Category Archives: prauchuap khiri khan

baht, bangkok, cha am, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Feb 28

  • Camping Festival at Market Village March 1-10/
  • ‘Dustman’, the Gravel Bike Race this weekend/
  • Phetchaburi Immigration to move closer to Cha Am March 20/
  • March flight schedule for Hua Hin Airport/
  • Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin opens its doors/
  • Baht declines amid volatile markets/
  • Thailand is home to the most motorcyclists in the world/
  • Haze problem set to worsen in March/
  • Elephant time: Have a smile at Thailand’s new elephant heartthrob/
  • Two Wild Elephants, Mother and Son, Are Rescued – video/
  • The Problems with Thailand’s Thailand’s Long-Term Visa/
  • Indian, Chinese Investors Buying Pubs, Restaurants In Pattaya/
  • ‘Wild Boar’ Duangphet to be cremated in England today/New round of state welfare card benefits to cover 14.5 million Thais/Over 52 million Thais eligible to vote during May 7 election/2% fewer drinkers in Thailand since booze controls in 2008/Thai government plans major push to Laos train service/Thailand and China to Expand Free Trade Agreement/Mega-flood ‘likely’ in the next decade/Cobra Gold 2023 officially begins in eastern provinces/
  • Tourism: Thailand welcomed 2.14 million international tourists last month/Pattaya’s Songkran Day on April 19/Thailand strengthens tourism ties with China/Outbound visa applications in Thailand increase 576%/Expats voice their opinions on Thailand vs Vietnam/
  • Thailand Experience: High-Quality Cannabis Food Sets a New Standard for Thai Cooking/
  • Covid: Songkran to test Thailand’s Covid defenses/Hong Kong scraps mask mandate after almost 1,000 days/
  • International: Exporters fear costs of EU carbon scheme/Antarctic sea ice shrinks to record low/Kremlin ‘drift’? Georgia turns on Russian opposition exiles/Finland moves closer to joining NATO without Sweden/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Camping Festival at Market Village March 1-10

‘Dustman’, the Gravel Bike Race this weekend

Phetchaburi Immigration to move closer to Cha Am March 20 – Location

March flight schedule for Hua Hin Airport

Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin opens its doors

Radisson Hotel Group has announce the opening of Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin, featuring 243 well-appointed rooms and suites, all with modern interiors and balconies overlooking the sea.

Six different accommodation types are available, including family suites with bunk beds and children’s amenities. A full range of leisure facilities includes an outdoor pool with a water slide, a water sports activity hub, a fitness center, spa, skate park and direct beachfront access.

A diverse collection of dining and social venues includes Horizon Restaurant with daily buffet breakfast, JoeKool Terrace Restaurant, which offers an elevated seafront experience with Thai and international cuisine, and JoeKool Pool Bar. The coastal Beach Club & Cabanas offers a long list of freshly caught seafood, barbecued on the spot, plus a regular calendar of uplifting events and entertainment, and the Champions Sports Bar provides cold beverages, light bites and live sports.

With a total of six function spaces, the resort offers a diverse mix of indoor and outdoor locations for business events and social celebrations.

Baht declines amid volatile markets

The baht fell to less than 35 against the U.S. dollar on Monday and recorded its lowest level for two months, after being the most volatile currency traded in the region this year.

The baht opened at 34.93 per dollar on Monday. During day-trade, it weakened to 35.16 against the greenback before closing at 35.10.

Roong Sanguanruang, head of global markets and research at the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), said that over the past two months the baht had been the most volatile currency in the region. Continued …

Thailand is home to the most motorcyclists in the world

The Pew Research Center reported that Thailand has the most motorcyclists in the world. Similarly, most victims of road accidents in the country are riding motorcycles.

If you’ve ever visited Vietnam, you might have noticed the abundance of motorbikes on the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. It may lead you to believe that Vietnam has the highest number of motorcyclists in the world.

However, a recent report by the Pew Research Center indicates that Thailand takes the lead in terms of motorbike ridership globally. According to the report, 87% of households in Thailand own at least one motorbike, beating Vietnam by only a sliver, where 86% of households own a motorcycle. Continued …

Haze problem set to worsen in March

The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) on Monday revealed that the haze pollution the country faces, especially in the northern region, will likely worsen next month, while Bangkok and its adjacent provinces will likely experience high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

On Monday, the CAPM reported that the air quality in 25 locations across the country is at unhealthy levels, as PM2.5 levels have surpassed the safe threshold of 50μg/m³. Continued …

Elephant time: Have a smile at Thailand’s new elephant heartthrob

“Tula” is a Thai wild elephant calf who has gone viral online due to its mischievous behavior. The rescued juvenile jumbo likes to tease its human babysitter during bath time. Check out Tula’s playful and naughty nature captured in this video.

Tula became separated from its herd at Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chanthaburi province in October last year. Video 

Two Wild Elephants, Mother and Son, Are Rescued

Rescue wildlife officers saved two wild elephants, mother and son, that fell into a 5-meter deep hole in the middle of the Forest Protection Conservation Unit Khao Borae, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi, on Monday.

Residents reported to officials at the nearby Lam Khlong Ngu National Park at on Sunday. Officials then prepared the rescue mission with elephant conservation volunteers and rescue workers.

Video 

The incident in which the mother elephant and her 2-month-old son fell was a 5-meter sinkhole. Officials prohibited people from being near it because a herd of about 10 elephants was nearby trying to help the mother and son, which could pose a danger to people. Continued …

The Problems with Thailand’s Long-Term Visa

The Thai LTR (long-term residency) visa was introduced in September 2022, but the Board of Investment is currently looking for international investment firms to promote more golden eggs to be laid by wealthy foreigners. There are issues to solve.

Although Thailand promotes its version of LTR, other nations are discontinuing theirs – because immigrants, particularly Chinese and Russians, have been utilizing their resident permits to purchase up desirable houses, causing inflation and making it impossible for less-fortunate citizens to go on the property ladder, Portugal and Ireland recently canceled their 10-year options.

The same sell-out accusations were voiced in Thailand last year, forcing the government to scrap any plans to let wealthy foreigners purchase freehold homes or property in November. Only condominiums are permitted. Continued …

Indian, Chinese Investors Buying Pubs, Restaurants In Pattaya

While many foreigners are investing in Chonburi province, Indian and Chinese investors have channeled the most funds in buying up businesses in Pattaya to cater to their countryfolk holidaying at this seaside tourist city, business people in this province said.

Indian investors bought up pubs and restaurants on Pattaya’s Walking Street before China lifted travel restrictions on Jan. 8, but their investment is not fully integrated as is the pattern of Chinese investors.

Chinese investors have started buying restaurants, three- to four-star hotels and pool villas in Bang Lamung area, Pattaya city and Jomtien beach. Their investment includes chartering tourists attractions to integrate as a comprehensive tourism venture to cater to Chinese tourists, these business sources said, adding that it is likely the zero-dollar tours will return. Continued …

‘Wild Boar’ Duangphet to be cremated in England today

The parents of Duangphet “Dom” Promthep, 18, one of the 12 boys rescued from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, will hold a funeral ceremony today to coincide with his cremation in England where he died.

Duangphet, one of the Wild Boar football team members who, along with their coach, was trapped in Tham Luang Cave in 2018 for over two weeks, died in England on Feb. 14, after collapsing in his dormitory room on Feb. 12.

He had won a scholarship to study at Brooke House College, a football academy about 150 kilometers north of London, in August last year, and subsequently flew to England in September. Continued …

New round of state welfare card benefits to cover 14.5 million Thais

About 14.5 million low-income earners will be eligible for benefits under the new round of the state welfare card scheme, the Finance Ministry said on Monday.

The ministry will propose the plan for this year’s first round at a Cabinet meeting today, said minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.

After approval from the Cabinet, he expects to disburse the benefits from April 1 onward. Continued … 

Over 52 million Thais eligible to vote during May 7 election

As many as 52.32 million people are eligible to vote in the upcoming general election, with most voters aged between 42 and 57, social-tracking website Rocket Media Lab learned.

As per the Election Commission’s data, 52,322,824 out of 66,090,475 people across 400 electoral constituencies nationwide are eligible to vote.

Thais have the constitutional right to exercise their ballot once they turn 18. Continued …

2% fewer drinkers in Thailand since booze controls in 2008

The implementation of the alcoholic drink control act 15 years ago has led to a 2% drop in drinkers in Thailand, a seminar was told.

The seminar, titled “Different Views on 15-year Enforcement of the Alcoholic Drink Control Act”, was held on Sunday at Bangkok’s Asia Hotel. It had been organized by Moonlanithi Pua Sukphawa (Foundation for the State of Happiness) and the Network of Creative Media for Social Change.

Associate Prof. Dr. Udomsak Sae-ngow, director of the Research and Innovation Institute for Excellence at Walailak University, said since the act was implemented in 2008, there has been a definite drop in the number of boozers in Thailand. Continued …

Thai government plans major push to Laos train service

The Thai government plans to increase train service between Nong Khai province in Thailand and Thanaleng Station in Laos to 16 round trips a day in two years.

Work on the railway line between Nong Khai and Thanaleng, near Vietniane, was completed on June 30, 2022, and is presently operating, Tipanan Sirichana, deputy spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, said.

Currently, the train service runs twice a day, facilitating easy travel for Thai and Lao people. Continued …

Thailand and China to Expand Free Trade Agreement

Thailand has been stepping up trade cooperation with China by upgrading the free trade agreement (FTA) between China and ASEAN, including expanding mini FTAs with Chinese cities and provinces, Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has said.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit made the announcement at the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce last week.

Jurin said the two countries enjoy practical cooperation under mechanisms including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and mini FTAs between Thailand and Chinese provinces such as Hainan and Gansu. Continued … 

Mega-flood ‘likely’ in the next decade

Thailand is likely to suffer from another “mega-flood” similar to the historic inundation in 2011 in the next decade, as climate change will increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events all over the world, a conference was told on Monday.

The director of Climate Change and Disaster Center, Seree Supratid, said at a press conference organized by FutureTales Lab by MQDC and Esri Thailand, that according to climate forecasting models, Thailand is likely to be seriously affected by widespread inundation in the next few years, with up to 34% of about 70 million Thais set to be affected by floods. Continued …

Cobra Gold 2023 officially begins in eastern provinces

Thailand Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Chalermpol Srisawasdi and U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec today presided over the Cobra Gold 2023 opening ceremony at the Royal Thai Naval Airbase, Royal Thai Air Fleet in Rayong province.

Also attending the ceremony were the ambassadors to Thailand from Japan, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The Cobra Gold exercise is the largest joint multilateral military exercise in Southeast Asia, co-hosted annually in Thailand by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Continued …

 

 

Thailand welcomed 2.14 million international tourists last month

Thailand welcomed 2.14 million international tourists in January, data from the tourism ministry showed today. The data showed a small decline from the previous month.

The top three source markets last month were Malaysia with 288,745 tourists, Russia with 202,759 tourists, and South Korea 169,462 tourists.

However, the return of travelers from China, following the removal of Covid-19 restrictions, helped boost the numbers. A total of 91,841 Chinese tourists flocked to Thailand last month, compared with 3,110 in the same period last year. Continued … 

Pattaya’s Songkran Day on April 19

Pattaya’s biggest and wettest party officially returns for the first time in four years due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Songkran, which in one form or another will likely last a bit over a week in Pattaya, will culminate as it usually did, before Covid, with Wan Lai, or the “Big Day” on April 19.

This is, without a doubt, Pattaya’s biggest and wettest party but also polarizing especially to many expats, as hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists convene on Pattaya. Continued …

Thailand strengthens tourism ties with China

Thailand continues to strengthen tourism ties with China following the high-profile meeting between Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s minister of tourism and sports, and Hu Heping, minister of culture and tourism of the People’s Republic of China, taking place in Beijing on Feb. 21.

Also present at the meeting were Atthayut Srisamut, Thailand ambassador to China, Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing, and Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Ratchakitprakarn said, “On behalf of the Thai government and the Thai people, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Chinese government for its continued confidence in Thailand as a preferred holiday destination, and for including the kingdom among the 20 pilot destinations for the resumption of group travel from China.” Continued … 

Outbound visa applications in Thailand increase 576%

Applications for all visa types made between Jan. 1–31 last year grew by 576% when compared with applications made in the same time frame in 2021, reports VFS Global.

The fivefold increase shows that Thais are regaining their sense of adventure amid relaxed global restrictions, although visa applications are still not hitting pre-pandemic figures, reports TNA.

Head of VFS Global Australasia, Kaushik Ghosh, said, “The significant surge in visa applications from Thailand indicates that travelers’ confidence has rebounded faster than expected. With the peak outbound travel season expected to start in March, we expect this momentum to grow further and, therefore, those planning foreign travel outside of Thailand must apply for visas well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.” Continued …

Expats voice their opinions on Thailand vs Vietnam

There are obvious reasons while Thailand has been more attractive to tourists than Vietnam, but many expats also vouched for Vietnam as a nice destination that still has space for improvements.

“I, between Thailand and Vietnam, prefer Vietnam. I find the people in Vietnam nicer, friendlier and more polite. And I find a more genuine environment without seedy places like Thailand’s red-light districts, and I hope I never see them in Vietnam. The problem is that I am retired and eager to stay in Vietnam most of the year, (I like to live in Hanoi from March until mid-December) I am forced every 30 days to fly to Bangkok in order to be able to get a new visa of only 30 days, resulting in financial and time expense. Why not grant a visa of at least 3 months?” – Steve Continued … 

High-Quality Cannabis Food Sets a New Standard for Thai Cooking

Think again if you believe that the deliciousness of Thai food cannot be improved. Thai cuisine has changed as a result of the expanding culinary cannabis craze. Imagine combining the advantages of marijuana with the flavors of Thai food. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect marriage?

Thailand made history by legalizing marijuana in June 2022 for both medical and culinary purposes. It took a long time for this historic decision to be made, which represents a major shift in how the nation views marijuana.

The government has allowed companies to sell a variety of cannabis-infused foods by removing marijuana from the list of narcotics that are prohibited for consumption or distribution. Entrepreneurs and chefs can then explore the herb’s potential in novel and interesting ways, while showcasing their culinary creativity. Continued …

Songkran to test Thailand’s Covid defenses

Thai hospitals and community health centers have been ordered to prepare for a spike in Covid-19 infections over Songkran in April and schools reopening in June.

Hospitals have admitted 204 Covid-19 cases in the past week (Feb. 19-25), 66 of whom were suffering severe symptoms, said Public Health Permanent-secretary Opas Karnkawinpong on Monday.

Nine patients died of Covid-19 in the past week, all of them belonging to at-risk groups (over 60 and/or with chronic conditions). Continued …

Hong Kong scraps mask mandate after almost 1,000 days

Hong Kong is scrapping its mask mandate from tomorrow, Chief Executive John Lee announced, ending the financial hub’s last major Covid curb as it seeks to emerge from the pandemic.

The city was one of the last places in the world to require face coverings in virtually all public settings, with everyone over the age of two required to wear one or face a fine of up to HK$10,000 ($1,275).

“I announce that the masking requirement will be completely canceled starting tomorrow, March 1, including for indoors, outdoors and (on) public transportation,” Lee said at a brief press conference today. Continued …

Exporters fear costs of EU carbon scheme

Asian exports could potentially face a higher cost burden as the EU is preparing to launch a new regulation pertaining to imported carbon-intensive commodities later this year, experts say. Continued …

Antarctic sea ice shrinks to record low

Antarctic sea ice likely shrunk to a record low last week, U.S. researchers said on Monday, its lowest extent in the 45 years of satellite record-keeping. Continued … 

Kremlin ‘drift’? Georgia turns on Russian opposition exiles

Like thousands of Russians who decided to emigrate after their country invaded Ukraine, Anna Rivina moved to neighboring Georgia. But, a year later, she is no longer welcome. Continued … 

Finland moves closer to joining NATO without Sweden

Finland, which has one of Europe’s longest borders with Russia, today kicks off a parliamentary debate aimed at accelerating the country’s bid to join NATO, increasing the likelihood it will leave neighbor and military partner Sweden behind. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

 

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bangkok, climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Feb 27

  • Hua Hin Boat Show March 24-26/
  • TradeAtlas reviews spike sales of Thai tea and dessert/
  • Bangkok rated 30th best city in the world, 2nd best in ASEAN/
  • Study finds Thai women eager to enhance job skills/
  • Chinese eye Thai properties to hedge against economic issues at home/
  • Krabi homeowner shocked by 5-meter king cobra/
  • Climate change bonanza/
  • Executives list policy priorities/
  • Economy to grow 3.8% this year, inflation to ebb: Finance minister/
  • Tourism: Thousands of Russians Flee to Thailand to Escape War/‘Tipsy tubing’ on Pai River hit by alcohol ban/Islanders tell tourists – don’t pollute or bring jet skis and drugs/Residents of Trat province’s Koh Mak Island have issued a set of rules to eFirst time in Thailand!? Don’t take a taxi! Do this instead/How to choose between Phuket and Koh Samui/6 major Bangkok tourist attractions, and where to go instead/Phase 5 of ‘We Travel Together’ program opens for registration today/Why Thailand has attracted more foreign tourists than Vietnam/
  • Thailand Experience: Preserving Thailand’s historic railway heritage/
  • International: North China city launches first China-Europe freight train/Daily marijuana use increases heart disease risk by over a third, study finds/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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TradeAtlas reviews spike sales of Thai tea and dessert

Sales of pa thong ko and Thai iced tea have surged since they made the top 10 lists on TasteAtlas, even in traditional restaurants that are a bit off the beaten track.

Sombat Suwanmanop said his restaurant in Trang province’s Mueang district, Kopee Sombat, is having a hard time keeping up with demand for the sweet snacks and beverages.

He said sales of pa thong ko and Thai iced tea have increased exponentially since they appeared on the lists compiled from reviews of food critics worldwide. Continued …

Bangkok rated 30th best city in the world, 2nd best in ASEAN

Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok has been ranked high lately on several lists of cities in a number of different areas. Now, a famous tourism consulting company, Resonance Consultancy, has named Bangkok the 30th best city in the world, and the second best in ASEAN. A Thai government spokesperson, Anucha Burapachaisri, announced the ranking on Saturday.

Resonance Consultancy is a leading global adviser in destination development, branding, and marketing. It is known for its annual reports on city rankings. The rankings name the world’s most desirable places to visit, live, work, and invest in, based on factors such as attractions, infrastructure, culture, and environment.

The list of “100 Best Cities in the World 2023” evaluates six categories, including place, product, people, prosperity, programming, and promotion. Continued …

Study finds Thai women eager to enhance job skills

Nearly half of Thai women age 35 and older showed the strongest motivation toward entrepreneurship, as the majority of the female workforce across Southeast Asia is interested in taking additional courses to develop their skills, a recent study showed.

A survey by Singapore-based non-profit She Loves Data (SLD) found 87% of female employees in the region are looking forward to enrolling in professional courses this year, with IT, computing and programming (33%) the top three choices.

Social media marketing is the most sought-after course among female employees in Thailand, according to more than half of respondents in two age groups: workers aged 16-34 and those 35 and older. Continued … 

Chinese eye Thai properties to hedge against economic issues at home

Guo Haojie had grown tired of China’s “high-pressure” lifestyle and reliance on personal connections to get things done. The native of Henan province had scoped out Thailand as a tourist years ago and went back in 2020 to invest, buying two condominiums.

And just like that, the 37-year-old IT consultant became part of a growing trend.

Chinese from the middle class upward are sending some of their money – and even themselves – to Thailand, particularly as China has been reopening following three difficult years under zero-Covid. Many are hoping to hedge against economic pressures at home, while building their future in an inexpensive Southeast Asian country with growth prospects. Continued … 

Krabi homeowner shocked by 5-meter king cobra

If you were a giant king cobra snake, where would you live? The answer is apparently “anywhere you want.”

A homeowner in Krabi got a major surprise when he discovered a five-meter-long king cobra relaxing at his house this week.

A team of snake handlers successfully caught the king cobra that was hiding under a chair in front of their home in Baan Nanai, Klong Tom Tai subdistrict earlier this week. Rescue workers had alerted the team after being notified of the presence of the dangerous snake. Continued … 

A biomass power plant operated by Clover Power in the northern province of Phitsanulok.

Climate change bonanza

Global campaigns to cut carbon dioxide emissions not only alert businesses to new non-tariff barriers imposed as part of efforts to fight global warming, they can also lead to new opportunities in the clean energy sector.

As the European Union (EU) gears up for the first phase of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) later this year, many businesses have announced plans aiming to benefit from the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

CBAM, which imposes charges on manufacturers that fail to adopt technology that benefits the climate, can affect Thai exporters in certain industries if they are too slow to make production more environmentally friendly. Continued …

Executives list policy priorities

The upcoming general election slated for May 7 is sparking speculation on a potential successor to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, as well as new economic policies that might be promoted by an incoming government.

Business leaders have begun to chime in on what they believe could help the country survive economic challenges this year after Prayut told the House of Representatives that parliament would be dissolved in early March.

From tourism, wages and digital-related topics, which are always in the media spotlight, to issues related to steel that are crucial but appear less frequently in the headlines, company executives voiced their concerns and put forward suggestions for the next government to jointly shape a new look for Thailand. Continued …

Economy to grow 3.8% this year, inflation to ebb: Finance minister

Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 3.8% this year, helped by a rebound in the vital tourism sector, while inflation should cool to its target range, the finance minister said on Saturday.

Domestic spending has increased and the government will accelerate large project investment to help growth, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told a Radio Thailand program.

As the global slowdown hurts exports, “tourism is our hope,” he said. Continued …

Thousands of Russians Flee to Thailand to Escape War

Russian tourists are fleeing to Thailand to escape the war in Ukraine or look to move to the Southeast Asian country.

Thailand has become a haven for Russian visitors who are looking to escape Moscow’s war in Ukraine that has now entered its second year. Visitors are in Thailand but are they fleeing Russia, too.

Since Thailand fully reopened its borders and dropped Covid-19 restrictions in October, Russian arrivals have made up the third-largest group of visitors, only behind Malaysia and India, according to government data. Continued … 

‘Tipsy tubing’ on Pai River hit by alcohol ban

The sudden surge in the popularity of “tipsy tubing” down the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province has prompted the provincial office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to enforce safety regulations drafted last year and also protect visitors from price gouging and shoddy services.

Operators are now required to prohibit tubers from drinking alcohol while tubing down the river, said Phanuwat Khatnak, director of TAT’s Mae Hong Son office.

The prohibition against drinking while tubing was made last year, but enforcement will become strict due to the surging number of tubers, officials said. Continued …

Koh Mak

Islanders tell tourists – don’t pollute or bring jet skis and drugs

Residents of Trat province’s Koh Mak Island have issued a set of rules to ensure the idyllic island remains a low-carbon destination. These include a ban on motorsports and plastic food containers.

The 9,500-rai island is home to rubber and coconut plantations, residences, small hotels, and resorts. It is the third largest island in Trat, following Koh Chang and Koh Kut, and was among three Thai locations listed among the world’s Top 100 Green Destinations in 2022.

Even though it has few tourist attractions and even fewer facilities, the island’s natural beauty attracts foreign travelers. Continued …

First time in Thailand!? Don’t take a taxi! Do this instead

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, one of the things you may be worried about is transportation. After all, the city is known for its traffic congestion and sometimes chaotic roads. However, there are several transportation options available that can make getting around Bangkok easy and convenient.

One of the most popular transportation options for tourists is the airport rail link. This is a train system that connects both of Bangkok’s airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, to the city center.

The trains run from 5am to midnight and cost less than 50 baht, which is very affordable compared to other options. The train is also a fast and efficient way to get to the city center, especially during rush hour when traffic can be particularly heavy. Continued …

How to choose between Phuket and Koh Samui

Looking for an island holiday in Thailand? Phuket and Koh Samui are two of the country’s most popular destinations, but how do they stack up against each other?

Prior to the pandemic, some 40 million tourists visited Thailand annually. For many, the promise of lazing on an island beach shaded by coconut palms was sufficient enticement to jump on a plane, and the likelihood was that either Phuket or Koh Samui would be their final destination.

Fast forward a few years and Thailand’s tourism industry is clicking back into gear, with Phuket and Koh Samui leading the way. It’s hardly surprising; both islands offer a blend of relaxation and holiday indulgence. Phuket is busier, yet it offers more to do. Koh Samui is half the size of Phuket and is the more laid-back of the two, though action is never far away. Continued …

6 major Bangkok tourist attractions, and where to go instead

Sure, it’s easy to go to the obvious. There’s a reason why Bangkok’s most famous tourist attractions are packed with people, after all. Let us introduce you to a few places in Bangkok that are quite underrated, but will surely give you a memorable time.

It can be quite hard to look into destinations to travel to when you’re not familiar with the city. “Should I choose somewhere obvious because that’s what all the tour guides say? How do I find the places that won’t scam me, and that locals actually enjoy? Why do I have to buy a THB 500 ticket just to enter some temples?”

We hear these questions more times than we anticipated, and we’re here to help. If you’re looking for a good time, and want to stray away from the crowds without missing any of the culture, here’s where to go. These are the underrated tourist attractions in Bangkok you’ll have fun visiting. Continued …

Phase 5 of ‘We Travel Together’ program opens for registration today

People who want to join the fifth phase of the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) program can register today from 6am until 9pm, deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul said Sunday.

She also said that those who have already registered for the first four phases of the program do not need to reapply, but they do need to click to accept the terms and conditions in the “Pao Tang” app on their smart phones.

560,000 “entitlements” are available under the fifth phase of the scheme and those who have registered can start booking hotel rooms between March 7 and April 26, and can check in to the hotels from March 10 until April 30.

Those who are eligible for the travel entitlements must be Thai nationals, aged at least 18. Continued …

Why Thailand has attracted more foreign tourists than Vietnam

A friendly visa policy and diverse entertainment services have made Thailand more attractive than Vietnam in the eyes of foreign tourists.

Grant Wilson, 61, an Australian who has been living in Vietnam for six years, said he had traveled to Thailand more than 30 times.

Though Vietnam has beautiful scenery, delicious food and friendly people, Wilson said that Thailand has been developing tourism better than Vietnam, especially the quality of tourism services. Continued … 

Preserving Thailand’s historic railway heritage

In most countries, people take great pride in their railway systems. Thailand’s historic railways, however, occupy a different place in the national psyche.

Time, money and effort go into the conservation of valuable public assets around the world that give a sense of place, beauty and identity. When developers want to tear down old station railway stations, people take to the streets in protest.

When Manhattan’s Pennsylvania Station was bulldozed in 1963, there was international outcry. This was the beginning of the architectural conservation movement across America that inspired New York’s civic preservation law. That’s why Grand Central Station, which had also been slated for the wrecking ball, remains grand today. Continued …

North China city launches first China-Europe freight train

The city of Langfang in north China’s Hebei Province saw its first China-Europe freight train leave the station Saturday. The freight train, carrying 55 40-foot containers, will complete a journey of 7,800 km. Continued … 

Daily marijuana use increases heart disease risk by over a third, study finds

Using marijuana every day increases the risk of developing heart disease, U.S. researchers found, adding to an increasingly complex picture about the drug’s health impact. The results released on Friday showed daily cannabis users were 34% more likely to have coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease, compared to those who never used the drug. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

90-day online reporting

 

bangkok, cha am, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-Feb 25

1 Comment

  • Ban on standing on back of songtaews puts drivers in a pickle/
  • Soi cats and dogs beware! PAT is on the job/
  • Reggae and ska festivals to be held in Cha Am March 4/
  • How online gambling infiltrated government websites to bypass betting ban/
  • Health Minister Says It is ‘Impossible’ to Legalize E-Cigarettes/
  • Global and Thai economy in a ‘no-landing scenario’/
  • Thailand’s dilemma as world splits one year into Russia-Ukraine war/
  • Thailand votes for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine at UN Assembly/
  • Thailand claims No.2 rank for bioplastic production/
  • Is TikTok disinformation threatening ‘democracy’ in Thailand?/
  • Border security boosted as fighting erupts in Myanmar/
  • Tourism: Thailand Sanctuary Caring for Elephants with ‘Caved-in’ Backs Damaged by Years of Tourist Rides/Pattaya, Hua Hin favorite getaways for Thai families – Agoda/Where you can pan for gold just two hours south of Hua Hin/How much does hospitality contribute to Thailand’s economy?/Thai hotels recover as foreign tourists return in droves/Upswing in bookings from China to Thailand/Tubing on the river in Pai – video/Thai Airways rides Asia’s travel reopening back to profit/Carriers upbeat on recovery prospects/Thai Smile-THAI merger ‘to cut losses’/
  • Thailand Experience: Thai iced tea: a global success story brewed over 4 centuries/Airbnb in Thailand: Remote Eco-Villa Floating on a Lake in Kanchanaburi/Bangkok beyond the bustle: Where to eat, shop and explore in Thailand’s capital/If You’re New To Cooking Thai Food, Taste As You Go/The healing power of cannabis in Thai herbal medicine/
  • International: ‘They brought war, and I don’t know why’ – Kherson resident on frontline life/EU agrees new sanctions over Russia’s war in Ukraine/G7 threatens Russia sanctions busters with ‘severe costs’/Ericsson to cut 8,500 jobs worldwide/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Ban on standing on back of songtaews puts drivers in a pickle

A new law has been published in the Royal Gazette, stating that passengers are no longer allowed to stand on the back of baht buses, also known as songtaews. But drivers are also obligated to pick up all passengers, leaving drivers with the dilemma of either illegally not picking up passengers when full or illegally overcrowding and allowing passengers to stand on the back of the bus.

Similar laws have long existed – and often been ignored – on a local level throughout Thailand. But last Friday, the ban on standing on the back of baht buses was enacted as a federal law. Some believe the national law will be more strictly enforced than local laws.

Baht buses are a common form of public transportation in Thailand, especially in urban areas. They are typically pickup trucks or vans with covered seating areas in the back, and they follow fixed routes around the city, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. Baht buses are known for their low fares, and passengers can flag them down from the roadside or hail them from a designated stop. Continued … 

Soi cats and dogs beware! PAT is on the job

With a team of trained staff, a vehicle to transport captured stray animals, clinic and operating theater, People and Animals Thailand is now ready to undertake its mission to significantly reduce the number of stray dogs and cats on regional streets.

People And Animals Thailand (PAT) is managed by Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT). Located between Hua Hin and Cha Am, the clinic has been set up specifically to help deal with the overpopulation of soi dogs and cats in the region.

This is not an animal refuge or general animal hospital but a facility to realize the purpose of PAT to provide free sterilization and vaccination services to improve the quality of life for both people and animals. Continued … 

One of Thailand’s biggest reggae and ska festivals to be held in Cha Am March 4

The Sunset Beach Music Festival 2023, one of the most highly anticipated events for reggae and ska music lovers in Thailand, will be held in Cha Am March 4.

With performances by some of the biggest names in the industry, the festival is regarded as Thailand’s biggest reggae and ska music festival by the sea. The event will be held at Baan Mai Bon Hat resort on Bang Kao Beach in Cha Am. Continued …

How online gambling infiltrated government websites to bypass betting ban

Hackers working for online gambling platforms have hijacked the web pages of many Thai government agencies and turned them into portals for illegal gaming sites.

Websites of state agencies under all 20 ministries have been infiltrated by the hackers, said Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn. More than 30 million URLs of state-agency websites were found to have been corrupted, he said.

The hackers managed to plant malicious scripts that linked to online gambling websites, the minister explained. The script, which contains keywords for online gambling and links to gaming platforms, caused state agency web pages hijacked by online gambling websites to appear among the top Google search results. Continued … 

Health Minister Says It is ‘Impossible’ to Legalize E-Cigarettes

Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated his stance on banning all forms of e-cigarettes, including selling and importing the products into the country.

Anutin told a meeting of the National Confederation of Networks for Thai Smoke-Free Society that it is alarming that more people, especially youngsters, turned to smoking electronic cigarettes nowadays due to a misconception that the device cannot cause cancer or is harmless for health.

This is totally not true, Anutin said, citing the World Health Organization’s study, which confirms that e-cigarettes are indeed harmful. Continued …

Global and Thai economy in a ‘no-landing scenario’

The world economy in the first quarter of 2023, especially in January, seems to be defying gravity. The U.S. labor market and retail sales figures have been much better than expected, while inflation is showing signs of a slower-than-expected slowdown.

You probably have heard of hard and soft landings, but what is happening now is what some economists and strategists define as a “no-landing scenario”.

What that means is that the economy is still expanding despite rising interest rates, while inflation is still high, which will lead central banks, especially the U.S. Federal Reserve to continue to raise interest rates. Continued …

Thailand’s dilemma as world splits one year into Russia-Ukraine war

Experts have urged Thais to brace themselves for a more volatile and unstable world as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates and new variables emerge.

The warning came as the war following Russia’s invasion approached its one-year anniversary on Feb. 24 with no sign of a peace agreement.

Somchai Pakapasvivat, an academic and analyst of international politics and economics, said the war was shifting the world into a new era of “unstable multipolarism”. Continued …

Thailand votes for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine at UN Assembly

Thailand was one of 141 countries at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that voted for Russia to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw troops immediately.

Seven countries voted against and 32 countries abstained.

Thailand’s vote is significant since Thailand refused to condemn Russia’s annexation of Ukraine at a UN Assembly in October 2022, abstaining from the vote. Continued …

Thailand claims No.2 rank for bioplastic production

Thailand is the world’s second-largest producer of bioplastic products, serving growing demand overseas thanks to plenty of raw materials to drive manufacturing, says the Thai Bioplastics Industry Assn. (TBIA).

The country’s production capacity is 95,000 tons a year and manufacturers plan to increase the volume by 75,000 tons a year, said Viboon Pungprasert, president of TBIA.

Bioplastic manufacturing not only adds value to Thai agricultural products, but also supports global efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions and is one option to deal with problems caused by single-use plastics, he said. Continued …

Is TikTok disinformation threatening ‘democracy’ in Thailand?

Especially at voting time, fears grow of TikTok “disinformation” threatening democracy. Politicians and their paymasters are terrified that they can no longer control the supply of information to the public, thanks to platforms like Facebook and TikTok.

With Thailand’s general election only a few months away, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) is battling to take back control of information through self-censorship of the TikTok video-sharing platform. Ostensibly, this is to keep young voters on the government’s straight and narrow path. Continued …

Border security boosted as fighting erupts in Myanmar

Security has been tightened along the border in Sangkhla Buri district as fresh fighting erupted in Myanmar on Saturday morning.

Myanmar troops clashed with unknown forces for more than one hour. People on the Thai side of the border heard the sound of gunfire around 6.30am, with thick smoke and flames billowing over Myanmar’s Payathongzu township, opposite Phra Chedi Sam Ong village Moo 9 in tambon Nong Lu of Sangkhla Buri, said a border source. Continued …

Thailand Sanctuary Caring for Elephants with ‘Caved-in’ Backs Damaged by Years of Tourist Rides

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand https://www.wfft.org/(WWFT) in Phetchaburi is working to raise awareness about how tourists’ decisions can negatively impact animals.

An elephant being “trained” for tourism

WWFT runs the largest wildlife center in Thailand, which includes a sanctuary for elephants. Many of the center’s elephant residents are animals rescued from the trekking industry, where elephants spend countless hours giving tourists rides around Thailand.

One of the WWFT’s former trekking elephants is Pai Lin. She spent over 25 years giving rides to humans, sometimes being forced to carry six tourists at once on her back. Continued …

Pattaya, Hua Hin favorite getaways for Thai families – Agoda

Pattaya topped the list of holiday destinations for domestic travelers this year, followed by Hua Hin and its adjoining city Cha Am, search data collected by hotel booking platform Agoda shows.

Phuket, which is usually popular among foreigners, came in third.

According to Agoda’s insights, Thai families are most interested in vacationing in seaside towns this year. The 10 most searched local destinations by Thais are Pattaya, Hua Hin/Cha Am, Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Khao Yai, Krabi, Rayong and Koh Samet, respectively. Continued …

Where you can pan for gold just two hours south of Hua Hin

Bang Saphan, located little over two hours from Hua Hin, is one of the few places in Thailand where you can still pan for gold.

The gold panning takes place in the river that runs through the Ron Thong subdistrict, and according to locals, the gold found in the area is of the best quality in the country.

Gold panning in Bang Saphan is a popular activity among locals, who see it as a way to supplement their income, but it is becoming increasingly popular with tourists and those seeking to try new experiences. Continued …

How much does hospitality contribute to Thailand’s economy?

Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and the Thai economy benefits hugely from the multibillion-dollar tourism sector.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful locations in Asia, there is a plentiful mix of destinations in this magical country. If you want to visit a vast, sprawling city, Bangkok is the place to stay. However, if you prefer a traditional area with more of a cultural aspect to it, you can visit Chiang Mai in the north.

Island life is another area where the tourism industry is again returning to its full potential following the lockdown. You can visit Phi Phi and other regional islands, including Koh Tao and Koh Lanta. Continued …

Thai hotels recover as foreign tourists return in droves

Thailand’s hotel industry has seen a strong recovery following a surge in the return of foreign tourists, according to the international real estate consulting firm CBRE Thailand.

The positive trend in the tourism sector started last year and continued this year, resulting in increased hotel room occupancies, said Atakawee Choosang, head of hotels at CBRE Thailand.

He said that the trend was propelled by the return of Chinese tourists following China’s lifting of quarantine requirements for its nationals returning from overseas trips. Continued …

Upswing in bookings from China to Thailand

Newly released data from SiteMinder, the world’s leading open hotel commerce platform, highlights an increase in outbound reservation volumes to Thai properties from mainland China following the country’s relaxation of travel restrictions since Jan. 8.

SiteMinder has seen a 108% uptick in net reservations from Chinese travelers booking stays in Thailand since mid-December and a 37% increase globally.

Thailand, of the markets analyzed, is the country where reservations to SiteMinder properties are increasing the fastest, followed by Spain (84%), Vietnam (51%), Australia (51%), Singapore (44%), and the U.S. (43%). Continued …

Tubing on the river in Pai

Any lingering doubts about Thailand’s tourism recovery were washed away on Thursday when the meandering Pai River in Mae Hong Son became a traffic jam of floating foreigners.

TikTok user @RoritarChipmunk captured the scene in a video clip showing hundreds of tourists happily logjammed at the popular Pai attraction. Continued …

Video 

Thai Airways rides Asia’s travel reopening back to profit

Thai Airways International’s operating profit swung back to the black in 2022, the carrier reported Friday, as passenger revenue recovered thanks to the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Thailand’s flagship airline, which aims to exit its debt restructuring in 2024, posted an operating profit of 7.7 billion baht ($220 million) for the year, rebounding from a year-earlier loss of 19.7 billion baht.

Revenue jumped more than fourfold on the year to 105 billion baht, helping absorb higher fuel costs. Passenger numbers grew 5.5-fold to 9.01 million, while revenue from ticket sales and baggage was up more than 13-fold at 74 billion baht. Continued …

Carriers upbeat on recovery prospects

Airlines are optimistic about recovery this year, with an expansion of services to China being a key driver, following a significant improvement in 2022, particularly during the fourth quarter.

Santisuk Klongchaiya, chief executive of SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV) and Thai AirAsia (TAA), said after resuming China routes in January this year, the airline expects to regain 28% of pre-Covid-pandemic capacity to the mainland within the first quarter. The company plans to ramp up services to China to 40 flights per week this quarter. Continued …

Thai Smile-THAI merger ‘to cut losses’

Thai Airways International (THAI) revealed on Friday that Thai Airways is merging Thai Smile Airways with THAI to reduce losses.

It said the plan is expected to be approved by the end of this year.

Piyasvasti Amranand, chairman of THAI’s committee overseeing the airline’s rehabilitation, said the restructuring had been in the cards for a while. Continued …

Thai iced tea: a global success story brewed over 4 centuries

Thai iced tea has been ranked the seventh-best non-alcoholic drink in the world by foodie website TasteAtLas.com. The caramel-colored cooling beverage has long been popular with Thais of all ages.

However, its fame is now spreading across the world, as tourists who get a taste in Thailand seek out the stuff when they return to their home countries.

Thai iced tea beat competition from India’s famed Darjeeling brew and Italy’s ultra-intense espresso in the website’s survey. Continued …

Airbnb in Thailand: Remote Eco-Villa Floating on a Lake in Kanchanaburi

Even though I’ve called Thailand home for the better part of a decade, every year I discover something new that make me as giddy as I was when I first visited in 2011.

During a recent weekend trip with my wife and four-year-old son, I felt it again: that bubbly feeling in my stomach, the wondrous thrill of seeing a place for the very first time.

I was on top of a hill overlooking the Srinakarin Lake, a mountain-fringed water reservoir in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province. In front of us, the lake fanned out like a giant mirror, speckled with a handful of jungled islets and back-dropped by a horizon of mountains in the hazy blue distance. Squinting my eyes, I could almost imagine myself in the coastal regions of southern Thailand. Continued …

Bangkok beyond the bustle: Where to eat, shop and explore in Thailand’s capital

From its glittering, gold-embellished temples to the multitude of sprawling markets, Bangkok feels like a flurry of intensity for all the senses. Yet, the huge city of around 10 million people also has serene corner and a more relaxed pace, as I discovered on my travels this winter.

You can slow down to admire the art and design, linger over a leisurely Michelin-starred meal, or browse for hours in a cool, new shopping alley. Once you’ve hit all the iconic landmarks, here are a few more places that will have you wishing you’d booked a longer trip here.

For upscale dining: Paste

Chef Bee Satongun, named Asia’s best female chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2018, specializes in recreating ancient Thai recipes at her Michelin-starred spot, Paste. While this will likely be the most expensive restaurant you’ll experience in Bangkok, you will regret nothing. Continued …

If You’re New To Cooking Thai Food, Taste As You Go

Learning a new cuisine can be both fun and maybe (a tad) intimidating. When recreating your favorite Thai dishes like pad Thai, larb, tom yum soup, or even blending an authentic curry paste from scratch, there’s a vital cooking practice to remember as you follow a recipe.

Every ingredient and every finalized dish is different. Even when following the same recipe, you’re bound to find a slight variation in flavor profile and heat level with every finished dish. Unlike other styles of cooking, Thai food prides itself on the ability to bring a balance to a dish that is rich in sweetness, savoriness, saltiness, sourness, and hotness.

According to Chef Jet Tila, the combination of these flavors is referred to as yum in Thai cuisine. So how do you make sure that both you and your guests sharing in your meal have the perfect Thai yum experience? Taste your dish as you go. Continued …

The healing power of cannabis in Thai herbal medicine

Want to explore new ways to heal your body and mind? Then Thailand’s thriving medical cannabis clinics are your answer. Since the legalization of cannabis in 2022, these clinics have popped up all over the country, offering innovative treatments for a variety of ailments.

But wait, what exactly is Thai herbal medicine, and how does cannabis fit in? Well, let’s dive into the fascinating world of this ancient practice and explore how medical cannabis clinics are changing the game.

Thai herbal medicine has been a key part of Thai culture for centuries, with roots in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The practice emphasizes the use of natural remedies to treat various ailments, from headaches to digestive issues to chronic pain. Continued …

‘They brought war, and I don’t know why’ – Kherson resident on frontline life

The south-Ukrainian frontline city of Kherson suffers from regular shell fire since Russian troops left more than three months ago. But high hopes that the city’s return to Ukrainian control would bring normalcy have not materialized. On Tuesday, the central square was deserted. Continued … 

EU agrees new sanctions over Russia’s war in Ukraine

The EU agreed to a new round of sanctions over Russia’s war in Ukraine on Friday, the one-year anniversary of Moscow’s invasion, the bloc’s Swedish presidency announced. Continued … 

G7 threatens Russia sanctions busters with ‘severe costs’

G7 leaders, joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, met in a virtual summit Friday and issued a stern warning to countries helping Russia evade international sanctions. Continued …

Ericsson to cut 8,500 jobs worldwide

Telecom equipment maker Ericsson said Friday it would slash 8,500 jobs worldwide, part of a cost-cutting program as financial headwinds push operators to rein in spending. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s News-Feb 24

2 Comments

  • Adverse weather expected through Feb 28/
  • Academics ask Westerners to donate rare blood/
  • Bangkok professor says air pollution cost Thailand 4.6 trillion baht in 2019/
  • Thai food and kidney disease – an unholy alliance/
  • Aging with grace: New health and social care model for older people in Thailand/
  • Chinese agencies devouring Chiang Mai property market/
  • Foreigners invest 5 billion baht in Thailand in January/
  • Investors target high-end Pattaya hotels/
  • Thailand’s EV exports double in 2022/
  • Forest encroachment at Thap Lan puts tigers at risk/
  • CP Foods installing solar panels at 180 facilities in renewable energy push/
  • Want a sex toy? Try Thai rubber/
  • Bhumjaithai party to champion cannabis bill next term/
  • Tourism: The growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine among western tourists/Pattaya Resurrects, Tourist Spending Increases to ฿100 Million Per Night/
  • Thailand Experience: Traditional Songkran promoted in Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai/
  • International: UN marks one year of Ukraine war with ‘historic’ vote/One year of the Russia-Ukraine war – a loss for all/Ransomware 3.0 strikes on the rise/Global wildlife contaminated by ‘forever chemicals’/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Adverse weather expected through Feb 28

Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of Thailand through at least Feb. 28. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for a combination of factors affecting different parts of the country Feb. 25-28.

The northeast monsoon prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand is likely to bring waves of 2-3 meters (6.5-10 feet) in the upper Gulf of Thailand from Surat Thani Province northward and waves of 2-4 meters (6.5-13 feet) in the lower Gulf of Thailand from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province southward, as well as waves of 1-2 meters (3-6.5 feet) in the Andaman Sea. Authorities have requested that all vessels navigate with caution and avoid thunderstorms. Small boats are advised to refrain from leaving the shore. Continued …

Academics ask Westerners to donate rare blood

Rh-Negative blood reserves in Thailand are extremely low, academics told a panel discussion on Wednesday evening, during which they encouraged the international community in Thailand to donate blood. Continued … 

Bangkok professor says air pollution cost Thailand 4.6 trillion baht in 2019

A Bangkok professor has come forward with some troubling facts about the financial cost of Thailand’s air pollution in 2019.

The Kasetsart University professor, Wissanu Attawanich, said that air pollution from PM2.5 particles caused a staggering 2.173 trillion baht economic damage to Thai households that year. Wissanu said that when counting the damage from all pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, CO, NOx, NO2), the total was 4.616 trillion baht.

Wissanu’s research paper, disseminated by the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER), revealed five provinces with the highest cost of damage to households. The top five provinces were Bangkok, Chon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, and Khon Kaen. Bangkok had the largest cost of 436.330 billion baht per year for PM2.5, and 927.362 billion baht per year when all air pollutants are considered. Continued … 

Thai food and kidney disease – an unholy alliance

About 17.6% of the Thai population, or eight million people, are suffering from chronic kidney disease, of which 200,000 are in the final stages. These figures are increasing by an average of 7,800 a year, according to Professor Dr. Atiporn Ingsathit, deputy director of Ramathibodi Hospital, quoting a 2020 report by the Ministry of Public Health.

According to the U.S. Renal Data System, Thailand ranks fifth in the world for kidney disease.

One of the causes of the high incidence of the disease is excessive consumption of sodium, averaging 3,635 milligrams per day, or about two teaspoons full, which is twice the amount recommended. Sodium is present in seasonings, such as soy sauce, fish sauce, shrimp paste, soup and seasoning powder. Continued …

Aging with grace: New health and social care model for older people in Thailand

In several poorer countries, aging populations and a lack of universal access to long-term care place the burden of care for older adults on their family. To mitigate this, researchers have successfully implemented a community-integrated intermediary care model in Thailand.

This care service has proven effective in reducing caregiver burden and improving the functional ability and independence of seniors. The multi-pronged model includes care prevention activities, capacity-building for family caregivers, and community respite services.

Rapidly aging populations are a problem that many low- and middle-income countries are currently facing. However, for several of these countries, inclusive health and social care is not a reality. Since older adults require constant attention and monitoring due to age-related morbidities and disabilities, the onus of caring for them usually falls on their families. Continued …

Chinese agencies devouring Chiang Mai property market

Property agents warn that an increasing number of Chinese nationals are buying houses in Chiang Mai via Chinese agencies opened using Thai nominees.

The Real Estate Trade Assn. of Chiang Mai Northern said on Thursday that around 1,000 houses worth over 3 million baht in Chiang Mai are now owned by Chinese nationals, with total value of at least 5 billion baht.

“Chinese have been buying real estate in Chiang Mai for more than a decade,” said association President Non Hirunchetskul. Continued … 

Foreigners invest 5 billion baht in Thailand in January

In the first month of 2023, foreign investment in Thailand amounted to 5.129 billion baht, the biggest investors being the Japanese, investing 3.588 billion baht.

Foreign investment is expected to reach 100 billion baht by the end of the year.

Today, Deputy Minister of Commerce Sinit Lertkrai revealed 52 cases of foreign investment in January under the Foreign Business Act (1999). Continued … 

Investors target high-end Pattaya hotels

Hotel investors are focused on buying upscale establishments because of high demand from independent guests, instead of hotels targeting mass tour groups, which have unfavorable locations and produce low returns, say Pattaya operators.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Chon Buri Tourism Council, said 4- and 5-star properties, or those located near beaches and city centers, are more attractive investments because their customers tend to have high spending power.

“Investors learned from Covid-19 that location is an important factor,” said Thanet. Continued …

 

Thailand’s EV exports double in 2022

Exports of electric vehicles (EV) in 2022 rose to 9,515 units, double the number sold in the previous year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries’ Automotive Industry Club.

Total EV production last year reached 92,746 units, increasing 37.9% year-on-year, the club reported on Thursday.

Of these, 84,685 units were hybrid electric vehicles, a 44.9% year-on-year increase in production, while 8,061 units were plug-in hybrid EV, whose production dropped 21.2%. Continued … 

Forest encroachment at Thap Lan puts tigers at risk

Forest encroachment at Thap Lan National Park in Prachin Buri – the heartland of Thailand’s tiger population – has become so severe that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa is considering the possibility of new borders being drawn up.

“I’m confident the government won’t be disadvantaged by using forest borderlines to solve this problem inside the park. We would accept any borderline that ends the encroachment problem.”

Throughout Thailand, tigers have been driven to extinction. Until recently, there was only one known viable population of tigers in the country, along its western border with Myanmar. Then, in 2017, a population of at least 18 cats was found in Thap Lan National Park. Khao Yai National Park next door lost its tigers due to poaching. Continued … 

CP Foods installing solar panels at 180 facilities in renewable energy push

Agro-industrial and food conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Co. (CP Foods) announced it plans to increase its usage of green energy via the installation of solar panels at 180 animal farms, feed mills, and processing plants across Thailand.

The total energy capacity of the company’s Thailand-based operations will be 65 MW by 2023 the Bangkok-based company stated in a press release. It added that it aims to reach 100 MW of solar energy across its supply chain by 2025.

“CP Foods works to promote the use of solar energy throughout the value chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable cost optimization. The company had earlier this year announced that it had successfully phased out coal use across all of Thailand’s operations in accordance with coal-free 2022 campaign. The business substitutes biomass energy for coal,” CP Foods Executive Vice President Peerapong Krinchai said. Continued …

Want a sex toy? Try Thai rubber

In an effort to boost the price of natural rubber, Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said this commodity should be channeled to the production of sex toys and dolls, which would draw additional income for the country.

Chalermchai, who is also the secretary-general of the Democrat Party, said, “Made in Thailand sex toys and dolls produced from the best natural rubber will raise the value of this commodity, with these sex products not just being about pornography but “a matter of sexual health.”

In 2021, the global sex toy market was worth 1.3 trillion baht, having grown 300% since 2016, he said, also estimating that it will increase to 2 trillion baht by 2030. Continued …

Bhumjaithai party to champion cannabis bill next term

The Bhumjaithai party yesterday pledged to push for the passage of a bill on cannabis and hemp after the next election as the controversial draft law appears unlikely to clear the House of Representatives before the end of its current term.

Supachai Jaisamut, chairman of the House committee vetting the draft law and a Bhumjaithai list-MP, seemed resigned to the fate of the bill sponsored by his party.

On Wednesday, the House continued its second reading of the draft law, and it took almost three hours to try and meet a quorum and vote on Section 15/3. Continued … 

The growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine among western tourists

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become increasingly popular among western tourists visiting Thailand and other Asian countries where TCM is widely practiced and easily accessible.

Western tourists are often attracted to TCM for various reasons, including its perceived effectiveness, natural remedies, and holistic approach to health and wellness.

At Chinglian TCM Clinic, which is located next to Ratchathewi BTS station, we are seeing a particular increase in younger westerners seeking out alternative treatments for a wide range of ailments. Continued …

Pattaya Resurrects, Tourist Spending Increases to ฿100 Million Per Night

The tourism industry in Pattaya, both day and night, including Walking Street and entertainment venues, is experiencing an increase in spending by tourists from Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The level reaches 100 million baht per night, the figure trumping the record set pre-COVID-19. Business owners in the area are calling on the government to make it a free zone for entertainment until 4 am, like Phuket.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya Director Anoma Wongyai said Pattaya is in high season right now and many Russian tourists, along with travelers from India, Indonesia and China, want to visit the city, starting with private and family groups. Continued …

Traditional Songkran promoted in Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai

Following the inclusion of the Songkran Festival to a tentative list for recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Thai authorities plan to promote the festival in a more traditional way in key tourist provinces this April.

Kowit Pakamart, director-general of the Department of Cultural Promotion, said his department is collaborating with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to promote traditional Songkran to showcase Thai culture for this year. Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt reaffirmed the collaboration, adding that the city’s cultural council will host events throughout the year to promote the nation’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the capital. It will also promote information on ICHs, including cultural displays in Bangkok’s 50 districts. Continued …

UN marks one year of Ukraine war with ‘historic’ vote

The United Nations overwhelmingly isolated Russia on Thursday, marking one year since Moscow invaded Ukraine by calling for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” and again demanding Moscow withdraw its troops and stop fighting. Continued …

One year of the Russia-Ukraine war – a loss for all

One year into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the West is convinced that, with more powerful arms support to Ukraine, the country will win the war. After all, the U.S. and NATO can still take comfort in the fact that it was Russia’s blatant contravention of the UN Charter, by violating the territorial sovereignty of an independent state, that caused the conflict. Continued … 

Ransomware 3.0 strikes on the rise

Thailand recorded the second-highest number of targeted ransomware attacks in Southeast Asia and hackers are expected to increase their extortion and inflict greater damage on financial and reputational victims with Ransomware 3.0, says Russia-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. Continued …

Global wildlife contaminated by ‘forever chemicals’

From pandas to sea lions to tigers, hundreds of wildlife species across the globe are contaminated by potentially harmful “forever chemicals”, according to a review of hundreds of peer-reviewed studies. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

90-day online reporting

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

Thursday’s News-Feb 23

  • Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park wins ‘green shield’/
  • Surf time at Hua Hin Surf Festival this weekend/
  • Final 4 days of Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival/
  • Beach polo returns to Intercontinental April 1/
  • Turkey earthquake a daunting debut for Thailand’s international rescue team/
  • Vaping in Thailand not illegal, vape importation is/
  • No appointment needed for international driving permit/
  • PM promises Thailand won’t be a dump, plastic-scrap imports face ban/
  • Asia’s largest hub for content creators in Bangkok 40% complete/
  • Economists: Tourism surge offsets export setback/
  • Thai farmers tap into sustainable rubber industry/
  • Australian miner Kingsgate resumes gold operation in Thailand/
  • Cannabis bill running out of time/
  • Tourism: Phuket reports over 500 motorbike accidents in 2 months involving tourists/Russians make Thailand a refuge as Ukraine war enters second year/Hotels, tour agents fix gaze on China/Thai tourism entrepreneurs not ready for foreign visitors/TCEB’s five-year plan to join the top ranks of preferred MICE destinations /Pay to play: The latest destinations charging visitor fees in 2023/Thai Airways to trial biometric check-in at Suvarnabhumi Airport/
  • International: One woman dies every 2 minutes in pregnancy, childbirth/11 Palestinians killed, dozens shot in Israel West Bank raid/Southeast Asia lags in EVs/Webb spots surprisingly massive galaxies in early universe/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park wins ‘green shield’

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province has won the Green National Park Shield for outstanding environmental management.

The award was announced on Wednesday by Pongsakorn Promkhunthod, chief of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.

He said it was joint award by the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Continued … 

Surf time at Hua Hin Surf Festival this weekend

The Hua Hin Surf Festival is set to take place Saturday and Sunday at Khao Takiab beach.

This event will bring together surfers and beach enthusiasts to celebrate the surf culture, fun and entertainment over a weekend filled with competitions, food, live music and activities.

The event is being organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap Khiri Khan office and Pineapple Surf Club. Continued …

Final 4 days of Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival

Beach polo returns to Intercontinental April 1

Beach polo on the sands behind the InterContinental, a blend of sport, fashion and high-society lifestyle, is returning for the 12th edition on Saturday, April 1.

Promoted as Asia’s largest and only beach polo event, the competition will see top teams from across the region, gathered to compete for the HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha trophy.

While the matches provide a stage for both International and local polo talents alike, regulars at the Asian beach polo scene will know it’s also very much a style-focused event. As players from varying nations engage in some friendly competition, expect to see crowds of fabulously dressed spectators, ready to showcase the very best of this years’ polo season fashion trends. Continued …

Turkey earthquake a daunting debut for Thailand’s international rescue team

The concept of a national urban search and rescue (USAR) team set up for large-scale natural or man-made disasters is rather new in Thailand. The country’s only USAR team has just returned from its first international mission, aiding search efforts following the devastating earthquake that leveled thousands of buildings in southern Turkey and northern Syria on Feb. 6.

USAR Thailand was set up in 2014 but its status as a national USAR team was only officially recognized by the National Emergency Operations Center on Feb. 2 last year, according to the Interior Ministry’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

The national USAR team comes under the department, which is working with relevant state agencies and private entities to ensure its potential and capabilities meet international standards. Continued …

Vaping in Thailand not illegal, vape importation is

When the public health official who gave Thailand legal weed promoted a heavy-handed crackdown on electronic cigarettes this week, one couldn’t be blamed for asking: Just what was he smoking?

After all, Bangkok, like the rest of Thailand, is awash in vapes. Legions vape in broad daylight. They puff away in bars and restaurants from devices sold openly on sidewalks.

So why was health minister Anutin Charnvirakul thundering on about arresting those importing e-cigarettes? And how could something so prevalent be illegal? Continued …

No appointment needed for international driving permit

People can apply for an international driving permit without making an appointment, says the Department of Land Transport (DLT).

Deputy Director-general Seksom Akaraphan on Wednesday said international driving permits are available at land transport offices nationwide without the need for an appointment, and cost 505 baht.

Thais who want to apply must bring their passport, ID card, original driving license in Thailand and two non-glossy photos sized two inches taken in the last six months. Continued …

PM promises Thailand won’t be a dump, plastic-scrap imports face ban

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pledged on Wednesday to ban the import of plastic waste from 2025 if he is re-elected, saying Thailand will not be a dump for other countries.

This will prevent Thailand from being perceived as the “garbage bin of the world”, Prayut said.

He made the statement in a Facebook post, a day after the Cabinet agreed to ban the import of plastic waste from 2025. Continued …

Asia’s largest hub for content creators in Bangkok 40% complete

Cloud 11, a project to build Asia’s largest hub for content creators and a center where the new generation can pursue careers and develop businesses in content creation, is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024, the developers said.

The project is being built at a cost of 40 billion baht by leading property developer Magnolia Quality Development Corp. (MQDC). Construction on 254,000 square meters of land on Sukhumvit Road near BTS Udomsuk station, Bangkok, began last year and is 40% complete.

Narong Chearavanont, honorary chairman of Cloud 11 Advisory Committee, said technologies and innovations are playing an important role in the global economy. He added that they are also accelerating significant growth across various sectors, including the entertainment and creative content industry. Continued … 

Economists: Tourism surge offsets export setback

The Thai economy is set to bounce back from a surprising contraction in the fourth quarter of 2022, as foreign tourist arrivals are likely to surprise on the upside and counter headwinds to merchandise exports from a global slowdown, say leading economists.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy will expand by 4% this year even after the “sharp and surprise sequential contraction” in the fourth quarter, exports from a global slowdown, say leading economists. Continued …

Thai farmers tap into sustainable rubber industry

By the light of a head torch, Wanida Hityim deftly strips bark from a rubber tree, collecting the milky latex as she explains why she’s among a small number of Thai farmers trying to work more sustainably.

Factory workers process natural rubber sheets at the Klongpan rubber cooperative in Trang province (AFP)

As the world’s largest producer of natural rubber – supplying more than a third of global stocks in 2021 – Thailand’s policies have stimulated massive deforestation, plummeting biodiversity and soaring soil erosion.

The vast majority of the kingdom’s plantations are still worked conventionally, but a few farmers like Wanida are abandoning pesticides to try and lessen their impact on the environment. Continued … 

Chatree gold mine

Australian miner Kingsgate resumes gold operation in Thailand

Australia’s Kingsgate Consolidated, which runs the Chatree gold mine in Thailand, said it is restarting operations there after a six-year dispute between the company and the Thai government over the health and environmental effects of the mine was resolved.

Ross Smyth-Kirk, executive chairman of Kingsgate, operator of the mine since 2001 under the wholly owned Thai subsidiary Akara Resources, said the company has received an expanded metallurgical license and the processing plant has been overhauled.

“The refurbishment engineering contractors have started to demobilize, and subject to a final inspection by Thai government agencies and the delivery of key reagents required for ore processing, the commissioning of Plant 2 will start this month, leading to a ramp up into steady state production,” he said in a statement. Continued … 

Cannabis bill running out of time

Thailand’s parliament is running out of time to pass a much-awaited bill to regulate wider use of cannabis, as lawmakers remained divided over key provisions of the legislation, leaving the nation’s fast-growing industry in a regulatory limbo.

The House of Representatives failed to conclude the second reading of the bill on Wednesday, the last session earmarked for the controversial legislation before it goes into a recess next week. The delay was caused by some factions of lawmakers arguing that the bill lacked the teeth to prevent recreational use of cannabis and demanding the plant be listed as a narcotic again.

With Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha planning to dissolve parliament next month before polls slated for May, the fate of the bill will depend on the next government. A bill typically needs to be passed by a majority of the members at three readings, before being sent for a Senate approval to become law. Continued …

Phuket reports over 500 motorbike accidents in 2 months involving tourists

Phuket’s vice governor reported that over 500 motorbike accidents have occurred in the area involving foreign tourists in the past two months. Vice Gov. Anuphap led a meeting on the increasingly pressing issue yesterday.

Anuphap said many of the accidents involved foreign tourists who had rented motorbikes.

He said, “Eighty percent of them do not have driving licenses, some were wearing swimsuits, driving at high speed, and not familiar with routes. From January to February, there were more than 500 accidents involving foreign tourists.” Continued …

Russians make Thailand a refuge as Ukraine war enters second year

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, a growing number of Russians have looked to Thailand as their ticket to a new life.

Tens of thousands of Russians hoping to avoid the threat of conscription and the economic ravages of the war have traveled to the kingdom in the year since the invasion, many of them seeking a new home.

In Phuket, a popular resort island, Russians are buying off-plan condos with half a million dollars or more to facilitate their relocation or provide a landing pad for a future time when they may feel forced to leave their homeland.

Between Nov. 1, 2022, and Jan.21, 2023, more than 233,000 Russians arrived in Phuket, according to data from Phuket International Airport, making them the biggest group of visitors by far. Continued …

Hotels, tour agents fix gaze on China

Spending among Chinese tourists has not been affected by the global economic slowdown, as there is huge pent-up demand following a three-year hiatus, helping to stimulate the market, says a travel agent group.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said Chinese tourists coming to Thailand during this quarter were mostly individual travelers who haven’t been affected by the sluggish economy.

However, Chinese tour groups, which were allowed to travel to Thailand since Feb. 6, are only expected to account for 10% of the Chinese market in the first quarter, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimating 300,000 arrivals from the mainland during that period. Continued …

Thai tourism entrepreneurs not ready for foreign visitors

Most tourism-related small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are unprepared for the return of foreign visitors this year, according to a nationwide survey. Meanwhile, many say their post-Covid recovery depends more on domestic tourists than foreign visitors.

The Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP) surveyed 572 business owners from six regions about their readiness and tourism in 2023.

The survey found that locals make up more than 50% of SMEs’ customers in the tourism industry, while 47.4% of SMEs have a specific customer group in their province. Continued …

TCEB’s five-year plan to join the top ranks of preferred MICE destinations

With the Covid-19 pandemic and digital technology continuing to redefine the world, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) – the public agency responsible for the business events sector in Thailand – has set an ambitious five-year strategic action plan (2023-2027) that aims to attract over 160 million MICE travelers and earn Thailand more than 945 billion baht.

As it enters its third decade of promoting Thailand’s MICE industry, TCEB is committed to making the country the undisputed premier business destination of choice. This mission is in line with the national economic development strategy and driven by long-term megatrends.

TCEB’s President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya explained that the action plan outlines five main approaches to speed up progress under the TCEB Go strategy and Thailand MICE to Meet You Year 2023 campaign. The first is to win more global events through partnerships with government agencies, including the One Ministry One Convention project. Continued …

Pay to play: The latest destinations charging visitor fees in 2023

Visitors heading to Thailand will have to pay a small entry fee from June, it has been confirmed.

Whether exploring Thailand’s vibrant cities or relaxing on its picture-perfect beaches, you’ll have to pay extra this year – but not by much.

The government has been given the go-ahead to apply an entry fee of up to 300 baht to all international visitors, regardless of where they’re coming from. Those who arrive by air will be charged 300 baht (about $9), which will be added to airline ticket prices. While those who arrive by bus, train, or boat will have to pay an additional 150 baht ($4) for their fare. Continued …

Thai Airways to trial biometric check-in at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Airports of Thailand (AOT) chose flag carrier Thai Airways to trial a new biometric check-in service at Suvarnabhumi Airport, starting on its Bangkok – Singapore route.

AOT hopes that bolstering facial recognition technology will streamline the check-in process and reduce waiting times.

From now until April 30, passengers on daily THAI flight TG409 from Bangkok to Singapore can check in by simply looking at a camera. Continued …

One woman dies every 2 minutes in pregnancy, childbirth

A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth complications, despite maternal mortality rates dropping by a third in 20 years, the United Nations (UN) said today. Continued … 

11 Palestinians killed, dozens shot in Israel West Bank raid

An Israeli army raid killed 11 Palestinians, including a teenager, Wednesday in Nablus, the Palestinian health ministry said, in the deadliest escalation in the occupied West Bank since 2005. Continued …

Southeast Asia lags in EVs

For self-confessed tech geek and adrenaline junkie Farhan Abdul Rahim, becoming one of the first Malaysians to own an electric car in 2020 was a no-brainer – but he did not simply stop there. Continued …

Webb spots surprisingly massive galaxies in early universe

The James Webb Space Telescope has spotted six massive galaxies that emerged not long after the Big Bang, a study said Wednesday, surprising scientists by forming at a speed that contradicts our current understanding of the universe. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

90-day online reporting

hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-Feb 22

  • Shops, people warned against reserving areas of public roads for personal parking/
  • Netflix Thailand slashes basic service by 60%/
  • Global conditions hinder Thailand’s economic recovery/
  • Young Thais urged to eat more rice, as records show slump in demand/
  • Tops rebranding drive makes headway among consumers/
  • Three men found shot in head in car in swamp in southern Thailand/
  • Tourism: 8 places worth visiting in Prachuap Khiri Khan/The Hidden WOW tourism campaign in Prachuap Khiri Khan/Arrival of Chinese Tour Groups Still Unexpectedly Low/Thailand expects big jump in tourists from China/Best Western betting on Thailand with eight new hotels, one in Hua Hin/
  • Thailand Experience: Spice up your life with Thai food/10 Simple Thai Recipes To Add Some Spice To Your Plate/
  • International: ‘Terrible toll’ of Russia’s year-long invasion of Ukraine/Putin accuses West of stoking global war to destroy Russia/Four-day work week in UK gains converts/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Shops, people warned against reserving areas of public roads for personal parking

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Tuesday warned shops and people against reserving public roads for personal parking, saying they could face fines of up to 10,000 baht.

The CIB posted on its Facebook page that reserving parts of public roads as personal parking space would violate both the traffic law and the “Act on the Maintenance of the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country BE2535 (1992)”.

Fights for parking space on roads in front of shops or houses often lead to heated disputes and sometimes even deadly squabbles. Continued … 

Netflix Thailand slashed basic service by 60%

Mixed news for series addicts on a budget: Starting today, Netflix has reduced the monthly rate for its basic package by 60%, but users may not share their accounts.

The basic monthly package now runs THB169, down from THB279. That means enjoying the latest episodes of psycho thriller You, searing K-dramas, or any of Note Udom’s comedy specials at 720p resolution, which qualified as HD in 2010. The package limits users to only one device at a time.

Those already subscribed to the basic package will automatically pay the new rate on their next billing cycle. Continued …

Global conditions hinder Thailand’s economic recovery

Thailand’s economic growth in the fourth quarter of last year has disappointed many people. Real gross domestic product (GDP), a broader measure of economic output, grew just 1.4% year-on-year, decelerating sharply from 4.6% growth in the third quarter.

The 1.5% negative contraction quarter-on-quarter has raised questions whether the economy might enter a technical recession if it contracts again in the first quarter of this year.

Thailand’s exports had seen a steep drop by 10.5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter. Continued …

Young Thais urged to eat more rice, as records show slump in demand

The Commerce Ministry has launched a campaign calling on young Thais to eat more rice after a recent study showed that the consumption of rice in Thailand has plummeted.

“In 2018, the rate of rice consumption among Thais, particularly the younger generation, dropped from 100 kilos per person per year to 72kg per person per year,” said Udom Srisomsong, deputy director-general of the Department of Internal Trade.

“In Bangkok, the rate of consumption has dropped to just 50kg per person per year.” Continued …

Tops rebranding drive makes headway among consumers

Central Food Retail Co., the operator of Tops grocery stores under Central Retail Corp. (CRC), vows to continue opening new stores and renovating existing outlets.

The company also wants to complete its rebranding plan by the end of this year.

Stephane Coum, Central Retail’s chief executive for the food group, said the company’s major rebranding effort to unify all brands as Tops starting in October last year received a positive response from consumers. Continued …

Three men found shot in head in car in swamp in southern Thailand

Buketa police in Waeng district of Narathiwat in the far south of Thailand and the military responded after reports that three men were found in the boot of a car in the Jeurae swamp.

A large group of locals were gawking at the scene in Mae Dong subdistrict when forensics officers arrived.

Three shirtless men were in the boot of a blue Toyota Yaris. It’s registration plate was found detached in the swamp. Continued … 

8 places worth visiting in Prachuap Khiri Khan

The Hidden WOW tourism campaign in Prachuap Khiri Khan is a promotional initiative aimed at promoting some of the lesser-known attractions and destinations in the province.

The campaign focuses on showcasing the unique and authentic experiences that the area has to offer, such as stunning natural landscapes, local cultural activities, and important religious sites.

The goal of the campaign is to attract tourists to all eight districts of the province, boosting the local economy and preserving the cultural heritage of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …

Arrival of Chinese Tour Groups Still Unexpectedly Low

The number of Chinese tour groups traveling to Thailand remains unexpectedly low due to a lack of flights, said Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Thai Association of Tourism Businesses (ATTA).

Sisdivachr disclosed that most Chinese arrivals in Thailand were free independent travelers (FIT), which refers to tourists who travel on their own without a tour guide or joining a tour group. These types of visitors are largely attributed to the majority of recent Chinese arrivals, while the number of tour groups was still very low despite China already allowing outbound group travel, Sisdivachr said.

The ATTA president associated this unexpected phenomenon with insufficient flights. Continued …

Thailand expects big jump in tourists from China

Thailand has revised its forecast upward for the number of inbound Chinese tourists in 2023, following a strong recovery in China’s tourism market.

Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of Thailand’s Tourism Authority, said the figure has been raised by 2 million from the previous estimate of between 5 and 6 million. Thailand is now expecting between 7 and 8 million Chinese visitors.

He made the remarks in Shanghai on Monday at the “Amazing Thailand, Amazing New Chapters Roadshow to China 2023.” Continued …

Best Western betting on Thailand with eight new hotels, one in Hua Hin

Best Western is looking east. The U.S.-based global hospitality group will open eight new hotels in Thailand this year to capitalize on the Kingdom’s resurgent tourism, and as part of its expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, a top-ranking executive said last week.

Best Western Hotels (BWH) operates 16 properties in Thailand under three brands: one World Hotels Collection hotel, 13 Best Western Hotels and Resorts properties, and two Sure Stay Hotels. The new ventures represent a 50% increase in BWH’s Thai portfolio.

They include properties in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Hua Hin, basically all the major tourism centers in the Kingdom. Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi are also under consideration as new locations, the company said. – thaiembdc.org

Spice up your life with Thai food

Thai food is a cuisine that is beloved by people all over the world for its complex and diverse flavors. From the sour tang of tom yum soup to the spicy kick of green curry, Thai food offers a unique culinary experience that satisfies the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.

But Thai cuisine is more than just a delicious meal. It’s a reflection of the country’s rich history and cultural influences. The story of Thai food is one that spans centuries. It has roots in various countries and cultures that have come together to create a unique and vibrant culinary tradition.

In this article, we will explore the history and cultural significance of Thai food, from its background and earliest roots to its modern-day popularity. Continued … 

10 Simple Thai Recipes To Add Some Spice To Your Plate

Thai cuisine is a tantalizing combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that has become increasingly popular worldwide. A melting pot of influences from Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisines, Thai cooking is characterized by its bold use of herbs, spices, and aromatics, as well as its emphasis on fresh, vibrant ingredients.

From the classic tom yum soup to the iconic pad Thai, Thai cuisine is an explosion of taste that has captured the hearts and palates of many food lovers.

One of the most notable features of Thai cooking is the use of fresh herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime (leaves and zest), Thai basil, coriander, and bird’s eye chilies. These ingredients are often used to make curry pastes, marinades, and sauces that infuse dishes with intense and complex flavors. Thai cuisine also relies heavily on stir-frying, grilling, and steaming to create dishes that are healthy, quick, and easy to prepare. Continued …

‘Terrible toll’ of Russia’s year-long invasion of Ukraine

When Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, he started a war that has killed tens of thousands of people, ravaged cities, and pummeled the country’s economy. Continued … 

Putin accuses West of stoking global war to destroy Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday vowed to continue with his country’s year-long war in Ukraine and accused the United States-led NATO military alliance of fanning the flames of the conflict in the mistaken belief that it could defeat Moscow in a global confrontation. Continued …

Four-day work week in UK gains converts

The largest-ever trial of the four-day work week has found that most UK companies participating are not returning to the five-day standard, and a third are ready to make the change permanent. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, cha am, covid, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-Feb 21

  • Standing on back of songthaews now prohibited/
  • Hua Hin International School seeks teacher/
  • Cha Am Forest Park opens new camping area/
  • Sugar mills plan to help farmers stop burning of sugar cane fields/
  • No respite for Bangkok as PM2.5 readings continue rising/
  • US army to learn Muay Thai from champ Buakaw during Cobra Gold/
  • FTI frets over increase in inexpensive Chinese products/
  • Ukraine war blows huge hole in Thai exports to Russia/
  • Body floating near Koh Tao identified as Myanmar woman/
  • Schneider Electric unit eyes renewables/
  • Tourism: Thailand expects THB3.9 billion from tourist entry fee this year/
  • Thailand Experience: Phi Phi Islands’ Drive to Balance Tourism, Environmental Conservation/Thai Comfort Food Adapts to the Times – Video/Thai fine-dining restaurants in Bangkok to savor the taste of the Kingdom/
  • Covid: Fewer people testing positive for Covid-19 in Thailand/
  • International: Biden makes surprise visit to Ukraine/Darkened plane, silent overnight train: how Biden got to Kyiv/Fresh earthquake hits Turkey-Syria border two weeks after disaster/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Standing on back of songthaews now prohibited

A new law announced Feb. 17 will make it mandatory that passengers sit down in songthaews, the ubiquitous form of passenger transport in Thailand that has two rows of seats in the back of a converted pickup.

For decades and more, passengers – especially in the rush hours – have stood up and even hung precariously off the back of such vehicles.

But now, Thailand is becoming more safety conscious. But that is not pleasing the drivers. They say they are having to pay between 800-1,000 baht a day for fuel, they need as many passengers as they can get. Continued …

Hua Hin International School seeks teacher

Cha Am Forest Park opens new camping area

Cha Am Forest Park officials have announced the opening of a new camping area at the park, offering access to the beach and town center.

The more than 300 rai area off Phetkasem Road is less than a five-minute drive from Cha Am Beach.

The park includes permanent accommodation, bathrooms and shower facilities, conference rooms, a nature trail gym, and a visitor’s center. And now, visitors can pitch tents to camp overnight. Location 

  • 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
  • Get a beach-bed at Anantasila Beach Khao Takiab
  • 500 Baht per person and the good thing about that: You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our Restaurant or Beach-bar.
  • That sounds like a deal doesn’t it?!!

Get a beach-bed at our Anantasila beach – 500 Baht per person

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

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

 

Sugar mills plan to help farmers stop burning of sugar cane fields

Sugar mills across Thailand are working to tackle the problem of sugar cane burning, with the aim of reducing PM2.5 pollution.

The Office of Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) recently invited all parties involved in the cane and sugar industry, including representatives of sugar cane farmers and sugar mills, to discuss measures to end the burning of sugar cane in order to reduce the environmental impact and the occurrence of PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter).

“To solve this problem sustainably, all parties, including government agencies and factories, must work together by adding supportive measures to encourage farmers in cutting fresh sugar cane,” said Pramote Wittayasuk, president of Thai Sugar Millers Corp. (TSMC). Continued …

No respite for Bangkok as PM2.5 readings continue rising

Most of Bangkok was covered in a haze of hazardous air as of 7am on Monday, with 67 air-quality monitoring stations reporting high levels of PM2.5 pollution.

PM2.5 readings were between 49 and 77 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) in most parts of the capital. PM2.5 are dust particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that can severely affect people with chronic lung and heart conditions.

Thailand’s safe standard for PM2.5 pollution is 50μg/m3, though the World Health Organization sets it at 12μg/m3 or lower. Continued … 

US army to learn Muay Thai from champ Buakaw during Cobra Gold

Muay Thai boxer Sombat Banchamek, widely known as Buakaw Banchamek, has been invited by the U.S. Army to train U.S. soldiers in the Thai martial art during the upcoming Cobra Gold military drills.

Cobra Gold, the multinational Indo-Pacific military exercises, are scheduled to take place in Thailand from Feb. 27 to March 10.

Besides training the U.S. soldiers in Muay Thai, Buakaw will take part in Cobra Gold’s Strategic Airborne Operations (SAO) training. Continued … 

FTI frets over increase in inexpensive Chinese products

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is gripped with a fresh worry over the influx of inexpensive Chinese goods following China’s reopening, though Beijing’s policy is good for the tourism sector.

Thailand will barely compete in the international trade arena because entrepreneurs currently cannot control production costs due to higher energy bills and wages than those in China, said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI.

“The Chinese are seeking markets for their products. The country will increase exports after its reopening in order to boost the economy,” said Kriengkrai. Continued … 

Ukraine war blows huge hole in Thai exports to Russia

Thai exports to Russia fell 43.3% to $585.44 million in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago. Hardest hit were exports of heavy vehicles, which dropped by 74%, according to the Department of International Trade (DITP).

It said the fall in exports is likely to continue in 2023.

The top 10 Thai exports to Russia were vehicles, tires, machinery and mechanical parts, canned and processed fruits, machinery and mechanical components, refined oil, canned seafood, processed rubber, rice, and food seasoning. Continued … 

Body floating near Koh Tao identified as Myanmar woman

The deceased woman found floating in the sea near Koh Tao in southern Thailand yesterday has been identified as 39-year-old Aye Pa Pa Khaing from Myanmar.

A fisherman found Aye Pa Pa Khaing floating among gallon drums about 12 nautical miles northwest of the island yesterday morning. Her body was recovered by the Royal Thai Navy. Continued … 

Schneider Electric unit eyes renewables

Schneider Electric Thailand is focusing on renewable energy, with more installations of rooftop solar panels at its factory in order to reduce expensive power bills and help the government effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Adopting clean energy is in line with the carbon neutrality campaign, said Chartchai Phothivorn, Schneider Electric Thailand’s manager for facility and environmental health and safety.

Carbon neutrality refers to global efforts to strike a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and reduction. Continued … 

Thailand expects THB3.9 billion from tourist entry fee this year

Thailand would gain 3.9 billion baht in revenue following the decision to implement a 300-baht fee on foreign tourists beginning June 1, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Monday.

His estimate was based on the projection that 13 million travelers would visit the country from June 1 to the end of the year.

Starting June 1, visitors who enter the country by air will be charged a 300-baht fee, while those who enter the country by land or water must pay a 150-baht fee. Continued … 

Phi Phi Islands’ Drive to Balance Tourism, Environmental Conservation

As sightseeing boats headed into the turquoise waters of Maya Bay, a floating buoy rope kept them a few hundred meters away from the glistening beach, leaving tourists to appreciate the beauty from afar before the boats turned back and departed.

These boats then need to navigate around to the back of the bay, where a floating pier has been built for brief stops. From there, tourists disembark and walk along a wooden pathway through the jungle to the white sand beach, a place made famous after featuring in a 2000 film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

This has now become a common pattern for visitors coming to Phi Phi islands’ famous scenic spot on the Andaman Sea coast. Continued … 

Thai Comfort Food Adapts to the Times – Video

People in Thailand have long enjoyed the taste of pork skewers called moo ping. It’s a popular street food. But as younger folks become more health conscious, a new type of skewer is gaining traction. Video

Thai fine-dining restaurants in Bangkok to savor the taste of the Kingdom

What does it mean to eat as a Thai? Some may think of the use of local ingredients — aromatic spices that are hard-hitting, and the level of spiciness that will make Caucasian folks reluctant to savor another mouthful. Many might refer to the generous portions and the sense of community as you’re meals are often presented sharing-style.

In Bangkok, these restaurants have really done their homework, and even people born and raised here can appreciate all these factors, but in an elevated setting.

Bookmark them, call them up for a table, call your friends for some company. You’re going to enjoy every bite at these Thai fine-dining restaurants in Bangkok. Continued …

Fewer people testing positive for Covid-19 in Thailand

The number of people admitted to hospital for Covid-19 dropped substantially last week, the Department of Disease Control said in its weekly report published on Monday.

In the week of Feb. 12-18, 203 people tested positive for Covid-19 compared to 392 in the previous week.

Of the 203 Covid-19 patients recorded last week, 78 developed lung inflammation, while 51 had to be hooked up to respirators. Continued …

Biden makes surprise visit to Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden promised new military aid for Ukraine worth $500 million during a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, almost a year to the day since Russia’s invasion. Continued … 

Darkened plane, silent overnight train: how Biden got to Kyiv

President Joe Biden’s surprise visit Monday morning to wartime Kyiv began in the dead of night at a military airport hangar outside Washington. Continued … 

Fresh earthquake hits Turkey-Syria border two weeks after disaster

Another earthquake struck the border region of Turkey and Syria on Monday, just two weeks after the area was devastated by a larger quake that killed more than 47,000 people and damaged or destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Feb 20

2 Comments

  • And yet another sponsor renews support for Expat News – S.Ken’s Bistro/
  • New Miss Thailand PKK crowned/
  • Cha Am pet health center reopens/
  • Hua Hin Surf Festival to be held this weekend/
  • Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival this week/
  • Cha Am Crab Festival set March 11-18/
  • Insurance firm rates Thailand drivers ‘the worst’/
  • Head injury reported in Wild Boar youth’s death/
  • Hero’s welcome for Thai rescue team returning from quake-hit Turkey/
  • Chiang Mai’s red ‘Songthaew’ transformation, a new generation of drivers/
  • Thailand Sets 2027 Target for 100% Reuse of Plastic/
  • Two Men Dead In A Game Of Russian Roulette/
  • Mystery woman found floating dead off Koh Tao/
  • Anutin dashes hopes for e-cigarette legalization/
  • Thailand essential to GWM’s ambitious electric vehicle plans/
  • Tourism: Chinese not happy with new Thailand tourist fee/Russian mafia-style ‘gangs’ causing concerns for Phuket businesses/Thai Health minister says no to 4am pub closing, except in tourist areas/Rejection of passengers tops list of complaints about Bangkok’s cabbies/Koh Samui Gears Up For Wellness Tourism With New Hospital/China-Laos high-speed train brings tourists to Thailand/Marine Department reassures public that ‘river taxi’ travel is safe/
  • Thailand Experience: V Villas Hua Hin Among Top 10 Most Expensive Luxury Hotels In Thailand/Aleenta Hua Hin Among 9 Incredible Beachfront Resorts In Thailand/7 exotic Thai fruits that are high in nutrients and antioxidants/
  • Covid: ‘Game over, Covid’: 10 things we learned about the virus in past 3 years/
  • International: Taliban bars Afghan girls from school. Inside their secret classes with a teacher in the US/The coming storm/Economic problems due to Ukraine war to continue/US says China mulls arming Russia in Ukraine war/New Study Shows Veganism сauses More Harm To The Environment Than Limited Meat Consumption/Facebook-owner Meta to roll out paid subscription/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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And yet another sponsor renews support for Expat News

S.Ken’s Bistro – a Khao Tao experience

Locally owned by Chef Ken himself, who has worldwide experience as chef of five-star hotels, this lake view restaurant is dedicated to giving the guests an enjoyable dining experience. S.Ken’s Bistro strives for the perfectly prepared and expertly served food with an uncompromising commitment to quality and value. The bistro features European and Thai dishes. Reservation recommended during high season. Here are a few reviews of this popular Khao Tao eatery.

“Smashing little eatery. Best items on the menu for me are the Burger, the Beef and Rocket salad and the Bacon Sandwhich is one of, if not the best I’ve had in Thailand. If there’s a breeze, sitting outside is pleasant but on a warm night inside is cool and comfortable and the staff and Chef make you feel right at home.”

“The breaded, pan-fried fish was excellent; perfectly cooked, light, flakey and served with excellent house-made tartar sauce. Clean, fresh ambiance, nicely located across from Wat Khao Tao. We will return! Oh, I forgot to mention… even the vegetables, the peas and corn, were so good that I had to eat every last one of them!”

“Friendly staff, service with smile. Nice view of lake of Khao Tao (King’s Bhumibol first Irrigation system Royal Project), tasteful of food from Chef (His name is Ken if I am not wrong!) I and my friend love his food a lot, will visit again for sure!!!”

“Nice clean restaurant ..friendly staff…great food…just a great place for afternoon tea…or lunch…or dinner…don’t take my word for it…go see for yourself…you won’t be disappointed.”

“Food is amazing! Very nice restaurant! I would recommend this place to anyone.”

“Delicious food, great service! The burger was succulent and tasty. Apple crumble was super delicious!”

“Such a great little place to sit and watch to world go by, and then you have to staff all so helpful and so very kind, the just when you think things couldn’t get better…the food blows you away…so delicious…definitely have the dessert too, it’s so worth it!”

S.Ken’s Bistro strives for the perfectly prepared and expertly served food, with an uncompromising commitment to quality and value. The bistro features European and Thai dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner with a casual style. Reservation recommended during high season.

Hours: Wednesday – Monday 11AM – 9 PM; Breakfast Available on weekend 8 AM – 2 PM. Located at 13/24 Kao Tao Hua Hin; tel: 092 464 6939; Facebook/; Email s.kensbnb@gmail.com

New Miss Thailand PKK crowned

Nong Khanom was crowned as “Miss Thailand Prachuap Khiri Khan 2023” at Hua Hin’s Market Village Sunday. Twenty-five-year-old “Nong Khanom”, or Pachara Kritsanaserani, holds a bachelor’s degree in airline business from the School of Tourism and Service, Suan Dusit University, Hua Hin campus. She will now go on to represent Prachuap Khiri Khan province at the Miss Thailand beauty pageant later this year. (HHT)

Cha Am pet health center reopens

The People and Animals Thailand (PAT) Cha-Am clinic has reopened and able to renew efforts to manage and reduce the suffering of street animals to become a happier and healthier population.

The PAT clinic helped more than 6,000 dogs and cats when it first opened in 2019, before it was forced to close due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The clinic is located on Phetchakasim Road between Hua Hin and Cha Am, and uses modern surgical techniques to desex and vaccinate around 200-300 street animals per month.

Appointments are required. Location;  phone: 099-9292530; email PAT@wfft.org

Hua Hin Surf Festival to be held this weekend

The Hua Hin Surf Festival is set to take place on Feb. 25-26 at Khao Takiab beach.

This event will bring together surfers and beach enthusiasts to celebrate the surf culture, fun and entertainment over a weekend filled with competitions, food, live music and activities.

The event is being organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap Khiri Khan office and Pineapple Surf Club. Continued …

Insurance firm rates Thailand drivers ‘the worst’

Head injury reported in Wild Boar youth’s death

The tragic death last weekend of Duangphet Phromthep, one of 12 members of the Wild Boar soccer team at a prestigious British football academy, has left Thailand, his friends and family stunned, bringing an abrupt end to what appeared like a fairytale story for the soccer-loving teenager.

The exact circumstances of his death have yet to be explained but it is understood to have been a tragic accident resulting in a head injury, which will be adjudicated on by a UK coroners court.

Leicestershire Police in a statement on the death of 17-year-old Wild Boar soccer team captain Duangphet ‘Dom’ Phromthep has confirmed that his death last week at an exclusive boarding school in the town of Market Harborough was not suspicious and that a file on it is being prepared for the coroner. Continued … 

  • 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

Get a beach-bed at our Anantasila beach – 500 Baht per person

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

Hero’s welcome for Thai rescue team returning from quake-hit Turkey

The Thai search and rescue team that joined the global effort to retrieve earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria returned to a hero’s welcome on Saturday, with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presenting each member – including the sniffer dogs – with a medal.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport at about 10am on a Turkish Airline flight from Istanbul.

Applause and appreciation was given to its 42 people and two sniffer dogs: Sierra and Sahara. The Golden Retrievers are certified rescue dogs by the International Rescue Dog Organization. Continued …

Chiang Mai’s red ‘Songthaew’ transformation, a new generation of drivers

The red Songthaew minibuses in Chiang Mai have been an iconic form of transport for several decades, for both tourists and locals alike who do not have cars or motorcycles.

The buses, which are, in fact, pickup trucks fitted with two rows of seating facing each other, normally operate on fixed routes. Of late, however, some of them have undergone a transformation, to meet the changing environment and tastes of tourists, thanks to the creative thinking of a new generation of drivers, among them Phuthavat Singkha, a 29-year-old graduate.

Phuthavat said that he has worked as a songthaew driver for the six years since he graduated, thanks to inheriting the vehicle from his father. Continued …

Thailand Sets 2027 Target for 100% Reuse of Plastic

The government has emphasized the importance of managing plastic waste, which has had increasingly negative effects on the environment. It is now urging all sides to work toward reducing the use of plastic and eventually meeting the goal of reusing 100% of plastic waste by 2027.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has implemented policy and continuous assessments to address the issue of plastic waste management, as well as develop long-term solutions for the country. The national aim is to achieve 100% efficiency in plastic recycling by 2027, as outlined in the road map for plastic waste management from 2018-2030.

The private sector in Thailand has been participating in plastic waste management by utilizing upcycling technology to raise the value of plastic waste and transform it into high-value products, such as fabric fibers. In addition, the public has been encouraged to separate waste at the source, and there have been efforts to increase awareness of food safety due to the negative impacts of microplastics. Continued …

Two Men Dead In A Game Of Russian Roulette

Two of six young men drinking in Ayutthaya early Saturday morning died in a game of Russian roulette, with the same bullet passing from the head of the person who fired the shot to his friend sitting next to him.

At 3.30 a.m., Police Lt. Col. Narathip Suthon, an inspector at Bang Pa-In police station, was alerted of two persons being shot dead at a footpath in front of a shop on Rojana road inbound to the city and rushed there with a team of policemen and rescuers.

At the scene, they found the two men shot in the head, with one of them resting on a table and the other fallen on the footpath. Continued …

Mystery woman found floating dead off Koh Tao

A female body was found floating in the sea 12 nautical miles northwest off the southern Thai island of Koh Tao.

The body was floating among approximately 20 200-liter plastic oil drums and was taken to the temple of Wat Koh Charoen Santitham on Koh Tao. Police there were informed.

There was no ID on the body. It was a woman aged 25-30, quite plump, 160 cms tall, wearing a black and red long sleeve top, brown shorts and black underwear. Continued …

Anutin dashes hopes for e-cigarette legalization

Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dashed hopes of e-cigarette legalization. Vaping is illegal in Thailand and that is the way things are going to stay.

Anutin said that he had ordered the Department of Disease Control to work with the police and customs to ensure that vaping devices and vaping fluid is not imported into Thailand.

He said he is determined to work with schools and educational organizations to make sure that e-cigarettes are not available among young people, leading to more taking up regular smoking. Continued …

Thailand essential to GWM’s ambitious electric vehicle plans

Chinese sport utility vehicle manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) is determined to expand its electric vehicle (EV) business in ASEAN, with Thailand and Indonesia selected as its top destinations.

The company views Thailand, which is promoting EV production and consumption, as its major EV market, while Indonesia, which is rich in nickel, is suitable as a base for battery manufacturing, said Parker Shi, vice president of GWM.

Nickel is a key raw material for the production of EV batteries. Continued …

Chinese not happy with new Thailand tourist fee

Once praised by Chinese travelers, Thailand is bursting its own bubble. On Feb. 14, the Thai cabinet approved the collection of an entry free on foreign visitors, effective starting on June 1. Those coming by air will need to pay 300 baht ($8) for each trip and those entering by land or sea ports must pay 150 baht each.

These fees will be used in part to develop local attractions, as well as provide tourists with insurance coverage during their stay.

The news has been met with dismay in China. On Weibo, the hashtag “Thailand will impose entry fees on foreign tourists” has garnered 130 million views, with many posts complaining about the additional travel costs. As one user @若依诗 wrote, “(Thailand) earned a lot of money and now has started to act rude! I have been to Thailand twice and I have a good impression of it, but this makes me dismiss the idea of going again.” Continued … 

Russian mafia-style ‘gangs’ causing concerns for Phuket businesses

The hospitality industry in Phuket is facing a problem with foreign mafia-style gangs becoming increasingly involved in business on the resort island. Industry executives are concerned that foreigners are exploiting laws to run their own businesses, while also taking up jobs only legal for local people.

Kata Group Resorts founder Pramookpisitt Achariyachai spoke during a recent meeting about tourism issues in the three Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga, stating that some foreigners were breaching rules on jobs reserved for Thais.

Businesses currently run by groups of foreigners include taxi services and accommodation, with some foreigners renting villas and condo units abandoned during the Covid-19 pandemic, and then re-renting them out again to their countrymen – and often at highly inflated prices. Pramookpisitt claimed that they were “mostly Russians”. Continued …

Thai Health minister says no to 4am pub closing, except in tourist areas

The Ministry of Public Health is against a proposal to allow pubs to stay open until 4am (instead of 2am) as a matter of principle for public welfare and safety, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told a meeting of the board of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) on Sunday.

He also said, however, that the ministry may agree to allow pubs in certain major tourist destinations to operate up to 4am on case-by-case basis, adding that the ministry will try to maintain a balance between social and economic aspects, so no harm is caused.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports wants pubs in tourist destinations, such as Phuket and Pattaya, to stay open until 4am to attract tourists. Continued … 

Rejection of passengers tops list of complaints about Bangkok’s cabbies

The Land Transport Department has received more than 2,000 passenger complaints against taxi drivers in Bangkok, with most of them concerning cabbies’ rejection of passengers, since the new taxi fares came into effect on Jan. 16.

Of the 2,120 complaints, 720 concerned cabbies’ rejection of passengers, 455 concerned impolite behavior toward passengers, 358 were for reckless driving, 237 for not using meters and 221 cases of malfunctioning meters.

The department has already responded to 1,650 complaints and has taken legal action in 479 cases. – Thai PBS

Koh Samui Gears Up For Wellness Tourism With New Hospital

With the opening of a new hospital on Koh Samui over the weekend, Surat Thani authorities announced that it is now ready launch Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan as a wellness destination.

Provincial Gov. Wichawut Jinto joined Dr. Somchai Chansawang, CEO of Wattanapat Hospital Trang Plc, and other senior officials in opening this 53-bed hospital on Koh Samui.

With the new addition, Koh Samui now has five hospitals and altogether 380 beds. Wattanapat Hospital has a team of specialists in various fields, modern medical equipment and a referral system to more advanced hospitals. Continued … 

China-Laos high-speed train brings tourists to Thailand

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Vientiane in Laos, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani in Thailand has increased.

Suganda Punsue, chairman of the Nong Khai Travel Trade Promotion Assn., and executives from the Nong Khai-based travel company Kantana Tour explained that the Lao kip is currently devalued, trading at 1 baht for 500 kip. Previously, it was 1 baht for 250 kip, boosting the travel industry.

Tourists have to exchange into local currency to pay for accommodation and food while traveling in Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Tour operators usually advise tourists to swap travel expenses for local currency at the checkpoint in Laos. They can exchange the money back into Thai baht at a slightly higher rate. Continued … 

Marine Department reassures public that ‘river taxi’ travel is safe

The Marine Department is enforcing safety measures for boat passengers on waterways across the country, its acting director-general Sorapong Paithoonpong assured the public on Saturday.

The department’s officials in Bangkok and its regional offices have been instructed to check the readiness of passenger boats, crew, and safety gear – including life jackets – as well as piers, to ensure maximum safety, Sorapong said.

Boat pilots have been advised to closely follow weather forecasts, he said. Continued … 

V Villas Hua Hin

V Villas Hua Hin Among Top 10 Most Expensive Luxury Hotels In Thailand

Where should we even begin? Thailand is an absolute marvel, and it’s full of incredible adventures for travelers to experience. Foodies will love trying out authentic Thai dishes when they visit.

Adrenaline junkies will be thrilled to try some of the most exciting extreme sports in Thailand. History buffs will enjoy exploring the ancient temples with a complex, rich history. Even couples will find the most romantic resorts to spend their honeymoons or “baecations.”

Thailand is full of hidden gems that travelers should put on their bucket lists. This article showcases some of the most amazing, luxurious, and expensive hotels to elevate your trip to Thailand. Continued … 

Aleenta Hua Hin

Aleenta Hua Hin Among 9 Incredible Beachfront Resorts In Thailand

A visit to Thailand might include hiking lush mountains, touring ornate temples, and sampling savory street food. But I say a stay in this Southeast Asian country isn’t complete without a stint on its stellar beaches, where accommodations on the turquoise Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea range from boutique lodging to private villas to large resorts.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of Thailand’s best beach resorts. Rather, you might consider the highly rated options below to learn more about the variety of oceanfront properties as you plan a trip to the friendly country known as the “Land of Smiles.”

Here, in no particular order, are some incredible beachfront resorts to experience in Thailand. Continued …

Mangosteen

7 exotic Thai fruits that are high in nutrients and antioxidants

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is a mantra we all remember by heart. Fruits have always played a key role in a healthy diet, and it is always advisable to include at least one fruit in your daily routine. Luckily, in Yhailand, we are spoiled for choices.

Not only do these fresh fruits taste good, but they are also very high in different nutrients. Many exotic fruits in Thailand are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and other such nutrients that aid good health. And its consumption is also a delicious affair.

You can include fruits in your daily diet in the form of fruit bowls, and smoothies or have it raw. You can also make oats or smoothie bowls. Here’s a list of yummy exotic fruits that are packed with goodness. Continued … 

‘Game over, Covid’: 10 things we learned about the virus in past 3 years

One of Thailand’s top virologists today listed 10 things we have learned from the new coronavirus as the world shifts out of pandemic mode.

This year will be “game over” for Covid-19, said Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University. However, he added the pandemic had changed the world in several aspects.

“We have lived with Covid-19 for more than three years. This is what we have learned so far and the estimation of what will happen next,” said Yong. Continued …

Taliban bars Afghan girls from school. Inside their secret classes with a teacher in the US

Still heavy and scratchy from sleep, the “good mornings” come in hushed but eager voices. It’s 7 a.m. in Afghanistan, but it’s not too early for the Afghan teen girls and women who meet secretly each week for a virtual English class that is based in New Jersey. Continued …

The coming storm

Climate change is an invisible killer. A family that lived in a hill station in India, an area known for its colder climate, took their sick child to the hospital. Nobody thought of dengue until a diagnosis confirmed it. Warmer temperatures in India and elsewhere make conditions more favorable for mosquitoes. Continued …

Economic problems due to Ukraine war to continue

The world’s economy and businesses have suffered from the Russia-Ukraine war over the past year, hamstrung by high energy prices, inflationary pressure and logistics disruptions. Continued … 

US says China mulls arming Russia in Ukraine war

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that China was considering providing weapons to Russia in its war against Ukraine, warning Beijing that any supplies would “cause a serious problem.” Continued …

New Study Shows Veganism сauses More Harm To The Environment Than Limited Meat Consumption

A new study has revealed that veganism can cause more harm to the environment than “limited meat consumption”. Citing a survey published by the Social Source Journal, scientists from the University of Georgia have found that several soybean products that are quite common in the vegan diet, are imported from places where their production can add to widespread deforestation and habitat loss. The studies also revealed that the transportation of these products can also cause a severe environmental impact. Continued …

Facebook-owner Meta to roll out paid subscription

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta will launch a paid subscription service starting at $1.99 a month, allowing users to verify their accounts, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Sunday, following a similar move by Elon Musk at Twitter. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

90-day online reporting

climate change, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-Feb 18

  • Sansiri plans 22 Thai projects this year, including ‘Cabanas Huahin’/
  • Centara resort celebrates 100th anniversary/
  • Cave rescue: Duangpetch Promthep’s death shatters happiest of endings/
  • Thailand to get 2 new types of lottery: fully digital and semi-digital/
  • Websites of all 20 Thai ministries hacked by online gambling platforms/
  • NESDC prunes 2023 growth view to 2.7-3.7%/
    New amendments make it easier to set up companies in Thailand/
  • Thailand woos foreign film production to promote growth, cultural soft power/
  • Monkey thieves corraled in Nakhon Sawan/
  • ‘Without private sector in tow, Thai government cannot achieve sustainability goals’/
  • Police officer dies, four injured in insurgent attack in Yala Province/
  • Tourism: Surat Thani Tourism Hits Highest Growth in Thailand/Almost 2,000 Chinese flights to enter Thailand/AoT launches new plan to handle rise of passengers/Thailand’s Unique Street Food With Black Noodles shocks Indians/Netflix, Thailand partner on travel guide/Thai Airways cancels flights to Germany due to strikes/Operators seek tourism law reform following Japan scam/
  • Thailand Experience: All the single ladies… Unmarried Thai women sick of being bad-mouthed/European tourists learn to do Thai-traditional rice farming in Mae Hong Son/
  • International: Man rescued 11 days after deadly quake in Turkey/Ukraine energy supply recovering after Russian strikes/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Sansiri plans 22 Thai projects this year, including ‘Cabanas Huahin’

This year, Sansiri plans to launch 22 condominium projects in Thailand this year worth a total of US$725 million, representing a growth of 151% from the previous year. The highlight this year is the launch of Sansiri’s new luxury condominiums in sought-after mid-town locations, such as Ari and Ratchathewi.

Furthermore, the company’s new condominium brand, “Cabanas Huahin”, will be introduced and promises to stand out as a one-of-a-kind project in Hua Hin, one of the world’s top traveling destinations in Thailand.

Sansiri will also launch two new lifestyle-brand condominiums in the Sukhumvit area this year. Furthermore, the ompany has planned to inaugurate nine new Sansiri brands that cover all segments to expand further in each of its portfolios. The move will strengthen the coverage and inclusivity of all needs and price ranges – including the brands in the Sansiri Luxury Collection, a collection of super-luxury flagship and luxury residences, which will help to expand Sansiri’s luxury product portfolio. – prnasia.com

Centara resort celebrates 100th anniversary

The Hua Hin Railway Hotel, now known as the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary..

The historic hotel is known for its unique blend of Thai and colonial architecture and is recognized as not only one of the most notable landmarks in Hua Hin but one of the most iconic hotels in Southeast Asia.

The centennial celebration was a colorful and lively affair, with many attendees dressed in traditional Thai dress to honor the country’s rich culture and heritage. The event was a fitting tribute to the hotel’s rich history and its significant contribution to the local tourism industry. Continued …

Cave rescue: Duangpetch Promthep’s death shatters happiest of endings

We still do not know what caused the sudden death of Duangpetch “Dom” Promthep at the football academy in Britain to which he had been so proud to win a scholarship last year.

It casts, for the first time, a sad shadow over a story which until now had not lost its power to inspire, to lift the spirits.

The astonishing saga of the Thai boys rescued from the cave in July 2018 was that rarest of things in the news business: a tale with an almost flawlessly happy ending, although two Thai divers died, one during preparations for the rescue and one later from a blood infection picked up in the cave. Continued …

Thailand to get 2 new types of lottery: fully digital and semi-digital

The Government Lottery Office’s board approved the plan to issue two new types of lottery – the six-digit (L6) and three-digit (N3) lotteries.

The move was proposed by the Finance Ministry.

The L6 lottery will go for 80 baht each, the same as the lotteries currently available, but will only be sold in digital format. Some of these lotteries will be sold via the Pao Tang application, said Lavaron Sangsnit, chairman of the Lottery Board. Continued …

Websites of all 20 Thai ministries hacked by online gambling platforms

The websites of state agencies under all 20 Thai ministries have been attacked by hackers working for online gambling platforms, Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said on Friday.

He said the hackers managed to plant malicious script on web pages of the government agencies that linked to online gambling websites.

More than 30 million URLs of compromised state-agency websites were found to have been corrupted. Continued …

NESDC prunes 2023 growth view to 2.7-3.7%

The government’s planning unit has downgraded its economic growth forecast to 2.7-3.7% for this year from 3-4% estimated in November last year, largely attributed to the global slowdown and declining exports. Continued … 

New amendments make it easier to set up companies in Thailand

The government has adjusted requirements for the registration of limited partnerships and mergers in a bid to ease the setting up of startups.

Deputy government spokesperson Trisulee Trisaranakul said on Friday that amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code now allow a limited partnership to be registered in the name of two people instead of three.

The amendment was announced on Nov. 8, 2022, and went into effect 90 days later, on Feb. 7. Continued …

  • 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

Get a beach-bed at our Anantasila beach – 500 Baht per person

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

Thailand woos foreign film production to promote growth, cultural soft power

Thailand is promoting its film industry as a shooting location for foreign films in an effort to boost the economy and improve the kingdom’s image through cultural soft power, a government spokesman said.

Thailand’s popularity as a filming destination has grown over the years due to its diverse locations and skilled production crews, which will help the Southeast Asian country become known for its beauty, said Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister and government spokesman.

Encouragement of foreign film productions was another cost-effective measure, as it would generate income for businesses and locals near film locations throughout the country, Anucha said. Continued …

Monkey thieves corraled in Nakhon Sawan

The two suspects caught trying to capture long-tailed macaques were met with fury from Nakhon Sawan locals as they were brought back by police to enact their crime on Friday.

Thaweeluck, 37, and Phromphiram, 23, (last names withheld) were arrested on Thursday as they were trying to hit the creatures with tranquilizer darts.

Wat Khao No, a mountainous tourist attraction in Nakhon Sawan’s Banphot Phisai district, is famous for its long-tailed macaques. Continued …

‘Without private sector in tow, Thai government cannot achieve sustainability goals’

Thailand’s government should speed up the country’s sustainable development and ensure that private companies are achieving their own sustainable goals, experts from Baker & McKenzie said during a seminar at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok on Friday.

During the seminar on “Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)”, the company’s partner, Yuthana Sivaraks, said ESG has been trending since the launch of the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that commits states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, on Dec. 11, 1997.

He added that the move to deal with greenhouse gas emissions had changed from voluntary to mandatory after the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change, was adopted in 2015. Continued …

Police officer dies, four injured in insurgent attack in Yala Province

One police major was killed and four other officers were injured when the blast from a bomb, hidden under a road in Bannang Sata district of Thailand’s southern province of Yala, impacted the pickup truck in which they were traveling Friday.

The five-man team was on its way to investigate the torching of road rollers by suspected insurgents last night. When the truck arrived near the scene of one of the damaged rollers, insurgents, who may have been hiding nearby, detonated the device.

The powerful explosion tore a large hole in the road and blew the police car onto its roof. The police major died at the scene. – Thai PBS

Surat Thani Tourism Hits Highest Growth in Thailand

Surat Thani tourism, which includes Samui, Phangan, and Tao (Turtle) islands, has reached the highest growth in the country, with tourism revenue increasing 900% from a 600% increase of tourists year over year.

Surat Thani Gov. Witchawut Jintoe said that according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, last year Surat Thani’s revenue from tourism was 27.66 billion baht. Continued …

Almost 2,000 Chinese flights to enter Thailand

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) authorized 1,910 flights from China to enter the kingdom, with 671 expected to arrive in February and 970 slated for arrival in March, according to CAAT President Suttipong Kongpool.

In addition, the CAAT has received 6,318 flight requests for the period from Feb. 13 to 19, bringing the total number of flights for February 2023 to 25,256. A total of 269 Chinese flights already arrived in the country last month.

The increase in flights follows the relaxation of travel restrictions by the Thai government after the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the lifting of harsh border restrictions by China on Jan. 8. Continued …

AoT launches new plan to handle rise of passengers

Suvarnabhumi International Airport has announced new measures to handle the rise of incoming passengers, as the number of arrivals at Bangkok’s main international gateway jumped following China’s decision to reopen its borders.

The Airport of Thailand (AoT) revealed on Friday that Suvarnabhumi airport has come up with many measures to tackle the delays in passenger servicing time, which have already begun improving service flow, especially during peak hours, it claimed.

According to Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Kittipong Kittikachorn, the airport received complaints about luggage claim delays from approximately 30 flights per day last month. Continued …

Thailand’s Unique Street Food With Black Noodles shocks Indians

Thai street cuisine is prepared in open spaces and served to customers searching for quick and delightful meals. It is typically sold from carts, stands, and the sides of the road.

The internet came across dark-colored noodles/spaghetti in Thailand and Indians are still recovering. In the viral video, a lady tosses bluish, black-colored noodles along with vegetables, spices and shrimp. She tosses all the ingredients together and serves them to her customer. Video 

Netflix, Thailand partner on travel guide

Netflix is partnering with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), and the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) to put together “Uncover Thailand: A Creative Travel Guide”, a first-of-its-kind Thailand travel guide.

This creative travel guide will lead tourists to discover incredible locations featured in popular films and shows from Thailand and beyond on Netflix – and include recommendations for great experiences in the surrounding areas to help travelers make the most of Thailand’s natural wonders, gastronomic experiences, rich cultures, and diverse heritage.

The launch event also saw representatives from relevant agencies engage in extensive discussion on the topic of “Promoting Thai Tourism through ‘Uncover Thailand: A Creative Travel Guide'”. Continued …

Thai Airways cancels flights to Germany due to strikes

Thai Airways announced the cancellation of all flights from Bangkok to Frankfurt and Munich and vice versa yesterday due to labor strikes at airports all over Germany.

Airport workers at major hubs in Germany were taking part in a day-long strike over pay, disrupting airline operations.

Public sector workers and ground handlers were striking at seven airports: Frankfurt Main, Munich, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Dortmund, Hannover and Bremen. Continued …

Operators seek tourism law reform following Japan scam

Tour operators are calling for tourism laws to be reformed to protect travel agents, not only customers, following an alleged Japan tour scam worth 14 million baht.

Ten retail travel agents filed a complaint against one wholesale company with the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau this week, alleging they were scammed when they bought outbound package tours to Japan for a price of 21,899 baht. The wholesale company said it could not arrange the tours as promised.

According to the Tourism Department, this company has allegedly been offering scam tours to Japan since before the pandemic, with reportedly more than 400 victims. Continued …

All the single ladies… Unmarried Thai women sick of being bad-mouthed

As a foreigner who is not married and has no intention of ever marrying, unmarried Thai women are not happy with me, and neither is anyone else.

It seems to me that Thai society is composed of everyone knowing their own place and knowing everyone else’s place, too. There actually is a place for a “man like me” – it’s the big pink bucket in the corner – but I don’t fit in there either.

Being unhappily divorced and hated by your children is just fine. Being a bullet-headed sex tourist is fine. Being a 73-year-old pervert with a 40-kilogram wife 55 years younger than him is Jim Dandy.

Having no interest in marriage makes me (obviously) gay, subversive, a liar, abnormal, anti-Thai, insane, pitiful, tragic and in need of conversion therapy. Continued …

European tourists learn to do Thai-traditional rice farming in Mae Hong Son

A group of European tourists from France, Sweden, England, and Germany was guided to do Thai traditional rice farming at Fern Rim Than Resort, Ban Hua Nam Mae Sakut subdistrict, in Mae Hong Son Province.

The tourists shared that they thought the activity was fascinating. They enjoyed to learn about Thai cultures, while reconnecting with nature during their vacation.

Participating in the farming were Chettha Mosikarat, governor of Mae Hong Son Province and Thawatchai Nathipakorn, the owner of the resort. Continued …

Man rescued 11 days after deadly quake in Turkey

A man was rescued on Friday from the rubble of a building that collapsed in the southern province of Hatay, 11 days after a massive earthquake struck the area, killing more than 43,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Continued …

Ukraine energy supply recovering after Russian strikes

Ukraine was weathering a wave of Russian attacks on its power grid and seeing recovering supplies despite Russia’s campaign against key infrastructure, energy operator Ukrenergo said Friday. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-Feb 17

  • And yet another happy customer renews sponsorship of Expat News – IC Curtains/
  • Hua Hin Old days Festival at Bluport March 3-5/
  • Crab festival set in Cha Am March 11-18/
  • German expat, daughter have lucky escape after fire destroys home in Cha Am/
  • Try these different varieties of pad krapow in Hua Hin/
  • Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain ‘Dom’/
  • School head shocked by Wild Boars footballer’s death/
  • Property market outlook for this year improves/
  • Three-Month Burn Ban Put in Place to Curb Haze, Wildfire/
  • Over 500 fires in northern Thailand spark alarm/
  • Eight national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to be closed due to forest fires/
  • Consumer products likely to cost more despite cut in diesel price/
  • Online advance booking of train tickets now requires credit or debit card/
  • Thailand’s roads claim the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year/
  • BMA, US Embassy, Tesla promote electric vehicles in Bangkok/
  • BGRIM, Innopower team up for clean energy projects/
  • Foreign Motorbike Racers in Phuket Draw Police Attention/
  • Police arrest gang selling Thai monkeys abroad for medical research/
  • Winds destroy durian crops worth 5 million baht in east/
  • Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers/
  • Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief/
  • Tourism: Calls for scrutiny of new tourism fee fund/Entry fees to include insurance/
  • Thailand Experience: First ‘cultural map’ of the country now online/There’s Never Been a More Exciting Time to Eat Thai in Bangkok/
  • Covid: Covid infection gives similar immunity to vaccination/
  • International: 10 deadliest quakes of the past 100 years/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

And yet another happy customer renews sponsorship of Expat News

IC Curtains

Established for 15 years in Phuket and now in Hua Hin, IC Curtains and its sister companies Just Sofas and Lucky Awnings provide many complementary and interrelated products in a “one-stop shop” experience, simplifying and minimising the time and stress involved with multiple suppliers.

As a family-run business, you can be assured that our customers always come first, and we pride ourselves in giving friendly, honest service with no high-pressure selling.

We absolutely guarantee our work, and offer a free 12-month after-sales service on our workmanship and products for normal wear and tear.

We stock only the very best quality products, such as VC FABRICS, PASAYA Fabrics, ACACIA Fabrics, SUNBRELLA Umbrellas, NITAS Textiles, and SOMFY Motorised Solutions, as we can depend on both the products and their guarantees to us.

The company founder and owner “Lucky” is from Australia and has over 45 years curtain and fabrics industry experience, and over 60 years in service and retail industries, and so he really understands the level of customer service needed to keep clients happy.

Customer satisfaction is where IC Curtains really shines.

We focus on taking the time to understand your own personal style and vision, and offer advice on how to bring together the aesthetics, purpose, budget and functionality of your environment. Our goal is to help you to create the mood, tone and ambiance that you envision for your space, with the best quality products within your budget.

We simplify the process by enabling design, color and style choices for both indoor and outdoor soft furnishings and products in one place.

Our Showroom is conveniently located on Soi 112, directly opposite the well-known Maha Samutr Country Club. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 530:pm.

We have a good range of products on display, and a full set of sample books for every product available from our suppliers.

Our loyal team has been with us for many years and includes specialists in measure and quote, cutting, sewing, fitting and support, are well trained and will leave your property as clean as when they arrived.

Call Lucky direct on 093-6294400 to make an appointment to drop-in and tell us about your unique requirements.

70/171 Soi 112 Huana Tuptai Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77110 Thailand; email: scholtesjochen3@gmail.com; tel: 093-6294400; Web; Facebook.

Crab festival set in Cha Am March 11-18

Cha Am municipality has announced its crab festival – “Gin Pu Chak@Cha-am festival” will take place March 11-18 at Cha-am viewpoint. Expect lots of fresh seafood and local cuisine, live music, entertainment, shopping and much more.

German expat, daughter have lucky escape after fire destroys home in Cha Am

A German man and his young daughter had a lucky escape after fire quickly spread through their home in Cha Am this morning.

Officials said a cigarette butt that wasn’t properly disposed of caused the fire at the three-story property located close to Phanthurat Forest Park in Khao Yai District.

The fire broke out in a bedroom on the second floor before spreading to an adjacent wardrobe and bathroom, officials said. Continued … 

Try these different varieties of pad krapow in Hua Hin

There are many dishes that are ubiquitous with Thai cuisine: som tam, pad Thai and green curry just to name a few.

But there is one dish that could perhaps be considered a part of daily life in Thailand, more so than any other.

And while dishes such as pad Thai may be more well-known internationally, it is pad krapow which is the true staple of Thai food. Continued … 

Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain ‘Dom’

Duangpetch “Dom” Promthep, one of the 13 ‘Wild Boars” rescued from Tham Luang Cave in Chiang Rai province back in 2018, has died in England, said Supatpong Methigo, a monk who taught him in Chiang Rai on Wednesday.

“Note” Prachak Sutham, member of “13 Wild Boars” paid tribute to “Dom”, the captain of Wild Boars soccer team.

“R.I.P., My Dear Friend, We, 13 people, have been through a lot together, both suffering and happiness. We have risked life and death and gone through all the hardships together. You said to wait and see when you join the national team. I always believed that you could do it. Continued … 

School head shocked by Wild Boars footballer’s death

The director of a school in Chiang Mai has expressed surprise about the sudden death of young “Wild Boars” footballer Duangphet “Dom” Phromthep in England, saying the school was awaiting the autopsy results to learn the exact cause.

Duangphet was a Mathayom Suksa 5 (Grade 11) student at Vachiralai School in Saraphi district when he received a scholarship from the Zico Foundation to a football academy in in England, said Khanong Tonlek, the school director.

The boy continued to take online courses and exams at Vachiralai School to qualify to enter Mathayom Suksa 6 in the next academic year. Continued … 

Property market outlook for this year improves

The total residential property index projection for 2023 has been upgraded, as reduced transfer and mortgage fees continue to offer benefits to buyers of mid-scale properties.

Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said the total residential property index last year rose 21% to 91.7, from 75.7 in 2021. The 2022 figure is the highest since 2019.

“The key driver was the loan-to-value (LTV) limits that started in 2019 and eased in 2021, ending last year,” Vichai said. Continued … 

Three-Month Burn Ban Put in Place to Curb Haze, Wildfire

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha ordered the implementation of any possible measures to keep wildfire under control and seek cooperation from all concerned localities to observe no-burning rule from Feb. 1 to April 30.

Those who violate the rule will be penalized, said deputy secretary-general to the prime minister and acting government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri.

Concerned agencies are also urged to work proactively to create public awareness. If the situation is not better, plan adjustment will be necessary to beef up related measures. Continued … 

Over 500 fires in northern Thailand spark alarm

More than half of the 1,005 fires recorded in Thailand on Wednesday were in the North, causing dangerous levels of pollution, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency.

The three provinces with the highest number of fires were Chiang Mai (205), Tak (156), and Mae Hong Son (146).

Of the total number of fires in Thailand, 501 were in protected forests, 361 in reserved forests, 55 in areas under the Agricultural Land Reform Office, 45 on farms, 42 in local communities, and one along a highway, the agency said. Continued …

Eight national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to be closed due to forest fires

Thailand’s Center for Air Pollution Mitigation has asked the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to close eight national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in 17 northern provinces, in a bid to control the increasing number of forest fires.

Pollution Control Department Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi said that the closures will allow officials to work with greater flexibility and efficiency to control the hotspots, which are mostly being detected in forest reserves.

The closures affect Nam Pai, Om Koi and Pa Mae Tuen wildlife sanctuaries, and Pha Daeng, Tham Pha Thai, Ob Luang, Mae Ping and Si Nan national parks. Continued … 

  • 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

Get a beach-bed at our Anantasila beach – 500 Baht per person

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

Consumer products likely to cost more despite cut in diesel price

The move by the Oil Fuel Fund Office to approve a reduction in the retail price of diesel by 50 satang per liter from Wednesday is unlikely to deter consumer goods makers from hiking prices.

President of the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Assn., Somchai Pornratanacharoen, said manufacturers were forced to hike product prices, as skyrocketing energy costs had affected their overall cost of production.

“The high energy prices last year pushed up the prices of items, such as noodles, soaps, and snacks,” he said. Continued …

Online advance booking of train tickets now requires credit or debit card

 

From yesterday, passengers who make online advance bookings for train tickets, through the D-Ticket website of the State Railway of Thailand or through its application, must pay for the tickets with their credit or debit cards.

Passengers can, however, still make advance bookings at all train stations with cash, if they do not have or do not want to use their cards.

The SRT explained that it decided to require passengers to pay for tickets when they book online because many do not show up to claim their tickets they booked within 30 days, resulting in other passengers losing the opportunity to travel. Continued … 

Thailand’s roads claim the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year

Thailand’s deadly roads have claimed the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year. A further 2,886 foreigners were injured, according to data from Thai RSC, an accident information center.

Foreigners getting into road accidents in Thailand regularly make headlines but much more go unrecorded by the media.

Data recorded from Jan. 1 – Feb. 15 reveals that 2,099 people in total died in road accidents in Thailand so far this year. Of those, 75 were foreigners. Statistics show that 106,133 were injured in road accidents so far this year, 2,886 of which were foreigners. Continued …

BMA, US Embassy, Tesla promote electric vehicles in Bangkok

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt on Thursday participated in an activity to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) at City Hall in Phra Nakhon district.

Co-hosted by Embassy of the United States in Bangkok and private partners, EV-promotion events were also organized simultaneously at four other locations: Continued …

BGRIM, Innopower team up for clean energy projects

B.Grimm Power (BGRIM), an energy developer with the largest capacity in the small power-producer segment, has forged a venture with energy innovation firm Innopower Co. to promote clean energy projects, including electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development.

The two companies did not elaborate on the EV-related project, saying only they will work together to develop an “ecosystem” for battery EVs, part of efforts to help the government reduce carbon dioxide emissions and avoid the severe impact of climate change. Continued …

Foreign Motorbike Racers in Phuket Draw Police Attention

A group of foreign motorbike racers were reportedly warned of being a public nuisance before a fight with locals broke out on Bangla Road in Patong.

A viral video clip of people fighting on Bangla Road went viral in social media last Wednesday.

TPN media has decided not to air the clip due to material that may disturb sensitive viewers. Continued … 

Police arrest gang selling Thai monkeys abroad for medical research

Police have busted a gang that was catching and selling Thai monkeys abroad to be “lab rats” in medical research and for “energy” food.

Some were believed to be worth as much as 100,000 baht each.

The case happened in Nakhon Sawan at a tourist area called Khao Nor, where Nan, 55, sells monkey treats. Continued …

Winds destroy durian crops worth 5 million baht in east

Like them or hate them, there is huge money in growing what are often referred to as the King of Fruits – the famously smelly and, for some, delicious Durian.

But like all crops, they can be subject to the vagaries of the weather, and disaster struck yesterday for 6-7 orchards by a reservoir in Trat, eastern Thailand.

High winds caused nearly 10,000 of the fruit weighing 1.5 – 2.5 kilos and worth 500 baht each to fall. Continued … 

Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers

A Thai ecologist is sounding the alarm on the decline in the number of sharks in the country’s waters.

The marine ecologist, Assistant Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, the deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, presented some worrying facts about the situation.

Thon said that around 75 of the 87 shark species in Thai waters are endangered. Endangered sharks include the whale shark, leopard shark, hammerhead and bull shark. Most of the shark species in the country’s territorial waters are listed as endangered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Continued … 

Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and one of its most common applications is to help with sleep and insomnia. With the growing popularity of cannabis as a sleep aid, it can be challenging to know which strains are the best for promoting a restful night’s sleep.

In this article, we will explore some of the best cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia, with a focus on strains that have their origins in Thailand.

Thai Stick

Thai Stick is a classic cannabis strain in Thailand that is known for its sedative effects. It is a pure Sativa strain that has been cultivated for generations in Thailand. This strain is known for its sweet and spicy flavor, and it has a high THC content, making it an effective sleep aid. Thai Stick is also known for its ability to reduce anxiety, which can be helpful for people who struggle with anxiety-related sleep disorders. Continued … 

Calls for scrutiny of new tourism fee fund

Tourism operators are concerned about the transparency of the Tourism Promotion Fund, which is estimated to have a budget of more than 13 billion baht from the 300-baht tourism fee collected from international visitors.

The cabinet this week approved collection of the fee, expected to start in June.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is projected to collect 3.9 billion baht this year and more than 10 billion from 40 million visitors estimated for next year. Continued … 

Entry fees to include insurance

Thailand will provide insurance for foreign tourists when tourism fees for international arrivals are imposed in June, deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Thursday. Continued … 

First ‘cultural map’ of the country now online

The first online cultural map of Thailand is now available with more than 2,000 cultural sites across the country, ready to be upgraded for metaverse technologies.

The virtual map is part of a database developed by the Program Management Unit for Area-based Development (PMU-A) under the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council.

The PMU-A said recently the database is a joint project of the university network for area-based development comprising 41 universities from 33 provinces. Continued … 

There’s Never Been a More Exciting Time to Eat Thai in Bangkok

For a long time, Thai fine dining in Bangkok was synonymous with lavish multicourse menus drawing on recipes from the royal court. Long regarded as the pinnacle of the country’s cuisine, these meals featured intricately carved vegetables and the choicest cuts of deboned fish and meat.

The meticulously balanced flavors were neither too spicy nor overly heavy on funky inflections such as pla ra (fermented fish paste). Restaurants specializing in oryal Thai cooking mostly catered to tourists; locals splurged on fine French or Japanese cuisine.

Around the mid-2010s, something changed. Inspired by the locavore movement sweeping through restaurants worldwide, a new crop of ambitious young Thais shifted focus to recipes and little-known ingredients from beyond the regal kitchens. Chef Napol Jantraget championed seasonal produce when he opened his casual fine diner 80/20 in 2015, and Chalee Kader highlighted northeastern Thai nose-to-tail cooking at 100 Mahaseth, which launched in Bangkok’s old town in 2017. They introduced Bangkok’s cash-flush diners to locally raised meat, tribal food-preservation techniques and herbs from the country’s rural corners that even most Thais had never heard of. Continued … 

Covid infection gives similar immunity to vaccination

The protection against Covid-19 from being previously infected lasts at least as long as that offered by vaccination, one of the largest studies conducted on the subject said today.

Ten months after getting Covid, people still had an 88% lower risk of reinfection, hospitalization and death, according to the study published in the Lancet journal.

That makes this natural immunity “at least as durable, if not more so” than two doses of Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccines, the study said. Continued …

10 deadliest quakes of the past 100 years

With the estimated death toll still mounting, the massive earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6 is among the 10 deadliest of the past 100 years, with over 41,000 dead as of Friday. Continued …

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Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

 

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