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Friday’s News-Feb 24

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

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Adverse weather expected through Feb 28

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

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

Academics ask Westerners to donate rare blood

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

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

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

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

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

Thai food and kidney disease – an unholy alliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese agencies devouring Chiang Mai property market

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

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

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

Foreigners invest 5 billion baht in Thailand in January

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

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

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

Investors target high-end Pattaya hotels

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

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

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

 

Thailand’s EV exports double in 2022

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

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

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

Forest encroachment at Thap Lan puts tigers at risk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want a sex toy? Try Thai rubber

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

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

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

Bhumjaithai party to champion cannabis bill next term

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

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

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

The growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine among western tourists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traditional Songkran promoted in Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ransomware 3.0 strikes on the rise

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

Global wildlife contaminated by ‘forever chemicals’

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

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

 

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Friday’s News-Feb 17

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

  • Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

And yet another happy customer renews sponsorship of Expat News

IC Curtains

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

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

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

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

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

Customer satisfaction is where IC Curtains really shines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crab festival set in Cha Am March 11-18

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

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

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

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

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

Try these different varieties of pad krapow in Hua Hin

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

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

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

Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain ‘Dom’

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

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

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

School head shocked by Wild Boars footballer’s death

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

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

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

Property market outlook for this year improves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over 500 fires in northern Thailand spark alarm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Consumer products likely to cost more despite cut in diesel price

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BMA, US Embassy, Tesla promote electric vehicles in Bangkok

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

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

BGRIM, Innopower team up for clean energy projects

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

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

Foreign Motorbike Racers in Phuket Draw Police Attention

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

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

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

Police arrest gang selling Thai monkeys abroad for medical research

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

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

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

Winds destroy durian crops worth 5 million baht in east

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

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

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

Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers

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

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

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

Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief

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

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

Thai Stick

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

Calls for scrutiny of new tourism fee fund

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

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

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

Entry fees to include insurance

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

First ‘cultural map’ of the country now online

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Covid infection gives similar immunity to vaccination

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

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

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

10 deadliest quakes of the past 100 years

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

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

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

Monday’s News-Feb 13

  • Soi Hua Hin 70 will be closed today, tomorrow and Thursday/
  • Most Wanted fugitive crime boss, living in Hua Hin, arrested/
  • Pranburi Half Marathon winners/
  • Where to wine and dine your loved one this Valentine’s Day in Hua Hin/
  • Roses may fade as more intimate and public Valentine’s gifts proliferate/
  • Rose farmers get Valentine’s Day gift – pre-Covid prices/
  • Cops red-faced as scandals rock force/
  • You can now kill mosquitoes with Covid-19 herb – Fah Talai Jone/
  • Public warned after dengue fever spikes in January/
  • Over 300 hotspots detected in Chiang Mai Province on Sunday/
  • Regulating the lure of lottery and the Thai love of gambling/
  • Ambulance crashes in Thailand dismay researchers/
  • Japanese crime ring masterminded from Thailand and Philippines/
  • Why one woman plants crops to fight oppression/
  • Few Thais aware of real reasons for global warming/
  • Tourism: India lifts PCR test restrictions – tourism to Thailand expected to rise/Bangkok ranked 13th under ‘Best Food Destinations in the World’/64 airlines financially ‘crash and burn’ during pandemic/Tourism lifts retail growth projection to 6%-8%/Small hotel, hostel bookings register recovery/
  • Thailand Experience: Northern Thailand food straight from Chiang Mai’s ‘magical hills’/The best things to do in Udon Thani/7 Things I Loved About My First Trip To Thailand/
  • International: Turkey Probes Contractors As Earthquake Deaths Pass 33,000/’It’s like Verdun’: The grinding battle for Ukraine’s Bakhmut/On climate, most corporations more talk than action/China ‘considers tripling nuclear warheads’/Walking dogs for over $100,000 a year in America/Chiefs beat Eagles in Super Bowl 57/
  • 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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Soi Hua Hin 70 will be closed today, tomorrow and Thursday from 9pm-4am for construction work on the new dual track train line

Most Wanted fugitive crime boss, living in Hua Hin, arrested

An organised crime boss who has been on the run for five years has been arrested in Thailand. Richard Wakeling, 55, of Brentwood, Essex, England, fled the country in January 2018 on the eve of a 12-week trial.

He was convicted in his absence of trying to import £8 million worth of amphetamine suspended in liquid in 2016 and jailed for 11 years in April 2018 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Wakeling, who has a prosthetic lower right leg, was placed on the National Crime Agency’s Most Wanted list and appeals were issued for information to help trace him. Continued … 

Pranburi Half Marathon winners

The Pranburi Scenic Marathon was held in Pak Nam Pran on Sunday morning, with almost 4,000 runners taking part. Runners competed across distances of 5k, 10k and 21.1k.

The men’s 21k was won by Gezu Muse,Emebet Sode was the winner of the women’s 10k, and Moges Abate won the men’s 10k race.

Where to wine and dine your loved one this Valentine’s Day in Hua Hin

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion that is celebrated by couples all over the world. It is a day to express love, affection, and gratitude toward your significant other.

Hua Hin offers many romantic and unique dining experiences for couples to celebrate this day of love.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere fancy to impress someone special, or somewhere more low-key and laid back on Feb. 14, we’ve rounded up some of the most romantic restaurants in Hua Hin. Continued …

Roses may fade as more intimate and public Valentine’s gifts proliferate

Roses are facing competition on Valentine’s Day as social media platforms and applications create personalized and often more intimate ways to say “I love you” – publicly.

Online greetings are often dismissed as trite, but social media companies and apps are increasingly offering their users ways to make declarations of love more intimate and personal, and adding what may be the most motivating factor – an audience.

Line lets users create their own stickers and TikTok, of course, allows its users to create video clips to profess their adoration for another person directly and publicly. Continued …

Rose farmers get Valentine’s Day gift – pre-Covid prices

Rose growers in Tak province say they have been so overwhelmed with orders that prices are rising to as high as nine baht for a single high-quality rose.

Rose growers in Phop Phra and Mae Sot districts started sending flowers to Pak Klong wholesale market in Bangkok ahead of Valentine’s Day on Sunday.

They are being paid eight or nine baht for top-grade roses, they said. Continued …

Cops red-faced as scandals rock force

A series of recent scandals involving police officers’ misconduct has dealt further blows to public confidence in the Royal Thai Police (RTP), and increased pressure for long overdue reform.

A Pattaya police officer accused of demanding 60,000 baht from a tourist for possession of an e-cigarette has been suspended pending a disciplinary investigation.

Police Senior Sgt. Maj. Noppakrit Pornwatanathanakij, a traffic officer at Pattaya station, was initially transferred to an inactive post at the Provincial Police Office on Feb. 1 following a program that aired on Channel 3 on Jan. 31. Continued …

You can now kill mosquitoes with Covid-19 herb – Fah Talai Jone

The Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachinburi has created a mosquito spray from Fah Talai Jone, the traditional herbal medicine used by most Thais to ease symptoms of Covid-19.

The hospital, which specializes in developing alternative medicines from herbs, announced its success in creating the mosquito spray from green chiretta (Andrographis paniculate) on Saturday.

Dr. Supaporn Pitiporn, chairperson of the Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation’s local Thai wisdom development committee, and Asapha Chaocharoen, a pharmacist from the hospital’s alternative medicine center, held a press conference to announce the spray on Saturday. Continued …

Public warned after dengue fever spikes in January

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has warned people to guard against the spread of dengue fever after 2,683 cases were reported during the month of January.

According to the DDC’s weekly forecast of diseases and health hazards for Feb. 12-18, a total of 2,683 cases of dengue fever, with one death, were found during the period from Jan. 1-Feb. 1 – one case for every 405,000 people in Thailand.

The three age groups that suffered the most cases of dengue fever were 5-14 years old (11.6%), 15-24 years old (7.3%) and 0-4 years old (5.2%). Continued … 

Over 300 hotspots detected in Chiang Mai Province on Sunday

More than 300 hotspots have been detected in forests in Chiang Mai Province on Sunday and a member of the Anandamahidol Foundation Society has warned that air pollution in Thailand is expected to be worse this year than last.

Dr. Jain Charnnarong, a member of the society dedicated to solving the problem of PM2.5 in Thailand, said it is pointless for Thailand to blame its neighbors for forest fires this year because many forest fires in the country are being caused by irresponsible villagers.

“One person starts a fire in a forest and the entire village suffers,” he said, as he alleged that the arsonists are among the firefighting volunteers, adding that it is high time that efforts are stepped up to educate villagers about the impacts of starting forest fires to facilitate the hunting of wild animals or to burn farm waste. Continued …

Regulating the lure of lottery and the Thai love of gambling

A large number of people in Thailand’s middle-class and lower-income groups have been trapped in a dream of becoming rich overnight by winning a big lottery prize.

The Government Lottery Office (GLO) holds its draw twice a month — on the first and the 16th — and issues 100 million tickets for each round.

For many people, the two days when the lucky numbers to be drawn are special and full of hope. Such is the importance of the event that it is even aired live by state TV and by many social media platforms. Continued … 

Ambulance crashes in Thailand dismay researchers

The grim statistics on ambulance crashes in Thailand worsened on Friday night when a patient was badly injured in a horrific late-night crash.

An ambulance smashed into the back of a truck in the Lom Sak district in the northern part of Phetchabun province, northern Thailand, close to midnight on Friday.

The patient, who was being rushed from Khao Kho Hospital in Phetchabun to Lomsak Hospital in the same province, was badly injured. Continued …

Japanese crime ring masterminded from Thailand and Philippines

A Japanese crime ring operated from Thailand and the Philippines is behind a string of crimes across Japan.

The international crime syndicate was coordinated remotely from Thailand. The crimes being investigated include the murder of a 90-year-old woman, as well as cash-card fraud involving a number of elderly victims.

Yuki Watanabe, 38 years old, and another senior member of the Japanese crime ring, Tomonobu Kojima, 45 years old, were sent to Japanese prosecutors on Friday after they were deported to Japan from the Philippines. Continued … 

Why one woman plants crops to fight oppression

Eva Dickerson has spent her life thinking about food. Not just about what to eat, but more specifically what it means to have access to food, to groceries and space to grow crops.

“Food access might ask why there isn’t a grocery store in someone’s neighborhood,” Dickerson, 26, said, “but food apartheid might ask who planned neighborhoods so that some people have groceries in their neighborhoods and some people don’t.”

These questions form the basis of Dickerson’s work as a farmer and activist. She’s currently living in Thailand as a fellow for Princeton University in Asia and spends her time teaching children how to farm, as she tends to community gardens and harvests produce for her local community. She describes her mission as working toward “food sovereignty” and against “food apartheid.” Continued … 

Few Thais aware of real reasons for global warming

Most Thais have little awareness of the damages being done to the Earth by climate change, a National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) report published on Sunday shows.

NESDC said only 35% of Thais believe the use of fossil fuel should be reduced, a reflection of the fact that Thais generally are not too aware of the causes of climate change.

A survey conducted by Meta and Yale University last year showed that more than 50% of respondents worldwide are aware of climate change and rising global temperatures, especially those in developed countries. Continued …

India lifts PCR test restrictions – tourism to Thailand expected to rise

The elimination of pre-departure Covid-19 test requirements for travelers from India, as well as other countries like China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, is a positive development for the Thai tourism industry and is expected to give it a much-needed boost as we move into quieter times of the year.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s upgraded target for Indian arrivals from 1.4 million to 2 million this year is a positive sign, and the market could recover faster than expected, potentially even matching the 2019 tally of 2 million arrivals by the end of the year.

However, the recovery of the Chinese market is expected to be slow, due to limited seat capacity, but the government’s decision to allow tour groups to resume overseas trips from Feb. 6 is expected to result in significant improvement in the coming months. Continued …

Bangkok ranked 13th under ‘Best Food Destinations in the World’

Bangkok is ranked 13th as world’s top food destination under the Best Food Destinations in the World – Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

The ranking is made based on the quantity and quality of traveler reviews submitted to Tripadvisor, the digital travel platform, throughout last year. Bangkok also ranks second among ASEAN cities in this Tripadvisor’s compilation.

Here’s Bangkok according to Tripadvisor: “Golden palaces, floating markets, majestic porcelain-laid spires…you’ve never seen a capital city quite like Bangkok. Visit Pratunam or Siam Square for premium shopping, then unwind in the European-style gardens of Dusit. Thon Buri is home to the awesome Wat Arun temple, and over in Phra Nakhon, you’ll find the Wat Pho temple of the Reclining Buddha. Savor mango sticky rice at a food stall before taking in the gilded splendor of the Grand Palace.” Continued …

64 airlines financially ‘crash and burn’ during pandemic

2023 was supposed to be the year that travel finally returns to normal after three years of the industry being on its knees. However, the airline bankruptcies and increase in prices have made it challenging for travelers to plan their trips.

Locally, Thai Airways has been grounded, let loose from Thai government ownership, rebooted, rerouted and, currently, battling its way out of bankruptcy.

The average economy fares for 2023 have already increased by 36%, according to UK-based booking agency Flight Center. Some destinations are nearly impossible to visit on a budget, with fares to far-flung countries like New Zealand increasing by 81% and to South Africa from the UK increasing by 42% in economy and 70% in business. Continued … 

Tourism lifts retail growth projection to 6%-8%

Thailand’s retail industry is expected to grow by 6%-8% this year, double the rate of the GDP, helped by the recovery of tourism, according to the Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA).

Yol Phokasub, president of the TRA, said the retail industry has been improving, particularly in destinations reliant on tourism such as Phuket, Samui and Pattaya.

“Tourism makes up a vital portion of the Thai economy, in addition to exports,” said Yol. “Although consumer sentiment early this year remains fragile, it is better than expected.” Continued … 

Small hotel, hostel bookings register recovery

A study of small hotels and hostels found current bookings are higher than pre-pandemic levels, with bookings from foreign tourists exceeding those of domestic tourists.

As the tourism industry recovers quickly, bookings have increased by 26% more than the pre-Covid era, said Supakrit Phansomboon, Little Hotelier’s country manager for Thailand.

The data was gathered from operators of small hotels and hostels below the three-star level in Thailand, most with 20 rooms or less per property, featured in the database of two hotel management platforms: Little Hotelier and SiteMinder. Continued … 

Tradition Northern Thai food

Northern Thailand food straight from Chiang Mai’s ‘magical hills’

In a country of high-profile tourist attractions and destinations, northern Thailand can sometimes feel neglected.

It is, after all, something of a land apart. The area’s traditions have been shaped by centuries as part of the Lanna Kingdom, an independent state that was absorbed into Siam in the late 19th century. The north has a unique juju.

As a resident of Bangkok for the best part of the last decade – and a frequent visitor to Thailand for longer than that – I can attest to its rich seam of wizardry. That’s why I’m back here in the hills for another swig of its elixir. Continued …

The best things to do in Udon Thani

Udon Thani, with its abundance of cultural spots and natural attractions, is one of the hidden gems less visited by tourists. Let us show you some things to do in the province.

Many people don’t know what to answer when prompted with the question: “What’s in Udon Thani?” It turns out that it’s not just a quiet city in Isaan, but a lively province filled with interesting places to pop by. There are department stores to shop in, great restaurants to dine at, luxurious hotels to enjoy a staycation, and even cocktail bars to sit back and relax in.

Take a snap for the ‘gram at Red Lotus Lake

When it comes to natural attractions, our minds could head to mountains and waterfalls. Red Lotus Lake is telling them to eat their hearts out, as they offer 36 square kilometers of water lilies blossoming over Nong Han Lake. However, it’s only available in all its glory from December to February, so plan carefully. Continued …

7 Things I Loved About My First Trip To Thailand

After a fabulous first visit to Vietnam in early 2020, my husband and I made it a goal to travel to more Southeast Asian countries, with Thailand topping the list. While the pandemic put the kibosh on overseas travel plans for a while, we finagled a 3-week stay in the beautiful country toward the end of 2022.

The focus of our trip together? Rest and relaxation on white-sand beaches after taking in the key sights in the capital city. We started our trip in Bangkok and then spent the bulk of our time on the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan off Thailand’s Southeast Coast.

By no means was this a comprehensive tour of the country; popular Phuket and Chiang Mai were notably absent from our agenda. Still, we scratched the surface, learning a bit about the country’s history and culture, while thoroughly enjoying the tropical weather and delicious food (oh, the food!), which left me wanting a return visit to experience more. Continued … 

Turkey Probes Contractors As Earthquake Deaths Pass 33,000

Turkish authorities are targeting contractors allegedly linked with buildings that collapsed in the powerful Feb. 6 earthquakes as rescuers found more survivors in the rubble Sunday, including a pregnant woman and two children, in the disaster that killed over 33,000 people. Continued …

‘It’s like Verdun’: The grinding battle for Ukraine’s Bakhmut

An ambulance screams toward a triage hub for wounded Ukrainian soldiers outside Bakhmut, the stage for the longest battle of Russia’s invasion, where there is no end in sight to a brutal stalemate. Continued …

On climate, most corporations more talk than action

The world’s biggest and richest companies are failing to deliver on their climate pledges, according to an in-depth analysis released Monday that calls on governments to crack down on corporate greenwashing. Continued …

China ‘considers tripling nuclear warheads’

China is considering tripling its stockpile of nuclear warheads to 900 by 2035, as tensions with the United States are expected to escalate further over Taiwan, sources close to the matter said Saturday. Continued …

Walking dogs for over $100,000 a year in America

Dressed in black leggings and a puffer jacket, Bethany Lane, 35, was walking down Bleecker Street in Manhattan on a recent Friday afternoon with a pack of three goldendoodles and one bernedoodle named Tinkerbelle. Continued …

Chiefs beat Eagles in Super Bowl 57

The NFL’s next dynasty may have been born in the desert Sunday night. Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35, winning Super Bowl 57. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

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.

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Feb 7

  • Inflation in January falls to 9-month low as cost-of-living crisis eases/
  • What you need to know about that knee problem/
  • Dental seminar set at Be Well Clinic Feb 18/
  • Muay Thai world record set – video/
  • Chinese buyers seek quick move amid zero-Covid fears/
  • Thailand deploying 20-member urban search and rescue team to Turkey/
  • Thai foodies angered as Kaeng Som named among world’s worst dishes/
  • 110 Thai immigration police officers charged in visa scandal/
  • Many Thai workers ill-prepared for old age/
  • Tourism: Forest park in Phetchaburi to become geological tourist attraction/PKK’s Golden Swan in Thap Sakae/First Chinese tour group in 3 years arrives in Phuket/Ministry to probe attack on Chinese tourist/Chinese investors return to Chiang Mai, Bangkok/Nine Swedish Tourists Survive after Boat Capsizes in Krabi/Body of German tourist who jumped from Koh Pha Ngan ferry found/Foreigners, particularly Russians, accused of working illegally in Phuket/
  • Thailand Experience: Thai cuisine comes in at 13 in TripAdvisor’s latest ranking/Northern Thai Food: A Guide to Regional Specialties in Thai Cuisine/
  • Covid: New Covid cases, deaths dropped by about half last week/
  • International: Rescuers Scramble In Turkey, Syria As Earthquake Death Toll Rises To 4,000/Why was the Turkey-Syria earthquake so deadly?/Single-use plastics production still on the rise/
  • 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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Inflation in January falls to 9-month low as cost-of-living crisis eases

Thailand’s headline inflation fell to a nine-month low of 5.02% in January, from 5.89% in December, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) announced Monday.

TPSO Director-general Wichanun Niwatjinda said the inflation slowdown reflected falling prices of energy and fresh foods. The TPSO expects inflation to drop further this month.

Wichanun said headline inflation in January stood at 108.18 points, up 5.02% year on year but still the lowest for the past nine months. Continued … 

What you need to know about that knee problem

Your knees are essential to your health. They have an incredibly important job of supporting and stabilizing your body as you walk, run, dance, or play sports. But most people don’t think about them until they start hurting.

Knee pain can be experienced in many different guises, it is common during growth spurts in children, or with trauma from sport or falls, or it may come on as we age with wear and tear. Knee pain can stem from the muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage or meniscus. It can sometimes also be referred from the hip joint or lower back.

Acute knee injuries often occur with sports that involve rapid acceleration or deceleration, twisting, kicking or sudden changes of direction. More gradual onset of knee pain can occur due to repetitive running, jumping and landing, kicking or squatting. Continued … 

Dental seminar set at Be Well Clinic Feb 18

The Be Well Medical Clinic in Hua Hin will hold a dental seminar, hosted by the Be Well Dental Department, on Feb. 18.

The seminar will address degeneration prevention, restorative dentistry (e.g., crowns and bridges), esthetic treatments (e.g., whitening, veneers), implants, and the speakers will also cover the possibilities, risks and costs of various therapies.

Registration will start at 9.30am with the seminar starting at 10am.

The clinic is located at the Coral Restaurant @ Banyan Resort (next to the Be Well Medical Center) Petchkasem Road, between Soi 120 and 122.

@BeWell members and Banyan Privilege Club members can attend for free, for others the fee is THB500. Advance registration is by email at event@bewell.co.th. For more information.

Muay Thai world record set

Renowned Muay Thai fighter Sombat “Buakhao” Banchamek teamed up with 3,650 soldiers to break a Guinness world record by performing the traditional Thai dance, Wai Kru, at the Amazing Muaythai Festival 2023 in Hua Hin.

Feb. 6 of every year is marked as Muay Thai Day to preserve and promote Thailand’s soft power Thai boxing.

Video 

Commander of the Royal Thai Army, Narongphan Jitkaewtae, wanted to celebrate and promote the cultural heritage of Muay Thai. So, the army collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and other relevant departments to host a celebration event named Amazing Muaythai Festival 2023. Continued …

Chinese buyers seek quick move amid zero-Covid fears

Ready-to-move-in condos in Thailand are attracting Chinese buyers, as the majority of them want to speed up relocation to the country due to concerns over the future of Beijing’s zero-Covid policy.

Kashif Ansari, co-founder and chief executive of Juwai IQI Group, the real estate marketing firm that owns the international real estate portal juwai.com in China, said Chinese buyers had a sense of urgency, which never appeared prior to the pandemic.

“If Chinese nationals are planning to move to Thailand, they want to do it right away, not in two years. These are the first movers,” he said. Continued …

Thailand deploying 20-member urban search and rescue team to Turkey

Thailand will deploy a 20-member urban search and rescue (USAR) team to the disaster zone of major earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said 20 fully equipped members of USAR Thailand are on standby and will depart as soon as they get the green light from Turkish authorities.

USAR Thailand team members are trained experts with experience in search and rescue operations in large-scale disasters at both national and international levels. Continued … 

Thai foodies angered as Kaeng Som named among world’s worst dishes

Thais are struggling to digest the news that one of their favorite foods, kaeng som (spicy-sour fish curry), has been ranked the 12th worst dish in the world by a global foody website.

Netizens are venting their anger and disgust after the distinctive watery Thai curry received a score of 2.3 out of 5 in the online food guide TasteAtlas on Saturday.

Kaeng som is made from a paste of shrimp and shallots, its sharp sweet-sour flavor coming from the addition of tamarind and sometimes lime juice. Continued …

110 Thai immigration police officers charged in visa scandal

More than 100 immigration police officers, including three generals, have been found to have issued visas illegally to foreign visitors, Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, said yesterday.

All 110 of them have been charged with malfeasance in office and taking bribes, he said, adding that he expects the case to be sent to the public prosecutors this week.

The probe into visa scandal, in which immigration police officers and several local administration officials are implicated, is an extension of an investigation into the conduct of a handful of immigration police officers who were allegedly involved in issuing visas for Chinese businessman Chaiyanat Kornchayanant and other Chinese businessmen allegedly involved in “gray” businesses in Thailand. Continued …

Many Thai workers ill-prepared for old age

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith is concerned that more than 16 million informal workers have yet to participate in any savings scheme to prepare for life during retirement, even though Thailand is expected to become an aged society in the next two years.

He said that Thailand is now an aging society, as at least 10% of the population has been 60 years old or more since 2005. A total of 12.5 million people, or 19% of the population, is currently over 60. Thai people are also enjoying a longer life span.

Arkhom added that the country is expected to become an aged society in the next couple of years when elderly people will surge to 20% of the total population. It is set to become a super-aged society in 2034 when the elderly proportion of the population reaches 28%. Continued …

Forest park in Phetchaburi to become geological tourist attraction

Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plans to develop the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park in Phetchaburi province into a geological tourist destination, to promote geological study and conservation of natural resources.

Geologists from the Department of Mineral Resources have recently found many fossilized marine creatures embedded in the limestone mountain in the park, which are thought to be from about 250 million years ago, during the Permian period.

The fossilized marine creatures include bivalves, single-shell mollusc and corals.

The limestone mountain in the forest park was created by the massive accumulation of calcium carbonate sediments, dating back more than 250 million years. Some of the fossilized corals appear like tree branches or horns, called Rugose corals, which became extinct about 250 million years ago. – thaipbsworld.com

PKK’s Golden Swan in Thap Sakae

One of the most significant religious sites in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is the “Giant Golden Swan” located on the Hua Hin-bound side of Petchkasem Road in Thap Sakae. Believers say it is a gathering spot for angels. It was built by the former abbot of Huay Luek Temple, “Phra Kru Paisarn”. People who make merit at the temple do so to ask for fortune or money, and when the request is granted, frequently bring bracelets or sculptures of swans to say thank you. (HHT)

First Chinese tour group in 3 years arrives in Phuket

Phuket tourism officials have welcomed the first Chinese tour group to visit the island in three years. The group touched down at Phuket International Airport at 3.15pm yesterday.

Passengers were welcomed by airport director Monchai Tamod and Montree Manator from the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. There were 180 passengers in the group, arriving on a direct flight from Shanghai with Spring Airlines.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese tour groups were a regular feature on the island. However, harsh outbound travel restrictions imposed by Beijing meant there have been none for nearly three years. Continued …

Ministry to probe attack on Chinese tourist

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is rushing to investigate a case involving a Chinese tourist who was assaulted by a travel agent in Phuket after the case went viral, but the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is still hoping to secure 7-8 million tourists from China this year as the first batch of tour groups touched down in the country on Monday.

A viral TikTok clip showed a Chinese tourist being assaulted with a knife by a member of staff at a tour agency in Phuket during an altercation after the agency was unable to return in full a 5,000-baht deposit for a Similan Islands tour package, which a tourist had booked in advance for his group.

The tourist claimed the members of the group were instead left stranded at their hotel on the morning of Jan. 31, when they were supposed to take the tour. Continued …

Chinese investors return to Chiang Mai, Bangkok

Thailand welcomed 2.24 million foreign tourists in December, a surge from 1.17 million in July. The figures are expected to exceed 2 million people in January, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimated.

The significant recovery of the tourism industry has been able to attract foreigners to invest more in the supply-side business in Thailand – especially the major tourist destination cities, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. These popular provinces are seeing their bright future, as TAT expects more than 30 million arrivals of foreign visitors in 2023.

The rebounding of tourism sector not only brings back visitors, but also foreign investors, Panlop Sae-Jew, chairman of the Chiang Mai Tourism Industry Council, says. Continued …

Nine Swedish Tourists Survive after Boat Capsizes in Krabi

Nine Swedish tourists have survived after a long-tailed boat capsized in Krabi.

The head of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, Weerasak Srisajjang, stated tthey were notified of the incident on Sunday near the Hong Island in the Khao Thong subdistrict, Mueang Krabi.

Rescue teams went to the scene to find nine male and female Swedish nationals and the boat captain in the sea near the long-tailed boat, which was capsized. Continued …

Body of German tourist who jumped from Koh Pha Ngan ferry found

A body found floating in the sea near Koh Tao is believed to be the missing German tourist who jumped off a ferry shortly after it departed from Koh Pha Ngan in southern Thailand one week ago.

At 4pm yesterday, the Kusol Sattha Rescue Foundation was informed that a tourist boat came across the body of a male tourist floating in the Ao Muong Bay in Koh Tao subdistrict, Koh Pha Ngan district, Surat Thani province. Continued …

Foreigners, particularly Russians, accused of working illegally in Phuket

The Phuket Information Center Facebook page has accused foreigners, particularly Russians, of operating illegal businesses and working illegally in Phuket.

It shared with its followers Sunday that, “A lot of foreigners stay and work in Phuket, both legally and illegally. Recently, a group of foreigners started a car rental business. They offered both cars and minibuses and also served tourists as chauffeurs. They steal jobs from Thai people!”

“If anyone has more information on this, please send it to the page’s admin. We, together with the Phuket Tourist Police, will get rid of this issue.” Continued … 

Thai cuisine comes in at 13 in TripAdvisor’s latest ranking

Despite being a top travel destination for many, Thai cuisine only came in No. 13 in the latest ranking by online travel information and booking website TripAdvisor.

The top three food destinations in the world were the Italian capital Rome, the Greek island of Crete and the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

However, TripAdvisor sang Bangkok’s praises, saying: “Golden palaces, floating markets, majestic porcelain-laid spires … you’ve never seen a capital city quite like Bangkok. Continued …

Traditional Northern Thai food

Northern Thai Food: A Guide to Regional Specialties in Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is a melting pot of diverse flavors and ingredients, each region offering its own unique twist on classic dishes. If you’re tired of the usual pad Thai and green curry, head north to explore the treasure trove of delicious treats waiting to be discovered. Here’s what you need to know about the delicious northern Thai food.

Northern Thai cuisine is famous for its bold and pungent flavors. It uses plenty of chili, herbs, and spices. It’s a feast for the senses, leaving a lasting impression on the taste buds.

The region is renowned for its sausages, which consist of a mixture of pork and sticky rice. It also has a popular signature dish, Khao Soi. The local people make this rich and creamy curry with egg noodles, chicken, and a blend of spices that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Continued …

New Covid cases, deaths dropped by about half last week

Hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19 last week dropped by about half from the week before, Thailand’s Disease Control Department (DCD) said on Monday.

The DCD reported that 252 Covid cases were hospitalized from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, an average of 36 patients per day. That represented a decline of 46.3% from the 472 cases hospitalized from Jan. 22-28, an average of 67 per day.

Deaths from Covid last week dropped to 17 (an average of 2-3 per day), from 29 a week earlier. Currently, 122 Covid patients are being treated in hospital for pneumonia, 78 of whom are on ventilators. Continued …

Rescuers Scramble In Turkey, Syria As Earthquake Death Toll Rises To 4,000

Rescuers in Turkey and war-ravaged Syria searched through the frigid night into Tuesday, hoping to pull more survivors from the rubble after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed more than 4,000 people and toppled thousands of buildings across a wide region. Continued … 

Why was the Turkey-Syria earthquake so deadly?

A combination of factors made the powerful earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria early Monday particularly deadly, including its timing, location, relatively quiet fault line and the weak construction of the collapsed buildings, experts said. Continued …

Single-use plastics production still on the rise

Minderoo Foundation’s Plastic Waste Makers Index (PWMI) 2023 shows the planet’s plastic pollution problem is worsening, and new estimates of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from single-use plastics demonstrate how single-use plastics producers also contribute to the climate crisis. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

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.

 

90-day online reporting

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

Tuesday’s News-Jan 31

  • Kite festival this weekend in Thap Sakae/
  • Thailand tops world in motorcycle use/
  • Thailand second-best for paved roads in Southeast Asia/
  • Thailand Businesses Lead the World in Business Health/
  • Fewer smokers, surging taxes hitting Thai tobacco industry hard/
  • JD Central discontinues operations in Thailand on March 3/
  • Five healthy digital habits/
  • Wife ties up gambling husband – quit or she’s going home to mum/
  • Three more smart piers to be opened in 2023/
  • Caught with two meth pills? You will be considered a dealer/
  • Tourism: Actress bribe claim borne out by officers’ confessions/Police fast-track scandal prompts question: Can everything be bought in Thailand?/Thailand’s police caught with their pants down in extortion case/Taiwanese actress case puts e-cigarettes back in the spotlight/Hotels struggle to attract quality staff as tourism recovers/Phuket Expects 12 Million Tourists This Year/Chinese yearning for overseas trips in 2023/Why China isn’t about to save Thailand’s economy yet/Vendors at Bangkok shrine condemned for overcharging Chinese tourists/ASEAN cities face uphill battle to preserve heritage/Thailand Is Building an Epic New $9 Billion ‘Aviation City’ for Tourists/
  • Thailand Experience: 10 Unbelievably Delicious Dishes You Have to Try in Thailand/Unlock the Secrets of Authentic Thai Food with These Essential Ingredients/
  • International: Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 59, Wounds 150 At Pakistan Mosque/France, Australia announce artillery deal for Ukraine/US Fed set to slow down rate rises this year/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Kite festival this weekend in Thap Sakae

The Fantasy Kite and Flag Festival, featuring more than 100 kites, is set for this weekend in Thap Sakae on Ban Thung Pradu Beach.

The event is organized by the Thap Sakae Beach Love Group, the Thap Sakae Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Thailand Kite Flying Assn., Prachuap province tourism and sports officials and the Ban Thung Pradu tourism community. Map 

Thailand tops world in motorcycle use

Thailand second-best for paved roads in Southeast Asia

Thailand Businesses Lead the World in Business Health

Grant Thornton released its International Business Report this month, showing that the business health of the Thai mid-market has been at its highest point since 2017. In the second half of 2022, Thailand’s business health improved by 3.8 percentage points over H1 2022, with the index reaching 8.8 – marking the highest point in five years and exceeding regional and global averages for the first time since 2017.

In contrast, ASEAN business leaders are more cautious, while Asia Pacific and global business leaders remain bearish.

Ian Pascoe, CEO and managing partner at Grant Thornton in Thailand, said this on the findings: “Business leaders are better prepared after having gone through 3 years of unprecedented economic turbulence as Thailand emerges from the pandemic. Our business survey indicates Thai businesses share a positive sentiment in their outlook for 2023 and are more positive about the effects of the external factors on their business.” Continued … 

Fewer smokers, surging taxes hitting Thai tobacco industry hard

The Tobacco Curers Development Assn. is calling on the Tobacco Authority of Thailand (TOAT) and the Finance Ministry to review the current tax structure as the dual cigarette tax rates are affecting them financially.

TOAT recently announced that it was earmarking 56.16 billion baht to provide a 50% subsidy for production to tobacco farmers and independent tobacco curers.

Arun Pothita, secretary-general of Chiang Mai’s TOAT branch and a representative of an alliance of tobacco farmers in Thailand, said farmers under contract with TOAT are aware that the agency’s earnings are also affected by the tax structure. Continued …

JD Central discontinues operations in Thailand on March 3

Online shopping platform JD Central (www.jd.co.th) announced on Monday that it was discontinuing its operations in Thailand from March 3, though customer service will be available until March 31.

The company said the JD Central official store will stop accepting orders from 11.59pm on Feb. 15, while the JD Central platform with other vendors will stop accepting orders from 11.59pm on March 3.

The company has promised to fulfill all orders placed on or before March 3. The time taken for deliveries will be determined by the third-party logistics provider and seller. Continued …

Five healthy digital habits

Early January is a great time to start using healthy digital habits, and you still have time to make a promise to yourself and try to follow them during the next year. It’s certainly easier than mending our ways regarding health, exercise and self-improvement!

A set of simple healthy digital habits that can strengthen the safety of your data and make life easier in the coming year. Kaspersky experts prepared this list:

#1 New Year, new passwords!

Start the New Year with a real password revision. Now is the time to check and change passwords on all accounts. And remember the main rule – don’t use the same password for multiple accounts! Continued …

Wife ties up gambling husband – quit or she’s going home to mum

Thailand was having a great laugh – usually signified by 555 (ha ha ha) – after an online post of a man who had been tied up by his wife.

The errant husband was bound hands and feet before he agreed to stop his gambling habits.

Fah – the wife – said that when a message came in on her husband’s phone she thought he was chatting to another woman. Continued …

Three more smart piers to be opened in 2023 in Bangkok

Three more smart piers will be opened by this year, namely Rama VII, Tha Tien and Kiakkai, deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Monday.

She said the project to build 29 smart piers across Greater Bangkok at a total cost of 942 million baht aims to facilitate travel and tourism.

She added that this project is in line with the government’s 20-year national strategy, which aims to make Thailand a developed country with security, prosperity and sustainability without leaving anyone behind. Continued …

Caught with two meth pills? You will be considered a dealer

In an effort to effectively combat the illegal drug trade, a law is being amended in Thailand so that anyone caught in possession of more than one meth pill will now be considered a drug dealer. Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul announced this change on Monday, stating that the current regulation has been exploited by those who actually intend to sell the drugs.

The harsh new law will view anyone with more than one pill as having the drugs with intent to sell, instead of the current standard of 15 pills or fewer being considered for personal use only.

The amendment, which has already been prepared by the Committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts, is awaiting a signature from the Health minister. It will then go to the Cabinet for its sign-off before ultimately being published in the Royal Gazette, making the law official. – thethaiger.com

Actress bribe claim borne out by officers’ confessions

A number of officers among the seven Huai Khwang policemen accused by Taiwanese actress Charlene An of extorting 27,000 baht from her in the early morning of Jan. 4 have now admitted she was telling the truth, according to a police source.

The source was quoting information discussed by executives of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) during Monday’s meeting of a committee that screens senior police officials for promotion.

The seven officers who stopped the Taiwanese actress and her companions in a Grab taxi for a security check at a checkpoint in front of the Chinese embassy on Ratchadaphisek Road did, in fact, demand 27,000 baht not to arrest the actress, who was found in possession of a vaping device, said the source. Continued …

Police fast-track scandal prompts question: Can everything be bought in Thailand?

Countless numbers of Thais have flown in and out of Thailand over the years, but few have paid much attention to fast-track services at airports. That changed last week when a Chinese tourist posted a clip of herself enjoying VVIP services from police at a Thai airport.

The tourist’s clip went viral and stirred up a huge controversy. In the clip, the female creator gives a frank and positive review of the VVIP service she received, with police facilitating her entry into Thailand at every step.

She describes how she was greeted by a policeman as soon as she walked off her flight. She was then guided to a special immigration lane, helped with her luggage, and led to a private sedan for transfer to her hotel. Police motorcycle outriders accompanied her sedan all the way to her hotel in Pattaya, clearing traffic to ensure she had a smooth and uninterrupted journey. And all for a modest price of around 7,000 baht. Continued …

Thailand’s police caught with their pants down in extortion case

The case of the extortion of a Taiwanese actress and her friends in a late night shakedown outside the Chinese Embassy in Huay Khwang on Jan. 4 took several new twists yesterday.

Increasingly, it appears that the police – specifically officers from the Huay Khwang force – have been caught with their pants down. It is no longer an “alleged extortion”, according to sources.

Attempts to wriggle their way out of the damaging case for the RTP and Thai tourism are now in tatters. And things look set to only get worse for the so-called BiB. Continued …

Taiwanese actress case puts e-cigarettes back in the spotlight

Punishments related to the import and sale of what Thais call “buree fai faa” – e-cigarettes and “nam yaa buree fai faa” – vaping fluid are back in the spotlight.

The issue is one of the features of the extortion case surrounding the Taiwanese actress Charlene An that is the talk of Thailand.

Many tourists are confused by the law and there have been calls for signage at airports to clarify the issue as it relates to visitors. Continued …

Hotels struggle to attract quality staff as tourism recovers

Working in a hotel used to be considered an attractive career, as not only was the job itself interesting but the monthly salary was relatively decent and there were other benefits, too. But the Covid-19 pandemic changed all that, and now hotel operators are having to work harder than ever before to recruit staff as tourists start coming back to Thailand.

Operators of hotels with fewer than 5 stars are facing the biggest headaches. Experienced staff who are returning to the industry have mostly moved to work at the top hotels where the pay is higher. As thing stands now, many hotels in the provinces want to resume full operations but can’t because they don’t have enough staff. Continued …

Phuket Expects 12 Million Tourists This Year

The Phuket Tourism Authority of Thailand (Phuket TAT) is expecting 12 million tourists to visit Phuket this year.

The director of the Phuket TAT, Nathasiri Ronnasiri, said, “We are expecting 12 million tourists to visit Phuket this year. This will be roughly the same number of tourists as before Covid-19.”

“Last year, the number of visitors in Phuket was 9,260,657. Of those numbers 46.4 percent were foreign tourists and 53.6 percent were Thai tourists. Phuket has generated 74.4 percent of its income from foreign tourists.” Nathasiri stated. Continued …

Chinese yearning for overseas trips in 2023

A recent report by tourism website Qyer unveiled that most Chinese plan to travel overseas within a year, as the country’s adjusted Covid-19 response has lifted restrictions on overseas trips.

It revealed that Chinese travelers are yearning for overseas trips — 75.4 % of the subjects paid attention to outbound tourism content while they were browsing travel tips.

About 38.5 % of the subjects wanted to have an outbound travel within half a year and 12 % planned to do so during the approaching Spring Festival holiday. Over half said they wanted to have a 10-day overseas trip. Continued …

Why China isn’t about to save Thailand’s economy yet

The recent surge of optimism that the world economy would have a soft landing is largely due to China’s decision to ditch its “zero-Covid” policy. Clearly, the reopening has lessened the risks and uncertainty surrounding the outlook.

China’s real GDP increased by 3% overall in 2022 from the previous year, which was the second-worst performance since 1976, the final year of the Cultural Revolution (the worst being 2020, when the pandemic began).

The earlier and faster than expected ending of zero-Covid restrictions in China bodes well for the global economy and adds to the recent run of positive news. But how significant will the spillovers from China’s policy likely be for Thailand and the global economy? Continued …

Vendors at Bangkok shrine condemned for overcharging Chinese tourists

Thai netizens condemned vendors selling religious offerings to foreign tourists at extortionate prices outside the famous Erawan Shrine in Bangkok after a video went viral on social media of a vendor charging Chinese tourists over 10,000 baht for an offering set.

Erawan Shrine is one of the most popular religious sites in the capital city. Formally known as the Thao Maha Phrom Shrine, the shrine houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.

The name might also refer to Mahabrahma, the ruler of the Brahma realm in Asian mythology. It is located in Bangkok city center at Ratchaprasong intersection, near the CentralWorld shopping mall. Continued …

ASEAN cities face uphill battle to preserve heritage

Right behind San Sebastian Basilica, one of Manila’s most revered churches, a high-rise condominium is under construction, triggering a conflict between developers and conservationists. The unsavory development also threatens to derail the Philippines’ bid to have the monument listed as a World Heritage Site and preserve the country’s heritage value.

In some other ASEAN nations, like Thailand or Cambodia, which prioritized their tourism agenda to propel economic growth, activists are fighting a losing battle against developers for heritage preservation.

“The impact of this is the commodification of natural and cultural heritage with the results in the loss of authenticity, and sometimes irreversible damage not just to nature but also culture,” said Johannes Widodo, professor at the National University of Singapore and a senior adviser to the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (SEACHA). Continued …

Thailand Is Building an Epic New $9 Billion ‘Aviation City’ for Tourists

An historic airport in Thailand will soon be taken to new heights.

The Thai government is spending $8.8 billion (฿290 billion) to turn the country’s Vietnam War–era U-Tapao airport into a new “Eastern Aviation City.” Construction on the massive megastructure is set to begin early this year. The project will reportedly generate 15,600 additional jobs in the first five years and bolster Thailand’s aviation industry.

Covering approximately 1,040 hectares (2,570 acres) in the country’s industrial east, the new transport hub is aiming to attract more tourists to the tropical archipelago.

The new international terminal will be linked with a budget airport (Don Muang) and Thailand’s main airport (Suvarnabhumi) in order to bring passengers an array of flights and carriers. In addition, the city will include a free trade zone for commodities, a flight training center and an aircraft maintenance center. Continued …

10 Unbelievably Delicious Dishes You Have to Try in Thailand

If you are looking for delicious, authentic food that will tantalize your taste buds, you should definitely head to Thailand. The tasty and unique flavors of Thai cuisine are notorious around the world and the country is home to some of the most amazing dishes.

The best Thai food has a unique blend of all five flavors: spicy, sweet, sour, salty, and creamy. Let’s explore the 10 must-try dishes when visiting Thailand.

Tom Yum Goong

You can’t go wrong with starting your culinary journey in Thailand with some tom uum goong. This classic dish features a spicy and sour soup with shrimp as the main ingredient. Tom yum goong also includes lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, mushrooms, shallots, and tomatoes to enhance the flavor. Another key feature of this dish is the access to a special chili paste called nam prik pao that you can use to add a tasty kick of heat. Continued …

Unlock the Secrets of Authentic Thai Food with These Essential Ingredients

Are you tired of eating the same old food day in and day out? Do you want to add a little spice to your life? Look no further, because Thai cuisine is here to save the day!

Thai food is popular for its bold and flavorful taste, and the secret to its deliciousness lies in the unique ingredients in its dishes. In this guide, you will learn all about the essential Thai ingredients and pantry staples you need to cook authentic Thai food in your own kitchen.

1. Essential Thai Ingredients

Thai food is all about balance. The flavors of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and savory must all be present in every dish. The following ingredients are the building blocks of Thai cuisine and are present in almost every dish. Continued …

Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 59, Wounds 150 At Pakistan Mosque

A suicide bomber struck a crowded mosque inside a police compound in Pakistan on Monday, causing the roof to collapse and killing at least 59 people and wounding more than 150 others, officials said. Continued … 

France, Australia announce artillery deal for Ukraine

France and Australia announced a deal to jointly produce 155 mm artillery shells for Ukraine on Monday after a ministerial meeting in Paris that showcased efforts to relaunch ties between the Pacific allies. Continued … 

US Fed set to slow down rate rises this year

The U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to lift interest rates by just 0.75% this year amid improving economic figures, benefiting Asian stock markets as well as high-risk assets, investment company Principal Asset Management said yesterday. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Jsn 4

  • New Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule/Bangkok’s new train terminus renamed, to open Jan 19/Bt33M for new train station logo redesign and sign?/Property sector hopes for turnaround in 2023/ ‘New Year gifts’ for people in the Deep South/6,992 Drunk-Driving Cases Recorded in 6 Days/Road accidents kill 40 more people, holiday death toll climbs to 263/Devotees climb into coffins for Thailand’s strangest New Year ceremony/Embittered Thai craft beer brewers plead for justice/
  • Tourism: Post-Covid tourism plan gets green light/Health Minister Assures: No Lockdown when China Re-opens Borders/Chinese tourist surge unlikely this month/Thai hotels see positive growth as tourists start returning/Nearly 12 million foreign tourists visited Thailand last year/Indian tourists cancel Thailand trips after govt imposes Covid test/Cabinet to mull revised subsidy for domestic travel/Phuket focuses on foreigners causing motorbike accidents/New handbook on marijuana consumption for tourists in Thailand/Police arrest two Russians for begging on the streets of southern Thailand/
  • Covid: Beijing threatens response to ‘unacceptable’ virus measures/
  • International: Singapore explores underground space to protect nation against rising sea levels/Did a fourth-grader write this, or Chatbot?/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

New Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare in 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht.

Tickets 

Bangkok’s new train terminus renamed, to open Jan 19

The Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal, previously known as Bang Sue Grand Station, will be officially opened on Jan. 19, with the maiden Bangkok-Ayutthaya air-conditioned diesel train for tourists slated as the inaugural service.

According to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the first train will leave the station for Ayutthaya at 1.19pm, to be followed by another maiden service, the Bangkok-Sungai Kolok express train.

All 52 long-haul trains serving the southern, northern and north-eastern routes will be relocated from Hua Lamphong, Bangkok’s old main terminal, to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal. Continued …

Bt33M for new train station logo redesign and sign?

The Transport Ministry has ordered an investigation into a 33-million-baht contract for a nameplate and logo redesign of Bang Sue Grand Station after concerns were raised about the project’s cost.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) signed the contract with Unique Engineering and Construction Plc (UNIQ) for the redesign project, which includes the installation of a new logo for the station and 24 three-meter-tall Thai letters.
The redesign follows His Majesty the King renaming the Grand Station “Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal” in September. Continued …

Property sector hopes for turnaround in 2023

Thailand’s real estate sector did not fully recover in 2022, due mainly to the economic decline and the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as higher inflation and interest rates. But while the expected recovery did not happen, the overall outlook gives new hope for 2023.

The improved CCI (Consumer Confidence Index), which has continued to rise for six consecutive years, currently stands at 47.9, the highest in 20 years, signaling that consumers’ spending confidence is back.

Another factor that has supported the property industry is the Bank of Thailand’s continued loan relaxation (loan-to-value: LTV), which is about to end. It has successfully encouraged customers with real demand to purchase property units. Continued … 

‘New Year gifts’ for people in the Deep South

The Thai cabinet agreed yesterday to present “New Year gifts” to people in the Deep South. They include a free lunch program for children attending religious schools, nutritional food and vitamin supplements for mothers and their children, promotion of the learning of foreign languages, and development of language skills among students.

Another “gift” from the government is the promotion of the restive provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and four districts in Songkhla as “the world’s Halal food and services hub.”

Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the government intends to solve the nutrition problem among small children in the Deep South by providing nutritional food and vitamin supplements to about 46,000 mothers and young children. Continued …

6,992 Drunk-Driving Cases Recorded in 6 Days

There were 6,992 drunk-driving cases in six days and the country needed serious measures on the wrongdoers, according to the director-general of the Probation Department.

Weerakit Harnpariphan, director-general of the department, said courts ordered probation for 6,992 drunk-driving cases from Dec. 29 to Jan 3, 2023. They formed 96.1% of the 7,277 cases in which probation was ordered during the same period. Continued …

Road accidents kill 40 more people, holiday death toll climbs to 263

Road accidents on Monday claimed 40 lives, taking the total death toll in the first five of the so-called “7 dangerous days” to 263, the Road Safety Center said yesterday.

Boontham Lertsukhikasem, director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and secretary-general of the center, said 294 road accidents had occurred on Monday, which left 295 people injured and 40 dead.

The center has been monitoring road accidents since Dec. 29 and will keep a close eye on roads through today, when the New Year break wraps up. Continued … 

Devotees climb into coffins for Thailand’s strangest New Year ceremony

Every New Year holiday, people pour into Wat Takian temple on the western outskirts of Bangkok to participate in a strange ceremony they believe will remove their bad luck and bring good fortune throughout the year.

Devotees of these spooky rites lie in open coffins with flowers and incense sticks clasped between their wai-ing hands, resembling corpses as they enter the crematorium.

Buddhist monks then chant prayers over the coffins while those inside devote the merit made to their deceased family members. Once the ceremony is completed, participants consider themselves reborn and freed from bad luck, ready to start their new year afresh. Continued … 

Embittered Thai craft beer brewers plead for justice

With the onerous liquor laws that have let just a few large breweries dominate the market and have forbidden entry by small-scale newcomers for decades, Chiang Mai native Saksit Sanguanphon was forced to fulfill his dream to produce his own artisanal craft beer somewhere else. He went to Laos.

As it is for other Thai entrepreneurs, running a small-sized craft beer business is a struggle for Saksit. It all began with a long bus journey from Bangkok to Savannakhet almost a decade ago.

“I took a Nakhon Chai Air bus at 8pm from Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, slept over in Mukdahan and arrived in Savannakhet at six in the evening the day after,” Saksit recalls. Continued …

Post-Covid tourism plan gets green light

The cabinet yesterday approved a blueprint for tourism development over the course of the next five years, with a plan to push for Thailand to be among the world’s top wellness destinations among several ambitious goals.

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul said the cabinet had approved its third national tourism development plan for 2023-2027.

The plan will serve as a guideline for relevant agencies at national and local levels to map out action plans for tourism development, Traisulee said. Continued …

Health Minister Assures: No Lockdown when China Re-opens Borders

The Thai Minister of Public Health announced yesterday Thailand will not implement lockdown or strict regulations in response to the easing of harsh travel restrictions that is soon to take effect in China next Sunday.

Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that he has decided at a meeting with the Medical Affairs Committee that Thailand will not implement any specific measures against Chinese arrivals, as the country already has effective measures in place.

As for testing for the coronavirus, Anutin said it is “unnecessary,” adding if there is any medical issue, we leave it to the Department of Disease Control, which is responsible for disease prevention and surveillance, to determine the necessary measures without causing harm to the country’s economic system.” Continued …

Chinese tourist surge unlikely this month

An influx of Chinese tourists is unlikely during the coming Lunar New Year holiday, as not enough flights can be added in such a short time, while large tour groups are still awaiting an official announcement from the Chinese government, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).

ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said only small groups of friends and families are expected to travel when entry restrictions on the mainland are lifted on Jan. 8, as direct flights remain limited, with prices much higher than pre-pandemic rates of 10,000-20,000 baht.

“It is too soon to expect a massive Chinese flow in January, as seat capacity remains scarce,” said Sisdivachr. Continued … 

Thai hotels see positive growth as tourists start returning

Hotels in Thailand expect occupancy rates to start picking up in the second half of this year, especially since travel has become easier and China will lift restrictions from Sunday.

The Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Study, conducted by the Thai Hotel Assn. and the Bank of Thailand last month, shows that most hotels expect their revenue to rise by 10%-30%.

The study, which covered 95 hotels, showed that most operators expect to welcome more guests this year. Continued …

Nearly 12 million foreign tourists visited Thailand last year

As many as 11.81 million foreign tourists visited Thailand last year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said yesterday.

Thai and foreign travelers were expected to generate 1.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue for the country last year, TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said.

He said most foreign visitors last year came from Malaysia (1.95 million), followed by India (965,994), Laos (844,959), Cambodia (591,657) and Singapore (589,770). Continued …

Indian tourists cancel Thailand trips after govt imposes Covid test

The Thai Hotels Assn. last night reported that tourists from India are canceling trips to Thailand in droves after their government insisted that returning travelers produce a negative Covid-19 test before reentering the country.

The new mandate has come as a shock to Indian holidaymakers, as the rest of the world contemplates what to do with returning Chinese tourists. China announced last month it is reopening its borders to foreign travelers on Sunday, Jan. 8, and scrapping quarantine rules.

Thai Hotels Assn. Eastern Chapter President Sanphet Supbowornsathian revealed the Indian government’s decision to produce negative RT-PCR tests has left many travelers reconsidering holidays to Thailand. Continued …

Cabinet to mull revised subsidy for domestic travel

A revised subsidy scheme to stimulate domestic tourism is set to go before the cabinet meeting next Tuesday.

According to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the ministry is scheduled to propose a revised budget worth 4 billion baht, with half of the budget allotted to support the fifth phase of the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) hotel subsidy campaign to promote domestic tourism.

Of the total budget, 2 billion baht would be allocated for the fifth phase of the We Travel Together campaign to promote domestic tourism for a total of 500,000 rooms, he said. Continued … 

Phuket focuses on foreigners causing motorbike accidents

As Thailand sees the tail end of the dreaded “Seven Days of Danger”, where road accidents and death tend to spike over the new year holiday, officials in Phuket are focusing on the number of accidents involving foreigners on their roads.

At a briefing at the Phuket Provincial Hall, officials said that foreigners on holiday renting motorbikes and driving poorly or dangerously is a common denominator in the number of accidents reported on the island.

The briefing was delivered by the Chief of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation who went over the daily figures and discussed the issue with foreign motorbike drivers. Continued … 

New handbook on marijuana consumption for tourists in Thailand

The Public Health Ministry has come up with a guide called “10 Things Tourists Need to Know about Cannabis in Thailand” to help clarify doubts over the newly decriminalized plant.

The English-language guide is necessary as Thailand is the first Asian country to legalize marijuana and will attract foreigners interested in consuming cannabis-related products, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary Dr. Narong Apikulwanich said yesterday.

The guide has been published on www.moph.go.th, while authorities in tourist provinces have also been instructed to publish handbooks for tourists. The handbook will soon be translated into other languages, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian. Continued …

Police arrest two Russians for begging on the streets of southern Thailand

Thai police arrested two Russian men yesterday for begging on the streets of Surat Thani in southern Thailand. The men held signs saying they are fleeing war in Russia.

Surat Thani Immigration officers, tourist police officers, and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security jointly arrested 36-year-old Evgenii Malakhov and 32-year-old Alexander Kulikov at the Glowing Garden Fair near the Naris Bridge. Continued …

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Beijing threatens response to ‘unacceptable’ virus measures

The Chinese government sharply criticized COVID-19 testing requirements imposed on visitors from China and threatened countermeasures against countries involved, which include the U.S. and several European nations.

“We believe that the entry restrictions adopted by some countries targeting China lack scientific basis, and some excessive practices are even more unacceptable,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing yesterday.

“We are firmly opposed to attempts to manipulate the COVID measures for political purposes and will take countermeasures based on the principle of reciprocity,” she said. Mao did not specify what steps China might take. Continued …

Singapore explores underground space to protect nation against rising sea levels

National water agency PUB will explore the use of underground space to defend Singapore against rising sea levels amid climate change and more intense rainfall. The agency said last Thursday that a study to assess the feasibility of using an underground drainage and reservoir system to combat inland and coastal flooding will start in 2023. Continued … 

Did a fourth-grader write this, or Chatbot?

It’s hard to fully grasp the enormous potential of ChatGPT, a recently released artificial intelligence chatbot. The bot doesn’t just search and summarize information that already exists. It creates new content, tailored to your request, often with a startling degree of nuance, humor and creativity. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare in 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

chiang mai, covid, hua hin, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Jan 3

  • January Hua Hin flight schedule/Six national parks to start e-ticketing from Saturday/IMF predicts a recession in Thailand/Economic chiefs promise brighter 2023 for Thailand despite gloomy world outlook/2023 positive for Thailand as EECO predicts full economic recovery/Agency to continue cost-of-living battle/Thailand’s property sector unfazed by inflation, expects a profitable 2023/‘7 dangerous days’ road toll rises to 218, 66 deaths on New Year’s Day/Nine Thais remain missing after casino blaze/
  • Tourism: New Thailand international travel curbs to be announced Jan 5/What China sudden reopening could mean for Thailand/Elephants: Covid and ethics reshape Thailand’s tourism industry/Phuket tourism on road to recovery/Patong Beach cleared of 12 tons of trash in New Year cleanup/
  • Thailand Experience: Life through the lens of a batik maker/
  • Covid: Fewer Covid-19 hospitalizations, deaths during Christmas week/Experts urge end to Covid fear as Chinese gates swing open/Why China’s Covid wave is stirring fear/
  • International: Airport Worker Killed By Being ‘Ingested Into The Engine’ Of Plane/Europe Sees ‘Unprecedented’ Winter Heat Wave As 2023 Begins/Floods In Philippines Leave 51 Dead/Moscow Says Ukrainian Rocket Strike Kills 63 Russian Troops/People Can Now Carry Guns Without A License In Half Of America’s States/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Six national parks to start e-ticketing from Saturday

Six national parks will test e-ticketing from Saturday as an alternative to cash for tourists to pay entry fees, the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced on Monday.

The department said the e-tickets would be issued at Ao Phang Nga National Park, the Mu Ko Similan National Park, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Khao Yai National Park, Doi Inthanon National Park and Erawan National Park from Saturday in a pilot project.

The department said tourists can start buying e-tickets from Monday by using the QueQ app but the e-tickets can be showed to park officials at the entrance of the six national parks from Saturday onward. Continued …

IMF predicts a recession in Thailand

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts Thailand and Southeast Asian countries will suffer from recession this year along with the rest of the world.

Kristalina Georgieva said a third of the global economy will be in recession this year, including Thailand and Vietnam.

The Bulgarian economist reckons 2023 will be “tougher” than last year, as the United States, European Union, and China witness a slowdown of their economies. Continued … 

Economic chiefs promise brighter 2023 for Thailand despite gloomy world outlook

Thailand may enjoy what appears to be a stronger and brighter economic recovery in 2023 than it felt in 2022, according to Bank of Thailand Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, who told an audience on Monday that GDP growth in 2023 will be driven primarily by foreign tourism, which has a broader and deeper impact on people’s pockets.

Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, at the same time, highlighted the determination of the present government facing an election this year to stick to a prudent course by reining in public spending, while also raising taxes to address the country’s chronic issues of an aging society and private debt levels that are too high. All this would be achieved against a backdrop of a darker world economy with rising interest rates and lower economic growth. Continued …

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

2023 positive for Thailand as EECO predicts full economic recovery

The Thai economy should return to the pre-pandemic level by the middle of this year thanks to the recovery of the tourism sector and private consumption, the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) said.

The agency said on Monday that it believes the economy will expand by 3.8% this year.

“However, there is still the risk of declines in export due to rising production costs and high-interest rates,” EECO said. Continued …

Agency to continue cost-of-living battle

The Commerce Ministry vows to move ahead with plans to help reduce the cost of living for people this year despite inflationary pressure easing, as reflected by lower domestic prices of most products and services.

According to Internal Trade Department Director-general Wattanasak Sur-iam, the department is setting guidelines to manage product prices next year, focusing on continued requests to manufacturers to help maintain their product prices in order to alleviate the financial burden on consumers as the country’s economy recovers. Continued … 

Thailand’s property sector unfazed by inflation, expects a profitable 2023

As many as 120,000 residential units are expected to be snapped up this year despite rising inflation, property firm Supalai said in its latest prediction.

Supalai Director Prasas Tangmatitam said that listed real-estate companies had sold 115,902 units last year compared to 75,364 in 2021. He said this was a clear indicator of the property market’s expansion.

Prasas reckoned that the sale of property had risen because home buyers in the 26-30 age group had not been affected by the economic fallout of the Covid-19 crisis. Continued … 

‘7 dangerous days’ road toll rises to 218, 66 deaths on New Year’s Day

Road accidents on Sunday claimed 66 lives, bringing the total death toll in the first four of the so-called “7 dangerous days” to 218, the Road Safety Center announced on Monday.

Boontham Lertsukhikasem, director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and secretary-general of the center, told the press that 478 road accidents had occurred on New Year’s Day on Sunday, in which 465 people were injured and 66 killed. Continued …

Nine Thais remain missing after casino blaze

Nine Thai nationals caught in the Cambodian hotel-casino blaze are still missing, Sa Kaeo authorities said on Monday.

The bodies of 19 Thai nationals who were killed by the blaze at the Grand Diamond City hotel-casino complex last week have been brought back to Thailand, said Thawatchai Boonsang, Aranyaprathet district’s senior deputy district chief and acting director of the Thai victims’ rescue operations center. Continued …

New Thailand international travel curbs to be announced Jan 5

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has announced that a Cabinet decision is expected on Jan. 5 about new regulations for anyone entering Thailand by land, sea and air.

At the moment, Thai immigration police do not require to see Covid vaccination records or insurance documentation from arrivals: the only check is occasional random inspection by health officials of anyone coughing and sweating or reported by an airline to look potentially sick.

The Beijing’s government’s abrupt cancellation of its zero-tolerance Covid policy and opening up of its borders has already led to several countries imposing extra health restrictions on passengers arriving from China. Continued … 

What China sudden reopening could mean for Thailand

It was almost three years ago that the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization designated the outbreak a pandemic three months later and advised that steps be taken to stop the virus’s spread.

In these initial stages, China closed its borders, isolated people diagnosed with COVID-19, and implemented wide scale lockdowns when cases were found in the community.

As a result of the so-called zero-Covid strategy, the economy suffered and people became weary of the limitations and constant testing. Continued … 

Elephants: Covid and ethics reshape Thailand’s tourism industry

As he ambles in for his annual health check, Kwanmueang’s size takes your breath away.

Kwanmueang and his mahout Lek have returned to their home town as the tourism industry changes

Nearly three meters high at the shoulder, weighing at least four tons, and with spectacular tusks that curve together until they almost touch, the 18-year-old Thai bull elephant is an imposing sight.

Yet, he and his keeper, or mahout, Sornsiri “Lek” Sapmak, are in trouble. Continued …

Phuket tourism on road to recovery

Having endured the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic for more than two years, Phuket’s tourism is bouncing back, welcoming more than 2.3 million visitors and raking in at least 127 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first ten months of 2022.

Business operators have high hopes that international tourist arrivals will continue to strengthen this year, while acknowledging it may take more than a year for the industry to fully recover.

For all its devastating impacts, the Covid-19 pandemic spurred the so-called “Phuket Sandbox”, a reopening model for international travelers, and made business operators, large and small, weather the crisis, learn about what it takes to adapt and rebuild their confidence. Continued …

Patong Beach cleared of 12 tons of trash in New Year cleanup

More than 12 tons of trash were cleared from Patong Beach Sunday as staff from Patong Municipality and volunteers cleaned up the debris left behind from the New Year countdown that saw thousands of people celebrate the New Year in Patong. Continued …

Life through the lens of a batik maker

Jantima Sukmetta, 52, gradually unfolds a batik fabric. It has distinguished colors of golden yellow and brown, the naturally dyed colors from turmeric and leaves of khonthi (beach vitex).

The khonthi plant is easily found along beaches in tambon Na Thap of Chana district in the southern province of Songkhla, where her Me-D Na Thap Batik Group is located.

“The cloth is specially designed because of the patterns initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya and integrated with the identity of our province,” she said. Continued … 

Fewer Covid-19 hospitalizations, deaths during Christmas week

As many as 2,111 Covid-19 patients were admitted to hospital and 75 succumbed in the last week of 2022, a drop from 2,900 admitted and 89 deaths the week before.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Monday that about 302 people per day had to be hospitalized for severe symptoms in the week of Dec. 25-31, compared to 414 daily average in the week of Dec. 18 to 24.

The average daily death rate from Covid in the week of Dec. 25-31 was 10, compared to 12 per day the previous week, the department added. Continued …

Experts urge end to Covid fear as Chinese gates swing open

Health experts are attempting to allay concern that new coronavirus strains in China may be imported into Thailand, saying they are less worrisome than the already dominant strain in Thailand.

They made the remarks with Chinese tourists expected to flock back to Thailand after Beijing reopens its borders on Sunday. Continued … 

Why China’s Covid wave is stirring fear

China is experiencing a huge Covid-19 surge after years of hardline containment restrictions were dismantled last month.

A growing number of countries are worried about a lack of data and transparency surrounding China’s outbreak.

Here is why it is sparking concern: Continued … 

Airport Worker Killed By Being ‘Ingested Into The Engine’ Of Plane

A ground crew worker at a regional Alabama (USA) airport was killed on Saturday by being sucked into the engine of a parked plane. The person, whose name has not been released, was “ingested into the engine” of an aircraft at Montgomery Regional Airport, the National Transportation Safety Board said. Continued … 

Europe Sees ‘Unprecedented’ Winter Heat Wave As 2023 Begins

A historic winter heat wave sent temperatures soaring in parts of Europe over New Year’s weekend. Thousands of temperature records were broken on the continent from Saturday to Monday, and on New Year’s Day alone, at least seven countries experienced the warmest January weather on record. Continued … 

Floods In Philippines Leave 51 Dead

Thousands of people in the Philippines remained in emergency shelters in the wake of devastating Christmas flooding, as the death toll climbed to 51 with 19 missing, authorities said Monday. Continued … 

Moscow Says Ukrainian Rocket Strike Kills 63 Russian Troops

Ukrainian forces fired rockets at a facility in the eastern Donetsk region where Russian soldiers were stationed, killing 63 of them, Russia’s defense ministry said Monday, in one of the deadliest attacks on the Kremlin’s forces since the war began more than 10 months ago. Continued … 

People Can Now Carry Guns Without A License In Half Of America’s States

Alabamians woke up Sunday with the right to carry a gun without a license. The change, implemented by a state law passed last year, marked a major milestone: half of America’s 50 states now allow people to carry handguns without first seeking a permit. Continued …

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90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, phuket, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Jan 2

  • New Year festivals are making Thailand fun again, minister says/Bangkok welcomes 2023 with fireworks over the Chao Phraya/Phetchabun hilltop temple heaves with devotees on New Year’s Eve/Chiang Mai welcomes 2023 with prayers, lanterns and pyrotechnics/Tourists flood Phi Phi on Jan 1/The mass return to Bangkok begins/Guide for Retiring in Thailand: Everything You Need to Know/Thailand in 2023: Tiptoeing through the minefield/ESG expected to be business trend for 2023/Thai industries moving toward a cleaner future/Navy scours Chumphon waters for last 5 HTMS Sukhothai crew/High momentum of EV growth seen for Thailand/
  • Tourism: Thailand ups 2023 forecast to 23M visitors/Thailand makes another travel list: Fodor’s ‘No List’/Green is Thai tourism’s new mandate/Cathay Pacific’s revives direct Phuket-Hong Kong flights/Mayhem and mischief: How tourists behaved badly in 2022/
  • Covid: Thai tourism workers urged to have Covid vaccine booster/PCR tests for travelers reintroduced around the world as Covid-19 cases surge/
  • International: Flying back into profit after pandemic/Vietnam pulls off Asia’s fastest growth/Canada bans most foreigners from buying homes/US stocks mark end to ‘terrible year’ of rate hikes and inflation/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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New Year festivals are making Thailand fun again, minister says

The New Year countdowns held across Thailand are inspiring confidence among tourists and reinvigorating the kingdom’s reputation as a destination for festivities, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said.

He made the comments during the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 @Hatyai” in Songkhla on Sunday.

Phiphat said the countdowns are stimulating domestic travel and drawing international tourists, especially from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Continued … 

Bangkok welcomes 2023 with fireworks over the Chao Phraya

Bangkok skies were lit up with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight as Thailand marked the New Year at Iconsiam’s “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023”. The display, visible from most parts of the city, involved more than 30,000 fireworks being set alight along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. (The Nation)

Chiang Mai welcomes 2023 with prayers, lanterns and pyrotechnics

Thousands of Thais and foreigners flocked to Chiang Mai’s many attractions to ring in the New Year.

Among them was the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, where people gathered to take photographs of the last sunset of 2022.

Many also attended the “Chiang Mai Love is All Around” countdown at the northern capital’s Tha Phae Gate. The event, presided over by Chiang Mai Mayor Assanee Buranupakorn, saw people releasing lanterns for good luck and wowing over a dazzling fireworks display. – The Nation

Tourists flood Phi Phi on Jan 1, Thailand ups 2023 forecast to 23M visitors

Phi Phi Islands National Park in Krabi province was flooded by over 5,000 tourists per day on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, said a park official on Sunday.

Authorities deployed extra staff to oversee parking and increased the number of ticket booths to prevent crowding, as visitors poured in all day to witness the crystal-clear waters and white-sand islands of the 388-square-kilometer marine sanctuary, officially known as Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Ko National Park.

Large crowds of tourists were seen at Railay Beach, Thale Waek (Separated Sea), Ko Poda and Pi Leh Bay. Continued … 

Phetchabun hilltop temple heaves with devotees on New Year’s Eve

Wat Pha Sorn Kaew in Phetchabun’s Khao Kho district attracted thousands of devotees, who wanted to pray for a successful 2023. The crowds began building from early morning on New Year’s Eve, with most of them being Myanmar migrant workers. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, also known as Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaeo, is set on an 830-meter peak between Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces. The temple features a main pagoda and surrounding buildings adorned with over 5 million colorful mosaic tiles and pottery items and five bright-white sitting Buddha statues. (The Nation)

The mass return to Bangkok begins

Bangkok’s light traffic and quiet roads over the last couple of days will begin to return to the normal congestion today, as New Year revelers return in droves, making it slow going on several highways.

According to the state-run Transport Company, between 50,000 and 60,000 passengers are expected to arrive at its main bus terminals in Bangkok today, with many having started their journeys last night.

Traffic congestion on the Asian highway, from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, was reported to extend up to 10 kilometers this morning. All lanes were clogged with cars and buses, as they inched their way toward the Bang Pa-in elevated section, connecting with Phahonyothin Road and the motorway. – thaipbs.com

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

Guide for Retiring in Thailand: Everything You Need to Know

Many prefer retiring in Thailand. Its beautiful beaches, delicious food, affordable prices, and tropical climate simply makes it the closest thing to paradise. This is why expats and retirees from all over the world prefer enjoying the remaining years of their lives in the country.

If you’re considering retiring in Thailand, this article is perfect for you. We will enlist everything that you need to know – from benefits to retirement places, and even answers to frequently asked questions. We will also enlist guidelines on ho  you can also get a retirement visa.

  1. Affordable Lifestyle

Thailand is ideal for retirement because you get to live luxuriously without spending so much. In Thailand, your £16 (669 baht) will already be able to afford you a delicious three-course meal at a restaurant. Rent in a city will only cost around £308 (12,872 baht). For beer, you would only need £1.30 (54 baht). Continued …

Thailand in 2023: Tiptoeing through the minefield

2023 should be the first time in three years Thailand can fully return to normal practices after Covid-19 was downgraded to endemic in October 2022. Yet, businesses still need to stay alert to several obstacles on the horizon.

Higher rates

Borrowers face higher financial costs in 2023 under the Bank of Thailand’s policy normalization approach and the trend of rising interest rates in the market. Continued … 

ESG expected to be business trend for 2023

The past three years have proven to be challenging for many people following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Though the situation has improved, many businesses are still grappling with economic pressures, such as higher costs driven by inflation and higher energy prices, while concerns over climate change are motivating businesses and the public to become more environmentally aware.

Here are some key business trends that are expected to set the tone in 2023.

Banks incorporate ESG

Banks are continuing to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into their business operations in a push for a sustainable transformation of the economy. Continued … 

Thai industries moving toward a cleaner future

Companies in the clean energy sector expect bright business prospects in 2023, as concerns over high energy costs and the impact of fossil fuels on the environment continue to grow.

Not only are solar, wind energy and bio-gas set to increase under the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) renewable energy scheme, but demand for natural gas, which is considered cleaner than oil and and coal, is also expected to rise.

At a forum on environmental, social and corporate governance, Somruedee Chaimongkol, chief executive of non-oil energy conglomerate Banpu Plc, said her company viewed gas as a “bridge” between fossil and renewable fuels. Continued … 

Navy scours Chumphon waters for last 5 HTMS Sukhothai crew

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) dispatched 28 Navy Seals and 53 divers on Saturday to hunt for the still missing five HTMS Sukhothai crew members.

The team will focus on seven islets and Makham Bay in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Chumphon province.

Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, commander of the First Naval Area Command, said it is believed the strong waves may have taken the bodies to these spots. Continued … 

High momentum of EV growth seen for Thailand

Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) market will continue to gain momentum in 2023, with sales expected to reach between 25,000 and 35,000 units, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

But whether the target will be attained depends on the availability of semiconductors, which have become scarce worldwide, affecting the automotive industry.

The FTI says EV sales in 2022 could reach 1,000 units. Continued … 

 

 

Thailand makes another travel list: Fodor’s ‘No List’

Thailand boasted recently of its ranking on many travel lists, from being among the least corrupt countries in Asia to ranking one of the best locations for expats, and rating one of the safest countries to visit.

The country has made the ranks by having some of the top-rated food and beaches in the world. But Thailand also received a nod this year that they might not be as quick to promote: Fodor’s “No List” for 2023.

The popular travel company puts out a list each year of countries, cities, and locations that people should reconsider traveling to for various reasons. The company considers tourism’s damage to a place’s culture and the environment, or a country’s record on human rights or corruption. Continued …

Green is Thai tourism’s new mandate

Tourism analysts say sustainability and responsible tourism represent a new mandate for the Thai industry after the pandemic.

Responsible tourism and sustainability in tourism will be the main direction in the future, Thanet Phetsuwan, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said at the “Bangkok Post Year-End Forum”.

Thanet said the TAT is trying to shift to quality-based tourism from a quantity-focused strategy, which saw Thailand welcome 40 million arrivals in 2019. Continued …

Cathay Pacific’s revives direct Phuket-Hong Kong flights

The return of flights to Phuket keep racking up. But this one is particularly welcome. Hong-Kong based carrier Cathay Pacific, one of the worst affected airlines in the world over the past three years, has re-launched direct flights to Phuket.

The re-launched flight schedule arrived yesterday, with 118 passengers on board. The airline tried to relaunch flights last year in November but had to postpone the re-introduction because of the latest surge of Covid at the time.

Hong Kong, along with China, recently eased Covid-19 travel restrictions and the introduction of the direct services back to Phuket is a reflection of this. Staff at Phuket Airport were on hand to welcome passengers arriving on CX771, presenting them with gifts and souvenirs to mark the occasion. Continued … 

Mayhem and mischief: How tourists behaved badly in 2022

In 2022, the world started traveling again — and with that came the return of all the usual misbehavior and antics abroad. But with nerves perhaps frayed by a record year for airline cancellations, delays, lost luggage and inflated prices, misconduct was a particularly strong theme. Here are the standout moments from a year of travelers behaving badly.

‘Did you pack your bag yourself?’

Sharp items and weaponry are, as everyone knows, huge no-nos when it comes to carry-on bags at the airport.

Everyone that is except for the man in Boston with a sword concealed inside a cane, the passenger at New York’s LaGuardia who was packing nunchucks, three saw blades, a switchblade and a folding knife, and the traveler in Alaska who rocked up to the security checkpoint with a bag filled with 28 knives. Continued … 

Thai tourism workers urged to have Covid vaccine booster

With China experiencing a surge in Covid infections and simultaneously about to re-open its borders, tourism staff in Thailand are being urged to have a booster vaccine dose. According to a report, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is calling on all tourism workers to ensure they’re protected ahead of the expected return of Chinese tourists.

Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT governor, says staff who are likely to have close contact with tourists, such as hotel receptionists, drivers, and tour guides, should make sure they’re protected against infection. China’s borders re-open next Sunday and Thailand expects to see a rise in the number of Chinese arrivals.

A government spokesman says PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has also instructed the Public Health Ministry to ensure measures are in place to keep the public safe from infection. Thailand is preparing to welcome around 300,000 visitors from China during the first quarter of 2023, according to spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri. Continued …

PCR tests for travelers reintroduced around the world as Covid-19 cases surge

Just as mandatory PCR testing for travelers had become a thing of the past in many parts of the world, regulations are being reintroduced as Covid-19 cases surge once more.

Much of this is driven by the surge in cases from China, after Beijing dismantled its zero-Covid policies, including regular PCR testing of its population, triggering concern around the world.

The U.S., Australia and UK, for example, are to impose PCR testing requirements on any travelers from China from Thursday. The U.S. and Australia’s guidelines also cover Hong Kong and Macau. Continued … 

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Flying back into profit after pandemic

The outlook for the aviation industry worldwide is chiefly positive this year,s although the path ahead is not without risks, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Continued … 

Vietnam pulls off Asia’s fastest growth

Vietnam’s economy grew at the fastest pace in Asia this year, signaling momentum just before risks from a global slowdown began to materialize. Continued … 

Canada bans most foreigners from buying homes

A ban on foreigners buying residential property in Canada took effect on Sunday, aiming to make more homes available to locals facing a housing crunch. Continued … 

US stocks mark end to ‘terrible year’ of rate hikes and inflation

Wall Street stocks saw their worst year since 2008 on Friday, after a “terrible” period shaken by inflation and aggressive moves to rein in costs. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, real estate, solar, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Dec 29

1 Comment

  • Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin/PKK sea embankment project back on track/Which Thai provinces drink the most alcohol/Top 5 foreign nationalities buying condos in Thailand in 2022/Grab predicts 2023 consumer trends/6 still missing from HTMS Sukhothai after grim discoveries in Chumphon/Reopening propels fuel consumption/Rapidly spreading yellow-band disease killing Thailand’s coral reefs/Bridgestone Installs Solar Rooftop Panels At Its Thailand Plant/Thai police arrest gang of Chinese visa over-stayers in Bangkok/5 beauty fanatics share skin-care tips and thoughts on CBD oil/
  • Tourism: Thailand anticipates windfall from China’s easing of travel restrictions/Tourism Authority shifts goal to 25 million tourists in 2023 after China reopens borders/Pattaya packing 3-day firework show into single countdown explosion/Air rage incident on Thai Smile Airways flight from Bangkok to Kolkata/
  • Thailand Experience: Eight ‘must-see’ flower gardens in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district/Unique coffee brew is drawing tourists to a mountain top in Tak province/
  • Covid: Call for tourist booster shots as Chinese return/US, others will require COVID-19 testing for travelers from China/
  • International: At least 10 feared dead in Thai-owned, Cambodia casino inferno/Record 6,036 American kids killed or injured by gunfire in 2022/Travel misery grinds on as US digs out from superstorm/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin

Continued …

PKK sea embankment project back on track

Conservationists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Prachuap Khiri Khan have withdrawn their protests against the construction of a controversial sea embankment at Mae Ram Phueng beach in Bang Saphan district.

The decision means authorities can now resume the project’s construction after a year-long hiatus, which was prompted by the protests.

Those who had been opposed to the embankment’s construction said they would allow the authorities to continue work but required the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT) to adapt the design to support biodiversity on the beach. Continued …

Which Thai provinces drink the most alcohol

Earlier this week, a doctor gave a lecture about provincial alcohol consumption in Thailand at a conference held by the Center of Addiction Studies in Bangkok.

Dr. Athip Tan-Aree, MD, from Srithanya Hospital in Nonthaburi province, revealed the results of a nationwide survey that asked 84,000 Thai respondents questions about their alcohol drinking habits.

The survey found that 28% of respondents over 15 years old or more drank alcohol in the past 12 months. Results showed that 9% of 15-to-19-year-olds drank alcohol, despite the law forbidding the sale of alcohol to anyone under 20 years old. Continued … 

Top 5 foreign nationalities buying condos in Thailand in 2022

Chinese nationals bought the most condos out of any foreign nationality in Thailand this year despite the difficulties posed by Beijing’s strict Covid-19 restrictions, which are finally easing up after three years.

In Thailand, foreigners are permitted to own 49% of the units in any condominium building. The remaining 51% must have Thai ownership.

Although fewer Chinese bought condos in Thailand this year than in previous years, Chinese owners are still dominating the foreign condo market, accounting for almost half of all condos bought by foreigners in the first 9 months of 2022. Continued … 

Grab predicts 2023 consumer trends

Super-app Grab has underscored healthy menus, afternoon snacks and delivery subscriptions as consumer trends that merchants should pay attention to next year.

The trends are shown in a survey of users of food delivery GrabFood and grocery delivery GrabMart, as part of the “Food & Grocery Trends 2022” report.

The report gauged the opinions of more than 30,000 users in six ASEAN countries, including Thailand. Continued …

6 still missing from HTMS Sukhothai after grim discoveries in Chumphon

The bodies of two more crewmen from the ill-fated HTMS Sukhothai were retrieved on Wednesday morning, leaving six still missing, the Royal Thai Navy said.

Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, commander of the First Naval Area, said a Chumphon fishing patrol boat was alerted at 8.30am that a body had washed onto a beach on the holiday island of Koh Samet, 3 kilometers from the mainland.

Pichai said the patrol boat alerted the Rak Sal Dhama Paknam Chumphon Rescue Foundation to retrieve the body. Continued …

Reopening propels fuel consumption

The full reopening of the country from July drove fuel consumption, which grew by 14% year-on-year over the first 11 months of 2022, says the Department of Energy Business.

From January to November, consumption of fuels, covering diesel, gasoline and gasohol, jet fuel, fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), kerosene and compressed natural gas, stood at 150 million liters per day (MLD).

Jet fuel consumption saw the highest growth of 90% to 8.7 MLD, up from 4.7 MLD in the same period last year, said department chief Nanthika Thangsupanich. Continued …

Rapidly spreading yellow-band disease killing Thailand’s coral reefs

Underneath the calm turquoise waters off eastern Thailand, a rapidly spreading disease is killing corals over vast stretches of the sea floor, and scientists fear it may be getting worse because of climate change.

Yellow-band disease – named for the color it turns corals before destroying them – was first spotted decades ago and has caused widespread damage to reef in the Caribbean. There is no known cure.

But it was detected for the first-time off Thailand’s eastern coast just last year, near the popular tourist city of Pattaya, and has already spread over roughly 600 acres (240 hectares) of the sea. Continued … 

Bridgestone Installs Solar Rooftop Panels At Its Thailand Plant

Thai Bridgestone Co. has installed solar rooftop panels to directly power the tire production process in its Nong Khae plant, in Saraburi province.

The largest solar rooftop panel among the Bridgestone Group with a total capacity of 9.95 MWp, is expected to generate a 97,500 tons reduction in total CO2 emissions over the next 15 years.

The solar rooftop panels installation will inspire carbon neutrality across the business and is an inspirational step in it reaching Bridgestone’s vision as a sustainable solutions company by 2050 and reinforces the importance of a tire production base in Thailand, the company said. Continued …

Thai police arrest gang of Chinese visa over-stayers in Bangkok

Thailand’s Immigration Police arrested a gang of Chinese visa over-stayers in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok yesterday.

On Monday, North Bangkok District Court issued a search warrant for a property in Soi Sermsuk to investigate a group of “suspicious aliens.”

Officers from the Immigration Bureau searched the property yesterday and found that seven Chinese nationals were staying there. All seven had visas, but five were out of date. Police didn’t say how long the five had overstayed in the kingdom. Continued … 

5 beauty fanatics share skin-care tips and thoughts on CBD oil

From snails to seaweed, anti-aging and skin care trends aren’t new in Thailand. And with cannabis being the hot topic in 2022, can high-quality hemp and CBD oil be the next biggest thing?

CBD experts from Bloom asked five different beauty fanatics their opinions about adding CBD oil to their routines. Who knows, you might be inspired to add CBD Oil to your own skin care routine. Continued …

Thailand anticipates windfall from China’s easing of travel restrictions

Thailand is expected to benefit from China’s recent easing of travel restrictions, and Thai tourism and tourism-related businesses are preparing to cope with a surge in Chinese tourists after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has predicted that the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand next year is expected to double, from this year’s 11 million, excluding Chinese tourists who are expected to visit Thailand in droves after the relaxation of travel restrictions imposed upon them by the Chinese government under its “zero infection” policy.

An executive of a hotel in the Vibhavadi Rangsit area of Bangkok said that many hotels are revising their plans to cope with the return of Chinese tourists. Continued …

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

Tourism Authority shifts goal to 25 million tourists in 2023 after China reopens borders

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised its target for international tourists in 2023, aiming to attract 25 million instead of the previously planned 20 million, after China announced an end to Covid-induced border closures.

The Chinese government also canceled all quarantine measures and restrictions on flights that will go into effect on Jan. 8.

As for the TAT, Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said he would propose to the government to extend the period of stay for three groups of foreign travelers arriving in Thailand until Dec. 31, 2023, to attract foreign visitors, especially Chinese, to stay and spend more in Thailand. Continued …

Pattaya packing 3-day firework show into single countdown explosion

Pattaya has relit the fuse for New Year’s Eve celebrations by announcing the city’s countdown fireworks display will be held after all on Dec. 31.

On Wednesday, the resort city reversed its earlier decision to call off the New Year fireworks display – one of the country’s largest – amid nationwide prayers for the recovery of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.

Firework displays were originally scheduled for Dec. 29-31, along with countdown concerts and fairs throughout the three days at Bali Hai Pier in Bang Lamung district. Continued …

Air rage incident on Thai Smile Airways flight from Bangkok to Kolkata

Footage of an air rage incident emerged yesterday of two Indian passengers swapping punches on a flight from Bangkok to Kolkata in India.

A passenger recorded footage of the fracas and uploaded it to social media where it quickly went viral. It captures two men swapping insults, then punches after boarding a Thai Smile Airways flight that was set to take off from Bangkok and arrive in Kolkata on Tuesday afternoon.

Co-passengers and cabin crew can be heard yelling at the men to stop fighting. Continued … 

Eight ‘must-see’ flower gardens in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district

For those seeking to enjoy and pose for photos in beautiful fields with a rich range of flowers in bright shades of colors during the New Year holidays, a trip to Mae Rim district in the northern province of Chiang Mai is a must.

There are eight flower gardens in Mae Rim that people could consider visiting to enjoy the natural splendor and take colorful photos. Continued …

Unique coffee brew is drawing tourists to a mountain top in Tak province

The Tak provincial office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand is encouraging more tourists to visit Doi Muser mountaintop to sample the unique Arabica coffee grown there.

The coffee beans harvested on the mountain have a unique taste and aroma, and they have transformed the area into a tourism destination, said Thamolwan Charoenwongpisit, director of the tourism agency’s office in the province.

The coffee beans are in the process of being registered as a geographical indication product of Doi Muse, Thamolwan added. Continued …

Call for tourist booster shots as Chinese return

The Tourism and Sports Ministry hopes to offer Covid-19 booster shots to tourists and Thai tourism workers in preparation for the return of Chinese travelers.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said this would be a worthwhile investment, as vaccine prices are now lower, at around a few hundred baht per shot.

