeast Asia for visitors planning a trip from North America and Europe.

In fact, more than half of the respondents from both Europe and North America named Thailand as their number 1 destination of choice in Southeast Asia; 57.4% of the global respondents who are intending to travel to SEA say they would be more likely to visit Thailand than any other country in the region.

Furthermore, the research showed that travelers to Southeast Asia are often experienced world travelers, looking for new and different experiences, and they will plan to stay for 1-2 weeks, preferring self-planned trips to package deals. Continued … 

Thailand’s Secret Wine Region Is a Lush, Grape-Scented Paradise

People often travel to Thailand for endless heaps of noodles, opulent royal palaces and temples, and the serenity of the surrounding tropical beaches. That was certainly the majority of my intended itinerary, until I visited the country’s Monsoon Valley Vineyards and realized the country held an additional, unexpected appeal for me. Namely, Thai wine.

Outside of the bustling coastal city of Hua Hin, serene rolling hills give way to rows and rows of grapevines. The aroma of soy sauce and chillies omnipresent in Hua Hin’s streets is replaced by the dual scents of fresh air and ripe grapes. This lush, fragrant place is Monsoon Valley, the vineyard founded in 2001 by lead winemaker Suppached Sasomsin, now a leading producer of Thai wines.

After studying wine in France, Italy, and Spain, Sasomsin was inspired to develop viticulture in his native country, Thailand, where he recognized the bountiful potential for growing grapes. His first vineyard at Tab Kwang, in the country’s traditional grape-growing region of Khao Yai, was a success. He sought out other areas of Thailand with less of a reputation for wine and eventually found the Baan Khork Chang valley, just over 20 miles from the beaches of Hua Hin. Continued … 

TAT sees Chinese tourists returning soon

Outbound tourism from China is expected to restart during the Chinese New Year in late January 2023, as Beijing gradually lifts Covid-19 restrictions, aiding tourism-related stocks and the overall travel sector in Thailand, say industry operators.

Speaking at an event on Wednesday hosted by the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (FETCO), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the agency plans to promote Chinese travel to Thailand during the holiday next month, or within the first quarter at the latest.

“It is possible China will start to allow its citizens to travel outside the country as early as Chinese New Year. Hopefully, Thailand will be on a list of countries the Chinese government allows its people to visit,” he said. Continued … 

Where will Chinese tourists travel post-Covid?

The proportion of mainland Chinese travelers who are “eager to travel” as soon as they are allowed has more than doubled in the past year, according to a just-published survey.

It has been a difficult time for the Chinese travel industry. Quarantine, strict lockdown policies and inconvenience have all been listed as reasons for postponing domestic and overseas trips.

As Beijing begins to ease zero-Covid restrictions, huge pent-up demand for international travel signals a strong rebound is in the cards. Continued …

Thailand renowned for high medical care standards at friendly rates among foreign tourists

The Ministry of Public Health has emphasized the potential benefits of its “Health for Wealth” concept in enhancing Thailand’s economy through medical tourism promotion.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that according to the Medical Tourism Assn., Thailand ranks 5th among the world’s most popular health tourism destinations in 2021. High medical care standards, quality treatments, reasonable rates, and affordable cost of living for long-term patients have made the kingdom one of the most popular medical destinations.

According to the Department of Health Service Support, a ministry survey conducted in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand (BOT) on 30 hospitals last year revealed that tourists who came for medical treatment spent around 11.9 billion baht. This represents a 47% increase over the previous year. The top five treatments generating the most revenue for hospitals were cardiovascular issues, metabolism, cancer, bones and joints, and neurological systems. Continued … 

Phuket peak tourism season expected over Christmas and New Year

The peak of the Phuket tourism high season is expected from Christmas to New Year, as Russians lead the pack of visitors.

The president of the Southern Thai Hotels Assn., Sueksit Suwannadissakun, said, “Phuket tourism has improved since the beginning of October. About 57 percent of hotels in Phuket re-opened in October and in November this was 70 percent.

“We are expecting that during Christmas and New Year there will be 80 percent of hotels in Phuket opened.” Continued … 

Phuket hotels lack workers

A stronger occupancy rate and the abrupt surge of the Russian market has Phuket hotels facing a labor shortage during the high season, prompting operators to urge the government to help attract more foreign workers to shore up the market. Continued …

Call of the mountains

Thailand’s northwest frontier, between the provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai, was once a draw for traders seeking fortune in the abundant teak forest. Today, the region entices visitors with its majestic landscape, ethnic diversity, and culinary delights, making it ideal for a week-long, self-drive adventure.

Technically, you can drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son in around six hours, but this is not the sort of road trip you’ll want to rush. The classic Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son route along Route 108 is one of Thailand’s most challenging yet scenic routes, with 1,864 twists and turns, so roll down the windows, enjoy the views and soak up local and tribal cultures.

The route takes you along Thailand’s northwest outposts where Shan culture, tranquil valleys, thatched farmhouses and food adventures are waiting to be rediscovered. Continued … 

Marriott plans to open 8 more hotels in Thailand in 2023

On the heels of Thailand celebrating its milestone of 10 million tourist arrivals in 2022, Marriott International, Inc., announced on Tuesday plans that it expects to reach 50 hotels in the country by mid-2023, including adding an anticipated eight hotels in 2023.

With these openings, the company also expects to debut two new brands – Autograph Collection Hotels and Moxy Hotels – in the country. Continued …

Thai Airways is recruiting 1,000 workers for Suvarnabhumi

Thai Airways International is recruiting about 1,000 ground workers, mainly to tackle delays in luggage handling at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, its acting CEO Suvadhana Sibunruang said on Wednesday.

Suvadhana admitted that it took more than 30 minutes to handle one flight’s luggage at Suvarnabhumi airport earlier this year and that some flights were delayed due to slow luggage handling.

He said the carrier realizes this is an issue and is recruiting more staff to deal with it. About 1,000 positions are open at the carrier’s Suvarnabhumi operations. These are positions for ground services, including baggage handlers, drivers of vehicles in the airport, and kitchen staff, he said. Continued …

Mask wearing required in crowds in Bangkok New Year’s celebrations

New Year countdown celebrations will be allowed to take place in Bangkok, though patrons will be required to wear face masks in areas where crowds gather.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said on Wednesday the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will ramp up its Covid-19 control measures during the New Year festival, with clear safety protocols that revelers will be expected to follow – especially those who are considered at high risk of catching the disease. Continued …

Covid surge spooks Beijing residents, disrupts government

Covid infections are surging in Beijing, disrupting official government work and keeping people at home after authorities made an about-turn in their strict policy of managing virus cases. Continued … 

It’s no joke: Across globe, satire morphs into misinformation

Is a U.S. state considering a tax on breathing? Is celebrating goals forbidden during the Qatar World Cup because that is “too gay?” Did insect repellent manufacturers recruit a Ugandan man for his mosquito-killing farts? Continued … 

Japan unveils future-food breakthrough: ‘meat’ made from rice bran

Defatted rice bran is often wasted, as it lacks practical applications, but a Japanese scientist and firm have managed to turn the byproduct into a high-protein food. Yamagata University Prof. Masanori Watanabe and rice-milling machine manufacturer Satake Corp. have announced success in their efforts to produce a meat substitute using protein extracted from defatted rice bran. The breakthrough is expected to bring a new source of income for farmers in the future. Continued …

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90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, medical tourism, phuket, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-Dec 14

  • Where to Live Around Hua Hin/
  • Power hike to force up price of goods/
  • Economy can withstand global risks, says finance minister/
  • Energy plan will save over THB500 billion in energy costs over 15 years/
  • Chadchart, US Ambassador Enjoy Foot Massage After Morning Jog/
  • Thailand aims high for higher ed by 2037/
  • Recycling a risk in itself/
  • Sources suggest Lineman close to buying up Food Panda/
  • KFC to open 30 new branches next year/
  • Thai-China high-speed rail seeking Bt300B extra/
  • Cabinet presses ignition on Thailand’s 15-year space master plan/
  • Tourism: Top things tourists like to do in Thailand/Tourism revival boosts Thailand’s industries sentiment index/Medical tourism eyed as cash cow/Bangkok Airways upbeat, predicts 4.5M passengers next year/Grab tuk-tuks ready to roll in Phuket/
  • Covid: Where to get booster vaccines in Hua Hin/Thailand urged to roll out antibody treatment as Covid hospitalizations surge/Warnings of tough times over China’s rapid zero-Covid exit/
  • International: EU wants to ‘reconnect’ with Southeast Asia amid Ukraine war/Europe’s record 2022 wildfires sent carbon emissions soaring/U.S. Government Scientists Confirm Major Breakthrough In Nuclear Fusion Energy/Mali’s world-beating nonuplets back home/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Foe more information, email us at aimhhexpatnews.com

Where to Live Around Hua Hin

There are many choices for your ideal home location in Hua Hin. Whether your preferences are about being close to the ocean or green surroundings; having medical services nearby or wanting to be being among the nightlife and restaurants or a quieter scene, it’s all about trying to match the location to your lifestyle.

Perhaps you prefer living near to the city center, or at the “boutique suburb” of Khao Takiab or perhaps a little further afield near the coast at Khao Tao? Living inland among the hills heading west may also be appealing.

All these options are within 12 kilometers of the city center but all offer very different lifestyle choices. Continued …

Power hike to force up price of goods

Entrepreneurs under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) plan to increase product prices by 5%-12% if the government implements its plan to increase the power tariff between January and April next year.

The current power tariff, which has been driven by a higher fuel tariff (Ft), stands at B4.72 per kilowatt-hour (unit).

The Energy Regulatory Commission earlier announced the rate will increase to 5.37-6.03 baht a unit in the first four months of next year. Continued …

Economy can withstand global risks, says finance minister

Thailand’s economy is still on the recovery path and should grow 3.4% this year and 3.8% next year, supported by a rebound in the vital tourism sector, the finance minister said today.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy can weather global uncertainties, while average inflation should come in at 6% this year, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said at a World Bank event. Continued …

Energy plan will save over THB500 billion in energy costs over 15 years

Thailand’s revised Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP) will help save the country 532.46 billion baht in energy costs by 2037, the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Department (AEDED) said.

Prasert Sinsukprasert, AEDED director-general, said on Tuesday that the 2022 EEP, which will replace the 2018 plan and be in force until 2037, will boost energy conservation from 30% in 2018 to 36% over the next 15 years. He said the plan is to reduce the use of energy in the next 15 years by 49,064 kilotons of oil equivalent (ktoe), which will save the country 532.455 billion baht.

The 2022 EEP is among the five national energy plans that aim to push Thailand toward carbon neutrality within 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065. Continued …

Chadchart, US Ambassador Enjoy Foot Massage After Morning Jog

Bangkok Gov.Chadchart Sittipunt Monday livestreamed getting a foot massage together with U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec at the annual Red Cross fair after a 10-kilometer jog around Lumpini Park in the morning.

Chadchart, who had invited the U.S. ambassador on this outing, said he enjoyed the massage very much.

This was performed by blind masseuses from Sam Phran Blind Woman Vocational Training Center. Continued …

Thailand aims high for higher ed by 2037

The government has approved a blueprint for higher education development as part of efforts to steer Thailand to become a developed country by 2037.

The World Bank defines a high-income economy as a nation with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$12,696 (442,000 baht) or more in 2020. Thailand’s GNI per capita in 2021 was $7,260, according to World Bank data.

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Tuesday the cabinet approved a number of draft policies and strategies to serve as development frameworks for higher education, science, research, and innovation between 2023 and 2027. Continued … 

Recycling a risk in itself

Rayong provincial court yesterday ordered Win Process Co. – a hazardous waste recycling company – to clean up toxic waste contamination and pay 20.82-million-baht compensation to villagers who had been forced to suffer the effects of the contamination for a decade.

The lawsuit was filed last year by 15 plaintiffs against the company and two executives. Villagers alleged that hazardous waste – mostly in the form of heavy metals, lubricants, solvents, and chemicals from petrochemical plants in Rayong province – had been contaminating farmland and public water resources since 2012.

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) last year demanded the company pay compensation of more than 1.3 billion baht for damage caused to the environment and a community near its factory. Continued …

Sources suggest Lineman close to buying up Food Panda

A Bloomberg report has suggested Lineman was in talks to buy the Food Panda delivery service owned by Delivery Hero.

The initial asking price was US $100 million, though this was expected to come down due to the depressed delivery sector market.

At present, in Thailand the hierarchy is: Grab #1, Lineman #2, Food Panda #3. Continued …

KFC to open 30 new branches next year

Central Restaurants Group (CRG), the country’s leading restaurant chain operator, intends to invest 400 million baht to open 30 new KFC branches next year, spending three times faster than pre-crisis levels thanks to a full recovery in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment.

According to Piyapong Chitchumnong, head of QSR & Western cuisine and head of KFC for CRG, the new branches will bring the total number of KFC outlets to 350 next year.

Half of the new branches will be in Bangkok, with the rest in upcountry areas. Continued …

Thai-China high-speed rail seeking Bt300B extra

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to invest another 300 billion baht for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project.

An SRT source said the blueprint of the 356-kilometer section of the second phase of the project, stretching from Nakhon Ratchasima to the border province of Nong Khai, has already been finished.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) will be submitted soon to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP). Continued … 

Cabinet presses ignition on Thailand’s 15-year space master plan

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved Thailand’s 15-year master plan for space development, which will tap NASA expertise.

Ministers gave the green light to the National Space Master Plan 2023-2037 and the National Communication Satellite Policy to drive forward the Thai space industry with concrete measures, said deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek.

The National Space Master Plan will guide development of a space economy for national security, prosperity and sustainability. These mission goals will be achieved through research, development and promotion of space security, economy, industry, innovation, technology, and exploration, according to the master plan. Continued …

Top things tourists like to do in Thailand

Eating Thai food, Thai massage and spa treatments, going to the beach and visiting historical sites are the most popular activities among foreign tourists, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

A survey, conducted by the TAT, shows that 90.8% want to eat Thai food, followed by 48.2% who want to experience Thai traditional massage and spas, 48.1% prefer going to the beach and enjoying sea-related activities, and 46.2% prefer visiting venues of historical importance.

The five medical services most sought after by the tourists are medical check-ups, bone and joint treatments, treatments related to heart and vascular diseases, metabolic and dental treatment. Continued … 

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

You deserve it!

Tourism revival boosts Thailand’s industries sentiment index

The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) showed a month-on-month improvement, reaching 93.5 points in November, bolstered by the tourism sector despite concerns over energy prices.

Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) President Kriengkrai Thiennukul and FTI executive committee member Pipope Chokvathana said that the TISI in November had increased slightly over the previous month to 93.5 points, thanks to the growing number of foreign tourists.

Since the country’s economic activity is already back on track, consumption and expenditure in the country have flourished. Continued …

Medical tourism eyed as cash cow

The Public Health Ministry has launched its “Health for Wealth” concept to build the country’s economic strength through the promotion of medical tourism.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday expressed satisfaction with the recent spike in tourist arrivals, which last week topped 10 million so far this year.

The country passed the milestone at Suvarnabhumi airport on Saturday, beating its visitor arrival target for this year. It is a testament to a strong tourism rebound since the easing of the Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions. Continued …

Bangkok Airways upbeat, predicts 4.5M passengers next year

Bangkok Airways reckons it will be able to fly nearly 3 million passengers this year, and about 4.5 million next year now that Thailand has lifted all Covid-19 restrictions.

In an interview with Thansettakij, the airline’s president and CEO Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said bookings began rising as soon as the government lifted the Thailand Pass registration system.

In the first nine months of this year, the number of Bangkok Airways bookings has risen to 40% of pre-pandemic levels, he said. Continued …

Grab tuk-tuks ready to roll in Phuket

Grab is launching a tuk-tuk service in Phuket after being granted a ride-hailing license by the Department of Land Transport in September. The “GrabTukTuk” service in Phuket will be on hand to welcome the return of international tourists and support local job creation, the company said.

It expects to offer the new service through 100 tuk-tuk driver-partners by early 2023.

Grab, a leading super app in Southeast Asia, says the Phuket launch is part of the continued expansion of its mobility services. Continued …

Where to get booster vaccines in Hua Hin

Hua Hin Hospital and the Red Cross Hua Hin have announced the schedule for booster vaccines in Hua Hin.

Free booster vaccines are available at Hua Hin Hospital every Tuesday between 8:30am and 11:30am. The vaccines are available to ages 5-11 (Pfizer dose 1, 2) and the over 12s (Pfizer dose 1,2,3,4,5).

Anyone who wishes to receive a booster vaccine should go to the 10th floor of the car park building at Hua Hin Hospital with their passport or Thai ID card, Morh prom vaccine injection history or vaccine certificate from their home country. Continued …

Thailand urged to roll out antibody treatment as Covid hospitalizations surge

A top virologist has urged the Public Health Ministry to roll out long-acting antibody (LAAB) treatments to protect people vulnerable to Covid-19 as infection levels surge.

The Department of Disease Control reports that hospital beds occupied by Covid patients have jumped from 5% last month to 8.5% this month.

Dr. Yong Poovorawan said LAAB treatments such as AstraZeneca’s Evushield should be administered to at-risk groups to protect against the Omicron BA.2.75 driving Thailand’s latest Covid-19 wave. Continued … 

Warnings of tough times over China’s rapid zero-Covid exit

A week after China began dismantling its tough “zero-Covid” controls, the World Health Organization warned of “very tough” times ahead and state media reported some seriously ill patients at hospitals in Beijing, raising fears of a wave of infections.

China last Wednesday announced sweeping changes to testing and quarantine rules, aligning with a world that has largely reopened, after historic protests against mass lockdowns that caused mental strain for millions but kept the virus in check.

The elation that met those changes has quickly faded amid mounting signs that China may pay a price for shielding a population that lacks “herd immunity” and has low vaccination rates among the elderly. Continued …

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International

EU wants to ‘reconnect’ with Southeast Asia amid Ukraine war

European Union (EU) leaders meet their counterparts from Southeast Asia for a summit in Brussels today, looking to bolster ties in the face of the war in Ukraine and challenges from China. Continued …

Europe’s record 2022 wildfires sent carbon emissions soaring

Wildfires that scorched across Europe this year burned a record land area and stoked carbon emissions, according to an update released on Tuesday by Europe’s forest fire and satellite monitors. Continued …

U.S. Government Scientists Confirm Major Breakthrough In Nuclear Fusion Energy

Since the 1950s, scientists around the world have sought to replicate the reaction that fuels the sun in search of a clean energy “holy grail,” a technology capable of providing nonstop electricity without planet-heating emissions or radioactive waste. Continued …

Mali’s world-beating nonuplets back home

A Malian mother who gave birth to nine babies in Morocco last year returned home on Tuesday with her infants, Health Minister Dieminatou Sangare said. Continued …

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90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-Dec 12

  • Kite boarding at Pran Buri, Dec. 17/
  • Sterilization alone is not the cure/
  • Thai economy and baht likely to maintain momentum in 2023/
  • Collection of land and building tax postponed again/
  • The perils of pigeon droppings/
  • Rice noodle soup for crab lovers/
  • A mental healing program with coffee, music/
  • Why Thailand’s new history class is causing national controversy/
  • Top Immigration officers investigated over Chinese corruption claims/
  • South African man arrested in Phuket with 196 days of overstay/
  • Norwegian man arrested on Samui Island for 15 days of overstay/
  • Thailand’s cannabis legal vacuum spawns multibillion-baht business plus health concerns/
  • Tourism: Thailand tops 10 million 2022 arrivals/KResearch forecasts 24 million-plus arrivals in Thailand next year/Standard forecasts continuing tourism growth/U-Tapao airport seeing major influx of Russian tourists daily to Pattaya/Hotels in Thailand getting closer to full recovery, survey shows/Small hotels in Phuket are yet to benefit from tourism recovery/Three Indian tourists arrested for stealing shorts and bracelet in Krabi/An Azur Air flight circles Phuket for hours, then aborts/
  • Covid: Six Covid dead in a day in ONE Korat hospital/Covid-Infected Thai Man Found Dead On Flight From Saudi Arabia/Thais urged to get booster shots as Covid-19 subvariant’s prevalence increases/Covid-19 treatments still free under Thailand’s SSO scheme/
  • International: Bali governor says new Indonesia laws pose no risk to tourists/NASA capsule Orion splashes down after record-setting lunar voyage/Russia ramping up production of ‘most powerful’ weapons/Ukrainian strike hits Russian-occupied Melitopol/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Foe more information, email us at aimhhexpatnews.com

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

You deserve it!

Sterilization alone is not the cure

Cooky Laksana, a veterinarian with the Rescue P.A.W.S. foundation located just south of Hua Hin, sterilizes her 30th animal of the day. The same day, a local drops off an abandoned litter of puppies. “It can sometimes feel like an impossible task,” said Rescue P.A.W.S. Operations Manager Jacob Ivor Thomas. Continued …

Thai economy and baht likely to maintain momentum in 2023

Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to see stronger growth in 2023 amid recovery in the key tourism sector, despite the slowdown that is expected to be seen in the key export sector.

The tourism sector, which accounts for nearly 15% of the GDP, saw a sharp recovery over the past few months after Thailand opened its doors to visitors on July 1.

The revival of tourism has been witnessed by the influx of tourists which, despite the lack of Chinese tourists, has reached nearly 9.1 million in the past 11 months. Continued …

Collection of land and building tax postponed again

The collection of land and building taxes has been delayed by two more months due to the damage caused by recent flooding in many provinces.

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda released a statement last month saying the implementation of the 2019 Land and Building Tax Act was being postponed.

The announcement said many local administrative organizations have been unable to survey the land and buildings subject to taxes, even though the flooding has improved in many areas. Continued …

The perils of pigeon droppings

Feeding birds is a lot of fun and helps people to connect with nature, which is known to bring benefits to health. It’s considered a form of merit-making to many people, as they are helping the wildlife to survive.

But doctors are warning that our avian friends can spread infectious diseases to humans through their dried feces that contain fungi and bacteria. Breathing these in can make people sick and even cause serious illness.

Such cases have been recorded in the past and one of the most recent reported in the Thai media concerned an actor being rushed to hospital for treatment. Continued … 

Rice noodle soup for crab lovers

Banh canh cua (crab thick rice noodle soup) is known as a major part of Southern cuisine. It is said to have existed in the 20th century in Vietnam and was famous for its flavorful red-orange broth.

People do not exactly know when the dish was created. Its origin is believed to be in southeast Vietnam last century after it made its debut in Trang Bang District, Tay Ninh Province.

Banh canh (rice noodles) is a traditional dish that is typically served for breakfast. The main ingredient is white, thick and chewy noodles made from rice flour. Continued …

A mental healing program with coffee, music

The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and the Shanghai Mental Health Center, also known as the Mental Health Center affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, recently released a series of products that include 10 packs of blended coffee, with each claiming to be able to address a mental status or problem such as anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Each pack also comes paired with a short piece of symphonic music and a three-minute audio clip of a mental health professional’s interpretation of symptoms.

For example, those who scan the QR code on the pack of coffee marked “anxiety” will hear Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze, while scanning the pack titled “inferiority complex” will produce sounds of Ravel’s Morning Song of the Jester. Continued …

Why Thailand’s new history class is causing national controversy

From the next academic year, schools across Thailand will teach history as a main subject in line with the policy of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The move has prompted questions over whether the government is trying to cultivate a nationalistic and conservative mindset at a time when the world is focused on globalization and liberalism.

“It seems as if the government wants to force nationalism upon children,” prominent educator Prof, Sompong Jitradub said. “The move is unusual and goes against the principle of education and global trends.”

Sompong said the globe was moving toward democracy, human rights, the environment and liberalism. But instead of riding these mega-trends, Thailand’s Education Ministry is trying hard to exert nationalism and conservatism. Continued …

Top Immigration officers investigated over Chinese corruption claims

A top-level panel has been established by National Police Commissioner Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapat to investigate top officers within the Immigration Bureau based on substantiated claims made by former politician Chuwit Kamolvisit that Chinese nationals entering Thailand on tourist visas were subsequently able to obtain extended student or non-immigrant visas through a network of corrupt schools. The probe is focusing on three senior officers within the service with the rank of general.

Meanwhile, Deputy National Police Chief Gen. Surachate Hakparn, who is leading the police task force investigating the Chinese gangs and, in particular, the former empire of Du Hao, or Chaiyanat Kornchayanant, has assured whistleblower Chuwit Kamolvisit that the police will successfully prosecute the matter to the end.

His remarks came after Minister of Justice Somsak Thepsutin confirmed that over Bt3 billion of the Chinese kingpin’s assets have now been seized by the police unit, in addition to a further Bt1.13 billion seized earlier by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Continued …

South African man arrested in Phuket with 196 days of overstay

A 30-year-old South African man was arrested in the Thalang district of Phuket with 196 days of overstay. He had recently been attempting to dodge Immigration by moving from Chiang Rai to Phang Nga and then to Phuket. He claimed he had no money to go back to his country.

Reynolds entered Thailand in April 2019 with a NON–B Visa. He extended his visa in Chiang Rai and was allowed to stay until May 27. He is now at 196 days of overstay. Continued …

Norwegian man arrested on Samui Island for 15 days of overstay

A Norwegian man was arrested on Samui Island in Surat Thani for 15 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions.

Surat Thani Immigration officers said Saturday they have arrested Jan Banan Thalmann, 43, a Norwegian national at a house in the Mae Nam subdistrict, Samui district.

He is now at 15 days of overstaying his visa, according to police. He was taken to the Koh Samui Police Station to face overstaying charges. Continued …

Thailand’s cannabis legal vacuum spawns multibillion-baht business plus health concerns

Thailand has spent more than six months trying to pass a law to control the use of cannabis, but this legal vacuum is likely to continue for some time.

Many lawmakers say the Marijuana and Hemp Bill, which has already been shot down once, will not be passed during this Parliament, which is scheduled to be dissolved in March for a general election tentatively scheduled for May 7.

Meanwhile, the legal vacuum has spawned businesses ranging from plush cannabis emporiums to street-side spliff stalls to food trucks serving ganja-spiked hamburgers. Backpackers on Bangkok’s Khao San Road now have several cannabis parlors to choose from. Continued …

Thailand tops 10 million 2022 arrivals

Thailand reached their 2022 international arrivals target Saturday, with celebrations held at key airports and border checkpoints to welcome passengers arriving in the kingdom on the momentous day.

Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the “Amazing Thailand 10 Million Celebrations” welcome ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of a number of key airports and border checkpoints holding momentous events to mark tourist arrivals from around the world reaching the 10 million mark – the target set for 2022.

The achievement of reaching the 10 million visitor mark before the end of the year is a clear sign of visitor confidence in Thailand as a preferred tourist destination, and symbolizes the kingdom’s well-established status as one of the world’s most popular holiday spots. Continued …

KResearch forecasts 24 million-plus arrivals in Thailand next year

Thailand can expect to welcome as many as 24 million foreign tourists next year and earn up to 1.01 trillion baht in revenue, a top research house forecast shows.

Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) said on Sunday that the Thai tourism sector can expect a 60% recovery to pre-pandemic times now that people are less afraid of new Covid-19 waves being sparked.

“If there are new waves, we don’t expect them to result in lockdowns,” KResearch said, adding that more people will start traveling. Continued …

Standard forecasts continuing tourism growth

Standard International, a hospitality subsidiary of SET-listed developer Sansiri, is expecting this year’s strong tourism recovery to continue into 2023, with the resumption of the Chinese market a key driver.

Srettha Thavisin, chairman of Standard International, said global travel demand saw a significant uptick this year.

“The tourism sector is rebounding significantly, with robust growth projected for 2023-25,” he said. Continued …

U-Tapao airport seeing major influx of Russian tourists daily to Pattaya

The U-Tapao Airport located near the popular tourism destination of Pattaya held special ceremonies Saturday to welcome hundreds of Russian tourists as part of a national celebration marking the arrival of 10 million tourists in Thailand this year.

Thailand views the event, although far short of a record 40 million visitors in 2019, as a major step to recovery of its vital tourism industry after two and a half years of COVID-19 restrictions and border closures put the tourist industry on life support.

Much of the recent recovery, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT, is attributed to Russian tourism. Although ongoing sanctions and restrictions cause many Russian visitors to be limited on where they can travel internationally, caused by the ongoing military action between Ukraine and Russia, Thailand has continued to maintain neutrality in this conflict. As a result, Thailand has been a popular destination for Russian visitors. Continued …

Hotels in Thailand getting closer to full recovery, survey shows

As many as 47% of hotels in Thailand have managed to revive their earnings to more than half of the pre-Covid levels, the Bank of Thailand’s confidence index for November showed.

“The number has risen from 32% of hotels in October,” said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotel Assn. (THA).

“This signals that Thailand’s hotel industry is on the path to recovery thanks to the influx of foreign tourists during the high season, which runs from November to March.” Continued …

Small hotels in Phuket are yet to benefit from tourism recovery

Although tourists are returning to Phuket in increasing numbers, compared to other provinces, many of the smaller hotels on the resort island are yet to benefit from the recovery in the tourism sector.

One of the biggest challenges facing these hotels is a shortage of funds to renovate or repair their premises, which were left unoccupied for most of the past three years during the COVID-19 pandemic, and banks remain reluctant to approve new borrowing until they repay their old loans.

Pimpisaporn Techauppathamkul, vice president of the Phuket Boutique Accommodation Consortium, said about half of the 400 small hotel members of the consortium folded and their properties were seized by their creditors, while some other hotels are fighting their cases in court. Continued …

Three Indian tourists arrested for stealing shorts and bracelet in Krabi

Three female Indian tourists were arrested at an airport after stealing shorts and a bracelet from shops in Ao Nang.

Ao Nang Police Deputy Chief Lt. Col. Somphon Thiparpakun said staffers at a clothing shop in Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi district, filed a report to the Ao Nang Police with CCTV footage last week.

CCTV footage shows three female foreign tourists came into the shop before taking away a pair of jean shorts. It was later reported that the same group of tourists stole a bracelet from an accessory shop nearby, too. Continued …

An Azur Air flight circles Phuket for hours, then aborts

An Azur Air flight intended for Russia never made it and no one is saying why. The flight took off toward Novosibirsk after a five-hour delay but never made it past the Andaman Sea. It circled for hours and ended up back in Phuket, leaving about 200 passengers stranded.

Azur Air flight ZF3750 was supposed to depart at 3.50pm yesterday toward Russia. Instead, it departed at 9.20pm and took three different circling patterns for two and a half hours before eventually returning to Phuket. Continued …

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Six Covid dead in a day in ONE Korat hospital

Thai media had the all-too-familiar scene from the pandemic of medics in hazmat style suits carrying a coffin for a body in a ziplock bag.

It was taken at the morgue of Maharat Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast Thailand, where six Covid infected patients died in 24 hours over the weekend.

Assistant Director Jet Bunyawongwiroj said cases were on the rise; there had been two fatalities a day prior to this. Continued …

Covid-Infected Thai Man Found Dead On Flight From Saudi Arabia

An elderly Thai man who died during a flight from Saudi Arabia to Thailand was found to be infected with Covid-19 after the airplane landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport Saturday afternoon.

The 71-year-old man was identified as Bahem Saeso. Continued …

Thais urged to get booster shots as Covid-19 subvariant’s prevalence increases

As the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths rise during the cool season, the Omicron subvariant BA.2.75 has become the main subvariant of the virus circulating in Thailand, officials say.

Omicron subvariant BA.2.75 has replaced subvariant BA.5 as the main cause of infection due, in part, to the swiftness with which it spreads, officials said.

They say confusion about the different variants is one reason people neglect to get booster shots, and urge members of the public to understand that booster shots are critical to prevent people from getting infected by new variants. Those who get infected after receiving a booster shot are less likely to experience severe illness, medical experts say. Continued … 

Covid-19 treatments still free under Thailand’s SSO scheme

Subscribers to the national healthcare scheme will still be covered for Covid-19 even though it has been declared endemic in Thailand, the Social Security Office (SSO) said.

SSO said people who test positive and have symptoms like fever, coughing, fatigue or develop pneumonia can be treated for free at their designated hospital.

Under the Social Security Act’s Articles 33 and 39, people are eligible to free treatment if they have contributed to the scheme for at least three months. Continued … 

International:

Bali governor says new Indonesia laws pose no risk to tourists

Visitors to Bali will not be put at risk by Indonesia’s newly ratified criminal code, the island’s governor said, dismissing concerns that revised laws that include articles criminalizing sex outside marriage may scare away tourists from its shores. Continued …

NASA capsule Orion splashes down after record-setting lunar voyage

NASA’s Orion space capsule splashed down safely in the Pacific on Sunday, completing the Artemis 1 mission – a more than 25-day journey around the Moon with an eye to returning humans there in just a few years. Continued …

Russia ramping up production of ‘most powerful’ weapons

Russia’s ex-president Dmitry Medvedev said on Sunday the country was ramping up production of new-generation weapons to protect itself from enemies in Europe, the United States and Australia. Continued …

Ukrainian strike hits Russian-occupied Melitopol

Ukraine attacked the Russian-occupied southern city of Melitopol on Saturday evening, the Kremlin-installed local authorities and Ukrainian officials said. Continued …

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