Category Archives: retirement

baht, bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, retirement, thai economy, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-Nov 18

Today’s news: Winds, waves disrupt Hua Hin/Tighter Tax Rules/Paracetamol not good for hangover/Seismic upheaval in Myanmar/Hospitals report quake damage/Economy: Baht set to rise/Land bridge on the agenda/Trillion Baht Budget For 2024/Urgent economic stimulus sought/Cannabis-Hemp Act draft finalized/Tourism: Higher Q3 airfares/4th most-searched tourist city/‘Best Affordable Long-haul Destination’/French tourist joins ‘Pattaya Flying Club’/Thailand Experience: The Absolute Best Thai Curry Paste/New rail route/Why You Should Visit Khao Yai/Phuket’s holiest – and goriest – festival/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Strong winds and waves disrupt Hua Hin, Cha Am beachfront tourism

Powerful cold winds have been blowing across the east coast of Thailand and high waves are seen in the Gulf of Thailand, likely caused by the northeast monsoon, according to the Thailand Meteorological Department.

Along the coastline spanning over 200 kilometers from Hua Hin Beach to Bangsaphan Noi district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, waves 2-4 meters high have been observed. Continued …

Tighter Tax Rules Not Applicable If Double Taxation Agreement Signed

Amid concern among foreigners who have retired in Thailand about the impact of more stringent tax rules on remittance of overseas income as announced on Sept. 15, an expert pointed out this could be avoided if their country has signed a double taxation agreement with Thailand.

According to the Revenue Department directive issued on that day, Thai tax residents, that is anyone who has lived in the country for more than 180 days, have to report and pay income tax on funds transferred from abroad starting Jan. 1, 2024. Continued …

Using paracetamol to cure a morning hangover is a bad idea

A night out on the town can leave many seeking a quick remedy for that pounding, unrelenting hangover headache. You know, the kind that makes you want to shut the blinds and wear sunglasses indoors.

But paracetamol, as powerful as it is for reducing day-after headaches, is not a recommended remedy. Pharmacists warn that paracetamol is broken down in the liver by the same enzyme as alcohol. Continued …

Seismic upheaval in Myanmar prompts call for earthquake-resistant structures in Thailand

A seismic upheaval of 6.4 magnitude rattled Myanmar and was perceptible in various regions of Thailand yesterday, prompting engineers and academics to urge the implementation of stringent regulations to ensure the resilience of structures against future earthquakes.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.4, originated in Myanmar at 8.37am yesterday. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Meteorological Department reported the epicenter to be roughly 100 kilometers northwest of the Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai. Continued …

14 Thai hospitals report quake damage

Fourteen Thai hospitals — 13 in the north and one in the northeast — have been damaged by the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred in neighboring Myanmar on Friday morning, with services at two hospitals partially suspended, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said.

According to reports sent to the ministry, affected were 11 hospitals in Chiang Rai and two in Chiang Mai in the north, and one hospital in Sakon Nakhon province in the northeast. Continued …

Baht set to rise next week

The baht is expected to rise to 35 to the U.S. dollar next week, as the greenback weakens after investors forecast an end to Federal Reserve rate hikes.

The baht opened at 35.23 to the dollar on Thursday, strengthening from Wednesday’s close of 35.47. Continued …

Land bridge on the agenda with a 2029 launch date

The government plan for a land bridge linking Chumphon and Ranong ports or the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean has emerged this week as a key policy objective of the government of Srettha Thavisin.

Scorned by critics as a “pipe dream” but approved by the Cabinet in principle on Oct. 16, the TBT1 trillion scheme, if the government can find a suitable foreign partner to take it on as a commercial proposition, would help to boost the kingdom’s GDP both in the short and long term if it can be launched by 2029. Continued …

Trillion Baht Budget For 2024 Due For Cabinet Nod

A 3.48-trillion-baht budget for fiscal 2024 will be submitted for cabinet approval next week, a government official said.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to chair next Tuesday’s cabinet meeting to pass the 2024 budget bill prepared by the Budget Bureau and then forward it to parliament, according to the official attached to Government House. Continued …

Government seeks urgent economic stimulus amid rising household debt

The economy is in a dire state and in urgent need of a stimulus package to prevent further deterioration, according to the government.