Phiphat said if the average tourist spent 40,000 baht, with 7% value-added tax collected from that expenditure, the value would exceed the vaccine prices. Continued …

US, others will require COVID-19 testing for travelers from China

The U.S. announced new COVID-19 testing requirements Wednesday for all travelers from China, joining other nations imposing restrictions because of a surge of infections.

The increase in cases across China follows the rollback of the nation’s strict anti-virus controls. China’s “zero COVID” policies had kept China’s infection rate low but fueled public frustration and crushed economic growth.

Beginning Jan. 5, all travelers to the U.S. from China will be required to take a COVID-19 test no more than two days before travel and provide a negative test before boarding their flight. The testing applies to anyone 2 years and older. Continued …

At least 10 feared dead in Thai-owned Cambodia casino inferno

Firefighters struggled to control a huge blaze that broke out at the Grand Diamond City Hotel and Casino in Poipet on the Thai-Cambodian border at 11pm on Wednesday. Unconfirmed reports say 10 people have died at the scene so far after victims were seen jumping from the fifth floor of the blazing building. Continued … 

Record 6,036 American kids killed or injured by gunfire in 2022

With just a few days left until the new year, 2022 has already set a grim record: so far, at least 6,036 children across the United States have been killed or injured by gunfire, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Continued …

Travel misery grinds on as US digs out from superstorm

Thousands more flights were canceled across the United States on Wednesday, with no end in sight to days of travel misery as the country digs out from a deadly superstorm. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, real estate, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Dec 27

  • Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin/Hua Hin: A magnet for retirees, second home buyers/3 trends shaping Thailand’s new condos and housing projects/2,684 companies close in November; construction sector worst hit/10 Thai stories that trended the most on social media in 2022/Navy chief expresses sorrow at funerals as search resumes for missing crew/Korat’s century-old train station to be demolished to make way for new, modern version/The rise of Chinese electric vehicles in Thailand/What Are Makrut Lime Leaves And How Do You Cook With Them?/20 more Kana Pure cannabis outlets to be opened in Thailand next year/
  • Tourism: Thailand’s tourism story in 2022/7 Airlines To Slash Airfares By Up To 20% From January/From Tokyo to Thailand, Cheap Flights to Asia Are Back/AOT expects 2 million passengers to use its 6 airports from Dec 29-Jan 4/Bangkok a global top 10 NYE party spot/Pattaya reverses course, to hold New Year’s countdown fireworks/
  • Covid: Thai tourism stocks soar as China scraps quarantine measure from Jan 8/China’s COVID-19 Surge Raises Odds Of New Mutant Coronavirus Variant/
  • International: More than 50 perish, so far, in US frigid weather/17 Dead, Nearly 100 Injured After Heavy Snows In Japan/Hong Kongers to pay HK$1 (4.5 baht) per plastic bag at supermarkets/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin

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

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

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

Hua Hin: A magnet for retirees, second home buyers

The once quiet little sleepy fishing village favored by the Thai Royal family over this last century is not so quiet and sleepy now. Over the years, many Thais have been buying property in Hua Hin, using it as a weekend getaway or placing it on the rental market.

Additionally, in the last 30 years or so, retirees looking for an easy-going and affordable lifestyle in a more authentic Thai setting started investing and making a home here, some just for the winter months, others for permanent retirement. This resulted in an increase in villas, housing developments and condos, as well as infrastructure and amenities to make living in Hua Hin more comfortable for Thais and foreigners.

The last couple of years have seen further change, primarily brought about by the pandemic and other environmental changes. The mix of buyers in the Hua Hin residential market, particularly condos, has changed significantly, with many buyers coming from Bangkok – including moneyed Thais and expats. Continued …

3 trends shaping Thailand’s new condos and housing projects

New real estate projects must address people’s rising concern over energy prices, the environment, and health issues, a leading property advisory firm cautioned on Monday.

Lumpini Wisdom and Solution Co., the research arm of SET-listed property developer LPN, said developers need to incorporate energy-saving, eco and health standards in their new housing and condo projects if they want to attract the new generation of buyers.

Praphansak Rakchaiwan, CEO of Lumpini Wisdom, said prospective buyers are increasingly focused on these three standards amid the pandemic and energy price crisis. Continued …

2,684 companies close in November; construction sector worst hit

The construction sector suffered the highest casualties among 2,684 companies that went out of business in Thailand in November, according to the Department of Business Development.

The shuttered companies had total registered capital of 9.417 billion baht.

Construction firms accounted for 236 closures or 9% of the total. Second-worst hit was real estate with 108 closures (4%), followed by restaurants with 64 (2%). Continued … 

10 Thai stories that trended the most on social media in 2022

The death of TV actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong topped trending topics during 2022, according to a study by analytics company Wisesight published on Monday.

The company used its Zocial Eye tools to collect data from social media users in Thailand between Jan. 1 and Dec. 20.

The top 10 trending topics were: Continued …

Navy chief expresses sorrow at funerals as search resumes for missing crew

Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, expressed sorrow at not being able to save the lives of HTMS Sukhothai crewmen as he presided over funeral rites on Monday.

Choengchai was speaking at rites for four victims of the ship’s sinking held at Sattahip Navy Crematorium in Chonburi.

The four were identified as Petty Officer Third Class Sarawut Nadi, Seaman Suthipong Hongthong, Seaman Jirawat Thuphom and Seaman Worapong Boonlakhon. Continued …

Korat’s century-old train station to be demolished to make way for new version

Nakhon Ratchasima’s 122-year-old train station will be torn down next year to make way for one that supports the dual-track system of Thailand’s new high-speed railway network.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced on Monday that the demolition will kick off in February before a more modern one is built. The new station will be fully compatible with the dual-track, high-speed railway system that is currently in Phase 1 of construction.

The 179-billion-baht Phase 1 covers the 253-kilometer distance between Bangkok and Korat, as the northeast province is also known. Continued … 

The rise of Chinese electric vehicles in Thailand

While sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have been good this year, manufacturers – most notably Chinese automakers – have also marked a new chapter for Thailand’s auto industry through significant investment projects.

Great Wall Motor (GWM), MG, BYD and Neta are all building their brands in Thailand, together with plans to secure market share, develop production facilities and use the country as their export base, according to Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman and spokesman for the Federation of Thai Industries’ Automotive Industry Club.

The Neta brand has the ability to make its competitors stand in awe in terms of the business direction of its manufacturer, Hozon New Energy Automobile, said Surapong. Continued … 

What Are Makrut Lime Leaves And How Do You Cook With Them?

Pad thai and papaya salad are infamous examples of Thai food, yet they’re only a tiny snippet of a complex, varied cuisine. From the spicy, bold curries of southern Thailand to the herbal, vegetable-driven dishes of the north (via Culture Trip), it’s hard to encapsulate Thai food into a single entity.

However, some pantry staples unite all the styles — fish sauce, coriander seeds, garlic, ginger, and aromatics like lemongrass and makrut lime leavess. Especially the latter — the deep green makrut lime leaves contribute an unmistakably citrusy, earthy flavor. Balancing other components with a strong zest, their brightness is an essential component of Thai cuisine.

Also making frequent appearances in Laotian, Vietnamese, and Indonesian food, it’s safe to say the food punches far above its weight. So let’s dive into this herbal ingredient and how to cook with it — its flavor is unlike anything else. Continued …

20 more Kana Pure cannabis outlets to be opened in Thailand next year

Bespoke, a subsidiary of Boutique Corp., is opening 20 more fully licensed Kana Pure cannabis outlets in Thailand next year.

Prab Thakral, president and Group CEO of Boutique, stated at the opening of the third outlet on Monday that the plan was developed after positive feedback from the two licensed cannabis outlets, giving the company confidence to expand nationwide.

However, the exact location has yet to be determined, but it is likely to be on Boutique’s own property, the parent company of Kana Pure. Continued …

Thailand’s tourism story in 2022

Thai tourism in the first half of the year was like riding a roller coaster, as the “Test & Go” program – the country’s reopening initiative – was suspended in January in the wake of the Omicron variant, which spread rapidly since the end of last year.

The tourism industry was able to take a deep breath again once the scheme was allowed to resume in February. However, since the high season was set to come to an end and many of the requirements of the program remained in place, the response was not as impressive as anticipated, with only 152,954 visitors recorded during that month.

The Test & Go program initially required travelers to register in the Thailand Pass system and pre-book a room for Covid-19 testing upon arrival. Each visitor was required to have insurance coverage of US$50,000 and a vaccination record. Continued …

7 Airlines To Slash Airfares By Up To 20% From January

The Thai Airline Assn. said yesterday that seven airlines are going to cut airfares by up to 20% from January after the government reduced the excise tax on jet fuel to only 20 satang per liter to stimulate tourism.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of the association, said excise tax on jet fuel was cut to 20 satang per liter from 4.726 baht for six months starting January.

All seven airlines will be jointly organizing a special promotion with all air fares to be gradually reduced by up to 20% depending on how each airline arranges it. Continued … 

From Tokyo to Thailand, Cheap Flights to Asia Are Back

After two-plus years off limits, trips to Japan are suddenly a reality again. Same goes for Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, and almost everywhere in between.

It took a bit longer than the rest of the world, but nearly all of Asia has reopened to travelers … and the timing couldn’t be better. Whether you want to score a flight for under $700 round-trip (or much less) or score a lie-flat business class seat using your points, cheap flights to Asia for a trip in 2023 are back on the menu, too!

From Phuket to Tokyo, our Thrifty Traveler Premium team keeps finding tons of great fares to visit some of the best destinations on the continent. Continued …

AOT expects 2 million passengers to use its 6 airports from Dec 29-Jan 4

Thailand’s key economic stimulus is likely to see a boost during this holiday season as the Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) says that the number of tourists could see a rise of nearly 170% year-on-year as Thailand’s tourism sector has seen a resurgence.

AOT said during this New Year break it expects to see as many as 2 million passengers using its services at its six airports, which would be a 170% rise year-on-year, as Thailand only started to open its borders to foreign tourists on July 1, 2022.

The 2 million passengers (domestic and international), AOT said, would be a 171.3% increase from the same last year, and AOT will see 12,190 flights, or an increase of 87%, as people start to travel more amid lesser fear of Covid-19. Continued …

Bangkok a global top 10 NYE party spot

Bangkok has been named among the top 10 destinations in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year, as it booms back to life after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a CNN report.

The report said Bangkok often tops roundups of Asia’s best nightlife cities. So, of course, it’s a natural place to ring in the New Year if people like crowds, bright lights, noise and revelry. Continued … 

Pattaya reverses course, to hold New Year’s countdown fireworks

It seems that Pattaya authorities have changed their mind and will go ahead with the firework display at the New Year countdown celebration on Dec. 31.

According to the Pattaya mayor, the New Year celebration will include national-level fireworks displays but only on Dec. 31 in Pattaya and Koh Larn. The fireworks will be prohibited only from Dec. 29-30 as per the previous announcement.

Apart from this, the authorities said the countdown event in Pattaya will feature concerts and other activities such as shopping and eating, as usual. Continued …

Thai tourism stocks soar as China scraps quarantine measure from Jan 8

China will scrap quarantine measures for overseas arrivals starting Jan. 8, in what is seen as a game changer for Thailand’s tourism industry.

Chinese health authorities announced the move on Monday after nearly three years of strict pandemic border restrictions effectively prevented tourists from leaving the country. China was Thai tourism’s largest overseas market before the pandemic struck in 2020.

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) added that travelers would only need a PCR test taken 48 hours pre-flight to enter China. Continued …

China’s COVID-19 Surge Raises Odds Of New Mutant Coronavirus Variant

Could the COVID-19 surge in China unleash a new coronavirus mutant on the world?

Scientists don’t know but worry that might happen. It could be similar to omicron variants circulating there now. It could be a combination of strains. Or something entirely different, they say.

“China has a population that is very large and there’s limited immunity. And that seems to be the setting in which we may see an explosion of a new variant,” said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University. Continued …

More than 50 perish, so far, in US frigid weather

Buffalo residents hovered around space heaters, hunted for cars buried in snow drifts and looked for more victims Monday, after 28 people died in one of the worst weather-related disasters ever to hit western New York. Continued … 

17 Dead, Nearly 100 Injured After Heavy Snows In Japan

Heavy snow in large swaths of Japan has killed 17 and injured more than 90 people, and left hundreds of homes without power, disaster management officials said Monday. Continued … 

Hong Kongers to pay HK$1 (4.5 baht) per plastic bag at supermarkets

Hongkongers will pay HK$1 (4.5 baht) for each plastic bag they take at supermarkets and wet markets from next week. The charge is aimed at cutting down waste, and it is doubling in its first increase in 13 years. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting