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Thursday’s News-Dec 29

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  • 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Conservationists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Prachuap Khiri Khan have withdrawn their protests against the construction of a controversial sea embankment at Mae Ram Phueng beach in Bang Saphan district.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, medical tourism, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-Dec 26

  • Hua Hin’s Banyan earns real estate award/Swedish group to play free concert at Black Mountain Jan 14/Foreign Tourist Finds Missing Sailor’s Backpack Off Koh Tao Beach/Royal Thai Navy confirms bodies of 3 more crew members recovered/Seawalls: A boon or bane for Thailand’s beautiful beaches?/The fitness and wellness trends to keep everyone fit in 2023/Why This Housing Downturn Isn’t Like the Last One/One of Thailand’s buzzwords of 2022 has been “‘BCG’/Foreign Investment Soars 74% During First 11 Months of 2022/Businesses upbeat about early 2023/Police to stop revealing nationality information of foreigners arrested/Foodies left fuming after world’s best cuisines ranked, Thailand 30th/Man Rescued off Phuket Claims to Have Been Floating in the Sea for 13 Days/Green Thoughts: Consider the Casuarina/
  • Tourism: New Year activities not canceled nationwide, but canceled hotel bookings rise/Queue-fixers help tourists stomach long lines at Bangkok’s Michelin-rated eateries/3 spas offering cannabis-infused treatments in Thailand to soothe your aching body/Trat, trade and tourism/Floating solar farm — green tourist attraction in Thailand/Another tourist falls from Thai waterfall/Awards Presented to 10 Model Tourism Communities/
  • Covid: 2022 was a battle to stay healthy/Thais in China face uphill battle to survive as Covid-19 rages/RT-PCR To Be Mandatory For Passengers to India From Thailand/Chinese city seeing half a million Covid cases a day/
  • International: Top UN, NGO officials to meet over Taliban ban on women staff/Putin says West aiming to ‘tear apart’ Russia/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Hua Hin’s Banyan earns real estate award

Banyan Residences Villas Hua Hin has been named as the “Best Housing Development – Hua Hin” at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards at a ceremony at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.

The award is based upon the contemporary design of the villas, their livebility and encompassing facilities, including the 18-hole Banyan Golf Club and onsite Be Well Medical Center.

Swedish group to play free concert at Black Mountain Jan 14

Popular Swedish band Duo Jag will perform in a free concert at Black Mountain Golf Club on Saturday. Jan. 14.

The group will perform favorite hit songs from all genres of music from recent years.

Foreign Tourist Finds Missing Sailor’s Backpack Off Koh Tao Beach

A tourist from Norway found the backpack of one of the sailors missing after the HTMS 442 Sukhothai sank in the Gulf of Thailand last Sunday off Koh Tao beach.

The unidentified tourist handed over the backpack to Police Lt. Thanawat Sukkhata, deputy head for investigation at Koh Tao police station, and Koh Phangan Deputy District Chief Noppruek Chamnanrit.

Found within the backpack were Private Thaweesak Sae Siew’s ID card, Navy ID card number 21/64, plus Queen Sirikit Hospital and ATM cards. Also found were 46 baht in cash, a bronze-gold iPhone, clothes and toiletries. Continued …

Royal Thai Navy confirms bodies of 3 more crew members recovered

The Thai Navy has found the bodies of three more crew members who drowned when the HTMS Sukhothai sank in bad weather on Dec. 18. The bodies were recovered from near the wreckage of the ship yesterday afternoon.

The number of crewmen still missing is now 11, according to Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, who confirmed the bodies found yesterday are definitely from the ship, as they were wearing their sailors’ uniform.

The first body was spotted by the crew of the HTMS Naresuan and a fisherman found the second near Koh Phai, in the district of Pathiew, in Chumphon. HTMS Sukhothai sank off the coast of Bang Saphan district, in the western town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. 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!

A seawall in Hua Hin, with distractions

Seawalls: A boon or bane for Thailand’s beautiful beaches?

Seawalls have sprouted at many of Thailand’s beautiful beaches, much to the dismay of locals and tourists alike. That feeling is shared by many experts, who say these coastal defenses are nothing short of a death sentence for sandy shores and their shoreline habitat.

“Academics across the world believe that seawalls spell the death of a beach. No matter where they are built, the beach will eventually be wiped away,” said Apisak Tassanee, founder and coordinator of the environmental activist group Beach for Life.

People are voicing concern about the construction of seawalls in several seaside provinces in Thailand, complaining that the structures do more harm than good. Continued …

The fitness and wellness trends to keep everyone fit in 2023

Despite significantly lower caseloads and high rates of vaccination, Covid-19 will continue to shape how we exercise and live our lives, pushing us to increase our focus on self-care and inspire a healthier lifestyle in order to make positive changes for the benefits of our health. And when it comes to working out, 2023 will bring a more personal and functional approach, says one health and fitness expert.

Chonlachai Arnamnart, deputy dean for Corporate Image and Communication at Mahidol University’s College of Sports Science and Technology, shared his predictions for the fitness and wellness trends that will take the center stage in the coming year to help us stay in shape and physically fit. He also offered some training tips to avoid injuries.

Even though gyms and fitness centers are now permitted to be fully operational now that the coronavirus crisis has started to subside, albeit with several safety measures in place, some fitness enthusiasts have been reluctant to return because the gym can be a hotspot in the spread of Covid-19. Continued …

Why This Housing Downturn Isn’t Like the Last One

The pandemic housing boom is over. The bust will look nothing like the last one.

Before the financial crisis of 2008, lenders barely bothered to verify mortgage applicants’ income. Today, they demand reams of evidence that borrowers can afford their loans.

Banks once held big pools of shoddy mortgages with little consequence. Now, such exotic debt securities hardly exist, and banks would find them too costly to hold anyway. Continued …

One of Thailand’s buzzwords of 2022 has been ‘BCG’

BCG has become one of the guiding principles of Thailand’s national development, with roots leading back to the Thailand 4.0 policy conceptualized by the governments of Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Continued …

Foreign Investment Soars 74% During First 11 Months of 2022

Foreign investment surged by 74% for the first 11 months of this year, reflecting confidence among international investors in the Thai economy.

According to acting government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha received an overview report on foreign direct investment in Thailand over the first 11 months of 2022. The report stated that foreign investments totaled 112,466 million baht, a 74% increase over the same period in 2021, with over 5,000 new jobs generated as a result.

From January to November 2022, the Ministry of Commerce approved 530 requests by foreign investors to conduct business under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542, with Japan, Singapore and the United States topping foreign investor nations, respectively. Businesses that have been approved by the Ministry of Commerce are largely related to the Government’s policies on national infrastructure development, public sector investment promotion and s-curve industries. Continued …

Businesses upbeat about early 2023

Festive sentiment during the last week before New Year celebrations is considered the best opportunity for the business sector to increase sales, as economic uncertainties may cast a shadow on consumer confidence in 2023.

With normal shopping sentiment returning as pandemic curbs were eliminated, plus a string of stimulus measures announced last week, business operators anticipate brighter prospects to continue until early 2023.

However, some operators say the government should put more effort into promoting key sectors like tourism amid the recovery. Continued … 

Police to stop revealing nationality information of foreigners arrested

According to Royal Thai Police spokesman Gen. Roi Ingkhapairoj, Thai police are being ordered to no longer give nationality information of foreigners arrested for alleged crimes in Thailand to the media.

The order was issued Dec. 24th to all provincial police bureaus in Thailand.

According to Roi, the order is after “requests” made by unidentified countries’ ambassadors who felt reports of their citizens allegedly committing crimes hurt what they called the positive image of their respective countries. Continued … 

Foodies left fuming after world’s best cuisines ranked, Thailand 30th

USA – land of hope, glory… and a better cuisine than France?

If you’re also baffled at that statement, then join the tons of social media users who’ve stumbled upon the Taste Atlas Awards 2022 list of “Best Cuisines in the World.”

Originally tweeted by NoContextBrits, the controversial list has racked up more than 1.8 millions views, 14,000 likes and many, many opinions.

The results left a bitter taste in many mouths, with the UK and the USA both beating Thailand, which came 30th on the list. Continued …

Man Rescued off Phuket Claims to Have Been Floating in the Sea for 13 Days

A foreign man has been rescued near Racha Island in Phuket. He claimed he was holding onto an oil tank and floating in the sea for 13 days.

Emergency responders were notified by a tour boat operator that an unidentified man had been found alive floating in the sea 300 meters from Racha Island.

The man was taken onto the tour boat before arriving at the Chalong Pier, south of Phuket. The man was exhausted and weak and was taken to a hospital. Continued … 

Green Thoughts: Consider the Casuarina

When it comes to tropical trees, the mangrove is top of the pops for environmentalists. Rightly so. It not only protects all our silt-laden and sandy coastlines from erosion, it is a nursery for an array of marine life. Continued …

New Year activities not canceled nationwide, but canceled hotel bookings rise

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed they have not canceled New Year activities. More than 3.14 million tourists are expected to join in events that will generate at least 11.2 billion baht.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said, “There is no cancellation order or any change on activities for the ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023’, which will be held by the TAT together with private operators. Any order would be issued by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

“We are expecting 3.14 million tourists on this New Year Festival, which will generate at least 11.2 billion baht.” Continued … 

Queue-fixers help tourists stomach long lines at Bangkok’s Michelin-rated eateries

Snagging a seat at Bangkok’s famous street food stalls is not for the faint of heart.

The long queues from pre-pandemic days have returned – and with a vengeance, with the arrival of millions of tourists since Thailand eased Covid-19 entry rules earlier this year.

Snaking queues and hours-long waits have become the norm at some of these joints. Continued …

3 spas offering cannabis-infused treatments in Thailand to soothe your aching body

Those who want to try, or revisit, CBD massages can indulge next time they are in Thailand, where cannabis is now legal for medical use.

Cannabis oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties.

Here are three Bangkok spas offering cannabis-infused treatments to help you relax or soothe aching muscles. Continued …

Trat, trade and tourism

After facing a slump for almost three years, economic activity in several border provinces is getting back on track, especially in Trat – which is a major tourist destination and a gateway to Cambodia.

The Koh Kong bridge connecting Trat with Cambodia

Travelers use the Ban Hat Lek border checkpoint in Trat’s Khlong Yai district to reach Cambodia’s Koh Kong province, which is also famous for natural and cultural attractions, as well as outdoor activities. Continued …

Sirindhorn Dam solar farm in Ubon Ratchatani

Floating solar farm — green tourist attraction in Thailand

The hydro-floating solar project, located in the Sirindhorn Dam in northeastern Thailand, has now become a popular tourist spot, with an exhibition center and a 400-meter-long “Nature Walkway”, where visitors can enjoy the dam scenery and view of the floating panels.

After a year of commercial operation, the project has shown its potential to serve not only as a pilot for energy transformation, but also as a platform to benefit sustainable livelihoods. Continued … 

Another tourist falls from Thai waterfall

A Thai rescue crew helped to pull a British tourist, who had fallen from the top of a steep waterfall on Samui Island, to safety.

The victim was among a group of eight foreign tourists who had trekked to the top of the Na Muang Waterfall, a steep cliff that was made slippery by recent rainfall.

Luckily, the man did not fall to the bottom of the cliff, only to a spot not far from the top. He did, however, sustain some injuries and was unable to move, promoting his teammates to call for help. Continued …

Awards Presented to 10 Model Tourism Communities

Thailand has made strides in leveraging its cultural soft power to promote its national image in support of tourism and generating income for communities.

The “Model Community” campaign was launched in 2016 for this purpose, with this year seeing 10 communities selected as models for others to reference.

Representatives from the 10 communities recently received commemorative plaques on the occasion of their communities being chosen as models for community tourism. Continued … 

2022 was a battle to stay healthy

Many health issues occurred in 2022, ranging from the easing of Covid-19 control measures, the discovery of the first monkeypox patient and liberalizing the cannabis law.

The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) downgraded Covid-19 from a “dangerous communicable disease” to a “communicable disease under surveillance” in October as part of the country’s plan to enter a normal endemic period. Continued …

Thais in China face uphill battle to survive as Covid-19 rages

“Freedom as one wanted, but at the cost of discarding hygiene” is a message posted by one Thai national on a WeChat group chat in China.

This single statement sums up the current situation of the Covid-19 outbreak in China, where some estimates put as many as 40 million citizens are being infected by the virus on a daily basis.

Although the official numbers are close to 4,000 daily infections per day in a country of 1.4 billion people, the extent of the outbreak and the deaths can be seen from the overrunning of hospitalizations and the nearly a week one must wait to get cremated because the crematoriums are running 24/7 but cannot cope with the number of people who are dying. Continued … 

RT-PCR To Be Mandatory For Passengers to India From Thailand

Inidan Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said RT-PCR test for the detection of Covid-19 would be made mandatory for international passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Any passenger from these countries found symptomatic or testing positive for coronavirus would be quarantined, Mandaviya said.

He also said filling up of the “Air Suvidha” form to declare the health status will be made mandatory for passengers coming from these countries. Continued …

Chinese city seeing half a million Covid cases a day

Half a million people in a single Chinese city are being infected with Covid-19 every day, a senior health official has said, in a rare and quickly censored acknowledgment that the country’s wave of infections is not being reflected in official statistics.

China this month has rapidly dismantled key pillars of its zero-Covid strategy, doing away with snap lockdowns, lengthy quarantines and travel curbs in a jarring reversal of its hallmark containment strategy.

Cities across the country have struggled to cope as surging infections have emptied pharmacy shelves, filled hospital wards and appeared to cause backlogs at crematoriums and funeral homes. Continued …

Top UN, NGO officials to meet over Taliban ban on women staff

Top officials from the United Nations and dozens of NGOs operating in Afghanistan are meeting in Kabul Sunday to discuss the way ahead after the Taliban authorities ordered all NGOs to stop women employees from working, aid officials said. Continued … 

Putin says West aiming to ‘tear apart’ Russia

President Vladimir Putin blasted the West for trying to “tear apart” Russia and said his offensive in Ukraine aimed to “unite the Russian people”. Meanwhile, in Kyiv, a day after deadly shelling in southern Ukraine, residents held Christmas services on Sunday, defying Russian spiritual leaders who celebrate it on Jan. 7. Continued …

 

90-day online reporting

 

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

Friday’s News-Dec 23

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

‘Pineapple metropolis’ to be established in PKK in 2023

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

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

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

PKK said to have 50 residents over 100 years old

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

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

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

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hua Hin

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

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

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

Limits announced on New Year’s alcohol sales

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

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

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

Pricey low-rise housing sector grows

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

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

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

Missing sailors, sunk ship draw fire

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

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

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

Another empty life raft from sunken ship washes ashore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thailand ranked 4th least corrupt country in Asia

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

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

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

Foreign investors deterred by financial transaction tax

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

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

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

Surat Thani man arrested for peddling fake US dollars

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

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

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

Shipwrecked fisherman found alive, roped to dead crewmates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thailand creates new department to tackle climate change

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

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

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

Thailand aiming to build more green data centers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CBD oil review: best cannabis oils to buy in Thailand

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

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

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

The tale of Thailand tourism in 2022

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

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

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

TAT estimates 3.14M domestic trips during holidays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tourism is blossoming on Udon Thani’s pink lily lake

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

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

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

7 amazing places to visit in Thailand

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

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

Phi Phi Island

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

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

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

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

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

Bangkok ranks #1 trending global destination on Airbnb

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

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

New Year Countdown fireworks canceled in Pattaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

5,000 Covid deaths a day likely in China

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bad energy habits sweeping the world

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

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, marijuana, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-Dec 17

  • Prachuap Khiri Khan earns 9th most tourism income in 2022/True says all IPTV platforms can show finals/Mercury to dive in north, northeast Thailand from today/How Thailand’s jasmine rice lost its dominance/Foreign investment jumps 74% to THB112 billion, largest share from Japan/Digital city planned for EEC next year/Thai and Singaporean firms to produce batteries for electric vehicles/Solar panel farm to power data center in EEC/Best neighborhoods to reside in Bangkok in 2023/’City of the future’ being built near Thai-Myanmar border/Licensed vendors allowed to sell cannabis buds, says Health Ministry/
  • Tourism: Thailand expects Chinese visitors during Lunar New Year festival/COVID-19 is about to explode in China/Police target tourist scammers/Public gets free entry to 10 aquariums from Dec 30 to Jan 3/These 10 Tours And Experiences Are A Must-Try When Visiting Thailand/Woman breaks nearly every bone in face, not covered by insurance/The Bleisure Traveler – Coming to the Rescue of Airlines Everywhere/
  • Covid: Beijing crematoriums strain under Covid wave/
  • International: With Southeast Asia under threat against climate change, everyone can pitch in to help/Netflix British docuseries: Shock bombshells made in the six episodes/EU agrees on new sanctions against Russia/EctoLife : the world’s first artificial womb facility?/Japan shifting back to nuclear power/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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

Prachuap Khiri Khan earns 9th most tourism income in 2022

Prachuap Khiri Khan was among the provinces earning the most money from tourism during the first 10 months of the year, according to deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana.

From January through October, Prachuap Khiri Khan generated 854 million baht from tourism, the ninth highest across all provinces in Thailand.

Phuket was the top earner from tourism by some distance, earning over 127 billion baht. This was followed by Chonburi in second place, with 13 billion baht, while Surat Thani was in third place with 7 billion baht in tourism income. Continued …

True says all IPTV platforms can show finals

World Cup football fans on internet protocol TV (IPTV) platforms can watch the last two matches of the tournament this weekend, with True Corp. allowing all IPTV operators to relay live the third-place and World Cup final matches.

Teeradet Dumrongbhalasitr, co-president of True Corp., yesterday said True would not charge IPTV operators that want to broadcast tonight’s match for third place at the 2022 World Cup between Croatia and Morocco or the final between Argentina and France tomorrow. Both games are scheduled for a 10pm kickoff (Thai time). Continued …

Mercury to dive in North, Northeast Thailand from today

The temperature in seven provinces in the upper part of Thailand is expected to drop by several degrees from today to Tuesday.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warned on Friday that Chiang Mai, Tak and Nakhon Sawan in the north, Loei and Nakhon Phanom in the northeast, and Kanchanaburi and Nakhon Nayok in central Thailand are under watch for “cold and very cold weather”.

The department, which falls under the Interior Ministry, has warned residents to keep warm at all times and safeguard against possible fires. 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!

How Thailand’s jasmine rice lost its dominance

Cambodia’s Phka Rumduol jasmine variety was crowned the world’s best rice for the fifth time at the TRT (The Rice Trader) World Rice Conference in Phuket last month.

Phka Rumduol is a type of long-grain jasmine rice and is one of the varieties exported under the “ Malys Angkor ” certification mark. The Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute says it released the variety for farmer use only in 1999, after 10 years of development and testing.

Phka Rumduol had previously won the award four times, for three consecutive years from 2012-2014, and then again in 2018 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The jasmine variety took second place three years in a row from 2015-2017. Continued …

Foreign investment jumps 74% to THB112 billion, largest share from Japan

Thailand saw foreign investment worth over 112 billion baht in the first 11 months this year, up 74% from the same period last year, Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said on Friday.

He said the biggest investor was Japan, with 39 billion baht from 137 entities. Japan also accounted for 26% of the total 530 foreign investors registered between January and November.

China was the second-largest foreign investor at 22.6 billion baht – despite having the fewest number of investors among the top five countries/territories with 25 (5%). Continued …

Digital city planned for EEC next year

Construction of a 5-billion-baht Silicon Tech Park, expected to be a model for Thai digital cities, is set to start next year in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) through a public-private partnership.

The project, dubbed the “Silicon Valley of the East” and co-developed by Planet Communications Asia Plc, Cisco and the EEC office, is located on an area spanning 500-700 rai in Rayong’s Ban Chang district.

“We are asking the government to reduce electricity prices by 20% because foreign investors said the current rate is high and their businesses require a high volume of electricity,” said Prapat Rathlertkarn, chief executive of Planet Communications Asia. Continued … 

Thai and Singaporean firms to produce batteries for electric vehicles

Nuovo Plus, a joint venture between Arun Plus and Global Power Synergy Plc, is forming a joint venture with Gotion Singapore to build a battery plant to supply electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the company announced. The plant will be built in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor.

The joint venture, NV Gotion, will have authorized capital of almost 600 million baht, with 51% from Nuovo Plus and 49% from Gotion, Nuovo Plus said.

NV Gotion will import components, and assemble and distribute battery modules and packs for energy storage systems and electric vehicles. Its initial production capacity will be 1 GWh a year, which will double to 2 GWh per year by 2025. Continued …

Solar panel farm to power data center in EEC

SUPERNAP (Thailand) celebrated the official opening of its first solar panel to power the most advanced data center in Thailand, reinforcing its position as the most sustainable colocation provider in the country.

With the continuous growth of data, and to cater to the green goals of global environmental protection, minimizing environmental impact by providing maximum energy efficiency and renewable energy is an urgent priority for cutting edge data centers.

During the ceremony, Yap Jin Yi, chief executive officer of the company, declared, “SUPERNAP (Thailand) position has always been being the leader in the industry of the region. Powering our data center IT load with renewable energy and being the most sustainable data center is another step to reinforce our position as frontrunner in the digital infrastructure in Thailand.” Continued …

Best neighborhoods to reside in Bangkok in 2023

Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world and a great place to live. With its vibrant culture, amazing food, and friendly people, there is something for everyone. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the chic shopping malls of Sukhumvit, Bangkok has something to offer for all types of lifestyles.

Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, a quiet neighborhood to relax in, or a place to call home, Bangkok is sure to have something for you. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best areas to live in Bangkok, so you can find the perfect place to call home. Continued …

‘City of the future’ being built near Thai-Myanmar border

Thailand and Myanmar are friendly and close neighbors separated only by a strip of water, so the story goes. Along the Moei River, a fantastic US$15 billion (500 billion baht) city of the future, Shwe Kokko Yatai New City, is under construction.

Development is well underway in Myanmar’s Karen state, perhaps the most unpleasant place in the world today, where ethnic Karen forces continue their insurgency against the central government that dates from WWII.

Shwe Kokko Yatai New City is a joke, but not a very funny one. It was too corrupt even for Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and was disowned by China’s embassy in Myanmar in 2020. Continued … 

Licensed vendors allowed to sell cannabis buds, says Health Ministry

The Thai Ministry of Public Health has announced that it will allow the sale of cannabis buds by over 5,000 licensed vendors throughout the nation starting next month. As part of the control measures, however, the vendors’ and buyers’ information will be sent to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

The cannabis bud is designated as a controlled herb, so vendors who want to sell it must first seek permission from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), said Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, director-general of the department.

The DTAM department is working on setting up a system to record information on the sale of dried cannabis buds from licensed vendors, according to Thongchai, adding vendors cannot sell the bud to people under 20 years old. Continued … 

Thailand expects Chinese visitors during Lunar New Year festival

Thailand’s tour operators are expecting outbound tourism from China will restart in late January 2023 during the Lunar New Year festival when China gradually lifts its COVID-19 restrictions. The move will support the recovery of tourism-relating stocks and Thailand’s tourism.

Speaking at a recent event held by the Federation of Thailand Capital Market Organisation (Fetco), governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Yuthasak Supasorn said that the agency has a plan to boost outbound tourism from China to Thailand next month or within the first quarter of next year at the latest.

It is expected that China authorities will allow its citizens to travel overseas from the lunar new year holidays, he said, adding that Thailand hopes it is on the list of countries that China allows its citizens to travel to. Continued …

COVID-19 is about to explode in China

China is likely to see an explosion of COVID-19 cases in coming weeks, experts say, as the country lifts its long-standing and highly unpopular zero-COVID-19 policy.

China is extremely vulnerable right now because its population – especially older adults, who are the most likely to suffer severe disease – is undervaccinated, has no natural immunity from infection and a limited supply of treatments.

Experts predict hundreds of millions of infections and as many as 1.5 million to 2 million deaths. Continued …

Police target tourist scammers

Police are stepping up measures to protect foreign visitors, as scam artists and criminals are back on the prowl now that the country has reopened to overseas tourists.

Last Saturday, Thailand recorded 10 million foreign tourist arrivals for the year, with celebrations to welcome overseas visitors taking place at seven airports and two immigration checkpoints.

With the influx of foreign arrivals, con artists are also back on the streets to prey on overseas visitors in tourist hotspots. Continued …

Public gets free entry to 10 aquariums from Dec 30 to Jan 3

The Department of Fisheries is allowing free entry to its 43 learning centers and 10 public aquariums from Dec. 30 to Jan, 3 as a new year present.

The aquariums allowing free entry are: Continued …

These 10 Tours And Experiences Are A Must-Try When Visiting Thailand

Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia, is a beautiful travel destination. Known for its tropical climate, lush greenery, stellar beaches, ancient temples, and bustling street markets, there is plenty to see and do in Thailand.

Some visitors check out , the 10 best things to do in Krabi, including visiting Railay Beach and exploring the Krabi night market. Other travelers prefer to visit various parts of the country, exploring nine unique Thailand towns and villages you don’t want to miss.

Thailand is also known for its excellent prices. It is easy to explore Thailand on a budget if one plans ahead. Some hostels, for example, cost as little as $3 per night! To make the most of one’s trip, however, embarking on a tour is a must. There are plenty of fun, exciting, and educational Thailand tours and experiences every visitor should try. Continued … 

Woman breaks nearly every bone in face, not covered by insurance

A student is asking for help to pay her sister’s medical bills, after she suffered a horrific accident while on holiday.

Jo Hoffman from England came off her hired scooter while in Thailand, smashing nearly every bone in her face. She is currently in hospital in Koh Samui, where medical experts from Bangkok came out to try and help her.

She has since found out she is not covered by her travel insurance and her medical bills could reach £50,000. Continued …

The Bleisure Traveler – Coming to the Rescue of Airlines Everywhere

A new group is rivaling corporate road warriors as airlines’ favorite customers. They travel on strange days, buy extra perks on top of already expensive tickets and are changing the economics of the business.

Some airline executives say hybrid work and other postpandemic changes have cracked open demand from travelers willing to spend more for extra legroom and other perks, helping offset revenue from once-crucial corporate bookings that still haven’t fully returned.

Workers no longer tethered to desks have more freedom to extend a long weekend, tack a personal trip onto a business one, or hop on a plane midweek rather than rushing to be back in the office Monday morning — a phenomenon some airlines say they see reflected in increased bookings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Continued … 

Beijing crematoriums strain under Covid wave

Workers at Beijing crematoriums said Friday they are overwhelmed as China faces a surge in Covid cases that authorities warn could hit its underdeveloped rural hinterland during upcoming public holidays.

Covid-19 is spreading rapidly across China after three years of strict containment measures ended last week, with health authorities now admitting the true scale of the outbreak is “impossible” to track.

China’s top Covid response body on Friday urged local governments to step up monitoring and treatment services for people returning to rural hometowns to visit family for upcoming New Year’s Day and Lunar New Year celebrations. Continued …

With Southeast Asia under threat against climate change, everyone can pitch in to help

Southeast Asia has a population of approximately 680 million people and its countries are seeing rapid economic growth. However, it is also expected to be one of the regions that could be most heavily affected by climate change. Continued … 

Netflix British docuseries: Shock bombshells made in the six episodes

“Again and again, Harry and his wife paint themselves as victims of an uncaring, chilly institution so intent on its own survival that it would do anything to maintain the status quo.” The couple didn’t pull their punches in the final episodes of their tell-all docuseries, providing an extraordinary insight into why they left the UK. Continued … 

EU agrees on new sanctions against Russia

The European Union (EU) on Friday approved a new round of sanctions against Russia, including banning drone exports to the country, as the bloc strives to maintain a united front and keep up financial pressure on Moscow over the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine. Continued … 

EctoLife : the world’s first artificial womb facility?

It looks like a scene from The Matrix. Rows upon rows of babies are developing in the “world’s first artificial womb facility,” which can supposedly incubate up to 30,000 lab-grown children per year. Continued … 

Japan shifting back to nuclear power

Japan has confirmed a major nuclear power policy shift to tackle an energy crisis, more than a decade after the 2011 Fukushima disaster prompted it to idle most of its reactors. Continued …

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

Friday’s News-Dec 16

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

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Holiday market to open at Queen Sirijit Park

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

Prachuap Food Festival & Siam Powerboat Dec 23-25

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

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

Hua Hin airport security man shoots himself dead with pen gun

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

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

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

International schools in Hua Hin to send your kids

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

Hua Hin International School

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

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

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

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

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

Companies hit with 20% power hike

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

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

Your deserve It!

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

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

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

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

Thailand refutes US determination of solar panel ‘dumping’

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

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

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

Thailand signs partnership and cooperation deal with EU

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

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

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

Russian teen electrocuted at public basketball court

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

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

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

AURA sees glittering future for its gold shops

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

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

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

Man savaged to death by three pit bulls

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

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

EGCO Group and Hitachi cooperating on development of smart industrial estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Tesla Thailand, all bumpy roads lead to China

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

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

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

Koh Lipe, sea gypsy tensions soar amid land fight

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

Sea gypsies

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

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

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

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

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

ID will be required for purchase of marijuana buds next month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five romantic things to do for Christmas in Thailand

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

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

1. Go on an outdoor adventure

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

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

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

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

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

Kwai River dinner cruise, Kanchanaburi

Central Thailand Travel Guide – 7 Splendid Trip Ideas

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

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

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

The 9 Best Spas in Bangkok

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

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

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

IATA calls for adoption of travel health code

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

Eight killed, dozens missing in Malaysia landslide

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

UN details civilian executions in Ukraine

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

ECB: Euro zone economy probably contracting

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

China’s economy braces for more turmoil

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

Biden tells leaders US is ‘all in’ for Africa

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

US places Chinese chipmakers on trade blacklist

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

Twitter suspends accounts of journalists covering Musk

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

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