This stance arises amid ongoing discussions about the true state of the economy, with some expressing doubts about the actual need for the government’s proposed US$313 million handout scheme, which would necessitate a loan of US$15.6 billion. Continued …

Public Health Ministry finalizes Cannabis-Hemp Act draft

The Cannabis-Hemp Act‘s first draft has been completed by the Public Health Ministry, and despite public speculation, cannabis will not be reclassified as a narcotic.

According to Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew, the new legislation is a refined version of the initial draft, now streamlined from 94 to approximately 70 sections. The updated version addresses public concerns and closes loopholes that previously allowed recreational use of cannabis. Continued …

Travel demand drives higher Q3 airfares

Average airfares in the third quarter this year continued to surge even though it was the low season, with the increases driven by strong travel demand.

Thai AirAsia reported a 22% year-on-year increase in airfares in the third quarter, while Bangkok Airways recorded a 15% uptick. Continued …

Bangkok ranks 4th most-searched tourist city this year

Bangkok ranks as the 4th most searched tourist city in the world for 2023. This reflects Thailand’s popularity as a tourist destination and aims to further enhance its potential in tourism development.

The prime minister’s spokesperson, Chai Watcharong, revealed on Nov. 16 that, according to a survey and ranking of the top 10 most-searched tourist destinations worldwide for this year (Top 10 Most Searched Destinations Of 2023) conducted by eDreams Odigeo, a major travel company, Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, secured the 4th position after London, Paris, and New York. Continued …

Thailand named ‘Best Affordable Long-haul Destination’

Thailand was voted as the “Best Affordable Long-haul Destination” in the Travel Great RES Prize Destination 2024 awards organized by RES and Travel News, a Swedish leading travel industry magazine.

The Travel Great RES Prize Destination 2024 awards ceremony was held at the Travel News Market in Stockholm, Sweden. Continued …

French tourist becomes another statistic of the ‘Pattaya Flying Club’

A 43 year old French tourist became yet another statistic of the insensitively named “Pattaya Flying Club” when he jumped from a hotel building in Pattaya and died at the scene.

Police Lt. Anirut Jeroh, deputy inspector of investigation, Pattaya City Police Station, received a report at 4.20am this morning of a French tourist who fell to his death from the hotel balcony. The incident occurred at a hotel in Soi 7, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Continued …

How To Choose The Absolute Best Thai Curry Paste

Whether using a premade Thai curry paste or creating one from scratch, get ready for an earthy flavor explosion on your palette. Thai food is famous for its deeply rich and creamy taste and textures, but also for the wide range of possibilities based on one thing: the type of curry paste you choose.

The options come down to more than just personal preference, since each must be perfectly paired with the specific curry dish you’re making. Thai curry paste, known as prik gaeng in Thailand, is quite simply a blend of spices, chilis, herbs, and culinary aromatics such as garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and shallots, all pressed together with a mortar and pestle. Continued …

New rail route connects cultures of the Gulf and Andaman Sea

The Southern Railway Travel Route connecting the cultures of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman is an innovative initiative aimed at promoting creative tourism, creating economic value and developing cultural capital.

Organized by Songkhla Rajabhat University (SKRU) in collaboration with the State Railway of Thailand, the project is designed as a unique travel experience that intertwines the rich cultural heritage of the Andaman region with community attractions. Continued …

7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Khao Yai

Located less than a three-hour drive away from Thailand’s capital is Khao Yai — a stunning paradise for nature lovers, with waterfalls, wildlife, fields of flowers, breathtaking views, and lots of fun activities.

Home to Thailand’s third-largest national park, this hidden gem has become increasingly popular among travelers seeking a different, more serene side of the Land of Smiles. Continued …

Phuket’s holiest – and goriest – festival is back with a bang

I was startled every few minutes by the sight and sound of the plastic-coated gunpowder exploding with a flash, inches from my feet, smoke billowing in my eyes and blasts ringing in my ears.

Volleying a firecracker at the wooden god effigies paraded at Phuket’s deceptively named Vegetarian Festival – in fact, everyone goes vegan – is deemed good luck by the thousands that gather there. Continued …

Tickets 

 

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Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
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bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Monday’s news-Nov 6

Today’s news: Change in the tax law does target expats/Open to 4am but alcohol sales/Navigating Thailand’s weather conditions/Ministry proposes Clean Air Act/Pattaya Air Suffers/Samut Prakan has 9th worst air quality/2 More Thai Workers Dead/Domestic violence surge/12,000 in Chonburi Marathon/Oodles of noodles/Miss Grand Pranburi 2024/Inflation falls/Baht handout favored for all/Minimum wage rise before year-end/Raising salaries of civil servants/Sizzler and McDonald’s expansion/Slow transition to EV hub/Naga fireballs ‘man-made’/Phuket blood shortage plea/2 Foreigners killed in Phuket/Green lights over Phetchaburi/Thailand’s forgotten palace/Thailand’s unique railway market/Chiang Mai Favorites/Bua Tong sunflower field/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Change in the tax law does target expats living in Thailand

A former chairman of an international law firm in Bangkok has warned that a new taxation directive issued by the Revenue Department targeting foreign income sources faces a legal challenge and will create more reporting obligations and confusion. The order published on Sept. 15 2altering a 38-year-old interpretation, is a definite step by the government to widen the tax base, meaning more significant reporting requirements, at the very least for expats living in Thailand.

Kitipong Urapeepattanapong, along with other legal experts, including a Supreme Court judge, is calling on the Thai government to overhaul the tax system thoroughly to make it competitive with Hong Kong and Singapore. Continued …

Open to 4am is OK, but alcohol sales are not

The Thai government will initially permit bars and nightclubs in four provinces, including Chonburi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, to operate until 4am, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, however, “Every private sector shall follow the laws, especially, the extension of opening service of entertainment districts to 4am, but it does not mean that selling liquor beyond prescribed legal hours: 2am. However, the customers may still be inside the venues, which is good for products and services other than alcohol.” Continued …

Navigating Thailand’s weather conditions: From mild winter to sweltering heat

Associate Professor Seree Suparathit, the director of the Center for Climate Change and Disasters at Rangsit University and vice president at the National Disaster Warning Council Foundation, recently shared insights on the upcoming weather conditions in Thailand.

Seree highlighted that while the end of the year in Thailand is not expected to be cold, the following year is anticipated to be extremely hot and dry. Continued …

Thai Ministry proposes Clean Air Act to combat rising pollution crisis

The Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (MNRE) is set to introduce a groundbreaking Clean Air Act to address the escalating air pollution concerns that have gripped the nation.

Police Gen. Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, the environment minister, revealed that a draft of the bill is currently open for public feedback on the ministry’s website until Nov. 13. Following this, on Nov. 16, the proposal will undergo a comprehensive review by state agencies before being presented to the cabinet on Nov. 21. Continued …

Pattaya Air Suffers ‘Worst’ PM2.5 Hazardous Dust Level

Pattaya holds the top spot for the highest PM2.5 health-hazardous dust level as of Nov. 5.

The concentration of extra-small particles has surged to 154 micrograms per cubic meter in Pattaya, far above the safety threshold of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, according to the IQAir website on Nov. 5. Continued …

Samut Prakan has the world’s 9th worst air quality

Bangkok’s neighboring province of Samut Prakan has been ranked having the world’s 9th worst air quality. The place has not enjoyed a single day of good air quality in 12 months, according to House Fresh, a publication focused on air quality.

House Fresh offers advice on how to tackle air pollutants in the home through how-to guides, product reviews, advice and original research on a variety of factors that affect indoor air quality. Continued …

2 More Thai Workers Dead, One More Taken Hostage

The Foreign Ministry said this past weekend two more Thai workers had died in the Israel-Hamas war, raising the death toll to 34, while one more was taken hostage, increasing to 24 the number of Thais held captive by Hamas fighters.

However, there was no increase in the number of Thais injured, with the total still being 19, with four remaining in hospital. Continued …

Domestic violence surge in Thailand sparks renewed action

A surge in domestic violence cases in Thailand prompted a reminder from authorities that victims are not alone and assistance is readily available. Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa emphasized a year-round approach to ending violence, not just during November, which is internationally recognized as the month for ending violence against women, children, and families.

“If violence is found, please report to the MSDHS hotline, 1300, available around the clock or to our official Line account @esshelpme.” Continued …

12,000 Thai and International Runners Join Chonburi Marathon

On Sunday, the town of Bangsaen in Chonburi province came alive with the energy of the Bangsaen 42 Chonburi Marathon 2023.

This event, held for the seventh time, witnessed over 12,000 Thai and international marathon runners, who took on the challenge of a 42.195-kilometer race, adhering to the standards set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Continued …

Oodles of noodles

Instant noodles have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a humble household, factory or office staple into a diverse and innovative dish.
Today, manufacturers offer an array of freshly prepared instant noodle dishes at their own restaurants in tourist destinations, petrol stations across the country and even at luxury retail complexes in Bangkok. Continued …

Monglong “Nong Na Khwan” named “Miss Grand Pranburi 2024”

Sunday at Pran Square, Pranburi District, Prachuap Province, all the beauties who made it through the final 11 selections took to the stage to compete for the title. Miss Grand Pranburi 2024. “Nong Nakwan” Kwanchanok Shantaphem, 20 years old, currently in her third year at Silpakorn University College of Management Sciences, won the crown, sash and a cash prize of 10,000 baht. (electriccitymagazine.ca)

Inflation falls for first time in 25 months

Thailand’s inflation rate fell for the first time in 25 months, thanks to falling energy prices due to government support measures, and lower food prices, the commerce ministry said today.

The consumer price index (CPI) fell 0.31% in October from a year earlier, versus a 0.3% year-on-year rise in the previous month, according to data. The figure compared with a forecast 0.0% for October in a Reuters poll. Continued …

Poll finds most Thais want 10,000 baht handout to be given to all

A recent opinion survey found that most respondents want the Pheu Thai-led government to stick with its pre-poll promise to hand 10,000 baht to all Thais aged 16 and above.

It also found that most of them want to be able to spend this money anywhere, instead of within 4 kilometers of their registered house address. Continued …

Minimum wage rise before year-end ‘but not to 400 baht’

A new round of minimum wage increases for workers will be announced next month “as a New Year’s gift”, Labor Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said on Sunday.

However, the rise to 400 baht “by November or December” previously announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will not happen.Instead, the maximum increase will be 10 baht per day, Pipat said. Continued …

PM Srettha seeking to raise salaries of civil servants

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is seeking to raise the salaries of civil servants, as promised during his government’s policy statement to Parliament.

The prime minister has instructed Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara to collaborate with the Finance Ministry, the National Economic and Development Council (NESDC), and the Budget Bureau to discuss salary adjustments for government officials. Continued …

Sizzler and McDonald’s cook up expansion goals in Thailand

Leading restaurant brands Sizzler and McDonald’s are set on amplifying their reach, aiming to attract a wider range of customers and heighten patronage frequencies.

The general manager of SLRT Co, Anirute David Collins, who oversees the operation of Sizzler Steakhouse, disclosed plans to inaugurate a Steak Lab concept Sizzler along Koh Samui’s coast on Dec. 16. This restaurant expansion is pioneering within the chain for its offer of a variety of alcoholic beverages to its diners. Continued … 

The slow transition to an EV hub

As the government increases efforts to build a low-carbon society, the infrastructure promoting the use of fossil fuels and manufacturing of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) has become an issue.

The administration wants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector, as the automotive and aviation industries focus more on green energy. Continued …

Chula professor cites 2012 study to claim Naga fireballs ‘man-made’

A science lecturer and professor of Chulalongkorn University, who has launched a crusade against Naga fireballs, cited a study done 11 years ago to fire fresh salvos on the belief that the fireballs were a supernatural phenomenon.

Jessada Denduangboripant on Sunday posted on his Facebook wall a study by Somphop Khamsawat in 2012, disproving the sacredness of the Naga fireballs. Continued …

Phuket blood shortage plea: Paradise in peril seeks tourists’ rescue

The tropical island paradise of Phuket, usually a favorite destination for tourists and expats alike, now urgently calls for their help. As the high tourism season kicks off, the island is faced with a critical blood shortage, particularly for the RH-Negative type, prompting an island-wide blood donation drive throughout this month.

The plea for blood donations was made public by Rescue Team Volunteers Phuket, the only rescue service on the island that includes a foreigner within its ranks. Vincent Modell, a volunteer and instructor from the UK, who himself is a regular blood donor, is behind the appeal. Continued …

Russian Driver Crashes Into Motorbike, Killing 2 Foreigners in Phuket

An American man and a Luxembourgian woman died on the spot in a road accident in Phuket Province, while the female Russian driver was injured.

The incident happened near the Friendship Beach Resort entrance on Wiset Road, on the way to Rawai Beach. Phuket Police officers from Chalong Police Station were notified and contacted a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital, as well as staff from the Rawai Municipal Rescue Unit and the Phuket Foundation, to assist with the scene examination. Continued …

No magic to green lights over Phetchaburi

The “green lights” illuminating the skies over Khao Phanoen Thung in Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan National Park recently sparked a wave of curiosity over online communities.

However, Virachai Phuthawong, a professor from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, lifted the mystery shrouding the lights, which were compared to the famous “northern lights”. Continued …

Thailand’s forgotten palace

From the vantage point of the 21st century, the tumultuous and transitional Thon Buri period (1767-82) in Thailand’s history seems to be eclipsed by both the lost splendor of ancient Ayutthaya and the palpable grandeur of the ensuing Rattanakosin period.

The latter’s quintessence, embodied to this day in the sumptuous monumentality of the Grand Palace, mesmerizes millions of visitors annually. Nevertheless, those momentous 15 years between the devastating fall of Ayutthaya and the founding of the Chakri dynasty were crucial for paving the way toward modern Thailand. Continued … 

Experiencing the fun thrill of Thailand’s unique railway market

While the diesel motorcar operated by the State Railway of Thailand may take a little over two hours to complete its journey, it is the last few minutes of the journey before it pulls into its terminus at Maeklong Station that make it so unique.

Prior to its arrival, enthusiastic tourists gather along a narrow opening through the local market to obtain the best position to watch the train slowly inch through the temporary market that adjoins both sides of the train track. Known as the Maeklong Railway Market or Talad Rom Hub, the local market located immediately adjacent to the railway line has become a popular tourist attraction in Maeklong, two hours to the south of Bangkok. Continued …

My Chiang Mai Favorites

I have loved Chiang Mai for three decades and I love it more albeit differently each time I visit. Thailand is an amazing country and Chiang Mai is an especially fantastic city with so much to offer its lucky visitors and residents.

Thailand’s second city, the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is officially designated a UNESCO Creative City and has applied to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continued …

Bua Tong sunflower field set to reopen to tourists next week

Mae Hong Son province is ready to officially kick off the tourist season on Saturday, Nov. 11, opening the Bua Tong field flower field on the Doi Mae U Kho mountain in Khun Yuam district.

Panudej Chaiyasakul, president of the Mae Hong Son Tourism Business Assn., said about 10% of the Mexican sunflowers in the vast field had already blossomed, leaving the field on the mountain draped in bright yellow. Continued …

World’s most polluted cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai among top 10

National capital Delhi, financial hub Mumbai and metropolitan Kolkata are the three Indian cities among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities on Sunday, according to the Swiss Group IQAir data on air pollution. Continued …

Protest marches from US to Berlin call for immediate halt to Israeli bombing of Gaza

From Washington to Milan to Paris, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched Saturday, calling for a halt to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. The marches reflected growing disquiet about the mounting civilian casualty toll and suffering from the Israel-Hamas war. Continued …

Puppy slaughterhouse owner calls it a day

For the past seven years, business has been good – with Kieu Viet Hung earning between VNĐ 50 and 60 million a month (73-88 million baht). But, making a living doing something most people find abhorrent, Hung was faced with a crisis of conscience. Continued …

One year from election, polls offer gloomy view for Biden

With exactly a year to go before the U.S. presidential election, a new string of polls painted a grim picture Sunday for Joe Biden, showing him trailing likely challenger Donald Trump among a pessimistic electorate. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, phuket, retirement, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Wednesday’s news-Nov 1

We are sorry for the delay of today’s newsletter. Problems with the web hosting company.

Today’s news: Opinion: New PM2.5 standard/Farmers must stop the fires/Cabinet okays excise tax cuts/Thailand’s fitness deficit/Drug rules relaxed/Army land to be gifted/Thai officials more critical of Israel/No visa fees for Taiwanese, Indians/Chiang Mai airport 24/7 operations/Tourists Leap Off Elephant/Phuket traffic infrastructure crisis/Big Investment in Nong Khai/Copenhagen-Bangkok direct flights/How Thailand became the ‘new Benidorm’/Elephants smay help resolve wildlife conflicts/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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New PM2.5 standard will alarm public

PM2.5 has become a major environmental and health problem in Southeast Asia. To deal with the issue, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have put in place PM2.5 standards to measure air quality. These countries usually use the World Health Organization’s guidelines on PM2.5.

Under the WHO’s guidelines, the average annual concentration of PM2.5 particles should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), while over a 24-hour period, the concentration should not exceed 15µg/m3. Continued …

Farmers must stop the fires

Last week, the National Environment Board (NEB) approved an environment policy that, if implemented, can tackle PM2.5 at a fundamental level.

The good agricultural practice “GAP PM 2.5” proposes creating farming zones to prevent farmers from conducting “open burning” during harvest time. It is one of the two chief causes, along with forest fires, of PM2.5 pollution, especially in rural areas. Continued … 

Cabinet okays excise tax cuts on all gasohol fuel

Gasohol 91 and 95 will become 1 baht cheaper as of Nov. 7 for three months, according to a Cabinet resolution.

Energy Minister Peeraphan Salirathaviphak said on Tuesday that excise tax for all types of gasohol (petrol combined with ethanol) will be reduced by 1 baht a liter. However, gasohol 91 will take a 2.50 baht cut, as it gets an additional 1.50 baht subsidy from the Oil Fuel Fund, Peeraphan said. – The Nation

Thailand’s fitness deficit: Running endorsed to get the nation moving

Recent statistics from this year reveal that only 62% of the Thai population engages in sufficient physical activities, while over 38% don’t. To encourage an active lifestyle, Social Marketing Thaihealth (SMT) and its network have endorsed running as an affordable and accessible form of exercise.

SMT and the Thai Health Day Run say that running can pave the way for a healthier and more active lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Running not only improves physical health but also releases endorphins, promoting happiness and well-being. Continued …

Possession of 10 or fewer meth pills no longer means jail time

A significant shift in Thailand’s approach to drug possession is underway, as the Justice Ministry and the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) are supporting an initiative by the Public Health Ministry.

This initiative aims to reclassify individuals found with 10 or fewer methamphetamine pills as users rather than dealers. Continued …

Army land to be gifted to landless farmers

More than 9,000 rai of army-owned land will be redistributed as a New Year gift to landless farmers in Udon Thani, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday.

The premier commended the army for handing over its surplus land, totaling 9,276 rai, for redistribution under the so-called “Nong Wua So” development model in Udon Thani. Continued …

Thai officials more critical of Israel as Hamas uses Thai hostages as leverage in War

There is a rising fear for Thai nationals being held hostage in Gaza by the militant Hamas terrorist organization, with the government of Srettha Thavisin appearing increasingly uncomfortable with an emerging reality that Thailand seems to be among the nations to have suffered the most apart from Israel itself, a fact that is playing ducks and drakes with the Kingdom’s carefully calibrated foreign policy.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the Israeli envoy to the United Nations for publishing a video of a Thai victim of the Oct. 7 massacre perpetrated by Hamas fighters in southern Israel. Continued … 

 

No visa fees for Taiwanese, Indian tourists from Nov 10

Indian and Taiwan passport holders will now be able to enter Thailand without a visa from Nov. 10 to May 10 next year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday.

“Tourists from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days,” government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said. Continued …

Chiang Mai airport starts 24/7 operations

Chiang Mai airport began around-the-clock services today with a Thai VietJet flight that left for Osaka at 12.30am. The airport had previousy operated 18 hours a day, from 6am to midnight.

The expanded service was marked by a ceremony at the airport late on Tuesday night attended by high-level government and airport officials. Continued …

 

American Tourists Leap 10 Feet Off an Out-of-Control Elephant

A Utah couple is lucky to be alive after their Thailand vacation went from joy to terror.

Nicole Siri and Mark Martin leaped from a carriage, 10 feet off the ground, after the elephant they were riding went rogue. Martin was left with a broken back and shattered pelvis while Siri broke her back. Video …

As Phuket tourism market recovers, traffic infrastructure crisis looms

Phuket hotels experienced promising momentum for the first half of 2023, which has set an optimistic path for the remainder of the year. At the mid-year juncture, international and domestic flight volume was already up 75% over total flights in 2022.

With Phuket’s hotel market roaring back this year and year-end forecasts likely to exceed pre-COVID19 levels, there is mounting concern over the resort island’s failing infrastructure. A surge in full and part-time residents – driven by a sharp uptick in tourism, an overheating property market and wholesale return of development activity – has created massive traffic issues that are a threat to long-term growth. Continued …

Big Investment by Chinese firm in Nong Khai to Boost Tourism

Bansha Asarairat, chairman of the Nong Khai Provincial Tourism Industry Council, reports that a major Chinese investor, Tencent, the leading IT company in China and owner of WeChat, is currently interested in investing heavily in the Nong Khai Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

This special economic zone covers an area of 718 rai and includes various projects, with a total value of several billion baht. These projects include the construction of a logistics center, the establishment of a university and much more. Continued …

SAS resumes Copenhagen-Bangkok direct flights after 10-year hiatus

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed the return of direct flights by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) on the Copenhagen-Bangkok route after a 10-year hiatus, which it hopes will revitalize the long-haul tourism market from Scandinavia.

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s deputy governor for international markets, announced yesterday that TAT was delighted to welcome Scandinavian Airlines flight SK973 from Copenhagen to Suvarnabhumi Airport, the first since the service was suspended in 2013. This marked a significant milestone in the recovery of the long-haul tourism market, he noted, and would offer greater convenience to travelers from the European region during the current high season. Continued … 

How Thailand became the ‘new Benidorm’ for retiring and elderly Britons

Stretch, bend, lean, and shake – at 10am on a Friday morning, around 25 residents of a care home in the north of Thailand take part in a slow-moving exercise class. Many of the participants are British, having sought elderly care over 6,000 miles away from home.

Peter Mallard, a 75-year old retired hospital manager, and his wife Rita, 81, are among the growing British contingent here at Care Resort Chiang Mai. It’s an oasis of calm: quaint bungalows, lake-side walks, stunning mountain views – and plenty of sunshine. Continued … 

How wild elephants solve puzzles may help humans resolve wildlife conflicts

Opening doors may not seem that hard, but when you have a trunk instead of hands, things can get complicated. Researchers tested the problem-solving skills of wild elephants for the first time by tasking the jumbos with doing just that.

Elephants are brainy. An adult elephant’s brain weighs 5 kilograms (11 pounds), the largest of any terrestrial animal (and three times the size of the human brain). From living in complex social groups mourning their dead to finding elusive water sources, pachyderms display a range of intelligent behaviors. Continued …

Europe’s economic powerhouse tests a shorter working week

Maximilian Hermann’s weekend starts on Friday morning, when he puts his motorcycle helmet on and takes his bike out for a ride to the southern German Alps. Continued …

Company guilty over New Zealand volcano disaster

The New Zealand firm that managed a volcanic island that erupted killing 22 people in 2019, was on Tuesday found guilty of failing to adequately protect visitors. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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 

November Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights reduced to two per week

Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to north Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting Oct. 30. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax. Continued …

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