Category Archives: real estate

bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, real estate, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Monday’s news-May 8

  • Heatstroke warning as mercury rises beyond 50ᵒC in many parts of Thailand/
  • Thais warned of heavy rain, strong wind and hail/
  • Thailand Election 2023: Eager Thais cast ballots in early voting/
  • Dark predictions as the opposition parties look set to sweep to power in next weekend’s Election/
  • The critical first 100 days/
  • Police to seek additional arrest warrants in cyanide poisoning investigation/
  • Remote Korat villagers to get electricity after 70 years/
  • Chinese seeking freedom, security snap up posh homes in post-Covid Thailand/
  • Thailand’s cannabis sellers say US growers are eating their lunch/
  • Tourism: Departures tax hailed as the kiss of death/’No plan’ to revive exit tax/New Bt300 foreign tourism levy postponed yet again/How Thailand is Preparing for a Surge of Chinese Tourists arrivals/Thailand’s B2B Startups Lead to Tourism Renaissance/
  • Thailand Experience: How a two-week kayaking adventure teaches you to slow down and enjoy the moment/5 Best Places To Visit In Bangkok/
  • 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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Heatstroke warning as mercury rises beyond 50ᵒC in many parts of Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned people to beware of heatstroke, as the mercury is expected to rise beyond 50 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country.

TMD said Chonburi would be the hottest city in the east of Thailand on Sunday, with the temperature hitting 53ᵒC. In Bangkok, the hottest district would be Bang Na, which will hit 52.7ᵒC.

The hottest city in the Northeast is Kosum Phisai district in Maha Sarakham with 46ᵒC, while Phuket in the South hit 51.1ᵒC. – The Nation

Thais warned of heavy rain, strong wind and hail

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has forecast a 24-hour weather outlook, with the northern region experiencing summer storms characterized by thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hail. Some areas may also experience lightning.

Residents in these regions are advised to exercise caution during summer storms, avoiding open spaces, large trees, weak structures, and billboards. It is also recommended to avoid wearing metallic items and using mobile phones during thunderstorms. Farmers should prepare to protect their agricultural produce and livestock from potential damage. Continued …

Thailand Election 2023: Eager Thais cast ballots in early voting

Eager Thai voters cast their ballots on Sunday a week ahead of the official polls, with many lining up before the doors opened at 8am.

Gosol Pungtaku, 51, was among the many voters who expressed a desire to see positive changes and progress in Thailand. “There has been a rise in drug-related and criminal incidents, so I hope that the newly elected government will take steps to prevent them,” said Gosol. Continued …

Dark predictions as the opposition parties look set to sweep to power in next weekend’s Election

The prime minister’s United Thai Nation (Ruam Thai Sang Chart) Party has released a video clip warning of the danger of Thailand reverting to a land of political turmoil with just days to go to the general election, with the two main opposition parties, Move Forward and Pheu Thai, riding high in the polls. At the same time, a revered abbot in Chiang Mai is predicting a return to street protests and civil strife in the aftermath of next weekend’s election.

With days to go before the general election in Thailand on May 14, uneasiness currently pervades the country’s political scene with all opinion polls showing clearly the prospect of a decisive victory for the key opposition parties of Pheu Thai Party and Move Forward in what is shaping up as a profound rejection of the post-coup government formed in 2019, with parties in that government looking like they will be lucky to gain 20% to 25% of the vote, while the opposition bloc looks poised to poll anywhere from 65% to 85% of the vote. Continued …

The critical first 100 days

Business leaders have begun to think about the outlook for Thailand in the first 100 days under a new administration, with the poll less than a week away.

From the appointment of new ministers to policy priorities in the business sector, executives share their wishes for the incoming government. Continued …

Police to seek additional arrest warrants in cyanide poisoning investigation

Thai police are to seek warrants for the arrests of one or two additional suspects, thought to have assisted serial murder suspect Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, who is believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least 15 people, allegedly by cyanide poisoning.

Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, said Saturday that they have obtained sufficient evidence to indicate that Sararat acted alone in procuring cyanide online, but used other people’s names and addresses to cover her tracks. Continued …

Remote Korat villagers to get electricity after 70 years

For city dwellers, just 30 minutes of power outage can feel like the end of the world. Yet, there are some 300 people in a remote corner of Nakhon Ratchasima who have been living without electricity since their village was formed 70 years ago.

It is Ban Sub Hin Kaew or Moo 16 village in Tambon Chanthuek of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district. Continued …

Chinese seeking freedom, security snap up posh homes in post-Covid Thailand

Shanghai resident Daniel Bian drinks in the sweeping views over the Thai capital from the 19th-floor, rooftop swimming pool of a luxury condominium that may become his second home. “Hello, Bangkok!” he shouts happily as his 70-year-old mother looks on, smiling.

Cooped up in Chinafor three years under some of the world’s toughest curbs against Covid-19, Bian is among a flood of mainland Chinese hunting for property in the Southeast Asian nation since Beijing opened its borders this year. Many are eager to invest in a second home, keen for a safety net in case of a similar disease outbreak, and also to hedge against economic risks at home. Continued … 

Thailand’s cannabis sellers say US growers are eating their lunch

Nearly a year after Thailand decriminalized cannabis amid promises of an economic bonanza, Thai growers and sellers say they are being undercut by illegal imports from the United States that sell for a fraction of the price of homegrown buds.

Thailand struck cannabis from its list of banned narcotics in June 2022 after a high-profile campaign by Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to establish the kingdom as a global hub for cannabis for medical purposes. But Thailand’s parliament has yet to pass a long-awaited cannabis bill, leaving the regulatory framework for the industry in limbo. Continued …

Departures tax hailed as the kiss of death

Tourism industry chiefs were shocked this week to discover that Thailand’s Revenue Department is laying the groundwork for a new outbound levy of Bt1,000 to be applied to all outgoing airline passengers from Thailand, including foreign tourists and Thai citizens, in addition to already existing charges and levies.

One key travel industry executive warned that the plans will have a serious negative impact on the country’s still-recovering tourism industry and may disrupt the plans of airlines that Thailand badly needs to reconnect to its international airports. Continued …

‘No plan’ to revive exit tax

The Revenue Department rejects claims that it is planning to impose a 1,000-baht departure tax on departing Thais and foreign residents.

Responding to fears raised on social media, the department says it is legally obligated by the constitution to seek the public’s opinion on executive decrees scrapped by past administrations. Continued …

New Bt300 foreign tourism levy postponed yet again

A leading tourist industry chief has called for the government to establish a separate state agency to manage the country’s proposed foreign tourism levy, which has been postponed yet again by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn until after a new government is formed.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, the chairman of the Phuket Tourist Assn., also expressed concern that the collection of the levy should not be imposed on airline carriers, while it should also be collected at both land and sea points of entry into the kingdom. The new tourism levy, according to the minister and key officials, will pay for automatic emergency health coverage for foreign tourists who get into trouble in Thailand but the industry itself is perplexed by concern about the ongoing delay in the introduction of the charge and transparency around how the money raised is used in what could turn out to be a vast annual sum collected by the government as tourist numbers rise. Continued …

How Thailand is Preparing for a Surge of Chinese Tourists arrivals

Thailand is expecting a significant increase in the number of Chinese tourists in May, as Chinese airlines plan to operate more flights to the country.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Chinese airlines have requested to increase their flights to Thailand from 100 per week to 430 per week starting on June 1. Continued …

Thailand’s B2B Startups Lead to Tourism Renaissance

Thailand’s tourism industry has long been a major contributor to the country’s economy. Travel bans and border closures brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic have had a substantial impact on the sector, nevertheless, as evidenced by the steep drop in visitor numbers.

In spite of these difficulties, Thailand’s startup ecosystem has become a significant force for innovation and expansion in the travel and tourist industry. In this new era of travel, B2B leads are now more crucial than ever. Startups are transforming business processes for hotels, airlines, and other travel service providers with innovative B2B solutions. Continued …

How a two-week kayaking adventure teaches you to slow down and enjoy the moment

The sky is overcast as I paddle out from a small beach on the morning of my 50th birthday on Day 1 of a two-week, 250km solo kayaking trip around Phang Nga Bay, an aquatic biosphere off the southwest of Thailand, with dramatic islands and limestone karsts that rise like titans hundreds of meters from the sea.

I’ve never done anything like this before, but past travels have taught me a bit about problem-solving in remote places and how to pack for survival. Continued …

5 Best Places To Visit In Bangkok

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss out on some of the must-visit places in Bangkok. From ancient temples to bustling markets, Bangkok has something for everyone.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are two of the most famous attractions in Bangkok. The Grand Palace was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (now Thailand) since 1782. Today, the palace is used for ceremonial purposes only. Visitors can see the palace complex and its intricate architecture, which reflects a blend of Thai and European styles. Wat Phra Kaew is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand and houses the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered statue carved from a single block of jade. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

covid, hospitality, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-May 6

  • Khao Tao developer Veyla expands into wellness sector/
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan braces for rainy season to start in mid-May/
  • Two storms to hit Thailand affecting Election Day/
  • Cyanide killings the deadliest in Thai crime history/
  • Thai couple hands over bag with lost 100,000 baht to police in Ratchaburi/
  • Cobra spits venom into Disaster Prevention officer’s eyes/
  • Massage parlor in northern Thailand raided for underage sex trafficking/
  • China Biggest Global Jailer of Journalists; Thailand Restricts Taboo Subjects/
  • Tourism: 1,000-baht departure tax proposed/Thailand urged to focus on wellness/Chinese arrivals could soar in May/
  • Thailand Experience: Narathiwat, a dream destination blessed by nature/
  • International: WHO declares end to COVID global health emergency/Britain ready for first coronation since 1953/US banks on edge after rate hike/German recession fears rise as factory orders plummet/
  • 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 Tao developer Veyla expands into wellness sector

Luxury holiday home developer Ideas 1606 Co., known for its Veyla brand, is planning to expand the brand into the wellness sector and explore opportunities to target the foreign market in popular tourist destinations.

Fifteen years ago, Prapavadee Sophonpanich, founder and chief executive, acquired a 4.5-rai plot of land in Khao Tao, Prachuap Khiri Khan, with the intention of developing a small vacation home project targeting Thai businessmen. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Khan braces for rainy season to start in mid-May

Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is bracing for the rainy season to start in mid-May. The Thai Meteorological Department predicts that the rainy season in Thailand will start around the third week of May 2023, with one to two tropical storms possibly passing through the northeastern and northern regions in August and September.

Thailand’s rainy season typically occurs from May to October, with the highest rainfall usually in September and October. Continued …

Two storms to hit Thailand affecting Election Day

Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Center expects two storms are set to hit Thailand next week, with potential impacts on Election Day, May 14.

The center’s director, Seri Suparatit, revealed yesterday that two storms – one originating in the Indian Ocean and the other in the South China Sea – are moving toward Thailand. Cyclone Mocha is currently producing heavy rainfall in the Bay of Bengal, while another tropical depression is beginning in the South China Sea near the Philippines. Continued …

Cyanide killings the deadliest in Thai crime history

The case of suspected serial killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, could be considered the deadliest in Thailand’s crime history, as the alleged crimes were committed over four years without raising any suspicion in the relatives of the victims.

Sararat allegedly poisoned her victims, most of whom she knew personally, mixing the deadly chemical cyanide on items of consumption, such as food, beverages and medicines, posing difficulties for police in their investigation. Continued …

Thai couple hand over bag with lost 100,000 baht to police in Ratchaburi

An honest Thai couple discovered a bag with 100,000 baht inside in front of a shopping mall in the central province of Ratchaburi and notified the police so they can search for its owner.

Eighteen-year-old Kittisak “Zen” Thaweechokhirun, and his 18-year-old girlfriend, Potchathawat “Mali” Sabumuang, last night reported the cash-filled bag they found at a shopping mall to officers at Meaung Ratchaburi Police Station. Continued …

Cobra spits venom into Disaster Prevention officer’s eyes

A Siamese spitting cobra spat venom into the eyes of a Disaster Prevention officer in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand yesterday. Rescue officers responded quickly and managed to save his life and eyesight.

At 7.40pm, the Hook 31 Rescue Unit was informed that someone was spat at by a cobra at Ban Tanot Village, Moo 2, Ban Pho subdistrict, Mueang district. Continued …

Massage parlor in northern Thailand raided for underage sex trafficking

Police swooped on a massage parlor in the northern province of Tak after a tip-off on underage sex trafficking. The owner of the parlor was arrested and two teenage Burmese girls were rescued.

The Anti-Trafficking In Persons Division Police (ATPD) received a tip-off that a Thai woman, 40-year-old Suphaporn Makaew, was operating an underage sex-trafficking racket behind her massage business. To verify the information, an undercover police officer posed as a customer as he visited the massage parlor, located on the Mae Sot-Umphang Road in the Mae Sot district of Tak. Continued …

China Biggest Global Jailer of Journalists; Thailand Restricts Taboo Subjects

China was the biggest global jailer of journalists last year, with 101 behind bars, according to Reporters without Boarders (RSF).

Starting with Xi Jinping, who secured a historic third term as China’s leader, ensuring a concentration of power never seen since Mao Zedong, so as to pursue the crusade against journalism he launched 10 years ago. Continued …

1,000-baht departure tax proposed

Thai outbound travelers and foreign permanent residents in Thailand have been asked for their opinion on a government departure tax of 1,000 baht in an attempt to prevent locals from spending excessively abroad, with the Revenue Department announcing online public hearings this week.

The department posted the public hearing questionnaire on its website https://www.rd.go.th/64115.html, saying it wants to listen to public opinion about an emergency decree on a departure levy, based on a law passed in 1983, in order to assess its impact. Continued …

Thailand urged to focus on wellness

Thailand’s health economy boasts very high growth potential, as the world is increasingly aware of the importance of health and self-care, according to a Commerce Ministry study.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said the office studied the opportunities for Thailand’s wellness economy and found growth potential given the world’s greater focus on health and self-care. Continued …

Chinese arrivals could soar in May

Chinese airlines are expected to increase the number of flights to Thailand to 430 per week starting on June 1, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

CAAT Director Suthipong Kongpool said his office recently met with Chinese airlines to discuss their request for more flights for the summer schedule and it was initially agreed that the number would rise to 430 a week from the 100 permitted at present. Continued …

Narathiwat, a dream destination blessed by nature

Narathiwat is the easternmost of the four provinces in Thailand’s deep south, bordered to the east by the Gulf of Thailand and to the south by Malaysia. The coastal province, which evolved from fishing communities along the mouth of the Pak Bara River, is now known for its cross-cultural beauty, abundant nature, and local delicacies.

A visit ideally begins with Wat Chon Thara Singhe, a Buddhist temple in Tak Bai that serves as a demarcation between Thailand and Malaysia. The historic temple takes you back to 1909, when the Kingdom of Siam returned four northern Malaysian provinces to the United Kingdom. Continued …

WHO declares end to COVID global health emergency

The World Health Organization said Friday that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, marking a symbolic end to the devastating coronavirus pandemic that triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies worldwide and killed at least 7 million people worldwide. Continued … 

Britain ready for first coronation since 1953

Charles III will be crowned king today in a solemn Christian ceremony steeped in 1,000 years of history and tradition, but adapted to reflect 21st-century Britain. Continued …

US banks on edge after rate hike

Economists warn that two more U.S. banks are on the verge of collapse after the Federal Reserve lifted its key interest rates by 0.25% this week, prompting stock prices of American lenders to drop sharply after the hike. Continued …

German recession fears rise as factory orders plummet

Industrial orders at German factories saw their biggest fall in March since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in 2020, data showed Friday, the latest sign that Europe’s biggest economy is facing a steep downturn. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-April 26

  • Power bills set to stay put amid EGAT losses/
  • Thailand offers 11 billion baht subsidy for low-income electricity bills/
  • Should you invest in solar?/
    No alcohol sales for two election-related days in May/
  • Does obesity cause herniated discs? Understanding the connection & potential risks/
  • Thai high-end condos see spike in rental demand/
  • Thai growth slashed based on weak exports/
  • Thai man fined and sentenced to prison over craft beer review/
  • Thai dentist runs London Marathon in Thai traditional dress/
  • Policeman’s Wife Held Over Cyanide Killing, Link To 6 More Deaths Probed/
  • Royal Thai Navy Acquires New Ship HTMS Chang/
  • Cathay Pacific goes ‘green’, planting 6,000 mangrove trees in Thailand/
  • Tourism: TAT expects foreign tourists in the first 4 months to surpass 8 million/Tuk-Tuk Drivers Paint Yellow Over White-Red Lines to Avoid Fines in Chiang Mai/
  • International: China pushes largest-ever expansion of nuclear arsenal/Trouble looms for Indian grain that combats climate change/Singapore executes man for coordinating cannabis delivery/’High Probability’ Japanese Spacecraft Crashed On Moon/British American Tobacco to pay over US$600M for violating US sanctions on North Korea/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Power bills set to stay put amid EGAT losses

State-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) says it is unable to shoulder more financial burdens until 2025, as it needs funds from electricity bills to help it deal with current losses of 136 billion baht.

This means the power tariff, which determines the rate for electricity bills, is likely to remain high for households and businesses for at least two more years in order to repay money to EGAT. Continued …

Thailand offers 11 billion baht subsidy for low-income electricity bills

The Thai government announced plans to allocate over 11 billion baht to support low-income earners with their electricity bills over the next four months, with the subsidy set to begin in May. However, the proposal needs to be reviewed and approved by the Election Commission (EC) before it becomes official.

Following yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha addressed the issue of high electricity bills for households and assured that the government is working on finding solutions. He requested that political parties promising to reduce power tariff rates should be aware of the complexities and reasons surrounding the issue. Continued …

Should you invest in solar?

Summer has just started but the heat is becoming unbearable. Electricity costs – at a record high of 4.72 baht per unit – are set to soar further thanks to rising fuel costs. These two factors alone are enough to increase interest in solar rooftop systems among households.

Sunlight is plentiful in Thailand, after all. And it is free. Embracing renewable energy can also help battle climate change, which is another positive factor. Continued …

No alcohol sales for two election-related days in May

In case drunkenness influences voters to tick the wrong box in Thailand‘s upcoming elections, alcohol sales will be banned nationwide for two Saturdays next month – early voting day and election day.

No alcohol may be sold from 6pm on May 6 until 6pm on May 7, as well as from 6pm on May 13 until 6pm on May 14. That’s two sober Saturday nights. Foreigners cannot vote in the election, but the alcohol ban applies to everyone living in the kingdom. Continued …

Does obesity cause herniated discs? Understanding the connection & potential risks

When one thinks of health issues related to obesity and being overweight, the most common issues that come to mind would likely be heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

However, what many people might not realize is that obesity also increases the risk of getting a herniated disc. In this article, we will explore the link between excess body weight and herniated discs, as well as the steps you can take today to reduce your risk of health complications from obesity. Continued …

Thai high-end condos see spike in rental demand

For the first time in three years, there is a surge in demand to rent luxury condominiums in Thailand, mostly from foreigners affected by the Russia-Ukraine war and long-term-stay foreigners. Rents of high-end condominiums in Bangkok have soared to 100,000 baht per month.

Sunchai Kooakachai, director and head of research and consultancy at Knight Frank Thailand, says it would be a positive sign for the condominium market if rentals start to recover as the Covid-19 crisis eases, and people start traveling overseas again. In Thailand, this is reflected in the increasing number of foreign tourists since the end of last year, as well as foreign corporate workers and long-term-stay foreign visitors. Continued …

Thai growth slashed based on weak exports

The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has downgraded its forecast for Thai economic growth this year to 3.6% from 3.8%, mostly based on expectations of an export contraction.

FPO Director-general Pornchai Thiraveja said on Tuesday that despite positive indicators in other sectors, especially tourism, the export outlook in United State dollar terms is expected to contract this year by 0.5% from a previous forecast of 0.4% growth. Continued …

Thai man fined and sentenced to prison over craft beer review

A court in central Thailand fined a man 150,000 baht and handed him a six-month suspended prison sentence for posting a picture and review of a craft beer on Facebook. He paid an additional 150,000 baht to be released on bail.

In 2020, Artid Sivahansaphan posted a review on the Facebook page “Daek Beer Hai Plia Kaem,” a beer review page with thousands of followers. Continued …

Thai dentist runs London Marathon in Thai traditional dress

A 33-year-old Thai dentist is now the proud owner of the Guinness World Record for “fastest marathon dressed in Thai traditional dress” after competing in the London Marathon on Sunday. Charinya “Miyu” Kanchanasevee wore a stunning gold and blue outfit complete with headdress and still managed to complete the 42.195-kilometer course in a time of 3 hours 45 minutes and 34 seconds. Charinya lit up London’s rainswept streets resplendent in a traditional costume of chadaa headdress, sbai silk shawl, chong kraben skirt, and ankle bracelet. (The Nation)

Policeman’s Wife Held Over Cyanide Killing, Link To 6 More Deaths Probed

National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittipraphat said the wife of a deputy superintendent at a Ratchaburi police station has been arrested in the cyanide poisoning death of a young woman during Songkran festival.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, nicknamed Big Joke, who is leading the investigation into this case, said aside from this woman’s death there are six other mysterious deaths that occurred over the past two years, with two of them being policemen, Continued … 

Royal Thai Navy Acquires New Ship HTMS Chang

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has acquired the “HTMS Chang,” a 25,000-gross-tonnage vessel that is now the largest ship in the Thai naval fleet. The ship was assembled in China and sailed to Thailand. the HTMS Chang is designed to support amphibious operations, act as a submarine tender and will also be used in disaster relief efforts. The ship measures 210 meters in length, 28 meters in width, and has a 7-meter draft. (NNT)

Cathay Pacific goes ‘green’, planting 6,000 mangrove trees in Thailand

Cathay Pacific will be planting 20,000 mangrove trees in Southeast Asia this year to honor its commitment to plant a tree for every flight ticket purchased in the region during the “1 Ticket, 1 Tree” campaign held in November 2022. Of these, 6,000 trees will be planted in Thailand.

Fostering stronger partnerships to go “Greener Together” and leading the way toward a more sustainable future is a central theme of Cathay Pacific’s sustainability efforts. Continued …

TAT expects foreign tourists in the first 4 months to surpass 8 million

With at least 8 million foreign visitors expected in the first four months of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says the country could receive at least 25 million visitors during 2023, as targeted.

The recovery of the Thai tourism sector was visible in the large number of foreign tourists visiting many provinces of Thailand during the Songkran Festival. Continued …

Tuk-Tuk Drivers Paint Yellow Over White-Red Lines to Avoid Fines in Chiang Mai

Tuk-tuk drivers in Chiang Mai have been painting yellow on the edge of white-red footpaths to avoid paying traffic fines due to a lack of parking. However, the municipality has called for an end to this illegal practice, and the drivers have agreed to pay a fine and return the footpaths to their original state. The drivers’ reasoning was that there were not enough parking spaces in the area, and they did not want to pay traffic fines while waiting for customers. (Thai Rath)

China pushes largest-ever expansion of nuclear arsenal

China is pushing ahead with the largest-ever expansion of its nuclear arsenal, modernizing the atomic deterrent with an eye on any future conflicts with the United States, experts say. Continued …

Trouble looms for Indian grain that combats climate change

On a tiny sliver of land in southern India, the future of an ancient grain that helps combat climate change is in doubt. An ongoing tussle in Chellanam village, a suburb of the bustling city of Kochi, which has the Arabian Sea on one side and estuaries on the other, could decide the fate of the cultivation of pokkali rice. Continued …

Singapore executes man for coordinating cannabis delivery

Singapore today executed a man accused of coordinating a cannabis delivery, despite pleas for clemency from his family and protests from activists that he was convicted on weak evidence. Continued … 

‘High Probability’ Japanese Spacecraft Crashed On Moon

A Japanese company’s spacecraft apparently crashed while attempting to land on the moon Wednesday, losing contact moments before touchdown and sending flight controllers scrambling to figure out what happened. Continued …

British American Tobacco to pay over US$600M for violating US sanctions on North Korea

British American Tobacco (BAT) has agreed to pay over US$600 million to settle allegations that it sold cigarette materials to North Korea for a decade in breach of U.S. sanctions, the U.S. Justice Department announced yesterday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-April 19

  • Hin Lek Fai road closed April 19-21/
  • Endangered bright orange langur monkey rescued in PKK/
  • Hua Hin through the eyes of an English poet/
  • Air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 air pollution map/
  • Chiang Mai, Bangkok choking near top of world air pollution rankings/
  • Why is the air quality so bad in Thailand?/
  • Prachuap closes Songkran with 47 accidents, 49 injuries and 3 deaths/
  • Songkran road tally: 264 deaths, 2,208 injuries/
  • PM grilled on power bills/
  • 10 things to know about Thailand’s latest Covid-19 wave/
  • Castaway farang rescued from Thailand’s waters/
  • 241st Bangkok Anniversary Celebration To Be Held in 21 Locations/
  • Thai Northeast braces for boom as China-Laos passenger railway opens/
  • Elephant herd invades golf course in Nakhon Nayok but returns to jungle/
  • True X targets 1M adopters of new mobile app/
  • Myanmar-Thailand clandestine business links under scrutiny/
  • True X targets 1M adopters of new mobile app/
  • Tourism: Sounding the alarm on zero-dollar tours/Operators seek clarity on Bt300 tourism fee/Tourism, agriculture beef up real estate demand in Northeast/US visa fees to rise from May 30/
  • Thailand Experience: Thailand beyond the beaches: Uncovering hidden gems in the land of smiles/Video: Why we love Chiang Mai/
  • International: Sprawling heat wave envelops large swath of Asia/Profit versus Sustainability: Are they mutually exclusive?/The Wealthiest Cities in the World in 2023/Fox News to pay $787.5M settlement in defamation trial/G7 ministers issue urgent warning of ‘severe costs’ for supporting Russia/China’s economy reaches new highs after zero-Covid restrictions/
  • 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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Hin Lek Fai road closed April 19-21

Between today and Friday, the road leading up to Hin Lek Fai will be closed from 8:30am to 5.30pm due to by the Provincial Electricity Authority.

Endangered bright orange langur monkey rescued in PKK

A baby bright orange langur monkey is now safe at a Thai wildlife rescue center after being found abandoned by his family in the wild in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Video ...

Hua Hin through the eyes of an English poet

Linda Lines ran a financial management company, ‘The Lines Partnership’, in the city of London for 22 years. She then sold her business and started to follow her passion for writing. Hua Hin is the place to which she has escaped the English winter and to write for almost 20 years.

“Men in My Kitchen” is the title of her first book. She revealed that this title came about from a friend flicking through her iPad saying, “Linda, there are a lot of men in your kitchen!” Continued …

Air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 air pollution map

Now you can check the air pollution readings for the Hua Hin area every day with this link, which will appear daily near the bottom of this newsletter. Click here for map …

Chiang Mai, Bangkok choking near top of world air pollution rankings

Chiang Mai and Bangkok ranked as the second and fourth most-polluted cities in the world, respectively, on Tuesday, according to air-quality monitoring website IQAir.

Chiang Mai has regularly topped the rankings over the past few weeks, though Chiang Rai, which is not included in the list, has registered even higher scores on the IQAir scale. Continued …

Why is the air quality so bad in Thailand?

If you have ever visited Thailand, especially during the dry season from January to April, you may have noticed a thick haze of smog covering the cities and countryside.

This is not only an unpleasant sight, but also a serious health hazard for millions of people who live and breathe in this polluted air. Continued …

Prachuap closes Songkran with 47 accidents, 49 injuries and 3 deaths

Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have announced the number of accidents and fatalities on the province’s roads during the Songkran holidays.

Officials said they recorded 47 accidents, 49 injuries and 3 deaths during the seven-day road-safety campaign during Songkran, between April 11-17. Continued …

Songkran road tally: 264 deaths, 2,208 injuries

A total of 2,203 road accidents, with 2,208 injuries and 264 deaths, were reported by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) for the Seven Days of Danger road safety campaign during Songkran (April 11-17).

On April 17, there were 183 accidents with 202 injuries and 16 deaths. Most were caused by excessive speeding (45%). Continued … 

PM grilled on power bills

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday said the government is stepping up efforts to find new sources of alternative energy following complaints about electricity bills going up during the summer months.

He was responding to criticism on social media and calls for the government to do more to cut people’s energy costs. Continued …

10 things to know about Thailand’s latest Covid-19 wave

Leading virologist Dr. Yong Poovorawan warned on Tuesday that a new wave of Covid-19 has emerged after the Songkran festival. Yong, who heads the Center of Excellence at Chulalongkorn University, stressed the need to curb a resurgence of Covid, adding that it may come in the form of a new and more elusive variant.

He said the new wave is expected to accelerate from mid-May before peaking in June and then declining in September, in line with seasonal patterns of respiratory diseases. Continued …

Castaway farang rescued from Thailand’s waters

In a TikTok clip that looks like a sequel to the movie Castaway, a group of Thai tourists on a fishing trip found a foreigner floating on a makeshift wooden raft in the middle of the sea off the coast of Koh Kood in Trat province, eastern Thailand, yesterday.

The woman who filmed the clip chartered a boat to go out fishing for squid when she and her friends spotted a wooden raft floating in the middle of the sea. As she got closer, she noticed luggage on the raft, and then she spotted a man. The TikToker wrote a message, “Where are you going to float?” Continued …

241st Bangkok Anniversary Celebration To Be Held in 21 Locations

As this year marks the 241st anniversary of Rattanakosin, or Bangkok, the government is preparing a celebratory event that will take place at the end of this month. Meanwhile, the prime minister is encouraging Thais to take pride in their national heritage and contribute to preserving and promoting cultural values.

Minister of Culture Itthiphol Kunplome and culture ministry officials engaged with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting to publicize the upcoming event celebrating the 241st anniversary of Rattanakosin. Continued …

Thai Northeast braces for boom as China-Laos passenger railway opens

Nong Khai and neighbouring northeastern provinces are set to benefit after the Laos-China high-speed railway launched cross-border passenger services just in time for Songkran.

Passengers boarded the first train from China’s Kunming in Yunnan province to the Lao capital of Vientiane, just over the border from Nong Khai, on April 13 – the first day of Songkran. Continued …

Elephant herd invades golf course in Nakhon Nayok but returns to jungle

A herd of 45 wild elephants led by one called Sarika invaded the grounds of a golf course. It happened yesterday at the Royal Hills Golf Resort and Spa in the Nakhon Nayok area of central Thailand.

Video

Sarika and his harem didn’t create any trouble, however. After a wander around in which they didn’t even eat anything, elephant pushers managed to persuade the pachyderms to return to the jungle. Continued …

Myanmar-Thailand clandestine business links under scrutiny

The outrage caused by Myanmar’s bloody dictator Gen. Min Aung Hlaing’s inclusion this week in Time magazine’s list of 100 influential people just days after the massacre of 170 civilians, including 38 children, by Burmese jet bombers and military helicopters has spurred calls from human rights and democracy activists for greater scrutiny of how the junta regime is managing to evade sanctions, as well as funding and equipping its faltering military campaign to subdue its own people.

One focus of such inquiries is known to be its links with Thailand, where the government continues to offer muted but tacit support for the discredited junta. It comes amid louder and louder calls from within the ASEAN community for governments to get tough and ‘take the gloves off’ against the renegade Burmese military regime. Continued …

True X targets 1M adopters of new mobile app

True Corp. has rolled out True X, a new all-in-one mobile application meant to serve consumers’ daily lifestyle habits.

The app contains six core solutions: smart home, smart health, smart learning, smart energy, smart shopping and smart entertainment. Continued …

Sounding the alarm on zero-dollar tours

As a popular tourism destination, Thailand expects to welcome at least 25 million foreigners this year, with roughly 5 million from China, representing 50% of the Chinese visitor total in 2019.

In the early stages of China’s reopening this year, Beijing listed Thailand as one of the first 20 countries where Chinese tour groups would be able to visit. Continued …

Operators seek clarity on Bt300 tourism fee

Tourism operators are calling for clearer measures regarding the 300-baht tourism fee after the tourism and sports minister said levy collection will be delayed from June to September because of issues with its implementation.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said fee collection from foreign arrivals by air must be postponed because the airlines could not adopt a selective approach between foreign tourists, Thais and expatriates. Continued …

Tourism, agriculture beef up real estate demand in Northeast

The MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions), tourism and agricultural sectors are expected to continue driving housing demand in major provinces in the Northeast despite the rate of inflation, with the help of China’s reopening earlier this year.

Wuttichai Chatchaiphonrat, president of the Khon Kaen Real Estate Assn., said the residential market in Khon Kaen would maintain a positive trend this year despite several negative factors. Continued … 

US visa fees to rise from May 30

From May 30, the application and processing fees for visitor and other non-immigrant visas to the United States will rise to US$185 from $160. This fee applies to tourists and business travelers, as well as students.

The price for petition-based visas (H, L, O, P, Q and R) will rise to $205 from $190, while the fee for treaty traders, and treaty applicants in specialty occupations (E category) will rise to $315 from $205. Continued …

Thailand beyond the beaches: Uncovering hidden gems in the land of smiles

One cannot deny that Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, but there’s actually so much more to the country than being synonymous with the beaches of Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui.

Rather than jostling with other tourists for a serene stretch of the beach to yourself, consider making a visit to these parts of Thailand on our list instead and contributing to the local economy there. Continued …

Video: Why we love Chiang Mai

The food, the culture, the natural setting – Chiang Mai in northern Thailand has many jewels in its crown. We learn from the people who live there why they love the city. Video …

Sprawling heat wave envelops large swath of Asia

An intense and large-scale heat wave has enveloped large parts of Asia during the past two weeks, breaking longstanding records. From India to southern China to Thailand, stifling heat has set in unusually early this year. Continued …

Profit versus Sustainability: Are they mutually exclusive?

The world’s population is predicted to grow to more than 9 billion by 2050 and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that we will need to produce 60% more food to feed everyone, a huge increase that will undoubtedly take its toll on the planet. Continued …

The Wealthiest Cities in the World in 2023

When it comes to the number of resident millionaires, cities in the USA and China dominate the World’s Top 10 Wealthiest Cities, while only one European city, namely London, makes it onto the 2023 list published today by international investment migration firm Henley & Partners, in partnership with global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth. Continued …

Fox News to pay $787.5M settlement in defamation trial

Fox News has agreed to settle the $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit filed against the network over its broadcast of lies aimed at undercutting public confidence in the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Continued …

G7 ministers issue urgent warning of ‘severe costs’ for supporting Russia

In a recent meeting in Karuizawa, Japan, G7 foreign ministers warned of “severe costs” for those aiding Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. The discussions primarily focused on China, with a united front addressing its increasing military and economic power. Continued …

China’s economy reaches new highs after zero-Covid restrictions

Official data revealed that China’s economy grew by 4.5% year-on-year in the first quarter, recovering after the conclusion of zero-Covid restrictions in late 2021. Continued …

Air quality index map

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-April 12

  • Best value-for-money neighborhoods in Hua Hin and around Thailand/
  • Airport VIP bus schedule expanded/
  • Songkran events in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan/
  • Artist Village schedules Songkran event/
  • Chiva-Som Hua Hin marks 28th anniversary/
  • Prime Suspect Still on the Run After Six Deaths in Surat Thani/
  • Foreigners Rounded Up In Buriram Crackdown/
  • Police bust gang of thieves targeting foreigners in northeast Thailand/
  • Forest fires reignite near Khao Yai National Park/
  • 10 things you need to know about Thailand’s election/
  • Feature phones or ‘dumb phones’ are becoming popular again/
  • Free buses connect main rail terminals/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Thailand’s days of GDP growth in excess of 5% may be a thing of the past/Agencies predict economic uptick/Thailand’s newfound economic stardom comes with caveats/Tourism, construction, real estate, restaurants see continuous recovery/
  • Tourism: Songkran is here: Ayutthaya trumpets message with colorful march of elephants/Phuket to Generate at Least 4.5 Billion Baht During Songkran/Over 900 International Chartered Flights So Far This Year/Sustainable tourism gains traction in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: The scented water that gives Songkran its unique fragrance/Discovering Banrai Thummachot, Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation/New Songkhla skywalk unveils southern beauty/
  • International: Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry mounts/IMF issues growth warning as it lowers 2023 forecast/Study warns critical ocean current is nearing ‘collapse’/What we know so far on the leaked Pentagon documents/
  • Links: 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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Best value-for-money neighborhoods in Hua Hin and around Thailand

For those considering living in Thailand, finding a neighborhood that offers a great quality of life at an affordable price is essential. However, finding the right neighborhood to live in can be an intimidating task, especially for those on a budget. Fortunately, there are many neighborhoods throughout Thailand that offer excellent value for money, providing a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Pranburi, Central Hua Hin, West Hua Hin

Sitting along the sun-kissed coastline of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province in Thailand, Hua Hin has become a sought-after destination. It’s popular among expats and retirees living in Thailand, as well as property investors. Renowned for its tranquil lifestyle, balmy climate, and affordable cost of living, this captivating coastal town offers a plethora of value-for-money neighborhoods. Each promises a delightful combination of relaxation and smart property investment. Continued …

Airport VIP bus schedule expanded

Bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated, with an additional trip scheduled. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10om, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:00pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6:30pm

Songkran events in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Following a three-year hiatus related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Songkran events are set to make a splash again this year in Thailand.

The annual water festival, which celebrates the Thai New Year, was canceled or scaled back in previous years due to the pandemic, but this year Songkran is back in full swing.

It is celebrated on April 13 every year, but the holiday extends to April 15 and is traditionally a time for people to come together, celebrate, and pay respect to their elders and ancestors. Continued … 

Artist Village schedules Songkran event

From April 14-16, Hua Hin’s Artist Village will be hosting the Art Arbour: Hua Hin Art & Workshop Week 2023.

During the event, visitors can participate in a variety of workshops and activities.

Chiva-som Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin marks 28th anniversary

April is a milestone month for Chiva-Som Hua Hin as it celebrates its 28th anniversary and, to commemorate the occasion, it launches special offers throughout the month in conjunction with the Songkran festival.

It all began when Chiva-Som founder Boonchu Rojanastien removed his beachfront holiday home to make way for a sanctuary that more people could enjoy and Chiva-Som officially opened its doors on April 19, 1995. Since then, it has pioneered an innovative, holistic approach to wellness that balances mind, body and spirit. Continued … 

Prime Suspect Still on the Run After Six Deaths in Surat Thani

Police are still hunting for a prime suspect after six people, including the prime suspect’s son and wife, were shot dead in the Khiri Rat Nikhom district.

Region 8 Police commander Surapong Thanomjit said on Saturday (April 8) four people were found dead at a Khiri Rat Nikhom house, who were Thammarong Nilniyom, 61, the house owner and the former village headman, Nilthip Pankachen, 48, who was Thammarong’s wife, Phonsak Petchchoo, 58, a former village headman, and Thammrat Wichean. Continued …

Foreigners Rounded Up In Buriram Crackdown

A crackdown by Immigration police in northeastern Buriram province during March 27-April 10 led to six foreigners being rounded up for overstaying their visa.

Acting on the orders of Police Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy chief of the Immigration Bureau, to prevent and suppress crime during Songkran festival, Police Maj. Gen. Ketchakat Nilpradap, head of Immigration Division 4, led his team in mounting raids to round up foreign suspects. Continued …

Police bust gang of thieves targeting foreigners in northeast Thailand

Police announced the results of their investigation into a gang of thieves targeting foreigners with families all over the Isaan region in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand. Police seized stolen assets worth an accumulative three million baht.

The gang found its victims by sitting in shopping malls around Isaan and scouting out foreigners with families. Then, the gang would follow the foreigner home and scope out their house. Continued …

Forest fires reignite near Khao Yai National Park

About 150 firefighters have been mobilized to control forest fires, which have reignited in Thailand’s Nakhon Nayok province, as helicopters were also deployed in an attempt to prevent fires from spreading into Khao Yai National Park.

Fire and water trucks have been sent to local communities not far from Khao Nang Dam, where fires are reported to have broken out again and are spreading toward Khao Tabaek, about 500 meters from the border with Cha-om subdistrict of Saraburi province. Continued …

10 things you need to know about Thailand’s election

The countdown to the May 14 general election is well underway, with a little over a month left before the big day.

The election was called after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolved the House of Representatives on March 20 – just three days before the Lower House completed its four-year term. Here are 10 things to know about the upcoming national vote: Continued … 

Feature phones or ‘dumb phones’ are becoming popular again

In recent years, there has been a surprising resurgence in the popularity of “dumb phones,” also known as feature phones. While smartphones have dominated the mobile phone market for over a decade, a growing number of people, particularly Generation Z, are looking to cut back on screen time and are turning to these simpler devices.

According to recent data, smartphone sales in the United States have been on the decline. In 2022, sales of smartphones dropped by nearly 20% compared to the previous year, marking the third consecutive year of decline. Continued …

Free buses connect main rail terminals

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has launched a free shuttle service that connects Hua Lamphong Station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

The shuttle buses are available at both stations from 4.30am to 11pm, said Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, the SRT’s public relations director. Continued …

Thailand’s days of GDP growth in excess of 5% may be a thing of the past

Amid a warning from the OECD this week that Southeast Asian economies may see retarded growth and an update from the Bank of Thailand predicting 3.6% growth for 2023, there are real fears that Thailand’s days of GDP growth of over 5% may be behind it despite election pledges from the Pheu Thai Party to pursue an expansionary economic policy if it comes to power.

The reason for this is the country’s rapidly aging population and demographic problem, as it is already an aged society and faces becoming a super-aged society by 2029. It is also one of the first countries in the world to experience such a problem without ever having become wealthy. Continued …

Agencies predict economic uptick

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is feeling upbeat regarding Thailand’s economic recovery, citing the forecasts of several reputable economic agencies, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan Center for Economic Research (JCER), that anticipate a rebound in 2023 and 2024.

According to government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, Prayut credits the agencies for the evaluation and Thais for collaborating to restore the country’s economy. Continued …

Thailand’s newfound economic stardom comes with caveats

Once synonymous with the crisis that brought on an Asia-wide financial meltdown a generation ago, Thailand gets almost rave reviews now. This relative resilience of its economy may be tested by a pronounced downturn and a re-awakening of the country’s deep political divisions.

Calamity appears to be the last thing on investors’ minds when they think of Thailand these days. Goldman Sachs Group even likened the nation to a “safe haven.” Among the kingdom’s attributes are a resurgence in tourism, low foreign debt and a surplus in the broadest measure of trade. That’s a halo historically associated with Switzerland, Japan or prized asset classes like U.S. Treasuries. Continued …

Tourism, construction, real estate, restaurants see continuous recovery

Thailand’s tourism sector has seen continuous recovery, aided by government measures to attract foreign tourists. This led to a sharp increase in new tourism-related business registrations in February.

According to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, the number of new tourism-related business registrations in February 2023 increased by 1.1 times compared to last year. This accounted for 8.05% of the total 8,537 new-business registrations that month. Continued …

Songkran is here: Ayutthaya trumpets message with colorful march of elephants

Ayutthaya province kicked off the Songkran festival with a parade of 10 elephants from Wang Chang Ayutthaya Lae Paniad on Tuesday.

All the elephants were painted in colourful themes, including flowers, hearts and the message: “Songkran Ayutthaya” in Thai and English. Several tourists took the opportunity to splash water at the elephants.

The parade covered Ayutthaya’s City Pillar Shrine and Wat Phra Ram, aiming to attract Thai and foreign tourists to visit the province after three years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

Phuket to Generate at Least 4.5 Billion Baht During Songkran

More than 200,000 tourists will visit Phuket during the Songkran festival, which will generate at least 4.5 billion baht, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket office, Lertchai Wangtrakundee, said from April 13th to April 16 about 84% of hotel rooms have been booked. There will be 223,452 visitors, which will generate at least 4.5 billion baht. Continued …

Over 900 International Chartered Flights So Far This Year

The recovery of both the aviation and tourism industries this year has led to a big jump in international chartered flights, with the four-month total reaching 924, while action has been taken to reduce domestic airfares.

Sutthipong Kongpool, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said of the 924 chartered flights reaching Thailand from the beginning of this year, 253 arrived in January, 288 in February, 165 in March and 218 due in April. Continued …

Sustainable tourism gains traction in Thailand

In the deep waters off Phuket, hobby divers scour the sea to pick up garbage on holiday. Elsewhere, in one of Thailand’s many villages, visitors are engrossed in baking banana bread using locally sourced ingredients.

These activities are now in vogue, as the rise of sustainable tourism in the Land of Smiles mirrors a growing worldwide trend that is here to stay.

Research has shown that over 80% of global travelers feel that sustainable travel is important – and Thailand is doubling down on environmentally friendly trips. With tourism a key pillar of the Thai economy, the country is promoting sustainable tourism development in major cities and secondary cities. Continued …

The scented water that gives Songkran its unique fragrance

Songkran is famous for water splashing, but did you know the Thai New Year also carries a special fragrance? No Songkran celebration is complete without the scented water known as “Nam Ob Thai”.

The perfumed water will be much in demand this week as people seek a respite from the heat of April.

Scented water is considered a traditional Thai perfume. The scent can be mixed with water because it is alcohol-free, unlike western perfumes. Nam Ob Thai is made from pure water and is also affordable. Continued …

Discovering Banrai Thummachot, Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation

Nestled away in a corner of the Thap Thai subdistrict is Banrai Thummachot – Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation. Owned and operated by Prachak Thummachot, the plantation boasts a 2-rai plot of land dedicated to the growth of robusta coffee.

The plantation was established three years ago after Prachak witnessed a lull in the coffee market and sought help from local farmers to learn more about the coffee trade. Continued …

New Songkhla skywalk unveils southern beauty

Southern traditions hit a high point on Tuesday as visitors flocked to Wat Wang Yai in Songkhla’s Thepha district to witness the opening of the province’s latest tourism attraction.

Kuan Mali Skywalk was officially opened by a performance of Menora, a traditional dance drama with deep roots in the southern region. Menora, often shortened to Nora, is at least five centuries old and has been inscribed as intangible cultural heritage of southern Thailand by UNESCO. Continued …

Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry mounts

Myanmar’s ruling junta has confirmed that it carried out an air strike on a village in which dozens of people were reported killed, drawing condemnation from the United Nations and Western powers. Continued …

IMF issues growth warning as it lowers 2023 forecast

The International Monetary Fund slightly lowered its outlook for the global economy on Tuesday, while predicting that most countries will avoid a recession this year despite economic worries and geopolitical strains. Continued …

Study warns critical ocean current is nearing ‘collapse’

Due to global warming, a deep ocean current around Antarctica that has been relatively stable for thousands of years could head for “collapse” over the next few decades. Such a sudden shift could affect the planet’s climate and marine ecosystems for centuries to come. Continued …

What we know so far on the leaked Pentagon documents

It’s been less than a week since news of highly classified military documents on the Ukraine war surfaced, sending the Pentagon into full-speed damage control to assure allies and assess the scope of the leak. 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 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, medical tourism, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-April 10

  • Thailand’s most famous Songkran festival/
  • New general manager coming to The Standard, Hua Hin/
  • Thailand braces for thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds/
  • Thailand will be ‘super-aged’ by 2029/
  • Four killed in tragic family dispute in Surat Thani/
  • Economy expected to grow 3.6% this year – central bank/
  • Excise Department to impose a carbon tax on 3 sectors/
  • Tourism: Officials work with Agoda to boost community-based tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan/Over 5 million people set to travel over Songkran holiday period/British tourists to Thailand: Are you really covered?/Gang attacks Swedish tourist for defending waitress in Chiang Mai/Government Boosts Tourism by Emphasizing Wellness/’Khee’ app shows Bangkok’s best places to poop/Thailand’s tourism recovery puts 4 marine species back on extinction watchlist/Thai islanders prepare to protect ecosystem after its beaches were named ‘best on Earth’/A walk on the crowded side in Phuket old town/Phi-Phi islands earning a million baht a day in entry fees/
  • International: OECD predicts SE Asian growth to decline/Ukraine children back home after deportation to Russia/Japanese flight attendants feeling turbulence over passenger cameras/India to become world’s most populous country/Weak pound pushes up UK property sales/
  • Links: 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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Thailand’s most famous Songkran festival

Songkran is the Thai New Year’s national holiday. The days of water-splashing merriment in April are also marked in several other Asian countries.

In Cambodia, it is called Choul Chnam Thmey, in Laos Pi Mai, in Myanmar Thingyan and in Sri Lanka Aluth Avurudda.

Songkran, derived from the Sanskrit word Sankranti, marks the migration of the sun from one zodiac to another in Indian astronomy. Continued …

New general manager coming to The Standard, Hua Hin

Respected general manager Nathalie Cockayne has left the Middle East after a decade working in Dubai and Doha. Her most recent role was GM of Meliã Desert Palm Dubai, where she worked for three years.

Cockayne is now in Thailand heading to The Standard, Hua Hin, as general manager. Continued …

Thailand braces for thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) urged residents in the North, East, and central regions of Thailand to be prepared for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail over the coming days.

A moderate high-pressure system from China is moving over the northeast and eastern parts of Thailand and the South China Sea, causing southerly and southeasterly winds that bring moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea to the upper parts of Thailand. The TMD forecasted thunderstorms and gusty winds in the affected regions, with hail and lightning also possible. Continued … 

Thailand will be ‘super-aged’ by 2029

Due to a decrease in the population in the past three years, Thailand is expected to become a super-aged society by 2029, according to research conducted by the Kasikorn Research Center (Kresearch).

The research also shows the number of newborns and adolescents between 2020 and 2022 has fallen. Continued …

Four killed in tragic family dispute in Surat Thani

A tragic family dispute led to the killing of four people by a police officer with a grudge in southern Thailand. The incident occurred over the weekend when four men were shot dead by a police officer attached to the Khirirat Nakhom Police Station in Surat Thani and his three accomplices.

According to Provincial Police Region 8 commissioner Police Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomchit, the four men, allegedly led by 46-year-old Police Senior Sgt. Maj. Atthaporn Wichian, stormed a house in tambon Kapao and opened fire on the victims. The group included Atthaporn’s elder brother, 48-year-old Thammarat Wichian, 57-year-old Manop Wang-ngan, and another unidentified suspect. Continued …

Economy expected to grow 3.6% this year – central bank

Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 3.6% this year, Bank of Thailand (BoT) Gpv. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said today.

“The economy is resilient and is able to withstand multiple shocks,” Sethaput said. The BoT last month raised interest rates a quarter a percentage point to 1.75%. The central bank has raised its key rate by a total of 125 basis points since August, less aggressive than many of its regional peers. Continued …

Excise Department to impose a carbon tax on 3 sectors

The Excise Department plans to impose a carbon tax on the energy, transport and industrial sectors to help Thailand achieve its goals of carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2063, as well as cut the cost of imported fuel.

The carbon tax will encourage more companies to use cleaner or renewable energy and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 30%, said Nutthakorn Utensute, director of the Tax Planning Bureau of the Finance Ministry’s Excise Department. Continued …

Officials work with Agoda to boost community-based tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Officials are working with Agoda to boost community-based tourism in the Kaiburi district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

The Community-Based Tourism Promotion Project is a collaborative effort between the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Administration Organization, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Agoda. Continued …

Over 5 million people set to travel over Songkran holiday period

Some 5.1 million people are expected to travel during this year’s Songkran Festival, generating over 23 billion baht in revenue – a 26.3% increase from last year’s figures.

Citing a survey by Kasikorn Research Center, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said 44.7% of Bangkok residents are planning to travel, either to their hometowns or other destinations, during the Thai New Year holiday period. Continued …

British tourists to Thailand: Are you really covered?

British tourists traveling to Thailand are being warned that their travel insurance policies may not cover them in the event of a medical emergency. Most travel insurance is not designed to cover life-saving operations or expensive repatriation, it was reported yesterday.

The Association of British Insurers pointed out that 17% of all overseas claims are rejected due to lack of documentation, and the average payout for successful claims is just over £1,000. Insurers mainly pay out on small issues such as lost luggage or booking cancellations, rather than medical emergencies. Continued …

Gang attacks Swedish tourist for defending waitress in Chiang Mai

A Swedish tourist was brutally attacked by a gang of young men after he tried to stop them from assaulting a waitress at a karaoke bar in Chiang Mai on Friday. The gang also stole the victim’s gold necklace before throwing him into a canal.

Yesterday, police arrested three men of Tai Yai ethnicity (an ethnic group from Shan state in Myanmar) at a construction workers camp in Doi Saket district and detained them at Sam Kamphaeng Police Station under suspicion of assault. Police charged three suspects. Continued …

Government Boosts Tourism by Emphasizing Wellness

The government aims to boost sustainable tourism with a focus on wellness and medical tourism.

According to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha intends to enhance sustainable tourism for greater income generation. Thailand’s medical tourism sector is currently valued at 9% of the global market, the largest in the Asia-Pacific, with a projected value of 838 billion baht by 2027. Continued …

‘Khee’ app shows Bangkok’s best places to poop

“Explore a city. Pin a toilet. Be a hero.”

That’s the pitch that greets users who download “Khee,” an app available starting today that lets people pin locations of their favorite public toilets.

It’s something everyone has experienced. You’re out in the city when suddenly nature calls. What to do? Continued …

Bryde’s whale with tern, Eden’s whale in gulf of Thailand

Thailand’s tourism recovery puts 4 marine species back on extinction watchlist

Covid-19 devastated Thailand’s tourism industry, but the deserted beaches were a lifeline for four species of marine mammals threatened with extinction in Thai waters.

Bryde’s whales, dugongs and two dolphin species had been disappearing from Thai seas before Covid travel bans gave breathing space for their habitats to recover. However, extinction fears have rekindled now that international tourists are flowing back in huge numbers to Thailand’s coastal and island destinations. Continued …

Thai islanders prepare to protect ecosystem after its beaches were named ‘best on Earth’

Residents of the tiny Thai island that jumped into the global spotlight last week after being ranked number one on World Beach Guide’s “Top 100 beaches on Earth 2023”, are redoubling efforts to preserve its delicate ecosystem, Hat Chao Mai National Park chief Prit Narasrit said.

Koh (Island) Kardan will remain closed to tourists four months a year – June 1 to Sept. 30 – despite being ranked as having the most beautiful beaches in the world, Prit said.

Residents, business owners and park officials will continue to make preserving the island’s fragile ecosystem, including its coral reefs and marine life, their top priority, Prit added. Continued …

A walk on the crowded side in Phuket old town

Phuket’s tourist magnetism has extended from its beaches inland to its walking street that is now bursting at the seams.

A plan was afoot to expand the walking street but it is proving easier said than done. Car park spaces are scarce and any expansion could run into resistance from residents who share the street that the. popular open-air market occupies. Continued …

Phi-Phi islands earning a million baht a day in entry fees

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has earned about one million baht a day in entry fees, charged to tourists for visiting the Phi-Phi islands, since the e-ticket system was introduced last July.

Rakchanok Paenoi, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park, said revenue from entry fees from the sale of e-tickets have increased by 20%-30% to an average of one million baht a day, or a total of 137 million baht since the e-ticketing system was introduced. About 4,000 tourists are visiting the islands daily. Continued …

OECD predicts SE Asian growth to decline

Economic growth in Southeast Asia is forecast to drop from 5.6% in 2022 to 4.6% this year, pressured by weaker demand as the global economy slows, says the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Continued …

Ukraine children back home after deportation to Russia

More than 30 children were reunited with their families in Ukraine this weekend after a long operation to bring them back home from Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea, where they had been taken from areas occupied by Russian forces during the war. Continued …

Japanese flight attendants feeling turbulence over passenger cameras

The 40-year-old flight attendant cannot count how many times her photo has been taken without her permission. But when a letter containing a photo that she had no idea was taken arrived at her company, that’s when she felt things had gone too far. Continued … 

India to become world’s most populous country

China will soon give up its throne as the world’s most populous country, slipping to second place in the later part of April as it gets overtaken by India, according to projections from United Nations data. Continued …

Weak pound pushes up UK property sales

Property consultant Knight Frank Thailand expects a surge of more than 40% in sales of British real estate to Thai buyers, tallying 1 billion baht, with investors and currency the main factors. 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 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-April 4

  • New opening schedule for Tamarind Market in April/
  • Junior golf clinic planned at Royal Hua Hin course/
  • Cost of diesel to be cut this week amid falling global oil prices/
  • Fires in Nakhon Nayok under control, focus shifts to park in Chiang Mai/
  • Sri Lanna park to be made ‘disaster zone’/
  • Chiang Mai ranks as most polluted city in the world for 9 days running/
  • Restaurants, real estate drive 18% rise in business registrations/
  • Man Dies After Bomb Explodes in Krabi/
  • Suspects in Nonthaburi slaying of female student arrested in China/
  • 37 People Injured After Bus to Phuket Overturns in Chumphon/
  • Annual motor show bookings surge 35%/
  • Exports seen contracting 10% in first quarter/
  • Tourism: Songkran celebrations in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan/Pet-friendly Songkran trip ideas for the whole furry family/Thailand expects tourism revenue to hit 80% of pre-Covid level this year/Samui Negotiates More Direct Flights as Bookings for Songkran Soar/TAT keeping track of impact of Chinese tourists/Chiang Rai skywalk closed for repairs after glass panel shatters/
  • Thailand Experience: Students from UK high school embark on trip of a lifetime to Thailand/
  • International: Finland joins NATO as Russian war prompts shift/
  • Links: 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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New opening schedule for Tamarind Market in April

Hua Hin’s Tamarind Market is extending its opening hours over two public holidays in April.

During the Chakri Day weekend, the market will open its doors from 5pm between April 6-9. Over the Songkran holidays, the market will be open from April 12-16.

The nearby Cicada market will be open April 13-16 during Songkran.

Junior golf clinic planned at Royal Hua Hin course

On Wednesday, April 26, a junior golf clinic will be held by some of the competing golf pros at the Royal Hua Hin Thailand Championship coming to the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course on April 25-27. The clinic will be held at the driving range commencing at 4pm.

The MENA (Middle East & North Africa) Tour is hosting the event. Over 70 golf professionals from across the globe have entered the event, with around 100 expected.

This free clinic is open to all aspiring junior golfers, but come before 4pm to register.

Cost of diesel to be cut this week amid falling global oil prices

The domestic diesel price is to be cut to 33 baht a liter this Friday, down from 33.5 baht a liter, as global oil prices keep falling, says the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO).

It will be the fourth in a series of price reductions since early February when the retail price in Thailand stood at 34.94 baht a liter. Continued …

Fires in Nakhon Nayok under control, focus shifts to park in Chiang Mai

After five days of relentless efforts, Thailand’s Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPDPM) announced Monday that firefighters have succeeded in getting forest fires in Nakhon Nayok province under control.

As a result of the success of the mission, the command center set up to deal with the fires on Khao Laem and several other mountains in Nakhon Nayok has been downgraded to just a local-level center, the task of which is to monitor the situation to ensure that the fires do not reignite. Continued …

Sri Lanna park to be made ‘disaster zone’

Authorities are preparing to declare Sri Lanna National Park a disaster zone due to the ongoing wildfires in the area.

After inspecting the fires yesterday, Chiang Mai Gov. Nirat Pongsitthaworn said the park will be declared a disaster zone due to the nature of the wildfire within the park’s boundaries. Continued …

Chiang Mai ranks as most polluted city in the world for 9 days running

Northern Thailand continues to battle a thick layer of smog, with Chiang Mai being ranked as the world’s most polluted city by PM2.5 rating for nine days in a row, according to the IQAir website.

The highest air quality index (AQI) value was found at the Health Hospital in Ban Khai Hospital in Mae Na Wang subdistrict, Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province, measuring at a hazardous 411 μg/m3. Continued …

Restaurants, real estate drive 18% rise in business registrations

New business registrations in February this year rose 18.4% to 8,537 compared with the same period last year, though only 0.84% from January, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Monday. He cited a rise in tourism and hotel business registrations as evidence that Thai tourism is rebounding strongly after Covid-19.

New registrations in February were led by construction, real estate, and restaurant businesses, according to data from the Department of Business Development. Continued …

Man Dies After Bomb Explodes in Krabi

A 33-year-old man died after a bomb exploded in Krabi. The Klong Thom Police were notified of the incident on Sunday at a house in South Klong Tom. The Krabi EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and the Krabi Forensic Police were called to the scene.

The man was later identified as Kampanart Sapjaroen, 33, who had been pronounced dead at the scene. His body was surrounded by many unexploded bombs and the one that had set off. It took more than three hours for the EOD to recover all bombs from the area. Continued …

Suspects in Nonthaburi slaying of female student arrested in China

Three suspects in the gruesome murder of a Chinese student in Nonthaburi have been arrested in China, according to Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn.

Surachate said Thai police coordinated with Chinese authorities to arrest the suspects after discovering that they flew to Chengdu on March 30. He added that Chinese police are interrogating the suspects, who had committed other crimes in their home country before. Continued …

37 People Injured After Bus to Phuket Overturns in Chumphon

Thirty-seven people sustained injuries after a passenger bus from Nong Khai heading to Phuket crashed in the Sawee district.

Emergency responders were notified of the accident on Sunday morning on Asia 41 Road in the Na Poe subdistrict. Continued …

Annual motor show bookings surge 35%

Car and motorcycle bookings at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show, which ended on Sunday, rose by more than 35% year-on-year to 45,983 units, thanks to an improving economy and electric vehicles (Evs).

The economic recovery and the government’s policy to promote EVs, which encourages EV manufacturers to introduce electric cars to prospective EV buyers were key factors, said Jaturon Komolmit, vice chairman of Grand Prix International, which organized the event. Continued …

Exports seen contracting 10% in first quarter

Thailand’s exports are likely to show a contraction of 10% in the first quarter of this year from a year earlier, bigger than a previous forecast drop of 8%, the country’s shippers’ council said on Tuesday.

The global economy was slowing and a recovery in China’s economy was not as fast as expected, Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, told a news conference. Continued … 

Songkran celebrations in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan

Tourism officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan are gearing up for what is set to be a busy month in April.

With the big holiday break approaching, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan office is encouraging families and tourists to visit and enjoy the beach.

According to Archawan Kongkanat, director of Tourism of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan office, the organization has prepared a tourism events schedule for the whole month of April. Continued …

Pet-friendly V Villas in Hua Hin

Pet-friendly Songkran trip ideas for the whole furry family

Songkran’s a long holiday, and leaving your beloved little ones at home? That just won’t do. Let us show you some of the best places to go on a pet-friendly trip that will take care of everyone, including your furry family members.

When you’re a parent of a furry one, you know it can be quite a big deal to go on vacation. After all, how are they going to survive at home alone? Hotels that are pet-friendly used to be quite hard to come by. But now, you have a lot of choices to choose from across Thailand. Continued …

Thailand expects tourism revenue to hit 80% of pre-Covid level this year

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the country’s tourism sector to generate up to 2.4 trillion baht in revenue this year, or 80% of earnings in 2019, Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Monday.

Roughly 880 billion would come from Thai tourists, while the other 1.5 trillion would be from foreigners, he added. However, Thai tourism is experiencing difficulties because airlines had not yet reached their pre-Covid operating capacity, Yuthasak said. Continued …

Samui Negotiates More Direct Flights as Bookings for Songkran Soar

While Koh Samui is gaining popularity during the upcoming Songkran Festival, tourists are having problems with transportation, as many flights are fully booked. The president of the Koh Samui Tourism Assn. has been in talks with Bangkok Airways and Samui Airport to increase the number of flights to meet tourist demand.

With tourism in Thailand recovering, Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers since Christmas and until this April. Most travelers come from Europe, Singapore and China, crowding the airport and ferry port. Continued …

TAT keeping track of impact of Chinese tourists

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is addressing concerns over the monopolization of foreign tourism businesses and zero-dollar tours, saying that “they are not a concern” as long as strict law enforcement and collaboration with Beijing continues.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn says that his office in China will continue to monitor these issues and ensure that only Chinese tour companies certified by the Chinese government are allowed to send tour groups to Thailand. Continued …

Chiang Rai skywalk closed for repairs after glass panel shatters

If you were planning on standing on the Chiang Rai skywalk in northern Thailand to stare into a thick layer of hazardous dust this week, think again, because the tourist attraction is now closed for repairs after a piece of the glass floor shattered yesterday.

Tourists standing 486 feet above sea level were terrified yesterday when a loud bang erupted from the “Three Lands Skywalk.” One layer of glass inside one panel on the West wing – about 2.5 by 2 meters long – had shattered. Continued …

The UK students will visit Elephant Nature Park and its founder, Lek

Students from UK high school embark on trip of a lifetime to Thailand

Students from one West Norfolk secondary school in the United Kingdom are embarking on a trip of a lifetime as they leave Lynn for a 17-day adventure in Thailand.

The year 12 students from Springwood High School, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, are taking part in a Thailand Global Citizenship Program, which will see them teach children in a Thai school about climate change, as well as spend time caring for rescued elephants at a sanctuary.

The 15 Springwood students, accompanied by three members of staff, flew to Thailand’s Chiang Mai airport on March 24 before transferring to Mae Sariang, where they will be working with pupils at Ban Kupuang (KP) School. Continued …

Finland joins NATO as Russian war prompts shift

Finland will become the 31st member of NATO today, in a historic strategic shift provoked by Moscow’s war on Ukraine, which doubles the U.S.-led alliance’s border with Russia. 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 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-April 3

  • Thailand’s 45-day visa exemption is back to 30 days/
  • Taxi drivers clash over foreign passengers at Hua Hin train station/
  • Polo on the beach/
  • Thailand is ‘burning’/
  • Three villages in Chiang Mai declared pollution disaster zones/
  • Chiang Rai skies lit up with disquieting message: ‘We can’t breathe’/
  • Thai Real Estate To Attract Foreign Investors up to Bt150 billion/
  • Thailand’s national lottery to stop paying out prizes in cash/
  • Most Thais want to be self-employed/
  • Local waste-to-energy trash solution draws fire/
  • UN group: more can be done for road safety in Thailand/
  • Flu vaccine ‘a top priority’ this year/
  • Chinese student kidnapped, tortured, murdered by gang from China/
  • Many unemployed elephants back home in Surin, huge and hungry/
  • Bangkok makes pact with Moscow to collaborate on 6 areas/
  • Tourism: New electrics make tuk-tuks a safer, cleaner and more convenient service/
  • International: Oil powers announce surprise cuts of more than 1 million bpd/Death toll at 32 after tornadoes hit US South, Midwest, East; more possible/
  • Links: 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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Thailand’s 45-day visa exemption is back to 30 days

Thailand’s 45-day visa exemption is back down to 30 days for visitors to the kingdom from a list of around 60 countries.

Starting from April 1, visitors from mainland Europe, the UK, the U.S., Australia, Saudi Arabia, and other countries will only be granted a 30-day stay in Thailand if they choose to enter the country without obtaining a prior visa, as the 45-day visa exemption is officially over. Continued …

Taxi drivers clash over foreign passengers at Hua Hin train station

An altercation involving two female taxi drivers, one of whom was a Grab driver, is being investigated by police.

The altercation took place on March 29 outside Hua Hin train station and reportedly began over a fare dispute involving a foreign family of five with their luggage. Continued …

Polo on the beach

The InterContinental–B.Grimm Beach Polo 2023 tournament took place Saturday on Hua Hin beach. The attracted international teams from four countries, as well as scores of spectators. The tournament was held at the beachfront of the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort. (HHT)

Thailand is ‘burning’

A list has been compiled of wildfires that have occurred over the past six months versus the same period a year earlier and the amount of land affected.

Forest fires are becoming a common occurrence in the country. The most recent, and perhaps the worst in years, was the blaze that broke out on Khao Chaphlu in Nakhon Nayok’s Khao Laem area on Wednesday. Continued …

Three villages in Chiang Mai declared pollution disaster zones

Three villages in Mueang and Hang Dong districts of Chiang Mai have been declared disaster zones by the provincial administration, as people in the northern capital are being choked by PM2.5 dust, the level of which is many times higher than Thailand’s safety level of 50-microns in many areas.

Deputy Gov. Chatchawarl Panya, acting on behalf of the governor, issued an announcement on Friday declaring Village 7 in Bang Pong subdistrict of Hang Don district, Village 3 in Mae Hia subdistrict and Village 12 in Suthep subdistrict of Mueang district to be disaster zones. Continued …

Chiang Rai skies lit up with disquieting message: ‘We can’t breathe’

A drone light show pleading for farmers to stop burning fields to reduce PM2.5 air pollution in northern Thailand was held on Sunday night at a school in Chiang Rai’s Muang district.

Phrases like “We Can’t Breathe”, “Please Stop Burning” and “Save the North” were spelled out in Thai in the sky above the city by lights from drones. Continued …

Thai Real Estate To Attract Foreign Investors up to Bt150 billion

Wichai Viratakaphan, bank inspector and acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said that the property market in Thailand has recovered since 2022. One of the main driving factors is the close relationship between the sector and the tourism industry.

After surveying 27 Thai provinces in 2022, REIC found that the total value of the industry was Bt390 billion (11.4 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 1,515% from 2021 when the value was Bt24 billion (704 million U.S. dollars). Continued …

Thailand’s national lottery to stop paying out prizes in cash

The Government Lottery Office has stopped paying out lottery prizes in cash, effective Saturday. Winners can instead claim their prize money through one of three channels, according to government deputy spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul.

The winners can have the money transferred to their bank accounts, except when the prize exceeds two million baht, for which the winner must have an account at either the Government Savings Bank or the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Continued …

Most Thais want to be self-employed

Now that Thailand’s economy has started picking up, many Thai entrepreneurs are looking for new business opportunities, a recent survey learned.

A poll titled “What do Thais think about business ownership” was conducted last month among 1,207 respondents nationwide and the results were published on Sunday. Continued …

Local waste-to-energy trash solution draws fire

Rather than protecting the environment and people from garbage pollution, the government plans to tackle overflowing waste by promoting small, localized waste-to-energy projects. This could bring about even greater environmental adversity and haze pollution, environmentalists say.

Due to the emission of hazardous pollutants and greenhouse gases from waste-to-energy projects, environmental experts and academics are urging the government to reconsider its strategy. They say it is impractical to create a sustainable waste-management system by prioritizing energy recovery alone. Continued …

UN group: more can be done for road safety in Thailand

Nneka Henry, head of the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), is calling on ASEAN member countries, including Thailand, to work closely with her organization to promote road safety in the region.

Henry, who recently participated in a workshop on Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue or E-READI in Bangkok organized by the European Union and ASEAN Secretariat, expressed her concerns over road safety among ASEAN member countries. Continued …

Flu vaccine ‘a top priority’ this year

Doctors are urging people to receive influenza vaccines to boost their immunity amid concerns that the flu is likely to rebound following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Tawee Chotpitayasunondh, president of the Influenza Foundation, said most people have been focused on how to protect themselves against Covid-19, such as by avoiding large gatherings and putting on face masks. Continued …

Chinese student kidnapped, tortured, murdered by gang from China

Nonthaburi Metropolitan Police on Saturday said three suspects have been identified who fled Thailand on March 30 after brutally torturing and murdering 22-year-old music student Jin Can who was enrolled at Bangkok Thonburi University and only arrived in the kingdom on March 8.

The case has parallels with another kidnap of a Chinese student on March 16 where a ฿3.2 million ransom was paid and police later arrested the gang. Continued …

Many unemployed elephants back home in Surin, huge and hungry

Lucky was busy munching on some freshly cut grass when she spotted a special treat a tourist was holding out. She dropped her next mouthful of greens and extended her trunk, asking for the banana.

For the first time in nine years, Lucky, 32, was back in her home village in rural Surin province in eastern Thailand, where tourists are much rarer than on the resort island where she used to work. Continued …

Bangkok makes pact with Moscow to collaborate on 6 areas

Bangkok and Moscow signed a joint-development pact in a ceremony at City Hall on Friday. Signing the memorandum of understanding were Deputy Bangkok Gov. Jakkapan Phiewngam and Moscow city government Minister Sergey Cheremin, who is also in charge of Moscow’s Department for External Economic and International Relations.

The MoU says the two cities will cooperate and exchange experiences in six aspects from 2023 to 2025, as follows: Continued … 

New electrics make tuk-tuks a safer, cleaner and more convenient service

Three-wheeled vehicles, or tuk-tuks as they are known, are popular among tourists in Thailand due to their distinctive appearance and ability to provide a unique local experience. However, when start-up company Urban Mobility Tech (UMT) surveyed the pain points of passengers in Bangkok using public transportation, they responded that tuk-tuks did not have a standard price and the vehicles created noise and air pollution.

In 2017, UMT decided to launch Muvmi, an electric tuk-tuk company, to provide an environmentally friendly and safe public transportation option to Bangkokians. Continued …

Oil powers announce surprise cuts of more than 1 million bpd

Major oil powers led by Saudi Arabia announced a surprise production cut of more than one million barrels per day on Sunday, calling it a “precautionary” move aimed at stabilizing the market. Continued …

Death toll at 32 after tornadoes hit US South, Midwest, East; more possible

The death toll rose to 32 and more dangerous weather was forecast for a wide swath of the U.S. South and Midwest already in ruins Sunday from a surge of storms that fueled confirmed or suspected tornadoes in at least 11 states. 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 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-March 28

  • Food Carnival at Market Village through April 16/
  • Old Days Festival at Bluport this weekend/
  • Hua Hin Red Cross Fair starts Friday/
  • Choking Chiang Rai locals protest as PM2.5 soars to 11 times safe level/
  • Return of Russian, Chinese buyers sparks Phuket real estate boom/
  • Report: People in Thailand spend too much time on their backsides/
  • Thai beer crusader faces 750K baht fine for posts about craft brewing/
  • PTT Oil and Retail plans 500 new EV charging stations/
  • Amcham scholarship applications open/
  • Rajanee Sripaipan: Physician treats children — and their children/
  • Tourism: TAT raises expectations for Chinese visitors this year/Bangkok governor bans alcohol, water guns, powder during Songkran/Improved language skills needed to boost medical hub goals/Foreign tourists attack restaurant staff in Payong/Police in Bangkok Warn of Pickpockets at Popular Markets/Foreign thieves preying on tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested/Indian man overstays visa in Thailand by 2,048 days/
  • International: In inflation-hit Germany, massive strike over pay to cripple transport/Ukraine gets new heavy tanks, Russia doubles down on nuke plans/Europe’s biggest economy moves closer to weed legalization/
  • Links: 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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Hua Hin Red Cross Fair starts Friday

The Red Cross Festival returns March 31-April 9 on Soi 102 behind BluPort Hua Hin. The event features numerous food booths, OTOP shops, entertainment, games and entertainment.

Proceeds go to helping the poor, the handicapped and the underprivileged.

Choking Chiang Rai locals protest as PM2.5 soars to 11 times safe level

Northern Thailand once again topped the world pollution rankings on Monday, with Chiang Mai registering a high of 287 micrograms of PM2.5 dust per cubic meter (μg/m3) but Chiang Rai hitting 542 μg/m3.

Chiang Mai retained its No 1 spot as the world’s most polluted city on the IQAir global index, which does not feature Chiang Rai. Thailand’s safe limit for PM2.5 – fine-dust pollution linked with early death from heart and/or lung conditions – is 50μg/m3. Continued …

Return of Russian, Chinese buyers sparks Phuket real estate boom

Independent real estate agent and consultancy Knight Frank sees strong demand for property in Phuket, due to the return of Russian and Chinese buyers, driving prices up by 15%-20% in some areas.

Nattha Kahapana, managing director of Knight Frank Thailand, said at a press briefing on Monday titled “Knight Frank Foresight 2023: It’s time to look beyond the crisis” that the return of demand was clearly seen during the fourth quarter of last year. Continued …

Report: People in Thailand spend too much time on their backsides

People in Thailand spend too much time sitting on their backsides, a new study reveals.

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) revealed that 76% of Thai people spend seven hours or more sitting down, underlining the need for the nation’s population to get off their arses and engage in more physical activity to improve their health and well-being. Continued …

Thai beer crusader faces 750K baht fine for posts about craft brewing

A Thai advocate for reforming alcohol laws faces prosecution and hefty fines for posting photos of craft beer in recent years.

One week after Thanakorn “Benz” Tuamsa-ngiam hosted a large gathering of like-minded beer fans, the activist has been charged with illegally promoting alcohol via his online community for Prachachon Beer (“Beer People”). He now faces a fine of at least THB750,000 (US$22,000). Continued …

PTT Oil and Retail plans 500 new EV charging stations

Oil and gas retailer PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc on Monday said it plans to invest $900 million this year to expand its local and overseas business.

PTT Oil and Retail, a unit of the state-owned energy giant PTT Plc, said 22% of the budget would be used to expand its network of gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Continued …

Amcham scholarship applications open

The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand Foundation (ATF) is now accepting applications for its 2023 scholarship program.

Each year, the ATF selects deserving Thai university students to complete their studies through targeted scholarships. This year, the foundation aims to provide 85 scholarships to deserving students and expand the program to include vocational colleges. Continued … 

Rajanee Sripaipan: Physician treats children — and their children

Dr. Rajanee Sripaipan has been a pediatrician in the Copper Country for nearly 50 years. She treats sniffles, saves little lives, and everything in between.

Sripaipan hails originally from Bangkok, Thailand. After receiving her medical degree from Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine there, she came to the United States to do an internship at Highland Park General Hospital in suburban Detroit and a residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Continued …

TAT raises expectations for Chinese visitors this year

The target for inbound Chinese tourists this year has been upgraded to 6-7 million from 5 million, with more than 250,000 of them scheduled to visit Thailand in April, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Tanes Petsuwan, TAT deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific, said the Chinese market has grown every month since the mainland lifted travel restrictions in January. Continued …

Bangkok governor bans alcohol, water guns, powder during Songkran

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said preparations are underway to celebrate Songkran next month, but a quadruple ban is being imposed, including no sale and consumption of alcohol, using high-pressure water guns, smearing powder and wearing revealing clothes.

Speaking after chairing the executive board meeting on the upcoming traditional Thai New Year festival, Chadchart said events are being held at the City Hall square during April 12-14. Continued … 

Improved language skills needed to boost medical hub goals

Thailand’s wellness and medical sector is already at a phenomenon level; all it needs is to develop skilled medical professionals with language capabilities, said Timothy Lertsmitivanta, the chief executive officer of Thonburi Wellbeing Co.

“Thailand is very well known for hospitality, and it has established a medical hub in Asia and is leading the way in Southeast Asia,” he said. “We already have strength in hospitality tourism and wellness.” Continued …

Foreign tourists attack restaurant staff in Payong

A group of foreign tourists is being sought by the police after they assaulted staff at a restaurant in Soi San Sabai around 1am this morning. According to reports, the tourists, who are believed to be Jordanians and at least one Egyptian, were drunk, agitated and unruly when they were asked to queue properly.

They started throwing water bottles and attacked Thai staff before fleeing the scene. Continued …

Police in Bangkok Warn of Pickpockets at Popular Markets

Police in Bangkok visited the Chatuchak Market this past weekend to ensure tourist safety after many tourists reported that items were stolen from their bags by clever pickpockets.

The Bangsue Police led by Police Chief Col. Puwadon Ounpoe said the inspection came after recently there had been many reports of thieves stealing from tourists’ bags by cutting them loose or pickpocketing while the tourists were shopping in the market and nearby, especially foreign tourists. Continued …

Foreign thieves preying on tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested

The director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, along with airport and tourist police, have announced the arrest of three members of a Mongolian gang preying on foreign and Thai tourists at the airport. There are many victims of the gang and several gang members are still at large.

The traveling public has been warned about taking care with their possessions as security is stepped up at Thailand’s largest airport. Continued …

Indian man overstays visa in Thailand by 2,048 days

Immigration police arrested an Indian national in Chon Buri province, eastern Thailand, found to have overstayed his visa by 2,048 days (more than five and a half years). Police believe he is part of a call center gang.

The police stopped 38-year-old Jatinder Singh – who resides in the Na Jomtien area of Sattahip district – outside of the Ocean Marina Yacht Club and asked to see his passport, but Singh said he had lost it. Continued …

In inflation-hit Germany, massive strike over pay to cripple transport

A massive strike in Germany was set to begin early Monday, crippling mass transport and airports in one of the biggest walkouts in decades, as Europe’s largest economy reels from soaring inflation. Continued …

Ukraine gets new heavy tanks, Russia doubles down on nuke plans

Germany and Britain have delivered Western heavy tanks to Ukraine, officials said Monday, providing a key infusion of armored firepower that will aid Kyiv’s battle against invading Russian troops. Continued … 

Europe’s biggest economyps://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2537335/ukraine-gets-new-heavy-tanks-russia-doubles-down-on-nuke-plans moves closer to weed legalization

Germany could be weeks away from introducing a bill to legalize cannabis under sweeping reforms that would greenlight the consumption and sale of the drug in Europe’s largest economy. 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 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-March 27

  • Hua Hin Rotary assists local school with health screenings/
  • Hua Hin Bikini Beach run held Saturday/
  • Summer storms, high temps forecast in upper Thailand/
  • Excessive PM2.5 dust in 21 northern and northeastern provinces on Sunday/
  • Fighting ultra-fine dust/
  • Thai private sector says 5 urgent economic issues face incoming govt/
  • Thailand unscathed by Western banking mess/
  • Chinese Invest in Thailand Real Estate as a Second Home/
  • Lazada chief sets out growth plans for Thailand/
  • Sugary drinks tax takes effect April 1/
  • 44th annual Bangkok International Motor Show continues to go electric/
  • Border crossing reopens in Tak after Myanmar troops repel resistance forces/
  • Andaman Sea to close on April 1 for three months of spawning season/
  • Tourism: Thailand plans massive Songkran celebrations as tourism continues to surge/Tempting visitors to find their chi/Traders eye Thai curry drawing card/Phuket’s red card system for foreigners nabs 6/Foreigners record 180 criminal charges this year in Phuket/7,600 Russians seek to extend Phuket stay/
  • Thailand Experience: Ethical Wildlife Tourism: 10 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand/The hidden pluses of Thai food/Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering Thai Food/The Complex Political History Behind The Standardization Of Thai Menus/China’s Mekong dams turn Thai fishing villages into ‘ghost towns’/
  • International: Deutsche Bank shares plummet, fueling fears/Putin says Moscow to place nuclear weapons in Belarus/Afghan girls go online to study/
  • Links: 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.

Hua Hin Rotary assists local school with health screenings

The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has a long-established close relationship with the Anuban Ban Nongkhon School, around 10 kilometers from central Hua Hin. That location falls just outside the Hua Hin municipality “funding zone”, which means securing funding and access to many vital services is often difficult.

During the past weekend, the focus of a project based at the school and coordinated by Rotary has provided family members of the school community with access to important health assessments. Continued …

Hua Hin Bikini Beach run held Saturday

The Hua Hin Bikini Beach Run was held on Khao Takiab beach Saturday evening, attracting several hundred runners in distances of 3km or 5km. Hua Hin-based runners Lewis Chalk and Pla Kitsanee finished first in the men’s and women’s 5km races, respectively. (HHT)

Summer storms, high temps forecast in upper Thailand

Summer storms with gusty winds and hail are expected in the upper part of the country from March 27-29, beginning with the Northeast and then the Eastern, lower Northern and Central regions, weather forecasters said on Sunday morning.

A moderate high-pressure system now covering upper Vietnam, upper Laos and the South China Sea was expected to move over the Northeast of Thailand on Sunday, with southerly and southeasterly winds prevailing over upper Thailand, according to the Meteorological Department’s forecast on Sunday. Continued …

Excessive PM2.5 dust in 21 northern and northeastern provinces on Sunday

The level of PM2.5 dust in 21 northern and northeastern provinces in the past 24 hours exceeded Thailand’s 50-micron safety level, with the PM2.5 in northern provinces being measured from 37 microns to 459 microns, the Center for Air Pollution Mitigation reported yesterday.

The air quality in the rest of the country is, however, within safety limits, including Bangkok and its suburbs, where it was measured from 16-46 microns in the past 24 hours. Continued …

Fighting ultra-fine dust

Fine dust is back. It accumulates, covering parts of the city and many provinces. Individuals have been exposed to unhealthy levels of tiny air pollutants, known as PM 2.5, with sensitive people who suffer from breathing issues, heart and lung conditions, children, the elderly, and pregnant women the most affected. They are urged to be vigilant about the air quality and take precautionary steps to keep themselves safe from the harmful effects of the toxic airborne particles.

“I check the levels of harmful dust matter every day. If the air quality is bad, I don’t go out. It’s been very hard for me to breathe lately,” said Worawan Krueck, 48, who has asthma. Continued …

Thai private sector says 5 urgent economic issues face incoming govt

Five pressing issues with the largest impact on the country and the economy’s development must be tackled as soon as the next government forms, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) warned on Sunday. The five urgent issues are:

  1. Economic recovery in the post-Covid era. For this, the government must quickly set a GDP target of at least 5%, upgrade agriculture with modern technology, continue the digital government project, link logistics and transport infrastructure to boost trade and investment, and manage energy costs to minimize impact on costs for the public and businesses. Continued …

Thailand unscathed by Western banking mess

Most economists from the public and private sectors expect the ongoing U.S. and European banking crisis to have a limited effect on the Thai banking sector thanks to the solid fundamentals of local banks and the strong supervision of the Bank of Thailand.

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith last week insisted Thai financial institutions will not be affected by the banking debacle in the U.S. and Europe as local organizations have little exposure to such banks. Continued … 

Chinese Invest in Thailand Real Estate as a Second Home

Several local media outlets reported on the growing trend of foreign ownership of Thai real estate in several provinces, such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya (Chon Buri) and Koh Samui (Surat Thani) in the form of nominees, especially after COVID-19.

The public was even more shocked to learn that many Chinese investors have invested in housing estates in Chiang Mai, especially in Hang Dong, San Kamphaeng and San Sai districts, turning them into Chinese communities. Continued …

Lazada chief sets out growth plans for Thailand

We want to be “customer obsessed” rather than “competition obsessed”, according to the priority outlined by Lazada Thailand Chief Executive Werapong Goo.

“Lazada has been around for an amazing 11 years and we look forward to the next decade. We have always pursued growth at our own pace, which has enabled us to weather industry headwinds and continue to steadily accelerate the advancement of e-commerce in Thailand,” he said. Continued …

Sugary drinks tax takes effect April 1

The third stage of the excise tax hike for sugar-sweetened beverages comes into effect on April 1 after a six-month government postponement expires.

Nutthakorn Utensute, the Excise Department’s principal adviser on excise control system development, says the tax hike based on sugar content will not increase costs for manufacturers of sugary drinks or consumers, as producers have already adjusted their recipes to avoid the tax. Continued …

44th annual Bangkok International Motor Show continues to go electric

Auto sales at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show could rise by 15%-20% thanks to the easing of Covid-19 measures, recovery of the local auto industry, as well as the introduction of several new EV models. Continued …

Border crossing reopens in Tak after Myanmar troops repel resistance forces

The Thai-Myanmar border checkpoint in Tak province’s Mae Sot district reopened on Sunday after Myanmar troops regained control of Myawaddy township.

On Saturday, the immigration checkpoint located at the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Ban Rim Moei village was shut following heavy fighting, as Myanmar soldiers battled Karan troops and members of the People’s Defense Force (PDF). Continued …

Andaman Sea to close on April 1 for three months of spawning season

Annual fishing restrictions will be imposed off Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang on the Andaman coast from April 1 to June 30 to allow stocks to recover. The fishing ban covers an area of 4,696sqkm, spanning Cape Panwa in Phuket province to Laem Yong Star in Trang province.

The Department of Fisheries said on Sunday that the sea is not blocked to all fishing activity, adding that villagers are allowed to catch fish provided their boats are less than 10 gross tonnage in size with engines less than 280 horsepower. Continued …

Thailand plans massive Songkran celebrations as tourism continues to surge

Massive Songkran festivals will be held across Thailand in April to further stimulate the resurgent tourism industry, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Sunday.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand already expects a big bounce from this year’s Songkran festival due to the faster-than-expected recovery in the tourism market and will organize major festivals in five regions of the country, Anucha said. Continued …

Tempting visitors to find their chi

As fears of Covid-19 infections die down in parallel with new cases declining globally, medical and wellness tourism is predicted to keep growing at a steady pace.

This month at ITB Berlin 2023, the biggest travel show in Europe, for the first time the organizer dedicated a hall for medical and health tourism, with participants including hospitals, hotels and destinations around the world. Continued …

Traders eye Thai curry drawing card

The inclusion of phanaeng curry at the top of the list of the “100 Best-Rated Stews in the World” provides food vendors and the tourism industry with optimism in the hope this will attract more tourists.

TasteAtlas, a global food mapping site for local dishes, named phanaeng curry the best curry in the world on March 13, drawing much public and press attention. Continued …

Phuket’s red card system for foreigners nabs 6

Phuket Immigration has announced those punished with its new yellow card and red card system for misbehaving foreigners. The new trial system was established to combat claims that law-breaking foreigners didn’t know the rules so, much like a football game, Phuket Immigration has implemented a yellow and red card system as a warning system.

If a foreigner commits an offense for the first time, they will receive a yellow card, and their behavior will be reported to consulates. If they repeat the offense, they will receive a red card and their visa will be withdrawn, and they will be deported. Information was typically vague as to what offenses and actions could earn these cards. Continued …

Foreigners record 180 criminal charges this year in Phuket

Phuket has seen a huge surge in formal criminal charges against foreigners this year, with over 180 cases recorded since January. Among the top three nationalities involved in these cases are Russians, French and British.

Phuket police are taking a low-tolerance attitude toward tourists and longer-stay foreigners behaving badly this year, including the introduction of the red and yellow card penalty system. Continued … 

7,600 Russians seek to extend Phuket stay

Nearly 7,600 Russian nationals have sought to extend the length of their stay in Phuket, according to the local immigration chief.

“Phuket is a nice place to visit, with delicious food and good weather. As word has spread about the island, Russian tourists keep coming to the province,” said Police Col. Thanet Sukchai, superintendent of Phuket immigration office. Continued …

Ethical Wildlife Tourism: 10 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

Thailand is best known for its tropical beaches, lavish royal palaces, ancient ruins, and beautifully decorated temples. The Land of Smiles also offers amazing wildlife encounters, making it a popular destination for animal tourists.

From dolphins, sharks, and whales, to tigers, turtles, and even elephants, Thailand is filled with magical biodiversity, where tourists worldwide can have a safari-style experience.

Ethical animal tourism simply means observing animals in their natural habitat, i.e., from afar. So how will you know whether the sanctuary is ethical? Continued …

The hidden pluses of Thai food

Thais have every reason to celebrate with regard to a new culinary milestone, phanaeng, which has been awarded the No.1 stew ranking by TasteAtlas, a global food mapping site.

Coming second and third on the TasteAtlas chart, compiled based on reviews by food professionals and critics worldwide, are kare, a Japanese-style curry, and sichuan mala, a spicy Chinese soup.

By making the ranking, phanaeng has effectively joined other world-famous dishes such as tomyam kung and tom kha gai chicken soup, green and massaman curry. Continued …

Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering Thai Food

Thai food is popular with food enthusiasts around the globe for its unique blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. Due to the country’s geography, history, and cultural influences, Thai cuisine is also extremely varied.

For example, the gastronomic scene in northern Thailand is heavily influenced by China and Myanmar, making it somewhat milder than the spicier southern dishes. Meanwhile, the cuisine in the southwestern part of the country has a lot in common with Malay and Javan epicurean creations, which both utilize a lot of coconut milk. Continued …

The Complex Political History Behind The Standardization Of Thai Menus

Culture is more than just food, of course, but food often tops the list of easy entry points when discussing cultural differences or similarities. Our ideas of which foods belong to different cultures, however, have as much history and politics wrapped up in them as the foods themselves.

Thai cuisine illustrates the point. In America, travelers can practically count on a Thai restaurant in every city. These restaurants often serve familiar and comforting staples like green curry and pad Thai with the same reliability as your favorite diner or chain restaurant. The reason for that may be tied to the ways the Thai government has seen food as a way to raise its diplomatic profile, among other things. Continued …

China’s Mekong dams turn Thai fishing villages into ‘ghost towns’

From February to April each year, Kam Thon spends most of her days knee-deep in the waters of the Mekong River by her village in northern Thailand, gathering river weed to sell and cook at home.

Kam Thon and other women who live by the Mekong have been collecting river weed, or khai, for decades, but their harvest has fallen since China built nearly a dozen dams upstream.

The dams have altered the flow of water and block much of the sediment that is vital for khai and rice cultivation, researchers say. Continued …

Deutsche Bank shares plummet, fueling fears

Shares in Deutsche Bank fell heavily Friday on the lender’s surging cost of default cover, reigniting fears about a widening banking sector crisis. Continued …

Putin says Moscow to place nuclear weapons in Belarus

Russia will station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, sending a warning to NATO over its military support for Ukraine and escalating a standoff with the West. Continued …

Afghan girls go online to study

Every other day, Sofia logs in from her Kabul home for an online English course run by one of a growing number of educational institutes trying to reach Afghanistan’s girls and women who can’t go to school and continue their education due to the Taliban administration’s restrictions on women. 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 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting